Nutrient of the Month - July

Alpha Lipoic Acid,
The Master Blaster

Antioxidants:
Over the last 10 to 15 years there has been an increasing amount of talk, press and buzz about free radicals and the items, foods and nutrients that combat them called antioxidants. What is a free radical and what does it do you ask?! They are renegade molecules traveling throughout our bodies that have an unpaired electron and if left unguarded will aggressively steal an electron from healthy tissue, causing damage, toxicity, degenerative diseases, aging and in some instances death of tissue and cells. Free radicals are produced in the body by several means: as a result of the cellular metabolic process, from environmental pollutants, radiation, chemical exposure, diabetes, stress, over exposure to the sun, and from alcohol and tobacco use. Free radicals produced by the body actually have useful purposes such as supporting immune function and destroying unwanted cells and microbes. However, when there is an overproduction or influx, they become destructive to our health. Agents that combat the effects of free radials are called antioxidants. The more well-known antioxidants are nutrients like vitamins C, E, A, beta-carotene, the minerals selenium and zinc, certain B-vitamins, specific amino acids (glutathione, cysteine, methionine), and constituents found in fresh fruit, berries and dark-green leafy vegetables. In addition, there are numerous flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenols and isoflavonoids found throughout nature that are also excellent antioxidants.

Alpha Lipoic Acid, the master antioxidant, also known as thioctic acid, was isolated in 1951 and is produced in the body in small amounts. As we age, the body loses the ability to produce alpha lipoic acid in sufficient quantities. According to many experts on antioxidants, this vitamin-like substance is the superstar of antioxidant players. Not only does alpha lipoic acid outshine the many other antioxidants in performance, it also enhances the function of several of the more popular antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, coenzyme Q10 and glutathione (an amino acid), and assists in their recycling (antioxidants are normally used up in the process of defeating free radicals). Like most superstars, alpha lipoic acid has many fantastic moves. It also has the ability to cleave on to toxic heavy metals in the blood stream and escort them out of the body, assist the pancreas in sound glucose management, reduce insulin resistance and increase insulin sensitivity. It also aids in efficient neurotransmission in the brain, it assists in elevated energy production at the cellular level, increases efficient calorie use and weight loss, it crosses the blood brain barrier and unlike other antioxidants is both water and fat soluble. This means that alpha lipoic acid can work well both inside and outside the cell structure of any organ including the brain. Yes, this nutrient is truly the MVP of antioxidants.

Common Uses of Alpha Lipoic Acid at a Glance

• Excellent liver detoxifier and rejuvenator
• Combats chronic hepatitis B and C
• Prevents development of cataracts
• Facilitates the efficient use of glucose or blood sugar by all organs
• Prevents the pain of diabetic neuropathy
• Assists sound cardiovascular function
• Aids in proper pancreatic function and glucose management
• Assists in minimizing damage of strokes & aiding the recovery of stroke victims
• Is a superb anti aging nutrient
• Supports the recycling of other antioxidants
• Is one of few substances that can cross the blood brain barrier

Dietary Sources:

• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Beef
• Yeast
• Kidney
• Heart

References:

Syndrome X..................J. Challem, B. Berkson, M. Smith
Preventing Diabetes with Natural Medicines.....
..........Michael Murray, N.D.
Healthy Aging............................................Andrew Weil, M.D.
Integrative Medicine Access.........
..............Integrated Medicine Communications
Clinical Pearls Data Base..........................Kirk Hamilton

Wallace B. Sconiers, Ph.D., Hom, CN

For more information and to schedule an appointment with
Dr. Wallace, please call (661) 729-4533.
Services & Fees: www.drwallacesconiers.net

Condition of the Month - June

Candida Albicans
Candidiasis (often called candida) is an infectious condition caused by an overgrowth of the parasitic yeast-like fungus Candida Albicans. This fungus is normally found in the vagina, genital tract, mouth, throat, esophagus, intestinal tract and on the skin. Its growth is usually kept in check by an enormous number of friendly bacteria (there are more than 100 trillion bacteria inhabiting the human intestinal tract) inhabiting the same local or organ. If the infection is located in the mouth, it is known as thrush or moniliasis. Systemic candidiasis is an overgrowth of candida throughout the body. In extreme cases candida can enter the bloodstream and invade every organ system causing a type of blood poisoning called candida septicemia.

Causes
There are over a dozen different causes of candida, however, a few of the more "usual suspects" are: 1. Overuse of antibiotics; 2. Birth control pills; 3. Stress and elevated cortisol levels; 4. Chlorine found in ordinary tap water; 5. Poor dietary habits particularly refined carbohydrate and sugar consumption; 6. Constipation; 7. Excess use of drugs and alcohol; 8. Immune deficiency (i.e., AIDS or cancer); and 9. Diabetes. This is only a short list of possible culprits found to promote candidiasis.

Symptoms
Typically, when there is an overgrowth of candida there will be complaints of uncomfortable bloating, flatulence, food reactions or sensitivities, allergies, fatigue, chronic constipation, diarrhea, lack of concentration, skin rash, discharge, nail fungus, fever, eczema, depression, itching, memory loss, sugar cravings, oral thrush, and other various digestive problems. If the fungus is not properly controlled, it can spread throughout the vaginal area, prostate, lungs, heart and liver, sparking a myriad of problems. It is important to note that 80% of all healthy people will have normal colonies of candida in their mouth, gastrointestinal system, vagina and rectum, however, these colonies are kept in check by the presence and efforts of scores of friendly bacteria that prevent infection from occurring.

A FEW COMMON CANDIDA FIGHTERS
1. Garlic in any form, preferably raw and onions.
2. Multistrained probiotics or friendly bacteria (acidophilus, bifidobacterium bifidum).
3. Pau D’Arco tea, green tea, tea tree oil, oregano oil, clove oil and grapefruit seed oil.
4. Black walnut, goldenseal, caprylic acid, raspberries and strawberries.

A FEW DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS
• All sugars should be avoided because candida thrives on sugars.
• Avoid alcohol because it is fermented, contains sugar and suppresses the immune system.
• Avoid all milk which contains lactose.
• Avoid all foods containing yeast and vinegar.
• Limit those foods that may be possible allergens.
• Avoid mold containing foods: cheese, grapes, mushrooms, leftovers and fermented foods.
• Make sure meats and poultry are free of antibiotics and growth hormones.
• Eat only mercury-free seafood whenever possible.
For more in-depth information about candida and what can be done, please see the list of references below and/or attend my upcoming lecture on Combating Candida, June 25, 2008 (see lecture information below).

References
Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary ................ F. A. Davis Company
Integrative Medicine Access, Professional Reference to Conditions, Herbs and Supplements
Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide ................ Burton Goldberg Group
The American Medical Association Encyclopedia of Medicine ................ Charles B. Clayman, M.D.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing ................ James F. Balch, M. D.
The Yeast Connection ................ William C. Crook, M. D.

Nutritional Services Information: www.drwallacesconiers.net
Email: DrWallaceSays@aol.com

DrWallaceSays.blogspot.com

Remedy of The Month: MAY

ARNICA MONTANA (Leopard’s Bane)
Out of the more than 5,000 different homeopathic remedies, arnica montana is probably the most well known and most frequently used by homeopaths, medical doctors, plastic surgeons, nurses, chiropractors, dentists, athletes, moms and weekend warriors. The wide-spread notoriety of arnica is due mainly to its tremendous versatility for aiding in the relieving of pain and discomfort of traumatic injuries, both minor and serious. Arnica’s benefits range from tending to the aches and pains of a toddler that has tumbled down a flight of stairs, to the star running back colliding head on with the nation’s number one defensive linebacker, to the sore achy muscles of the over-zealous accountant attempting to take on or tackle a month’s worth of outdoor chores in a single weekend.

Arnica is made from leopard’s bane, a bright yellow, gangly flowering plant that is often spotted growing on hillsides. Historically, arnica was called "fall herb" because the mountain dwellers who occasionally tumbled or fell down the rugged mountain sides would use arnica to assist in their recovery. Mountain goats would often eat arnica after falling down the mountain sides.

Arnica can be used or taken in pellet, tablet, granules or tincture and/or as a topical cream or salve. When used for injuries to young children or infants, it is normally given in a 30x pellet or soft tablet. Depending on the person, most adults will use a 30c pellet or tablet. Homeopathic remedies can range in potency or dilution from a 1x to 1m. For more in-depth detail about the use of homeopathic remedies and their potencies, please see the list of references and/or attend the upcoming lecture on Introduction to Basic Homeopathy on May 28, 2008.

A FEW COMMON USES FOR ARNICA:
1. Excellent first-aid for physical and emotional shock of injury
2. Bruising, swelling and hemorrhaging as a result of injury or surgery
3. Sore and achy muscles from overuse
4. Sports injuries, i.e., sprains, falls, blows, fractures, strains, and hematomas
5. Mental and physical shock from loss or grief
6. After effect of old injures or trauma from the past that seem to linger
7. Dental or plastic surgery relief (pain, bruising and swelling)

References:
Family Guide to Homeopathy .................. Alain Horvilleur, M.D.
Homeopathic First Aid .................. Ann Clover, M.D.
Homeopathy for Musculoskeletal Healing .................. Asa Hershoff, N.D., D.C.
Homeopathic Medicine at Home .................. Maesimond B. Panos, M.D.
The Family Health Guide to Homeopathy .................. Barry Rose, M.D.
Homeopathic Medicine for Children and Infants .................. Dana Ullman, M.P.H.
Family Homeopathy a Practical Guide for Home Treatment .................. Paul Callinan
Homeopathic Treatment for Sports Injuries .................. Lyle W. Morgan, Ph.D
Studies of Homeopathic Remedies .................. Doug Gibson, M.B., B.S. FRCS, Hom
Arnica .................. Phyllis Speight

DrWallaceSays@aol.com
DrWallaceSays.blogspot.com

May 28th Lecture: Homeopathy

HOMEOPATHY: A BASIC INTRODUCTION

• A Brief History of Homeopathy
• The Benefits of Homeopathy
• How to Use Homeopathic Remedies
• Commonly Used Homeopathic Remedies

Wednesday, May 28, 2008
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Gelco Spine & Sports Medicine Center
1629 West Avenue J, Suite 101
Lancaster, California

Speaker: Wallace B. Sconiers, Ph.D., Hom, CN

• Doctor of Nutrition and Homeopathy
• Health & Wellness Educator
• Motivational Coach

Dr. Sconiers will lead a basic discussion focusing on the use, benefits, history and safety of homeopathic remedies for adult and family use.

All questions are welcome

Seating is limited

Call (661) 729-4533 or 942-3346

The Path to Wellness: Body/Mind/Spirit

Dr. Wallace participated in a full afternoon of nutrition and wellness discussions at the Antelope Valley College, Path to Wellness: Mind/Body/Spirit, on April 19, 2008. Kathy Bingham, Antelope Valley College instructor and the current scholar-in-residence organized this community event.
A 12 noon luncheon showcased a progressive, high-quality vegetarian cuisine that was nutritious, organic, compassionate, and delicious, by Chef Tanya Petrovna. Lunch was immedaitely followed by Dr. Sconier's participation in a panel discussion on general health questions from region-wide audience of 350.

Healthy Food Choices for Diabetics with Dr. Wallace
Next, Dr. Sconiers did a more intimate breakout session. In addition to lecturing on Diabetes, he spoke on and answered dozens of questions on nutrients and herbs known to aid the pancreas, kidney, liver, brain, bones, heart + how to promote good blood sugar balance. He stressed the need for many Americans to personally understand the lifestyle solutions for addressing Diabetes. Dr. Sconiers discussed in detail the benefits of specific low glycemic foods that best support sound pancreatic function, i.e., whole grains, beans, legumes and fibers.

One of the highlights of the day was Dr. Wallace providing a $200 gift for an audience raffle, won by a local Antelope Valley resident.



Wallace B. Sconiers is a Doctor of Nutrition and Homeopathy. He has a private practice in Lancaster, California. Wallace also does nutritional counseling at the Whole Wheatery in Lancaster on Sundays. He has worked and studied in the health and natural foods industry for nearly thirty years. Prior to moving to the Antelope Valley, Wallace was employed with Mrs. Gooch's Natural Foods Markets in Los Angeles for ten years. During that time, he worked as Nutrition Department Manager, Public Relations Representative and as a Nutritional and Homeopathic Consultant. Wallace has assisted doctors with integrative and complimentary patient care, continued education training, counseled cancer patients at an integrated health care center in Indiana, founded and co-owned Nutrition Works in Indiana (a natural foods store), and lectured to more than 20,000 people in the public and private school systems, as well as community and business organizations on health and nutrition. He completed his doctoral studies in nutrition and homeopathy at Curentur University in Culver City, California in 1997. Wallace believes in taking personal responsibility for his own health and food choices thus, he has experienced uninterrupted health and peak energy levels for more than 38 years. Dr. Wallace can be reached at: 1629 West Ave J, Suite 101 ~ Lancaster, CA 93534 ~ (661) 729-4533, www.drwallacesconiers.net.

Questions, Comments or Updates: DrWallaceSays@aol.com