About the Author
Michael T. Murray, N.D. is widely regarded as one of the world's leading authorities on natural medicine. He is a graduate, faculty member, and serves on the Board of Trustees of Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Murray is the co-author of A Textbook of Natural Medicine, the definitive textbook on naturopathic medicine for physicians, as well as the consumer version - Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. He has also written over 20 other books including The Healing Power of Herbs and The Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements.
As a consultant to the health food industry, Dr. Murray has been instrumental in bringing many effective natural products to North America, including:
Glucosamine sulfate
St. John's wort extract
Ginkgo biloba extract
Silymarin
Enteric coated peppermint oil
Saw palmetto berry extract
For the past twenty years, Dr. Murray has been compiling a massive database of original scientific studies from the medical literature. He has personally collected over 50,000 articles from the scientific literature which provide strong evidence on the effectiveness of diet, vitamins, minerals, glandular extracts, herbs, and other natural measures in the maintenance of health and the treatment of disease. It is from this constantly expanding database that Dr. Murray provides the answers on health and healing. According to Dr. Murray:
"One of the great myths about natural medicines is that they are not scientific. The fact of the matter is that for most common illnesses there is greater support in the medical literature for a natural approach than there is for drugs or surgery."
Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the natural approach that can put them on the road to lifelong health. Michael T. Murray, N.D. has dedicated his life to educating physicians, patients, and the general public on the tremendous healing power of nature. In addition to his books, which have cumulative sales of over two million copies, Dr. Murray has written thousands of articles, appeared on hundreds of radio and TV programs, and lectured to hundreds of thousands of people nationwide.
Table of Contents
ContentsPart I: Real Healthcare Reform
1. The Non-Natural Roots of the Problem
National Task Force Politics
The Pharmaceutical Industry and Disease
The Industry and the Doctor
The FDA's Role
The FDA and Dietary Supplements
Point 1: Health Claims on Supplement Labels
Point 2: Amino Acids Regulated as Drugs
Point 3: Dietary Supplement Limits
Point 4: Nonessential Nutrients as "Unsafe Food Additives"
Point 5: Herbs as Drugs
The Solution: Get Involved and Stay Involved
Chapter Summary
2. The Whitaker Wellness Program
The Definition of Health
Step 1: Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
Step 2: Become More Active
Step 3: Take a Multiple Vitamin-Mineral Formula
Step 4: Take Extra Antioxidant Nutrients
Step 5: Take Extra Magnesium and Potassium
Step 6: Take an Omega-3 Oil Supplement
Step 7: Eat a Lowfat, High-Complex-Carbohydrate Diet
Some Practical Tips
Chapter Summary
Part II: Building Optimal Health
3. Enhancing Digestion and Elimination
Hydrochloric Acid
Heidelberg Gastric Analysis
Preventing "Heartburn"
The Small Intestine and Digestion
Pancreatic Enzymes and Digestion
The Liver, Bile, and Digestion
The Large Intestine and Digestion
Chapter Summary
4. Enhancing Detoxification
Sources of Toxins
Symptoms and Known Health Effects of Toxins
Diagnosing Toxic Conditions
A Well-Rounded Detoxification Plan
Lethal Toxicity
Chapter Summary
5. Enhancing Brain Power
Brain Function, Atherosclerosis, and Food
Brain Function and Specific Nutrients
Ginkgo biloba
Phosphatidylcholine
DHEA
Chapter Summary
6. Enhancing Adrenal Function
Stress and Burnout
Coping with Stress
Adrenal Health
Ginseng
Chapter Summary
7. Enhancing Immune Function
Pasteur, the Germ, and the Host
Magic Laughter, Stress, and Susceptibility
Lifestyle, Diet, and Resistance
The Master Gland of the Immune System
Diet and Nutrition
Echinacea and the Immune System
Chapter Summary
8. Enhancing Weight Loss
The Oprah Winfrey Example
The Whitaker Prescription for Weight Loss Through Health
Chapter Summary
Part III: Specific Health Conditions
Acne
Age Spots
Anemia
Angina
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Bladder Infection
Boils
Bronchitis and Pneumonia
Candidiasis
Canker Sores
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cataract
Cerebral Vascular Insufficiency
Cholesterol
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Cold Sores
Common Cold
Constipation
Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Depression
Diabetes
Ear Infection
Eczema
Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Food Allergy
Gallstones
Glaucoma
Gout
Hayfever
Headache
Heart Disease
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Herpes
High Blood Pressure
Hives
Hyperactivity and Learning Disorders
Hypoglycemia
Hypothyroidism
Impotence
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Kidney Stones
Macular Degeneration
Menopause
Multiple Sclerosis
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Premenstrual Syndrome
Prostate Enlargement (BPH)
Prostatitis
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sinus Infection
Stroke
Ulcer
Vaginitis
Varicose Veins
Appendix: About the Whitaker Wellness Institute
References
Index