Chelation Therapy

Here is occlusive coronary atherosclerosis. The coronary at the left is narrowed by 60 to 70%. The coronary at the right is even worse with evidence for previous thrombosis with organization of the thrombus and recanalization such that there are three small lumens remaining.

Atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries", is the cause of two most deadly health problems Unfortunately, it begins quite early in life and continues relentlessly until circulation is so compromised that a heart attack or a stroke is almost certain. The process begins innocently enough, by formation of a small plaque on the wall of an artery. It attracts platelets that form a small blood clot. Later on, additional clotting elements increase the size of the clot. Eventually cholesterol and calcium get deposited into the growing plaque. Calcium completes this process, making the arteries "hard".

This is a normal coronary artery with no atherosclerosis and a wide lumen that can carry as much blood as the myocardium requires. Normally arteries have the ability to expand or contract, depending on the need of the body. But once the calcium is settled on the arterial walls, they become rigid, unable to either expand or contract. That’s where the expression "hardening of the arteries" comes from. The cells of the body require continuous blood supply in order to live. When it stops, most cells die within a few minutes. If this happens in the heart, the result is known as a heart attack. In the brain, it is called a stroke.

MAJOR SYMPTOMS Chest pain (angina) because of decreased circulation within the heart, memory loss, dizziness, poor balance from reduced blood flow to the brain, pain in the legs after walking which is relieved by rest.

TRADITIONAL – TREATMENT Hardening of the arteries is a systemic disease. In other words, it happens throughout the body, not just in one or 2 areas. If you understand this, you will realize that the current approach to treatment is crude, primitive and misguided. Some experts have compared it to putting a band-aid on a major injury.

When a surgeon performs a bypass surgery or an angioplasty, it does nothing to correct the widespread atherosclerosis already present in other parts of the body, such as brain, kidneys, lungs, legs and everywhere else. To complicate matters further, most of the arteries are very small. They are called capillaries, and they comprise the majority of the 40 to 60 thousand miles or arteries feeding the tissues of the body.

The diameter of a capillary is smaller than the size of a red blood cell. This is necessary for the exchange of oxygen and nutrients to take place. Obviously, these arteries can not be bypassed or surgically manipulated. Various medications used for "treatment" of heart disease are designed to deal only with the symptoms, not the real causes of the problem. Clearly, the real treatment for atherosclerosis would be a procedure that removes the plaques from the arteries and restores blood flow all over the body, in large arteries as well as small ones. And this brings us to

CHELATION – THERAPY
Chelation Therapy is probably one of the most effective treatments for hardening of the arteries, yet it is being ignored and even maligned by mainstream medicine. Chelation therapy was used successfully in over 1 million clients over the last 40 plus years. The main ingredient of chelation therapy is a synthetic amino acid known as EDTA (ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid). It has a peculiar ability to strongly attract minerals, especially toxic metals - lead, mercury, cadmium, aluminum and others. Since then, a number of studies published in reputable medical journals have confirmed the effectiveness of IV chelation therapy for treating atherosclerosis and improving blood flow to the heart, the legs and the brain.

Chemical & Heavy Metal Cleanse Starter Kit $149.85 [ learn more ] The Chemical & Heavy Metal Starter Kit was designed by Dr. Group for individuals that are new to the cleansing process, or are simply looking for an easy-to-perform, cost effective cleanse program. The Heavy Metal Starter Kit is comprised of LIFE Detox Foot Patches™, NDF Plus™, and Quantum Zeolite™.

Secondhand Smoke Hurts Kids' Grades

(HealthDay News) -- Not only is secondhand smoke a threat to teen health, it can also affect their school test scores, a new study finds.

Researchers at Temple University found that 16- and 18-year-olds exposed to secondhand smoke at home were 30 percent less likely to pass standardized tests than their peers.

They reached this conclusion after analyzing data from thousands of mothers and children in the United Kingdom, and factoring in other known risk factors, such as socioeconomic status, gender and smoking by teens.

The study was published in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

The findings add to a growing body of evidence that secondhand smoke affects children's academic performance, as well as their health, the researchers said.

"It's important that we help smoking parents learn how to reduce their children's exposure to secondhand smoke, a goal that can be achieved without requiring the parent to immediately quit smoking, although that's the ultimate goal for the health of the entire family," study author Bradley Collins, an assistant professor of public health and director of the Health Behavior Research Clinic at Temple, said in a prepared statement.

This study did not answer why secondhand smoke affects teen's test scores. Previous studies have suggested a link between prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke and increased risk of cognitive and academic problems, learning disabilities and impulsivity in children.

More information
The American Lung Association has more about secondhand smoke and children.

Restricting Blood Flow May Help Heart Bypass Patients

(HealthDay News) -- In a potentially significant discovery for heart bypass patients, British researchers are reporting that limiting blood flow to an arm before surgery produced better results in a small trial of patients.

Restricting blood flow before surgery reduced levels of troponin T, a cardiac protein that is released into the bloodstream after injury to the heart and is associated with poor outcomes after surgery, the researchers said.

"If you remotely precondition the heart before surgery, you get significant protection," said study researcher Dr. Derek Yellon, of University College London's Hatter Cardiovascular Institute. "You can significantly reduce troponin T in patients undergoing bypass surgery."

"Remote preconditioning is a phenomena in which, if one deprives the blood supply to an organ or tissue, other than the heart, that initiates a protective mechanism on the heart," added study lead author Dr. Derek J. Hausenloy, also from the Hatter Cardiovascular Institute.

The findings are published in the Aug. 18 issue of The Lancet.

Heart bypass surgery is done to reroute -- or "bypass" -- blood around clogged arteries to improve blood flow and oxygen to the heart, according to the American Heart Association.

In the trial, the British researchers restricted blood supply to the heart by restricting blood flow in an arm. Yellon and Hausenloy studied 57 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Twenty-seven of the patients underwent heart preconditioning -- restrictions of blood flow -- before the operation.

Preconditioning consisted of three, five-minute cycles of restricting blood flow in one arm by inflating a blood pressure cuff that acted like a tourniquet. Between each cycle, the cuff was deflated.

Before and after surgery, the researchers measured the blood levels of troponin T in all patients. They found that levels of the protein were reduced by 43 percent among patients who had undergone preconditioning, compared with those who hadn't.

"If you can have a noninvasive technique that can reduce by 43 percent the amount of injury sustained by the heart during bypass surgery, then you can improve the morbidity and mortality of patients," Hausenloy said.

More study is needed to see if the technique actually improves clinical outcomes, Hausenloy said. "If this can be shown, it may warrant a change in clinical practice in all patients undergoing bypass surgery," he added.

Another heart expert agrees that if this concept is workable, it could represent a major advance in heart-bypass surgery.

"Revascularization, with angioplasty or bypass surgery, carries risk of heart muscle damage, measured in the study by troponin release," said Dr. Henry Purcell, of the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, and co-author of an accompanying editorial in the journal. "We need to minimize these risks in cardiac and non-cardiac surgery."

"We clearly need more data, and the current team is designing outcome studies to see if this protection translates into clinical benefits," Purcell said.

In another report in the same issue of the journal, South Korean researchers showed that use of the painkiller celecoxib (Celebrex) after implanting a stent to open blocked arteries in people with coronary artery disease is safe and might reduce the need for repeat procedures.

Dr Hyo-Soo Kim, of Seoul National University Hospital, and colleagues studied 274 patients, all of whom were given 100 milligrams of aspirin and 75 milligrams of Plavix -- a drug designed to prevent blood clots -- a day. In addition, 136 were randomly assigned to receive celecoxib before and after the procedure.

"These data suggest that the adjunctive use of celecoxib for six months after stent implantation in patients with coronary artery is safe," the researchers wrote.

In addition, they say that unlike another cox-2 inhibitor, Vioxx, celecoxib does not increase the risk of heart attack. "Administration of celecoxib for six months does not seem to increase the risk of adverse cardiac events in the intermediate term when used with dual anti-platelet therapy," they wrote.

However, another accompanying journal editorial warned that clinical trials suggest that long-term use of celecoxib may increase the risk of heart attack.

More information
To learn more about bypass surgery, visit the American Heart Association.

The Most Powerful and Advanced Ionizers - So much More than Clean Water ...

Last year there were more Jupiter Melody ionizers sold in the USA than by all other retail models by all other companies combined!

With a great value price, super reliability, new Biostone filter, fully automated features, 9 levels of pH, strongest ORP and two year warranty, the Melody has been the preferred choice for the USA and for such authorities as Sang Whang (author of Reverse Aging) and Dr Robert Young (author of The pH Miracle).

Although now on the market for about two years, no other company has yet produced a model like the Melody, that always gives alkaline water - even when it cleans.

No other model offers a Biostone filter as fine as .01M and no other model is as yet as reliable or powerful.

That is, no other model until Jupiter released the best of the best for those who want clean water AND the ultimate healthy water.

So what makes these latest models, the Aquarius and Orion, even more user friendly and advanced than the Melody?

The new improvements are:
Design: Until now, all ionizers had a certain Asian sameness in their design. The Aquarius and Orion/ Alphion, while identical on the inside, present to you a choice of two distinctive Westernized exteriors.

The Orion with its sleek curves and stainless steel look is an easy match for those liking understated eloquence. The Aquarius with its flat front panel, displays a subtle mix of dark crimson tones, that brings out a pleasing warmth to any kitchen.

Consistency
In the USA the water supply can vary a lot from state to state. Because of this difference in source water, different ionizers at the same alkaline settings will produce different alkaline levels. Now in the new Jupiter Aquarius and Orion there is a patented SOL valve and triple diaphragms that adjusts the water flow automatically. This means that you now get the correct pH level no matter what your input water is, or if there is a change in your water pressure or flow rate.

Durability
These new units include the patented DARC (double action reverse cleaning) system. This feature completely removes any scale from the electronic cell helping to make sure your ionizer stays in top working condition.

*** NOTE - If you are using well water, a water distiller or a Reverse Osmosis machine please contact us first so we can help you remineralize or clean your water before it enters your Jupiter ionizer.

Company Background
Jupiter Science has been making water ionizers since 1982 and before that were making medical equipment. Their research department is constantly at work looking at how to improve performance without having to increase power consumption or take up extra room with a bulky ionizing chamber.

As the leading manufacturer of quality water ionizers, Jupiter has an ISO9001 certified production plant that can produce well over 100,000 ionizers a month (90% of all water ionizers).

All Jupiter's ionization chambers are made in their Japanese factory where 21 Engineers with Doctorates continue to research and improve on design, functionality and durability. It is Jupiter models that continue to be the choice brand for such large companies as Huyundai, Samsung, LG and Toyo. Jupiter also sells more units in the USA than all the other water ionizer companies combined.

You can have confidence that Jupiter's quality control, advanced research and great pricing will make your ionizer purchase a happy and trouble-free experience.

Performance
In their latest models are five of the most advanced platinum-titanium electrodes in the world. When a cross section of an electrode is examined at 700 times magnification, you can see that the electrodes are now covered in a super fine mesh with very distinct points and valleys.

This greatly increases the surface area without having to increase the size. We guarantee that no other models, regardless of price, will produce, under similar conditions, such a high and low pH or ORP (Oxygen reduction Potential).

Ease of Use
The easy to read digital indicator tells you the remaining water filter life. Optimum performance is ensured by always changing your filter on time. In addition to the digital counter, a new indicator light will flicker when your current filter life is up, reminding you to change your filter.
Your new ionizer also has an attractive colored LCD display that easily identifies your selections. Easy to understand symbols and colors identify the type and level of water you have selected.

MICOM Technology
The MICOM control system optimizes the pH and ORP of your water and helps keeps your ionizer in top working condition. A new indicator light alerts you if service is needed on your ionizer.

3 Year Warranty: With a record low return rate on existing models, Jupiter and IonLife offer with confidence a full three year warranty on the Aquarius and Orion/ Alphion. Offering a three year warranty is another world first for Jupiter Science.

Similar to the Melody, The Aquarius and Orion also include:
A top quality, 9 step, single-body multi-stage filter. Premium filter materials ensure production of healthier and cleaner water, trapping a wide variety of contaminants while allowing beneficial minerals to pass through. These filters contain NSF carbon from the UK, Natural mineral calcium from Japan and KDFA certified Biostone ceramics from Korea.

A voice indicator that alerts you to your selection of alkaline, acidic or purified water. You can adjust the volume level or simply switch the sound ON/OFF as you desire.

9 settings of pH with easy convenience of one-touch operation.

Enhanced convenience in filter replacement - the spring-loaded filter housing makes it a snap to replace your filter.

Choice of three repair depots in the USA. We guarantee caring, ongoing support and prompt service.

Jupiter Science
Aquarius and Orion/Alphion
Energized, healthy water as close as your kitchen sink!

To order your Aquarius or Orion/Alphion go to: http://www.phmiracleliving.com/jupiter.htm
ph Miracle Center

Be VERY Careful Which Hospital You Choose

The ninth annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study reveals that treatment outcomes at U.S. hospitals vary widely depending on the state, city or individual hospital.

The report uses a star rating system that grades 28 categories of procedures or diagnoses, ranging from one star (the worst) to five stars (the best).

Patients have a 69 percent lower risk of dying at five-star hospitals than they do at one-star hospitals, and the difference between the best and worst hospitals has widened by 5 percent since last year's report.

HealthGrades analyzed more than 40 million Medicare records to assess the quality of care at over 5,000 hospitals for their report.

If all hospitals were five-star rated, the lives of over 300,000 Medicare patients could have been saved between 2003 and 2005.

Fifty percent of the preventable deaths were linked to heart failure, community-acquired pneumonia, blood infection or respiratory failure.

A patient undergoing coronary bypass surgery has a 72.9 percent lower risk of dying at a five-star hospital.

Problems at the less highly rated hospitals included poor in-house management systems, understaffing, and the use of doctors unskilled in particular procedures.

The Ninth Annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study
Free Full PDF Report
Forbes.com October 16, 2006

Mom's Mental Health Woes Can Pass to Kids

(HealthDay News) -- The children of mothers who have mental health, substance abuse or domestic violence problems a year after delivery are more likely to experience behavioral problems at age 3, a U.S. study finds.

In their three-year study, researchers at Mathematica Policy Research Inc., in Princeton, N.J., followed nearly 2,800 children born in 18 large U.S. cities.

A year after delivery, half the mothers had a condition in at least one of the three categories -- mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence -- and 22 percent of the children had at least one type of behavior problem such as aggression, anxiety-depression, or inattention/hyperactivity. The more problems reported by a mother, the more likely her child was to develop behavior problems by age 3.

The study also found that when mothers reported difficulties in zero, one, two, or three areas, reports of aggression among their children at age 3 increased from 7 percent to 12 percent to 17 percent to 19 percent, respectively; anxiety and depression increased from 9 percent to 14 percent to 16 percent to 27 percent; and inattention/hyperactivity increased from 7 percent to 12 percent to 15 percent to 19 percent.

The authors noted that mothers' mental health problems, substance abuse and domestic violence tend to accompany each other and have cumulative negative effects on children.
However, "there is evidence that mothers appear open to empathic inquiries about how they are doing, and that mothers also understand that their own well-being is related to that of their children," the study authors wrote.

"Whether a clinician is focused primarily on the care of children, adults or pregnant women, there is the potential to help disrupt this intergenerational transmission of poor health," they concluded.

The study appears in the May issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.
More information
The American Academy of Pediatrics has more about children's behavior.

Oxygen Therapy Videos

antiangiogenic therapy
... create new blood vessels that supply them with oxygen and nutrients, antiangiogenic therapy cuts off these new blood vessels, effectively starving tumors ...
michel leconte - 24 sec - Jun 18, 2006

Chelation Therapy Revolution
Cline Medical Centre produced this documentary/promotional video in 1999. It describes how Chelation Therapy works layman's terms, showing the collection ...
Gordon McDowell - 51 min - Jan 1, 2005

Biventricular Defibrillator Implantation
... 00 PM CDT from the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. The implantation of a biventricular defibrillator is a significant part of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy ( ...
slp3D, Inc / OR-Live.com - 2 min - Aug 9, 2006 (1 rating)

Allegiance Home Health - Sterling Heights Michigan
... Spanish, Polish, Filipino and more. We also provide a variety of other services such as Wound VAC. (DONT SPELL OUT V.A.C.) Therapy and Anodyne Therapy, ...
eLocalLink, Inc. - 2 min - Oct 1, 2005

Repair of a Migrated AAA Endovascular Graft with the Zenith Renu
... commitment to treating aneurysms and other life-threatening conditions along the entire aorta said Barry Thomas, global leader of Cook endovascular therapy ...
slp3D, Inc / OR-Live.com - 54 min - Sep 30, 2005 (1 rating)

Aortic Valve Replacement with 3rd Generation Stented Bioprosthesis
... also allow patients to maintain the quality of life they have come to expect and to enjoy active lifestyles without the risks of anticoagulation therapy.
slp3D, Inc / OR-Live.com - 1 hr 2 min - Jun 9, 2005 (11 ratings)

Heart Repair: mitral valve replacement
... medical therapy, catheter-based therapy, or ultimately surgical therapy is ...
slp3D, Inc / OR-Live.com - 59 min - Dec 7, 2005 (1 rating)

Creationist Kent Hovind Reveals The Truth About The Garden of Eden and Creation!
... hemoglobin take on oxygen, your plasma gets oxygen saturated in ...
Kent Hovind - 1 hr 56 min - Mar 2, 2006 (89 ratings)

Heart Disease: Arrhythmias of the Heart from Peidmont Hospital
... and deliver an appropriate shock therapy that hopefully it will ...
slp3D, Inc / OR-Live.com - 58 min - Jul 20, 2005 (1 rating)

Uterine Fibroid Embolization From AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
... performed in an angiography suite equipped with an x-ray machine. The patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, breathing and blood oxygen ...
slp3D, Inc / OR-Live.com - 1 hr - Sep 28, 2005

Minimally Invasive Robotic Radical Prostatectomy with the da Vinci Surgical Sys
... the open approach require additional therapy and, in some cases ...
slp3D, Inc / OR-Live.com - 1 hr 3 min - Sep 13, 2005 (2 ratings)

Yoga for Menopause
... do prescribe human identical hormone therapy for women when it ...
Crystal Clarity - 13 min - Apr 2, 2006 (3 ratings)

Great Health For Life
... Strafocci is a licensed physical therapy assistant as well as ...
Buy $3.99 - Day-Pass $1.99 - The Thomas F. Strafaci Corporation - 26 min - Jan 26, 2006

Uterine Fibroid Embolization From Hartford Hospital
... any hormone replacement therapy or hormone therapy for their fibroids ...
slp3D, Inc / OR-Live.com - 1 hr 2 min - Nov 16, 2005 (6 ratings)

Repairing a Common Congenital Heart Defect- PFO and ASD Closure in Adults
... do this by measuring the oxygen saturation. SANJAY K. GANDHI ...
slp3D, Inc / OR-Live.com - 1 hr 7 min - Jul 14, 2006 (1 rating)

Causes of Constipation

What causes constipation?
To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon (large intestine) works. As food moves through the colon, it absorbs water while forming waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed.
The hard and dry stools of constipation occur when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon's muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly.

The Common Causes of Constipation
Common causes of constipation are

• not enough fiber in the diet
• not enough liquids
• lack of exercise
• medications
• irritable bowel syndrome
• changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, older age, and travel
• abuse of laxatives
• ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
• stroke (by far the most common)
• problems with the colon and rectum
• problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation)

Causes of Constipation: Not Enough Fiber in the Diet
The most common cause of constipation is a diet low in fiber found in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and high in fats found in cheese, eggs, and meats. People who eat plenty of high-fiber foods are less likely to become constipated.
Fiber--both soluble and insoluble--is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that the body cannot digest. Soluble fiber dissolves easily in water and takes on a soft, gel-like texture in the intestines. Insoluble fiber passes through the intestines almost unchanged. The bulk and soft texture of fiber help prevent hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, Americans eat an average of 5 to 14 grams of fiber daily,* short of the 20 to 35 grams recommended by the American Dietetic Association. Both children and adults eat too many refined and processed foods from which the natural fiber has been removed.

A low-fiber diet also plays a key role in constipation among older adults, who may lose interest in eating and choose convenience foods low in fiber. In addition, difficulties with chewing or swallowing may force older people to eat soft foods that are processed and low in fiber.

*National Center for Health Statistics. Dietary Intake of Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Other Dietary Constituents: United States, 1988-94. Vital and Health Statistics, Series 11, number 245. July 2002.

Causes of Constipation: Not Enough Liquids
Liquids like water and juice add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. People who have problems with constipation should drink enough of these liquids every day, about eight 8-ounce glasses. Liquids that contain caffeine, like coffee and cola drinks, and alcohol have a dehydrating effect.

Causes of Constipation: Lack of Exercise
Lack of exercise can lead to constipation, although doctors do not know precisely why. For example, constipation often occurs after an accident or during an illness when one must stay in bed and cannot exercise.

Causes of Constipation: Medications
Some medications can cause constipation. They include

• pain medications (especially narcotics)
• antacids that contain aluminum and calcium
• blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers)
• antiparkinson drugs
• antispasmodics
• antidepressants
• iron supplements
• diuretics
• anticonvulsants

Article provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

Preventing Kidney Disease?

Preventing Kidney Disease?
Provided by: DrWeil.com

Q: I have been told I have a high reading of protein in my urine. My doctor prescribed lisinopril. I don't like the side effects. Is there anything natural I can take to decrease the protein level? -- Anonymous

A: Proteinuria - protein in the urine (determined by urinalysis) - often indicates some type of kidney disease. The first thing you have to determine is what is causing the problem. Normally, the kidneys filter waste products out of the blood so they can be eliminated from the body. Most proteins are too big to pass through the kidneys' filtering system unless the filters have been damaged in some way.
Among the possibilities: some variety of nephritis, a group of diseases, usually autoimmune, that cause inflammatory damage to the kidneys. Diabetes can also result in kidney damage, as can high blood pressure. In fact, elevated blood pressure often accompanies kidney disease and accelerates it.
If you have proteinuria and high blood pressure, you do need drug treatment to bring it down. The drug you were prescribed, lisinopril, is an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor, a type of blood pressure medication that works better than other drugs to reduce the pressure in blood vessels in the kidneys and increase the flow of urine, which helps lower blood pressure. I know of no natural alternative to drug treatment for this problem. Jonathan Dranov, MD, a nephrologist in State College, PA, tells me that 15 to 20 percent of patients taking ACE inhibitors develop a cough as a side effect. Unfortunately, if this happens to you as a result of taking this medication, you'll likely have the same cough with other ACE inhibitors. In that case, an option would be to try angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), another type of medication. These two types of drugs appear to work to protect kidney function better than other medications used to treat high blood pressure.
It is very important to work with your doctor to find a treatment that you can tolerate that is effective for the kidney problem causing proteinuria. Otherwise, it is likely that your kidney function will deteriorate, and you'll be in very big trouble, eventually requiring dialysis.

Andrew Weil, M.D. –

Author of:

• Eight Weeks to Optimum Health
• Spontaneous Healing
• The Natural Mind
• The Marriage of the Sun and Moon
• Health and Healing
• Natural Health, Natural Medicine
• From Chocolate to Morphine (with Winifred Rosen)

Benefits of EDTA Chelation Therapy in Arteriosclerosis

Journal of Advancement in MedicineVolume 6, Number 3, Fall 1993
Benefits of EDTA Chelation Therapy in Arteriosclerosis:A Retrospective Study of 470 Patients. Hancke, Md, and K. Flytlie, MD

ABSTRACT: In a retrospective study we report results of EDTA chelation in 470 patients, using a number of parameters, most of them objective. Although the patients acted as their own controls, we observed improvements of 80 to 91%, depending upon the measurements used.

Of 92 patients referred for surgical intervention, only 10 required ultimate surgery after or during their chelation therapy, thus saving an estimated 3 million dollars of insurance money.

Our experience covers a period of 6 years and we saw no severe side-effects or casualties arising from the treatment. We conclude that EDTA chelation therapy is safe, effective and cost-saving.
Introduction
Intravenous administration of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) has been used from the beginning of the 1950s by an increasing number of physicians throughout the world for the treatment of arteriosclerosis. In the last few years, there has been increasing criticism of surgical intervention in this disease, since it fails to prolong life, and is a temporary solution in treating a generalized, chronic condition (1).

In addition, surgery damages vital tissue by means of reperfusion-released free-radical bursts (2,3). Evidence for effectiveness of EDTA chelation therapy is cumulative over many years (4-9), and the recent association of iron in the etiology of cardiovascular disease (10) makes the technique worthy of complete acceptance today.

It has been proved effective in a number of clinical trials (11-16). The impact of oxidative processes on age-related illness is a relatively new science, which began in the late fifties. The impact of oxygen derived free radicals on the occurrence of reperfusion damage is well documented (2-5,8,9). That the method is ignored here in Denmark may be due to lack of understanding of the importance of these processes.

Another possible explanation may be the harsh attitude of the Danish vascular surgeons from the first introduction of chelation therapy in Denmark in 1987. A study of 153 patients with claudication was published in three different journals in 1991 and 1992 (17-19). This study, which is seriously defective, has been publicly opposed (20,21). It is the only existing study that did not show a significant benefit from EDTA therapy. The results were better in the treatment group, but the effect was reportedly not statistically significant.

Claus Hancke M.D. received his medical education at the University of Copenhagen. He is general practice and is president of the Danish Chelation Doctors. He is an ABCT diplomate.
Knut Flytlie M.D. received his medical education at the University of Gutenberg, Germany. He is in general practice and operates a clinic for Preventive Medicine and Chelation. He is an ABCT diplomate.

Address correspondence to Claus Kancke, M.D., Lyngby Hovedgade 17.1. DK – 2800 – LYNGBY, Denmark.© 1993 Human Sciences Press, Inc.

MATERIALS and METHODS
This study included 470 patients with claudication and/or angina pectoris, who received at least 15 women and 311 men. Of these, 206 were older than 69 years, 92 between 65 and 69, 90 between 60 and 64, and 82 under 60 years. Diagnosis was verified by systolic ankle-arm blood pressure index (Doppler technique), and by stress test on a treadmill. All were interviewed and examined by a physician before and after treatment.

METHOD
All patients were given I.V. infusions of 500 ml sterile water with Na2
EDTA, 50 mg/Kg (Maximum 3 grams) and the infusion included Vitamin C, sodium bicarbonate and magnesium as prescribed in the protocol of the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) (22).

In addition, the patients were provided with an oral high dose vitamin/mineral supplementation without iron and copper, 6 tablets a day. Before treatment, a determination was made of blood hemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fasting blood glucose, creatinine, creatinine clearance, total and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, leucocytes, uric acid, sodium and potassium.
All patients were counseled by both verbal and written communication on the importance of physical exercise, proper nutrition and omitting tobacco.

Treatments were administered on an out-patient basis and continued until the patients had a stable clinical situation. This usually required 30 treatments of 3-4 hours duration over a period of 3-4 months. Final assessment was made on completion of treatment and again 2 months later when complete physical examination was repeated.

Patient with claudication had their ankle-arm index, walking distance, foot temperature, pain at rest, skin color of feet and healing of wounds assessed and registered. Subjective judgement of resting pain was rated on a scale from 1-3. Patients with angina pectoris had their working capacity measured on a treadmill, and ST depression by electrocardiogram. Any arrhythmias, blood pressure, body weight and kidney function were noted.

The subjective judgement of results was rated on a scale from 1 to 3 with regard to the number of attacks of angina pectoris and consumption of nitroglycerin (1: worse, 2: unchanged = 10%, and 3: improved). Medications, general state of health, energy level, smoking habits, hearing, visual sense and presence or absence of “dizziness” were recorded.

RESULTS
Results of the 470 patients completing treatment are shown in Tables 1 through 5. Table 1 shows the sex distribution and results in 265 patients with myocardial ischemia. Of these, 101 over the ages of 69 were improved, 6 were the same and one was worse. Of those between 60 and 69 years, 93 were better, 9, unchanged and 1 was worse. Below the age of 60, 47 were better, 7 unchanged and none were worse. The two patients who were worse were the only ones with angina pectoris who received less than 31 treatments.

In the group with claudification, including 262 patients, we found an improvement in 82%, distributed according to age and sex as shown in Table 2. Table 3 shows the ankle/arm ratios which were improved in 82%. Walking distance, which includes both claudification and myocardial ischemia patients, was improved in 87% of the patients.

Figure 1 shows the numbers of patients threatened with amputation or coronary by-pass surgery before and after EDTA chelation therapy. Several of the patients in the claudification group started treatment very late in the course of the illness. Of 44 who had problems with wound healing, 31 improved, 11 were unchanged and 2 became worse. Of 137 who complained of cold feet, 110 improved, 27 were unchanged and none became worse (Table 3)

In the group with angina pectoris, many were so severely disabled that they had been refused bypass surgery, and no other medical treatment was offered. As shown in Table 4, of 253 patients with electrocardiographic S-T depression, 175 showed improvement, 74 were unchanged and 4 had increased S-T depression. The average blood pressure decreased in 109 patients, 37 were unchanged and one had a higher blood pressure. Working capacity was assessed in both myocardial ischemia and claudication patients. This was measured in Joules by computerized ergometry. Of 318 patients undergoing this study, 271 showed improvement (85%).

TABLE I
This Shows Results of Treatment of 265 Patients with Myocardial Ischemia. Of 65 Patients Referred for Bypass Surgery, 58 did not Require if After Their Course of Chelation.
Worse
Same
Better
% Improved
Sex of Patient:FemaleMale
-2
715
69172
91%90%
Age-groups of patients:Over 69 years65-69 years60-64 yearsUnder 60 years
1-1-
6457
101484547
93%92%86%87%
Referred to:Before ChelationBy-PassDilatationAfter ChelationBy-PassDilatation
1-1-
7151
57212
85%67%0%67%
No. of Treatments:Less than 3131-3536-4041-50More than 50
2----
1631-2
1444020307
88%93%95%100%78%
Of 207 patients using nitroglycerine, 189 reduced their consumption. Most of them were able to discontinue its use altogether. However, 16 continued with the same dose as before and 2 had to increase their dose.

No morbidity or serious side effects directly due to the treatment were reported in the clinics from 1987 to 1993. Table 5 shows the benefits in other parameters as well as it shows difficulty in handling the problems of smoking and excess body weight. Fortunately, only 147 of the 470 were smokers initially and 86 of them continued to smoke during the treatment
TABLE 2
This Shows Results of Treatment of 262 Patients with Intermittent Claudication. Of the Patients Referred for Amputation, 24 of 27 Legs were Spared Following Their Course.
Worse
Same
Better
% Improved
Sex of Patient:FemaleMale
21
1824
76140
77%84%
Age-groups of patients:Over 69 years65-69 years60-64 yearsUnder 60 years
21--
21984
105443929
80%80%83%88%
Referred to:Before ChelationBy-PassDilatationAfter ChelationBy-PassDilatation
---1
221-
72522
78%92%67%0%
No. of Treatments:Less than 3131-3536-4041-50More than 50
3----
384---
12533252410
73%89%100%100%100%
FIGURE 1
This provides a graphic representation of the data shown in Tables 1 and 2. The first column represents the number of patients referred for surgery. The second column shows the number that required surgery after completing chelation.
TABLE 3
This is Primarily to Show Results in the 262 Patients with Intermittent Claudication. However, "Walking Distance" Includes some Patients with Angina
Worse
Same
Better
% Improved
Ankle/Arm BP Ratios
3
42
217
82%
Wound-healing
2
11
31
66%
Rest-pain
1
15
87
83%
Foot-temperature
-
27
110
80%
Skincolour of feet
1
19
64
75%
Walking Distance
3
33
72
87%
FIGURE 2
Claudication. This is a graphic presentation of the same data as revealed in Table 3.

TABLE 4
Working Capacity, Tested by Computerized Ergometry, Refers to both Patients with Angina and Intermittent Claudication who were Tested by this Method. The Rest of the Table Refers to Those with Coronary Heart Disease.
Worse
Same
Better
% Improved
ST-Depression
4
74
175
69%
Arrhythmia
-
24
39
62%
Blood Pressure (mean)
1
37
109
73%
Angina Pectoris
2
22
241
91%
Nitroglycerin Demand
2
16
189
91%
Working Capacity (objective)
4
43
271
85%
FIGURE 3
Myocardial. This is a graphic presentation of the same data as revealed in Table 4.
TABLE 5
This Shows the Results of Evaluating Subjective Symptomatology in the Entire Group of 470 Patients. Renal Function was Judged by Creatinine Clearance.
Worse
Same
Better
% Improved
General Wellbeing
4
41
371
88%
Working Capacity (subjective)
6
42
363
87%
Energy/Initiative
7
38
319
86%
Vertigo
4
13
71
76%
Memory
2
19
48
67%
Medicine Consumption
5
98
212
66%
Hearing
2
60
121
65%
Visual Sense
5
22
54
60%
Renal Function
8
83
100
48%
Smoking Habit
2
84
61
40%
Overweight
13
107
36
15%
Subjective improvement in coldness of feet, increased energy and work capacity, together with striking improvement in general condition were noted by most patients. Several of the male patients reported improved sexual potency, improved sight and hearing, and symptoms like migraine and tinnitus disappeared as an unexpected bonus for many patients.

Although a placebo effect could not be ruled out, of course, the degree of improvement was remarkable and exceeds our previous experience with similar patients. Of 65 patients who referred for coronary by-pass surgery, 58 did not require it after chelation therapy. Of 27 patients awaiting amputation as the only surgical offer of treatment, 24 avoided surgery.

Discussion
In our view, the beneficial results were far excess of the 10-15% improvement that is usually seen in the placebo group of a controlled study. Some patients with claudication who were unable to walk more than 100 feet could walk painlessly for 2 miles or ride several miles on a bicycle after their treatment.

We found convincing evidence that EDTA infusion therapy is effective in treating arteriosclerosis. Our results are identical with those of other similar studies (12-16). Although the study registration was done in two sections, one in March 1991, and one in April 1993, the results are the same. It is evident that results are reproducible from patient to patient, from clinic to clinic and internationally.

Such results have led to a worldwide increase in interest in chelation therapy in medical circles familiar with the theoretical principles of oxygen derived free radical pathology. This interest has resulted in an increased scientific effort by a number of investigators (4,12-16,23-26)
On the basis of such well published data, it seems to us that it is unethical to wait for a randomized, double blind, cross-over study to approve EDTA chelation for the treatment of arteriosclerosis, though we admit that such a FDA approved study would set the seal on this therapy if it were to be as successful as we believe it would be, based on our results and those already published.

Since there is massive evidence that the spontaneous development of arteriosclerosis is the number one killer disease in the Western World, there is every reason to hasten to increase our efforts to bring this important therapy into mainstream medicine as soon as possible.

Conclusion
In spite of the weakness and possibility of bias in a retrospective study without a control group, the historical record for treatment of this disease is poor. We find it difficult not to conclude that EDTA chelation therapy is a safe, effective and cost-saving method of improving angina pectoris and intermittent claudication. We urge a massive and concerted effort to study the method further.

Acknowledgement
We wish to express our gratitude for statistical support from A&F Research, Denmark.
References
1. Graboya T B, Headly A, Lown B, et al. Results of a second opinion program for coronary artery bypass graft surgery. JAMA 1987;258:1611-1614
2. Svendsen J H, Host N B, Haunso S. Reperfusionsakade i myocardiet - betydningen of oxygen-deriverede frie radikaler. Ugeskr laeger 1991;153/24:1717-1720
3. Grech J. Dodd N J F, Bellamy C M, et al. Free radical generation during angioplasty reperfusion for acute myocardial infarction. Lancet 1993;341:990-991.
4. Diehm C. Wonder remedy chelation - claims and actuality. Zeitschrift der Deutschen Herzstiflung 1986;10:11-15
5. Gutteridge J. Ferro-salt promoted damage to deoxyribose and benzoate. The increased effectiveness of hydroxyl radical scavengers in the presence of EDTA. Biochem J 1987;243:709-714.
6. Lamb DJ, Leake D S. The effect of EDTA on the oxidation of low density lipoproptein. Atherosclerosis 1992;94:35-42.
7. Saffer A Chelation therapy for arteriosclerosis. JAMA 1975;233:1205-1207.
8. Peng C F, Kane J J, Murphy M L, et al. Abnormal mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation of ischemic myocardium reversed by Ca2-chelation agents. J. Molecular Cellular Cardiol 1977;9:897-908.
9. Zylke J. Studying oxygen's life-and-death roles. JAMA 1988;259;960-965.
10. Salonen J T; Nyyaonen K. Korpela H, et al. High stored iron levels are associated with excess risk of myocardial infarction in Eastern Finnish men. Circulation 1992;86:8-3-811.
11. Cranton E M, Frackelton J P. Free radical pathology in age-associated disease: treatment with EDTA chelation, nutrition and anti-oxidants. J Holist Med 1984; 6:6-37.
12. Olszewer E. Carter J P. EDTA chelation therapy in chronic degenerative disease. Med Hypoth 1988;27:41-49
13. Kaman R L, Rudolph C J, McDonagh E W, Walker E W, Walker F M, Effect of EDTA chelation therapy on aortic calcium in rabbits on atherogenic diets; Quantitative and historichemical studies. J Adv Med 1990:3:13-21.
14. Rudolph C J, McDonaugh E W, Barber RK. A nonsurgical approach to obstructive carotid stenosis using EDTA chelation, J Adv Med 1991;4:157-168.
15. Olszewer E. Sabbag F C, Carter J P. A pilot double blind study of sodium-magnesium EDITA in peripheral vascular disease. J National Med Assoc 1990;82:173-177.
16. Olszewer E. Carter J P. EDTA chelation therapy: a retrospective study of 2,870 patients. J Adv Med 1989;2:197-211.
17. Guldager B. Jelnes R. Jorgensen S K, et al. EDTA-treatment of intermittent claudication: a double blind, placebo controlled study. J Int Med 1992;231: 261-267.
18. Guldager B, Jelnes R. Jorgensen S J, et al. EDTA-versus placebo behandling of claudication intermittens. Ugeskr Laeger 1992;154/23:1618-1621.
19. Sloth Nielsen J. Guldager B. Mouritzeen C, et al. Arteriographic findings in EDTA chelation therapy on peripheral arteriosclerosis. Am J Surg 1991;162:122-125.
20. Cranton E M, Frackelton J P. Negative study of EDTA chelation biased. Townsend Letter for Doctors 1992: July:604-605.
21. Hancke C, Flytlie K. EDTA manipuleret. Ugeskr Laaeger; 1992;154:2213-2215.
22. Cranton E M. Protocol of the AMerican College of Advancement in Medicine for the safe and effective administration of EDTA chelation therapy. Cranton E M, ed: In: A textbook on EDTA chelation therapy. J Adv Med 1989;2:269-305.
23. Casdroph H R. EDTA chelation therapy II: efficacy in arteriosclerotic heart disease. J Holist Med 1981;3:53-59
24. Casdorph H R, Farr C H. EDTA chelation therapy III: treatment of peripheral arterial occlusion, an alternative to amputation, J Holist Med 1983;5:3-15.
26. McDonagh E W, Rudolph C J. Cheraskin E. An oculo-cerebro-vasculometric analysis of the improvement in arterial stenosis following EDTA chelation. J Holist Med 1982;421-423

more information at: Chelation

Mercury Thermometer Threat

Mercury Thermometer Threat: "Mercury Thermometer Threat
By Denise Mann
WebMD Medical News

Nov. 22, 2000 -- From as far east as Boston to as far west as San Francisco -- including many cities in between -- efforts to ban mercury fever thermometers due to health concerns are sweeping through U.S. homes and hospitals.
Once upon a time, mercury thermometers were the most common way to check for fever. Mercury thermometers are made of glass and are the size of a straw, with silvery-white liquid mercury inside. Each fever thermometer contains approximately one gram of mercury. Mercury is poisonous and attacks the body's central nervous system. It can also harm the brain, kidneys, and lungs.
To put things in perspective: One gram of mercury per year leaked into a 20-acre lake is enough to raise the levels of mercury in fish high enough to trigger warnings to consumers. Nationwide, mercury thermometers contribute 17 tons of mercury to solid waste each year.
In efforts to cut back on mercury in the environment and food supply, the Boston City Council recently banned the sale of mercury thermometers in the city. Stores will have approximately two months to clear their inventories of the remaining thermometers, and violators will be fined. There's also a ban on the sale of mercury fever thermometers in Duluth, Minn.; Ann Arbor, Mich.; and several cities and counties in California and Wisconsin. In New Hampshire there's even a state law that prohibits the sale of certain mercury-containing products.
'New Hampshire has the right idea,' says Jackie Hunt Christensen, a spokesperson for Health Care Without Harm, a not-for-profit campaign based in Minneapolis that works to eliminate pollution in health care practices. 'We need to pass laws at state and federal levels rather than address the issue piecemeal in cities an"

more info at:
www.dreddyclinic.com

OZONATED WATER

For prevention, a major benefit can be derived from regularly drinking ozonated water. Water is a fascinating substance, and we all take it for granted. Chemically it is considered to be on oxygen atom bound with two hydrogen atoms. The bond angle beween the two hydrogen atoms is known to be variable, depending on the amount of energy in the molecule. Research has shown that water whose bond angle is 101 degees is 'dead' water, bereft of life-giving energy. When water is distilled the bond angle expands to 120 degrees upon evaporation, but collapses to 101 degrees upon condensation, and is therefore dead. A bond angle of 103 degrees corresponds to average water. A bond angle of 106 degrees produces activated, energized water, and is attainable by placing a magnet, north pole inward, against the water container. The highest energy obtainable in liquid water is a bond angle of109.5 degees, and this is attainable only ozonating water at 4 degrees C. Ozone will not stay in water for very long, even at 4 degees C. To hold the ozone in the water over long periods, it is necessary to add a few drops of Concentrace, which is a solution of trace minerals from the Great Salt Lake with the sodium, cadmium, copper and lead removed. The ozone hangs on to the minerals without oxidizing them and remains available over many months. In general, unmineralized water should not be consumed.
Drink water that has gone through reverse osmosis, carbon filtering, and is then ozonated. There are some contaminants that will pass through R/O and carbon, such as fluorine. Ozonating the water removes all such contaminants and energizes the water until the bond angle reaches 109.5 degrees. Ozonate water for 15 minutes per litre, about five minutes per glass.

more info at:
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/integrated_med/ozone-therapy.htm

What is bacterial vaginosis?

What is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis is a NOT an infection. It is an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina due to the depletion of very valuable lactobacillus - reason unknown. The vagina normally contains a lot of "good" bacteria, called lactobacilli (say: "lack-toe bah-sil-li"), and a few other types of bacteria, called anaerobes (say: "ann-air-robes").

Too many anaerobes can cause bacterial vaginosis. We don't know why the anaerobe bacteria overgrow and cause this imbalance.You may notice a discharge from your vagina. The discharge may be clear or colored. It may be very light or heavy. It may have a fishy smell, especially after you have intercourse. Some women have bacterial vaginosis without any symptoms.Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria that are normally in the vagina.

While it's more common in women who are sexually active, it also occurs in women who are not sexually active. It's not usually necessary for your sex partner to be treated.Does it have to be treated?Yes. If the infection isn't treated, the bacteria may get up into the uterus or the fallopian tubes and cause more serious infections. Treating bacterial vaginosis lowers this risk.

Treatment is especially important in pregnant women.How is bacterial vaginosis treated?It can be treated in one of several ways. Your doctor may prescribe pills for you to take by mouth, or a cream or gel to put in your vagina. It's important to use your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you.If your doctor prescribes metronidazole (brand name: Flagyl) or other medicines, don't drink any alcohol while taking the medicine or for 24 hours afterward.

Combining alcohol with these medicines can cause nausea and vomiting. Even the small amount of alcohol in many cough syrups can cause nausea and vomiting if you're taking metronidazole. Also, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medicines you are currently taking.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the name of a condition in women where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. It is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning.Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. In the United States, as many as 16 percent of pregnant women have BV.

The cause of BV is not fully understood. BV is associated with an imbalance in the bacteria that are normally found in a woman's vagina. The vagina normally contains mostly "good" bacteria, and fewer "harmful" bacteria. BV develops when there is an increase in harmful bacteria.Not much is known about how women get BV.

There are many unanswered questions about the role that harmful bacteria play in causing BV. Any woman can get BV. However, some activities or behaviors can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and put women at increased risk including:Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners,Douching, andUsing an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception.It is not clear what role sexual activity plays in the development of BV.

Women do not get BV from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or from touching objects around them. Women that have never had sexual intercourse are rarely affected.Women with BV may have an abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. Some women report a strong fish-like odor, especially after intercourse.

Discharge, if present, is usually white or gray; it can be thin. Women with BV may also have burning during urination or itching around the outside of the vagina, or both. Some women with BV report no signs or symptoms at all.In most cases, BV causes no complications. But there are some serious risks from BV including:

Having BV can increase a woman's susceptibility to HIV infection if she is exposed to the HIV virus.

Having BV increases the chances that an HIV-infected woman can pass HIV to her sex partner.Having BV has been associated with an increase in the development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) following surgical procedures such as a hysterectomy or an abortion.Having BV while pregnant may put a woman at increased risk for some complications of pregnancy.BV can increase a woman’s susceptibility to other STDs, such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Pregnant women with BV more often have babies who are born premature or with low birth weight (less than 5 pounds).The bacteria that cause BV can sometimes infect the uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus). This type of infection is called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

PID can cause infertility or damage the fallopian tubes enough to increase the future risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition in which a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube which can rupture.A health care provider must examine the vagina for signs of BV and perform laboratory tests on a sample of vaginal fluid to look for bacteria associated with BV.

Although BV will sometimes clear up without treatment, all women with symptoms of BV should be treated to avoid such complications as PID. Male partners generally do not need to be treated. However, BV may spread between female sex partners.Treatment is especially important for pregnant women. All pregnant women who have ever had a premature delivery or low birth weight baby should be considered for a BV examination, regardless of symptoms, and should be treated if they have BV. All pregnant women who have symptoms of BV should be checked and treated.

Some physicians recommend that all women undergoing a hysterectomy or abortion be treated for BV prior to the procedure, regardless of symptoms, to reduce their risk of developing PID.BV is treatable with antibiotics prescribed by a health care provider. Two different antibiotics are recommended as treatment for BV: metronidazole or clindamycin. Either can be used with non-pregnant or pregnant women, but the recommended dosages differ. Women with BV who are HIV-positive should receive the same treatment as those who are HIV-negative.BV can recur after treatment.

BV is not completely understood by scientists, and the best ways to prevent it are unknown. However, it is known that BV is associated with having a new sex partner or having multiple sex partners. It is seldom found in women who have never had intercourse.The following basic prevention steps can help reduce the risk of upsetting the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and developing BV:Be abstinent.

Limit the number of sex partners.

Do not douche.Use all of the medicine prescribed for treatment of BV, even if the signs and symptoms go away.What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?It is a change in the normal bacteria of the vagina.What causes BV?The exact cause of BV is unknown. There are many bacteria that live in a normal vagina. When you have BV, there are not enough “good” bacteria.

This causes harmful bacteria to grow in the vagina, causing the vaginal environment to be out of balance.What are the symptoms?Most women with BV have no symptoms at all. Sometimes a woman has more vaginal discharge than usual.

The discharge might be milky with a “fishy” odor. The odor can be worse after sex. Other symptoms women may experience include itching or burning in or near the vagina.How serious is BV?BV is usually not serious. In some cases, however, it can cause infections in the uterus and fallopian tubes. It is important to treat BV, especially before having an IUD inserted, an abortion, or tests done on the uterine lining. BV during pregnancy may cause the baby to be born too soon.

How can I find out if I have BV?

The clinician will do a few simple tests in the clinic. Looking at the vaginal discharge under the microscope for bacteria and checking the acid level of the vagina are two tests that help the clinician decide if a woman has BV.How is BV treated?The clinician can prescribe an antibiotic, taken by mouth, called metronidazole or Flagyl®.

There is also a vaginal cream. This medicine can cause nausea or a metal aftertaste in the mouth for some people. Take it with food. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL ANY TIME WHILE TAKING THIS MEDICINE. This medicine can cause severe nausea and vomiting when combined with alcohol. Either use a condom or do not have sex until you have finished taking the antibiotic. The clinician can order antibiotic vaginal creams or gels which work just as well, but the cost is higher.

The side effects are less with vaginal antibiotics.What about my partner?

Your partner does not need to be treated because BV has not been proven to be a sexually transmitted infection.How can I prevent BV?Some women get BV again and again. It is not clear why or how this happens. These suggestions for good vaginal health may help:Wipe from front to back (away from the vagina) after bowel movements to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectum to the vagina.Keep the vulva (outside of the vagina) dry and clean.DO NOT DOUCHE. Douching is never a good idea, especially with BV.

Avoid feminine hygiene sprays, harsh soaps, or soaps with lots of perfume.
Avoid clothing that can trap moisture: pantyhose (wear pantyhose with cotton crotch) or latex exercise clothing.
Using condoms may decrease BV recurrence for some women.A healthy vagina normally contains many microorganisms, one of the common ones being Lactobacillus acidophilus. Lactobacillus appears to help prevent other vaginal microorganisms from multiplying to a level where they cause symptoms.

The microorganisms involved in BV include Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus, Bacteroides, and Mycoplasma. For reasons not well understood, the numbers of these organisms increase with BV while the number of lactobacillus organisms decreases.Most cases of bacterial vaginosis occur in sexually active women between the ages of 15 and 44, especially after contact with a new partner.

Condoms do not appear to provide protection, but use of spermicides increases BV risk somewhat. Although BV appears to be associated with and triggered by sexual intercourse, it does not appear to be transmitted from one partner to another.

Rather, it is a disordering of the chemical and biological balance of the normal flora.

Pregnant women and women with a sexually transmitted disease are especially at risk for getting this infection. Bacterial vaginosis does not usually affect women after menopause.Untreated bacterial vaginosis can cause pelvic inflammatory disease which can cause fatal complications of pregnancy, premature delivery and low birth weight of infants.

Bacterial vaginosis can be cured by antibiotics.OK, this is what common medical literature on the internet tells us about BV. On some points, they're right... On some points, they're wrong.