Peter Ehrlich, 69, head forester at Presidio, dies

Peter Ehrlich, 69, head forester at Presidio, dies

Planetary Perspectives for a Changing World

Steroids Can Be Dangerous Even Short -Term

Steroids Can Be Dangerous, Even Short-Term

May 03, 2017 • 22,259 views

By Dr. Mercola

The first record of steroid use can be traced to 1930, when an extract of animal adrenocortical tissue was used to counteract human adrenal failure.1 After more than 10 years of testing and research, the first patient with rheumatoid arthritis was treated with steroids.

Based on the impressive results, it wasn't long before the drug was prescribed to other patients with arthritis. In 1950, the first oral and intra-articular (joint) formulations were used. By the 1960s, doctors were aware of many side effects and the importance of properly withdrawing the medication.

Scientists continue to discover the effects of adding an outside source of steroids to your complex hormonal mix. Three of the most common side effects, even from short term use, are osteoporosis or reduced bone density, cataracts and an increased risk of diabetes. Now, research demonstrates side effects from short-term prescriptions are greater than previously understood or anticipated by the researchers.

Sepsis, Broken Bones and Blot Clots Found With Short-Term Steroid Use

Nearly 1 million people suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD),2 and approximately 60 percent of those have taken steroids.3 IBD is only one medical condition for which steroids are commonly prescribed.

Millions of prescriptions of steroids are dispensed each year as most physicians believe side effects from just a week of the drug are relatively innocent. However, recent research from the University of Michigan reveals that just one week of steroids may have significant consequences.4

The researchers used data from over 1.5 million people, aged 18 to 64 between 2012 and 2014, who were enrolled in nationwide health care insurance.5 One in 5 patient reports indicated they had filled a short-term prescription for steroids during the three-year study period.

Patients who took a short "burst" of steroids had a higher risk of suffering a broken bone, blood clot or life-threatening course of sepsis.6 This increased risk lasted for up to 90 days after the steroid use had stopped.

The researchers excluded anyone who had been prescribed steroids in the past year, took oral or injectable steroids, and had cancer or a transplant. The results prompted the researchers to call for better education for physicians and patients about the potential risks. Lead author, Dr. Akbar Waljee said:7

"Although physicians focus on the long-term consequences of steroids, they don't tend to think about potential risks from short-term use. We see a clear signal of higher rates of these three serious events within 30 days of filling a prescription.

We need to understand that steroids do have a real risk and that we may use them more than we really need to. This is so important because of how often these drugs are used."

Nearly half of those who used steroids were prescribed a "dosepak" where the drugs are prepackaged and labeled for daily use. These "dosepaks," also called "burstpaks," are designed to deliver the highest dose on the first day and taper the dose over the following five days.

Long-Term Dangers of Steroid Use Are More Significant

The dangers of long-term steroid use are well documented. Unfortunately, sometimes physicians and patients believe that steroids are the only option available to reduce their painful and uncomfortable symptoms. However, the long-term effects of the medication may outweigh the benefits of treatment, depending upon the condition.

Of those who were prescribed steroids in the study described above, nearly half received the drug for just six diagnoses related to back pain, allergies or respiratory infections.8 Steroids are also commonly prescribed for other health conditions, including arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, myositis and gout.9

The underlying common factor in the majority of conditions for which steroids are prescribed is an inflammatory process. Whether from disease, illness or injury, the intent behind corticosteroid use is to help your body manage the inflammation and reduce the symptoms of the condition.

But, steroids are not the only option, and may not be your best option. Since adding hormones (steroids) to your body alters the delicate balance of your natural hormones, the addition can cause a long list of reversible and/or irreversible changes. Long-term effects of steroid use may include:10,11,12,13,14,15,16

Stomach ulcers	Gastrointestinal bleeding	Osteoporosis
Increased risk of heart disease	Increased appetite and weight gain	Suppressed adrenal gland hormone secretion
Reduced bone density	Higher risk of infection	Slow-healing wounds
Thinning skin	Cataracts	High blood sugar and diabetes
Metabolic syndrome	Glaucoma	Fluid retention
Cognitive deficits	Impaired memory	Oral thrush
Insomnia	Hypomania	Depression or psychosis
Puffy "moon face"	Stretch marks	Acne
Increased facial hair	Hyperactivity	Night sweats
Genital yeast infections	Urinary tract infections	Increased blood pressure

Steroid Withdrawal

If you do choose to use steroids to treat your symptoms, be aware that stopping the drug abruptly may trigger adverse effects that may even be life-threatening, depending on how long you've been taking the medication. Corticosteroids simulate the natural hormone cortisol, released by your adrenal glands.

When you add corticosteroids your body has not produced, it may shut down the production of your own hormone. These changes in the balance to your natural secretion may be the result of taking doses greater than your natural production.17 As you decrease or discontinue the drug, you can experience withdrawal symptoms.

These symptoms may be managed through a structured and coordinated drug withdrawal program, to help reduce withdrawal symptoms.

The severity of your symptoms will be related to how long you took steroids, the dose and the taper schedule used.18 A sudden withdrawal of steroids from your system will trigger more severe symptoms, and can possibly be life-threatening. Symptoms may include:19

Weakness	Fatigue	Body aches
Decreased appetite	Weight loss	Nausea
Vomiting	Abdominal pain	Diarrhea
Low blood pressure	Dizziness	Low blood sugar
Joint pain	Muscle aches	Fever
Mental changes	Dehydration	Ileus (the temporary arrest of intestinal peristalsis)
Depression	Headache	Mood swings
Shaking	Skin Rash	Suicidal thoughts
Changes in your menstrual cycle	High levels of calcium	Electrolyte imbalances

Steroid Poisoning May Be Unintentional

The 55 poison control centers around the U.S. took nearly 2.2 million phone calls about accidental exposure to poisons in 2014, a disproportionate number of which were for children under the age of 6.20 Of the top 10 reasons for accidental poison exposure, medications accounted for five. Poison control centers take approximately one call every minute of every day for children who accidently take medication, and 60,000 children required emergency treatment in 2014 for accidental medication poisoning.21

Today, there are three times more prescriptions filled, and five times more money spent on over-the-counter medication, than in 1980.22 Toddlers are at greatest risk, often finding medication dropped accidently on the floor or stored in purses, diaper bags, counters or in the refrigerator.

A review of emergency room records show that half of the time, children find medication belonging to their grandparents, who may not have drugs safely stored far from little hands, while 38 percent of the time they find medications belonging to their parents. It may take just one pill to poison a child, causing permanent or life-threatening damage. Steroid dosages are based on age and weight, so an adult dose of a corticosteroid will severely affect adrenal secretion of cortisol in a child's body.

If you suspect your child accidently took even one steroid pill, call your poison control center. In the U.S., that number is (800) 222-1222. If your child has symptoms of a poison emergency, or has collapsed, call your local emergency phone number; in the U.S. call 911. Signs and symptoms that may indicate your child has taken medication include a smaller number of pills in your pill bottle or dosepak than you expected, or if the child has a seizure, agitation, difficulty breathing, nausea/vomiting or low heart rate.

Cost to an Athlete's Life

Athletes have historically used anabolic steroids to improve strength and performance. While corticosteroids are created in a laboratory to mimic cortisol secreted from your adrenal glands and reduce inflammation, anabolic steroids are man-made versions of testosterone, the male sex hormone.23 Although both are referred to as steroids, they are two distinctly different types and cannot be used interchangeably.

New compounds used to mimic anabolic steroids are selective androgen receptive modulators (SARMs), which reportedly have fewer androgenic properties, with less of the negative side effects.24 However, SARMs do contain androgens, with the same intended effects of anabolic steroids, using a more selective action.

The side effects of using anabolic steroids, which are prohibited in competitive sports, are severe. These include heart, liver and kidney disease, hair loss, acne and high blood pressure.25 Long-term use of anabolic steroids may also result in breast tissue growth on a man's chest (gynecomastia), shrinking testicles and absence of sperm, infertility, and increasing problems with anger, also called "roid rage."

Anabolic steroids generate an abnormal growth of muscle tissue, but also life-long side effects that may ultimately take your life. There are far safer options that help you increase muscle mass.

Consider Less Hazardous Options

In specific instances, your medical treatment may require the use of steroids. However, I believe corticosteroids are prescribed far too frequently for conditions that may be addressed with other options. Athletes are also able to improve muscle growth using specific lifestyle strategies that boost the natural production of human growth hormone (HGH).

The effects of HGH are not identical to testosterone, but it is used by your body to grow muscle, get lean and improve your athletic performance. You may increase your natural production by using a sauna and high-intensity interval training. You can read more about how to integrate these strategies by following the hyperlinks provided.

Before taking a course of steroids, speak with your physician about using less risky options. In many cases you may prevent the use of steroids by incorporating strategies that help reduce inflammation in your body and lessen your symptoms. Some of these include:26

Microactive curcumin Curcumin is one of the ingredients in the spice turmeric and microactive technology helps improve absorption.27 Curcumin helps to balance excitatory and inhibitory cytokines, substances secreted by the immune system that have an effect on other cells. In turmeric or in a natural form, curcumin is not readily absorbed into the body. However, using microactive technology, the bioavailability improves, as does the results. The supplement is also well tolerated, without adverse side effects, even at high dosages.28 Multiple human trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of curcumin to reduce inflammation.29

Eliminate foods that promote inflammation Foods that significantly contribute to the inflammatory response in your body include virtually all processed foods, sugars, gluten, trans fats and alcohol.

Consume foods and nutrients that reduce inflammation Foods that help reduce inflammation are high in antioxidants, including green tea, vegetables, bone broth, avocado and coconut oil. To reduce chronic inflammation, it's important to address your overall diet. To help you get started, I suggest following my free Optimized Nutrition Plan, which starts at the beginner phase and systematically guides you step-by-step to the advanced level.

Stay well-hydrated When dehydrated, your cells are not able to function optimally, and have a more difficult time eliminating toxins, so be sure to stay well-hydrated. As a general rule, drink to quench your thirst. A helpful guide to gauge your hydration is to look at the color of your urine. Urine that is a light, straw yellow color is typically a sign of being fully hydrated.

Exercise at least 30 minutes each day and keep moving Exercise helps lower stress and improves the quality of your sleep — both of which will lower your levels of inflammation. Exercise also improves your heart and lung function, flexibility and range of motion. However, if you are sitting for the rest of the day, you lose the benefits of your workout. Get up and move every 15 minutes or so. Better yet, get a standing desk for work and sit 10 minutes each hour. Read more about the health benefits of standing at my previous article, "What Happens to Your Body When You Sit All Day?"

Practice stress reduction Science demonstrates that an increase in your stress level will increase the inflammatory response in your body. Meditation, yoga, exercise and deep breathing are all ways to help reduce stress. One of my favorite methods is the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), which uses acupuncture points on your head and upper body to help you clear your mind and accomplish your goals. You can learn more about EFT for stress in this video: Julie Schiffman Discusses EFT for Stress Relief An error occurred. Try watching this video on www.youtube.com, or enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser.

Quality sleep Getting eight hours of quality sleep is important to your health for many reasons, not the least of which is that it will help reduce inflammation in your body. If you have trouble sleeping you'll want to follow my 33 tips to getting a better night's sleep.

Essential oil and aromatherapy There are many uses for essential oils — from lifting your mood to helping reduce inflammation. For suggestions on how to incorporate them into your daily practice, read my previous article, "How Essential Oils Can Help Improve Your Life."

Detoxify in the sauna or tub Although there is more than one way to help your body detoxify (which is important for lowering inflammation), using an infrared sauna or taking a hot bath may be among the easiest and most cost effective. Using a combination of Epsom salts and essential oils in your bath, you'll experience the benefits of a high-end spa at a fraction of the price.

The Appendix Could Be More Important Than Expected

The Appendix Could Be More Important Than Expected

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Generally, the only mention of the appendix is when it needs to be removed. But what exactly does the appendix do?

The appendix is a tube-shaped sac that is attached to the large intestines. In medical terms, it is referred to as ‘vermiform appendix’ for its thin, worm-like shape. For years, the appendix was dismissed as a useless souvenir of our evolutionary past.

Many scientists, including Charles Darwin, believed that this small pouch protruding from the intestine was a vestigial organ that once helped humans digest tree bark. Since tree bark is no longer part of the average human’s diet, it was thought that the appendix was no longer serving any use. Recent research from the Duke University Medical Center(i) suggests otherwise.

Surprising Findings

The appendix may produce and protect beneficial probiotic colonies in the digestive system. According to researchers, the human digestive system is full of bacteria that is necessary to digest food. When diseases attack, these important kinds of bacteria are purged or killed off. In such situations, the appendix can act as a reserve for good bacteria. After the immune system beats off the disease, the bacteria emerge and re-colonize the gut.

For the past few decades, conventional medicine believed the appendix was an unimportant organ that served little to no function. Yet evidence shows that the appendix may play a vital function in the development of the immune system. According to research, lymphoid tissue accumulates in the appendix after birth. In turn, the appendix helps in the maturation of B lymphocytes and the production of antibodies. The appendix produces specific molecules that aid in the movement of lymphocytes to various locations within the body.

Based on current evidence(ii), it seems that the appendix serves as a “reservoir” for beneficial gut flora. When illness reduces good bacteria from the intestines, the appendix may store some of that good bacteria for back up.

It has also been shown that individuals without an appendix could be four times more likely to suffer from recurrent Clostidium difficile colitis, an irritation of the large intestine by spore-forming bacteria. This condition is often present when the body is running low on gut flora, potentially explaining the connection between the appendix and its role in maintaining probiotic levels. While the research is ongoing, it seems that the appendix is important for maintaining optimal health.

While it does play a helpful role in the human body, it still carries the potential for appendicitis. While appendicitis doesn’t always result in appendix removal, it cannot be ignored. Studies from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention found that around 300 to 400 Americans die from appendicitis every year.

Ariana Marisol is a contributing staff writer for REALfarmacy.com. She is an avid nature enthusiast, gardener, photographer, writer, hiker, dreamer, and lover of all things sustainable, wild, and free. Ariana strives to bring people closer to their true source, Mother Nature. She graduated The Evergreen State College with an undergraduate degree focusing on Sustainable Design and Environmental Science.

References:

i) sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002251930700416X
ii) linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1631068316300653

Does Too Much Turmeric Have Side Effects?

• Does Too Much Turmeric Have Side Effects?
  By Dr. Atli Arnarson | 52,616 views
  Turmeric is a popular yellow spice originating from southern Asia. It’s an essential ingredient in many Indian dishes.
  It’s also consumed for its health benefits. Supplements of turmeric, or curcumin — its main active ingredient — are becoming increasingly common.
  However, some people are concerned about the possible side effects of high-dose turmeric and curcumin supplements. This review looks into the evidence.
  What Is Turmeric?
  
  
  Turmeric, also known by the scientific name Curcuma longa, is an ancient Indian spice, medicinal herb and food dye in the ginger family.
  Its root stalks, called rhizomes, are bright yellow or orange. They’re usually dried and ground into powder, and are rich in curcuminoids, plant compounds that are responsible for turmeric’s characteristic color.
  Turmeric is an essential ingredient in Indian curries, with its taste described as bitter and peppery. Nearly all of the world’s turmeric is grown and consumed in India.
  It mainly consists of carbs, mostly starch and fiber. However, like all spices, turmeric contains numerous plant compounds and nutrients.
  The main active compounds in turmeric are the curcuminoids. They are responsible for turmeric’s orange-yellow color and most of its health benefits.
  The most widely studied curcuminoid is curcumin, which may constitute around 3% of turmeric (1).
  Additionally, commercial turmeric or curcumin powders usually contain additives. These include silicon dioxide, an anti-caking agent that prevents clumping.
  Some cheap turmeric powders may also contain illegal additives that are not listed on the labels. Turmeric adulteration is discussed in more detail below.
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  Summary: Turmeric is a popular, yellow-orange spice. It is also used as a food dye and dietary supplement. The compound curcumin is thought to be responsible for most of its health benefits.
  Why Do People Eat Turmeric?
  
  
  Turmeric is used as a spice and food dye, adding both flavor and color to food.
  But it has also been consumed for its health benefits, all of which have been attributed to curcumin, its main active ingredient.
  Curcumin supplements have the following benefits, to name a few:
  • Reduced inflammation: Chronic inflammation is associated with many diseases. Studies show that curcumin supplements may reduce the levels of inflammatory markers (2).
  • Improved antioxidant status: Curcumin and other curcuminoids are powerful antioxidants that may improve your antioxidant status (3).
  • Improved blood vessel function: Studies suggest that curcumin supplements may promote the dilation of blood vessels, increasing blood flow and reducing blood pressure (4, 5).
  • Reduced heart attack risk: They may also lower the risk of heart attacks, possibly through their anti-inflammatory effects (6).
  This article contains more info about the health benefits of turmeric.
  Summary: In addition to using turmeric as a spice and food dye, people eat it for its health benefits.
  Adverse Effects of Turmeric and Curcumin
  Both turmeric and curcumin, its main active ingredient, are generally considered safe and without any serious side effects (7, 8).
  Yet, some people may experience side effects when they take them in large doses as supplemens.
  Turmeric
  Turmeric contains around 2% oxalate. At high doses, this may contribute to kidney stones in predisposed individuals (9).
  Additionally, not all commercial turmeric powders are pure. Some are adulterated with cheaper and potentially toxic ingredients not listed on the label.
  Studies have revealed that commercial turmeric powders may contain fillers such as cassava starch or barley, wheat or rye flour (10).
  Eating turmeric that contains wheat, barley or rye flour will cause adverse symptoms in people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
  Some turmeric powders may also contain questionable food colorants, which are added to improve color when turmeric powders are diluted with flour.
  One food colorant frequently used in India is metanil yellow, also called acid yellow 36. Animal studies show that metanil yellow may cause cancer and neurological damage when consumed in high amounts (11, 12, 13).
  While the toxic effects of metanil yellow have not been investigated in humans, it’s illegal to use in the United States and Europe.
  Some turmeric powders may also be high in lead, a heavy metal that is especially toxic to the nervous system (14, 15).
  Start Shortcoder content
  
  
  
  
  
  
  End Shortcoder content
  Summary: Pure turmeric is considered safe for most people. However, turmeric powders may sometimes be adulterated with cheap fillers, such as wheat starch and questionable food colorants. They may even contain lead.
  Curcumin
  
  
  Curcumin supplements are considered safe and no adverse side effects have been reported at low doses.
  One study in 10 adults found that taking 490 mg of curcumin daily for a week caused no side effects (16).
  Other studies showed that taking doses of 1,200–2,100 mg of curcumin per day for 2–6 weeks didn’t lead to any apparent adverse effects (17, 18).
  Yet, a small proportion of people may experience some mild side effects at higher doses. These may include:
  • Digestive issues: People may experience mild digestive issues such as bloating, acid reflux, flatulence and diarrhea at daily doses exceeding 1,000 mg (19, 20).
  • Headache and nausea: Doses of 450 mg or higher may cause headache and nausea in a small number of people (20, 21).
  • Skin rash: People have reported a skin rash after taking a dose of 8,000 mg of curcumin or more, but this seems to be very rare (20).
  Extremely high doses of 1,170 mg per pound (2,600 mg/kg) of body weight daily for 13 weeks, or up to two years, may cause some serious side effects in rats.
  These included an increase in liver size, stained fur, stomach ulcers, inflammation and an increased risk of intestinal or liver cancer (22).
  However, the dose makes the poison. There is currently no evidence that lower amounts of curcumin cause serious side effects in humans when taken over short periods, though human studies on the long-term effects are lacking.
  Summary: High doses of curcumin may cause mild side effects in some people, but they are generally considered safe. The long-term effects of taking curcumin in humans are unknown.
  How Much Is Too Much?
  
  
  There are no official recommendations for the intake of turmeric, and the maximum tolerable intake level has not been identified.
  However, as a general rule, you should not exceed the dosage recommendations you find on supplement labels.
  On the other hand, there are some official guidelines for the intake of curcumin.
  The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) set the acceptable dietary intake as 1.4 mg per pound (3 mg/kg) of body weight per day (23).
  For a 178-pound (81-kg) man, this would translate into 239 mg per day.
  However, one review concluded that doses of 3,600–8,000 mg per day do not cause any serious side effects. Another study showed that single doses of 12,000 mg were well tolerated (20, 24).
  Start Shortcoder content noptimize /noptimize End Shortcoder content
  Summary: There are no official guidelines for the intake of turmeric, but the acceptable intake level for curcumin is 1.4 mg per pound (3 mg/kg) of body weight.
  How to Ensure Turmeric Quality
  Some turmeric powders contain cheap fillers not mentioned on the labels.
  These adulterated powders are difficult to identify without a chemical analysis. Your best bet is to choose turmeric that has been certified by a reputable agency.
  For instance, you could look for turmeric that has been certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
  If you are taking turmeric or curcumin supplements, select supplements that have a quality certification by a third party. Several companies provide quality certifications for supplement manufacturers.
  These include NSF International, Informed Choice and the US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP). Look for their seal on the packaging of products, or go to their websites to see what supplements they’ve certified.
  Summary: Buy your turmeric and curcumin supplements from trustworthy suppliers and choose products that are certified by a reputable third party.
  The Bottom Line
  Turmeric and curcumin supplements do not seem to have any serious side effects.
  However, some people may be prone to mild discomfort, such as headaches or diarrhea, at high doses.
  Keep in mind that low-quality turmeric may be adulterated with cheap fillers, such as wheat starch, which will cause adverse symptoms in people with gluten intolerance.

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