Health Alert 80
It has now been a year since I’ve started to write these Health Alert letters. I have been surprised and overwhelmed with the response of you, the reader. I receive questions and comments from readers like you almost everyday.
I have always encouraged my patients to take an active role in their own health. From the letters that I have received, I can see that many of you have taken this to heart. Today, I would like to commemorate our first anniversary together by sharing a couple of these letters with you.
* Pain No More *
Here is one reader’s comment about MSM:
Dr. Sears,
I used to suffer from such bad leg, back, and hip pain that I had trouble getting out of bed in the morning. I used to ask my wife to pull on my legs so that I could get up. I had trouble standing on my feet all day and walking long distances. When my family and I went to Disney World, I had trouble walking around. I used to dread winter. The cold air would make the pain worse. My mother had hip surgery and I was worried that I might have to have surgery too. I’ve been taking MSM for over a year. Now, my pain is gone. I own a restaurant, so I’m on my feet all day. I’m able to work long hours without pain. And I don’t mind the winter. My grandkids have to keep up with me now!
L.F.
I talked about natural pain relief from arthritis in Health Alert 12. MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound. We know that this sulfur aids in the repair of injured cartilage. I have seen MSM dramatically relieve arthritic symptoms many times. At the Wellness Center, I use a dose of 1 gram (1000 mg) per day (with food).
* “Now I Can Do What I Love” *
Dr. Sears,
I used to take Baycol for my high cholesterol. I took it for about one year. When I was on Baycol, I would get up in the morning and I would ache all over my body. I had pain in my legs, back, and in all of my muscles. I couldn’t function normally. I couldn’t do what I love to do, which is sewing and crocheting. I couldn’t do anything. When I stopped the Baycol, it took a couple months to get out of my system. Now I take policosanol and CoQ10 supplements to lower my cholesterol. Now, my cholesterol is almost normal. I don’t have muscle ache anymore. I can sew and do the things I love. I am actually making an heirloom bed spread right now. I walk in the pool everyday. I couldn’t do that when I was on the Baycol. I used to take hypertension medicine. I do not take it anymore. The CoQ10 supplement has helped with my hypertension. My blood pressure is normal.
O.J.
One of my biggest criticisms of the medical establishment is the overuse of statin drugs. Statin drugs are widely used to lower cholesterol. I discussed the dangers of these drugs and effective natural alternatives in Health Alert 4.
This reader was on the statin drug, Baycol. Soon afterwards, the manufacturer pulled Baycol from the market after it caused over 30 deaths.
I enjoy hearing from you. If you have comments or a health related story, you would like to share, email us at DrSearsResearch@AOL.com. Thank you all for your letters and comments.
Al Sears MD