Dear Better Nutrition, In the Apr...

Dear Better Nutrition,

In the April 1999 issue of your magazine, you had an article forward ginkgo ("Why You Need Ginkgo," p 48) by way of J. Jamison Starbuck, J.D., ND upon page 50, under the heading "A word about side effects" it says: "Side powers such as subdural hematomas and bleeding in the watchs have been reported in a small in number isolated cases."

I would like to have any information you have in succession these findings.

Thank you, mercy M. Cook Walnut Creek, Calif.

Dr Starbuck's Reply

Subdural hematomas in commonalty taking ginkgo are very rare. A modern medical literature search revealed alone three occurrences, and in each of these cases, factors other than ginkgo could have well accounted for the hematoma. It is, perhaps, premature to list hematoma as a possible, albeit rare, side consequence although it is important to be aware of the plant's blood-thinning properties, and to monitor any and all changes in blood-flow-related health matters.

Yours in beneficial health, Dr. Jamison Starbuck

Dear Better Nutrition,

My aunt has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. She is interested in an alternative medical treatment. Can you help me in finding resources for her in the Kansas City, Missouri, area? to what degree well do these treatments answer in someone who has taken chemotherapy?

Sincerely, Chrystine J Morris Eugene OR

Editor's Reply

We can't speak for Kansas City, specifically. Nevertheless, here are a brace of resources you can try:

* Center for Alternative Cancer Education, Wynnewood Penn phone: 610-642-4810

* Cancer Treatment Center of America, phone: 1-888-624-9140

* Cancer Care, phone: 1-800-813-HOPE

* National Cancer Institute, phone: 1-800-4-CANCER

for what reason well do so-called alternative treatments work as adjuvant therapies along with chemotherapies?

There's no blanket answer to that, since there are in the way that many different non-mainstream approaches available.

It is fair to say, admitting that 1) mainstream chemotherapy, by means of and large, does not work extremely well; 2) more natural, and les toxic "alternative" therapies focus more upon rebuilding our immune system and restoring our health than in "wiping everything out"; and 3) various herbs, enzyme natural biological answer modifiers, diets and less destructive modalities are used in conjunction with chemotherapy to mitigate the destructive purports of toxic cancer drugs, partly by the agency of supporting the liver and partly by dint of neutralizing out-of-control free radicals.

We faith the resources help.

Dear Better Nutrition,

I liked your remarks in the August 1999 issue about the mass media ("Mass media is unregulated," Editor's Desk)

The info will be worthy reference in conversations with those who unquestioningly parrot media reports.

Frank Start Tampa, Florida

Editor's Reply

Thanks, Mr Starr.

The more we can stand together--with scientific fact and reality onward our side--the easier it will become to notify these purveyors of irrational skepticism and unfound fear that the misinformation they're broadcasting, in the name of consumer protection (!) is an inexcusable disservice to all the public who want to take charge of their health, and is an insult to the ethics of objective journalism.

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