Letter from the Publisher

Throwing Children into Oncoming Traffic: The Truth about Autism
by Kenneth Stoller, MD, FAAP with Anne McElroy Dachel
Online publication only

The Vitamin Wars
by Owen R Fonorow and Damir Zucic
Online publication only

Preventing Menopause
by Beth Rosenshein
Menopause, this author states, is nothing more than organ failure. Author Rosenshein argues that treatment for the hypogonadism that results from that failure is not only necessary, but also imperative. Ovarian Replacement Therapy (ORT) is aimed at restoring ovarian function and, consequently, avoiding the devastating effects of menopause.
(Added online March 2010)

Common Complaints and Disorders of Pregnancy
by Tori Hudson, ND
In this extraordinarily useful and comprehensive excerpt from the praised second edition of Dr. Tori Hudson's Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, the author covers key issues and concerns in pregnancy – from morning sickness to pre-eclampsia to varicose veins, constipation, backache, etc. Dr. Hudson also discusses current conventional trends in childbirth and offers realistic advice to expectant parents weighing the pros and cons of home birth.

Vaccination: An Updated Analysis of the Health Risks – Part 1
by Gary Null, PhD, and Martin Feldman, MD
In this first installment of a three-part article, Drs. Null and Feldman begin a clear-eyed consideration of the widespread use of common vaccinations, asking necessary questions sidestepped by government and consumer-protection agencies. In Part 1, the authors look at the number and content of vaccines required or recommended for children, and also examine long-held assumptions about the efficacy of those vaccines.

Lead Toxicity Effects in Growing Rice Plants: Germination, Seedling Vigor, and Biochemical Changes in Rice Plants
by Dr. Manisha Mishra, Prof. G.P. Dubey and Prof. R.S. Dubey
The authors of this study examined the effect of metal toxicity on germination, seedling vigor, and nitrate reductase (NR) activity in two varieties of salt-sensitive rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars, revealing the profound effects of environmental stress on, specifically, NR activity.

Salt Is Vital to Health
by Hilde Bschorr
No, not that salt. Table salt, as we know it, is nothing more than refined sodium chloride, an elemental disaster for health. Natural salt – the salt heralded in ancient histories as life-giving – contains over 84 essential elements, minerals that have been shown to maintain health and improve quality of life.

Anti-Aging and Anti-Cancer Properties of Avemar:
A Review by Donielle Wilson, ND
As we age, antibody production declines and our immune system functions begin to deteriorate, opening the door to disease and age-related illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis. Avemar, a dried extract of fermented wheat germ, has proven effective at supporting optimal immune system function and has produced substantial clinical effects in confronting and preventing disease states.

Fat-Burning Treasure from the Sea
by Jordan Rubin, NMD, PhD
Seven years of research, followed by a clinical trial has confirmed that fucoxanthin, a compound found in seaweed – and the primary ingredient in FucoTHIN – is a true fat burner, one that creates a thermogenic effect without stimulating the central nervous system.

A Secret Handshake and a Whisper: An Interview with Warren M. Levin, MD
by Sue Vogan
In a rare open interview with a Lyme-literate physician, Warren Levin, MD, talks with Sue Vogan about the impasse in current Lyme diagnoses and treatments and makes an impassioned case for reviewing treatment recommendations.

Recommendations on Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy
Issued on Behalf of the Board of the International Menopause Society
by Amos Pines, President; David Sturdee, General Secretary; Martin Birkhäuser, Treasurer; Marco Gambacciani; and Nick Panay
Officers of the International Menopause Society present their official stance on the use and principles of hormone therapy in the peri- and postmenopause period.

Wild Kingdom
The Law and Alternative Medicine
by Montfort S. Ray, JD
With humor and grace, seasoned attorney Montfort Ray offers sage advice to CAM practitioners, detailing ten key strategies for avoiding litigation in the practice of alternative medicine.

Nutritional Factors in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
by Alan R. Gaby, MD

. . . the regular features, commentary and opinions we can count on each month from our distinguished columnists.