Pink Disease newsletter (Email 2 of 3)

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PINK DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP

29/26-38 Halliday Street, Eagleby, 4207

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NEWSLETTER - JANUARY, 2003

Dear Everyone,

I hope you have all survived the festive season and, for those in the Southern Hemisphere, I hope you aren’t sweltering. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, I hope the winter woollies are keeping you warm. Thanks to those who sent such lovely Christmas cards - much appreciated.

This newsletter set consists of:

This newsletter.

’s newsletter.

Membership Renewal / Raffle Form.

MEMBERSHIP FEE TIME AGAIN!

Quite a number of people have paid their 2003 Membership Fee already – thank you. For those who haven’t paid yet, the Membership Renewal Form is attached. The $10 fee is due by 28th February, 2003. Please PRINT any alterations to your details where indicated on the form (in red if you can).

As usual, and I hope you will also donate to the Equipment Fund. This year, we are hoping to bring ’s computer into the 21st Century so please feel free to donate anything – no matter how small (or large).

RAFFLE

This year’s raffle is also about getting a computer for . It’s called the “Let’s Bring ’s Computer into the 21st Century” raffle. The prize is a selection of Golden Glow vitamin and personal products valued at about $100.00 and the cost per ticket is $1.00. The raffle will be drawn on 30th April, 2003. To order raffle tickets, fill in the appropriate spot on the Membership Renewal Form, or for those who have already paid their membership fee, on the “Raffle Tickets Please” Form.

I’ve been using Golden Glow products for about 10 years. Golden Glow is a mail order vitamin and health product place here in Brisbane. They have quite a large range of products, including vitamins & minerals, environmentally friendly household products, amino acids, herbs & plant products, homeopathic formulas, personal products, aromatherapy products, and even items for your pet. Many of their products, particularly their vitamins and minerals, are modestly priced compared to those bought at the chemist or supermarket.

For those interested in finding out more about Golden Glow products, please ring 1300 36 36 56 for a copy of their current catalogue, or visit them on the internet at www.goldenglow.com.au.

The raffle is only open to people who reside in Australia.

BRONCHIECTASIS MANNITOL TRIALS

Dr. Lily kas of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney has confirmed that the 2-week study of bronchiectasis patients indicated that mannitol caused a significant improvement in health status. A further study will be conducted subject to funding and the availability of mannitol.

A COURSE ON TOXICOLOGY

For those who fancy learning a little more about basic toxicology and who have access to the Internet, there is a brief course called “Introduction to Toxicology” which can be studied via the Internet. It can be found at http://www.safetyline.wa.gov.au/institute/level2/course16/lecture44/index.asp. Most local libraries now have access to the Internet for their members.

BEING WISE WITH WATER

“Water, water, everywhere,

Nor any drop to drink.”

From “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Coleridge

The Ancient Mariner’s complaint may sound far-fetched but when you consider that the Earth’s surface is approximately 75% water, but only 1% of the Earth’s water is available and suitable for human consumption, maybe it’s quite accurate. The rest of the Earth’s water is locked up in the Oceans, Lakes and Seas, Icecaps, is deep Underground and inaccessible, or is just too salty to drink. The problem with finding good and usable water is compounded by the fact that toxins and heavy metals from agricultural and industrial waste, and sewage are contaminating many rivers and lakes.

With the drought in full swing in many areas of Australia, farmers have been having a rather bad time, and even getting enough water for everyday use is becoming more difficult because the lack of rain in water catchment areas is resulting in low dam levels and reduced river flow.

Where I live, we have had extra water restrictions for nearly a year. Since October, 2002, we haven’t been able to water lawns, use hoses to wash cars or hose down driveways, and we are only allowed to water our gardens with a hose, 3 times a week. The local council is now threatening to put even harsher water restrictions in place – that is, not even allow us to use hand held hoses (buckets only) – because too much water is still being used. Some details of domestic water usage and some tips on saving water are set out below:

Water Usage Litres

1. Shower (15 litres per minute, average time 8 minutes) 120

2. Shower with water saver rose 68

3. Standard Toilet Flush 12

4. Using Dual Flush Toilet 4

5. Front loading washing machine 80

6. Top loading washing machine 170

7. Running water for cooking, cleaning, drinking 10 litres per minute

8. Cleaning teeth with the tap running 5

9. Bath 50-150

10. Using a sprinkler or handheld hose (for gardening,

washing car, hosing concrete, etc.) 10-20 litres per min.

11. Filling the swimming pool to 55,000 litres

The source of the above information is the Brisbane City Council’s website at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au. The website also has a Home Water Audit so that you can estimate how much water you actually use around the house.

Water Saving Tips

· Take short showers and install a water-saving showerhead.

· Install a dual flush toilet and only use the full flush when needed.

· Don’t leave the tap running while you are brushing your teeth or shaving.

· Don’t leave taps running for any reason including when you are peeling vegetables.

· Only use the washing machine and dishwasher when you’ve got a full load.

· Fix dripping taps and other leaks. Drips and leaks waste 200 litres plus per day.

· Purchase appliances with an AAA water efficiency rating.

· Have cold water in your fridge so you don’t need to wait for the cold water to come through the pipes (a problem at my place – cold tap water is nearly as hot as hot tap water in summer).

· Put pot plants out for a good soak when (if) it rains.

· Store rainwater.

· Use a bucket when washing the car AND wash your car on the lawn if you can.

· Ensure the swimming pool and filter are in good order to minimise leaks.

· Grow drought tolerant plants.

· Water plants in the morning or evening. Less frequent, deep soaking will train the roots to grow down into the soil.

· Mulch the garden.

· Don’t cut the grass too short. It will survive better if it is slightly longer.

· Sweep concrete areas rather than hosing them down.

· Obey your local council’s water restrictions.

SOURCES: www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au; www.brisbane.qld.gov.au; www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au

Tit Bit from the CSIRO News Flash for 17/1/2003:

“By 2004, more than 70% of Australia will be defined as being under water … because Australia will become responsible for the ocean that surrounds us, to 200 nautical miles from the coast, under the fully ratified United Nations Law of the Sea.”

With 70% plus of Australia being defined as water, will we still be the driest continent on Earth!

Tit Bit from Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2002:

The Great Artesian Basin has about 70% of Australia’s water reserves and is the largest Artesian basin in the world.

HYPOTHYROIDISM

In the last newsletter, the entire endocrine system was discussed. This section is about the endocrine disorder, hypothyroidism, which affects many of our members, and up to 5% of the population in general. Hypothyroidism is the second most common endocrine disorder after Type II diabetes. The incidence of hypothyroidism increases with age and women are more likely to get it.

The thyroid gland is in the neck just below the Adam’s apple. The gland produces two thyroid hormones – thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3). The thyroid is regulated by the pituitary gland and the pituitary is regulated by the hypothalamus. If the hypothalamus ‘senses’ that the body needs more thyroid hormones, it releases the thyroid-stimulating hormone releasing factor (TSF) that sends a signal to the pituitary to release thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH). TSH sends a signal to the thyroid to release the thyroid hormones.

Hypothyroidism (that is, the medical condition relating to a lack, or reduced level, of thyroid hormones) can occur if –

the Hypothalamus fails to detect the need for thyroid hormone and/or fails to signal the pituitary to release TSH (this is called tertiary hypothyroidism);

the Pituitary fails to release TSH when it is instructed to do so (this is called secondary hypothyroidism); or

the Thyroid fails to release enough thyroid hormones.

Thyroid hormones regulate bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, physical growth and mental development.

There are many symptoms of hypothyroidism and many of you will recognize a lot of them. They include –

fatigue;

depression;

decreased heart rate;

weight gain;

enlarged thyroid gland;

intolerance to cold;

sleepiness/disturbed sleep patterns;

dry, course hair and skin;

brittle nails;

hair loss or premature greying of the hair;

constipation;

tingling or numbness in the hands;

aching muscles and muscle cramps ;

increased cholesterol levels;

poor concentration;

vague aches and pains;

swelling of the legs, arms, hands, feet and face;

hoarseness.

Being a sufferer of hypothyroidism, I recognize all of these symptoms only too well – especially the muscle cramps.

Blood tests can be used to determine if a person has hypothyroidism or not. The levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid stimulating hormones need to be measured. If the diagnosis of hypothyroidism is confirmed by the blood test and a defect in the pituitary or hypothalamus is suspected, a test using an injection of TRH hormone can be carried out by an endocrinologist. If necessary, a scan of the thyroid and an MRI (magnetic resonance image) of the brain can also be done to confirm the cause – i.e. - under-active/defective thyroid, or defective pituitary or hypothalamus. Other causes of hypothyroidism include an iodine deficiency, the autoimmune disorder, Hashimoto Disease, surgery, viruses and bacteria, radiation treatment, some drugs and birth defects.

Once hypothyroidism is diagnosed, treatment will depend on the cause. If the cause is iodine deficiency, this can be treated with iodised salt or iodine rich foods such as seafood and seaweed. If it is caused by one of the other medical problems mentioned above, it can be treated with synthetic thyroxine, which will have to be taken for life.

In addition to thyroxine, the following nutritional and herbal remedies may be helpful:

Eat high iodine foods, as mentioned above.

The vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, E, and the mineral zinc are required for normal thyroid hormone production. Food Sources for these vitamins & zinc are:

- Vitamin A – liver, eggs, yellow fruits, yellow vegetables, whole milk and milk products, fish-liver oil.

- Vitamin B2 – Organ meats, fish and pork, eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt, almonds, chicken, beef kidney, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, wholegrain or enriched cereals, mushrooms.

- Vitamin B3 – beets, Brewer’s yeast, port, turkey, chicken, veal, fish, salmon, swordfish, tuna, sunflower seeds, peanuts, wholegrain or enriched cereals, dried beans and dried peas.

- Vitamin B6 – avocados, bananas, carrots, lentils, brown rice, wheat or rice bran, soybeans, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, tuna, shrimp, salmon, wheat germ, whole-grain flour.

- Vitamin E – cold-pressed oils, eggs, wheat germ, organ meats, molasses, sweet potatoes, leafy vegetables, sunflower seeds, walnuts, peanuts, brazil nuts, cashews, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, wheat germ, soybeans, lima beans, desiccated liver.

- Zinc – pumpkin, squash and sunflower seeds; seafood; oysters; crabmeat; herring, organ meats; mushrooms; Brewer’s yeast; soybeans; eggs; wheat germ; meats; liver; turkey.

Thyroid extracts, iodine, zinc, or tyrosine may be useful for those with mild hypothyroidism;

Herbal remedies include Siberian ginseng and bladder wrack

Undiagnosed hypothyroidism can develop into the potentially deadly disease, myxedema.

SOURCES:

1. HYPOTHRYOIDISM (www.focusonthryoid.com)

2. HYPOTHYROIDISM (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/(Pages)/Hypothyroidism)

3. HYPOTHYROIDISM (www.thyroid.ca/Guides/HG03.html)

4. THYROID CONDITIONS QUICK FACTS, Thyroid Australia Ltd. (www.thyroid.org.au/Information/Conditions.html)

5. HYPOTHYROIDISM by M. Haggerty, Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine (www.findarticles.com/cf_0/g2601/0007/2601000725/print.jhtml)

6. HYPOTHYROIDISM by M. Tran, Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine (www.findarticles.com/cf_0/g2603/0004/2603000445/print.jhtml)

7. TREATMENT OF HYPOTHRYODISM by W. J. Hueston, American Family Physician, Nov 15, 2001 (www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m3225/10_64/80099746/print.jhtml)

8. HYPOTHROIDISM (http://my.webmd.com/healthwise/33/8253.htm)

9. NUTRITION ALMANAC, Fourth Edition, Gayla & Kirschmann,, 1996, McGraw-Hill (for the info. on vitamins.)

THE CURSE OF THE CAVITIES

Apologies to all for my lack of drawing skill but, as you can see, the drawing shows 3 sets of sinus cavities –

the frontal sinuses above each eyebrow;

the ethmoid sinuses between each eye and the nose; and

the maxillary sinuses under each cheek.

A fourth set of sinus cavities, the sphenoid sinuses, is located behind the maxillary sinuses.

Each sinus is an air-filled cavity inside the bones of the skull that decreases the overall weight of the skull. Each sinus is lined by a mucous membrane – that is, by mucous producing cells. Air gets into the sinuses via small openings (ostia) in the bones that connect to the nasal passages. The sinuses warm and moisten inhaled air before it goes to the lungs and the mucus traps the particles of dirt and pollutants that are inhaled. Sinusitis can occur if any of the openings gets blocked because this stops the mucus produced by the membranes lining the sinuses from draining out and it stops the air getting in.

Sinusitis is the inflammation or infection of the mucous membranes. When a membrane becomes inflamed, it swells, further blocking the drainage from the sinuses into the nose and throat and causing pressure and pain in the sinuses. Bacteria and fungi are more likely to grow in sinuses that are unable to drain properly. Sinusitis can be acute or it can be chronic (lasting longer than 12 weeks).

Anything the can cause excess mucus production or increase the risk of bacterial or fungal infections can cause sinusitis. Common causes of sinusitis include:

viral infections that cause the mucous membrane in the nose to become inflamed, blocking drainage from the sinuses

nasal allergies that block the nose

nasal polyps or foreign objects in the nose

structural problems such as a deviated septum

fungal infections

an infected tooth

immotile cilia*

smoke and smoking

air pollutants such an car exhaust fumes

overuse of decongestant nose sprays

snorting illegal drugs up the nose

cold weather or rapid changes in air pressure

swimming in contaminated water

using a ventilator

having an impaired immune system

dust

*All mucous membranes have tiny, waving, hairlike structures called cilia that move the mucus along by vibrating or waving. If the cilia are damaged or defective, this doesn’t occur, resulting in the mucus blocking the sinus or nose. Mercury poisoning of any sort can permanently damage the cilia. This is why people who had Pink Disease are more prone to problems related to immotile cilia such as fertility problems, bronchiectasis, chest infections, sinusitis, and nasal blockages. Cigarette smoking also stops the cilia working temporarily and smoking can cause permanent damage to the cilia.

The symptoms of sinusitis, which can be mild to severely misery inducing, include:

pain and pressure in the face

headache and swelling around the eyes

discoloured discharge from the nose or down the throat

bad breath

stuffy nose

a cough that produces mucus

a sore throat

fever

tooth pain

a reduced sense of taste or smell

general malaise

fatigue and depression

Acute sinusitis, caused by a viral infection such as a cold, often improves on its own. If it doesn’t, or the sinusitis is of the chronic variety, the treatment will depend on the cause. Treatments include antibiotics, antifungals, decongestants and medications that thin mucus (mucolytics), corticosteroids, or in very severe cases, surgery. Home treatments that some sufferers find useful are drinking extra fluids, chicken soup, using heat treatments on the face, breathing in warm, steamy air, the use of saltwater nasal washes, non-prescription pain-killers and decongestants, and blowing the nose gently (so as not to damage the mucous membranes). Herbal treatments include marjoram, honeysuckle, zanthium fruit, peppermint and tangerine peel. Aromatherapy includes basil, black pepper, cedarwood, cypress, eucalyptus, ginger, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, sweet marjoram, myrrh, orange, peppermint, scots pine, tea tree, and sandalwood. Nutrients that may be helpful are Vitamins A & C, potassium, calcium and zinc. Homeopathic remedies are also available, but one of them contains mercury.

Prevention includes treating stuffy noses caused by allergies and viruses quickly, avoiding (if possible) people with viruses, cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke, dust and air pollution. If you are prone to sinusitis, household and personal sprays can trigger it. Strong smelling products, such as perfumes, deodorants, washing powders and liquid, fabric softeners, air fresheners, and powdery substances including talc powders, can cause or aggravate sinusitis in some people. Food can also be a trigger for some sufferers with dairy products and strong, spicy foods being major triggers. Wearing a facemask when doing the housework or gardening will reduce the amount of allergens, dust and fumes breathed in.

SOURCES:

1. www.focusonallergies.com (Medicinenet);

2. http://my.webmd.com/ (see the Health Guide A-Z)

3. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/(Pages)/Sinusitis_is_infection.htm;

4. www.mercola.com;

5. NUTRITION ALMANAC, Fourth Edition, Gayla & Kirschmann,, 1996, McGraw-Hill .

ANAEMIA

The term “anaemia” comes from the Greek and basically means “bloodlessness”.

Anaemia is one of the symptoms of Pink Disease and many people who had Pink Disease are more prone to anaemia than non-Pinkies are. Anaemia isn’t uncommon, particularly in women.

To have anaemia means that you have less red blood cells or less haemoglobin than normal. Haemoglobin is the red pigment that makes the red blood cells “red”. Haemoglobin’s function is to combine with oxygen in the lungs and carry the oxygen from the lungs to the cells. The cells use the oxygen to produce energy. The blood then transports carbon dioxide, which is an unwanted bi-product of energy production, back to the lungs. It is expelled from the lungs when we exhale.

Since getting oxygen to cells for energy production is essential, the lack of red blood cells and/or haemoglobin causes many symptoms, the most common of which are fatigue, paleness, palpitations, shortness of breath, lethargy, dizziness, loss of appetite, mood changes, headaches, irritability, food cravings, abdominal pain and lack of stamina.

Red blood cells are produced by the bone marrow.

Anything that results in loss of blood (including menstruation, colon cancer, regular blood noses, accidents and haemorrhages), bone marrow problems, can cause anaemia because it reduces the amount of blood in the body.

If anything required by the body’s “blood production” process is absent, less red blood cells and haemoglobin will be produced. Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin because haemoglobin contains some iron. Iron comes in two forms –

Heme iron, which is found in meats and is easily absorbed.

Non-heme iron, which is found in cereals and vegetables and is not easily absorbed.

Eating vegetables that contain vitamin C aids in the absorption of non-heme iron. Tea and coffee interfere with absorption and therefore should not be consumed until an hour after eating.

Insufficient iron is the most common cause of anaemia. A lack of vitamins B1, B2, B3, pantothenic acid, or choline results in iron malabsorption because these nutrients are essential for the secretion of hydrochloric acid, which dissolves the iron before it is absorbed. Other causes of iron malabsorption are diarrhoea, chronic use of laxatives and diseases such as sprue and celiac disease. Vitamin E is needed to maintain the health of red blood cells.

Treatment of iron deficiency anaemia requires getting sufficient iron into the body and having enough of the vitamins and minerals that are involved in anything to do with iron absorption. If the lack of iron arises from loss of blood, treating the cause of the blood loss (and therefore iron loss) is essential. The best food sources of vitamins B2, B3 and E are set out above in the segment about Hypothyroidism, and the best food sources of all other vitamins and minerals mentioned can be found at the end of this topic. Iron supplements are commonly used to correct iron deficiency.

Pernicious anaemia is caused by a vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency. It is a very severe form of anaemia in which there is a gradual reduction in the number of blood cells because the bone marrow fails to produce mature red blood cells. The blood cells produced are large, immature, nucleated cells that are the forerunners of red blood cells (mature red blood cells have no nucleus). It can be caused by lack of “intrinsic factor” which is necessary for the absorption of Vitamin B12 or by the inability to absorb nutrients because of gluten sensitivity factor (Celiac disease). Symptoms of pernicious anaemia include weakness, gastrointestinal disturbances, sore tongue, slight yellowing of the skin and tingling of the extremities as well as disturbances of the nervous system, such as partial loss of coordination of the fingers, feet, and legs, nerve deterioration, diarrhoea and loss of appetite.

Pernicious anaemia can be treated with injections, or in milder cases, by dissolving B12 tablets under the tongue, or by high doses of B12 tablets (in very mild cases).

A high folic acid level can mask the existence of a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Apart from lack of iron and/or the nutrients needed in the absorption process of iron, Vitamin B12 and folate, anaemia can be caused by haemolytic disease (caused by antibodies clinging to the surface of red blood cells); bone marrow diseases; bone marrow cancers (leukaemia and multiple myeloma); chemotherapy (which can damage the bone marrow) and kidney failure (due to lack of the hormone necessary to stimulate normal red blood cell production by the bone marrow). Other causes include inherited disorders (thalassaemia, sickle cell disease); drugs (including alcohol, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant medications); infections that reduce the life span of red blood cells (malaria and septicaemia); periods of rapid growth; pregnancy; chronic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis and tuberculosis); and hypothyroidism.

Remember – anaemia has many causes so to treat it effectively, the actual cause must be known. The most common causes are a diet insufficient to meet nutritional needs, and haemorrhage. A good diet with the correct amount of meats/protein foods, vegetables, fruit, oils/fats, carbohydrates and dairy products is a good defence again diet related anaemia and is essential for good health generally.

Some vitamin and mineral food sources include:

Iron – organ meats, meat, eggs, fish, poultry, blackstrap molasses, cherry juice, green leafy vegetables, dried fruits & desiccated liver.

Vitamin B1 – Brewer’s yeast, whole grains, wheat germ, whole-grain flour, rice bran, Blackstrap molasses, brown rice, organ meats, metas, fish & poultry, salmon, pork, egg yolks, legumes, chickpeas, kidney beans, navy beans, soybeans & sunflower seeds.

Folic acid – spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, Brussels sprouts, lima beans, soybeans, organ meats, chicken livers, Brewer’s yeast, root vegetables, whole grains, wheat germ, Bulgur wheat, kidney beans, white beans, oysters, salmon, orange juice, avocado, and milk.

Vitamin B12 – beef, cheese, eggs, fish, clams, milk and milk products, liver, and kidneys.

Pantothenic acid (B5) – Brewer’s yeast, blue cheese, corn, lentils, egg yolks, organ meats, liver, meats, peas, peanuts, soybeans, sunflower seeds, whole-grain flour, lobster, whole grains, wheat germ, salmon.

Choline – table salt, seafood, meats, ripe olives, rye flour, dulse.

Other vitamin B deficiency diseases or symptoms are:

Vitamin B1 – beriberi – muscular weakness, leg cramps, swelling of the heart.

Vitamin B2 – skin lesions around the mouth and lips, sensitivity to light.

Vitamin B3 – pellagra – sunburn like eruption on skin exposed to sunlight, red, swollen tongue, diarrhoea, mental confusion, irritability, depression and mental disturbances.

Vitamin B6 – skin disorders, cracks at the corner of the mouth, a smooth tongue, convulsions, dizziness, nausea and kidney stones.

Sources:

1. Anemia from www.medicinenet.com/Anemia/article.htm

2. Anaemia from www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/(Pages)/Anaemia

3. Anaemia from www.nevdgp.org.au/Pattison/Anaemia/full_ns.htm

4. NUTRITION ALMANAC, Fourth Edition, Gayla & Kirschmann,, 1996, McGraw-Hill (for the info. on vitamins.)

A general source for background information for several parts of this newsletter was Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2002.

Regards,

Di Farnsworth,

PINK DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP CO-ORDINATOR.