Archive for the ‘Quick Ask - Health’ Category

High Fructose Corn Syrup Question

Wednesday, May 28th, 2008

High Fructose Corn Syrup Question

Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved


Question on healing: Is high fructose corn syrup really that bad? Can’t I eat a little of it and still be ok?

Healing Facilitation Response: I believe high fructose corn syrup plays more than a small role in childhood obesity and strongly suggest not eating it all. HFCS turns off the part of your natural body system alarm that is designed to tell you when you are full. Because you don’t know you are full, you still want to eat.

I’d skip it altogether. The only way manufacturers are going to stop using high fructose corn syrup in foods is if people stop buying and eating the foods that contain it.


Is Taking MSM Safe?

Tuesday, April 8th, 2008

Is MSM safe for longterm use - What are the side effects of taking MSM

Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved


I have taken MSM for pain, inflammation and muscle cramps and have always gotten good results.

I just read something over at the Mayo Clinic website about MSM safety and thought it might be good to post the following guidelines.

According to the article mentioned above, there seems to be a 12-week safety line drawn in the sand.

In other words, MSM is generally considered safe to take for up to 12 weeks and then, even though there is no evidence to suggest that taking MSM longer would result in harm, there is some reason that the safety goes into question after that 12 week period.

I’ve never taken MSM even 12 weeks before, because it usually helps within a week.

I also read that, as is the case with anything else you consume whether food, herbs, vitamins or prescription medicines, that there are some potential side effects to taking MSM. I have never personally experienced any of these.

The side effects mentioned include headache, upset stomach and loose bowels. Obviously, if you expereince any negative side effects when taking MSM, you should adjust dosage or stop taking it. Also, if under a doctor’s care for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, consult with your doctor before adding natural anti-inflammatories.


MSM is not MSG

By the way, I am taking about methylsulfonylmethane ( MSM ) and not monosodium glutamate ( MSG ). Because there is only one letter’s difference in the abbreviation between these two, very different substances, they sometimes get confused.

MSG is a food additive I consider toxic at any level. I believe it should be banned from foods and particularly foods for children as the MSG has more of a chance of causing brain damage in very small children who consume foods heavy in it. Because MSG enhances the flavor of foods, it is heavily used in children’s processed foods, cereals and snacks.

I read on a couple of websites that MSM can cause thinning of the blood as well so if on blood thinners, check with your doctor. I think that’s a good idea before adding anything new, if on blood thinners. Even liquid nutritionals like Goji can cause problems with blood thinners.

Potential skin rashes were also mentioned on a couple of forums on the subject. In general, it’s good to notice any different reactions you might have after taking something new, whether natural or prescription medication as the potential for allergic reaction exists with just about anything you put into your body.


LEAP Mediator Release Testing for IBS

Monday, February 25th, 2008

New Test that may help manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome, from my friend Jill Place

I met Jill when I was in Los Angeles. Jill has been a CAM practitioner for many years and is very knowledgeable in the fields of eating disorders, weight loss and addictions.

I liked Jill immediately. She has a smile to light up any room and is one of the most upbeat people I ever met. I’m on her email list and she just sent me something about IBS that I’d like to pass on to anyone who might be suffering from this condition.

Jill says……

People are always asking me about what to do about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is so common nowadays that it affects one in five Americans and accounts for one out of every 10 doctor visits. The most common symptoms include abdominal bloating, gas and the abnormal bowel discomforts of diarrhea and/or constipation. Doctors can control the symptoms with medication but, unfortunately, the medical model can’t seem to cure it. Not only that, the latest IBS drug, Zelnorm, has recently been recalled as it was found to increase risk of heart attacks, strokes, angina and death

I’ve been treating IBS alternatively quite successfully for 15 years with elimination diets and supplements. But I must admit that I’ve only been successful some of the time. Because there are lots of confounding issues such as food allergies that make IBS difficult to treat. And traditional food allergy testing, at best, fails to identify food sensitivities that may be making you sick. Until now.

Now there’s a better answer to IBS. The Mediator Release Test (MRT) identifies reactions to 150 foods and chemicals that are difficult to diagnose with any other test. It’s 94.5% sensitive and 91.7% specific, which makes it the most sensitive allergy test on the planet! And, coupled, with the LEAP elimination diet based upon the MRT results, it may end your IBS suffering once and for all!

One of my clients, who’s been suffering for years, found her symptoms cut in half TWO WEEKS after beginning the program. “I love not being sick!”, she said. So if you’d like more information, check out “LEAP Mediator Release Testing” in the “Functional Testing” category on the left-hand side of my online store. (ps you have to register first, to access Jill’s online store, and the info for doing that is LEAP Website to find more information on the Mediator Release Testing.

In her email, Jill also indicated that you could call her or email.
Her email address is
jill at supplementsavvyRD dot com
and her phone number is
(888) 237-6875

Are Your Prescription Drugs Off-Label?

Tuesday, January 29th, 2008

Off-Label Prescribing and why it may matter to you
Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved

I learned a new term yesterday. Off-Label Prescriptions. It was kind of a new concept for me and one I had not considered in light of health challenges. Since I almost never have taken a prescription drug in my life, I was not aware of off-label prescribing.

As I understand it, a doctor goes “off-label” when they prescribe larger doses of a medicine than the label suggests or when they prescribe a medicine for a reason other than what it is typically prescribed to treat.

I have always been an advocate of informed healthcare. If you are not actively asking questions of your doctor and your pharmacist, about any prescription drug you are taking, you may be missing vital information that might matter to you.

I suggest education and pro-active partnership with all healthcare professionals to whom you entrust your health.

read more about off-label prescribing

There are legal and ethic questions that are right to ask, about off-label prescriptions and the doctors who prescribe them. I’m not the only one asking questions about that. Here are a few of the questions that Ira Marxe, of Good Health Supplements, is asking:

- Are you an “off-label” guinea pig
with your doctor?

- Quick Quiz: How many drug reps
are there per physician?

- What three minutes causes you to
pay 52 percent more for prescriptions?

- Why were a third of the negative
antidepressant drug studies never published?

full article on off-label prescriptions


Sinus Infections and Sinusitis Remedies

Thursday, January 24th, 2008

Question about natural remedies for sinusitis and how to get rid of sinus infections
Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved

Question on healing:
Do you have any advice for me…. I have terrible congestion in my nose. I have severe allergies and do not like taking Alegra, but it helps only for a while. Do you have a natural remedy for sinusitis or to get rid of sinus infections??? This has been going on for a while. I moved to an office about 3 years ago that has been flooded and there are signs of mold in the bathroom and hall areas.
I take herbal supplements as well but nothing is clearing this up.

Healing Facilitation Response:There are several things I’d do if I were in your position.

First, consider cleansing your environment in a dedicated way. Tea tree oil is excellent for killing bacteria and mold, as well as dust mites. I put about 30 or 40 drops of tea tree oil in with about two cups of water in a spray bottle and mist my mattress, both sides and around the sides as well, and my pillows to kill dust mites.

You can also use tea tree oil to cleanse your bathroom and wherever you smell mold. If you can still smell it, it can still be hurting you.

If you have carpet, I’d suggest getting it taken out. If it’s new, I would strongly suggest sealing it with a non-toxic sealant for carpets to prevent outgassing. If removing the carpet is not feasible, you could spritz with the tea tree oil and water mixture before vacuuming to kill dust mites. Also, if you have pets consider getting Aller-Pet or some other product that will help keep down pet dander.

Now, for the body……Tea tree oil can be helpful there too. I gargle with tea tree oil, sufficiently dilluted with water ( a little goes a long way, I never use more than three drops in a glass of water), and also use the Nutrabiotic Grapeseed Extract and Tea Tree oil ear drops. Both may help with allergies.

Simply Saline or other pure saline washes may be very helpful too. Saline has a soothing and clearing effect on the sinuses and, unlike most over the counter sinus sprays, is non-addicting.

Avoiding perfumes, hairsprays and scented washing powders is also important with severe allergies.

You might want to read about Mangosteen Juice too, because it has wonderful properties including being a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Helpful in a wide range of conditions, it might well assist your body in fighting allergic response.

For allergic reactions already being experienced, I’d recommend reading about natural allergy remedies

And finally, because I am a spiritual wellness counselor, I’d look at emotional issues you may be either suppressing or being overwhelmed by since the sinuses often represent imbalance in the emotional field. A lot of times a severe sinus infection may simply be something surfacing for healing, emotionally. Seeing a counselor or spiritual healer and focusing on emotional issue that may be up for healing is very beneficial.

ps. I just realized the mold is where you work and not in your home.  Same thing though….I’d get permission to clean that up or I’d be looking for a  new job cause, to me, no job is worth your health.


What causes dizziness?

Saturday, January 19th, 2008

Possible causes of unexplained dizziness, not meant to replace medical evaluation to rule out more serious medical reasons

Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved


This is actually a ps. to an earlier post on dizziness and spiritual acceleration in which I addressed blood pressure, blood sugar levels and spiritual acceleration as possible factors in sudden, unexplained dizziness, along with more serious conditions such as brain tumor or stroke.

I just wanted to add that an often over-looked factor in dizziness can be inner ear infection or inner ear damage. I read somewhere, and also believe from my own experience, that most colds and flu enter the body airbourne and through the ear canal. The first thing I notice, most of the time, when I’m catching a cold or the flu is itchy ears.

In any case, inner ear infection or fluid in the inner ear or even damage from earlier chronic childhood ear infections can be a factor in dizziness. Herpes Simplex Virus and shingles can also cause irritation and swelling which, I believe, can contribute to dizziness via the inner ear.

For inner ear infection, see your chosen health care professional. I get great results with the Nutrabiotic grapeseed extract and tea tree oil drops which are available online and at local health food stores in most cases.

If you go to an ear specialist, the treatment will most likely include antibiotics of some sort. However you choose to get any diagnosed infection out of the way, you should be able to tell then if inner ear problems were a factor in the dizziness because if so, it should abate.

I am not a doctor and do not diagnose or prescribe. I provide educational resources about helping the body heal through holistic and spiritual avenues. What you do with that information is up to you and your responsibility.


Dizziness and Spiritual Acceleration

Saturday, January 19th, 2008

How a spiritually aware being might deal with sudden, unexplained dizziness and nausea

Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved


I just got an email from a person I’ve been working with as a spiritual counselor. This person is going through a time of tremendous visions and awakening and also experiencing some physical symptoms that are frightening, namely sudden, unexplained dizziness so acute as to feel as if throwing up is imminent.

I have to be very careful in this land of the free and home of the brave, in how I handle such requests for guidance. The concern put to me by this person was that perhaps they should go to the emergency room or see a doctor to rule out medical conditions.

I think it’s important to know how your body is handling acceleration so I do believe in diagnostic testing and feedback. For me personally, I do not get that from doctors unless that is the ony place left to turn. In my awareness of the medical profession, it is an industry that still mainly treats symptoms not cause and that, for the most part, completely ignores the spiritual component in both the creation of illness and disease and the healing of it in the body.

So, whenever possible, I elect to get medical information outside the doctor’s office but I also realize that this is a highly personal choice and certainly not for everyone. A person must take responsibility for their health and well-being and if that means a trip to the emergency room, then I believe the person with that need should do just exactly that.

Having said that and hopefully covering my behind from any whiff of diagnosing, I would say two causes of dizziness could be ruled out without that trip to the office. Those two things are low blood pressure and low blood sugar.

A blood pressure cuff used when dizziness is present will tell whether low blood pressure is happening. A glucose monitor can alert a person to low blood sugar issues that might then require more testing and treatment.

Before we rush off to the emergency room, why not look around and see if there is technology available that would put more of our health care in our own hands, without risking our health?

Other, more serious causes of sudden, unexplained dizziness include brain tumors and stroke. With strokes, a person may also have a severe headache, slurred speech, vision problems in one eye, weakness to one side of the body or other symptoms. These more serious health conditions should be ruled out medically.

Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved


Healing Facilitation Response:

Here is the response I gave this person, again repeating that I’m dealing with someone who recognizes that the body can manifest imbalance as a result of spiritual acceleration and that actual physical treatment needed may vary according to how well the person balances spiritually:

Yes, you should probably get yourself checked out. What I did was borrow a blood pressure machine from someone and check my blood pressure during the dizzy spells (I’ve had them off and on since about 1993, sometimes so bad I could not stand up). My blood pressure was a little low but not low enough to cause fainting.

Then I got a $20 test kit at the drug store to check my blood sugar. Aha. It was very low. So I researched low blood sugar diets and started eating more protien and less carbs. It helped a lot but the biggest thing that helps is reducing stress and anxiety.

Then, I found out about a test that costs $20. I bet someone around where you live has it, probably check with your local health store….

It is an FDA-approved test that will show if there is anything wrong with your blood flow and heart function. It’s very detailed and can show blockages, artery damage, etc.

It’s called the Digital PulseWave Analyzer.

My tests showed only what is considered normal loss of arterial strength for my age.

This is my way. Your way should be whatever it takes to ease your mind. If that means going to the emergency room, then that’s what it takes.

Having said that and clearly saying that I believe you should know what the medical implications might be and what your body might be manifesting in the way of imbalances like hypoglycemia, low blood pressure, etc., I will also inform you that spiritual acceleration can cause dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps and a host of other ailments. For example, i was so dizzy this morning i almost fainted. I don’t know if i was picking up yours or you were picking up mine but the reality is that we are changing our very dna. We are becoming Divinely Human. That means our bodies are literally being transformed. It is not always easy.

I wrote about picking up feelings from those in your spiritual circle in my spiritual prophecy ebook way back in 1996 because I knew it was going to be happening more and more as we became more empathic and as our dna changed to a more fluid, spiritual machine.

It’s important to take steps to give the body what it needs to balance. In my case, it needs protien. I got that loud and clear. In your case, it may need something else. Meditate on this and see if you get guidance. If not, call on your nutritional expert……..and you can also call me for a session on this but not til after Monday, as I have someone coming for work.

Sending supportive energy. Love, Neva


Cerebral Palsy Support

Friday, December 21st, 2007

Related Health Article:
Bell’s Palsy - Information, Resources and Beneficial Supplements

Forum for those with Cerebral Palsy

I just came across this forum that has been started, specifically for people with cerebral palsy, who want to connect with others who have this health challenge. In addition to other resources with good cerebral palsy information, this forum may provide a more personal space for communication, sharing and support. It is a patient-to-patient forum, which means you’ll be talking with other people who have the condition and can ask about treatments, how to handle the special challenges of a child with CP and more.

When I visited the cerebral palsy forum, new posts addressed Static Encephalopathy, CP and Multiple Sclerosis, paralisis cerebral and melanomalasia.

Topics listed as being appropriate for discussion on the forum include equipment such as walkers, orthotics and wheelchairs, treatments including oxygen therapy, biofeedback and suit therapy, and posts regarding financial issues, insurance issues, etc.

Looks like a good place for getting some real cerebral palsy information from real people who either have cerebral palsy or have a child who has it.


Related Health Article:
Parkinson’s Disease - Information, Resources and Beneficial Supplements

Digestive Enzymes Questions

Sunday, December 16th, 2007

Frequently asked questions about Digestive Enzymes
Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved

Digestive Enzymes FAQ
I’ve been taking digestive enzymes for a week and I can’t tell any difference. How long does this take?

Healing Facilitation Response:
Supplemental digestive enzymes can assist with a more complete digestive process which will eventually bring your system back into balance and eliminate the problem. This process typically takes 45-60 days.

Though you may see positive results before that but, perhaps, not as soon as one week’s time. The key here, however, is to adopt an enzyme regimen and stick with it. If you don’t stick with it your wasting your money.

Typically, enzyme specialists suggest taking at least a couple of high-quality, plant-source digestive enzyme capsules with each meal along with a daily dose of a good pro-biotic before retiring.

Digestive Enzymes FAQ:
I’m having more gas and bloating than I was before I started the enzymes. Is that normal?

Healing Facilitation Response:
Depending on the state of your digestive and eliminatory systems at the time you started taking digestive enzymes, yes, it is fairly common to experience gas and bloating at first or even an increase in discomfort at first.

This effect is like any detoxifying process and is an indication that the enzymes are working to your benefit. If discomfort lasts more than a week, look at your water intake, your fiber intake, and talk to the person you got the enzymes from. Hopefully, you’ve chosen a company with good customer support. The one I use and the company I trust is Enzyme Essentials.


more information on gas and bloating

Do holistic health and prescription drugs mix?

Sunday, December 16th, 2007

Cautions on Mixing Natural and Prescription meds
Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved

Question on healing:
Can I practice holistic healing when I also am under a medical doctor’s care?

Healing Facilitation Response:
Probably not. The exception would be if you have sought out one of the medical doctors who recognizes the value of adjunctive therapies, nutritional support and holistic remedies that can sometimes replace more dangerous prescription drugs.

When one has immersed themselves in the medical model of treatment, it can become extremely difficult if not impossible for a holistic health counselor to make any really useful supplement suggestions.

This is due, in part, to the fact that there are so very many drug interactions, particularly with the newer treatment pills. Not only might your prescription drugs interfere with herbs but they may even interfere with certain types of food, such as grapefruit, dark greens and others.

I would be hesitant to suggest adding anything at all while you are taking all these various prescription medications and certainly not before discussing it with your doctor and with your pharmacist. By the way, your pharmacist may know more about your prescription drugs than your doctor. After all, drugs is the entire focus of the pharmacy industry.

I an provide holistic health suggestions for most health challenges that people deal with but I certainly cannot say whether any of the suggestions I might have would interfere with a prescription drug or not.

IMPORTANT: If a person chooses to try the holistic route of healing, they are deciding to self-treat and self-monitor the effects of that treatment. They are doing so at their own risk. Going off any prescription medication may be unwise. Self-treatment entails being responsible for your body, in ways that many are not comfortable with being, so if the medical model is providing substantial relief, a person might be better off to just stick with that.

I provide holistic suggestions, under the parameters of self-responsibility outlined above, and I’m happy provide that service but the bulk of my greatest gift is to those who are not already treating with a variety of prescription drugs and those who are open to non-physical factors in the creation of disease, namely spiritual, mental and emotional causative factors.


more on using prescription drugs and holistic health remedies together

are your prescription drugs safe?