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DOCTORS' DIALOGUE
HERPES AND THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION
By Dr. Wayne Diamond, N.D.
Dr. Diamond has had a naturopathic medicine practice for 26 years in Philadelphia.
For the past twenty six years, I have combined my work as
a Naturopathic Physician and a Psychotherapist. In my research, it became
quite apparent that there are very definite psycho-neurological, nutritional,
and glandular processes that stimulate the herpes viruses.
Anyone who has ever experienced herpes outbreaks probably realizes that this
condition can be strongly stimulated by stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety
cause the body to undergo dramatic changes, one of which is the elevation
of body temperature. At these times, temperatures can rise up to one full
degree, and this reaction interferes with nutrient absorption. Excessive heat
may cause evaporation of some of the nutrients before they can be absorbed.
It may also cause nutrients to break down so finely that digestive enzymes
won't work on them, therefore the nutrients are not absorbed properly. When
deprived of this needed nutrition, the body will elevate acid levels both
in concentration and amount. The stomach will have far more acid than needed
to break down food, and the excess will be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Once the over-acid blood reaches the soft tissue of the body, it becomes an
extremely powerful irritant, especially in areas where the herpes virus is
present. These areas are the mouth, sexual organs, or in the case of
herpes
zoster, inflamed or irritated tissue anywhere on the body.
It became absolutely clear in my research that there are two types of stress
that stimulate the mind-body process:
First, internalized emotions, which is a pattern of not expressing feelings
in times of conflict.
Second, indecision or ambivalence will set this mind-body process in motion.
Indecision and ambivalence affect people in a different, yet related, way.
With my patients I have found that when acid levels do rise, the functioning
of the glandular system, which controls immune function, will be greatly reduced.
This occurs because the elevated acid levels limit the flow of blood to the
glands and limit the distribution of enzymes that activate the immune system.
The herpes virus now has an ideal environment to produce an outbreak.
Of course, we all have stress at times, but by understanding how it effects
us, we can try to reduce its effects, maintain a healthy mind-body connection,
and achieve overall mental and physical health. Another critical aspect in
controlling herpes is proper nutrition. It is essential. My research led me
to develop a specialized nutritional program for people who have any form
of herpes. One of the important elements of this program is the issue of pH
(acid/alkalinity). I found that when I started working with a patient who
complained about outbreaks, usually he was consuming large quantities of acid
or acid-producing foods. When I saw this occurring with a large number of
patients, I realized that I had to develop an alkaline-focused nutritional
program. Here is a comprehensive nutritional program to help prevent herpes
outbreak:
- Eat plenty of green vegetables, grains, brown rice, pasta (use white
or pesto sauces instead of tomato), yams, salads (use only a small amount
of dressing), and non-citrus fruit.
- For protein, fish and fowl are best, especially in colder weather. Vegetable
proteins such as beans, tofu, and tempeh (cultured soybeans) are the best.
- Avoid alcohol, white sugar and flour, the seasoning monosodium glutamate
(MSG), white potatoes, fried foods, red meat, tomato products, shellfish,
eggplant, green pepper, hard cheese, excessive dairy products (more than
once a day), vinegar (use only small amounts), black tea, coffee, and
citrus fruit. These foods have a high acid content and stimulate the body
to produce excessive hydrochloric acid (HCL) to facilitate the digestive
process.
- Avoid drinking while eating. It interferes with proper digestion and
promotes high acid buildup in the stomach.
- Another important digestive aid is to eat slowly and chew well.
As a naturopathic physician, I work with the whole person, their nutritional
needs and the use of vitamin and herb supplements to balance their bodily
systems. As I worked with my herpes patients and gathered information on the
disease, I began to develop a special formula. It is an all-natural blend
of vitamins and herbs formulated to prevent chronic viral and bacterial skin
eruptions. It is an effective way to help supply the nutritional support that
can inhibit and overcome devastating skin and health infections, and promote
continued skin health.
The skin is a mirror of your overall health, and the state of our health is
reflected in our lives at home and in the workplace.
Dr. Wayne Diamond is a Naturopath and a Psychotherapist in
full time practice for 26 years in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Diamond has researched
and developed natural formulas, Diamond Etern-L Anti-Aging formula, Diamond
MIND for mental clarity, Healthy Horizons Stress Fighting Multi and Herpanacine
Skin Support System. For more information call (888) 467-4200.
This article was written by Dr. Diamond in discussion of his findings throughout
his career. They are strictly his thoughts and are not intended as a diagnoses
to any issues.
* This article has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and
is not meant to prevent, treat, cure or diagnose any disease.
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