(Dr. Stephen Holt's 3rd visit to Power Surge)


Dearest:   My guest tonight 
is Stephen Holt, M.D. Dr. Holt has practiced 
medicine since 1972. A Professor of Medicine, Scientist, Board 
certified 
gastroenterologist and internist in the U.S., U.K. and Canada, 
with higher 
training in nutrition, clinical pharmacology and medicine of 
addictions. 

Most of Dr. Holt's referred patients have been seen by several 
physicians 
previously and they often have complex disorders. Dr. Holt is 
the author 
of 12 books including the Random House bestseller, The Soy Revolution and 
Combat Syndrome X, Y & Z
; The Antiporosis 
Plan and his newest book due 
out next month, The 
MenoPlan: Natural Ways to Healthy Menstruation and 
Menopause. 

Dr. Holt is a frequent guest lecturer at scientific meetings 
and a popular 
media expert on therapeutics. It's a pleasure to welcome you 
back to Power 
Surge, Dr. Holt. 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   It's a 
great pleasure always to be on Power Surge.
I thank you all for the many questions you've sent and I hope 
that my 
answers have been helpful. 


Dearest:   Dr. Holt, what 
exactly is osteoporosis, and why do doctors, who 
routinely prescribe mammograms and pap smears, neglect to pay 
attention
to checking a woman's bone density? 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   That's a 
very good question.  Osteoporosis is best 
described as porous or thin bones.  In simple terms, think of 
strong bones 
as a thick bowl and weak ones as a clay planter. Drop them both 
and the 
planter will break more easily. 

I don't understand why many doctors are not tuned into 
osteoporosis which 
is a tragic, but preventable, disease. 


Dearest:   Does having 
arthritis in any way predispose a person to 
osteoporosis? Is there some connection? If so, should a woman 
with 
arthritis have a bone density test at an earlier age? 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   Arthritis 
and osteoporosis go hand in hand.  Many 
people with thin bones have creaky joints from osteoporosis.  
You could 
say that arthritis decreases mobility and this can lead to thin 
bones or 
aggravate osteoporosis.  I would definitely advise bone density 
testing 
for anyone with any type of arthritis.  Furthermore, the 
symptoms of 
osteoporosis can mimic arthritis.  I want to stress that women 
and men 
should not wait until they get osteoporosis.  In my book, "The 
Antiporosis 
Plan", I make a bold statement that it is never too early or 
too late to 
combat osteoporosis. 


SuzSings2u:  I had recently been doing exercises that I believe 
are based 
on isometrics or pressing together, and have alot of aches from 
doing it, 
and wonder is this a symptom of arthritis or something related 
to 
osteoporosis. I would like to say, that I'm without period for 
2 years, 
and also physically fit and also ache where I had broken 
shoulders years 
back. 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   Not 
necessarily.  Without knowing more, it sounds 
like you have muscle and/or skeletal strain from exercising.  
The real 
significance of osteoporosis is that it causes bone fractures 
in later 
life and robs mature people of their quality of life.  We need 
to 
understand just how dangerous osteoporosis really is for the 
elderly 
especially.  Thin bones predispose to hip fractures and hip 
fractures 
result often in prolonged disability, loss of ability to live 
independently and, in some cases, death occurs.  Osteoporosis 
is more 
common in women than men. Prevention is the key. No woman 
should wait to 
be tested. 


Julie11:  What natural hormone replacement would you recommend? 
I am 
surgically menopausal.(TAH) 


Dearest:   You can read more 
about Dr. Holt's MenoPlan at:

www.power-surge.com/educate/holt_menoplan.htm
and about antiporosis at www.power-
surge.com/educate/holt_antiporosis.htm


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   First, do 
not assume that hormone replacement, 
natural or otherwise, is the best approach to osteoporosis.  
Building bone 
strength involves many issues that I describe in my book "The 
Antiporosis 
Plan". 

My plan is a truly holistic plan. It includes lifestyle 
changes, 
exercises, good nutrition, the management of any illnesses that 
cause 
osteoporosis and the first line use of natural bone-boosting 
supplements.  
In brief, I am not supportive of hormone replacement therapy as 
a first-
line therapy but a combination of estrogen and calcium is very 
important 
in reversing osteoporosis. 

I need to tell people that managing osteoporosis is not just 
down to 
calcium.  There are many bone-building supplements to consider.  
Let me 
give you a list: Calcium heads the list and Vitamin D intake is 
necessary 
for the efficient use of calcium especially for bone building.  
Other 
important elements are magnesium, boron, copper, zinc, and 
Vitamin C. 

To focus in on your question, there are two naturally occurring 
substances 
that have estrogen-like effects with major bone-building 
properties.  The 
first are soy isoflavones which are sometimes considered to be 
a form of 
natural HRT. Evidence exists that soy isoflavones are effective 
bone 
builders.  The second substance is called ipriflavone. This 
natural 
substance is chemically related to soy isoflavones and is 
highly effective 
in building bones in a safe manner.  It is so effective that it 
has been 
used as a prescription drug in Europe but is over the counter 
in the US. 

My research in bone health has led to my use of all of these 
substances 
together to form one dietary supplement called Antiporosis.  
This is the 
most natural and complete supplement for bone health. It is 
more than just 
calcium but does include 100% of the RDA, in addition to the 
other 
substances I mentioned. 

Every woman over the age of 30 years should consider using many 
of the 
bone-building natural substances that I have mentioned.  I 
stress that 
prevention through nutrition and supplemental support is one of 
the best 
things that a woman can do to prevent problems in later life. 


Dearest:   Antiporosis 
includes 1,000 milligrams of absorbable calcium 
from egg shells and coral calcium together (plus vitamins C, K, 
B6, B12, 
folic acid and D3 and other ingredients). There are various 
types of 
calcium supplements, from calcium citrate and carbonate to 
coral and egg 
shell calcium. Is one form of calcium better than the others to 
prevent or 
minimize the further development of osteoporosis? 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   This 
question is important and I shall try to keep 
the answer short, but for the answer to be complete it is very 
long.  
Calcium is calcium is calcium.  In other words, getting calcium 
into the 
body is a good thing regardless of the source. Some forms of 
calcium are 
better absorbed than others but calcium absorption is affected 
by many 
factors, particularly the taking of Vitamin D. I am going to 
reiterate 
that calcium is a star player in bone health, but it is not the 
whole 
story. I believe that all forms of calcium that are well 
tolerated are 
good. 

My own favorites are eggshell calcium and coral calcium because 
they are 
more than just calcium, they are holistic mineral supplements. 


Dearest:   There is 
additional information about Dr. Holt's formulations at 
Natures Benefit 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   Better 
absorbed forms of calcium such as calcium 
citrate have no real advantages.  Rather than just concerning 
ourselves 
with how much calcium is absorbed, we need to look at the 
clinical 
outcome.  

Eggshell calcium, for example, in the form of "Natures 
Calcium", a 
product that I developed, is supported by strong science that 
has shown 
improvement in bone density in both humans and animals. 
Eggshell calcium 
has a very good nutrient profile with 17 trace elements besides 
the 
calcium.  It is the cleanest type of calcium known to man. By 
clean I mean 
no heavy metal contaminants. 


DebbieSchmitz:  I am having ALOT of upper gas lately with 
pressure in my 
chest, but once I burp several times, the pressure goes away 
and I am 
wondering if that is a part of menopause or could it be from 
using soy. 
I'm 44.


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   I shall 
make the most likely virtual diagnosis on the 
Internet but I could be wrong.  I am talking to you about the 
most common
cause of gas in the stomach. If your symptoms are persistent, 
you must see 
your own doctor.  

Usually, the cause of this is swallowing air or eating quickly.  
There are 
are many other aggravating symptoms that you can have, and many 
disorders 
that can cause this problem.  For example, poor eating habits, 
reflux of 
stomach acid, food allergies, but your symptoms are not 
commonly due to 
soy.  Of course, menopause can present itself in almost any 
way, it is a 
great mimic.  If you want to test whether or not you are 
swallowing, there 
is a simple trick.  Watch yourself in the mirror for a while 
and see if 
you can catch yourself swallowing air. 

Let me caution everyone. Diagnoses over the Internet are not 
reliable and 
you should always seek medical advice for any persistent of 
troubling 
symptoms. 


Meryl:  I take Prevacid and Reglan. Do they inhibit calcium 
absorption?


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   Good 
question.  You are taking a drug that is a 
potent inhibitor of stomach acid and stomach acid is needed for 
optimum 
absorption of calcium.  Therefore, I would recommend that you 
take a 
calcium supplement and consider other vitamins that can be 
depleted when 
you have no stomach acid.  Depletion of vitamin B can occur 
with Prevacid, 
especially B12.  I would guess that you have severe GERD if you 
are on 
this combination of medications.  That is, you have reflux of 
acid and 
presumably recurrent heartburn. 

Reglan is a drug that has many side effects and can cause some 
unpleasant 
symptoms of anxiety.  However, Reglan doesn't interfere with 
calcium 
absorption.  Reglan can make people feel anxious sometimes.  I 
use it only 
as a last measure in treatment because of the common side-
effect profile 
of causing unpleasant central nervous system symptoms.  You 
would enjoy 
reading my book on "Natural Ways to Digestive Health" 
which focuses on a 
lot of natural approaches to reflux disorders.  There are many 
lifestyle 
changes from which you can benefit.  Thank you for your 
question. 


Dearest:   You can find Dr. 
Holt's books at 
www.wellnesspublishing.com 


Anita:  I have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress 
Disorder 
following my son's accident.  I am now post-menopausal (51).
Are the symptoms much the same? 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   There can 
be symptoms that are shared among the 
disorders that you mentioned.  The menopause can be related to 
stress, as 
can be the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Post Traumatic 
Stress Disorder 
has many manifestations from depression to anxiety to panic 
attacks. Some 
of these symptoms are seen also in menopause transition. I 
would suggest 
that you talk to your doctor, but I have one suggestion.  
Consider taking 
a natural viable alternative to hormone replacement therapy 
that can help 
the symptoms of menopause.  I have interest in the product 
MenoPlan, but 
there are many products that you can try which are natural. 

The MenoPlan, I believe, is quite complete and it can only help 
in the 
decision about which symptoms are menopause related vs which 
are due to 
the Post Traumatic Stress.  You must consider counseling to 
overcome the 
Stress, which tends to heal over time. 


Dearest:   Read more about 
Dr. Holt's MenoPlan at

www.power-surge.com/educate/holt_menoplan.htm


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   You can 
read more about MenoPlan at the link that 
Dearest gave you above.  My new book on The MenoPlan should be 
out in 
about 6 weeks, I have had writer's cramp. 


Marlo:  I bought coral calcium for my husband. I take another 
calcium with 
boron and D. I have a little arthritis in my neck and back.  
Which one 
would you suggest for me? I am menopausal for four years. I 
heard that the 
fossilized ones aren't that good. The one from the ocean is 
better. 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   Good 
question.  Coral calcium is a holistic mineral 
supplement and I recommend that you have a look at www.NaturesBenefit.com 
where there are 5 different types of coral calcium.  In 
general, the 
amount of calcium in coral calcium isn't enough calcium.  So, 
taking extra 
calcium is often ok, providing that there are no circumstances 
where 
excess calcium is a problem.  For example, kidney failure. 


Dearest:   You can read more 
about this at
www.power-
surge.com/educate/holt_antiporosis.com


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   You may 
have osteoporosis - get a bone density scan 
and educate yourself by going to the link that Dearest provided 
for you. 


Sass:  What can we do about gastrointestinal problems? I have 
always had 
them, but after menopause they irritate me more. I get gas more 
often. It 
rolls around my gut and sometimes comes out! Imodium AD 
Advanced helps,
a little. What can I take or eat to alleviate this? This also 
seems to be 
related to the times of the month when I would be menstruating 
or 
ovulating. I still keep track of the days these would occur and 
usually 
this is when my gastrointestinal problems occur. I am 59 and 2 
years 
without a period. I have had a bone scan and do not have 
osteoporosis. 
Thank you for your help Dr. Holt. I will look for your new 
book.  


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   Please 
reflect upon whether or not you may benefit 
from a natural menopause supplement. Dearest has provided this 
information.  Please consider reading my book "Natural Ways to 
Digestive 
Health". Please understand that simple digestive upsets can be 
the 
presentations of more serious gastrointestinal disorders.  At 
your age, if 
your symptoms are persistent, you must have some testing of 
your digestive 
track. 


Sass:  I had an upper GI series last month and that is fine. 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   The 
commonist causes of your symptoms are not due to 
serious disease, they are most often due to upset of digestive 
function or 
lack of balance in digestive function. 


An Upper GI series may not be enough, given your symptoms.  
These days 
everyone over the age of 50 years should be screened for colon 
cancer.
I do not with to frighten you but you need a proper evaluation.  
While you 
are undergoing this evaluation, there is no problem with you 
seeking 
symptomatic relief from natural supplements but tell your 
doctor what you 
are taking.  I developed a product called Balance" and it can 
be found on 
www.naturesbenefit.com
.  You should see your doctor before self-medicating. 


Lin:  After giving blood in 2003 and Jan of 2004, the Carter 
Blood Care 
Center records show my cholesterol went from 190 to 232. Should 
I consult 
an internist or family physician for further testing? (age 50, 
I take 
Zoloft nightly) 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   First, 
this kind of high blood cholesterol is nothing 
to panic about. See your internist and get a proper cholesterol 
profile.  
There are many reasons why your blood cholesterol could go up 
and I doubt 
that it is related to the blood transfusion.  You are in the 
perimenopause 
and the first line for lowering the cholesterol is exercise, 
good diet. 

There are many ways of lowering cholesterol with supplements.  
Good 
approaches include 25 grams of soy protein daily, consider Revival Soy, 
fish oil, garlic, and increased amounts of soluble fiber. 

Let me guess that you may be one of the 70 million Americans 
with Syndrome X. 


Dearest:   You can read more 
about Syndrome X at
www.power-
surge.com/educate/holt_syndromex.htm.
You can read a transcript about Syndrome X at

www.power-surge.com/transcripts/holt.htm


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   Syndrome X 
is a combination being overweight, high 
blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, all linked by 
resistance to the 
hormone insulin.  You do not need to have all of these problems 
together 
to have a diagnosis of Syndrome X.  Please take a moment to 
look at the 
links given by Dearest above. 

I am very interested in Syndrome X and have written 3 books on 
it.
It is much more common than people realize. Syndrome X loads 
the gun
and menopause pulls the trigger.  It is a lifestyle disease, 
helped
by positive lifestyle change, good exercise and nutrition. 


Qumum:  I have osteoarthritis in low back that is quite painful 
and 
difficult to get moving in the morning or even other times. All 
pain 
medications don't agree with stomach. Is there anything else 
that would 
help at this late date? 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   It is hard 
to assess what type of arthritis you may 
have, or the extent.  Plain acetaminophen (Tylenol) or natural 
supplements 
may help.  Good evidence reports that glucosamine, along with 
other 
supplements, has to be shown to help.  There is more 
information on the 
Nature's Benefit site listed about for a product called 
SupraFlex that 
would help.  There are many types of substances that can help 
arthritis 
and many are found in the SupraFlex. 

Try to avoid aspirin and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs).  
They are a common cause of gastro-intestinal problems, 
bleeding, liver 
toxicity and reduction in kidney function.  While they are 
commonly used 
for arthritis, they cause so many side effects that they are a 
public 
health concern.  Consider natural options first.  Have you 
tried exercise 
and lifestyle change? 


Dearest:   Dr. Holt, I'm 
curious about something. I'm reading so much 
information these days about statin drugs - cholesterol 
lowering 
medication such as Lipitor and Zocor - as to preventing heart 
disease, 
Alzheimer's, et al. What are your thoughts on statin drugs? 
Thanks. 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   I think 
statin drugs are generally over prescribed at 
the expense of considering natural ways of lowering blood 
cholesterol. 
Statin drugs are expensive and they commonly cause liver 
problems.  Some 
have serious side effects causing muscle weakness and some have 
been 
removed from the market because they caused death.   European 
medical 
literature stresses that these drugs are most beneficial and 
effective for 
people with established risk of heart disease or those with 
established 
heart disease.  While they effectively lower blood cholesterol, 
some do 
not improve good cholesterol (HDL). 

Recent research has shown that mature women do not tolerate low 
levels of 
good cholesterol (HDL).  Therefore, if there are other 
alternatives such 
as natural supplements or diet, I would always try the natural 
solution 
first. 

That said, billions of people have been placed on these drugs 
and many 
prescriptions may not have been necessary had other options 
been tried.
I am upset by TV commercials that tell people that diet and 
exercise do 
not work to lower blood cholesterol and that the people were 
then 
prescribed a drug. That drug is always a statin drug. I think 
that this is 
misleading advertising.  The first line option should be diet 
and 
exercise. 

Again, I want people to think about Syndrome X. High blood 
cholesterol 
goes along with this, as well as weight gain, high blood 
pressure.  Just 
losing weight is bad medical practice. these problems must all 
be tackled 
together since Syndrome X affects so many people.


Dearest:   Read more at 
www.power-surge.com/educate/holt_syndromex.htm 


Debrikkia:  3 years ago my cholesterol was 121, with most of 
that being 
HDL.  2 months ago it was over 350 with most being LDL. Through 
diet it's 
now at 269, HDL at 81.  What elements could have caused this 
"spike"? 
(Surgical menopause 13+ years ago. I am age 53 now.) 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   There are 
many factors that could have caused this 
shocking increase in cholesterol.  At the risk of being boring, 
I would 
guess that you have Syndrome X.  Did you put weight on? Is your 
blood 
pressure on the brink? Have you had a check of blood glucose or 
a test for 
diabetes?  That said, poor diet, lack of exercise and other 
lifestyle 
changes could cause this spike, as well as other causes. 


Debrikkia:  No blood glucose testing.  My blood pressure fine.  
I just 
lost 14 pounds through dieting. 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   It could 
be anything, such as thyroid disease, a lot 
of stress, anything could have done this. 


Debrikkia:  Alot of stress could be a real factor? 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   Stress 
alone generally doesn't raise cholesterol that 
much.  You may have Syndrome X because you do not need all the 
components 
to have the diagnosis. 


Dearest:   Read more about 
Syndrome X at
www.power-
surge.com/educate/holt_syndromex.htm
It's all in the Educate Your Body library at
www.power-
surge.com/educate.htm. 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   You have 
two components which include having been 
overweight and the high blood cholesterol. This probably means 
that you 
have insulin resistance.  Go to the link that Dearest just 
posted about 
Syndrome X and see if you fit the picture. 


Mermaid:  What do you recommend dietarily to build good bone 
strength for 
someone who has problems taking vitamins and dairy products?  A 
doctor had 
a pharmacist make up a special calcium and magnesium for me and 
even that 
hurt my stomach!  The only product that I can safely take is 
Tums!  What 
about those of us with kidney stones?  How might we avoid 
contributing to 
them further with additional calcium? 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   This 
question is complex.  Let me please emphasize 
that osteoporosis is not down to calcium alone.  Your 
sensitivity to 
vitamins and so on may be due to the form in which you are 
taking them.
I spent a great deal of time earlier talking about bone-
boosting elements 
in the product Antiporosis.  Ingredients such as eggshell 
calcium should 
not upset the stomach in most people.  The eggshell calcium is 
in very 
small particles.  I am encouraging everyone to read my book 
because it is 
very important. 

We're taking our bones for granted and they cause problems in 
later life.  
The thing about osteoporosis - don't get it! Osteoporosis drugs 
have the 
most severe side effects of all the drugs.  In order for 
everyone here to 
help themselves prevent osteoporosis, everyone here will get a 
free copy 
of my book. 

Bone loss occurs at the time of menopause.  Every mature woman 
must think 
about preventing osteoporosis.  You have no excuse not to think 
about it 
when I give you a free book, "The Antiporosis Plan". 


Cari:  I am 52 and recently diagnosed with bi-lateral 
Kienböcks disease 
(avascular necrosis of the lunate) which makes me a great 
candidate for 
osteoporosis. Is there any specific advice I should be 
following? Thanks 
in advance. 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   You have 
raised an issue that I want participants to 
consider that is assessing their risk of having thin bones or 
osteoporosis.  Risks include Lifelong calcium deficiency, lack 
of 
exercise, alcohol, smoking, excess animal protein, caffeine, 
excessive 
salt in the diet, Vitamin D deficiency.  People are at great 
risk if they 
have a family history, Caucasian and of northern European 
descent.  Lack 
of estrogen, early menopause, and women who have a late onset 
of periods 
are other risk factors. 


Tammie:  Doctor, what are your thoughts on soy and thyroid 
function? How 
does thyroid affect menopause? What supplements support thyroid 
function? 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   I don't 
think that there's any evidence that there is 
a significant problem with soy and thyroid function.  This 
whole issue 
about thyroid disorders and soybeans is largely propaganda from 
people who 
criticize soy in the diet in some causes because they are paid 
because 
they are paid by the meat, dairy and other lobbies to downplay 
the health 
benefits of soy.  I do not believe that the inclusion of soy 
causes any 
problem with thyroid in adults.  I do not know why people keep 
responding 
to this kind of propaganda from the anti-soy brigade.  They 
take small 
quotes and blow them out of proportion.  Please read my book 
"The Soy 
Revolution".  Well prepared soy foods and extracts of soybeans 
are most 
healthy. 


Bevrp:  Is it normal to get a period after not having one for 
19 months? I 
am 44. 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   Any 
prolonged period of lack of menstruation should 
be assessed by a doctor.  That said, this could be a sign of 
menopause, 
but you are on the young side.  There are a number of lost 
periods such 
as: excessive arduous exercise, rapid weight loss, coexisting 
illnesses, 
etc.   Either way, check with your physician.  Chances are, the 
explanation will be simple.  Women who go through early 
menopause usually 
have a lot of symptoms. 


U2-me:  I have osteoporosis at 40 years old from taking the 
evil 
prednisone for 8 years to control lupus, and also autoimmune 
thyroid.
I was injecting calcitonin for a year but it didn't help much.  
Now I take 
Actonel and Calcitriol.  What about Iproflavone or 
Hydroxyapatite?  


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   You have 
mentioned a common cause of what is called 
secondary osteoporosis.  That is drugs such as steroids.  Other 
drugs can 
cause osteoporosis including: immunosuppressant drugs, 
thyroxin, 
anticonvulsant and cancer chemotherapy.  You are on some 
heavyweight 
medications to stop the osteoporosis. I think you will benefit 
from 
reading my book.  

I am asking you to ask your doctor about adding a nutritional 
approach for 
management.  The supplements are at least complementary to the 
drugs you 
are taking.  Ipriflavone could help you and it is found in 
Antiporosis.  
Check with your doctor.  Hydroxyapatite is usually cow meal 
calcium or 
bone meal.  It has no advantages over calcium carbonate of 
eggshell 
calcium, in my opinion. It can sometimes have heavy metal and 
is not my 
preferred form of calcium.  Your doctor could be looking at 
anti-gravity 
exercises, positive changes in lifestyle, management of 
illnesses you have 
and monitoring you for your side effects from the medication 
you are 
taking now.  Please try to stay mobile.


Ninny:  If we took supplements for everything they are 
recommended for 
wouldn't we be taking too many.  I get confused about which 
ones to take. 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   There are 
many dietary supplements on the market that 
are frankly useless.  The time has come for increased public 
education.  
That is why I have spent so much time writing books on 
nutritional 
management.  My practice in New York is quite small because of 
my many 
commitments but it may shock you to know that many of my 
patients are 
doctors who are confused by supplements that they are taking 
and, 
surprisingly, they take too many which interfere with each 
other and cause 
problems just like mixing too many drugs together.  My answer 
may have 
shocked you, but you must educate yourself. 

Let me make it clear. No supplement is a substitute for a 
healthy diet.  
Dietary supplement research has increased dramatically and we 
now have 
good evidence that food substances and botanicals or vitamins 
have real 
healing powers.  Most of the routine supplements available 
achieve very 
little for many people.  Dietary supplement companies sometimes 
make 
ridiculous claims of benefits.  Things are changing, 
fortunately, where 
products are more evidence-based, especially when combined in 
formulations.  Most dietary supplement companies do not even 
have a 
scientist on their staff.  I am proud to tell you that my 
success in making
dietary supplements has come from my experience and knowledge 
of 
nutrition and practicing for 30 years. 

It never ceases to amaze me when I see TV commercials for 
companies
which offer false promises and people fall for them.  It is 
down to education 
and consumers are now much better educated.  There are many 
serious
people in the dietary supplement industry and they are trying 
to make
real promises but they have more than their fair share of of 
false
promises.  Look at the person offering advice on health care.
The issue is buyer beware and better be educated. 


Dearest:   I live with a lot 
of anxiety. What foods, lifestyle and/or 
natural supplements would you recommend as the most effective 
for 
controlling anxiety? L-theanine? L-tryptophan? Inositol or is 
there a 
formula you make and can recommend - so many of us live with so 
much 
anxiety especially during the menopausal years. 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   Anxiety is 
really fear.  Anxiety creates a stress 
response that is very unhealthy for the mind and body.  

I would start with a behavioral approach.  Look inside yourself 
and keep a 
diary about the events that provoked the anxiety.  Try with 
every trigger 
to anxiety to use a relaxation response technique, take a deep 
breath and 
ask yourself what is the worst thing that can happen to me?  
You may then 
understand that much of your anxiety is based on groundless 
fear. 

Therefore, you need to look at many aspects of your lifestyle 
that may be 
contributing. Lifestyle has domains including exercise, good 
nutrition, 
activities that promote well-being, support of psychological 
well-being 
and many other issues. Make note about what causes your 
anxiety. 

One of the biggest causes of anxiety that is not obvious is 
lack of sleep.  
People do not understand that sleep depravation is a key 
trigger to 
anxiety and poor mental performance. I make a long discussion 
of this in 
my book called "Sleep Naturally". 

The subject of anxiety is very complicated.  Anxiety, when 
prolonged, 
leads to depression and it is often a symptom of depression.  
Anxiety must 
be controlled by all means possible.  I think that L-theanine 
found in 
green tea is a very valuable supplement for anxiety and I have 
included in 
this in my product called MenoPlan. Anxiety is very common 
component of 
perimenopause and PMS.  There are many herbs for calming nerves 
including 
chamomile, valerian, and passion flower.  I also belive in the 
use of 
lemon balm. 

Again, I talk about the relaxation response which can be 
facilitated by 
enjoyment of activity and even simple measures like aroma 
therapy.  The 
simplest and often most effective intervention is to take time 
for 
yourself.  Anxiety left unchecked causes a vicious cycle of 
social and 
personal disruption.  Classic anti-stress vitamins may help, 
especially 
the B vitamins.  I hope my advice helps. 


Anita:  I am presently on Lorazepam to alleviate anxiety and 
panic 
attacks, now my doctor wants me to come off the Lorazepam and 
go on 
Remeron.  What do you suggest? I hate pills and am very 
reluctant to try 
anything new. Further, I have been on the Lorazepam (1 mg 
morning, 1 mg 
evening) for 2 years and am afraid to come off them. Please 
advise. Also, 
what are the long-term effects of using Lorazepam? 


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   Lorazepam 
is a highly effective anxiolytic, meaning 
it combats anxiety very effectively but it works like a Band-
Aid.  Coming 
off Lorazepam can be a big problem for some people.  Side 
effects occur 
during weaning off the Lorazepam if it has been taken for a 
long time such 
as rebound anxiety, agitation and sleeplessness.  Any switching 
of 
medications must be carefully supervised by your doctor.  I 
cannot and 
will not interfere with the relationship you have with your 
doctor.  I 
suggest you go back to your doctor. If you do not get the right 
answers, 
get a second opinion. Then go back and discuss your options 
with your old 
doctor.

In my book "Sleep Naturally" I discuss many of the problems of 
the use of 
the short-acting tranquilizers.  That's why I developed the 
product Sleep 
Naturally which contains calming herbs.  There are doctors who 
are using 
natural substances rather than addicting tranquilizers, this 
activity must 
be carefully supervised by a knowledgeable doctor. 


Dearest:   All I can say is 
"Wow" - first, thank you for generously 
offering free copies of your book to everyone at the chat!  And 
thank YOU, 
Dr. Holt, for an EXCELLENT chat tonight. I strongly recommend 
everyone 
read Dr. Holt's, "The Antiporosis Plan" and his other books 
including his 
upcoming books that can be found at 
www.wellnesspublishing.com. You can 
pre-order these books. You can read more about Dr. Holt at 

www.StephenHoltMD.com and his products at 
www.NaturesBenefit.com.

You can ask Dr. Holt any questions at Power Surge's Ask The 
Experts - 

www.power-surge.com/asktheexperts.htm


Stephen Holt, M.D.:   Thank you 
very much. 



Read Dr. Stephen Holt's first 
transcript
Read Dr. Stephen Holt's second 
transcript
Read Dr. Stephen Holt's fourth 
transcript

 
Disclaimer:  Every guest in Power Surge is a highly respected 
professional whose
opinions are his/her own. An appearance in Power Surge does not 
constitute an 
endorsement of a guest's views.

None of these transcripts may be reprinted or reproduced 
without 
the express permission of Power Surge" and the respective guest.

Read other transcripts by returning to the Library.


Dearest
aka Alice Stamm
Power Surge
Founder, Facilitator, Host


Copyright©
1994-2009 by 
Power Surge.  All Rights Reserved.