AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

12 Saint Pau l Dr ive , Ste 105 Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 217 -6790 www.Nor landRx.com APRIL 2018

Your immune system is a complex network of special cells and organs that fight off germs and foreign in-vaders. To work properly, your immune system must be able to tell the difference between what’s normal and what’s foreign. If it is unable to differentiate, it may start attacking normal cells by mistake. This causes the dam-age and is known as an autoimmune disease.

More than 23.5 million Americans are affected by more than 80 known autoimmune diseases. More women than men are affected and many autoimmune diseases start during childbearing years. Some autoimmune diseases run in families like Lupus and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Certain environmental exposures may cause or worsen autoimmune diseases. Sunlight, chemicals called sol-vents, and viral and bacterial infections are linked to au-toimmune diseases.

Common autoimmune disorders include Alopecia, Celiac Disease, Type 1 Diabetes, Graves’ Disease, Hashimoto’s Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sclero-derma, and Lupus.

Although each autoimmune disease is unique, many share some of the same symptoms:

• Fatigue

• Achy Muscles

• Swelling & Redness

• Low-Grade Fever

• Trouble Concentrating

• Hair Loss

• Skin Rashes

• Numbness/Tingling in Hands & Feet

And many of these symptoms are the same for other health problems too, which makes diagnosing autoim-mune diseases a difficult process.

Treatments can’t cure autoimmune diseases, but they can control the overactive immune response and bring down inflammation. Treatments are also available to relieve symptoms.

A new treatment has been getting a lot of attention lately: Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). It is thought that autoim-

mune diseases may be the result of endorphin deficien-cies. Endorphins are known to modulate the immune sys-tem, and LDN is known to increase endorphin levels, thus regulating the immune system. LDN may also bene-

fit patients with neurodegenerative disorders, such as MS by reducing the activity of the enzymes that cause free radical production, thus reducing oxidative damage (neurological degeneration and demyelination).

Typical dosing for LDN is as follows:

• Start with one capsule of 1.5mg Naltrexone at bed-time for two weeks.

• Then take one capsule of 3mg Naltrexone at bedtime for two weeks.

• Then take one capsule of 4.5mg Naltrexone at bed-time thereafter.

LDN works best if taken between 9pm and 3am. Do not start taking LDN if using narcotics, because LDN blocks their effects and may cause withdrawal symptoms. It is recommended to start LDN once the narcotics are com-pletely out of your system. LDN requires a prescription and can only be obtained through a compounding phar-macy. Read the article on page two for more details on LDN. If you have questions or would like more infor-mation, please stop by the pharmacy.

“We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” - Ephesians 2:10

“Energy and persistence conquer all things.”

- Benjamin Franklin

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I got fired from my job as a taxi driver. It turns out my customers didn’t like it when I

tried to go the extra mile.

Why didn’t the frog sit on the toadstool? Because there wasn’t mushroom.

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT A portion of our sales for the month of April will be donated to the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter. For more information, please

visit www.cvas-pets.org or call (717) 263-5791.

Naltrexone is a medication that was FDA approved in 1984 at doses ranging from 50-300mg to treat opiate abuse. Today it is also approved to treat alcoholism.

In 1982, a man by the name of Ian Zagon discovered that naltrexone in low doses triggers an increase in the produc-tion of naturally occurring opioid compounds (a.k.a. en-dorphins) which have effects on cell reproduction and heal-

ing. New York physician, Bernard Bihari noted that HIV/

AIDS patients taking naltrexone were not developing signs

of lymphoma or other immune dysfunction like a typical HIV/AIDS patient would. Influenced by Zagon’s findings, in the mid 1980s, Bihari conducted the first clinical trial with LDN on AIDS patients. The trial results showed that LDN therapy appeared to improve the immune function in HIV/AIDS patients. He began experimenting with LDN

on other conditions such as MS, lymphoma, and other

autoimmune disorders.

In low doses (1.5-4.5mg), naltrexone temporarily blocks opiate agonists from activating the opiate receptor. By blocking opiate receptors, neurotransmitters are not re-leased and biochemical changes do not occur. The body senses the absence of signals from the opiate receptors and responds by producing more endorphins.

When the naltrexone wears off, it no longer blocks the re-ceptor and the endorphins are able to attach and exert their effect. Since more endorphins were made, more can bind

to the receptors and produces greater effects. This rush of

endorphins caused by LDN stimulates the immune sys-

tem, inhibits cell growth, promotes healing, decreases

inflammation, restores homeostasis, and aids the body in

fighting off disease.

LDN has been studied for the treatment of cancer. Opiates can act as growth factors. At high doses, opiate antagonists stimulate growth and at low doses they have a negative influence on growth. Zagon named this factor he discov-ered, opiod growth factor (OGF). OGF does not destroy cancer cells or normal cells, but it acts to halt cell growth so immune cells can exert their activity against them. LDN increases the production of endogenous opiates which in-crease OGF. In 2008, Dr. Berkson and others reported suc-

cessful use of LDN in liver, breast, ovarian, prostate,

lung, and colon cancer, in addition to lymphoma and

melanoma. LDN has shown to benefit children with

autism by improving sleep, decreasing the number of colds

and other infections, increasing social ability, allowing them to exhibit better eye contact, and increasing positive interactions with others. LDN has also been effectively

studied with wound healing and infections.

Little to no side effects have been reported with LDN use. LDN has been shown to be helpful in many patients, but because this medication is currently only available at com-pounding pharmacies, it has remained an unfamiliar op-

tion hidden behind other drugs marketed for the treatment of these conditions that can be much more dangerous and costly. It is imperative that more studies be performed to increase awareness of the potential for this therapy to help patients. When more physicians know about this option, it may lead to the ability for patients to reach the relief from these autoimmune conditions that have caused them hard-ships for so many years.

If you would like information to take to your

physician, please stop by the pharmacy and ask.

AN AFFORDABLE, SAFE COMPOUNDED OPTION

REMEMBER, YOU ARE ALWAYS BEING WATCHED: You are never alone. You are always being watched by someone who loves you.

II Chronicles 16:9a – For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

BIBLICAL KEYS TO PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, & SPIRITUAL HEALTH

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Dr. Stacie Kramer graduated from North Dakota State University College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Sciences. Stacie specializes in hormone replacement therapy and serves as Pharmacy Team Leader and Clinical Services Team Leader.

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL CAPSULES OR POWDER

Activated charcoal is a potent natural treatment used to

trap toxins and chemicals in the body, allowing them to be flushed out so the body doesn’t reabsorb them. It’s made from a variety of sources, but when used for natu-ral healing, it’s important to select activated charcoal made from natural sources like coconut shells or pine.

The porous surface of activated charcoal has a negative electric charge that causes positive charged toxins and gas to bond with it. The nooks and crannies in activated char-coal are created through a heating process.

Whenever you take activated charcoal, it’s imperative to drink 12-16 glasses of water per day, otherwise it can cause dehydration. This helps to flush out the toxins quickly and prevents constipation.

Additional activated charcoal uses include deodorizing and disinfecting, teeth whitening, alleviating gas and bloating, mold cleansing, and more.

We offer Country Life’s Activated Charcoal capsules made from pine (100ct for $14.99) and Activated Coco-nut Charcoal Powder (280 servings for $19.99).

If you have any questions, please stop in and ask any of our team members.

Spring is Coming As springtime approaches, prepare you and your fami-ly for being outdoors with these two great pre-diluted

essential oil blends from Plant Therapy. They come in a 10ml roller bottle that’s ready for topical application.

Plant Therapy’s Nature’s Shield: Enjoy being outside

with this natural, effective barrier, shielding you from

pests of most kinds! For the busy person on-the-go, this pre-diluted roller bottle filled with Nature’s Shield

can make your time spent outdoors more enjoyable. (Recommended for ages 6 years and older.)

Plant Therapy’s Shield Me: Like citronella in the

grass, this is a soft scent of herbal clean with citrus un-

dertones. Let your family enjoy the outdoors with this natural, effec-

tive barrier, shielding the whole family from outdoor annoyances. Pre-diluted and ready to apply di-

rectly to the arms, legs, and neck b e fo re g o i ng ou t do or s .

(Recommended for children 2 years and older.)

FREE SEMINAR: ADVANCED ESSENTIAL OILS

Tuesday, April 24th, 7-8pm

If you have been using essential oils but are ready to learn more, join speaker Sharon Smith for this popular seminar. She will go beyond basics to share from her wealth of knowledge on uses for essential oils in reach-ing optimal health. Seating is limited and will fill quickly. Please reserve your spot as soon as possible: (717) 217-6790.

Medication Therapy Management (MTM) is a term used to describe a broad range of health care services provided by pharmacists, the medication experts on the healthcare team. MTM consultations allow our pharmacists to help you obtain the most beneficial outcomes from your medi-cations and/or supplements.

During an MTM consultation a pharmacist will actively manage your drug therapy by checking for lower cost alter-natives, duplicate therapy, drug interactions, and side ef-fects. The pharmacist will also assess your medication regi-men for potentially unnecessary medications or necessary additional drug therapy options.

An MTM consult is a great opportunity to reduce cost and prevent problems. Oftentimes the consultation cost is cov-ered in full by your insurance ($75 if not). Patients in our RxSync program get a free MTM consult each year.

MTM CONSULTATIONS

IN THIS ISSUE: Autoimmune Diseases ................................................. Pg 1

Biblical Keys to Health ................................................. Pg 2

An Affordable, Safe Compounded Option ................... Pg 2

MTM Consultations ..................................................... Pg 3

Essential Oils Tips & Tricks: Spring is Coming .............. Pg 3

Activated Charcoal Capsules or Powder ...................... Pg 3

12 Saint Paul Drive Suite 105 Chambersburg, PA 17201

PRSRT STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID CHAMBERSBURG, PA PERMIT NO. 426

Return Service Requested

Apr 1-15: 20% OFF ALL WILLOW TREE FIGURINES

Apr 17: THYROID SEMINAR (details on page 4)

Apr 24: ADVANCED ESSENTIAL OIL SEMINAR (details on page 3)

Seminar seating is limited, please be sure to reserve your spot: (717) 217-6790 or inquiry@NorlandRx.com.

If you enjoy reading this newsletter, please tell a friend! Sign-up online at www.NorlandRx.com.

ALL WILLOW TREE FIGURINES

April 1-15

Fatigue? Unexpected Weight Gain? Thinning Hair? Anxiety? Always Cold? Night Sweats? Brain Fog?

Constipation? Morning Headaches?

FREE SEMINAR: TUESDAY, APRIL 17TH, 7-8PM Discover answers to… • Why doctors say your lab values are okay and you still

feel lousy. • What specific food should be avoided at all costs with

thyroid disease.

• How to start correcting thyroid problems.

Seating is limited, please reserve your spot: (717) 217-6790 or inquiry@NorlandRx.com.

He is risen! Happy Easter from our family to

yours. God bless!