Letter from the Publisher

Low Dose Allergen Immunotherapy (LDA):
The Allergy Treatment of the Future – Here Now
by W.A. Shrader, Jr., MD, FAAEM
Patterned after enzyme potentiated desensitization (EPD), LDA is a unique method of immunotherapy, far different from other allergy treatments. It appears to effectively treat a very wide variety of disorders not generally perceived to be immune-related or caused by allergy, including illnesses that respond poorly – or not at all – to other methods of treatment of any kind.

How Burdensome is Electrosmog?
by Dr. Reimar Banis
Electromagnetic radiation may make many people feel subjectively stressed and nervous, tense, and unwell – yet there are countless other sources for these malaises that have nothing to do with electrosmog. But does it intensify other harmful influences? How can it be reliably detected? Dr. Banis offers insight from his rich trove of experience.

Clinical Management of Asthma: Getting to the Root of the Problem
by Sara G. Wood, ND
There is great need for natural and alternative treatments for asthma that can be used both adjunctively and in lieu of conventional treatments. But while palliative treatment is necessary for the patient's comfort and well-being, delving deeper to investigate underlying triggers or causes of the symptoms, as well as promoting prevention, is possible and can make a significant difference in patient quality of life.

A Simple and Powerful Approach to Seasonal Allergies
by Chris D. Meletis, ND
To manage allergic symptoms, it is essential to become proactive at the first sign; prevention is the goal. It is best to have the correct supplements on hand, so that a strong offense to protect the body's mucous membranes can begin before the full speed of the allergic cascade is under way. Dr. Meletis offers synergistic formulas that can confer the extra edge needed to fend off overreactivity, and as well as suggestions for individualized acute intervention.

Sublingual Immunotherapy and Asthma
by Diego Saporta, MD
Immunotherapy is the only treatment modality that can shift the dysfunctional immunological system from a Th2 to a Th1 response. It involves the administration of small but increasing doses of antigen that will slowly lead to changes such that the patient will stop reacting. The usual route is subcutaneous injection immunotherapy (SCIT), often called "allergy shots." However, SCIT is not the only – nor even the most effective – route for administration. Of the alternatives to injection therapy, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has clearly been proved to be safe and effective.

Regenerative Medicine and Its Implications in Aesthetic Medicine
by Sharon McQuillan, MD
Regenerative medicine has been found to improve aesthetic enhancements such as autologous fat grafting and skin rejuvenation. The use of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) is a natural progression in aesthetic medicine. Cosmetic practitioners know the value of fat as a filler; the next step is to utilize fat for its regenerative value both in the cosmetic and the traditional medical arena.

Pregnenolone and Melatonin: Part of The Hormonal Symphony
by Pamela W. Smith, MD, MPH
Pregnenolone, commonly called the "mother hormone," and melatonin, another player, have major roles in the hormonal symphony in the body. This article reviews the functions, as well as symptoms of excess and deficiency, of both hormones, guiding the practitioner to support the patient in optimal health.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Are NO/ONOO− Cycle Diseases, Not Glutathione Depletion/Methylation Cycle Block Diseases: An Analysis of the Nathan/Van Konynenburg Data
by Martin L. Pall, PhD
The above study, published in a previous Townsend Letter, showed a number of biochemical changes in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia patients, changes that improved in response to their therapeutic regimen. However, Dr. Pall finds that the data do not support the glutathione depletion/methylation cycle block etiologic hypothesis, whereas the NO/ONOO− cycle mechanism proposed for CFS/ME and fibromyalgia does agree with Nathan and Van Konynenburg's data and is supported by certain aspects of their observations.

Townsend Calendar

. . . the regular features, commentary and opinions we can count on each month from our distinguished columnists.