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The Cox-2 Connection

Natural Breakthrough Treatment for Arthritis, Alzheimers & Cancer

Published by Healing Arts Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

All of us have experienced, at one time or another, the temporary inflammation and pain of a minor injury. But those who suffer from chronic inflammation--whether the result of an injury or a biological disorder--and its coincidental pain are all too aware of the frequently crippling and debilitating effects of these conditions.
In The Cox-2 Connection, pharmacist and naturalist James B. LaValle shares a thorough overview of treatment options for a variety of disorders for which inflammation is a primary symptom--from osteoarthritis, bursitis, and fibromyalgia to rheumatoid arthritis, gout and dysbiosis. He clearly explains the physiological mechanism that leads to inflammation and pain and includes an in-depth section on pain-management strategies useful for anyone who is experiencing this discomfort, whether temporary or chronic.

Cox-2--or cyclooxygenase-2--is the key enzyme responsible for the body's inflammation and pain response in conditions such as arthritis and bursitis, and it is also linked to the inflammation that may play a significant role in the progression of Alzheimer's and cancer. The Cox-2 Connection, however, goes further than other pain management books by dealing with not only the synthetic, anti-inflammatory Cox-2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex and Vioxx, but also with their natural counterparts that have been used for thousands of years by people all over the world. The author thoughtfully evaluates the effectiveness of these inhibitors as well as their side effects and presents exciting new studies that indicate their possible role in preventing Alzheimer's and cancer.

The Cox-2 Connection is an essential and timely reference for anyone trying to understand and manage inflammation and pain and make sense of the exploding availability and potential of ways to deal with them.

Excerpt

From Chapter 4: Cox-2 Inhibitors: A Revolution in the Treatment of Inflammation
The term Cox-2 inhibitors describes compounds-both the natural versions and the synthetic-that inhibit an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase-2. Pharmaceutical firms have created two popular prescription versions of these drugs-Celebrex and Vioxx. These Cox-2 inhibitors are fast becoming two of the most prescribed pharmaceutical drugs on the market.
Interestingly, modern scientists for the pharmaceutical companies were not the first to discover Cox-2 inhibitors. Healers since the time of Hippocrates have known about the extraordinary healing powers of plants with natural Cox-2 inhibiting ability.
The new approach toward integrative care can only benefit the public and health care professionals alike. The Cox-2 inhibitors, whether in the form of synthetic drugs or natural herbs, can help patients and their health care providers deal with the inflammation that results from any number of "bodymind" disorders that afflict people at present. In fact, incorporating natural versions of Cox-2 inhibitors into health care will probably always be helpful to patients. It seems that the Cox-2 inflammation process may be involved in the onset of many diseases. So, long before symptoms appear, the living "bodymind" may be struggling with, and may eventually succumb to, inflammation caused by these potent enzymes.
The whole story is yet to be told about the synthetic Cox-2 inhibitors, but the promise of time-tested natural remedies that inhibit Cox-2 inflammation may turn out to be a major advance in medical care. Only time will validate the synthetic inhibitors' safety. Western science is now able to identify the chemical constituents of many herbs that inhibit Cox-2-induced inflammation. With this form of treatment, relief through symptom suppression may not be the whole story. With Cox-2 inhibitors, it may even be possible for the disease process to be reversed.
Who can Cox-2 inhibitors potentially help? As discussed, those with chronic and acute inflammation may benefit. Apparently, people with colon cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, bladder cancer, and skin cancer may benefit. And there may be a role for Cox-2 inhibitors in the management of Alzheimer's disease.

About The Author

A nationally known pharmacist and naturalist, James B. LaValle, R.Ph., C.C.N., has been vice president of the American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists, and is currently the chief clinical officer and cofounder of Intramedicine, Inc., a global source for integrative medical information. He is a faculty member at the British Institute of Homeopathy and the University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy. Dr. LaValle is coauthor of Smart Medicine for Healthier Living, and the author of Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook, The Cholestin Breakthrough, and Black Cohosh.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Healing Arts Press (September 1, 2001)
  • Length: 176 pages
  • ISBN13: 9780892819843

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Raves and Reviews

"We recommend Dr. LaValle's new book, The Cox-2 Connection, as a valuable asset to anyone concerned with confronting inflammation."

– Total Health, Vol. 23, No. 5

"LaValle clearly shows the mechanism that causes inflammation and gives an overview of treatment options for inflammatory disorders."

– American Herb Association

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