About Dr. Traub

RAISING VITAMIN D VS. REDUCING SKIN CANCER:

ARE THEY MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE GOALS?
from: Holistic Primary Care, Spring 2009 (www.holisticprimarycare.net)
By Michael Traub, ND

It is a strange paradox of nature that the same wavelengths of solar UV light that drive cutaneous vitamin D photosynthesis are the very same ones that cause DNA damage and skin cancer. That conjunction of healthful and harmful effects has caused a good bit of consternation in medical circles in recent years.

As we’ve learned more about the importance of vitamin D, the extent of vitamin D insufficiency, and the negative effects of low D levels, some physicians now oppose skin cancer prevention efforts focused on avoiding sun exposure and diligent sunscreen use. They argue that on a population basis, gains in reducing skin cancers are outweighed by increased risk of colorectal cancer, diabetes, heart disease, depression, MS and osteoporosis associated with low vitamin D.

Since vitamin D is easily obtained from oral supplements, why has sun protection become so controversial? Is there real cause for concern or is this a “pseudocontroversy?” I think it is the latter.

Be aware that arguments against UV protection are heavily promoted by the $5 billion/year indoor tanning industry that encourages tanning bed use as a way to obtain vitamin D and its health benefits. Such a claim is illegal and is currently being litigated, but it is still prevalent. Indoor tanning does not focus on the frail elderly or inner-city ethnic minorities who are at greatest risk of vitamin D deficiency, but rather on healthy Caucasian teens and young adults, who are at highest risk of UV photodamage and subsequent skin cancer later in life.

A PSEUDO-CONTROVERSY
The basis of the pseudo-controversy over sun exposure and skin protection is the assumption that vitamin D sufficiency is best achieved from UV exposure, even though all intervention studies showing benefit from increasing 25(OH)D were done with oral vitamin D, not increased sun/UV exposure (Wolpowitz D, Gilchrest BA. J Am Acad Dermatol 54(2):301-17 (2006 Feb).

Unfortunately, evolution has not kept up with civilization. Life expectancy was less than 40 years when we humans evolved the capacity for cutaneous vitamin D production; long-term photodamage was not a concern, and vitamin D deficiency, in the form of rickets, was fatal in early life.

The debate over sun-avoidance fails to acknowledge that most peoples’ motivation for sun exposure is not improved general health, but to attain the cosmetic goal of tanning. The “debate” between medical professional groups with primary interests in dermatology versus those who specialize in endocrinology really does not exist.

To be sure, the notion of relaxing in the sun and making one’s own vitamin D has a back-to-nature holistic appeal. But the fact is, most people can obtain ample vitamin D levels from a combination of diet, supplements, and incidental protected sun exposure. (For more on this, join www.holisticprimarycare.net, and read “Vitamin D: New Findings, New Questions,” Vol. 9, No. 2. Summer, 2008).

WHAT SHOULD WE TELL OUR PATIENTS?
The preponderance of medical literature and common sense indicate that light-skinned people benefit from regular, lifelong, safe sun practices. People who apply high-sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen probably synthesize vitamin D maximally in exposed areas during incidental sun exposure (Gilchrest BA. J Natl Cancer Inst 2008: in press.)

Although some claim that sunscreens block all UV and all vitamin D photosynthesis, this is not the case. Sunscreens allow continuous transmission of a fraction of incident UV photons equal to 1/SPF. In other words, an SPF 15 product still allows 1/15th or 7% of UV photons into the skin.

Sunscreen users typically apply half or less of the FDA-stipulated amount of product needed to obtain the advertised protection level (Bech-Thomsen N, Wulf HC. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 1992: 9(6):242-4). Observation of people engaged in activities at parks and gardens, golf courses, tennis courts, pools and beaches showed a high degree of unprotected UV exposure, especially on golf courses (Dixon HG et al. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2008 Feb;17(2):428-34).

If people require 2-8 minutes of unprotected summer sun exposure to maximize vitamin D synthesis, they could attain this in approximately 10-20 minutes after applying SPF 15-30 sunscreens. But let’s not forget that oral vitamin D can completely compensate for any lack of cutaneous vitamin D photosynthesis.

I am often asked to recommend a “safe” sunscreen. A recent report renewed concerns about sunscreen safety. The Centers for Disease Control published a national survey of 2,500 Americans, age 6 and up, showing that the UV filter oxybenzone readily absorbs into the skin and is present in 97% of Americans tested (Calafat AM, et al. 2008. Environ Health Perspect. 2008;116).

The problem is, oxybenzone, AKA, benzophenone-3, has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage (Schlumpf M, et al. Toxicology. 2004: 205(1-2): 113-122. Typically, women and girls had higher levels than men and boys, probably due to greater use of body care products and sunscreens.

Oxybenzone is none-too-healthy for the environment. It can trigger outbreaks of viral infection in coral reefs; up to 10% of coral reefs are threatened by sunscreen-induced bleaching (Danovaro R, et al. Environ Health Perspect 2008: 116(4): 441-447).

We can all minimize our negative impact on our inner and outer ecology by using sunscreens with physical filters, which reflect instead of absorb ultraviolet radiation; and choosing eco-friendly chemical sunscreens. One such product is Soleo, an organic, water-resistant, biodegradable formulation of 22.3% zinc oxide and other natural ingredients. Other paraben-free physical sun blockers (zinc and/or titanium) we recommend are: SolRx, MyChelle Sun Shield SPF 28 and DDF Organic Sun Protection SPF 30.

Lastly, don’t forget UV-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and lip protection!

MICHAEL TRAUB, N.D., D.H.A.N.P., C.C.H., F.A.B.N.O.

Lokahi Health Center, Inc.
75-169 Hualalai Road, Suite 301
Kailua Kona, Hawaii, 96740
(808) 329-2114

BIRTHDATE: 1953BIRTHPLACE: Long Beach, CaliforniaUNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION- University of California, Irvine, California- Major in Biological Sciences, B.S. March, 1976- University of California, Berkeley, California- University of Reading, England- Kansas Newman College, Wichita, Kansas- Major in Human Biology, B.S. May, 1979

GRADUATE EDUCATION- National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, Oregon, N.D. June, 1981
POST-GRADUATE EDUCATION- National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, Oregon, Resident in Family Practice, 1981-1983- International Foundation for Homeopathy, Seattle, Washington, Postgraduate Course in Homeopathy 1981-1982- Eizayaga Homeopathic Seminars, Portland, OR, 1983-1985
TEACHING EXPERIENCE- National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, Oregon, 1981-85 and 1998-2002, 2010, Instructor in Homeopathy.- Assistant Professor in Dermatology, Neurology, Public Health, and History of Medicine, Assistant Clinical Professor, Adjunct Clinical Professor, Clinical Professor of Graduate Medical Education, 1998-2002, 2008-present- John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine, Seattle, WA, 1984. Assistant Clinical Professor in Homeopathy and Dermatology- Canadian Academy of Homeopathy/Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ONT, 1987, 2010. Visiting Professor of Homeopathy. Visiting Elders Program.- Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Tempe, AZ, 1996, 1999, 2002, 2009. Visiting Professor of Dermatology and Case Management.- University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, Bridgeport, CT, 2001, 2007-2009. Visiting Professor of Dermatology.- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN. 2005-present. Co-coordinator of Integrated Healing in Hawaii Rotation. Community-based faculty.- San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA. 2004-2008. Visiting Faculty, Department of Health Education.

RESEARCH WORK- Research Assistant in Biofeedback for Lee Sanella, M.D., Oakland, CA, 1972- Research Assistant in Psychobiology, UC Irvine, California, 1974 (histological study of the amygdala of the rat brain)- Research in Botanical Medicine, NCNM, 1980., The Efficacy of Several Botanical Medicines as Chemotherapeutic Agents in vitro- Portraits of HIV+ Patients Most Responsive to Treatment with Homeopathic Growth Factors, Clinical Site Investigator,1997- Homeopathic growth factors: IGF1, PDGFBB, TGFB1, GM-CSF; positive immunological effects in HIV+ patients taking only natural therapies, 1998- Literature Review of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, 1997- Results of Initial Two-year Experience with Integrated Health Care at North Hawai’i Community Hospital, 1998- Naturopathic Support for Breast Cancer Patients, North Hawai’i Community Hospital, 2003- P06-001 EXamination of PNH, by Level Of CD59 on REd and white blood cells, in bone marrow failure syndromes (EXPLORE)”- Vitamin D3 Dietary Supplements to Increase Serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol: A Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Trial – publication pending- "Does Elderberry Extract Decrease incidence of Influenza-like Illness?”- “Treatment of Sleep Maintenance Insomnia with Phytotherapy and Cortisol Management”
PUBLICATIONS- Textbook of Natural Medicine,4th ed. 2013. Elsevier. Ed. Pizzorno and Murray. Contributing Author.- “Survival Rates in Gastric Cancer Patients Using Lentinan,” Natural Medicine Journal, June 2012- “Red Yeast Rice for Cardioprotection", Natural Medicine Journal, March 2012- “Serum Phospholipids and Prostate Cancer Risk,” Natural Medicine Journal, June 2011- “The Affordable Care Act & Beyond: A Stakeholder Conference on Integrated Healthcare Reform,” September 2010- “Avemar Outshines New Cancer ‘Breakthrough’ Drug,” Townsend Letter, October 2010- “Reflections on the Last Decade in Natural Medicine,” Holistic Primary Care, Fall 2010- “Regenerative Injection Therapy: An Effective, Underused Option for Musculoskeletal Injuries,” Holistic Primary Care, Summer 2010- “The Role of the Naturopathic Physician” and “Acne”, in The H.E.R.B.A.L. Guide, Dietary Supplement Resources for the Clinician, ed. Bonakdar, 2010- “Naturopathic Medicine” in Clinicians and Educators Desk Reference on the Complementary and Alternative Healthcare Professions, published by the Academic Consortium for Complementary and Alternative Health Care, 2010- “Naturopathic Medicine and Drugs,” Holistic Primary Care, Spring 2010- “Mercy, mercy, MRSA,” Holistic Primary Care, Winter 2009- “Natural Medicine & Health Care Reform: Taking Our Places, Raising Our Voices,” Holistic Primary Care, Fall 2009- “Raising Vitamin D vs. Reducing Skin Cancer: Are They Mutually Exclusive Goals?”, Holistic Primary Care, Spring 2009- “Making Sense of Bio-identical Hormones,” Holistic Primary Care, Fall 2008- Essentials of Dermatological Diagnosis and Integrative Therapeutics, 2008, Kreitzer MJ, Sierpina VS, Traub M, Riff K. Transformational learning: an immersion course on the Big Island of Hawaii. Explore (NY). 2008 Sep-Oct;4(5):335-7.- Traub M, Marshall K. “Psoriasis – Pathophysiology, Conventional, and Alternative Approaches to Treatment,” Alternative Medicine Review, Vol 12, No.4, 2007.- “The Naturopathic Approach for Psoriasis,” Holistic Primary Care, Vol. 8, No 2, Summer 2007- “Naturopathic Medicine”, in Integrative Cardiology, ed. Vogel and Krucoff, 2007- “Does C-reactive Protein Have a Place in the CVD Risk Pantheon?”, Holistic Primary Care, Vol. 8, No.1, Spring 2007- “Seafood Safety Reports Make Big Splash,” Holistic Primary Care, Vol. 7, No. 4, Winter 2006- “Surgically Significant Supplements,” Holistic Primary Care, Vol. 7, No. 2, Summer 2006- “What is the Connection between Skin Care Products and Breast Cancer?”, Holistic Primary Care, Vol.7, No. 1, Spring 2006- “Naturopathic Perspective: Integrative Oncology,” The Key to Cancer, Richard Weeder, 2006.- “Naturopathic Medicine”, in Conversations in CAM, Insights and Perspectives from Leading Practitioners, ed. Norma Cuellar, 2006- “Is Homocysteine Dead?” Holistic Primary Care, Vol. 6. No. 4. Winter 2005- “L-Arginine Improves Vascular Function,” Holistic Primary Care, Vol.6, No.3 Fall 2005- “Combining Natural Medicines and Conventional Cancer Treatment, Hard Questions, Complex Answers, Holistic Primary Care, Vol. 6. No. 1. Spring 2005- “Alternatives to Flu Shots,” Holistic Primary Care, Vol. 5. No. 4. Winter 2004- “Naturopathic Medicine: Reflections on Historical and Current Regulatory Issues in the United States,” International Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, September 2004- “Insurance Coding: Unprecedented Opportunities,” Holistic Primary Care, July 2004- “Lifestyle Change: Preventive Medicine’s Biggest Challenge, Holistic Primary Care,Vol. 5. No. 1. Spring 2004- “Congressional CAM Caucus Holds Inaugural Meeting,” Holistic Primary Care, Vol. 4. No. 3. July 2003- “Naturopathic Support for Breast Cancer Patients,” Holistic Primary Care, April 2003- “Holistic Strategies for Managing Asthma,” Holistic Primary Care, January 2003- “Reconsidering Supplement-Pharmaceutical Interactions,” Holistic Primary Care, October 2002- Quinn, S, Traub, M. “National Policy Dialogue to Advance Integrated Health Care: Finding Common Ground,” Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 2002, 8(3)S1-S16.- Brewitt, B, Traub, M, Hangee-Bauer, C,Patrick, Standish, L. “Recovery of Homeostasis and Functional Immune System; Positive short term and long term effects with homeopathic growth factors IGF1, PDGFBB, TGFB1, GM-CS.” in AIDS and Alternative Medicine: The Current State of the Science. Ed. LJ Standish, C. Calabrese, ML Galatino, Harcourt Brace Publishers International, New York, New York, 1999.- Benjamin SA, Simone CH, Traub, M. “Cancer Treatment, Beyond the Conventional,” Patient Care, 1998, 32(6)53-68.- “Research Update on Hypericum,” Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, 1998, 8(1)94.- “Melanoma,” Protocol Journal of Botanical Medicine, 1998- “North Hawaii Community Hospital Grants Privileges to Naturopathic Physician,” Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, 1997, 7(2)89.- “Homeopathic Prophylaxis,” Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, 1993- “Gallic acid,” Simillimum, Summer 1993- Essentials of Dermatological Diagnosis and Natural Therapeutics, 1985
EDITORIAL BOARDS- Holistic Primary Care- Journal of Naturopathic Medicine- International Journal of Naturopathic Medicine- Natural Medicine Journal
LEADERSHIP- Task Force Chairman, White House Commission on CAM Policy, American Association of Naturopathic Medical Colleges, 2000-2002- Final Report Editor, National Policy Dialogue to Advance Integrated Health Care: Finding Common Ground, 2001-2002- Director, Hawaii Residency Training Program, 1997-present- Board Member, American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, 1995-2004
AWARDS & HONORS- University of California Education Abroad Program, 1974-1975- Hahnemann Scholarship, 1980- Diplomate, Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians, 1989- Certified in Classical Homeopathy, Council for Homeopathic Certification, 1997- Physician of the Year, American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, 2006.- Fellow, American Board of Naturopathic Oncology, 2007
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES AND ORGANIZATIONS- Past President, American Association of Naturopathic Physicians- Past Chairman, Board of Naturopathic Examiners, State of Hawai’i- American Specialty Health Consultant: Technique Assessment Clinical Consensus Committee, Professional Affairs Advisory Group- Board Member, Integrative Healthcare Policy Consortium- President and Treasurer, Hawai’i Center for Integral Healing- Past President, Hawai’i Consortium for Integrative Healthcare- Member of Examining Board, American Board of Naturopathic Oncology- Former Board Member, American Association of Naturopathic Medical Colleges- Program Director, Hawaii Residency Training Program- Scientific Advisory Board Member, Gaia Herbs- Advisory Board Member, Nordic Naturals- Chair, Scientific Advisory Board, Kamedis- Medical Consultancy Group, Nutritional Fundamentals for Health- Former Board Member, Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination- Past President, North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners- Past President, Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians- Past Secretary/Treasurer, Federation of Naturopathic Medical Licensing Boards- Past Secretary; current member, Legislative Committee Hawaiian Society of Naturopathic Physicians- Former Board Member, West Hawaii AIDS Foundation- Advisory Board Member, Naturopathic Formulary Advisory Committee, California Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine- Former Advisory Board Member, Turning Point Cancer Center- Former Advisory Board Member, California Association of Naturopathic Physicians- Former member, State of Hawaii Department of Health HIV/AIDS Community Advisory Panel- NCNM Alumni Association- Former Chairman, Integrated Healing Committee, North Hawai’I Community Hospital- Member, Naturopathic Medical Research Associates
PRIVATE PRACTICE- Natural Childbirth and Family Clinic, Portland, Oregon, 1983-1985- Clinic of Natural Therapeutics, Hilo Hawaii, 1985-1986- East West Clinic, Keaau, Hawaii, 1988-1992- Balance Restored, Greenbrae, CA 2004-2006- Lokahi Health Center, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 1986-present- North Hawaii Community Hospital, Kamuela, Hawaii, 1996-present- Office of Michael Rosenbaum, MD, Corte Madera, California 2004-2008
CONSULTING- American Specialty Health- Goshen Health System Center for Cancer Care- Pharm East- iCaduceus- Biomed Comm- Global Advisory Services- Kamedis- NCMIC Naturopathic Solutions- Nidaria- Nordic Naturals- North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners- Nutritional Fundamentals for Health- Vital Nutrients- Gaia Herbs- Westlaw Round Table Group- World Healing Institute- Island Heart Care
LICENSES- Naturopathic Physician, Hawaii #67- Naturopathic Doctor, California #20 (inactive)- Naturopathic Physician, Oregon #512 (inactive)- Specialty Certificate in Natural Childbirth,OR