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"Integrative Health Education " Newsletter
Dr. Hugo Rodier publishes a monthly newsletter on the latest integrative medicine news and information. Dr. Rodier researches of over 150 medical journals each month to provide his readers top scientific information for optimal health. The newsletter does not sell any products.
INTEGRATIVE
HEALTH EDUCATION
A monthly review of 100
medical journals
Volume 10
� Number
10 �
October 2009
EDITOR’S
NOTE
Even though Dr. Otto Warburg won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1931 for
demonstrating that high levels of sugar in the blood increases the
incidence of cancer, we continue to ignore the obvious: our diets
have a significant impact on our health, specifically on our immune
system. Will we ever get it? Not likely, unless we face our sugar
addiction and change our politics/economics that perpetuate the
influence of Big Food, which cares nothing about our health but their
profits.
Will more research convince our society and Big Food that we need to
change? Not likely, given the above factors perpetuating the problem.
This may be why the recent study at the University of Utah that
essentially corroborated Warburg’s research also concluded that the high
levels of sugar in people’s blood are not related to diet.
I know… it’s hard to believe.
Another recent study showed that the glycosylation of gluten
plays a role in its allergenicity in afflicted people.
This means that gluten allergies may not occur if we modify our diets by
cutting down on the bad sugars that stick to proteins like gluten. It is
the process of glycosylation of the gluten that makes it allergenic, or
immunologically problematic.
And, will we heed the study that just showed that obesity in women
will soon become the #1 cause of cancer in women? M these
researchers concluded that “we need to find the biological mechanism
to help people find other ways of tackling obesity. Just telling the
population to lose weight obviously has not worked.”
Obviously. They don’t know the mechanism because they have not read
Warburg’s research. It is the hyperinsulinemia that compromises our
immune/detoxification pathways, mostly in the liver and gut.
But, such is human nature: we don’t like reading about the work of our
ancestors (think of history repeating itself.) We worship youth and
denigrate gray hair. Our economic situation is but another reflection of
this folly.
We will not solve the diabesity epidemic until we face our addiction to
sugar and our corrupt economic system that cares nothing about social
responsibility.
Hugo Rodier, MD
The
80% solution
As we continue to argue how to finance our broken health care system I
am struck by how little is being said about the best and cheapest way to
do it: prevention and helping people change their toxic lifestyles (see
October blog). As previously documented,
80% of chronic health problems would disappear if we focused on
nutrition, exercise, and a few other simple things. The article “Lifestyle
and Cardiovascular Health; individual and societal choices”
noted that if 4 out of 6 factors (BMI <25, vigorous exercise, DASH diet,
modest alcohol intake, non narcotic analgesics use < once per week and
intake of 0.4 mg folic acid), then 78% of hypertension in women could be
prevented. The lower BMI factor accounted for half of the effect. The
lifetime risk of heart failure could be cut in half, from 205 to 10%, a
fact corroborated by another study on the DASH diet.
The JAMA concluded that this is a “compelling reminder that health is
the shared responsibility of individuals and communities.”
More articles recently published on the 80% solution:
* “Close
adherence to a Mediterranean diet improves endothelial function
in subjects with abdominal obesity,” American J. Clinical Nutrition
2009;90:263
* “Enhancement
of a Modified Mediterranean-Style, Low Glycemic Diet with Specific
Phytochemicals Improves Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Subjects with
Metabolic Syndrome and Hypercholesterolemia in Randomized trial,”
J. Nut Met 2008;5:29
* The
Mediterranean diet for 5 years = better cognition, JAMA
2009;302:627
*
Trans-fats low diet reduces risk of Macular Degeneration,
J. Archives Ophthalmology 2009;127:674
* DASH diet
also good for Alzheimer’s Disease, USU study, SLT July 16th
2009
Is
your mercury rising?
No fish in the USA is free of mercury. And my hometown, Salt Lake City
is the most polluted with mercury in the USA,
thanks to the copper mine in our backyard. Coal and gold mining in Utah
and Nevada contribute to the problem.
So, should you give up eating fish? No, but you may avoid the streams
and rivers where the problem is worse and limit fish consumption to
twice a week. But, never eat tuna steaks, mackerel, swordfish, or
shark.
Sadly, salmon is now recommended to be eaten only once a month, because
its generous fat stores more mercury.
You would do well to maintain very good gut/liver function with a good
diet; do an intestinal/liver cleanse every year with probiotics,
friendly bacteria and fiber. EDTA and DMSA once a year are not a
bad idea. They are safe, over the counter chelating agents.
EDTA has been shown to decrease oxidative stress on our DNA and lipids.
Cilantro,
chlorella,
chitosan,
MSM,
vitamin E
and garlic
are also helpful in reducing serum mercury levels.
Adrenals and depression
Stress is a mayor factor in
depression . Reducing stress or leaning to handle it better are
obviously helpful. But, the concept that stress causes depression by its
direct effect on the adrenal glands needs more daylight.
This is particularly true when it comes to the malfunction of the HPA
axis noticed in children who have suffered sexual, emotional and/or
physical abuse.
Raising awareness about this ugly issue is a must. Therapy is available,
but often not applied, since it seems more convenient in many cases to
deny that such a problem exists. Psychotherapy and even medications may
be necessary. Even some supplementation to strengthen the function of
the adrenal glands may help. DHEA
and Panax ginseng
have been found to be helpful in the treatment of depression.
Untreated adrenal dysfunction is quite common in the setting of multiple
chronic health problems, especially chronic fatigue.
“N-Acetylcysteine:
multiple clinical applications”
This is one of the supplements I take on a daily basis. It is a vital
amino acid in the production of glutathione, the master antioxidant that
does practically everything in our bodies. Since I have a rather weak
liver (I am a cheap drunk: under the table with one glass of wine…) I
chose NAC to help me detoxify.
The research is so good that NAC is already a pharmaceutical product (Mucomyst)
used to thin out mucous secretions in lung patients and in the ER to
detoxify Tylenol overdoses. One may safely take 600-1,800 mg a day.
These are some of the benefits of NAC:
Prevention
of COPD exacerbations and pulmonary fibrosis
Prevention
of contrast-induced kidney damage during imaging procedures
Attenuation
of flu symptoms and adjunct for H. pylori treatment
Treatment
of infertility in PCOS not responding to clomiphene
Cancer
prevention
Prophylaxis
against gentamycin-induced hearing loss in dialysis patients.
Treatment
of Trichotillomania: pulling one’s own hair.
Shining light on MS
Vitamin D seems to help MS.
Patients getting 14,000 IU had a 16% chance of relapse; 38% of the
control group relapsed. There is a higher incidence of MS in people
exposed to less sunlight in infancy. In the US we only get 6 months of
adequate exposure. One of the functions of vitamin D is to stimulate the
immune system; MS seems to be an autoimmune problem.
Supplementing 40,000 IU/day resulted in serum levels around 420 nmol/L.
The safe level has been reported to be 250. But, no problems were seen,
even while taking calcium 1,200 mg/day.
“We believe that vitamin D intake up to 40K IU/day for a brief period
of time and 10k IU/day for a year appears to demonstrate biochemical
safety, evidence of clinical benefit, and evidence of decreased T cell
proliferation.”
Here are more recent articles on the benefits of vitamin D:
* Vitamin D
5,000 IU in nursing home to get level >75, AJCN 2009;89:1132
* Vitamin D
50,000 IU per week for 8 weeks in deficient patients helps
fibromyalgia,
J. Endocrine Practice 2009;15:203
* Vitamin D
deficiency is prevalent in women with breast cancer;
supplementing it would presumably lower the risk, J. Clinical
Oncology 2009;27:2151
*
Differences in Vitamin D levels may explain racial disparity in
Peripheral Artery Dz.
AJCN 2008;88:1469
* Higher
vitamin D deficiency seen in those most at risk: black teens, women,
obese
J. Pediatrics 2009;123:797
* Lower
vitamin D levels decreases cognition, J. Neurol, Neurosur, Psy,
May 21 2009
* Single
dose of 300,000 IU of vitamin D OK all at once in elderly patients
with hyperparathyroidism, J. Bone Mineral Metabolism
2008;26:603
* “Vitamin
D supplementation enhances the beneficial effects of weight loss on
cardiovascular disease risk markers,”
AJCN 2009 89: 1321
“Exploring
the Causes of Parkinson’s Disease, PD”
It has taken a while for mainstream medicine to acknowledge the mountain
of evidence pointing to Inflammation from pesticides, head injury and
genetics as the reason we are seeing so many people get PD. This is
likely because pesticides use in our society is widespread, which is
unlikely to change given how our economy works.
“More than 20 case control or prospective population
studies have shown an association between PD and pesticides.”
Paraquat has 2-3X higher risk of PD. Occupational and residential
use of pesticides is also associated with PD. In fact, 150 days of home
gardening with pesticides is associated with a 70% higher risk of PD; 30
days of exposure with a 40% risk. Just having pesticides in the home for
77 days increases the risk by 70%.
Specifically, toxins like pesticides may cause an increase in reactive
oxygen species (oxidative stress) and mitochondrial dysfunction. As you
know, the mitochondria are specialized cells within cells in charge of
turning food into energy and information that our cells need to do their
job.
The best way to deal with this problem is to eat as organic as possible.
Cruciferous veggies and supplementing their main nutrients,
Indole-3-Carbinol and Sulpharanes helps the liver detoxify
pesticides.
Salt Lake
Tribune, August 22nd 2009
JAMA
2009;302:437, 394, 401
Salt Lake
Tribune, August 20th 2009
J.
Toxicology 1997;116:67
J.
Alternative Medicine Review 2009;14:56
J.
Acupuncture Electrotherapy Research 1996;21:133
J. Explore
(German) 1997;8:54
Marine
Sciences Center, Montreal 1974
J.
Environmental Health Perspectives 1998;106:s1017
“Major
Depressive Disorder and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis
Activity,”
J. Archives General
Psychiatry. 2009;66(6):617-626
“Elevated
Inflammatory Levels in Depressed adults with a History of
Childhood Maltreatment,”
J. Archive of
General Psychiatry 2008;65:409
“Influence of Child Abuse on
Adult Depression: moderation by the Corticotropin-Releasing
Hormone receptor gene,” J. Archives General Psychiatry
2008;65:190
J.
Archives Gen Psy 2005;62:154
J.
Ethnopharmacology 1994;44:131
“Researchers
Find Clues to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” JAMA 2006;295:2466
J.
American Family Physician 2009 ;80 :265
J.
Archives General Psychiatry. 2009;66(7):756-763
“Is
Vitamin D a Ray of Hope for Patients With MS?” J. Neurology
Reviews July 2009, page 1
J.
Neurology Reviews July 2009, page 1
J.
Environmental Health Perspectives 2001;109:845
INTEGRATIVE
HEALTH EDUCATION
A monthly
review of 100 medical journals
Volume 10
� Number 9
� September 2009
EDITOR’S NOTE
As the debate for health care reform rages
(see my last few blogs if you want to get mad at me) I
cannot help feeling frustrated and a bit hopeless, which
no doubt is contributing to my hair graying.
Lost in the ideology flung around from both sides is the
real work that must take place to regain our health as a
society and as individuals. Unless we focus on people’s
lifestyles, nutrition, relationships (to the community,
family, and the environment) we will continue to throw
money away and deny patients the chance to optimize
their health.
One good bit of news: some doctors are
beginning to ask their patients if they are using any
“alternative” therapies, apparently ready to tolerate
them.
If your doctor has shown an interest, feel free to share
this website with him/her.
Hugo Rodier, MD
Junk food just got worse
A disturbing report came out saying that
High Fructose Corn Syrup, HFCS, is contaminated by the
mercury found in the caustic soda used in HFCS
processing.
Product Mercury
parts per trillion
Quaker oatmeal 350
Jack Daniel’s 300
Hershey’s syrup 257
Kraft barbecue sauce 200
Kellog’s cereal bars 180
Manwich sauce
150
Grape jelly
130
Smucker’s jelly
100
Pop tarts
100
Hunt’s Ketchup 87
Wish bone dressing 72
Coca cola classic 62
Yoplait strawberry yogurt 60
Minute maid punch 40
Yoo hoo chocolate drink 30
Nesquik chocolate milk 30
Kemps chocolate milk 30
“Surprises from Celiac Disease, CD”
When I was in Medical School we were told
that wheat/gluten allergy was quite rare. It turns out
that 1% of people have a problem with gluten exposure,
especially those that are genetically susceptible and
have intestinal permeability, or leaky gut.
Unfortunately, leaky gut is becoming more common because
of our toxic diets, overuse of chemicals, especially
antibiotics, chlorinated/fluoridated water and a lack of
fiber in our diets.
The same factors are seen in other
autoimmune disorders (Diabetes, MS, Rheumatoid
arthritis, Thyroiditis, Chron’s and Ulcerative Colitis.)
Consequently, the authors feel that the treatment of
celiac disease “may ameliorate other conditions.”
Well, knock me over with a feather; the relationship
between autoimmune diseases and an inflamed gut won the
Nobel Prize in 1908. These simple concepts are at the
heart of what I feel needs to be done to cure 80% of the
chronic problems that afflict people. Thankfully, these
neglected facts are beginning to get more ink in our
best scientific journals. Naturopaths and other
like-minded health workers have been TOILing
with these issues for more than a hundred years.
Here are the main points in this remarkable
article:
·
There was a drop in death rate from 35%
to zero in children affected by CD in the
Netherlands with a bread shortage in WWII. The death
rate went back up when bread was reintroduced in their
diets.
·
Intestinal inflammation: villi, or
little hair-like projections in the lining of the
intestines is flattened; poor nutrition and absorption
results. CD triggers the formation of an antibody to the
enzyme tissue transglutaminase. This antibody may
be used to diagnose CD, but the false negatives may be
as high as 70%. Even an intestinal biopsy may fail to
diagnose the problem. An elimination diet is the best
way to explore the possibility of CD, or its
predecessor, an allergy to gluten.
·
Symptoms have escaped detection:
fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, bloating,
constipation/diarrhea, weight loss, vomiting, anemia,
arthritis, depression, infertility, numbness in
hands/feet, osteoporosis, short stature, skin lesions,
epilepsy, dementia, schizophrenia, and seizures.
·
Partially digested gluten (amino acids
glutamine and proline) sneak across leaky mucosa; this
triggers an immune system reaction, especially in people
with HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 genetics.
·
Zonulin is an intestinal protein
released when the gut is exposed to toxins: it loosens
tight junctions between intestinal cells which leads to
leaky gut The same problem is seen in autoimmune
diseases.
·
Future treatment: vaccine, drugs to
degrade gluten, zonulin blockers, HLA blockers to avoid
attachment to gluten peptides that T helper cells will
detect, T helper cells blockers. They are even
considering starting a hookworm infection to dampen the
host’s immune response.
·
The best treatment: avoid
gluten. This is very important in the 1st
12months of life in babies with genetic susceptibility.
In my practice I find wheat intolerance in
about 10% of people. This is likely because of
self-selection: my patients tend to be highly motivated
people who, due to multiple gut issues, have already
decided that they must change their diet. Most of them
don’t have CD, but the beginning of an allergy to wheat
or grains with gluten. When the problem is relentless
and it involves more serious gut involvement we may then
call this common problem CD.
If one has CD, or a gluten intolerance, one
could buy one of many books on the market and/or join a
support group. I tell my patients that the most
important things to remember are rather simple, albeit
hard to do:
(1)
All processed foods have gluten. This includes
items like ketchup, steak sauce, etc. Grains that have
gluten: wheat, rye, barley, oats.
(2)
Friend, family, churches, restaurants, work, etc
will have gluten treats, breads and pasta readily
available.
(3)
One may eat all the bread, cereals, chips,
tortillas and pasta they want at home. They will have
bought these items made with non-gluten grains they have
tested after their elimination diet.
(4)
If problems persist, consider the possibility
that your genetic makeup may not be conducive to eating
grains or legumes.
Big Pharma’s business practices
As you know, statin drugs to lower
cholesterol were originally extracted from fermented red
rice, a product widely used in China for centuries. The
fact that pharmaceutical companies have lobbied to get
red rice off the shelves attests to its efficacy and to
the rapacious behavior of Big Pharma, whose main
interest is profits, not our health.
The attempts to disenfranchise red rice are
not unique. There has been a systematic effort to
discredit non-pharmaceutical products that may cut into
their profits; ironically, the items most vilified seem
to be the ones Big Pharma has copied from Mother Nature.
The article “Drug Discovery and Natural Products: end
of an era or an endless frontier?”
makes the following points:
-
“By
1990 about 80% of drugs were either natural products
or analogs inspired by them…[but after that only]
50%.”
-
New
discoveries in biochemistry and nutrition science
will likely continue to feed the pharmaceutical
industry with new ideas.
-
Examples
of drugs that have been extracted from natural
products: penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin,
ivermectin, quinine, artemisinin, statin drugs,
cyclosporine, rapamycin, taxol, doxorubin
I could add deplin, alpha lipoic acid, omega
oils, rozerem, tamiflu, resveratrol, vitamin D, niacin,
N-acetyl cysteine, etc, etc.
Next time you are told that there is no
evidence for “alternative” (the pejorative term they
have coined to mean non-pharmaceutical) medicine, just
smile. Will some of those practitioners ever see past
their conditioning? Let’s hope so.
One of my most favorite herbs: “Curcumin.”
Curcumin/turmeric became a pharmaceutical
product in India. It is easy to see why. Curcumin is the
only herb I take. Here is why:
-
Antioxidant, J.
Biochem Pharmacology 1976;25:1811
-
Anti
inflammatory, J.
Pharmacology Research 1999;39:41
-
Antibacterial, J.
Agricultural Food Chemistry 1999;47:4297
-
Anticancer, J.
Anticancer Research 2003;23:363, J. Cancer
Epidemiology Biomarkers Prev
2005;14:120, J Digestion
2006;74:140, J. Food Chem Tox 2009;47:377
-
Fatty
liver in obesity, J.
Endocrinology 2009;150:3011
-
Injury
healing, British J.
Pharmacology 2003;139:209
-
Rheumatoid arthritis,
J. Natural Products 2006;69:351
-
Pancreatitis, Am J.
Physiology Gastrointl Liver Phys 2003;284:G85
-
Post-op
healing, Int J. Clin
Pharmacol Therapy Toxicology 1986;24:651
-
Uveitis,
J. Phytotherapy
Research 1999;13:318
-
Ulcers,
Southeast Asian J.
Tropical Med Public Health 2001;32:208
-
Irritable
Bowel Syndrome, J.
Review Gastrointestinal Disorders 2001;1:2
-
Chron’s,
Ulcerative Colitis,
J. Digestion Diseases Science 2005;50:191
This review article left out 3 important functions of
curcumin:
·
Curcumin helps depression, especially
stress-induced
J. Brain Research 2006;1122:56
·
Curcumin helps reduce obesity/insulin
resistance
Journal of Nutrition, May 2009; 139
(5): 1042
·
Curcumin reduces high blood pressure
Journal of Clinical Investigation,
March 2008
Herbal Update
Vitex agnus helps PMDD or PMS
J. Maturitas March 6th 2009
St John’s Wort
also helps in menopause
J. Menopause Feb 3
2009
Rhodiola helps relieve stress fatigue
J. Planta Medica 2009;75:105
Ginger is as effective as ibuprofen in menstrual
cramps
J. Alternative Medicine Feb 13th
2009
Ginger also helps nausea in pregnancy, J.
Altern Comp Med 2009;15:243
Silymarin, or milk thistle is safe and effective
for hepatitis
J. Phytomedicine 2009;16:391
Silymarin is also a safe and effective
galactogogue (milk secretion.)
J. Acta Biomed 2008;79:205
Gingko is as effective as the Alzheimer’s drug
donepezil
Combining the two is more effective; also
fewer side effects are seen
J. Aging Mental Health 2009;13:183
Green tea helps with weight loss
J. Alternative Medicine Review 2009;14:154
Stress, #1 factor in graying hair, J. Cell June
12th 2009
“Are You
Talking to Your Patients About CAM?” J.
American Family Physician 2009;80:228
J. Scientific
American, August 2009, page 54
INTEGRATIVE
HEALTH EDUCATION
A monthly
review of 100 medical journals
Volume 10
� Number 8
� August 2009
EDITOR’S NOTE
Since you are reading this newsletter, chances are good
that you, like me, are a bit of an outsider, and an
independent thinker. People like us are felt to be
inconvenient gadflies by most. Occasionally, we feel
isolated from the “madding crowd” we sometimes
find a bit blinded by “bread and circus.” And,
occasionally we run into someone who appreciates our
input, out thoughts and our “out-of –the –box”
approach to life. Such is the case with researchers at
BYU who found that “Outsiders Facilitate Better
Decisions: socially distinct newcomers help solve
problems.”
You, like me, may get tired of always being on the wrong
side of issues; perhaps you also entertain thoughts of
retiring and fade into the sunset. I hope you don’t.
Society needs your input, even thought most people don’t
know this. Hang in there. Help me pass these ideas on so
that we may improve our fellowman’s health. Hugo Rodier,
MD
Homecoming
Even though I have reported on the
devastating effects of childhood abuse on our health as
we grow up, I am compelled to update you because this is
such a tough and common problem; I estimate that 1/3 of
my patients have serious chronic health problems
because of some emotional/physical/sexual trauma growing
up. It turns out that our very DNA/genes are altered by
those traumas; also, our brain receptors to
glucocorticoids are reduced,
which predisposes our body to more inflammation (aches
and pain for starters,) and also to a tendency to
obesity and diabetes.
I am afraid that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
patients are very likely to have a history of childhood
trauma. Unfortunately, these patients are often
dismissed with a prescription for Prozac, without
looking into the possibility of significant neuro-endocrine
dysfunction often seen in CFS.
Since I too have a history of child abuse, I
feel I can be a bit lighthearted about this dark
problem: whenever I see the “toilet paper role”
sign (a patient pulling out a very long list of
problems) I get suspicious that they are hacking at the
leaves of their problem, not at the roots: the childhood
trauma festering like a boil. Unfortunately, these
patients are often subtly dismissed from “cherry-picking”
clinics by neglect; sometimes they are overtly dismissed
with a referral to some specialist who is not likely to
help, but to add to the long list of treatments/drugs
already heaped on these patients. Worse, some of these
patients end up in clinics were hormones are overused.
True, these patients are likely to have
adrenal hypofunction. But, mild supplements like
ginseng, DHEA, licorice, ashwaganda are often
sufficient, given a good nutritional program high in
fluids and minerals. The best results are seen when the
patient is able to deal with the often forgotten trauma;
hopefully this leads to forgiveness. Then, the patient
is able to move on.
Most helpful for me was reading Bradshaw’s
book “Homecoming.” Even though it is written for
recovering alcoholics, I highly recommend it for anyone
with childhood issues of any kind. It is a very good
workbook that gets you to revisit all the trauma and
toxic history with the eyes of an adult. Memories are
stored with the cognitive/emotional capacity of a child,
not an adult. But, they have a powerful effect on the
adult. So, when re-interpreted with the extra wisdom,
maturity and experience one has mustered with growth,
said memories lose their powerful grip on our heart,
spirit and psyche.
A Gut Feeling
The studies on the importance of our
friendly organisms are exploding in the medical
literature. Practically all diseases are turning out to
be associated with gut function; of course: that is
where we get the energy and information every cell in
our body needs to carry out its function. For instance
43% of Autistic children may have problems with
their ecology in the gut.
(This newsletter has explored the brain-gut connection
several times in the past.)
Probiotics are now almost routinely used for intestinal
problems in preschoolers
and adults alike. However, don’t fall for the Yogurt
commercials; you would need 1,000 servings of yogurt
to get an adequate amount of probiotics.
I recommend getting capsules of probiotics, or
make the yogurt yourself with good cultures and soy,
rice or almond milk. Health food stores have
instructions, or look them up on the internet.
More on the Gut
Here is another ground breaking article on the
ecology of the gut. When I see a real good one I do
bullet points so that you may study it in greater depth.
-
Small
Intestines Bacterial Overgrowth, SIBO,
associated with multiple health problems, even
outside the gut. So much for docs who continue to
discourage patients who feel an overgrowth of
organisms (including yeast) in the gut is making
them sick:
“Shifts in microbiota can cause yeast infections
and GI symptoms including bloating, abdominal; pain,
and diarrhea.”
-
Microbiota’s ability to detoxify chemicals and
toxins (that is one of their many functions) greatly
alters action of pharmaceuticals. In other words, a
prescription drug may work differently on you, given
your own signature gut colonization.
-
It takes
1 month for intestinal flora to recover after a 5
day course of antibiotic ciprofloxacin. “But
a few types of bacteria failed to recover even 6
months later… some remained disrupted up to 2 years
after a 7 day course of clindamycin.” So, don’t
rush to take an antibiotic: you are beating up on
your small friends. Speaking of friends:
“New generations are growing up without our ancient
companion, H. Pylori to orchestrate their gastric
hormones….[H. pylori] is now also thought to modulate
immunologic, endocrine, and physiologic functions in the
stomach.”
As H. pylori levels decrease we are seeing more
esophageal cancer. I am one of those docs who feel we
rushed too fast into blaming this bacteria for ulcers.
True, they are found in ulcer craters, but only as an
opportunistic bug that perpetuates the initial
inflammation. In other words, H. Pylori takes advantage
of the break down in the mucosal lining of the stomach.
-
Gut flora
mutations from poor diets, excessive antibiotics,
chlorinated water, etc. may lead to obesity and
diabetes. Our intestinal flora gets used to the
sweet garbage one eats. Then, they send you messages
to the brain so that you go out to the store to get
them the food they have grown accustomed to. Are you
being controlled by these little one’s whims and
cravings? The wrong organisms in the gut also
mess up your ability to process calories
optimally; you and I may eat the same amount of
calories, but the one colonized by the sugar-craving
bugs may absorb more calories from the same meal
than the one with a healthier gut flora.
-
Brain-gut connection: stressed rats at birth had
markedly altered microbiota. Autism shows altered
gut flora. This article estimates that 91% of
them have GI problems. They have more clostridium
species of intestinal bacteria, which produce
enterotoxins and neurotoxins. Also, antibiotic
use increases gut flora’s absorption of mercury and
its ability to detoxify that heavy metal, which is a
neurotoxin; this may lead to autism symptoms.
-
Most of
the genes we carry around belong to our intestinal
flora. The NIH is trying to map out all those
foreign genes within us. The Human Microbiome
Project is the USA’s equivalent to the European
Union’s program Metagenomics of the Human
Intestinal Tract. Both will lead to personalized
medicine based on intestinal tract ecology.
“Olive Leaf”
The basis of the Mediterranean diet is olive
oil. The leaf is worth having, too:
-
From the
olive tree. Active ingredients: secoiridoids,
hydroxytyrosol, polyphenols, triterpines and
flavonoids. The main ingredient is oleuropein,
which protects the fruits and leaves from pathogens
and insects
-
Actions: hypotensive/vasodilatory,
antimicrobial, including malaria, antioxidant/anti
inflammatory, hypoglycemic. All these actions help
lower the risk of heart disease, especially
its anti-platelet effect: Olive leaf extract taken
for 8 weeks decreased blood pressure, cholesterol.
-
Most cold
viruses and parasites were neutralized in vitro
studies
-
Rat
studies showed improved thyroid function
-
Olive
leaf is best tolerated with food in 500-2,000 mg
range. It is quite safe.
“What is Wrong with Cancer Tests”
That is the title of a mainstream article;
don’t shoot the messenger.
-
Many
experts feel that early detection of breast cancer,
prostate cancer may not do any good. “Tests
may be picking up small cancers that would never
have caused any symptoms…Once they are
diagnosed, almost everybody gets treated-and we know
that treatment can cause harm… Screening’s
power to cut risk of dying has been wildly
overinflated… By the time cancer is big
enough to be seen on a mammogram or other test, it’s
already sent seeds to other parts of the body.”
-
Detecting small cancers may not do any good. In
Denmark a study showed that 39% of middle aged women
who died of other causes had breast cancer at
autopsy. 60% of men at age 60 have undetected
prostate cancer; yet only 3% of deaths are due to
this cancer
-
Only the
pap smear has shown a decreased in the risk of death
-
Inflated numbers: colon cancer mortality drops
by 60% with colonoscopies. But, mortality is really
reduced from 2.3% down to 0.9%. “A benefit, yes,
but not necessarily big enough to outweigh all other
considerations.” If ½ of those people advised to
have a colonoscopy did it, it would cost $110+
million dollars/year
-
Better
tests in the pipeline:
Oncotype DX test measures the activity of
21 genes in tumor cells to calculate the likelihood of
the cancer reoccurring in 10 years.
ERG and PCA3 genes: if they are inactive in
prostate cancer cells, aggressive therapy could be
avoided.
You have a family history
You have a risky mutation, like BRCA
1&2 for breast
cancer
You have already had cancer
You have another serious illness (it
may do you in before the cancer)
You are under 50 or over 70
You are significantly afraid of being
harmed by treatment you don’t need
CTs involve a lot of radiation
MRIs for back pain are unnecessary
Back Surgery, Knee surgeries
Angioplasties or stents add no
survival value over drugs and lifestyle changes, unless
you’re in the middle, or aftermath of a heart attack
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin,
April 2009
J. Ann Int Med 2001;134:917
J. Nature Neuroscience 2009;12:342
“Childhood Trauma and Risk for Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome: association with
neuroendocrine dysfunction,” J. Arch
Gen Psy 2009;66:72
“GI Disorders Common in Autistic Children,”
J. Family Practice News, March 2009, page 23
“Probiotics use Cut GI Infections in
Preschoolers,”
J. Family Practice News, March 2009, page 22
“Most Yogurt No Match for Infection,”
Annual Meeting North American Society for
Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Salt
Lake City, 2007
“Gut Reaction: environmental effects on the
human microbiota,”
J.
EHP May 2009 volume 117, Number 5.
J. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, January
2008
J. Alternative Medicine Review 2009;14:62
J. Readers Digest, April 2009, page 88
INTEGRATIVE
HEALTH EDUCATION
A monthly
review of 100 medical journals
Volume 10
� Number 7
� July 2009
EDITOR’S
NOTE
Last month
I saw a patient who lost 200 lbs by simply (I
don’t say it lightly) coming to terms with his
refined sugar addiction. He is delighted and so am
I.
Let’s
compare him to the young woman I saw a few days ago: she
demanded that I refill her amphetamine-like prescription
(phentermine, which quits working after 3 months) and
her thyroid hormone, both of which were erroneously
prescribed by another provider. The fact that these two
drugs had not worked was not obvious to her. When I
said that I was not going to comply with her refill
request (which often earns me the reputation of “not
listening” with these type of patient) she became
angry and confrontational. Perhaps I was too direct, but
I doubt it, since I have been doing this type of
counseling for years now and I have a lot of gray hair
to show for it.
What is
really disturbing in her case was her statement that she
will never eat veggies. Why won’t she? In my opinion,
her addiction to sugar is so pronounced she is unable to
taste the natural sugars found in veggies or any other
natural food.
Such is
the power of the addiction our society suffers. I
compare it to an alcohol addiction. Before you say that
this is a tortured analogy, let me remind you that
alcohol is a fermented sugar. Alcohol and refined sugars
in our diet have an active neurological effect on our
neurotransmitter receptors, particularly in our brains’
thermostat. Also, these receptors are shared by opioids,
endorphins and valium-like drugs. Do you get the
picture?
Unfortunately, sexual/physical abuse in early childhood
contributes to our thermostat dysfunction. And, believe
it or not, toxins in the environment, including
artificial sweeteners in diet soda pop and toxic
microbes in our gut compound the addiction to sugar.
A final
word of advice: quit relying on sale pitches (herbs,
drugs, gadgets, fad diets, etc.) If you want to lose
weight, look in the mirror and say: I am a sugar-holic.
Also ask yourself if there is a history of childhood
emotional trauma and work out 60 minutes a day. I
sincerely wish you the success my first patient has
seen.
Hugo
Rodier, MD
“Doc, I can’t lose weight and
I am tired: I need thyroid”
If I had a dollar for
each time I have heard this I would have a small
fortune.
Many of these patients
come in, angry that other docs have not prescribed
thyroid “because the blood levels were normal.”
Most of them hope that I, as a bit of a maverick in the
medical field, will produce the coveted prescription,
only to be disappointed that I agree with the standard
of care in this field, and for that matter, with the
standards of prescribing practically all medications (I
do not agree with the standards of care when it comes to
non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as nutrition.)
We have known for a
while that people may develop “thyroid resistance,”
much like we may develop insulin resistance. In fact, “studies
of insulin resistance in patients with clinical and
subclinical hypothyroidism”
continue to appear, establishing the fact that most
thyroid problems are due to our diets and environmental
toxins;
the latter contribute to cell membrane toxicity and
hormonal dysfunction. It is not just refined sugars that
may trigger thyroid disease, but refined wheat.
(If you would like to study “resistance” at the
cellular level take a look at the articles I have posted
on my website.)
So, stop blaming your
thyroid and see if you might have a nutritional problem.
Remember that insulin resistance is linked to obesity.
The relationship between weight thyroid exists, but in
most cases obesity is the cause of thyroid
dysfunction, not the consequence: hyperinsulinemia
diminishes the rate of conversion or activation of T4 to
T3.
So, you may need to
look in the mirror, again…
[By the way, the “man in the mirror”
passed away last month…]
Exercise tip
Last month I stated
that sometimes exercise advice from docs may fall on
deaf ears, particularly if the patient is overworking
just to make ends meet. Hopefully that statement was not
interpreted as po-pooing exercise altogether. On the
contrary, exercise is very well documented activity; its
benefits are far reaching. It would be most beneficial
for your insulin resistance issues (diabesity) if you
could work out over 150 minutes a week and combine
aerobic (i.e. running) and resistance training
(weight-lifting.)
Eat fiber!
The epidemic of obesity
began when Americans decreased the amount of fiber they
consume. Most people now eat 5-10 grams a day, far below
the recommended amounts:
Men <50 38 grams
Men >50 31
Women <50 24
Women >50 21
How did this happen?
We turned to refined foods which are very low in fiber.
This causes many problems, like increasing the rapid
absorption of sugars from the gut. The result is a
negative metabolic reaction that increases the addiction
to sugar and the stress on the system that is then
required to produce more insulin, faster and faster.
Since the rising levels of insulin subsequently trigger
hypoglycemia, we rush to eat more or the sweets
that started the problem in the first place: we are then
caught in a vicious cycle.
Consuming fiber lowers
your risk of gaining weight
by avoiding that vicious cycle. Remember that most fiber
is in fruits and veggies, not grains. Also, remember
guar gum fiber, arguably the best fiber to
supplement for weight issues. I recommend 5 grams 1hour
before each meal: it helps you reduce the absorption of
sugars from the gut.
There are many other
benefits to fiber consumption. Let me tell you a story:
Dr. Burkitt (a
fearsome childhood cancer bears his name) did a lot of
work in Africa, where he noted that the people with the
biggest, bulkiest stools had less cancer. When he
presented his observations he was not well received by
his fellow physicians in the USA. However, time
vindicated his astuteness; now we know that fiber does
decrease the risk of many cancers. Remember the Nobel
Prize winning research of Metchnikoff: 60% of our immune
system is in the intestinal tract. A lot of it is the
friendly bacteria that live therein, which needs good “prebiotics,”
or fiber to thrive.
Low blood sugar
When I first started
practicing in SLC I had several patients tell me that
the diagnosis of “hypoglycemia” was not
well accepted elsewhere, despite their obvious
improvement with dietary changes. It is not hard to
understand that high sugar diets will trigger the
release of a lot of insulin, which sticks around to
lower sugar rather precipitously. This causes the
release of several hormones, particularly epinephrine,
which makes people shake, feel dizzy and speed up their
hearts.
This is why now we see
that hypoglycemia increases mortality in hospitalized
patients who have had a heart attack.
It may drive you crazy to read that hypoglycemia in type
II diabetics also increases the risk of dementia.
Confused about Homocysteine?
Homocysteine goes up
when we don’t have enough B vitamins in our diets.
Initially, we saw a
flurry of articles saying that this toxin is associated
with heart disease and several other conditions, like
strokes and dementia. Subsequent research cooled down
the early enthusiasm. Some docs are now downright
hostile if the “H” word comes up, fueling their dim
views of anything non-pharmaceutical/nutritional.
But, like we often see
in nutritional research, negative studies about food are
to be taken with a grain of salt. A significant
proportion of these studies fail to take into account
individual differences on how people process nutrients.
Just like we see with “pharmacogenetics,”
some of us do not process certain nutrients like the
majority of people.
Interestingly, the very
principle that some are willing to concede to drug
research (pharmacogenetics) is not easily applied to
food science, despite the well documented fields of “nutrigenomics
and nutrigenetics.”
So, I was happy to see
yet another article saying that the reason some studies
on homocysteine no longer show an association with heart
disease is because researchers are not looking into
5-methyltetrahydrofolate genetic variances.
This simply means that some people cannot process B
vitamins once ingested; they are the ones who will have
more oxidation of the lining of their blood vessels. In
other words, homocysteine is indeed toxic in those who
have the mutation in the MTHF gene. If a study does not
consider this genetic mutation, the toxic effect of
homocysteine may not be apparent.
And, wouldn’t you know
it. The pharmaceutical industry has known about this for
some time; they have marketed 5-mehtytetrahydrofolate
(found OTC) as a drug, Deplin, to treat
inflammation/oxidation of the brain: depression.
Remember that we also need B vitamins to turn amino
acids in our diet to neurotransmitters. For example,
tryptophan is the substrate from which our body
makes serotonin.
All this may be
a bit complicated, even unnecessary: just quit eating
processed food! It is too low in B vitamins…
Telegraphed articles
Soy reduces the risk of colon cancer
J. Nutrition 2009;139:474
Soy lowers the risk of gastric cancer
J. Nutrition 2009;139:1008
Soy does not increase breast density in
menopausal women
J. Nutrition 2009;139:981
[Are you still a soy-hater?]
Stress is the biggest factor in graying of hair
J. Cell, June 2009
A stay in the slammer raises the risk of
high blood pressure
J. Archives of Internal Medicine
2009;169:687
Teen night owls have higher rates of depression
NIH/Columbia University, June 2009
Seaweed improves sexual/hormonal balance in
menopause
J. Nutrition 2009;139:939
Pre pregnancy obesity linked to postpartum
depression
J. Family Practice news, March 2009, page 19
Probiotics reduce liver inflammation seen with
high fat diets
J. Nutrition 2009;139:905
Cinnamon extract protects the liver against
alcohol induced injury
J. Nutrition 2009;139:5482
Moderate alcohol intake reduces insulin
resistance
J. Metabolism Clinical & Experimental
2009;58:387
The purple pill increases risk of hospital
acquired pneumonia
JAMA 2009;301:2120
Carotenoids in our diet lower risk of metabolic
syndrome
J. Nutrition 2009;139:987
CoQ10 improves arterial lining in diabetic
patients on cholesterol drugs
J. Diabetes Care 2009;32:810
Quercetin helps leaky gut symptoms
J. Nutrition 2009;139:965
Green and Black tea lower the risk of strokes
J. Stroke 2009 Feb 19: Epub
Higher overall adiposity, especially the beer-belly, is
associated with more Restless Legs
J. Neurology April 2009
J.
Annals of Internal Medicine 1995;123:572
“Environmental chemicals and thyroid function,”
European J. Endocrinology 2006;154:599
“Thyroid related antibodies in celiac disease,”
J. Clinical Gastroenterology 2002;35:245
J. Metabolism Clinical and Experimental
2005;54:1524
“Nutrigenomics
and Nutrigenetics: the emerging faces of
nutrition,”
J. FASEB 2005;19:1602
INTEGRATIVE
HEALTH EDUCATION
A monthly
review of 100 medical journals
Volume 10
� Number 6
� June 2009
EDITOR’S
NOTE
Two years ago the State of Utah commissioned the formation of task forces
to look into improving health care by 2010 by reviewing
issues like finances, accessibility, reimbursement, etc.
It has been an honor for me to serve on the committee on
Wellness, which means focusing on maximizing
people’s health, not just treat diseases’ symptoms.
Last month we finally put together a list of final recommendations after
an all-day symposium in downtown Salt Lake City. Very
smart committee members focused almost entirely on
mind-body issues to bolster patients’ “self-efficacy,”
or their innate ability to pull themselves up by their
own bootstraps. This is not a new concept. For years now
health care experts across the globe have been barking
up that tree, but the health care establishment has not
been in a position to truly listen, until now, when we
are in crisis mode. Such “lateness” is not necessarily a
bad thing, but the modus operandi of mortal humans. What
is important is that we are finally poised to reform
health care system to make it more efficient,
egalitarian, cheaper, less chaotic and more accessible.
Dr. Bandura and many others have shown that the Acute model of
health care delivery (emergency-type of problems like
heart attacks, strokes, accidents, etc.) is very good as
it now stands. But, our clinics, hospitals and doctors,
lacking the knowledge to do otherwise, have been
applying these acute care tools like drugs and surgery
to Chronic care issues (diabetes, high blood
pressure, arthritis, etc) with unsatisfactory results.
This was not done out of malice, of course; just like we
see in any other arena, any change threatens those who
benefit the most from maintaining the status quo.
The wellness committee has prepared the following list of key words that
will likely reshape how we think about and how we
deliver health care in Utah in the near future: “hope,
internal control, self efficacy, purpose, especially
beyond the self, internal source of inspiration and
psychological or spiritual strength, and motivation for
self care.” Patients will be encouraged to gain a “basic
knowledge of what comprises good health and wellness in
the broadest sense, learn self care skills, appreciate
that achieving good health is a step by step process, a
journey.”
The health care system will create an environment that fosters “adequate
basic life resources, loving relationships,
connectedness, and effective support systems [that
promote] “personal choice in multiple possible
strategies, plans, measuring, reinforcement. Repetition
[of these principles] over time becoming sensitive
and responsive to natural internal tendencies for
wellness and healthy habits such as physical
activity, good nutrition and adequate sleep
[will] create even greater capacity for self care.”
I highlighted the part about nutrition,
physical activity and adequate sleep because they are my
forte. When it comes to mind-body issues I do my best in
my practice and in my personal life, but it was never
good enough for my ex-wife, so, I focus on more concrete
issues where I have a better batting average. This is
not to say I am a total “zero on the left” when it comes
to the touchy-feely stuff, but that the vast majority of
patients come to see me for more concrete solutions to
their illnesses, like how they can overcome their
chronic problems through nutrition. Most of them would
find it odd that I might prescribe “meditation” right
off the bat. Believe me, I tried this approach when I
was a young doc with poor results.
Over time, I have learned to engage
patients at the stage they are at, not where I am. I
do agree 100% agree that the mind/heart/spirit is the
best way to approach chronic illnesses, but, if the
patient has not yet come to that realization on their
own and they come in to have me help them with a more
concrete problem such as quitting their addiction to
sugar, I feel I must first gain their confidence, build
a relationship with them, and then see if they are
receptive to the real changes in their “self efficacy”
to improve their managing of their chronic problems.
After all, a sugar addiction is not just a physiologic
problem but a psychological and spiritual issue as well.
For instance, a month ago I sat through a
lecture at the medical school where docs-to-be were told
they should get their patients to exercise 30-60 minutes
a day. The lecturer was obviously an exercise buff
making a six-figure salary; he was tanned, well rested
and very smart. As usual, after the lecture the students
gathered in groups of 15 to kick around the topic for
that week, assisted by old docs like myself. I was
delighted to see them bring up the shadow-side of
across-the-board exercise recommendations to all
patients, just because a doctor feels strongly about it.
Don’t take me wrong, I agree with exercise
prescriptions; in fact, I am an exercise fanatic myself.
But, as the students discussed, it is not going to go
over well to recommend vigorous exercise to a man who
has to work 3 jobs to put bread on his family’s table.
I am sure at times I fail to engage patients
where they are best prepared to succeed. No doubt this
is why I “practice” medicine. Maybe I will get it
right by the time they put me out to pasture…. But
enough about what I think; the good news is that the
State of Utah is finally poised to do something about
the vexing problems we face in health care. And you are
going to be an integral part of that solution: “Patient,
Heal Thyself.”
Hugo Rodier, MD
Still addicted to soda pop?
If you are you may have missed the memo
notifying you that even diet soda pop makes us gain
weight. Why is that? Remember that food is energy and
information, just like everything else is in the
known Universe. While diet soda pop has no calories
(energy) it has a lot of toxic information like
the artificial sweeteners and who knows what else they
put in their secret formulas; toxins in pop alter the
function and structure of our cells’ membranes and DNA
which leads to insulin resistance, the beginning
of the slippery slide into diabesity.
Perhaps the 4 articles I found in my
literature search last month may help you get motivated
to kick the addiction to pop. The first one argues “sugar,
rum and tobacco are commodities which are nowhere
necessaries of life, which [have become] objects of
almost universal consumption, and which are therefore
extremely proper subjects of taxation.”
I agree; brace yourself to have your “vice” get a lot
more expensive. Yeah, yeah, you have a right to drink
whatever you want; I also agree (I sound like Tavia in
Fiddler on the Roof…) But, most of us don’t want to pay
for the consequences of pop drinking down the line; the
consumer should, through taxes.
The other articles point out the obvious:
hormonal changes caused by pop trigger metabolic
problems in our cells that lead to diabesity, insulin
resistance and cholesterol problems
while stopping soda pop helps you lose weight.
Do you know someone who drinks more than 2
quarts of pop a day? If you do, tell them their heart
may not beat very well. (Excessive pop causes a wide
range of problems well documented in this newsletter in
the past. Send me an Email at
www.hugorodier.com and I will send you my file on
previous article references on this problem.) It turns
out that pop lowers your potassium, a key mineral in
muscle function and nerve conduction.
Am I being a bit harsh calling pop-drinking
an addiction? I don’t believe so. How else would you
explain what you and I see on a regular basis at our
neighborhood grocery stores checkout counters? Obese
people dumping their pop, candy, chips and canned/bagged
goods on the belt, right along with the latest Hollywood
star’s plan for weight loss dramatically portrayed on
the cover of gossipy magazines?
Olive leaf
The dramatic salutary effects of olive oil,
rich in omega oils are well known. Let’s review the
benefits of the leaf today:
lower blood pressure and blood sugar, antioxidant, anti
clotting, anti inflammatory (all of which improve
heart/circulatory health), antimicrobial (viral,
including HIV, colds and the flu; bacterial, protozoan
and fungal.) It also helps with low thyroid issues. If
you wish to get the specific references for these
effects find the article in the footnotes. For instance,
olive leaf’s blood pressure lowering effect is due to
dilatation of blood vessels.
A punch in the gut
Dr. Metchnikoff won the Nobel Prize in
Medicine in 1908 for demonstrating how vital our gut
flora is. Thankfully his research is being resurrected
in the medical journals; it is helping alleviate
practically all diseases. It turns out that
environmental toxins, poor diets devoid of good
information (fiber, antioxidants, etc) and even
emotional stress may affect the little critters that
dwell inside our intestines.
An article came out under the review of the
U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences, National Institutes of Health and the
Department of Health and Human Services documenting how
our toxic environments are messing up the delicate
ecology of the 100 trillion + organisms that live in our
GI tract.
They are now considered “an organ in
that they perform functions essential for our survival.
And just as with the heart or the lungs, when an
environmental agent alters the function of the
microbiota, the results can be disease.” And
how do we thank them? We rain fiber-less bad foods
redolent with preservatives, colorings, artificial
sweeteners, trans fats, refined sugars, antibiotics,
hormones, fluoridated and chlorinated water, antacids
and purple pills, etc, etc.
Remember that messing with your intestinal
flora can cause you to gain weight, disrupt your immune
system and your brain-gut connection. In fact, “even
a one-time [course of antibiotics] can lead to long
term…health consequences.”
INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
EDUCATION
A monthly
review of 100 medical journals
Volume 10
� Number 5
� May 2009
EDITOR’S
NOTE
As baby boomers we spend a lot of time
wondering about the aging process, particularly as the
economy crashes and retirement no longer seems a sure
thing. Tempting and illusory therapies multiply in hard
times. They promise “anti-aging” items to
increase their profits with little regard to side
effects. As previously denounced by the AMA
and by this newsletter, the purveyors of these
modalities often fail to advise patients that the surest
way to slow down the aging process is proper diets
and good relationships.
Perhaps most insidious of all these
questionable therapies is the use of hormones.
These unscrupulous practitioners use isolated, poorly
conceived and unconfirmed studies to justify their
prescribing of many hormones. The latest “hormone du
jour” seems to be HCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
to help people lose weight. While it may work, its
pushers do not warn people that they are playing with
fire. What about the future cost, or long term effects?
Have they not learned from past mistakes with thyroid,
sex hormones, adrenal hormones and growth hormone?
Apparently not.
I am particularly upset about this mode of
practice for several reasons. The main one, already
stated is the irresponsible way patients’ long term
health is ignored. This practice has infected the
neighborhood where I practice (Suburb in Salt Lake
City.) Sadly, saying “No” to patients who wish to
indulge in these hormonal shortcuts often earns me the
reputation of “not listening to the patient,” whereas
the practitioners who roll over and agree to “supply the
goods” are held in higher esteem by unsuspecting
patients who fail to be properly educated.
I compare these cheap shortcuts to my
heroes’ comedic routines: anyone can get a cheap laugh
by telling sexual jokes. The master comedians stick to
mundane routines like discussing lost socks in the
laundry. Another analogy would be baseball compared to
other sports, but I won’t torment you by elaborating.
Hugo Rodier, MD
Brain aging
As baby boomers get older we become more
preoccupied with the specter of brain degenerative
diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The only
thing that is felt to be of help is pharmaceutical
drugs. But, as you have read herein before, said
treatments are often marginally effective, expensive and
carry the risk of multiple side effects. Yet,
harmless non-pharmaceutical interventions are often
ignored even though many of them do have significant
evidence to support them. For instance, learning new
skills (languages, musical instruments, etc,) exercise,
good diets, avoiding all the risk factors that also lead
to heart disease (smoking alcohol, etc), stress
management and avoiding toxins in the environment do
lower the risk of winding up with compromise
neurological and cognitive function.
Even avoiding constipation may lower
the risk of neurodegeneration. Why? Constipation
compromises the detoxification or elimination of toxins
like pesticides that have been associated with
these diseases.
Here is a recent list of items that may help
keep your brain regenerating more effectively:
(see “newsletter archive” for more studies.)
Korean ginseng helps Alzheimer’s.
Improving blood flow to the brain may
prevent Alzheimer’s.
“Intake of Flavonoid Rich Wine, Tea and Chocolate
by Elderly is Associated with Better
Cognitive Test Performance.”
Herb Bacopa improves cognitive
function.
More on brain therapy
St John’s Wort helps depression. Its
long term use is safe and decreases relapses.
Parkinsonian patients should avoid antipsychotic
drugs: higher risk of mortality.
“Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs
[Increase] the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death.”
Antiepileptic drugs increase risk of suicidal
thoughts and behavior (FDA.)
Bone aging
Another worry we entertain is falling and
breaking a hip because of thinning bones. Capitalizing
on these fears we see osteopenia and osteoporosis
overly-demonized in order to sell pharmaceutical
products that also have marginal effectiveness and
significant side effects.
It would be much more honest and effective to educate
people on the reasons why bones thin out: refined
sugars, soda pop, wheat allergies, compromised
intestinal function and absorption of minerals,
etc.
Obviously eating better, preventing falls
and exercising decreases the chances of fractures. And
if you are not a soy-hater whose religious fervor keeps
you from looking at the evidence with an open mind, you
could try soy: a 3 year study of Genistein helped
bone formation without risks to breasts.
Developing arthritis is also another
preoccupation. A healthy life style and maintaining a
healthy gut significantly decrease our chances of
inflammatory diseases. Also, many herbs herein
highlighted can help without significant side effects.
Recently,
Garnicia kola
joined that list.
The common denominator to Brain and Bone? The
Bowel
While it may seem obvious to you, the bowel
is not only the common denominator to bones and brain,
but to every organ of the body. The Nobel-Prize winning
research of Metchnikoff a hundred years ago and the work
of Gershon have solidly placed the gut at the forefront
of function. But, modern medicine tends to forget,
mesmerized by the complexity of other organs,
particularly when the brain and heart don’t work as
expected in acute situations. But that has been the
problem, has it not? Our emphasis on ACUTE issues
overshadows CHRONIC issues, of which the bowels are king.
This is not to say we should ignore acute care issues,
but we need to do better with chronic disease. This
newsletter has already documented that experts are of
the opinion that chronic care is chaotic and not
cost-effective.
One way to help solve this imbalance is to
educate patients to manage their own chronic health
issues. And nothing is more important for patients to
understand is how nutrition and how it is processed in
the bowels will help them sustain health in every organ.
This is why I was delighted to see the article “Serotonin
Rising: the bone, brain, bowel connection.”
I hope it signals a better
understanding of these intuitive concepts so that
patients may be better served. Perhaps doctors will
start to pay attention to the thousand of studies
already published that discuss these simple concepts.
Their application helps my practice in assisting
patients to stop 80% of the pharmaceuticals they have
been told to take to treat the symptoms of their
illnesses, not the roots.
This particular article highlights the
neurotransmitter serotonin from the gut talking not only
to our brain, but to our bones. In other words,
impaired gut function will lead to impaired brain and
bone function. Specifically, poor diets and impaired gut
function will cause cognitive, mental problems and
neurodegeneration, in addition to bone thinning and bone
inflammation.
Perhaps reminding you that 90%+ of serotonin
is found in the intestines, not in the brain
will drive the point home.
A nose for illness
Fido’s ability to be trained to sniff out
disease in humans is legendary. Now, technology is
trying to emulate our beloved pet’s diagnostic skills.
The article “Scientists Seek to Sniff Out Diseases”
chronicles a new gadget’s success in diagnosing several
illnesses like pneumonia, sinusitis, tumors and lung
cancer.
I wonder if the machine will also be
programmed to sniff our crotches…
Update on prescription drugs in our water
My colleagues on the Environmental Committee
of the Utah Medical Association have agreed to tackle
this thorny issue. As you probably know by now,
prescription drugs are not only dumped in toilets, but
we also pee them out so that they end up in our drinking
water in the future. The potential ill effects on humans
are likely heralded by the problems we are seeing in
animals.
The plot just got “sicker:” Pharmaceutical
manufacturers have been dumping their products directly
into our waterways. The EPA has documented that 271
million pounds have been so disposed.
Hundreds of pharmaceutically active chemicals like
lithium, nitroglycerin and copper used in
contraceptives, and 22 outright drugs are presently in
our drinking water. Experts feel that the EPA is
practically ignoring this practice, which pretty much
translates into a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
Please, read my blog on how Green Economies
can help us get our of our present recession
soon-to-become-depression. In my opinion, part of the
problems we face is how manufacturers have not accounted
for damage to Earth and humans as they have flooded our
societies with their chemical products. In other words,
they accrue the benefits and our societies pay for the
cost. Fortunately, Ecuador, Spain and Switzerland have
passed laws to give Mother Nature constitutional rights.
Chocolate?!
Another article by the American Heart
Association just appeared to make us smile and delight
in our addiction to chocolate.
We have known since the 16th century that
natural and unrefined COCOA is a wonderful food
with many health benefits. The problem is that “the
processed product chocolate, which refers to the
combination of cocoa, sugar, and eventually milk and
other ingredients into a solid food product [may not
have] many of the health effects of cocoa and its
contents.”
Exactly; processing cocoa to make it more
palatable with sugar, milk and who knows what else makes
it not only unhealthy, but addicting. The chocolate
industry knows very well what to do to hook us. And
remember (previously reported) that we may get caught in
a vicious cycle: the more processed food we eat (like
chocolate), the more we run the risk of being colonized
by intestinal organisms that magnify our addiction to
those foods, especially chocolate.
So, if you want to enjoy “the food of the
Gods,” cocoa, buy those chocolates that have at least
70% cocoa. Then, you may get the following benefits:
insulin sensitivity, lower risk of heart disease, lower
risk of clotting problems, lower blood pressure, less
angina, better neurological function, better digestion,
and improved kidney and bowel function. The only fly in
the ointment: cocoa, without help from Big Food is
bitter.
Telegraphed articles
“Arthroscopic Surgery for Knee
Osteoarthritis? Just Say NO,”
J. Family Practice 2009;58:143
B complex vitamins lower risk of Macular
Degeneration
J. Archives of Internal Medicine
2009;169:335
Garlic increases the levels of master antioxidant
Glutathione
J. Nutrition 2009;139:106
The right amount of vitamin C for optimal health
is 1 gram a day
J. Alternative and Complementary Medicine
2008;14:1291
J. Annals of
Neurology 2006;60:197, J. Neurology 2001;57:456
& J. Family Practice News, 2006;36:1
J .Phytotherapy Research 2008 Aug 6 Epub
J. Lancet, January 9th 2009, Epub
“When
the Gut Talks to Bone,”
J. Cell 2008;135:795
INTEGRATIVE
HEALTH EDUCATION
A monthly review
of 100 medical journals
Volume 10
�
Number 4
� April 2009
EDITOR’S
NOTE
A downside of being an Integrative doctor is that those
who spouse more extremist ideologies often criticize me for my
middle-of the road stances. While considering an extreme point
of view I often hear from the other extreme that I am selling
out. For instance, telling a doctor-hating patient that they
must take a given drug may disappoint said patient. This is why
I feel I am likely to offend some of you no matter how I
introduce the subject of feminine issues in our society
and in health care in particular. In my opinion we have
de-emphasized our feminine nature (in men and women) by giving
into our masculine tendencies. This is particularly true in
health care. This is not to say that either opposite is better
than the other, but bringing up the neglected feminine in us is
likely to be interpreted by some as denigrating the
over-dominant masculine. This is not so; we need an integration
of both forces.
This is why I delighted in the article “Heart of the Matter”
that reported on women’s welfare being tied to peace; the more
violence against women the more national security is undermined.
And the more neglected women are in society the more health
problems said society has.
A great example of this concept is Roseto, Pennsylvania. This
little town was practically transplanted from Italy to the USA.
Its people maintained very close community ties (a feminine
concept); as a result their rate of health problems was much
lower than surrounding populations that were not as cohesive.
Despite eating questionable diets, Roseto dwellers had less
chronic diseases.
Our emphasis on a more masculine approach to health care
(invasive chemicals (drugs,) surgery, radiation, etc., continues
to be questioned. In my opinion, our society is ripe for
fundamental changes that will balance more feminine approaches
such as relationships, nutrition and prevention; “get out of
the way” if you don’t agree:
“The crisis facing the US health care system is in large part
a consequence of that system’s disease –oriented, reactive, and
sporadic approach to care [masculine approach-my words]…
A personalized, predictive, preventive, and participatory
medicine [feminine approach-my words], that is
prospective care, has been receiving increasing attention as a
solution to the US health care crisis.” (“Prospective
Health Care and the Role of Academic Medicine: lead, follow, or
get out of the way.”)
Infection prevention
Recently I drove through a
snowstorm for ten hours through Northern New Mexico. Driving at
20 mph was stressful and all the chips I ate probably didn’t
help. When I got home I caught the flu, but it only lasted 12
hrs. My family was sick with it for a week. Why? Good nutrition
and rest boost our immune system. “The germ is nothing;
the terrain is everything” said
Pasteur.
Here are some recent articles
proving him right:
More colds with low
vitamin D levels
J. Archives
Internal Medicine 2009;169:384
“Sleep Habits and Susceptibility to the Common
Cold,”
J. Archives Internal Medicine 2009;169:62
“Micronutrient Deficiencies Are Associated with
Impaired Immune Response and Higher Burden of Respiratory
Infections in Elderly”
J. Nutrition 2009;139:113
North American ginseng helps colds in children
J. Pediatrics 2008;122:e402
Zinc improves Rx for childhood pneumonia
J. Nutrition Review 2008;66:398
Zinc decreases oxidative stress, cytokines and infections
in Sickle Cell Dz
J. Transplant Research 2008;152:67
Metabolic update: how
do you handle Energy & Information (food?)
If you come to my New
Patient Orientation (Thursdays 5 PM; call 801-576-1086) you
will review the concept that everything in the known Universe is
about Energy and Information. Our body (cells) is no different.
This is why focusing only on calories (Energy) while neglecting
the Information (vitamins, antioxidants, etc) content of food
will never work if you are trying to lose weight. Remember the
article that showed that DIET soda pop promotes obesity?
Here are some updates to prove the point:
The amino acid Arginine
reduces white fat gain and enhances muscle mass in obese rats
J. Nutrition
2009;139:230
Green tea
enhances exercise-induced loss of abdominal fat
J. Nutrition
2009;139:264
“Mastication of
Almonds: effects of lipid bioaccessibility, appetite
and hormone response.” If you chew almonds 40 times before
swallowing your appetite decreases
American J. Clinical
Nutrition 2009;89:793
Blockade of central
melanocortin-4 receptors by circulating autoantibodies
may contribute to obesity in a small subgroup of patients. Why
do we develop said antibodies? Poor immune system function
J
Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism 2009 94: 793-800
People with insulin
resistance are more likely to develop diabetes. Why insulin
resistance: toxicity, oxidation, inflammation, mitochondrial
problems and stress
J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009 94: 920-926
“Chronic Intake of
Potato Chips Increases the Production of Reactive Oxygen
Radicals and Increases C-Reactive Protein;” Chips =
oxidation = diabesity
AJCN 2009;89:773
1-3 grams cinnamon
reduce insulin levels after meals
AJCN 2009;89:815
“Effects of
Antioxidant Supplementation on Insulin Sensitivity,
Endothelial Adhesion Molecules, and Oxidative Stress in Normal
Weight and Overweight Adults,”
J. Metabolism Clinical and
Experimental 2009;58:254
More insulin resistance in
nondiabetic adults seen with a given phenotype (genes) and lower
levels of vitamin D
J. Nutrition
2009;139:329
Lifestyle trumps Gastric
Bypass surgery in the long term
J. Family Practice News Feb
15th 2009 page 23
Caloric restriction
for longevity only seen in obese mice
JAMA 2009;301:924
Gut bugs making you
fat?
If you have been reading
this newsletter for a while you know the answer is yes. The
intestinal flora that loves you because you got them used to
sugar are screaming at you to keep feeding them that way.
Fortunately, the article “Microbiology, Obesity and
Probiotics”
gives us a way out of this dilemma: take friendly bacteria to
fight these bad guys. Some docs are starting to use antibiotics
against them to curve your addiction to chocolate and refined
sugars. I am one of them, but I prefer to start with less
invasive probiotics, lots of fiber and of course, a realistic
nutrition program to withdraw from the sugarholic vise patients
find themselves in.
Best motivation to
lose weight?
If you are easily offended by frank discussions on sexual
issues, please, skip this section.
Finally, a good report to validate my advice to people who want
to lose weight: if you want to have better sex, overcome your
addiction to sugar.
Of course, there are many other reasons to want to lose weight,
but, really, few of them bring as much pleasure. We need to be
motivated by rewards that are clear, tangible and worth the
trouble. If we keep telling patients that weight loss is just
for healthy reasons or to save money, fewer will take up the
challenge. So, the choice is better outlined if we say “choose
between an evening of gluttony or an evening of lust…”
I bet some of you will say that one may get addicted to sex.
Fair enough. But, if the sex addiction is circumscribed within
the bounds of acceptable and mutually respectful relationships
between consenting adults I say leave them alone in the privacy
of their bedrooms.
A related article: “Effect
of Dehydroepiandrosterone Replacement on Lipoprotein Profile in
Hypoadrenal Women”
DHEA is an adrenal gland hormone that becomes testosterone. The
evidence that a healthy sex life has medical benefits continues
to expand. Since the adrenal glands may be stressed out, also,
think about the relaxing effects of sex…
Telegraphed articles:
Treating a failing heart by paying attention to symptoms
is just as effective as checking the laboratory/blood (BNP).
JAMA 2009;301:383, 432
Bill before Senate: Big Pharma to report payments to docs
>$100/yr
JAMA 2009;301:1011
Kids with separation anxiety, panic attacks have a
genetic sensitivity to CO2
J. Archives of General Psychiatry 2009;66:64
Combining the drugs like
the purple pill with Plavix has a higher morbidity after
MI
JAMA 2009;301:937
Coffee
in midlife decreases risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia in later
life
J. Alzheimer’s Disease,
January 2009
Cognitive decline
= nutrition + genes (nutrigenomics)
J. Alzheimer’s Disease,
January 2009
Acupuncture
improves PTSD; PTSD associated with metabolic problems in
vets
J. Family Practice News,
February 15ht 2009, page 17
Lower risk of Barrett’s
esophagus (scarring from heartburn) with fruits and veggies
American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition 2009;89:890
Leaky gut
from NSAID like ibuprofen
J. Gastroenterology
2009;44:23
Fibromyalgia
from dopamine deficiency? Supplement GABA
J. Rheumatology 2009;36:221
Macular Degeneration
helped by B complex vitamins
J. Archives Internal
Medicine 2009;169:335
Lower endometrial
(uterus) cancer risk with veggies
J. Nutrition
2009;139:317
Green tea
reduces breast cancer risk
J. Nutrition
2009;139:310
New prostate cancer marker: sarcosine goes up (product of
methylation of glycine)
JAMA 2009;301:1008
Check for thyroid
antibodies when pregnant: they may affect fetal health
J Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism 2009 94: 772-779
Red meat
increases metabolic syndrome and CRP (inflammation) in women
J. Nutrition
2009;139:335
Quercetin suppresses inflammation that leads to apoptosis
(cell death)
J. Nutrition 2009;139:101
“Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and Primary
Cesarean Section”
J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009 94: 940-945
Dark leafy veggies
help heart rate variability
AJCN 2009;89:773
“Dietary Intervention
for Blood Pressure Control: a call to action!”
AJCN 2009;89:734
“Fine
Particulate Air Pollution [decreases] Life Expectancy in
the United States”
NEJM 2009;360:376
J.
Current Opinion Endocrinology Diabetics and Obesity
2008;15:422
J
Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009; 94: 761-764
INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
EDUCATION
A monthly
review of 100 medical journals
Volume 10
� Number 3
� March 2009
EDITOR’S
NOTE
As the economy continues its downward spiral I cannot
get enough reading on Economics. The last book I read
was Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith (1776.) I
highly recommend it if you are willing to speed-read
through the boring parts. The two things that struck me
the most were his common sense and wisdom and how both
sides of the political/economic spectrum misquote him to
justify their own ideologies.
The supply-siders (Republicans) emphasize how the
invisible hand is going to take care of practically
every thing while the demand-siders (Democrats)
emphasize government regulation. It turns out that Adam
Smith wrote that both are necessary: business can only
thrive when the law efficiently protects the right of
business people to seek profits, but with the
limitations necessary to respect labor and the land.
One thing is certain, says Adam Smith: when business
people gather, they will always have the tendency to
organize themselves to maximize profits even at the
expense of the public. This is why regulation is
necessary.
Despite the clear and common sense advise from the
Scotsman we will always be polarized when it comes to
politics and economics. You would think that anyone
interested in scientific reasoning would seek the middle
ground he championed. But, it is not in most people to
think scientifically or objectively. This is why I
enjoyed the article
“On Second Thought…”
“When politicians [change their mind], they are
tarred as flip-floppers. When lovers do it, we complain
they are fickle. But scientists are supposed to change
their minds when evidence undercuts their views. Dream
on…”
“But really, we shouldn’t be surprised. Proponents of a
particular viewpoint, especially if their reputation is
based on the accuracy of that viewpoint, cling to it
like a shipwrecked man to flotsam. Studies that
undermine that position, they say, are flawed.”
Which brings me to doctors. You would think that most of
them would be ready and excited to accept the scientific
evidence in medical journals that is sampled in this
newsletter. But, it seems that the scientific inquiry
required to take the time is not in abundant supply.
Could it be that Thomas Kuhn is right when he said that
a scientific paradigm (i.e., nutrition is not a valid
medical approach) topples when the last of its powerful
adherents dies? (Thomas Kuhn, “The Structure of
Scientific Revolutions;” University of Chicago
Press, 1962.) Could it be that money has something to do
with what scientists/doctors believe?
Hugo Rodier, M.D.
“Money and the Changing Culture of Medicine”
This is the title of a remarkable article in the top
medical journal in the world. Here are its main points:
-
“Assigning a monetary value to every aspect of a
physician’s time and effort may actually reduce
productivity, impair the quality of performance and
thereby increase costs.”
-
“Even the suggestion of money promotes behavior
marked by selfishness and lack of collegiality.”
-
“Medicine has marketplace elements that are inherent
in any business-a physician receives payment for
services. But there is also a communal relationship,
an expectation and obligation to help when
assistance is needed. In the current environment the
balance has tipped toward market exchanges at the
expense of medicine’s communal dimension. Many
physicians we know are so alienated and angered by
the relentless pricing of their day that they wind
up having no desire to do more than the minimum
required for the financial bottom line.”
The journal feels that the answer is “Patient-centered
medical home,” or a “compassionate partnership….
[where] the insurer would pay a set fee for each patient
cared for in the medical home to cover what is now not
reimbursed time.”
This means that your doctor would now have an incentive
to learn about nutrition and motivational techniques to
help you change your lifestyle. This would lead to more
emphasis on prevention and a significant reduction in
the cost of health care.
“Caregivers should be appropriately reimbursed but
should not be constantly primed by money. Success in
such a model will require collegiality, cooperation and
teamwork-precisely the behaviors that are predictably
eroded by a marketplace environment.”
Exhibit A
The pharmaceutical approach, as helpful as it is in many
cases, is fundamentally flawed because it does not work
on the root causes of disease (nutrition, environmental
toxins and poor Mind-Body-Spirit relationships.)
Unfortunately, most doctors are seduced by the so-called
scientific research purported to back up said approach.
But, is that research as objective as claimed?
The article “The Neurontin Legacy: marketing through
misinformation and manipulation”
would argue otherwise. Before tackling the well-known
drug neurontin/gabapentin, the article opens up by
reminding us of the shady deals that allowed synthroid-makers
to hide evidence that the generic levothyroxine is just
as good. Then, it gives pointed examples and direct
quotes from pharmaceutical executives who pushed their
representatives to drive up sales by hyping neurontin to
doctors. They claimed the drug had benefits that were
never shown in their internal research.
The author feels that “drastic action is essential to
preserve the integrity of medical science and practice
and to justify public trust” and that the public and
doctors need “public funding of peer-reviewed
pharmaceutical research through a National Institute for
Pharmaceutical Research that might be funded by a tax on
all drug sales.”
I am sure you will agree with his final conclusion:
“Will our profession soon feel compelled to advocate
for such actions to preserve our integrity, our social
contract and ultimately our privileges?”
Please, visit my March
2009 blog on the JAMAs latest comments on how doctors
need to stop prescribing so liberally.
Whey to go
Whey is a wonderful
protein that can be cheaply and safely supplemented.
It contains beta/alpha-lacotglobulin, albumin,
lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase enzymes, glycomacropeptides
and minerals. Its branched amino acids are needed for
tissue growth and repair (leucine, isoleucine, valine);
its sulfur amino acids (cysteine, methionine) are needed
for immune function and glutathione production, the
master antioxidant, which helps with MANY functions,
especially detoxification.
Here are other benefits:
-
Immune
enhancement, J. Food Agri Immunol 1993;5:231
-
Lower
blood pressure with ACEi action, J. Biol Chem
1996;377:259
-
Lower
cholesterol, J. Japan Soc Nut Food Sci 1996;49:303
-
More
muscle mass/strength, J. Med Sci Sports Exer
2004;36:2073
-
Gut
repair in intense exercise, J. Applied Phys
1997;82:571
-
Gut
repair/probiotics, J. Nut 2007;6:1
-
Obesity
reduction, J. Nut Metabolism 2008;5:1
-
Diabetes
reduction, AJCN 2004;82:69
-
Post
surgical/wound healing enhancing, J. Altern Med Rev
2003;8:359
Gut update; friendly bacteria
Lactobacillus rhamnosus, not B. animalis reduced
eczema
J. Allergy Clinic & Immunology 2008 Aug 31
Epub
Multistrain probiotics reduce Irritable Bowel
Syndrome, IBS
J. Aliment Pharm Ther 2008 Sep 10 Epub
Bifidofillus lactis reduces bloating in IBS
J. Aliment Pharm Ther 2008 Sep 7 Epub
Lactic acid bacteria reduces leaky gut in IBS
J. Aliment Pharm Ther 2008;28:994
Since excessive use of acid blocking drugs compromises
the health of our friendly intestinal flora
we should try to avoid using them except for bleeding
emergencies. This is why a recent article
on using these drugs is welcome news: instead of
starting with expensive and potentially harmful drugs
like the purple pill, it is just as efficient to start
with simple antacids OTC, then the old forgotten cheap
drugs like zantac and tagamet OTC and only use the
purple ill-like drugs when all else has fail. This “step-down”
approach is also cheaper.
Still, I would rather teach patients to change their
diets, take digestive enzymes, probiotics, lots of
fiber, cayenne pepper, peppermint oil and drink cabbage
juice.
Bummer
One of the main things I look for in my patients’
history is their childhood experience. It is no surprise
that child abuse is in their background when they
are burdened by multiple hard to treat chronic ailments
like Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. It is shocking
to see what an impact childhood trauma of any kind has;
it practically condemns children to a life of suffering.
This is why the journal Lancet did well in proposing
that childhood abuse be elevated to a bona-fide medical
diagnosis.
The mechanism of action is the
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal connection. This means
that all the psychological stress on their young brains
will cascade down to practically every cell of their
developing body, especially their hormones, and none
more affected than the gland of stress, the adrenals.
Awareness of the problem is essential. It will lead to
better treatment which should include not only
psychotherapy but supporting adrenal gland function with
products like Korean ginseng, DHEA, Aswaghanda,
licorice, minerals and a lot of TLC.
Cancer and antioxidants
Even though we continue to see articles that defend
giving antioxidants to cancer patients we still hear
some say that this should not be done. The article “Use
of Antioxidant Supplements During Breast Cancer
Treatment: a comprehensive review [of 22 studies]”
states that “findings did not support any conclusions
about toxicities, tumor response, recurrence or
survival. A few studies suggested that antioxidant
supplements might decrease side effects associated with
treatment.”
We just saw that Berberine (green bush) helps reduce the
risk of radiation injury in he treatment of lung cancer
and that Vitamin C given IV just once significantly
decreased growth of ovarian, pancreatic and glioblastoma
tumors in mice.
Heart update
Nitrous Oxide anesthesia increases
homocysteine and endothelial dysfunction. It could be a
risk factor for postoperative cardiovascular morbidity.
Take B vitamins
J. Anesthesiology 2008;109:657
As little as 0.7 gm/d of EPA/DHA omega oils lower
cholesterol
Am J. Clinical Nutrition 2008;88:618
J. Newsweek, January 12th 2009, page 17
J. Alternative Medicine Review 2008;13:341
“Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth,” J.
Geriatrics 2006;61:21
“Burden and Consequences of Child Treatment
in High-Income Countries,” J. Lancet
2009;373:68
European J. Cancer 2008;Sep 11, Epub
J. Proceedings of the National Academy of
Science 2008;105:11105
INTEGRATIVE
HEALTH EDUCATION
A monthly review
of 100 medical journals
Volume 10
�
Number 2
� February 2009
EDITOR’S
NOTE
It
is sad and discouraging to hear so many patients tell me that
they have been told that diet has nothing to do with their
health breaking down. Intuitively and at times armed with hard
evidence, these patients reject such nonsense and start a search
for a physician who may be able to provide what they desperately
seek, that is, someone who can put into practice for them the
refrain that “food is the best medicine.” Often they end up at
my clinic in Draper, Utah, where we continue to struggle
financially because insurance companies do not cover nutritional
visits at an MD’s clinic nor food supplementation. Despite
working with one hand tied behind our back, we feel it our
calling to put into practice the impressive studies that back up
our modus operandi.
Those who have a vested interest in perpetuating the status quo
that seeks to exclusively treat the consequences of poor
nutrition, stress and polluted environments with
pharmaceutical drugs will not be reading this newsletter, nor
Harvard’s Dr. Willet’s book “Eat, Drink and Be Healthy,”
where he documents the same results we see at our clinic: 80% of
drugs may be stopped when patients follow the recommendations I
outline monthly in this newsletter.
Hugo Rodier, M.D.
Food and Cancer
While we cannot say that changing one’s diet will cure all
cancers, we may say that 2/3 of them may be prevented with sound
nutrition,
which is great news when we consider that we are losing the war
on cancer with our current approach.
What is really upsetting to me is that we have known the causes
of cancer for decades (see italics above) but we have ignored
them in favor of a high tech, high profit paradigm that focuses
on cancer after it has invaded our body.
For
example, our diets bereft of important nutrients like B
vitamins, due to processing and milling of grains,
compromises the elimination of toxins in the liver. This leads
to DNA mutations and cancer.
Sadly, this lack of key nutrients begins when mothers eat poorly
while carrying their babies, which may compromise the child’s
health for life and increase their risk of cancer as adults.
Good diets do the opposite. For example, tocotrienol a
form of vitamin E reduces the risk of colon cancer
and micronutrients in cruciferous veggies and soy
decrease the adverse effects of xenoestrogen on prostate cancer
cells.
Grape seed extract encourages apoptosis or cell death in
human cancer cells
and berries prevent the DNA oxidative stress seen when we
are exposed to pollution.
Omega oils with curcumin/turmeric help not only with
prevention but treatment of pancreatic cancer.
For
more information visit my blog “braindroppings.”
Update on other
diseases and nutrition
* Antioxidants prevent neurodegeneration
(Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s.)
Homocysteine (from a lack of B vitamins) increases white lesions
in the brain.
*
Prevention of osteoporosis with Mediterranean diet.
*
Amino acids Glutamine and Arginine decrease inflammation
in Chron’s disease.
*
Flavonoids in grapes help Congestive Heart Failure.
* “Dietary
Poly Unsaturade Fatty Acids Modulate Resistance to
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Ginea Pigs.”
*
Strawberries lower cholesterol.
Gut update
As
stated ad nauseum in this newsletter, the gut is critical for
many reasons, like processing the food we eat. Keeping our
healthy bacteria (probiotics)
happy by eating diets high in fiber and refraining from junk
food continues to get a lot of ink in the medical journals. For
example, supplementing probiotics reduces the incidence of
colitis
in low
weight babies
and kids have less skin rashes like
eczema.
The latter is associated with
allegic rhinitis,
which is also alleviated by probiotics.
The
inverse is also helpful: decreasing the colonization of the
intestines with bad organisms (which are always there) such as
mutating bacteria reduces inflammation, which helps Irritable
Bowel Syndrome. This is why the antibiotic Rifaximin
is now being used for IBS.
The fact that we have had evidence for 10 years
that decreasing fungal colonization in the intestines with
Otraconazole helps people with severe asthma
surely must puzzle those who believe that yeast has nothing to
do with disease.
And
to tie the last subjects together: a study showed that
probiotics reduce the risk of cancer.
Why? Remember that the 1908 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarder
to Dr. Metchnikoff for his work on demonstrating that most of
our immuno-detoxification system is in the intestines
More on pollution
and diabesity: green light for prevention
We
have already discussed in previous issues (see newsletter
archive) how pollution is contributing to our epidemic of
diabesity.
I bring the subject up again because of an article that showed
that Green tea not only helps reduce these effects on our
waistline, but, tying the other subjects together, green tea
reduces the risk of cancer by helping eliminate xenoestrogens.
Another herb that helps shrink our waistline is Panax ginseng;
it does so by lowering insulin resistance.
Of
course, the best think to do is avoid pollution as much as
possible (eat organic food, get air/water filters, become
politically involved, etc.) Sauna, massage, etc are also helpful
to reduce the burden of toxins. But improving our diet is the
best way to help us improve intestinal/liver function to
detoxify pollutants. The best diet for all this is the Low
Glycemic Index diet; it gives you the amount of sugar each
food has so that you eat mostly those foods that have less
sugar.
Fluoride update
Mainstream practitioners nowadays are more willing to consider
that toxins cause diseases.
Perhaps one of these days they will open their minds to the
scientific evidence that continues to pile up warning us that
the cost of fluoridation far outweighs its benefits. The 83rd
General Session and Exhibition of the International Association
for Dental Research in Toronto recently presented
compelling evidence that fluoride lowers our I.Q,
especially in children.
Adding their findings to past studies makes for 23 studies to
date that show fluoride is not good for our brains.
If
you want more evidence about this hot issue, get on the website
for the National Academy Press where you will find a report
titled “Fluoride in Drinking Water: a scientific review of
EPA’s Standards.” Therein you will find that the amount of
fluoride in our water needs to be lowered. By the time we add
fluoride in commercial drinks, toothpaste, pesticides and
polluted food and air we easily go over 4 mg/L, which the report
finds to be associated with the following problems: cancer (osteosarcomas,)
bone pain, endocrine problems like hypothyroidism, reproductive
abnormalities, gastrointestinal irritation and, of course, teeth
mottling.
If
you are not convinced, read the book “The Fluoride Deception.”
In
my opinion, it makes no sense to fluoridate our water while we
eat twinkies and drink soda pop, which have been shown to rot
our teeth. Besides, I don’t think it is wise to involuntarily
medicate all of us. If some people want to run the risk
of getting those diseases, go ahead and use topical fluoride; it
is just as effective as fkuoridating all our water. Why doe they
do that? Because they have figured out that most people will not
take the fluoride on their own…. My, my…
Get used to hearing “You are taking too much vitamin D”
Despite the flood of articles in our medical journals showing
that our vitamin D levels in the blood are too low, as is our
laboratory range of acceptable levels, patients continue to tell
me that other docs warn them that my higher supplementation
(2-10K international units/day) is going to “poison their
kidneys.” Rather than rehash the words of smarter docs than me,
please study the newsletter archives in this site. But, now I
present more evidence that in certain individuals even 50K/week
is not enough; such a high dose only helps 33% of
patients with Cystic Fibrosis.
The most prudent thing to do is to follow your blood levels
after supplementation, which I hope you have considered after
reading that we do best when levels are above 80. For me to get
up that high (I stared at a level of 17) I have to take 10K/day.
Telegraphed articles
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation has been approved for the
treatment of depression. But, do you have $6-10K to spend?
Salt Lake Tribune, November 2008
Acupuncture is better than aspirin for chronic headaches…
J. Anesthesia and Analgesia December 2008
…
and it also helps allergic rhinitis
J. Annals of Allergy Asthma Immunology 2008;101:535
Link between nicotine addiction and autism
J. Neurology Reviews December 2008, page 17
Levothyroxine Rx once a week is just as good as every day
Annual Meeting American Thyroid Association, Chicago
2008
J. Family Practice News December 15th
2008, page 10
“DHEA
Replacement Therapy in Hypoadrenal Women: protein
anabolism and skeletal muscle function,”
J. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2008;83:1218
Stress increases not just blood pressure, but cholesterol
too
J. Metabolism, Clinical and Experimental 2009;58:30
“The
Secret History of the War on Cancer,” book by Devra
Davis; Basic Books, 2007
“Dietary
Manipulation of Histone Structure and Function,” J.
Annual Reviews Nutrition 2008;28:347 & “Effect in
Utero and Early-Life Conditions on Adult Health and
Disease,” NEJM 2008;359:61
J.
Nutrition and Cancer 2008;60:36
“Hormetic
Dietary Phytochemicals,” J. Neuromolecular Med 2008
Jun 10 Epub
J. Nutrition 2008;138:2481
“Efficacy
of Probiotics in the Treatment of Pediatric Atopic
Dermatitis: a meta analysis of randomized controlled
trials,”
J. Pediatrics 2008;101:508
J. Allergy & Clinical Immunology 1999;104:541
American J. Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine,
December 2008
“Chronic
Green Tea Consumption Decreases Body Mass, Induces
Aromatase Expression, and Changes Proliferation and
Apoptosis in Adult Male Rat Adipose Tissue,” J.
Nutrition 2008;138:2156
“Fluoride
and Children’s Intelligence: a meta analysis,”
J. Biology Trace
Elements Research, August 10th 2005
J. Pediatrics 2008;153:554
INTEGRATIVE
HEALTH EDUCATION
A monthly review
of 150 medical journals
Volume 10
�
Number 1
� January 2009
EDITOR’S
NOTE
With the economy
tanking I find it extremely difficult to write without injecting
economic/political undertones. This issue is no different. I
hope you understand my desire to “connect the dots” between
these hot topics, our health and the health of the environment.
Hugo Rodier, M.D.
Food fights:
fructose
One of the most
glaring examples of the poor nutritional advice people get is
about fruits and the sugar therein, fructose. I feel bad for
diabetics who are often told that they must not eat fruit, but
that it is OK to eat muffins, cookies, bread, and even cake once
in a while. They call that kind of diet an “exchange diet.”
In my opinion, this is much like the so-called “cap-and-trade”
policy whereby polluting industries may continue to spew their
toxins into our environment if they buy the credits from other
industries that have not meet their quota of pollution.
Why is this being
done? First, dietitians know they will not be able to persuade
their patients that they must stop their addiction to refined
carbs. Second, dietitians for the most part have been taught
that ALL foods are OK, because Big Food (the companies who
market processed food) finances part of their education. This
reminds me of who finances part of our doctors’ education: Big
Pharma.
It turns out that
fructose is OK for many reasons:
(1)
It does not elevate blood sugar levels because of all the
fiber in fruit.
(2)
It consequently does not elevate the Glyco Hemoglobin
A1c, the gold standard in laboratory screening for diabetic
control.
(3)
It heals the oxidation/inflammation that leads to cell
membrane dysfunction, the precursor for insulin resistance.
(4)
Consequently, cell membrane receptors are more sensitive
to insulin when we eat fruit.
I
tell my patients I would rather they ate fruit until it came
out of their ears so that they are able to satisfy their
sweet tooth as they try to overcome their sugar addiction.
Gradually, they are able to withdraw from the garbage they
crave: processed sugars full of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS),
preservatives and artificial sweeteners that have literally
messed up their brain thermostat.
Once they overcome their sugar addiction, they are able to reach
satiety without much sugar while eating veggies, fruits, nuts,
legumes, whole grains and lean meats “ad libidum,”
meaning without worrying about calories.
This diet is high in protein and fiber, but low in the glycemic
index.
The real problem with
fructose is HFCS, not the God-given sugar, fructose; the more we
process food, the sicker we are.
Another problem is
the artificial sweeteners that we have already documented in
previous issues to increase diabesity. That is correct: they
have no calories but you get fat and diabetic on diet soda pop,
too. Why? Food is not just Energy (calories) but
Information. In the case of diet soda pop, you are getting
no Energy, but lots of bad Information, a concept we know
call “xenohormesis.”
Preservatives, acids, phosphates, food colorants, artificial
sweeteners and who knows what else, since liquid candy (pop) are
made with “secret formulas.”
All these
chemicals compound your addiction to sugar.
If that doesn’t get your attention, how about this: artificial
sweeteners increase your risk of cancer.
They have been consistently shown to be quite toxic,
a charge contradicted by soda pop companies with their own
questionable internal studies that are not reproduced by
independent researchers.
Finally, Stevia
This natural
sweetening herb is safe. Mother Nature does a better job and
without toxicity. Stevia reduces insulin by improving the cell
membrane.
This is why it also lowers blood pressure
and reduces cavities. So, why have we not been using it in
processed foods like pop?
If you guessed that
the artificial sweeteners have played dirty politics to keep it
off the market, you are correct. The American Herbal Products
Association and Lipton have not been able to compete with the
armies of lawyers, PR agents and lobbyists on the payrolls of
Pfizer, Monsanto, Johnson & Johnson, Abbot Laboratories and
Hoechst, until now. The AHP and Lipton presented compelling
evidence that Stevia has no safety issues in 1994, but the FDA
turned down Stevia for consideration as a sweetener under GRAS
status, which allows for grandfathering of old sweeteners and
other supplements.
Because of this,
Stevia/ Sucanat® could only be used as a sweetener if you add it
yourself as a powder or pill to your homemade products, but it
could not be used in the production of industrialized foods
until Coca Cola decided to use Stevia in its Odwalla and Sprite
drinks. The announcement was made December 21st 2008, but these
drinks will only be available in New York and Chicago.
There are also rumors that Pepsi will use Stevia as well. Many
countries have been using it in their commercial products, most
notably Japan, where they have reported no side effects from
Stevia in the last 30 years.
The Japanese even use it in their version of Diet Coke™.
If you want more
information on how to use Stevia, including your cooking and
baking, read “Stevia Cookbook,” by Donna Gates and Dr.
Ray Sahelian.
“The Secret
History of the War on Cancer”
“US cancer rate
falls for first time”
was the title of an article that coincidentally came out last
Thanksgiving. Unfortunately for most of us, the article was
buried in a section of the paper hardly anyone reads. Why? Could
it be because the article made it clear the reason the rate
of cancer dropped was because of prevention, instead of the
treatments we spend so much money on? After all, papers depend
on advertisement from big corporations to sustain their
businesses. Also, only 6 groups in the country own the media,
all of which are in bed with Corporate America, run by the very
CEOs that have gotten us into the economic mess we are in.
The fact that it was
prevention, not treatment that lowered the rate of cancer
was not discussed in the article at all. This is very
understandable: the present paradigm of spending money we don’t
have sustains an inflated bubble economy that includes billions
of expensive health-related treatments that don’t work. This is
the very reason why the economy is tanking: doing business to
maximize profits for those who control outmoded markets, while
ignoring scientific data that would shift our emphasis, and
moneys to more productive, cleaner and cheaper industries. The
latter benefit our whole society the most, instead of just elite
groups that have perpetuated their massive income through shady
banking deals while avoiding fair taxes.
It turns out that
we have known for decades the true causes of cancer: toxins
in the environment
(including drugs like hormonal replacement that are associated
with breast cancer,)
poor diets
and emotional/stress-related issues.
You need to read this book. It will change your life and make
you very angry to see that preventable cancers have afflicted
some of your relatives and maybe yourself, too.
The article mentioned
that people won’t get their cancer screening as often with the
economy worsening. That may be so, but, mammograms,
colonoscopies, paps, etc only find cancer after it has
invaded our body. The best prevention is to keep cancer from
getting started. The present paradigm of screening is OK, but it
does not address the causes of cancer addressed here and in this
book
“We
need to achieve the maximum possible gain in survival and
quality of life for cancer patients. If costs are the
predominant consideration, health systems are failing.”
Examples of this
failing: food prevents 2/3 of cancers
and most money to treat cancer is spent on the last 3 months of
life.
If you want more examples you need to read the book. Here is
another book you may find interesting…
“The war on
cancer: an anatomy of failure, a blueprint for the future.”
This book tells us
that the top 5 cancers (prostate, breast, lung, colon, and
pancreas) have changed little since 1995. The improvement in
mortality, 1% for 10/28 most common cancers is mostly due to
food refrigeration, better diet and hygiene, better supportive
care, and early detection.
19th
century bacteriology influenced cancer theory too much, a
misunderstanding that has had lingering consequences:
“Generation
of scientists and scholars, misguided by flawed hypothesis,
often commit their talents and energy as well as human and
financial resources, in an unproductive pursuit of a false lead…
More pervasive and counterproductive [idea] developed… that
cancer cells, like bacteria, are foreign invaders that must be
eradicated at any cost. The result has been more aggressive
cytotoxic chemotherapy with few cures and an inefficient
trial-and-error drug development strategy that continues today.”
The main two ideas of modern oncology: exploit differences
between normal and cancer cells and drugs must be cytotoxic to
be successful:
“Drug development… remains mostly anchored in this
century-old, conceptually antiquated, technically inefficient,
labor intensive, costly, and low yield ‘hit-and-miss’ (mostly
miss) screening approach engineered and sponsored by the
National Cancer Institute… The cell-killing paradigm has
failed to achieve its objective… how does this system persist?”
“The increasing prominent role of the pharmaceutical industry
in drug development… career advancement, relationship between
productivity and job security, salary sources, and growing
dependence on pharmaceutical companies for funding…The
information pipeline, generated by clinical researchers and
supported by their sponsors and publishers, fosters standards of
care that are reinforced by financial incentives and the
extraordinary capacity of physicians for self-delusion, and by
unrealistic expectations of consumers nurtured by the media.”
The book concludes that the future of cancer treatment must be
anchored on prevention.
“Apoptosis
by Dietary Factors,” J. Carcinogenesis 2007;28:233
Annual Meeting American Psychosomatic Society, March
2003
J. Lancet, cover of May 19th, 2007
Book review JAMA 2006;295:2891
INTEGRATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION
A monthly review
of 150 medical journals
Volume 9
� Number 11
�
December 2008
EDITOR’S
NOTE
The New England Journal of Medicine published an article on line
last November 9th 2008 (10,1056/NEJM oa0807646) that
in my opinion shows how intelligent scientists may be so blinded
by a prevailing dogma that they cannot see what the evidence
really shows. I hope you don’t take/reject my opinion without
analyzing the data for yourself.
The article was on how the cholesterol-lowering drug Crestor (rosuvastatin)
may significantly lower mortality and the risk of heart disease
and strokes IN PATIENTS WITH NORMAL CHOLESTEROL.
Let that sink in for a minute.
It turns out that the patients investigated had high levels of
inflammation as marked by the liver protein CRP; yet, they had
no problems with their serum lipids. What is going on here?
Those of you who have been studying this newsletter, the
attached blogs and other sources know the answer: cholesterol
is not the problem; oxidized/inflamed cholesterol is.
Inflammation/oxidation may smolder for a while before
cholesterol and the arterial walls are themselves
inflamed/oxidized, thus creating a sticky combination that leads
to plaque formation. Without inflammation/oxidation, cholesterol
is healthy enough (processed in a healthy liver that is itself
not yet inflamed/oxidized) to patch up inflamed/oxidized
arterial walls that tend to leak without forming plaques. In
other words, cholesterol goes up in the blood to naturally patch
up leaky arteries: don’t shoot the messenger…
Drugs like Crestor were derived from the herb Red rice,
which is essentially an anti-inflammatory/antioxidating
molecule. Using Red rice has been shown to be much safer than
the drugs extracted from this natural molecule. Red rice is
complimented by the other micronutrients in it that serve to
mitigate and moderate the effect of its main active ingredient,
the molecule that acts on our liver’s HMGcoEnzyme Reductase that
is in charge of modulating cholesterol function in the liver. In
other words, drugs only have this potent molecule, which is why
they end up showing significant side effects in liver and
muscular function.
That the NEJM article shows that even people with normal
cholesterol levels benefited from the anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant effect of these drugs, in my opinion, demonstrates
that cholesterol is not the problem: inflammation/oxidation is.
Whence inflammation/oxidation?
From poor diets denuded of micronutrients that help us modulate
metabolism in our cells when they process food (energy &
information.) Our astronaut-foods do not have these
antioxidants; this is why we end up having
inflammation/oxidation in all our tissues and organs, not just
in the arteries. Toxic environments contribute, as well as toxic
relationships with our fellowmen and earthly and spiritual
communities.
Now, back to the opening paragraph: intelligent scientists are
taking the results of this NEJM article to mean that
EVERYONE, EVEN PEOPLE WITH NORMAL CHOLESTEROL SHOULD BE TAKING
THESE DRUGS…
New page so that you may catch your breath…
Would it not be better to address the reasons why we are
inflamed and oxidized? (J. Circulation 1999;99:779.)
Or, is it that we need to keep the economy going by consuming
processed foods devoid of energy and information (antioxidants
and anti-inflammatory micronutrients) that increase profits more
than the original natural foods?
Do we need to keep the economy going by buying expensive drugs
that only treat symptoms without addressing the root causes of
inflammation/oxidation?
And so it is that this brilliant NEJM research got swept under
the carpet, leaving us at the mercy of a future marketing wave
of cholesterol drugs to be recommended for all of us, regardless
of cholesterol levels. Why, then, don’t we put these drugs in
the water? If all this makes you nervous, don’t worry: our water
supply already has prozac and xanax in it, thanks to the way we
dispose of these drugs through our urine, feces and ultimately
in our sewage (JAMA 2008;299:2011.)
Hugo Rodier, M.D.
Related articles:
“Supplementation with n-3 PUFA (omega
oils) should join the short list of evidence-based
life-prolonging therapies for heart failure.” Think of omega
oils as anti-inflammatory/antioxidanting micronutrients.
J. Lancet 2008;372:11195 (cover issue)
Obese children have the arteries of
45 year-old people. Remember that they now are planning to
prescribe those cholesterol-lowering drugs for them, too.
American Heart Association, New
Orleans 2008
Sweet Death and AGE
I wrote a book, “Sweet Death” that I
hope to update soon because the evidence pointing to refined
foods based on sugars and trans-fats are practically the main
reason why we have so many chronic health problems. Also, these
foods speed up our cells’ aging process. How is that for
motivation to eat better?
Here is a remarkable article that shows how
these foods are the main reason for the oxidation and
inflammation that not only trigger heart disease (cholesterol
problems) but practically all other diseases.
“Modulation of Insulin Action by
Advanced
Glycation
Endproducts
(AGE): a new player in the field,” J. Hormone Metabolism
Research 2008;40:614
·
AGE cause insulin resistance through oxidation
stress and inflammation: “AGEs have been shown to adversely
affect endothelial (lining of arteries) function as well as
activate numerous intracellular signaling pathways implicated in
insulin signaling.”
·
“Glycation of insulin (caramelized insulin
because of too much sugar in the bloodstream results in
significant compromise of biological activity, raising the
possibility that glycation of insulin might contribute to
insulin resistance.”
·
Amadori effect (sugars becoming hard
through the process of starch production) products rise and fall
depending on glucose concentration and from exogenous sources
like processed food and smoking. The Amadori effect or
Maillard reaction has been implicated in
inflammation/oxidation, atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative
disorders.
·
AGE’s RAGE (receptors) on microphages and
endothelial cells causes oxidative stress, inflammation and
increase in ICAMs, VCAMs (sticky messengers that cause the
lining of arteries and cholesterol to stick to each other like
Velcro.)
·
Methylglyoxal is one of many AGEs; it reacts with
arginine to disrupt normal function of NOS, the molecule
responsible for inflammation/oxidation in many tissues,
including our arteries. In fact, the work on NOS, the “molecule
of the decade” won the Nobel Prize in 1998. This is the
research that led to Viagra (think about the implications: don’t
let me spell it all out for you…)
·
AGE “quench” nitric oxide, leading to more
inflammation/oxidation. Methylglyoxal also messes up
mitochondrial membrane proteins and antioxidant enzymes
resulting in oxidative stress; the end result? Insulin
resistance or Sweat Death.
·
The antioxidant/amino acid N-Acetyl-Cysteine, NAC
reverses AGE formation.
·
Glucose also messes up lipids: “Advanced
Lipoxidation Endproducts.”
·
Glycated proteins like albumin are also implicated
in inflammation and microvascular complications seen with
insulin resistance.
·
In case you didn’t want to think too much about
viagra: this drug works by reducing the inflammation/oxidation
in the arterial walls feeding the penis; this allows for better
blood flow to facilitate an erection.
Overdosed America
That is the title of a book by Dr Abramson
that you may want to read (Subtitle: “How the pharmaceutical
companies distort medical knowledge, mislead doctors, and
compromise your health;” HarperCollins Publishers, 2004) In his
opinion, which I share, we are not being told the truth about
the pharmaceutical approach, which keeps us from addressing
chronic health problems adequately: by focusing on reducing
inflammation/oxidation.
The misinformation on drugs and other high
tech gadgets is addressed to doctors early in their training in
medical school. A report came out saying that we need to limit
the access of Big Pharma into the minds of our budding doctors.
Of course, they do this through thinly disguised grants to “support
medical education” (JAMA 2008;300:1071.)
As you are painfully aware, Big Pharma also
tries to reach you directly, bypassing your doctor. The
article “Direct to Consumer Advertising of Medical Devices
Under Scrutiny” (JAMA 2008;300:1985) makes some very
interesting points:
Direct to Consumer Ads were meant to
educate patients, empower them and facilitate communication with
their docs. But biased information has the potential to harm
patient-doc relationship, create unrealistic expectations in
patients, lead to over-use, high cost and questionable use of
unproven technologies.
For example, 74% of surgeons felt that
advertised hip and knee replacements had a negative impact on
their practice and interactions with their patients. More than
75% of patients were confused or misinformed by ads. Coronary
artery bypass stents with drug in them are still debated by
expert cardiologists but the stents have nevertheless been
heavily advertised during a football game. Research has shown
that TV ads stimulate prescription of the more questionable
indications than the more clear ones.
Ads for drugs are now regulated; Ads for
devices are not. Consumer Unions are asking congress to require
FDA to change this.
Related articles:
Media coverage of medication research often
fails to mention funding of studies by Big Pharma. Do you
think that may influence the results?
JAMA 2008;300:1544
“Risks and Benefits of
Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Remain Unclear.” (JAMA
2008;300:1503.) Don’t do it; we still don’t know what to do with
the results. But, if you are still going to do it, remember the
new science of nutrigenomics: food influences how your genes
work. Eat real well and your genetic tendencies may not become a
real problem.
Food for thought
“Understanding
the molecular basis of the effects of food on cognition will
help us to determine how best to manipulate diet in order to
increase the resistance to neurons to insults and promote mental
fitness” (“Brain Foods: the effects of nutrients on brain
function,” J. National Review of Neuroscience 2008;9:568.)
Why would the
brain not be susceptible to the food we eat? Bad food = bad
brains. Also, the brain slows down after 40 years of age
by losing myelin sheath, which is made up of healthy fats (J.
Neurobiology of Aging, October 2008.) Eat lots of nuts,
avocados, fish, olives and supplement omega oils, particularly
DHA.
Telegraphed articles
Women’s hands carry more bacteria than men (because they
touch men…?)
J. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
November 2008 (on line)
“Periodontal
Disease, Tooth Loss and (elevated) Cancer Risk.”
Common link? Nutrition and vitamin D.
J. Lancet Oncology 2008;9:550
Low
vitamin D levels increase the risk of depression
J. Archives of General Psychiatry 2008;65:508
More asthma is seen with low vitamin D levels. Your
bronchioles, brain and gums (see above) are also leaking from
inflammation/oxidation. Get your doc to check your levels.
J. Skin & Allergy News, August 2008, p62
Increased risk of autism when 2-year-old kids don’t look
people in the eye,
J. Archives General Psychiatry 2008;65:946
Allicin (nutrient in garlic) inhibits blood vessel growth
that feeds cancer
J. Nutrition and Cancer 2008;60:412
The
more hostility we harbor, the higher our blood glucose;
this is mitigated by a good marriage: a new meaning for “sweetheart…”
J. Diabetes Care 2008;31:1293.
INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
EDUCATION
A monthly review of 150 medical journals
Volume 9
� Number 10
�
November 2008
EDITOR’S NOTE
Have you read my blog on the economy? No doubt those who
have feel it is indeed “braindroppings.” Still, I feel strongly
that we need to prepare ourselves for radical changes in our
lifestyle that will seriously impact our health. It is very hard
for me to write about things like
green tea helping reduce cholesterol in obese women (J.
Clinical Nutrition 2008;27:363) when our whole economy is being
shaken to its roots.
I continue to be amazed at the arrogance of Wall St. demagogues.
They pretend to know what is going on, all the while quoting
obscure economic terms designed to make us feel like it requires
experts to guide us through this mess. In reality, the “improbable,”
(“The Black Swan,” Nassim Nicholas Taleb; Ramdom House
2007) that which they didn’t think would happen has happened:
they could not get away with fooling Mother Nature by creating
value out of debt.
Some of these “white-collar gamblers” have already spent
most of the money we gave them (AIG and their infamous trips on
junkets to California and London) rather than confront their “gambling
addiction” (with our money, of course.) Said money is
supposed to feed the bubble created by speculators pushing
buttons to create money out of thin air backed up by private and
public debt. It’s unfortunate that most banks are keeping it for
their own private use. Of course, public naïveté and lack of
regulation have made this unraveling possible.
Paul Krugman’s book “The Great Unraveling” (W.W. Norton &
Company, 2003) predicted this would happen 5 years ago.
Interestingly, Krugman won the Nobel Prize in Economics this
year saying exactly the opposite Milton Friedman said to earn
the latter the same Prize almost 30 years ago (“Free to
Choose;” Avon, 1980.)
You be the judge: do we let the economy readjust itself so that
we all end up in the poorhouse like Friedman and his Chicago
gang advised every other struggling country throughout the world
(“The Shock Doctrine,” Naomi Klein; Metropolitan Books,
2007,) or do we embark on a government-driven, tough-minded
regulatory program to not only cope with the problem but assure
that it does not happen again, as proposed by Paul Krugman and
none other than our former Federal Reserve chairman Alan
Greenspan? No matter which way we go we are going to suffer…
Two articles are worth reviewing to tie these thoughts back to
Health. The first one is “The Conflict Between Complex
Systems and Reductionism” (JAMA 2008;300:1580.) It revisits
the eternal struggle we have in our minds between extremes
philosophies. It is exactly the same struggle we see between
Milton Friedman’s “Laissez-Faire” capitalism and
the more nuanced and complex approach proposed by Krugman. In my
opinion we need both: capitalism with strong regulations.
It’s OK to “laissez-faire” as long as we “laissez-règularizer,”
as well. And who said that? Adam Smith.
Hopefully, as we grow older, we come to understand that extreme
positions are there to guide us to a middle ground. This article
also has a little pearl at the very end:
“Clinical research involving pharmaceutical agents needs to
focus more on the differential
responses within diverse patient populations. This philosophy
should be extended to the public to encourage
healthy lifestyles rather than depending on
the quick fix of drugs as panacea.”
That’s the JAMA speaking. Did you ever think we would see those
thoughts expressed by the voice of a profession that has allowed
itself to be hijacked by a pharmaceutical approach that flies in
the face of long-term wisdom, an approach right out of the pages
of the same greedy business suits that have ruined our economy?
The second article is by Thomas Friedman, author of several
bestsellers (“The Lexus and the Olive Tree,” “The
World is Flat,” and “Hot, Flat and Crowded”) and
winner of the 2002 Pulitzer Prize. In “The Post Binge World”
(New York Times, October 11th, 2008) T. Friedman
tells us that Mother Nature is now taking over in its relenting
drive to clean up our economic mess by reestablishing the true
value of our commodities, houses, stocks, dividends, currency,
etc, no matter how hard we try to avoid such a painful
adjustment: it is not nice to fool Mother Nature….
Hugo Rodier, M.D.
Don’t blow a gasket
We fear strokes and the devastating possibility we may end up
alive and totally unable to care for our basic needs. Prevention
is the way to go before some doc prescribes you plavix, aspirin
or coumadin in a rushed visit. As always, get off processed food
and eat more fish (J. Neurology August 5th, 2008.)
Supplement more omega oils, particularly DHA especially
if your cholesterol is high (J. Stroke 2008;39:2058.)
But, remember that cholesterol is only harmful when your liver
is handicapped by excessive sugar in the diet: the risk of clots
in the heart and brain goes up the more your metabolism falters
under the weight of pre-diabetes and diabetes. Check your
GlycoHb in the blood to see if you are already heading down that
slippery slope. For each1% rise in GlycoHb, your risk of
problems increases by 11% (Annual Meeting European Association
for the Study of Diabetes, Rome 2008.) This is why recurrent
clots like the ones in our legs are more likely with obesity (J.
Archives of Internal Medicine 2008;168:1678.)
You could also try Flaxseed oil to keep your
cholesterol from oxidizing in the liver (J. American College of
Nutrition 2008;27:65.) The Amino acid-turned drug (Mucormist)
NAC helps our liver when it is a bit soaked by fats and
sugars so that it can process cholesterol better (J. Nutrition
2008;138:1872.) In other words, cholesterol problems are a liver
issue 90% of the time.
By the way, omega oils also help to maintain better
mental/brain well being in the elderly (American J. Clinical
Nutrition 2008;88:706) and decrease the risk of depression and
dementia (AJCN 2008;88:714.) So does the herb bacopa (J.
Alternative Complementary Medicine 2008;14:707) and physical
activity; they lower the chances of cognitive decline in
older adults (JAMA 2008;300:1027.) Even if one has a tendency to
obesity, physical activity offsets “obesity genes” (J.
Archives of Internal Medicine 2008;168:1791.)
Perhaps the most likely culprit in obesity, other than our
addiction to sugars driven by emotional problems is the fact
that our brain thermostat is broken, as shown by MRI testing (J.
Science Oct 17th, 2008.) Omega oils, the antioxidant
alpha lipoic acid and the amino acid carnitine
help repair the thermostat so that the obese may stop eating
when they are satisfied (J. Nutrition
2006;136:2131 & J. Nature Medicine 2004;10:727.)
More oily news
The articles on how incredible omega oils are keep coming out.
If you are not supplementing them you had better get going:
Walnut intake helps prostate, J. Clin Cancer Res
2008;14:4491
Lutein, DHA (omega 3) help lipids and Macular
Degeneration,
AJCN 2008;87:1521
Algal
oil = cooked salmon oil in DHA content, J. Am Diet Assoc
2008;108:1204
Ketogenic diet (high in fat) helps kids with seizures not
responding to drugs
J. Neurology 2008;7:500
More Berry good news
Cranberry inhibits lymphoma cells growth, (J. Nutrition and
Cancer 2008;60:511) and prevents/treat oral disease (J. Food
Science and Nutrition 2008;48:672.) Why? It is full of
antioxidants.
Too bad that some oncologists continue to advise their patients
to stay away from antioxidants because of a few misguided
studies that micromanage this issue, instead of looking at the
larger picture of nutrition (Did you notice that there is a
journal completely dedicated to Nutrition and Cancer?) Many feel
that a judicious approach to antioxidants is warranted, instead
of the sledgehammer mentality that prohibits their use across
the board in cancer treatment. In fact, antioxidants during
chemotherapy reduce the risk of limiting side effects
(International J. Cancer 2008;123:1227.)
Read my blog from January 2008 for more evidence on this point.
Prostate health
Isoflavones (soy) help reduce risk of prostate cancer because
they act like the micronutrients found in veggies (glucoronides)
that help detoxify the xenoestrogens or environmental toxins
that act like estrogen: they over-stimulate the prostate. For
that matter, they do so in the breasts, ovaries, uterus and
cervix, too (J. Nut & Cancer 2008;60:461.) The latest example of
xenoestrogens: perchlorate in rocket fuel, which is now
in all our water and soil. But, the EPA is ignoring this problem
(September 2008.)
Green tea also reduces the risk of prostate cancer (J. Nut &
Cancer 2008;60:483.)
Gut
update
By now you know how important the health of our intestines is to
the rest of the body. Here are more references to this simple
concept:
“Early
Life Exposures (under 5 years of age) Associated with
Antibiotic Use and Risk of Subsequent Chron’s Disease.”
Fortunately docs and parents are becoming more conservative
about prescribing antibiotics to children. They compromise their
immune system by decreasing the numbers of friendly bacteria, or
probiotics; more below
Scandinavian J. Gastroenterology 2008;43:961
Probiotics reduce duration of colds in 3-5 year olds.
J. Pediatrics 2008;121:s115
Mesalamine (drug to treat colitis) = Lactobacillus casei (probiotic)
in maintaining remission of uncomplicated diverticular
disease
J. Hepato-Gastroenterology 2008;55:916
Nuts, corn, popcorn are not associated with diverticulitis
JAMA 2008;300:907
All
serotonin blocking antidepressants increase the risk of
GI bleeding
J. Arch Gen Psy 2008;65:795
Cyclic vomiting and diabetic gastropathy are associated with
more migraines, abnormal electro-gastrograms and gastric
emptying: the brain-gut connection at work
Scandinavian J. Gastroenterology 2008;43:1076
“Microbiome
Project Seeks to Understand Human Body’s Microscopic
Residents (in the gut)”
JAMA 2008;300:777
Food allergies increasing: 1/26 children, up form 1/29
CDC Oct 23rd 2008
Telegraphed articles
Higher potassium levels attenuate pain in rheumatoid
arthritis
J. Pain 2008;9:722
L-theanine amino acid increases alpha activity to calm down
Asia Pacific J. Clin Nut 2008;17:s167
Red peony is better that rhubarb in pancreatitis
J. Alternative Med Rev 2008;13:269
Isoflavones increase blood vessel dilatation in
postmenopause
J. Nutrition 2008;138:1288
Turmeric increases risk of kidney stones
AJCN 2008;87:1262
Newer antipsychotics no better than older ones for
children (more likely to have side effects, too)
American J. Psychiatry, September 15th 2008
Higher WBC signals higher risk of breast, colorectal,
endometrial and lung cancers
J. Arch Int Med 2008;167:1837
Big Pharma gives money to American Psychiatry Association:
do you think it may influence the prescribing habits of docs?
JAMA 2008;300:1642
Green tea attenuates angiotensin-induced cardiomyopathy
J. Nut 2008;300:1596
Neuroprotective gene seladin-1 is upregulated by tamoxifen,
raloxifen and soy
J. Endocrinology 2008;149:4256
Women with MTHFR 677TT genotype with migraines with aura have
higher risk of heart disease: supplement folic MTHFR
J. Neurology August 12th 2008
Tea consumption associated with better cognitive function in
PD
60th Annual Meeting Am Acad Neurol, Chicago 2008
INTEGRATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION
A monthly review
of 150 medical journals
Volume 9
�
Number 9
� October 2008
EDITOR’S NOTE
Dirt Poor
The September issue of the National
Geographic journal has two articles on our dwindling top soil: “Our
Good Earth: the future rests on the soil beneath our feet”
(page 80) and “Dirt Poor: Haiti has lost its soil” (page
108.) They are stark reminders of what could happen to our own
topsoil in the USA if we continue on the path we are on. As “city
slickers” we have become detached from the realities of food
production and sustainability. We have been conditioned to
depend and trust those who mass-produce food to maximize
profits, not our health. (See below.)
Big Food pretty much dictates to farmers
how they are to run their farms and what crops to plant. If Joe
Farmer does not go along, there are other farmers who step in,
often cutting corners that affect food and soil quality. For
example, Walmart has told farmers that it will not pay more than
10% surcharge for organic crops. This does not fairly compensate
the efforts that farmers put into organic farming. So, what are
they going to do? They will role over and go along with what Big
Food wants or other farmers will step in and take the
deal.
Short-term mass-production hurts the land
in the long run. Pesticides and planting only crops that are
subsidized by the Farm Bill (corn and soy) also end up hurting
the consumer because they are turned into cheap High Fructose
Corn Syrup and Trans-fats. People are economically driven to eat
the cheaper foods packaged full of chemicals like preservatives
and colorants and who knows what else. Food processing also
takes out many nutrients; for example grains lose significant
amounts of fiber and micronutrients like vitamin B complex. (See
below.)
This whole mess is part of the problem that
has driven our economy to its knees. Agrobusiness operates under
the same shady principles that rule Wall Street. For that
matter, so do Big Pharma and Insurance companies.
What can we do? In my opinion we need to
learn to be self-sufficient ASAP.
Start by buying local produce and
meat raised by people you can look in the eyes when you ask
them how they are raising crops and animals. Do they use
pesticides? Do they truly allow their poultry to be free-range?
Do they give their animals antibiotics, hormones or steroids?
Local farmers have a stronger commitment to safeguarding their
lands’ topsoil. Consuming local food also saves the environment
by cutting down on the fuel to import it from far away places.
Think about it: as much as I like bananas like everyone else, it
no longer makes sense to eat them unless you live in Florida or
Hawaii.
It turns out that local food has no hidden
costs like mass-produced food does, so it is cheaper to eat the
former. Besides, fuel may soon be so expensive that we may be
forced to eat local, anyway.
If you want to read more about these issues
check out “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara
Kingsolver (HarperCollins, 2007,) “Seeds of Deception:
exposing industry and government lies about the safety of the
genetically modified foods you are eating” by Jeffrey Smith
(Yes! Books, 2003) and “Collapse: how societies choose to
fail or succeed” by Jared Diamond (Viking, 2005.) If you are
thinking that “Collapse” couldn’t happen in the USA you may have
forgotten about the dustbowl in Oklahoma during the Great
Depression. Check out the movie “Grapes of Wrath” if you
don’t want to read the book.
Hugo Rodier, M.D.
B careful
We have a significant lack of B vitamins in
our society from milling grains, soil depletion and
gut-absorption problems (anti-acid pills, antibiotics, seizure
and diabetes medications, alcohol, tobacco, heavy metals, etc.)
It turns out that some of us are genetically more at risk of
serious consequences, which are even more likely when we eat
poorly. Food determines how your genes are copied. Bad food
makes you more susceptible to DNA mutations leading to cancer
and poor DNA copying making chronic diseases more likely (“Genome
Health Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics: diagnosis and
nutritional treatment of genome damage on an individual basis,”
J. Food Chemical Toxicology 2008;46:1365.)
We are also more vulnerable to
environmental toxins when we are so genetically predisposed. We
have even more trouble detoxifying chemicals in the environment
that are causing DNA mutations, like the plastic in chemicals
Bisphenol, BPA. Mothers who are so genetically predisposed
must get plenty of vitamin B in their diets to fuel methylation
in the Liver to get toxins out of their body. Then, their
children will have a lower risk of getting neurological and
metabolic problems (“Maternal Nutrient Supplementation
Counteracts BPA-induced DNA Hypomethylation in Early Development,”
J. Proc Nat’l Acad of Science 2007;104:13056.) BPA also
increases the risk of heart attacks and diabetes in adults for
the same reasons (JAMA 2008;300:1353.)
Now you know why Refined grains make you
obese: intra-individual changes in DNA methylation
(indispensable for copying DNA) are worse when we lack B complex
in our diets (JAMA 2008;300:2877.) No wonder that by
supplementing B vitamins like folic acid, B-12, choline and
betaine lowered the risk of mice becoming obese (International
J. of Obesity, July 2008.)
“The dose does not make the poison”
As an environmental doc I have been worried
that this old dogma has been around far too long. Why? It has
been financially beneficial to hide the extent of chemicals in
the environment harming our health (Book “The Secret History
of the War on Cancer,” Devra Davis; 2008.) Since the 16th
century most people have maintained that “the dose makes the
poison,” meaning that any substance may be harmful at high
doses, even water and oxygen. The FDA has operated under this
antiquated dogma since its inception, despite solid evidence
that some chemicals may be toxic at very small doses,
too.
The “U” shaped-curve of toxic
exposure is now felt to be a more accurate approximation of what
is going on: at very small doses (the beginning of the “U”
curve”) chemicals may escape detection and detoxification in our
body so that no initial reaction is seen when exposed. But, in
the long run (the end of the “U” curve) said tiny exposures may
cause significant damage. The same toxins at a more detectable
mid-range level may then be properly eliminated (the bottom of
the “U” curve) before damage occurs.
Skin-deep dermatology advise?
I am sure you have heard that food has
nothing to do with acne.
Hopefully we will soon put to rest that
disturbing notion. (“Diet-Acne Association
Gains Footing in Literature,” J. Family Practice News, June
15th, 2008, p15.) Sadly, many people, especially
teenagers would like to believe they may eat anything they want
and still have “totally awesome” skin. Simply put, our
skin is a major detoxifying organ that will struggle to clear
the garbage we eat, particularly when we are having intestinal
problems like IBS and constipation. (“Skin Problems May
Provide Clues to GI Disease,” J. Family Practice News, March
15th, 2008, page 25.) In those cases the skin ends up
picking up the slack in the “exhaust-pipe”
department.
The article “Acne Vulgaris: a disease of
western civilization” (J. Archives of Dermatology
2002;138:1584) hits it right on the head. So, the more processed
food we eat the more likely we are to have a whole lot of
problems besides acne. Think of your skin as a reflection of
what is going on inside your body. If we get acne we are at risk
of other diseases with time.
Many feel that milk is the main
culprit (J. American Academy of Dermatology 2008;58:787.) I
agree. It is full of hormones, steroids antibiotics and
who-knows what else. Every one of those chemicals may stimulate
the growth of bacteria on our skin. Besides, milk has too much
fat and sugar, which also exacerbate acne. In fact, eating the
right sugars or a low glycemic diet improves acne (J.
American Academy of Dermatology 2007;57:247.) Eating the right
fats, that is nuts, avocados, fish, olives and avoiding
Trans-fats and saturated fats also improves our skin.
No doubt you may be told that acne is a
hormonal issue: absolutely. The more refined sugars we eat the
more hyperinsulinemic we become. The extra insulin produced
upsets ovarian and testicular function leading to hormonal
imbalances that increase toxicity issues particularly in the
skin and gut. This has been widely documented. In its worst form
it is called PCOS in women.
Try to stay away from antibiotics to treat
acne; they destroy intestinal flora, which has been associated
with a host of problems, including Lupus as kids grow up (J.
Chest 1999;115:1471.) Review previous issues to learn about
other items that help acne, like the bush Berberine.
There are no shortcuts: healthy skin comes
from healthy diets. Anybody who tells you differently is trying
to sell you something. At least that is what the masked man sort
of said in “The Princess Bride.”
Telegraphed articles
Stress in pregnancy and cesarean sections increases risk of
asthma in kids. Exposure to micro-organisms in birth canal
improves kids’ immune system
JAMA 2008;300:29
Prebiotic oligosaccharides (fiber) in newborns reduces
allergies in 1st two years of life; fiber feeds
probiotics or healthy organisms who are key to the immune
system.
J. Nutrition 2008;38:1091
Vitamin E and resveratrol (nutrient I grapes and peanuts)
inhibit human breast cancer cell growth.
J. Nutrition and Cancer 2008;60:401
Melatonin 6 mg helps reflux
J. Alternative Therapies 2008;14:54
Citrus pectin (fiber) chelates lead in hospitalized kids
with toxic levels
J. Alternative Therapies 2008;14:34
“The
Fragile Mind: early life stress and inflammatory disease.”
Stress in children may predispose them to inflammatory diseases
when they grow older.
J. Endocrinology 2008;149:2724
“Progesterone
and Estrogen Regulate Oxidative Metabolism in Brain
Mitochondria.” Translation: your hormones affect your
brain-energy function.
J. Endocrinology 2008;149:3167
“Progesterone
and Progestin Receptors in the Brain: the neglected
ones,”
J. Endocrinology 2008;149:2737
“Nutritional
Hormesis.” Pesticides and food additives and
preservatives even in small doses have a negative impact on
our bodies.
European J. Clinical Nutrition 2007;61:147
Hyperactivity in children has been associated with chemicals
above.
British Medical Journal 2008;336:1144
A
low glycemic index diet, fiber (fenofibrate) and the antioxidant
CoQ10 (it improves mitochondrial function) help the heart
pump blood more efficiently.
J. Diabetes Care 2008;31:1502
“Fatty
liver” is now seen in about 50% of children over the age of
5 who are obese and in 10% of all children: “Experts predict
those who have [fatty liver] as a kid may need a transplant by
their 30s and 40s.” Amazing…
American Liver Foundation report in Salt Lake
Tribune, September 8th, 2008.
High sugar in the blood associated with more clotting
problems.
J. Diabetes Care 2008;31:1590
Vitamin K improves bone density.
AJCN 2008;88:356
Omega 3 oils lower risk of Macular Degeneration
J. Ophthalmology 2008;126:826
INTEGRATIVE
HEALTH EDUCATION
A monthly
review of 150 medical journals
Volume 9
�
Number 8
� September 2008
EDITOR’S NOTE
When we signed up for “Life” we
knew that it would involve suffering and lots of changes. Anyone
who says otherwise is trying to sell us something. At least that
is what the “masked man” said in “Princes Bride.” It seems life
is coming at me fast. Because of personal bumps on the road I
have developed a skin rash, a blood pressure up to 130/82 that
gives me headaches, thyroid problems, reflux, insomnia and a bad
case of inadequate feelings (Examples of the mind-body
connection.) But, all these little things pale to the suffering
some of you are going through. Still, how am I going to put our
ordeal in its proper perspective?
I hope my drive for
self-improvement and for avoiding self-deception can withstand
this gale. How will I fare in that endeavor? I don’t know,
because I am all too aware that we humans have an incredible
strong drive to deceive ourselves.
Self-deception: this is
the little pearl I really intended to share with you this month.
It is patently obvious in all we do, particularly when we are
trying to sell something or an image of ourselves that may need
marketing. Take Big Pharma’s research to create a drug that
could help you gain some of the benefits of exercise without
getting off the couch: no exercise? No sweat! (J. Cell, July 31st,
2008.)
Will people but this drug? What
do you think?
Hugo Rodier, M.D.
Berry questionable energy drinks
If you have read some of the
articles I have posted on my website you are familiar with my
overarching hypothesis that everything about the Universe and
our health is nothing but Energy and Information, E&I, which are
an integral component of the laws of Thermodynamics. This is why
I was very interested in the study titled “Phytochemical
Composition and Metabolic Performance-Enhancing Activity of
Dietary Berries Traditionally Used by Native North Americans”
(J. Agriculture & Food Chemistry 2008;56:654.)
I have had some experience with
berries and with energy drinks. As a young doc I served the
National Health Service Corps to repay medical school loans in
the wilds of Alaska (remember “Northern Exposure?”) I went for a
lot of hikes in the tundra and often I found myself on the
losing end in my quest for berries; Grizzly bears always get
their way. Berries are one of the best foods we have because of
their high content of antioxidants and phytochemicals to support
the thermodynamics of our cells as they process E&I.
Notice that the article
mentions “metabolism.” That is the biologic equivalent of
thermodynamics. And that is what we need to keep firmly in mind
so that we don’t succumb to the intense marketing of high-priced
energy drinks that are flooding the market. Think of the food we
eat as the only legitimate way to get proper E&I (Besides loving
relationships; see above the reason why I have been running on
empty, lately.) Everything else is likely a shortcut, as
exemplified by most energy drinks; they rely on caffeine and
processed sugar: talk about whipping a dead horse. Being
addicted to these items, it is easy to feel a boost of energy
when we are withdrawing or when our blood levels of these
products get too low. Then, people are caught in a vicious
cycle.
I have been asked to speak for
a company that markets one of those energy drinks. I felt their
product was based on legitimate nutrients. In fact, their drink
has berries in it. But the fly in the ointment is the price. Are
even healthy energy drinks worth it? Yes, if money is not an
issue to you. But, most people are barely one step away from
financial ruin these days. This is why the informed public
will likely stay away from these drinks, as healthy as they may
be. No doubt those who want a quick boost of E&I are probably
trying these drinks, both the caffeinated, high sugar ones and
the healthy ones, as exemplified by the one who hired me.
Self-deception; it is
found in any company that does business while ignoring the
principles of true service to the public. The best and most
profitable businesses are those who fulfill legitimate human
needs (I have some reservations about Big Oil, Big Food and Big
Pharma.) The companies selling energy drinks would do well to
give customers the right E&I: stick to fruits and veggies
as the base of the pyramid and avoid refined, processed foods.
(By the way, the company who hired me to speak knew I would
emphasize proper nutrition first and foremost.)
Self-deception is also at play
when people abuse their bodies and minds with bad food, bad
relationships and then seek to make it right with a quick energy
drink and all-too-available processed food.
I understand that many of us
are stuck in 2-3 jobs just to make ends meet: the temptation to
get a quick fix is overwhelming. But, this is the very reason we
must void shortcuts that are more expensive in the long run and
stick to the right E&I in the right food and in the grooming of
our intimate relationships with good communication of E&I to
sustain each other’s trust.
Self-deception and the
inability to postpone pleasure and rewards in favor of quick
solutions in the present: a perfect Rx for trouble…
Plunging testosterone
A while back a study showed
that testosterone levels go down in sport fans when their team
loses. Surely women have noticed this little quirk in their
males. Surely there are women who root for their husbands’ teams
… and women who root for the opponents to win…
Some men get downright
depressed when their testosterone goes down. It’s not hard to
understand why (J. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2006;31:1029 & J.
Archives of General Psychiatry 2008;65:283.) Preening, sprucing
and making ourselves more attractive helps ameliorate these
problems. A study came out showing that birds getting “make-up”
go from wimpy to becoming “chick magnets:” their
testosterone levels go up
(J. Current Biology, June 2008.)
Knowing that I will upset some
of you while I validate others, I feel that anything that
enhances our relationships and helps us bond more strongly with
our mates is good, provided that there is no deception, abuse or
lack of respect and trust. So, buying pretty things, jewelry,
make-up and other trifles along those lines are fine. But, when
it comes to “sexual items” some people may get uncomfortable.
For example, “enhancements” for men and women may be what they
prefer and that is only their choice to make. So, despite some
controversial reports on breast enhancement, I feel the choice
is still a couple’s to make.
This reminds me: who told on
me? Daily I get dozens of spam about male enhancement…. Maybe it
was my ex….
Throw me tomatoes
Some people “throw me
tomatoes” when I express my opinion that food is the best
medicine; I have told that my views on health are “too rosy.”
I understand why they are challenged by the facts I monthly
highlight in this newsletter: they are “nutritionally
deficient.” Are they reading the evidence I quote? Are they
dismissing the clear results (available to anyone) we see in our
clinic, where 80-90% of prescription drugs are discontinued when
patients stop their addiction to refined foods?
No matter: do throw me
tomatoes!
FruHis, a carbohydrate
derivative in dehydrated tomatoes has been shown to protect
against DNA damage that may lead to cancer (J. Cancer Research
2008;68:4384.)
A study showed that only18% of rats fed
FruHis and tomato paste had prostate tumors, while 39% did with
tomato paste only and 43% with tomato powder. It turns out that
63% of the rats getting no tomatoes whatsoever developed
prostate tumors.
It
is the antioxidant Lycopene in tomatoes that is healing
the DNA problems that lead to prostate cancer. Lycopene also
slows the progression of BPH, or enlarged prostate in men
(J. Nutrition 2008;138:49.) I highlight “men” for those who
would dismiss the above study because it was done in rats.
Interestingly, some of those who would do just that think
nothing of testing their pharmaceutical agents on animals…
Hope your health “bugs” you
A hundred years ago Dr.
Metchnikoff won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his seminal work
on the microflora in our intestines. People are now more
familiar with the concept he pioneered, that is, that the
micro-organisms that live in our intestines are THE KEY to our
health, outside of the food we eat, a clean environment and
healthy relationships.
Doctors are resurrecting
Metchnikoff’s work. We are seeing articles like “Scientists
Probe Microbe ‘Communitites” (JAMA 2008;299:2265) appear in
many medical journals on a monthly basis. This one tells us that
the quadrillions of organisms in our intestines are an exciting
frontier of research. The “microbiome” (JAMA
2008;300:777) is made up of about 1,000 different species of
organisms in the intestines; we are just beginning to understand
the symbiotic relationship we have with our guests: “There
are a number of chronic diseases for which there is tantalizing,
piece-meal, reasonable evidence of microbial factors playing
some kind of role.”
The authors discuss an example:
bacterial vaginosis or an imbalanced flora in the vagina,
which may create significant problems for women. It turns out
that vaginosis is not seen when a woman has mostly
lactobacillus in her vagina. In other words, friendly
organisms therein keep the “bad guys” from setting up
shop. This is why I advice women with these issues to place
capsules of probiotics in their vagina to treat and prevent
vaginal infections. Still, the main problem behind this nuisance
is that women eat too much refined sugars in their diets.
Another example of how our
friendly bugs can help us came out in the Journal Nature
2008;453:620. Bacteroides fragilis, a species of friendly
organisms in the intestines produce PSA or Polysaccharide A,
which protects mice from getting Chron’s and Ulcerative Colitis
in mice exposed to bad bacteria, like Helicobacter hepaticus.
PSA induces CD4 cells that reduce inflammation in the
intestines.
The concept that of our little friends
produce indispensable molecules for our health is not new; we
have known for quite a while about Short Chain Fatty Acids
like Butyrate. SCFA reduce cholesterol by optimizing its
processing in the intestines. SCFA also lower inflammation and
promote healing of injured tissues. They also reduce the risk of
intestinal and systemic cancer (J. Nutrition and Cancer 2005,
p2878.) But, perhaps most interesting to you, SCFA help you
process calories better in your intestines, so that your
likelihood of becoming obese is reduced. In other words, having
unhealthy intestinal flora increases your chances of gaining
unwanted pounds (“Gut Microbiota and Its Possible
Relationship with Obesity,” J. Mayo Clinic Proceedings
2008;83:460.)
These articles didn’t point out everything that
could be said about our little friends. But, you may read up on
the wonderful benefits of probiotics in previous issues of this
newsletter. Let me just review a couple of points: probiotics
are critical for managing the E&I you eat and detoxifying in
obeisance to the Universal laws of thermodynamics.
Ask your self this question: have you gotten your
little friends used to sugar and chocolate? If the answer is
yes, now you know why you crave those items so much: you got
them used to that garbage and now they are sending you messages
to your brain, demanding that you keep feeding them in the
manner they have become accustomed to (J. Proteome Research,
October 2007.)
How does it feel to be
controlled by your microscopic guests? Time for a bit of
humility; some microorganisms can manipulate neural circuitry
better than we can.” (Bugs in the Brain,” J.
Scientific American, March 2003;288:94.)
Telegraphed articles
Air pollution increases the risk of DVTs, or clots in the
deep leg veins
J. Archives Internal Medicine 2008;168:920
“Exercise May Boost Aging Immune System,”
JAMA 2008;299:160
SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1Low vitamin E
is associated with a decline in physical function in the elderly
JAMA 2008;299:308
Marihuana has been associated with periodontal disease
JAMA 2008;299:525, 574
Lead exposure in infancy increases the risk of
Alzheimer’s disease later in life
J. Molecular Neuroscience 2008;28:3
Curcumin/curry decreases IgE mediated allergic response:
allergies get better.
J. Allergy Clinical Immunology 2008;121:1225
Drugs used to treat osteoporosis increase the risk of Atrial
fibrillation
J. Archives Internal Medicine 2008;168:826
Growth hormone may be able to protect neurons from the
detrimental effects of opiates
J. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
2008;105:7304
INTEGRATIVE
HEALTH EDUCATION
A monthly
review of 150 medical journals
Volume 9
�
Number 7
� August 2008
EDITOR’S NOTE
You may want to read the last few blogs (“Braindroppings”)
to get a more complete idea of what Big Pharma is up to this
summer. While prescription drugs have their place in modern
health care, their overuse is raising a lot of eyebrows.
Hugo Rodier, M.D.
A drug to treat the side effects of
another drug
Even though antidepressants
work in less than 50% of people, they are widely used, with
significant side effects. A very bothersome side effect is
sexual dysfunction in both men and women. We just learned that
Viagra may be used to counteract these problems when Prozac-like
meds are used by women (JAMA 2008;300:395.)
OK, I am not a puritan by any
means. I even feel that women could take Viagra for recreational
purposes, since it enhances sensation in their genitals. But,
the concept of taking drugs to cover up the side effects of
questionable drugs is potentially problematic. How many drugs
are people taking for symptoms that may be nothing but side
effects from an earlier drug? Consider older people, who may
take 5-10 drugs a day. How likely is the possibility that they
may have drugs working against each other?
And, what happened
to the report that lowly Ginkgo not only helps with
depression, but it also mitigates the sexual dysfunction seen
with antidepressant therapy?
[J. Archives Physiology and Medical Rehabilitation 2000;81:668.
Chin Med J. 1999;112:1093
Gingko helps depression. It potentiates effect of
antipsychotic drugs.
J. Clinical Experimental Pharmacology Physiology 1997;24:958
Gingko works through the NOS system: it reduces
inflammation in the brain.
J. Clinical Psychiatry 1998;59:199 and J. Sexual Marital therapy
2001;27:541
Gingko improves the loss of sensation in the genitals that is
seen with SSRI antidepressants.]
Remember that Big Pharma will try to
discredit any report on any herb or non-pharmaceutical product
that may cut into their sales. They take a page from the
historical records of any big business that has muscled out the
competition with spurious reports that favor their own product.
(Did you know that Rockefeller funded the drive that led to
prohibition? He was trying to demonize alcohol, which was the
preferred fuel for cars back then. Rockefeller owned Standard
Oil, which fell under antitrust laws to become Chevron, Exxon,
and Amoco. Henry Ford’s alcohol-fueled cars were Rockefeller’s
competition, but after the constitutional amendment that
criminalized alcohol in general, petroleum became the nations’
main fuel.)
Problems with antipsychotic drugs
The recent report that there is
an increased risk of death in the elderly taking antipsychotic
drugs is not news; we have know about this for a while (JAMA
2008;300:379.) And, the new generation antipsychotic drugs,
while more expensive, do not seem to be any better than the
cheaper older ones. I have herein reproduced a report I wrote in
an earlier newsletter:
“Effectiveness of
antipsychotic drugs in patients with chronic schizophrenia”
(New England J. of Medicine 2005;353:1209) tells us that the
newer and more expensive drugs to treat this condition are no
better than the cheaper older ones. In fact, these newer drugs
were marketed even though studies showed that they were no
better than the older ones. “None of these drugs provided the
majority of patients effective treatment that lasted the full 18
months of this study.” Only one new drug, Olanzapine was
slightly better, but it was “associated with weight gain, and
increases in measures of glucose and lipid metabolism.”
These drugs have also been associated with an increased risk of
cardiovascular events and mortality (JAMA 2005;294:1934.) The
so-called atypical antipsychotic drugs must not be replaced with
the conventional antipsychotic drugs, since both of them raise
mortality (New England J. of Medicine 2005;353:2335.)
“Dr. Drug Rep”
A
Psychiatrist’s experience while speaking for the antidepressant
Effexor was highlighted in the New York Times (NYT Magazine,
November 25th, 2007, page 64.) He discovered that
Effexor’s claims that it is 10% more effective than Prozac-like
SSRI drugs is inflated and that the high blood pressure
elevation seen with Effexor is underreported. But, the speaking
fee initially blinded him to these facts. He eventually gave up
the gig, but, as he became more truthful, drug reps no longer
booked him.
As an
attempt to be fair, I must report that companies marketing
supplements often don’t ask me to speak for them after the
initial engagement. I feel it is because I don’t hype up their
products as much as they would like me to. Even though they deal
with nutritional products, they are still in business.
Sweet updates
My book “Sweet Death” may be
updated this year. As you may know, I feel very strongly about
our addiction to refined sugars in our country. So, I am always
looking for related articles. The report that pesticides
increase the risk of diabetes (Am. J. Epidemiology
2008;167:1235) may surprise some, unless you are familiar with
insulin resistance caused by toxicity, as previously reported
(See “TOIL” in my white paper.)
And, why would Gout
increase mortality in middle aged men? (J. Archives of Internal
Medicine 2008;168:1104) Because gout is driven by insulin
resistance, too, which affects our circulation.
And, why do obese men have
low-quality sperm? (Annual Meeting European Society of Human
Reproduction and Embryology, Barcelona, 2008) Because of poor
circulation to the testicles, insulin/glucose elevation
affecting gonadal function, and decreased ability to detoxify
the environmental chemicals associated with low sperm counts.
Remember that obese people have “Fatty Livers,” which hinders
detoxification. This is the same mechanism whereby their
cholesterol goes up, since 90% of cholesterol is processed in
the Liver.
Finally, more food fights: see
blog on the ongoing debate over “low carb” vs. “low fat”
diets and what is not being addressed about these diets. Not
knowing the problems behind the studies comparing these diets
may be harmful to your health.
Got milk? Got acne?
I know you are not going to
like this report; so, I am giving it to you as verbatim as
possible. Don’t shoot the messenger.
“Diet Gains Legitimacy as
Potential Factor in Acne,” J. Skin and Allergy News, May
2008, page 9. Report on Annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar,
Waikoloa, 2008
·
Milk, high sugar, high fat diets the culprit
·
6,096 girls ages 9-15 drinking more milk had more
acne. And 4,273 teen boys had more acne with milk consumption,
J. Am Acad Derm 2008 [doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2007.08.049]
·
Milk has progesterone, dihydrotestosterone
precursors, somatostatin, prolactin, insulin growth
factor-releasing hormone, insulin-like growth factors1 and 2,
and other substances that could stimulate pilosebaceous
activity, J. Am Acad Dermatol 2005;52:360
·
No acne in natives in Paraguay and Papua New
Guinea, because they don’t eat refined foods
·
A low glycemic diet lowers insulin resistance and
improves acne, J. Am Acad Derm 2007;57:247
·
Low glycemic diet has 30 % more fiber than average
diets and substantially more poly unsaturated fats, both of
which decrease androgen levels that worsen acne, J. Am Acad Derm
2007;57:1092
I hope your dermatologist reads this
report, and the following one…
The Oregon grape, “Mahonia,”
J. Skin and Allergy News, May 2008, page 30
- Mahonia
aquifolium, the Oregon grape root belongs to the
berberidaceae or barberry family. This is an evergreen
shrub, native to the American Northwest, used mostly to
treat chronic skin eruptions and pustules that come from
fatty foods, J. Dermatology Therapy 2003;16:106
-
Berberine, an alkaloid, is the most active ingredient,
is a powerful antioxidant, anti inflammatory (J. Bioorg Med
Chem 2004;12:4709) and antimutagenic molecule whose primary
mode of action is the inhibition of lipid peroxidation, J.
Planta Medica 1994;60:421.
- Berberine
inhibits cell growth, J. Planta Medica 1995;61:74. It
induces apoptosis in promyelocytic leukemia, J. Arch
Pharmacol 1996;93:193
- It
relieves neonatal jaundice, J. Comp. Med. East West
1977;5:161
- It has
anti pyretic activity, and it is used as an anti
inflammatory for lumbago and rheumatism, J. Life Science
2002;72:645
- Anti
acne effect, (J. Skin Pharmacology 1993;6:56) and
helpful in psoriasis (J. Pharmazie 1996;51:58.) Berberine
was 84% effective in psoriasis and 64% of patients rated it
as effective as the standard calcipotriene Rx (Am J. Therapy
2005;12:398.)
-
Antifungal effect, J. Phytotherapy Res 2003;17:834
-
Antimicrobial activity against Staph, J. Phytotherapy Res
2004;18:67
“Leaky brain” and coffee
Coffee has been shown to
protect the Blood Brain Barrier, BBB from
cholesterol-induced leakage (J. of Neuro-Inflammation, April
2008.) This means that coffee, which is high in antioxidants,
keeps the blood vessels in the brain from “leaking.” Since
cholesterol is a very important molecule in the repair of cell
membranes or lining of arteries, its levels and function need to
be optimal to prevent leaking. Let’s review this important
concept.
Everyone is familiar with “leaky
gut.” Once we get it that a TOILing intestinal lining may
lead to mucosal permeability, we may easily see that the same
process may occur anywhere in the body. It turns out that poor
glucose processing also makes the brain more “leaky,”
which allows toxins to enter the brain easier. The “Blood
Brain Barrier” (BBB) is weakened by age and insulin
resistance, which accelerates the rate at which the brain’s
blood vessels become leaky from cell membrane TOILing (J.
Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 2003;74:70)
It is not surprising that the
BBB is impaired in Alzheimer’s Disease (J. Neurology
2007;68:1809.) Glucose at high levels is itself toxic to the
Central Nervous System (J. Proceeding of the National Academy of
Science, Feb 1st, 2003.) Environmental toxins may
not get inside the brain to trigger TOILing of neurons, unless
the BBB is itself leaky from TOILing (J. Nature Neuroscience,
April 2008.) For example, Formaldehyde may pose a risk for ALS
or Lou Gehrig’s Disease (60th Annual Meeting Am Acad
of neurology, Chicago, 2008, J. Neurotoxicology 2007;28:532.) In
other words, we are all exposed to toxins, like pesticides. But,
our nutrigenomic factors make it so that each of us is affected
differently.
A leaky BBB is more likely
when we lower our cholesterol too much. Remember that cell
membranes are made up mostly of phospholipids. The most
important phospholipid in the cell membranes of brain neurons is
cerebrosterol (J. Lipids 2007;42:5.) When we insist on
lowering cholesterol too much, we mess with cerebrosterol, and
we increase our chances of Parkinson’s disease (J. Neurology
News, January 2007, page 4,) and dementia (J. Archives of
Neurology 2007;64:103.) This is why we would do well to eat a
lot of nuts, so we don’t go nuts (British J. Nutrition
2006;96:Supp#2.) No, nuts don’t make you gain weight (AJCN
2003;78:647.)
Not surprisingly, a leaky BBB
has been linked to high blood pressure (JAMA 2007;297:2339,)
which as you now know, is a function of insulin resistance. High
blood pressure itself is going to increase brain cell aging, and
dysfunction.
So, fixing the TOILing that
leads to “leaky brain” helps with practically all neurological
problems. This is why coffee, which is high in
antioxidants and thus reduces insulin resistance, has been shown
to protect the BBB from cholesterol-induced leakage (J. of Neuro-Inflammation,
April 2008.) Not surprisingly, Green tea reduces the risk
of learning deficits in rats deprived of oxygen, because of a
reduction of TOILing, or oxidative stress (American J. of
Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, May 15th,
2008) and 2,000 U of vitamin E reduce the risk of dying
by 26% in Alzheimer’s, without side effects (J. Family Practice
News, May 15th, 2008, page 38.)
INTEGRATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION
A
Monthly Review of 150 Medical Journals
Volume 9
�
Number 4
�
April-May 2008
EDITOR’S NOTE
It’s
been a while since I wrote about the problem with the ‘calories in = calories
out” paradigm. In light of recent discoveries about how we process food in the
intestines, I wish to revisit this issue. In my view, this worn out paradigm
needs to be “flushed down the toilet,” literally, as you will see. Perhaps you
remember the articles I have previously reported herein on how our intestinal
flora modulates our metabolism, influences the amount of calories we extract
from food and even sends signals to our brains to talk us into continually
feeding them (the organisms dwelling in our gut) the processed foods rich in
chocolate and refined sugars we got them addicted to. Naturally, they turn
around and demand that we keep that kind of diet up: now them and us are
addicted to bad foods.
There is another reason why we need to abandon the “calories in =
calories out” dogma: it never worked.
The evidence to change these old paradigms has been around for a
while, yet, some still profess that there is no such evidence. Soon, the weight
of scientific inquiry will be too large to ignore, especially when the NIH
awarded 122 grants to nutrition-related investigations, out of 236 grants in
2007 (http://nccam.nih.gov/research/extramural/awards/2007.)
Hugo Rodier, M.D.
Who governs whom?
Do we control
our intestinal flora, or do they control us? Let us astart considering the
question by remembering that most of the genetic material within our body is
theirs, not ours. Now, read the highlights from this great review article, “Gut
Microbiota and Its Possible Relationship with Obesity” (J. Mayo Clinic
Proceedings 2008;83:460.)
·
“Mice raised on regular food have 40% higher body fat and 47%
more gonadal fat content than germ-free mice, even though they consumed less
food than their germ-free counterparts. The distal gut microbiota from the [fat]
mice was then transplanted into the germ-free mice, resulting in a 60% increase
in body fat within 2 weeks without any increase in food consumption or obvious
differences in energy expenditure.”
·
Microbiota promotes absorption of monosaccharides, fermentation of
indigestible polysaccharides and short-chain fatty acids; also, regulation of
genes that promote deposition of fat in lipocytes.
·
“Gut microbiota can affect both sides of the energy balance
equation, influencing energy harvest from dietary substances and affecting genes
that regulate how energy is expended and stored.”
·
“…More end products of fermentation (acetate, butyrate,) and
fewer calories in the feces of the obese mice, leading them to speculate that
the gut microbiota in these mice facilitate the extraction of additional
calories from ingested food…[this] suggests that differences in caloric
extraction of ingested food substances may be determined by the composition of
the gut microbiota.”
·
Inflammation seen in metabolic syndrome likely related to
intestinal microbiota and its effect on high fat diets. Chronic imbalances in
microbiota (endotoxemia) have been associated with insulin resistance, diabetes
and obesity. Endotoxemia raises levels of inflammatory markers like cytokines,
interleukins and TNF.
·
Polymyxin B, an antibiotic active against gram negative organisms
in the gut has been shown to reduce fatty liver and IR. Antibiotic Rx decreases
the incidence and delayed the onset of diabetes in a diabetes-prone rat model.
These rats had less bacteroides, which reduced inflammation of pancreas and cell
membranes.
·
Healthy gut organisms (bacteroidetes) increase to 15% of total
organisms, up from 3%, when people lose weight by treating the firmicutes, or
bacteria associated with weight gain.
·
Methanogenic Archaea, or gut organisms that produce methane, also
increase the extraction of calories frrm consumed polysaccharides.
·
Prebiotics (fiber) improve microbiota, thus reducing insulin
resistance and metabolic problems by improving processing of food in intestines.
·
“Probiotics (friendly bacteria in capsules) resulted in
distinct changes in the microbiome with associated metabolic alterations in a
variety of tissues affecting energy, lipid, and amino acid metabolism.”
·
The authors feel that “genetic tendencies are more important
than diet, age, and lifestyles in determining the composition of the gut
microbiota.” I am not sure I totally agree. But, their statement is
understandable in light of their extraordinary findings. They are putting great
emphasis on their research, which points to a radical departing from established
dogma. If I knew how much they understand nutrition and probiotics, I could
judge their statement more accurately. In my opinion, they may not have studied
the field of nutrigenomics, or cutting edge research in food sciences. Take a
look at the next article…
Genes are not all they are cracked up to be
After
Mendel and the discovery of DNA we fell in love with the exciting world of
genetics, with good reason. But, we may have gone too far, swinging too much to
the other side, thus placing genes on an unreachable pedestal. Without intending
to de-throne genetics, let’s consider this article, which attempts to restore
balance. Simply put, genes have no function, nor influence on our body, until
they are copied into functional messages or glycoproteins. This process, called
“epigenetics,” is heavily influenced by the food we eat, our environment,
and in my opinion, our heart, relationships, emotions and thoughts. Here are the
highlights of the article “Epigenetics, a Window on Gene Dysregulation,
Disease” (JAMA 2008;299:1249.)
- Environmental,
nutritional signals can increase risk of disease, cancer.
- Epigenetic changes happen
in gestation, neonatal, puberty and old age.
- “Mother’s nutrition
during pregnancy can permanently change the epigenetic programming of her
offspring.”
- “Maternal
supplementation of yellow agouti mice with compounds like folic or genistein
during pregnancy blocked the negative effects (DNA hypomethylation) of
bisphenol A on th epigenome of the offspring.”
- “Epigenetics at the
Epicenter of Modern Medicine” (JAMA 2008;299:1345.) This companion
article highlights what the cover issue of the journal Discover reported on
last November. Basically, a lack of B vitamins undermines the process of
methylation of DNA and Liver detoxification, increasing our chances of
developing certain cancers, like colon cancer.
- Finally, the Cover issue
of the J. Science December 21st, 2007 reported the
“Breakthrough of the year: human genetic
variation.”
Back to the intestines
Every year, about 100,000 people die due to
pharmaceutical issues. Most of them succumb to the side effects of anti
inflammatory drugs for pain. Here is an article that sheds some light on this
serious problem, “NSAID-induced intestinal damage: are luminal bacteria the
therapeutic target?” (J. Gut 2008:57:145.)
·
Antibiotics like tetracycline, kanamycin, metronidazole, neomycin
attenuate NSAIDs intestinal damage. Why? Could it be that they are working on
the intestinal flora? Sulfasalazine, steroids immunosupressive compounds for
Chron’s and Ulcerative Colitis may be doing the same thing.
·
Bacterial-host interaction increases cytokine expression, or a
tendency to inflammation. Therefore, NSAIDs damage may be due to antibacterial
action
·
Probiotics could prevent the problem!
·
“Antibiotics may be used cyclically to eliminate certain
bacterial populations, followed by exogenous probiotics to fill the open
ecologic niche, thereby improving the balance of enteric microbiota for long
term efficacy. The availability of specific means to modulate innate immune
system is likely to break the link between anti-inflammatory activity and
intestinal toxicity of NSAIDs.”
·
Numerous other articles have been herein reported to document why
carefully chosen antibiotics are therapeutic to alleviate many conditions that
originate from an imbalance of intestinal flora. Visit the archives newsletters
for more information.
Apigenin,” J.
Skin & Allergy News, March 2008, page 32
- It’s a flavonoid found in
herbs (endine, clove, chamomile,) apples, cherries, grapes, tea, wine,
beans, broccoli, celery, leeks, onions, barley, parsley and tomatoes. It has
these beneficial actions:
- Chemopreventive, J. Pharm
Sci 1997;86L721
- Anti inflammatory, J.
Skin Pharm Appl Skin Physiol 2001;14:373
-
Antispasmodic, anxiolytic, J. Planta Med 1995;61:213
Still scared?
Living in America, we are familiar
with fear mongering as a tool to influence public opinion. Sadly, this is a
technique as old as the hills and it does not spare medical practice. As
previously reported in a commentary published in the JAMA, the “Myth of
Osteoporosis” (book) is well entrenched. Here is another article fearlessly
addressing this problem, “Drugs for pre-osteoporosis: prevention or disease
mongering?” (British Medical Journal 2008:336:126.)
·
An already controversial condition, osteopenia, or thinning bones
before they develop osteoporosis, has been expanded to increase the market for
drugs.
·
The cut-off values for bone density “somewhat arbitrary” according
to original WHO statement in 1994. Those values were intended for epidemiologic
studies, not for clinical treatment.
·
“Treating those at risk of being at risk?... Impressive
sounding reductions in relative risk can mask much smaller reductions in
absolute risk.” A 75% reduction of relative risk by raloxifene translates
into 0.9% reduction of absolute risk. The true incidence of fractures is less
than 1% a year: this influences the results as above, when risk is overstated.
·
We need to treat 270 women for 3 years to prevent one vertebral
fracture
·
Focus on vertebral fractures, not hip fractures. 2/3 of vertebral
fractures are subclinical. Meaning we are not even aware they happen, until we
notice that we are getting shorter.
·
The side effects of these drugs are played down: diarrhea, GERD,
more vascular, neurologic and lab abnormalities. More venous thrombosis or clots
are seen with raloxifene. Osteonecrosis, or rotting of the jaw has been
reported.
·
Analysis of data done mostly by docs with ties to drug companies
·
“Shifting the focus in fracture prevention from osteoporosis to
falls” (British Medical Journal 2008;337:124) is an article published along
side this one. It reports that over 80% of fractures are seen with no
osteoporosis at all…
“Bromelain,” J. Skin and Allergy News,
February 2008, page 34
·
Proteolytic enzyme from the stem of the pineapple. It is absorbed
by white cells which enhances enzymatic activity (J. Derm Therapy 2003;16:106.)
·
Activity: anti inflammatory, fibrinolytic, skin debridement;
inhibits platelet aggregation, and growth of malignant cells (J.
Ethnopharmacology 1988;22:191, J. Cell Mol Life Sci 2001;58:1234.) Anti
inflammatory activity through modulation of arachidonic acid cascade (J.
Ethnopharmacology 1988;222;191,) which reduces capillary permeability (J. Med
Hypothesis 1980:6:99.) All this translates into a very practical application:
bruise reduction after trauma of any kind.
·
Bromelain reduces edema, bruising, pain, and healing time after
dental surgery. Recommended before and after surgery (J. Dental Med 1965;20:51,
J. Skin Therapy Letters 2000;5:1.)
·
Less swelling after long bone fracture surgery, J. Acta Chir
Orthop Traumatol Chech 2001;68:45.
·
Bromelain potentiates antibiotic action in Rx of bronchitis,
sinusitis, pyelonephritis and wounds. It also helps Rx of angina,
thrombophlebitis (J. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:302.)
·
It inhibits growth of tumors in animals (J. Planta Med
1990;56:249) because it has imunomodulatory activity (J. Cell Mo Life Sci
2001;58:1234.)
Drinking toilet
water, like Fido
We all get grossed out
when we catch out doggie drinking out of the toilet. Well, we may not be able to
“cast the first stone…” An AP study (Salt Lake Tribune, March 10-12th,
2008) reported that many drugs we discard from our body after we have ingested
them are found in our sewage, since most drugs are used or metabolized only 80%.
The rest is flushed down the toilet. Antibiotics, antidepressants, anxiolitics,
anticonvulsants and hormones are now found in the drinking water of 41 million
Americans. Drugs like prozac and prematin and even xanax for anxiety. So, if all
makes you anxious, drink more water…
About 24 major metropolitan areas were
involved in this study. Previously no tests have been available to look for the
problem, which is still the case in many cities. The EPA doesn’t know what to
make of the problem. Philadelphia had 56 types of drugs in its potable water,
but studies like this are rarely made available to public. There are no national
standards to look into this problem
Most fish are now hermaphrodites. They swim
in waters where 10+ pharmaceuticals have been detected. Every bluegill, black
crappie and channel catfish had levels of antidepressants tested. A few parts
per million of these drugs may or may not be a problem, but we don’t know for
sure, or do we? Previously, you have read about endocrine problems triggered by
toxins in the environment… You be the judge, for now.
As always, rather than get scared about
environmental problems, resolve to eat a very good diet, so that you reduce the
levels of these toxins, not only by avoiding them, (water filters don’t help
this problem,) but by revving up your detoxification pathways.
Telegraphed articles
“Neurologic and
psychiatric manifestations of gluten sensitivity,”
J.
Pediatric 2008:152:244
“Metal chelation and inhibition of bacterial growth in tissue abscesses,”
J. Science 2008:319:962
Soy protein
isolate reduces biomarkers of prostate cancer
J.
Nutrition and Cancer 2008:60:7
Citrus
flavonoids inhibit oral cancers
J.
Nutrition and Cancer 2008:60:69
Mushroom
ganoderma lucidum has apoptotic effect on premalignant urothelial cells
J.
Nutrition and Cancer 2008:60:109
Mango
extract and lupeol has apoptotic effect on mouse prostate cancer
J.
Nutrition and Cancer 2008:60:120
Broccoli
extract (sulpharane) may help reduce UV skin damage
JAMA
2007;298:2731
No negative effects on
prostate safety were detected with testosterone treatment in men
JAMA 2008;299:39
“Exercise May Boost Aging Immune System,”
JAMA 2008;299:160
Tonsillectomies are
not beneficial in mild-moderate abcesses
J. Archives Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery 2007;133:1083
Low vitamin E
associated with decline in physical function in the elderly
JAMA 2008;299:308
INTEGRATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION
A monthly review of 150 medical journals
|
Volume 9
�
Number 3
� March 2008
EDITOR’S NOTE
There were a series of articles in the newspapers recently
linking excessive insulin production (from too many twinkies) to
more rings around the waist and more strokes in women. Also,
mammograms on women who have insulin resistance tend to show
poor arterial circulation, which is also associated with a
higher risk of strokes. At the same time, an article in the Salt
Lake Tribune reported that a lot of docs are afraid to tell
women they are obese. A fat patient seems to be an
emotionally charged situation for all involved.
In my opinion, this problem goes away when a doctor
emphasizes insulin resistance and all its nefarious
consequences, instead of someone’s weight. Insulin resistance
encompasses practically all diseases.
I tell patients to stop weighing themselves, throw
away the scale and focus on measuring their waist. They
concentrate on reversing insulin resistance, and thus they avoid
becoming diabetic within 5 years. Soon, they not only shrink
their waist size, but they see their blood pressure drop,
cholesterol normalize, migraines go away, the need for
anti-inflammatory drugs disappear, etc.
Overcoming insulin resistance by facing their
addiction to refined sugars and getting off medications that
only address the symptoms, not the root-cause, becomes such a
consuming goal (if the doctor takes the time to teach and motivate)
that the obesity issue is quickly diffused. Of course, patients
cheat: they still weigh themselves, but they are no longer
obsessed, nor do they micromanage calories. In fact, I tell them
to forget about counting calories, eat all they want (provided
is not refined food of any kind,) and avoid being hungry.
They key to this approach? Get the patient to face
his/her refined sugar addiction, understand the public health
dynamics that result in our whole society being addicted, and
resolve to regain control of their lives. For more details, read
my book “Sweet Death.” (www.naturestools.com.)
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Sweet death is becoming such a problem that now
these surgeries are being recommended to children (J. Pediatric
and Adolescent Surgery, February 2007.) Before we rush into this
procedure, it would be wise to try less aggressive treatments or
at least improve the surgery techniques. As it is now, 2% of
people die within the first 30 days after surgery, 2.8% within
90 days, 4.6% within the first year (JAMA 2005;294:1861) and 40%
of people have complications (Agency for Health Care Research
and Quality, branch of Public Health Service, July 23rd,
2006).
I have no hard evidence, but, in my experience, most
patients who have this surgery end up regaining their weight.
Could it be that these patients don’t learn to face and overcome
their addiction to sugar? Many of them do find new addictions,
like gambling, compulsory shopping, alcoholism and smoking. Some
of them even “outfox the procedure by taking in calories in
liquid form” (New York Times Magazine, November 18th,
2007.)
“Bromelain,”
J. Skin and Allergy News, February 2008, page 34
Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme from the stem of
the pineapple. It is absorbed by white cells which
enhances enzymatic activity (J. Derm Therapy 2003;16:106). Other
actions include anti-inflammation, fibrinolysis, skin debridement,
inhibition of platelet aggregation, and growth of malignant
cells (J. Ethnopharmacology 1988;22:191, J. Cell Mol Life Sci
2001;58:1234). Anti-inflammatory activity is seen through
modulation of arachidonic acid cascade (J. Ethnopharmacology
1988;222;191) which reduces capillary permeability (J. Med
Hypothesis 1980:6:99). All this translates into a very practical
application: bruise reduction after trauma of any kind.
Bromelain reduces edema, bruising, pain, and healing
time after dental surgery. It is recommended before and after
surgery (J. Dental Med 1965;20:51, J. Skin Therapy Letters
2000;5:1). There is also less swelling after long bone fracture
surgery (J. Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Chech 2001;68:45.)
Bromelain potentiates antibiotic action in Rx of bronchitis,
sinusitis, pyelonephritis and wounds. It also helps Rx of
angina, and thrombophlebitis (J. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:302.)
Intestinal update: connection to the skin
When a patient has some sort of skin rash, they get
a steroid cream about 99% of the time. One has to wonder why
bother giving the rash some weird name, if the treatment is
almost always the same: treat the inflammation. Granted, the doc
wants to make sure that he/she is not dealing with some kind of
cancer and that the rash or lesion is not associated with some
serious inflammatory condition in the body, i.e., lupus.
By now you know where most of the inflammation comes
from: the intestines, where most of the immune system is found.
This is why eczema, or dryness of the skin is associated
with an abnormal or unhealthy intestinal flora (“Reduced
diversity in the fecal microbiota of infants with atopic eczema,”
J. Allergy Clin Imm 2008;121;129.)
So, instead of putting on some steroid cream on your
eczematous lesion, take probiotics (“Bifidobacterium
pseudocatenulatum is associated with atopic eczema,” J.
Allergy Clin Imm 2008;121:135,) bromelain by mouth, lots of
fiber, omega oils, and stop eating refined foods full of
processed sugars and transhydrogenated fats. By doing so, you
are addressing the real reason behind your dry skin.
And this will get under your skin: another article
linking obesity to an imbalanced intestinal flora: “Divergent
Madaptations to Intestinal Parasitic Nematode Iin Mice
Susceptible or Resistant to Obesity” (J. Gastroenterology
2007;133:1979.)
“Medical
Groups Release New Guidelines for Treatment of Low Back Pain,”
JAMA 2007;298:2253
Why do we get an X-ray, and in some cases an MRI of the back
every time we go to a medical clinic complaining of back pain?
Sure, we don’t want to miss some serious issue smoldering in our
body. But, it seems to me that if that were the case, the simple
treatments available would very quickly fail to bring relief, at
which time the more invasive, and lucrative tests, if you are on
the other end of the radiation, would make more sense.
I was pleased to see this article where the authors
reached the same conclusions by examining this practice: they
concluded that routine imaging should be discouraged.
They also added that inexpensive interventions like reading
about back pain, exercises are as good as acupuncture or spinal
manipulation. Too bad they left out the well-documented fact
that spinal surgery, while expensive and overdone, has not been
demonstrated to make any economic sense, unless you are the one
performing them. This type of surgery is no better than
rehabilitation for low back pain; yet, the latter is more cost
effective (Annual Meeting of the North American Spine Society,
Chicago 2005.
J.
Family Practice News, January 1st, 2005.)
As previously reported, SEQ
CHAPTER \h \r 1an investigation of Spinal Fusion
surgeries concluded that they might be driven by money. Many
docs own stock in the companies making screws, nuts, and rods
used in those surgeries. One screw may be worth $1,000. Talk
about getting screwed…. George Carlin would have a field day
with this one.
“Dr.
Drug Rep” (New York Times Magazine, November 25th,
2007, page 64.)
Speaking of money in health scare: a psychiatrist giving
“educational talks” for the drug company making the
antidepressant Effexor discovered that Effexor’s superior
effectiveness, 10% more, over SSRIs antidepressants like Prozac
and Paxil was overstated. Also, he found that the high blood
pressure elevation with Effexor was erroneously de-emphasized.
But, he admitted that the speaking fee initially blinded him. He
eventually gave up the gig, but, as he became more truthful,
drug reps for Effexor no longer booked him. He is not the one
who should be booked.
Telegraphed articles
Nurses (1,500) exposed to chemicals at work
(disinfectants, latex, cleansers) have higher rates of asthma
and cancer
Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, November
2007
Fasting for a day each month helps reduce TOIL (toxicity,
oxidation, inflammation, less mitochondrial function.)
University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake
Tribune, December 11th, 2007
Patient satisfaction is not linked to antibiotic
prescriptions for colds
J. Family Practice 2007;56:1002
Pneumonia Rx with antibiotics is good enough for 3-5 days
J. Family Practice 2007;56:1003
Capsaicin in peppers is one of the best treatments for
diabetic neuropathy. The other one is the tricyclic
antidepressants
BMJ 2007;335:87
Antioxidants help ease pain in chronic pancreatitis
J. Family Practice News, Ocotber 15th,
2007, page 38
School scores going down in USA, a result of less reading
NYT 11/19/07
“Maternal
Vitamin D Deficiency Increases the Risk of Preeclampsia.”
Most of preeclamsia, or toxemia is seen in winter months.
J. Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism 2007;92:351
Oxidation is also seen in osteoporosis
J. Proc Nat Acad Sci 2007;104:15087
Broccoli extract (sulpharane) may help reduce UV skin damage
JAMA 2007;298:2731
No negative effects on prostate safety were detected with
testosterone treatment in aging men
JAMA 2008;299:39
“Exercise May Boost Aging Immune System.”
“May?”
JAMA 2008;299:160
Tonsillectomy is not beneficial in mild-moderate cases of
pharyngitis.
J. Archives Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
2007;133:1083
SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1Low vitamin E
levels are associated with decline in physical function in the
elderly
JAMA 2008;299:308
High homocysteine (low B vitamins) increases Parkinsonism
signs
J. Archives of Neurology 2007;64:1646
Green tea may protect against Parkinsonism
J. Biological Psychiatry, December 15th,
2007
Lycopene in tomatoes slows the progression of BPH, or
prostate swelling
J. Nutrition 2008;138:49
Pot
is related to periodontal disease
JAMA 2008;299:525, 574
Lead exposure in infancy related to Alzheimer’s later in
life
J. Molecular Neuroscience 2008;28:3
Restless Leg Syndrome is linked to psychiatric conditions…
Annual International Scientific Assembly of the American College
of Chest Physicians, Montreal, 2005
… strokes, and heart disease, J.
Neurology, January 2008.
Only ¼ Americans know signs/symptoms of a heart attack:
chest pain, sweating shortness of breath, radiation of pain to
arm, face or jaw.
CDC, February 22nd, 2008
Cat owners have lower rate of heart attacks. Yeah, but they
don’t seem to care if you fall to the ground clutching your
chest…
International Stroke Conference, New York, 2008, SLT
2/22/2008
Stress makes you more likely to have clots form
J. Pathophysiology 2007;44:154
Precancerous lesions more likely to advance to cancer if we
lack B vitamins (“Alterations of DNA methylation associated
with abnormalities of DNA methyltransferases in human cancers
transition from a precancerous to a malignant state,”
J .Carcinogenesis 2007;28:2434
“Improvement of glutathione and total antioxidant status
with yoga”
J. Alternative Complementary Medicine 2007;13:1085
Vegans have good bone health even without dairy
Annual Meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral
Research, Honolulu, 2008. Reported in J. Skin and Allergy News,
February 2008, page 57
INTEGRATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION
A monthly review of 150 medical journals
Volume 9 ‘ Number 2 ‘ February 2008
EDITOR’S NOTE
In our male-dominated society we do “male things” that, while not wrong, tend to be unbalanced by the lack of the “female-things” we often de-emphasize. For instance, we glorify logic and high IQs, which are good things, but often the source of much grief and failed policies. Our Harvard-led society cannot be said to be doing too well these days. Dr. Csikszentmihali (“Creativity,” Harper Collins, 1996) makes a very telling point reporting that most Nobel Prize winners are “integrators,” and “synthesizers” who are able to bring together both sides of their brain, thus integrating gut feelings, intuition and a sense of all things being part of an undivided whole. These brilliant people are able to tap into other disciplines and interests in their lives to bring about the breakthroughs they are awarded for. They are able to transcend the narrow limitations of their fields.
This edition focuses on recent articles that illustrate how we need to honor both sides of our nature and go beyond the limitations of our male-dominated paradigm that discounts these concepts as “soft science,” as a colleague of mine referred to nutrition.
Hugo Rodier, M.D.
“Asthma linked to psychiatric disorders,” (JAMA 2008;299:158)
“3 possibilities: (1) asthma shares common risk factors with depression and anxiety, (2) asthma increases risk of psychiatric problems, (3) psychiatric problems increase risk of asthma.” No doubt all 3 possibilities have merit. They all underscore the need to transcend our current emphasis on “disease-cataloging,” (male) while ignoring the common mechanisms underlying all diseases (female.) The article “Irregular Menses Linked to Increased Heart Risk” (Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association, Orlando, 2007) may also be puzzling to those who continue to manage symptoms of diseases, the result of our over-emphasis on pharmacologic treatment (male.) If we pay attention to our “gut feelings,” we may understand that inflammation in the intestines has been linked to many diseases:
“The increase in mucosal permeability may suggest that antigens (toxins) like protein penetrate into the body and result in systemic reactions such as chronic urticaria/ severe itching (J. Digestive Diseases Science 1998;43:1226), migraine (J. Hepatogastroenterology 1998;45:765) atopic dermatitis/ skin rashes (J. Gastroenterology 1996;31:s77) and so on. It is important to study the implication of increased permeability in relation not only to gastric diseases but also to certain systemic diseases” (J. Digestion 2001;63:93.)
It turns out that all 4 diseases mentioned above have been linked to energy and information issues that fuel our cell metabolism. In other words, our food, processed in the intestines, is the common denominator to not only these 4 common diseases, but practically all diseases. If you are thinking that diseases also have a significant genetic component, then read the voluminous literature on “nutragenomics:” even our genes require the energy and information in the food we eat to be translated adequately.
Report pools data on cancer and diet, lifestyle. It’s not just the genes!
American Institute for Cancer Research and World Cancer Research Fund (J. Family Practice News, November 15th, 2007, page 5.) These are the factors we need to emphasize to prevent cancer, which is a very “female thing” to do. Ideal weight, physical activity, avoid energy dense foods and sugary drinks, eat mostly plant-based foods, limit read meat and avoid processed meat, limit alcohol and salt, avoid moldy foods (aflatoxins) and emphasize breast feeding.
“Six arguments for a greener diet,” written by Michale Jacobson and staff at Center for Science in the public Interest (Book review in J. Science 2006;314:762.) The energy and information we harness form the Sun eventually ends up in our bodies to fuel all cellular processes and constitutes all cellular structures. We are not managing this energy very well. If we ate more plants and less meat, we would accrue significant health benefits for ourselves, and Mother Earth, the ultimate female. We would reduce chronic disease, food-borne illness, improve soil, water and air, and reduce animal suffering.
“Rethinking the Meat-Guzzler,” New York Times, January 27th, 2008
- Too much energy needed to raise meat = 40% rise in food cost last year
- 16 times more energy needed to produce a 6 oz steak compared to 1 cup of broccoli, one cup of eggplant, 4 oz cauliflower and 8 oz rice.
- If Americans reduce meat consumption by just 20%, we would see the same energy savings switching from a Camry to a Prius
- The CO2 produced by 2.2# beef = Average European car driven for 155 miles
- Crops used to feed animals: 2-5 times more calories needed than direct grain consumption. 10 times more with grain-fed animals
- Grain fed animals linked to more heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.
- 15-20K gallons of water are needed to produce one pound of edible beef. US depleting underground aquifers by 21 billion gallons a day.
- Livestock producing methane (farting) = 33 million automobiles.
“Foodborne Illness May Cause Long-Term Problems,” ( Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Salt Lake Tribune January 22nd, 2008.) Animals end up getting over ½ of all the antibiotics used in the world, which leads to problems with bugs that later turn against us? “We are drastically underestimating the burden on society that food borne illnesses represent… Folks assume once you are over the acute illness, that’s it, you are back to normal and that’s the end of it.” Ten to twenty years after food borne infections we may see high blood pressure, kidney damage (E. coli,) arthritis (salmonella or shigella,) and paralysis (campilobacter.) In my practice, I often trace chronic health problems of all kinds to intestinal infections and indiscriminate use of antibiotics that compromise our healthy intestinal flora’s function. For instance, the enzyme produced by probiotics, beta glucoronidase, is so unhealthy that food-borne carcinogens become genotoxic, or more likely to cause cancer mutations in our genes (J. Carcinogenesis 2007;28:2419.) in other words, messing with our intestinal flora may lead to cancer.
“Most Yogurt No Match for Infection,” (Annual Meeting North American Society for Pediatric Gaastroenterology and Nutrition, Salt Lake City, 2007.) Misleading advertisement is ubiquitous. Yogurts just don’t have enough probiotics (lactobacillus) to make any difference. The brands found lacking were: Dannon, Danactive, Dannon Fruit, Dannon Activia, Yoplait, Breyers Light Probiotic Plus, Breyers Fruit, Kroger Blended, Kroger Fruit and Great Value. “You would have to eat about 100 containers of these yogurts in order to get enough probiotics to treat gastroenteritis.” These friendly organisms have been largely ignored, despite Metchnikoff’s Nobel Prize winning research exactly 100 years ago. Why was it ignored? Because the gut and nutrition are “soft sciences,” or too female.
It turns out that “gut feeling” issues also compromise our friendly intestinal flora: “Role of Probiotics in Correcting Abnormalities of Colonic Flora Induced by Stress” (J.Gut 2007;56:1495) and “Probiotic Treatment of Rat Pups Normalises Corticosterone Release and Ameliorates Colonic Dysfunction Induced by Maternal Separation” (J. Gut 2007;56:1522) simply state that our emotional lives also have a significant impact on diseases through several mechanisms, including how we process food in the intestines.
Would it surprise you to read that “Infection Increases Anxiety-like Behavior?” (J. Brain Behavior Immunology 2007 Oct 2007 Epub). I hope not by now. When researchers injected the bug C. jejuni into intestines, they noted an impact in the brain of recipients (Paraventricular Nuclei, the Amygdala and Bed Nucleus in Stria Terminals,) enough to cause anxiety.
“A High Fat Meal Induces Low-Grade Endotoxemia: evidence of a novel mechanism of postprandial inflammation” (AJCN 2007;86:1286.) So, if we eat a lot of animal fat, we may be creating a lot of inflammation in the intestines by altering the balance of intestinal organisms. This results in toxins that leak out of the gut (“leaky gut,”) which may cause problems in all organs of the body, including the heart:
“Bacterial endotoxin is a potently inflammatory antigen that is abundant in the human gut. Endotoxin circulates at low concentrations in the blood of all healthy individuals, although elevated concentrations are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis… Low grade endotoxemia may contribute to the post prandial inflammatory state and could represent a novel potential contributor to endothelial activation and the development of atherosclerosis.”
Another cholesterol drug bites the dust (see “brain droppings” blog.)
So, we continue to treat high cholesterol with drugs (a male thing) and do very little for the underlying problems that cause arterial inflammation (a female thing.) Often, statin drugs to lower cholesterol, much like all other drugs, get negative pre-marketing studies that are not made public, until troublesome side effects become obvious a few years after their launch. The last example is vytorin, a combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin. This drug sold well, because it did lower cholesterol, but nagging questions remained about its ability to prevent heart attacks or arterial clogging, which are the real end points. A study to look at this little problem concluded in 2006, but the drug companies would not released the results, despite pressure from the FDA to do so. The companies even tried to change the end points after the study was concluded: at the outset, they checked three points on the carotid artery for plaque formation, which they wanted to reduce to only one point after the “secret” results were in.
“Do Cholesterol Drugs Do Any Good?”( J. Business Week, Cover issue, January 28th, 2008, page 52.) Many doctors are beginning to question the whole cholesterol hypothesis because of the vytorin problem, joining many other doctors who never quite bought into it from the beginning (New York Times, January 17th and 27th, 2008.)
- They only help those who already have had a heart attack. No benefits for men over 65 and women of any age. A small benefit is seen for middle age men, but no reduction in total deaths, or hospitalizations.
- If guidelines for cholesterol were followed, 40 million Americans would be taking these drugs. Who made the guidelines? Doctors taking money from the companies that make these drugs, who often ignore the best Rx: diet
- “Lipitor reduces the risk of heart attacks by 36%,” (*) says Dr. Jarvick, the team leader on the first artificial heart implantation in the early 80s. But, the asterisk on the package insert says that the 36% figure comes from the fact that 3% fewer patients taking a sugar pill had a heart attack, compared to 2% taking Lipitor: one fewer heart attack for 100 people taking the drug for five years, paying $1,000/year. When patients are made aware of these numbers, most opt out.
- The only large study paid by the government showed no benefit from these drugs.
- Avandia lowers sugar, but no benefits otherwise: “avandia is almost the poster child for everything that is wrong with our system,” Dr. Hoffman, NEJM article.
- “It is almost impossible to find someone who believes strongly in statins who does not get a lot of money from industry,” Dr. Hayward, U,. Michigan Med School
- “I now see it as a myth that everyone should have their cholesterol checked,” Dr. Brody, U. of Texas.
A little review: cholesterol is not the problem.
It is the oxidized-inflamed cholesterol that becomes sticky when the liver is not well nourished. The same thing happens to the lining of our arteries: they become sticky from inflammation and oxidation, since they are also nutritionally compromised. This problem leads to “leaky arteries,” which the oxidized cholesterol tries to patch up. This healthy elevation of cholesterol is compromised by the stickiness of both the cholesterol and the lining of the arteries, resulting in a “Velcro-like” reaction that leads to plaque formation. Who said all this? Linus Pauling. Remember him? I do, especially when my teachers in Med School scoffed at my recommendations of increasing vitamin C intake when suffering from colds, the flu, or any other acute infection. The male thing to do with infections is to “attack” the invading bug, which is OK. But, what about emphasizing the female thing to do, that is, increase the host’s defenses? There is no money in it, is there? The article “Vitamin C May Affect Lung Infections”(J. Royal Society of Medicine 2007;100:495) is breath of fresh air:
- Scurvy was often seen with pneumonia
- Roles of Vitamin C: collagen hydroxylation, enzymatic synthesis of dopamine, carnitine and neuroendocrine peptides. Antioxidant. High concentration in phagocytes and lymphocytes. Helps in production of interferon
- Infections, including pneumonia, lead to low levels of vitamin C. Less colds with regular intake.
- Cochran Library: statistically significant benefit of vitamin C against pneumonia
- Dose: no problems with 100 gm a day by mouth. IV 100 gm also OK.
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INTEGRATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION
A monthly review of 150 medical journals
Volume 9 ‘ Number 1 ‘ January 2008
EDITOR’S NOTE
Listerine, the mouthwash most of us gargle before we go to bed at night, or at least before we go on a date, or both, was originally designed to serve as a scrubbing agent for surgeries. As often happens, the bean counters in charge of maximizing profits looked for a way to expand their market. Soon, they convinced the public that the chances of landing a better looking partner was one swig of Listerine away. Today, their product is practically a necessity in our households.
The same thing is happening with many other products that originally were intended to treat serious medical conditions. For example, the “purple pill” for heartburn came out in the 80’s for the treatment of serious bleeding ulcers, and antidepressants were originally prescribed for people at the verge of suicide. Today, both of these drugs have slowly “expended their markets,” so that today they are commonly found in just about every household’s medicine cabinet. We may argue that we need these drugs to lead better lives. True, but take a minute to consider these issue’s articles.
Hugo Rodier, M.D.
Medical Nemesis
About 30 years ago, a gadfly by the name of Ivan Illich wrote the book “Medical Nemesis,” where he argued that some docs were creating diseases out of normal human conditions that up to then were accepted as part of life. His radical opinion was shocking to most people back then. But, today, he seems more in line with the regular guy in the street: “Is there a new epidemic of medical problems or is it that medicine is better able to identify and treat already existing problems? Or does it mean that a whole range of life’s problems have now received medical diagnoses... despite dubious evidence of their medical nature?” (“The Medicalization of Society: on the transformation of human conditions into treatable disorders,” Book review in JAMA 2007;298:2070.)
I am of the opinion that the second proposition is more likely: “What better way than to convince otherwise healthy people that they are now ill and need something to treat their malady, something that is conveniently for sale?” (JAMA 2007;298:2070.)
Other examples of medicalized conditions highlighted in this book: osteoporosis, ADHD, bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia and dyslexia.
Overtreated
“Utilization of costly medical and surgical services is highly, often dramatically, variable from place to place, and the degree of utilization has no relationship to favorable outcomes. It follows that much of what is afforded to the patient is unnecessary. Furthermore, the driving force is the cash flow that is necessary to feed what has become a voracious, greedy monster” (“Overtreated: why too much medicine is making us sicker and poorer,” book review in JAMA 2007;298:2070.)
And why is our health care system so prone to over-treatment? Don’t shoot the messenger: just read the next article:
“Medical Professionalism in a Commercialized Health Care Market,” JAMA 2007;298:2668. Before you read the highlights of this article, which I transcribed word for word so that my own opinion does not bleed through, you may want to know that this article was written by a Harvard M.D., who works on the Social Medicine department of that august University:
- “Professionals have an ideology that assigns a higher priority to doing useful and needed work than to economic rewards, an ideology that focuses more on the quality and social benefits of work than its profitability… Although this ideology is the most important part of medical professionalism, it is what is now most at risk… [by] the growing commercialization of the US health care system.”
- “The current focus on money-making and the seductions of financial rewards have changed the climate of US medical practice at the expense of professional altruism and the moral commitment to patients.”
- Technology appeals to new graduates who are burdened by debt from school. They tend to go into specialties “to behave simply as skilled technicians, focused exclusively on their patients’ narrow medical problems and unmindful of their professional obligations to the whole person they are serving.”
- Big Pharma “now uses its enormous financial resources to help shape postgraduate and CME of physicians in ways that serve its marketing purposes… that sells the drugs physicians prescribe and other tools physicians use… [doctors] are abdicating their ethical commitment to serve as the independent fiduciary for their patients.”
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