"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.[1]

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.[2] 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.”[3]

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,[4] 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”[5] 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.[6]

            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 16^th 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,[7] 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.[8] 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.[9] EDTA has been shown to decrease oxidative stress on our DNA and lipids.[10] Cilantro,[11] chlorella,[12] chitosan,[13] MSM,[14] vitamin E[15] and garlic[16] 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.[17] 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.[18]

            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[19] and Panax ginseng[20] 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.[21]

“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.[22]

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:[23]

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.[24]

Shining light on MS

Vitamin D seems to help MS.[25] 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”[26]

            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%.[27]

            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.[28]

                 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.[1] 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.[2] 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.[3]

            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”[4]

            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[5] 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 1^st 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.[6]

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?”[7] 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.”[8]

            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 6^th 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 13^th 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

                   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.”[1]

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[2] 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,[3] 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.[4]

            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.[5] (This newsletter has explored the brain-gut connection several times in the past.) 

Probiotics are now almost routinely used for intestinal problems in preschoolers[6] 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.[7] 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[8]

      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:[9] “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”[10]

            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”[11]

            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.

• Screening may be right for you if:

                  You have a family history

                  You have a risky mutation, like BRCA 1&2 for breast cancer                                       
                  You have already had cancer

• Think twice about screening if:

                  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

• Other ways you may be overtreated:

                  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

                  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”[1] 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.[2] 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.[3]

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.”[4])

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.[5]

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?[6] 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 15^th 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”[7] 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.[8]

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”[9] 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

 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,[1] which is great news when we consider that we are losing the war on cancer with our current approach.[2] 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.[3]     

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.[4] 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.[5]

Good diets do the opposite. For example, tocotrienol a form of vitamin E reduces the risk of colon cancer[6] and micronutrients in cruciferous veggies and soy decrease the adverse effects of xenoestrogen on prostate cancer cells.[7] Grape seed extract encourages apoptosis or cell death in human cancer cells[8] and berries prevent the DNA oxidative stress seen when we are exposed to pollution.[9] Omega oils with curcumin/turmeric help not only with prevention but treatment of pancreatic cancer.[10]

For more information visit my blog “braindroppings.”

Update on other diseases and nutrition

* Antioxidants prevent neurodegeneration (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s.)[11] Homocysteine (from a lack of B vitamins) increases white lesions in the brain.[12]

* Prevention of osteoporosis with Mediterranean diet.[13]

* Amino acids Glutamine and Arginine decrease inflammation in Chron’s disease.[14]

* Flavonoids in grapes help Congestive Heart Failure.[15]

* “Dietary Poly Unsaturade Fatty Acids Modulate Resistance to Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Ginea Pigs.”[16]

* Strawberries lower cholesterol.[17]

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[18] and kids have less skin rashes like eczema.[19] The latter is associated with allegic rhinitis, which is also alleviated by probiotics.[20]

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.[21] The fact that we have had evidence for 10 years[22] that decreasing fungal colonization in the intestines with Otraconazole helps people with severe asthma[23] 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.[24] 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.[25] 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.[26] Another herb that helps shrink our waistline is Panax ginseng; it does so by lowering insulin resistance.[27]

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.[28]

Fluoride update           

Mainstream practitioners nowadays are more willing to consider that toxins cause diseases.[29] 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 83^rd 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.[30] Adding their findings to past studies makes for 23 studies to date that show fluoride is not good for our brains.[31]        

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.”[32]

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.[33] 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 15^th 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

               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.[1]

(2)   It consequently does not elevate the Glyco Hemoglobin A1c, the gold standard in laboratory screening for diabetic control.[2]          

(3)   It heals the oxidation/inflammation that leads to cell membrane dysfunction, the precursor for insulin resistance.[3]

(4)   Consequently, cell membrane receptors are more sensitive to insulin when we eat fruit.[4]

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.[5] 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.[6] 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.”[7] 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.[8] If that doesn’t get your attention, how about this: artificial sweeteners increase your risk of cancer.[9] They have been consistently shown to be quite toxic,[10] 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.[11] This is why it also lowers blood pressure[12] 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.[13] 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.[14] 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”[15]

“US cancer rate falls for first time”[16] 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.[17]

It turns out that we have known for decades the true causes of cancer: toxins in the environment[18] (including drugs like hormonal replacement that are associated with breast cancer,[19]) poor diets[20] and emotional/stress-related issues.[21] 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.”[22]

Examples of this failing: food prevents 2/3 of cancers[23] and most money to treat cancer is spent on the last 3 months of life.[24] 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.”[25]

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.

19^th 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.         

                  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 9^th 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 11^th, 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 5^th, 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 17^th, 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 23^rd 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 12^th 2008

Tea consumption associated with better cognitive function in PD

            60^th 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 16^th 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 biphasic or monotonic dose-response curves observed… in many studies…     follow an inverted U shape, which is a common finding for endocrine-active        chemicals and drugs, for which high doses inhibit (down-regulate) the low          response system while initiating a wide array of other adverse effects via different             response mechanisms.” (JAMA 2008;300:1353.                        

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.               

We need to get serious about small amounts of chemicals in our body. Remember that avoidance is the main way to protect ourselves. Second, maximizing our detox pathways in the body with excellent nutrition. Stay tuned to blog on book “War on Cancer” or go buy it yourself.

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 15^th, 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 15^th, 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 1^st 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 8^th, 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 31^st, 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 25^th, 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 1^st, 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 (60^th 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 15^th, 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 15^th, 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 21^st, 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 10-12^th, 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 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.”