Gallbladder “Attacks” and Gallstones

How to End the Pain and Save Your Gallbladder

Nearly half a million gallbladder surgeries — removal, or cholecystectomy to be precise — are performed each year in the US. Many of the people who give up their gallbladders to such surgery appear to be fine, and the pain of their gallbladder attacks are over. Oddly enough, for many others, gallbladder “attacks” continue even in the absence of a gallbladder – in fact, one authoritative source indicates that Post Cholecystectomy Syndrome (PCS) affects at least 10 to 15% of people who have had their gallbladders removed!

Are the people who have given up their gallbladders really “fine”? And why do others continue to have pain in spite of removal of their gallbladder?

Conventional medical doctors make no attempt to help people “save” their gallbladders when stomach or other symptoms is believed due to gallbladder attacks. In fact, many gallbladders are removed even when scans do not show anything wrong with the gallbladder. Because there is no attempt to preserve this organ in conventional medicine, and because many people feel better after surgical removal of their GB, people mistakenly believe that the gallbladder isn’t important and that living without it makes no difference. Unfortunately, this viewpoint is incorrect and can be downright unhealthy.

Contrary to common belief, the gallbladder isn’t just a “vestigial organ” with little or no importance. One of the primary jobs of the gallbladder is to control the flow of bile which in turn is needed to absorb fats, oils and fat-soluble nutrients. Once the gallbladder is removed, these functions cannot happen normally, at least not without additional “outside help” from supplementation.

Although steps can be taken to prevent nutrient deficiencies if you have already had your gallbladder removed, let’s talk about another important question. How can you get rid of gallbladder “attacks” and keep your gallbladder in the first place? After all, “prevention” is always easier than cure.

The Real Cause of Gallbladder Pain

Gallbladder pain is usually blamed on gallstones, although stones are rarely the cause of intermittent GB discomfort.

Stones of a particular size that get stuck in the bile duct are indeed incredibly painful. If they are not passed quickly, gangrene of the duct and gallbladder can set in with life-threatening complications. This is the only true “surgical emergency” of gallbladder stones.

However, most stones are too large to obstruct the gall duct. Other people have “sand,” which is fine particulate that is too small to obstruct the gall duct. So where does the pain come from?

The real cause — and cure — of gallbladder pain was discovered back in 1968 by a physician named James C. Breneman. Dr. Breneman was chairman of the Food Allergy Committee of the American College of Allergists, or ACA (now called the American College of Allergy and Immunology, or ACAI). Dr. Breneman discovered that attacks of gallbladder pain are caused by food allergies.

In 1968, he put 69 people who suffered from recurrent gallbladder attacks on an elimination diet to determine their food allergies. Six of the subjects already had their gallbladders removed but were still having gallbladder “attacks,” a phenomenon known as “post-cholecystectomy syndrome.” Dr. Breneman found that all 69 people — 100 percent! — were totally symptom-free of gallbladder pain when they avoided their individual food sensitivities, and all 69 had a recurrence of their symptoms when they ate the foods they reintroduced the foods they were allergic to back into their diets.

The most common allergenic foods were found to be eggs (92.8%), pork (63.8%), onions (52.2%), chicken and turkey (34.8%), milk (24.6%), coffee (21.7% ), and oranges (18.8%). Corn, beans, nuts, apples, tomatoes, peas, cabbage, spices, peanuts, fish, and rye accounted for between 1 to 14.5% of gallbladder attacks. 14 of the 69 study participants (over 20 percent) also had gallbladder attacks caused by medications.

How Allergies Cause Gallbladder Attacks

The body’s reaction to allergic substances is to cause swelling (remember how your nose swells if you have seasonal allergies?). When food and medication allergies cause swelling of the gallbladder ducts, bile flow is obstructed. The symptoms of allergy-caused obstruction are the same as a stone being stuck in the duct. (Hence the blame being laid on a “stone” when in fact, swelling of the tissue caused by a food or medicine reaction is the real culprit).

The Cure for Gallbladder Pain

The real treatment for most GB pain isn’t to remove this important organ, but to perform an elimination / challenge diet or food allergy testing and find the offending foods and medications.

The Dangers of Gallbladder Removal

What Can Happen Without a Gallbladder?

Vitamin A Deficiency symptoms include changes in vision (night blindness, dry eyes, macular degeneration), decreased immunity and skin diseases.

Vitamin D Deficiency symptoms include cancer, osteoporosis, dental disease and decreased immune function.

Vitamin K Deficiencies are associated with osteoporosis and atherosclerosis

Vitamin E Deficiency is associated with cancer, heart disease, neurological diseases and a long list of other health problems.

Essential Fatty Acids regulate everything from cardiac function to immunity and inflammation.

The gallbladder stores and then releases bile
in response to fats contained in a meal. Bile is necessary to assist the digestion of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

When the gallbladder is removed, vitamins A, E, D, K, and essential fatty acids are not absorbed properly. Unfortunately, the symptoms of declining fat-soluble vitamins and essential fats come on slowly and most often, unnoticeably. Health problems can be many and varied, associated with a deficiency of any or all of these fat-soluble vitamins.

Who would guess that removal of the gallbladder, especially without replacement of bile salts (which is NEVER suggested in conventional medicine), could contribute to the premature development of so many and varied health problems, all related to fat soluble nutrient assimilation?

Other Nutrients for Gallbladder Health

Low stomach acid can cause or contribute to the development of gallstones. Correcting a stomach acid deficiency is of primary importance when addressing gallbladder health.

Here is more information about the many symptoms and diseases associated with low stomach acid.

And here is a simple self-test kit to help you determine if you need supplemental betaine hydrochloride:

Magnesium deficiency is extremely common among people who suffer from gallbladder pain and stones (even when the stones are not the actual cause of the pain). And if magnesium deficiency relates to the development of stones, the news gets even worse for those who don’t supplement: 60% of post-GB removal patients suffer from magnesium deficiency and 40% from calcium/magnesium deficiency.

A high-quality daily multiple vitamin/mineral supplement such as Maxi Multi contains a full daily recommended dose of magnesium and calcium. For those taking “one-per day” multiples or no extra supplementation at all, additional magnesium supplementation is highly recommended.

References

Jensen, Steen W. “Postcholecystectomy Syndrome” Jan 16, 2008 http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/192761-overview
“Fast Stats: Inpatient Surgery, 2002,” U.S. Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov), accessed 8/25/04
Breneman JC “Allergy Elimination as the Most Effective Gallbladder Diet.” Annals of Allergy 1968; 26; 83-89
Breneman, James C. Basics of Food Allergy. Springfield (IL): CC Thomas (pub), 1978.
Tsai CJ, Leitzmann MF, Willett WC, Giovannucci EL. Long-term effect of magnesium consumption on the risk of symptomatic gallstone disease among men. Am J Gastroenterol. 2008 Feb;103(2):375-82. Epub 2007 Dec 12.
Szántay J, Varga D, Porr PJ. Post-cholecystectomy syndrome and magnesium deficit.Acta Physiol Hung. 1992;80(1-4):391-8.

Giardia and Giardiasis

Giardia is an intestinal parasite that can cause upset stomach, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, loose or watery stools (diarrhea), vomiting, bloating, excessive gas, and unpleasant sulfurous burping.

Giardiasis (AKA “Beaver Fever”) is a very widespread illness that can cause long-lasting problems for some people while for other people it seems to be nothing more than a minor and transient annoyance.

While the initial infection is usually fairly easy to eradicate with simple antibiotics, the organism can cause damage to the cells that line the intestine. This can result in altered absorption of nutrients and medications, and also can cause derangements of other important functions of the gut. Nutrient and vitamin deficiencies and other widespread problems can result. Development of lactose intolerance is common and may become permanant.

It is also thought that Giardia infection in some people may precipitate IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which can further impair digestion and assimilation of nutrients.

If you feel that you may be infected, the place to start is to find out for sure.

You will want to ask your doctor for testing: Immunologic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing is available and provides a 90% or better detection rate.

If you are infected then a course of treatment with a simple and relatively safe antibiotic called metronidazole is usually quite effective.

Whether you are infected or not, and especially after treatment, supportive care for your bowel will be important.

Many of Dr. Myatt’s suggestions from her pages discussing Parasites and Irritable Bowel Syndrome will be very helpful to those suffering from or recovering from giardia infection.

Prevention of giardia infection is straightforward: handwashing before any handling of food is the first line of defense. For those travelling in the wilderness or where water purity and quality are suspect, boiling water for a full minute minimum is the gold standard of didinfection – and chemical purification (usually with iodine) and filtration can also be effective.

Research has shown that the herb Berberine can be effective in the treatment of giariasis and other protozoan infections:

“Based on these findings, it appears that the berberine compounds may be useful as chemotherapeutic agents against the 3 parasites tested. (Giardia lamblia, Trichomonas vaginalis and Entamoeba histolytica)”

Referenced from: Kaneda Y1, Tanaka T, Saw T. Effects of berberine, a plant alkaloid, on the growth of anaerobic protozoa in axenic culture. Tokai J Exp Clin Med. 1990 Nov;15(6):417-23.

For more detailed questions, Dr. Myatt is available for Brief Consultation and can help you to understand your illness and your treatment options.

Gluten and Casein

Story At A Glance:

Gluten and casein sensitivities are very common
Children are highly susceptible but many adults are affected too
Gluten and casein can form peptides with opioid properties
Opioids cause a wide range of ill effects
Gluten/Gliadin is common in modern grain varieties
Casein is common in milk and dairy products
Gluten/Gliadin and Casein are “hidden” in many processed foods
Gluten/Gliadin and casein have been implicated in a number of diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and infertility as well as attention deficit disorder
Avoidance is best for sensitive people
Supplementation with digestive enzymes can help
Testing for gluten sensitivity and for gliadin/casein toxicity is available

The Modern Poisons In Your Diet

By Nurse Mark

Are You An Opioid Addict? Is your child?

Modern food growing, processing, and manufacturing practices, coupled with commonly impaired digestion is creating a world of opioid addicts – to the great delight of the Big Agriculture and Big Food industries.

Like any drug pusher, for them the name of the game is to make people want more – even if the thing they are pushing is toxic…

Dr. Myatt and I recently returned from a weekend medical conference. Unlike what you may envision medical conferences to be, this was not a weekend of golfing or skiing or laying about on a beach at some drug company’s expense. No, Dr. Myatt and I each paid handsomely for this 3-day educational grind which featured lectures with exciting titles like “Metabolic factors and their effect on mental health” and “The role of food, nutrition and diets in autism and mental health disorders.”

Whew – talk about stuff that could make your eyes glaze over… Except it didn’t. The further we got into all these dry-sounding lectures the more excited Dr. Myatt and I became. Not that any one of these lectures by itself presented an earth-rocking breakthrough, because while they were interesting and informative, they presented information that we are both mostly familiar with and indeed, have written about in HealthBeatNews before.

No, it was not until we were a few lectures into the weekend that some little things began to fall into place. Many of the lecturers were mentioning the same things, in slightly different ways and contexts, over and over again.

You see, the conference was mostly concerned with the treatment of kids with Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder, and other mental health issues in younger people – and everything we were hearing was pertinent to kids.

Until… One of the lecturers opined that these kids were “like canaries in the coal mine”, warning us of the toxicity that we have allowed to surround us in our modern world. A sudden realization hit me almost like a physical slap. I leaned over to Dr. Myatt beside me and said “My God – we have adult patients that are having the same problems as these kids – just in an adult way!” She nodded in agreement.

You see, a two year old can’t really control their behavior when they feel unwell – so they act out, or withdraw, or otherwise behave badly when they don’t feel well. Adults can control their behavior and can often just internalize and “power through” their illness – after all, there are bills to pay, jobs to do, adult responsibilities to meet…

Over and over again through the weekend we heard about bowel problems in these kids, wheat and milk allergies, and gluten, gliadin, and casein intolerance and toxicity. Leaky guts and inflammation were talked about again and again.

While the problems of gluten intolerance and milk allergies were talked about over and over, it became clear that two other more sinister substances were going to be even more important to our patients and our readers.

Two little proteins, gliadin and casein, are poised to prove themselves to be some of the nastiest substances in our modern diet.

You see, these two little proteins are not well digested by many of us. And why should they be? We did not evolve eating foods that contained very much of them – it has not been until more modern times that agriculture has allowed us to have foods containing these proteins cheaply and in much greater amounts. Modern agricultural techniques such as hybridization and animal husbandry have given us very specialized crops and animals that produce higher yields at lower costs than ever before. An unfortunate byproduct of that is an increase in the proteins gliadin and casein in our diets.

But wait a minute you are saying – you guys are all about high protein diets, aren’t you? And protein is protein, right?

Yes, but not really.

You see, gliadin and casein are a couple of proteins that are often incompletely broken down by our digestive systems. They can become partially broken down into peptides, or protein fragments. That might not be such a bad thing, except that the peptides from these particular proteins are opioids.

That’s right, opioids. Morphine-like substances with opiate effects on the brain and other body organs.

Let that sink in for a moment. Opioids. Heroin is an opioid.

Gliadorphin (also known as gluteomorphin) and casomorphin have been proven to have opiate drug like effects. And you are ingesting them when you eat grain and dairy products.

You would likely never allow yourself to be drugged with heroin, but you willingly ingest heroin-like substances every time you eat any of a stunningly huge variety of foods.

Not just the obvious foods like bread or pasta or that healthy breakfast cereal or milk or yoghurt or cheese -but foods that you might never suspect to contain wheat or dairy products.

French fries or potato chips should be OK for someone with a gluten / gliadin sensitivity, right? Wrong – they may be dusted with wheat flour during manufacture – to prevent them from sticking together. And casein is such a common food additive that is often found in imitation sausages, infant formula, processed meats, soups, energy bars, drinks, and many other packaged foods – even toothpaste!

So what – how bad can this be, you ask.

Here is an excerpt from one research paper:

About 65 seconds after treatment with different doses of b-CM7, rats became restless and ran violently, with teeth chattering and with rapid respiration.
Seven minutes later, the rats became inactive with less walking, distancing themselves from the other rat in the same cage, and sitting in, or putting their head against, the corner of the cage. The sound response was reduced and social interaction was absent.
One hour later, the rats showed hyperdefensiveness.
The above behavioral effects of b-CM7 did not occur when rats were pretreated with naloxone (2 mg/kg, IP).
The rats receiving saline did not show any behavioral changes throughout the 2 hour period of observation.
b-CM7 also demonstrated analgesic effects, which could be blocked by naloxone.

– b-CM7 is an abbreviation for the protein fragment or peptide called beta-casomorphin-7. It comes from casein – from milk.
– The rats in the study were injected with either b-CM7 or saline water (a form of placebo – as a control).
– The injections were made intra-peritoneally. That is, into the space in the abdomen surrounding the gut.
– Naloxone is a drug that blocks the effect of opiates like heroin and morphine. It is used in the treatment of drug overdose.
– Analgesic is the medical term for “pain reliever” – morphine is an example of an analgesic.

So, the rats that got the b-CM7 became first hyperactive, then withdrawn and sluggish, then behaved very defensively. Doesn’t that sound a lot like the way a heroin user behaves after “shooting up” with a “hit” of that drug?

The peptide that results from gliadin is called gliadorphin-7 (GD-7) and has been shown to have similar, though less dramatic, effects on test animals.

Both these peptides affect areas of the brain that are relevant to schizophrenia and autism. Both have been found to also affect other organs and b-CM7 has been shown to decrease bowel motility – that is, to be constipating – just like morphine or codeine is constipating.

If that’s not enough to worry about…

Casomorphin, and to a lesser extent gliadorphin have further been implicated in a number of illnesses including Type 1 Diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in addition to autism and schizophrenia.

This may be because gluten / gliadin and casein have both been shown to cause inflammatory and immune reactions as well.

While much of the recent research has been done with autism in mind, it is directly applicable to anyone who is concerned about immunity, inflammation, increased TNF-a, and inflammatory cytokines.

In examining this research there can be no question that dietary exposure to gluten and casein results in increased inflammation which can be measured as increased inflammatory cytokynes and elevated TNF-a and disruptions to normal immune response.

The reactions to gluten in sensitive individuals such as those with Celiac disease has been described by gastroenterologists as “tearing holes in the gut.”

Celiac disease, and sub-clinical Celiac disease can have wide-ranging health consequences, including infertility in women. According to one research paper:

“Patients having fertility problems may have subclinical coeliac disease, which can be detected by serological screening tests. Silent coeliac disease should be considered in the case of women with unexplained infertility.”

How did this come to happen?

With casomorphin, a genetic change that occurred in European dairy cattle around a thousand years ago resulted in breeds of cattle that began to produce a form of casein – a protein normally found in all milk – called A1 beta-casein instead of the more benign A2 beta-casein that was previously present in cows milk and is also present in the milk of other species, including humans.

Like all proteins, casein is made up of amino acids, arranged in very specific ways for each protein. Casein is a strand of 209 amino acids and A1 beta-casein protein differs from A2 by just one single amino acid in that strand. Where A2 beta-casein has a proline amino acid in it’s chain, A1 beta-casein has instead the amino acid histidine in that spot.

Most milk today contains a mixture of A1 beta-casein and A2 beta-casein. A1 beta-casein protein is found in the milk of Holstein cows which are by far the most popular breed in North America. A2 beta-casein protein is found in older breeds of cows such as the Guernsey, Asian and African breeds, as well as goats, sheep, camels, horses, and humans.

With gliadorphin, modern agricultural practices have developed strains of wheat that our ancestors would likely not recognize. Amazingly uniform in height and other physical attributes to make for easier mechanized harvesting, and with far higher protein contents than any ancient wheat, our modern wheat strains seem to be an ideal expression of the art of farming. Unfortunately, with that increase in protein came an increase in gliadin content as well.

Agricultural giants like BASF and Monsanto are not likely to ever allow modern farmers to return to ancient seed-stocks, and farmers would not willingly do so either – farming is a tough business and most could not afford to lose the efficiencies that these new strains of grain allow.

Casein production is a multi-billion dollar a year industry as well. The Kerry Group, originally of Ireland, has been buying up food companies all around the world and is one of the world’s larges suppliers of casein. They unlikely to allow anything so mundane as public health to affect their profit picture.

Further complicating this picture is the fact that these additives make modern foods cheaper to produce, and tastier – even addictive. Many people can neither afford to nor would they want to give up their tasty, addictive, and convenient comfort foods.

What can we do?

Unfortunately, there is little that we can do at this time except to advise people to abstain from foods containing these substances – especially those who have shown any symptoms of sensitivity to them. For someone who has experienced any of the ill effects described in this article we would suggest avoiding these foods for a while, and see if those symptoms improve or resolve. Foods can be added back into the diet then and if symptoms return the answer is clear – those foods must be avoided.

There is a milk company on New Zealand that sells A2 milk in New Zealand and in Australia, but there is no source that we are aware of for A2 only cows milk in North America.

For some people, a diet free of these nasty little protein fragments could even be life-saving!

For many people though, a diet completely free of these two problem proteins, gluten and casein, is almost impossible. Even people who are conscious of the problem and work hard to avoid these substances can still fall prey to hidden sources in foods.

Gluten can be present in foods, but not shown on the label except as “natural flavoring” or “stabilizing agents” or “thickeners.” It can also be found in medicines and even in such things as lip balms – as a “binding agent.”

Casein is just as ubiquitous; it is used in so many processed foods that it is almost impossible to avoid. It can be found hiding in foods such as vegetarian cheese substitute and whipped cream toppings and it is even used in toothpaste!

So, what can be done about these dietary land-mines, waiting to explode and destroy the best efforts of the prudent GFCF (Gluten-Free, Casein-Free) dieter?

Digestive enzymes can help.

Digestive enzymes play a critical role in our digestive process – unfortunately, they decline with age and with some medical conditions and some populations may be subject to hereditary deficiencies in some dietary enzymes. These enzymes are required to break foods down into smaller, more useable components – which is the definition of digestion.The enzyme responsible for the breakdown of gluten and casein is a protease called DiPeptidyl Peptidase IV – usually abbreviated as DPP-IV.

Because of the importance of digestive enzymes to good health Dr. Myatt has been recommending them to her patients for many years.

Now more recently as the problems associated with gluten and casein are becoming better known the importance of DPP-IV in digesting these proteins has prompted her to begin recommending the digestive enzyme product Similase GFCF.

Similase GFCF contains a wide range of digestive enzymes to promote the healthy digestion and assimilation of a mixed diet of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and it also has increased DPP-IV enzyme activity to support the digestion of hidden sources of gluten and casein in the diet.

While using a digestive enzyme like Similase GFCF will not allow someone to “eat anything” it can certainly make mealtimes less of a “walk through a minefield” and regular use can actually help to heal damage that has been done by these proteins to the lining of the gut.

Testing is also available.

A Celiac Antibody Panel can be useful to demonstrate (or rule out) gluten allergy or sensitivity.

Celiac disease (CD), also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy or idiopathic sprue, is an hereditary response to gliadin, a protein fraction in wheat. Gluten sensitivity is a non-hereditary response to gluten and shares some similarity of symptoms with celiac disease. Anyone with IBS, chronic diarrhea, gas or other digestive abnormalities of unknown cause should be evaluated for gluten allergy/sensitivity since the condition is far more common than previously thought.

The Celiac Antibody Panel uses drops of blood obtained from finger-stick and the specimen is collected at home and mailed directly to the lab. The test evaluates anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA and immunoglobulins IgG and IgA specific for gliadin. It is considered highly accurate for diagnosing celiac disease and shows gluten sensitivity approximately 50% of the time.

The Gluten/Casein Peptides Test can demonstrate an inability to completely digest gluten (found in wheat, rye barley and oats) and / or casein found in milk can result in the production of neuropeptides called gliadorphin and casomorphin, which can have opiod effects in the body and brain.

This test requires a small amount of first morning urine to evaluate for both gluten and casein peptides.

References and resources for additional information and study:

B.Windham (Ed), Autism and Schizophrenia subgroup related to blockage by toxic exposures of enzymes processing gluten and casein. 2008. http://www.flcv.com/autismgc.html

ZHONGJIE SUN, J . ROBERT CADE; University of Florida, USA: A Peptide Found in Schizophrenia and Autism Causes Behavioral Changes in Rats. Autism March 1999 3: 85-95
“The influence of opioids on human brain function has been described (27). Gliadomorphins and casomorphins are not hydrolyzed by proteolytic enzymes, hence, are very stable families of compounds that can produce long-lasting effects on the CNS (89). Casomorphins are detectable in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (90). One member of this family, -casomorphin-7, caused behavioral changes when injected into rats (91).” http://aut.sagepub.com/content/3/1/85.full.pdf

Christine Zioudrou, Richard A. Streaty, and Werner A. Klee. Opioid Peptides Derived from Food Proteins THE EXORPHINS. From the Laboratory of General and Comparative Biochemistry, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland. Received for publication, October 20, 1978
http://fondation-maladies-degeneratives.org/Articles/a0f14213437ad7df55b7176fcea35bdf.pdf

Review of the potential health impact of β-casomorphins and related peptides. Report of the DATEX Working Group on β-casomorphins. Issued on 29 January 2009
[Nurse Mark Comment: This European government paper is working very, very hard to find that these casomorphins are not worth following up on – “don’t worry, be happy…” But there is a huge amount of information within the paperwhich contradicts that position – and all well referenced.] http://www.bezpecnostpotravin.cz

Brocke: Is Casein Fattening America? Published online 2008
“After all food reconstruction is big business, not necessarily about making food healthier but certainly making it more flavored more appealing and more likely to be highly addictive. It also serves to make food cheaper to produce but at what cost to our health? The current annual sales of Kerry Group is 3.8 billion with operations in over 15 countries. Obviously there is big money in selling casein and food additives to the unsuspecting public.” http://www.scribd.com/doc/8933807/Is-Casein-Fattening-America

Sun Z, Cade R.: Departments of Medicine and Physiology, University of Florida, Peptides. 2003 Feb;24(2):321-3. Findings in normal rats following administration of gliadorphin-7 (GD-7). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=gliadorphin

Zhongjie Sun, J. Robert Cade, Melvin J. Fregly, R. Malcolm Privette, University of Florida, USA, Autism March 1999 vol. 3 no. 1 67-83. β-Casomorphin Induces Fos-Like Immunoreactivity in Discrete Brain Regions Relevant to Schizophrenia and Autism http://aut.sagepub.com/content/3/1/67.short

Defilippi C, Gomez E, Charlin V, Silva C.: Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago. Nutrition. 1995 Nov-Dec;11(6):751-4. Inhibition of small intestinal motility by casein: a role of beta casomorphins? http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8719134?dopt=Citation

S Friis, E Dabelsteen, H Sjostrom, 0 Noren, S Jarnum: Gut 1992; 33:1487-1492, Gliadin uptake in human enterocytes. Differences between coeliac patients in remission and control individuals. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1379533/pdf/gut00578-0069.pdf

Author/Activist Dan Mahoney website “Fighting Big Food”: http://danmahony.com/bigfood.htm

Bachem Holding AG Online Catalog of chemicals available for sale: “Gliadorphin-7 is an opioid peptide which is formed during digestion of the gliadin component of the gluten protein. Elevated concentrations of gliadorphin-7 due to insufficient proteolysis has been associated with autism, schizophrenia, and celiac disease.” http://shop.bachem.com/ep6sf/peptides-and-biochemicals/opioid-peptides/4057062/prodH6712.html Gliadorphin-7

Beta-Casein website: “This website has been created by A2 Dairy Products Australia Pty Limited as a general information resource on the A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins.” http://www.betacasein.org/?p=home

Meloni GF, Dessole S, Vargiu N, Tomasi PA, Musumeci S. Source: Clinica Pediatrica ‘A. Filia’, Università di Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università di Sassari, Sassari, and Ospedale ‘S. Giovanni di Dio’, 07026 Olbia, Italy. Hum Reprod. 1999 Nov;14(11):2759-61. The prevalence of coeliac disease in infertility. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10548618

P Collin, S Vilska, P K Heinonen, 0 Hallstrom, P Pikkarainen Gut 1996; 39: 382-384: Infertility and coeliac disease “Conclusion-Patients having fertility problems may have subclinical coeliacdisease, which can be detected by serological screening tests. Silent coeliac disease should be considered in the case of women with unexplained infertility. http://gut.bmj.com/content/39/3/382.full.pdf

Unlocking Autism Organization, Journal articles regarding autism and gastrointestinal abnormalities: An interesting paper generally concerned with Attention Deficit Disorders btu that provides references to a number of studies demonstrating the inflammatory and immune-disrupting properties of gluten/gliadin and casein. http://www.unlockingautism.org/atf/cf/%7B64d87213-a160-4224-8ed7-702ed372e4b1%7D/DIETARYINTERVENTIONS.PDF

E Triboi, A Abad, A Michelena, J Lloveras, J.L Ollier, C Daniel, Station d’Agronomie INRA, 12 Avenue du Brézet, 63039 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Universitat de Lleida-IRTA, Alcalde Rovira Roure 177, 25198 Lleida, Spain, European Journal of Agronomy DOI:10.1016/S1161-0301(00)00059-9 Environmental effects on the quality of two wheat genotypes: 1. quantitative and qualitative variation of storage proteins Environmental effects on the quality of two wheat genotypes:

Goldenseal

Antimicrobial for the GI Tract

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) root has potent antimicrobial properties. Because the active ingredient appears to be an alkaloid, most of these anti-microbial properties remain confined to the GI tract.

Goldenseal has been found to be an effective antimicrobial against:

Chlamydia
E. coli
Salmonella typhi
Entamoeba histolytica
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus sanguis
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Helicobacter pylori
other Gram-positive bacteria and fungi

Some studies suggest that goldenseal may also be effective against viruses, fungi, protozoans and helminths (worms).

Look for goldenseal products with standardized berberine/hydrastine (alkaloid) content as these will have the highest potency.

Because goldenseal is becoming a threatened species, some conscientious formulas contain Goldthread (coptis chinensis) in addition to goldenseal to supplement the berberine content of the formula.

Goldenseal is a special order product – please call.

References

1.) Hahn FE, Ciak J. Berberine. Antibiotics 1976;3:577–88.
2.) Kim SH, Lee SJ, Lee JH, Sun WS, Kim JH. Antimicrobial activity of 9-O-acyl- and 9-O-alkylberberrubine derivatives. Planta Med. 2002 Mar;68(3):277-81.
3.) Scazzocchio F, Cometa MF, Tomassini L, Palmery M. Antibacterial activity of Hydrastis canadensis extract and its major isolated alkaloids. Planta Med. 2001 Aug;67(6):561-4.
4.) Mahady GB, Pendland SL, Stoia A, Chadwick LR. In vitro susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to isoquinoline alkaloids from Sanguinaria canadensis and Hydrastis canadensis.Phytother Res. 2003 Mar;17(3):217-21.
5.) [no authors listed]. Berberine. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Apr;5(2):175-7.

FertilityRestoration

Supplements and Medical Testing in Support of Fertility Restoration and Enhancement

Dietary Supplements

A deficiency in any one nutrient can result in impaired fertility for both women and men. These Vitamins, Antioxidants, Flavonoids, and other dietary supplements are intended to address and correct any deficiencies that may be affecting your ability to conceive.

Medical Testing

Medical testing can quickly reveal physical imbalances or deficiencies, allowing your fertility specialist to quickly and accurately target specific areas of concern.

Dietary Supplements

Click here for a printable copy of Dr. Myatt’s Natural Supplementation Recommendations

Maxi-Multi Pre-Conception Multiple Vitamin (270 caps – a 30 day supply for 1 person) $39.95

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Maxi-Flavone Broad-spectrum herbal antioxidant formula (60 Caps) $46.95

Due to strong interest in this formula we may occasionally become backordered, with shipping delayed by up to a week.

Because of this we recommend that our Maxi Flavone customers consider ordering two bottles, re-order when they have completed the first bottle and never worry about running out of this important flavonoid / antioxidant / TNF-inhibiting formula.

NOW IN STOCK AND SHIPPING!

For our fertility patients and customers, Dr. Myatt recommends that this formula be continued through conception and for the duration of pregnancy.

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Maxi-Greens (270 Caps) Complete Green Food / Flavonoid / Phytonutrient-Rich Daily Herb Formula (a 30 day supply for 1 person) $56.00 Temporarily Out Of Stock!

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Maxi Marine O-3(120 softgels) Extra High Potency Enteric Coated Ultra-Pure Essential Fatty Acids $54.95

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Melatonin 3 mg 60 tabs $10.95

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Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer 120 caps $70.50

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Myo-Inositol powder 250 grams $35.20

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N-Acetyl Cystein (NAC) 60 caps $16.97 When used in Infertility treatment as an adjuvant to clomiphene citrate in infertile patients with PCOS, NAC treatment results in higher ovulation and pregnancy rates, lower miscarriage rates and higher live birth rates.

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Vitamin D 5000 iu 250 Capsules $21.95

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Grape Seed Extract W/Grape Skin 100mg (90 Caps) $32.95

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Lycopene 15mg (30 Softgel Capsules) $15.95

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Acetyl L-Carnitine 500mg (30 Caps) $24.95

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Alpha Lipoic Acid – 100 mg (60 Caps) $19.95

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Bromelain 400 mg of 2,400 mcu-strength (120 Caps) $32.00

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CoEnzyme Q 10 100 Mg (60 Softgel Capsules) $62.95

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DHEA Sublingual 25 Mg (60 Tabs) $15.95

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Vitamin K2 – Super K – 90 softgel capsules -$25.97

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Energizing Iron – $21.50

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Similase GFCF 120 caps – $24.97

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Medical Testing

Female Hormone Profile $329.00

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Male Hormone Profile $154.00

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FULL DISCLOSURE:

Why Dr. Braverman Recommends Dr. Myatt’s Supplements and Herbal Formulas

Dr. Braverman has no financial ties with Dr. Myatt’s Wellness Club. He does not receive any financial remuneration from the sale of any nutritional supplements on this website nor does he receive any remuneration for research or other purposes from Dr. Myatt’s Wellness Club. In other words, Dr. Braverman doesn’t make a nickel when his patients purchase products from this website!

So why does he specifically recommend Dr. Myatt’s brand of nutritional supplements and herbal formulas for his patients? Three words: potency, purity and formulation.

Dr. Braverman recognizes the powerful impact that supplemental nutrition has on fertility. He wants his patients to enjoy the results that are possible from the use of quality nutritional supplements. But it is a known fact in the supplement industry that many brands of supplements do NOT contain what the label says they do. Others have contaminants not listed on the label. And most products are not specifically formulated for pre-conception fertility enhancement.

Dr. Myatt, known as “The Dragon Lady” of the nutritional industry because of her uncompromising standards, produces the purest and most potent supplements available. Her products get results.

As to “formulation,” it isn’t enough to have the right nutrients; they must be present in the right doses, combined in the right way, and delivered in the best form to insure assimilation. Again, Dr. Myatt’s careful attention to detail in this area has resulted in perfectly balanced, pharmaceutical grade nutritional supplements that achieve the desired results.

Dr. Braverman and Dr. Myatt have come together in a powerful synergy of cutting edge medical knowledge to bring you natural supplement products tailored specifically to target the unique needs of pre and peri-conceptual couples who are dealing with fertility issues.

Fertility Supplements Questions and Answers

There is a lot of misinformation out there and it can cause a lot of distress and worry to women trying to conceive.

On this page Dr. Myatt will address some of these concerns regarding natural supplementation, vitamins, herbs, and more.

Using Flavones to Lower IL-6: Which is better – Luteolin / Diosmin or Maxi Flavone?

Milk Thistle – is it safe?

Green Tea – Causes Inflammation?

Myo-inositol in the Treatment of PCOS and Non-PCOS Infertility

What’s So Special About Maxi Greens?

Using Flavones to Lower IL-6: Which is better – Luteolin / Diosmin or Maxi Flavone?

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is both a pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine. (1-3)

As a class, flavones lower inflammation and inflammatory cytokines including IL-1, IL-6,
IL-18 and TNF-a. (4) Flavone-containing herbs have a synergistic effect when used in combination.(5-6)

The flavones contained in Maxi Flavone all have IL-6 lowering properties.

These IL-6 lowering herbs include Pycnogenol (pine bark) (7-8), red grape seed extract (resveretrol) (9-17), bilberry (Vaccinum myrtillus) (18-19), green tea (Camellia sinensis) polyphenols (20-23), ginkgo (24-26), milk thistle (27) and citrus bioflavonoids (4,28)

Further, the IL-6 lowering properties of the herbs in Maxi Flavone have been studied in humans. (8,12-14,16-19,25,27)

Luteolin and its semi-synthetic structural analog diosmin have been studied only in rodents for their IL-6-lowering properties. (29)

Maxi Flavone Or Luteolin/Diosmin for IL-6?

Maxi Flavone contains a combination of flavonoid herbs. Benefits of Maxi Flavone include:

Each herb in this formula has demonstrated IL-6 lowering properties (4,7-28)
The IL-6 lowering properties of these flavones have been studied in humans (8,12-14,16-19, 25, 27)
Safety of these flavones has been documented in humans (8,12-14,16-19, 25, 27)
Flavones work synergistically so that a combination of flavones may be more effective than an isolated flavone. (5,6)

Luteolin / Diosmin:

Has been studied only in rodents for IL-6 lowering properties and in only one study (29)
Has strong estrogenic properties that may not be desirable for many infertile women (30)
Isolated flavones may not be as effective as an array of flavones for lowering inflammatory cytokines.(5,6)

Until more research is available on luteolin/diosmin, Maxi Flavone multi-flavone formula would appear a superior choice for addressing elevated IL-6 than any single flavonoid including luteolin or its semi-synthetic analogue diosmin.

References

1.) Scheller J, Chalaris A, Schmidt-Arras D, Rose-John S.
The pro- and anti-inflammatory properties of the cytokine interleukin-6.
Biochim Biophys Acta. 2011 May;1813(5):878-88.
2.) Z Xing, J Gauldie, G Cox, H Baumann, M Jordana, X F Lei, and M K Achong
IL-6 is an antiinflammatory cytokine required for controlling local or systemic acute
inflammatory responses. J Clin Invest. 1998 January 15; 101(2): 311320.
3.) Rose-John S, Scheller J, Elson G, Jones SA. Interleukin-6 biology is coordinated by membrane-bound
and soluble receptors: role in inflammation and cancer. J Leukoc Biol. 2006 Aug;80(2):227-36. Epub 2006 May 17.
4.) Landberg R, Sun Q, Rimm EB, Cassidy A, Scalbert A, Mantzoros CS, Hu FB, van Dam RM. Selected dietary
flavonoids are associated with markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in U.S. women. J Nutr. 2011 Apr 1;141(4):618-25.
5.) Rahman MM, Ichiyanagi T, Komiyama T, Hatano Y, Konishi T. Superoxide radical- and peroxynitrite-scavenging activity of anthocyanins; structure-activity relationship and their synergism. Free Radic Res. 2006 Sep;40(9):993-1002.
6.) Sagar SM, Yance D, Wong RK. Natural health products that inhibit angiogenesis: a potential source for investigational new agents to treat cancer-Part 1. Curr Oncol. 2006 Feb;13(1):14-26.
7.) Ozer Sehirli A, Sener G, Ercan F. Protective effects of pycnogenol against ischemia reperfusion-induced oxidative renal injury in rats.Ren Fail. 2009;31(8):690-7.
8.) Scheff SW, Ansari MA, Roberts KN.Neuroprotective effect of Pycnogenol® following traumatic brain injury. Exp Neurol. 2013 Jan;239:183-91.
9.) Cullberg KB, Olholm J, Paulsen SK, Foldager CB, Lind M, Richelsen B, Pedersen SB. Resveratrol has inhibitory effects on the hypoxia-induced inflammation and angiogenesis in human adipose tissue in vitro.
Eur J Pharm Sci. 2013 May 13;49(2):251-7.
10.) Gatson JW, Liu MM, Abdelfattah K, Wigginton JG, Smith S, Wolf S, Minei JP. Resveratrol decreases inflammation in the brain of mice with mild traumatic brain injury. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2013 Feb;74(2):470-4; discussion 474-5.
11.) Marier JF, Chen K, Prince P, Scott G, del Castillo JR, Vachon P.
Production of ex vivo lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin-6 is suppressed by trans-resveratrol in a concentration-dependent manner. Can J Vet Res. 2005 Apr;69(2):151-4.
12.) Rizzo A, Bevilacqua N, Guida L, Annunziata M, Romano Carratelli C, Paolillo R. Effect of resveratrol and modulation of cytokine production on human periodontal ligament cells. Cytokine. 2012 Oct;60(1):197-204.
13.) Su YC, Li SC, Wu YC, Wang LM, Chao KS, Liao HF.
Resveratrol downregulates interleukin-6-stimulated sonic hedgehog signaling in human acute myeloid leukemia. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:547430.
14.) Tomé-Carneiro J, Gonzálvez M, Larrosa M, Yáñez-Gascón MJ, García-Almagro FJ, Ruiz-Ros JA, García-Conesa MT, Tomás-Barberán FA, Espín JC. One-year consumption of a grape nutraceutical containing resveratrol improves the inflammatory and fibrinolytic status of patients in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Am J Cardiol. 2012 Aug 1;110(3):356-63.
15.) Wight RD, Tull CA, Deel MW, Stroope BL, Eubanks AG, Chavis JA, Drew PD, Hensley LL.Resveratrol effects on astrocyte function: relevance to neurodegenerative diseases. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2012 Sep 14;426(1):112-5.
16.) Wuertz K, Quero L, Sekiguchi M, Klawitter M, Nerlich A, Konno S, Kikuchi S, Boos N. The red wine polyphenol resveratrol shows promising potential for the treatment of nucleus pulposus-mediated pain in vitro and in vivo.
Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2011 Oct 1;36(21):E1373-84.
17.) Xie XH, Zang N, Li SM, Wang LJ, Deng Y, He Y, Yang XQ, Liu EM.
Resveratrol Inhibits respiratory syncytial virus-induced IL-6 production, decreases viral replication, and downregulates TRIF expression in airway epithelial cells. Inflammation. 2012 Aug;35(4):1392-401.
18.) Karlsen A, Paur I, Bøhn SK, Sakhi AK, Borge GI, Serafini M, Erlund I, Laake P, Tonstad S, Blomhoff R. Bilberry juice modulates plasma concentration of NF-kappaB related inflammatory markers in subjects at increased risk of CVD. Eur J Nutr. 2010 Sep;49(6):345-55.
19.) Kolehmainen M, Mykkänen O, Kirjavainen PV, Leppänen T, Moilanen E, Adriaens M, Laaksonen DE, Hallikainen M, Puupponen-Pimiä R, Pulkkinen L, Mykkänen H, Gylling H, Poutanen K, Törrönen R. Bilberries reduce low-grade inflammation in individuals with features of metabolic syndrome. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2012 Oct;56(10):1501-10.
20.) Ahmed S, Marotte H, Kwan K, Ruth JH, Campbell PL, Rabquer BJ, Pakozdi A, Koch AE. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits IL-6 synthesis and suppresses transsignaling by enhancing soluble gp130 production. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Sep 23;105(38):14692-7.
21.) Cavet ME, Harrington KL, Vollmer TR, Ward KW, Zhang JZ. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate in human corneal epithelial cells. Mol Vis. 2011 Feb 18;17:533-42.
22.) Hosokawa Y, Hosokawa I, Ozaki K, Nakanishi T, Nakae H, Matsuo T.
Tea polyphenols inhibit IL-6 production in tumor necrosis factor superfamily 14-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts. Mol Nutr Food Res. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2010 Jul;54 Suppl 2:S151-8.
23.) Katiyar SK, Raman C. Green tea: a new option for the prevention or control of osteoarthritis. Arthritis Res Ther. 2011 Aug 10;13(4):121.
24.) Chen JS, Chen YH, Huang PH, Tsai HY, Chen YL, Lin SJ, Chen JW.
Ginkgo biloba extract reduces high-glucose-induced endothelial adhesion by inhibiting the redox-dependent interleukin-6 pathways. Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2012 May 3;11:49.
25.) Ching-Hsiang L, Chiao-Wen H, Nan-Fu C, Wen-Sheng L, Ya-Fen H, Wen-Tung W. In vivo effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on interleukin-6 cytokine levels in patients with neurological disorders. Indian J Pharmacol. 2012 Jan;44(1):118-21.
26.) Zhou YH, Yu JP, Liu YF, Teng XJ, Ming M, Lv P, An P, Liu SQ, Yu HG.
Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on inflammatory mediators (SOD, MDA, TNF-alpha, NF-kappaBp65, IL-6) in TNBS-induced colitis in rats. Mediators Inflamm. 2006;2006(5):92642.
27.) Täger M, Dietzmann J, Thiel U, Hinrich Neumann K, Ansorge S.
Restoration of the cellular thiol status of peritoneal macrophages from CAPD patients by the flavonoids silibinin and silymarin.
Free Radic Res. 2001 Feb;34(2):137-51.
28.) Kim JA, Park HS, Kang SR, Park KI, Lee DH, Nagappan A, Shin SC, Lee WS, Kim EH, Kim GS. Suppressive effect of flavonoids from Korean Citrus aurantium L. on the expression of inflammatory mediators in L6 skeletal muscle cells. Phytother Res. 2012 Dec;26(12):1904-12.
29.) Parker-Athill E, Luo D, Bailey A, Giunta B, Tian J, Shytle RD, Murphy T, Legradi G, Tan J. Flavonoids, a prenatal prophylaxis via targeting JAK2/STAT3 signaling to oppose IL-6/MIA associated autism. J Neuroimmunol. 2009 Dec 10;217(1-2):20-7.
30.) Zand RS, Jenkins DJ, Diamandis EP. Steroid hormone activity of flavonoids and related compounds.Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2000 Jul;62(1):35-49.

“An IVF Doctor Said Not to Take MilkThistle” and Other Uninformed Medical Advice

From an infertility forum website, where the patient quoted an IVF doc as saying not to take milk thistle because “It makes the liver work better / metabolize things faster so it can metabolize your drugs too and hence shouldn’t be taken during an IVF cycle.” There are no studies cited.

Unsubstantiated comments like this occur when a doctor steps outside of his/her area of expertise. That’s unfortunate, because it can cause a lot of needless alarm AND potentially drive patients away from helpful treatments. So, let’s set the record straight about this unsupported statement and about the usefulness of milk thistle in infertility.

The dose of milk thistle required to upregulate liver enzymes and therefor increase drug metabolism is of a 10 to 30-fold magnitude higher than anything Dr. Braverman or I use for infertility. A woman would have to take 24 doses of Maxi Flavone daily to achieve this increased drug metabolism effect, if even that would do it.

In the one lab rat study cited, an equivalent human female dose would be 2400mg+ per day.(1) Maxi Flavone contains 100mg per dose, maximum 200mg per day at the highest recommended intake. At this dose, there is not one study which shows that liver enzymes are upregulated enough to alter blood levels of any drug.(2-5)

Dr. Braverman and I are going for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and TNFa inhibitory effect of milk thistle but we are well below any liver-enzyme upregulating (and therefor IVF drug-changing) effect. (16-20)

600mg of milk thistle per day in HUMANS (not just lab rats) did not show any significant effect on drug-metabolizing liver enzymes. (6) Other studies have shown a minimal effect on liver enzymes (P450, CYP’s, etc) even at concentrations much higher than doses found in Maxi Flavone.(7)

Only at very high concentrations has milk thistle been shown to affect liver enzymes. According the the FDA, “In view of the clinically relevant plasma concentration of approx. 0.2 microM measured as silibinin, it is evident that there is no drug-drug interaction problem with silymarin.” (8)

Any by the way, many foods and drugs affect this same liver enzyme system far more than milk thistle. Did you know that many “health foods” such as kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, arugula, watercress, grapefruit, pomegranate, and others can all have a profound effect on this important enzyme system?

http://dmd.aspetjournals.org/content/early/2006/01/13/dmd.105.007930.full.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruciferous_vegetables

HOLD THE MAYO

Milk Thistle according to Mayo Clinic’s website:

“Theoretically, because milk thistle plant extract might have estrogenic effects, women with hormone sensitive conditions should avoid milk thistle above ground parts. Some of these conditions include breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.” http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/silymarin/NS_patient-milkthistle/DSECTION=safety

Mayo clinic has some incredibly poorly referenced, contradictory articles on their site. I would not rely on them for authoritative herbal information. It is outside their area of expertise. (Don’t expect your brain surgeon to be an expert in acupuncture and don’t expect your acupuncturist to be an expert in brain surgery.)

For example, the cited Mayo clinic article on milk thistle actually contradicts itself. In one place it says “silymarin and silibinin in milk thistle reduce the growth of human breast, cervical and prostate cancer cells” and in another place it says “…should avoid milk thistle in… breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer…” Which is it, Mayo?

Contrary to Mayo’s “theoretical” (read that: “unreferenced”) concerns, milk thistle has actually proven to be beneficial for the hormone-related conditions cited above in numerous studies. (9-15)

Next, someone thought they were revealing a smoking gun by quoting, “Silybin, an extract from seeds of milk thistle (Silybum marianum), is known to have hepato-protective, anticarcinogenic, and estrogenic effects.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20183284

Be sure to look at the doses when reading abstracts or medical journal articles. Dose makes a big difference. (I addressed this issue in a recent previous email)

This rat study used 18mg/kg given twice per day. That would equate to 2,454 mg per day for a 150-pound female. Maxi Flavone has 100mg total to be taken once per day. This is less than 1/24th the dose that has demonstrated estrogenic effects. (1)

Let’s Dump In Some Totally Unrelated Studies for Good Measure…

What was said: Reservatol increases Nk cell activity: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20082299

Dr. Myatt’s Comment: Resveretrol has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Resveretrol also suppresses TNF-alpha. Please see the extensive reference list here: Grape Seed Extract. Repeat after me, “preponderance of evidence” and “dose” (see below).

What was said: Grape seed extract and pycnogenol are aromatase inhibitors. Aromatase is an enzyme present in fat tissue and in ovaries that converts testosterone to estrogen. When it is inhibited, there will be more testosterone. Sometimes in short doses this is ok, as femara is works by being an aromatase inhibitor. “But it is not good to take this for longer times as it can inhibit ovulation and lead to high testosterone levels which are toxic to our eggs.”

Dr. Myatt’s comment: Here we have a medical opinion from a layperson. Would this really be the best source of information about improving fertility? Again, dose. The amount of aromatase effect from the doses of grape seed and pycnogenol in Maxi Flavone are insufficient to cause a hormone shift. Besides, your infertility specialist can easily measure hormone levels and would know if such a shift were occurring.

Dr. Myatt’s Caution About “References” and “Experts”

For any question you type into Pub Med (the medical journal article abstract website), you will find references that support both sides of the question. There’s almost never “black and white.” Instead, there are “ten thousand shades of gray.” Here’s what you need to know:

One reference does not make “proof” and an isolated lab rat study does not “prove” anything. The “preponderance of evidence,” including number of studies, how well-conducted the studies were, whether the studies were test-tube or lab rat studies versus human studies, who funded the studies, all must be taken into account.

I see a lot of women quoting single lab-rat or test-tube studies without any knowledge or consideration of the above-mentioned factors. So, when you are reading such “proofs” posted by non-physicians, please keep these factors in mind and “consider the source.”

Also, I believe any statement that has absolutely NO references should be dismissed on its face. References might not constitute “proof,” but at least they need to be there. Otherwise, any one of us can sit in our easy chair and “theorize.”

Theorizing won’t get you pregnant; it will simply waste your time.

Fertility is not individual brush strokes; it is the whole picture taken together. Dr. Braverman takes the “whole picture” view.

He is an expert in IVF, one of the most renown in the world. But when he is out of his area of expertise, he turns to me or another expert for their evaluation. He doesn’t just “make stuff up” like some so-called “experts.” THAT is the mark of a true professional.

References

1.) El-Shitany NA, Hegazy S, El-Desoky K. Evidences for antiosteoporotic and selective estrogen receptor modulator activity of silymarin compared with ethinylestradiol in ovariectomized rats. Phytomedicine. 2010 Feb;17(2):116-25. Epub 2009 Jul 3.
2.) Breinholt V, Lauridsen ST, Dragsted LO. Differential effects of dietary flavonoids on drug metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes in female rat. Xenobiotica. 1999 Dec;29(12):1227-40.
3.) Doehmer J, Weiss G, McGregor GP, Appel K. Assessment of a dry extract from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) for interference with human liver cytochrome-P450 activities. Toxicol In Vitro. 2011 Feb;25(1):21-7. Epub 2010 Sep 7.
4.) Gurley B, Hubbard MA, Williams DK, Thaden J, Tong Y, Gentry WB, Breen P, Carrier DJ, Cheboyina S. Assessing the clinical significance of botanical supplementation on human cytochrome P450 3A activity: comparison of a milk thistle and black cohosh product to rifampin and clarithromycin. J Clin Pharmacol. 2006 Feb;46(2):201-13.
5.) Gurley BJ, Barone GW, Williams DK, Carrier J, Breen P, Yates CR, Song PF, Hubbard MA, Tong Y, Cheboyina S. Effect of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) supplementation on digoxin pharmacokinetics in humans. Drug Metab Dispos. 2006 Jan;34(1):69-74. Epub 2005 Oct 12.
6.) van Erp NP, Baker SD, Zhao M, Rudek MA, Guchelaar HJ, Nortier JW, Sparreboom A, Gelderblom H. Effect of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) on the pharmacokinetics of irinotecan. Clin Cancer Res. 2005 Nov 1;11(21):7800-6.
7.) Gurley BJ, Gardner SF, Hubbard MA, Williams DK, Gentry WB, Carrier J, Khan IA, Edwards DJ, Shah A. In vivo assessment of botanical supplementation on human cytochrome P450 phenotypes: Citrus aurantium, Echinacea purpurea, milk thistle, and saw palmetto. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Nov;76(5):428-40.
8.) Doehmer J, Tewes B, Klein KU, Gritzko K, Muschick H, Mengs U.
Assessment of drug-drug interaction for silymarin. Toxicol In Vitro. 2008 Apr;22(3):610-7. Epub 2007 Dec 8.
9.) Agarwal R, Agarwal C, Ichikawa H, Singh RP, Aggarwal BB. Anticancer potential of silymarin: from bench to bed side. Anticancer Res. 2006 Nov-Dec;26(6B):4457-98.
10.) Kim S, Han J, Kim JS, Kim JH, Choe JH, Yang JH, Nam SJ, Lee JE.
Silibinin suppresses EGFR ligand-induced CD44 expression through inhibition of EGFR activity in breast cancer cells. Anticancer Res. 2011 Nov;31(11):3767-73.
11.) Lu W, Lin C, King TD, Chen H, Reynolds RC, Li Y.
Silibinin inhibits Wnt/ -catenin signaling by suppressing Wnt co-receptor LRP6 expression in human prostate and breast cancer cells. Cell Signal. 2012 Dec;24(12):2291-6. doi: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2012.07.009. Epub 2012 Jul 20.
12.) Nejati-Koshki K, Zarghami N, Pourhassan-Moghaddam M, Rahmati-Yamchi M, Mollazade M, Nasiri M, Esfahlan RJ, Barkhordari A, Tayefi-Nasrabadi H. Inhibition of leptin gene expression and secretion by silibinin: possible role of estrogen receptors. Cytotechnology. 2012 Apr 17. [Epub ahead of print]
13.) Noh EM, Yi MS, Youn HJ, Lee BK, Lee YR, Han JH, Yu HN, Kim JS, Jung SH.
Silibinin enhances ultraviolet B-induced apoptosis in mcf-7 human breast cancer cells. J Breast Cancer. 2011 Mar;14(1):8-13. Epub 2011 Mar 31.
14.) Scambia G, De Vincenzo R, Ranelletti FO, Panici PB, Ferrandina G, D’Agostino G, Fattorossi A, Bombardelli E, Mancuso S.Antiproliferative effect of silybin on gynaecological malignancies: synergism with cisplatin and doxorubicin. Eur J Cancer. 1996 May;32A(5):877-82.
15.) Yu HC, Chen LJ, Cheng KC, Li YX, Yeh CH, Cheng JT. Silymarin inhibits cervical cancer cell through an increase of phosphatase and tensin homolog. Phytother Res. 2012 May;26(5):709-15. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3618. Epub 2011 Oct 20.
16.) Manna SK, Mukhopadhyay A, Van NT, Aggarwal BB. Silymarin suppresses TNF-induced activation of NF-kappa B, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and apoptosis.J Immunol. 1999 Dec 15;163(12):6800-9.
17.) Johnson VJ, He Q, Osuchowski MF, Sharma RP. Physiological responses of a natural antioxidant flavonoid mixture, silymarin, in BALB/c mice: III. Silymarin inhibits T-lymphocyte function at low doses but stimulates inflammatory processes at high doses. Planta Med. 2003 Jan;69(1):44-9.
18.) Polyak SJ, Morishima C, Shuhart MC, Wang CC, Liu Y, Lee DY. Inhibition of T-cell inflammatory cytokines, hepatocyte NF-kappaB signaling, and HCV infection by standardized Silymarin. Gastroenterology. 2007 May;132(5):1925-36. Epub 2007 Feb 21.
19.) Feher J, Lang I, Deak G, et al. Free radicals in tissue damage in liver diseases and therapeutic approach. Tokai J Exp Clin Med 1986;11:121–34.
20.) Toklu HZ, Tunali Akbay T, Velioglu-Ogunc A, Ercan F, Gedik N, Keyer-Uysal M, Sener G. Silymarin, the antioxidant component of Silybum marianum, prevents sepsis-induced acute lung and brain injury. J Surg Res. 2008 Apr;145(2):214-22. Epub 2007 Oct 22.

Green Tea – Causes Inflammation?

Green Tea (Camillia sinesis) is an antioxidant that suppresses TNF- .(44-48 )
Full references for this can be found on this page

There is one recent lab rat study which says HUGE DOSE of epigallocatechin-3-gallate, an isolate from green tea, promotes inflammation. This dose was 1% of total food intake. A person would have to be eating GRAMS of pure epigallocatechin-3-gallate per day to achieve this dose. Maxi Flavone contains 180 milligrams of a 50% catechin mix. This is miniscule compared to doses used in this rodent study.

In the same study, as in numerous other studies, smaller doses were anti-inflammatory. (1)

Contrast this to NUMEROUS studies which show that green tea is anti-inflammatory. (2-14)

Bottom line: HUGE doses of isolated epigallocatechin-3-gallate from green tea may be inflammatory, at least in one lab-rat study.

Smaller doses are well-proven to be anti-inflammatory in numerous studies including human studies.

Dr. Myatt’s Additional Note: People have died from drinking too much water (electrolyte disturbance). Does this “prove” that water-drinking is dangerous? Hardly. All substances and their effects are dose-related. “The dose makes the poison.” — Paracelsus

References
1.) Pae M, Ren Z, Meydani M, Shang F, Smith D, Meydani SN, Wu D. Dietary supplementation with high dose of epigallocatechin-3-gallate promotes inflammatory response in mice. J Nutr Biochem. 2012 Jun;23(6):526-31. Epub 2011 Jun 17.
2.) Akhtar N, Haqqi TM. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate suppresses the global interleukin-1beta-induced inflammatory response in human chondrocytes.Arthritis Res Ther. 2011 Jun 17;13(3):R93.
3.) Babu PV, Si H, Liu D.Epigallocatechin gallate reduces vascular inflammation in db/db mice possibly through an NF-?B-mediated mechanism.Mol Nutr Food Res. 2012 Sep;56(9):1424-32. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201200040. Epub 2012 Jul 2.
4.) Bogdanski P, Suliburska J, Szulinska M, Stepien M, Pupek-Musialik D, Jablecka A.Green tea extract reduces blood pressure, inflammatory biomarkers, and oxidative stress and improves parameters associated with insulin resistance in obese, hypertensive patients. Nutr Res. 2012 Jun;32(6):421-7. Epub 2012 Jun 20.
5.) Bornhoeft J, Castaneda D, Nemoseck T, Wang P, Henning SM, Hong MY.
The protective effects of green tea polyphenols: lipid profile, inflammation, and antioxidant capacity in rats fed an atherogenic diet and dextran sodium sulfate.J Med Food. 2012 Aug;15(8):726-32. Epub 2012 Jun 25.
6.) Cavet ME, Harrington KL, Vollmer TR, Ward KW, Zhang JZ. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate in human corneal epithelial cells. Mol Vis. 2011 Feb 18;17:533-42.
7.) Chatterjee A, Saluja M, Agarwal G, Alam M. Green tea: A boon for periodontal and general health. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2012 Apr;16(2):161-7. doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.99256.
8.) Chen J, Qin S, Xiao J, Tanigawa S, Uto T, Hashimoto F, Fujii M, Hou DX.
A genome-wide microarray highlights the antiinflammatory genes targeted by oolong tea theasinensin A in macrophages. Nutr Cancer. 2011;63(7):1064-73. Epub 2011 Aug 24.
9.) El-Mowafy AM, Al-Gayyar MM, Salem HA, El-Mesery ME, Darweish MM. Novel chemotherapeutic and renal protective effects for the green tea (EGCG): role of oxidative stress and inflammatory-cytokine signaling. Phytomedicine. 2010 Dec 1;17(14):1067-75. Epub 2010 Sep 18.
10.) Li J, Ye L, Wang X, Liu J, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Ho W. Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits endotoxin-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells. J Neuroinflammation. 2012 Jul 6;9:161.
11.) Lee YJ, Choi DY, Yun YP, Han SB, Oh KW, Hong JT. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate prevents systemic inflammation-induced memory deficiency and amyloidogenesis via its anti-neuroinflammatory properties. J Nutr Biochem. 2012 Sep 5. [Epub ahead of print]
12.) Park HJ, Lee JY, Chung MY, Park YK, Bower AM, Koo SI, Giardina C, Bruno RS. Green tea extract suppresses NF?B activation and inflammatory responses in diet-induced obese rats with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. J Nutr. 2012 Jan;142(1):57-63. Epub 2011 Dec 7.
13.) Ramesh E, Geraldine P, Thomas PA.Regulatory effect of epigallocatechin gallate on the expression of C-reactive protein and other inflammatory markers in an experimental model of atherosclerosis. Chem Biol Interact. 2010 Jan 5;183(1):125-32.
14.) Syed DN, Afaq F, Kweon MH, Hadi N, Bhatia N, Spiegelman VS, Mukhtar H.
Green tea polyphenol EGCG suppresses cigarette smoke condensate-induced NF-kappaB activation in normal human bronchial epithelial cells. Oncogene. 2007 Feb 1;26(5):673-82. Epub 2006 Jul 24.

Myo-inositol in the Treatment of PCOS and Non-PCOS Infertility

Inositol is part of the vitamin B complex. It occurs as 9 different isomers, but only two of these are of interest in fertility: myo-inositol (MYO) and d-chiro-inositol (DCI)

Both MYO and DCI have been studied and found useful in the treatment of PCOS (PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome). (1-14)

However, only MI has been show to be present in follicular fluid and only MI was able to improve oocyte and embryo quality(1,2,9,12,15), ovulation induction (6-8,10-11) and hormone balance. (3-5,13)

DCI does not have even remotely as much research behind it as MYO. (16)

Therefor, for fertility issues with or without PCOS, I recommend the myo-inositol form.

Please note that some of these studies used melatonin in combination with myo-inositol (2,11-12). Melatonin alone has also been studied and found useful for improving egg quality. (17-18)

Myo-inositol may also improve other associated risks of PCOS (such as high triglycerides and blood sugars) with or without an effect on egg quality. (3,5,7)

Most forms of inositol available in health food stores are probably the myo-inositol form. However, many products do not specify this on the label. I would always want to verify the actual form with the manufacturer before using.

A product called “Pregnitude” is available, containing myo-inositol plus folic acid. Several studies used myo-inositol with folic acid and found improved egg quality in PCOS. (9,11) All pre-pregnant women should already be getting folic acid from their multiple because of it’s importance in preventing spina bifida. This makes the “magic” in Pregnitude the myo-inositol. Pregnitude is individually packaged by 2 gram serving, which is convenient, but the price is double what what most myo-inositol powders are.

Daily dose of myo-inositol for improving egg quality is 2-4 grams per day. This can be taken as 2 grams, once or twice daily.

Myo-inositol product has a mild sweet taste and can be taken in water, smoothie, Super Shake — whatever makes it easiest.

Egg Quality Protocol, Especially for PCOS Patients (Dr. Myatt’s recommendation based on the studies)

myo-inositol: 2-4 grams per day
melatonin: 3mg per day (take this at bedtime)
folic acid: 400mcg (this amount or more should already be in a good multi-vitamin)

[Nurse Mark comment: Any woman seeking to improve or enhance fertility should be using a good quality Optimal Dose multivitamin – we recommend Maxi Multi of course – but for those who want to shop around for something else, please use the ingredient list on the Maxi Multi page as a reference for what an Optimal Dose multivitamin should contain.]

References
1.) Ciotta L, Stracquadanio M, Pagano I, Carbonaro A, Palumbo M, Gulino F. Effects of myo-inositol supplementation on oocyte’s quality in PCOS patients: a double blind trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2011 May;15(5):509-14. [##myo for PCOS##]
2.) Carlomagno G, Nordio M, Chiu TT, Unfer V. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2011 Dec;159(2):267-72. Epub 2011 Aug 10.
Contribution of myo-inositol and melatonin to human reproduction. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21835536 [###myo and melatonin; egg quality##]
3.) Costantino D, Minozzi G, Minozzi E, Guaraldi C. Metabolic and hormonal effects of myo-inositol in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a double-blind trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2009 Mar-Apr;13(2):105-10. {## myo for PCOS; hormones and metabolic factors##]
4.) Donà G, Sabbadin C, Fiore C, Bragadin M, Giorgino FL, Ragazzi E, Clari G, Bordin L, Armanini D. Inositol administration reduces oxidative stress in erythrocytes of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.Eur J Endocrinol. 2012 Apr;166(4):703-10. Epub 2012 Jan 5. [##MYO improves oxidative stress (decreases oxidative species), improves hormones in PCOS##]
5.) Genazzani AD, Lanzoni C, Ricchieri F, Jasonni VM. Myo-inositol administration positively affects hyperinsulinemia and hormonal parameters in overweight patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.Gynecol Endocrinol. 2008 Mar;24(3):139-44.[##MYO; menstrual cycle improvements; better non-fertility numbers; 2 grams per day##]
6.) Gerli S, Mignosa M, Di Renzo GC. Effects of inositol on ovarian function and metabolic factors in women with PCOS: a randomized double blind placebo-controlled trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2003 Nov-Dec;7(6):151-9. [##myo, PCOS, ovulation induction##]
7.) Gerli S, Papaleo E, Ferrari A, Di Renzo GC. Randomized, double blind placebo-controlled trial: effects of myo-inositol on ovarian function and metabolic factors in women with PCOS. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2007 Sep-Oct;11(5):347-54. [## MYO, PCOS, improved ovulation, improved non-fertility peramiters (including weight loss)}
8.) Morgante G, Orvieto R, Di Sabatino A, Musacchio MC, De Leo V. The role of inositol supplementation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, with insulin resistance, undergoing the low-dose gonadotropin ovulation induction regimen.Fertil Steril. 2011 Jun 30;95(8):2642-4. Epub 2011 Feb 5. [myo, PCOS, ovulation induction##]
9.) Papaleo E, Unfer V, Baillargeon JP, Fusi F, Occhi F, De Santis L. Fertil Steril. 2009 May;91(5):1750-4. Epub 2008 May 7. Myo-inositol may improve oocyte quality in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. A prospective, controlled, randomized trial. [##myo+ folic acid for egg quality in PCOS##]
10.) Papaleo E, Unfer V, Baillargeon JP, De Santis L, Fusi F, Brigante C, Marelli G, Cino I, Redaelli A, Ferrari A. Myo-inositol in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a novel method for ovulation induction.Gynecol Endocrinol. 2007 Dec;23(12):700-3. Epub 2007 Oct 10. [##myo for ovulation in PCOS##]
11.) Rizzo P, Raffone E, Benedetto V. Effect of the treatment with myo-inositol plus folic acid plus melatonin in comparison with a treatment with myo-inositol plus folic acid on oocyte quality and pregnancy outcome in IVF cycles. A prospective, clinical trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2010 Jun;14(6):555-61. [##myo+folic acid+melatonin##]
12.) Unfer V, Raffone E, Rizzo P, Buffo S. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2011 Nov;27(11):857-61. Epub 2011 Apr 5. Effect of a supplementation with myo-inositol plus melatonin on oocyte quality in women who failed to conceive in previous in vitro fertilization cycles for poor oocyte quality: a prospective, longitudinal, cohort study. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21463230 [##myo and melatonin##]
13.) Unfer V, Carlomagno G, Dante G, Facchinetti F. Effects of myo-inositol in women with PCOS: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2012 Jul;28(7):509-15. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2011.650660. Epub 2012 Feb 1. {##myo and improved ovarian function##]
14.) Nestler JE, Jakubowicz DJ, Reamer P, Gunn RD, Allan G. Ovulatory and metabolic effects of D-chiro-inositol in the polycystic ovary syndrome. N Engl J Med. 1999 Apr 29;340(17):1314-20.[##DCI for PCO##]
15.) Galletta M, Grasso S, Vaiarelli A, Roseff SJ. Bye-bye chiro-inositol – myo-inositol: true progress in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome and ovulation induction. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2011 Oct;15(10):1212-4. {####myo for egg quality, not dci)
16.) Galazis N, Galazi M, Atiomo W. D-Chiro-inositol and its significance in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review.Gynecol Endocrinol. 2011 Apr;27(4):256-62. Epub 2010 Dec 10.[##DCI not much research##]
17.) Batioglu AS, Sahin U, Gürlek B, Oztürk N, Unsal E. The efficacy of melatonin administration on oocyte quality. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2012 Feb;28(2):91-3. Epub 2011 Jul 20. [##melatonin##]
18.) Tamura H, Takasaki A, Miwa I, Taniguchi K, Maekawa R, Asada H, Taketani T, Matsuoka A, Yamagata Y, Shimamura K, Morioka H, Ishikawa H, Reiter RJ, Sugino N. Oxidative stress impairs oocyte quality and melatonin protects oocytes from free radical damage and improves fertilization rate. J Pineal Res. 2008 Apr;44(3):280-7.
[##melatonin##]

What’s So Special About Maxi Greens?

As with Maxi Flavone, Maxi Greens is designed to be a broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory and nutritional herbal formula. Maxi Greens contains:

1.) Anti-inflammatory herbs (the same ones as in Maxi Flavone): ginkgo biloba, bilberry,green tea, milk thistle, grape seed and pine bark (pycnogenols). See the full references for these herbs in the Maxi Flavone article.

2.) Nutrient-dense “super green foods.”

Maxi Greens includes wheat grass and several additional “green super foods” including: alfalfa, wheat grass, barley grass and wheat sprouts. Here is what the scientific literature says about these green food herbs.

I.) Alfalfa: a nutrient-rich herb high in chlorophyll, vitamins and micronutrients. Alfalfa is rich in vitamins A, B1, B6, C, E and K as well as calcium, potassium, iron and zinc.
Alfalfa has anti-inflammatory (1) and antioxidant properties.(2) Alfalfa reduced cytokine levels and ameliorated severity of auto-immune disease in animal models.(3,4)

II.) Wheat grass: contains vitamins A, B12, C and E, as well as amino acids lysine, tryptophan and phenylalanine. Wheat grass is 70% chlorophyll. Because of its high A,C, and E content, wheat grass is considered anti-inflammatory.(5)

III.) Barley grass: Has a high antioxidant activity. (6,7)

IV.) Wheat sprouts: contain meaningful amounts of A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, B17, C, D, E, F, H, K, P, choline, folic acid, inositol, PABA, boron, calcium, chlorine, chromium, cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, sodium, sulphur, zinc.(8) Wheat sprouts were shown to have antioxidant activity in bisphenol-induced ROS in young women.(9)

V.) Blue Green Algae contains dietary fiber, fatty acids, essential amino acids, and vitamins A, B, C, and E. (10) Blue green algae and other algal species exhibit immunomodulatory, antitumor, antithrombotic, anticoagulant, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral activities including anti-HIV infection, herpes, and hepatitis viruses. (11-13)
It is likely because of its immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties that algal species are anti-allergenic.(14)

VI.) Spirulina is high in proteins, acid, vitamins and minerals. It is anti-inflammatory.(15)

VII.) Chlorella contains 60 percent protein by weight. It is high in chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. It is rich in polysaccharides, nucleic acids, peptides, essential fatty acids and B vitamins. Chlorella is rich in vitamins A, C, E, niacin and folate. Chlorella has the complete vitamin B-complex with more B-12 than beef liver by weight. Chlorella contains more beta carotene than carrots and other green leafy green vegetables. Additional nutritional content of chlorella includes zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, trace minerals and polysaccharides. (16)

Chlorella has anti-inflammatory properties. (17) It is also a biological response modifier. (18)

Because of its unique ability to bind with mercury, lead, and cadmium, chlorella can be used as a heavy metal chelator. Studies have shown that it has a superior ability to safely draw toxic metals that accumulate in the gut and intestinal tract. (19-22)

One study suggests that chlorella can stimulate cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, this study was performed ex vivo and at blood levels significantly higher (10 to 100mcg/ml) than would be expected from the dose contained in Maxi Greens. (23)

In addition to the “green” super-foods, we included flavonoid-rich super foods as well. Flavonoids, as a class of antioxidants, are anti-inflammatory.

Acerola Juice Powder
Acerola is high in vitaminc C, A, B1, B2 and B3, calcium, iron, carotenoids and bioflavonoids. (24)
Aceroal exerts potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. (24-27)

Beet Juice Powder:
Beet juice (also known as beetroot juice) is one of the richest sources of dietary antioxidants, with high total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total polyphenol (TP) content. (28)

Beet root juice has been shown to protect against xenobiotic-induced oxidative stress in animal studies. (29,30)

Spinach Powder:
Spinach contains significant amounts if vitamin A, E, K, B2, B3, B6, folate and minerals calcium, magesiun, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, manganese and zinc. Spinach also has significant omega-3 fatty acids as linolenic acid. (24)

Because of its high polyphenol, flavonoid and carotene content, spinach has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. (31-34)

Papaya (leaf) Papaya contains significant amounts of vitamins A, C, E, K and folate and minerals calcium, magnesium and potassium. (24) Papaya leaf suppresses inflammatory cytokines and exerts anti-inflammatory responses in both human and animal models. (35-37)

Dunaliella salina algae is a green algae that is a rich source of beta carotenoids including lycopene and zeaxanthin. (38-41) In studies, the synthetic beta carotene has had adverse effects in smokers while the natural form of beta carotene, as found in Dunaliella salina, has protective effects.(42,43)

Preliminary evidence suggests that natural beta-carotene supplementation results in better antioxidant activity and anticancer activity in humans than does supplementation with synthetic beta-carotene. (44,45)

Broccoli and Cauliflower are vegetables in the “Cruciferous” family. They are high in diindolylmethane (DIM), a metabolite of Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a compound found in cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, kale, bruseel sprouts and cauliflower. Diindolemethanes (DIM) is one of the major anticancer substances in the class of sulfur-containing chemicals called glucosinolates.(46)

DIMs help decrease estrogen metabolism by upregulating the P450 enzyme system. The net result of this effect is to decrease circulating estrogen levels and correct estrogen dominance. Because many causes of infertility including endometriosis, PCOS, ovarian cysts, and anovulation are all characterized by estrogen dominance, the addition of DIM by way of cruciferous vegetables can help balance hormones in favor of fertility.(47-49)

DIM inhibits the inflammatory response.(50-54) and possess antioxidant activity and decrease radical oxygen species (ROS) by acting as an ROS scavenger. (55-59)

Probiotic Cultures (dairy-free) Probiotics exert anti-inflammatory effects (60-61) and down-regulate inflammatory cytokines (62-63) including NF-êB, TNF-á, IL-6, and p-Akt (64-66)

References

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2.) Yalinkilic O, Enginar H. Effect of X-radiation on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant systems in rats treated with saponin-containing compounds. Photochem Photobiol. 2008 Jan-Feb;84(1):236-42.
3.) Hong YH, Huang CJ, Wang SC, Lin BF. The ethyl acetate extract of alfalfa sprout ameliorates disease severity of autoimmune-prone MRL-lpr/lpr mice. Lupus. 2009 Mar;18(3):206-15.
4.) Apelgren LD, Bailey DL, Fouts RL, Short L, Bryan N, Evans GF, Sandusky GE, Zuckerman SH, Glasebrook A, Bumol TF. The effect of a selective estrogen receptor modulator on the progression of spontaneous autoimmune disease in MRL lpr/lpr mice. Cell Immunol. 1996 Oct 10;173(1):55-63.
5.) Seymour K. Wheat Grass. Illinois State University. http://horticulturecenter.illinoisstate.edu/gardens/documents/grain.pdf
6.) Kamiyama M, Shibamoto T. Flavonoids with potent antioxidant activity found in young green barley leaves. J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Jun 27;60(25):6260-7. doi: 10.1021/jf301700j. Epub 2012 Jun 18.
7.) Benedet JA, Umeda H, Shibamoto T. Antioxidant activity of flavonoids isolated from young green barley leaves toward biological lipid samples. J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Jul 11;55(14):5499-504. Epub 2007 Jun 1.
8.) USDA nutrition food table SR-21
9.) Yi B, Kasai H, Lee HS, Kang Y, Park JY, Yang M. Inhibition by wheat sprout (Triticum aestivum) juice of bisphenol A-induced oxidative stress in young women. Mutat Res. 2011 Sep 18;724(1-2):64-8. doi: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2011.06.007. Epub 2011 Jun 28.
10.) Rajapakse N, Kim SK. Nutritional and digestive health benefits of seaweed.Adv Food Nutr Res. 2011;64:17-28.
11.) Mišurcová L, Škrovánková S, Samek D, Ambrožová J, Machù L. Health benefits of algal polysaccharides in human nutrition.Adv Food Nutr Res. 2012;66:75-145.
12.) Kim SK, Ta QV. Potential beneficial effects of marine algal sterols on human health.Adv Food Nutr Res. 2011;64:191-8.
13.) Jiao G, Yu G, Zhang J, Ewart HS. Chemical structures and bioactivities of sulfated polysaccharides from marine algae. Mar Drugs. 2011 Feb 8;9(2):196-223.
14.) Kim SK, Vo TS, Ngo DH. Antiallergic benefit of marine algae in medicinal foods. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2011;64:267-75.
15.) Joventino IP, Alves HG, Neves LC, Pinheiro-Joventino F, Leal LK, Neves SA, Ferreira FV, Brito GA, Viana GB. The microalga Spirulina platensis presents anti-inflammatory action as well as hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties in diabetic rats. J Complement Integr Med. 2012 Aug 10;9:Article 17.
16.) Nutritiondata.com
17.) Namsa ND, Tag H, Mandal M, Kalita P, Das AK. An ethnobotanical study of traditional anti-inflammatory plants used by the Lohit community of Arunachal Pradesh, India. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Sep 7;125(2):234-45. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.07.004. Epub 2009 Jul 14.
18.) Miyazawa Y, Murayama T, Ooya N, Wang LF, Tung YC, Yamaguchi N. Immunomodulation by a unicellular green algae (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) in tumor-bearing mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 1988 Dec;24(2-3):135-46.
19.) Shim, Jae-Young; Shin, Hye-Seoung; Han, Jae-Gab; Park, Hyeung-Suk; Lim, Byung-Lak; Chung, Kyung-Won; Om, Ae-Son (2008). Protective Effects of Chlorella vulgaris on Liver Toxicity in Cadmium-Administered Rats. Journal of Medicinal Food 11 (3): 47985.
20.) Inthorn, Duangrat; Sidtitoon, Nalin; Silapanuntakul, Suthep; Incharoensakdi, Aran (2002). Sorption of mercury, cadmium and lead by microalgae. ScienceAsia 28 (3): 25361.
21.) Blas-Valdivia, Vanessa; Ortiz-Butrón, Rocio; Pineda-Reynoso, Marisol; Hernández-Garcia, Adelaida; Cano-Europa, Edgar (2010). Chlorella vulgaris administration prevents HgCl2-caused oxidative stress and cellular damage in the kidney. Journal of Applied Phycology 23: 538.
22.) Nakano, Shiro; Noguchi, Taketoshi; Takekoshi, Hideo; Suzuki, Go; Nakano, Masuo (2005). Maternal-fetal distribution and transfer of dioxins in pregnant women in Japan, and attempts to reduce maternal transfer with Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) supplements. Chemosphere 61 (9): 124455. 23.) Ewart HS, Bloch O, Girouard GS, Kralovec J, Barrow CJ, Ben-Yehudah G, Suárez ER, Rapoport MJ. Stimulation of cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by an aqueous Chlorella extract. Planta Med. 2007 Jul;73(8):762-8. Epub 2007 Jul 5.
24.) Mezadri T, Villan˜o M, Fernandez-Pachon M, Garcia-Parrilla M, Troncoso A Antioxidant compounds and antioxidant activity in acerola(Malpighia emarginata DC.) fruits and derivatives. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 21 (4): 282290.
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27.) Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the stem bark of Byrsonima intermedia A. Juss. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Oct 11;137(3):1469-76.
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38.)Ye ZW, Jiang JG. Analysis of an Essential Carotenogenic Enzyme: æ-Carotene Desaturase from Unicellular Alga Dunaliella salina. J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Oct 13.
39.) Zhu YH, Jiang JG, Chen Q. Characterization of cDNA of lycopene beta-cyclase responsible for a high level of beta-carotene accumulation in Dunaliella salina. Biochem Cell Biol. 2008 Jun;86(3):285-92.
40.) Thaipratum R, Melis A, Svasti J, Yokthongwattana K. Analysis of non-photochemical energy dissipating processes in wild type Dunaliella salina (green algae) and in zea1, a mutant constitutively accumulating zeaxanthin.J Plant Res. 2009 Jul;122(4):465-76. doi: 10.1007/s10265-009-0229-5. Epub 2009 Apr 1.
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45.) Yeum K-J, Zhu S, Xiao S, et al. ß-carotene intervention trial in premalignant gastric lesions. J Am Coll Nutr 1995;14:536.
46.) Stoewsand GS. Bioactive organosulfur phytochemicals in Brassica oleracea vegetablesa review. Food Chem Toxicol 1995;33:53743.
47.) Auborn KJ, Fan S, Rosen EM, Goodwin L, Chandraskaren A, Williams DE, Chen D, Carter TH. Indole-3-carbinol is a negative regulator of estrogen. J Nutr. 2003 Jul;133(7 Suppl):2470S-2475S.
48.) Rajoria S, Suriano R, Parmar PS, Wilson YL, Megwalu U, Moscatello A, Bradlow HL, Sepkovic DW, Geliebter J, Schantz SP, Tiwari RK. 3,3′-diindolylmethane modulates estrogen metabolism in patients with thyroid proliferative disease: a pilot study.Thyroid. 2011 Mar;21(3):299-304.
49.) Rogan EG. The natural chemopreventive compound indole-3-carbinol: state of the science. In Vivo. 2006 Mar-Apr;20(2):221-8.
50.) Cho HJ, Seon MR, Lee YM, Kim J, Kim JK, Kim SG, Park JH. 3,3′-Diindolylmethane suppresses the inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide in murine macrophages. J Nutr. 2008 Jan;138(1):17-23.
51.) Kim EJ, Park H, Kim J, Park JH. 3,3′-diindolylmethane suppresses 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced inflammation and tumor promotion in mouse skin via the downregulation of inflammatory mediators. Mol Carcinog. 2010 Jul;49(7):672-83.
52.) De Miranda B, Miller J, Hansen R, Lunghofer P, Safe S, Gustafson D, Colagiovanni D, Tjalkens R.Neuroprotective efficacy and pharmacokinetic behavior of novel anti-inflammatory para-phenyl substituted diindolylmethanes in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2013 Jan 14. [Epub ahead of print]
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55.) Yeh CT, Yen GC.Effect of vegetables on human phenolsulfotransferases in relation to their antioxidant activity and total phenolics.Free Radic Res. 2005 Aug;39(8):893-904.
56.) Huang Z, Zuo L, Zhang Z, Liu J, Chen J, Dong L, Zhang J. 3,3′-Diindolylmethane decreases VCAM-1 expression and alleviates experimental colitis via a BRCA1-dependent antioxidant pathway. Free Radic Biol Med. 2011 Jan 15;50(2):228-36.
57.) Arnao MB, Sanchez-Bravo J, Acosta M. Indole-3-carbinol as a scavenger of free radicals.Biochem Mol Biol Int. 1996 Aug;39(6):1125-34.
58.) Zhao F, Liu ZQ.Indole and its alkyl-substituted derivatives protect erythrocyte and DNA against radical-induced oxidation. J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2009 Jul-Aug;23(4):273-9.
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61.) Jones SE, Versalovic J. Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri biofilms produce antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory factors. BMC Microbiol. 2009 Feb 11;9:35.
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66.) Thomas CM, Hong T, van Pijkeren JP, Hemarajata P, Trinh DV, Hu W, Britton RA, Kalkum M, Versalovic J. Histamine derived from probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri suppresses TNF via modulation of PKA and ERK signaling. PLoS One. 2012;7(2):e31951.

Vitamin D

The Sunshine Vitamin For Healthy Bones, Teeth, and Cancer Prevention

Vitamin D increases calcium absorption. Deficiencies of Vitamin D are associated with infertility, cancer, osteoporosis, rheumatic pains, and dental disease

It is known as the SUNSHINE vitamin because exposure to sunshine, even as little as 10 minutes per day, promotes the body’s natural production of Vitamin D. Those living in northern climates where sunshine is limited or in southern areas who shield themselves from the sun with clothing or sunscreen can easily become deficient in Vitamin D.

Dr. Braverman says about Vitamin D:

New research is showing the anti inflammatory benefits of Vit D. It has been shown to decrease NK cell activity, as well as alter the TH1/TH2 cytokine ratio in favor of the anti inflammatory response by lowering TH1 and increasing TH2. Its effects are very similar to the TH2 cytokine called IL-10 one of the most important TH2 cytokines produced for the maintenance of pregnancy. It is the TH2 cytokine we measure with our TH1/TH2 ratio. We recommend patients that require this therapy take between 2000 and 4000 IU /day. We have started screening our patients for what is turning out to be a common vitamin deficiency in this country.

Dietary sources of vitamin D include: fish liver oil and egg yolk.

More recently, higher intakes of vitamin D have been shown to protect the body from cancer, especially prostate and breast cancer. Many authorities are recommending that the recommended adult daily dose should be raised from 400 IU to 1,000 IU. Doses of 1,000-6,000 are not only safe, they may be needed for disease prevention.

Maxi Multi contains 800 IU of Vitamin D per daily serving.

NOTE: Do not use more than 10,000 IU per day without medical supervision because Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Although vitamin D can store in the liver and become toxic, these toxicities were seen in people consuming 30,000IU or more (20 times the recommended dose!) for months. Vitamin D is much safer than we have previously been led to believe.

Suggested dose: Daily adult dose range: 800-2,000 IU. Doses as high as 10,000 IU may be needed to normalize vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D 5000 – Product # 288 (250 Capsules) $21.95

Each (one) capsule contains: Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 5000 IU.

References:

Please see a full list of references at this special report: Vitamin D Special Report

Fiber:

Twenty-Five Surprising Benefits of a Dietary “Non-Nutrient”

It’s not a “sexy supplement” or a “new breakthrough.” In fact, it’s not even officially classified as a nutrient. But Americans get only 10% of the amount we consumed 100 years ago, and our health may be seriously suffering as a result.

What is this important “non nutrient” that we’re missing? Dietary fiber.

“Fiber” refers to a number of indigestible carbohydrates found in the outer layers of plants. Humans lack enzymes to break down most types of fiber, so they pass through the digestive system relatively unchanged and do not provide nutrients or significant calories.

In spite of this indigestibility, fiber has a surprising number of health benefits. In fact, consuming adequate daily fiber may be one of the most important health measures anyone can take.

Twenty-Five Health Benefits of Fiber — Who Knew?

There are numerous “sub-classes” of fiber, but the two main types are I.) soluble and II.) insoluble fiber. Both types are beneficial to health and both typically occur together in nature. They each offer independent health benefits. Here are twenty-five known health benefits that fiber provides.

Bowel Benefits:

Relieves constipation. Insoluble fiber absorbs large amounts of water in the colon. This makes stools softer and easier to pass. Most people who increase fiber intake will notice improved bowel function in 31-39 hours.(1-4)
Relieves diarrhea. It may seem paradoxical that a substance which helps constipation also helps diarrhea, but that’s just what fiber does. Insoluble fiber binds watery stool in the colon, helping turn “watery” into “formed.” Fiber is known to offer significant improvement to those with diarrhea.(5,6)
Helps prevent hemorrhoids. Constipation is a leading cause of hemorrhoids. Because fiber-rich stools are easier to pass, less straining is necessary. Diets high in fiber have been shown to prevent and relieve hemorrhoids.(7)
Reduces risk of diverticular disease. In cultures that consume high-fiber diets, diverticular disease is relatively unknown. That’s because high fiber intake “exercises” the colon, prevents excess bowel gas and absorbs toxins, all of which lead to the “bowel herniation” disease known as diverticulitis. Increased fiber intake is currently recommended in Western medicine as primary prevention for the disease.(8,9,10)
Helps Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is characterized by constipation, diarrhea, or alternating constipation/diarrhea. Regardless of type, increased fiber intake has been shown to improve IBS symptoms.(3,11-14)
Improves bowel flora. “Flora” refers to the “good bugs” (healthy bacteria) that colonize the large intestine (colon). Antibiotics, drugs, food allergies, high sugar diets and junk food alter this “bowel garden” in favor of the “bad bugs.” Certain types of fiber are rich in substances the “feed” bowel flora and help keep the balance of good bacteria in the colon at a normal level.(4,15)
Helps prevent colon cancer. Although research has been controversial, observational studies in the 1970s showed that African natives consuming high-fiber diets had a much lower incidence of colorectal carcinoma.(16) Since the “risk” of increased fiber consumption is so small, the “US Pharmacist,” states…

“…with no clearly negative data about fiber, it makes sense to increase fiber intake just in case the positive studies did reveal an actual link. The patient will also experience the ancillary benefits of fiber consumption, such as reduction in cholesterol (with psyllium), prevention of constipation, and reducing risk of hemorrhoids.”

Appendicitis: studies show a correlation between the development of appendicitis and low fiber intake. A diet high in fiber may help prevent appendicitis.(59)

**Whew… that’s just the bowel benefits!**
Fiber also helps prevent heart disease in multiple ways.

Lowers Total cholesterol. According to the FDA, soluble fiber meets the standard for reduction of risk from coronary heart disease.(15,16) Psyllium husk is also able to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease as it contains a soluble fiber similar to beta-glucan.(17-26)
Lowers triglycerides. Higher dietary fiber is associated with lower triglyceride levels.(24-26)
Raises HDL. Fiber may even raise HDL — the “good cholesterol” — levels.(27)
Lowers LDL Cholesterol. In addition to total cholesterol, increased fiber lowers LDL — the “bad cholesterol” — levels.(28-29)
Aids Weight loss. Fiber helps prevent weight gain and assists weight loss several ways. The “bulking action” of fiber leads to an earlier feeling of satiety, meaning that one feels satisfied with less high-calorie food when the meal contains a lot of fiber.(30,31) Fiber helps bind and absorb dietary fat, making it less available for assimilation. This means that some fat may be “lost” through the digestive tract when the meal is high in insoluble fiber.(32)
Lowers Overall risk of Coronary Artery Disease. Perhaps because of a combination of the above-listed lipid-normalizing factors, some studies have shown an overall protective effect of higher fiber intake against coronary heart disease.(33)

Fiber also benefits blood sugar levels and diabetes…

Helps Type I Diabetes. Eaten with meals, high-fiber supplements like guar gum reduced the rise in blood sugar following meals in people with type 1 diabetes.(34-35) In one trial, a low-glycemic-index diet containing 50 grams of daily fiber improved blood sugar control and helped prevent hypoglycemic episodes in people with type 1 diabetes taking two or more insulin injections per day.(36)
Improves Type II Diabetes. High-fiber diets have been shown to work better in controlling diabetes than the American Diabetic Association (ADA)-recommended diet, and may control blood sugar levels as well as oral diabetic drugs.One study compared participants eating the the ADA diet (supplying 24 grams of daily fiber) or a high-fiber diet (containing 50 grams daily fiber) for six weeks. Those eating the high-fiber diet for six weeks had an average 10% lower glucose level than people eating the ADA diet. Insulin levels were 12% lower in the high-fiber group compared to those in the ADA diet group. The high fiber group also had decreased glycosylated hemoglobin levels, a measure of long-term blood glucose regulation.(37)
High-fiber supplements such as psyllium(38), guar gum(39) and pectin(40) have shown improved glucose tolerance.(20, 26)

More systemic benefits of fiber:

Gallstone prevention. Rapid digestion of carbohydrates leads to fast release of glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream. In response, the body releases large amounts of insulin. High insulin levels contribute to gallstone formation. Because dietary fiber slows the release of carbohydrates (and corresponding insulin), fiber helps prevent gallstone formation.(41-43)
Kidney stone prevention. Low intakes of dietary fiber have been found to correlate with increased kidney stone formation, and higher intakes of fiber appear to be protective against stone formation.(44-46)
Varicose veins. “Straining at stool” caused by fiber-deficiency constipation, has been found in some studies to cause varicose veins.(47) Populations with lower fiber intakes have higher rates of varicosities.(48)

Fiber may even be important in prevention of certain types of cancer…

Colon Cancer Prevention. Diets higher in fiber have been shown in some studies to reduce the risk of colon cancer.(49-51)
Breast cancer prevention. Higher fiber diets are associated with lower breast cancer risk.(51,52) Some studies have shown up to a 50% decreased risk with higher fiber intakes.(53) After diagnosis, a high fiber diet may decrease the risk of breast cancer reoccurrence.(54)
Pancreatic cancer prevention. High fiber diets are associated with lower risk of pancreatic cancer.(55)
Endometrial cancer prevention. Higher fiber has been shown in some studies to protect against endometrial cancer.(56)
Prostate cancer prevention. Diets higher in fiber may be associated with lower risk of prostate cancer.(51,57) After diagnosis, a high fiber diet may decrease the risk of prostate cancer reoccurrence.(54)
Cancer prevention in general. Some studies have found that high fiber diets help prevent cancer in general, regardless of type.(58)

Recommendations vs. Reality

The average daily American fiber intake is estimated at 14 to 15 g, significantly less than the American Dietetic Association recommendation of 20 to 35 g for adults, 25 g daily for girls ages 9 through 18 years and 31 to 38 g for boys ages 9 through 18.(60-61) The American Heart Association recommends 25 to 30 g daily.(62)

Based on dietary intakes of long-lived populations (who typically consume 40-60 grams or more of fiber per day), many holistic physicians recommend aiming for a minimum of 30 grams of daily fiber.

In my clinical experience, I find that most people over-estimate their fiber intake because they are unaware of the fiber content of many of the foods they eat. See how your food choices stack up here: Rate Your Plate – It’s fun, educational and surprising!

Since fiber has proven itself to be such an important “non nutrient” for good health, increased dietary consumption and/or supplementation can be considered a wise choice for optimal health and disease prevention.

Still The Best-Tasting, Most Complete Fiber Available

Dr. Myatt’s Maxi Fiber was called EZ Fiber – NOW CALLED Fiber Complex

Great News! Maxi Fiber, one of Dr. Myatt’s most popular products, has been licensed to a major supplement manufacturer. This means that Dr. Myatt no longer sells Maxi Fiber in the small containers, but now offers the same great product (exactly the same!) in a larger container for your convenience. The old Maxi Fiber provided 30 servings per container and the new product Fiber Complex ™ comes in a 60 serving container.

Click Here To Order Fiber Complex

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Fiber. American Heart Association. Available at: www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4574. Accessed April 11, 2006.

The Healing Power of Flowers

It's Always The Right Time For Flowers Ever wonder why people send flowers for weddings, funerals, anniversaries, birthdays, get well wishes and every major holiday you can name? After all, fresh flowers seem so extravagant. You can’t eat them (for the most part), most aren’t medicinal, and after a week or so, they wilt and are gone. Yet for thousands of years, humans have spent much time and money cultivating these fleeting natural beauties. Science has discovered at least part of the reason for our fascination with flowers: they induce powerful, positive emotions.

In one study, women always elicited the Duchenne or “true smile” when presented with flowers. An increased positive mood could be measured for three days or more after presentation. In another study, a flower given to men or women in an elevator elicited more positive social behavior than any other stimuli. A third study showed that flowers given to participants aged 55+ evoked positive moods and improved memory. Authors of these studies conclude that “Flowers have immediate and long-term effects on emotional reactions, mood, social behaviors and even memory for both males and females.”

We always have fresh flowers in the house, whether it be a single red rose or an entire vase bursting with color and fragrance. Considering the many positive emotions evoked by fresh flowers, why wait until sickness or death to send someone you love a beautiful bouquet?

Dr. Myatt’s Recommendation

Don’t wait for a special occasion to send flowers to those you love. Remember to send flowers to yourself, too. After having fresh flowers in your home for a week, you’ll understand their healing and uplifting powers and will probably never think of them as “extravagant” again!

It’s Never Too Late to send flowers!

Check out My Favorite Flower Company with their incredible array of choices, great prices and SAME DAY DELIVERY. They make sending flowers easy and enjoyable.

It's Never Too Late To Send Flowers It's Always The Right Time For Flowers

Reference

An Environmental Approach to Positive Emotion: Flowers. Haviland-Jones, Hale Rosario, R. McGuire, Evolutionary Psychology 3: 104-132, 17 April 2005.

Flu Vaccinations:

A Shot in The Dark?

When I was 8, one of my friend’s dad died suddenly, at the ripe old age of 35, of the flu. Not cancer, not a heart attack, not a car wreck — the flu.

One day he was sick in bed with fever, chills, and headache. The next day he saw the family doctor who prescribed an antibiotic (which is worthless for the flu). He had an anaphylactic reaction (severe allergic reaction) to the antibiotic and died that same day. Even at the tender age of 8, it just didn’t seem right for someone to die of such a “garden variety” illness. But he did, and people still do.

As old-fashioned a disease as “the flu” (influenza) is, 24.7 million people in the US contract the flu each year and over 100,000 of these cases require hospitalization. An average of 41,400 people die from complications of the flu in the US alone every year. Notice I said “complications.” People don’t die of the flu directly. They die of pneumonia or other “flu-related” diseases.1, 2 But don’t expect a flu shot to protect you. That’s because the effectiveness of the “flu shot” is in serious question.

Why The Flu Vaccine is a Bust

The flu is caused by over 200 different viruses and infective agents; colds are caused by over 700 viruses. Vaccinations against the flu protect against only THREE influenza A and B — that’s right — three of the 200 known A & B viruses, and A and B influenza viruses comprise only a small fraction of all causes of the flu.

Influenza vaccines are designed to protect against 3 Influenza viruses A & B (solid pink piece of the pie graph)

Influenza vaccines are designed to protect against 3 Influenza viruses A & B (solid pink piece of the pie graph). Graph courtesy of the British Medical Journal.

So, the flu vaccine protects from only a small percentage of the known causes of flu and flu vaccines may be effective as little as 39% (some studies show 0%) of the time in healthy adults.3 According to the FDA, “The shot doesn’t do as well at preventing flu in older adults and people with certain medical problems.” 4

Great. Flu vaccines only protect against a small number of viruses, are effective 39% or less of the time and work even less well in people who need it most, the elderly and immune-weakened folks. I’d say the flu vaccine is a real shot in the dark. Worse than ineffective or benign, the influenza vaccine is still preserved with thimerosol (mercury), a known neurotoxin. (Mercury-free vaccines exist but you won’t get it unless you specifically request it).

Of course, the flu isn’t the only malady we are more susceptible to in Winter months. Plain ol’ colds and sinus and respiratory infections also increase in the Winter, not because of cold temperatures directly but because viruses spread more easily in cold, dry air.

If the thought of getting sick, or possibly really sick, this Winter doesn’t inspire you, and if feel like I do —- totally underwhelmed by the effectiveness of the flu vaccine — what can you do?

Fortunately, Mother Nature has more immune-boosting strategies than modern medicine will EVER think of. Here are 4 simple, proven recommendations for keeping yourself “bullet proof” against not only the flu, but colds, sinus infections, pneumonia and all manner of Winter-time maladies.

How to Make Yourself Flu-Proof: “Winterize” Your Immune System in Four Easy Steps

1.) Eat an Immune-Boosting Diet. The two major dietary causes of immune suppression are sugar intake and food allergies.

I.) Dietary sugar. Sugar suppresses the activity of white blood cells (neutrophils) — an important part of the immune system — for up to 5 hours. Even fruit juice contains enough sugar to cause this immune-suppressing effect. Sugars which cause immune suppression include glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey, and orange juice.6,7,8 Although original studies showed an immune suppressing effect at 100 grams of sugar other studies have shown that even much lower intakes of dietary sugar have immune suppressing effects. 9,10. The USDA and the Center for Science in Public Interest (CSPI) agree that 40 grams of sugar is an acceptable daily limit.

Imagine a “healthy” (not!) day of eating that can actually keep immunity suppressed for the entire day.

Breakfast: glass of orange juice (1 cup has 21 grams of sugar), oatmeal with raisins (2 TBS. has 20 grams of sugar), 1 tsp. of sugar (4 grams of sugar) and lowfat milk (1 cup has 13 grams of sugar). That’s a whopping 58 grams of sugar just for breakfast! Expect a suppressed immune system for the next 5 hours.

Snack: Nonfat fruit-variety yogurt (1 cup has 47 grams of sugar) Immune suppression for up to 5 hours.

Lunch: Subway Chicken Teriyaki Sanwich (6 grams of sugar) with 2 oz. fat-free French dressing (12 grams sugar) and 1 oatmeal raisin cookie for desert (16 grams of sugar) [32 grams total]. Immune system still suppressed from breakfast and snack.

Dinner: green salad with 2 TBS. fat-free french dressing (6 grams), 1 serving Weight Watcher’s chicken enchiladas (33 grams) with 2 TBS fat-free yogurt topping (2 grams) [41 grams total] Immune suppression until bedtime.

Dessert: 1/2 cup Breyer’s no sugar added vanilla ice cream (only 4 grams), but it’s the “cherry” on the immune-suppression-day cake!

There you have it. “A day in the life” of someone who thinks they are eating fairly well, with more than enough sugar to cause all-day immune suppression. Notice that fruit juice and flavored yogurt are major offenders.

Avoiding sugar is the most important dietary step you can take to strengthen your immune system. Period.

II.) Food allergies. Food allergies weaken the immune system. White blood cells and other aspects of immunity get “distracted” taking care of internal annoyances (allergens) instead of protecting against outside “bugs” like the flu virus. Check out the symptoms of food allergy to see if this might be a problem for you. Check Food Allergy Symptoms Here

2.) Practice simple home and hygiene techniques.

I.) Wash your hands frequently. Flu and cold viruses can survive on surfaces, including hands, for hours. Every time you touch a doorknob or anything touched by another, you can pick up a virus. And don’t rub your eyes or face, thereby transmitting the virus to yourself from unwashed hands.

II.) Cover your mouth and nose — preferably with a tissue — when you sneeze or cough. Remember, flu and cold viruses are transmitted primarily through airborne droplets.

III.) Take the day off! If you’re suffering from a cold, do co-workers and friends a favor and quarantine yourself at home until you’re no longer sneezing and hacking. Of course, if you’ve got a bona fide case of the flu, you WILL be taking the day off. Flu symptoms are almost always severe enough to cause prostration.

IV.) Keep your house humid. Indoor fountains (even the little table-top varieties), humidifiers and live plants all help keep indoor Winter air moist. Viruses spread more slowly in higher humidity because airborne water droplets “grab” the viruses and pull them out of circulation. In dry air, viruses are left to float around from one sneezing, coughing host to another.5

3.) Strengthen your immune system with supplements.

I.) Take an optimal potency vitamin/mineral supplement every day. If you only take one supplement to strengthen your immune system, it should be a good multiple formula. Studies have shown that seniors who take a multiple have stronger immune systems and are less likely to get a respiratory tract infection or the flu.11,12,13 A deficiency of any single vitamin, mineral or trace mineral can lead to weakened immunity. 12-23 Improved nutritional status by supplementation can also improve the body’s response to vaccinations. 24

Notice I said optimal potency, not “minimal.” Studies have also shown that a one-per-day formula does virtually nothing to improve immunity. That’s because you can’t fit enough nutrients into one tablet or capsule to do anything but prevent severe deficiency diseases (like just enough vitamin C to prevent scurvy but not enough to strengthen the immune system). In the nutritional industry, we call that “pixie dust.” An optimal-potency multi vitamin will require at least 6 caps per day (in divided doses). My Maxi Multi recommendation is 9 caps per day, which also includes a full dose of calcium and magnesium (which take up a lot of space in a capsule).

Here are the nutrients of particular immune-enhancing importance, and they should all be found in a good multiple nutrient formula.

vitamin C – people with daily intakes of 500-1,000mg per day are less likely to catch colds, respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. Vitamin C also shortens the duration and severity of these infections.25-29,45
vitamin E – 200IU or more per day reduces the rate of common colds and upper respiratory tract infections 30,31 and increases resistance to influenza in seniors.18, 32-35,44
beta carotene – seniors with a high plasma beta-carotene concentration have a lower occurrence of acute respiratory infections.36
vitamin A – needed to maintain normal “barrier” function of skin and mucous membranes, thereby preventing entry of viruses. Normal levels improve immunity and disease resistance.14,23,29,37-38
vitamin D – Improves immunity and may enhance response to vaccinations.14,23,37,39
zinc – normal zinc status lowers the risk of pneumonia by nearly 50% 40 and decreases the incidence, duration and severity of upper respiratory infections and pneumonia.18,38,41,45 Improved zinc status also enhances the body’s response to vaccinations.11,29
selenium – Decreases the risk of respiratory tract infections. Improved selenium status also enhances the body’s response to vaccinations.11,18,35,42-43

If you are not getting these target doses in your multiple vitamin, then add them separately OR switch to a better multiple vitamin/mineral formula. You can take a lot of “separate stuff” to achieve immune-boosting “target doses” of nutrients, but why would you want to work that hard?

SHAMELESS PITCH HERE: my own Maxi Multi’s contain target doses of all these immune-boosting nutrients. Check to see how your multiple stacks up: Optimal Doses of Vitamins and Minerals for Good Health (scroll to the vitamin and mineral charts toward the bottom of the page)

II.) Supplement with additional immune-boosting herbs. For additional protection, add an immune-enhancing formula throughout the colder months (recommended November through April). There are literally hundreds of herbs that can be used to strengthen the immune system. Some work better — and some work MUCH better — than others.

I’ve put together my own formula of the most “tried and true” (and proven) immune enhancing herbs including Echinacea, astragalus, medicinal mushrooms (Maitake, Shiitake, Reishi), Ligustrum, Goldenseal and Garlic. Learn more about my Immune Support formula here:

I Guarantee You Won’t Get The Flu This Winter

I’m so confident that Immune Support formula, when used in combination with an optimal potency multiple like Maxi Multi, will help you avoid the flu that I offer a “guaranteed no flu this Winter” money-back guarantee. How confident is that?! Did your local doctor promise if you got a flu shot you wouldn’t get the flu or your money back? (Hahahaha….) See my “No Flu for You” Guarantee here

And for Goodness sakes, don’t wait until you feel fever and chills coming on to start taking supplements or eating better (although even late in the game, studies show you can shorten the severity and duration of a winter infection). Prevention is surer and safer than cure, and looks to me to be surer and safer than the flu vaccine, too!

In Health,

Dr. Myatt

References

J. Dushoff, J. Plotkin, Cc Viboud, D. Earn, L. Simonsen. Mortality due to Influenza in the United States—An Annualized Regression Approach Using Multiple-Cause Mortality Data. American Journal of Epidemiology 2006 163(2):181-187
Molinari NA, Ortega-Sanchez IR, Messonnier ML, Thompson WW, Wortley PM, Weintraub E, Bridges CB. The annual impact of seasonal influenza in the US: measuring disease burden and costs. Vaccine. 2007 Jun 28;25(27):5086-96. Epub 2007 Apr 20.
Demicheli V, Rivetti D, Deeks JJ, Jefferson TO. Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;3: CD001269.
The Flu. US Food and Drug Administration Fact Sheet, Aug. 2005.
Lowen AC, Mubareka S, Steel J, Palese P (2007) Influenza Virus Transmission Is Dependent on Relative Humidity and Temperature. PLoS Pathog 3(10): e151. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.0030151
Sanchez A, et al. Role of sugars in human neutrophilic phagocytosis. Am J Clin Nutr 1973; 26: 1180-84
Van Oss CJ. Influence of glucose levels on the in vitro phagocytosis of bacteria by human neutrophils. Infect Immun. 1971 Jul;4(1):54-9.
Ringsdorf WM jr, Cheraskin E and Ramsey RR jr. Sucrose, Neutrophilic Phagocytosis, and Resistance to Disease. Dent Surv 1976; 52 (12): 46-48
Sanchez A, et al. Role of sugars in human neutrophilic phagocytosis. Am J Clin Nutr 1973; 26: 1180-84
Ringsdorf WM jr, Cheraskin E and Ramsey RR jr. Sucrose, Neutrophilic Phagocytosis, and Resistance to Disease. Dent Surv 1976; 52 (12): 46-48
Girodon F, Galan P, Monget AL, Boutron-Ruault MC, Brunet-Lecomte P, Preziosi P, Arnaud J, Manuguerra JC, Herchberg S. Impact of trace elements and vitamin supplementation on immunity and infections in institutionalized elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial. MIN. VIT. AOX. geriatric network. Arch Intern Med. 1999 Apr 12;159(7):748-54.
Langkamp-Henken B, Bender BS, Gardner EM, Herrlinger-Garcia KA, Kelley MJ, Murasko DM, Schaller JP, Stechmiller JK, Thomas DJ, Wood SM. Nutritional formula enhanced immune function and reduced days of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in seniors. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2004 Jan;52(1):3-12.
Winkler P, de Vrese M, Laue Ch, Schrezenmeir J. ffect of a dietary supplement containing probiotic bacteria plus vitamins and minerals on common cold infections and cellular immune parameters. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2005 Jul;43(7):318-26.
Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Contribution of selected vitamins and trace elements to immune function. Ann Nutr Metab. 2007;51(4):301-23. Epub 2007 Aug 28.
Beck MA, Handy J, Levander OA. Host nutritional status: the neglected virulence factor. Trends Microbiol. 2004 Sep;12(9):417-23.
Beck MA. Nutritionally induced oxidative stress: effect on viral disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jun;71(6 Suppl):1676S-81S.
Chandra RK. Impact of nutritional status and nutrient supplements on immune responses and incidence of infection in older individuals. Ageing Res Rev. 2004 Jan;3(1):91-104.
High KP. Nutritional strategies to boost immunity and prevent infection in elderly individuals. Clin Infect Dis. 2001 Dec 1;33(11):1892-900. Epub 2001 Oct 25.
Sebastian RS, Cleveland LE, Goldman JD, Moshfegh AJ.Older adults who use vitamin/mineral supplements differ from nonusers in nutrient intake adequacy and dietary attitudes. J Am Diet Assoc. 2007 Aug;107(8):1322-32.
Chandra RK. Nutrition and immunology: from the clinic to cellular biology and back again. Proc Nutr Soc. 1999 Aug;58(3):681-3.
Maggini S, Wintergerst ES, Beveridge S, Hornig DH. Selected vitamins and trace elements support immune function by strengthening epithelial barriers and cellular and humoral immune responses. Br J Nutr. 2007 Oct;98 Suppl 1:S29-35.
Harbige LS. Nutrition and immunity with emphasis on infection and autoimmune disease. Nutr Health. 1996;10(4):285-312.
Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Contribution of selected vitamins and trace elements to immune function. Ann Nutr Metab. 2007;51(4):301-23. Epub 2007 Aug 28.
Wouters-Wesseling W, Rozendaal M, Snijder M, Graus Y, Rimmelzwaan G, De Groot L, Bindels J. Effect of a complete nutritional supplement on antibody response to influenza vaccine in elderly people. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2002 Sep;57(9):M563-6.
Sasazuki S, Sasaki S, Tsubono Y, Okubo S, Hayashi M, Tsugane S.Effect of vitamin C on common cold: randomized controlled trial.Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jan;60(1):9-17.
Van Straten M, Josling P. Preventing the common cold with a vitamin C supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. Adv Ther. 2002 May-Jun;19(3):151-9.
Carr AB, Einstein R, Lai LY, Martin NG, Starmer GA. Vitamin C and the common cold: using identical twins as controls. Med J Aust. 1981 Oct 17;2(8):411-2.
Anderson TW, Beaton GH, Corey P, Spero L. Winter illness and vitamin C: the effect of relatively low doses. Can Med Assoc J. 1975 Apr 5;112(7):823-6.
Romieu I. Nutrition and lung health. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2005 Apr;9(4):362-74.
Meydani SN, Han SN, Hamer DH. Vitamin E and respiratory infection in the elderly. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Dec;1031:214-22.
Meydani SN, Leka LS, Fine BC, Dallal GE, Keusch GT, Singh MF, Hamer DH. Vitamin E and respiratory tract infections in elderly nursing home residents: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2004 Aug 18;292(7):828-36.
Meydani SN, Han SN, Wu D. Vitamin E and immune response in the aged: molecular mechanisms and clinical implications. Immunol Rev. 2005 Jun;205:269-84.
Han SN, Meydani M, Wu D, Bender BS, Smith DE, Viña J, Cao G, Prior RL, Meydani SN. Effect of long-term dietary antioxidant supplementation on influenza virus infection. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2000 Oct;55(10):B496-503.
Meydani SN, Meydani M, Blumberg JB, Leka LS, Siber G, Loszewski R, Thompson C, Pedrosa MC, Diamond RD, Stollar BD. Vitamin E supplementation and in vivo immune response in healthy elderly subjects. A randomized controlled trial. Vitamin E supplementation and in vivo immune response in healthy elderly subjects. A randomized controlled trial.
Beck MA. Selenium and vitamin E status: impact on viral pathogenicity. J Nutr. 2007 May;137(5):1338-40.
van der Horst-Graat JM, Kok FJ, Schouten EG. Plasma carotenoid concentrations in relation to acute respiratory infections in elderly people. Br J Nutr. 2004 Jul;92(1):113-8
Mora JR, Iwata M, von Andrian UH. Vitamin effects on the immune system: vitamins A and D take centre stage. Nat Rev Immunol. 2008 Aug 8. [Epub ahead of print]
Molina EL, Patel JA. A to Z: vitamin A and zinc, the miracle duo.Indian J Pediatr. 1996 Jul-Aug;63(4):427-31.
Hayes CE, Nashold FE, Spach KM, Pedersen LB.The immunological functions of the vitamin D endocrine system. Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). 2003 Mar;49(2):277-300.
Meydani SN, Barnett JB, Dallal GE, Fine BC, Jacques PF, Leka LS, Hamer DH. Serum zinc and pneumonia in nursing home elderly.Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Oct;86(4):1167-73.
Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions. Ann Nutr Metab. 2006;50(2):85-94. Epub 2005 Dec 21.
Beck MA. Antioxidants and viral infections: host immune response and viral pathogenicity. J Am Coll Nutr. 2001 Oct;20(5 Suppl):384S-388S; discussion 396S-397S.
Beck MA. Selenium and host defence towards viruses. Proc Nutr Soc. 1999 Aug;58(3):707-11.
Burton A. Fewer colds with increased vitamin E intake. Lancet Infect Dis. 2004 Oct;4(10):600.
Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions. Ann Nutr Metab. 2006;50(2):85-94. Epub 2005 Dec 21.

How to End the Pain and Save Your Gallbladder

The Real Cause of Gallbladder Pain

How Allergies Cause Gallbladder Attacks

The Cure for Gallbladder Pain

The Dangers of Gallbladder Removal

What Can Happen Without a Gallbladder?

Other Nutrients for Gallbladder Health

The Modern Poisons In Your Diet

By Nurse Mark

References and resources for additional information and study:

Antimicrobial for the GI Tract

Supplements and Medical Testing in Support of Fertility Restoration and Enhancement

Dietary Supplements

Medical Testing

Dietary Supplements

FULL DISCLOSURE:

Why Dr. Braverman Recommends Dr. Myatt’s Supplements and Herbal Formulas

The Sunshine Vitamin For Healthy Bones, Teeth, and Cancer Prevention

Dr. Braverman says about Vitamin D:

Vitamin D 5000 – Product # 288 (250 Capsules) $21.95

References:

Twenty-Five Surprising Benefits of a Dietary “Non-Nutrient”

What is this important “non nutrient” that we’re missing? Dietary fiber.

Twenty-Five Health Benefits of Fiber — Who Knew?

Bowel Benefits:

Whew… that’s just the bowel benefits! Fiber also helps prevent heart disease in multiple ways.

Fiber also benefits blood sugar levels and diabetes…

More systemic benefits of fiber:

Fiber may even be important in prevention of certain types of cancer…

Recommendations vs. Reality

Still The Best-Tasting, Most Complete Fiber Available

Dr. Myatt’s Maxi Fiber was called EZ Fiber – NOW CALLED Fiber Complex

Click Here To Order Fiber Complex

References

Dr. Myatt’s Recommendation

It’s Never Too Late to send flowers!

A Shot in The Dark?

Why The Flu Vaccine is a Bust

How to Make Yourself Flu-Proof: “Winterize” Your Immune System in Four Easy Steps

1.) Eat an Immune-Boosting Diet. The two major dietary causes of immune suppression are sugar intake and food allergies.

2.) Practice simple home and hygiene techniques.

3.) Strengthen your immune system with supplements.

I Guarantee You Won’t Get The Flu This Winter

Learning Center

Natural Health Pharmacy

Holistic Health Handbook

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Varicose Veins

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**Whew… that’s just the bowel benefits!**
Fiber also helps prevent heart disease in multiple ways.