Category: Weight and Body Composition

INSOMNIA


Natural Strategies For Sound Sleep

Insomnia is defined as several types: difficulty falling asleep (sleep onset insomnia) or in staying asleep (maintenance insomnia). Insomnia may be caused by low blood sugar, caffeine, tobacco or other stimulant use, prescription medications, hormone or neurotransmitter imbalances and psychological factors. Stress reduction and non-drug treatments should be employed in all but a very few cases of insomnia due to the side-effects of common sleep medications. A neurotransmitter evaluation should be performed if the self-help measures listed below to do not provide relief.

Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Exercise regularly. Exercise improves sleep quality. Exercise earlier in the day, not before bed.
  • Follow the Ten Rules for Good Health . Nutrient deficiencies and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause insomnia.
  • Go to bed and get up at a regular time.
  • Do not work or perform other non-sleep/sex activities in bed.
  • Practice stress reduction techniques, especially in the evening before going to bed. Do not end the day by watching violent movies or the news.
  • Drink a glass of warm whey protein powder before bed, especially if low blood sugar is a problem.

Primary Support

  • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of  B complex vitamins and magnesium are particularly important for insomnia.
  • Melatonin: this hormone decreases with age. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant that helps regulate Circadian rhythms. It should be used in almost all cases of insomnia. Melatonin is also an an “anti stress” hormone.
  • Kavinace potentiates GABA, one of the main inhibitory neurotransmitters. Higher GABA levels can relieve anxiety and promote restful sleep. 1 to 2 capsules at bedtime can be highly a effective sleep aid.

Additional Support

  • L-5-HTP (5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan) 100 mg: 1 cap, 3 times per day, twice with meals and once before bed. Dosage may be increased to 2 caps, 3 times per day after 2 weeks if response is inadequate. L-5-HTP is a neurotransmitter precursor; most neurotransmitters decrease with age.
  • Magnesium (amino acid chelate): 2 tabs, 45 minutes before bedtime. (In addition to what is contained in Maxi-Multi)

If anxiety is present:

If myoclonus (muscle jerking) causes secondary insomnia:

  • Vitamin E: 200-400 IU per day with meals. (This amount is already found in Maxi Multi)

For sleep onset difficulty in the elderly:

  • Melatonin: 1-3 mg, 45 minutes before bed. Increase in 3 mg increments as needed for sleep. Melatonin is only effective for sleep onset insomnia when a person has low melatonin levels. This occurs more commonly in older people.
    AND/OR
  • 5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan (5-HTP) 100 mg: 1-3 caps, 45 minutes before bed. Start with 100 mg and increase dose as needed.

Dr. Myatt’s Comment

Consistent practice of the sleep hygiene techniques listed under Diet and Lifestyle above, plus improved nutrition and correction of low or unstable blood sugar, are often all that is needed to correct insomnia. If stress is a problem, follow  advice for Mood Disorder. Alcohol intake is a commonly overlooked cause of secondary insomnia.

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)


Natural Strategies for Cranky Bowel

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a motility disorder of the upper and lower GI tract. Symptoms include some combination of constipation, diarrhea, or alternating constipation and diarrhea, flatulence, colic (gas pains) relieved by bowel movement, abdominal distention after eating, or mucous in stools.

The cause of IBS is unclear, since no anatomical lesion is consistently found.

Contributing factors may include food allergy, altered bowel flora, intestinal parasites or yeast overgrowth, lack of dietary fiber, and lack of digestive factors (enzymes, hydrochloric acid (HCL), bile salts). Highly refined Western diets are implicated. Psychological factors often play a role.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Include fiber-rich foods in the diet (vegetables, fruits, and whole grains).
  • Chew food thoroughly. Do not eat when rushed or under strain.
  • Evaluate for food allergies and avoid aggravating foods.
  • Avoid GI-irritant foods: caffeine and caffeine-containing substances, chocolate, alcohol, white sugar, white flour, fatty foods.
  • Drink 64 ounces of pure water daily. Dehydration contributes to constipation and altered bowel flora which can trigger the cycle of IBS.
  • Regular exercise, especially walking, helps normalize bowel function.
  • Practice relaxation techniques if stress seems to aggravate or initiate the condition.

PRIMARY SUPPORT

  • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of vitamins A, C, E, beta carotene, folic acid, B12, and zinc are particularly important for correcting IBS.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids:
     Flax seed meal, 2 teaspoons per day with food
    OR
    Flax seed capsules    : 2-4 caps, 3 times per day (target dose range: 6-12 caps per day)
    OR
    Flax seed oil    : 1 tablespoon per day
    OR
    Max EPA     (Omega-3 rich fish oil): 1-2 caps, 3 times per day with meals (target dose: 3-6 caps per day).
  • Fiber: Maxi Fiber, 1-2 teaspoons, 3 times per day before or between meals, OR Fiber Formula: 3-6 caps 2-3 times per day between meals. Be SURE to take a full 8 ounces of water with each dose. Start with smaller doses and gradually work up, since sudden increases in fiber can cause aggravation.
  • Similase: 1-2 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Take an additional 1 cap with snacks.
  • SupremaDophilus (high potency probiotics): 1 capsule once a day before bed.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

For acute symptoms:

  • Mentharil (enteric coated peppermint): 1-2 caps, 2-3 times per day between meals. Peppermint acts as an anti- spasmodic BUT it must be “enteric coated” so that it is not absorbed before reaching the lower bowel.

For diarrhea:

  • Activated charcoal: 6 caps with water. If symptoms persist beyond one hour, take a second dose of 6 charcoal caps.

DR. MYATT’S COMMENT

It may take some time and exploration to find the causative factors in IBS, but patients tell me it’s well worth the effort. Refer to the complete bowel retraining program, Healthy Colon Priority Protocol on page 9 in your Holistic Health Handbook. If self-help measures fail to bring relief, I am available for telephone consultations.

 

 

LBC-LAX


Aid Constipation with this Superior Bowel-Toning Formula

LBC-Lax - A Superior Formula To Aid Constipation And Tone The BowelConstipation is no fun, and it’s not healthy for the body either. Although LBC-LAX used alone is a laxative formula, used with fiber according to my instructions it becomes part of a “bowel re-education” and toning program.

When used as part of my bowel protocol, this formula will NOT cause laxative dependence.

Each (one) capsule contains: Cascara sagrada 95 mg in a proprietary base of Barberry root bark, fennel seed, Ginger root, Goldenseal root, Lobelia, Red raspberry leaves, Turkey Rhubarb root and Cayenne.

LBC-Lax is no longer available – Dr. Myatt now recommends 3A Magnesia to her patients.

 

Larch (Larix occidentalis)


Natural Anti-Metastatic and Immune Stimulant

Larch ArabinogalactansLarch is a deciduous conifer that contains an arabinogalactan similar to those found in other “immune-enhancing” herbs such as Echinacea, Baptisia and Turmeric.

Larch arabinogalactans have been shown to reduce the number of liver metastasis in multiple studies, perhaps by acting as a “reverse lectin” and blocking tumor binding sites. A similar effect has been noted for Modified Citrus Pectin. Larch also nourishes the gut flora and acts as a source of dietary fiber. A summary of the benefits of Larch are:

  • stimulates the immune system
  • helps prevent cancer metastasis
  • improves bowel flora (friendly gut bacteria)
  • acts as a source of dietary fiber

Larch and/or Modified Citrus Pectin should be considered by anyone with cancer to help prevent or delay metastasis.

Suggested Dose: two teaspoons, 2-3 times per day. This may be added to your Super Shake.

REFERENCES

1.) Hagmar B, Ryd W, Skomedal H. Arabinogalactan blockade of experimental metastases to liver by murine hepatoma. Invasion Metastasis 1991;11:348-355.
2.) Beuth J, Ko HL, Oette K, et al. Inhibition of liver metastasis in mice by blocking hepatocyte lectins with arabinogalactan infusions and D-galactose. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 1987;113:51-55.
3). Beuth J, Ko HL, Schirrmacher V, et al. Inhibition of liver tumor cell colonization in two animal tumor models by lectin blocking with D-galactose or arabinogalactan. Clin Exp Metastasis 1988;6:115-120.
4). Hauer J, Anderer FA. Mechanism of stimulation of human natural killer cytotoxicity by arabinogalactan from Larix occidentalis. Cancer Immunol Immunother 1993;36:237-244.

 

HealthBeat News

The Ten Most Dangerous Foods: Part II

For those of you who have been waiting for the other shoe to drop, here are the “other five” of my top ten list of most unhealthful foods. If you did not get the first half of this list, please refresh your memory by clicking here: http://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/HealthbeatV8I7.htm

6.) Margarine: no matter what it’s made from, margarine is largely “trans fat.” (Remember, trans fat is “Franken-fat,” the really bad stuff). Even good oils are converted into “trans” when they are made into margarine. There isn’t much “trans fat” in nature; the body is not well equipped to deal with this strange substance. Corn oil margarine has an Omega Ratio of 88.5, but even “good” margarine made with soy margarine has an OR of 12.9 (not to mention an unknown amount of “trans,” which all margarines have.

SUBSTITUTE: Butter, with an Omega Ratio of 1.5, is an absolute health food. I’m not sure how it got a “bad rap,” but it is totally undeserved. Use butter for a bread spread and for low-heat sautéing. DO NOT use margarine of any kind!

7.) Vegetable Oils: Some oils are bad, some are really bad. Corn oil and peanut oil take the prize for having such an unnatural Omega Ratio (82.9 & infinite, respectively), that the body simply does not have the capacity to use it properly. These high Omega-6 oils create inflammation in the body, predisposing to cancer, heart disease and over 60 other disease processes. Other unhealthy vegetable oils include: soy, sunflower, safflower, cotton seed and sesame. Olive oil is neutral, not healthful. Why use this when you can use flax seed oil with a positive health benefit?

SUBSTITUTE: For salad dressings and no-heat uses: Flax oil (Omega ratio: 0.23) is a health food, so is walnut oil (OR: 5.0) and canola oil (OR: 2.18). Be SURE to use organically processed canola (the label will brag about this). Most commercial canola oils are chemically processed and contain too many chemical residues to make them safe.

8.) White Sugar: This pseudo-food contains NOTHING but simple, “empty” calories. It has no fats, hence no Omega Ratio. (That’s the best news about white sugar). White sugar rapidly elevates blood sugar and taxes the pancreas tremendously. Can you say “hypoglycemia, Syndrome X and diabetes”? The calories in sugar have no food value but are stored rapidly as fat. White sugar requires B complex vitamins for its utilization, creating a B vitamin deficiency. Why does this matter? Low B-6, B12 and folate are major causes of depression, heart disease, ovarian cancer (and probably other cancers), and birth defects.

SUBSTITUTE: “brown sugar” and honey are NOT acceptable substitutes. Their nutritional content is only minutely better than refined white sugar. Try stevia (an herb) or artificial sweeteners, especially saccharine and Splenda.

9.) White flour: With an Omega ratio of 17.7 and no redeeming nutritional value except empty calories, white flour teams with white sugar as the top “white trash” foods. All of the B complex vitamin deficiencies occurring with white sugar also happen with white flour. Now think a minute: why is it white? Because it has been BLEACHED. No fiber, no nutrients (except carbohydrate calories), a huge tax on the pancreas, PLUS bleach. What a bargain!

SUBSTITUTE: whole grain flour (which usually has a lot of refined flour), or skip flour products altogether. Soy flour products make the most tastefully and healthfully acceptable products.

10.) Non-Dairy Creamer: Made from “pseudo-edible oils” (see # 7 above), creamers have a lot of trans fats. Why do I call the “Franken-fats”? “Trans” is the REALLY BAD kind of fat; Franken-fats are from Trans-silvania, get it?

SUBSTITUTE: want cream in your coffee? Use cream! Or half-and-half! With an Omega Ratio of 1.55 and no trans fats, the “real deal” is much more healthful than these “Franken-fakes.”

Healthy, Low Carb Thanksgiving Recipes

The holidays are a time for celebration and feasting, and far be it from me to suggest otherwise! However, simple carbohydrate foods (sugars and starches) are the primary cause of overweight, obesity and diabetes. These foods are also highly associated with cardiovascular disease and cancer. How can you enjoy the holidays and not compromise your health? Try these super-tasty-super-healthy recipes and find out for yourself. Yes, you can “have your cake and eat it too”!

We’re having T-Day dinner with friends and family tomorrow evening. Here is our contribution to the Thanksgiving Day feast:

Appetizers: KetOmega deviled eggs, salmon/cream cheese pate with veggie crudités and pork rinds

Din-din: TURKEY (and lots of it!), alfredo green beans, stuffing, “ketatoes” (cauliflower mashed potatoes), cranberry sauce, broccoli in cheese sauce, mushroom (or giblet) gravy

Dessert: cheesecake, pumpkin pie, and backgammon pie (to swoon for!)

Beverage: white wine, coffee, other no-carb “diners choice.”

So much great food, so little gilt! To find the recipes for these delicacies, click here:

Thanksgiving Day Low-Carb Recipes Part I

Thanksgiving Recipes, Part II

Enjoy!

And speaking of being thankful that we live in a free country, Next week I’ll be alerting you to a SERIOUS breach of your health freedom: your vitamin and herb supplements will be outlawed as of Aug., 2005…. no joke! There’s still a small window of time when we can make a difference, and I’ll tell you exactly what you need to do to protect our health freedom. Please be watching for next week’s bulletin!

In the meantime, have a healthy, Happy Thanksgiving Day!

In Health,

Dr. Myatt

HYPOGLYCEMIA (LOW BLOOD SUGAR)


Natural Support For This Dietary Imbalance

Hypoglycemia results when there is an abnormally low level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. This condition is often caused by an excess secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can mimic many other conditions. Any or all of the following can be experienced during a hypoglycemic episode: weakness, heart palpitations, anxiety, dizziness, headache, depression, weakness in the legs, tightness in the chest, numbness and/or tingling of body parts, insomnia, confusion, craving for sweets or starches, and nervous habits. Poor adrenal function and abnormal carbohydrate metabolism often occur with hypoglycemia.

Although heredity can play a role, the most common cause of hypoglycemia is dietary imbalance. Nutritional deficiencies compound the problem. A diet that is high in refined carbohydrates will aggravate or even cause hypoglycemia. Paradoxically, these foods will give temporary relief of symptoms during a low blood sugar “episode” and are therefore often eaten by hypoglycemics.

If ignored, the condition may predispose to development of Type II (adult-onset) diabetes. Because of their high sugar intake, many hypoglycemics also develop candidiasis.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Eat only unrefined (complex) carbohydrates. Avoid all processed grains and sugars (except fresh fruit) The Super Fast Diet is EXCELLENT for hypoglycemics.
  • Always eat breakfast and include protein with this meal. (Eggs, tofu, Super Pro ‘96, whey powder, etc.)
  • Do not use coffee, tobacco, alcohol, or sugar.
  • Exercise regularly. Exercise stabilizes blood sugar levels.
  • Practice stress reduction techniques: meditation, prayer, biofeedback, deep breathing. Stress releases excess adrenalin which lowers blood sugar levels.

PRIMARY SUPPORT

  • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of antioxidants (ACES), magnesium, B complex vitamins, and chromium are particularly important for correcting hypoglycemia.
  • Ultra-Chrome (chromium 4-oxopyridine, 2,6 dicarboxylate): 200-500mg daily in addition to multiple vitamin/mineral dose. (This form of chromium is 3 times more potent than chromium picolinate!)
  • Fiber: Maxi Fiber: 1 teaspoon, 3 times per day 10 minutes before meals, OR Fiber Formula: 4-6 caps, 3 times per day before or during meals.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

  • Multi-B-Complex: 1 cap, 2 times per day with meals IF you are not taking the Optimal Doses of B vitamins contained in Maxi Multi.
    • Support any organ system that scored “high” on the Self-Health Questionnaire, pages 6-8 in your Holistic Health Handbook.

 

 

Super CITRIMAXHydroxycitrate (HCA)


Blocks Carbohydrate Conversion

Citrimax hydroxycitrate (HCA)Hydroxycitrate (Super CitriMax, HCA) is a substance isolated from the fruit of the Malabar tamarind (Garcinia cambogia). Some studies suggest that HCA may inhibit conversion of carbohydrates into fat. (2-4) It also may suppresses appetite.(1-2)

Use HCA with carbohydrate-containing meals. Great support formula for a low calorie diet.

Super CitriMax contains standardized levels of hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which has been clinically shown to suppress appetite and inhibit fat production, without stimulating the central nervous system.

Super CitriMax inhibits the conversion of carbohydrates into fat and promotes an increase in the formation of stored energy. This also signals the brain to turn off hunger signals. To help regulate sugar levels and cravings, this formula also contains chromate, a very high quality chromium supplement that has been shown to be 18 times more active than other forms of chromium commonly found in supplements.

Hydroxycitric acid may help:

  • Curb appetite (1-2)
  • Decrease lipogenesis (fat storage) (2-4)
  • Maintain healthy cholesterol levels (2)

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, adults take two (2) capsules, three (3) times daily, one (1) hour before mealtime, or as directed by a health care professional. Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light.
Keep out of reach of children.

References

1.) Gatta B, Zuberbuehler C, Arnold M, Aubert R, Langhans W, Chapelot D. Acute effects of
pharmacological modifications of fatty acid metabolism on human satiety. Br J Nutr. 2009
Jun;101(12):1867-77. Epub 2008 Dec 16.
2.) Preuss HG, Rao CV, Garis R, Bramble JD, Ohia SE, Bagchi M, Bagchi D. An overview of the safety and efficacy of a novel, natural(-)-hydroxycitric acid extract (HCA-SX) for weight
management. J Med. 2004;35(1-6):33-48.
3.) Lowenstein JM. Experiments with (-)hydroxycitrate. In: Burtley W, Kornberg HL, Quayle JR,
eds. Essays in Cell Metabolism. New York: Wiley Interscience, 1970, 153–66.
4.) Roy S, Shah H, Rink C, Khanna S, Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Sen CK. Transcriptome of primary
adipocytes from obese women in response to a novel hydroxycitric acid-based dietary
supplement. DNA Cell Biol. 2007 Sep;26(9):627-39.

 

Hiatal Hernia


Natural Support Strategies For This Uncomfortable Condition

Hiatal hernia a condition where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm (herniates). This condition is caused by overweight, overeating and / or a weakness of the esophageal sphincter muscle. Hiatal hernia is a common cause of GERD (Gastro-esophogeal reflux disease). Being overweight greatly aggravates the condition.

Diet And Lifestyle Considerations

  • Do NOT overeat!
  • Avoid coffee, alcohol, and chocolate. Also avoid known food allergens.
  • Maintain a normal body weight.
  • Do not eat within three hours of bedtime.
  • Elevate the head of the bed in 2-3 inches.
  • Do NOT use peppermint within two hours of meals. (Unless it is enteric coated).
  • Don’t smoke! The nicotine in tobacco relaxes the esophageal sphincter.

Primary Support

Dr. Myatt’s Comment

Be sure to perform a Low Gastric Acid Self-Test. Over half the population over age 60 is deficient in hydrochloric acid production. Low stomach acid allows food to remain too long in the stomach and can cause or aggravate a weak esophageal sphincter.

Chronic indigestion indicates that something is wrong —- diet, digestion, etc. You should not continue to take over-the-counter stomach medicines without seeing a doctor for correct diagnosis. Self-help measures are effective in all but a few cases.

Naturopathic and osteopathic physicians are trained in soft tissue manipulation. Hiatal hernias often respond to manipulative therapy.