Category: Weight and Body Composition

32 Million American suffer from IBS

(Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

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, and mucous in stools.

The cause of IBS is unclear, since no anatomical lesion can be found. Contributing factors may include food allergy, altered bowel microflora, intestinal parasites, lack of dietary fiber, and lack of digestive enzymes. Highly refined Western diets are implicated. Psychological factors often play a role.

Protocol for treating IBS

DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Include fiber-rich food in the diet (vegetables, fruits and whole grains). Be aware that a percentage of people with IBS are sensitive to gluten, which includes wheat, oats, rye, and barley.
  • Chew food thoroughly. Do not eat when rushed or under strain. (This impairs digestion).
  • Evaluate for food allergies and avoid aggravating foods. (See “Food Allergy,” page 61 in your Holistic Health Handbook. Don’t have a Handbook? Click here, and order yours now.)
  • Avoid GI-irritant foods: caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, white sugar, white flour, fatty foods.
  • Drink 64 ounces per day of pure water. Dehydration contributes to constipation and altered bowel flora which can trigger the cycle of IBS.
  • Practice relaxation techniques if stress seems to aggravate the condition.
  • Regular exercise, especially walking, helps normalize bowel function.

PRIMARY SUPPORT

  • BASIC PROGRAM: Maxi Multi, 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. (Or equivalent optimal potency multiple vitamin/mineral formula to include A,C,E, beta carotene, folic acid, B12 and zinc, all of which are especially important in correcting IBS).
  • Omega-3 fatty Acids: [Function: Anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic]
  • Fiber: [Function: detoxifies the bowel; adds bulk; holds water and fat to help form stool]
    • Chitosan: 3 caps, 3 times per day between meals (especially if fatty foods aggravate)
    • OR Keto Fiber: 1-2 teaspoons per day before or between meals (especially if constipation is a predominant symptom.)
    • OR Fiber Formula: 3-6 capsules, 1-3 times per day.
  • Similase: (digestive enzyme formula): [Function: improves digestion and assimilation of nutrients]1-2 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Take an additional 1 cap with between-meal snacks.
  • SupremaDophylus (high potency “good” gut bacteria): [Function: replaces normal GI tract bacteria] 1 capsule at bedtime.
  • L-glutamine: [Function: speeds healing of GI tract; improves immunity; decreases sugar and alcohol cravings] 1 teaspoon, 1 to 3 times per day in water or cold beverage.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

  • Mentharil (enteric-coated peppermint): [Function: anti-spasmodic]. 1-2 caps, 2 times per day between meals.
  • Activated Charcoal [Function: detoxificant; absorbed irritants and binds fluids. Especially useful for diarrhea of all types, including food poisoning]. Dose: 4-6 caps, 2-4 times per day as needed.

Dr. Myatt’s Comment: It may take a bit of time and exploration to discover the cause of IBS, but patients tell me it is well worth the effort to relieve the problem. Refer to the complete bowel retraining program titled Healthy Colon Priority Protocol, page 9 in your Holistic Health Handbook. If self-help measures fail to bring permanent relief, I recommend a consultation with me or another holistic physician for assistance.

 

HealthBeat News

Do You Really Take All That Stuff ???

I was in a local store today; the owner and I are on friendly terms. In fact, we had given her a Wellness Club Holistic Health Handbook as part of her Christmas gift. Apparently, she has been reading it. She asked me today when I was in, “Do you really take all that stuff you recommend? Can’t you just get adequate nutrition from a good diet?” Good questions, and I was shaking my head “yes” and “no” before she even finished asking.

Yes, I really take a lot of my own Wellness Club “stuff” (more in a minute). In fact, one of the main reason I started The Wellness Club almost 10 years ago was to ensure myself easy access to “the good stuff” (highest quality nutritionals). And “no,” you can’t get adequate, much less optimal, nutrition from diet alone. Here are the reasons I take supplements.

Why a “good diet” is not optimal. First let’s define some terms: “Adequate” means barely enough to sustain life. Yes, you can probably achieve that from an exceptionally good diet. Who eats an exceptionally good diet? But you can’t get “optimal nutrition” — vitamins and minerals at levels known to promote longevity— from even a very good diet.

That’s because our food supply isn’t what it used to be. To see a complete chart of Optimal doses of vitamins and minerals, click here.

Vegetables without Vitamins. The nutritional value of foods is rapidly declining. According to the USDA food tables, most commercial vegetables contain at least 50% less of the nutrients than they did in 1975. For example, broccoli has 50% less calcium than it used to; watercress has 80% less iron, cauliflower has 40% less vitamin C. The National Academy of Sciences reports that it takes twice as many vegetables as it used to to get the same amount of nutrients. The reason for this decline appears related to growing and agricultural practices. That, plus many foods are heavily contaminated with pesticides, synthetic fertilizers instead of the natural nutrients, and picked before their prime (full nutrient content) so they can be shipped to far away places for consumption. If the nutrients aren’t in the soil, they won’t be in the plants grown in that soil. The recommended 3 to 5 servings per day should rightly be changed to 6 to 10 servings per day of fruits and vegetables to get a basic complement of plant-derived nutrients. Do YOU eat this much in a day? Few Americans do.

Meat without Omegas. The Omega-3 fatty acids, along with Omega-6 fatty acids, comprise the “Essential Fatty Acids” (EFA’s), so-called because they must be obtained from diet. The average American diet is far too high in O-6 fatty acids and drastically deficient in O-3 fatty acids. The result is that our immune systems tend to be hyper-reactive in many ways (allergies, autoimmune disease, heart disease, certain cancers and overweight are intimately related to this O-3 deficiency). The primary sources of O-3 fatty acids are meat (especially beef), eggs and seafood, particularly salmon, and flax seed. But even these “good foods” are not what they should be. The way we raise animals drastically alters— for better or worse— their Omega-3 fatty acid content, and therefore their Omega Ratios. [NOTE: as a reminder, a healthy Omega Ratio should be between 4 to 10. Less than 4 is super-healthy, more than 10 is an unfavorable ratio. Many nutritional scientists believe that the healthiest ratio is no more than 4]. Instead of grass-fed beef with an Omega ratio of 2.3, feed-lot and corn-fed beef has a less favorable OR of 8.6 or higher. (Still a decent OR). Feed-lot raised beef is also high in human hormones and antibiotics. Eggs raised from chickens fed a diet of Omega-3 rich grains and allowed to free-range will lay high Omega-3 containing eggs with an OR of 2.6, but most industrially-raised hens today lay eggs with an OR of 13.0. Salmon is by far the superior food for Omega-3 content, but there’s a wide variability in this, too. Wild-caught Pacific salmon has an OR of 0.5 and very low levels of contaminants. New information released this month shows that farm-raised salmon tend to have high levels of contaminants including methyl mercury and PCBs, antibiotics, pesticides, synthetic coloring agents, growth hormones and GMOs. The OR for farm-raised and Atlantic salmon is far less favorable at 6.8. (Still a good Omega Ratio, but is the toxicity worth the risk?).

Even a diet that includes the USDA recommended fruits, vegetables and meats is still unlikely to be “adequate.” Inadequate nutrition plus additional contaminants in the food mean that even a well-meaning diet may be less-than-adequate. But even if it were “adequate,” adequate isn’t good enough for me.

Why “Adequate” isn’t Enough

Much is known about how to keep a human body healthy for life and maximize longevity. The sciences of nutrition, biochemistry, pharmacology, exercise physiology, and psychology have contributed much to improving both quality and quantity of life. Although drugs can be helpful and sometimes curative, they are not the surest option for maintaining good health. I take advantage of those diet and lifestyle methods that have proven to help hedge the bet for a long, healthy life.

Studies have been done on elders (over 60 population) taking a multiple vitamin-mineral supplement. Those on low potency formulas (the “one little tablet per day” variety) did nothing more than placebo, but those taking higher potency formulas had a 60% lower rate of upper respiratory infection plus overall stronger immunity. Optimal, not merely “adequate” doses of various vitamins and minerals have far-reaching effects in the body. Consider the numerous benefits I get just from taking Maxi Multi — my ultimate basic multiple nutrient formula.

A few of the many known deficiency/disease connections:

A deficiency of antioxidant nutrients (especially beta carotene, vitamins C & E, and selenium) is associated with higher incidence of cancers of the colon, breast, prostate, mouth, lungs and skin. Some researchers believe that antioxidant deficiencies may be related to higher incidence of all cancers. Antioxidant deficiency is also associated with cataracts, macular degeneration, cardiovascular disease and premature aging.

A mineral deficiency, especially magnesium and potassium but also calcium, is associated with high blood pressure.

Deficiencies of vitamin E, C, B6, B12, folic acid (a B vitamin), and bioflavonoids are associated with cardiovascular disease. The connection between vitamin E and heart health is so well established that conventional medical cardiologists are instructed to recommend vitamin E to their patients.

Healthy bones, and the prevention of osteoporosis, depend on sufficient levels of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, boron, zinc, copper, B vitamins, and vitamin D. Calcium deficiency is also associated with overweight and colon cancer.

In males, benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer is associated with decreased levels of zinc and selenium. Zinc deficiency also correlates to decreased immune function. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and diabetes (high blood sugar) occur more frequently in people who are chromium deficient. After diabetes is present, low levels of vitamin A, C, E, plus zinc, selenium, choline, bioflavonoids and B complex vitamins are associated with more complications from the disease.

Deficiencies of B complex vitamins are associated with heart disease, fatigue, muscle weakness, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and senile (age-related) dementia.

The list above represents only some of the diseases that nutrient deficiency can cause. Studies show that people who do not have nutrient deficiencies have a greatly lowered risk of these diseases. I’m hedging my bet by making up for any gaps in my diet by taking a high quality multiple vitamin/mineral supplement.

What I Used to Take & Recommend for Patients

Some years ago, patients and wellness club members recall that I recommended 4 separate supplements in order to get the solid daily basics of good nutrition. I would use the following nutrients for my “Basic daily formula:

I.) High quality multiple (Usually Tyler’s brand called Nutrizyme; daily dose is 6 capsules)

II.) Extra antioxidants (A formula with higher potencies of Vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin C & E, and selenium. I would usually use Carlson’s brand of “ACES” for the extra antioxidants.(1 cap, 3 times per day with meals).

III.) Extra calcium/magnesium and trace bone nutrients (boron, vanadium). I used one of several different formulas to “make up the difference” that the multiple didn’t contain. (3-6 capsules per day).

IV.) Multi-B-Complex: extra-potencies of B complex vitamins, higher than even a good multiple, for the many proven health benefits. (1 capsule, 2 times per day).

All together, this Basic program was 17-20 capsules per day of the finest nutritional supplement available. 4 separate products, but well worth the effort and money in my book. Many agreed with me. Then I decided to make it simpler. It was state-of the-art supplementation. Because this protocol is still valuable today (the individual formulas have been kept up-to-date), this is still a good program to follow. I just decided to make it simpler.

The Best Made Better

That above-listed regimen is the one I followed and recommended for many years, with outstanding results. Still, 4 separate products to achieve Optimal vitamin/mineral supplementation seemed like a lot of work, so I decided to make it simpler. After all, I “take all this stuff” myself, remember? And I knew I intended to continue taking my nutrients for the long-haul, making improvements in my program as new discoveries caused me to make dose or formula changes, but intending to stick with it because many studies also show that the benefits from nutritional supplementation accrue over the long-haul. I took the “optimal dose” list I had constructed from the medical literature and decided to put the “four separate items” into a single formula. That is when Maxi Multi was “born.”

Maxi Multi: The Four-in-One Formula for Optimal Supplementation

Yes, I “take my own stuff.” The benefits of optimal potency supplementation on health and potential lifespan are clear-cut in my medical opinion. I knew I was “in it for the long haul,” and so were many of my patients. In order to make such optimal supplementation easier and more cost-effective, I devised a formula that had these optimal potencies in a single supplement. Maxi Multis have the combined benefits and nutrient levels as the previous four-supplement regimen I was prescribing. There were and still are other benefits to making my own formula, too.

When I new bit of nutritional science is discovered, such as higher doses of vitamin E appear to be better at preventing heart disease, breast cancer and cataracts, I can and do make adjustments in the formula to keep up with the science. I also pick and choose each individual nutrient — it’s form, potency and purity— and I’m a stickler for these ingredients. It’s got to be that way, because there are little quality controls in the health and nutrition industry right now. I am the “Dragon Lady” when it comes to my formulas, because I want them to be the best. Remember, I “take this stuff” myself for health reasons and intend to for life. I want to best, so it will perform as I expect. I take my own stuff. [NOTE: and the newly proposed FDA regulations, the legislation that we’ve been urging you to write to your senators and congressmen about, will not solve this problem, only restrict your freedom to purchase even the high-quality “stuff.” (For more on this legislation see your HealthBeat from December 2, 2003.)

My Personal Protocol for Good Health

1.) Supplements:

I.) Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals, without fail.

II.) Maxi Greens: 2 caps, 3 times per day with meals, without fail.

III.) CoQ10 (50mg): twice per day.

IV.) Flax oil: caps or liquid, daily.

I take additional supplements, but this list forms the basis of my program. Please keep in mind that I do not have any medical conditions that I am treating. If I did, my basic program would reflect additional nutrients and/or herbs targeted to whatever my medical problem was.

2.) Foods: I choose organic fruits and veggies whenever possible. I also look for wild instead of farm-raised salmon and grab organic beef whenever I find it. I search out Omega eggs (available in the regular grocery store). I follow The Super Fast Diet (low carbs, high in Omega-3 essential fats).

3.) Exercise: every day in the outdoors. I live in an area where the air is clean. If I didn’t, I’d have an indoor and car air purifier.

4.) Pure water: 64 ounces a day without fail.

No one can guarantee us a long, healthy life. Some of this “equation” is up to fate: genetics, luck. Much of our health, however, is within our control. We can optimize our “healthspan” (how long we stay healthy) and our lifespan (actual years that we live) by taking reasonable and good care of ourselves. Given what I know about nutrition, basic supplementation in optimal doses seems a small price to pay for the return I anticipate on my investment. So “yes”, I really do take “all that stuff.”

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.”

Dr. Myatt’s Super-Shake


Why You Should be Drinking My “Super Shake”

Ever wish that something which tasted like a yummy treat was also good for you? Have I got great news for you! I have found myself giving individual patients the recipe for what I call my “Super Shake” so frequently in the past few weeks that I realized it’s high time for me to encourage everybody to drink this incredibly tasty, amazingly healthy “milkshake.” (It can also be made as a pudding, too). Before I discuss the recipe and what the individual ingredients will do for you, let’s take a look at the overall health benefits of The Myatt Super Shake.

What My “Super Shake” Will Do for You

Taken at least once, and better yet twice per day, this tasty treat provides a basket full of health benefits. I’ll describe the “whys” and “wherefores” of individual ingredients below so you can see how my Super Shake works it’s “magic,” but first let’s look at all the good this amazing recipe accomplishes. I believe you’ll see why I recommend it so often in my practice.

  • If you are overweight, the Super Shake will help you lose.
  • If you are underweight, the Super Shake will help you gain.
  • The Super Shake helps preserve and build better muscle tone.
  • The Super Shake strengthens the immune system.
  • The Super Shake helps normalize blood sugar levels, so it improves both diabetes and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
  • Ingredients in The Super Shake help lower cholesterol levels.
  • Whey and gelatin in the Super Shake strengthen ligaments, tendons, and bones.
  • Antioxidants and protein contained in my Super Shake help renew, rejuvenate and heal skin.
  • Maxi Fiber and L-glutamine help normalize bowel function and correct constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.
  • The Super Shake is high in flavonoids, especially the kind useful for preventing or halting eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and retinopathy.
  • These same flavonoids plus other ingredient work together to prevent and reverse varicose veins, atherosclerosis, neuropathy and neuralgia (nerve disease and nerve pain).
  • Whey and L-glutamine help protect normal cells during radiation and chemotherapy.
  • My Super Shake is so easily assimilated and so healthy that it is THE beverage of choice when recovering from illness or surgery. Whey is known to speed wound healing.

Best of all, this is a truly delicious drink or pudding, not a “choke-it-down” health concoction. Sound too good to be true? Here’s the recipe and an individual breakdown of the numerous benefits of each of the ingredients.

Dr. Myatt’s Super Shake Recipe

1 scoop vanilla whey protein (with both whey protein concentrate and isolate)
1 heaping teaspoon Maxi Fiber
1 TBS. flax oil
1 packet gelatin (which equals 1 TBS.)
1 TBS. frozen blueberries
1 teaspoon L-glutamine
1 cup crushed ice
1 cup water (1 cup for a soft-serve ice cream consistency, 2 cups for a milkshake)

Add 1 cup ice (crushed is best) to the bottom of an electric blender. Add water. Add blueberries and all dry ingredients. Blend until smooth. This will be the consistency of soft-serve ice cream. If you want it to be a “shake,” add an additional cup of water AFTER the first ingredients are well-blended. Drink or eat and Enjoy! You’re going to love this and so will your body!

Apple Pan Dowdy Pudding (Alternate Recipe)

The same healthy ingredients can also be enjoyed as a pudding, eaten warm or chilled.

1 scoop vanilla whey protein (with both whey protein concentrate and isolate)
2 heaping teaspoons Maxi Fiber
1 teaspoons ground flax seed
1 packet gelatin (which equals 1 TBS.)
1 TBS. frozen blueberries
1 teaspoon L-glutamine
1/8 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Combine ingredients. Add 8 ounces hot water and mix well. Put in 1 or 2 cups. Tastes great both warm or chilled.

Featured Supplements: What’s in the “Super Shake” that Makes it So Great? Let’s take a look at the individual ingredients and see why this Shake is a “Miracle Food.”

Whey Protein: When processed correctly (to retain whole protein concentrate and at low temperatures to preserve immune factors), whey supplies a biologically superior protein with natural immune factors, including lactoferrin and immunoglobulins. Milk-derived whey protein has been shown to:

  • boost immune function
  • improve liver function
  • bind and safely remove heavy metals
  • speeds wound healing
  • aid muscle growth. (Body builders have long known about the muscle-building benefits of whey).
  • promote healing of bones, skin, and muscle.
  • heal cartilage and strengthen joints, tendons and cardiac muscle.

In cancer medicine it has been found that whey offers “considerable protection to the host” over that of other types of protein including soy, especially during chemotherapy and radiation. At low concentrations, whey inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells. Whey also protects cellular glutathione (a body-produced antioxidant) in normal cells during radiation. This effect is not seen with other proteins.

Because the milk-sugar portion is removed, whey is suitable for people who are lactose intolerant. The Super Shake made with whey provides a high quality protein, high nutrient, low carb meal replacement or between-meal snack.

NOTE: NOT ALL WHEY PROTEINS ARE CREATED EQUAL! Many whey powders contain the “isolate” form only, but many of the immune benefits of whey are found in the Whole Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC). Our Wellness Club brand of whey is specially processed to preserve all of these important nutritive factors.

Flax Seed Oil: You’ve heard me wax eloquent numerous times about the importance and benefit of Omega-3 fatty acids (Flax and fish oil are the primary sources). The American diet is grossly deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids (Which are Essential Fatty Acids, or EFA’s). Deficiencies of Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to subtle body-wide inflammation which in turn is associated with over 60 known diseases including heart disease, stroke, arthritis, allergies, asthma, cancer, overweight and obesity, autoimmune disease, neurological disease, psoriasis, eczema, high blood pressure to name only a few. Daily supplementation of Omega-3 fatty acids, derived primarily from flax and/or fish oil (salmon is a rich source) are one of the healthiest things a person can do to prevent these many EFA-deficiency associated diseases. The essential fats are SO important that the Government officially recommended in 2003 that Americans get more Omega-3 fatty acids in their diet.

L-Glutamine: This amino acid is a major component of muscle tissue. It is also a major source of energy for cells of the GI tract. It stimulates the production of Growth Hormone (GH) and decreases sugar and alcohol cravings.

Athletes use Glutamine to help build muscle (anabolic), but it can also be used by non-athletes, even the frail elderly, to help prevent muscle tissue breakdown. It is useful for rejuvenating the lining of the GI tract and can therefore assist in healing after GI surgery and in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Glutamine stimulates the immune system and should be used when recovering from any surgery or illness. In weight loss, it is useful for reducing alcohol and sugar cravings. Because it crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts as a ready supply of energy for the brain, it is also used in Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD).

Maxi Fiber: A powdered, great-tasting, easy-to-mix high fiber blend. This formula makes it easy to add extra fiber to your diet. Maxi Fiber is sugar-free, low calorie and low carb, and contains all seven classes of fiber. This mix of fiber is known to:

  • Bind intestinal toxins and soften and bulk stools
  • Lower cholesterol
  • Helps correct constipation and diarrhea
  • Helps remove heavy metals and toxins
  • Clears out excess bowel mucous and alleviates gas
  • Deodorizes and cleans the digestive tract
  • Helps heal and soothe the G.I. tract

Gelatin: OK, total vegetarians and vegans, just leave this ingredient out of the Shake. For the rest of us, gelatin has an amino acid profile with the following benefits:

  • promotes joint health. Two of the amino acids found in gelatin are substances the body uses to make collagen, a primary component of connective tissues such as cartilage.
  • promotes nail health.

Blueberry: (and its cousin bilberry which can be taken in capsule form if preferred) is an herb which acts as a potent antioxidant and serves to strengthen and stabilize veins. It is used for: Atherosclerosis, cataracts, diabetes mellitus, neuropathy and neuralgia, retinopathy, varicose veins, and macular degeneration. Bilberry has a special affinity for the eyes and veins. It also improves skin tone because of its antioxidant and capillary-strengthening properties.

BOTTOM LINE on My Super-Shakes: Why not have at least one, and better yet two, of these wonderful health-enhancing drinks per day for one month and give yourself the opportunity to experience a great number of health benefits in one tasty glass? And DO drop me a line and tell me of your experiences. I get “fan mail” for the Shakes on a daily basis and I’d like to hear yours!

HealthBeat News

In This Issue:

7 Simple Ways to Decrease Your Cancer Risk. Modern science knows a lot about what causes cancer. Here are seven proven measures you can take to greatly decrease your risk.

Six- Month Study Shows Low-Carb Diet is More Effective Than Low-Fat Diet for Weight Loss. Reported April 29 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Websites Worth Knowing. Both excellent AND foolish health websites abound on the Internet. Here are some of the top health and wellness websites you should know.

7 Simple Ways to Decrease Your Cancer Risk

Modern medical science knows a lot about the causes of cancer — more, in fact, than we know about its cure. “Carcinogens,” or factors that cause cancer, abound in the environment. Here are some of the leading causes of cancer that you can easily avoid to protect yourself from this disease:

    1. Environmental exposure: cancer-causing agents are all around us; some a man-made, some naturally occurring. Evaluate your surroundings for these known cancer-causing substances:
      A.) Radon: a naturally occurring, odorless gas that comes out of the ground and can infiltrate a house through the basement. If you have a basement in your home, inexpensive tests will tell you if your level is above 4 picocuries per liter (the minimum safe level). Correction is as easy as ensuring adequate ventilation. Radon causes lung cancer.
      B.) Asbestos: Homes built before 1980 may have asbestos insulation. Either leave it alone or have it removed by a qualified contractor. Asbestos causes lung cancer.
      C.) Workplace hazards: If you work with chemicals, including construction materials (paints, thinners, etc.), be sure to wear protective masks, gloves and other clothing. If you are unsure of your exposure, find out what chemicals you are handling and take appropriate precautions.
    2. Water. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again: water is a common source of carcinogens and other disease-causing contaminants. Check your water report yearly. If you use city-supplied water, ask for a water report that will be provided for free. If you use well water, have your water tested annually. Go to www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/sco.html to find a local lab for water testing. This service is inexpensive and well (!) worth the cost!
    3. Don’t smoke! (Or chew). Cigarette smoke is associated with a LONG list of diseases, including bladder, bowel, pancreatic, cervical and uterine cancer— oh yes, and lung cancer. (See page 26 of your Holistic Health Handbook for a complete list of problems caused by exposure to tobacco smoke. Even second-hand smoke increases these risks. Stop smoking and avoid breathing second-hand smoke.
    4. Limit sun exposure. A little sunshine is a good thing because sunlight causes natural production of vitamin D in the body. It also serves to normalize endocrine function. Too much, however, is highly associated with skin cancer, including deadly melanoma. Use a sunscreen of SPF15-30 when you are outdoors for more than 20 minutes in bright light, and use even on cloudy days and burning rays still filter through clouds. Do NOT let yourself burn and don’t aim for a “god/goddess-like” suntan!
    5. Maintain a normal weight. Statistics released April 2003 by the American Cancer Society estimate that at least 90,000 cancer deaths annually are attributable to overweight and obesity.
    6. Take nutritional supplements. Numerous nutrient deficiencies are associated with increased cancer risk, including vitamins A,C,D,E, beta carotene, B-1, B-2, B-6, B-12, calcium, zinc, and selenium. Since it is difficult if not impossible to obtain optimal levels of these nutrients from food, be sure to take an optimal-potency multiple vitamin/mineral supplement daily. (I recommend our Wellness Club brand, Maxi Multi, because it contains all these essential nutrients in optimal doses. Please refer to your Holistic Health Handbook or visit us online at for more information.
    7. Eat “Super Foods.” Some foods are especially high in cancer-preventing nutrients. Be sure to include as many servings of these foods daily as you can muster! “Super Foods” include: cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts), garlic and onions, soy beans and soy products, flax seed (ground to a “meal”), salmon, shiitake mushrooms, lemon (especially “lemon zest,” the rind), and green tea.

Low-Carb Diet is More Effective Than Low-Fat Diet

A sixth-month study, reported in the April 29th in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, showed that women on a low-carbohydrate diet lost more weight than those on a low-fat diet even though calorie intake was similar. The low-carb group lost more weight and more body fat during the trial. No differences were noted in cholesterol, triglyceride, and insulin levels between the two groups. In other words, a low carb diet which was presumably higher in fat and cholesterol did NOT adversely affect cholesterol or other levels as some arm-chair critics have hypothesized it might.

Health Websites Worth Knowing.

Beware of many non-informative and downright incorrect health websites. Some sites appear to be government-sponsored or service-related and yet are either a waste of time, dangerous, or both. Here are some of the best health and wellness websites you should know:

www.webmd.com easy to look up disease facts, recent studies, recipes, charts, and recently published medical studies.

www.nhlisupport.com/bmi this site has an automatic calculator for Body Mass Index (BMI). Find out if you are at your healthiest weight. Also discusses the relationship of overweight to heart attack and stroke.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi More than 9 million scientific studies are published here. This is the largest database of published medical research in the world.

www.healthfinder.gov the government’s fast entry to lots of useful information. Includes diseases, screening/diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

www.drmyattswellnessclub.com Oh, come on! You knew I had to say it! We’re one of the most authoritative holistic health websites on the ‘Net.

 

HealthBeat News

New and Improved Super Shake recipe. Ever wish that something which tasted like a yummy treat was also good for you? Have I got great news for you! My “Super Shake” recipe is an incredibly tasty, amazingly healthy “milkshake.” Great for snacks, as a meal replacement, and even kids love it! It is also THE recuperation formula after surgery or when ill. Forget the “Ensure” and other sugar and artificial-ingredient laden junk and try a Super Shake instead.

10 Most Dangerous Foods, Part I. Some foods are bad for your health. And then there are foods that are SO bad they shouldn’t even be considered edible. Find out which foods make my Top Ten “Hit List.”

Cancer-Fighting Herb that Drug Companies are Rushing to Imitate. It’s powerful, it’s proven, it’s probably in your kitchen cupboard. But don’t expect to hear about it from your doctor— not until Big Pharma figures out how to duplicate it’s effects and make a patentable, synthetic drug that resembles this amazing herb.

Herbs for Metabolism and Weight Loss

Dana Myatt, N.D.

Definition: Overweight is body fat in excess often pounds above lean body mass index. Obesity is defined as 20% excess fat above lean body mass index. (BMI).1

Scope of the Problem: An estimated 34% of American adults are overweight with 25% being fully obese.2 more recent studies have suggested that as many as 75% of the adult population is at least some degree above their ideal body mass index.

Risk; Excess body fat is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, Type II diabetes, stroke (cerebrovascalar accident)3, various cancers (including prostate, all gynecological cancers4 5, gallbladder and colon cancer), benign prostatic hypertrophy6, cholelithiasis, infertility, arthritis, degenerative joint disease7, and impaired immune function.8 At only ten pounds above lean body mass index, most of these risks are increased, and the risk increases with increasing body fat.9 Heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. This makes overweight/obesity the single biggest controllable risk factor for disease, and offers a major opportunity for disease prevention and risk intervention.

1Merkow R., Fletcher A. editors. The Merck Manual. 1992; 984
2Davis DL, et al. Decreasing cardiovascular disease and increasing cancer among whites in the United States from 1973 through 1987. JAMA 1994; 271:431-7
3Willett WC, Manson JE, Stampfer MJ, et al. Weight, weight changes, and coronary heart disease in women. JAMA 1995; 273:461-5
4Hunter DJ, Hankinson S£, Colditz GA, et al. Very low fat diets and risk of breast cancer. Am J Epidemiol 1996; 143
5Willett WC, et al. Dietary fat and fiber hi Relation to Risk of Breast Cancer. JAMA 1992; 268:2037-44.
6Giovannucci E, Rimm EB, Chute CG, et al. Obesity and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Am J Epidemiol 1994; 140:989-1002.
7Eichner ER. Infection, immunity, and exercise: What to tell patients. Physician Sports Medicine 1993;21:125-33.
8Palmblad J, Hallberg D, and Rossner S. Obesity, plasma lipids and polymorphonuclear (PMN) granulocyte functions. Scand JHeamatol 1977;19:293-303.
9Manson JE, Willett WC, Stampfer MJ, et al. Body weight and mortality among women. NEngUMed 1995; 333:677-85.

Action of Herbs for Overweight/Obesity

antioxidants: herbs that prevent free radical damage and control increased oxidative stress created by fat loss.

aperient: mild laxatives.

carminatives: herbs that help the body expel gas from the stomach, small intestines, or colon.

diuretic: herbs that stimulate the flow of urine

fiber: indigestible plant cell walls that have a variety of effects including increased fecal weight and size, delayed gastric emptying, unproved bowel transit time, cholesterol lowering and satiety.

nutritives: herbs that nourish. They usually have a high mineral content.

psychotropics: herbs used to affect mood.

stimulants: herbs that quicken functional action. They are usually, but not always, thermogenic.

thermogenics: herbs that increase basal metabolic rate. (BMR).

tonics: herbs that tone a physical system or function.

An Extremely Concise Materia Medica

Ephedra ( Ephedra sinica, E. vulgaris, E. nevadensis, E. antisyphihtica & other species) action: stimulant, thermogenic.

Kola ( Cola nitida, C. vera, C. accuminata) action: stimulant, tkermogemc.

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) action: tonic to connective tissue via stimulation of glycosaminoglycan synthesis.1

Aesculus (Aesculus hippocastanum) action: venous tonic.2

i^ucus (Fucus vesiculosus) action: nutritive, esp. to thyroid gland due to high iodine content.

Silybum (silybum marianum) action: antioxidant. liver tonic and stimulant.

Taraxacum (Taraxacum officinale) action: aperient, nutritive, dieuretic.

Tea (Camellia sinesis) action: autioxidant, stimulant, thermogenic, lowers cholesterol.3

Bromelain (Ananas comosus) action: appetite inhibition and enhanced fat excretion.4

Coffee (Coffea arabica) caffeine/rnethylxanthine containing herbs action: stimulant, thermogenic.

Fiber (includes guar gum,psyllium, oat bran, wheat bran, pectin, vegetable fiber) action: satiety, decreases absorbed calories, stabilizes blood sugar levels, improves bowel transit time, aids excretion of cholesterol.5 6

Fructose action: greater thermogenesis as compared to glucose.7 8

Essential Fatty Acids: action: normalizes brown fat activity.910

Urtica (Urtica dioica) action: dieuretic, clears tissue acids, nutritive.

Mate (Ilex paraguayensis) action: stimulant, thermogenic.

Papaya ( Carica papaya) action: digestant.

Hypericum (Hypericumperforatum) action: psychotrophic.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum, P. hortense, P. sativum) action: dieuretic, nutritive, carminative.

l.Pointel, JP, Boccalon H, Cloarec M, et al. Titrated extract of centella asiatica (TECA) in the treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Angiology 1987; 46-50
2.Aniioui F, Mauri A, Marincola F, and Kesele L.F. Venotonic activity of escin on the liurnan saphenous vein. Arzneim-Forsch 1979; 29:672-5.
3.Kouo S., et al. Green tea consumption and serum lipid profiles: a cross-sectional study in northern Kyushu, Japan. PrevMed 1992; 21;526-31.
4.Taussig S,, Batkin S. Broinelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas coruosus) and its clinical application. JEthnopharm 1988; 22: 191-203.
S.Krotkiewski M. effect of guar on body weight, hunger ratings and metabolism in obese subjects. Clinical Science 1984; 66: 329-336.
6.Glore SR, et al, Soluable fiber and serum lipids: A literature review. J Am Diet Assoc 1994; 94: 425-36.
7.Schwarz JM, et al. Thermogenesis in men and women induced by fructose vs glucose added to a meal. Am J Clin Nutr 1989; 49: 667-74.
8. Macdonald I. differences in dietary-induced thermogenesis following the ingestion of various carbohydrates. Ann Nutr Metab 1984; 28:226-30.
9.Garcia CM, et al. Gamma iinoleiiic acid causes weight loss and lower blood pressure in overweight patients with family history of obesity. SwedJBiol Med 1986; 4:8-11.
 

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:

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.

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:

  1. 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)
  2. 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)
  3. 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)
  4. 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)
  5. 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)
  6. 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)
  7. 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.”

  1. 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.

  1. 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)
  2. Lowers triglycerides. Higher dietary fiber is associated with lower triglyceride levels.(24-26)
  3. Raises HDL. Fiber may even raise HDL — the “good cholesterol” — levels.(27)
  4. Lowers LDL Cholesterol. In addition to total cholesterol, increased fiber lowers LDL — the “bad cholesterol” — levels.(28-29)
  5. 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)
  6. 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…

  1. 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)
  2. 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:

  1. 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)
  2. 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)
  3. 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…

  1. Colon Cancer Prevention. Diets higher in fiber have been shown in some studies to reduce the risk of colon cancer.(49-51)
  2. 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)
  3. Pancreatic cancer prevention. High fiber diets are associated with lower risk of pancreatic cancer.(55)
  4. Endometrial cancer prevention. Higher fiber has been shown in some studies to protect against endometrial cancer.(56)
  5. 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)
  6. 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.

EZ-FiberStill 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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