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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

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.

 

Health Freedom Restrictions Predicted by Country’s Founding Fathers

 2004 © Dr. Dana Myatt
 
 Dr. Benjamin Rush and Thomas Jefferson, signers of the Declaration of Independence (in case you forgot), knew 200+ years ago that our health freedoms were in danger of restriction. They said:
 
 “The Constitution of this Republic should make special provision for Medical Freedom as well as Religious Freedom… To restrict the art of healing to one class of men and deny equal privileges to others will constitute a Bastille [prison] of medical science. All such laws are un-American and despotic.” — Benjamin Rush, M.D., signer of the Declaration of Independence
 
 “I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves: and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform them.” — Thomas Jefferson, signer of the Declaration of Independence
 
 Today, the FDA wants to restrict your health freedom and doesn’t believe you are smart enough to make your own decisions. Many “FDA approved” drugs have been found to be dangerous and even lethal, their approval later withdrawn (or not—most recent example: Vioxx), while many vitamins and herbs have been “outlawed” even though they continue to be found safe after hundreds of years of use.
 
 Instead of taking safe and effective supplements off the market because they are making “health claims” that do not meet FDA approved standards, wouldn’t it be more “American” (in the old, Declaration of Independence sense of the word), to require labels which state: these health claims are supported by scientific evidence but have not been approved by the FDA.” Then you and I would know that the claims made were not blessed with Holy Water by the FDA (which only means a company has $$$, not good science). As free adult Americans, shouldn’t we be allowed this choice?
 
 In Health,
 Dr. Dana Myatt (who still believes in American Democracy and the U.S. Constitution)

 

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.”

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.” 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.
  • EZ 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 ingredients 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, 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 Tablespoon EZ Fiber
1 TBS. flax oil
1 scoop Red Alert
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!

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).

EZ Fiber A delicious mild berry flavor fiber complex of Brans, Gums, Mucilage, Cellulose, Hemicellulose and Pectins. Each level teaspoon provides 7 grams of fiber and 7 grams of carbs. (Zero grams effective carbs). Mixes easily, does NOT go “gummy” and tastes great.  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

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!

When “Sorry” Doesn’t Help

When “Sorry” Doesn’t Help

When I was a child, I would occasionally do something I wasn’t supposed to. (“Oh, no, NOT Dr. Myatt!” I can hear you thinking 🙂 Sometimes when I would apologize, my dad would say “Sorry doesn’t help.” Like the time I deliberately dropped one of my mom’s antique bowls on the lawn to see if it would break (I didn’t think it would). It did. I was confused when dad would say “Sorry doesn’t help,” because I thought that “sorry” was ALWAYS the “cure” for wrongdoing. Now that I’m older (O.K., MUCH older), I understand what he meant.

For all the apologies and “true confessions” I hear in practice, you’d think I was a priest instead of a doctor.

” Oh, Doctor Myatt, I just HAD to eat that food over the holidays. My parents (or children, friends, great-aunt Millie) would have been SO disappointed if I didn’t eat that special cake they baked.” (Yeah, right, like they don’t know you’re a type I diabetic with a kidney transplant).

” I felt sorry for myself so I’ve been eating the wrong foods. Don’t get mad at me.” (I’m not mad— not even angry— with you. Sick people keep me in business).

” I just can’t give up carbohydrates. I’ve got to have my fruit every day.” (Suit yourself. I guess you won’t be giving up your high triglyceride or blood sugar levels then, either).

” I’m sorry. I haven’t taken my supplements like you told me to. That between-meal dose is just so hard to remember.” (Gosh, seems like every time you practically cough up a lung you’d remember that you’re supposed to take bromelain for your chest congestion).

” I’m too busy to take my supplements four times a day. You just don’t understand.” (You’re right; I’m not busy. I sit at home all day and listen to “true confessions”).

I forgive you, each and every one, for falling off the diet wagon, failing to get sufficient sleep or exercise, not taking your supplements. I forgive you for eating junk food, smoking, skipping breakfast and not practicing sensible stress reduction habits. In fact, I can forgive you indefinitely. The problem is, MY forgiveness doesn’t help you, and all the “sorry” in the world doesn’t either. Your body is generous, but not nearly so much as I am.

Would you apologize to your car if you let it run out of gas? And if you did, would that help? Not one bit. You’d still have to put gas in the tank to get it going again. Fortunately, running out of gas won’t ruin your car, just like skipping a meal or one night’s good sleep won’t ruin your body. But what if you run out of oil in your car? The oil lubricates the bearings and cylinder walls so the pistons slide up and down. Running out of oil while driving is almost always fatal to the engine. The motor seizes and you are sunk. Adding oil at this point doesn’t help. Neither does saying “I’m sorry” to your car for failing to add oil. Past a “point of no return” like this, sorry doesn’t help.

Your physical body needs what it needs: nutrients, air, water, sleep, sunshine. If you miss out on any of these for too long, you will feel the inevitable effects. An occasional “running out of gas,” like skipping your supplements for a day or two, or blowing your healthy diet once in a while, won’t “make or break” you. The problem is, many people are breaking the “health rules” far more than this. Lack of nutrients, exercise, sleep and healthy food has negative effects on the body that are cumulative. Although the body can be quite forgiving when we finally get around to giving it the “basics” that it needs, we still endure the effects of our negligence. Sometimes, we pass the point of no return— like running out of oil while driving— and we can’t reclaim health simply by “being good” and being sorry.

It’s not too late to quite smoking after you have lung cancer. Studies show that this measure will still prolong your survival time. But you WILL almost certainly die from lung cancer, which is still largely incurable at this time. Sorry won’t help.

Heart disease can be greatly aided and often completely reversed by corrective diet, exercise and nutritional supplementation. It’s never too late to help your heart. The problem is that many people don’t get a chance to make amends. Fifty percent of first heart attacks are also last heart attacks, if you get my drift. Sorry doesn’t help.

A lifetime of insufficient calcium and magnesium can lead to bone mineral loss— osteoporosis. Although bone mineral density can be recouped with proper diet, exercise and natural hormone replacement therapy, many people don’t discover osteoporosis until they’ve broken a hip. If you survive a serious fracture and live to tell about it, corrective measures will help. The problem is, more women die from the health hazards of hip fracture than from breast cancer. A lifetime of nutrient deficiencies can’t always be made up for, and sorry doesn’t help.

Numerous studies document the health benefits of healthful living and good nutrition when done consistently over time. Long-standing intake of calcium decreases the risk of colon cancer and osteoporosis. Adequate intake of B6, B12 and folic acid prevent heart disease, depression and dementia. A lifetime of small but consistent exercise greatly reduces the risk of heart disease and many types of cancer. And please keep in mind this doesn’t mean you need to be a saint. It’s what you do 80% of the time, not what you do 20% of the time, that will determine your long-range health and longevity.

Think about it. Are you eating well, following a nutritionally complete dietary supplement program, getting regular exercise even if modest in amount (10 minutes per day will make a difference), getting adequate sleep and breathing deep of some good air? I’ll forgive you until the cows come home if you’re not doing these things, but your body, which doesn’t understand forgiveness quite like I do, may be another matter. Make those positive changes on a regular basis today, while you still have the opportunity to maintain or reclaim good health. Remember, after the engine seizes, sorry doesn’t help.

 

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE


Natural Support For This Common Problem

Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or less. Blood pressures higher than 140/90 are elevated; higher than 200/115 are dangerous and should be treated immediately. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is often without symptoms.

Causes of high blood pressure include atherosclerosis, high dietary sodium to potassium intake, nutrient deficiencies (especially calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C), overweight, smoking, and underlying disease processes. Greater than 90% of high blood pressure is considered “essential,” meaning that it is not caused by another disease. Such blood pressure elevations are largely related to diet and lifestyle. The disease is virtually unknown in undeveloped countries where unprocessed foods are eaten and people maintain a high level of physical activity.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Do NOT use caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol.
  • Maintain a normal weight.
  • Include high potassium foods (fruits and vegetables) lavishly in the diet. Do not salt foods. (Or use potassium chloride as an alternative salt).
  • Practice stress reduction techniques. Long-term stress, or extreme reactions to stress, can elevate blood pressure.
  • Avoid caffeine-containing medications. Check with your doctor if you are on prescription medications. Some can elevate blood pressure.
  • Exercise regularly.

PRIMARY SUPPORT

  • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of antioxidants (ACES), magnesium, B complex vitamins, and bioflavonoids are particularly important for the heart. Take additional B complex vitamins if your multiple does not contain optimal doses. B vitamins, (especially B6, B12, and folic acid) lower homocysteine levels, an independent risk for heart disease that many researchers feel is more important than cholesterol levels.
  • 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).
  • CoQ10: 50-300mg per day. This powerful antioxidant, produced by the body, diminishes with age. It is especially valuable for all types of heart disease. CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING DRUGS deplete CoQ10.
  • Magnesium: 2 tabs, 3 times per day with meals. (Target dose: 500-1500mg per day. Maxi Multi contains 500mg).
  • Forskolin (Coleus forskohlii): 1cap, 1 times per day (target dose: 5-10mg standardized forskolin per day).

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

  • Hawthorn Plus+ (100mg standardized to 1.8% vitexin): 1-2 caps, 2-3 times per day with meals.
  • Garlitrin 4000: 1 tab, once per day with a meal. Other garlic supplements, 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals (target dose: 10,000mcg allicin per day).

TESTS

  • A hair analysis should be performed to rule out lead toxicity as a cause of high blood pressure.

DR. MYATT’S COMMENT

High blood pressure is certainly not something to be ignored, but there is evidence to suggest that we may be over-treating with drugs in this country. Most cases of high blood pressure can be successfully managed without drugs. (Drugs are sometimes necessary in cases of severely elevated blood pressure).

If your self-care measures fail to bring improvement within three months, consult an holistic physician who can guide you. Never discontinue blood pressure medications without the advice of a physician. Certain medications can cause rebound high blood pressure.

 

 

HYPOTHYROID (LOW THYROID FUNCTION)

Natural Support Strategies

Hypothyroid is a term that refers to low thyroid function. The condition can be either “primary” or “secondary.” Primary hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone. “Secondary” (also called sub-clinical) hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland is producing a normal amount of thyroid hormone but it is not being converted to its more active form in the liver or the “target” tissues. Primary hypothyroidism is diagnosed by a blood test. (TSH is the screening blood test for thyroid function). Secondary hypothyroidism is determined by symptoms and basal body temperature.

Symptoms of low thyroid function include cold intolerance, fatigue, anemia, difficulty losing weight, menstrual disorders, memory and concentration difficulties, constipation, infertility, dry skin, elevated cholesterol levels, depression, muscle and joint stiffness to name just a few. Because thyroid hormone sets the “pace” for all cells in the body, a deficiency can result in “sluggishness” of virtually any physical function.

Because the body temperatures will be low in both primary and secondary low thyroid, basal body temperatures are a sensitive self-test to evaluate thyroid function. If you have thyroid symptoms or your temperature is low, get a thyroid blood test to see if the gland is producing sufficient thyroid hormone. These tests usually require a doctor’s order. Primary low thyroid usually requires prescription thyroid medication (preferably natural thyroid hormone) for correction. Secondary low thyroid can be corrected by self-help measures.

Thyroid hormones are made in the body from iodine. the T4 thyroid hormone contains 4 iodine molecules, and T3 contains 3 iodine molecules. Anyone with primary or secondary low thyroid should have an iodine test to determine iodine levels.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Exercise regularly. Lack of physical activity is a common cause of secondary low thyroid function.
  • Iodine test. Both low iodine and excess iodine impede thyroid function. Be careful of taking excess iodine in supplemental form until the results of an iodine test are available.
  • Diet. Use sea salt or natural unrefined salt which contains iodine and other minerals necessary to normal thyroid function
  • Avoid bromine. Bromine is a mineral which displaces iodine from the thyroid gland, impairing thyroid function. it is used in baked goods as a dough conditioner, in some soda pops and other foods. Read labels.

PRIMARY SUPPORT

  • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of vitamins A, C, E, B2, B3, B6, zinc, and selenium are particularly important for correcting hypothyroidism.
  • Iodoral (Iodine) amount based on iodine test results, typically 1-4 tabs or as directed by healthcare professional.
    OR
  • Modifilan (seaweed source of natural iodine) 4-6 caps per day. Provides a highly bio-available source of iodine plus detoxifying co-factors. Can be safely taken by most people even without an iodine test.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

  • Milk Thistle Plus: 1-2 caps, 3 times per day with meals. This improves the liver’s ability to convert thyroid hormone (T4) to its more active form (T3).
  • Thyroid cytotrophin: 1-2 tabs daily or as directed by healthcare professional.

Learn more about the importance of iodine in Iodine: the “Missing Mineral” for Thyroid, Heart, Healthy Immunity and Cancer Protection

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

HealthBeat Update: Memory-Boosting Supplements: Improving mental function

Alpha-Lipoic Acid is a neurological antioxidant that chelates free iron from the forebrain, thereby protecting against free radical damage. It also improves mitochondrial function (mitochondria are the energy-producing units of cells). It works especially well in conjunction with CoQ10 and acetyl-L-carnitine to improve energy production. Because of its utility for preventing brain aging and preserving neurological function, plus its use in cataract prevention, diabetes, congestive heart failure and neurological diseases, it can correctly be classified as an important anti-aging/ life-extending nutrient.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine, a derivative of the amino acid L-Carnitine, is a vitamin-like compound that transports fatty acids (“fuel”) into the body cells. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant in the brain. The acetyl form of L-Carnitine (ALC) has been shown to be substantially more active than L-Carnitine in brain cells.

ALC has been the subject of numerous studies. It bears a close similarity to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which led researchers to study its use in age-related memory changes. ALC has been proven to offer significant benefit to patients with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and also for people with memory impairment and age-onset depression.

L-Carnitine and its more active form, A-LC have also been shown to be effective as part of weight (fat) loss programs, enhancing the body’s fat-burning ability. This effect proves true even when no deficiency of carnitine is present, meaning that all overweight people will benefit.

Suggest Dose of Each: Acetyl-L-Carnitine: 500mg (1 cap) per day; Alpha Lipoic Acid: 200mg (2 caps) per day.

Ginkgo biloba: Memory enhancement for those over 50 (and those under 50 too!) Ginkgo biloba is one of the most well studied herbs for age related memory changes. Ginkgo is a potent antioxidant. It also increases circulation to small diameter blood vessels (such as those in the brain and extremities.) Studies have verified ginkgo’s efficacy in early-stage Alzheimer’s, multiple infarct dementia (memory changes caused by “mini-strokes”), age related depression, glaucoma, impotence (erectile dysfunction,) MS and vascular insufficiency. It also has anti-allergy effects that make it useful for treatment of chronic respiratory allergies and asthma.

Ginkgo is one of the best-selling natural remedies worldwide. It should be part of the longevity protocol for anyone over the age of 50.

Suggested dose: 1 cap, 2 times per day. (target dose: 240 mg per day of 24% flavoneglycosides)

Phosphatidyle serine (PS): Improved Brain-Cell Function. Phosphatidyle serine (PS) is responsible for normal fluidity and membrane integrity of the brain cells. These functions allow brain cells to communicate efficiently with each other.

The body manufactures PS. Lowered levels of PS are seen in aging in association with impaired mental function and depression in the elderly.

Eleven double-blind studies have verified the effectiveness of PS. Significant improvements were seen in mental performance, behavior, mood, and age-related cognitive decline.

Suggested dose: 1 cap (100 mg PS,) 3 times per day.

B Vitamins, Magnesium and Maxi-Multi: The B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folic acid, B12) are all vitally important and work together to regulate energy processes at the cellular level, and by doing so they are vital to the function of nerve and brain cells. Magnesium is a mineral that also plays a big role in energy processes and brain and nerve cell function.

Maxi-Multi is your very best way to be sure you are receiving optimal amounts of these vitamins and minerals, without having to take four or more separate formulas each day. Maxi-Multi provides you with: 1. High potency multiple vitamin / mineral / trace mineral supplement, 2. High potency B complex vitamins, 3. High potency antioxidants (A, carotenes, C, E, selenium, zinc & bioflavinoids) 4. High potency calcium / magnesium (1000 mg / 500 mg). If you only take one nutritional supplement, this should be the one! If you are taking any other “daily vitamin” supplement, do yourself a favor and compare the labels – you’ll see why Maxi-Multi is the way to go. The addition of Plant Enzymes ensures absorption of nutrients. This formula is hypoallergenic and suitable for even highly sensitive individuals.

Ask Dr. Myatt: Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy

Q: I am a postmenopausal woman who never took hormone replacement therapy (HRT). I feel I weathered this change of life pretty well. However, I have developed a chronic vaginal itch that my doctor feels is due to a thinning and drying out of the vaginal tissue. He has prescribed premarin vaginal cream (applied intravaginally) starting at twice a week and then just once a week on an on-going basis. I am hoping that there is a more natural way of dealing with this irritating problem. Any suggestions?

A: Natural hormone replacement therapy is one of the best anti-aging measures a person (male or female) can take. Please read more about “The Climacteric” in your Holistic Health handbook, pages 73-76.

Even with only minimal symptoms of hormone deficiency (the vaginal dryness), I still recommend natural hormone replacement therapy (n-HRT). The key word here is “natural.” The hormones used for such are still prescription, but they are custom-tailored to your needs and hormone profile results, not “generic.” Further, they are “bio identical” to your body’s own hormones, meaning that they are the same hormones and given in similar doses to that of a younger female, not synthetic or un-natural hormones, which cause more health problems than they cure. (Premarin is so named because of its origin: Pregnant Mare’s Urine. I kid not! This stuff is natural for a pregnant horse, but not for a postmenopausal human female!)

Natural hormone replacement therapy may include any or all of the three female estrogens, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA. Maintenance of cardiovascular health, bone density, protection against breast and other hormones related cancers, maintenance of youthful skin tone, prevention of age-related mood and mental changes are all part of the benefit you can expect from same.

How to go about this? First, you need a complete female hormones profile. I prefer the saliva test method because it gives an “average” look at your hormones instead of blood testing, which gives only a ‘snapshot” look. Please refer to page 135 in your Holistic Health Handbook. The complete profile costs $129 and that’s a bargain for all the information we get.

Secondly, you’ll need to hook up with a physician who is trained in hormone replacement therapy, especially natural hormone replacement therapy. Since I have been doing this my entire career (14 years now), “I” come readily to mind to help you with this. Since you are post-menopausal, the “finishing touches” on your corrective hormones will take only a few “tweaks,” and won’t change significantly over the years.

Let me know if I can help you get on some corrective natural hormones. You will age more gracefully and gently if you decide to go this route, and minimize opportunities for illness to get a foothold. Oh, yes, and it should take care of your vaginal dryness handily!