444 Pain & Inflammation Protocol [30 Oct 2017]

A webinar by Philip Rouchotas ND of Bolton Naturopathic Clinic in Ontario described his treatment protocol for pain and inflammation. He also explained in some detail the rationale and science behind each item. Most of his patients with pain and inflammation have an autoimmune disease where the body produces antibodies which attacks its own tissues. And a common factor in most autoimmune disease is a hyperpermeable intestinal wall, also known as a “leaky gut”.

Here is a summary of his protocol:
• Eliminate dietary proteins that promote leaky gut and the autoimmune response. Gluten and gliadins from grains and casein from dairy are the most common culprits. Human studies show significant improvements with elimination diets for many autoimmune diseases. Because of the inconvenience, Dr. Rouchotas doesn’t recommend everyone eliminate grains and dairy, but anyone with an autoimmune disease is advised to do a trial even with negative allergy tests. He describes it as “the single most effective intervention for autoimmune disease I know”.
• Vitamin D acts as an immunomodulator, reducing the autoimmune process by increasing production of regulatory T cells (Tregs), while at the same time improving the immune system’s ability to fight infections [see #363 March 2016]
• Probiotics help restore a healthy gut microbiome, reducing the production of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) which cross the leaky gut inducing an autoimmune reaction
• Fish oil (at least 2,000 mg/day of EPA+DHA) replaces some of the arachidonic acid in the (COX) and (LOX) pathways, reducing production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. A meta-analysis found that fish oil reduced joint pain, morning stiffness, and need for NSAIDS.
• Curcumin and Boswellia are the only herbals known to block both the COX and LOX pathways, thus providing double anti-inflammatory protection (Tylenol blocks only COX)
• Egg shell membrane (500mg /day) is another natural anti-inflammatory which has shown significant improvement in joint pain and stiffness after 1 or 2 months
• Glucosamine [see #63 March 2011] and chondroitin (1500 and 1200 mg/day) help rebuild cartilage in osteoarthritic joints [see #63 May 2010]
• Enzymes like bromelain and serrapeptase [see #442] taken between meals reduce inflammation

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

406 Collagen Supplements [6 Feb 2017]

In August 2014 [#280] I wrote about collagen and the silica supplement sh-OSA (BioSil) that stimulates our body’s production of this important protein. A few months later in October 2014 [#289] I discussed the benefits of bone broth, one of which is to promote collagen production. This week I want to revisit the topic and discuss collagen supplements.

Collagen is important for our health for many reasons:
• It is the most abundant protein in the body making up 25% of our body weight (yes, that’s one quarter!)
• It is an essential component of bone, skin, muscle, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and the lining of the digestive tract
• It provides the “glue” for bone minerals, keeping bones strong & resilient
• It is essential for repairing broken bones or soft tissue injuries
• It keeps skin elastic, smooth and wrinkle free

Taking collagen supplements provides the amino acids you need to produce collagen in your body. It also provides these amino acids for other vital functions that, if in short supply, our bodies will steal from the collagen in our joints and bones. Thus collagen supplements can prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

In summary, you should take a collagen supplement to:
• prevent or reverse osteoporosis
• prevent or reduce joint pain or stiffness
• promote healing of broken bones or injuries
• increase performance and reduce joint pain in athletes
• heal the digestive tract and prevent leaky gut syndrome
• have supple and younger looking skin

Collagen supplements come in powder, liquid and capsule form. The best type is called hydrolyzed collagen, meaning that the large collagen molecules are broken down into smaller more easily digested pieces called peptides.

Hyaluronic acid [#15 June 2009] and vitamin C are also required for collagen production. Both are available as supplements. Anthocyanins, flavonoids found in dark fruit and berries, assist collagen in forming strong connective tissue.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner. Find this article on my website for links to sources and further reading.

357 Diatomaceous Earth [15 Feb 2016]

Diatomaceous earth is a white powder composed of the microscopic shells of one-celled marine organisms called diatoms. I have long known of diatomaceous earth for its use as a natural insecticide in gardening, and as an anti-parasitic in animals and people. I just learned that it is also a good economical source of silica.

I first wrote about the importance of silica in our diets and as a supplement in April 2013 [#212], and about its role in collagen in skin, hair, nails and bone health in August 2014 [#280].

Here are the experiences of some people who started using diatomaceous earth:
• increased joint mobility and big-time pain relief
• faster healing of joint injuries
• stronger bones, hair and nails
• soft and elastic skin, complexion improved, acne relief
• soft and stronger hair, even growing in bald spots
• fingernails grow faster and stronger
• improved immune system, reduced allergies, recovery from spider bite
• relief from chronic sinus congestion
• improved digestion, relief from bloating
• passing intestinal parasites, controlling candida yeast infection
• relief from migraine headaches, vertigo and tinnitus
• cholesterol levels normalized
• high blood pressure reduced
• normalized menstrual cycles; relief from menopausal symptoms
• increased energy levels, better focus, improved memory

Health Canada has approved food grade diatomaceous earth as a supplement for up to 3/4 teaspoon per day. Most of the people mentioned above who have experienced benefits from diatomaceous earth have been using 1 to 3 tablespoons a day, stirred in a glass of water, with no ill effect. Diatomaceous earth is also available in capsule form.

Obviously I can’t guarantee all or any of the above results, as everyone is different. Try it yourself and see what amount works best for you. Then if someone tells you to “Eat dirt” you can smile and tell them “Thank you, I do”.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

212 Silica – the Health and Beauty Mineral [15 April 2013]

Silicon is the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust after oxygen. It commonly occurs as silicon-dioxide, also called silica. Silicon is a useful mineral to man. Glass is about 75% silica. Silicon’s semi-conductor property created the electronics revolution. And it’s a component of silicone rubber, famous for its flexibility and heat resistance.

But silica’s most important use to man is as a nutrient.. Silica promotes the synthesis of the proteins collagen (Type 1) and elastin. Collagen is an abundant protein in mammals, making up the majority of connective tissue like cartilage, tendons, ligaments, gums and skin. Elastin is a stretchy protein, important for healthy skin, lungs and arteries (especially the aorta). Silica also promotes stronger thicker hair, stronger nails, and stronger bones. Although silica only makes up a tiny proportion of bone, it’s important for promoting re-calcification of bone and speeding healing of fractures. As we age the silica content of our tissues decreases, especially for post-menopausal women.

Clinical trial results have shown that a silica supplement:
• increased hair diameter by 12.8%
• increased hair strength by 13.1%
• reduced facial wrinkles by 30%
• increased skin elasticity by 89%
• strengthened nails making them more resistant to breaking
• increased collagen formation and mineral density in bones.

Although silica is abundant in the earth, it is less common in our food. Silica is abundant only in grass-related foods such as the bran or hulls of oats, wheat and rice, which is almost entirely eliminated from our foods by processing. There are several different silica supplements formulated to provide this nutrient in an easily absorbable form for your body to use:
• aqueous extracts of horsetail or oatstraw – orthosilicic form of silica
• silica gel – a colloidal solution from quartz crystals
• silicon as orthosilicic acid – probably the most effective form

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner

207 MSM the Sulfur supplement

This is the first of a series of articles on minerals. Sulfur is an essential mineral – the third most abundant mineral in the body (after calcium and phosphorus). MSM (MethylSulfonylMethane) is a naturally-occurring sulfur compound often used as a sulfur supplement.

Sulfur is a component of several essential amino acids and also:
• gives skin a healthy elasticity and makes hair and nails grow faster and stronger
• is essential for the function of immunoglobulins, an important part of the immune system
• neutralizes allergens in both the GI & respiratory tracts thus reducing food and air-born allergy symptoms
• protects the GI tract from parasites
• improves permeability of cell walls to allow nutrients in and flush toxins out
• reduces muscle soreness by helping flush out lactic acid and other toxins
• increases permeability of cell walls to insulin thus reducing insulin resistance and helping to normalize blood sugar

Sulfur is found in many foods including most fresh raw fruits and vegetables, milk, meat, eggs and some grains. For this reason it is sometimes assumed that we get sufficient in our diets. But the sulfur compound is easily lost with even modest processing – cooking, drying, pickling, even long-term storage depletes the sulfur.
MSM supplementation:
• is safe and non-toxic – you can’t overdose with msm
• is odorless, does not produce intestinal gas or body odor
• has no reported interactions with other medications
• works better with vitamin C
• is often combined with glucosamine for joint pain

Another way to obtain sulfur is to soak in a bath with Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate) – both sulfur and magnesium are absorbed through the skin.

Sources:
U Maryland Medical Center
Nutrition & Metabolism – Are we getting enough sulfur in our diets?
Mercola – MSM ad

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

157 Sierra Mineral Discovery [19 March 2012]

A gold prospector in the 1970s discovered a patch of shiny mineralized clay high in the Sierra Mountains. When he fed some to his dog who had a lame paw, the paw healed quickly. He then ate some himself and experienced relief from pain he had suffered for years. He shared his discovery with several businessmen who had similar results. Together they decided to bring this miraculous mineral to market so others could benefit too.

Research showed this mineral complex to be very safe for long-term use. The LD50 test, which determines how high of a dose is required to kill half of the test animals, was stopped at 70 times the normal dose because the rats were continuing to improve in health with no sign of toxicity.

Further research showed that this unique blend of minerals greatly reduces or eliminates inflammation which destroys the joint cartilage in both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. It does this by inhibiting the inflammatory factor interleukin-1beta (IL-1B) and by reducing the production of nitric oxide and glycosaminoglycan (GOG) responsible for cartilage degeneration. The mineral complex reduces inflammation not only in every joint but in other areas of the body as well. Other supplements commonly used for joint health like glucosamine and chondroitin only provide the nutrients for rebuilding cartilage; they do nothing to reduce the inflammation.

Controlled human trials with this mineral complex found significant pain relief within two weeks, faster than for any other supplement. Along with the reduced pain, the researchers also observed reduced stiffness and increased activity in the group taking the mineral.

This formula has been available in Canada for a few years and is rapidly growing in popularity as people try it and tell their friends and neighbors. If you haven’t tried it yet, talk to your neighbors – they probably have – or know someone who has. If you are taking prescription drugs for joint pain, talk to your doctor about the possibility of adding this mineral complex to your program.

The information in this column is from the book Mineral Miracle - Stopping Cartilage Loss & Inflammation Naturally by Shari Lieberman PhD and Alan Xenakis, MD, ScD, 2006. For more information on this product see http://www.sierrasil.com/.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

131 Tamanu Oil [12 Sept. 2011]

Tamanu oil has been used for centuries in the South Pacific Islands and SE Asia to promote skin health. It is extracted from the kernel of the Tamanu fruit and has a rich woody spicy smell. It is readily absorbed and penetrates all three skin layers for deep healing.

Tamanu oil contains a unique fatty acid calophyllic acid, a natural antibiotic lactone, and an anti-inflammatory compound calophyllolide. These and other components give the oil powerful properties to: protect skin from oxidative damage; speed healing of many different skin conditions; relieve neuralgic pain; and promote cicatrization (the growth of healthy new tissue).

Tamanu oil can be used effectively for:
• Acne and acne scarring
• Psoriasis and eczema
• Dry or scaly skin
• Bed sores and diabetic skin ulcers
• Diaper rash
• Stretch marks and scar tissue
• Age spots and wrinkles
• Burns and sunburn
• Insect bites and blisters
• Foot and body odor
• Neuralgia and joint inflammation
• Wound healing and skin regeneration

Apply Tamanu oil full strength to the skin. It absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy residue. Tamanu oil is safe even on broken skin. For more information see www.wildtamanuoil.com

This article is intended for educational purposes only; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

063 Combining Remedies [17 May 2010]

When looking at several different remedies for a health problem, we are faced with the question of choosing one or more. There is rarely a problem with interaction between natural health products, but will taking more than one provide a significant benefit?

Glucosamine is a natural remedy shown to help with osteoarthritis (OA); Omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) help both OA and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They work in different ways – glucosamine by providing the raw material to build new cartilage, and Omega 3s by reducing inflammation – so it would make sense that taking the two together would provide more benefit than either alone.

That was the conclusion of a recent study which looked at the combined effects of glucosamine sulfate and omega 3 EFAs (EPA and DHA from fish oil) on pain and stiffness in patients with osteoarthritis. Group A was given both and was compared to Group B which had glucosamine alone. The same number of both groups reported at least a 20% improvement, but significantly more from Group A reported an 80% improvement or better. This shows that there can be benefits from taking different remedies at the same time.

A popular form of natural product is the complex whose formulas contain many different ingredients, each with some evidence of helping a particular condition. Be aware that some complex formulas may not contain an effective dose of some ingredients. Choose a complex from a reputable brand that has a sufficient dose of all ingredients, or take the desired ingredients separately.

Beneficial diet and lifestyle changes will make any natural health program work better. Continuing with RA, in addition to Omega 3s some suggestions would be:
• maintain serum vitamin D levels at 55-60ng/ml
• take a hyaluronic acid supplementation
• eat unprocessed high quality food
• eliminate sugar and most grains
• avoid heavy coffee consumption
• exercise regularly

I still recommend customers try one product at a time to see if it is helping. Then if there is still room for improvement, they can add other items, again one at a time.

This article is intended for educational purposes only; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

015 Hyaluronic Acid - Oiling Your Joints [8 June 2009]

Customers with joint pain often joke that they’d like to have a grease nipple installed in their joints so they could give it a shot of grease now and then. Actually there is some truth to this idea.

Osteoarthritis is the wearing down of the cartilage in the joints. Certain common supplements – glucosamine, chondroitin and shark cartilage – help the body to rebuild this cartilage. These help with joint pain, sometimes dramatically, but often are not enough. Something else is missing.

That something is hyaluronic acid (HA), the main component of the synovial fluid that lubricates and cushions the joints. Without sufficient HA, the joint cartilage becomes dry and brittle – and painful!

So how can you “oil” your joints with HA? One way is expensive injections, but this is at best a temporary fix. Hyaluronic acid is available as a supplement in capsule form – more convenient but still a bit pricey. Fortunately with a bit of work there is a simple and cheaper option – bone broth. Take a chicken carcass or beef bone and simmer it in a pot overnight. Add a few eggshells which are also rich in HA. Then drink the broth daily to keep your synovial fluid “topped up”.

An added benefit of hyaluronic acid may be a healthier looking skin. HA fills the spaces between the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin, hydrating the skin. Will your wrinkles disappear from taking bone broth? I don’t know – try it and see. Then come in and tell me.

This article is intended for educational purposes only; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.