323 Statins & Vitamin K2 [15 June 2015]

Back in April 2012 I wrote about the effect of statin (cholesterol lowering) drugs on Co-enzyme Q10 and muscle pain [#159]. Later, in December 2014 [#299] I showed that vitamin D along with CoQ10 relieves statin-induced myalgia (SIM). In the conclusion I wrote “If I was taking a statin drug, in addition to supplementing with Q10, I would make sure my D levels were adequate”. New research indicates that statin users should add K2 to their list of supplements as well.

A recent discovery, discussed by Okuyama et al in the March 2015 Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology, is that statin drugs inhibit the synthesis of vitamin K2. I have previously discussed [#149] how K2 is essential for directing the calcium from your diet and supplements into your bones instead of your joints and arteries. A 2009 study from Utrecht, Netherlands, had shown that a high intake of K2 reduced the risk of coronary heart disease. It now appears that, ironically, statins, by inhibiting K2 synthesis, could be promoting atherosclerosis, the very condition they are supposed to prevent. The same study (Okuyama et al, 2015) added that statins also inhibit the synthesis of glutathione peroxidase, the essential antioxidant I discussed in two columns in May. Another study published in June 2011 in JAMA concluded that high dose statin therapy increases risk of diabetes compared to moderate dose therapy.

How could it be possible for drugs with side effects like these to be so popular (taken by 1 in 4 Americans age 45 and over)? Are the benefits really worth the risks? An investigation into this question was published by Diamond & Ravnskov in the same March 2015 issue of Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology. They conclude:

“…although statins are effective at reducing cholesterol levels, they failed to substantially improve cardiovascular outcomes… Statin advocates have … [deceptively amplified] the trivial beneficial effects of statins [and] succeeded in minimizing the significance of the numerous adverse effects of statin treatment.”

Please follow the links below, and read these articles for yourself. Then discuss them with your physician and pharmacist. If you decide that statin therapy is still indicated, then consider supplementing with CoQ10, and vitamins D and K2.

Sources:

Okuyama, H et al Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2015 Mar:8(2):189-99 Statins stimulate atherosclerosis and heart failure: pharmacological mechanisms [abstract]

Gast, GC et al Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2009 Sep:19(7):504-10 A high menaquinone intake reduces the incidence of coronary heart disease [abstract]

Diamond DM, Ravnskov U. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2015 Mar:8(2):201-10 How statistical deception created the appearance that statins are safe and effective in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.[abstract]

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

322 The Gut Microbiome Diet [8 June 2015]

Two weeks ago (#320) I discussed how our gut microbiome (the bacteria in our intestines) affects our brain health, specifically mood disorders like depression; diabetes and obesity; and neurological disorders like autism, ADHD, Parkinson’s, MS and Alzheimer’s. I ended by hinting that changing our diets can quickly change our gut microbiome and reduce the risk of these conditions.

How can we best do this?

1. First, avoid unnecessary antibiotics.

2. Restrict sugar, especially fructose, which promotes dysbiosis (growth of unhealthy bacteria).

3. Replace processed foods with whole raw foods wherever possible.

4. Add probiotic foods to your diet – fermented vegetables, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, yogurt, and kombucha tea. These must be unpasteurized and preferably home-grown. I’m looking for sources of starter cultures for these foods – can anyone help me out here?

5. Eat plenty of prebiotic foods which provide fiber for the good bacteria to thrive on. Whole, raw vegetables are best, as cooking destroys some of the fiber. Good sources are:
• Jicama, chicory root and Jerusalem artichoke contain inulin, an excellent prebiotic fiber
• dandelion greens, asparagus
• cooked yams, sweet potatoes, potato skins
• root veggies (may be cooked): carrots, turnips, parsnips
• raw onions, leeks, garlic
• cooked legumes: beans, peas, lentils, chick peas
• raw or cooked cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower
• avocado, apples, and bananas
• wheat bran, soaked or cooked whole wheat.

If you make a good effort to make some of these changes, you should notice an improvement in your digestive (and mental) health within a few weeks. Caution – some of these changes, like introducing more legumes and cabbage, need to be made gradually.

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

321 D-Mannose & Bladder Infections [1 June 2015]

Bladder infections are a common problem for many women (and a few men). In most cases the best treatment is not antibiotics but sugar. A specific type of sugar called D-mannose, to be precise.

Most bladder infections (85-90% by one estimate) are caused by the bacterium E. coli which has an attraction for the sugar D-mannose. This particular sugar, which is a stereo-isomer of glucose, naturally occurs on the lining of the bladder. The E. coli bacteria stick to this sugar and thus to the bladder, preventing it from being washed away with urine flow. The solution is to give the bacteria what it wants. Taking a spoonful of this sugar every 3-4 hours for a day or two floods the bladder with D-mannose which collects the E. coli and flushes them away.

In cases where the infection has reached the kidneys or is caused by a different species of bacteria, D-mannose will be ineffective and antibiotics will be required. Antibiotics of course have the undesirable side effect of killing off beneficial bacteria as well as the pathogens, which as I discussed last week are what keeps us healthy. Trying D-mannose first is not only safer and more effective for E. coli infections, but also saves the antibiotics for when they are really needed. D-mannose does not affect intestinal bacteria and is safe for diabetics.

D-mannnose is found in several fruits such as peaches, apples, blueberries and especially cranberries. It is believed that this is why cranberry juice has a long and successful history of use for bladder infections. In one study (Prodromos et al, 1968) 73% of 44 women and 16 men with a bladder infection obtained relief with 16 oz of cranberry juice daily. The problem with cranberry juice is that most brands have sugar added and even the unsweetened juices still have a high fructose content. Taking cranberry concentrate capsules avoids the sugar, but none of the brands I carry list their D-mannose content on the label so you don’t know how much you are getting. Cranberries (and cranberry extract capsules) have many other nutritional components including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenolic compounds, so are beneficial for more than just bladder infections.

Sources:
Mercola: The Cranberry Juice Myth...
Jonathan V. Wright:D-Mannose for Bladder and Kidney Infections

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

320 Our Gut Microbiome & Our Brain [25 May 2015]

Last fall (#287 & #288) I discussed how our gut microbiome (the bacteria in our intestines) affect our health in many ways, and how it in turn is affected by our diet and lifestyle choices.

In his new 2015 book Brain Maker, the Power of Gut Microbes to Heal and Protect your Brain – For Life, neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter expands on this idea with new research into the relationship between our microbiome and our brain health. The book discusses the gut microbiome’s effect on: inflammation; mood disorders like depression; diabetes and obesity; and neurological disorders like autism, ADHD, Parkinson’s, MS and Alzheimer’s.

These bacteria living in our digestive tract make up 99% of the DNA in our bodies, and affect our health in several ways:
• manufacture neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin, and vitamins like B12;
• maintain the integrity of the gut lining preventing “leaky gut syndrome”; and
• control switches that can turn our own genes on or off.

Leaky gut and inflammation seems to be the keys to the common brain disorders mentioned above. Gut permeability can be measured by measuring levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antibodies – higher blood levels indicate a leaky gut. Strong correlations have been found between LPS levels and many of these chronic disorders, including diabetes. Correlation of course doesn’t necessarily mean causation, but Dr. Perlmutter made some interesting observations after correcting gut flora with fecal transplants (see #243) in a few case studies: Carlos, a 43 year old man with MS who could barely walk with two canes, could now walk unaided; and Jason, a 10 year old boy with severe autism showed remarkable improvements.

While our own DNA has changed little in thousands of years, we can change the 99% of the DNA in our bodies that are found in the gut microbiome in a matter of days – and in so doing significantly reduce our risk for these neurological conditions – simply by changing our diets. More about this in a future article.

Sources: Dr. Perlmutter interview (1 hour)

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

319 Increasing Glutathione – Who Can Benefit? [18 May 2015]

Last week (#318) I showed you how to raise your glutathione levels. Which brings up the question of who would benefit from increasing glutathione.

In medicine we think of one drug for one disease, and are taught to be skeptical of “panaceas” that promise everything. But in natural healing many different nutrients must work together to improve one condition; and a single nutrient can improve many different conditions. Glutathione is a perfect example of the latter because its powerful antioxidant properties make it essential for health in every cell of the body.

You could benefit from increasing glutathione levels if you:
• want to look and feel younger – as we age our bodies produce less glutathione
• are an athlete – improves strength, endurance and reduces recovery time
• are a smoker, welder, mechanic, chemical farmer, consume alcohol, or are otherwise exposed to chemical toxins – protects your organs from damage
• use a cell phone or WIFI, are exposed to microwaves or ultraviolet radiation – protects cells from radiation damage
• have a chronic disease like asthma, Alzheimer’s, Lupus, Parkinson’s, arthritis, macular degeneration – all associated with low glutathione
• are fighting a viral infection such as a cold, hepatitis, herpes, bronchitis, pneumonia, even AIDS – strengthens the immune system to fight infections
• have impaired or diseased organs including heart, liver, kidneys, prostate, stomach, intestines, colon – all benefit from increased glutathione
• have atherosclerosis (risk for heart attack & stroke) – prevents lipid peroxidation and plaque formation
• are healing from trauma – promotes growth of healthy new tissue
• want to sleep better – promotes better more restful sleep
• are sick and tired of feeling sick and tired – supports mitochondria to produce more energy
• are healthy and want to stay that way – helps prevent all above conditions

Sources:
Immunotec website
Nutraxis website

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

318 How to Raise Glutathione [11 May 2015]

I have previously written about glutathione (#304), explaining why it is the most important antioxidant in your body. A few weeks ago (#315) I promised to show you how to raise your glutathione levels.

To review: glutathione is composed of three amino acids – L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid and glycine, and the mineral selenium. Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid. Simply taking glutathione supplements does not raise glutathione levels – it is broken down in digestion; we have to consume the precursors and let our bodies synthesize it where needed.

Of the three amino acids, cysteine is the hardest to get from our diet. Free cysteine, like glutathione, is broken down in digestion. Two special forms do survive the digestive process: N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) and bonded cysteine (also called cystine). NAC is available as a supplement and in higher doses as a prescription drug. It is commonly used in clinical situations but has some side effects and safety concerns, so is not recommended for general use or for children. Cystine is found in whey from raw cow’s milk, processed in a special way to avoid breaking the sulfur bonds. Regular whey supplements will not contain any cystine.

Other factors required to increase glutathione include:
• Selenium – a co-factor for the enzyme glutathione peroxidase
• Vitamins B1 & B2 – help maintain glutathione in its active form
• Vitamins B6 & B12 – play a role in glutathione synthesis
• Folic acid – directs cysteine into production of glutathione rather than homocysteine (a risk factor for heart disease)
• Vitamin C – supports glutathione production and activity
• Vitamin D3 – increases glutathione production
• Vitamin E – protects and recharges glutathione
• Minerals magnesium and zinc – also essential for glutathione production
• Silymarin from the herb milk thistle – has been shown to increase glutathione

Source: Immune Health Solutions website. Be sure to scroll down and watch the Dr. Mark Hyman video clip.

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

317 Nutritional Psychiatry [4 May 2015]

Nutritional psychiatry (NP) is a branch of science that uses nutrients to treat psychiatric symptoms and mood and anxiety disorders. Bonnie Kaplan is a professor at the U. of Calgary and a researcher in nutritional psychiatry. A recent interview with Kaplan for the Economic Times was published online March 20, 2015, as “Nutritional psychiatry can be an effective treatment”.

In the interview, Kaplan made these six points:

1. NP is a new science, less than 15 years old. Kaplan is researching the use of a broad spectrum nutrient formula to treat psychiatric symptoms and mental disorders.

2. NP is effective because normal brain function requires micronutrients. Mental illness can result if any nutrients are in insufficient supply. In one case study a young boy with bipolar disorder who was regressing (getting worse) during six years of conventional treatment, was completely cured after 14 months with nutritional treatment.

3. Many psychiatrists are opposed to nutritional psychiatry. They are trained in drug therapy and are uninterested in normal brain metabolism. Government funding is difficult to obtain because of the lack of support by conventional medicine.

4. Pharmaceutical companies are not interested in NP because it is less profitable. In another case study, a young boy suffering from severe psychosis had been treated conventionally with no improvement, then successfully treated with nutritional therapy at less than 1% of the cost.

5. NP cannot always totally replace drugs; in some cases it complements drug therapy. Kaplan believes the ideal situation would be for nutrition to be the primary therapy and medication play a supportive role when needed.

6. NP is not just about supplementation but includes a diet of high quality nutritious food for its vitamin, mineral and phytonutrient content.

To learn more about nutritional psychiatry and the broad spectrum nutrient formula visit www.truehope.com or phone 888-878-3467.

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