Microbiome and Autoimmunity

     It has been long argued in some corners of the scientific world that imbalance of bacteria in the gut is a major contributor to autoimmune disease. The studies summarized below lend support to this contention. Some disease causing bacteria subvert the immune system by turning it against one's own tissues. Thus preoccupied, the immune system gives disease causing bacteria breathing space.

     Autoimmunity can be triggered by what scientist call molecular mimicry. Bacteria can present molecules like one's own joints, muscle, or skin to the immune system triggering activity of the immune system against one's own tissues. Autoimmunity has begun. Elimination or reduction in the numbers of the bacteria creating the problem will often result in improvement. The most effective means of accomplishing this is with prebiotics (food for beneficial bacteria like fiber and aloe) and probiotics (actual beneficial bacteria).

     Following are studies which suggest that bacteria in the gut can impact autoimmune disease:

     Patients with multiple sclerosis were found to have a significantly different collection of microbes in the gut compared to a control group without the disease. Those with active disease had a reduced number of species of microbes in the gut compared to those who were in remission.

     In another study patients with rheumatoid arthritis were supplemented with a probiotic for eight weeks. Disease activity in the joints decreased. Insulin levels and high-sensitivity C reactive protein also dropped. These are markers for inflammatory activity. Cholesterol levels also improved with the probiotic supplementation.

     In another double blind placebo controlled study of rheumatoid arthritis a probiotic reduced pain, the CRP inflammatory marker, and improved the ability to walk two miles.

     A study of lupus-like disease in mice showed that use of the only antibiotic which knocks out clostridia bacteria resulted in alleviation of the disease. Clostridia have been shown to contribute to autism and reduction in the activity of the bacteria shown to improve the condition.

     Finally, administration of the antibiotic streptomycin early in the life of scleroderma prone mice was shown to induce dysbiosis potentially aggravating the disease.

References:

Chen, Chia et al. Multiple sclerosis patients have a distinct gut microbiota compared to healthy controls. Sci Rep 2016;6:2848.

Tajabadi-Ebrahimi, Jafari et al. Clinical and metabolic response to probiotic supplementation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases 2016;19:869-879.

Mandel, Eichas & Holmes. Bacillus coagulans: a viable adjunct therapy for relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis according to a randomized, controlled trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2010;10:1-7.

Mu, Tavella et al. Antibiotics ameliorate lupus-like symptoms in mice. Scientific Reports. 2017;7:13675.

Mehta, Goulet et al. Early-life antibiotic exposure causes intestinal dysbiosis and exacerbates skin and lung pathology in experimental systemic sclerosis. J Invest Dermatol 2017;137:2316-25.

Aluminum and Autoimmunity

     

     The microbiome is not the only factor that is associated with autoimmunity. Early life exposure to adjuvants in vaccines can alter functioning of the brain and nervous system.  One researcher writes, "Experimental evidence also shows that simultaneous administration of as little as two to three immune adjuvants can overcome genetic resistance to autoimmunity."  For more information on this topic visit the link below.

Reference:

Article on aluminum and autoimmunity.

 ASIA Syndrome

     Autoimmune/autoinflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA syndrome) is a hotly debated entity when it comes to vaccinations in humans. ASIA has been recognized in commercial sheep production with less controversy. It was tied to repeated immunizations that contained aluminum adjuvants. The syndrome shows an acute phase that affects less than 0.5 % of animals in a given herd appearing 2-6 days after an adjuvant-containing inoculation and it is characterized by inflammation of the brain. Most animals apparently recovered afterward.

     The chronic phase of the syndrome followed. The chronic phase begins with an excitatory phase, followed by weakness, extreme wasting away, partial or total paralysis of the feet, and death. Brain damage and accumulation of aluminum in the brain and nerve tissue was evident.  

The authors conclude, "The ovine (sheep) ASIA syndrome can be used as a model of other similar diseases affecting both human and animals. A major research effort is needed in order to understand its complex pathogenesis."

     Only limited studies have been conducted on the safety of adjuvants like aluminum in spite of the fact that it is a known neurotoxin. Feeding infants with IV solutions containing aluminum has been shown to cause developmental damage. Don't be surprised, however, if aluminum is considered safe by vaccine manufacturers and regulatory authorities.

   

Article on sheep ASIA

Discussion of ASIA in Sheep

Aluminum Toxic to Infants with IV Feeding

Protection Against Aluminum Toxicity

  

     Silicon rich mineral water has been used experimentally to promote excretion of aluminum in Alzheimer patients. Waters rich in silicon include Spritzer, Volvic, and Fiji. Fiji water has the highest silicon content and is generally the cheapest in the United States.

     Vitamin E has been shown to protect from Aluminum toxicity in rat studies. The authors of the study write, "In conclusion, this study demonstrates that vitamin E ameliorates glial activation and reduces release of proinflammatory cytokines induced by aluminum."

    The vitamin E research reminds me of the story of my dear friend Don Lawson. He was stricken with what was believed to be polio and spent many years in an iron lung. When he began to supplement with generous quantities of vitamin E, he recovered and was able to live and function without the use of the iron lung.

  

 References:  

 Vitamin E and Aluminum Toxicity

Silicone Rich Water Used to Promote Excretion of Aluminum 

 Aluminum

        Vaccines contain many substances including preservatives like mercury containing thimerisol and adjuvants to increase effectiveness like aluminum. Many researchers are concerned about the safety of these substances.

     The issue of toxicity of aluminum when it is used as an adjuvant in vaccines was raised by Professor Christopher Shaw. Examination of mice injected with the aluminum adjuvant were found to suffer death of 35% of the brain and nerve cells that control movement. Shaw later said, "No one in my lab wants to get vaccinated. This totally creeped us out. We weren't out there to poke holes in vaccines. But all of a sudden, oh my God-we've got neuron death."  

     An evaluation of the aluminum adjuvant issue  found that low doses of aluminum were more toxic than larger doses and concluded the following: "This study provides powerful evidence that Al adjuvant causes brain injury and brain inflammation. The Al adjuvant greatly increased brain aluminum content, caused pathological behavioral changes, and caused microglial activation. These adverse effects occurred at dosages lower than dosages given to human infants according to the CDC vaccination schedule." [See link below.]

     I am frequently asked if I have taken the flu shot. I usually respond that I prefer to risk the flu. Hopefully my immune system has enough competence to deal with most infections. That is why I use a lot of supplements. So far this has worked quite well for me. I do not try to tell others what to do in this matter because many people have poorly functioning immune systems.

     The risk of vaccines may be small but it is often understated. If there were not some risk of damage there would not be a vaccine court that has paid out billions of dollars in damages. It there were no risk to vaccines it would not be necessary to pass a law which prohibits suing pharmaceutical firms for vaccine damage. It would be nice if safety testing of vaccines went on for more than a week so potential long term damage could be assessed.

  

 References:  

     The original paper by Shaw.

      Roberts, Janine, The Vaccine Papers, United Kingdom:Impact Media Publishing Ltd, 2010, 67. Shaw quote.

     Review of the aluminum issue: http://vaccinepapers.org/category/aluminum/

BPA Danger

     A recent article in the Daily Mail found that estrogenic pollutants were found in the bodies of 86% of teenagers. The study also reports that 93% of the U.S. population carries a burden of Bisphenol A, a potent estrogenic pollutant used in plastic bottles, cash register receipts, and the inner lining of canned goods. BPA has been associated with a variety of diseases including obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes, breast and prostate cancer, hyperactivity and learning disabilities, and heart disease.

     Shockingly, when products are labelled BPA free they often contain other closely related estrogenic chemicals including bisphenol AF, bisphenol B, bisphenol C, bisphenol E, bisphenol F and bisphenol S. When test subjects were told to avoid BPA there was little change in blood levels of estrogenic chemicals suggesting that avoiding estrogenic pollution is not a simple tast.
   

Article on BPA

 Learning About Tre

     One of the major ingredients of the Tre drink is acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee). This is the fruit of a palm tree found in the rainforests of the Amazon. It has been a dietary staple of people in Brazil for centuries but has only recently become known in temperate zones.

     What makes this ingredient special is its rich content of anthocyanins. These are water soluble coloring pigments with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Anthocyanins are believed to be responsible for the French Paradox which centers around the idea that the French eat a high fat diet but have a low incidence of heart disease. The French obtain anthocyanins from red wine. Acai can provide over 30 times the anthocyanins of red wine without the alcohol.

     Acai contains many other nutrients as well. The phytosterols and other nutrients found in acai are being investigated for their ability to combat benign prostatic hypertrophy or swollen prostate. This is not surprising since saw palmetto, another product of the palm species, is also of benefit for prostatic hypertrophy.

     One of my older gentleman friends became impotent. He fell in love with the Tre and took it consistently for months. He was stunned when his potency returned. The ingredients in Tre protect the inner lining of the circulatory system and also improve the activity of nitric oxide, the means by which viagra and similar drugs improve male potency.

Article on palm species as source of new medications.

 Agricultural Pollution

     Agriculture causes very little pollution when animal products are used for fertilizer. With the advent of gigantic factory farms it is a different story. One need only drive by one of these large factory farms to smell the pollution.

     Hog farming is the number one pollution threat to rivers and waterways in the United States. Pigs produce ten times more waste than do humans. This waste is collected in ponds. The waste can leach into the ground or get washed into rivers when heavy rainfall takes place.

     Hog waste is believed to be responsible for the proliferation of an organism called Pfiesteria piscicida in U.S. coastal waters. This organism has been called the "cell from hell" because it kills millions of fish. In one six week  period in 1991 it killed an estimated one billion fish in one river in North Carolina.

     Hog waste is toxic to humans as well. The fumes can cause headaches and nausea. Some workers have been overcome by fumes, fallen into manure lagoons, and died.

     Choosing organic and responsibly produced pork products not only protects the environment, but it is also far healthier than commercial dairy products that are pumped with antibiotics and other chemicals.

Article on Hog Farms

Fish Kill in Illinois

Pollution in North Carolina

 Grass Fed

     Where possible find grass-fed animal products. Animals fed grass contain omega-3 fatty acids in their tissues. Research on the NeoLife Salmon Oil Plus showed that the product reduced the inflammatory index by 68% in 8 weeks. Such reductions in inflammation in the body decrease the risk of developing cancer and heart disease. Grain fed animals have large quantities of arachidonic acid, a fat which tends to reduce the levels of omega-3 fats in the body.

     Pastured animals have far lower levels of toxic substances in their bodies than commercial animals fed genetically modified grains. One will find these animal products rich in other nutrients including CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), carotenoids, vitamins A, E, and K.

     Grass-fed buffalo meat may well be worth a try. Not only is it rich in nutrients, but buffalo have great cancer resistance. It is difficult to find cases of cancer in bison or American buffalo.

Article on Cancer in Bison

 Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)

 

      I am sometimes asked about whether one should use a form of B12 as cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin. Methylcobalamin is widely promoted on the internet as being superior. Studies do show that methylcobalamin is a very beneficial form of B12 when given by injection. Studies of oral supplementation show that methylcobalamin is very poorly absorbed compared to cyanocobalamin. Cyanocobalamin has the additional advantage of being the only form of vitamin B12 that can be converted by the body to all the different biologically active forms of vitamin B12 for which the body has numerous uses.

     Manufacturers of methylcobalamin try to scare people regarding the presence of cyanide in cyanocobalamin. The trace of cyanide that stabilizes the vitamin B12 in cyanocobalamin makes up only 2% of the molecule's mass. So, even a 1000 mcg megadose of vitamin B12 contains only 20 mcg of cyanide. To put that in perspective: a single serving of lima beans (per Health Canada) can supply as much as 300,000 mcg of cyanide --- 15,000 times the amount in a cyanocobalamin megadose.

     Clearly, the infinitesimal trace of cyanide in vitamin B12 is a totally insignificant quantity as far as toxicity is concerned. --- In fact --- cyanocobalamin is so completely nontoxic and so easily eliminated by the kidneys, that the antidote for true cyanide poisoning is the injectable form of vitamin B12 hydroxocobalamin. The injected hydroxocobalamin combines with the cyanide to form cyanocobalamin --- which is completely non-toxic and is quickly eliminated by the kidneys.

     The only real advantage of methylcobalamin is the methyl molecule. This molecule is readily available in other supplements such as NeoLife's Lipotropic Adjunct.

 Birth Control Pills and Breast Cancer

      A recent study confirmed that birth control pills increase the risk of breast cancer. The study found 13 extra cases of breast cancer for every 100,000 women using birth control pills each year. The Danish study followed 1.8 million women for a decade. The link between birth control pills and breast cancer was established long ago, but this is the first large study that looks at the current birth control formulations which are supposed to be safer than older formulations. Any birth control device that released hormones IUD's increased risk. 

     The number of increased cases of cancer seems small until one considers the millions of women using hormone based contraceptives and the fact that they are used for many years. The risk of cancer increased the longer women used the birth control and the risk was greatest among older women. The overall increase in risk of developing breast cancer was about 20%. That risk increased to 38% if a woman used a hormonal birth control method for 10 years.

     Many years ago Ellen Grant wrote a book called The Bitter Pill which documented the problems she observed as she introduced the birth control pill into England. That book was suppressed and is difficult to find. You will find a summary by clicking the link below.

Link to article on birth control pills and breast cancer.

Link to Ellen Grant summary.

 Children on Target for Obesity

     A recent study concluded that 57% of children today will be obese by the time they are 35 years old if dietary habits are not altered. Currently 36.5% of the population is obese. Children suffering with obesity number 4.5 million at the current time.

     Obesity is tied to increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The costs of obesity are enormous fueling the current dilemma over what to do about health care. Americans will either have to get healthier or health care is going to be rationed in one way or another.

    Parents who are concerned about obesity in children should consider replacing sweet snacks with the NeoLife Shake. There are four major reasons why this supplement can help regulate weight and prevent obesity.

 1. NeoLife Shake is rich in branched chain amino acids which promote muscle growth and retention. Muscle burns fat. The more muscle we have the easier it is to burn fat for energy.

2. NeoLife Shake is a nutrient rich balanced meal. The supplement contains 25 essential vitamins and minerals plus all 22 amino acids. One of the primary reasons why children and adults overeat is due to hidden hungers. Dr. Roger Williams demonstrated in animal research long ago that he could convert laboratory animals from consuming small amounts of alcohol to binge drinkers by depriving them of any one of a number of different nutrients. When the missing nutrient was added back to the diet, the binging stopped. Many people feel that binge eating is contributed to by nutrient deficiency as well.

3. NeoLife Shake is designed to stabilize blood sugar. This technology is called Glycemic Response Control. The shake has an optimal balance of fiber, protein, fat and carbohydrate to keep blood sugar stable for a prolonged period of time.

4. Gut-Brain Satiety Signaling. The NeoLife Shake contains nutrients to reduce levels of a hormone called ghrelin which increases appetite and to increase levels of leptin which signals the brain that appetite has been satisfied.

     NeoLife Shake can be a powerful tool to help parents reduce the risk of childhood obesity.

Link to article on childhood obesity.

 Endotoxin 

   One of the most powerful inflammatory substances in the body is called LPS or lipopolysaccharide. This substance is known as an endotoxin because it is produced within the human body. When the bacteria in the digestive tract feed on high fat meals, the numbers of those that produce LPS explode contributing to chronic inflammatory conditions. At the recent clinical nutrition meeting in Dallas, one of the speakers reported on an interesting experiment. Subjects were fed high fat meals (burgers and shakes) from a fast food restaurant. Endotoxin levels exploded. The subjects were then supplemented with beneficial bacteria also known as probiotics. The beneficial bacteria largely blocked the production of endotoxin.

     LPS comes from the cell membranes of certain types of bacteria. The beneficial bacteria were obviously preventing the growth of harmful bacteria blocking the formation of inflammatory substances in the body. Individuals who are suffering with inflammatory conditions should consider avoiding high fat meals and supplement with probiotics like Acidophilus Complex when they are consuming such meals to reduce the risk of up-regulating inflammation in the body.

 A Great Testimony on Substance Abuse

          My 57-year old cousin came out to visit us from Kansas for the very first time this year. He has been so sad and lonely for the last two decades after losing his mother, his marriage, and his son to prison. This sadness drew him to substance abuse for years and years. Our family kept wondering if he had the strength to live through the grief and suffering he was experiencing.

     When he came to visit us in September, he saw us making Neo-Life shakes everyday and swallowing some pills and capsules. My sweet 88-year old mother said to him, "Maybe you should try this. It just might make you feel better." Well, we gave him a Neo-Life shake and some Formula IV and he said he liked the way it made him feel for several hours. He commented that he didn't even get hungry for about four hours.

     He returned home to Kansas with a promise to himself that he would now commit to nourishing himself. He has been ordering his monthly supply of Neo-Life and just keeps feeling better and better, happier and happier. He reports much more energy and is sleeping so much better. I say, Thank You Neo-Life for helping me help my cousin!

Blessings to everyone, I just wanted to share, 

LaDonna Peterson 

 IAACN Review

    The yearly meeting of the International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists is now history. The entire conference was on toxins in the environment and the proper approaches to dealing with them. The emphasis was on making sure that the digestive tract is functioning efficiently before proceeding with other steps of removing toxins. Otherwise the toxins stored in the body tend to just get recirculated. The following are some observations made during the course of the three days of lectures.

The Value of Human Source Probiotics

There was a strong emphasis on the importance of probiotics that are native to humans. In the NeoLife Acidophilus this is taken for granted, but apparently many companies are supplying probiotic cultures which are native to cattle. Non-human probiotics do not produce the same benefits as beneficial bacteria native to the human gut.

Processed Foods Drenched with Weed Killer

    One of the lecturers noted that most processed foods are loaded with glyphosate or Roundup. Cheerios was the winner with 1,125 ppb (parts per billion). Previous research has shown that residues of only .05 ppb can cause damage to at least 4,000 genes while 10 ppb can cause serious health effects like kidney and liver damage. Many processed foods had more than 10 ppb of glyphosate residues.

For more information click here.

Safe Birth Control Alternative

    World famous pharmacist Ross Pelton became interested in nutrition when he found that selenium dramatically reduced the incidence of breast cancer in his laboratory animals. He introduced the group to Smart Women's Choice Birth Control. This form of birth control has not seen any of the dangerous side effects of other forms of contraception.

For more information click here.

The Toxic Solution

    The textbook for this year was Joseph Pizzorno's book The Toxic Solution. The issue of toxins can become quite complicated. This book is an excellent introduction to the subject for a beginner. One quickly realizes that we are all exposed to numerous toxins on a daily basis.

Candida auris

    Candida auris is a fungus like Candida albicans. Unlike  C. albicans, however, this new superbug is resistant to antifungals, can be communicated from person to person, and has a death rate of 30-50%. The organism recently appeared in the United States, primarily in New York and New Jersey. Doctors do not usually work to identify Candida species so it is likely to go undetected while it is being spread from person to person. The organism can survive on surfaces for months and is resistant to the usual disinfectants. Antibiotic resistant bacteria have become common, but this is the first alert about a treatment resistant fungus and promises real problems for the medical profession, nursing homes, and hospitals.

For more information click here.

    

Mold

    Mold is a big concern right now due to the widespread flooding in different parts of the United States as the result of hurricanes. Click here for a good web site on coping with mold.

 Roundup in Common Foods

     Traces of the herbicide Roundup have recently been found in many common foods including Ben & Jerry's ice cream and in Whole Foods Market 365 sample which is organic. Residues have also been found in Quaker Oats, Cheerios, Ritz Crackers and Stacy's Simply Naked Pita Chips. All levels were below regulatory limits.

Reference

Article on Roundup Residues

Roundup and Fatty Liver

     

     Recent research has shown that ultra-low dose exposure to Roundup herbicide interferes with fat metabolism in the liver and causes fatty liver disease. These levels of exposure are far below government guidelines for allowable limits of Roundup in foods. In a different study ultra-low dose exposure to Roundup was shown to damage the kidney.

     I have pointed out in this newsletter and frequently in lectures that a pollutant free fish oil supplement combats fatty liver disease and insulin resistance. By contrast, fish and fish oil supplements containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP's) cause insulin resistance and fatty liver disease. NeoLife is the only supplement I am aware of that tests its omega-3 products for 200 Plus pollutants with a standard of ZERO. 

Articles on Roundup and Fatty Liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats with low exposure to Roundup.

Liver and kidney damage from ultra-low dose Roundup exposure

 Omega-3 and Seizures

Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition. Epilepsy is associated with irregular heartbeat which can lead to sudden unexpected death. Researchers suggest that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can not only improve epilepsy, but also decrease the risk of death from irregular heartbeat. In one study of 5 patients supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids eliminated seizure in three and reduced seizures in the other two by over 50%.

Reference:

Yuen, Alan, W.C., et al., Is omega-3 fatty acid deficiency a factor contributing to refractory seizures and SUDEP? European Journal of Epilepsy, March 2004; 13(2):104-107.

 Omega-3, Carotenoids and the Brain

     

     Scientific studies suggest that carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids contribute to brain development and brain health. There also appears to be an additive effect when the two are both supplied in adequate quantity. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids found in green leafy foods which have been shown to have an affinity for neural tissue including the eye. These carotenoids accumulate in the back of the eye protecting against macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the United States. These carotenoids are so important for eye tissue that they are found at a concentration 500 times greater than in any other tissue in the human body.

     These same carotenoids also have an affinity for brain tissue. The brain has a high requirement for antioxidants because of a high metabolic rate, the presence of many unsaturated fats, and the utilization of about 25% of the body's oxygen utilization. Carotenoids appear to concentate in the brains of infants, contributing to the rapid development of the brain in children. Infant formulas do not contain carotenoids while mother's milk does. These antioxidants are so important for brain development that researchers are now beginning to recommend the addition of carotenoids to infant formula.

     In a 4 month double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial older women showed significant increases in verbal fluency and learning ability when supplemented with both carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. These two nutrients should be considered where cognitive decline is evident.

     NeoLife Salmon Oil Plus is tested for over 200 pollutants with a standard of ZERO. It is also standardized for all 8 members of the omega-3 family. Salmon Oil Plus was shown in a clinical trial to reduce the inflammatory index by 68%. It is by far the best fish oil product available. NeoLife Carotenoid Complex is also superior. Testing by USDA researchers showed that the product reduced oxidative damage by 44%.

     Researchers believe that omega-3 fats and carotenoids benefit brain function significantly because these nutrients reduce inflammation and free radical damage. They also play an important structural in neurons assuring proper function of the synapses where memory and cognition are regulated.

References:

http://static.abbottnutrition.com/cms-prod/anhi.org/img/Johnson.pdf

Johnson EJ, McDonald K, Caldarella SM, Chung H-Y, Snodderly DM. Cognitive findings of an exploratory trial of docosahexaenoic acid and lutein supplementation in older women. Nutri Neurosci. 2008 Apr;11:75-83. doi: 10.1179/147683008X301450.

 Linus was Right!

     Not the cartoon Linus, but Linus Pauling. I had a chance to meet the man prior to his death. Linus Pauling is considered the father of modern biochemistry. He is the only man in history to receive two Nobel Prizes. Despite this the scientific community turned its back on Pauling when he began to promote vitamin C as a treatment for colds and for cancer. Pauling and Cameron reported that when vitamin C was given by injection cancer patients could live four times as long as those not supplied with the vitamin.

     Recent research has shown that there is generally a hierarchy of cancer cells in the body. The most essential cells for cancer growth and spread are cancer stem cells. Cancer stem-like cells are thought to be the root cause of resistance of cancer to chemotherapy and radiation. As a result researchers are madly testing different compounds to find out which ones have the property of inhibiting these cancer cells with the characteristic of "stemness."

     A new research paper has reported that vitamin C  is a powerful inhibitor of cancer stem cells. Vitamin C was actually about ten times more powerful in inhibiting cancer stem cell proliferation than a  drug called 2-DG used for this purpose. The advantage of vitamin C over many drugs being researched is that it is safe and cheap. It would not surprise me to see vitamin C linked to pharmaceutical drugs to target cancer stem cells.

References:

Vitamin C uncouples the Warburg metabolic switch.

Vitamin C targets stemness.

Article for average person.

 Garlic and Cancer

    

      The best way to prevent cancer is to avoid exposure to carcinogens. Unfortunately, this is virtually impossible in our chemical laden world. The next best alternative is the ingestion of anticarcinogens. At the top of this list sits the Allium family of vegetables which includes garlic, onion,chives and related plants. Garlic is the most widely researched medicinal plant. Louis Pasteur reported the antibacterial properties of garlic in 1858 and the plant was used during World War II to treat the wounds of soldiers..

     The ancient Egyptians and Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used garlic to treat tumors. Numerous studies over the last 30 years suggest that garlic reduced the risk of colorectal cancers and cancers of the stomach, lung, esophagus and several other cancers.

     Studies have suggested that stomach cancer is reduced by the fact that garlic kills bacteria in the stomach that can create nitrosamines, a known carcinogen. Garlic also reduces the incidence of infection with

H. pylori bacteria which can cause stomach cancer and ulcers.

 Garlic consumption also appears to reduce the risk of breast  and prostate cancer.

     The many benefits of Allium vegetables are associated primarily with organosulfur compounds. One means by which these compounds prevent cancer is by induction of phase II detoxification enzymes. This reduces the tendency of chemicals to cause cancer.

     NeoLife Garlic Allium is standardized for allicin and other bioactive compounds from garlic, onions, chives, and leeks. An exclusive targeted delivery technology takes garlic's active allicin directly to the intestine, eliminating aftertaste and maximizing absorption. The no odor formula minimizes garlic breath without diminishing the benefits of these amazing vegetables.

References:

     Thomson, Martha and Aki, Muslim, Garlic [Allium sativum]: A review of its potential use as an anti-cancer agent,

Current Cancer Drug Targets, 2003; 3:67-81.

     Boivin, Dominique, et al., Antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of common vegetables: A comparative study, Food Chemistry, 2009; 112:374-380.

 Respiratory Allergy

     Respiratory allergies are particularly bad this year due to all the rain and pollen. These allergies are triggered when a sensitizing substance penetrates the sinus tissues triggering the release of histamine. A common sense approach to dealing with this problem would include the following:

1. Avoid exposure to sensitizing agents. There are some excellent air purifiers available. Simply cleaning the air at night can make a major difference for many people.

2. Prevent the penetration of sinus tissues by sensitizing substances. The sinuses are usually filled with mucus which traps pollen, dust and other irritating substances. Cilia then sweep the irritants away. Mucus is primarily water so dehydration can aggravate respiratory sensitivity.  Deficiency of essential fats, zinc, and vitamin A can compromise the secretion of mucus and the activity of the cilia.

3. Stabilization of the mast cell and removal of histamine can make a major difference in respiratory allergy. Histamine levels have been shown to be inversely correlated with vitamin C levels. At least 2 grams of vitamin C is recommended for nasal allergy. It is most effective in a continuous release form such as NeoLife Super C. Vitamin C at higher doses has a half-life of only 30 minutes so intake should be spread out. HIstamine is released by free radicals so it should not be surprising that other antioxidants like Vitamin E and Carotenoids can also benefit respiratory allergy.

References:

"Natural Treatment of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis," Thornhill SM, Kelly A-M, Alt Med Rev, 2000;5(5):448-454.

Masini, Emanuela, et al., The release of histamine by free radicals, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 1988; 5(3):177-197.

 Early Signs of Scurvy

     I recently re-read  Every Second Child by Archie Kalokerinos. Sadly, the book is hard to come by now. I had a chance to meet Archie in the 1970's. He was a physician who practiced medicine among the Australian Aboriginal people. Both Aborigines and whites living in his area lived largely on processed foods marginal in their vitamin C content.

     In the early days of Archie's practice every other child was dying of sudden infant death syndrome. Through years of trial and error and study Archie came to the conclusion that these children were marginal in their intake of vitamin C. They also had compromised digestive tracts and experienced frequent runny noses, ear infections, and lung infections. Sudden infant death was often precipitated by immunization or administration of antibiotics. Cerebral irritation and unwillingness to move due to pain often preceded sudden death.

     Archie began injecting his infants with vitamin C prior to immunization or administration of antibiotics and he did not see  the death of a child for two years. This work is important because 80% of sudden and unexpected infant deaths fall into the category of SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Many of these deaths might be preventable just by improving the vitamin C status of the children.

     Archie also noted that there was a tendency to develop severe bruising if serious scurvy developed in infants. He recounts a case in which an Aboriginal mother was tried and convicted of murder despite the fact that his own examination clearly indicated that the child had died from scurvy.

     Human beings are unique from most other animals in that they can not produce vitamin C within their own bodies. Medical personnel have diagnosed outright scurvy among adolescents and older people living on highly processed foods. Many other cases are probably diagnosed as other diseases, since most doctors to not expect to see scurvy today and are not familiar with the signs of subclinical scurvy.

     Most people should supplement with this vitamin. Linus Pauling pointed out long ago that the recommended intake of vitamin C for monkeys is 20 times higher that the recommended intake for human beings by the same government agency. The physiology is the same.

     The NeoLife Super C contains vitamin C locked in a mesh of protein. It releases gradually over a period of many hours as the protein is digested. This is important because the half-life of vitamin C at higher doses is only about 30 minutes in the blood. It washes out very rapidly. To experience the full benefits of vitamin C spread out intake.

 Ketones

     

     The cells of the body can survive on two fuels: glucose and ketones. Ketones are made when the body breaks down fat. In the course of history food was rarely available all the time as it is in the United States at the present time. The body has the ability to store extra calories and them burn them for fuel when an individual does not have readily available food. This is called fasting.

     A great many studies have been done on animals showing that caloric restriction or fasting prolongs lifespan and reduces the incidence of a number of diseases including cancer. Indeed, fasting is the most powerful means of increasing lifespan in animals.

     Feeding the body with ketones has been shown to be a valuable tool for treating some cases of epilepsy that do not respond to medication. Others have suggested that the addition of ketones to the diet can benefit those with mental decline and even Alzheimer's.

     Ketones have also been used to benefit Type 1 Diabetes, strenuous exertion, Parkinson's, cancer, and obesity. The Atkins diet was based upon generating ketones.

     Ketones can be generated in the body by avoiding food. After three days there are almost no carbohydrates available and the body will transit into a ketone metabolism. This is obviously difficult for many people to do. Another problem is that our world is filled with fat loving pollutants that become stored in our body fat. When we fast, these toxins are released. After five days of fasting the ability to detoxify these pollutants begins to decline rapidly.

     Ketones can also be generated by consuming a low carbohydrate diet. One can consume foods which contain ketones or supplement with ketones. 

     Production of energy in the mitochondria or energy factories of the cells is dependent upon Coenzyme Q10 and associated factors found in the NeoLife supplement. B Complex vitamins are also required. This is true of energy production from glucose or ketones. Using either of these for fuel generates free radicals which can damage energy production in the cells. CoQ10 prevents this free radical damage in the mitochondria.

     One of the problems of a high fat diet is that we must distinguish between good fats and bad fats. Promoters of ketone metabolism often fail to distinguish between omega-3 rich fats and omega-6 rich fats. Poor quality fats can also damage the mitochondria as discussed in my previous newsletter.

 Gout

     One of our customers named Terri recently shared that a member of the family suffered with gout. When she takes, Carotenoid Complex she has no pain. If she fails to take the product the pain comes back. This is interesting to me because you will search the nutritional literature and fail to find anything which would suggest that carotenoids would benefit gout. It reminds me of another customer who suffered with gout. He began supplementing with Betagest and Enzymes and his gout went away. The best support in the nutrition literature suggests that vitamin C may reduce the risk of gout. Years ago Jonathan Wright, M.D., observed that vitamin C was as effective as the medication to treat gout. Gout can be caused by lead poisoning or by elevated uric acid. Excess sugar or purine intake can elevate uric acid levels. High levels of purines are found in beer and in some foods.

References:

"Vitamin C intake and the risk of gout in men: a prospective study," Choi HK, Gao X, Curhan G, Arch Intern Med, 2009; 169(5): 502-7.

"Vitamin C Intake and Serum Uric Acid Concentration in Men," Gao X, Curhan G, et al, J Rheumatol, 2008 May 1.

"The effects of vitamin C supplementation on serum concentrations of uric acid - Results of a randomized controlled trial," Huang HY, Appel LJ, et al, Arthritis and Rheumatism, 2005; 52(6): 1843-1847.  

 Vegetable Oils and Antioxidants

     In the 1950's people were told by their doctors that saturated fats were bad and that they should be replaced by unsaturated vegetable oils. Medical authorities are now questioning this advice. Studies show that while unsaturated vegetable oils lower cholesterol, they do not decrease risk of heart attack or death from all causes (all cause mortality).

     Processing of vegetable oils robs them of antioxidants while heating and exposure to oxygen can alter structure and function of the oils. Dr. Catherine Shanahan, a family physician based in Denver, believes that these oils are the "brain's worst enemy." Unsaturated oils promote oxidative damage to brain cells. Short term results of excessive unsaturated oils in her view include lethargy and trouble concentrating. Longer term intake can contribute to migraines. 

     Recent research on palm oil, considered by many to be healthy, led to a warning from the European Food Safety Authority warning that this oil can act as a carcinogen. Heating sunflower and corn oils produces aldehydes which are known causes of heart disease and cancer.

     Excessive poor quality oils in the diet or excessive fat in general may also interfere with proper insulin function leading to or aggravating a diabetic condition. The amount of triglyceride in skeletal muscle is inversely related to insulin activity. It is wise to avoid excessive consumption of oils separated from the foods in which they are found as they are often oxidized and gum up carbohydrate metabolism.

     Always remember that the greater the intake of refined oils into the diet the more important it is to supplement with fat soluble antioxidants like Vitamin E, CoQ10, and Carotenoids as refined oils have been stripped of these important nutrients.

 Sugar Malabsorption

     Fruit juices are high in sugars including fructose and sorbitol. This can result in digestive upset and diarrhea in susceptible individuals. Sorbitol inhibits absorption of fructose. Unabsorbed sugars feed bacteria which can overgrow damaging the lining of the digestive tract and leading to diarrhea. Infants and children are particularly susceptible to this problem. Parents should be cautious when feeding young children high sugar fruit juices.

     In a study of patients with irritable bowel syndrome only 7% of patients absorbed lactose, fructose, and sorbitol normally. Those with functional bowel complaints scored little better (8%). About three-quarters of the patients in both groups tolerated lactose (milk sugar) and a fructose-sorbitol combination poorly. Well over half of the patients improved with restriction of sugar intake. The researchers concluded, "Combined sugar malabsorption patterns are common in functional bowel disorders and may contribute to symptomatology in most patients. Dietary restriction of the offending sugar(s) should be implemented before the institution of drug therapy." Sometimes the solutions are simple if people only knew.

Perman, Jay A., M.D., Digestion and Absorption of Fruit Juice Carbohydrates,

Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 1996;15(5):12S-17S.

Goldstein, R., et al., Carbohydrate malabsorption and the effect of dietary restriction on symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and functional bowel complaints, The Israel Medical Association Journal : IMAJ [2000, 2(8):583-587]

 Meal Time and Weight Loss

     Timing of meals has a surprising effect upon weight loss. In a 20 week study researchers learned that eating an early lunch resulted in a much faster weight loss than a late lunch. The cut off time for a late lunch was 3:00 in the afternoon. The researchers concluded, "Eating late may influence the success of weight-loss therapy. Novel therapeutic strategies should incorporate not only the caloric intake and macronutrient distribution--as is classically done--but also the timing of food."

     The importance of timing of meal intake has been demonstrated in animals. Mice are active at night. Feeding studies have shown that a high fat diet only during daylight results in significantly more weight gain than the same diet at night. The body handles food differently when we would normally be sleeping than it does when we are normally active. Mice fed during the day ate more and were less active than animals fed at night when they are normally active.

     Many studies have shown that consuming calories earlier in the day helps to keep us trim and can aid weight loss if we are trying to lose weight. Shift work increases risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancers (particularly breast cancer).

     Simply eating less at night can have profound effects on blood sugars. One study notes, "each 3-hour increase in nighttime fasting duration was associated with roughly a 20% reduced odds of elevated hemoglobin A1c. The reduced blood sugars are expected to reduce risk of breast cancer. Researchers believe 12-14 hours of "gut rest" at night is optimal in most situations. 

Reference:

Scheer, Frank, et al., Timing of food intake predicts weight loss effectiveness,

International Journal of Obesity, April 2013; 37:604-611.

Arble, Deanna M., et al., Circadian timing of food intake contributes to weight gain, Obesity, Nov. 2009; 17(11):2100-2102.

Patterson, Ruth, et al., Intermittent fasting and human metabolic health, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, August 2015; 115(8): 1203-1212.

Marinac, Catherine R., et al., Prolonged nightly fasting and breast cancer risk: Findings from NHANES (2009-2010), May 2015; 24(5): 783-789.

 Glyphosate Contamination

     Glyphosate is the active ingredient in RoundUp herbicide. It is widely used in GMO crops (Genetically Modified Organisms) like soy and corn. Simply choosing foods that are non-GMO may be deceptive, however. Glyphosate is commonly sprayed on sugar cane, wheat, barley, and oat crops  as a powerful desiccant. These crops are dried to prevent mold contamination. 

     A recent testing of Quaker Instant Oatmeal (Strawberries and Cream) contained 1,327 ppb (parts per billion) glyphosate weed killer. This is one of the highest levels of contamination of any food so far tested. Oats are not a genetically modified crop. Glyphosate residues have been implicated in kidney damage, inhibition of liver function, and some digestive disorders.

     To avoid glyphosate residues in these crops it is best to look for organic sources of the grains.

http://www.naturalnews.com/053721_glyphosate_Quaker_Instant_Oats_Silk_soymilk.html

 Sweetened with Fruit Juice

     Sweetened with 100% fruit juice. Sounds great does it not. Fruit juice concentrate often tastes like the fruit from which it came. It is difficult to work with. Juices are typically stripped of color, flavor, acids, and minerals by passing them through ion exchange columns. It's and expensive way to make sugar water. It allows the manufacturer to label the product as "100% juice" or "no sugar added." There is no technique used to identify these modified juices in foods. If a label says white grape, apple, or pear juice you should suspect that it may be this stripped down fruit juice which is little different from refined sugar. 

Reference:

     Uncle John's Legendary Lost Bathroom Reader, Ashland, Or.:The Bathroom Reader's Press, 1999, 582.