Doctors have always labeled celiac disease as a rare food allergy that, while a serious condition for those afflicted is generally not something the rest of us need to worry about.
Well, it seems that the underlying problem that causes celiac disease -- an autoimmune condition caused by gluten intolerance -- isn't so much rare as it is undiagnosed. Some researchers postulate that individuals often have symptoms for as many as 11 years before they are diagnosed correctly. Worse, they believe that only 2.5 percent of those who have some form of gluten intolerance ever get diagnosed at all.
This is sad, considering how serious the health consequences can be -- and that the condition can often be completely rectified through diet.
Untreated, gluten sensitivity can result in a long list of disorders, including many cancers, autoimmune disorders, neurological diseases, chronic pain syndromes, and even psychiatric and other brain disorders. The classic symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. However, digestive symptoms are not the only symptoms celiac can cause. Neurological disorders associated with the disease include sporadic and progressive cerebellar ataxia, cerebral atrophy and dementia, cerebral vasculitis, myopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and epilepsy.
If you suspect that you or anyone in your family might have celiac disease, or a gluten-sensitivity, you can ask your doctor to perform a tTG or tissue transgluminase test. Keep in mind that if you have already eliminated wheat or gluten products from your diet, this test will come up negative, even if you have the sensitivity. But if you have consumed any wheat products and have the sensitivity, this test will do a better job of picking it up than previous tests.
If you do have celiac disease or gluten-intolerance, eliminating grains and grain products (like rice, pasta, bread, etc.) from your diet can go a long way in helping you feel better --sometimes even better than you can imagine.
Many people who have this disease report that they were so accustomed to their low level of health, they almost didn't know they had a problem -- until they went gluten-free. Suddenly, they transform into healthy people, full of energy.
Co-author of the book Dangerous Grains, Ron Hoggan, reports that he didn't realize until he eliminated gluten grains from his diet how uncomfortable and chronically ill he had been for much of his life.
Being aware of this condition and knowing what signs to look for may just keep you or someone you know from becoming one of those "undiagnosed" statistics.
Stay tuned for 10 Tips to Blast FAT FAST Seminar!
Marc Plano
1-877-Plano-Plan
www.optimal-results.net
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Longevity and Digestion
Longevity and Digestion
by Harold J. Kristal, D.D.S.
The focus of much nutritional research these days is in the fascinating area of longevity and life extension. There is much discussion of human growth hormone (HGH) and its precursors, as well as special amino acids, glandular formulations, and various exotic combinations of vitamins and minerals. Though the use of HGH products should be seen as strictly experimental at this time, due to a lack of knowledge about long-term side effects and interactions with other hormones, judicious use of other longevity products can indeed provide beneficial effects for many people. However, what is missing from most discussions on this topic is the primary importance of a properly functioning digestive system. All the cutting edge products in the world will you do you little good if your system is unable to properly assimilate them, not to mention the nutrients from your food that are vital to your very survival. The humble act of digestion is itself a primary key to a long and healthy life.
Traditional Chinese medicine teaches us that as much as ninety percent of all disease can be traced to digestive malfunction. The Chinese have been advocating this concept for 5,000 years, yet it has never found much acceptance in mainstream western medicine. However, Metabolic Typing does embody a similar principle in its admonition to eat the correct foods for your Metabolic Type. Our primary reference point, or baseline, is blood pH: when the blood pH is optimized, the body is able to perform its various metabolic functions much more effectively. Primary among these functions is the multi-phase process of digestion.
There are three basic supplements that I recommend to all my clients: a metabolically appropriate multi-vitamin (Formula I, II or III); essential fatty acids (usually in the form of Essential Balance Oil); and Kristazyme digestive enzymes, which I feel are essential for everyone over the age of 35, or anyone of any age with digestive issues. Taking one Kristazyme at the beginning of each meal will greatly help both the stomach and small intestines to properly break down the macro- and micro-nutrients in our food, so that our bodies can derive the full nutritional benefit offered by our food.
We may never be able to completely stop the aging process, but we can slow it down. Our body requires about 60 different nutrients to function properly. These include amino acids (the building blocks of protein), fatty acids (the building blocks of dietary fats), carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. If these nutrients do not successfully cross the intestinal lining into the bloodstream, we are short-changing ourselves and compromising the integrity of all of our physiological systems.
It is widely observed that, as we age, we produce less stomach acid (hydrochloric acid). Stomach acid is essential to create the right pH in the stomach, without which we are unable to break down our foods (especially proteins) and properly utilize their nutritional content. For example, it is a well-established scientific fact that calcium and vitamin B12 cannot be properly assimilated unless they have been adequately acidified in the stomach. It does not matter how much comes in through the mouth if it is not properly processed in the stomach. Digestive problems tend to increase exponentially with age, with heartburn, bloating, gas and constipation being foremost among them. Eating a poor quality diet only exacerbates the problem. No wonder that some of the best-selling medications and over-the-counter (OTC) products are antacids and other digestive aids. Unfortunately, these only mask the symptoms; they do nothing to address the underlying problem, and, in some cases, they may actually make it worse over time.
For over 100 years physicians would address most digestive problems by prescribing supplemental hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsin (a protein-digesting enzyme produced in the stomach). Although this strategy was often effective, these natural products cannot be patented, and so drug companies sought more lucrative products, leading to the development of antacids and acid blockers. Because these drugs can often provide symptomatic relief, the science was inverted to fit the pharmaceutical companies' marketing agenda, so it now widely claimed that acid reflux and other digestive disorders are the result of too much, not too little stomach acid. While this is occasionally true, the much more common scenario is that declining stomach acid is the problem. Accordingly, the use of antacids and acid blockers only exacerbates the underlying problem, even while providing short-term relief (which 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a little warm water can usually provide as effectively and more safely).
HCl supplementation can indeed be helpful, but, at least in some cases, it can make the stomach lazy over time, so that it comes to rely on the supplement, further reducing its own acid production. A breakthrough occurred in 1971 when Dr. Edwin Howell developed the first plant source digestive enzymes. These enzymes (such as the ones used in Kristazyme) operate in a wide pH range, both helping to directly break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the stomach, and assisting the stomach to achieve its desired acidity. When the food in the stomach is properly acidified, it is then released into the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine), where its acidity stimulates the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas.
So, not only is stomach acid needed for the stomach itself to properly function, it also needed to stimulate the pancreas to release its own enzymes, which are crucial to complete the digestive process in the small intestine. Some of the plant enzymes themselves survive the stomach's acid bath, and arrive intact in the small intestine to contribute their proteases, amylases, lipases and other enzymes to the next phase of the digestive process.
We can see how essential proper digestion is to the efficient functioning of the whole body. It allows for optimal absorption, assimilation and utilization of nutrients, providing the cells of the body with their required fuel and, along with the correct metabolic diet, helping to balance blood pH and optimize all metabolic processes. Efficient digestion, then, can be seen as perhaps the most important life extension aid of all.
by Harold J. Kristal, D.D.S.
The focus of much nutritional research these days is in the fascinating area of longevity and life extension. There is much discussion of human growth hormone (HGH) and its precursors, as well as special amino acids, glandular formulations, and various exotic combinations of vitamins and minerals. Though the use of HGH products should be seen as strictly experimental at this time, due to a lack of knowledge about long-term side effects and interactions with other hormones, judicious use of other longevity products can indeed provide beneficial effects for many people. However, what is missing from most discussions on this topic is the primary importance of a properly functioning digestive system. All the cutting edge products in the world will you do you little good if your system is unable to properly assimilate them, not to mention the nutrients from your food that are vital to your very survival. The humble act of digestion is itself a primary key to a long and healthy life.
Traditional Chinese medicine teaches us that as much as ninety percent of all disease can be traced to digestive malfunction. The Chinese have been advocating this concept for 5,000 years, yet it has never found much acceptance in mainstream western medicine. However, Metabolic Typing does embody a similar principle in its admonition to eat the correct foods for your Metabolic Type. Our primary reference point, or baseline, is blood pH: when the blood pH is optimized, the body is able to perform its various metabolic functions much more effectively. Primary among these functions is the multi-phase process of digestion.
There are three basic supplements that I recommend to all my clients: a metabolically appropriate multi-vitamin (Formula I, II or III); essential fatty acids (usually in the form of Essential Balance Oil); and Kristazyme digestive enzymes, which I feel are essential for everyone over the age of 35, or anyone of any age with digestive issues. Taking one Kristazyme at the beginning of each meal will greatly help both the stomach and small intestines to properly break down the macro- and micro-nutrients in our food, so that our bodies can derive the full nutritional benefit offered by our food.
We may never be able to completely stop the aging process, but we can slow it down. Our body requires about 60 different nutrients to function properly. These include amino acids (the building blocks of protein), fatty acids (the building blocks of dietary fats), carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. If these nutrients do not successfully cross the intestinal lining into the bloodstream, we are short-changing ourselves and compromising the integrity of all of our physiological systems.
It is widely observed that, as we age, we produce less stomach acid (hydrochloric acid). Stomach acid is essential to create the right pH in the stomach, without which we are unable to break down our foods (especially proteins) and properly utilize their nutritional content. For example, it is a well-established scientific fact that calcium and vitamin B12 cannot be properly assimilated unless they have been adequately acidified in the stomach. It does not matter how much comes in through the mouth if it is not properly processed in the stomach. Digestive problems tend to increase exponentially with age, with heartburn, bloating, gas and constipation being foremost among them. Eating a poor quality diet only exacerbates the problem. No wonder that some of the best-selling medications and over-the-counter (OTC) products are antacids and other digestive aids. Unfortunately, these only mask the symptoms; they do nothing to address the underlying problem, and, in some cases, they may actually make it worse over time.
For over 100 years physicians would address most digestive problems by prescribing supplemental hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsin (a protein-digesting enzyme produced in the stomach). Although this strategy was often effective, these natural products cannot be patented, and so drug companies sought more lucrative products, leading to the development of antacids and acid blockers. Because these drugs can often provide symptomatic relief, the science was inverted to fit the pharmaceutical companies' marketing agenda, so it now widely claimed that acid reflux and other digestive disorders are the result of too much, not too little stomach acid. While this is occasionally true, the much more common scenario is that declining stomach acid is the problem. Accordingly, the use of antacids and acid blockers only exacerbates the underlying problem, even while providing short-term relief (which 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a little warm water can usually provide as effectively and more safely).
HCl supplementation can indeed be helpful, but, at least in some cases, it can make the stomach lazy over time, so that it comes to rely on the supplement, further reducing its own acid production. A breakthrough occurred in 1971 when Dr. Edwin Howell developed the first plant source digestive enzymes. These enzymes (such as the ones used in Kristazyme) operate in a wide pH range, both helping to directly break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the stomach, and assisting the stomach to achieve its desired acidity. When the food in the stomach is properly acidified, it is then released into the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine), where its acidity stimulates the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas.
So, not only is stomach acid needed for the stomach itself to properly function, it also needed to stimulate the pancreas to release its own enzymes, which are crucial to complete the digestive process in the small intestine. Some of the plant enzymes themselves survive the stomach's acid bath, and arrive intact in the small intestine to contribute their proteases, amylases, lipases and other enzymes to the next phase of the digestive process.
We can see how essential proper digestion is to the efficient functioning of the whole body. It allows for optimal absorption, assimilation and utilization of nutrients, providing the cells of the body with their required fuel and, along with the correct metabolic diet, helping to balance blood pH and optimize all metabolic processes. Efficient digestion, then, can be seen as perhaps the most important life extension aid of all.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Diet Soda, No Bargain!
Diet Soda is No Bargain
By Dr. Johnny Bowden
The link between soda drinking and obesity is now well established. But what about the diet kind? Two years ago, a study at the University of Texas Health Science Center found that there was a 41% increase in the risk for being overweight for every single can of diet soda a person consumed daily. But how can something with no calories increase the risk for obesity and heart disease?
There are several possible ways. One theory is that the sweet taste works in the brain to create a conditioned response, and the body responds as it usually does to normal sugar with insulin, the fat storing hormone. Those circuits in the brain are pretty primitive. As far as your brain is concerned, sweet means sugar. It's entirely possible that physiolo-gically, you would respond to aspartame in the same way as you would to table sugar. It's only a theory, but it makes sense.
Second, sweetness creates its own cravings. Just as a taste of rum creates an unstoppable craving in an alcoholic, it's entirely possible that the taste of sweet—even if it's fake—creates the same cascade of cravings in a carb addict that regular sugar does, leading to overeating and bingeing and all the rest of the reasons people put on weight.
Third, many people think that by drinking diet beverages they're "saving" calories and they subconsciously allow themselves to eat more, figuring it's not doing as much harm because overall their meal has less calories since they're drinking a diet drink. The diet drink gives them subconscious "permission" to eat more. This isn't conscious, but it's totally real.
Then there's the heart disease connection. Aspartame is primarily made from three ingredients—aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol. Methanol—an alcohol—breaks down in the body to formaldehyde, a poison if there ever was one. Exposing children to formaldehyde levels as low as .75 mg daily for several months has been shown to cause gradual toxicity. Plus, diet soda is frequently stored in hot warehouses, causing even more breakdown that went undetected in the original studies that looked at "ideal" conditions.
If you're going to use sweetener, I suggest you try Xylitol. It actually tastes like sugar, can be used for cooking and baking, has some health benefits (like preventing bacterial adhesion which is why it's so good in chewing gums) and as a sugar alcohol, has a very low glycemic load.
Meanwhile, forget about the diet Cokes. They don't help you lose weight and they may be contributing to a host of other problems you don't want or need.
By Dr. Johnny Bowden
The link between soda drinking and obesity is now well established. But what about the diet kind? Two years ago, a study at the University of Texas Health Science Center found that there was a 41% increase in the risk for being overweight for every single can of diet soda a person consumed daily. But how can something with no calories increase the risk for obesity and heart disease?
There are several possible ways. One theory is that the sweet taste works in the brain to create a conditioned response, and the body responds as it usually does to normal sugar with insulin, the fat storing hormone. Those circuits in the brain are pretty primitive. As far as your brain is concerned, sweet means sugar. It's entirely possible that physiolo-gically, you would respond to aspartame in the same way as you would to table sugar. It's only a theory, but it makes sense.
Second, sweetness creates its own cravings. Just as a taste of rum creates an unstoppable craving in an alcoholic, it's entirely possible that the taste of sweet—even if it's fake—creates the same cascade of cravings in a carb addict that regular sugar does, leading to overeating and bingeing and all the rest of the reasons people put on weight.
Third, many people think that by drinking diet beverages they're "saving" calories and they subconsciously allow themselves to eat more, figuring it's not doing as much harm because overall their meal has less calories since they're drinking a diet drink. The diet drink gives them subconscious "permission" to eat more. This isn't conscious, but it's totally real.
Then there's the heart disease connection. Aspartame is primarily made from three ingredients—aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol. Methanol—an alcohol—breaks down in the body to formaldehyde, a poison if there ever was one. Exposing children to formaldehyde levels as low as .75 mg daily for several months has been shown to cause gradual toxicity. Plus, diet soda is frequently stored in hot warehouses, causing even more breakdown that went undetected in the original studies that looked at "ideal" conditions.
If you're going to use sweetener, I suggest you try Xylitol. It actually tastes like sugar, can be used for cooking and baking, has some health benefits (like preventing bacterial adhesion which is why it's so good in chewing gums) and as a sugar alcohol, has a very low glycemic load.
Meanwhile, forget about the diet Cokes. They don't help you lose weight and they may be contributing to a host of other problems you don't want or need.
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