Today, I want to focus on the role of enzymes in the process of digestion, the breakdown of foods, and nutrient extraction. Specifically, we’ll look at the role that pancreatic enzymes play in this process, why it’s important to maintain your pancreatic enzymes, what happens if you have pancreatic insufficiency, and what to do about it. So what are enzymes? Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body. They are mostly proteins, and each enzyme has a specific function. For example, when we eat food, enzymes help break it down into smaller parts our body can use. Enzymes work by lowering the threshold necessary to start the intended reaction. They do this by binding to another substance known as a substrate. Without enzymes, these processes would happen much too slowly for the nutritive values of foods to be absorbed by the body. The key to understanding enzymes is that they use a biological process to quickly break down particles into smaller particles, and different enzymes break down different types of particles. You’ve probably seen this in action yourself outside of the body when you’ve various cleaning products. Many cleaning products such as laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and other products mimic the processes in the body by harnessing the power of enzymes to break down foods and stains.
There are many enzymes in the body that aid in the process of digestion, starting with the enzyme amylase, which is found in the saliva and begins the process of digestion by breaking down the starches that eat into sugars, which the body can more readily absorb. This is one of the reasons that carb-heavy snacking can cause tooth decay. After food leaves the mouth, it encounters further enzymes in the stomach, pepsin, which helps break down (digest) proteins in order to extract their energy. After foods leave the stomach, they travel to the duodenum, which is the upper part of the intestines where the pancreas supplies enzymes to further break down foods.
These pancreatic enzymes that are supplied to the intestines are enzymes that break down sugars, fats, and starches. The pancreatic enzymes that aid with digestion are:
1) Lipase, which works with bile supplied by the gallbladder to break down fat in your diet.
2) Protease, which further breaks down proteins in your diet.
3)Amylase, which helps further break down starches into sugar.
Without a well-functioning pancreas that produces enough of these enzymes, you risk improper digestion of foods, with different impacts on the body depending on which enzymes you aren’t getting enough of. Not enough protein means that you might be anemic, weak, and unable to build muscle mass. Too little fat absorbed can also affect muscle mass since a certain amount of fats are necessary to utilize that protein. Disruption in fat absorption also means we might be deficient in fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K. “Classical deficiencies of these vitamins can manifest clinically as night blindness (vitamin A), osteomalacia (vitamin D), increased oxidative cell stress (vitamin E) and hemorrhage (vitamin K).” (Albahrani and Greaves, Clinical Biochemical Review, 2016). Too much fat left in the gut also can cause intestinal discomfort, and smelly, greasy stools. An incomplete breakdown of starches into sugars means that you may have lower amylase levels. Lower amylase levels might be linked to insulin resistance.
In addition to these issues, the incomplete breakdown of food particles may increase your chances of gut irritation, the weakening of the tight junctions between cells that line the intestinal wall, the increased production of zonulin, and therefore the risk of not only inflammation in the gut, but chronic inflammation in other parts of the body as well. This could be the source of many diseases, including many autoimmune conditions.
Severe lack of these enzymes means that you’ll likely be diagnosed with a pancreatic issue. Pancreatic insufficiency can come about from a number of factors, including disease, diet, and drinking. If severe pancreatic insufficiency is diagnosed, you’ll likely be recommended pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) and lifestyle changes. PERT involves taking pills that contain pancreatic enzymes. PERT can improve your symptoms and help you get enough nutrients from what you eat and drink. Even if you don’t have a critical lack of pancreatic enzymes, but you have some of the symptoms of partial digestion or are in a risk group, you might consider supplementing with natural pancreatic enzymes.
]]>Estrogen, along with hormones made in your brain (FSH and LH), and progesterone, play an important part in your menstrual cycle. These hormones coexist in a delicate balance, and that balance is necessary to keep your periods regular. Consistently high or low levels of estrogen may signal trouble. Since estrogen also has other functions in both men and women, such as regulating cholesterol, protecting bone health, and influencing mood, heart health, skin, and hair, it pays to keep an eye on estrogen levels and your estrogen balance.
Men have estrogen as well, and in their case, rather than just being balanced with progesterone, estrogen is also balanced with testosterone. While women produce testosterone, it’s usually in far lower quantities than what is produced by males, although testosterone is still important for women as well. Testosterone naturally decreases as men age, while estrogen increases. Testosterone needs to stay in balance with estrogen in the male body in order to help control sex drive, the ability to have an erection, and the production of sperm. In men, testosterone dictates the development of primary and secondary sex characteristics. In men and women, testosterone is needed to grow muscle mass and improve spinal bone strength.
An imbalanced estrogen cycle can have several impacts on the body:
1) Menstrual Cycle Disruptions: Imbalances in estrogen and progesterone can cause disruptions in the menstrual cycle.
2) Mood Changes: Hormonal imbalances can lead to mood changes.
3) Hot Flashes: Imbalances in estrogen levels can cause hot flashes, a common symptom of menopause.
4) Infertility: Hormonal imbalances can affect fertility and may make it more difficult to conceive.
5) Cancers: Imbalances in estrogen and progesterone can impact hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive or HR+) cancers.
6) Other Conditions: Excess estrogen in your body can be associated with multiple conditions such as polyps, fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis pain, ovarian tumors, etc.
Balancing hormones naturally involves a combination of lifestyle changes and dietary habits. Here are some ways to help balance your hormones in these ways:
In addition to these lifestyle and diet changes, there has been research into natural botanicals that can help balance your hormones to keep healthy amounts of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in the body so that everything functions smoothly.
If you are already controlling your blood sugar through diet and perhaps shots of insulin, good for you! Diabetes is not curable, but it is controllable if you follow a diet with lots of fiber that is balanced and low in sugars- particularly those that will spike blood sugar. Some people also try to lower blood sugar through supplementation of certain mushrooms like Cordyceps, Reishi, or a blend of mushrooms. Why mushrooms? There is a certain amount of research that supports the notion that some mushrooms may be able to lower blood sugars. Cordyceps has been studied for this since it’s been used to treat kidney troubles in traditional medicine. Aside from the possibility that certain mushrooms can lower blood sugars, it’s their support for the circulatory system and the immune system that could also be important- especially for those with Chronic Kidney Disease. Since CKD affects the whole body, it’s obvious how supporting immune function could help. What about the circulatory system? Why is that so important for those with diabetes or other kidney problems?
Blood flow is crucial for kidney function. The kidneys filter about a half cup of blood every minute, removing wastes and extra water to make urine. Blood flows into your kidney through the renal artery. This large blood vessel branches into smaller ones until the blood reaches the nephrons. In the nephron, your blood is filtered by the tiny blood vessels of the glomeruli and then flows out of your kidney through the renal vein. This means that your circulatory system needs to function very well for your kidneys to work properly. Both blood sugar control and maintaining healthy circulation are important aspects of overall health. They are interconnected in many ways and both play crucial roles in preventing disease and promoting wellness. Therefore, it’s not about which one is more important but rather how these two can be managed together for optimal health.
Having kidney disease can directly affect your chances of developing heart disease. Having heart disease can directly affect your chances of developing kidney disease.
High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in and leading to the kidneys. Kidneys filter excess fluid and waste from the blood — a process that requires healthy blood vessels. Having diabetes in addition to high blood pressure can worsen the damage. Kidney problems caused by high blood pressure include kidney scarring (glomerulosclerosis). Kidney disease can cause fluid and salts in the blood to build up. Edema linked to kidney disease usually occurs in the legs and around the eyes. Damage to the tiny, filtering blood vessels in the kidneys can result in nephrotic syndrome. Circulation issues can have a significant impact on kidney health by damaging the blood vessels that are essential for kidney function. This can lead to a range of kidney problems, including kidney scarring and nephrotic syndrome.
It’s not just that one condition can lead to the other- it’s that many people have already developed both heart and kidney conditions. You have to manage your circulation as well as blood sugar. Another group that should be concerned are those that are already labeled pre-diabetic. If you are pre-diabetic, you are also likely to have pre-heart failure. If you are in the risk group for developing heart failure, then you are also at risk for developing diabetes and other kidney conditions. Even if you just have conditions that are risk factors for either, you are at risk of both. High blood pressure, circulatory and heart issues and kidney trouble eventually go hand in hand.
So what can you do about it? If you already have a heart condition and kidney damage, you are likely being managed by a specialist, take insulin, and blood pressure medications such as beta blockers. You might even be on dialysis. If you’re not there yet and want to try and avoid that fate, consider altering your lifestyle, diet, and try natural approaches to help manage your risks. The following might all help:
Your circulatory, cardiac, metabolic, and kidney functions are all intertwined. If you’ve already started worrying about your blood sugar, it’s time to do the same for your circulatory health.
]]>Some basic things can be done to help ensure that you have a healthy, good quality of life from your youth, through middle age, and into old age and will help ensure that you’ll enjoy life more, and be there for the people you love:
So what do these things have in common? Other than the fact they can all be influenced by lifestyle choices, the types of conditions that result from these choices all have their roots in cellular degeneration. Even mental decline is rooted in the deaths of neurons and mitochondrial decline. What is mitochondrial decline? The mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. Every cell has mitochondria that act as a little factory that produces energy to power that cell and allow it to perform its functions efficiently. It does this partially by producing ATP. ATP is the primary coenzyme used for the production of energy. This energy is used to drive and support many processes in living cells, such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, condensate dissolution, and chemical synthesis. ATP captures chemical energy obtained from the breakdown of food molecules and releases it to fuel other cellular processes. Without ATP there would be little to no cellular energy, our bodies would rapidly decline and we would die.
ATP is produced in the mitochondria of cells through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. The energy released during respiration is conserved as ATP, which powers the cell. There are other cycles by which ATP can be produced, but oxidative phosphorylation is the most important. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a central role in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). CoQ10 acts as a cofactor in a series of reactions called the electron-transport chain. Here, it helps transfer electrons from molecule to molecule, helping to build up an electrochemical gradient whose energy is used to generate ATP. Without CoQ10, our mitochondria would not be able to produce ATP, and would not be able to produce energy. When we say that there is mitochondrial degradation, we often mean that the production of ATP has been lowered in the mitochondria because of a low level of CoQ10 in the cell.CoQ10 itself is naturally occurring in the body and is used in two forms. Ubiquinol is the reduced form of CoQ10, also known as Coenzyme Q10. The reduction of ubiquinone (CoQ10) to ubiquinol occurs in Complexes I & II in the electron transfer chain. During the redox reaction, reduction occurs when oxidized CoQ10 (aka ubiquinone) is used by the body and reduced, which causes it to gain electrons and hydrogen. This transforms ubiquinone to ubiquinol (the reduced form). This may seem very complicated, but you’ll see later on why all this matters. The bottom line is that CoQ10 in the form of ubiquinone and ubiquinol is essential to the production of ATP, which is where the cellular energy comes from that drives our bodily functions.
Luckily, CoQ10 is widely available as a supplement, both in the form of ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Although ubiquinol is the form that is found in larger amounts circulating in blood, for many conditions ubiquinone might be the most effective form. That’s because as a supplement, ubiquinone is likely more easily uptaken by the body when taken as a supplement. On the other hand, some people can’t convert ubiquinone to ubiquinol efficiently, and it might make sense to take one of each supplement as directed.
Let’s talk a little about CoQ10 and why it’s so important. Although it occurs naturally in the body and is so important for cellular energy, it tends to decline with age and can also be stripped away by oxidative stress resulting from inflammation, among other things. Lower CoQ10 levels have been observed in people with several conditions. While the exact connection between each connection isn’t always known, the fact that there is a correlation between the condition and lower levels of CoQ10 should tell us a lot. It’s suspected that inflammation is a key reason why CoQ10 can be decreased in many of these conditions. Let’s take a look at these conditions that correspond to lower levels of CoQ10, and at how CoQ10 supplementation might be able to help:
One final point- many of these conditions are linked to inflammation. Other inflammatory conditions are likely to show similar links to low levels of CoQ10. Inflammation can result from many other conditions, including gut conditions. If you have an inflammatory condition, you might be a candidate for CoQ10 supplements. If you’re not sure if you have an inflammatory condition, but do have one of these other conditions, then likely you have inflammation. Even if you don’t, consider trying CoQ10 to help restore some of your cellular energy.
]]>Doctors are sometimes quick to prescribe statins even when there is a low to moderate risk of cardiovascular risk, taking a “better safe than sorry approach”. The problem is that many people have at least some sort of side effect from statins, ranging from dizziness and muscle pain to increased blood sugar and neurological problems like sexual dysfunction and memory loss. Aside from the real damage this may cause, the psychological impact that this may have on someone with a low to moderate risk of cardiovascular problems may cause them to give up statins altogether and resist using them again even if their cardiovascular risk increases.
Statins are probably prescribed too often, and without considering more natural interventions like exercise, modifying the diet, and supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil (see our discussion of how important omega-3s can be). In fact:
“The current American College of Cardiology guidelines for statin use emphasize collaborative decision-making between providers and patients,” Tomas Ayala, MD, FAAC, a cardiologist at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, told Healthline.“In general, statins are not recommended for low-risk patients. For patients at high risk… statins are recommended for primary prevention of cardiac events. For those of immediate risk, statins are recommended only if the patient also has a high-risk illness, such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or cerebrovascular disease.” (Tony Hicks, Healthline, Oct 19, 2019).
So current standards are to consult with the patient and they are not recommended for low-risk patients. Does this sound like your last consult on the subject with your physician? Likely not. Many physicians order their patients to take statins and may be unlikely to discuss side effects or alternatives. In addition, there is some question about how much cholesterol is to blame for eventual cardiac events:
“A new national study has shown that nearly 75 percent of patients hospitalized for a heart attack had cholesterol levels that would indicate they were not at high risk for a cardiovascular event, based on current national cholesterol guidelines.” (Science Daily, Jan 13, 2009)
The same study, out of UCLA did point out that very high levels of cholesterol still correlated with heart attacks, but did not control for other things that can also contribute. The point is that other factors can be equally as important, if not more important than cholesterol. A good example is oxidized LDL. Oxidized LDL cholesterol is made in the body when low-density lipoprotein (LDL), sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, goes through a chemical reaction with free radicals (unstable molecules made during normal cell metabolism). Oxidized LDL cholesterol can cause inflammation in the arteries, leading to the formation of plaques. Over time, fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of the arteries, causing the plaques to grow. Plaque buildup can partially or completely block blood flow within an artery, increasing a person’s risk for coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, stroke, and heart attack.
Why is oxidized LDL relevant to the discussion over the effectiveness of statins? First, because oxidized LDL is likely a better predictor of cardiac events than just cholesterol (see this study for instance), and second because statins can decrease levels of coenzyme Q10 in the body (Qu H, et al, European Journal of medical research. 2018). CoQ10 is fundamental to the production of cellular energy in the mitochondria and is a powerful antioxidant. Its ability to destroy free radicals means that your CoQ10 levels can have a profound effect on your cardiac health. This means that for some people, not only might they have a lesser risk for heart attack or stroke, but if they are prescribed statins, their risk factors may actually go up.
Again, statins may be essential for some people, but they are probably overprescribed, can cause side effects (some quite severe), and should be reserved for those with higher cholesterol levels. They also shouldn’t be the front-line defense against cholesterol (or more accurately, cardiac health). A more mediated, reasonable, and natural approach should be tried first, consisting of shifting to a more heart-healthy diet (the Mediterranean diet is a good example), introducing or improving your exercise regime, taking at least a daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, and introducing other botanical supplements that lower cholesterol and improve other aspects of cardiac risk factors. An excellent candidate for the latter is bergamot.
Bergamot is a citrus fruit that contains flavonoids and polyphenols that can bind with an enzyme involved in cholesterol production. Studies have shown that bergamot may help to lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, which can build up in the arteries and cause plaque. Bergamot may also help to increase HDL cholesterol, which can escort cholesterol out of the arteries to the liver and protect arterial health. Bergamot may be an effective supplement to cholesterol drugs or a natural alternative to statin drugs, which cannot raise HDL cholesterol.
Bergamot has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in Calabria, Italy, where it grows to treat inflammation, fever, and other ailments. It’s used extensively in the flavoring, perfume, and cosmetics industries because of its pleasant scent and over 100 different volatile compounds. Many citruses contain flavonoids and can possibly have a beneficial effect on cardiac health, but bergamot has an especially high number of them. Given its long-time use, bergamot has proven to be safe, and its high number of volatile compounds and flavonoids, it’s a better candidate than other citrus fruits for this role. Unlike other citruses, bergamot is not eaten as a fruit since it is mostly rind. Bergamot oils and dried peel have traditionally been used (it is the extra flavor in Earl Grey tea), but it can also be juiced. Although you are likely to get some benefit from those forms, it is far more potent as a supplement and composed of a reasonable percentage of a polyphenolic fraction of bergamot, which is what the research supports. Progressive Nutracare carries its own version of this product. A comprehensive review of the scientific literature has found evidence of several mechanisms whereby bergamot can assist in lowering cardiac risks:
“Multiple clinical trials have provided evidence that different forms of orally administered bergamot can reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In vitro mechanistic studies have provided evidence that polyphenols from the bergamot can alter the function of AMPK and pancreatic cholesterol ester hydrolase (pCEH). The use of bergamot in multiple clinical trials has consistently shown that it is well tolerated in studies ranging from 30 days to 12 weeks.” (Nauman MC, Johnson JJ. Clinical application of bergamot [Citrus bergamia] for reducing high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease markers. Integr Food Nutr Metab. 2019 Mar.)
“Citrus fruits are rich in flavonoids and have long been associated with improving human health outcomes in areas that include improved immune response, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and high cholesterol. One citrus fruit in particular that has gained attention for improving health outcomes is the bergamot (Citrus bergamia)” (Same source cited above)
Aside from lowering cholesterol, and generally contributing to cardiac health, bergamot has specifically been found to be effective in lowering oxidized LDL:
“Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein particles is a harmful form of cholesterol that results from free radical damage. This form of oxidative damage, along with increased inflammatory events, has been associated with atherosclerosis that ultimately alters cardiovascular blood flow. Several constituents including naringin, neoeriocitrin, and rutin from the bergamot have been reported to lower the oxidation of LDL particles.” (same source cited above)
Overall, bergamot seems an excellent candidate to try along with fish oils, and changes in diet and exercise instead of statins if your cholesterol levels are low or moderate, or if you can’t tolerate statins. If your cholesterol levels are higher, and you are already taking statins, adding those same regimens plus fish oils and bergamot may still make a difference, and perhaps allow you to eventually leave statins behind:
“The results of five different clinical trials using bergamot in various forms suggest the polyphenol fraction can lower LDL-C and total cholesterol. Several studies suggested that bergamot polyphenols can reduce triglycerides and increase HDL-C ……Three of the studies suggested an increase in HDL by up to 4 mg/dl (Table 1). This is significant because HDL is often difficult to increase apart from lifestyle changes. …….Taken together, these early clinical trials along with the mechanistic studies that have been performed suggest that bergamot can reduce total cholesterol and LDL-C through mechanisms that are distinct from current pharmaceutical approaches.” (same source cited above).
]]>How can you avoid chronic inflammation? For many people, chronic inflammation begins in the gut. Because we eat the wrong things; like too little fiber, too much fat or protein, foods we are allergic or sensitive to or consume alcohol or caffeine, or products containing nicotine, we are likely to irritate the gut and unbalance our microbiome. Think of the gut as an ecosystem that requires certain conditions to operate efficiently and most beneficially. Too many toxins, or other stressors added to that environment causes it to weaken or even fail, just like an external ecosystem. This internal microbiome has evolved symbiotically with humans. There is a vast population of beneficial bacteria and other organisms that live in our gut, helping us break down foods and extract their nutrients, keeping the intestinal walls in good repair, and breaking down toxins and waste products to be eliminated by the body. There is a population of much less helpful bacteria as well, even ones that are dangerous, but these are generally kept in check- unless something goes wrong with the microbiome.
When a healthy microbiome alters, the population of beneficial bacteria plummets and the bad stuff can take over. When that happens, all kinds of not-so-good effects can follow. To start with, your gut starts processing foods less efficiently. Your absorption of proteins, beneficial fats, and vitamins and minerals can be impaired. Your elimination of waste products can be impaired, which allows toxins to build up and puts a strain on the liver and kidneys. The mucosa of your intestinal wall begins to thin, and the wall itself can become damaged and inflamed. This inflammation can cause cramping, loose stools, and general discomfort. As the inflammation persists, it can damage the tight cell junctions of the intestines, allowing bacteria into the bloodstream and causing inflammation elsewhere in the body that becomes chronic. This can cause symptoms ranging from achiness, being overly tired, brain fog, memory issues, lack of motivation, and feeling like you have no energy to accomplish much of anything. It also sets you up for becoming more vulnerable to infection, and therefore prone to being sick more often, or more severely.
Not only is this a poor state of affairs to find yourself in, but it sets you up for a cycle of worsening health if you end up treating frequent infections with frequent antibiotic use. Sometimes antibiotics are necessary. There are serious infections that are life-threatening that absolutely call for a course of antibiotics. Unfortunately, antibiotics are also often over-prescribed (sometimes because of patient demand), or even misprescribed- an antibiotic given for an infection that is likely viral or fungal, or a class of antibiotic that is too strong or not indicated for the type of infection that presents. This is deeply unfortunate for a number of reasons. To start with, if you take the wrong antibiotic, or take one when it isn’t needed, or even take them too often, you allow bacteria to potentially become resistant. According to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly half of adults (45%) say they have personally not taken their antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor. This is one of the leading causes of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance means that the bacteria is not eliminated entirely and that surviving bacteria have evolved a resistance to that specific or class of antibiotic, which means that a stronger antibiotic will likely be needed in the future to combat that strain of bacteria. Not only that, some bacterial strains are evolving resistance so that NO antibiotic will work against them. This means that if you are unlucky enough to catch one of those strains, you may very well end up dead. Another reason to consider limiting your antibiotic use when possible (and ALWAYS take them correctly) is because of the devastating effect that antibiotics can have on your microbiome.
When you take an antibiotic to kill the bacteria that are at the root of an infection, that’s not the only bacteria it kills. It also kills the useful bacteria in your gut that populates your microbiome. The bacteria that has evolved, and that your body depends on, to make sure your gut (and therefore your immune system) functions smoothly. One course of antibiotics can be like a bomb going off in the microbiome. The percentage of beneficial bacteria in the gut that is killed by one course of antibiotics can vary depending on the type of antibiotic used. For example, researchers found that tetracyclines and macrolides not only stopped good bacteria from growing, but they lead to the death of about half of the strains of microbes found in the gut that the researchers tested for. It’s important to note that even a short course of antibiotics can alter the makeup of the bacterial species in the gut. These community changes can be profound, with some people’s microbiomes taxonomically resembling those of critically ill ICU patients after taking the drugs. It can take months or even years to recover the original species' composition.
It used to be that conventional doctors ignored this effect, but now, even somewhat conservative doctors recommend taking a probiotic along with an antibiotic. Indeed, it’s about time! The functional and integrative medical community has been arguing this for decades! In fact, we’ve written recently about how important prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are for rebuilding the microbiome.
Rebuilding your microbiome through the use of pre, pro, and post-biotic supplements is essential with any antibiotic use, but also for those with any sort of gut issues or chronic inflammation. Limiting or replacing antibiotic use, where possible, is also a good strategy. We’ve written about some natural alternatives to antibiotics as well. Beyond those two strategies, you should also assess your food allergies and sensitivities. Food allergies and sensitivities can cause chronic inflammation and can damage the microbiome in addition to making you feel terrible. Progressive Medical Center offers the gold standard of functional testing for food allergies in the P88-DIY test. Having this test done might be a very good idea if you have any of the symptoms of food sensitivities or have any gut issues.
What else can you do? If you’ve taken antibiotics, are rebuilding your microbiome, have gut issues, or just want to maintain a healthy gut ecosystem, consider supporting your overall gut health and helping to maintain the health of your mucosal lining in the gut by supplementing with some other natural botanicals. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the inner bark of slippery elm contains chemicals that can increase mucous secretion, which might be helpful for stomach and intestinal problems. Another botanical that can help support the gut is Aloe Vera. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), oral use of aloe vera is promoted for inflammatory bowel disease (a group of conditions caused by gut inflammation that includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis). Marshmallow root has been found to support gut lining integrity, acting as a protective coating to soothe the gut, allowing nutrients to pass while keeping environmental toxins out . Its components, including vitamins and antioxidants, which prevent cell damage, and plant compounds like tannins, promote a healthy mucosal lining within the digestive tract.
Sometimes one of the problems with gut dysbiosis is constipation. One natural substance that has been studied for help with this, especially as a chronic condition, is green kiwifruit. Green kiwifruit has been shown to increase water retention in the small bowel and ascending colon, and to increase colonic volume, which could help soften stools and speed their transit in the gut. This has led to the inclusion of kiwifruit in several trials assessing its effects in adults with constipation. Kiwifruit may also have a prebiotic effect; kiwifruit powder supplementation for 4 weeks led to a substantial increase in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii abundance in people with constipation. The enrichment of this butyrate-producing microorganism with anti-inflammatory properties may be an important additional mechanism underlying the effects of kiwifruit on the gut. Prunes are also well known to have a laxative effect and may be helpful to get the stool moving.
In the case of ulcers, or upset to the stomach, as opposed to the intestines, much study has been done on licorice root: Licorice root can provide several health benefits for gut health. It has been found to prevent and treat ulcers by increasing mucus production in the stomach, soothing the stomach lining, and increasing the blood supply to the stomach. Licorice root is both an anti-inflammatory agent and a demulcent, that is an emollient that provides relief and protection to irritated or inflamed internal tissue. Licorice root extract can speed the repair of the stomach lining and restore balance in cases of food poisoning, stomach ulcers, and heartburn due to the anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties of glycyrrhizic acid.
Aside from probiotics, there are some botanicals that research has been done on to investigate their effects on both maintenance of the microbiome and repairing the tight junctions of the intestines. One promising natural substance is quercetin: Research has demonstrated that quercetin can mediate gut activities by combating disruptions to intestinal integrity and alterations to the gut microbiota. In mice, quercetin supplementation significantly improved the diversity of the gut bacterial community and intestinal barrier function. Quercetin’s ability to curb inflammation, inhibit future inflammation, and prompt the gut to start repairs make it a formidable therapy for leaky gut. Chamomile can also help soothe the gut and repair the mucosal lining: Chamomile is promoted for gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea. One of the ways chamomile helps these issues is by relieving inflamed or irritated mucous membranes that line your digestive tract. Chamomile can also help treat digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and colic.
Whew! That’s a lot of supplements that you could take in an effort to improve your gut health! Something that can help you stay on track and not be overwhelmed with pill fatigue is to find a product that combines a number of botanicals in one pill or a scoop of powder to make it much easier to still take your daily regimen. One such product that you could consider is GI Balance in pill form, or as a powder to stir into a smoothie. GI Balance contains all of the botanicals listed above: slippery elm, aloe vera, green kiwifruit, marshmallow root, licorice extract, quercetin, prune, chamomile, and other botanicals, making it very convenient! Support your gut and your microbiome to help curb inflammation in a gentle way.
]]>Partially because of the belief by some people that they are cure-alls, some patients will demand antibiotics for conditions that don’t warrant them. Antibiotics should really be called “antibacterials”, for that is what they target. They don’t kill viruses, nor most classes of fungi, and they provide no treatment for conditions that stem from them. When someone has a sore throat, stopped-up sinuses, or a lingering cough, they may demand a prescription for antibiotics from their doctor because they believe they’ll be cured, or “just in case” it’s a bacterial infection. Many doctors give in they either don’t want to fight with the patient or buy the “just in case” argument, even without any confirmatory testing of whether the condition is bacterial. In fact, doctors will often prescribe antibiotics prophylactically when you “might” have a bacterial infection, or when a wound you have that isn’t infected has the possibility of becoming so.
So what’s wrong with this? If antibiotics are so effective, then if it turns out that you have a bacterial condition it will cure it, right? If not, no harm no foul. Unfortunately, this isn’t true and there are dangers that come with antibiotics use. The first is that antibiotics are overused. Aside from human use, they are used in most livestock, poultry, and farmed salmon, and antibiotic runoff from feedlots, chicken holding pens, and fish farms pollute our waterways and can be found in our drinking water. “A study released in 2010 by the U.S. Geologic Survey, for example, found that a variety of antibiotics -- azithromycin, sulfamethoxazole, and ciprofloxacin, among others -- were detected in 11 of 12 sampling sites in Ohio [source: Finnegan et al.].” Similar studies in other states show antibiotics in our waters- even in rural areas. “But researchers worry that drinking water with trace levels of drugs may cause a gradual buildup inside your body that might be harmful [source: Harvard Health Letter].”
Again, should this concern us? The reason that it should is that overuse of antibiotics, and issues like antibiotic pollution, cause the bacteria that are being targeted in the course of justified antibiotic treatment to become resistant to the specific drug being used, and sometimes to that whole class of antibiotics. When this happens, stronger and potentially more dangerous antibiotics are required for treatment. This bacterial resistance to antibiotics could potentially come from the buildup of low levels of antibiotics in our bodies. Another way is that the bacteria themselves are exposed to antibiotic pollution in our waterways and evolve to become resistant to those antibiotics in the wild. The CDC says that: “antibiotic resistance is found in one of the most basic resources for life – water. Antibiotic-resistant pathogens and their genes have been found in streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. They can often be traced back to discharge flowing from hospitals, farms, or sewage systems. Even properly functioning wastewater treatment systems may not fully remove resistant pathogens and their genes.” This problem can snowball in nature: “Antibiotic-resistant pathogens can also share their resistance genes with other pathogens. Even if they have never been exposed to antibiotics, this allows the other pathogens to become resistant to antibiotics.” (CDC, again).
This problem of antibiotic-resistant pathogens can be caused in an even simpler way. Misuse of the antibiotic by a patient. The reason that it is so important to finish an entire course of antibiotics rather than stop merely when you start to feel better, is that you might not have completely killed off the bacteria at the root cause of your condition. If you’ve killed 90% of the bacteria, you may feel better, but stopping the delivery of the antibiotic to your system may mean that the other 10% are able to survive- with an enhanced ability to resist that antibiotic in the future. The result could be that your infection comes roaring back with the antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria that now requires a more powerful drug to kill it, or if not, you may shed that strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria into the wild.
The impact of resistant strains of bacteria isn’t just that you have to take another round of a stronger antibiotic, it’s that those stronger strains need to be reserved for more severe infections that other patients (or yourself one day) may have. These resistant strains of bacteria are increasing at an accelerating rate, and the worry is that they’ll eventually evolve to the point that no class of antibiotic at all will work against them. These bacteria are called pan-resistant bacteria1. They are resistant to all antibiotics available for treatment and can cause severe infections that are difficult to treat1. The impact of resistant bacteria can be devastating according to the CDC: “Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent global public health threat, killing at least 1.27 million people worldwide and associated with nearly 5 million deaths in 2019. In the U.S., more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur each year. More than 35,000 people die as a result, according to CDC’s 2019 Antibiotic Resistance (AR) Threats Report. When Clostridium difficile—a bacterium that is not typically resistant but can cause deadly diarrhea and is associated with antimicrobial use—is added to these, the U.S. toll of all the threats in the report exceeds 3 million infections and 48,000 deaths.”
Aside from the impact on public health as a whole, there are potential dangers to yourself and others just from having to take a stronger antibiotic that can treat the antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria:
“Bacteria and fungi do not have to be resistant to every antibiotic or antifungal to be dangerous. Resistance to even one antibiotic can mean serious problems. For example:
“Antimicrobial-resistant infections that require the use of second- and third-line treatments can harm patients by causing serious side effects, such as organ failure, and prolong care and recovery, sometimes for months
Choose to help protect public health (and eventually your own) by limiting your use of antibiotics.
Aside from the impact on public health, antibiotic use can cause harm to your own body as well. Even if you take antibiotics as directed, and even if you never encounter a drug-resistant strain of bacteria, antibiotic use can impact you- particularly if you frequently take them. Just one course of antibiotics can be like a bomb going off in your gut. Antibiotics devastate your microbiome, massively reducing beneficial strains of flora that are necessary for proper gut function, and allowing harmful flora to proliferate. This harmful flora is more likely to cause gut dysbiosis, inflammation both in the gut and elsewhere in the body, and cause malabsorption of nutrients. Avoiding antibiotics whenever possible, and being sure you need them before taking them are the best bets to avoid these harms, but it’s also why you should always take a probiotic along with antibiotics. People who take multiple courses of antibiotics are more likely to have even more gut damage, be more likely to need more powerful strains in the future, and perhaps more likely to generate antibiotic-resistant strains.
Another way that your body can be harmed by antibiotics is by your doctor giving you a class of antibiotics that causes severe side effects, often worse than the initial infection. This is, of course, a possibility as the strength of an antibiotic has to be escalated in the face of a resistant strain of bacteria, but can also be because your doctor gives you a class of antibiotic that is too strong for what you need, or that you react to an antibiotic. There are classes of antibiotics that have black box warnings on them that are still being prescribed by some doctors. A good example are fluoroquinolones. Fluoroquinolones are a family of broad-spectrum, systemic antibacterial agents that have been used widely as therapy for respiratory and urinary tract infections. Epidemiological studies have reported an increased risk of rare adverse effects associated with fluoroquinolones including tendinopathy and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and aortic aneurysm.
Antibiotics in general can cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, upset stomach, sensitivity to sunlight, and fungal infections of the mouth, digestive tract, and vagina. Most adverse events related to antimicrobials are reversible rapidly on cessation of the medication. Irreversible toxicities include aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxicity secondary to nitrofurantoin. Whew! That’s a lot to consider, huh?
So when can you avoid antibiotics, and is there anything you can take instead? To start with, don’t take antibiotics for anything but a bacterial infection. Not only will they not work, but you’ll potentially be harming yourself and others for absolutely no reason. Secondly, if you have a minor bacterial infection that is or may resolve on its own, you can probably safely avoid antibiotics. Get the advice of your doctor and be your own advocate. Tell them you want to avoid antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. Third, avoid repeated courses of antibiotics if you can. If you get frequent sinus infections, for instance, try lavages, sprays, and neti-pots rather than yet another course of antibiotics (your gut, and the rest of your body, will thank you).
To help you when you have a more minor bacterial infection, consider a product that contains natural ingredients that have been shown to have antibacterial properties. Some natural ingredients that have research to this effect include olive leaf extract, neem leaf, sweet wormwood, berberine, oregano, thyme, barberry, and black walnut. Parabiotic Plus includes all of these ingredients if you’d like to try a natural approach. Other natural possibilities that also have some research are bilberries, grape seed extract, shiitake mushroom extract, goldenseal, noni fruit, garlic, milk thistle, echinacea, galbanum, tea tree oil, and gentian. All of these ingredients can be found in Biocidin Liquid. Both Biocidin and Parabiotic Plus are available from the Nutracare store. Limit your drug use of antibiotics, saving them for truly crucial times- both for your and the world’s benefit.
]]>Estrogen is a sex hormone that’s necessary for maintaining your sexual and reproductive health. Along with progesterone, estrogen plays a key role in your reproductive health. The development of secondary sex characteristics (breasts, hips, etc.), menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause are all possible, in part, because of estrogen. Estrogen plays an important role in other body systems as well.
Estrogen levels naturally fluctuate during your menstrual cycle and decline during menopause. The most common consequence of aging-related hormonal changes is menopause. Around age 50, women’s ovaries begin producing decreasing amounts of estrogen and progesterone; the pituitary gland tries to compensate by producing more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Low estrogen levels can be normal with aging. However, in some cases, it can be caused by chronic illnesses or excessive exercise. Common symptoms of low estrogen include painful sex due to a lack of vaginal lubrication, an increase in urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to a thinning of the urethra, irregular or absent periods, mood swings, hot flashes, breast tenderness, headaches or accentuation of pre-existing migraines, depression, trouble concentrating and fatigue.
You may also find that your bones fracture or break more easily. This may be due to a decrease in bone density since estrogen works in conjunction with calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals to keep bones strong.
Certain foods, vitamins, and herbs may help naturally boost estrogen. Examples include soybeans, flax seeds, sesame seeds, B vitamins, vitamin D, evening primrose oil, and dong quai1.
Soybeans and the products produced from them, such as tofu and miso, are a great source of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens mimic estrogen in the body by binding to estrogen receptors and can have estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects1.
Flax seeds also contain high amounts of phytoestrogens. The primary phytoestrogens in flax are called lignans, which are beneficial in estrogen metabolism1.
Sesame seeds are another dietary source of phytoestrogens1.
B vitamins play an important role in the creation and activation of estrogen in the body. Low levels of these vitamins can lead to reduced levels of estrogen1.
Vitamin D functions as a hormone in the body. One study explains that both vitamin D and estrogen work together to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The link between these hormones is due to the role that vitamin D plays in estrogen synthesis1.
If your problem is low levels of estrogen, then aside from eating foods that contain natural phytoestrogens, you could take a supplement that contains phytoestrogens or some of the other substances that can help with the creation and activation of estrogen in the body. A product like Progressive Estro DTX delivers biologically active folate and other key methylation vitamins in combination with a targeted blend of ingredients to encourage hormone balance, help modify xenoestrogen activity, and restore tranquility. Vitex and black cohosh provide traditional hormone-balancing support; DIM, calcium D-glucarate, and 8-prenylnaringenin (from hops extract) promote estrogen detoxification; and rosemary, resveratrol, grape seed extract, and green tea extract provide antioxidant activity.
A different formula, Progressive DIM 2:16 is formulated for when you have the opposite problem- too much estrogen in the body. We are exposed daily to hidden estrogens and this can produce many unpleasant effects. If you have symptoms such as mood swings, PMS, bloating, headaches, hot flashes, and insomnia, then you may be dealing with estrogen dominance. This occurs when there is too much estrogen and not enough progesterone to balance its effects. High estrogen also keeps your body from using testosterone which is linked to losing muscle mass and lowering energy and stamina. Dim 2:16 is a three-dimensional approach to supporting healthy estrogen metabolism. With a powerful combination of DIM, curcumin from turmeric extract, and the patented black pepper extract, BioPerine. Dim 2:16 has been shown to support balanced estrogen in the body.
So what do we mean by balanced estrogen? What do we mean by methylation? Why do these things matter? It’s not enough to know your estrogen levels and make sure you have enough, or not too much. A more complex issue is making sure that the estrogen you do have in your body is balanced by progesterone, and that your methylation of estrogen is occurring correctly and efficiently. Methylation is a step in the process of how our body processes estrogen that takes place in the liver. Methylation is central to the function of every cell in your body, including endocrine and hormone function. Problems with your methylation can have a significant impact on hormone-related issues, particularly estrogen clearance. Methylation is key to the inactivation and detoxification of a number of molecules, particularly catechol estrogens. Exposure to estrogens is a risk factor for breast and other human cancers.
“Initiation of breast, prostate and other cancers has been hypothesized to result from reaction of specific estrogen metabolites, catechol estrogen-3,4-quinones, with DNA to form depurinating adducts at the N-7 of guanine and N-3 of adenine by 1,4-Michael addition”12.
In other words, as your estrogen breaks down in your body, certain parts of it are uptaken and absorbed and used for productive purposes for your health. Other parts of that estrogen break down into compounds like catchecol estrogen, which can pose a breast cancer risk. The process of methylation regulates this estrogen breakdown by uptaking the needed estrogen compounds and flushing the rest from the body. When that process of methylation doesn’t work as it should, those harmful compounds remain in your body, and the compounds you need may not be uptaken.
Inadequate methylation can lead to a buildup of 4-OHE1. 4-OHE1 can then be converted to 3,4-Quinones which are pro-carcinogenic meaning that they cause cancer. 4-OHE1 may directly damage DNA and cause mutations that enhance cancer development.
The good news is that there are several ways to improve methylation. Some of these include eating a nutrient-dense diet that emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods, especially those that provide natural folate and B vitamins (including B6 and B12), which are methyl donors and critical components of normal methylation. Taking a high-quality supplement with activated B’s, especially methylated folate and B12, is another way to quickly optimize your methylation cycle. The Progressive supplements mentioned above were specifically designed to help balance your methylation cycle by their inclusion of B vitamins and other ingredients. As you age you are more prone to have estrogen methylation issues. Help protect yourself by staying on top of potential issues as you age by taking a good supplement.
]]>Depending on the person, seasonal environmental allergies can be a nuisance or a real health threat. Those that have asthma, or a severe allergy to a particular pollen or some other allergen in the environment can have a life-threatening reaction to a burst of environmental allergens. Those that have less severe pollen allergies can still have adverse health effects, and many of us can feel miserable for weeks. Even without a severe reaction, our eyes can itch, our noses are stopped up, we feel foggy and tired, and it can be hard to concentrate. It can also be hard to sleep. Your swollen throat, thickened mucous, and itchiness can keep you awake at night. Lack of sleep can not only slow your productivity the following day but without enough sleep for your mind and body to repair themselves, your immune system is suppressed, your mind isn’t as efficient, and existing medical conditions like high blood pressure can be worsened. Even if you do sleep well, the inflammation from the pollen may cause you to snore, meaning anyone you share the bedroom with mat NOT sleep well. If you have pets, the problem can be even worse, as they tend to track pollen into the house and get it all over their fur.
People who have severe reactions to pollen know to use an inhaler, if they have asthma, or perhaps a product like Benadryl if they suffer from a more intense allergic reaction. While an inhaler may solve your breathing problems, it won’t do much for other symptoms, and you could still feel miserable. Benadryl tends to make people very drowsy and isn’t necessarily a good solution when you have to drive, work, or even play. Benadryl is an antihistamine and works by suppressing the histamine response that allergens provoke. It’s histamine that causes the inflammation, mucosal production, and general irritation. Histamine reactions mean that the body is attacking the foreign invader, in this case, pollen. Sometimes your body goes overboard, and the histamine reaction is worse than the invader itself. Seasonal allergens are a good example of that. Suppressing the histamine reactions your body experiences as a result of pollen can definitely make you feel better, but Benadryl isn’t the only way to do that, nor is it the only pathway to relief. Many times, as well, you don’t want the sledgehammer effect that Benadryl offers and would like an alternative.
The active ingredient in Benadryl is an antihistamine called diphenhydramine HCl. There are a number of generic versions available as well. Some common side effects of diphenhydramine HCl include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, stomach upset, blurred vision, and dry mouth/nose/throat. In rare cases, serious side effects can occur, including mental/mood changes, difficulty urinating, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures, and allergic reactions such as rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing. According to a source from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), long-term use of diphenhydramine can lead to dependence, heart problems, brain changes, skin rashes, and possibly Alzheimer’s disease1. It is also important to note that diphenhydramine can have negative cardiovascular consequences in the setting of toxicity2.
Surely there is a better, more natural way to prevent the effects of seasonal allergies? Particularly if your reactions aren’t life-threatening? There are a number of natural substances that have been used for years that might be effective for you that are available in supplement form. Some very promising research in recent years has demonstrated how Quercetin works against allergies, including seasonal ones. Quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in many fruits, vegetables, and grains. It has antioxidant properties and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects1. These properties make it a potential natural remedy for allergies. According to a study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), quercetin can help relieve symptoms of allergies by stabilizing mast cells that release histamine and regulating the immune system1 Quercetin is a flavonoid with antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation and stabilize the cells that release histamine in the body. Histamine is a chemical that is released during an allergic reaction and can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. By stabilizing the cells that release histamine, quercetin can help reduce the severity of these symptoms.In addition to its antihistamine effects, quercetin has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body, which can also help alleviate allergy symptoms. Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples that can help the body absorb quercetin more effectively.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects, which can help with symptoms of seasonal allergies.According to a study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a nettle extract shows in vitro inhibition of several key inflammatory events that cause the symptoms of seasonal allergies. These include antagonist and negative agonist activity against the Histamine-1 (H(1)) receptor and the inhibition of mast cell tryptase preventing degranulation and release of a host of pro-inflammatory mediators that cause the symptoms of hay fever1.
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine and is commonly used as a mucolytic agent and as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity. It has antioxidant properties and can help replenish glutathione levels in the body.
There is some evidence to suggest that it may have anti-inflammatory effects that could be beneficial for allergy symptoms. For example, one study found that NAC inhibited the functional responses of human eosinophils in vitro1. Eosinophils are white blood cells that play a role in allergic reactions. In addition, since N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is commonly used as a mucolytic agent, this means it can help break down and clear mucus from the airways during a seasonal allergy attack. It works by breaking the disulfide bonds in the mucus, which reduces its viscosity and makes it easier to cough up and clear from the airways. In addition to its mucolytic properties, NAC also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce inflammation in the airways and improve respiratory function.
Natural Sinus Support from Progressive is a targeted blend of flavonoids, antioxidants, proteolytic enzymes, and botanicals designed to provide comprehensive support for seasonal challenges caused by common environmental allergens. Natural Sinus Support includes quercetin, a powerful flavonoid, to support healthy histamine levels, Bromelain to enhance the absorption of quercetin and support mucosal tissue health, stinging nettles leaf to balance hyper-immune response, and N-acetyl cysteine to clear the airways by promoting normal viscosity of mucus.
Natural Sinus Support is the ideal solution for many of the 40 million Americans who anticipate seasonal changes. Formulated for maximum effectiveness, Natural Sinus Support utilizes carefully selected natural components to provide optimal support for nasal and sinus passageways.
There is also a similar product, Progressive Children’s Sinus Support, with the same ingredients formulated in dosages for children. These products are safe, gentle blends of natural active ingredients providing temporary relief from common allergic symptoms, including runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and skin irritations. They have no known side effects and may just give your family the relief they are looking for.
]]>A person’s core microbiome is formed in the first years of life but can change over time in response to different factors including diet, medications, and environmental exposures. Differences in the microbiome may lead to different health effects from environmental exposures and may also help determine individual susceptibility to certain illnesses2.
Taking care of your microbiome involves exposing yourself to plenty of good bacteria and eating foods that help your bacteria thrive. Some ways to take care of your microbiome include eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; eating fermented foods; taking a pharmaceutical-grade probiotic supplement; limiting sugar and refined carbs; using regular soap instead of antibacterial; and gardening can all help by both exposing you to a variety of useful bacteria and limiting the kill-off of them.
Prebiotics are specialized plant fibers that act like fertilizers to stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. They are found in many fruits and vegetables, especially those that contain complex carbohydrates, such as fiber and resistant starch. These carbs aren’t digestible by your body, so they pass through the digestive system to become food for bacteria and other microbes1. This is why it's essential to get enough fiber in your diet each day. Without the prebiotic effect of fiber, your good intestinal flora doesn't get fed enough, starts to die off, and is replaced by the bad flora that causes dysbiosis. If you can't get enough fiber in your diet naturally, there are prebiotic supplements available that can help, as well as excellent powder preparations that can be mixed with water or into smoothies that contain protein as well, and no sugar.
Prebiotics help probiotics to function by providing them with the food they need to grow and flourish. By nourishing a balance among the nearly 1,000 different species of bacteria in your gut, prebiotics help ensure that your microbiome works to the best of its ability
Postbiotics are bioactive compounds made when the healthy bacteria in your gut, known as probiotic bacteria, feed on various types of prebiotic food in your colon, such as fibers. Although these bioactive compounds are considered the waste products of probiotic bacteria, they offer various health benefits to your body1.
Postbiotics include nutrients such as vitamins B and K, amino acids, and substances called antimicrobial peptides that help to slow down the growth of harmful bacteria. Other postbiotic substances called short-chain fatty acids help healthy bacteria flourish2.
Postbiotics are important for the gut to function well because they help maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms in your gut microbiome. This can support your immune system, brain health, and digestive health1.
Those postbiotics won't appear in the amounts they should without a healthy microbiome. A healthy microbiome, with enough good gut flora, is necessary to have regular digestive and eliminative functions, but those functions affect the health of the whole body. When your gut goes awry, it's called dysbiosis, and it can have some nasty consequences.
The microbiome consists of microbes that are both helpful and potentially harmful. Most are symbiotic (where both the human body and microbiota benefit) and some, in smaller numbers, are pathogenic (promoting disease). In a healthy body, pathogenic and symbiotic microbiota coexist without problems. But if there is a disturbance in that balance, dysbiosis occurs, stopping these normal interactions. As a result, the body may become more susceptible to disease1.
Gut dysbiosis can cause more severe problems elsewhere in the body because your gut health is closely linked to many other bodily functions. For example, dysbiosis can contribute to illnesses such as anxiety and depression, lupus, MS, leaky gut, and diabetes1. Symptoms of dysbiosis include chronic fatigue, digestive problems, trouble urinating, acid reflux or heartburn, vaginal or rectal infections or itching, food intolerance, gas and bloating, inflammation and aching joints, acne, skin rashes, and psoriasis2.
There are several ways to treat gut dysbiosis and heal the microbiome. Some gut dysbiosis prevention methods include eating an overall healthy and clean diet, avoiding alcohol or extremely limiting your intake, and avoiding antibiotics and other drugs like proton-pump inhibitors, antacids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)1.
Some studies show that taking probiotic and prebiotic supplements can help heal gut dysbiosis. Reports have indicated that dietary interventions involving prebiotics, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and butyrate supplementation can alleviate antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis and barrier injuries1. We've already talked about available prebiotics as supplements, Omega-3 fatty acids not only can help the gut but there is excellent research on how they aid in cardiovascular health among other things. Omega-3s are also easy to supplement. Butyrate is one of the postbiotic compounds produced by a healthy microbiome. It is possible to supplement with this compound as well, but many patients say it has a flavor so bad they literally can't stomach it.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut. They work by competing with harmful bacteria for nutrients and space, producing substances that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, and stimulating the immune system to fight off harmful bacteria. A pharmaceutical-grade probiotic supplement is a probiotic that has been manufactured according to pharmaceutical standards. This means that it has been produced under strict quality control conditions and contains a verifiable number of live bacteria of a strain that has been shown to be beneficial to human health1.
Progressive Nutracare offers a number of probiotic supplements, and all of them meet the above criteria. Here is what we suggest with some details to help you choose:
1) Progressive Probiotic Our go-to daily probiotic in capsule form. Featuring a seven-strain active organism probiotic for daily maintenance totaling 20 billion CFU. 30 count or 60 count.
2) Progressive Organic Probiotic Featuring a unique blend of Organic Shiitake Mushroom, Organic Turmeric and hearty SBO’s, this formula is a convenient once daily Probiotic. Probiotic and Prebiotic Blend: Organic Shiitake Mushroom Extract, Organic Turmeric Root Extract, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus subtilis. 8 Billion Total CFU* + Prebiotics: 7 Billion CFU* Bacillus coagulans and 1 Billion CFU* Bacillus subtilis.
3) Progressive Organic Women's Probiotic Designed specifically for the female body, this unique formulation features a clinically studied Ayurvedic herbal blend that works to help support a healthy immune system and digestive function, reduce occasional constipation, help to maintain healthy gut microflora, and more. 8 Billion Total CFU* + Organic Chaste Tree (Vitex), 7 Billion CFU* Bacillus coagulans, 1 Billion CFU* Bacillus subtilis. Convenient once-daily formula.
4) PROBIOTIC 100 A four-strain probiotic totaling 100 billion CFU, taken once a day. For when you have some noticeable gut disturbance and want something with a higher load of healthy flora.
5) PROBIOTIC 225 A six-strain probiotic totaling 225 billion CFU providing intensive high-concentration probiotic support, for when you need a little more to right your gut than the previous listings.
6) PROBIOTIC COMPLETE 350 A high-potency multi-strain 350 billion CFU probiotic for therapeutic GI support for patients with significant GI and immune Issues.
7) PROGRESSIVE PROBIOTIC INFANTS A high-potency, hypoallergenic blend of supplements designed to safely meet the metabolic and intestinal support needs of infants up to the age of 2 years. This supplement can be safely metabolized by infants. designed to support a normal infant microbiota that can be easily disrupted by cesarean section delivery, formula feedings, antibiotics, toxin exposures, and a maternal diet lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables.
8) Progressive Children's Probiotic Children's Probiotic was formulated to meet the digestive needs of children ages 5-15 years it contains 8 strains of friendly bacteria with 4 billion viable cells per capsule designed to reflect normal healthy childhood microflora. It supports the development of flora in the small and large intestines. In powdered form. Also available as a chewable.
9) Progressive Probiotic Maintenance Pro-biotic Maintenance is a combination of probiotic bacteria that supports the immune and gastrointestinal systems. It is formulated with five billion live organisms per capsule and combined with selenium and zinc for those who would like the immune-boosting capabilities of those elements as well.
10) Progressive G.I. 5 is a high-potency, hypoallergenic blend of five probiotic strains, G.I. 5 is designed for individuals who need a high degree of support to build and balance beneficial intestinal flora. The five strains in this formulation: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus bulgaricus work together to effectively increase colonization of the microorganisms in both the small intestine and the colon. The transient and colonizing strains in this combination have a high tolerance to stomach acid and bile, which is important for maintaining viability in the intestinal environment. G.I. 5 is an excellent, cost-effective option for supplementation with potent amounts of primary, broad-acting resident probiotic strains complemented by two non-resident strains that compete against less desirable bacteria and yeast.
As you can see, there are probiotics to fit a range of patients. You can always switch to a more or less organism-populated blend, or try one with different strains or added ingredients. Together, probiotics and prebiotics can help restore balance to an unbalanced microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. In addition to these Progressive products, Nutracare also carries a variety of other supplements That act as prebiotics, probiotics, and stimulate postbiotics. Check out our store!
]]>Inflammation is damaging to the body, and chronic inflammation is even more so. What’s more, inflammation in one part of the body can cause inflammation elsewhere in the body, even throughout. Inflammation in the gut can cause an inflammatory response in the brain. Inflammation in the muscles can cause cardiac inflammation. How? Inflammatory response is a reaction to a perceived foreign pathogen. Repeated exposure to toxins, allergens, bacteria, viruses, antibiotics, and other substances can stress cells and confuse the immune system leading it to attack the body’s own cells. This process can cause chronic inflammation and is the process whereby autoimmune conditions are developed. Chronic inflammation puts a strain on every organ in the body and increases the risk for many poor outcomes- cardiac events, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases. In addition, chronic inflammation can leave you feeling perpetually run-down, tired all of the time, with pervasive brain fog, and an inability to concentrate.
In order to address the risk of chronic inflammation, it’s helpful to know a bit more about the process. The reason that immune confusion happens and autoimmune diseases progress is that the body is in a constant state of inflammation. When behaving normally, the immune system sends white blood cells (leukocytes and macrophages) to the site of the invasion. These cells respond in different ways, inflammation occurs in response, and cell death from macrophage-eating cells is partly responsible both for the inflammation and for purging the body of infection. When this happens over and over, the immune system can get confused and begin attacking healthy cells, causing a chronic state of inflammation. Another inflammation pathway is cellular damage resulting from toxins, pollutants, radiation, and other sources of oxidative stress. These substances trigger ROS (reactive oxygen species) in the cell to degrade the cell reacting with it via oxidation- stealing an electron. Oxygen has two pairs of electrons that are continually searching for a partner, thus making it a very potent and highly reactive free radical by nature. ROS is a free radical, and free radicals bind with just about anything within the body with an electron and change their chemical structure, sometimes damaging them by stealing the electron. This process of oxidation by free radicals is what’s known as oxidative stress and can result in impairing the function of the cell or even cell death throughout the body.
Strong medical and scientific evidence points to oxidative stress as an underlying contributing factor to heart disease, neurodegenerative conditions, cancers, and toxicity.
Luckily free radicals are countered by the action of antioxidants. Several substances act as antioxidants in the body, but glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant intracellular antioxidant and is critical for defending the cell against oxidative stress. GSH neutralizes free radicals and conjugates toxins for removal from the body, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress and toxic xenobiotics. Glutathione exists in two forms in the body: oxidized glutathione and reduced glutathione. Total glutathione levels generally include both types, but it’s the reduced glutathione that does the heavy lifting. It is the active form of glutathione and is the primary antioxidant needed to remove damaging free radicals from the brain, liver, and lungs. If the levels of reduced glutathione are low, it is difficult for the mitochondria to make cellular energy. Glutathione has been called a “super antioxidant”, not only because it is so effective at combating oxidative stress, but because it continually recycles itself as well. The problem is that the more free radicals in your cells, the less the glutathione is recycled. When you are in an inflammatory state, your cells are being beset by free radicals, and whether that process is caused by immune confusion or by the action of toxins and other substances causing an acceleration of ROS activity, this means that your antioxidants are not keeping up with the actions of the free radicals. You are out of balance. You need a boost in antioxidants.
This can be done by eating antioxidant-rich foods, eliminating toxins and other harmful substances from your diet and the environment, and supplementation of antioxidants or anti-oxidant-stimulating compounds. While it’s always a sound strategy to eat more antioxidant-rich foods and eliminate toxins from your life, sometimes you may find that difficult or be so inflamed that you need more of a boost than that alone can give you. Several natural ingredients can be found in supplement form that may help. One obvious choice is taking a supplement of glutathione itself. To be effective, you want to make sure it contains the form of glutathione that is active as an antioxidant, reduced glutathione. Essential Pro is a good example of a supplement that contains reduced glutathione.
NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine) has been studied as a supplement used to build reserves of glutathione in the body, and it is through this pathway that it exerts an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. It has traditionally been used to boost glutathione because glutathione in supplement form can break down quickly unless it is in a liposomal form, as Essential Pro is. A long-term clinical trial being conducted at Stanford is evaluating the efficacy of liposomal glutathione supplementation versus supplementation of NAC:
“Glutathione, when taken orally, is immediately broken down into its constituent amino acids, of which cysteine is the only one to be essential. Available cysteine is the critical determinant of intracellular GSH concentrations. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant supplement that has been used to provide a source of cysteine to replete GSH levels. By replenishing endogenous glutathione, it is possible that NAC would exert the same effect(s) as exogenous GSH.
However, there is a new delivery system, liposomal GSH, which keeps glutathione intact. In this study, the investigators propose to match the cysteine content of NAC and GSH and compare the effects of these two supplements, at two different doses, on markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.” (Stanford clinical trial in collaboration with National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), last updated, last updated February 21, 2023) Not only does this study confirm the delivery system of liposomal glutathione as a superior delivery system, but it offers the hope for excellent data on the use of both NAC and glutathione as supplements for anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory purposes. Something that makes perfect sense given how they both operate in the body.
]]>Toxins in the body can cause a host of problems, especially as they accumulate. They can affect virtually every bodily system. “Chemical compounds ubiquitous in our food, air, and water are now found in every person. The bioaccumulation of these compounds in some individuals can lead to a variety of metabolic and systemic dysfunctions, and in some cases outright disease states. The systems most affected by these xenobiotic compounds include the immune, neurological, and endocrine systems. Toxicity in these systems can lead to immune dysfunction, autoimmunity, asthma, allergies, cancers, cognitive deficit, mood changes, neurological illnesses, changes in libido, reproductive dysfunction, and glucose dysregulation.” (Crinnion WJ. Environmental medicine, part one: the human burden of environmental toxins and their common health effects. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Feb;5(1):52-63. PMID: 10696119.)
Our immune systems are vital for protecting us from disease and infection, and they are increasingly under assault from toxins. Aside from the dangers of not being able to fight off invaders in our body, a weakened immune system is more prone to lengthy responses to outside assaults, including allergens. Susceptibility to allergies, disease, and infection heightens inflammation in the body, which as we’ve often written about, leads to chronic illness and systemic effects, impacting almost every organ- including the brain. Chronic inflammation can shorten our lives, and make us feel like they are less worth living. Once you go down the path of chronic inflammation, it’s hard to come back. It’s even more dangerous if inflammation ends up at the stage of triggering an autoimmune disease- where the body attacks its own cells due to a disorder in immune response. Toxicity in the body resulting from exposure to toxins in the environment is thought to be a major factor in triggering autoimmune diseases “The incidence of autoimmunity is growing rapidly worldwide. Many epidemiological studies have found environmental factors, such as toxic chemicals (persistent organic pollutants, toxic metals, solvents, endocrine disruptors), to be a key factor in this rapid progression.” (Kharrazian D. Exposure to Environmental Toxins and Autoimmune Conditions. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2021 Apr;20(2):20-24. PMID: 34377090; PMCID: PMC8325494.)
The effect of toxins on the neurological system is not a pretty picture either. Many substances can cause varying degrees of neurotoxicity. That neurotoxicity can show immediate symptoms in the brain or the gradual toxic buildup can cause chronic symptoms to eventually emerge. “Neurotoxicity occurs when the exposure to natural or manmade toxic substances (neurotoxicants) alters the normal activity of the nervous system. This can eventually disrupt or even kill neurons (nerve cells) which are important for transmitting and processing signals in the brain and other parts of the nervous system.” (NIH, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Public Information Page). That disruption of the nervous system can express itself in many ways. Stress, mental illness, inability to concentrate, brain fog, memory issues, and interference with muscle control and other bodily functions. In fact, toxic accumulation can even approximate traumatic brain injury: “Chronic, excessive exposure, and accumulation of neurotoxic agents such as heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium), mefloquine (Lariam), and food additives such as monosodium glutamate and aspartame cause neurotoxicity and brain damage. This chemical-induced brain damage closely resembles the pathophysiology of classical traumatic brain injury with decreased cognitive function, neurodegeneration, and increased psychiatric manifestations (depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and irritability)”. (Marshall TM, Dardia GP, Colvin KL, Nevin R, Macrellis J. Neurotoxicity Associated with Traumatic Brain Injury, Blast, Chemical, Heavy Metal and Quinoline Drug Exposure. Altern Ther Health Med. 2019 Jan;25(1):28-34. PMID: 30982784.)
Endocrine system disruptions are a hallmark of toxic exposure. The endocrine system is a collection of glands, organs, and parts of the brain that control hormones to control and regulate our metabolisms, energy levels, reproduction, development and growth, and contributes to immune response and mood. When your endocrine systems are disrupted by toxins, a whole menu of possibilities could occur. Mood swings, fatigue, weakness, weight gain, blood sugar disruptions, and mental confusion are some of the types of symptoms you could have if your endocrine system is disrupted by toxins. For younger people who are still growing, there can be growth abnormalities, brain dysfunction, and metabolic issues.
With the types of impacts that we’re talking about from constant toxic exposure, it seems obvious that you’d like to avoid them. But how? Avoiding known toxins as much as possible by choosing organic foods, foods without excessive additives and preservatives, living mindfully and as cleanly as possible, and avoiding harsh cleaners and chemicals are all a good start. The problem is that this may not be enough. Despite our best efforts at avoiding toxins, environmental exposure almost guarantees that toxins of some type will accumulate in our bodies. This is where detox comes in. Detoxifying diets, detoxifying with saunas and exercise, and with supplements can all contribute to flushing toxins out of our bodies. Sometimes just with sweat, sometimes by substances in foods and supplements binding to metals and other toxins in the body until they are flushed out. These treatments can be effective, especially when done consistently. Sometimes, though, this can lead to another problem- toxic rebound, when the act of flushing out toxins causes your body to have a rush of symptoms from the sudden release of toxins. Knowing why and how this occurs can help you to avoid it and make your detoxes much less troublesome and more pleasant.
Detoxification happens primarily in the liver, and in two stages, phase 1 and phase 2. Phase 1 detoxification is performed by cytochrome P450 enzymes that neutralize toxins. These are the same enzymes that break down alcohol and caffeine. Other toxins are also first broken down by these mechanisms as you accumulate them. The problem with phase 1 detoxification in the liver is that the byproducts of toxic breakdown can still be hazardous to your health, and lead to symptoms from these byproducts. For instance, although these enzymes break down alcohol, it’s the resulting byproduct, alcohol dehydrogenase that causes the effects of a hangover. Other toxins have similar nasty byproducts, and people who detox just through sweating or taking supplements, or eating foods that have phase 1 binders/detoxification may risk an abrupt buildup of these byproducts. If these byproducts build up and stay in the liver, they can cause further oxidative stress, damaging cells and causing inflammation, and making you feel even worse.
Phase 2 detoxification removes or further breaks down the byproducts of phase 1 detoxification so that they don’t stay in the liver or elsewhere in the body but are flushed out by the liver and kidneys. This is accomplished by making the toxins water-soluble (conjugation) so that they can be flushed out. Glutathione, glycine, and sulfur compounds are the primary components of phase 2 detoxification. Glutathione, in particular, is produced in higher amounts under toxic stress in order to act as an antioxidant to destroy the free radicals and other toxins produced by phase one. Although your body can do all of this naturally, your liver can get overwhelmed. First by not producing enough phase one enzymes to break down all of the toxins in the body, and second by not producing enough antioxidants- particularly glutathione- to make the toxic byproducts from phase 1 detox water-soluble. The reason that people often feel terrible after starting a detoxification protocol is that detoxification is not in balance- you may be breaking down toxic substances in phase one, but not activating phase 2 to the same degree. Some trainers, health coaches, and others may even say it’s a good thing if you feel worse at first because it shows that the toxins are coming out. This isn’t necessarily so. In fact, it’s more likely that you are damaging your body by accumulating toxic byproducts from phase 1 in the liver, increasing free radicals, and therefore increasing inflammation throughout the body.
There’s a better way. Along with a complete detox protocol, or even on its own, it’s important to make sure that you support both phases of detoxification. Dual-phase supplements that help move byproducts of phase 1 quickly to phase 2 water solubility. Dual Phase Balance by Progressive Nutracare offers a balanced approach to detoxification by supporting both phases. This product is formulated to support phase I and phase II detoxification, hence the term “Dual-Phase Optimizers.” Pomegranate extract, catechins, glucosinolates, milk thistle extract, artichoke extract, alpha-lipoic acid, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), N-acetyl-L-cysteine
(NAC), and calcium D-glucarate tetrahydrate supports critical steps in the complex process of detoxification—a function essential to overall health and vitality. This unique formula provides activated B vitamins for enhanced bioavailability as well. Make your detox safer, more effective, and more comfortable by avoiding detox rebound!
]]>If all of this sounds dire, never fear- zinc deficiency is easily fixed through supplementation. While it’s certainly possible to eat a healthy diet that allows you to absorb all the zinc you need, not everyone does. A balanced, richly varied diet is best. For ethical, religious, or other health reasons some people simply choose another way. Some simply can’t afford enough protein or eat so many oxalates, phytates, or calcium that they can’t absorb enough. Some have lifestyles or conditions that make it harder. Roughly 17% of the world’s population is zinc deficient or at risk of being so (Maxwell, et al, 2022). While much of that is in the developing world, anyone could be at risk with the right factors. Even if you are not downright deficient in zinc, having subcritical levels could still cause problems. Zinc deficiency is particularly linked to a higher risk of infection and inflammation, can impair growth, interfere with sexual function, and cause GI and skin problems. (Maxwell, et al, 2022, cited above). Even subcritical levels of zinc can affect immune response and contribute to inflammation, which if you’ve followed our blogs, you know is definitely something to be avoided.
Given the impact of zinc deficiency and the ease of supplementation, as well as the relative cost of supplements versus consuming enough protein, it seems like a no-brainer- especially as you age or if you are in one of the risk groups mentioned earlier. A stable, readily absorbable version of zinc that can be supplemented is zinc chelate. Zinc chelate is a compound where mineral zinc is chelated with another substance to increase absorption and to be an easier form to tolerate. This particular zinc chelate from Progressive Nutracare is chelated as a bis-glycinate- which has been shown to be one of the most absorbable forms of zinc that also avoids stomach upset. Another option is zinc picolinate, a form of zinc that is naturally chelated from picolinic acid. This form is also quite absorbable and has been found to be particularly well absorbed by people with pancreatic insufficiency (Gaby, Nutritional Medicine, 2017). On the other hand, it’s best to avoid zinc sulfate and zinc oxide. Both of these versions can be found in cheap versions of the supplement and tend to be hard on the stomach, more likely to cause nausea, and be more difficult to absorb.
]]>Now that researchers and clinicians had made the connection between inflammation and Type 2 Diabetes, the next step was to focus further research on ways to determine what sort of bodily inflammation caused Type 2 Diabetes, and how to treat it by reducing that inflammation. “The evolving concept of insulin resistance and T2D as having immunological components and an improving picture of how inflammation modulates metabolism provide new opportunities for using antiinflammatory strategies to correct the metabolic consequences of excess adiposity.” (Shoelson, et al, 2006, cited above). The “excess adiposity” referred to here is obesity- having too much adipose tissue in the body. In other words, excess weight combined with inflammation causes the metabolic effect of Type 2 Diabetes. Losing weight and controlling your diet, along with exercise has long been seen as the way to prevent, and even reverse diabetes. Not everyone is successful in this, and given the toll that diabetes takes on the body (including death), ways to remedy inflammation should also be found. How? Inflammation where?
The gut, and more specifically the microbiome has recently been identified as one of the keys to the inflammation associated with Diabetes:
“In the past few years, a two-way relationship between the gut microbiome in the host’s energy balance and immune function has been demonstrated.[90] The gut microbiome seems to differ between obese and lean subjects, flora composition influences metabolism and inversely, diet and metabolic status influence the composition of the gut flora, while a faecal microbiome transplantation from lean donors to insulin-resistant subjects results in beneficial metabolic effects.[91–94] It has been postulated that products from the gut microbiome may interact with the immune system inducing a tissue metabolic modification, which feeds the molecular origin of the low-grade inflammation that characterizes the onset of obesity and diabetes.[95]” (Tsalamandris, et al, 2019). So, obese people have an altered microbiome, and that altered microbiome means that inflammation occurs in the gut, which drives the onset of diabetes. In fact, intervening in gut inflammation could very well be a way to also intervene in diabetes and prevent or perhaps even reverse the condition:
“an alteration in the microbiota to host immune system balance leads to an increased translocation of bacterial antigens towards metabolically active tissues, and could result in a chronic inflammatory state and consequently impaired metabolic functions such as insulin resistance, hepatic fat deposition, insulin unresponsiveness, and excessive adipose tissue development. This imbalance could be at the onset of metabolic disease, and therefore the early treatment of the microbiota dysbiosis or immunomodulatory strategies should prevent and slow down the epidemic of metabolic diseases and hence the corresponding lethal cardiovascular consequences.” (Burcelin, et al, 2012). So, the argument is that an altered microbiome could result in chronic inflammation, more weight gain (specifically from fat deposits), insulin resistance, and therefore metabolic disease (diabetes). Treatment of gut dysbiosis should be an early and ongoing intervention.
Aside from losing weight, and altering your diet, one of the most effective treatments may be to treat your microbiome. There are a number of ways that your microbiome can be disturbed- antibiotics, too little fiber in the diet, food allergies, too much processed food and sugars. All of these things can alter the composition of the bacteria that make up your gut microbiome. There are also other foods and substances that can be employed to help control glucose intake and control inflammation, including antioxidants. Let's look at some excellent candidates.
One substance that has been studied recently that seems to have a good outcome in reducing glucose in the blood is brown seaweed. High levels of glucose (hyperglycemia) is a hallmark of diabetes. “Brown seaweed and its extracts show potential for preventing and managing hyperglycemia. Our meta-analysis confirms that brown seaweed positively affects plasma glucose homeostasis, with particularly promising postprandial plasma glucose effects” (Vaughan, et al, 2022). Meaning that brown seaweed added to the diet may help control glucose levels.
Another possible way to lower glucose levels is with cinnamon. Cinnamon has been used for centuries in traditional medicines, and more recent research has helped to demonstrate its effects for controlling glucose levels in the blood. “Traditional herbs and spices are commonly used for control of glucose among which cinnamon (Ròu Guì; Cinnamomum cassia) has the greatest effect. Research has shown that adding cinnamon to diet can help to lower the glucose level.” (Hasanzade, et al, 2013)
Fiber has been demonstrated to have a beneficial effect on gut flora, and also to decrease the uptake of glucose. Inulin, which has many fiber-like benefits, seems to duplicate the effects of fiber on gut health: “Inulin is thought to share many of the properties of soluble dietary fibers, such as the ability to lower blood lipids and stabilize blood glucose. Additionally, inulin has been shown to enhance the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and enhance the gut environment.” (Causey, et al, 2000).
Inflammation is a sign of your immune system at work. As your immune system senses a foreign invader, it mobilizes various immune cells to rush to the place of infection or foreign object. You have various types of cells that make up your immune system, and depending on what’s going on (and especially for how long), different parts of your immune system may respond to the threat. There are two basic types of inflammation, acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is the type you see when you have an injury or local infection where the tissue swells, clear fluid gathers at the site (composed of white blood cells and other immune components), and generally goes away after a relatively short period of time- days or weeks. The same is true for systemic infections by viruses, bacteria, and fungus- your immune system responds, perhaps with some heavier hitters like macrophages, and you recover in days or weeks. This immune response is natural, and essential to life. A healthy immune system shuts down infection before it gets any worse, and most usually the immune response is in proportion to the infection. To hear some medical writers tell it, however, the actual inflammation, rather than the immune response itself is what is touted as beneficial. While it’s true that the swelling and collection of fluid is a sign of your immune system working, the swelling itself is not what’s helpful. In fact, even with acute inflammation there can be some dangers. It’s generally better not to trigger the immune system at all given these dangers- although there is some debate to be had about herd immunity, and having a constantly updated collection of antibodies. Let’s just say that every time you trigger your immune system, there is a chance that harm can come from the inflammation entailed. The tissue swelling itself could cause long term harm to that tissue, As the neurocytes leave and the heavy hitters of the immune system rush in, if the infection lingers just long enough you’re at risk for the formation of fibroid tissue or granulomas (small hard lumps). While these events are more likely with chronic inflammation, it’s not so simple as that- you can still develop these during acute inflammatory episodes. In addition, the line between acute and chronic inflammation is not quite as cut and dry as it’s often been portrayed. Several, or many, acute infections risk that infection becoming chronic and demonstrating all of the classic traits of a chronic infection. The longer an infection lingers, the more likely that immune response becomes chronic. Chronic inflammation, as we’ll see, tends to mean that your immune system has become hypercharged and/or confused.
Another way in which acute infections can become chronic is when a healthy immune system overreacts to infection. This is the explanation for why sometimes people in the prime of their health develop long COVID, or why so many younger, healthier people died in the 1917-1920 Spanish Influenza epidemic. Sometimes, when an infection hits someone with an extremely robust immune system the body reacts explosively with the heaviest hitters of the immune system, cytokines, being sent in to crush the infection. This cytokine “storm” ramps the immune system up to intense levels- so much so that the accompanying inflammation can shut down vessels, cause them to go necrotic, and cause death- or, if not, this cytokine storm can end up causing inflammation throughout the body, and that inflammation can be chronic. This chronic inflammation, stemming from (overreactive) immune response can affect virtually every organ in the body, as well as joints, vessels, and muscles.
A cytokine storm resulting from a novel or serious infection, like COVID, is a shortcut to chronic inflammation in that it can produce the transition from acute inflammation to chronic inflammation quickly- and devastatingly. There are some other events that could cause a quick transition to chronic inflammation, depending on the person: major trauma, large scale exposure to molds and toxins, a reaction to a drug (especially some antibiotics), and other, rarerer events. COVID caused more of these fast transitions than usual. A more common path to chronic inflammation is chronic exposure to something that your body learns to identify as an enemy of the immune system. If this progresses to an autoimmune disease, then the body ends up attacking itself, either with or without triggers- a state in which someone is always inflamed and is difficult to control. Cytokines are often still involved, but over a longer period of time.
The same things that can cause a rapid onset of chronic inflammation can cause a slower development of the condition- in fact, this is the more usual path. If you are sick over and over again, your body may be trained to overreact. If you are constantly exposed to molds or toxins, your body may overreact. If you are injured time and again, your body may overreact. If you are constantly on antibiotics (or perhaps even exposed to them continuously in the foods you eat), your body may overreact. In addition to these, one of the most important triggers of chronic inflammation are allergies- particularly food allergies. As certain foods continue to cause irritation of the gut lining, the body reacts to those foods, sometimes with a cytokine response (C3d), and inflammation occurs in the gut. As that inflammation continues, and is repeated every time you eat the offending food, the immune response gets more intense, the tight junctions of the gut wall weaken (leaky gut), and allergens are carried into the bloodstream where they are attacked by the immune system- causing inflammation not only in the gut, but in other organs as well. In the case of food allergies as well, this can progress to an autoimmune disease like IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). In fact, it may well be that gut disturbances from allergies and intolerances may be at the root of many autoimmune diseases through the release of Zonulin when the tight junctions of the intestinal walls are loosened. In general, an autoimmune disease is when the body starts attacking itself and causing chronic inflammation. Rheumatoid Arthritis (joints), IBD and Celiac Disease (gut), Hashimoto’s and Addison’s Diseases (thyroid), and MS are all examples of autoimmune diseases. In each case, although inflammation occurs at the focal point of the disease, that inflammation tends to spread to other areas of the body as well causing systemic symptoms.
The mechanisms of inflammation are complicated and can involve many pathways, but a simple way to look at it that still captures what is happening is that the body identifies (or misidentifies) an enemy to the body, various pathways are employed to send signals to trigger an immune response, that response is dictated by the signals sent identifying the pathogen, and the immune response escalates as needed. Antibodies are created as the body learns how to defeat the pathogen, those antibodies are triggered the next time the pathogen is encountered, and so on. Too many triggers can confuse the body into an inappropriate response or even to attacking the body itself. Immune responses cause inflammation as an effect of that response. Pathogens, allergens, and foreign bodies attacked in the gut repeatedly, risk damaging the gut lining and causing immune stimulating material to circulate in the bloodstream.This causes inflammation to spread throughout the body. Inflammation itself causes many illnesses, stress on the body, lack of clarity in thinking, and loss of energy. The more chronic inflammation you have, the greater the danger, the more symptoms, and the greater the risk of triggering an autoimmune disease which perpetuates and worsens the inflammation.
So how can you intervene to prevent or disrupt these inflammatory responses? Obviously, if you can eliminate the original cause, then that is the best strategy. The problem is that this isn’t always possible. You can try to protect yourself from infection- but you may fail. Most of us can limit our reliance on antibiotics, but not everyone. Food allergies are notoriously difficult to suss out without testing, because IgG allergies may take 72 hours to show symptoms, making it hard to associate those symptoms with particular foods. In addition, the symptoms of inflammation make take a while to develop in the rest of the body, and things like lack of energy and brain fog may not be recognized as symptoms of chronic inflammation. One possible way to effectively decrease inflammation is to interrupt some of the signals sent to the immune system that cause inflammation. Once inflammation has become chronic, unless there is an ongoing repository of infection, then the likelihood is that the inflammation is the result of confusion in immune response, or a continuing trigger such as a food or other allergy and intolerance. Since the greatest risk in a food allergy that causes chronic inflammation, for example, is the damage that can be done by the inflammation itself, then the best course of action might be to disrupt the pathways of immune response. This is exactly what steroids are prescribed for, and some people stay on them for months or even years. Unfortunately, long term usage of steroids have heavy costs, and they may disrupt the immune system too much. What’s a more natural and longer term alternative?
Excellent research has been done on curcumin, an extract from turmeric. Turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat inflammation and pain, and in Ayurvedic medicine for treating gut issues, arthritis, and restoring energy among other things. Those particular conditions indeed stem from and are exacerbated by inflammation. Let’s take a look at some of the modern curcumin research. Curcumin and the other curcuminoids (demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin) have been demonstrated to have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (Lestari and Indrayanto, 2014). Antioxidants combat free radicals, which are an agent of inflammation, but in addition to this pathway, “Curcumin exerts anti-inflammatory effects by regulating inflammatory signaling pathways and inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators” (Peng, et al, 2021). There are a number of signal pathways that curcumin seems to affect, and each and all of them can be different mechanisms to decrease inflammation. Aside from just signaling pathways, “curcumin decreased levels of pro-inflammatory mediators” (also Peng, et al, cited and linked above). Again there are a number of inflammatory mediation mechanisms that are influenced by curcumin- giving yet another set of mechanisms to reduce inflammation. In addition to signaling and mediation, curcumin also affects a number of the regulators of inflammatory response, giving it particular promise as a way to regulate disease “The regulatory effect of curcumin on immune cells is beneficial to its treatment of inflammatory diseases.25,26 Curcumin mainly acts on dendritic cells, T helper 17 cell, T regulatory cell. Th17 is an important pro-inflammatory cell that produces IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23 and promote inflammation response. Treg cells inhibit the inflammatory response.27 Changes in the number and function of Th17 and Treg can cause an abnormal immune response, leading to inflammation. Therefore, maintaining Th17/Treg balance is conducive to the maintenance of immune homeostasis and the treatment of inflammatory diseases.” (Peng, et al, again). Taken together, these effects on signaling, mediation, and regulation show multiple pathways for inflammatory control- particularly inflammation resulting in immune confusion and dysregulation.
Aside from the directly anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin, we’ve briefly mentioned its antioxidant effects already. Since oxidation is a driver of inflammation, the fact that curcumin can have an important effect on decreasing oxidative stress, again through several mechanisms, bodes well for its long term effectiveness.
Aside from the general investigation into the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, studies have also been done into the effectiveness of using curcumin for specific inflammatory diseases- including autoimmune ones. So far, modern research looks like it’s confirming what traditional medicine has known for centuries. “Curcumin has significant anti-inflammatory effects, and a large number of preclinical or clinical researches have studied its effect on inflammatory diseases, among them, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, psoriasis, depression, atherosclerosis and COVID-19 are the focus of research hotspots. Current evidence suggests that curcumin is effective in reducing levels of inflammatory mediators, and that curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties may have a beneficial effect on these diseases” (Peng, et al, 2021). Most of these studies have shown that curcumin can either help prevent or treat these conditions, especially when combined with other interventions- even when we are talking about autoimmune conditions.
The pancreas serves a vital role in digestion and absorption of nutrients by secreting enzymes that break down sugars, fats, and starches, and proteins. Without enough of the various enzymes produced by the pancreas, the body isn’t able to absorb enough protein, necessary fats, and nutrients, and is less able to effectively regulate blood sugar levels. The American diet is replete with starches, sugars, fats, and protein. Many people eat a meat heavy, fat heavy diet supplemented with quantities of processed foods- which are filled with starches and sugars. Americans consume more sugar than virtually any other people. Our diet means we risk overloading our pancreas’s ability to adequately supply the digestive system with the enzymes it needs to process these foods. You don’t have to have a malfunctioning pancreas to have pancreatic insufficiency- you may simply be overloading it with your diet. When the pancreas can’t break down the components of the diet it should, not only do you not absorb the nutrients you need, and risk uncontrolled blood sugar, you also leave some foods unbroken down as they pass through the digestive system. The passage of these foods through your system unprocessed risks your body identifying them as allergens, or at least becoming sensitive to them, which can contribute to inflammation and leaky gut because of the loosening of the tight junctions in the intestinal walls. This can put you on the path to further gut issues, chronic inflammation throughout the body, and possibly an autoimmune disease.
The pancreas doesn’t just produce one universal enzyme that accomplishes all that it does, but a number of enzymes that all have different functions. Protease is a pancreatic enzyme responsible for breaking down protein in the gut. Too little protease, or possibly too much protein can result in the body identifying unprocessed protein as an allergen. Lipase is a pancreatic enzyme that works the bile produced by the gallbladder to break down fats in the body. Without enough lipase, or possibly with too much fat, your body won’t be able to absorb the fat necessary to help protein be utilized effectively, and to absorb the various vitamins that are fat soluble- vitamins A, D, E and K, These vitamins are essential for immune function, bone health, energy levels, and organ health among other things. Amylase, another pancreatic enzyme, is responsible for breaking down starches into simple sugars, which your body uses for energy. Starches that aren’t broken down may also invoke allergic reactions, contribute to leaky gut, and show up in the short term as diarrhea. Since the pancreas is also where insulin is produced, any pancreatic problems may translate as a double whammy with blood sugar levels and promote diabetes.
Various lifestyle choices like smoking cigarettes, excessive alcohol consumption, a diet high in fats, sugars and proteins and low in fiber can all contribute to pancreatic insufficiency. This can either be because the pancreas itself is damaged, or that it produces insufficient enzymes to process the foods you eat, extract the nutrients, and regulate sugars and starches. If these symptoms exist for you, or it’s confirmed that you have pancreatic insufficiency, it will most likely be recommended that you stop smoking, decrease your alcohol consumption, change your diet, and undergo enzyme replacement therapy. Before you get to the point of flat out pancreatic damage or severe insufficiency, you can take action yourself without professional intervention. Try cutting back on smoking and alcohol. Be evaluated for allergies. Change your diet to cut out as many processed foods as you can and minimize saturated fats, carbs and sugar. Don’t overload on protein and eat in moderation. Consider doing some moderate enzyme replacement and supplement with botanicals that may stimulate the production of pancreatic enzymes. If you prefer to go a straight vegan route with your supplements, there are pancreatic enzymes in capsules that use no animal products. Studies have found that both animal derived and plant derived pancreatic replacement enzymes in supplement form can make a difference in treating the effects of pancreatic insufficiency: “enzyme supplementation therapy may play an important role in several digestive and malabsorption disorders, such as EPI and lactose intolerance. Currently, the animal-derived enzymes represent an established standard of care, however the growing study of plant-based and microbe-derived enzymes offers great promise in the advancement of digestive enzyme therapy.” (Ianero, et al, Current Drug Metabolism, 2016).
As more people hear the message about focusing on your digestive health through diet, supplementation, probiotics and in general being conscious of the microbiome, let’s not forget to treat our pancreas right as well. Consider adding pancreatic enzymes to your gut treatment regimen if you have any gut symptoms that could reflect pancreatic function.
]]>Adaptogens are substances derived from plants that can “non-specifically enhance the human body” (Liao, et al, 2018). These substances come from a range of plants, with the most important being Panax Ginseng and others in the Ginseng family including Eleuthero, Schisandra, Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, and Rhodiola. These plants have been utilized by numerous cultures to combat the effects of stress, anxiety, and fatigue- particularly when those effects seem to be generalized and not from one specific event. Likewise, a hallmark of these adaptogens is that they work as general mood enhancers, stress relievers, and energy boosters, sometimes through many different pathways. Modern interest in adaptogens stems in some ways from the interest by Soviet scientists in World War 2 in exploring natural compounds used by tribal cultures within the Soviet Union to help combat stress and exhaustion. The thought was that soldiers on the battlefield would benefit from compounds that generally increased energy, clarity of thought, and decreased stress. In the course of these experiments, the Soviets coined the word “adaptogen”, and defined these substances parameters: “first, adaptogens must to be non-specific and must assist the human body in resisting a wide range of adverse conditions, such as physical, chemical or biological stress. These may include environmental pollution, climate change, radiation, infectious diseases, and interpersonal disharmony. Second, adaptogens must maintain homeostasis in humans, that is, these substances can offset or resist physical disorders caused by external stress. Third, adaptogens must not harm the normal functions of the human body.” (also Liao, et al, cited above). These scientists were initially interested in Schisandra, but they soon moved on to include other adaptogens like Ginseng. More than 80 years of studies have further refined the definition and expanded the research into what they may be able to do. Because of their very nature, they exert complex actions on the stress systems of the body, without doing harm. Much research has gone into figuring out their methods of action. By 1998, the FDA had “defined an adaptogen as a new kind of metabolic regulator that has been proved to help in environmental adaptation and to prevent external harms.” (also Liao, et al, cited above). A landmark article in 2010 by Panossian and Wikman clarified this work on adaptogens and stated that “Studies on animals and isolated neuronal cells have revealed that adaptogens exhibit neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, antidepressive, anxiolytic, nootropic and CNS stimulating activity. In addition, a number of clinical trials demonstrate that adaptogens exert an anti-fatigue effect that increases mental work capacity against a background of stress and fatigue, particularly in tolerance to mental exhaustion and enhanced attention. Indeed, recent pharmacological studies of a number of adaptogens have provided a rationale for these effects also at the molecular level. It was discovered that the stress—protective activity of adaptogens was associated with regulation of homeostasis via several mechanisms of action, which was linked with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the regulation of key mediators of stress response”
Wow! That’s a lot to take in. Suffice it to say that adaptogens are not merely hocus pocus that are based on no particular understanding of the human body, but that they safely affect the central nervous system to accomplish exactly what had been claimed all along- they boost, energy, decrease stress and anxiety, and all at the fundamental level involving the links between the adrenal and pituitary systems. This means, that according to the authors, adaptogens may very well naturally regulate stress hormones in such a way that baseline stress is reduced and the wearing away of energy that accompanies this is mitigated.
Sounds promising, right? Of course, these compounds are so complex that we should engage in new research, but remember that a basic principle of these natural compounds is that they should do no harm, and that they should give systematic, long-term support to the adrenal-pituitary axis. When we are low energy, or stressed, we might reach for a cup of coffee, tea, something with sugar, or even a stiff drink. These all have one thing in common- they merely give a temporary boost to the body, often at the cost of a crash that comes later that makes us feel even worse unless we continue the cycle of feeding the body these substances. Adaptogens on the other hand have been investigated for a more enduring effect: “Furthermore, some precise scientific experiments demonstrated that adaptogens can enhance the resistance of the human body against various external stimuli as non-specific regulators. Adaptogens function mainly by affecting the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA axis) in response to stimulation by external stress. Primary adaptogens can not only maintain or recover homeostasis and allostasis but can also promote anabolic recovery. Primary adaptogens can produce positive stress response and the associated hormone expression. Primary adaptogens strengthen the functioning of each systems, promote optimal response, promote recovery of function, and help regulate energy use by improving the function of neuroendocrine system and enhancing cellular energy transfer, which can make body utilize oxygen, glucose, lipids and proteins very effectively, thus providing us with a steady supply of energy” (Liao, et al, cited above, referencing Yance, et al, 2007). This steady supply of energy is a far cry from the spike and crash cycle given us by caffeine, for example.
We’ve mentioned a number of adaptogens. Is there a difference among them as to effect? Are some more useful than others? Can you combine adaptogens? Let’s take the last question first. Yes, you should be able to combine adaptogens for supplementation. A blend that includes Panax Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Rhodiola, and Eleuthero would seem to be appealing, and would combine many of the most studied adaptogens. Let’s take a look at some conditions and which adaptogens have been studied for their effectiveness regarding them. As Panossian and Wikman write (cited above), “The most important characteristics of adaptogens, such as stress-protection and a stimulatory effect are common to all adaptogens. However, the effects may differ under various circumstances”. We’ve already talked a bit about stress and lack of energy, let’s look at this more closely and some other potential uses as well.
Anti-stress
We’ve talked about some studies that have involved adaptogens and their possible ability to decrease stress. It’s also been noted that most or all adaptogens may have this ability, or at least have exhibited that in animal studies. Panax Ginseng, Eleuthero, North American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), and Rhodiola have all been linked to anti-stress activity through their studied ability to modulate adrenal gland hormone releases: “Adaptogens can increase the effectiveness of adrenal gland secretion, thereby abolishing excess hormone production [8]. Other studies can prove this statement: In 2001, B.T.Gaffney found that the suggested that Panax ginseng inhibits 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase one and Eleutherococcus senticosus inhibits catechol-O-methyl transferase, both of which reside in close proximity to stress hormone receptors and catalyze the degradation of stress hormones into inactive compounds [9]. In the absence of stress, adaptogens can accelerate the closure of the adrenal gland. Furthermore, adaptogens can increase cellular energy levels and prevent oxidative damages, leading to the maintenance of normal adrenal function.” (Liao, et al, cited previously).
Increasing Energy
As noted earlier, there have been indications that adaptogens may act in such a way as to directly stimulate the central nervous system. If this is borne out, then they could have a role in generating an uplifting sense of energy: “Apparently, stimulating (acute/single dose effect) and tonic (effect of repeated/multiple administration) effects of adaptogens are actually consequences of their stress-protective activity. CNS stimulating and tonic effects of adaptogens are well documented in numerous publications and reviewed in Phytomedicine [77]. In contrast to conventional stimulants, such as sympathomimetics (e.g., ephedrine, fenfluramine, phentermine, prolintane) and general tonics, the adaptogens don’t possess addiction, tolerance and abuse potentials, they don’t impair mental function and lead to psychotic symptoms in long term use, Table 4. Their clinical and pharmacological effects are due to a different mode of action. Their stimulating effect is more pronounced against a background of fatigue and stress.” (Liao, et al, again). The review cites Rhodiola, Eleuthero, and Schisandra in the article by Panossian and Wagner, 2005. This means that adaptogens may offer a practical and long-term solution to stimulation that is much more natural and safer than current methods.
Detox
Not only have adaptogens been found to be generally safe, because of the way that adaptogens work, some of them, including Schisandra, Eleuthero, and Rhodiola have been found to exert an anti-toxic effect: “The adaptogens Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhodiola rosea and Schisandra chinensis were reported to be safe in acute and subacute toxicity studies. Moreover, adaptogen induced state of non-specific resistance to highly toxic chemicals (e.g., chlorophos, phosphorus, cyclophosphane, strychnine, aniline, sodium nitrite, narcotics like sodium barbital, hexenal, chloralhydrate, benzene, acetone, ether, etc.) and microbes demonstrated in many pharmacological/toxicological studies [28], actually implies that they have an anti-toxic activity.” (Panossian and Wikman, cited above). More study is needed, but these compounds do seem to generate a protective effect with toxins and possibly could reverse toxicity in some cases.
Other Potential Uses
Adaptogens may open up a world of other possibilities once more research is in. The fact that they seem generally quite safe and work on so many different mechanisms in the body may mean they have many potential uses, and perhaps without the downside of some of the current modalities for some conditions. Here is a possible glimpse into the future by Panossian and Wikman (cited earlier) in the conclusion of their study: “It was suggested that adaptogens have not only specific therapeutic effects in some stress-induced and stress-related disorders, but will also have an impact on the quality of life of patients when implemented as adjuvants in the standard therapy of many chronic diseases and pathological conditions (e.g., post-surgery recovery, asthenia, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It may be suggested that adaptogens have potential use in age related disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, elderly people may be able to maintain their health status on a normal level, improve their quality of life and may increase longevity. However, further research may be needed to evaluate the efficacy of adaptogens as geriatrics and to elucidate molecular mechanisms of action of these complex herbal extracts and their active principles.”
It’s entirely possible that adaptogens will become known as premiere anti-aging compounds. For now, there is a lot of research on the role of adaptogens as stress relievers and energy restorers, and numerous studies that have not only studied their efficacy but their safety as well.
]]>What are the fundamental keystones to healthy gut function? What does our conventional medical system get wrong about gut health? Why aren’t more health care practitioners taught these key fundamental in medical school? Listen in to hear Dr. Agolli and Dr. Howard discuss gut health on our Rethink my Health podcast.
]]>Naturally occuring vitamin K is found as either K1 or K2. K1 is typically found in food sources such as leafy vegetables, and is the form most often consumed in modern diets. K2 can typically be found in animal foods and fermented foods, synthesized through the work of highly specialized bacteria found in the gut. Structural differences between vitamin K1 and K2 affect bioavailability and the rate at which your body can absorb this key nutrient. We typically do not consume sufficient quantities of vitamin K2 through diet alone and supplementation becomes an important part of most wellness plans. This is true for many adults, regardless of health status. Once you consider gut issues in this equation, the problem becomes even more acute. Vitamin K2 plays an important role in calcium utilization. Calcium is a critical mineral for building and maintaining bones and teeth. The main function of vitamin K is to modify protein, giving it the ability to bind calcium. This mechanism is crucial for healthy bones. Vitamins K and D have emerged in research as a superhero combo working together to support bone growth and cardiovascular health (Ballegooijen, et al 2017). Indeed, they state “Current evidence supports the notion that joint supplementation of vitamins D and K might be more effective than the consumption of either alone for bone and cardiovascular health”. Vitamin K is critical to bone health as it is necessary for bone mineralization. Vitamin D is critical to pair with Vitamin K because of Vitamin D’s function of powerfully enhancing calcium absorption. The pairing helps us as we age to maintain stronger bones, healthier arteries and a stronger immune response.
So, how is absorption affected by gut conditions? To start with, many people understand that they may need to supplement with calcium as they get older, particularly women. This is because of an increasing risk of osteoporosis due to the demineralization of the bones, especially in post-menopausal years. Fewer people know that Vitamin D3 supplementation is also recommended for many as they age as well. This is because raw calcium may not be bioavailable unless there is enough Vitamin D to help absorb the calcium, making it bioavailable. Even fewer know that Vitamin K2 “supercharges” the ability of Vitamin D3 to do its job of calcium absorption. Indeed, “The combination of vitamin K and D can significantly increase the total BMD and significantly decrease undercarboxylated osteocalcin, and a more favorable effect is expected when vitamin K2 is used.” (Kuang, et al, 2020). Bone mineral density (BMD) is essential for bone health, especially as we age and lower BMD is correlated with fractures, osteoporosis, joint problems, and general bone fragility. Osteocalcin is a common protein found in bones, and is dependent upon Vitamin K for production. It’s essential to building bone structure and assists with other processes in the body like coagulation. Lower levels of Vitamin K2 is correlated with a lower ability to build bone structure (Wagatsuma, et al, 2019). Unfortunately, many different gut conditions can decrease the absorption of Vitamin K2. Any sort of fat absorption disorder, for instance those related to lower bile can mean neither Vitamin D nor K can be absorbed in sufficient quantities. Wagatsuma, et al, cited above, conducted a study with Crohn’s patients whose Crohn’s Disease was inactive at the time of the study and still found that those patients had a similar incidence in Vitamin K deficiency as those with active Crohn’s. Why? Because Crohn’s and other gut conditions can rapidly and permanently change the microbiome of the gut. This same study found that “The diversity of the gut microbiota was significantly lower, and Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae were significantly decreased in the vitamin K-deficient group in comparison to the vitamin K-normal group”, and further “Vit K deficiency is rare in healthy individuals [22], but has been found to be more common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)” So, the risk is that IBD, Crohn’s, Bile and pancreatic disorders, and most likely those that have other gut disorders will have lower levels of Vitamin K. particularly K2, that those who have lower levels of K2 have lower levels of Bone Mineral Density because vitamin D3 levels are both potentially lowered and impeded in its ability to bind to calcium to make it bioavailable to the bones and heart resulting in risks of osteoporosis, refractures and cardiac events, and potentially suppresses the immune system. Yikes! Luckily, the authors of these studies recommend supplementation with a D3-K2 combination for those individuals with gut problems to help ward off these problems by raising overall serum levels of these vitamins and minimizing risk of these effects from vitamin deficiency.
The Progressive Nutracare K2-D3 formula represents an all inclusive, fat soluble, supplement delivering therapeutic doses of vitamins K2 and D3. The “sunshine vitamin”, vitamin D plays a role in over 200 metabolic processes, with its most crucial being its involvement in supporting your immune system and in helping the body absorb calcium. Our formula is designed to maximize absorption through a fat soluble delivery mechanism which is ideal for absorption through the intestinal environment. Both vitamin K and D depend on fat to be absorbed, so it helps that fats are paired with the vitamin itself in the supplement. Progressive Nutracare K2-D3 is a potent and highly absorbable complex featuring therapeutic doses of both vitamins K and D. K2-D3 features 5000 I.U’s of D3 and 90 mcg of K2 in each softgel pearl. Our vitamin K2 is delivered as MK-7, a patented version of vitamin K designed for optimal absorption and bioavailability. In addition, given the suppression of healthy gut flora with various gut conditions, you should always consider taking a good probiotic as well.
As with all our formulas, what's on the label is in the bottle, guaranteed. Get a jump on your immune function and bone health today with K2-D3!
]]>Since Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin, don’t we get enough of the vitamin from the sun? What about from food? Unfortunately, probably not. With concern for skin cancer rising, and our busy lives meaning we may not spend as much time outdoors, many of us don’t get enough sun exposure to create enough vitamin D. This is especially true of those that live in more Northern latitudes. For the body to be stimulated to produce vitamin D, it requires adequate exposure to UVB rays. Many people don’t know that UVB light does not penetrate glass, which means basking in sunlight while indoors or in the car doesn’t count. It is possible for tanning beds or special lights to help, but only if they emit UVB, and of course at extra expense and effort. Most Americans also don’t consume enough vitamin D in our diet. In fact, “92% of men, more than 97% of women, and 94% of people aged 1 year and older ingested less than the EAR of 10 mcg (400 IU) of vitamin D from food and beverages.” (NIH professional fact sheet on vitamin D) The fortification of milk with vitamin D has gone a long way to eliminate the childhood disease rickets, but as we leave childhood we tend to drink less milk, and not all other dairy products are fortified. Even though most of us aren’t at risk of the rickets and very severe vitamin D deficiency, being vitamin D deficient still can contribute to health problems, and increasing vitamin D consumption can help. Some populations, however, are more at risk than others for more substantial deficiencies in vitamin D and it's even more important for them to increase their vitamin D uptake. Since that uptake is difficult to get in food, and sunlight, supplementation is the answer. All of us could benefit from at least moderate vitamin D supplementation, but who is consistently at risk that should especially consider supplementation?
First up is the surprising rise in rickets in the world again, even in the United States and Western Europe. Although as was mentioned, most milk and some other dairy products are supplemented with vitamin D, a rise in length of breastfeeding among some populations, a rise in the use of more boutique dairy products that may not be supplemented in vitamin D, the use of milk alternatives, increased protection from the sun, and even patterns of custom and immigration have all contributed to the fact that rickets is once again on the rise. Remember that rickets results from a more severe vitamin D deficiency, meaning that many children may be moderately, if not severely deficient in the vitamin- which can still have health effects. Genetics can play a role as well. Children of African origin who are breastfed for longer periods of time seem to have a greater risk specifically for developing rickets, and more generally for being vitamin D deficient (Weisberg, et al, 2004). Regardless of race, babies that are breastfed are more likely to develop vitamin D deficiency and rickets as was borne out by a large Canadian study (Ward, et al, 2007). Other studies have shown that while rickets is increasing generally in the United States, it is among immigrants from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East that the increase is especially prevalent (Creo, et al, 2016). Although more serious vitamin D deficiency is correlated with breastfeeding, this by no means should be taken as a condemnation of breastfeeding. There are many, many health benefits for breastfeeding- consider this instead a plea for supplementation with vitamin D3.
While rickets is a childhood disease, among adolescents and adults a similar afflication can result from vitamin D deficiency- osteomalacia. Osteomalacia is essentially a condition of “weak bones” where the bones aren’t mineralized with enough calcium (which if you remember, vitamin D assists with). The effect is much like rickets: “similar to those of rickets and include bone deformities and pain, hypocalcemic seizures, tetanic spasms, and dental abnormalities” (Muns, et al, 2016). So aside from breastfed children, who else could be at risk for these afflictions? Another population that could be affected, on the opposite edge of the spectrum are older adults. Aside from osteomalacia, from severe depletion when they were younger, older adults are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis, which is where the calcium in the bones demineralizes. Again, sufficient vitamin D supplementation can help the vitamin D to preserve calcium in the bones. The elderly may also suffer from osteoarthritis, which can limit mobility and cause pain, also from demineralization. Aside from aging and its attendant calcium loss, vitamin D levels themselves can decrease as we age, partly because the skin becomes less able to create vitamin D from sunlight (Chalcraft, et al, 2020). We may also develop more sensitivities to the types of foods that are fortified with vitamin D as we get older, and consume less of it in our diet.
Pregnant women should also receive vitamin D supplementation: “Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy in women with low vitamin D status may improve fetal growth and reduce the risks for small-for-gestational-age, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes. Mothers with sufficient vitamin D levels have offsprings with less enamel defects and less attention deficit and hyperactive disorders and autism. All pregnant women should be supplemented with 600 IU/day of vitamin D3. We discuss evidence indicating that higher vitamin D doses (1000-4000 IU/day) may be convenient to achieve better maternal and infant outcomes. Low maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy may be associated in infants with a higher risk for lower bone mineral content, enamel defects and attention deficit hyperactive disorder.” (Faustino, et al, 2020). It seems clear that these are all outcomes best avoided. Liquid vitamin D3 can be easy to dose without creating any of the nausea that can come from swallowing pills.
Other groups that may be vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency include those whose jobs keep them inside all day; and those because of fair skin, religion or custom, or because of previous skin cancer experience cover themselves fairly fully from the sun (Sowah, et al, 2017). Conversely, those with darker skin have been found to have lower blood serum levels of vitamin D. Melanin decreases the skin’s ability to manufacture vitamin D. At the same time, people with darker skin seem to have less osteoporosis and other bone disorders, so the final effect on bone health is less clear (Brown, et al, 2018). There is always the possibility that other impacts of vitamin D deficiency could still be important, particularly when considering the breastfeeding data as applied to those of African or African-American origin.
Another set of people that should be concerned with vitamin D deficiency are those with gut issues, and separately, the obese. In the case of those with gut issues, many gut problems like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis make it more difficult to digest fats. Since vitamin D is fat soluble, people with these conditions have been found to have lower levels of vitamin D than is recommended (Pappa, et al, 2008). These same conditions may prevent someone from eating dairy, in some cases, which is most likely to be the source of vitamin D from its enrichment. In the opposite fashion, those who are obese may very well consume enough vitamin D, and absent other problems there is no reason that it can’t be created from sunlight on skin. The problem in this case is that since vitamin D is fat soluble, if there is an abundance of fat cells in the body, then vitamin D can be sequestered in fat cells in the body rather than made bioavailable for health. Those who are obese, or perhaps even overweight, may ve more likely to need to supplement with vitamin D than those that are not.
Vitamin D supplements and liquids come in two forms, D2 and D3. Both increase blood levels of Vitamin D, both seem to prevent the worst outcomes of deficiencies, but most evidence shows that D3 raises blood serum levels of Vitamin D to higher levels and sustains those levels for longer (Tripkovic, et al, 2012). This is even more true in the winter months (Logan, et al, 2013). Progressive Nutracare’s D3 liquid is a professional formula designed to be utilized properly in the body. Since D3 requires fat to be absorbed by the body, this formulation combines it with sunflower oil to survive stomach acid and allow absorption. Our specific formula, derived naturally from lanolin, provides a vitamin D3 cholecalciferol form that is a quality product that allows vitamin D to be utilized throughout the body. A number of vitamin D3 on the market use synthetic forms of vitamin D that are not optimal. Our D3 liquid also delivers 1,000 IUs per drop making it ideal for patients who need a high therapeutic dose in bioavailable form. Liquid vitamin D3 can be easy to administer to children, the infirm, and those who can’t handle pills as well. On the other hand, some prefer to take vitamin D3 in capsule form for its convenience in carrying and for travel. Progressive Nutracare D3 in capsule form offers the same benefits and quality of our liquid product. Assess your possible vitamin D status by taking a look at the evidence above. It’s likely that you could do with some supplementation.
*By including product links in this article, Progressive Nutracare is providing a reference to our readers to assist in searching and cataloging the site. These products have not been evaluated by the F.D.A. are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease.
]]>Topical and lavage uses against bacteria
Grapefruit seed oil has been used topically to treat fungus conditions like toenail fungus, athletes foot, and jock itch. It’s also been used topically and as a rinse (lavage) for infection treatment in wound care, and as a mouth rinse or nasal spray as a replacement for antibiotics. Since grapefruit seed oil comes as capsules, tablets, as droplets, or a liquid concentrate, the concentrate can be used topically. The tablets have additional immune supporting herbal additions, and the droplets are a combination of citrus oils, but both the capsules and concentrate rely on grapefruit seed oil alone as an active ingredient. How does grapefruit seed extract work topically? As an antibiotic, this study explains its mechanisms:
“The initial data shows GSE (grapefruit seed extract) to have antimicrobial properties against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive organisms at dilutions found to be safe. With the aid of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), the mechanism of GSE's antibacterial activity was revealed. It was evident that GSE disrupts the bacterial membrane and liberates the cytoplasmic contents within 15 minutes after contact even at more dilute concentrations.” (Heggers, et al, 2002).
In addition to general wound care, there have been exciting hints at the fact that grapefruit seed extract might be effective against multidrug resistant bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus aureus. This particular strain of Staph is particularly dangerous, and we’ve written recently about it in terms of diabetic induced wounds. It’s becoming both more common, and more resistant, and when even the most powerful antibiotics struggle against it, we should be glad that there may be other natural antibiotics that might be proven to be effective. There are a number of Korean studies on grapefruit seed extract, and some that deal with just this question. A study by Han, et al, in 2021 found that: “GSE showed antibacterial activity against MSSA, MRSA, and VRSA in disk diffusion and microdilution MIC tests”. The authors of the study stressed that although this research was preliminary, grapefruit seed extract “exerts favorable antimicrobial activity against not only MSSA but also MDR bacteria, it can be a valuable natural substance for preventing or reducing nosocomial infection, and further analysis is likely to be needed” This study, and many other Korean studies on the subject are funded by the Korean government and universities, and not by private industry. The clear demonstration of grapefruit seed extract’s ability to exhibit antimicrobial properties in a petri dish, even against resistant bacteria, means that it should be useful for wound care. Hopefully, further studies will continue to validate this.
Like fungi, as discussed next, some bacteria are able to spread rapidly and are more difficult to eradicate by the means of forming biofilms. Both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli can be difficult to treat because they can form biofilms and because there are multidrug resistant strains of both in circulation. S. aureus has already been discussed, and E. coli is probably familiar to you as the source of many foodborne outbreaks. Another Korean study, this one by Song, et al, in 2019, investigated the use of grapefruit seed extract in inhibiting the development of both of those bacteria on surfaces. Their conclusions were: “…our results suggest that GSE might be used as an anti-biofilm agent that is effective against S. aureus and E. coli.” The authors also noted that grapefruit seed extract has been used safely for years in the food industry. Grapefruit seed extract could be an important component of the fight against food borne illness when used to wipe down surfaces.
Topical and lavage uses against fungus
One of the more common ways that grapefruit seed extract has been used is to treat surface infections caused by fungus, either of the skin or nails. A Polish study in 2001 found that grapefruit seed extract was effective against Candida albicans. This fungus is the most common culprit in many skin infections. Those who are obese, diabetic, take antibiotics or steroids, or are undergoing chemotherapy are even more likely to have Candida skin infections. Candida can also infect the nails, and the corners of the mouth. Candida infections also occur as oral thrush in people who have taken antibiotics or who have weakened immune systems. It’s also the most frequent cause of vaginal yeast infections. Fungal mouth infections are usually caused by Candida, and it is the most common cause of infections resulting from dentures. Fungal infections are often very difficult to control because of the unique way they have to protect themselves. Fungus, including the various Candida strains, can develop as a thin sticky layer that adheres strongly to damp areas and is harder for antifungals to penetrate. This is called a biofilm. These biofilms can cause fungal cells to spread rapidly and be difficult to remove, particularly from an item like dentures. These same biofilms can exist on human tissue and be difficult to penetrate. One of the reasons that grapefruit seed extract is so successful at combating Candida infections is its ability to destroy biofilms. Two recent studies examined this effect. The first study by Tsutsumi-Arai, et al, in 2019 focused on dentures. After studying grapefruit seed extract compared to physically cleaning dentures, or using a chemical soaking solution, the study found grapefruit seed extract vastly superior and concluded:
“The results of the present study strongly suggest that GSE can be very useful for the disinfection of denture surfaces. Our data also suggest that a denture treated with GSE for 5 min has the potential to have a persistent inhibitory effect on the biofilm development of C. albicans. In addition, immersion in the solution containing GSE does not cause surface deterioration of denture-base resin. Therefore, GSE has great potential as a new component of denture cleanser.”
Which means, not only did grapefruit seed extract quickly kill the Candida, but it seemed to have the effect of preventing more Candida from growing on the dentures for some time. Another study by the same authors in 2021 that compared the effectiveness of grapefruit seed extract versus the potent antifungal drug miconazole when addressing candida infections of the gums, found:
“GSE demonstrated a fungicidal effect against all tested Candida species, whereas miconazole demonstrated a fungicidal effect against only C. albicans.” and “The histopathological observation in the oral mucosa treated with GSE showed no significant histopathological changes. Taken together, GSE has a fungicidal activity against C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis, and no adverse effects were observed in vitro and in vivo.”
The study was meant to both test the safety and effectiveness when grapefruit seed extract was used orally against Candida caused mouth and gum infections, and found both that it was effective and that there were no side effects either in a petri dish or in the body of the animals tested. It certainly seems that grapefruit seed extract may have a role to play against fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida, whether orally or dermatologically.
Internal and other possible uses
What do we know about possible internal uses for grapefruit seed extract? Unfortunately, not enough studies have been done on the subject. Many studies have been done in vitro (in a lab setting, like a petri dish), but few in vivo (in the body), although some of the studies cited above have included animal studies both for safety and for effectiveness as a natural antibiotic. Grapefruit seed extract has been used safely for years by the food industry as a natural preservative, and was tested as safe in the dental studies cited above. Its effectiveness against candida has also been noted in multiple studies, and some think that will translate to its effectiveness against candida infections in the gut as well. One study in rats by Arie, et al, in 2019 that examined its possible effectiveness against IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) found that grapefruit seed extract appeared to decrease the frequency of IBS in the rats, decreased the permeability of the gut, and decreased inflammation due to cytokines. The study concluded “GSE may be useful for treating IBS.” One study that did include human trials examined eczema sufferers that had IBS associated with their condition and found that grapefruit seed extract capsules were effective against candida and E. coli in the gut and that “No side-effects were registered during the whole study. Clinically, a definite improvement of constipation, flatulence, abdominal discomfort and night rest was noticed after 4 weeks”. Another preliminary study found it effective in helping to eliminate H pylori, the cause of up to 80% of stomach ulcers, while a different study found that it had gastroprotective effects against stomach ulcers. Another study found that grapefruit seed extract could have utility against urinary tract infections. A Korean study has even investigated grapefruit seed extract as an application for air filters in buildings for its antifungal and antimicrobial effects and found it to have some efficacy for that purpose. It’s clear that grapefruit seed extract is a potent antifungal and antimicrobial natural product. As studies continue, we shall hopefully see confirmed what many already suspect- that grapefruit seed extract has a place in the pharmacopeia.
*By including product links in this article, Progressive Nutracare is providing a reference to our readers to assist in searching and cataloging the site. These products have not been evaluated by the F.D.A. are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease.
]]>In just a one-ounce daily serving, intraMAX 2.0 provides an array of vitamins, trace and macro minerals, prebiotics, antioxidants, digestive enzymes, fruits, vegetables, essential fatty acids, bioflavonoids, amino acids, and much more! The unique ingredient blends in intraMAX 2.0 not only support the body’s ability to eliminate harmful substances*, they also provide support for a wide range of systems and functions.
]]>In just a one-ounce daily serving, intraMAX 2.0 provides an array of vitamins, trace and macro minerals, prebiotics, antioxidants, digestive enzymes, fruits, vegetables, essential fatty acids, bioflavonoids, amino acids, and much more! The unique ingredient blends in intraMAX 2.0 not only support the body’s ability to eliminate harmful substances*, they also provide support for a wide range of systems and functions which include:
Why intraMax?
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that intraMAX is effective and no adverse events were reported during the study. Details of the efficacy results supported by the clinical study’s findings on intraMAX can be grouped into the following four areas: energy, cellular function, detoxification, and optimal wellness:
Energy:
Cellular Function:
Detoxification:
Optimal Wellness:
Based on these clinical comparisons and the complete lack of known adverse side effects, interaction, or contra-indications from the ingredients in the product, intraMAX was shown to be a safe and highly effective means of improving one’s nutrition while helping to maintain or improve cellular system functions.
Why Drucker Labs should be trusted
Dr. Richard Drucker, a highly respected doctor in the field of natural health, developed intraLINE products using intraCELL Technology. This innovative cold-fill manufacturing process allows ingredients to be enriched organically with naturally-sourced fulvic acid and for the ingredients to retain their maximum nutritional value.
All IntraLINE products are:
†intraLINE products are all free of: Wheat, Gluten, Yeast, Dairy, Soy, Nuts, Shellfish. Also free of: Antibiotics (drugs), Caffeine, Cholesterol, Coatings, Dyes, Egg, Fat, Fillers, Fish, Fish Oil, Harsh Chemicals, Herbicides, Milk, Peanuts, Pesticides, Salicylates, Soybeans.
The advantages of liquid vitamin mixtures
You avoid the risk that an improperly made tablet or caplet will not break apart and fully release its ingredients for absorption. (ConsumerLab.com)
No issue with swallowing difficult pills or capsules
Liquids are more rapidly absorbed, particularly for those that have stomach or gut absorption issues
Makes it much easier to modify the dose
Some pills attract water and fall apart- liquids avoid that.
What people are saying about intraMAX
“Integral to my success, I took intraMAX daily as part of my training regimen for my Level-Two Strong First Kettleball Instructors Certification. I passed! At 70-years-old, I depend on intraMAX as a healthy nutritional supplement and for that extra energy I need to stay in top form.” - Dr. John Sullivan, Doctor of Chiropractic
“I have both elderly and young patients who can’t swallow pills, so intraMAX is ideal for them. It’s the most complete nutritional supplement I’ve been able to find on the market and I’m extremely impressed with its bioavailability. I take it myself!” - Dr. Janet Rogers, Doctor of Chiropractic
"I looked everywhere for a nutritional supplement that would meet my high standards, and with intraMAX, I found it. I've shared my enthusiasm with my patients and offered samples to demonstrate how good it tastes. I have quite a following now!" - Dr. Susan Jensen, Medical Doctor
“I have been running marathons for 8 years now. Once I started taking intraMAX, my training times improved significantly. The last marathon I ran, I improved my time by 36 minutes! I wonder how fast my next marathon will be!" - A. Placencia, intraMax Customer
“I consider intraMAX the quintessential liquid nutritional supplement. Besides being great tasting, it gives each of my patients a balanced energized feeling of well being. I am very impressed with the quality and the incredible research that has gone into this product. I use this myself and will keep doing so. Dr. Drucker has produced a winner!” - Dr. Jerry Schwartz, Naturopathic Doctor
“Proven Over Time!
I’ve been taking IntraMAX for more than 10 years now. I simply cannot start the day without it! I’m in excellent health and my bloodwork proves it.” Patti Reiland, Progressive Nutracare customer
“My son has Crohn's. If he doesn't take it he notices a huge difference in how he feels. Don't like to be without it.” Lynette Reese, Progressive Nutracare customer
*By including product links in this article, Progressive Nutracare is providing a reference to our readers to assist in searching and cataloging the site. These products have not been evaluated by the F.D.A. are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease.
]]>Types of magnesium and brain function
Healthy levels of magnesium in the brain are necessary for maintaining healthy synapses, cognition, avoiding various neurological issues, helping to manage stress and anxiety, assisting with sleep, and keeping us psychologically on balance. I say healthy levels of magnesium IN the brain, because not all types of magnesium cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning that some forms of magnesium that might come from supplementation might be perfectly adequate for many bodily functions such as muscle and cardiac function, but be less helpful in contributing to brain health. Dimagnesium malate, magnesium lysinate glycinate chelate and magnesium L-threonate are all forms of magnesium that have efficacy across the blood-brain barrier. These different magnesium forms stimulate the brain in different ways. Perhaps most excitingly, researchers at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) have developed a proprietary form of magnesium L-threonate called Magtein™. Magtein™ is a groundbreaking organic magnesium compound that was developed to support “brain power” by supporting synapses directly. When brain magnesium levels are not optimal, synapse function deteriorates. By delivering magnesium into synapses, Magtein helps brain cells stay healthy, without being overactivated; consequently, brain cells respond to signals with clarity and robustness. Studies show that Magtein crosses the blood-brain barrier and raises the brain’s magnesium levels, which result in increased magnesium deposits in neural synapses, increased neural synaptic density, and improved brain function. One animal study showed that when the bioavailability of several magnesium compounds was compared to controls, only Magtein significantly enhanced magnesium bioavailability and produced a significant increase (7% to 15%) in rat cerebrospinal fluid. These small but significant increases in brain magnesium levels produced profound effects on neurological function.
Brain magnesium levels and synapse health
Maintaining extracellular magnesium in the brain helps preserve synaptic density and keeps the synapses working properly. (Slutsky, et al, 2004). In other words, adding magnesium across the blood-brain barrier helps maintain enough synapses to meet the brain’s needs, and contributes to those synapses’ health. Your synapses are the basic units of the brain for exchanging electrical impulses throughout the brain’s network, which is how the brain sends signals for everything from motor control to higher-level thinking. More specifically, researchers in the above-cited study found that by increasing magnesium concentration in the extracellular fluid, researchers observed permanent enhancement of synaptic plasticity in networks of cultured hippocampal neurons. This form of magnesium apparently increases NMDA receptor signaling in the brain, and these receptors are particularly rich in the hippocampus. NMDA receptors in the hippocampus have been linked to memory encoding, and therefore to memory retrieval and function. In fact, although it’s too early for any clear results, there have even been some studies that show some early promise in utilizing magnesium to delay or prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.
Brain magnesium levels and cognition
Effective cognition, meaning simply how well you think, has also been linked to magnesium levels. Lower levels of magnesium can cause brain fog, tiredness, slowed memory recall, and perception of generally fuzzier thinking. Magnesium levels in general, seem to affect cognition in adults. Studies of Magtein specifically have shown that after taking Magtein for 12 weeks, patients 50-70 years of age demonstrated reduced cognitive declines compared to age-matched controls. Furthermore, the researchers calculated a particularly compelling impact of Magtein using data from age-matched subjects: After six weeks of treatment, the average brain age of the Magtein group decreased from 69.6 ± 4.2 years to 60.6 ± 5.6 years, an improvement of 9.0 ± 3.5 years, and persisted after 12 weeks of treatment with 9.4 ± 3.5 years of improvement. This cognitive improvement in older adults is remarkable, and cognitive decline while aging is a key predictor of dementia as we age. It’s not just about cognitive decline as we age, either. Magnesium is essential for the production of ATP, which helps supply the mitochondria of our cells with energy. Our brains use about 20% of the body’s energy, even though the brain takes up only 2% of the body’s mass. Since the brain is such an energy consumer, it’s thought that sufficient ATP, and therefore magnesium is essential to sustain our cognition. Too little magnesium is more likely to make us fatigued and lead to murkier thinking, particularly when we demand a lot of mental energy from the brain- studying, working, deep thinking- anytime we concentrate on a task for a long period of time. Even during sleep, our brain is at work, reconstructing and ordering the events of the day and preparing for another. Animal studies have found that in both aged and younger animals, magnesium levels had a significant effect on cognition. Several preclinical animal studies that used assessments such as the NORT (novel object recognition test), T-maze, Morris water maze, conditioned fear memory, and conditioned taste aversion have also validated Magtein’s effectiveness. In these studies, researchers demonstrated that when brain magnesium levels were increased, significant benefits were detected in multiple aspects of learning and memory in young and aged rodents. For instance, NORT tests performed by Slutsky et al revealed that short-term memory improved by approximately 135% and long-term memory improved by approximately 85% in aged rats treated with Magtein compared to control (untreated) rats.
Brain magnesium levels and psychological health
Magnesium is known to benefit the body in ways that counter stress, promote restful sleep, and support a healthy mood. In rats, giving magnesium decreased neurologic changes brought on by chronic mild stress(Pochwat, et al, 2014). Additionally, by increasing fear memory extinction, Magtein showed promise as a modulator of worry(Abumaria, et al, 2011). In human studies, magnesium supplementation partially reversed sleep changes associated with aging and improved objective and subjective measures of sleep (Held, et al, 2002). Improving sleep quality and countering the effects of chronic stress positively impact mood—another area that is beneficially influenced by optimal magnesium status (Pochwat et al, and Abumaria, et al). A number of other studies have positively correlated supplementing with magnesium and decreasing depression (Eby and Eby 2006), assisting with post-traumatic stress disorder (Fromm, et al, 2004), and a number of other psychological concerns that revolve around anxiety, worry, and depression. While depressed, magnesium is eliminated through urine at an increased rate compared to when we are not. The same may be true of stress. It certainly seems that there is a strong connection between mental well-being and our magnesium levels, and even between magnesium supplementation and our mental health. Another factor is that magnesium seems necessary for uptake of vitamin D to the brain. Lowered magnesium levels may mean that you suffer from lower vitamin D levels as well, and vitamin D may also be linked to mental health. If you are undergoing stress, anxiety, or worry, magnesium supplementation may be a cost-effective way to help improve your mood and be better able to cope with a challenging environment.
]]>Have you ever had a car turn into your lane without seeing you? That skip of your heartbeat was your adrenal gland kicking in so that you can make a quick response and brake or change lanes. This response, though created for emotional stress or physical danger, is activated at even minimum levels of stress loads. The nervous system sends a message to the adrenals to release adrenaline or epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream causing several bodily changes including an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. These hormones allow for quick thinking or action in order to “survive” a stress event. This is the basis of the “fight or flight” response that is wrapped up with our species evolution. Modern society challenges us constantly to make instant decisions, often stress induced or stress inducing. Every time you drive, every time you interact with strangers, every time you have to choose from an overwhelming number of products, every time you have to rush to complete a task, your adrenal glands are working overtime. The constant race of our life can leave us exhausted not just in the short run, but in the longer run if your adrenal system is overused.
The Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands are small glands located on top of each kidney and release hormones into the bloodstream that help to regulate bodily responses. The adrenal cortex produces three hormones: 1) Aldosterone helps maintain the body’s salt and water levels which in turn regulate blood pressure. 2) Cortisol helps to regulate the body’s stress response, regulate metabolism, assists in glucose production and has significant anti-inflammatory effects. 3) DHEA and Testosterone are also produced in the adrenal gland. Besides lifestyle stress, production of adrenal hormones can be disrupted by several factors in the environment, including heavy metals, pesticides, hormonal fluctuations, other environmental toxins, or lack of nutrients required for adrenal hormone synthesis. Since cortisol is the hormone that regulates stress response, it’s cortisol levels that can be measured to check as to whether our adrenal system is operating normally.
Adrenal Burnout or Adrenal Overdrive?
When our production of cortisol gets out of whack, it’s not as simple as the adrenal gland suddenly producing too much cortisol, or too little cortisol. Constant stress can do different things to different people. At the extremes, constant exposure to stress or other factors can result in adrenal burnout, also known as Addison’s Disease, where your adrenal glands are no longer capable of producing cortisol, or produce cortisol in such low amounts as to be insufficient. Symptoms of Addison’s Disease include: extreme fatigue, weight loss or loss of appetite, low blood pressure, lightheadedness or fainting, low blood sugar, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle and joint pains, and irritability. Conversely, that same exposure to stress or other factors, including the use of steroids, may instead send the adrenal system into overdrive greatly increasing cortisol levels, and at the extreme, causing Cushing Syndrome. Cushing Syndrome is when long-term exposure to high cortisol levels causes characteristic physical changes in the body that include: red cheeks, fat pads behind the neck and on the upper shoulders (buffalo hump), a rounded face, weight gain in the abdomen and weight loss in the legs, pink or purple stretch marks on the abdomen, and you may bruise easily. In addition to the physical characteristics of the syndrome, you may feel anxious, startle easily, and feel fatigued. These two conditions are usually the only recognized “medical” conditions relating to too much or too little cortisol, and they are indeed potentially serious conditions that should be treated accordingly. But what about imbalances of cortisol that don’t approach the extremes of Addison’s or Cushing?
Some doctors may say either that lesser imbalances of cortisol levels aren’t worth treating, or should only be treated with the same heavy hitting therapies that are used to treat full blown Addison’s or Cushing. In the case of low cortisol, this means steroids. In the case of Cushing, this means decreasing the use of steroids or using surgery or radiation to decrease a tumor is the source of the higher cortisol levels (rarely). The problem here is that there is rarely an acknowledgement that there can be symptoms of more minor variations in cortisol levels, and sometimes the fact that cortisol levels are altered can be missed altogether. If this isn’t the case, and treatment for Addison’s is initiated, then the side effects of the steroid can be difficult, and one can overcompensate for the level of cortisol and drive someone from Addison’s to Cushing. Isn’t there another way? Why does this state of affairs exist?
Adrenal Fatigue
The term “adrenal fatigue” was coined in 1998 by Naturopath James Wilson, PhD, an expert in alternative medicine. He defined it as “a group of related signs and symptoms (a syndrome) that results when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level." “According to the theory, if you have long-term stress (like the death of a family member or a serious illness), your adrenal glands burn out from prolonged production of cortisol. So adrenal fatigue sets in.” (Web MD)
Many doctors roundly reject this theory and say there is no such medical condition. Some go on to say that attempting to treat adrenal fatigue is dangerous because you risk overstimulating cortisol and leading to Cushing Syndrome or an adrenal crisis. A legion of patients who have suffered from “subclinical” adrenal imbalances might disagree. Why would there be such resistance to this theory from some members of the medical community? To start with, the term, “adrenal fatigue”, having been coined by someone outside the standard medical community was immediately labeled as an invention because the word itself didn’t describe a medical condition as defined by these same doctors. The medical community can be very conservative and slow to change. There have been many, many other examples of conditions that doctors were extremely slow to accept- if they ever did. An excellent example is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which was set forth as a condition by the World Health Organization as far back as 1969- and ignored by many doctors for decades, instead insisting to patients that it was, at best, “psychosomatic”. That position has begun to change, but the medical community can be moribund. The theory itself is not so different from the accepted way that the adrenal glands, and cortisol operate, so it’s not a stretch to think there is merit to it. This is particularly true when you consider the argument that too much cortisol could cause an adrenal crisis- the only real debate there, then, is whether lesser degrees of adrenal stress could also cause symptoms. Whether or not the theory of adrenal fatigue is true or not, there is are other considerations here- whether those symptoms that patients experience that are indeed from adrenal stress or some other cause, whether those patients can be tested in a way to determine an adrenal imbalance, whether a lesser degree of imbalance, below the threshold for steroid therapy should be treated, and whether steroid therapy is always the best strategy.
It’s all about the Balance
Standard treatment for Addison’s suggests the use of steroids to replace the lost cortisol. Using steroids for a slighter loss of cortisol might be akin to using a sledgehammer to drive a nail. Often this means that no treatment is offered by many doctors for slighter levels of adrenal imbalance. Couple that with the fact that a doctor may have a difficult time diagnosing an adrenal imbalance since many symptoms stemming from adrenal imbalances may also be similar to those from other conditions, especially thyroid imbalances, although certainly many other conditions qualify. This difficulty is compounded when the doctor may not take the time to truly listen to the patient, particularly if the doctor is seeing 50 patients a day. Add to that the fact that we are talking about a balance in adrenal hormones here- too little cortisol and you may feel fatigued, but you may feel the same with too much cortisol, because cortisol cycles throughout the day in your system. In the morning, when you get up and start the day, your cortisol should be higher to help you take on the challenges of the day. Low cortisol at the beginning of the day might indicate that you are cortisol insufficient. Your cortisol usually falls throughout the day, although some people may have a small peak in the afternoon. By bedtime, your cortisol should have lowered significantly, allowing you to relax and fall asleep. If your cortisol is still high at bedtime, then you might be producing too much cortisol. Other periods throughout the day can also be examined for cortisol levels, and imbalances there could exhibit a pattern that could be fixed by regulating cortisol, diet, or lifestyle changes. You don't have too much cortisol, particularly at the wrong times, but you don’t want too much either. Having a healthy cortisol balance, throughout the day as necessary, will help you feel more energetic, and less anxious in general. Standard testing for cortisol levels by most medical practitioners is through a serum blood test. Unfortunately, this test can only measure cortisol at a particular time of day- and that’s not usually right before you go to bed. The fact that many doctors only measure by snapshotting a single time of day can give an incomplete picture for the diagnosis of adrenal imbalance. It’s no wonder that unless your imbalance is severe, it may not be noticed.
Testing for Adrenal Imbalance
Ideally, testing for adrenal imbalance should be done another way, one that allows more than just one time specific measurement and permits more of an analysis of the plot of cortisol changes over the course of the day. It would also help to measure DHEA. Blood tests can’t measure a small drop in adrenal hormone production. Also, because blood testing is almost always done in the doctor’s office or at a blood draw station, even if blood tests were capable of measuring smaller drops in cortisol, multiple blood tests over the course of a day are not practical. A better solution is testing saliva for adrenal hormones. Saliva tests are superior to blood serum tests, not just because they are more effective in detection of cortisol at a given time, but because they are cost-efficient and patient friendly. They allow the patient to take salivary collection tubes home with them and collect saliva at four points over the day, including just after waking up and just before bed to allow a much more accurate- and sensitive- picture of the patient’s cortisol production over the course of the day. These tests are simply superior to blood serum collection tests, and can give a much more complete picture of a patient’s adrenal profile. If more specific information about adrenal production is known, then lesser degrees of adrenal imbalance can be treated. If at all possible, you should be tested before using natural substances to support your adrenal glands, both so that you have a more accurate picture of your adrenal hormone levels and so that you can monitor those levels over time.
What Are My Alternatives to Steroids?
If your adrenal function is severely compromised, then steroids may indeed be recommended. If you have less severe adrenal imbalance, either higher or lower cortisol than you should, then there are some natural options that you could try. Steroids can be important tools, but they can be dangerous as well. They have side effects when taken long term, possibly including: glaucoma, cataracts, high blood sugar, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of infections, since they suppress the immune system. This in addition to the fact that treating adrenal insufficiency with long term steroids risks overcompensating and causing too much cortisol to be in the system resulting in Cushing Syndrome, and eventually causing the adrenal system to crash and resulting in steroid induced adrenal insufficiency. If you haven’t tested (and you should), and you plan to take some sort of natural thyroid support, then you should try to identify if your adrenal system is producing too much or too little cortisol, and when. Ask yourself first- does stress make your symptoms worse. If so, then try to identify if you may have too little or too much cortisol.
Too Much Cortisol
Do you feel anxious? Wired before bed and can’t sleep? Do you startle easily? Do you have any of the physical characteristics of Cushing Syndrome? Then your adrenals might be in overdrive and you are producing too much cortisol, or producing for too long during the day. Melatonin might help you better regulate your circadian rhythms and sleep better. Ashwagandha and L-theanine may help you to naturally calm, decrease stress, and decrease cortisol levels. L-theanine has been called an “adaptogen” that helps the brain regulate stress. In addition, try calming activities like meditation, exercise during the day, and avoid screens close to bedtime.
Too Little Cortisol
If you feel fatigued, tired all of the time, have a hard time getting out of bed and starting the day, and mentally foggy, then you might have too little cortisol being produced by the body. In this case, you might want to consider an adrenal hormone from an animal source rather than synthetic steroids, and natural substances like ginseng, eleuthero, and schisandra for energy. As with any products, monitor your usage, consult your doctor, and note any changes, positive or negative over time. Many people may have impaired adrenal systems, and using a natural substance to help support your energy or anxiousness may make a difference in your life.
*By including product links in this article, Progressive Nutracare is providing a reference to our readers to assist in searching and cataloging the site. These products have not been evaluated by the F.D.A. are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease.
]]>Hyperthyroidism
Too much thyroid hormone being produced is called hyperthyroidism, which means that the thyroid is overactive. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include a rapid or irregular heartbeat, rapid weight loss, nervousness, goiter, and other consequences of an overactive metabolic system.
Hypothyroidism
Too little thyroid hormones being produced is called hypothyroidism, which means that thyroid function is underactive. A diagnosis of hypothyroidism means your thyroid is low functioning. Symptoms may include cold hands and feet, headaches, low energy, easy weight gain or difficulty losing weight, problems with fertility, and many other metabolic irregularities. When the thyroid is running on low, it will mean that the entire system is running on low and essentially all of your metabolism is compromised. When the metabolism is low, not only do we gain weight easily but we have difficulty clearing toxins from the body. The thyroid helps to remove histamine, which is produced in response to things that we were exposed to in the environment, like allergens. It also helps to remove chemicals we might be sensitive to, and even mold aflatoxins.
Your thyroid health affects your whole body
A high-functioning thyroid is critical for the entire system to operate as it should. All tissue in the body has thyroid receptors, and therefore any deviation from the norm will not only impair body function but give the feeling of being generally unwellness. There are thyroid receptors in the brain, meaning low function causes brain fog. There are thyroid receptors in the heart, which can change the rhythm of the heart. There are thyroid receptors throughout the entire human system that help us to move as we should. There are even thyroid receptors in the mitochondria, the part of the cell that generates ATP, or energy, meaning that the thyroid affects us down to a cellular level.
Nutrients for healthy thyroid function
In order for the thyroid to work as it should, many nutrients must be in place. When the body builds a thyroid hormone, it requires tyrosine, an amino acid, as the fundamental building block for making thyroid hormone and iodine to help complete the hormone. For example, T4 is tyrosine plus four iodine, T3 is tyrosine plus three iodine. Our body makes 4 thyroid hormones: T4, T3, T2, and T1. T4 must convert to T3, which is 10 times more active than T4. Unfortunately, many conventional therapies only provide T4 without providing other thyroid hormones even when someone has their entire thyroid removed. In order to convert T4 to the more active T3, two other nutrients are necessary: we must have adequate levels of selenium and zinc to drive the reaction. In fact, research has shown that low zinc levels alone can decrease thyroid hormone production by up to 30%. Ashwagandha, a botanical that provides antioxidants and reduces stress response, has tremendous data in terms of improving TSH (the signal from the brain), T4, and T3- the most active thyroid hormone. This conversion happens predominantly in the liver so we must also have good liver health to help support the conversion from T4 to T3. Natural substances that help improve liver health are glutathione, NAC, and milk thistle. In addition to supplements that support the liver, there are many botanicals that can help us to produce more thyroid hormones such as Ashwagandha and Irish Moss, particularly when used in support of natural thyroid hormones from animal products. By utilizing botanicals and nutrients we can help the body to produce more of its own thyroid hormone to address the underlying causes as well as augment and support a prescription of thyroid hormones.
Subcritical thyroid hormone levels- testing is important
According to the Journal of Endocrinology, half the population that has an abnormal thyroid is missed with conventional thyroid testing. What is most commonly tested or routine to look at is TSH. TSH is sent by the brain as a signal to the thyroid to regulate the production of thyroid hormones. This means the signal goes up when the brain is calling out for more thyroid hormones and the signal goes down when the brain feels satisfied with the amount it is getting. Current reference ranges are from .3 to 4.5, but the Journal of Endocrinology says that one may be suffering from hypothyroidism if the TSH is above 2.5. This means that anyone with a test result for TSH that is above 2.5 is considered “normal” in the standard of care as far as thyroid function goes, even though the Journal of Endocrinology says this is abnormal. Even if that person is experiencing symptoms that are consistent with hypothyroidism, they are told, based on dated numbers, that they are within normal range and that nothing should be done. In addition to TSH, it is common to look at T4 as well, but none of the other thyroid hormones. This is unfortunate because T3 is the most active of the thyroid hormones, and if we only measure T4 we haven't even measured the one with the most activity and the one that most drives thyroid function. Most testing will also not examine the antibodies that attack the thyroid. This is important because if one is producing antibodies that attack thyroid hormone your number or level of thyroid hormone may be normal, but the antibodies prevent it from working as it should, and you will still have symptoms. To correct this incomplete picture, it is necessary to measure thyroglobulin antibodies as well as TPO antibodies in order to get a more global view of all the areas where the thyroid pathway can fail. In addition, stress also plays a role. Some peoples’ bodies will take the most active thyroid hormone, T3, and convert it to an inactive thyroid hormone called reverse T3. This happens when a person is experiencing stress in a way that impacts their physiology. We must address strategies to control stress in order to have optimal thyroid function and we also need to measure all of the hormones in order to make sure that we have done a complete workup.
Oxidative stress testing may be helpful as well
If we are producing excessive amounts of free radicals, this will interfere with the thyroid's ability to produce normal levels of thyroid hormones. Looking at levels of glutathione, or markers of oxidative stress can be quite important.
Stool tests for thyroid conditions? Yes!
It may also be helpful to look at a stool analysis because it has been shown that people who produce antibodies to their thyroid have a different microbiome than those who don't, which means the bacteria in the gut may be much different than the norm. Those who have normal thyroid levels have a healthier microbiome. This demonstrates that correcting the microbiome is a way we can influence what's happening in the thyroid. In fact, bacteria that are produced in the gut can send a signal to downregulate the thyroid receptors in the body, where the thyroid hormone would bind. This will mean regardless of the level of thyroid hormone, it still won't have the desired effect on the body, because there is no receptor for it to bind to.
Food allergy testing and thyroid
Food allergy or sensitivity testing is also useful because, for example, if one is making antibodies to various foods or if one has a reaction to gluten there can be a cross-reactivity creating a reaction in the thyroid as well. Finding out which foods one is sensitive to and removing them from the diet can be critical in terms of helping the thyroid to function better.
Adrenal testing and thyroid
Adrenal testing can also be useful, as adrenals control stress or cortisol. When cortisol is abnormal this can block the conversion of T4 to the more active T3. Cortisol can sit in the receptor where the thyroid hormone would bind and prevent it from working as it should. Managing adrenals alongside thyroid will radically increase the improvement in both areas.
Supplements for thyroid health
There are supplemental forms of thyroid glandulars that will provide thyroid hormones and can be a natural and effective way to increase levels. Some may prefer a glandular-free blend of natural ingredients Other nutrients that are involved in improving thyroid health are vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, as these help the receptors to work better.
The thyroid is one of the critical components in the body that gives us optimal energy and a sense of well-being. When the thyroid is low, we can feel generally off and worn down. This can manifest in many symptoms that minimize the quality of life. Adjusting the thyroid is imperative for overall well-being. There are a number of nutrients that will support this process, and by utilizing more in-depth testing we can get to the bottom of what's going on with thyroid function and treat the root cause.
*By including product links in this article, Progressive Nutracare is providing a reference to our readers to assist in searching and cataloging the site. These products have not been evaluated by the F.D.A. are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease.
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