Vitamin K is needed for osteocalcin, a protein, to transport calcium from the blood and connect it to the bones.  Without adequate vitamin K, this important process doesn’t occur and the crippling effects of osteoporosis go unchecked.  Calcium if it is not taken up to form bone mass, in the vitamin K deficient state, instead deposits into the arterial wall.  Thus, we see aging adults with hardened arteries, brittle bones, osteoporosis, and deficient of calcium.

Bone is a dynamic tissue that is in constant formation through a process called remodeling.  Remodeling is highly regulated by both hormonal and growth factors to preserve bone mass.  Other factors that can contribute to osteoporosis are vitamin D absorption, abnormal bone matrix or phosphorus deficiency which is most likely rare in the American diet.  In the absence of these conditions as a cause for osteoporosis, perhaps vitamin K is a treatment option you should discuss with your doctor.

European studies demonstrated vitamin K2 was superior to K1.

Digestive disorders include Irritable Bowel Syndrome,  GERD, and  Inflammatory Bowel Disorder to name a few.  Where do they come from and why? Infection? Food allergy? Stress?  It seems in recent years, the number of people suffering from gastrointestinal disorders continues to increase.  It is estimated that 20% of the U.S. population (or around 60 million individuals) suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, and an additional 1.4 million individuals suffer from inflammatory bowel disorder, or IBD. Another estimated 7 million suffer from GERD, or gastroesopageal reflux disease.

Sometimes the cause of digestive disorders can seem elusive.  While there can be genetic links causing predisposition, there are several environmental factors that may also play a role.  In some individuals there seems to be a link with a previous gastroenteritis (prior intestinal infections such as salmonella, e. coli, etc.).  Previous antibiotic use can also be a risk factor for the development of intestinal symptoms.  For others, the cause of symptoms may be related to food allergy, either along with previous intestinal infections, or as a sole cause.  Another related issue seems to be alteration in gut microflora, or a change in the bacteria and other organisms that make up the intestinal ecosystem.  We call this “dysbiosis.”

In Part I of this series, I would like to focus on dysbiosis and how it can be related to intestinal symptoms.  Dysbiosis is defined as a state of altered microbial ecology that causes or contributes to disease/dysfunction.  Organisms of low intrinsic virulence, such as bacteria, yeast and protozoa/parasites, induce disease or dysfunction by altering the nutrition, neuroendocrine and/or immunologic responses of a person.

There are normally around 100 trillion bacterial cells in the human intestinal tract along with a smaller number of yeast colonies (that are kept in check by the bacteria) that are part of our normal flora. These organisms are vitally important to the development and maintenance of a healthy immune system. Some of their “jobs” include: warding off pathogens, decreasing allergic responses, and helping in the excretion of toxins.  A fact you may not know is that 80% of the body’s immune system is located in the lining of the small intestine—allowing alterations in the intestinal ecology of bacteria and yeast (=dysbiosis) to have far-reaching impacts on our overall immune system function. When the natural microbial balance is disrupted, illness can result.

You may be wondering  what causes dysbiosis? Well, there are many factors.  For one, frequent or prolonged antibiotic use can have long-standing effects on the intestinal ecosystem because antibiotics destroy good bacteria as well as the target infection.  This fact is becoming increasingly well-known, as probiotics are becoming more commonly used as a method to replace the good bacteria in the intestinal tract. Unfortunately, sometimes probiotics are not enough, and further evaluation and treatment is necessary when intestinal symptoms start after frequent/prolonged antibiotic use.

Other medication related causes of dysbiosis can include use of oral steroids, as well as proton-pump inhibitors or acid-blocking medications.  Other infectious causes of dysbiosis involves parasitic infections. While we generally associate parasites with travel abroad, it is possible to pick up a parasite without leaving the country, just by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food (at a restaurant, etc.).   Finally, it has been shown that stress in and of itself, can cause imbalances in intestinal flora.

Fortunately, there are ways to detect and treat some of these hidden causes of dysbiosis.  In many instances, digestive symptoms can be greatly alleviated, if not resolved, with some detective work and the appropriate treatment.

Check back for the next part to this series.

Lebowitz, M and Kapadia, A.,  “Body Restoration: An Owners Manual” ; 2011.

Galland, L., “ The Four Pillars of Healing”,  New York: Random House; 1997.

uptodate.com (topics: IBS, IBD)

http://medinfo.ufl.edu/~gec/coa1/gerdfaq.html

Source: Abstract from Postgraduate Medicine, Volume 121, Issue 1, January 2009, ISSN-0032-5481, e-ISSN-1941-9260

Author : Kent Holtorf, MD,  Holtorf Medical Group, Inc,  Torrance, Ca.

Due to the ongoing debate regarding safety and efficacy of bioidentical hormones (estradiol, estriol, and progesterone), this paper aimed at evaluating evidence comparing the same to commonly used  synthetic hormones and HRT.  Utilizing published papers identified from PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar and Cochrane databases, evidence was collected regarding compared effects for physiologic actions on breast tissue, risks for breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, clinical outcomes and in vitro results.

Reported was patient satisfaction with HRT that contained progesterone compared to synthetic progestin.  Bioidentical hormones have “distinctly different, potentially opposite, physiological effects compared to synthetic counterparts, which have different chemical structures.”   While research indicated increased risk for synthetic progestin, conversely, progesterone consistantly is associated with diminished risk for breast cancer. Four articles were cited for progestin and seven articles for progesterone.   Regarding cardiovascular disease, progestins carry a variety of negative effects which may be avoided with progesterone.  Estriol has some unique physiological characteristics from estrogen counterparts and while it is expected to carry less risk for breast cancer, no randomized controls have been documented.

The effects of progesterone compared with progestins included a 30% reduction in sleep problems, a 50% reduction in anxiety, a 60% reduction in depression, a 30% reduction in somatic symptoms, a 25% reduction in menstral bleeding, a  40% reduction in cognitive difficulties, and a 30% improvement in sexual function resulting in 65% of women who felt HRT combined with progesterone was better than the HRT combined with progestin.

The conclusion of this article, based on thorough review of medical literature is support for the claim that bioidentical hormones  have some effects distinctly different or opposite of their synthetic  counterparts.   More randomized control trials of substantial size and length will be needed to determine these differences.

Dr. Holtorf discloses no conflicts of interest.

The fast-twitch muscle fiber recritied during high-intensity, low-endurance movements such as weight lifting and sprinting are mostly affected by creatine deficiency.  There is plenty of research found to support that creatine in supplemental form can improve some of the physiological changes in aging.

After exercise, free radical production increases, a potentially negative effect if the body can’t manage them.  Creatine may help modulate inflammation due to some anti-inflammatory properties by reducing cell damage caused by exercise.

One of the most profound ways creatine affects individuals is improving the cell’s ability to raising ATP status in the mitochondria thus resulting in improved energy.  In vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, creatine has been shown to improve brain function in healthy adults.  It may work better when combined with other nutrients such as chromium and alpha lipoic acid.

Usual dosages range from 2-3 grams in the healthy adult and those with muscle loss or brain injury may benefit from 5-10 grams per day.  A good source is often found in whey products.

Osteoarthritis is the loss of articular cartilage (the cartilage covering bones) which thins and eventually wears out, resulting in a “bone against bone” joint, reduced motion accompanied with pain.  Progression includes concurrent subchondral bony sclerosis (located just below the cartilage) and bony proliferation at the joint margins and growth of osteophytes or bone spurs.

Osteoarthritis affects  the joints exposed to high stress and is therefore considered the result of “wear and tear” rather than a true disease.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis are a gradual onset of perhaps one or a few joints.  Pain ensues that is deep, aching, worse with movement and better with rest and warmth.  Stiffness is identified as worse in the morning upon rising and after periods of rest but improves with movement.  Patients incur sleeping issues related to pain and stiffness.   Cartilage in the joint spaces begins to wear and weakness of the joint when weight bearing is seen.  Chronic conditions have acute flare-ups of pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Many patients find relief with improved diet and addition of supplements.  Suggestions include glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, essential fatty acids and bosweillia acid, and cetyl myristoleate.

A few weeks ago I was listening to a radio talk show and a gentleman in the car business called in responding to a woman with the same frustration.  He said to use automobile buffing compound and fine steel wool as instructed on the can to successfully clean  shower doors.  I just tried it and I am excited to report it does a great j0b.  After all these years, having suffered with multiple chemical sensitivity in the past, I find this is very low odor and seemingly non-toxic.  Within  30 t0 45 minutes my shower was sparkling clean looking almost new.  It also cleaned the brass and floors as well.

You will need:

Rubbing Compound
Gloves
Fine steel wool
A pale of water
Rags

Instructions are to clean a small area at a time with the steel wool as an applicator.  Do not allow the compound to dry.  Instead, once applied and rubbed for desired amount of time,  wipe it off with a damp cloth.  You will want to rinse out your rags as you go.  Change the steel wool as you need but do not get it wet.

A word of caution;  do not use any other clean in conjunction with the rubbing compound.   Spraying the shower with a bleach or mildew cleaner,  for example,  will result in toxic fumes.

Many people will state they are allergic to sulfate when they mean they had a reaction to a sulfa medication, a phamaceutical drug classification for sulfonamides.  Sulfonamides are antibacterial medications that prevent the growth of the bacteria by disrupting the metabolism.   

Sulfate is needed for formation of proteins in joints.  Low levels of sulfate are found in plasma and synovial fluid in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 

Sulfate is essential in forming the mucin proteins which line the gut walls.  These have two main functions–they stop the gut contents from sticking and they block transport of toxins from the gut to the bloodstream.  Low plasma sulfate is found in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.  Irritable bowel syndrome is identified with symptoms that may include constipation, diarrhea, alternating bowel habit, abdominal bloating and pain, and flatulence.  

Sulfate is necessary for formation of brain tissue.  Before birth, the functional units of the brain, neurons, are laid down on a scaffolding network of sulfated carbohydrate chains.  Reduced sulfation can leand to faulty neuronal connections and later dysfunction. 

Sulfate is not easily absorbed across the gut wall.  Recent research has shown that it can be absorbed across the skin.  It is also formed in the body by oxidation of the amino acids cysteine and methionine.  This pathway is often suboptimal and many people benefit from sulfate supplementation.   

A comprehensive detoxification test that demonstrates the liver’s health regarding detoxification is available to help identify the efficiency of the process of phase I and phase II detoxification.  The advantages of properly identifying the balance of the detoxification system are you can support it nutritionally and identify areas of concern such as amino acid deficiency, heavy metal burden, and also pesticide toxicity.    One should not indescriminately add tyrosine supplementation into their regimen as it can produce unintended consequences since it is also a target amino acid for the cascade of neurotransmitters called catecholamines.

www.cemmed.com                                    Clinic in Portland, Oregon

www.mynetimpact.com/1153052         Science based nutritional products

www.multipureusa.com/hwc                     The best water system on the planet

www.mybiopro.com/jmwade                      Related to EMF sensitivity

Today’s Quote:  ” If you ask me anything I don’t know, I’m not going to answer.”  Yogi Berra

Candidia is a natural organism found in the vaginal area. Usually the acidic balance of the vagina keep yeast from over producing, but that balance can be altered by menstruation, pregnancy, diabetes, antibiotics, birth control pills as well as the moist environment. 

You will want to talk to your doctor to make sure a yeast infection is the cause of your yeast infection.  A prescription may be required.

Here are some simple suggestions to help you avoid and control yeast infections:

1.  Wear cotton underpants.  Avoid nylon underwear since it retains moisture and  heat which encourages the growth of harmful bacteria.

 2.  Don’t share washcoths, towels, or bathing suits with others.

 3.  After bowel movements, wipe front to back to avoid anal-vaginal contamination.

 4.  Avoid chemicals in your personal hygiene regimen (e.g., harsh soaps, perfumes, commercial douches, tampons, sprays, perfumed toilet paper, etc.).

 5.  Avoid sugar, sweets and refined foods in your diet.

 6.  Include ample amounts of vitamins A, B, C, and E in your diet.

 7.  Get an adequate amount of sleep.

 8.  Don’t douche except for curative reasons; avoid commercial douches.

 9.  Avoid wet or damp towels.

 10.  After bathing, pat genital area dry and keep it dry.

 11.  Avoid pants that are tight in the crotch.

 12.  If using antibiotics, eats lots of yogurt.

 13. Take showers instead of baths.  Soaps can more easily get into the vagina with baths.  Soap or bubble baths are “basic”– the vagina is normally an acidic environment.

 14.  Make sure your sexual partner is clean or use a condom.

 15.  Make sure you have proper lubrication for intercourse.   Poor lubrication can cause irritation and inflammation, which can lead to the growth of bacteria.

 16.  Be aware of and avoid vaginal irritants such as tampons, unclean diaphragms,  aggressive intercourse,  and examining instruments.

 17.  Avoid emotional stress.

 18.  Avoid leaving tampons in too long, trapping normal discharge. Change  tampons at least twice a day.

19. Wipe from front to back after using the toilet. This may help prevent the bacteria that normally live in your rectum from getting into your vagina.

20. Also avoid using colored or perfumed toilet paper. These items seem to affect the balance of acidity in the vagina and can lead to yeast infections.

www.cemmed.com                                    Clinic in Portland, Oregon

www.mynetimpact.com/1153052         Science based nutritional products

www.multipureusa.com/hwc                     The best water system on the planet

www.mybiopro.com/jmwade                      Related to EMF sensitivity

University of California, San Diego School of Medicine researchers “discovered that inflammation provoked by immune cells called macrophages leads to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Macrophages, found in white blood cells in the bone marrow, are key players in the immune response. When these immune cells get into tissues, such as adipose (fat) or liver tissue, they release cytokines, which are chemical messenger molecules used by immune and nerve cells to communicate. These cytokines cause the neighboring liver, muscle or fat cells to become insulin resistant, which in turn can lead to Type 2 diabetes. The hope is to block or disarm the macrophage inflammatory pathway to interrupt the cascade that leads to insulin resistance and diabetes. A small molecule compound to block JNK1 could prove a potent insulin-sensitizing, anti-diabetic agent. The research also proved that obesity without inflammation does not result in insulin resistance. Olefsky, researcher, explained that when an animal or a human being becomes obese, they develop steatosis, or increased fat in the liver. The steatosis leads to liver inflammation and hepatic insulin resistance.” ScienceDaily (Nov. 7, 2007)”  See this article in it’s entirety at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071106133106.htm

Of interest, the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)  has the following clinical trial posted on its website.  I was disappointed to see the study fell short of criteria which might further substantiate Dr. Glade’s position or lead to a broader study.  Six weeks is hardly enough time for a fair assessment of any meaningful conclusion regarding long term effects of inflammation.  I also found it interesting that fish oils were not included nor excluded since they are recognized to influence inflammation and immune system markers. The low number of participants does not represent the population adequately, either. Hopefully, this is just an initial step in a broader study that will change the way we approach the subject of inflammation and metabolic syndrome and diabetes II. 

Estimated Enrollment was 36 .  Details include being on the ADA diet for 5 weeks, then randomized to either ADA or AI for 6 weeks.  Other restrictions apply related to the diet as well as looking at blood markers that show how the immune system responds to the different diets. The expectation is the AI will result in less inflammation and a better response by the immune system than the ADA diet as well as looking at the effects of lipids and glucose. Levels of blood lipids and glucose will be considered to evaluate any effects.  Of course, appropriate inclusion criteria related to diabetes is listed and the following exclusion criteria.