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.

One of the alternative medicine approaches to health is related to the notion that the increasing influence of pollution by toxic  metals is real.  Because metals increase oxidative stress, metals that include the most toxic to the human species are introduced routinely as we go about the act of living.  Many people think lead is the most threatening concern of metals.  Actually cadmium is the most toxic element to man, then mercury, then lead.  Other metals include aluminum, arsenic, tin, nickel, and antimony.  Chelation is a therapy and in this discussion, administered by IV therapy

Chelation, especially EDTA chelation, removes more than just  metal toxins.  It removes important minerals and micro-nutrients as well which need to be replaced.  Many times, because of heavy metal burden and inadequate digestion, many patients already experience the consequences of low-level minerals.  On the bright side, as the metals are removed, mineral absorption is improved as is fatigue and other obvious and vague symptoms.

Minerals, like vitamins, are co-factors that activate enzymes.  Thus they have tremendous influence in energy levels, how clear thought processes are, and the ability to deal with stress, to name a few.  Of course, there are many others.  Therefore, guidelines are necessary to enhance the experience of chelation.  While some doctors require a vitamin-mineral IV after every chelation, it may not be necessary.  Others assess the patient for increased fatigue, glucose metabolism, support of nutrition with an optimal diet and a schedule of oral daily replacement of vitamins and minerals. Consider the following:

Meet Dietary Goals

• Exercise is emphasized from moderate to tolerance. Start off slow.
• Drink 6-8 glasses filtered water, or herb decaffeinated teas. If you use caffeine, the rule is for every cup of caffeinated drink, drink two more cups of water. Avoid soda pop regardless of caffeine status.
• Eat plenty of whole foods: vegetable proteins, complex carbohydrates, good dietary fats, quality protein, and no processed food or sugar.
• Good dietary fats are distilled fish oils, unrefined olive oil, and canola oil. Avoid those oils high is saturated fat such as lard, vegetable shortening, and margarine. Butter is preferred over margarine but should be limited.

If you are ill with an acute infection, chelation should not take place until you are well on the way to recovery..

• Guidelines for the DAY OF CHELATION THERAPY
• Do not consume any calcium supplements when using EDTA Na.
• Do not eat any dairy or sugar products.
• Do not consume coffee, black tea, alcohol, or soda pop.
• Do not eat high-fat, fried foods, or processed meats.
• Do not drink alcohol before chelation.
• EAT a meal within a few hours before each chelation treatment. Include enough complex carbohydrates in this meal to help stabilize your blood sugar levels. The chelation we use is CaEDTA requires only a few minutes to administer.
• Diabetic patients or those who have low blood should have a substancial snack available or a sandwich, for example, if EDTA IV is to be administered. All other patients must have a snack that includes nuts, seeds, and fruit.
• The use of all forms of nicotine and caffeine will probably interfere with the success of your treatment, impede improvement or result in re-occurrence of symptoms.
• Medications already in use before treatment should be evaluated by the doctor
• As a rule, patients will need to remain on the prescribed nutritional supplements during the chelation series.

Typical Foods to Eat

Vegetables: all kinds if fresh or frozen, raw or cooked (like broccoli, carrots, celery, corn, mushrooms, parsley, spinach, tomatoes, lettuce, cauliflower, kale, onions, garlic, squash, peas, beets, and potatoes (including the skin)

Whole grains: brown rice, rolled oats (oatmeal), oat bran, millet, hulled barley, popcorn, whole corn grits, whole cornmeal, whole wheat flour, and unsweetened 100% whole grain bread and crackers

Beans: dried beans and peas (like pintos, navy beans, split peas, lentils, and black beans), tofu, and tempeh

Nuts and seeds: natural peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, tahini, raw or plain roasted nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds – unsalted only

Beverages: filtered water (preferred), peppermint tea, camomile tea, ginger tea

Meat, fish, poultry: unbreaded fish, canned tuna in spring water, unbreaded and skinned chicken, fresh turkey, and lean beef

Dairy products: plain, nonfat or low-fat yogurt, skim milk, low-fat milk, or nonfat dry milk,  natural cheeses (like low-fat Swiss, low-fat Provalone, and Mozzarella), –  AVOID ON THE DAY OF CHELATION.

Fruit: all whole fruit if fresh or frozen without sugar

Eggs: farm eggs – no problem with cholesterol if not eating sweets

Fats: unrefined oils and butter

Condiments and seasonings: fresh and dried herbs and spices, apple cider vinegar, mineral or limited use of sea salt, unsweetened canned tomato products, carob powder, and baking yeast and baking soda for leavening.

Today’s Quote: “There are no such things as incurable, there are only things for which man has not found a cure.”  Bernard Baruch