Search site for a topic
-
Recent Informative Articles
- Foam Rolling 101 February 23, 2021
- Carb Cravings & Overeating: Why It Occurs & How To Control It November 26, 2020
- Full Body Assault on Poor Posture, Sitting, and Desk Work November 16, 2020
- Connecting the Dots: How “Stress” & Inflammation Can Destroy Our Mental Health, Mood & Happiness November 13, 2020
- A Virus vs. Your Immune System: Who Does Worse & Why. November 10, 2020
Health Articles By Topic
-
Join 507 other subscribers
Tag Archives: MS
LinkKetogenesis: Weight Loss, Diabetes Reversal & So Much More
If you suffer with any type of ailment, one of the best things you can do is look into the science behind ketogenesis, or a fat adapted diet. This intentional approach to altering your metabolism can prove beneficial in a multitude of ways.
For most of us, our bodies utilize the carbohydrate as the primary source of fuel. For the most part, no matter how it’s consumed (candy bar, bread, pasta, etc.), carbs are essentially broken down into glucose molecules which trigger insulin release and subsequent glucose delivery to individual cells, to be utilized as fuel for the metabolic processes that keep us going.
The problems arise when the carbohydrates are delivered in abundance; any time, any where. This leads to our bodies being full as far as immediate fuel needs go, and thus the excess carbohydrates broken down in the form of glucose, is stored as fat. This flooding of glucose also leads to the already full cells reluctance or outright refusal to accept the glucose from the insulin delivering it, and thus we have the development of type II diabetes and the cascade of detrimental health effects.
Investigating and potentially implementing the ketogenic or fat adapted diet can prove advantageous to reverse the above trends. Despite the metabolic majority, our bodies are actually able to, and some would say prefer to burn fat as fuel instead of carbohydrates. (When fat is broken down into energy a ketone body is the molecule created, and thus explains the “ketogenic” label.)
Once the flooding of carbohydrates is mostly replaced with high quality, healthy fats (avocados, coconut oil, raw nuts and seeds, olives, etc.) the body will start to shift towards burning fat as fuel. Another key piece to this puzzle is implementing some form of fasting.
WAIT! WAIT! WAIT! Please hear me out and don’t run for the doors due to the mention of fasting. Fasting comes in many ways, shapes and forms and the key is to find the one that works for you.
(Always consult with your healthcare provider before potentially implementing any strategy on this site, especially the diet and lifestyle alterations included in this article).
Different combinations can be done for varying duration and frequency. The key is to get to a point when the glucose abundance is no longer present, and your body naturally begins to switch over to burning fat for fuel, in the form of those healthy fats we mentioned, but also any excess body fat you would like to send packing.
Naturally at this point, body fat begins to be shed and blood sugar/insulin levels begin to normalize due to the break in reliance and abuse of the glucose-insulin process. The potential benefits extend way beyond this, and can even be utilized as a way to prevent and combat cancer as it has been long documented that cancer cells thrive on glucose. When you eliminate it’s fuel source (the carb, sugar, etc.) you essentially starve the cancer cell.
A ketogenic diet by way of intermittent fasting and macronutrient modification can also have neuro-protective effects as it encourages the proliferation of something called Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor or BDNF. This chemical has been found to strengthen existing neuronal pathways as well as grow no ones. Did you hear that? The potential to grow new brain cells by intelligently modifying the diet and lifestyle. Think of the treatment and prevention possibilities for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, MS, etc.).
How about naturally enhancing HGH and testosterone for quicker muscle recovery and better performance? Well, this is yet another way in which the ketogenic diet, when properly implemented, has been shown to be beneficial.
The list can go on as far as the benefits of switching your body’s capacity over to the optimal, preferred fuel source. The research and results are pouring in and it is time to put to rest so many of the antiquated theories having to do with nutrition and diet.
If any of this appeals to your malleable appetite, please feel free to reach out. We would love to discuss if this could be an advantageous idea for your unique situation and how we can successfully implement an approach based on a better understanding of the latest science when it comes to nutrition and beyond.
Be well my friends and keep your eyes and ears open. The information and opportunity is there. It is time to seize it.
Why EVERYONE Should Heal & Seal
There exists a growing body of fascinating research that continues to point to the gut as the seat of all health or disease. This notion has been around since Hippocrates, and thankfully appears to be taking center stage as more frustrated patients search for what they’ve been lead to believe are solutionless health problems.
We’ve touched on the various aspects of why this is so important in previous posts, and virtually everyday with patients in the office. Today we will break down yet another eye opening correlation between gut dysfunction and neurodegenerative disease.
You should know by now that the gut is home to billions of vital bacteria. The bulk of these bacteria are coated in something called LPS (lipopolysaccharide). This is all good for the function of these bacteria and thus us, provided they stay in the gut and are not allowed passage into our bloodstream.
The only way LPS gains access into our blood is if we have intestinal permeability or a “leaky gut.” This can occur for a plethora or reasons including gluten consumption (for everyone, not just Celiac sufferers), habitual antacid or anti-biotic use, or glyphosate (the unwashable, carcinogenic herbicide that laces your GMO food) exposure.
Once the intestinal wall is permeable or leaky, items that should not get into the blood and thus the rest of your body, get in. This creates an immune response and a cascade of issues from there. The test used to determine whether or not someone does indeed possess a leaky gut does so by determining whether or not these LPS are present in the blood, because as we stated they should remain self contained in the digestive tract if all is well.
The game changing correlation that has been observed in numerous studies is the presence of LPS in the blood and a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s; even Autism all have been shown to also carry the presence of LPS in the blood. To take it one step further, in many cases the level of severity of the condition is in proportion to the volume of LPS detected in the circulatory system.
For those that still have a tough time correlating intestinal issues to much beyond heartburn, constipation or diarrhea, this is yet another wake up call. The gut has been called the second brain and is in close two way communication with it via the vagus nerve. The linkage between the two and direct impact one has on the other is becoming more and more well documented.
As always, at this point the question becomes what are you going to do about it? We already know that knowledge without application is useless. Get ahead of the curve and be sure to build the foundation for health and longevity by fortifying, healing and sealing that gut if for no other reason than the fear of the devastating diseases mentioned above.
This is something we do weekly with those motivated and open minded patients, with exciting and hope restoring results. This is something we live ourselves.
As always, if you would like to learn more about this empowering knowledge or get to work on fortifying your own foundation for a better quality and quantity of life, make a move and reach out today (321-848-0987). It is our passion on both a personal and professional level, and we’re here when you’re ready to take control.
Posted in Nutrition
Tagged Alzheimer's, antacid, anti-biotic, autism, constipation, diarrhea, digestive health, flora, GERD, glyphosate, GMO, Heartburn, intestinal permeability, leaky gut, MS, Parkinson's, probiotic
Don’t Detox Without Performing This Essential Step
Everyone wants to find the most efficient path to health, wellness, and longevity. This overwhelming demand creates an abundance of products and protocols claiming to be the best. One of the hottest buzzwords amongst these products is the detox. And while a true detox/cleanse can not be overlooked as an intricate tool to utilize during the construction or renovation of our health, there exists a separate targeted approach that is just as, if not more important when it comes to creating an internal environment that facilitates the ability to thrive.
What we are talking about is fortifying the site where the bulk of our immune system resides.
We are talking about ensuring that maximum potential is achieved when it comes to reaping the benefits of the foods we consume via absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals; and conversely minimizing the risk for nutritional deficiencies and infection.
We are talking about rebuilding the major barrier systems of our body that protect us from exposure and subsequent damage to our respiratory system, digestive tract, skin, and brain.
We are talking about optimizing and balancing the immune response and not ending up as a statistic representing the alarming growing number of seemingly idiopathic auto-immune conditions sweeping the country.
We are talking about setting the stage to grab control of glucose and insulin levels, weight and minimizing the stress response from within.
The foundation for health that we’re talking about is an optimally functioning GI (gastrointestinal) or digestive tract. Healing and sealing any intestinal permeability or a leaky gut is absolutely essential when looking to address a countless number of issues. Improving function on this level often times leads to an attenuation or outright termination of seemingly disconnected signs or symptoms. When we recognize, respect and comprehend the complex interwoven matrix that is our bodies, this holistic approach becomes not only understandable but mandatory for attaining true health from the inside out.
For a number or reasons (diet [food sensitivities or high sugar/carb], antibiotics, chlorinated water, excessive use of NSAIDs, etc.) our intestinal wall can begin to falter. This is problematic due to the fact that the majority of our immune system resides there and because it serves as a major barrier system in our bodies.
It’s relation to the three other major barrier systems (blood brain barrier, lungs, and skin) becomes blatantly obvious when gut dysfunction leads to mental fog, fatigue and forgetfulness, respiratory infections and asthma, or psoriasis and eczema, respectfully. Further strengthening of the relationship is seen when correction of the gut dysfunction leads to a change in many of the aforementioned conditions.
This is where full acknowledgement and respect must be paid to the holistic nature of our bodies. When one of these barrier systems is effected, damaged or dysfunctional, the effects can be seen amongst the others. Never is this so obvious as when healing and sealing the intestines, coupled with an elimination diet leads to massive improvements or outright resolution of what appears to be unrelated issues.
If a leaky gut is left unaddressed, undigested food particles and other organisms that would otherwise be refused access, freely enter into our bloodstream. This causes the immune system to do it’s job and launch an attack on the unwanted visitors.
The problem occurs as the immune system is called upon to perform this search and seizure so frequently that it becomes hypersensitive and begins to attack our own tissues, some of which have a similar molecular structure to the unwanted invaders. This can manifest as allergies, asthma, rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis), hypothyroidism; even MS depending on the tissue attacked.
The longer the door is open and an attack persists, the more tissues that can suffer as condition after condition can begin to mount. It is for these handful reasons, and countless more that fortifying the gut by way of clearing, replacing and rebuilding is at the core; the foundation of attaining optimal health.
More than 2,000 years ago, Hippocrates appeared to be onto something when he stated, “all disease begins in the gut.” In a relatively short time, the changes I’ve witnessed personally and clinically have been nothing short of game changing for all involved.
The knowledge and path to practical implementation exists and is waiting.
As always, we’re ready when you are.
Posted in Nutrition, Weight Loss
Tagged allergies, asthma, autoimmune, crohn's, detox, diet, eczema, fatigue, Hashimotto's, heal and seal, holistic, hypothyroid, intestinal permeability, irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut, mental fog, MS, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Weight Loss
Why Gluten Free???
It seems that one of the trendiest topics being thrown around the health food arena today is a gluten free diet. However, unlike other diet fads, the reason to eliminate gluten from your diet is backed by a sound scientific explanation and significant positive changes have been seen when the gluten is kicked to the curb. This should be reassuring news to anyone who has heard the negative spin on gluten, but wondered whether or not it is just another excuse for food manufactures and restaurants to up-charge that gluten-free item.
What is Gluten Anyway?
Gluten is a protein that is found in grains like wheat, rye oats, millet and barely. Gluten, or wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), is a type of protein called a lectin. (Keep in mind as you read that ALL grains [whole grains, corn, rice, etc.] contain these lectins, so all can wreak the same havoc I am about to describe.) Due to the structure of these lectins, they are not able to be broken down during the digestive process as other more friendly foods would. That leaves large protein structures intact and imbedded in your intestinal lining. Eventually, they make their way through your intestinal lining and this is where the problems begin.
Now that these lectins have entered the blood stream, they have access to your entire body. I’m talking everywhere from your reproductive organs, to your pancreas, to your brain. Once this unfamiliar protein structure is detected by the immune system, anti-bodies are created in order to get rid of the inappropriate foreign invader as it would a bacteria or virus. To understand what happens next, it needs to be understood that everything in your body is made up of a sequence of amino acids strung together to form a protein. Unfortunately these lectins have a remarkably similar amino acid sequence as many of the tissues in your body. So, now as your immune system works properly to destroy the unwanted foreign structure, it also begins to attack your own tissues due to something referred to as micro or molecular mimicry, and thus you have the start of an autoimmune disease. The situation is even further amplified due to the fact that when the large, awkward lectin (in this case WGA) makes its way through the intestinal lining, it also damaged it. This is what is commonly referred to as your “leaky gut.” The cascade continues, and now other proteins pass through the intestinal wall before being adequately broken down by the intestinal digestive enzymes. Immune responses are now generated to otherwise harmless foods. Food allergies and the start of other autoimmune diseases now have the green light to commence.
But Wait, There’s More?
Grains must be looked at as living things. They are a simple people with their objective being to survive long enough to reproduce. To do this, they must receive nourishment and have some sort of defense mechanism. Grains contain these things called phytates (or anti-nutrients) which tightly bind to minerals like calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium in order to nourish the grain and enable germination. All good for the grain, but not so good if that sucker is making a home inside of you. The phytate property of the grain enables it to powerfully bind the above listed essential minerals. This leaves you deficient and the door wide open for osteoporosis, iron deficiency anemia, reduced immune function and wound healing, and fatigue and heart problems, respectively. For survival, the lectin also comes equipped with protease inhibitors, meaning it actually inhibits some of the enzymes from breaking it down. This means that all food being digested is now subject to your digestive tracts reduction in breakdown capability. Translation: less absorption of the nutrients you need to survive.
Many people suffer from and are diagnosed with celiac disease. This is an autoimmune disease, able to be directly correlated with gluten as the cause. Many people suffer from various conditions and symptoms to which the medical community remains baffled as far as a cause. Often times, people feel completely fine or have minor issues and therefore dismiss their diet as having any effect on their health. Even if there are no external signs and symptoms present, some potentially hazardous, internal destruction could still be taking place. Gluten sensitivity is a lesser version of an outright allergy and is much more common. Conditions such as RA, MS, fibromyalgia, insomnia, depression, Parkinson’s, autism, and hypothyroidism (to name a few) have all benefited from cutting gluten (and other grains) out of the diet.
Do You Have an Issue With Gluten?
Well, if any of the above conditions or mechanisms of internal destruction described above doesn’t sound that pleasant to you, it may be worthwhile to find out. A simple way to do this is to eliminate the grains from your diet for 30-60 days. I know this may seem crazy, especially since another devious characteristic of gluten is that it comes fully loaded with molecules that fit into opiate receptors in your brain. Translation: It is actually addictive. But a simple period of trial and error may actually result in some of those seemingly minor issues disappearing. Upon completion of the gluten free period, you may even notice an instant headache or stomach issue when you attempt to reintroduce the beloved grains. This is your body politely asking you to knock it off before it gets worse. You now have evidence of an otherwise undetectable food sensitivity, and are empowered to make a change before things potentially get worse. Seems like this would be a better solution than taking side-effect carrying medications, or worse, winding up with some debilitating disease in the golden years, all because those cookies were calling your name.
A great read providing further explanation behind the mechanisms and possible destruction that can occur, along with meal plans and recipes to attempt a gluten-free lifestyle is: The Paleo Solution, The Original Human Diet, by Rob Wolf. Much of the above information was referenced from there.
Other References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10884708
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1737870/
http://paleodietlifestyle.com/11-ways-gluten-and-wheat-can-damage-your-health/
Posted in Nutrition
Tagged anemia, anti-nutrients, autism, autoimmune disease, celiac disease, depression, fatigue, fibromyalgia, food allergies, food sensitivity, gluten, gluten free diet, grains, hypothyroid, immune system, insomnia, intestinal lining, leaky gut, lectins, micro mimcry, molecular mimicry, MS, osteoporosis, Paleo, Parkinson's, phytate, RA, wheat germ aglutinin
Clarke Chiropractic and Wellness 