Dr. Hugo Rodier

Sugar, Commercials, and ADD

2012-05-25T10:31:00.001-07:00

A while back I had a discussion with a professor who felt there is nothing wrong with sugar, particularly High Fructose Corn Syrup. I felt she had been watching those commercials on TV paid by the Sugar Association of America, rather than reading the latest medical and nutritional journals. Are you also getting your health information from the former?

No, there isn’t anything wrong with sugars that are found in Mother Nature’s unprocessed foods. Our cell membranes in each cell and vital cell pathways like protein DNA functions must have the right sugars, (Glycosylation, Glycobiology—J. Science, cover issue March 23^rd 2001[1]) fats and proteins. The problem is refined and processed foods. They basically hinder optimal function at the cellular level.

But, if you still believe that Big Food has your best interest at heart, rather than profits at all costs, I will say no more, but merely hope that reading the latest article on this subject may have an impression on you:

Effects of high-fructose corn syrup and sucrose on thepharmacokinetics of fructose and acute metabolic and hemodynamic responses inhealthy subjects, Journal Metabolism Clinical and Experimental2012;61:641

“Blood pressure, heart rate, fructose, and a variety of other metabolic biomarkers were measured. Fructose area under the curve and maximum concentration, dose-normalized glucose area under the curve and maximum concentration, relative bioavailability of glucose, changes in postprandial concentrations of serum uric acid, and systolic blood pressure maximum levels were higher when HFCS-sweetened beverages were consumed as compared with sucrose-sweetened beverages. Compared with sucrose, HFCS leads to greater fructose systemic exposure and significantly different acute metabolic effects.”

Translation: processed sugars like HFCS make you fat.

For more information read my book “LICKING SWEET DEATH: Energy & Information to stop sugar-coating your addiction to processed food.”[2]

Exhibit A: ADD and the brain

Last month I saw a patient that will not soon fade from memory. While I have seen many cases like hers before, her presentation was so unique and the results so dramatic that I thought I would share her story with you: B_______ is a 7 year old little princess who came in with her mom. She wondered about my skull on the shelf. “That is from a kid who would not buckle up in the car.” Then her attention shifted to my leather-bound antique books. “They are in French. Would you like to read one?” “Yes.” So, she sat there while I took the initial history from her mother who had come in to see me for the first time the month before. Mom, with a change in diet (no processed foods) and a few supplements, got rid of constipation, food allergies and migraines. She had asked back then if her little girl, B____, could do the diet, too.

After some initial drama, B_____ also got rid of processed foods. By the time I saw her as a new patient she had overcome her allergies, asthma and constipation. But, most important of all, her ADD, which was confirmed by her Pediatrician and school teacher, was totally gone. B_____ is now scoring very high in reading comprehension and has avoided Special Ed for “learning disabilities.” Her mother also related that she had been upset that the only treatment offered before was 2 psychiatric medications.

While I was typing all the above in her chart, B______ remained absorbed in Rousseau, occasionally lifting her head to ask what some word meant…..

You may be interested in a study that just came out: HFCS diet impairs cognitive function. This is reversed by supplementing Omega oils. This protocol has also been shown to be helpful in military PTSD.[3]

[1]J. Science 2001;291:2263-25

[2]Shameless plug….. www.amazon.com

[3]J. of Physiology May 1^st 2012

A Gut Feeling

2012-04-16T10:10:00.020-07:00

~Hugo Rodier, MD

Since graduating from Medical School in 1984 and more so after becoming a member of the MA’s Environmental/Public Health committee over 10 years ago I have studied Energy issues documented in Medical and Physics journals. It has become clear to me and many of my colleagues that not only societal but health issues revolve around the concept of ENERGY.[1] The physicist David Deutsch even predicted that doctors would make significant breakthroughs in treating patients by applying Physics’ concepts in their practices.[2] Some authors have even compared our society’s use of energy to our own somatic cells.[3] Erwin Schrodinger, one of the founders of Quantum Physics defined life as the ability to metabolize Energy and Information.[4]. Last February, the journal Scientific American highlighted this concept on its cover issue.

Having dedicated my professional life to nutrition, and seeing a significant number of my patients overcome health problems that are relevant to all medical specialists, I have come to believe that how we process Energy and Information at the cellular level (the mitochondria and metabolism) is the key to maintaining health. To optimize this function we must eat whole, plant based foods, eschew toxic agents in our environment (food included,[5]) and have a healthy gut.[6] These simple themes are highlighted in our medical literature with increasing frequency.[7]

In my opinion the March 16^th issue of the Journal Cell contains a most compelling summary. Since “evidence” is the guiding light in our profession, let me step out of the way and quote the abstracts of 3 outstanding articles:

1. The Impact of the Gut Microbiota on Human Health: An Integrative View.[8] “The human gut harbors diverse microbes that play a fundamental role in the well-being of their host. The constituents of the microbiota—bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotes—have been shown to interact with one another and with the host immune system in ways that influence the development of disease. We review these interactions and suggest that a holistic approach to studying the microbiota that goes beyond characterization of community composition and encompasses dynamic interactions between all components of the microbiota and host tissue over time will be crucial for building predictive models for diagnosis and treatment of diseases linked to imbalances in our microbiota.”

2. Cellular Metabolism and Disease: What Do Metabolic Outliers Teach Us?[9] “An understanding of metabolic pathways based solely on biochemistry textbooks would underestimate the pervasive role of metabolism in essentially every aspect of biology. It is evident from recent work that many human diseases involve abnormal metabolic states—often genetically programmed—that perturb normal physiology and lead to severe tissue dysfunction. Understanding these metabolic outliers is now a crucial frontier in disease-oriented research. This Review discusses the broad impact of metabolism in cellular function and how modern concepts of metabolism can inform our understanding of common diseases like cancer and also considers the prospects of developing new metabolic approaches to disease treatment.”

3. Mitochondria: In Sickness and in Health.[10] “Mitochondria perform diverse yet interconnected functions, producing ATP and many biosynthetic intermediates while also contributing to cellular stress responses such as autophagy and apoptosis. Mitochondria form a dynamic, interconnected network that is intimately integrated with other cellular compartments. In addition, mitochondrial functions extend beyond the boundaries of the cell and influence an organism's physiology by regulating communication between cells and tissues. It is therefore not surprising that mitochondrial dysfunction has emerged as a key factor in a myriad of diseases, including neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders.”

In short, a healthy gut flora, a result of a plant based diet high in fiber and low in additives and refinement,[11] is of paramount importance to our metabolism, which ultimately takes place in the mitochondria.[12] By optimizing our patients’ nutrition and gut health we may resolve, not just mitigate 80% of the health problems we see in our clinics, according to doctors like Walter Willet. Dr. Willet’s Public Health approach has been amply documented in the Journal of the American Medical Association and his own publications.[13] But, as the saying goes, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating:” I have also observed an 80% cure rate in my practice when patients buy into these simple concepts.

“Doctors routinely measure chemicals in the body to get health information, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. METABOLOMICS, however, involves measuring hundreds or thousands of chemical processes, such as the breakdown of nutrients from diet, going on in the body at the same time, which could yield a lot of information. [METABOLOMICS] can also account for environmental factors, such as how well a patient is absorbing medications. Since METABOLISM-energy generation and breakdown-gets disrupted in many diseases, figuring out how these metabolic pathways change could potentially yield better ways of diagnosing or treating a wide range of diseases.”[14]

Keeping our gut flora or microbiome healthy[15] also influences the expression of our genome,[16] which “may play a role in regulating one’s risk of obesity, asthma and allergies. Now some researchers are wondering if the microbiome may have a part in an even more crucial process: mate selection and, ultimately, evolution.”[17] In fact, our metagenome, or the genetic makeup of all species harbored in the gut flora, outnumber our somatic cells’ genes 1:150. We will soon have our “other genome” mapped out,[18] with repercussions that will reverberate across all specialties.

As shown by Dr. Metchnikoff’s 1908 Nobel Prize winning research, “ The tens of trillions of bacteria aren't just hitchhikers; they interact intimately with the immune system, and are so integral to our health that some scientists have deemed them the “forgotten organ”.[19]In fact, the microbiome “educates” the immune system we learned about in Medical School:

“Understanding the nature of that relationship could improve understanding of inflammatory mechanisms in autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, in which immune cells attack and eventually destroy healthy tissue.”[20]

The main manifestation of a disrupted immune system is Inflammation, a close process to Oxidation.[21] Dr. Virchow, over 150 years ago stated that practically all diseases are inflammatory/oxidative conditions, a concept that we have applied in our practices for the last 15 years or so.[22] Just like any engine, our cells follow thermodynamic principles; the process of metabolizing energy and information produces inflammation, hence, the word “Meta-Inflammation” has been coined.[23] By optimizing the “fuel” (food) we consume and the fitness of the “engine,” (our gut’s microbiome,) ultimately the mitochondria, which is also quite susceptible to inflammation and oxidation, will have a good chance to provide the energy each of our 50 trillion cells need to do their respective jobs.

The health problems we may thus address may surprise the most hardened skeptics of the role of nutrition in medicine. The following problems, in addition to the ones alluded above, have been documented to improve:

depression,[24] chronic fatigue,[25] irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia,[26]diabetes, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease,[27] arthritis, central nervous system inflammation[28] and even cardiovascular problems.[29]

But, perhaps the most crucial issue we may address with this approach is the epidemic of obesity[30] that is maiming our patients:

“The guts of obese mice and people harbor an array of microbes different from that of their lean counterparts… Manipulating gut bacteria might keep weight down in people. Another researcher who was struck by how successful farmers are at increasing the growth rates of livestock by adding low doses of antibiotics to their feed began to wonder whether antibiotic use, particularly in children,might affect the long-term establishment of a balanced microbial community in the human gut, eliminating bacteria there that could help ward off obesity.”[31]

Remember, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.”[32]

[1] “Reinventing Fire,” Amory Lovins, Rocky Mountain Institute; Chelsea Green Publishing, 2011

[2] “The Fabric of Reality,” David Deutsch; Penguin Books, 1997

[3] “Biology of Belief,” Bruce Lipton, page 35; Elite Books, 2005

[4] “What is Life,” Erwin Schrodinger; Cambridge University Press, 1944

[5] “An Environmental Link to Obesity,” J. Environ Health Perspect 2012;120:a62

[6] “Microbiota: a factor in energy regulation,” J. Nutrition Review 2006;64:47

[7]“ Integrative Health Newsletter: a monthly review of 100 medical journals,” www.hugorodier.com.

[8] J. Cell 2012;148:1258

[9] J. Cell 2012;148:1132

[10] J. Cell 2012;148:1145

[11] “The Guts of Dietary Habits,” J. Science 2011;334:45 & “Linking Long-Term Dietary Patterns with Gut Microbial Enterotypes,”J. Science 2011;334:105-108

[12] “The hybrid science of diet, microbes, and metabolic health,” Am J Clin Nutr 2011;94:11

[13] Book “Eat, Drink and Be Healthy,” Dr. Walter Willet, Harvard Press, 2002

[14] Wall Street Journal, July 19^th2011

[15] “Microbiome: That healthy gut feeling,” Journal Nature 2011;480:S88–S89

[16] “Has the Microbiota Played a Critical Role in the Evolution of the Adaptive Immune System?” J. Science 2010;330:1768

[17] “Gut Microbes May Drive Evolution: The bacteria that live quietly in our bodies may have a hand in shaping evolution,” J. Scientific American, February 23, 2012

[18] Cover issue Journal Nature March 2010

[19] “Microbiome: Gut reaction,” J. Nature 2011;479:S5

[20] “Peripheral education of the immune system by colonic commensal microbiota,” J. Nature 2011;478; 250 & “Keeping Bacteria at a Distance,” J. Science 14 October 2011;334:182

[21] J. Clinical Chemistry 2007;53:456

[22] Cover Issue J. Scientific American May 2002

[23] 8th Academic Board Members Meeting of the International Chair on Cardiovascular Risk; Boston, October 2009

[24] “The gut-brain barrier in major depression: intestinal mucosal dysfunction with an increased translocation of LPS from gram negative enterobacteria (leaky gut) plays a role in the inflammatory pathophysiology of depression,” J. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2008;29(1):117-124

[25] “Normalization of leaky gut in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is accompanied by a clinical improvement: effects of age, duration of illness and the translocation of LPS from gram-negative bacteria,” J. Neuro Endocrinol Lett 2008;29(6):902-910

[26] “Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth,” JAMA 2004;292:852

[27] “Metagenomics and Personalized Medicine,” J. Cell 2011;147:44

[28] “The Gut's Clostridium Cocktail,” J. Science 21 January 2011: 289

[29] “Cardiovascular disease: The diet–microbe morbid union,” Journal Nature 2011;472:40

[30] “The Microbiome and Obesity: is obesity linked to our gut flora?” J. Current Gastroenterology Reports 2009;11:307

[31] “Girth and the Gut (Bacteria),” J. Science 2011: 32-33

[32] For an expanded article Email me at www.hugorodier.com.

Ask Young Women

2012-03-14T08:12:00.001-07:00

For the past few weeks we have been hearing a lot of posturing about reproductive rights. I would like to focus on only part of it, the birth control pill (BCP) issue.

With any issue, each generation needs to find its own answers and fight for what they believe in, not what their foggy predecessors may feel is right for the “yung-uns.” This is a fundamental principle in our quest to form a more perfect union. So, it is understandable that many institutions have jumped into the debate on BCP, specifically about insurance coverage for BCP.

But, Democrats, Republicans and churches have turned this issue into an intellectual battlefield, in my opinion, bereft of common sense and compassion for young women. Fortunately, some are able to apologize for their misguided passion, like Rush Limbaugh did after calling a young Georgetown student taking BCP a “slut” and “prostitute.”

Is it not telling that insurance coverage for Viagra did not trigger such passionate mental masturbation?

I say, ask young women what they would like their insurance companies to cover.

Sugar, an addictive toxin: can you hear me now?

2012-03-02T18:06:00.000-08:00

The cover issue of the journal Science, March 23^rd 2001 irrevocably changed my view of health and disease. It illustrates the cell membrane and the macronutrients that compose it: natural fats, proteins and sugars. Inside, one of the best scientific journals in the world published several articles on “Glycobiology,” or the profound effect that sugars have on cellular function.

Embracing such groundbreaking concept has brought me both grief and fulfillment in my professional life. Naively, I bought into what the idealistic (I resemble that remark) researcher wrote in one of the articles in that issue: “Carbohydrates and Glycobiology: Cinderella’s coach is ready.” Well, it was not ready.

In order for cells to function optimally they must be fed the right proteins, fats, and sugars. If we eat processed foods (trans-saturated fats, processed proteins and refined sugars like HFCS,) our cell membranes are more rigid, plasticized and have trouble communicating with other cells. Even toxins in the environment and emotional stress have a negative effect on the cell membrane, which also creates new receptors to deal with any new substance or chemical it comes in contact with. It has been shown that receptors for HFCS are almost identical to receptors for Heroin, Alcohol, Valium and Endorphins (H. A. V. E.)

Yes, we H.A.V.E. an addiction to refined sugars.

In 2010 I published my book “LICKING SWEET DEATH; energy and information to stop sugar coating your addiction to processed foods.” Therein you may find all the references you no doubt want to review. Needless to say, it was not a best seller. I am sure my writing was not the best, but I believe that the public and professionals have not been ready to accept the sad fact that we are addicted to refined sugars.

No program to lose weight will work until we tackle this addiction with a national public health effort, much like we addressed tobacco. Speaking of tobacco, consumption never decreased until we taxed the hell out of cigarettes.

Would you tell an alcoholic to drink milk instead?

Why would you then tell children to eat more broccoli instead of Twinkies and pizza? It has been shown that “Lifestyle intervention in preschool children has little effect on obesity.” (British Medical Journal 2012;344:e714)

On February 2^nd 2012, another top tier scientific journal, Nature, published the article “Public health: The toxic truth about sugar,” (Journal Nature 2012;482:27) adding to the mounting evidence seen in several other medical journals. Pediatricians from USF School of Medicine write in Nature about the toxic and addictive character. They feel we must tax it to decrease consumption and increase awareness. Practically all media outlets commented on this article. But, will it make a difference on how we address its profound implications? Is Cinderella’s coach finally ready? You be the judge.

Even though I remain idealistic, after many discussions with patients and colleagues, I am convinced that the psychological roots of ANY addiction are so profound (as are the politics and economics of sugar) that all we can hope for is to raise awareness for those ready to tackle such addiction.

Perhaps then we will see that programs to measure our BMI and encourage people to eat more broccoli only make ourselves feel good about this serious addiction.

Answers to Questions About Milk

2012-01-04T12:43:00.000-08:00

After a review of 56 articles was published in the Journal Pediatrics (the voice of the American Academy of Pediatrics-See below) in March 2005, documenting that milk does not strengthen bones, stunned reporters in Salt Lake City took to the streets to interview people. Just about all the mothers with a mic in their face stated they didn't care and they would continue to give milk to their children. In my opinion, this signals that no amount of evidence will any time soon undo the perception that "milk does a body good." Nonetheless, here are some answers to posted responses and more references. But, the best is for you do do your own research. Don't take my word or anybody else's as the final arbiter.

Are there no nutritional benefits to milk?

There are many nutritional benefits to milk; it has many amino acids, sugars, vitamins and minerals. In fact, the most perfect food is milk, as long as it is our own mother's. The problem is the downside of milk. So, the cost-benefit analysis will depend on your own opinion and how much you love the taste.... and sugar. Milk is much like processed red meat. These foods are very nutritious, but, the incidence of health problems to both is well documented. In a pinch (famine, etc) we do well to eat both. But, as a daily food they are problematic.

Is the calcium or some other component of milk the cause of increased cancer risk?

No, it's the growth hormones, antibiotics and pesticides given to cows to increase yield and profits. In addition, milk from cows or any other non human species has insulin from those foreign species, which increases not only the risk of diabetes in humans, but also the risk of cancer, since insulin acts like growth hormone. The calcium in milk is the reason why the industry claims that milk strengthens bones. But, its acidity and inflammatory effects on the gut curtail the absorption of minerals, so the net result is a much lower rate of absorption of calcium, not enough to significantly strengthen bones.

Are all forms of milk equally bad for you (whole, 2%, skim)?

No. The more processed the milk is, the worse it is for us. Cottage cheese seems to be the worst. Taking out fat out of milk does help those who have cholesterol problems; however, many of those people need to also eliminate excessive sugar, which is a concern in milk, too (lactose.) I believe "sugarholics" are the ones who find it nearly impossible to give up milk, ice cream and cheese.

"Would soda be a preferred beverage to milk or is water the only acceptable beverage for a healthy diet?"

Soda is just as bad for different reason, but equally addicting, in my opinion. It is the millions of dollars in advertisement by the food industry that creates the unfortunate impression that beverages are limited to soda and milk. After discouraging processed fruit juices prepared with High Fructose Corn Syrup, I encourage my patients to drink pure, organic, refrigerated carrot juice, in addition to green tea, and Pom wonderful. Any fruit and veggies juice will do. If you have weight or metabolic problems, try to get used to diluting these juices with water. After losing the addicting taste of excessive sugar, people find that q combination of 1/3 juice and 2/3 water is an excellent treat and very nutritious. Isn't it amazing that our society feels that water is not good enough?

More references:

“Studies probe microbes in raw milk, swine,” JAMA 2007;298:1388

Legalizing raw milk is ill advised
76% of the time it has Listeria monocytogenes and Coxiella burnetti. The latter is more virulent.
“Diet Gains Legitimacy as Potential Factor in Acne,” J. Skin and Allergy news, May 2008, page 9. Report on Annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar, Waikoloa, 2008

· Milk, high sugar, high fat diets the culprit

· 6.096 girls aged 9-15 drinking more milk had more acne. And 4,273 teen boys had more acne with milk consumption, J. Am Acad Derm 2008 [doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2007.08.049]

· Mik has progesterone, dihydrotestosterone precursors, somatostatin, prolactin, insulin growth factor-releasing hormone, insulin-like growth factors1 and 2, and other substances that could stimulate pilosebaceous activity, J. Am Acad Dermatol 2005;52:360

· No acne in natives in Paraguay and Papua New Guinea, because they don’t eat refined foods

· A low glycemic diet lowers insulin resistance and improves acne, J. Am Acad Derm 2007;57:247

· Low glycemic diet has 30 % more fiber than average diets and substantially more poly unsaturated fats, both of which decrease androgen levels that worsen acne, J. Am Acad Derm 2007;57:1092

Ovarian cancer risk higher with milk

J. Lancet 2006;367:797,

“To realize tea’s health benefits, hold the milk,”

European Heart J., January 9th, 2007

“Cow’s milk allergy,” J. Skin and Allergy News, January 2006, page 49

Even though half of children who develop milk allergy by 7 months of age develop tolerance by 2 years of age, those who are IgE positive tend to remain allergic longer. These children, by the time they turn 8.6 years old, have more asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic eczema, urticaria, and more allergies in general. This study included 6,209 children, 118 of which had their allergy to milk confirmed by an elimination challenge (J. Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2005;116:869.)
Milk associated with autism

J. Applied Nutrition 1990;42:1

“Calcium, dairy products, and bone health in children and young adults,” J. Pediatrics 2005;115:736

* 58 studies reviewed. Most of them found no relationship between dietary calcium intake, and measurement of bone health.

* Dairy consumption is among highest in the USA, yet, osteoporosis and fracture rates are also high.

* Animal protein, including milk, is associated with urinary calcium losses.

* Doubling protein intake in creases loss of calcium by %50.

* Physical activity in 12-18 year-olds strengthens bones more than calcium intake.

* “We found no evidence to support the notion that milk is a preferred source of calcium.

* The NIH does not say that milk is the preferred source of calcium. Only the industry interpreted it so.

* “Calcium in dairy products is not as well absorbed as that in many dark green leafy vegetables... Dairy products contain protein and sodium (the latter competeswith calcium), and some dairy products, especially processed cheeses, clearly increase the urinary excretion of calcium as a result of the increase sodium, sulphur containing amino acids, and phosphorus content. Although dairy products tend to contain more calcium I absolute amounts than calcium-rich plant foods, when absorption fraction is taken into account, the amount of plant food needed to get the same amount of absorbable calcium is modest. For example, one cup of cooked kale or turnip greens, 2 packets of instant oats, two thirds cup of tofu, or 1 2/3 cups of broccoli provide the same amount as 1 cup of milk, as would 1 cup of fortified orange juice, soy milk, or basic 4 cereal.”

“Dairy products do not lead to alterations in body weight or fat mass,” American J. Clinical Nutrition 2005;81:751

“Experts charge new US dietary guidelines pose daunting challenge for the public,” says the JAMA 2005;293:918

“The health benefits of milk have been contradictory... there are many reasons to be suspicious of the need to have 3 cups of milk a day.”

J. Allergy 2004;59:1017

Cow’s milk increases risk of wheezing attacks

Children fed cow’s milk early in life are more obese as adults, and have more hypertension and Heart disease (AJCN, May 2003.)

“Acne vulgaris: a disease of western civilization,”
J. Arch Derm 2002;138:1584

It comes from processed food high in refined sugars and low in essential fatty acids and micronutrients. Acne is not seen in primitive societies eating the paleolithic diet.

“Got Milk? Got acne? New research suggests link,” Atlantic Dermatology Conference, J. Skin and Allergy News, June 2004, p6

* Harvard study with 47,000 participants.

* It’s not just raging hormones... There are multiple sources of hormones that turn into the male hormone 5 alpha dihydrotestosterone, a driving force behind acne, and milk is one of them... There is a high volume of hormones produced in the milk of cows, particularly when pregnant... [it] contains progesterone and other steroid hormones... [which] break down ito dihydrotestosterone.”

* Milk also increases levels of IGF-1 which promotes acne through hyperkeratinization.”

Milk allergy on the rise: 1/3 of practice if Ped G.I. fellow

J. Family Practice News, April 2004, p91

Breast milk higher in Linoleic acid is linked to mother’s consumption of cow’s milk. The higher the Linoleic acid of breast milk, the higher the chances of eczema developing in child by one year of age (J. Allergy 2004;59:394.)

Estrogen in milk increases risk of prostate cancer

J. Med Hypothesis 2004;62:133

Daily consumption of ½ L of milk increases the risk of Diabetes three times. It goes up to 5 times in genetically susceptible children.

J. Diabetes 2000;49:912

Viruses may trigger Diabetes type I by sensitizing children to bovine insulin through GALT AM J. Clin Nut 2003;78:1053

“Cow’s milk protein-sensitive enteropathy at school age”

J. Pediatrics 2001;139:797

* Milk sensitivity does not disappears by age 3-5 yrs.

* Children did better with allergies off milk

* Cow’s milk associated with lymphonodular hyperplasia in duodenun

* Later in life: development of celiac dz? Breast feeding protects against celiac dz

Am J. Clin Nut 2002;75:914

Milk causes immune response in intestinal mucosa (J. Ann All Asthma, Imm 2003;90:348.)

GERD and Cow milk allergy (J. Pediatrics 2002;110:972.)

J. Ann Neurology 2002;52:793

Dairy consumption raises risk of Parkinson's Disease.

Book “Eat, drink and be healthy,” Dr Willet, Harvard

* Misinformation and old food pyramid: “shaky scientific grounds”

* Examples: “All fats are bad, all carbs are good, eat lots of dairy to prevent osteoporosis”

* “No long term studies have shown reduced risk of fractures with high milk intake”

* “Whether the USDA is capable of revising the pyramid without being influenced by meat and dairy lobbying remains to be seen.”

* New concepts: glycemic index, differences in fats and carbs

* New pyramid: whole grains and oils at the bottom, then fruits (2-3) and veggies in abundance

Then nuts, legumes

Then Fish, poultry, eggs

Then dairy of Calcium supplement

Then Red meat, butter and high glycemic foods.

“Dairy consumption, obesity and the insulin resistance syndrome in young adults,”
JAMA 2002;287:2081

Letters to editor 2002;288:693

* Most dairy consumption is cheese: not accounted for. SO milk “drinkers” may be healthier, and eating less cheese

Ctr for Science in Public Interests, 2/6/2001

Farm life in childhood and milk = asthma

J. Lancet 2001;358:1129

More lactose intolerance in Chron’s

J. Clin Gastroent 2002;34:49

Early milk exposure; more asthma

J Allergy and Clin Imm 2001;108:720

TOO FEW STUDIES TO CONCLUDE THAT “MILK DOES A BODY GOOD.”

AM J CLI NUT 2000;72:681

Will the Mayans Get Us?

2011-12-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

The year 2012 is finally here. My guess is that a certain percentage of people reading Integrative (alternative) blogs like this one may also be exposed to disparate ideas and predictions about this much-anticipated point in time. Starting with the understanding that no one can responsibly claim to know the future, I herein venture my own opinion on 2012, because our beliefs about it may greatly impact our health.

In a nutshell, I don’t believe we will see the end of the world. Doomsayers have a poor track record, even though one big asteroid or CME from the Sun and we could be toast any day. But, I so believe we will see the end of world as we know it, that is, more sustainable practices will consolidate themselves to bring us a better way of life, closer to our loved ones and the soil. Our intuitive feeling that “business as usual,” driven by whim, egotism and materialism have never been characteristic of an enlightened society has been proven correct in the last 3 years. The financial deck of cards built on those philosophies is crumbling. No change for the better comes without pain. After centuries of unsustainable practices, any adjustment is bound to trigger spasms of realignments. This is the grain of truth in the apocalyptic visions of some.

Interestingly, “Apocalypse” means “enlightenment” or “seeing clearly.” Also worth remembering is that the Chinese symbol for “catastrophe” also includes the symbol for “opportunity.” I am betting there will be more pain, in addition to what we have already seen; but, I hope we take advantage of the upheaval to become less materialistic, more self sufficient, and that we adopt a more communal and less materialistic life style. In short, I wish for all of you to turn inward to recommit to spiritual values most of us have already embraced and that we turn outward to live closer to our loved ones and friends.

Happy New Year, my friends, HR

Don't Cry Over Hyped Milk

2011-12-06T12:22:00.000-08:00

I know going after milk is foolish and similar to questioning a sacred cow. But, when the weight of evidence compels the New England Journal of Medicine to opine on this matter it is time to listen. Yet, the goodness of milk is so entrenched in our society that merely reading about the evidence that recommends de-throning milk from its pedestal is not going to be enough to convince the faithful. I will never forget reporters interviewing young mothers in the streets of Salt Lake City after a landmark article on milk appeared in the Journal Pediatrics. Despite the evidence that refuted the claims of the dairy industry that milk strengthens bones [1], mothers pledged their undying belief in milk; they pledged to continue giving it to their children and damn the infidels who dared attack their Holy nutrient.

So, let me get out of the way to only provide the quotes from the NEJM and other reputable journals:

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines — The Best Recipe for Health? NEJM 2011;365:1563

The 2010 U.S. Dietary Guidelines were issued earlier this year, though they received little notice in the press. The lack of attention is troubling in a country in the throes of a nutritional crisis manifested most conspicuously in the form of an obesity epidemic that threatens to reverse recent gains in life expectancy. The guidelines' development was carefully watched by agro-industrial interests that stand to gain or lose from their implementation.

Unfortunately, several components of the new guidelines lack scientific foundation and hinder progress. The 35% limit on calories from fat, which remains embedded deep within the document, may inadvertently undermine the quality of federally funded nutrition programs…. However, [the fat-obesity] relationship has since been refuted in many well-controlled, prospective, observational studies and clinical trials that show little independent effect of dietary fat on body weight. Nevertheless, the diets of millions of Americans who participate in school-lunch and nutrition-assistance programs remain loaded with refined carbohydrates in an effort to reduce fat as a proportion of total calories, whereas the focus should be on replacing trans and saturated fats with healthier fat.

The guidelines continue to recommend three daily servings of dairy products, despite a lack of evidence that dairy intake protects against bone fractures1 and probable or possible links to prostate and ovarian cancers. In addition, the recommendation to consume large amounts of dairy products follows from IOM-inspired goals for nutrient intake that may be fundamentally flawed. For example, the calcium DRI is based on measurements of calcium intake and losses in feces and urine over periods of less than 14 days, which probably don't reflect bones' long-term calcium content.

“High milk consumption has consistently not been associated with lower risk of fractures in large prospective studies, whereas increased risks of advanced or fatal prostate cancer have been observed in many studies.” Am J. Preventive Medicine 2005;29:320 & British J. Nutrition 2006;95:539

There are many other studies questioning the dairy industry’s claim that “milk does a body good.” But, it is futile to include them herein. If you are in love with milk and you believe in the “white-washed” propaganda, you will not be convinced no matter what you read.

[1] “Calcium, dairy products, and bone health in children and young adults,” J. Pediatrics 2005;115:736

Should You Get the Test for Prostate Cancer?

2011-10-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

Two years ago the United States Preventive Services Task Force stirred up a bit of controversy by stating, after an intensive review of the medical literature, that Mammograms don’t have a good cost/benefit analysis for women under age 50 (see blog November 2009.) Just as the dust was beginning to settle, the Task Force is at it again; it now recommends that asymptomatic men forego the famous PSA, or Prostate Specific Antigen widely used to screen for prostate cancer.

Just as I agreed with the Task’s Mammogram recommendations, I agree that the PSA should no longer be done, unless men are having symptoms in their genitourinary area. But, before you have a cow, please, keep in mind that any man who wants the test may still get it, just as any woman who wishes to have a Mammogram may do so.

I plan to recommend ambivalent asymptomatic men that they forego the PSA. Of course, some men will choose to get the PSA and then ignore a positive finding, or will welcome aggressive follow up testing and treatment if the PSA were to be elevated. Some men may also choose screening to implement the lifestyle changes outlined below. I will gladly do the test for them while I review the Task Force’s reasons for its recommendation stance. It is based on many studies, most of which I have reviewed, that have concluded that any treatment or prostate cancer is not likely to prolong life. While they may make the consequences of cancer less problematic in some cases, the incidence of problems like incontinence and impotence is high enough to question the potential benefits from aggressive therapy. In fact, conservative therapy has better survival.[1]Besides, the PSA leads to over-diagnosing or unwarranted testing and procedures on healthy men.[2]

Whence prostate cancer?

Once we determine why men get prostate cancer we may then be more effective in preventing it. At an Endocrine Society Symposium in 2005 it was posited that estrogen-like chemicals in the environment (plastics, heavy metals, pesticides, dioxins chlorinated compounds, etc) over stimulate growth of the prostate and female sex organs and breasts.[3] This problem is worsened in those who do not eat optimal amounts of plant-based foods, particularly cruciferous vegetables[4] that are redolent with antioxidants to fuel our detoxification pathways.[5] In other words, any amount of over stimulation of those sensitive tissues is “the canary in the coal mine.”[6]

Consequently, poor diets high in alcohol, fats[7] and refined sugars[8] increase the risk of any cancer. In 1931 Dr. Otto Warburg won the Nobel Prize in Medicine by demonstrating that cancers are more common in those whose glucose levels are higher. This is one of the reasons that dairy has been linked to prostate cancer:

How to lower your risk of prostate cancer

Obviously, avoiding estrogen-like toxins (“xenoestrogens”) is the first step. Minimizing processed foods and cutting down on alcohol and dairy products is also recommended. Eating plant based foods may reduce the risk of ANY cancer by 2/3.[10] Changing our lifestyles for only two years as above, while being more active and maintaining good relationships has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer.[11] It seems that the protective changes accrued involve DNA changes, specifically, lengthening the chromosomes’ telomeres,[12] a concept that won the Nobel Prize in 2008.

Details

Vegetables have more zinc[13] and selenium;[14] they help lower the risk of prostate cancer. Herbs like Milk Thistle[15] and Curcumin[16]have shown significant benefits. The following nutrients have also been shown to be helpful, in addition to the ones highlighted in the September 2011 newsletter, like pomegranate juice:

Soy isoflavones, J. Nut and Cancer 2008;60:461

Green tea, J. Nut and Cancer 2008;60:483

Walnuts, J. Clin Cancer Res 2008;14:4491

Fish, J. Nut and Cancer 2008;60:222

Tomatoes, J. Nutrition and Cancer 2008;60:145

Vitamin D J. Carcinogenesis 2005;27:32

Grape seed extract, Int J. Cancer 2004;108:733

Olive oil, Br J. Nut 2002;88:225

The best!

…. Or men would like to think so: frequency of ejaculation is not related to prostate cancer, but it might reduce its incidence![17] Guys always ask me to write that down as a prescription to show their significant others….

[1] “Conservative Management on Prostate Cancer,” JAMA 2009;302:1202

[2] J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 2009 :101; 1293

[3] “Endocrine-disrupting chemicals probed as potential pathways to illness,” JAMA 2005;294:291

[4] J. National Cancer Institute 2000;92:61

[5] J. National Cancer Institute January 5^th 2000

[6] “Prostate enlargement: the canary in the coal mine?” Am J. Clin Nut 2002;75:605

[7] American Cancer Society 2005

[8] “Prostate cancer prevention [is possible] by nutritional means to alleviate metabolic syndrome,” AJCN 2007;86:889S

[9] Am J. Prev Med 2005;29:320 & British J. Nutrition 2006;95:539

[10] “Apoptosis by dietary factors,” J. Carcinogenesis 2007;28:233

[11] “Clinical Events in Prostate Cancer Lifestyle Trial: results from 2 years follow up,” J. Urology 2008;72:1319

[12] “Increased Telomere Activity and Comprehensive Lifestyle Changes,” J. Lancet Oncology 2008;9:1048

[13] “Zinc deficiency alters DNA damage response genes in normal human prostate epithelial cells,” J. Nutrition 2008;138:667

[14] J. Nut and Cancer 2008;60:171

[15] J. Carcinogenesis 2001;22:1399

[16] J. Carcinogenesis 2007;28:1188

[17] JAMA 2004;291:1578

"Salus Populi Suprema Lex" -- The health of the people is the supreme law.

2011-10-07T16:24:00.000-07:00

“Salus Populi Suprema Lex.” The health of the people is the supreme law[1]

“The responsibilities of the physician extend not only to the individual but also to society and demand his cooperation and participation in activities which have as their objective the improvement of the health and welfare of the individual and the community... As good citizens it is the duty of physicians to be ever vigilant for the welfare of the community.”[2]

Doctor Rudolph Virchow, considered to be the father of Cell Pathology, was a contemporary of Otto Bismarck. Virchow was very involved in public health, which irritated Bismarck to no end. When Virchow opposed him on the issue of Employer-Based Health Insurance, Bismarck challenged the good doctor to a duel. As tradition would have it, Virchow had the questionable honor of choosing the weapons: sausages. At that time, and perhaps to this day, sausages were widely felt to be the reason many fell ill, no doubt due to the conditions under which they were made. Bismarck, on viewing the “weapons” relented, amused, and perhaps fearful that handling the wieners could make him ill. He famously declared that “Laws are like sausages; it is better not to see them
being made.”

Today, doctors face the same dilemma: community involvement versus politics that would absolve physicians of that noble obligation as described in the AMA code of ethics.

Virchow was a man ahead of his time. He determined over 150 years ago that practically all diseases are inflammatory conditions, a fact not fully understood until the 21^st century. But, in my opinion, his skills as an Anthropologist sealed his place in medicine by stating that “Medicine is a social science, and politics nothing but medicine on a large scale. Physicians are the natural attorneys of the poor.” Many doctors have followed his example and thus laid the foundations of modern Public Health and Medicine. By taking care of community issues such as clean water and food, garbage disposal, sewage, etc. illnesses were dramatically reduced and in many cases prevented. Leaps forward in longevity were thus achieved.

“Much of the subsequent spectacular progress in public health in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries was due to a better understanding of microbiology and the transmission of infectious diseases, together with the recognition of the importance of clean water, hygiene and sanitation.”

But what are public health physicians and government policy makers doing about this state of affairs? There is no coordinated strategy, and there is a very poor information base on effectiveness and cost-effectiveness... Properly thought out prevention, especially targeting young adults and children will save the resources necessary for treatment of chronic diseases later. But where are the zealous physicians and public health advocates of the 19^th and 20^th centuries?”[3]

Doctors like Virchow are struggling to be heard over the chorus of voices who feels physicians should not be involved in the community.[4] No doubt economic pressures and the inherent arduous nature of practicing medicine make community involvement difficult if not impossible. After all, attending to patients in our clinics is our main obligation. By maximizing effectiveness, quality and savings in our clinics we also benefit the patients we serve.

One group of doctors in Salt Lake City (IHC) has made national news by computerizing practice protocols for maximum efficiency in their pharmaceutical/surgical approach. Why not do the same with community/environmental issues?

If doctors were to study similar protocols designed to track public health issues like polluted air, processed foods, and other community issues that impact our patients’ health, how much more efficiently could we serve our patients? These protocols already exist, but they tend to be ignored as not “hard” enough evidence[5] or as “a socialist agenda.”

The new baseball movie “MoneyBall” chronicles how teams are now using the same computerized approach; by crunching player stats teams rank the best players available. Mr. Beane struggled to convince baseball higher ups to adopt this approach for years. He finally succeeded with the Boston RedSox who went on to win the World Series in 2004 and 2007. There is no argument that money and profits are powerful motivators. Even the most idealistic physicians would agree. In a sense we now have “MoneyHealth.”If ALL issues pertaining to our patients’ health were plugged into the computer, we would certainly save a lot of money[6] and keep our communities healthier.[7]

Capitalist innovators like Schumacher[8] have pleaded for years that the bottom line of Capitalism be expanded beyond profits to include social and environmental responsibility.[9]

It is tempting to retreat away from public health issues in today’s present economic/political situation. But, strong ideologies may not be conducive to putting patients’ welfare first, which is bound to deteriorate, especially for the poor.[10] If physicians do not live up to Virchow’s legacy, our communities may be at a higher risk of “Collapse.”[11]

“Should medicine ever fulfill its great ends it must enter into the larger political and social life of our times. It must indicate the barriers which obstruct the normal completion of the life cycle and remove them. Should this ever come to pass, medicine whatever it may then be will become the good of all.”[12] Virchow

[1] American J. Public Health 2001;91:689

[2] AMA statement quoted in “Social and Political Responsibilities of Physicians,” J. Med Philos 1977;2: 376

[3] “The Catastrophic Failures of Public Health,” J. Lancet 2004;363:745

[4] “Medicine Is a Social Science in Its Very Bone and Marrow,” J. Mayo Clin Proc October 2011;86(10):930

[5] “Medicine Is a Social Science in Its Very Bone and Marrow,” J. Mayo Clin Proc October 2011;86(10):930

[6] “The future of Public Health,” Special issue, J. Managed Care, September 2005;14#9

[7] “Structural Interventions for Addressing Chronic Health Problems,” JAMA 2009;302(6):683

[8] Book “Small is Beautiful: economics as if people mattered,” E.F. Shumacker; Hartley & Marks 1973

[9] Book “The Politics of Fortune; a new agenda for business leaders,” Jeffrey Garten; Harvard Business School Press, 2002

[10] “Facing the New Reality: preparing poor America for harder times.” Report by Community Action Agencies, 2011

[11] Book “Collapse: how societies choose to fail or succeed” by award-winning anthropologist Jared Diamond; Viking Press, 2005

[12] “Rudolf Virchow, Public Health and the Built Environment,” J. of Urban Health 2003;80:523

Running Out of Energy, But Not Information

2011-08-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

“Doctors routinely measure chemicals in the body to get health information, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. METABOLOMICS, however, involves measuring hundreds or thousands of chemical processes, such as the breakdown of nutrients from diet, going on in the body at the same time, which could yield a lot of information. [METABOLOMICS] can also account for environmental factors, such as how well a patient is absorbing medications. Since METABOLISM-energy generation and breakdown-gets disrupted in many diseases, figuring out how these metabolic pathways change could potentially yield better ways of diagnosing or treating a wide range of diseases.”[1]

If you have been following my newsletter and blogs you are familiar with the concept that ALL diseases start at the cellular level due to less optimal energy and information for cells (no matter what type of cell) to do their job and be properly structured. Despite volumes of evidence pointing in the direction predicted by physicists, the medical profession has been very slow in assimilating these concepts, which has resulted in much frustration for me. Instead, we continue to rearrange the chairs on the Titanic ship of Health Care Reform.

Nothing will improve in health care delivery, until we de-emphasize the pharmaceutical approach and focus on METABOLOMICS. This has been the central focus of my career, which I am strongly contemplating ending. It is not worth it to me when I am having chest pain out of sheer stress, since my excellent diet and exercise routine have shown my heart is physically quite healthy.

The only thing that keeps me going is flashes of brilliance, like the quote above; I found it while waiting to get on the air (KTALK 630 AM on Sundays at 4PM.) There was an old copy of the Wall Street Journal in the studio. The quote came from the editor of the Journal Metabolomics; he was commenting on an article on dandruff, of all things.

But, my isolation from society at large and the medical profession has gotten so unbearable that I fear my health is suffering.

Even though many doctors like what I am doing, I estimate that about 1/3 of them are bitterly antagonistic. Amazingly, I don’t have the support of many herbalists, naturopaths and other so called health workers. I feel it is because I have been known to condemn their over emphasis on the supplements and herbs they sell. There is nothing wrong with those items IF they are properly and honestly manufactured (a big IF.) But, when the sole emphasis is questionable marketing without emphasizing METABOLOMICS (nutrition, environment, and mind-body issues,) I fear this “natural approach” is not much better than treating with pharmaceuticals. For example, treating depression with St John’s Wort or Prozac only address symptoms, not the roots of the problem; Energy and Information, or METABOLOMICS are the best approach

To make matters worse, there are certain “patients” who do not come back to see me when they discover I don’t share the predominant faith in my state. There are also those “patients” who don’t return because they believe the misinformation planted against me in several sites. But, none of them are more hurtful to me than those “patients” who don’t return when they see that I am not as white as they are….

Added to all this is my social isolation, which I am not ready to share at this point. Suffice it to say that emotional and social issues are also Energy and Information issues.

This blog is not a pitty-party, but a realistic assessment of the struggles an Integrative Doctor faces in a protracted fight with a dysfunctional health care system. Added to this battle is the sense of never having belonged in a society whose main goal is profits and materialistic consumption. It is with these thoughts in mind that I, like all of us at times of existential crisis, muse about “what ifs…” Yes, maybe I should have become a Jesuit priest, when, as a child, I sensed modern societies do not care much about their spiritual, economic, physical, mental or political health.

There are three things that keep me going in this struggle: (1) the economy, since this is not the time to look for a second career at my age, (2) the sense of having been “called” to this work, and (3) all those faithful patients who express their support and love to me at each visit. To them, I say thank you from the bottom of my aching heart.

[1] Wall Street Journal, July 19^th
2011

Literacy, health, and the 4th of July

2011-07-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

“When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas’ of man’s concerns, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his experience. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses, for art establishes the basic human truths which must serve as the touchstones of our judgment. The artist becomes the last champion of the individual mind and sensibility against an intrusive society and an offensive state.” JFK[1]

It is easy to lose our peace of mind in todays fast pace cities and societies[2] where loud noises, consumerism, dense traffic, pollution and superficial, meaningless data flood our senses. Watching too much TV and playing too many video games contribute to the problem, and also push out reading printed matter (and loved ones, too for that matter.) These are some of the reasons why depression will be the number 1 disease in this decade,[3] outpacing heart disease, which also is worsened by the above inherent inactivity.[4]

Despite the tsunami of data in our lives, we are “dumbing down,” a problem that also afflicts most medical doctors, I am afraid:

“The amount of information published in the medical journals far outpaces the ability to organize it... we don’t know a whole lot anymore about too many topics... This dumbing down is not ideal for medical education… A broad glimpse of recent medical findings may help some of us retreat from reductionist ways of thinking that have been ingrained as we become increasingly specialized. Such cross fertilization can stimulate new avenues of research.”[5]

Somewhat aware of this pitfall, I chose to become a Generalist Doctor while in training. To prepare myself, I seldom took my medical books home, so I would have more time with my family and read literature. Asimov, Chekov, Hugo, Miller, Hemingway, Pagnol, Wolf, Buddha, Aquinas, etc helped me keep grounded and conscious of what medicine really is service to “humanity.”

“Medicine and scientific developments rely on multidisciplinary involvement of science and humanities. The arts and humanities can also contribute ways to re-conceptualizing medicine itself... Medicine and health are human concerns in the widest sense... The humanities can foster a depth of humane understanding, knowledge and experience…

The medical humanities encompass history, literature, philosophy, ethics, theology, sociology, anthropology and law. They value the aesthetic as well as reason, focus on meaning as well as emotion and explore ambiguity, uncertainty and complexity as well as theoretical lucidity. They offer understanding through synthesis as well as analysis. The humanities develop analysis of personal and professional values and the capacity for empathy and teamwork.”[6]

Patients also benefit from cultivating peace and the finer things in life. Of course, low incomes make this difficult, but, still, used books are cheap. Less TV and more reading do improve our health.[7] And, we may find out some of the reasons our health care system is so chaotic and dysfunctional.

In his last book, “Bill Moyer’s Journal,” he interviews many thought leaders, including Wendell Potter, a former insurance company PR executive. Mr. Potter’s testimony before Congress was not publicized very well at the time, but it had profound revelations. He claimed that his insurance company, following the play book of every other insurance company, engaged in well orchestrated and funded tactics to discredit sound solutions to the problem by falsely planting misinformation about “socialist” control of their industry. Mr. Potter’s cronies felt that the movie “Sicko” in 2007 was quite dangerous because it told the truth about their industry’s nefarious dealings that are based on maximizing profits, not patient care.

In his book Bill Moyer also interviews Dr. Margaret Flowers who was arrested for trying to reach President Obama with her proposal, backed by most doctors and patients, that the USA adopt the Single Payer system. Of course, under pressure from Mr. Potter and his ilk, President Obama abandoned his campaign promise to look into a system used by the top 5 ranking countries in health parameters.

And so it is that We The People must always be “educated” and aware of the “noise” from special interests that will tend to demonize anything that favors We The People and cuts into their profits. But, as history has it, We The People are the real leaders. Every mayor movement and social change has been started and carried out by grass roots movements. This fact is well documented by another Moyer interviewee, the late professor Howard Zinn who wrote one of my most favorite books, “A People’s History of the United States.” of the USA.” I first became aware of this point reading Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” while in Medical School; so-called “leaders” are ultimately forced to follow We The People. But, since the “leaders” end up controlling the media and other institutions, history ends up written in a way that discounts We The People’s input.

Our role in society demands that we stay informed and aware that the “dumbing down” of our society threatens our very democracy. Unfortunately, getting the education our children need is proving to be a challenge these days. Believe it or not, our climbing obesity rates is also keeping some of our children from attending school, which then sets them up for lower incomes and related health problems.[8] But, if they do end up going to school, the lunch they are given, which is leftovers from industrialized food that the regular consumer won’t but (for example, chicken that were egg-laying hens have splintering bones,) will add to their bulging waistlines.[9]

As we celebrate our country’s independence, let us ponder our role in our democracy and commit to be “educated,” to read and inform ourselves so that our government remains “of the people, for the people and by the people.” Staying well informed must include the humanities and art, in pursuit of which countless Americans have been and are open-minded enough to seek lessons from other cultures. The number #1 non-fiction bestseller right now, McCullough’s “The Greater Journey,” (he also wrote “1776”) chronicles the lives of pioneering American artists and writers who lived in Paris over a hundred years ago, a time charmingly covered by the movie “Midnight in Paris,” now playing in your neighborhood theater.

Happy 4^th of July!

[1] “Spend slightly less on health and more on the arts: health would probably be improved,”

British Medical J. 2002;325:1432

[2] J. Nature, July 2011

[3] “Using Ecological Momentary Assessment to Determine Media Use by Individuals With and Without Major

Depressive Disorder,” J.Arch of Peds & Adol Med 2011;165:360

[4] “Television Viewing and Risk of Type II Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, and All-Cause Mortality,”

JAMA 305:2448

[5] “Dumbing down” JAMA 2003;289:1349

[6] “Medicine, the arts and the humanities,” J. Lancet 2003;362:93

[7] “Reading is fundamental,” J. Arch Int Med 2005;165:1943

[8] Utah State University study reported on June 20^th 2011 in the Salt Lake tribune

[9] “National School Lunch Program Participation and Sex Differences in Body Mass Index Trajectories of Children From Low-Income Families,” J. Arch of Ped & Adol Med 2011;165:346.

"Obama-Care"

2011-06-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

Health Care reform is doomed, because it only seeks to fund an unsustainable system of excessive testing, drugs and treatment of symptoms, while neglecting the root causes of disease (nutrition, stress, toxic environments, poverty, greed, etc.)

Ironically, President Obama himself has been victimized by this ideology: he recently had a physical with excessive testing (“The perils of excessive medical care,” J. Lancet 2011;377:1561.) He received 2 CT scans to screen for abdominal cancer and heart disease, even though cheaper and less toxic testing is available.

The good news for Democrats is that he is in excellent health.

The good news for Republicans is that he got the equivalent radiation people were exposed to when nuclear bombs were dropped on Hiroshima.

"The Other Secret:" Easter Reflections

2011-04-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

In our pursuit of happiness we try anything that promises what we don’t have. Some of us turn to religion, others to humanism and to all kinds of “isms.” Today, it seems fashionable to declare what we want and watch it materialize if we believe in this “secret.” This New Age approach does have support from ancient wisdom in sacred and secular writings. For example, Christ stated that all we have to do is “ask and ye shall receive.”

Fair enough. Yet, I have come to think of this approach as the “Yang” or masculine approach to life. We do well to make plans about our lives and how we provide for the basic necessities of life for ourselves and our loved ones. I remember reciting “Invictus” (“I am the Captain of my soul”) in college as I planned my life.

But, after a few trips around the block and some hard knocks, I now believe there is “another secret,” the Yin approach or the feminine approach:

“Why do you seek to add a cubit to your stature? Consider the lilies of the field; they toil not, neither do they spin. Yet, Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”

The West is more likely to embrace the Yang approach, whereas the East emphasizes the Yin way of life, which I explored after leaving orthodox Christianity. I came across many wonderful stories about JUST BEING and letting go:

“Once there was a ferocious river by a village. Anyone who fell in it was as good as dead. But, this one day, the villagers were stunned to see one of their own fall in and float downstream instead of drowning. They ran along the banks keeping up with the bobbing head. After a few minutes, they saw him step onto dry land at an eddy. Catching up they asked: “How is it that you have survived where all others struggled and still drowned? What did you do that the others failed to do?” Dripping wet he responded: “I did nothing; I just let the current take me.”

So, which approach is right for you?

For me, the Yang approach works for planning mundane, practical living, like careers, employment, shelter, food, clothing, etc. But, when it comes to transcendental living, like whom to marry, what to feed our souls, what is our mission in life and how to live in harmony together, I vote for the Yin approach, for GRACE, or CONSCIOUSNESS to guide me. After all, “thy will be done” is how The Master prayed.

Ironically, some of us find that modern Science in general and Quantum Physics in particular help us understand these rather ethereal concepts.[1]

As imperfectly as I apply this “other secret” day to day, I have the deep conviction, the intuition that, no matter what comes my way, it is GRACE guiding me through both calm and turbulent (suffering) waters. The more I trust in the river’s flow, the more I accept that which I may not logically understand. The more I live in the moment and give up the past and future the more I accept what is. The more I “put off the natural man,” or “surrender,” and “seek first the Kingdom of Heaven,” the happier I am. And where is the Kingdom of Heaven?

Both East and West answer the same way; since you are more familiar with Western thinking, consider how Jesus answers His disciples:

“The Kingdom of Heaven is within you; you will find it when you become as a child, seeing no difference between right or left, male or female, up or down, us or them.”[2]

And so it is that withholding judgment and accepting ourselves, others and the world as it is that we see ALL as a manifestation of GRACE; then, both “secrets” may balance our lives in the pursuit of our personal windmills.

[1] Book “How Quantum Activism Can Save Civilization” by Amit Goswami; Hamptom Roads, 2011

[2] Gospel of Thomas

Cutting-edge Science on Heart Disease

2011-04-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

Another ground-breaking article was recently published in the journal Cardiovascular Disease: The diet–microbe morbid union.”[1] The diet–microbe morbid union.” Its implications are astounding; but also, not new. Sadly, many studies like this one have been consistently ignored, as nutrition in general has been ignored as the most practical, economic and wise approach to health and disease.

Ever since the Nobel Prize in Medicine was warded in 1908 we have known that our microbiota in the gut is stunningly important to our health. This new article reiterates the concept that the food we eat is modified, for good or bad, by the micro organisms that dwell in our gut. If the “bad guys” predominate — a result of poor diets low in fiber and high in sugar, fats and animal protein, and the overuse of antibiotics, acid-blocking pills and chlorinated water — the food we eat will be poorly metabolized (mitochondrial energy available to cells) and will result in the formation of molecules that increase inflammation, oxidation and toxicity of every cell, including those that form our cardiovascular system.

On the other hand, if we eat whole foods high in fiber and avoid the above problems, we will be colonized in the gut by the “good guys,” which will do a better job on the food we eat, leading to better metabolism and molecules that maintain cardiovascular health and decrease inflammation, toxicity and inflammation. The journal Nature has been so impressed by the simplicity of this concept that it placed probiotics on its cover issue March 4th 2010. The point of that seminal study? That the “other genome,” that of our friendly bacteria in the gut outnumber our own genes 150:1! So, who is running the show? Sapolsky said it best, when discussing the influence micro organisms may have even on our behavior:

Many of us hold the deeply entrenched idea that primate mammals are the most evolved [organisms]... If you [agree] you are not just wrong but a step away from a philosophy that the most evolved human beings are Northern Europeans... So, remember, there are creatures out there that can control our brains... with even more power than Big Brother... My reflection on a curbside puddle brought me to the opposite conclusion that Narcissus reached in his watery reflection. We need humility. We are not the most evolved species, nor the least vulnerable. Nor the cleverest.[2]

So, it is just like my French teacher used to say: “c;’est toujours la meme damn chose!” [3]The more advanced we think we are, the more the need to remember that simple answers must not be ignored in favor of high tech answers.

[1] Journal Nature April 6^th 2011;472:40

[2] “Bugs in the Brain: time for a bit of humility,” J.
Scientific American, March 2003;288:94.

[3]
“Always the same damn thing.”

More Gut Feelings

2011-04-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

As you read this blog, many patients are being told in a polite way that their intestinal problems “are all in your head.” Docs are trained not to say it quite like that; instead they may say “functional” pain, as they often describe psychosomatic issues in their journals.[1] While it is true that the brain influences gut function, the refusal to consider that the gut influences the brain is an issue that needs to be addressed to provide health care in keeping with good science.

If the brain influenced the gut and not vice versa, this would be the only example of unidirectional influences in Physics. Everything in the known Universe, including our body, attests of bidirectional influences; we live in a holistic network of living and inert matter. So, attempting to highlight how the gut and the food we eat influence brain function and behavior should not be construed as minimizing the power of the brain, behaviors and beliefs contributing to intestinal symptomatology and disease, and, of course, health.

Perhaps the greatest illustration of the bidirectional nature of the brain-gut connection is the Vagus nerve. You may “vaguely” remember from Biology 101 that the Vagus nerve is a “Cranial” nerve, or a nerve that exits the skull to talk to the gut, or more specifically, the stomach. Perhaps we should reconsider such “unidirectional” classification: it turns out that 2/3 of the neuronal axons or tails composing this nerve originate in the stomach and travel upward to the brain…

Could it be that the emphasis on the brain controlling the gut is a sneaky side effect of the belief that logic and the intellect (the brain) are superior to feelings and intuition (the gut)? Could it be that our male-dominated society has subconsciously minimized our feminine nature, even in science and health issues? These are questions we need to entertain to heal the problems that not only beset Health Care, but all other aspects of our society. To think that these statements minimize logic, the intellect and for that matter the goodness of our masculine nature is to miss the point and continue to wallow in a polarized illusion that denies the holistic nature of our souls and the Universe itself.

It would be wiser to manage patients with gut issues such as Ulcers, Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome by keeping in mind that the brain and the gut influence each other,just like a marriage. Since I am not an expert in the latter, I will now step out of the way to let you read a few articles hot off the press that, when strung together, tell a compelling story of bidirectional influences. I hope you take the time to draw your own conclusions.

“How Food Governs Circadian Behaviors,” PNAS March 29^th 2011 Epub

“Normal gut microbiota modulates brain development and behavior.” Accepted by the Editorial Board of PNAS January 4, 2011

"Microbial colonization of mammals is an evolution-driven process that modulate host physiology, many of which are associated with immunity and nutrient intake. Here, we report that colonization by gut microbiota impacts mammalian brain development and subsequent adult behavior. Using measures of motor activity and anxiety-like behavior, we demonstrate that germ free (GF) mice display increased motor activity and reduced anxiety, compared with specific pathogen free (SPF) mice with a normal gut microbiota. This behavioral phenotype is associated with altered expression of genes known to be involved in second messenger pathways and synaptic long-term potentiation in brain regions implicated in motor control and anxiety-like behavior. GF mice exposed to gut microbiota early in life display similar characteristics as SPF mice, including reduced expression of PSD-95 and synaptophysin in the striatum.

Hence, our results suggest that the microbial colonization process initiates signaling mechanisms that affect neuronal circuits involved in motor control and anxiety behavior.”

“Rifaximin (antibiotic) Offers Symptom Relief for IBS Without Constipation, “Journal Gastroenterology 2011;140:1119

“The FDA to investigate the effect of food additives on ADD,” March 30^th 2011

“The long shadow cast by childhood physical and mental problems on adult life," Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science Epublished March 28, 2011

“Large effects are found due to childhood psychological problems on the ability of affected children to work and earn as adults and on intergenerational and within-generation social mobility. Adult family incomes are reduced by 28% by age 50 y, with sustained impacts on labor supply, marriage stability, and the conscientiousness and agreeableness components of the “Big Five” personality traits. Effects of psychological health disorders during childhood are far more important over a lifetime than physical health problems.”

“Abuse, Trauma, and GI Illness: Is There a Link?” Am J. Gastroenterology 2011;106: 14

“Metabolic Syndrome and Onset of Depressive Symptoms in the Elderly: Findings from the Three-City Study,” J. Diabetes Care April 2011 34:9

“Metabolic Syndrome and Cognitive Decline,” J. Neurology 2011;76:518

“Rapid metabolic evolution in human prefrontal cortex,” J. PNAS published ahead of print March 28, 2011

“The Effects of Weight Loss Versus Weight Loss Maintenance on Sympathetic Nervous System Activity and Metabolic Syndrome Components,” J. Clin Endocrinol Metabolism 2011 96: E503

“Low-Grade Hypothalamic Inflammation Leads to Defective Thermogenesis, Insulin Resistance,and Impaired Insulin Secretion,” J. Clin Endocrinol Metabolism 2011 96: 869

“Metabolic Syndrome and Onset of Depressive Symptoms in the Elderly: Findings from the Three-City Study,” J. Diabetes Care April 2011 34:9

“Diabetes and Risk of Parkinson’s Disease,” J. Diabetes Care April 2011 34:910

[1]

“Neurogastroenterology: A Great Career Choice for
Aspiring Gastroenterologists Thinking About the Future,” Journal
Gastroenterology 2011;140:1126

In My Right Mind

2011-03-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

The “Man of the Century,” Albert Einstein had a brain that was not much different than the ones us regular mortals carry around. His neuronal connections between the right and left brain were more numerous; he could synthesize, or integrate information much better than most people. Even though the brains of most remarkable people have not been studied like Einstein’s was, we are safe to assume that their brains were also better at synthesizing. Leaders like Buddha, Christ, Gandhi, Newton and many others probably integrated information between the right and the left brain exceptionally well.

As you know, the left brain is wired for logic, spatial orientation, linear thinking, and pretty much everything related to excelling in science and, in general terms, all the things that males are presumably more interested in. The right brain is better for visual tasks, art, music, cooperation, communication, loving and spiritual things; again, in general terms the right brain is more developed in females. Of course, both brains working together is best, as noted above. Integrators, then, seem to maximize their potential through networking their neural pathways better than the man in the street.

I didn’t know any of this when I was right handed in grade school. So, my decision to develop my left hand was motivated by vanity and practicality. After watching a right-handed classmate struggle with a cast on his right arm and fall behind in his school work, I began to use my left hand exclusively. Soon, I became an honorary lefty, even on the soccer pitch. After a few years, my interest in the spiritual world, already fairly strong, since I wanted to be a Jesuit priest while growing up, seemed to get even stronger. Several “otherworldly experiences” solidified my conviction that the unseen is much more important than the material world, often the former giving rise to the latter.

Now, as I look back on my life, having achieved a bit using my left brain, I wonder how much more active my right brain has been by forcing it to work harder since childhood, when I chose to be a lefty. It seems intuitive and logical, that emphasizing the left side of the body will strengthen the right side of the brain; after all, physics postulates that all relationships work bi-directionally.
While it is obvious I will not achieve the lofty heights attained by more advanced integrators, I would like to think that in a more humble manner, my brain did become more synthesizing. But, as much as I have loved and benefitted from science and logic, I choose my right mind to guide me, just like De Saint Exupery tells us: “It is only with the heart that one can see clearly; what is important is invisible to the eye.” (The Little Prince.”)

Our society has been ruled by logic with mixed results. “Learned men and women” have led us into wonderful technological achievements, but also into disastrous wars, economic messes and thorny social problems. Would our society be any different if we were lead by the right brain, and by our hearts? Would a people more given to cooperation, instead of competition be more fair and kind? Most of us would answer yes.

In that society we would achieve a better balance between “justice and mercy” thereby forgiving the “fallen” Salt Lake City Zen Master and would not have put him on an impossible pedestal in direct misunderstanding of his equalitarian teachings. We would also show more mercy towards Brandon Davies, the BYU basketball player or for that matter any student or person honestly engaged in learning ethical principles. We would focus more on teaching and less on punishment. And most importantly, we would rejoice in caring for the downtrodden, the homeless and otherwise disadvantaged to improve our society while “in our right mind.”

Our Media and Health

2011-03-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

Last week the BBC reported on Curcumin, the herb that has been a pharmaceutical product in India for quite a while, due to its amazing health-promoting properties. Researchers at Sinai Cedars Hospital in Los Angeles showed that Curcumin lowers the risk of strokes and improves the chances of recovering from one. Curcumin thins blood, much like aspirin does. It also heals the lining of blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Oh, it does a lot more, like lowering the risk of cancer and also allows one to walk on water… ok, it doesn’t do the latter. Still, the researchers concluded that there isn’t enough evidence to recommend it just yet: “more studies are needed.” Really; how about the studies carried out in India? How about the millenniums’ worth of natural testing on human beings consuming Curcumin on a daily basis with no ill effects?

But, never mind all that about Curcumin; the point I wish to make is that our American media, which is controlled by 5 corporations, did not make much noise about the Curcumin study. Why not? Could it be that those 5 conglomerates depend heavily on advertisements promoting Big Pharma’s agenda? Surely you have noticed that drug commercials take up a big chunk of all TV commercials. Could it be that our supposedly unbiased media cannot afford to upset Big Pharma with any hint of competition?

To make matters worse, proposed budget cuts in the USA may eliminate funding for PBS and NPR, the very venues that carry the BBC and other non corporate programming. Sure, we will need to make painful cuts to get past the financial crisis that grips our nation. All of us will need to tighten our belt. But, cutting back on education and news programming that may teach us to be healthy and make sense of the politics and economics that perpetuate our “Disease Care System” is neither wise nor economically sound in the long run.

But, the plot “sickens:” the “Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act” proposed by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) as US Senate Bill S.3804 intends to create an “off switch” on the internet. This means that our government, if it feels threatened, could just turn off the net, much like Mubarak did for a while in Egypt. This doesn’t sound good to me; but, considering that most people only “surf” the net and seldom “dive,” it may not be a big deal to block access; some may be upset that they would not be able to post pictures of themselves doing the laundry….
Of course, I am being facetious.

But, there is a grain of truth behind those tongue-in check comments. Great books like “The Dumbest Generation: how the digital age stupefies young Americans and jeopardizes our future,” by Mark Bauerlein and “Alone Together: why we expect more from technology and less from each other,” by Sherry Turkle do a great job documenting how Americans are at risk of abdicating our freedoms by relying too heavily on “mainstream media” and internet content. As presently established, they mostly to promote “bread and circus,” or cheap food and cheap entertainment, two of the main factors that lead to chronic diseases.

Surely you have seen the TV ads sponsored by “Nofoodtaxes.com.” “Get the government out of my kitchen,” they shout. The first thing we should ask about that “Consumer Advocate” organization is who funds them. Would you be surprised that it is the Soda Pop industry? The JAMA recently reported that too many corporations like Big Pharma are fronting such consumer groups without revealing their involvement. Why would they? Besides, said corporations own the American media.

OK, OK, let us argue that we should indeed “get the government out of our kitchen.” Fine; then let us eliminate the Farm Bill, which subsidizes the very crops (corn, wheat and soy) heavily used to produce cheap, refined, end empty processed foods. This is why poor people tend to be obese; they can only afford those foods, instead of veggies, a huge factor in chronic diseases. By the way, the corporations who own the media also own industrial agriculture and food processing businesses… and, perhaps, the politicians who vote for the Farm Bill. This is what is known as “Corporate Welfare,” with its beneficiaries loudly demonizing, in their media outlets, the working man for wanting a break….

While you read this our nation argues about our right to organize and express ourselves in Collective Bargaining, which our corporate-owned media covers with a biased tongue. Surely Fox News is not the only outlet whose reporters internally accuse each other of biases that influence their “objectivity” on these vital issues.

No, we cannot afford to cut funding for Big Bird.

1. “Few Advocacy Groups Disclose Grants From Drug Companies,” JAMA 2011;305:662

We All Egyptians and Cheeseheads

2011-02-21T17:58:00.001-08:00

From the Play Les Miserables

Do you hear the people sing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
Here is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!
Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Then join in the fight
That will give you the right to be free!

*******

Walt Whitman's Song to Myself

And these tend inward to me, and I tend outward to them,
And such as it is to be of these more or less I am,
And of these one and all I weave the song of myself.

I am of old and young, of the foolish as much as the wise,
Regardless of others, ever regardful of others,
Maternal as well as paternal, a child as well as a man,
Stuff'd with the stuff that is coarse and
Stuff'd with the stuff that is fine,
One of the Nation of many nations,
The smallest the same and the largest the same,
A Southerner soon as a Northerner,
A planter nonchalant and hospitable down by the Oconee I live,
A Yankee bound my own way ready for trade,
My joints the limberest joints on earth
And the sternest joints on earth,
A novice beginning yet experient of myriads of seasons,

Of every hue and caste am I, of every rank and religion,
A farmer, mechanic, artist, gentleman, sailor, quaker,
Prisoner, fancy-man, rowdy, lawyer, physician, priest.
I resist any thing better than my own diversity,
Breathe the air but leave plenty after me,
And am not stuck up, and am in my place.
Through me many long dumb voices,
Voices of the interminable generations of prisoners and slaves,
Voices of the diseas'd and despairing and of thieves and dwarfs,
Voices of cycles of preparation and accretion,
And of the threads that connect the stars,
And of wombs and of the father-stuff,
And of the rights of them the others are down upon,
Of the deform'd, trivial, flat, foolish, despised,
Fog in the air, beetles rolling balls of dung.
From Walt Whitman's “Song of Myself.”

*******

When I was young I wrote a poem feebly trying to express the notion that I felt inside of my nascent soul the seeds of every other human being on the Planet. Unbeknown to me, Walt Whitman, and I am sure many other writers, had already expressed the idea much better than I could ever do. So, the events transpiring in the Middle East and the Middle West, or the Midwest, our heartland, have touched me profoundly and filled me with hope.

Perhaps you also have gotten misty-eyed watching Egyptians and Cheese heads stand "beyond the barricades" for their inalienable right to be free to voice their opinions and oppose what they view as an abuse of power. They have defied powerful men who have institutionalized themselves in political and economic control. Are we, Americans as a country, as well disposed to do the same "in order to form a more perfect union" and continue our experiment in Democracy?

It is always the same story: powerful economic elites impose their will over WE THE PEOPLE. In Wisconsin, teachers are being asked to make sacrifices while other groups of people are left untouched, most notably, those who hide behind Corporations and powerful and narrow-interests groups that get tax shelters and even “Corporate Welfare,” aka, Fascism.

Immersed as I am in the Health Care "industry," I see an acute need for us to also stand against similar political and economic forces that have dominated the practice of medicine in our country. While we have not taken to the streets (yet,) I wonder how much longer we will put up with the blatant practices that perpetuate a "Disease Care System" in the name of profits and Corporatism. Industries like Big Pharma, Big Food, and Insurance companies get practically everything they wish for, while WE THE PEOPLE are left to fight over scraps, all the while, the powerful grease the palms of legislators in order to maintain money flowing in their direction.

But, under-the-table dealings in "Health Care" are merely a reflection of what goes on in every field of endeavor in the USA. Washington, Lincoln and Eisenhower warned us that moneyed elitist (i.e. the Pentagon, Big Oil, International Corporations,) would always collude to squeeze as much blood out of WE THE PEOPLE, while protected by politicians who "revolve" to work for them. While in office "our" representatives seem more interested in passing regulations and creating middle offices to smoke the field with regulations that perpetuate the "Corporate Welfare" State that oppresses us.

Both parties have contributed to this Fascist approach, while hiding behind extreme ideologies that, while valid, are meant to bring us to a middle ground that serves WE THE PEOPLE, not their egos or narrow self-interests. Perhaps we need a true Democracy, such as what Egyptians envision, not a Republic, such as we have in the USA; the latter allows our representatives to be tempted by money and thereby represent the elitist, not WE THE PEOPLE. This little problem is bound to get worse since the Supreme Court determined that Corporations may now contribute liberally to the candidates that will promote their agenda best.

Egyptians will soon realize that the exercise of Democracy requires constant vigilance to keep the elitists from hijacking their government. Cheese heads know this all too well. The rest of the country will watch them and root for them on CNN. I hope that doing so will strengthen our resolve to maintain the freedoms our forefathers have worked so hard to bequeath to us.

Food Fights: Yogurt

2010-12-27T10:14:00.000-08:00

For quite some time, I have been telling my patients that the food industry falsifies information to sell their junk. One of the biggest offenders is the yogurt industry. While yogurt, originally a porridge-like gruel concocted by Russian peasants, is very healthy, in its modern incarnation, it is not. The latter is redolent with preservatives, food colorings, high fructose corn syrup and worst of all, dairy (that is another fight for another day.) The original yogurt, which you may prepare yourself, had milk that was not full of antibiotics and hormones. The negative effect of dairy’s foreign proteins like insulin, was mitigated by the fermentation process, driven by friendly bacteria.

Now, Dannon, has been disciplined by the FTC for making false claims in their advertisement. Specifically, their probiotic content is not even close to being therapeutic for the gut and for immune system issues. A conference of Gastroenterologists in Salt Lake City determined that we would have to ingest 100 servings of Dannon or Activia to get any benefits (the same goes for other brands of yogurt.) can you imagine the diarrhea you would have, then?

Another false claim is that yogurt helps you lose weight. The measly study they quote was bought and paid for the yogurt industry itself, thereby raising legitimate suspicion. Furthermore, said study at the University of Tennessee, included only 34 people on 500 Kcal diets plus yogurt. The results have been widely dismissed by clear-thinking scientists who realize that you could eat dirt and lose weight on 500 Kcal/day.

There is a whole lot more fermenting under the surface in our food industry and their claims, often allowed by secret deals with our government. In practical terms, do not believe the ads you see about processed food. By the way, do you ever see commercials about whole food? If you want to know more, read FOOD POLITICS by Dr Nestle (what a name…)

Christmas, Magic, and Health

2010-12-20T14:01:00.000-08:00

We may have reached that sad time in my daughter’s life when she stops believing in Santa Claus. Last Christmas she put us on notice that my handwriting on her presents was suspiciously similar to Santa’s. Her passage away from magic may have been accelerated by Miley Cyrus and her bong. Still, as a father, I will try to keep her from throwing the baby out with the bath water: she and all of us do well to keep some magic in our lives. I am convinced it is best to live our feet firmly planted on the ground and with our head in the clouds. After all, “where there is no vision the people perish.”

Aristotle said that poetry and fiction are more truthful and reliable than science and facts. I feel he meant that so-called science is always influenced by subjective beliefs and the money of those who pay for it. Then, “objectivity” is unquestioned and vital emotional issues and beliefs of those preaching those facts are ignored, whereas fiction and poetry take full account of those subjective forces, without apologizing or hiding their impact. Besides, fiction/poetry is flexible and amenable to change as we grow and learn. A good poem may address reality more eloquently and clearly than a complicated essay by a stuffy, egocentric and over-intellectualized professor.

None of these ramblings mean that we ought to get rid of science and objectivity. I am only talking about a balance between both of them. Einstein seemed to agree. He is often quoted saying that in order to solve today’s problems, we need to stop thinking in the same worn out ways that have led us into the very problems we struggle with. Considering Arthur C. Clark’s statement in the same breath adds more credibility to these far-out statements; he famously wrote that what we may not understand and call magic today is tomorrow’s science.

Of course, the “balance” point is going to be different depending on the person. I have tried to balance the feminine magic or “lunacy” with the masculine logic and the intellect by alternating my reading between fiction and non-fiction. I love literature; it has inspired me and modulated my scientific reading into a blend that I am comfortable with, a whimsical balance that often allows me to see facts in a new and fresh light. This perspective may be lacking in over intellectualized people who dismiss novels, and, yes, magic. The fact that half of the graduates from the Georgia Institute of Technology are musicians comes to mind.

Right now I am reading FALL OF GIANTS by Ken Follet, a spellbinding fictionalized story about WWI. Tell me, how many of us will sit to read a factual account of that terrible war that shaped our modern world? Before that I read OBAMA’S WAR: I had to force myself to read such a micro-managed view of that issue. Such reductionism leaves me cold; I feel it also alienates most readers who might be remotely interested. Of course, eggheads loved the book…

So, accompanied by my favorite date, my 10-year old Cosette (named after LES MISERABLES’ Jean Valjean’s daughter,) I have watched Harry Potter, NARNIA, and TRON in 3-D, the latter on the planetarium’s gigantic screen. Hopefully, Cosette will retain a love of magic and “that which cannot be explained.” Therein lies most of reality, as the movie THE MATRIX proposes. Interestingly, many physicists feel there is enough evidence to support the view that we, that is, our minds and our imagination create the reality we have in front of us. This is the “observer effect,” taken to the next level in the book THE UNIVERSE SOLVED[1] and many others.

So, when you run across magic and/or the works of angels, genies, druids, astrologists, alchemists, fairies, gnomes, visionaries, etc, don’t be too quick to dismiss them. Rather, enjoy the possibility that our reality is only an illusion, a trick we play on ourselves as we struggle as spirits in a materialistic world, a world we designed to improve ourselves and our ability to care, unconditionally, for one another. Therein we find health, peace and what matters most. Merry Christmas!

[1] Book Jim Elvidge; Alternative Theories Press, 2007

Vitamin D Controversy

2010-12-13T13:23:00.001-08:00

After a flurry of articles singing the praises of vitamin D, we are now seeing the expected backlash of reports urging caution in supplementation. This is as science should behave. As always, I expect “truth” to be found somewhere in the middle. So, if you rushed to supplement high doses of vitamin D and now you are running to dump it in the garbage, slow down.

First of all, the articles questioning supplementation above the old and inadequate doses of 400-800 IU a day are very few compared with the hundreds of studies in the past 5 years that have recommended doses closer to 1,000-5,000 IU a day. The studies urging caution tend to be poorly designed and their endpoints not clear, like the one study looking into “frailty.”

Second, we need to question the motivation of those who find supplementation in general to be unnecessary. Often, they have a pharmaceutical agenda that has labeled anything nutritional as alternative. Interestingly, they don’t see anything wrong with adding chemical products (drugs) to our body, but they cast aspersions at natural products that are already found in our food.

And guess what people end up BUYING when they are nutritionally compromised? Drugs. Besides, the studies questioning vitamin D look at disease issues, not optimal health, a concept rather foreign to BIG PHARMA. And perhaps not unrelated, a pharmaceutical version of vitamin D3 (D2, already a pharmaceutical product, is not as effective) is about to appear on the market. It will be more likely prescribed to those with low levels of vitamin D….

About a third of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D; most of them live too far north to soak up good rays. By the way, Sun exposure for 15 minutes produces 20,000 IU of vitamin D. Will we have to tell people to stay out of the Sun for that long to avoid toxicity? It turns out most scientists beholden to BIG PHARMA would not know much about rare vitamin toxicity reactions if it bit them in the rear.

Still, history has shown that supplementation, like anything else, falls into a “U” curve, meaning that not enough may be as bad as too much. It is in the middle ranges that we find moderation. Let that be a guiding principle as we struggle with supplementation, and with politics and ideologies. In the meantime, it is most prudent to visit a practitioner who is able to check one’s vitamin D3 levels in the blood yearly and keep them around 50-80 with supplementation, as recommended by the Vitamin D Council. Unfortunately, the amount supplemented does not translate into standard blood levels, due to genetic variance in the way we activate vitamin D in our kidneys. Only with such close monitoring we will know for sure whether a given dose is safe for you. Otherwise, we will be guessing and making statements that reflect one’s biases on this matter.

Cancer? Take 2 Aspirins and Call Me in the Morning

2010-12-09T07:59:00.000-08:00

You have probably heard that aspirin now lowers the risk of several cancers. This is all well and good. Unfortunately, the researchers in the Lancet study did not elaborate like an Integrative Physician or any common sense person would. Surely you agree that the fact that aspirin—an anti inflammatory—works, then it follows that cancer, is an inflammatory disease, a fact Dr. Virchow taught over a 100 years ago in Austria.

So, the logical question, then, should be whence the inflammation causing the DNA mutations that leads to cancer?

You may remember the cover issue of TIME magazine, January 6^th this year; it made it clear that genetic mutations, or epigenetic changes due to inflammation and oxidation, are caused by environmental and nutritional problems. In fact, the New England Journal of Medicine and many other august medical journals have shown that cancers are 85% due to environmental issues. And, the 1931 Nobel Prize was awarded to Dr. Warburg for showing that refined sugar diets increase the risk of cancer. So, if we were to clean up our environment and eat better diets, we would prevent more than 2/3 of cancers.

Or, you could take the aspirin, and, as cautioned by the Lancet researchers, you may end up with a hole in your stomach due to its side effects, which could also include bleeding and kidney problems.

PS. If you want references, look them up in my newsletters available at www.hugorodier.com.

Freedom

2010-11-30T18:22:00.000-08:00

I just got done reading the book FREEDOM by Franzen, who was featured as a cover story by TIME magazine. The book was a #1 bestseller for a few weeks; but, I am not recommending it, unless you enjoy pain. Rather, let me give you the wonderful pearl in it, or, the “pony under the pile.” FREEDOM, much like Zola’s JOY OF LIVING, chronicles a lot of self-inflicted suffering as the author follows several characters who, like we all do, have trouble in their close relationships. Both books drone on and on about the details of their troubled lives. It is only at the end that both books redeem themselves.

FREEDOM is about forgiving our loved ones.

And that is how we may be finally free, free to love and live peacefully, in the company of those who no doubt will also need to forgive us if they themselves wish to be free.

Forgiveness is what I am most thankful for in this special time of THANKSGIVING. My favorite holiday also ties into all the other holidays: we are also thankful for the 4th of July as we celebrate political freedom, which has been earned by our soldiers (Veterans Day) and the sweat of our forefathers’ work (Labor/Memorial Day.)

Yet, it is Christmas that celebrates true FREEDOM the best: the freedom to forgive ourselves and each other and live forward, not backward. By Christmas I mean ALL philosophies and religious/spiritual traditions that teach us how to be truly free from a materialistic world full of ego, dogma and illusions. None of them count, unless we are truly FREE to choose, unencumbered by unquestioned traditions and cultures. Wisdom and spiritual guidance may help us retain what is good and discard what is not from our environments.

May you have a Merry Christmas and a future of forgiving and FREEDOM.

WICKED meets MEGAMIND

2010-11-17T08:28:00.000-08:00

As a Cold War child, I rebelled against the Black and White world that shaped Baby Boomers’ attitudes and thinking. "Either-Or" thinking has its merits and ardent proponents, to be sure. I do see how some issues require such approach. Some of you no doubt feel that ALL issues are “Black and White.” Well, going against this attitude shaped my world view, OK?

Each generation seems to have its strengths and weaknesses; the latter seem to serve as a launching pad for the next generation’s theme. It seems that the world Baby Boomers have created has resulted in significant conflict and polarization. Our country is paralyzed by extreme ideologies (Democrats vs. Republicans) and my home state (Utah) is split right down the middle into Mormons and Non-Mormons, a condition that colors practically all discourse and social interaction.

No matter what profession we examine, we are likely to find “Left-Right” divides. Discourse at all levels consists of extreme views pitting each other with the final outcome resulting in a winner and a loser. Think of our legal system: “guilty or not guilty.” While some issues are indeed that clear-cut, there are many situations, especially civil cases, where compromises may be more satisfactory.

Fortunately, Baby Boomers' Black and White thinking has influenced our youth to be more conciliatory and cooperative. Instead of aggressive competition, our youth seems more interested in consensus building after considering all viewpoints as equally meritorious. In my opinion, this is more in keeping with ancient wisdom recorded in practically all cultures. For instance, the Buddha, Lao Tzu, and Christ were fond of the MIDDLE WAY.[1] Philosophers like Kierkegaard and writers like Shakespeare have entertained us with tales of paradox and balancing extremes. In my own feeble attempt, I have submitted a novel, THE FENCE; it is the allegory of a boy living on a fence and meeting people/animals on both sides.

These are some of the thoughts I had when I watched the Movie MEGAMIND (you may need to borrow a little kid to go watch it.) MEGAMIND deals with Good and Evil in a way I feel is refreshing and thought-provoking. Good and Evil may be found in everyone, even in Superheroes (shocking words for those who are sure to skip Harry Potter this weekend on the grounds that it deals with Evil wizards...)

Remember the prequel to THE WIZARD OF OZ, WICKED? Well, it has the same message.

Maybe I was born at the wrong time….

[1]

Sure, fundamentalists will argue that Christ was the Master of Black-White issues; I respectfully disagree.

Suspicious of C.O.P.s

2010-11-08T05:55:00.000-08:00

As previously reported here, cholesterol is a benign molecule in charge of repairing cell membranes (which are 80% fat) and hence the lining of arteries. Cholesterol is also vital to synthesize hormones. Unfortunately, while busy working to patch up our leaky arteries, cholesterol has gotten a bum rap; it is now erroneously thought to be the cause of circulatory problems. That’s the thanks it gets…

Blaming cholesterol for heart disease is like blaming the cops who show up at the scene of the crime. Well, they are found around the dead body, are they not?

A good detective would ask why the cholesterol is elevated; he/she would find that the arteries were leaky from cell membrane oxidation.[1] Then, cholesterol would get a medal for trying to repair the leaks.

The problem is that living in the same seedy precinct, cholesterol also gets oxidized. Cholesterol is then forced to do its patch-up job with one hand tied behind its back. The result is predictable: a contaminated crime scene. The patch up job is so bungled (my WWII friends would say FUBAR) that plaque forms on the arterial walls. Think of VELCRO; if both surfaces (cholesterol and arterial walls) are sticky, they will stick together. If cholesterol and the walls were free from oxidation the repair job would result in walls as smooth as a baby’s bottom.

It turns out that the repair of leaky arteries by cholesterol is happening in your very neighborhood (arteries) as you read this article; it is the way of life, creation-destruction, as symbolized by the Egyptian cross, the Ankh and the Mesopotamian Auroboros, the snake eating its own tail.

So, be suspicious of C.O.P.s, or Cholesterol Oxidized Products;[2] they are the real criminals, trying to pass for real cops at the crime scene. They raise the risk of heart disease by a factor of 8. This is most evident in people who eat too much sugar and have a diabetic or pre-diabetic problem.[3] The concept that cholesterol is the problem is so entrenched that the researchers studying C.O.P.s felt that it was “really surprising and quite significant,” even though the oxidation of cholesterol has been well documented in the medical literature for about 10 years.

That C.O.P.s are the real problem is well demonstrated by drugs that treat cholesterol like rosuvastatin; they seem to lower the risk of heart disease even in patients with normal serum lipids. A study showed that the incidence of strokes, heart attacks and other circulatory problems decreased significantly with statin drugs because they have an anti-inflammatory/ anti-oxidative action[4] and not necessarily because they lowered cholesterol.[5] Sadly, the study has been used to promote the sale of these drugs even to people with normal blood cholesterol.

So, how do you prevent oxidation instead of using a potentially toxic drug?

I thought you would never ask…

Eat more foods high in antioxidants, the very ones you no longer find any taste in, because you got used to foods excessively processed, salted and full of High Fructose Corn Syrup. Fruits, vegetables and nuts, redolent with antioxidants, have been shown to reduce heart disease in numerous studies. Yet, Americans eat only 2 servings a day of these foods (French fries and ketsup,) instead of the recommended 13 servings to prevent cholesterol and arterial wall oxidation.

Fats are not the problem;[6] animal fats and trans-fats are; they have no antioxidants. So, why did we demonize all fats, including vegetable and fish based fats? For that matter, why do cholesterol-lowering drugs loom so big and fill the airwaves with their commercials?

I thought you would never ask….

[1] “Oxidative Stress and its Association with Coronary Artery Disease and Different Atherogenic Risk Factors,”

J. Internal Medicine 2004;256:308

[2] British J. Nutrition 2002;88:335 & J. Diabetes Metabolism Research and Reviews 2007;23:35

[3]J. Family Practice News October 1^st 2010, page 22 & J. Clinical Immunology 2010;134:55

[4] Oxidation also raises the inflammatory marker CRP. J. Clinical Chemistry 2007;53:456

[5] NEJM, November 9^th 2008 (10.1056/NEJMoa0807646)

[6] “What if Fat Doesn’t Make you Fat,” New York Times Magazine, July 7^th 2002 &

“The Soft Science of Dietary Fat,” J. Science 2001;291:2536