Frankincense for the body & soul

I’ve been hearing a lot about essential oils lately – before yoga class, before meditation class, at the acupuncturist. To be honest, I was skeptical about the cure-all tone being used to market them, until I started doing some investigating of my own. Since then, I’ve become increasingly impressed by their wide range of healing properties – time-tested for millennia.

When essences are extracted from plants in natural ways (steam, water, or mechanically pressed), they become essential oils. Because essential oils are *super* concentrated, they’re usually blended into a carrier oil like jojoba, coconut, or argan to help prevent any potential contact irritation. To give you an idea of just how concentrated… it takes more than 200 pounds of lavender flowers to make only 1 pound of essential oil! This is one of the reasons that high quality oils are so expensive.

I’ll be focusing on frankincense today. Also known as Boswellia or olibanum, it comes from the dried sap of the Boswellia tree native to Africa, India, and the Middle East [R]. The 4 main types of Boswellia that produce authentic frankincense are B. sacra (also known as B. carteri and B. bhaw-dajiana), B. frereana, B. papyrifera, and B. serrata. 

Frankincense essential oil can be used topically, orally, or diffused into the air, and has been safely used for inflammatory conditions for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. Frankincense also has a long history of use in many religions, in the ritual cleansing and purification of sacred spaces. In fact, frankincense is now recognized as having antiseptic and disinfectant properties! Modern research is (finally!) catching up to the ancient wisdom of folk medicine, confirming many of its traditional uses in inflammatory conditions [R] [R] ranging from headaches to arthritis [R] [R], and even cancer [R] [R].

What to look for:

• Since there are no official regulatory guidelines for essential oils, it is important to ask questions about the sourcing, time of harvest, extraction method, food grade or not, organic or not. The words “therapeutic grade” alone carry very little meaning.
• Longer duration and higher temperature hydro-distillation methods produce a richer, more potent oil rich in boswellic acids (one of its main active ingredients).
• Sustainably harvested. Over-exploitation has resulted in a decline in tree populations [R] – just a couple of drops at a time is usually all you need! Remember, plants are our teachers. We need them for medicine, and we look to their inherent wisdom when developing new medicines (among a million other reasons)… please please use wisely!  (I like Young Living and Snow Lotus brands – and I’m not getting paid to say this!)
• If taking orally as a capsule, tablet, or bark decoction, look for a standardized extract (containing 60% boswellic acids). Try sustainably harvested Savesta (again, I’m not being paid to say this!)

How-to’s

3 drops high-quality essential oil per 100ml of water in a diffuser. This is an especially eco-conscious (and the most bang-for-your-buck) way to receive the benefits of essential oils!

For depression or anxiety, try 1 drop of a food-grade essential oil under the tongue in the morning. Note: high doses of frankincense can be toxic.

In capsule or tablet form, the suggested dosage for inflammatory or asthmatic conditions is 300-400 mg three times daily, taken with a fatty meal to aid absorption [R].

What it’s good for

Autoimmune issues/ chronic inflammation – preliminary studies have shown that Boswellia can help improve autoimmune conditions without the negative side effects associated with conventional medicines [R] .

Mood disorders – One study showed that mice who were given frankincense resin orally became less depressed – with reduced stress hormone levels and increased levels of neurotropic proteins that support a healthy nervous system [R].

Brain health – many studies point to the cognitive benefits of frankincense: from short and longer term memory to learning ability [R]

Asthma – A study of patients using traditional corticosteroid therapy showed a decreased need for inhalation therapy when combined with a daily oral intake of 500mg of a Boswellia extract [R] .

Environmental allergies (year-round) – subjects involved in a study using a blend of Ravensara, frankincense, and sandalwood oils inhaled for 5 minutes, twice a day for a week showed a significant improvement in their symptoms [R].

Gingivitis – A 2-week study showed significant improvements among subjects given small doses of frankincense powder or extract – improvements included reduced gum bleeding and inflammation [R] .

All written contents are copyright 2017 by 20fourcarrots.

 [https://twitter.com/VivianKanchian], [https://www.facebook.com/20fourcarrots]

No reuse or re-publication without permission. Please note that the information provided on this site is intended for informational purposes only. Nothing contained herein is intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure any illness or medical condition. Consult a doctor before beginning any diet or exercise regimen or before taking vitamins or supplements. Statements on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Broccoli “shot”

Anytime I’m making steamed broccoli, I make a broccoli “shot” for my honey to sip on until it’s time to eat!

Steaming vegetables for a short amount of time, in a very small amount of water (about 1″) is the best way to preserve nutrients, while breaking down cell walls that make them more digestible. Still, you may have noticed that your water takes on some of the color from your veggies with steaming, and that water contains precious vital nutrients that you don’t want to toss out!

What to do?

Pour into a small ceremonial Japanese tea cup, add half a capful of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of sea salt, and voila – say cheers to your good health!

 

(You can substitute with cauliflower, brussels sprouts, or a cruciferous vegetable of your choice!)

Marijuana as dangerous as heroin? C’mon!

As I write this, over 44 U.S. states have adopted medical marijuana laws and 8 states have made it legal to use recreationally. YAY for progress!!!

So, how did marijuana come to be viewed as dangerous in the first place? During times of growing anti-drug hysteria, former President Richard Nixon was able to pass the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, which remains in effect until today. The passing of this act suddenly took marijuana from a legal drug (in the early 20^th century) to a Schedule 1 drug, right next to heroin. Even cocaine and methamphetamine are considered less dangerous by this categorization.

In states that have since legalized marijuana, lawful dispensaries continue to be treated as criminal enterprises. Banks cannot legally accept deposits from these businesses, yet the federal government insists on collecting their tax dollars. If they don’t pay, they face fines to the tune of double what a so-called “legal” business would have to pay. In other words, marijuana dispensaries must obey the law to a T, but are given none of the benefits and protections that a taxpaying business would normally enjoy. In fact, their jobs are made harder through all sorts of ‘red tape’.

Let me tell you why I feel so *passionately* about this topic. We all have heard of people dying of overdoses from methamphetamine, prescription opioids or cocaine – but marijuana? I don’t think soooo!! Not only has marijuana not killed anyone, but it has helped countless people with epilepsy and other neurological conditions, mood disorders, chronic pain, and inflammation. It does this without any of the harmful side effects associated with many prescription medications, and in fact, it has been shown to have many beneficial “side effects”.

So, why all the fuss over legalization?

In a TIME Magazine article published last year, researchers found that doctors in a state where marijuana is legal ended up prescribing an average of 1,826 fewer doses of painkillers per year. (Huge blow to pharmaceutical companies, amirite?)

Let’s take a commonly prescribed opioid medication and compare the side-effects with CBD, a non-psychoactive (won’t make you high) form of marijuana:

Oxycontin:                                                                              Cannabidiol (marijuana):

Attempted and completed suicide                                   Dry mouth

Overdose                                                                               Low blood pressure

Seizures                                                                                 Lightheadedness

Addiction                                                                               Drowsiness

Aggression

Life-threatening respiratory depression

Increased liver enzymes

 

Pharmaceutical companies like to say that marijuana hasn’t been tested rigorously enough. But why is that? Such studies are painfully slow to be approved and completed (currently, all federally approved studies share a single cannabis supplier at the University of Mississippi). Also, they’re expensive. Since a plant cannot be patented in its natural form, no one is interested in funding a study because the end result wouldn’t be profitable. Still, many companies have found sneaky ways of getting around this law, by formulating products that contain only isolated parts of the plant.

In another TIME Magazine article, scientists say marijuana should be made easier to study, citing “anecdotal patient reports, increasing numbers of legitimate clinical case studies, and large amounts of preclinical studies that all indicate tumor-fighting activities of cannabinoids.” In one study, a compound in marijuana was found to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders. Researchers say further studies are essential to determine proper medicinal dosages, and to learn which parts of the plant are beneficial for which conditions.

I believe that people deserve to have options – especially when that option has been used safely for a much longer timeframe than say, Oxycontin.

 

 

Oxygen: Life’s Most Important ‘Nutrient’

Written by Vivian Kanchian- Holistic Nutrition Expert- for https://20fourcarrots.wordpress.com/

 

Special thanks to Paul Pitchford (Author of ‘Healing with Whole Foods’) for his kind collaboration.

Oxygen: Life’s Most Important ‘Nutrient’

 Humans can survive a few weeks without food, a few days without water, but can only go a few minutes without oxygen before it’s all over.

Oxygen makes up over 90% of our body’s water weight, and well over half of our total body weight is from water. It should come as no surprise then, that oxygen is absolutely essential to life. Some of the important ways our bodies use oxygen include:

• Metabolizer– Burning the food we’ve eaten to make energy. (Without it, we couldn’t move)
• Carrier– To form red blood cells. (Without enough of it, we could become anemic)
• Precursor- Oxygen is needed to use Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a major antioxidant and is one of the ingredients the body needs to make collagen which keeps our joints lubricated and our skin glowing. (Without enough of it, the aging process would be accelerated)
• Purifier- oxygen destroys germs, viruses, amoebas, parasites, fungi, and yeasts. It also helps break up and move any stagnant accumulations (edema, mucus, cysts, tumors, arterial plaque). (Without it, our immune systems would become susceptible to constant invasion)
• Disruptor- Oxygen helps keep things flowing/ prevents stagnation. Oxygen-rich blood, when driven to the body’s many organs helps maintaining their vitality and functionality. Studies report that the oxygen flowing to the brain as a result of exercise helps to safeguard the brain from the memory-loss associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia [1].

Most everyone could benefit from upping their oxygen supply using some or all of these natural methods:

-Regular physical activity/ exercise (30+ minutes of moderate exercise per day almost every day).

-Meditation/ yogic breathing.

-Eating less and/ or fasting.

-Eating a mostly plant-based diet (esp. garlic, ginseng, unrefined aloe juice, chlorella, barley).

-Turkey tail, reishi, shiitake, champignon mushrooms.

Occasionally, more serious conditions (AIDS, cancer, arthritic diseases, candidiasis, mononucleosis, herpes, hepatitis, and nervous system disorders) call for an extra oxygen boost. In these instances, one of the following hyper-oxygenation therapies may be considered (under proper medical supervision):

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) * – 3% Food grade hydrogen peroxide (FGHP) has proven effective in cases of :

-Severe candidiasis and associated allergies.

-Vaginal yeast infections (blend 3% FGHP and water in a 1:2 ratio to make a retention douche; douche for 5 minutes once weekly).

-Acne, ringworm, fungal infections: dab 3% HP on a cotton ball and apply to affected area (avoid eyes).

-Athlete’s foot (blend 3% FGHP and water in a 1:2 ratio; soak feet once every evening).

-Spray a few drops of 3% FGHP on toothbrush, then dip in baking soda to make a homemade toothpaste that kills oral bacteria, strengthens gums, and whitens teeth.

-Topically apply an HP-containing aloe vera gel to an infected or injured area.

* Note: HP is contra-indicated in anyone taking immuno-suppressants

Ozone (O3):

Ozone gas has a long history of use in the United States. Initially discovered in 1840, it was used for the first time in 1856 to disinfect hospital rooms and surgical equipment. Later, it was used in Europe to disinfect drinking water of bacteria and viruses. In 1892, The Lancet (UK medical journal) published an article about ozone therapy for tuberculosis. And during WWI, ozone was a cheap, effective, and easy-to-use method of disinfecting wounds. The American Journal of Surgery published an article in 1947 showing UV blood irradiation’s (ozone’s sister therapy) near 100% cure rate for early to moderately advanced cases of pyogenic infections in 450 hospital patients. Currently, ozone therapy is available in certain states. To find a practitioner near you, click here.

Currently, ozone is administered in the following ways:

• Major autohemotherapy (MAH)- 6-12oz. of blood is taken from a patient, infused with ozone gas, and re-injected back into the patient. Studies have shown this form of ozone therapy to be useful in these conditions:

-dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

-hepatitis C

-shingles [9]

• Prolozone (PZ), a therapy that combines a homeopathic blend of anti-inflammatory agents together with a highly active form of oxygen (O3/ ozone) has been used for decades in Germany to help safely and effectively restore mobility and heal and regenerate joints, tissues, ligaments, and tendons.
• Blown into the rectum or bladder in gas form.
• Applied topically in an olive oil or aloe vera base.

Some conditions that respond favorably to PZ include [8]:

Scientific research:

-The FDA currently recognizes ozone (in gas form) application as an antimicrobial agent in food processing and agricultural production, and to purify bottled water.

-A 2015 study involving 32 rats showed that pre-treatment with ozone helped to increase blood circulation to tissues by boosting antioxidants and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the kidneys. [2]

-Ozonated water has proven an effective antimicrobial for use in root canal procedures. [3]

-Dissolved ozone has been shown to decrease (and with triple treatment, to fully eliminate) the resistance of antibiotic resistant strains of mycobacterium in vitro. [4]

-Administration of IV ozone in 35 women showed an immunomodulatory effect [5] by decreasing antibodies.

-Ozone in specific doses has been shown to selectively inhibit the growth of human cancer cells [10].

-Ozone therapy showed a significant reduction in Hepatitis C associated symptoms, normalizing ALT and AST liver enzymes associated with Hep C infection, and a disappearance of HCV RNA virus in 25-45% of patients. [6]
-While formal studies do not yet exist on ozone’s ability to kill Ebola virus, this website [7] contains a long list of evidence-based studies that point to its robust anti-viral capacities, which certainly make it worthy of further investigation. I recently spoke with a local Naturopathic Doctor who visited Sierra Leone, and claims to have successfully treated patients infected with Ebola.

All written contents are copyright 2015 by Vivian Kanchian, Holistic Nutrition Expert.

[https://20fourcarrots.wordpress.com/]

[https://twitter.com/VivianKanchian]

No reuse or re-publication without permission. Please note that the information provided on this site is intended for informational purposes only. Nothing contained herein is intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure any illness or medical condition. Consult a doctor before beginning any diet or exercise regimen or before taking vitamins or supplements. Statements on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

REFERENCES

1. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130730123249.htm

2. https://www.zotero.org/groups/isco3_ozone/items/itemKey/H6FQXXPJ

3. https://www.zotero.org/groups/isco3_ozone/items/itemKey/6S5V27WF

4. https://www.zotero.org/groups/isco3_ozone/items/itemKey/RK7E82HW

5. https://www.zotero.org/groups/isco3_ozone/items/itemKey/K8AE237P

6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21417811

7. https://thepowerofozone.wordpress.com/2014/11/08/does-ozone-kill-ebola/

8. http://www.journalofprolotherapy.com/index.php/prolozone-regenerating-joints-and-eliminating-pain/

9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9395705

10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7403859

Shilajit: Anti Aging the Ayurvedic way

Written by Vivian Kanchian- Holistic Nutrition Expert- for 20fourcarrots Nutrition

Special thanks to Dr. Jay Lokhande (MD Botanical Medicine, MBA Biotechnology) for his kind collaboration.

Shilajit (SJ), a Sanskrit word meaning “Conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness” is a mineral-dense substance that has a long history of use (3,000+ years) in Ayurvedic medicine. The ancient Ayurvedic text, Charaka Samhitā, refers to an anti aging substance (rasayana) named Çilájatu, that “cures all distempers of the body”. There are 15 versions available in India, each believed to have different healing properties based on where they were harvested, and whether they were collected by sunlight (more suitable to conditions like diabetes) or moonlight (better for conditions like ulcerative colitis).

Other names: Silajit, Silaras, Mineral pitch, Mumiyo, Asphalt(um), Jew’s pitch, Mineral wax, Ozokerite.

SJ is typically found in steep mountainous regions (3000-15000 feet) from Nepal to Kashmir. Generated from fossilized plant materials, authentic SJ is found oozing out from between layers of rock usually during the months of June through September; during which it is painstakingly scraped away and purified in small batches for consumption. The purified version pictured below may look a lot like petroleum, though it has been aged differently by nature to produce a medicinal substance that acts very differently to petroleum.   One notable difference is that SJ, unlike petroleum, easily dissolves into water.

Shilajit contains over 84 minerals in highly absorbable ionic form. Its main constituent, fulvic acid, helps to carry and deliver these and other nutrients directly into the cells. Per Dr. Lokhande, SJ possesses the unique ability to selectively enhance the bioavailability of only life-giving substances. In other words, SJ will not increase your absorption of toxins. In fact, it is an excellent detoxifier.

Correct Administration:

Always take away from food (a minimum of 1 hour before a meal, 2 hours after), except for a teaspoonful of the ‘carrier vehicle’ recommended for your dosha/constitution below:

Dosage:

• Maintenance (general): 110mg
• Condition-specific (systemic): Begin with rice sized amount, then increase to individual needs

• For adrenal fatigue, take it at bedtime to help body achieve peak levels of corticosteroids by morning. In a healthy person, these levels naturally peak at 4am, which in Ayurveda is considered the ideal time to wake up/ start the day.
• 3 dominant constitutions/ doshas- vata: black sesame, pitta: ghee, kapha/ water+earth=mud elements: honey). On empty stomach.

Safety: Because authentic, high grade SJ is so labor intensive to harvest, there is a lot of counterfeit and diluted product on the market. For this reason, it is important to seek out reputable sources. Authentic, properly purified SJ is extremely safe. To my knowledge, Lotus Blooming Herbs (LBH)* is the only purveyor of its kind that follows strict quality assurance guidelines to ensure a pure product. For LBH owner Johann Helf, this has been a true labor of love—taking him nearly seven years (and lots of blood, sweat and altitude sickness) to locate what is considered by the locals this “blessing from the deities”. LBH work closely with a single family that have been hand collecting and purifying premium SJ for nearly 5 centuries. Rigorous laboratory reports are available at http://www.authenticshilajit.com/pure-shilajit-resources.html to indicate that the product is free from any harmful contaminants.

* I am not a paid sponsor for this company.

Note: SJ is contraindicated in those with a high uric acid count, and anyone with phenylketonuria (PKU).

Traditional Uses	Scientific Evidence in Support of
Aphrodisiac Tonic	An animal study showed a marked increase in the amount of sperm in the epididymides of male rats, and ovulation induction in female rats treated with SJ [1].-A 2012 study showed that the fulvic acid component of SJ inhibits PDE5A, an enzyme linked to erectile dysfunction [14,15].
Geriatric Tonic	-Multiple studies show that SJ is a potent antioxidant, free radical scavenger, with anti-HIV, anti-tumour, and broad-reaching anti-inflammatory activities [2, 16].-One study compared SJ’s antioxidant potential to that of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C).   Shilajit also possesses the unique ability to recycle Vitamin C after it has neutralized harmful free radicals [13]. Moreover, it provides complete protection from MMA (Methyl Methacrylate used in plastics, molding, flooring, etc.), and limits lipid peroxidation, which has been linked to diffuse tissue inflammation and damage. -In a 1989 animal study, Shilajit exhibited immune-modulating activity, with the ability to ameliorate allergies and destroy tumor cells [6]. -Andean Shilajit, with an ORAC index of 50-500 units/g, compared to just 15 units/g in blueberries is being studied for its cognitive benefits [3, 4, 5, 8]. It has shown great potential as a safe dietary supplement for Alzheimer’s prevention. -A 2012 review article cites SJ’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimutagenic, antitoxic, antiviral, heavy metal chelating, antitumor, apoptotic and photo-protective (UV/radiation) properties [11}. -I found one 2013 study specifically focused on the anti arthritic activity of SJ, which significantly reduced overall pain in moderately arthritic dogs without any side effects [9]. However, SJ’s anti-inflammatory activities are well documented in many more studies, including the ones cited here. -SJ restores a youthful insulin response by boosting insulin-regulating pancreatic beta cells. Long term treatment with SJ (at just 100mg/ kg versus 500mg/ kg for Metformin) selectively normalizes high blood glucose, while having no effect on those with normal blood sugar levels [12,17]. -Anti-ulcerogenic activities via two mechanisms of action: A- maintaining membrane integrity B- anti-inflammatory activity
	Athletic Enhancement (#6)
	A 2012 study showed SJ has the ability to decrease brain edema, resulting in better neurological outcomes after traumatic brain injury [10].
	-SJ’s immune modulating properties are thought to be responsible for its ability to inhibit the central nervous system’s (CNS) development of tolerance to pain killers like morphine [18,19].
Altitude Sickness	A 2010 study shows that SJ helps the body adapt to the undesirable effects associated with high altitudes [7].
Anemia

All written contents are copyright 2015 by Vivian Kanchian], Holistic Nutrition Expert.

No reuse or re-publication without permission. Please note that the information provided on this site is intended for informational purposes only. Nothing contained herein is intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure any illness or medical condition. Consult a doctor before beginning any diet or exercise regimen or before taking vitamins or supplements. Statements on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

REFERENCES

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16698205
2. http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/75234482/vitro-antioxidant-anti-arthritic-activities-shilajit
3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296184/
4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4001039/
5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2650748/
6. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.2650030606/abstract
7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20532096
8. http://www.ijp-online.com/article.asp?issn=0253-7613;year=1992;volume=24;issue=1;spage=12;epage=17;aulast=Jaiswal;type=0
9. http://www.annexpublishers.com/full-text/JVSAH/302/Anti-inflammatory-and-anti-arthritic-efficacy-and-safety-of-purified-shilajit-in-moderately-arthritic-dogs.php
10. http://ijbms.mums.ac.ir/?_action=articleInfo&article=1125
11. http://rudramani.com/research/shilajit-a-panacea-for-cancer.pdf
12. http://www.ijp-online.com/article.asp?issn=0253-7613;year=2004;volume=36;issue=6;spage=373;epage=376;aulast=Trivedi
13. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.2650090113/abstract
14. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23733436
15. http://www.ijdddonline.com/issues/879_full.pdf
16. http://altermed.com.ua/pdf/shilajit-a-panacea-for-cancer.pdf
17. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.2650090703/abstract
18. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4075718/
19. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.857/abstract

Grains: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly

Like any other food, grains can have both beneficial and adverse health effects.  Ongoing studies have demonstrated that certain susceptible populations do much better on a gluten free or grain free diet, while most people are well equipped to tolerate small to moderate amounts of grains as part of a balanced diet.

Humans transition from hunter gatherers to farmers :

            Grains are a relatively new addition to the human diet, which until about 10,000-20,000 years ago consisted of wild meats, fresh fruits and vegetables.   As the planet’s population started to rise around the Pleistocene Era, humans abruptly transitioned from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to becoming farmers.  Grains have since become a staple food, and the dominant source of both calories and protein (up to 80%) in many developing countries.  It is estimated that “three cereals: wheat, maize and rice together comprise at least 75% of the world’s grain production” (Cordain, 1999, p. 21).

Benefits of Grain Consumption :

When combined with adequate amounts of meat and plant based foods, grains can be a cheap way to boost caloric intake.   In this sense, they have helped tremendously in helping to keep an increasingly overpopulated world fed.  Other benefits of whole grains include their ability to flush the body of excess lipids, which make them a valuable option for anyone trying to prevent cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and obesity.  Grains also contain B vitamins (except for B12), trace minerals, and anti-carcinogenic compounds which help protect against certain hormonally-mediated cancers.

Negative impacts of a grain-heavy diet :

On the other hand, the displacement of nutrient-rich foods with a grain-heavy diet can have a negative impact on health.  The chelating effect of whole grains can flush both undesirable elements AND essential nutrients from the body.  Additionally, a diet too-high in grains is usually deficient in essential nutrients like B12 and iron, and can inhibit the bioavailability of many important nutrients, as demonstrated in the table below (click on table to view in full size).  (Gibson, Perlas, Hotz, 2006, p.161, 162).

The bioavailability of zinc, copper, iron, calcium and magnesium in cereal grains is also typically low.  For example, zinc from animal sources is 4 times more bioavailable.  It has been suggested that the substitution of heme foods with fiber & phytate rich grains is a large contributing factor to the global iron-deficiency epidemic. Cereal grains’ inherent nutritional imbalances can give rise to conditions like dwarfism (zinc deficiency), bone mineral pathologies (calcium deficiency), iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 & D deficiencies, and Pellagra (niacin and tryptophan deficiency).  In a study by Cohen, examining 51 different populations from around the world; physical stature, life span, and overall quality of life declined with the transition from a hunter-gatherer to an agricultural lifestyle.   A strong piece of supporting evidence that humans were not meant to consume a diet so high in grains is the fact that a plant-based diet alone cannot provide all of the essential nutrients required by humans. Whole grains contain no Vitamin A, no Beta-carotene (with the exception of yellow corn), no Vitamin C, and no Vitamin B12.  Cordain proposes that “The human nutritional requirement for vitamin B12 clearly demonstrates that vegetarian diets based entirely upon cereal grains, legumes and other plant foods were not the sole dietary components which shaped the human genome.” (Cordain, 1999; p. 27).

Susceptible populations :

        Many conditions have been shown to improve with the elimination of grain consumption.  Thus far, only two autoimmune diseases have conclusively been linked directly with wheat consumption; celiac disease, in which the microvilli of the small intestine are destroyed by wheat proteins, and a skin condition called dermatitis herpetiformis.  However, ALL grains contain carbohydrate-binding proteins called lectins, which have the potential to “interact with a variety of other cells in the body” and “represent powerful oral immunogens capable of eliciting specific and high antibody responses” (Cordain, 1999, p. 45).  Simply put, because of their resistance to digestive breakdown, lectins can wind up circulating systemically, causing self-destruction of various body tissues.  Cordain believes that the secondary metabolites developed by cereal grains to ward off predatory herbivores “can be either toxic, anti nutritional, benign, or somewhere in between, dependent upon the physiology of the consumer animal” (Cordain, 1999, p. 42).   Like any other food, grains may be tolerated better by some people as compared to others.  There is still much research to be done in elucidating the relationship of grains to allergies and autoimmune reactions.  However, many people with wide-ranging autoimmune conditions find that eliminating some or all grains from their diets helps to ameliorate their symptoms.

A common link found between autoimmunity and conditions like autism and schizophrenia are genes that code for the human leukocyte antigens (HLA).  Many autistic children experience improvement on a gluten-free diet, and interestingly, research shows that populations who consume little to no gluten-containing grains (rye, wheat, barley) have a lower prevalence of schizophrenia.  Studies have long shown that certain gluten peptides can behave like opioids, and that their effects can be reversed by using an opioid-antagonist drug called naloxone (Cordain, 1999, p. 58).  Some side effects of opioids (ie. heroin, codeine, methadone, morphine) include constipation, sedation/drowsiness, and respiratory depression.  They are usually prescribed to increase pain tolerance.

A variety of neurological conditions respond favorably to a gluten –free, grain-free or low-grain diet.  One of the earliest examples comes from a 1921 report by the Mayo Clinic demonstrating the Ketogenic Diet’s (KD) efficacy in treating a broad range of epileptic conditions. The diet consists of a high fat, adequate protein, and low carbohydrate diet.  KD is now an accepted treatment for epilepsy; strict compliance significantly reduces seizure frequency in up to one-third of patients (Aguirre Castaneda, Mack, Lteif, 2012, p. e512); better results than any one drug or combination of drugs. The KD has also demonstrated neuroprotective activity, and has shown promising results in ameliorating a wide array of neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.  While its mechanism of action is still unknown, the KD’s ability to reduce inflammation has shown great promise in the treatment of a variety of conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and even brain and prostate cancers (Masino & Rho, 2012, p. 15, 16).

The takeaway message here is that the affordability of grains makes them an important supplement/ addition to boost the caloric content of many individuals’ diets worldwide.  Most people seem capable of tolerating a moderate amount of grains, as part of a well-balanced diet.   Although, with food allergy-related conditions on the rise, that issue is currently up for debate. The research does make one thing very clear: some highly susceptible populations are better off consuming a minimal amount of grains or eliminating them from their diets altogether.

REFERENCES

Aguirre Castaneda, R.L., Mack, K.J., Lteif, A. (2012). Successful Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes and Seizures with Combined Ketogenic Diet and Insulin.  Pediatrics, 129; e512. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2011-0741Cordain, L. (1999). Cereal Grains: Humanity’s Double-Edged Sword.  World Rev Nutr Diet. Basel, Karger, 84, p. 21, 22, 23, 27, 33, 42, 45, 58.

Gibson, R.S., Perlas, L., & Hotz, C. (2006).  Improving the bioavailability of nutrients in plant foods at the household level.  Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 65, 160-161.

Masino, S.A., Rho, J.M. (2012). Jasper’s Mechanisms of the Epilepsies. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK50785/ .

Medicinal Mushrooms

 

Overheard recently in Santa Monica coffee shop … “my sister predicts that mushrooms will be the next health fad”.   It’s true that medicinal mushrooms are making a comeback, but what you may not know is that they have been used for thousands of years in folk medicine and now, the scientific evidence is catching up to reveal their many health benefits.

Did you know…

–       that the first antibiotics to be introduced were mushroom derivatives

–       PSK and PSP polysaccharides have antiviral, antitumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties.

–       PSK can inhibit HIV infection

–       have both direct and indirect anti-cancer properties.  In fact, the polysaccharides Lentinan, PSK, and PSP are now used in US hospitals in conjunction with chemotherapy to enhance the effects of treatment while minimizing side effects. PSK and PSP have the ability to activate cell death, inhibit DNA synthesis, arrest the cell cycle, and inhibit cell division

–       mycologists (biologists who study fungi) believe that understanding the roles of mushrooms’ multiple bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action can alleviate many forms of cancers

–       mushrooms have immune (both innate and adaptive) modulating properties, dialing down the immune system when it’s overactive (as in the case of autoimmune disease), or dialing it up (as in the case of viruses)

–       have the ability to regulate blood glucose levels

–       statin-containing mushrooms such as Agaricus bisporus (white button) have the ability to regulate blood cholesterol

–       some medications for Parkinson’s disease utilize the rich neuroprotective compounds  found in mushrooms

–       some headache medications are mushroom derivatives

–       studies of hot water extracts (HWE- PSK) reveal their superior chelating (heavy metal detox) and antioxidant activities, when compared to other types of formulations

–       ethanol extracts (EE- PSP) have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.  They also have the remarkable ability to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cases of cancer/ tumors

–       UV-exposed mushrooms (now becoming available in stores)

are a good source of Vitamin D; great news for vegetarians!

Science –

–       In a 1994 animal study, Paracetamol (an analgesic commonly used for mild aches and pains), when coadministered with PSP was found to have a significant protective effect on the liver

–       A study published in Vol. 97 (2003) 618-624 of Respiratory Medicine, showed that PSP administration resulted in a decelerated rate of deterioration in patients with Non-small cell lung cancer.  The study also revealed PSP’s direct anti-cancer potential and immunomodulatory effects

–        In a study published in Volume 12, Issue 6, November-December 2012; p. 467-474 of Pancreatology, PSK was shown to inhibit the growth of human pancreatic cells by promoting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

–       A Japanese study published in the November 2010; (37)12:2255-7 of Gan To Kagaku Ryoho, showed that PSK has the ability to induce apoptosis and prevent cell proliferation in HL60 leukemia cells

Tips for effective administration:

It takes a minimum of 30 days to notice a difference in cancer patients receiving Lentinan, PSK, and/ or PSP.  It is recommended that patients continue the supplement for as long as possible both during and after treatment.

In the US, look for these science-driven brands:

FineCo Ltd. (also sold in JP, HK, AUS, and Europe)

Mushroom Wisdom

Mushroom Science

Aloha Medicinal, Inc.

Antioxidants- too much of a good thing?

This is a topic about which I’ve been wanting to write for a long time!  I had always heard that in certain circumstances, beneficial antioxidants can become prooxidant; causing damage and disease.  I hadn’t written about it until now because I couldn’t find a clear explanation of how that actually happened… until I came across this brilliant new research article!

Dr. James D. Watson (winner of the 1962 Nobel prize for discovering the structure of DNA) recently announced through a press release that he has stumbled  upon what he considers to be “among my most important work since the double helix“.

In the January edition of Open Biology– http://www.royalsociety.org, Dr. Watson theorizes that antioxidants, either in supplement or food form, work against conventional anti-cancer treatments by halting their direct and indirect ability to form reactive oxygen species (ROS); the mechanism by which cancer treatments induce cell death.   As ROS is generated, the mutated cells transform into a more advanced, free-floating type of cancer cell which is far likelier to metastasize than it was originally.  Unfortunately, cancer cells containing high amounts of antioxidants, become unresponsive to anti-cancer therapies.

After Steve Jobs’ death, Dr. Joseph Mercola, Dr. Dean Ornish and many others in the alternative health community proposed that his advanced stage pancreatic cancer, and his inability to recover from it, may very well have been caused by his longtime fruitarian diet.   According to Dr. Watson’s theory, this would make good sense.  Additionally, the high amounts of fructose (the sweetest of natural sugars) he would have consumed over a period of several years were likely to have overtaxed his pancreas; making it work overtime to metabolize the excess sugars.

If Dr. Watson’s theory is correct, exactly what does it mean for you?

For the average healthy person, continuing to eat small portions of all foods in moderation ensures that you will get plenty of variety in your diet; consuming a broad range of nutrients, without going overboard on any single nutrient.

For the cancer patient, however, this is HUGE news.  For anyone undergoing conventional cancer therapies, I recommend the following protocol:

Low/ no antioxidant supplements and foods

Meditation/ positive visualization

No sugar of any kind (even in whole food form)

Coriolus PSP by Mushroom Science (3-6g per day) *

Ubiquinol

Tocotrienols

Healthy fats (coconut, chia seed, fish oil)

Egg yolks (cooked-grass fed)

Astaxanthin

* If you have to choose only one supplement, the mushrooms are the most important!