GLOBAL APPROACH TO EVIDENCE BASED NUTRITION & SUPPLEMENTATION

Sometime around 30 years of age, we all begin to physiologically decline.  At this age and beyond we begin to age predictably and essentially our body begins a slow path into progressive deterioration as a result of a metabolic shift from an anabolic stage of high energy, growth, rebuild and repair to a catabolic stage of lower energy, break down and wear down.  In our early 30’s there appears to be a balance of these two processes for a very brief period and then the decline begins rather abruptly.  Most of the decline is predicated on the abrupt downslide of critical anabolic (energy, growth, repair, rebuild) hormones such as DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), growth hormone, testosterone and several others.  In other words, the balance between building and breaking down is lost and the catabolic stages of progressive deterioration begin to predominate.  Here is where we can intervene using the newer medical knowledge available to us.  We can strive to regain our anabolic phase and thus optimize our health and stave off early disease processes.
 
There is now ample research to substantiate that a daily moderate exercise regiment, ample fluid intake, organic foods and a sound food supplement plan (vitamin and supplement intake) can substantially improve health, reduce catabolic states in the body, increase longevity and reduce disease processes such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other metabolic syndromes and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimers disease and senile decline. 

TODAY'S PRO-INFLAMMATORY DIET

Since human genes have changed little, if at all, in the past 10,000 or indeed 40,000 years, then it follows that most people today now eat foods for which they are not genetically programmed. The result, Simopoulos (1999) suggests is chronic Disease (diabetes, cancer, obesity, CVD)

Many of the foods we eat today are pro-inflammatory in nature. Pro-inflammatory foods lead to numerous diseases and conditions associated with inflammation: chronic pain, arthritis, fibromayalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, sinusitis, allergies, acne, asthma, digestive conditions, flu symptoms, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, hypertension, depression, insulin resistance syndrome (pre-diabetes), and diabetes.

PRO-INFLAMMATORY FOODS

  • All grains and grain products including white bread, whole wheat bread, pasta, cereal, crackers and any other product made with grains or flours from grains.
  • Partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats) found in margarine, deep fried foods and most packaged foods
  • Corn oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil and foods made with these oils such as mayonnaise, tartar sauce, salad dressings and many packaged foods
  • Soda, dairy, soy and sugar
  • Meat and eggs from grain fed animals

PROBLEMS WITH GRAINS

GLUTEN - The most notorious gluten containing grain is wheat, others are couscous, spelt, kaput, rye, barely and oats. Aside from causing Celiac disease gluten may cause many other symptoms and conditions. For example researchers randomly selected 200 disease free individuals to assess anti-gluten antibody levels (to measure a persons sensitivity to gluten). A comparison was made to the health complaints of the individuals with the highest antibody levels (more sensitive to gluten) to those with lowest antibody levels (less sensitive to gluten). The results were as follows: 15% of the subjects who had higher levels of antibodies suffered from headaches, chronic fatigue, regular digestive complaints, anemic changes and showed no signs of Celiac disease. This means that healthy individuals without Celiac disease were severely affected by gluten and showed three of the most common symptoms patient reported to their doctors.

LECTINS - All grains and legumes (beans, lentils, soy) also contain sugar proteins known as lectins. Lectins are difficult to digest and cook. Before they are absorbed in the digestive tract, lectins are known to cause digestive system inflammation. After lectins are absorbed through digestion they bind to the surface of many different types of cells throughout the body. While details are not known, researchers state " there is now abundant evidence that lectins can cause disease in man and animals". Research suggests arthritis, glomerulonephritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, retinitis, cataracts as well as congenital malformations, infertility, allergies and autoimmune problems are lectin related.

PHYTIC ACID - Grains contain phyic acid which is known to reduce the absorption of calcium, magnesium and zinc.

INCREASED pH -Grains promote the pH of our body to become more acidic which is also known to be inflammatory.

HIGH OMEGA-6 CONTENT - Grains contain higher amounts of fatty acid biochemicals called omega-6 fatty acids which cause inflammation. This is in contrast to fatty acid biochemicals called omega-3 fatty acids which are prevalent in fish and green vegetables and reduce inflammation.

  • For optimal health we should strive for a 1:1 omega 6 to omega 3 ratio
  • Since omega 6 is readily more available and omega 3 is much more sparse in today's typical diet a 1:1 ratio is often difficult to attain
  • Research suggests anything above a 4:1 ratio increases disease risk potential
  • Typical American diet is 20:1 (omega 6 to omega 3 content)

WHY ARE GRAINS PROMOTED AS GOOD FOR US?

Whole grains do contain nutrients and fiber which are healthy and anti-inflammatory. Unfortunately, these benefits most likely do not outweigh the problems with grains previously discussed. They are inexpensive and profitable to store and manufacture.

Proper nutrition through diet and key supplements can help prevent global inflammation and the bombardment on tissues that may lead to eventual disease

         

SUPPLEMENT DOSAGE INFORMATION

* products may be in stock and available for sale at Allen Chiropractic Orthopedics. Call for details
NOTE: These statements and products have not been evaluated by the FDA.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Your ACO provider attempts to use only those products deemed of the highest quality and manufactured to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards exceeding standards currently proposed by the industry. There are contraindications to taking some supplements. The following dosage information is a general guide only, therefore it is recommended that you speak to your health care provider prior to initiating a supplement regiment.  

 

GENERAL HEALTH

MULTI VITAMIN: 2-3 tablets/day

MAGNESIUM: 400-1000 mg/day [take body weight in lbs, divide by 2.2, multiply by 6 = basilar need (baseline amount to run body processes) then add 400 mg] NOTE: if you experience diarhea decrease dosage 

FISH OIL (OMEGA 3): 1-3 grams/day

CO ENZYME Q10: 100 mg/day

VITAMIN D3: under 110lbs - 5000 IU/day, over 110 lbs - 10,000 IU/day

PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES: 2 grams/day/empty stomach/between meals 

FIBER SUPPLEMENT: 30+ grams/day (Note: consumption of fruits and vegetables contributes to overall daily fiber intake) 

JOINT HEALTH

GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE: 1500 mg/day

CHONDROITIN SULFATE: 1200 mg/day

BONE HEALTH

CALCIUM HYDROXYAPATITE: 1000 mg/day

DIGESTIVE HEALTH

PROBIOTICS: Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium 

ACUTE INJURY

PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES

 

INTRODUCTORY GUIDE TO THE FUNCTION OF KEY SUPPLEMENTS

MULTI VITAMIN

Even the Journal of the American Medical Association, not known as a supporter of dietary supplements, has finally agreed that everyone should take a multivitamin.  A multi could be considered "dietary insurance", since most individuals just do not get all of the required essential nutrients they need from their diet. 

It is important to know that no matter how hard we try to eat healthy, our food sources in this day and age alone are insufficient.  Research has soundly proven this fact.  The right raw materials are vitally important but depleted soils from over farming and poor soil management produce deficient fruits and vegetables (some are even grown hydroponically in water and fertilizer rendering our vegetables little more than colorful water laden empty calories).  Furthermore, combining this with cooking and selective breeding, many of the essential nutrients critical for anabolic repair are simply unavailable to most Americans.  Thus, our bodies demand the need for dietary supplementation.

MAGNESIUM

Magnesium is involved in basically all metabolic pathways. Every aspect of DNA synthesis and repair requires magnesium (joint, ligament, disc, etc.) Magnesium levels decrease as we age and taking in less Mg+ can elicit our stress response. A stressful state leads to hypercortisolism which has the potential to lead to immunosuppression, muscle atrophy, centralization of fat, osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, as well as disruption of mood and mental performance.

POTASSIUM

Potassium is largely found in cells (therefore blood tests for potassium will be low) only 2% is found in extracellular space (outside the cell). Potassium is the key rate limiting factor for vasodilation (opening of blood vessels). During exercise your body will demand an increase in blood flow to bring fuel to working muscles. If you are deficient in potassium (natural vasodilator) the body will produce PGE-2 (an inflammatory mediator) to vasodilate the blood vessels. Over time this can lead to a number of health risks such as increased risk for hypertension, stroke, diabetes, malaise weakness and muscle pain. We require 7-11,000 mg on a daily basis to function normally. In the U.S. urban whites consume about 2.527 mg of Potassium per day. It is estimated that our hunter gatherer ancestors consumed about 7,778 - 11,083 mg/day. According to this study we are consuming 400% less potassium than perhaps we should. Food sources rich in Potassium include: raisins, dark chocolate, nuts, avacado, spinach, bananas, and dried apricots.

FISH OIL (OMEGA 3)

Omega 3 Fatty acids are used to build cell membranes of all tissues types (nerve, bone, muscle cells etc.) Omega 3's reduce inflammation throughout your body. They are anti-inflammatory in the sense that they decrease the production of messenger chemicals (cytokines) which are involved in driving the inflammatory response.  Omega 3's keep your blood from clotting excessively, lower the amount of lipids (fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides) circulating in the bloodstream and inhibit thickening of the arteries. Omega 3 can also reduce the risk of becoming obese and improve the body's ability to respond to insulin by stimulating the secretion of leptin, a hormone that helps regulate food intake, body weight and metabolism.

COENZYME Q10

CoQ10 is needed by cells of our body to produce ATP (energy). It is also a powerful antioxidant and regulates global gene expression of skeletal muscle. It is important to supplement CoQ10 to the diet because not only does the natural production of it reduce as we age but levels we need are not readily available in most foods. For example at age 58-76 tissue analysis of the heart showed a 72% reduction in the production of CoQ10. The normal level of Co-enzyme Q10 in blood is around 1ug/mL. At least 100 mg/day of CoQ10 is required to increase blood levels from 1 ug/mL to 2ug/mL, which can be therapeutic.

VITAMIN D3

Vitamin D3 functions to maintain normal cell proliferation. A deficiency may allow for increased cell proliferation and lead to diseases such as cancer or arteriosclerosis. As an example breast and prostate tissue converts 25 OHD into 1,25 OHD in the presence of vitamin D. With an insufficiency of Vitamin D this process does not occur efficiently and can lead to increased cell proliferation.

GLUCOSAMINE & CHONDROITIN SULFATE

Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate are primary building blocks of joint and connective tissue. Research supports the benefits of taking glucosamine to maintain healthy joint tissues and prevent osteoarthritis. Chondroitin, when combined with glucosamine and vitamin C, has also been shown effective for lower back pain relief.

R-LIPOIC ACID

Is the biologically active form of alpha lipoic acid that boosts glutathione levels inside cells to protect against mitochondrial generated free-radicals, and thus their major side effect of loss of cellular vitality. 

GLUTAMINE

Glutamine is an important amino acid that helps maintain muscle mass, boost the immune system, support gastrointestinal health and sustain healthy growth hormone levels.  Of the 20 essential amino acids needed for protein synthesis, glutamine is the most abundant, making up 50% of all amino acids in the blood and 60% of those in the body.  Glutamine is one of those amino acids that is considered a “conditionally” essential amino acid because in certain circumstances the body is unable to produce enough glutamine to meet its needs.

CARNOSINE

Carnosine is a nutrient that prevents glycation reactions in the body.  Glycation is the toxic binding of glucose to the body’s proteins, it renders these proteins non-functional.  Most degenerative diseases are affected in one way or another by pathological glycation reactions (for example, glycation’s destructive effect on the arterial system results in loss of elasticity, hypertension and atherosclerosis).  Glycation is involved in disorders as diverse as cataracts, myocardial infarction, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, to name just a few.  Vegetarians have higher levels of advanced glycation end products in their blood compared to meat eaters because their diets lack carnosine, nature’s most potent anti-glycating agent. This is one of the major setbacks of the vegan diet lifestyle, a fact that many steadfast vegans remain unaware.  1000 mg of carnosine is necessary in the diet to overwhelm the carnosinase enzyme and protect against toxic glycation reactions (the body degrades 248mg of carnosine withing 5.5 hours, even that level is not enough to stop glycation).  Carnosine is essential for brain health and cellular life span extension (one study showed that carnosine induced a remarkable 67% increase in cellular life span).  Muscle carnosine levels drop 63% from age 10 to 70. 

SYNDERGISTIC BLEND OF GLYCOAMINO ACIDS, PROTEIN GROWTH FACTORS

Our stance is to normalize or potentiate the release of hormones to normal levels, in other words keep them at youthful levels.  (A few years back Dr. Allen's desire to learn more about optimal health management led him to advanced studies at the prestigious Cenegenics Institute in Las Vegas and eventual Diplomate status by the American Academy of Anit-Aging Medicine.)  Research shows that with aging after 30 our growth hormone levels are pathologic, meaning they are at clinical levels low enough to begin expressing disease processes and low enough that, like Thyroid hormone, physicians might consider normalizing these and other hormones to healthy levels. Studies show that the body can still produce adequate amounts of hormones into our later years, it just sometimes has a problem releasing them into the body where it can be put to use. It is interesting that the traditional medical establishment will alter patient’s body levels of thyroid, estrogen, progesterone (menopause in older women, birth control pills in younger women) and testosterone for example, but has a problem normalizing most of the precursors and regulators of these hormones such as growth hormone (hGH), pregnenalone and DHEA- hormones that are critical to good health and disease prevention.  Keep in mind, it is only recommended to potentiate these levels within normal safe limits for a patient, specifically to the upper quartile of normal (same theory as used at The Cenegenics Institute).  Research and the media have frightened the public on these hormones and other hormones, largely because they only pay attention to the side effects of studies that utilized supraphysiologic (higher than considered normal and healthy) hormone levels.  There are tremendous benefits here in implementing such a program.  Once again, we are utilizing supplements and vitamins in scientifically proven safe small amounts that bring levels to within healthy youthful ranges, all based on lab (blood, urine, saliva) testing. We base all of our nutritional plans and recommendations on sound medical research from only the most respected medical journals.  As an established patient you will be encouraged to do your own homework and readiing from our recommended archives so that you can better understand the process.

FIBER  

Psyllium Husks (pure plantango husks) – natural fiber supplement, do not take this at the same time as your daily supplements (it could reduce their absorption).  Trader Joe’s Pure Plantango Husks are an example of a psyllium husk product. A good product is one void of sugars, starches, salts, wheat, milk products and/or preservatives.  Fiber normalizes your stool patterns and adds bulk to stool which helps cleanse the bowels. Fiber can be obtained through our diet via the consumption of fruits and vegetables however, may of us do not consume enough in this fashion to reach the recommended dosage of 30+ grams/day  (the average American consumes 12-17 grams of fiber a day, hence the increased incidence of heart disease, diabetes and obesity in America).  For those that do not get enough fiber naturally, taking a second serving before dinner is an adequate (but less optimal) replacement.  

Research indicates that 30+ grams of fiber a day can decrease your risk of colon cancer by 40%, increasing fiber intake 10 grams a day can lower cardio-vascular risks by 14% and reduce death by heart disease by 27%.  Fiber lowers levels of triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol, C-reactive protein (a cardic risk factor) and blood pressure all of which are independent risk factors for heart attack and stroke.  Increases in fiber will also fight Metabolic Syndrome, a precursor to diabetes.  Another benefit of increased fiber intake is weight loss and control.  Fiber promotes satiety, it makes you feel full and satisfied.  Satiety is one of the keys to weight loss.  Fiber also helps to promote weight loss by preventing calorie absorption. 


PHARMACEUTICAL-INDUCED NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES

(Derived from a March 2006 paper in Life Extension Journal entitled Preventing Pharmaceutical-Induced Nutritional Deficiencies by Frederic Vagnini, MD and Barry Fox PhD)

"Millions of Americans suffer from an almost completely ignored epidemic of drug-induced nutrient depletion that can cause grave health problems. Perhaps 30% of pharmaceutical side effects are the direct result of these drug-induced nutrient deficiencies. Nutrient depletion caused by the drugs - rather than drugs themselves - is often directly responsible for many of the side effects associated with pharmaceuticals."

"Among the most common drugs linked to nutrient depletion are oral contraceptives, cholesterol-lowering statins, and antibiotics."

EXAMPLES OF DRUG INDUCED NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY

ALUMINUM ANTACIDS (Gaviscon, Maalox, Mylanta) - Popular over-the-counter remedies for heartburn, aluminum antacids are weak bases designed to neutralize excess stomach acid and keep it from burning the esophagus. May deplete your supply of, increase your need for, or interfere with the activity of:

  • Vitamin A
  • Folic Acid
  • Vitamin D
  • Calcium
  • Chrmium
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus
  • Zinc

ETHINYL ESTRADIOL plus NORGESTREL (Ovral, Lo/Ovral, Low-Ogestrel) - commonly known as the birth control pill. May deplete your supply of, increase your need for, or interfere with the activity of :

  • Folic Acid
  • Magnesium
  • Tyrosine
  • Riboflavin
  • Niacin
  • Vitamin B6 and B12
  • Vitamin C
  • Zinc

COLESEVELAM (WelChol) - used to treat elevated cholesterol, either by itself or in conjunction with a statin drug. May deplete your supply of, increase your need for, or interfere with the activity of:

  • Beta-carotene
  • Vitamins A, D, E, K
  • Folic Acid
  • Iron

REPUTABLE SUPPLEMENT COMPANIES

ANABOLIC LABORATORIES

Recommended products can be aquired from Anabolic Laboratories who have a history providing nutritional supplements for over 80 years

In the 1940's Anabolic Laboratories began operating an FDA licensed pharmaceutical facility, following standards of quality that are still yet to be implemented for dietary supplements

Today, Anabolic offers a complete line of premium quality nutritionals to chiropractors and tier patients that are backed by more knowledge and experience than any other supplement provider in the industry

Nutritional supplements are formulated by a research and development team of highly trained scientists and chemists, resulting in practical products that produce consistent results

THORNE RESEARCH

Since January 2000 Thorne's GMP's have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia, the most stringent governmental health organization in the world. Why Australia?  Because the U.S. Government doesn't do it yet.  Thorne Research company is fully TGA certified and has been since 2000.

 

SUPPORTIVE INFORMATION

HELPFUL BOOKS

The Paleo Diet. Loren Cordain, PhD - ISBN 0-471-26755-4

HELPFUL WEBSITES

www.paleodiet.com
www.naturalproductsassoc.org
www.anaboliclabs.com
www.thorne.com

 

A word to the wise,

“ You will eventually pay to keep your physical and mental health. 
Choose to do it now when it is less costly and more effective,
or choose later when it is more costly and less effective,
one way or another,  you will pay”.        -  Dr. Allen

 

RESOURCES

1. Holub BJ. Clinical Nutrition:4. Omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular care. Can Med Association J 2002; 166(5):608-15

2. Hands ES. Nutrients in food. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins;2000

    Enig MG. Know your fats. Silver Spring (MD): Bethesda Press; 2000

    Cordain L. The paleodiet. New York: John Wiley & Sons; 2002

3. Hartwig A. Role of magnesium in genomic stability (review). Mut Res 2001;475:113-21

4. Ford ES, Mokdad AH. Dietary magnesium intake in a national sample of US adults. J. Nutr 2003; 

    133:2879-82

5. Linnane AW et al. Human aging and global function of coenzyme Q10. Ann N Y Acad Sci.

    2002; 959:396-411

6. Seaman DR. Nutritional considerations in the treatment of soft tissue injuries. In Hammer

    ED. Functional soft tissue examination and treatment by manual methods. 3rd ed. Boston

   Jones and Bartlett; (in press for 2007)

7. Crane FL. Biochemical functions of coenzyme Q10. J Am Coll Nutr 2001;20(6):591-598

8. Cordain L. Cereal grains: humanity's double-edged sword. World Rev Nutr Diet 1999;84:19-73

9. Arnason JA, Gudjonsson H. et al. Do adults with high gliadin antibody concentrations have subclinical gluten intolerence? Gut 1992;33:194-197

10. Cordain L, Toohey L, Smith MH, Hickey MS. Modulation of immune function by dietary lectins in rheumatoid arthritis. Brit J Nutr 2000;83:207-17

11. Freed DLJ. Lectins in food: thier importance in health and disease. J Nutr Med 1991;2:45-64