Do You Have Fatty Liver Disease and not Know It?

As many as 20% of the adult population and 6 million children are estimated to have NAFLD or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.  Obesity and poor diet are believed to be the primary cause of this problem.
This disease can lead to much more serious problems such as cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer and even heart problems.

NAFLD is an excessive deposit of fat and scarring in the lobes of the liver.  This leads to further inflammation within the liver and, eventually, other systems in the body.  Inflammatory changes, we remember, are the basis of imbalances and disease.  And, since the liver is the primary center of detoxification in our bodies, this most important function is compromised.

How does one recognize fatty liver disease?  That can be much more difficult than you might think because the symptoms associated with this problem can be associated with many other different conditions: fatigue, weakness, nausea, loss of appetite, trouble concentrating, abdominal pain and even susceptibility to sickness. You may never be diagnosed with this problem but for blood work indicating changes in liver enzymes.

The best thing one can do is to prevent this disease from happening.  The best way to do this is by eating an organic, well balanced diet.  I have blogged the specifics of this in the past few months.  Health really does boil down to what we eat, drink and what and who we surround ourselves with.

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What Really is "Normal" When it Comes to Our Health?

The other day, someone was telling me about having gone to the medical doctor for a check up and needing to undergo the removal of a significant number of polyps in the colon.  I mentioned that I was sorry that the person was dealing with bowel problems and that helping to nutritionally re-balance the body was my area of expertise.  This person then said that there were no problems in the bowel, implying that this was just a routine matter.

I found this idea very interesting.  I think that many of us have bought into the idea that the breakdown of our bodies is a normal process.  True, we all age and, as such, can expect that we will feel differently than when we were in our twenties or thirties.  However, that doesn't mean that we necessarily will develop chronic conditions or diseases as a matter of course.  Polyps, for example, are caused by an inflammatory condition in the distal portion of the intestines.  This inflammation is caused by imbalance; in my opinion, all disease, pain and chronic problems are caused by imbalances in our bodies.

The question is:  "Do we believe that imbalance is the inevitable result of aging?"  I get the impression that most assume the answer is, "yes."  As we age, our cells rejuvenate at a slower and slower rate.  However, there are many things that we can do to significantly increase cellular regeneration into our seventh and eighth decades and even beyond.  Look at Betty White.  This amazing woman is 91 and has her own situation comedy and appears regularly in movies....one of my recent favorites is, "The Proposal."  I was just watching a news program on NBC  which highlighted a story about a 93 year old woman who still works as a riveter, just as she did in World War 2!  If possible, she looks even better than Betty White.

I know these are rare examples, but they do exist.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if we decided to develop and define a new paradigm for aging well and in a healthy manner and didn't assume that the chronic diseases that plague so many of us are, "just the way it is?"  We can do this, but I don't think that relying on medications with all their unintended consequences is the way to accomplish this goal.  I believe that understanding what foods, activities and behavior, both on an individual and global level, lead to imbalances is the way all of us can live healthy and productive lives well into the future.
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Do You Take Glucosamine and/or Chondroitin? Beware of the Following....

I was just reading about a study published in last month's issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology.   Many doctors are seeing a connection between the taking of glucosamine and chondroitin and altered liver function test results, especially in those over 59 years of age.

The population that was studied was a fairly small one and no serious liver damage was reported in conjunction with the taking of these supplements, but for anyone taking these in the above age group who has had an abnormal liver function test result, you might want to inform your doctor.

I've had quite a bit of experience with both of these supplements and I can say that the quality and derivation of these supplements varies quite a bit.  I don't recommend purchasing the less expensive products from a Wall Mart or CVS-type of facility as they carry laboratory-produced supplements.  I've written extensively about how lab supplements are produced in comparison to their more expensive and effective whole food counterparts.  I don't know what the source of the chondroitin or glucosamine was that was studied, but I'm betting that it was made in a lab.

At any rate, I think this is worth noting as any supplement that may cause an abnormal result in a lab test is worth knowing about.

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Planning on Having a Child? Read This, First!

Guess which country is the most expensive in which to give birth?  That's correct--the United States.  I suppose this really shouldn't be a big surprise, but in light of this fact, shouldn't we expect to have the lowest infant mortality rate?  I wrote about this in my May first blog entitled, "The Business of Being Born," in which I list a number of surprising countries that have a lower infant mortality rate than we: Cuba, Brunei, Croatia and Cyprus being among them.  What number are we in the US?  Number 34! Why is it that we pay the most of any nation in the world and receive, at best, mediocre results?

Did you know that the average hospital bill (this does not include the doctor's fees) for a C-section is over $14,000.00 and that for a simple vaginal delivery is over $9,000.00?  Why?  The answer appears to be, "fee for service," billing.  In layman's terms, "nickel and diming," practices.  Charges for every least little service/therapy that is delivered (no pun intended).  However, it really isn't as simple as that.

Recently, a medical doctor delivered her baby at a hospital.  She waited until the last minute, delivering 15 minutes after arriving.  She stayed that night and took her little one home early the next day.  Her baby stayed with her in the room and she received no medications during her short stay.  What was her hospital bill?  Over $14,000.00!!!!  She was appalled.  Now, we in the medical profession are pretty adept at understanding "billing-speak" and she combed over the bill.  It turns out that she was billed for two nights at $2200.00 a night (can you imagine what kind of high end spa at which we could pamper ourselves for that price?), pain medication that she was never given, nursery fees for two days in which her baby never stayed and numerous other fees, representing services of which she never received. After considerable negotiations with the hospital, it generously reduced the bill to around $9,000.00.

This story is not an isolated incident.  Indeed, it most likely represents the norm.  I believe part of the reason for these outrageous billing practices is because hospitals need to make up for fee losses as the result of being mandated to treat uninsured and under-insured people.  However, I think we need to be honest, here, and call out the hospitals for what many might consider to be outright lies and and deceptive billing practices.

What can be done about this, I truly do not know.  Most consumers find the bills they receive complex and difficult to read....perhaps, by design.  If we stay quiet, these deceptive practices will most definitely continue.  I see no relief offered by our President's health care reform.  Indeed, as we will all be forced to obtain health care in order to pay for those who cannot afford it, I see no reason the hospitals should change their billing practices.  Until consumers demand full disclosure and easy-to-understand hospital billing, nothing will change and we will continue to live in the country that charges the most to have a child without being held accountable for our high infant mortality rate.
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Sometimes, Researchers Just Don't Quite "Get It" When it Comes to Probiotics

I was reading a research article by Dr. Roberts, et. al., that was published in BMC Gastroenterology, in which they did a randomized controlled study regarding the efficacy of probiotics in the management of IBS.  Their two choices were:  a dairy source of probiotics and  non-probiotic dairy products.  These two sources were given to 179 people between the ages of 18 and 65 who experienced IBS symptoms. After 12 weeks on a non-probiotic dairy product or a dairy probiotic twice a day, the people showed no statistically significant improvement in their IBS from either source.

Now, we've been "talking" for over 8 months about all sorts of nutritional topics, the negative effects from eating dairy being one of them.  It amazes me that none of the researchers ever even thought to test the effects of a non-dairy probiotic in their study.  That is the material point GI inflammatory conditions...they are ALL exacerbated, if not caused in part, by dairy...especially cow's dairy sources!

I can tell you that, without exception, every patient who ever came into our office suffering from any of the gut diseases experienced significant relief from eliminating cow's milk dairy sources from their diets. We also had to eliminate other foods from their diet and/or perform adverse reaction to specific foods evaluations, but one of the "big three" offenders is always cow's milk.  So, the idea that probiotics derived from cow's milk is not particularly helpful, in my opinion.  And, as such, should never be used by anyone with any type of inflammatory condition.  I truly hope that someone will take the time to study probiotics that are not cow's milk derived;  I believe that the results of such a study would prove to be much different than those of this study.

No matter how much any of us likes Jamie Lee Curtis, she simply shouldn't be our source if information when it comes to diet and trying to promote gut health.  Unfortunately, cow's milk yogurt actually causes the very problems that her endorsed product claims to eliminate.

There are excellent non-dairy sources of probiotics that are readily available.

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Worried About Your Memory? Eat Chocolate!

I think that this is one of the best studies I've read in a very long time!  A group of neurologists, geriatric doctors and other scientists decided to study the relationship between neurovascular coupling and cognitive (memory and thinking) function in elderly people with vascular risk factors (aka risk for stroke or dementia)  to determine whether cocoa consumption might affect that relationship.

Simply put, neurovascular coupling is the relationship between neural function/activity and cerebral blood flow, which affect cerebral white matter integrity.  When one has a stroke, neural activity and blood flow are affected, as well as motor.  When one develops dementia, Alzheimer's or memory problems, blood flow in the brain, in the cognition areas, is always affected as well as neural activity.

I don't know who decided that cocoa might affect the way our nerves function or the blood in the brain flows, but what a great idea.  Sixty people, aged 73 (+/- 5 years) were given brain function tests, in a double blind study (the most accurate form of study) at 24 hours and 30 days after eating cocoa.  I won't go into all the technical details, but the results were amazing, at least to me.

After 30 days, the study showed a significant correlation between cocoa consumption and improved cognitive function.  Neurovascular coupling and cognitive functioning can be improved by eating cocoa, regularly.  Better neural activity is associated with, "greater white matter structural integrity," aka, better thinking power.  And, remember, this result could be seen in people who already showed cognitive impairment.  Think what eating cocoa, regularly, could do for those of us who haven't yet gotten to that point.

Now, this doesn't mean that you can eat all the Hershy's candy bars you want.  The cocoa content needs to be at least 70% and only 1-2 ounces per day.  Still, I think this is really exciting...see, we women knew all along that chocolate was good for us!
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The "Skinny" on Coconut Oil

It seems as though I have been barraged by e-mails, Linkedin topics and merchants such as VitaCost and Health Tree, to buy, buy, buy the wonder oil, coconut.  One doctor went so far as to publish the latest impressive-looking article about how coconut oil can protect one from heart disease.....until you actually read through the "mights" and "maybe linked to's" sprinkled liberally throughout the piece.   The article states that the use of coconut oil in the diet has dropped in Indonesia and India in the past couple of decades and the incidence of heart disease has risen in India but not in Indonesia. Therefore, the doctor somehow makes a connection between the incidence of heart disease and a drop in the use of coconut oil.  That simply looks like this person is trying to make a point, but the point is illusive, at best.

Over the years, I have had many people come to me asking about coconut oil.  Coconut oil contains no essential fatty acids, like the omega three fatty acids (hemp nuts, sunflower oil, olive oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil) that have been studied, extensively, and been proven to be heart-protecting fats.  The links between coconut oil and heart health has not been proven, at least in the many articles that I have read. Now, if the question is, "Is coconut oil a good oil for me to use in addition to other oils?" then, certainly, use small amounts of this oil in your diet.  But, if the question is, "Is coconut oil the only oil I need in my diet?" then, my answer is, "No."  Just as it is important to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains, it is very important to eat a variety of fats.

I like coconut oil, coconut flour and unsweetened coconut and use these items as part of our non-gluten diet regimen.  If you look at any of the recipes I have on my website, you will see that I use many other oils in my day-to-day cooking and baking.   It's simply important to remember that no one food or supplement or medication is a, "cure-all," for what ails us.  I included information as to the importance of eating a variety of foods and which foods are best for our overall health in a blog that I wrote last week.

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A Topic Request From one of my Readers

One of my favorite things to have happen is for my reader/readers to request a topic for discussion.  I really appreciate it when someone takes time out from their busy day to contact me about a concern or question.  This reader requested that I talk about fungus.  I'm guessing that it's not exactly a topic for discussion around the dinner table, but it is something that affects most everyone, sooner or later.

As a normal course of events, viruses, bacteria and fungi live on our skin and other body areas.  This is just a part of living on this planet.  When we are healthy, these microscopic organisms pose little threat to us.  However, as soon as our immune system is stressed, whether physically or emotionally, any or all of these organisms may affect us.

The most frequent cause of fungal infections is the result of a disturbance in the quantity and quality of the normally occurring bacteria in our intestines.  Once a person has taken even one course of an antibiotic, their flora population will be diminished significantly and fungal overgrowth can begin.  We have seen patients present with bowel problems and other associated difficulties from antibiotics.  Anytime you are taking even one course of antibiotics, you absolutely need to take a full spectrum probiotic; I'm sorry, but yogurt just won't help reestablish the necessary intestinal flora population.  If the intestinal environment is not normalized, a person will begin to experience symptoms of a systemic fungal overgrowth:  including nail and skin fungal infections and systemic inflammatory imbalances.

For anyone who has taken antibiotics and is experiencing symptoms from which they cannot seem to get relief, the first step is to normalize their intestinal environment with probiotics, most likely a number of courses of probiotics.  The adrenals, which mediate the immune system, will always be affected by intestinal imbalances and need to be supported, nutritionally.  Adrenal exhaustion is very common and is an underlying cause of chronic fatigue syndrome as well as other systemic chronic imbalances.  All this, from an all-too-frequently prescribed medication that has been introduced to our children as young as a few months old.  The younger the age this is first taken, the greater the effect will be over the ensuing years.  You might be surprised at all of the symptoms/problems that have been attributed to bacterial and fungal overgrowth...headaches, musculoskeletal symptoms, ear infections,  candida infections, hormonal imbalances...the list goes on and on.  I highly recommend probiotics for any children who have been taking antibiotic medication.  I would also ask why these medications are being taken...for what symptoms?  If it's an ear infection, the doctors in Europe are way ahead of their American counterparts on that score.  It has been shown over and over in numerous studies that antibiotics are not necessary in the majority of cases of ear infections. Develop a healthy immune system with specific nutriceuticals and the ear problems will retreat.

For those who are dealing with nail or skin fungal infections, you must begin taking probiotics and use a nutritional support such oil of oregano.  This is very effective, in most cases.  Also, if the toes are affected, my recommendation is to wear only cotton socks as nylon does not allow the skin to breathe.  Even if your dermatologist has prescribed only topical antibiotics or corticosteroids, I would still recommend the use of probiotics.



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Be Careful What Cosmetics You Use

Many of us use cosmetics, daily, without thinking about what chemicals are actually in them.  In the past 10 years, we have seen an explosion in the prescription of thyroid and other endocrine medications in our female patients.  I believe this is due, in part, to the widespread use of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the cosmetics and manufacturing industry.

Many of us, over the age of 55, remember the problems with the use of DDT and DES, both endocrine disrupting chemicals.  DDT almost completely devastated the raptor and robin population in this country and DES caused breast and ovarian cancer as well as female babies ( as young as 9 months old) to lactate!  However, there are a host of other equally potentially damaging chemicals in widespread use that have not been banned by the FDA.  Some of these chemicals are commonly used in our cosmetics--parabens and phthalates, for example.

I am including a website that I think contains very valuable information concerning this topic for those of you using commercial, non-organic based cosmetics.   http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

100 percent pure is an online company that offers lip sticks, cosmetics, lovely eye shadows and bath and body products that are all certified organic.  I posted their website on my Facebook page some months ago.  I highly recommend you check out their website.  http://www.100percentpure.com

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Causes of Breast Cancer

I was reading an article about breast cancer.  On the website, you could find the statement that environmental factors have been found to be associated with only 7-9% of the cases of breast cancer. As I continued to read, I began to get the idea that this health care professional was a bit more interested in selling their "formula" for breast health than giving women concrete scientific data.

There is an excellent book on the subject of breast cancer that I have recommended in past blogs, but I believe that it's a good idea to give you the title and author, again.  Dr. Jane Plant, a British scientist, wrote this book in response to her personal journey with repeated bouts of breast cancer and remission.  It is an easy read but full of important information.  "Your Life In Your Hands," was written over a decade ago but is still very much relevant to today.

The website to which I referred in my opening paragraph talks about the importance of hormone balance, eating an organic diet, decreasing stress, taking specific supplements and many more topics.  All these points are valid when talking about breast or any other type of cancer, when you get down to it.  However, there is one important point that most everyone, doctors and laymen alike, fail to talk about in terms of a major contributing factor to the cause of breast cancer....it's not the environment or stress or lack of supplements or imbalance female hormones....it's a genetically modified hormone that we have been ingesting since the 90's...rBGH.  Sources:  all non-organic dairy, all non-organic beef and any other animal that the government has allowed to be injected.

For any of you who have a concern about breast cancer, please read this book.  It just might save your life or the life of someone you love.

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Guided Imagery: More Effective Than Medication?

Over the past few decades, the effectiveness of guided imagery/visualization has been the subject of numerous research studies.  These studies have shown the positive impact that guided imagery can have on the health, creativity and performance of an individual.  When we first began our practice, biofeedback was in its infancy and definitely not widely accepted by the medical profession as having any credibility.  Now, this and other forms of guided imagery are an accepted part of medical practice by most physicians.

We know that just ten minutes of imagery can reduce blood pressure and reduce cholesterol.  It has shown to reduce blood loss during surgery and postoperative morphine use as well as reducing the intensity of headaches and pain.  It can reduce anxiety and reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy, especially nausea, depression and fatigue.  It has been found to be very effective for the treatment of emotional stress, which has been shown in various studies to negatively impact fertility.

Imagery is at the center of relaxation techniques designed to release brain chemicals that act as your body's natural brain tranquilizers, lowering blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety levels.  Dr. Bernie Siegel, an internationally recognized expert in the field of cancer treatment and complementary medicine says, "Guided visualization and mind/body programs can be applied to fertility issues just as well as patients experiencing more serious health concerns."

For more information about the science behind some of these programs, please see:
http://www.circlebloom.com/the-secret-power-of-guided-visualization-does-it-work-for-fertility/#!

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Your Exercise Routine Might not be Helping You as Much as You Think

Most of us have been told that regular exercise helps to relieve stress.  Intuitively, that makes perfect sense.  However, research as far back as three decades shows that ones state of mind can affect the effectiveness of our exercise routine.

A study at Yale University, published in Psychosomatic Medicine in August, 1981, detailed the relationship between exercise and stress.  The researchers used actors because of their ability to access emotional states.  The actors were divided into two groups.  The first group was asked to make themselves angry.  The second group was asked to remain as calm and peaceful as possible.  Both groups were monitored for physiological functions, including heart rate, blood pressure and respiration.

The subjects were asked to perform light exercise, such as climbing a set of stairs.  The "angry group" showed a marked difference in physiological functions (increased heart rate and blood pressure that was significantly greater than expected for both light exercise and their baseline data) from the "peaceful" group.  Only in the "peaceful" group did the exercise prove advantageous.  

Commonly held beliefs that exercise reduces stress have been proven incorrect when the subjects performing the exercise are emotionally stressed.  Our state of mind when exercising is just as important as the type and duration of the exercise, itself.  One has to wonder why this information is not more forthcoming from the exercise-focused community, including our medical community.

Perhaps, yoga or meditation before exercise would be beneficial for all of us, on many levels.

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