Author Archives: pprincetta

Acid Reflux – The Diet and Beyond

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Acid Reflux – The Diet and Beyond

Reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES, between the esophagus and the upper portion of the stomach) becomes overly loose, allowing stomach contents to move upward, back into the esophagus. The problem, therefore, is not excess hydrochloric acid, but rather, a weakened LES. There are certain foods that may weaken the LES, such as chocolate, peppermint and alcohol. Food timing and post-meal activities are also factors. Individuals with an already weakened LES are advised not to consume large meals shortly before bed, since lying down can increase the pressure on the LES and cause reflux. Reclining in general after a meal may have the same result. It might not be comfortable for people to watch TV while sitting upright after dinner, but this position may give gravity a leg up in warding off reflux.Another factor that may exacerbate acid reflux is obesity—specifically, abdominal obesity, where fat is mainly carried at the midsection. A larger concentration of body mass in the abdominal area means increased pressure on the LES, with greater reflux being an obvious potential consequence. Certainly, not all overweight individuals experience reflux, and plenty of lean individuals do. So excess body weight is not an ironclad cause of reflux; it’s simply one among many contributors that could be addressed if an overweight patient experiences frequent heartburn.

There are, of course, foods that exacerbate acid reflux. But it’s important to note that they do just that—exacerbate, but not cause—the issue. At the top of the list are acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes and coffee. Alliums—which include garlic, onions and shallots—may also be a factor. The acidity and irritating potential of these foods do not cause reflux. When the LES is already weakened, these foods may be particularly irritating to the esophagus, which, unlike the stomach, is not coated in a layer of protective mucus.

Elimination diets have had some efficacy in relieving heartburn and indigestion. Individuals who adopt Paleo or “Primal”-style diets often experience complete relief, suggesting that refined grains, damaged oils and processed foods may contain LES-offending elements. Patients who experience acid reflux may benefit from keeping a food log, which could help them identify foods that trigger episodes of heartburn, specifically, and indigestion, more broadly.

An additional factor that may result in acid reflux is hiatal hernia. Again, it is unlikely that a hernia is the initial cause of reflux, but it may be a potentiating force upon an already weakened LES. Large hernias may impair timely esophageal emptying, resulting in prolonged acid exposure after an incidence of reflux. This would be especially true in the supine position, again hinting at the importance of remaining upright for some time after a meal.

When food sensitivities, psychological stress, body weight, alcohol intake, cigarette smoking and anatomical issues have been addressed and/or ruled out, and an individual still suffers from unpleasant acid reflux, an additional factor to explore is delayed gastric emptying. As mentioned earlier, this is often due to insufficient, rather than excessive, stomach acid. With inadequate HCl, food—in particular, protein—is not broken down sufficiently to trigger the opening of the pyloric sphincter, which would allow food to move from the stomach into the duodenum. As food remains in the stomach for an extended amount of time, the proteins may putrefy and carbohydrates may ferment, resulting in increased pressure upon the LES. The remedy for this would not be acid blocking drugs, but rather, increased acidity in the stomach, delivered in the form of HCl supplements, or perhaps lemon juice or vinegar taken with meals.

Due to its multiple causes, acid reflux can be difficult to treat. It’s not as simple as quitting coffee and avoiding spicy takeout food. Some cases may require a multi-pronged strategy to keep symptoms at bay, including targeted supplementation, lifestyle modifications and the identification of triggering foods.

Note:  I spent a career on this issue.  Just know Antacids are not the answer because the issue is NOT TOO MUCH ACID, but TOO Little.  My post on HCL Deficiency and Proton Pump Inhibitors will provide a plethora of information and answers.

Call or write me and we will figure it out!

Is it Really Acid Reflux?

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Is it Really Acid Reflux?

Let’s take a closer look at the use (or overuse) of proton pump inhibitors, and the dilemma they create by not addressing the real root of the problem. Proton pump inhibitors are often prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  GERD, whose symptoms include chest pain, chronic cough, sleep disturbances, and hoarseness, is characterized by too much stomach acid production, causing it to reflux into the esophagus. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors is used by many in order to suppress acid secretion in the stomach.

But proton pump inhibitors may not be the solution. Why?  Well, we typically do not produce more hormones, insulin, and enzymes as we age. The truth is that most body processes decrease as we age. Most people suffering with symptoms of acid reflux or GERD may actually be experiencing hypochlorhydria or too little acid, which is when the stomach is unable to produce adequate amounts of hydrochloric acid (HCL).

People with low stomach acid levels commonly have symptoms of gas, bloating, flatulence, and constipation or diarrhea. This low acid environment slows digestion. The protein in their food sits in the stomach and putrefies instead of digesting. The sphincter between the stomach and small intestine delays opening because the protein is not properly broken down into peptides due to the insufficient HCL production. The small intestine does not want whole proteins; instead it needs the amino acids from the broken down proteins. This faulty digestive process is associated with low, not high, hydrochloric acid. These acids back flow into the esophagus causing the pain we know as acid reflux.

The barrier that prevents HCL from traveling from your stomach up into your esophagus is called the esophageal sphincter. The cause of this sphincter dysfunction is inadequate levels of HCL. Since normal acid levels help prevent infection in your gut as well as enhance absorption of vitamins and minerals, supplementation with Betaine Hydrochloride will help to support these normal acid levels.  There are numerous companies making Betaine Hydrochloride supplements.  Standard Process first introduced its Betaine Hydrochloride way back in 1947!

Additional supplements may be needed to improve digestive function such as Probiotics and Glutamine. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)  is a soothing herb which helps relax the esophageal sphincter and protects the gastric mucosa and mucous membranes lining the digestive tract.

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of gastritis. The nutrients Mastic Gum, Methylmethionessulfonium, Zinc Carnosine, and Vitamin C address both eradication of H. pylori and the healing and protection of inflamed mucosal tissue.

Natural treatments offer a more effective approach than what is provided by proton pump inhibitors. In addition, proton pump inhibitors can induce several nutrient deficiencies including calcium, potassium, and magnesium. They also may cause serious neuromuscular and cardiovascular problems and increase the chance of hip fracture in people over 50 years of age.

Note:  I spent a career on this issue.  Just know Antacids are not the answer because the issue is NOT TOO MUCH ACID, but TOO Little.  My post on HCL Deficiency and Proton Pump Inhibitors will provide a plethora of information and answers.

Call or write me and we will figure it out!

Omega 3-B Vitamins-Cognition

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Omega-3 status influences the effect of B vitamins on cognitive decline

B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients involved in numerous metabolic processes that play a significant role in cognitive health. Due to the lack of new drugs to treat cognitive impairment, researchers are looking more and more at nutrients to delay or prevent cognitive decline. An interesting study just published January 6, 2016 in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease addressed this issue.  Here, researchers investigated whether omega-3 fatty acid status had an effect on the use of B vitamins in mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Previous studies have already established that B vitamins can slow cognitive decline in the elderly. In fact, last week I shared the importance of vitamin B12 in learning and memory later in life, and the relationship between age-related decreased B12 levels and their association with neurological disorders.

In this new study, we see that this effect of B vitamins on cognitive decline was most pronounced in those who had above average homocysteine levels, a biomarker related to B vitamin status that may be toxic to the brain. The research team found that there was a link between omega-3 levels, homocysteine, and brain atrophy rates. The connection may lie in the fact that homocysteine plays a role in regulating phospholipid metabolism and omega-3 distribution by the methionine cycle, and B vitamins are essential for the production of phospholipids.

Two hundred and sixty six participants with MCI over 70 year of age were randomized to B vitamins (folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12) or placebo for 2 years. Researchers measured baseline cognitive test performance, clinical dementia rating (CDR) scale, and plasma concentrations of homocysteine, DHA and EPA fatty acids. The final results for verbal delayed recall, global cognition, and CDR were better in the B vitamin-treated group according to increasing baseline concentrations of omega-3s. In contrast, the scores in the placebo group were similar across these concentrations. Among those with good omega-3 status, 33% of those on B vitamin treatment had global CDR scores >0 compared with 59% among those on placebo. Among all 3 outcome measures, higher concentrations of DHA alone significantly improved the cognitive effects of B vitamins, whereas EPA appeared to be less effective.

This study demonstrated that B vitamins have no effect on cognitive decline in MCI when omega-3 levels are low. However, when omega-3 levels are in an upper normal range, B vitamins can help slow down cognitive decline and brain atrophy. These findings suggest that a combination of fish oil supplements and B vitamins may help to improve cognition and reduce age-related memory decline.

Note: The ratio of EPA to DHA needs to be 2:1

My practice utilizes a wide array of Omega products.  A wide array because what works for one patient may not necessarily work for another.

Call or write me for additional discussion on this all important connection between the Omega’s, Methylation, B Vitamins and Cognition

 

Potassium Broth

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Potassium Broth

This Heart Healthy” potassium broth is good for the body in every which way

Ingredients

  1. #-4 chopped organic carrots
  2. 3 stalks of chopped organic celery
  3. !/2 bunch organic parsley
  4. 2-3 chopped organic red or yellow potatoes skins on
  5. !/2 head organic green cabbage
  6. 1 chopped organic onion
  7. !/2 bunch organic broccoli
  8. 2 TABLEspoons of snipped dry SEA GREENS such as wakame, nori or  dulse
  • Cover the vegetables with water in a soup pot
  • Simmer for 30 minutes
  • Strain and discard solids
  • You may add a pinch of salt such a Celtic or Himalayan
  • OR add 2 TEAspoons of Bragg’s Liquid Aminos or 1 TEAspoon of Miso

Store in the refrigerator (covered) such as a ball canning jar

Antibiotics Gut Microbiome

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One course of antibiotics can alter the gut microbiome for an entire year

According to a new study published just three days ago in the journal American Society for Microbiology, researchers demonstrated that a single course of antibiotics was strong enough to alter the gastrointestinal microbiome for up to one year.

There is a time and a place for antibiotics. They successfully fight infectious diseases and significantly reduce illness and death. However, many doctors still commonly over-prescribe these medications. In the US, antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause at least two million cases of disease and over 20,000 fatalities each year.

In this new study, the microbial diversity was severely affected for months after exposure in the healthy adults who were prescribed different antibiotics. Researchers specifically saw a decline in the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria.

The microbial diversity in the stool was significantly reduced for up to 4 months in participants taking clindamycin and up to 12 months in those taking ciprofloxacin. Amoxicillin had no significant effect on microbiome diversity; however, it was associated with the greatest number of antibiotic-resistant genes.

If a patient is prescribed a course of antibiotics, it is crucial that they concurrently take Saccharomyces boulardii. This is a non-pathogenic yeast that protects the microbiome during antibiotic therapy. S. boulardii is one of my favorite gastrointestinal support supplements, as it is protective to the intestinal epithelial cells and helps maintain intestinal barrier function. It also increases SIgA secretion, directly inhibits colonization of harmful bacteria, and restores normal intestinal function in patients with diarrhea.

The growing levels of antibiotic resistance and the exit of major pharmaceutical companies from antibiotic development make phage therapy another great treatment option for the rising number of untreatable infections. Phages have an 80-90% success rate against bacteria likely to show antibiotic resistance, such as Escherichia coli.

Other choices of nutrition intervention that should be considered include silver and various botanical extracts and essential oils, all of which have a long history of antimicrobial properties while being relatively sparing to the beneficial bacteria.

Note: I send out at least 10 articles per year on Microbiomes and the Global Microbiome Initiative. I do this because treating the Human Microbiome is the “Medicine of the Future”.

Note: In my practice I use high quality Phage products; the world’s best Microbiome products, Mild Silver Protein NOT Colloidal Silver, and imported herbs and spices..

Note: I have had friends of patients but not my patients state they are on their sixth antibiotic for sinus infections.  I cringe to think the effect on their intestines. According to the new AMA guidelines, antibiotics are no longer recommended for sinus infections..

Note: If antibiotics are used it is imperative to use a high quality Probiotic such as MBM or HLC Intensive.  99% of the probiotics on the market are not effective. Antibiotics are taken away from a meal and probiotics with a meal.

For more information regarding this issue please contact me [email protected] or 619-231-1778

NSAID’s

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NSAIDs – The FDA Has Weighed In

Modern conventional medicine is a mixed bag. Pharmaceutical drugs certainly have their place, and for sure, some of them are quite literally lifesaving. However, all too often, prescription drugs, as well as those that are available over the counter, are merely band-aids; they are intended to help manage symptoms, but they typically do nothing to address the underlying causes of those symptoms. Moreover, many pharmaceutical medications come with multi-page inserts full of warnings about undesirable and unpleasant side-effects. Undesirable and unpleasant are bad enough, but some effects of very commonly used drugs can be downright deadly.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently updated its warning about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, which are used mainly as pain relievers. One of the long-recognized potential effects of NSAIDs is gastrointestinal bleeding—which may, in some cases, become life-threatening. The updated warning, however, focuses on separate, but possibly even more sinister potential outcomes from taking these products: heart attacks and strokes. According to the FDA, risk for heart attack or stroke can occur within weeks of using an NSAID, with the possibility for increased risk with longer use and higher doses. It is not yet known for certain whether different types of NSAIDs carry different levels of risk (for example, naproxen versus ibuprofen). As stated by the FDA, current scientific evidence “is not sufficient for us to determine that the risk of any particular NSAID is definitely higher or lower than that of any other particular NSAID.” Patients with other risk factors for heart disease and stroke may be at greater risk for these complications from NSAIDs, but NSAID use elevates risk even in individuals with no predisposing issues.

Another somewhat alarming finding by the FDA is that “Patients treated with NSAIDs following a first heart attack were more likely to die in the first year after the heart attack compared to patients who were not treated with NSAIDs after their first heart attack.” This is particularly disturbing because heart attack patients are often encouraged to take low-dose aspirin daily in an effort to prevent future coronary events. Additionally, the FDA notes an association between NSAID use and increased risk for heart failure. Clearly, this advice may be doing more harm than good. It is highly likely that, despite package inserts and warning labels, consumers are unaware that, as the Cleveland Clinic advises, NSAIDs should not be taken for more than three days in a row for fever, or ten days for pain without being monitored by a physician.

This presents a dilemma for doctors and patients: how to manage the sometimes debilitating and disabling pain of conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, or severe premenstrual cramps, while minimizing the potentially fatal side-effects of NSAIDs. The method embraced by the functional medicine community would be—if possible—to ascertain the underlying cause(s) of the pain and inflammation, and take precise steps targeted toward addressing the problem at its roots. To that effect, any number of strategies may prove effective, either on their own, or in conjunction with NSAID use, until the condition improves to the point where NSAID dose can be titrated down and, potentially, in time, be discontinued altogether.

Pain and inflammation can be induced by any number of factors. Ultimately, the mechanism by which these sensations arise in the body is upregulation or inducement of enzymes involved in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, such as COX-1 and COX-2. (Many NSAIDs are non-selective, meaning, they inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, while a selective NSAID, celecoxib, inhibits only COX-2. At the time of this writing, the only selective NSAID on the market is prescription-only Celebrex®, manufactured by Pfizer. Other selective NSAIDs were withdrawn from the market due to higher than expected reports of unfavorable side-effects, including death.)

Natural substances may help to alleviate inflammation, as might an overall anti-inflammatory diet. Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices include ginger, turmeric and rosemary, and a diet low in omega-6-rich vegetable and seed oils, and higher in plant and animal sourced omega-3s may also help correct the imbalance of pro- and anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Helping patients identify undiagnosed food sensitivities could also prove to be an important strategy for reducing the need for high doses of pain relievers. For example, the Cleveland Clinic recommends avoiding nightshade vegetables and gluten, as these frequently exacerbate the pain associated with arthritis.

Like any pharmaceutical medication, NSAIDs may be of great help to some patients. However, the benefits should always be weighed against the risks, and steps should be taken to identify and correct the underlying imbalances that may be leading to inflammation in the first place.

Note: Temporary or once in awhile NSAID use is one thing.. Everyday use as we see on TV commercials (Alleve) is what will cause the long term problems.

Proton Pump Inhibitors and Kidney Disease

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Proton Pump Inhibitors and Kidney Disease

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease is increasing, with more than 20 million Americans affected by the disease. While it is well known that diabetes and hypertension are common risk factors, certain medications can also play a role and may be contributing to the epidemic.

According to two new studies that were just presented this past week at ASN (American Society of Nephrology) Kidney Week 2015 in San Diego, CA (November 3-8), certain acid reflux medications may have harmful effects on the kidneys. These types of medications, also known as proton pump inhibitors or PPIs, are among the top 10 prescribed medications in the United States.

In the first study, researchers from Johns Hopkins University followed 10,482 adults with normal kidney function from 1996 to 2011. They found that patients taking proton pump inhibitors were 20% to 50% more likely to develop kidney disease than patients not on these medications. These finding were not seen in patients using H2-blockers to suppress stomach acid.

In the second study, researchers from SUNY in Buffalo, NY found that among 24,149 patients who developed chronic kidney disease between 2001 and 2008, 25.7% were treated with PPIs. According to the study, those who took PPIs were less likely to have vascular disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and COPD, but PPI use was linked to a 10% increased risk of chronic kidney disease and a 76% increased risk of dying prematurely.

If we know the potential adverse effects of PPI medications, we can look at better alternatives to avoid the risk of chronic kidney disease and reduce their overuse.

Pharmaceutical interventions may provide symptom management but they do not correct many of the underlying factors, and many have side effects. Lifestyle changes and nutritional support are usually sufficient to address acid reflux. Patients should be encouraged to eat smaller portions at mealtime. They should also avoid laying down after meals and eating too close to bedtime. Alcohol and specific foods can trigger symptoms, so it is beneficial to identify and eliminate these problematic areas.

Although these medications may help with the symptoms, proton pump inhibitors may not be the solution. We typically do not produce more hormones, insulin, and enzymes as we age. The truth is that most of our bodies’ processes decrease as we age. Most people suffering with acid reflux or GERD commonly are suffering from hypochlorhydria, which is when the stomach is unable to produce enough hydrochloric acid. Hypochlorhydria can lead to other problems such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Nutritional supplementation may be beneficial to help improve digestive function, such as probiotics and glutamine. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is well established as an anti-ulcer and mucosal healing botanical, and is soothing and protecting to the gastric mucosa and mucous membranes lining the digestive tract.

Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of gastritis. Mastic gum, methylmethionesulfonium, zinc-carnosine and vitamin C address both eradication of H. pylori and the healing and protection of inflamed mucosal tissue.

These alternative approaches are typically more effective than what is provided by proton pump inhibitors and do not have side effects or other complications that may accompany PPI use, such as mineral deficiencies, bacterial infections, and dysbiosis.

Sources

Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Is Associated with Incident Chronic Kidney Disease Benjamin Lazarus, Yuan Chen, Francis Perry Wilson, Josef Coresh, Morgan Grams. Johns Hopkins Univ, Baltimore, MD; Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Queensland, Australia; Yale Univ School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.

Proton Pump Inhibitors Are Associated with Increased Risk of Development of Chronic Kidney Disease Pradeep Arora, Mojgan Golzy, Anu Gupta, Rajiv Ranjan, Randy L. Carter, James W. Lohr. Nephrology, VA Medical Center, Buffalo, NY; Medicine, SUNY, Buffalo, NY; Dept of Biostatistics, UB, Buffalo, NY.

 

Winter Preparation

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Winter Preparation

$16- per bottle * shipping

In preparation for the winter months, here are two products to keep in mind.  The first is the Complete Thymic Formula considered one of the worlds best multivitamin/multimineral containing thymic (not thyroid) fractions which support the immune system. I have been recommending this product as a preventative for well over 25 years.Most patients take 2 captabs once daily and as a result stay relatively healthy. If they feel an issue on the horizon, they can take 2 captabs twice daily.

You can call to order (800-556-5530) or order online through the link on my website is the easiest and best way to go about it   Logos Nutritionals   Create an account so they have you shipping address and place your order.

Secondly, the 2015 2016 Flu Nosode.  Unlike the Thymic Formula ,the nosode is is only used if and when the initial symptoms of the flu first appear. This homeopathic will prevent it from taking hold…

Guidance for formulating each years  flu nosode remedy is provided by The World Health Organization.

Because of viral drift mutation, the WHO blew it last year resulting in a flu vaccine that was worthless.  As a matter of fact it was less than 13% effective!!

This year’s flu formula includes the most recent H3N2 strain along with 3 other strains that have the potential to cause the flu. I have included the details below.

2015-2016 Annual Flu Nosode contains the following strains:

  • ·         A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)
  • ·         A/Switzerland/9715293/2013(H3N2)
  • ·         B/Phuket/3073/2013
  • ·         B/Brisbane/60/2008

**** This product comes directly from me. Please let me know if you would like to have a bottle or two  on hand “just in case”. by writing me at [email protected] or calling me at 619-231-1778

Lastly, here is are two  articles from Dr. Mercola

Flu Vaccine: The Unpredictable Prediction

Distrust Flu Vaccine–Wait Till You See What’s Coming Up Next

We want winter to empower us –not take us down !

Blood Pressure-Cardiovascular Damage

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Blood pressure medication cannot reverse previous cardiovascular damage

It’s not a question as to whether antihypertensive medication can significantly reduce the risk for a heart attack and stroke; however, this approach cannot reverse all of the previous damage or restore cardiovascular disease risk to ideal levels, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

This study analyzed whether effective treatment of hypertension could lower the risk of cardiovascular disease to that seen in people who have always had ideal blood pressure levels.Obviously, the best outcomes were seen in individuals who always had ideal blood pressure and never needed medication. Individuals who were treated with medication and achieved an optimal blood pressure level were still approximately at twice the risk of cardiovascular disease than healthy individuals; of course people with untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure were at the greatest risk.

These results confirm the importance of prevention and early detection. There needs to be a greater effort to maintain healthy blood pressure levels in younger adults in order to avoid increases in blood pressure as they get older that may require medication down the road. The author states that there needs to be a greater focus on healthy lifestyles and healthier eating patterns.

As practitioners, we need to investigate some of the factors that can contribute to hypertension, a condition which in many cases can be solved by simply addressing magnesium, potassium, and other nutrient deficiencies. By using the right blood tests, it is crucial to properly assess RBC nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, since they play a significant role with blood pressure regulation. These lab tests provide a better indicator of nutrient status compared to the serum. In addition, it is important to test heavy metals in the blood such as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Our environment is more toxic then ever and many people are exposed to these on a daily basis. Moderate to high levels of these metals in the circulation can significantly impact blood pressure. Also, CoQ10 (ubiquinone) is a powerful antioxidant most prominent in the heart which regulates cardiac function as well as protects against arrhythmia’s, cardiomyopathy, and hypertension.

It’s a fact that more than 50% of Americans are magnesium deficient. I cannot stress enough the importance of magnesium deficiency as a serious and common health problem, and probably the greatest predictor of all aspects of heart disease. Moderate doses of CoQ10 (200mg) and chelated bioavailable forms of minerals such as magnesium malate and potassium glycinate complex are great nutrients to support blood pressure. In addition, hawthorn, vitamin B6, and taurine have mild diuretic effects. Pomegranate also has a multitude of polyphenolic antioxidant compounds associated with blood pressure reduction.

It is important to keep in mind that high blood pressure is often just a small part of the picture, making it necessary to look deeper at the cardiovascular system of the hypertensive patient.

 

Adrenal Gland Function/Anatomy

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Adrenal Gland Function/Anatomy

The adrenal glands also known as the suprarenal glands are endocrine glands that sit on top of the kidneys. They are chiefly responsible for releasing hormones in conjunction with stress mainly cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine. The latter two are known as catecholamines. The adrenal glands effect kidney function by secreting a hormone known as Angiotensin II which is involved in regulating plasma osmosis. There is a 50 fold increase in kidney failure and this increase may be due to the impact of stress on the adrenal glands and its subsequent effect on kidney function.

The adrenal glands are divided by two distinct anatomies. The first being the outside core know as the cortex which is responsible for producing cortisol, aldosterone and androgens. The inner center known as the medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Corticosteroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol and include cortisol, corticosterone and androgens such as testosterone and aldosterone. Unlike the medulla which has direct nerve innervation, the cortex is regulated by neuroendocrine hormones secreted by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus.

The medulla or inner core of the adrenal gland is under direct supervision of the Sympathetic Nervous System through “circuitry” extending from Thoracic 5 through Thoracic 11. As mentioned above, the medulla produces both epinephrine and norepinephrine commonly known as noradrenaline. These are water soluble hormones derived from the amino acid tyrosine and are the major contributor to what is known as the fight-or-flight response.

The adrenal glands and the thyroid gland are the organs that have the greatest blood supply per gram of tissue. Up to 60 arterioles may enter each adrenal gland. This may be one of the reasons lung cancer commonly metastasizes to the adrenals.

Although all of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands are vital for our existence, in this piece, I will focus on Cortisol know in medical circles as “the death hormone”

Cortisol levels are most accurately measured using a saliva test requiring an early morning reading, a mid morning reading, and early afternoon reading and a mid-afternoon reading. The measurements should be highest in the morning and gradually decrease throughout the day. Cortisol can also be measured by blood tests but the results do not seem to be as accurate as saliva testing.

Contact myself or any physician who has an understanding of salivary hormone testing.  There are more than one laboratory in the US that offers testing such as this,.

The Cortisol Melatonin Circadian Coordination Rhythm is a phenomenon where the cortisol levels drop as the day progresses and the melatonin levels increase. Melatonin is responsible for naturally lowering cortisol levels.

Problems with the above cycle create problems within the Hippocampus portion of the brain and it is in the Hippocampus where Alzheimer’s and Dementia first appear.

Cortisol also plays a role in heart disease and blood sugar regulation.

Normal Cortisol levels are necessary to regulate the immune system, glucose and lipid (fat) metabolism and maintain cardiac output by increasing vascular tone and decreasing vascular permeability

Abnormal cortisol levels are associated with hypertension, increased heart rate and increased levels of total and low density lipoproteins cholesterol and fasting insulin and glucose levels.

Cortisol increases glucose levels and as such is an important factor in the development of Type II diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus). A study done in New York showed 1 in 7 New Yorkers will develop Type II diabetes. This condition which was once a minor population issue has now gone pandemic.

Through saliva testing, what is seen more often than not is low cortisol as opposed to high. This is known as “flat-lining” and it is directly associated with “burn out” caused by years of unyielding stress.

Since cortisol is produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands and since the cortex of the adrenal gland operates from transmitter signals originating in the Pituitary-Hypothalamus Axis. This axis also produces thyroid stimulating hormone known as TSH and this is why many believe the adrenal glands and the thyroid somehow work hand in hand with one another. Cortisol is known to inhibit T4 hormone to T3 and these two hormones along with TSH are major factors in thyroid health and function.

“The Pregnenolone Steal”

This is the phenomena where the super hormone Pregnenolone which is manufactured from cholesterol is used as the raw material to make the stress hormone cortisol instead of YOUR other hormones- such as thyroid hormones and sex hormones.

Adrenal Failure is measured in Stages I, II and III with three being the worst and most common.

There are a million products on the market to support adrenal health. Standard Process Food Supplements first introduced their product “Drenamin” back in 1941.

There are also a number of adatopgenic herbs such as various varieties of ginseng and licorice which have been made into tinctures since “the beginning of time” so to speak.

I use a variety of products which tend to support the adrenal glands as opposed to stimulating them.

But one should use supplementation for a limited time only to allow themselves to get from point A to point B. The real key to healing the adrenal glands takes much more than “popping a pill”. What follows are some way to manage stress.

  • Meditation, Meditation, Meditation—20 minutes twice daily would be perfect
  • Exercise – make it a daily habit & something you enjoy. Cardiovascular health at least 30 minutes per day, resistance training. Just do it!
  • Calming Exercise – yoga, tai chi, meditation – they will extend your life
  • Nutrition: Anti-inflammatory diet. Better eating habits. No coffee, sugar, soda, or junk. Don’t eat out of a bag, box, can, & THE SAME GOES FOR YOUR KIDS!
  • Balance perceived stress – change your response to stress…your reaction is your choice.  Change habitual reactions, especially with family.
  • Journaling 20 minutes a day decreases stress & inflammation.
  • Sleep at least 7 hours per day & be in bed by 10 p.m..

The above information is purely preliminary. Each individual should have a consultation regarding just this one issue (adrenal/stress) so as to determine the correct approach.

Preferably I would like to have professional documentation such as the saliva test for all 4 daytime cortisol levels.  However, with or without, I treat adrenal fatigue with an array of products depending on the patients specific needs–and again wanting to use supplementation  only temporarily;  using lifestyle changes for a long term guaranteed elimination of the problem

Dr Princetta is available for consultation regarding this issue. Call 619-231-1778; e-mail [email protected] or use the website drprincetta.com