Author Archives: pprincetta

Vitamin D-Comprehensive

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It is only within the last few years that the important role Vitamin D plays has been researched and recognized.

Here are some facts regarding “Vitamin D” which is actually a hormone as opposed to a vitamin.
* Vitamin D, also called Calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin which means it is found primarily in animal fat. Unlike other vitamins that must be obtained solely through supplements or diet, vitamin D is manufactured in the body when sunlight comes in contact with the skin.

Here is a short list of what Vitamin D is responsible for.

  • Vitamin D is responsible for regulating over 800+ genes in the body!
  • It is a known fact that Vitamin D 25- Hydroxy levels lower than 15  will lead to many varieties of Cancer especially Colon Cancer
  • Vitamin D deficiency was responsible for older patients losing their balance and falling.  Two studies, one from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society and the other in Pharmaco Economics support this theory
  • .Low Vitamin D associated with age related cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimers.    In a new study published earlier this month in JAMA Neurology, researchers demonstrated a significant association between vitamin D insufficiency and cognitive decline that is specifically seen in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The results reinforce the importance of identifying vitamin D insufficiency among the elderly. Here, low vitamin D levels were associated with significantly faster rates of decline in memory and executive function performance..
  • Vitamin D has historically been used to treat Low Blood Pressure as there appears to be a correlation between blood pressure and low blood calcium levels and Vitamin D is directly responsible for where calcium should be and should not be.
  • Vitamin D is vital for bone growth and repair, especially in children and the elderly. Calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood stream are maintained by vitamin D. Vitamin D assists in the absorption of these important nutrients during digestion. This role in calcium and phosphorous absorption makes vitamin D an important part of bone growth and maintenance; and liver and kidney health Vitamin D also contributes to the function on the thyroid gland and to the immune system.

*The vast majority of the vitamin D used in the human body is manufactured in the skin. When vitamin D is consumed it is absorbed into the blood stream from the intestines with the help of bile. From the intestines Vitamin D is transported to the liver where it may be stored or used by the body. The daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin D is 400 IU’s for an average adult man/woman.

Why suddenly is everyone Vitamin D deficient?

  • Not eating the foods high in Vitamin D which include fish liver oil, egg yolks, butter and cod liver oil. Vitamin D which naturally exists in milk is destroyed during the pasteurization process making it necessary to replace the naturally occurring Vitamin D that once was in the milk with synthetic Vitamin D which the body cannot utilize
  • Not enough sun exposure due to fear that the sun causes cancer when in fact that is not the case. Poor diet is!
  • Actually,  it may not be a deficiency of Vitamin D atoll, but a deficiency of Vitamin F, Vitamin D’s antagonist. Vitamin D picks up calcium from the gut and puts it into the blood. Vitamin F takes it from the blood and puts it into the tissues.

How to Optimize Vitamin D?

  • To optimize your levels, you need to expose large portions of your skin, such as your back, chest, legs, and arms, to sensible sun exposure. And, contrary to popular belief, the best time to be in the sun for vitamin D production is actually as near to solar noon as possible.
  • During this time you need the shortest exposure time to produce vitamin D because UVB rays are most intense at this time. Plus, when the sun goes down toward the horizon, the UVB is filtered out much more than the dangerous UVA.
  • Just be cautious about the length of your exposure. You only need enough exposure to have your skin turn the lightest shade of pink. Once you reach this point your body will not make any additional vitamin D due to its self-regulating mechanism. Any additional exposure will only cause harm and damage to your skin.

Vitamin D is important, but as we know, it is not the only key player. It is also important to assess calcium, magnesium, vitamin K2, and other trace minerals for deficiencies and support accordingly. There are several labs that can assess RBC minerals and fat-soluble vitamins.

What about Vitamin F–I never heard of this vitamin before?

  • Vitamin F is a source of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids which are needed to transport calcium from the blood to the tissues.
  • It contains Linolenic and Linoleic Acids which the liver will convert to Arachidonic Acid.  Arachidonic acid is the only form of polyunsaturated fat that can be utilized by the body.
  • It does not exist in vegetable oil—only in fat meat and butter—not margarine.
  • Because polyunsaturated fats reduce blood-cholesterol levels, they are much preferred over saturated fats.

D without F will cause the blood calcium level to increase at the expense of the tissue calcium level because Vitamin D not only picks up calcium from the gut in a deficiency of F, it brings calcium from the tissues back into the bloodstream and then targets the additional D to be stored by the Liver.

Vitamin F Deficiency results in or plays a major role in the following conditions::
* Hives                                     *Dry Skin
* Itchy Skin                              *Muscle Cramps (Charley Horse)
* Canker Sores (Herpes)        *Sun Poisoning
* Hypothyroidism                     *Sun Sensitivity
* Ridged Nails                          *Heat Prostration
* Poor Hair Quality                   *Prostate Problems

In my practice, I often recommend a blood test called Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy to determine the blood levels of Vitamin D.. Once the blood Vitamin D levels are determined, I may recommend specific supplements;hopefully on a short rather than long term basis.  I do not want my patients to stay on supplements forever, and prefer they increase their D levels using foods and the sun.

Note: Because vitamin D is stored in the body (in the liver), it can be toxic if taken in excess quantities. Vitamin D doses of three of four times the RDA may result in nausea, excessive thirst, confusion, heart rhythm abnormalities, weakness and headaches. Vitamin D is also known to interfere with certain medications including steroids and some seizure drugs. Point being do not take Vitamin D because it is a new fad–see a health care provider that knows what they’re doing, get the lab test and correct appropriately

There is a lot of chatter going on regarding Vitamin D.  For further information on the subject, feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 619-231-1778

Doses of Vaccines Children 0-6 Years

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 Doses of Vaccines for Children 0-6 years of Age

                             Vaccinations 1980  (9Total)

DPT     (2 months)                       Polio  (6 Months)

Polio    (2 Months)                        MMR  (12 months)

DPT     (4 months                        DPT    (18 months)

Polio    (4 months)                       DPT     (60 months)

DPT     (6 months)

                             Vaccinations 2015  (34 Total)

HEP B    (birth)                           HIB     (6 months)

HEP B   (2 months)                   Influenza (6 months)

Rotavirus (2 months)                 HIB    (12 months)

DTaP    (2 months)                    PCV    (12 months)

HIB       (2 months)                    MMR   (12 months))

PCV     (2 months)                   Varicella (12 months)

IPV       (3 months)                    HEP A  (12 months)

Rotavirus  (4 months)               DTaP    (18 months)

DTaP     (4 months)                   Influenza (18 Months)

HIB         (4 months)                  Hep A  (18 months))

PCV         (4 months)                 Influenza (30 months)

IPV          (4 months)                  Influenza (42 months)

HEP B      (6 months)                  DtaP (48 months)

PCV         (6 months)                  IPV (48 months)

IPV          (6 months)                   MMR (48 months)

Rotavirus (6 months)                 Influenza (60 months)

DTaP       (6 months)                 Influenza (72 months)

Influenza (48 Months)

Varicella (48 months)

Tomatoes are Tremendous

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Tomatoes are Tremendous

It wouldn’t be summer without plump, juicy heirloom tomatoes piled high on a table at the farmers’ market, or containers of cherry tomatoes as sweet as raspberries reappearing in supermarkets for the season. Eating a rainbow of produce is an effective—and tasty—way to ensure intake of a wide array of nutrients and phytochemicals; and just within the tomato family itself, you can find red, green, yellow, orange, and purple varieties.

With their low carbohydrate content, fiber, and complement of nutrients, tomatoes fit nicely into many different nutritional strategies, including vegetarian, low-carb, and Paleo-style diets. Due to tomatoes’ natural sweetness, people on very low carbohydrate diets sometimes avoid them, but this isn’t necessary. Tomatoes—particularly when they’re in season—are sweet, but although they have a slightly higher glycemic index than, say, spinach and broccoli, their glycemic load is extremely low. This means it would take a very large amount of tomatoes to have an adverse impact on blood sugar, although, of course, individual sensitivity to carbohydrate varies. They are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K1, beta-carotene, and potassium.

Tomatoes are perhaps most touted for their antioxidant phytochemical, lycopene – best known for its role in men’s health (lycopene is the most abundant carotenoid found in the prostate gland). This great antioxidant has other beneficial roles worth mentioning. Lycopene may help prevent sunburn, and studies have shown it also has the potential to be mildly hypocholesterolemic via naturally inhibiting HMG CoA reductase, as well as increasing LDL receptor synthesis. Interestingly, lycopene concentration is higher in tomato products—such as tomato paste and tomato sauce—than in fresh tomatoes. As a fat-soluble carotenoid, the body absorbs lycopene best when taken with some fat—in case anyone needed an excuse to drizzle a fresh tomato salad with a little olive oil, or sprinkle some cheese over tomato sauce and zucchini noodles.

As if their flavor and nutrient content weren’t good enough reasons to eat tomatoes, there’s another beneficial substance hiding in tomatoes, tucked away like a little secret: melatonin! Yes, it’s true: tomatoes contain a small amount of melatonin, and it seems to have a similar function in plants as it does in humans: regulation of the circadian rhythm. A study in which multiple tomato cultivars were grown in the same greenhouse, but some were grown in full sunlight while others were shaded, found that the shaded tomatoes had as much as 135% more melatonin than the non-shaded ones, suggesting that light exposure plays a role in their melatonin content, just as melatonin synthesis is regulated by photo-exposure in people. Some researchers have pointed to the bioactive phytochemicals in various plants as being a key factor contributing to the healthfulness of the Mediterranean diet. In looking at select foods common in certain Mediterranean countries, they noted tomatoes, olive oil, wines, and grape skins, for their melatonin content, which, while small, might still be one part of the multifactorial picture underlying the benefits of this traditional cuisine. At about 250ng/g of dry weight, the melatonin content of tomatoes isn’t enough to act as a sleep aid, but it’s an interesting bit of trivia nonetheless.

Don’t limit yourself to the more common red tomatoes. Other varieties bring enhanced nutritional properties, such as purple tomatoes, which have a higher anthocyanin and antioxidant content. Plant breeders recognize these as providing a longer shelf life and protection against certain plant pests, but they’re helpful for human health, as well. Yellow tomatoes also have something to offer beyond their sweet taste. While the lycopene in red  tomatoes has been shown to be helpful in fighting prostate cancer, serum from rats fed yellow tomatoes—which contain no lycopene—has been shown to beneficially influence expression of  Connexin43 (Cx43), a protein that regulates cell growth, on human prostate cancer cells in vitro.

With summer upon us, enjoy the bounty of tomatoes the season offers and enjoy experimenting in the kitchen with this wonderful food. You can find such a great variety of recipes, both hot and cold, where tomatoes add a splash of flavor, a touch of color, and of course, nutrition galore.

Note: As a Sicilian American my family’s whole life revolved around tomatoes. Every autumn my grandfather bought hundreds of cases of plum tomatoes which he my grandmother and all the aunts cooked, prepped and canned for the entire coming year. I say hundreds because there were 10 families and each of those 10 needed enough jars to make “gravy” every Sunday.  I also remember my NoNa taking tomatoes onto the roof to make tomato paste–another time consuming process worth the time and energy it took to make. When they passed the family no longer canned the tomatoes; and buying them in cans just about killed them–but they adjusted to the “modern times” of 1965.

Drinking Too Much Water?

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Considering that the human body is upwards of 60% water, maintaining adequate hydration is fundamental to good health. With so many enticing energy drinks, fruit juices, bottled tea and coffee on the market, humble, life-sustaining, plain ol’ water sometimes gets forgotten. Dehydration obviously has disastrous effects. Water is so critical to processes throughout the body that when there isn’t enough to go around, the body may perform a kind of triage, prioritizing the use of water in some systems, while causing shortages or imbalances elsewhere. Due to water’s role as a constituent of blood, digestive secretions, synovial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and more, insufficient hydration can lead to acute as well as chronic health problems, including some that may be life-threatening.

Patients have long been counseled to consume approximately eight-8oz glasses of water daily just to maintain a baseline of hydration, and then consume additional amounts if they are physically active, and if the weather is hot and dry. People seeking to lose weight often receive advice to “fill up” on water, in an effort to consume fewer calories from food. Unfortunately, overhydration from excess water consumption can result in complications just as dangerous and deadly as those of dehydration. And overhydration is no longer a very rare occurrence limited to marathon runners. It’s happening in other sports, too, even among high school athletes, and there have also been incidents of dangerous overhydration resulting from university fraternity hazing rituals.

The most significant result of overhydration is hyponatremia, or low sodium in the blood. This does not necessarily mean that the absolute amount of sodium is low; it may be that the amount and rate of water intake has surpassed the body’s ability to maintain proper osmotic balance, and the sodium concentration is diluted by far too much water. As the body tries to restore osmotic balance, the diluted sodium content of the blood and extracellular fluids leads to cells absorbing excessive amounts water. This results in the signs and symptoms of overt hyponatremia: weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and/or vomiting. In a clinical setting, where sodium levels can be measured, serum sodium concentration will show <135 mmol/L. Extremely severe cases—in which serum sodium levels are <129mEq/L—may result in seizures, coma, and even death.Hyponatremia may result from specific medical conditions (such as syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion [SIADH]), but when it is the consequence of deliberate or inadvertent consumption of excessive amounts of water, the other name for hyponatremia—water intoxication—emphasizes just how dangerous a situation it can be. Some of the symptoms of hyponatremia are attributable to swelling in the brain, which is why this condition must be taken seriously and may require immediate medical attention. Pulmonary edema is another dangerous potential effect of hyponatremia.

Regarding adequate hydration, individuals should let thirst be their guide. The oft-repeated saying that when you’re thirsty, it’s already too late, is incorrect. Common sense should be a guide, too. If someone has been sweating a lot, they should replace water and electrolytes, either with a beverage or supplement specifically formulated for that purpose, or even by adding a pinch of unrefined salt to their water.

According to the 2015 consensus statement regarding exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) published in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, “The safest individualized hydration strategy before, during and immediately following exercise is to drink palatable fluids when thirsty. Studies verify that participants allowed free access to fluids during treadmill walking in the heat or running 30 km under different ambient conditions maintain plasma osmolality by drinking to thirst. Thus, drinking to thirst will, in most cases, prevent both dilutional EAH and performance decrements due to excessive dehydration.”

The experts agree: there is no need to engage in “prophylactic hydration” above and beyond normal water consumption. Patients should let thirst and common sense be their guide, paying attention to how much they’re sweating, whether they’re replacing electrolytes, and, above all, how they feel. As with all vital nutrients, people can get too much of a good thing. Just because some water is essential, it doesn’t mean more is always better.

Note: I ask with every one of my patients how much water they should be drinking and across the board it is somewhere between 64-96 ounces

Note: The brain signal for hunger and thirst are similar. Sometimes when one is hungry, they really are thirsty.

Note: Animal Protein requires more water to digest while foods cooked in water such as brown rice require less. Sugar also requires more water.

Hypertension Drugs 2015

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Chemical and Brand Names of Drugs Commonly Used to Treat Hypertension

By Richard N. Fogoros, M.D.   Updated May 2015

Diuretics

Diuretics (“water pills”) increase the amount of sodium and water excreted into the urine by the kidneys. It is thought that they lower blood pressure mainly by reducing the volume of fluid in the blood vessels.

Diuretics commonly used for hypertension:

  • Acetazolamide – Diamox
  • Chlorthalidone – Thalidone, also sold as Tenoretic and Clorpres
  • Hydrochlorothiazide – HydroDiuril, also sold as Microzide and Esidrix
  • Indapamide – Lozol
  • Metolazone – Zaroxolyn, also sold as Mykrox

Diuretics less commonly used for hypertension:

  • Amiloride hydrochloride – Midamor
  • Bumetanide – Bumex
  • Ethacrynic acid – Edecrin
  • Furosemide – Lasix
  • Spironolactone – Aldactone
  • Torsemide – Demadex
  • Triamterene – Dyrenium

Beta-blockers

Beta blockers block the effect of adrenaline on the cardiovascular system, slow the heart rate, and reduce stress on the heart and the arteries.

  • Acebutolol – Sectral
  • Atenolol – Tenormin
  • Betaxolol – Kerlone
  • Bisoprolol – Zebeta, also sold as Ziac
  • Carteolol – Cartrol
  • Carvedilol – Coreg
  • Labetalol – Normodyne, also sold as Trandate
  • Metoprolol – Lopressor, also sold as Toprol
  • Nadolol – Corgard
  • Penbutolol – Levatol
  • Propranolol – Inderal, Inderal LA
  • Timolol – Blocadren

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers can reduce blood pressure by dilating the arteries and, in some cases, reducing the force of the heart’s contractions.

  • Amlodipine – Norvasc, also sold as Caduet and Lotrel
  • Diltiazem – Cardizem, also sold as Dilacor and Tiazac
  • Felodipine – Plendil
  • Isradipine – DynaCirc
  • Nicardipine – Cardene
  • Nifedipine – Procardia XL, also sold as Adalat
  • Nisoldipine – Sular
  • Verapamil hydrochloride – Isoptin, also sold as Calan, Verelan, and Covera

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (the “ACE inhibitors”) can lower blood pressure by dilating the arteries.

  • Benazepril – Lotensin
  • Captopril – Capoten
  • Enalapril – Vasotec, also sold as Vaseretic
  • Fosinopril – Monopril
  • Lisinopril – Prinivil, also sold as Zestril
  • Moexipril – Univasc
  • Quinapril – Accupril
  • Ramipril – Altace
  • Trandolapril – Mavik

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (the “ARBs”) reduce blood pressure by dilating the arteries.

  • Candesartan – Atacand
  • Irbesartan – Avapro
  • Losartan – Cozaar
  • Telmisartan – Micardis
  • Valsartan – Diovan

NOTE: Nursing homes report the # 1 cause of spontaneous dementia is the ACE inhibitor Lisinopril.  There are hundreds of lawsuits pending.

Other, Less Commonly Used Hypertension Drugs

  • Clonidine – Catapres
  • Doxazosin – Cardura
  • Guanabenz – Wytensin
  • Guanfacine – Tenex
  • Hydralazine hydrochloride – Apresoline
  • Methyldopa – Aldomet
  • Prazosin – Minipress
  • Reserpine – Serpasil
  • Terazosin – Hytrin

Combination Drugs for Hypertension

Numerous combination drugs have been marketed for hypertension, and it is almost impossible to keep track of new ones that come along, or old ones that fade away. The following is a reasonably complete and up to date list of the most commonly prescribed combination drugs used for hypertension.

  • Amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide – Moduretic
  • Amlodipine and benazepril – Lotrel
  • Atenolol and chlorthalidone – Tenoretic
  • Benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide – Lotensin HCT
  • Bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide – Ziac
  • Captopril and hydrochlorothiazide – Capozide
  • Enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide – Vaseretic
  • Felodipine and enalapril – Lexxel
  • Hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide – Apresazide
  • Lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide – Prinzide, also sold as Zestoretic
  • Losartan and hydrochlorothiazide – Hyzaar
  • Methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide – Aldoril
  • Metoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide – Lopressor HCT
  • Nadolol and bendroflumethiazide – Corzide
  • Propranolol and hydrochlorothiazide – Inderide
  • Spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide – Aldactazide
  • Triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide – Dyazide, also sold as Maxide
  • Verapamil extended release) and trandolapril – Tarka

Magnifical

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Magnifical is a revolutionary mineral and herbal complex that holds tremendous potential in the field of anti-aging medicine. It is designed to provide magnesium and other nutrients that are critical to healthy heart function and to provide outstanding support for strong bones and teeth.

Most importantly, Magnifical contains nutrients that are known to support the transport and utilization of calcium out of the soft tissues and back into the bone where it belongs.

Thinning of bones (demineralization) and corresponding calcification of soft tissues is
one of the benchmarks of the aging process. The leaching of calcium and other minerals
from the bones in order to maintain blood pH and neutralize acid wastes caused by our
carbohydrate laden diet catches up with us in the form of osteoporosis, cardiovascular
disease, hormonal imbalances and a multitude of other ailments. To learn more about
the critical role that bone health ‘plays in the aging process, go to our website and read
the published article, “Strong Bones – The Ultimate Anti-Aging Strategy”.

The need for calcium and magnesium supplementation is well established today, but
typical Cal/Mag products (with their poorly absorbed mineral forms presented in the
wrong ratios) are woefully inadequate. In fact, long term consumption of excessive
calcium can lead to a buildup in the urinary tract, gall bladder (kidney and gall stones),
arteries or other internal organs.

Rather than introducing massive quantities of poorly absorbed calcium into the body in hopes of it being assimilated and properly excreted (which is what modern and even alternative medicine is doing), Magnifical seeks to regulate calcium metabolism itself.

Therefore, those who understand how the body uses bone minerals to regulate various body systems are recognizing Magnifical as The Ultimate Anti-Aging formula!

Magnifical has been specially developed with natural source minerals in their most
highly absorbed forms to provide the body with easy access to the critical nutrients
necessary for bone growth and repair. In order to maximize dietary calcium absorption
and utilization, multiple forms of magnesium are combined ‘with zinc, strontium and
boron. Vitamin 86 (together with magnesium) is said to inhibit the precipitation of excess
calcium out of body fluids, thus retarding the formation of stones.

The average American is getting about 800 mg of calcium per day from their diet, so
mega dosing with calcium (especially poorly absorbed forms like carbonate) is not
necessary as long as sufficient magnesium is being consumed. Calcium carbonate
(which is what is used in the vast majority of calcium supplements) is only about ten per
cent bio-available because it is not water soluble. So if you take 1500 mg of calcium
carbonate you are only getting 150 mg of calcium at best. Magnifical is designed to
enhance the absorption and appropriate utilization of calcium in the body, driving
calcium out of the soft tissues and back into the bone.

To order Magnifical go to this link LOGOS or call Jill directly at 1-800-556-5530 (EST)

For additional Information on Osteoporosis go to this link The Real Truth about Osteoporosis or e-mail me at [email protected] or ring me at 619-231-1778

Arden’s Vaginal Douche

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Arden’s Vaginal Douche

I have been recommending Arden’s Douche Powder for over twenty years in clinical practice. It is an extremely effective, safe, and easy to use treatment for a plethora of vaginal issuers including yeast infections

The benefits of the powder can be attributed to the antifungal properties of the essential oils of eucalyptus, and thyme as well as from boric acid which in and by itself was used for douching way back when. The menthol crystals provide quick relief from itching and burning. Methyl salicylate reduces painful discomfort and the alum has astringent properties which help to draw infection from local tissues. Arden’s Vaginal Powder supports a normal vaginal Ph of 3.8-4.2.

Douching with Arden’s is clean and simple. Although suppositories or creams may be quicker t insert, they are not as effective as bathing the entire vaginal area with the treatment. If done correctly, a douche solution is not as messy as other methods of treatment

I recommend  patients to use the above douche kit which is also available through Vital Nutrients, . This kit holds a single pint of fluid and is easy to clean and is reusable.

My general recommendations for using Arden’s Powder are:

  • Mix 1 teaspoon of Arden’s Powder in 1 pint of warm water
  • Fill the douche apparatus (Tiny Kit) with the solution and gently insert the nozzle into the vagina. This can be done in the shower or on the toilet
  • Squeeze the bag so that the solution runs into the vagina. The solution will easily bathe the area and then empty.

When infection is present, I typically recommend two applications daily for the first two days, then one application daily for five more days. A 7 day treatment plan regime should be sufficient

I also recommend a vaginal bath after the menstrual cycle and in some patients once weekly for a specific number of weeks.

Douching is not recommended during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy

Order Instructions:

Do not order through Amazon as I cannot trust the integrity of the product once it leaves the manufacturers warehouse.

Just call Vital Nutrients at 1-888-328-9992 (EST)

Tell them you are my patient or give them my password code 12790.

Note: They will not sell any product to the public—you must give them my password

I suggest buying 2 cans to save on shipping.

For additional information regarding vaginal douching and this product in particular, feel comfortable contacting me at [email protected] or 619-231-1778

Arginine: A New Tool for Dental Health

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Arginine: A New Tool for Dental Health

While the full complement of essential amino acids is required for optimal health, individual amino acids have functional roles apart from their inclusion in the body’s structural proteins. There’s glutamine’s potential role in curbing sugar cravings, tyrosine for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and tryptophan as a building block for serotonin. In addition to these well-known functions, researchers are continually finding new and unexpected roles for particular amino acids.

The amino acid arginine is best known for its role in cardiovascular health. As the precursor to nitric oxide, which is a powerful vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation, arginine can help reduce peripheral arterial resistance and may be helpful for controlling hypertension. But a recent study has uncovered a new and promising role for arginine: fighting dental cavities.

Dental cavities and other oral health issues have multiple causes. Oral health can be compromised by too much sugar, soda, or acidic beverages, which can lower the pH of the oral cavity and erode tooth enamel. Changes in the oral environment can allow multiple species of bacteria to thrive, and to form biofilms. Depending upon the location, the total number of bacteria, species composition, and three-dimensional spatial arrangement of the constituent species, dental plaque biofilms can cause periodontal disease and cavities. Plaque biofilms are highly resistant to chemical and physical efforts to disrupt them. They are not very susceptible to antimicrobials, and remain viable even after abrasive treatments.

The increased use of antibiotics in the food supply, as well as overzealous prescribing in the medical community, has led to a growing number of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Hard-to-treat infections are becoming more common as a result, but the consequences aren’t limited to what we normally think of as systemic illnesses. Antimicrobial resistance is a problem in dentistry, just as it is in medicine. The mouth is home to myriad bacterial organisms, and their aggregation into biofilms is not dissimilar to the proliferation of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract: there are both beneficial and pathogenic organisms, and certain conditions can stimulate an overgrowth of the pathogenic strains.

In searching for effective methods to disrupt and dissolve stubborn pathogenic biofilms, researchers have discovered a promising new role for arginine. It was already known that oral streptococci can catabolize arginine, resulting in an increase in local pH, which can counteract the effects of acidic foods and beverages on teeth. Alkali production by oral bacteria via the arginine deiminase system (ADS) reduces the risk for dental caries. In fact, a study that examined this showed that, in individuals with active dental caries, twice-daily use of a fluoride-free toothpaste containing 1.5% arginine resulted in significantly increased ADS activity, and shifted the plaque microbial population to a healthier profile, closer to that of individuals free of caries.

However, the new findings indicate that arginine may benefit dental health by an additional mechanism other than raising the pH of the mouth. In studying multi-species plaque biofilms cultured in human saliva in vitro, researchers found that millimolar concentrations of L-arginine can destabilize and break up dental plaque biofilms and reduce the adhesion of certain bacterial strains to tooth surfaces. Because L-arginine is alkaline itself, which could have confounded the results regarding the pH change, researchers employed L-arginine monohydrochloride (LAHCl), which has a more neutral pH in saliva, and has been shown to be safe for oral administration.

The researchers discovered that LAHCl doesn’t kill or damage biofilm bacteria directly, but rather, it destabilizes biofilms in a concentration-dependent manner. This form of L-arginine doesn’t exhibit bactericidal effects, itself, but when combined with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), a common antimicrobial for treating dental plaque, the arginine enhanced the susceptibility of the biofilms’ constituent species to the CPC. Perhaps, after more research, we will see commercially available dental care products that contain L-arginine.

The effects of dietary arginine are different from those of arginine-containing compounds applied topically. But it’s still interesting to note that the richest food sources of arginine are animal proteins (particularly seafood), eggs, dairy, and nuts (especially peanuts)—not a sweet or sugary food among them!

Walk yourself to health

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Walk yourself to health

Many of us are rediscovering the pleasures and health benefits of walking and hiking. Why is walking so wonderful? Walking is free, and suitable for people of all ages and most abilities. Walking is gentle, low-impact and a great way to free your mind from the stress of the day. Walking can be emotionally therapeutic and spiritual. For example, Buddhists perform walking meditations.

Recent research reveals less than half of U.S. adults get the recommended amount of physical activity. The Mayo clinic recommends adults need at least 150 minutes a week of aerobic physical activity. Walking should be at a moderate level, such as a fast-paced walk, for no less than 10 minutes at a time for best results.

A recent study at the University of Illinois suggests regular walking might even make you smarter by improving the connectivity of important brain circuits. The American Heart Association suggests walking briskly for at least 30 minutes five days a week to improve cardiovascular health

Ten benefits of walking

*Keeps weight in check—to lose weight, you need to burn about 600 calories a day more than you’re eating. An individual burns about 75 calories simply by strolling at 2 mph pace for 30 minutes. If you increase this to 3 mph, you will burn 99 calories, speed it up to a fast walk (4 mph) and that’s 150 calories.

*Lowers disease risk and can slash risk of developing type 2 diabetes, asthma and some cancers. The British Medical Journal reports taking more steps every day can help ward off diabetes. Active walkers have about a 20 percent lower risk of developing chronic disease such as cancer.

*Strengthens your heart, reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke, lowers levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Keeps blood pressure in check. Brisk walking for 30 minutes helps prevent and control high blood pressure, thus reducing stroke risk by up to 27 per cent according to the Stroke Association.

*Can reduce dementia risk by up to 40 percent. According to Age UK, older people who walk six miles or more per week could avoid brain shrinkage and preserve memory

*Helps preserve skeletal integrity. Walking counts as a weight-bearing activity that stimulates the building of healthy bone and the maintenance of healthy joints.

*Tones legs, bum, and core muscles. If you really focus on posture as you walk, it can tone your abdominal muscles and your midsection.

*Tones arms. Walking speed is determined by the action of your arms, so hold your arms at a comfortable level, bent at the elbow, and swing them backwards and forwards as you walk. When you swing them faster you automatically speed up, toning arms, shoulders and upper back.

*Walking outside in daylight boosts the body’s vitamin D stores. This in turn plays an important role in bone health and immunity.

*Increases energy by increasing blood circulation and oxygen supply to every cell in the body. This eases stiff joints and muscle tension. A lunchtime walk is a quick way to boost energy levels for the afternoon.

*Exercise boosts mood by releasing feel-good endorphins into the bloodstream. Studies show regular moderate-intensity exercise such as walking briskly is as effective as antidepressants for mild to moderate depression.

The Mayo Clinic recommends walking as a great way to get and stay fit, but asks if you doing enough to see results. Using an activity-tracking app or a pedometer can help you set and reach fitness goals by increasing motivation. Some “walking apps” can connect you to online walking communities for support and a sense of competition.

It’s easy to start walking to a healthier you!  All you need is a good pair of shoes, comfortable clothing, and a positive outlook.  Just walk out the door and start out slow and easy. Walk for 10 minutes, and walk back. Soak up the sunshine and breathe deeply. If possible walk where there are few automobiles to avoid stress, noise and pollution. If you have health concerns, start out with a few minutes at an easy pace, and slowly increase distance and pace over time.

For fun and fitness join a walking club. The easiest way to get started and to stay on track is to seek out an existing group close to home, such as a YMCA, community center, or a lunchtime group at your work place. The leader should encourage post-walk stretches and set a healthy pace. Workplace walking groups not only promote mental and physical fitness but also increase morale.

Facebook is a great place to start a group, find members, post comments and pictures, share walking sites, and list times. You need to find people who are already walking or who are as excited as you are. To maintain motivation, partners need to be well matched. Try to match the age range or skill level so no one feels out of place.

Walking and biking vacations have always been popular. Expanding beyond the US National Park system, many states and cities are establishing designated walking/biking trails that are designed for the needs of all fitness levels from the disabled to the casual walker to the practiced hiker.

Spring is in full swing, and the timing couldn’t be better. Go for it!

For more information:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/fitness/in-depth/walking/art-20047880?pg=2

http://www.thewalkingsite.com/clubs.html

http://mostateparks.com/blog/state-parks-stories/60464/new-book-features-trails-missouri-state-parks

http://www.trails.com/findarea.aspx?state=MO

http://www.tescoliving.com/health-and-wellbeing/fitness/2013/october/top-10-health-benefits-of-walking-everyday

Health benefits of humanely raised meat

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Health benefits of humanely raised meat

While many have learned to avoid “red meat”, the truth is that the meat itself is really not the issue.  The real problem is what is used in the production of meat, such as rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) and carcinogenic preservatives such as sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite. Even worse are the diets that these poor animals are fed and the filthy conditions in which they are reared.  Humanely raised red meat is a different animal altogether.

For example, cows are not meant to eat corn and grain. Cows are supposed to have access to pasture because they were created to eat grass.  The cheese made from grass-fed cows’ milk is a much deeper yellow due to the higher vitamin A content, and it contains colostrum, a source of remarkable health.  Meanwhile, when cows are fed grain they become ill and must be injected with dangerous antibiotics that normally end up in the meat and milk.

These hormones are made even more dangerous during the high-temperature pasteurization and cooking processes.

Factory meat and big agribusiness

If people chose their spouses the way agribusiness raises their animals, we would want to marry the fattest person we could find because it would mean a lower price per pound.  However, our ancestors hunted, consumed (and married) only the healthiest, toughest and leanest animals, because those were the only ones that would survive in the wild.  While 99% of meat is now factory raised, fortunately a handful of small farms continue to raise their meat in very natural conditions.

This section examines the health benefits of the three most popular types of humanely raised red meat that come from such farms.

Beef (Cow)

Grass-fed beef contains the proper Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio.  This means that grass-fed beef contains up to 20 times the amount of Omega-3 per serving when compared to grain-fed beef.  Grass-fed meat cooks 40% faster so it is easily overcooked, hence the reputation of being “gamier”. When cooked properly however it is arguably much more flavorful than grain fed beef.

Grass-fed meat not only contains up to 100 fewer calories per 6 ounce portion than conventional beef, but it actually helps cure rather than promote cancer.  This is because it contains one of the most potent anti-cancer compounds known: CLA (conjugated linoleic acid).  Grass fed beef also contains protein, iron, zinc and lots of B vitamins.

Lamb (Sheep)

Even commercially raised lamb (sheep that are less than one year old) tend to be raised more humanely than beef, so while it’s a better choice at the grocer or restaurant, big business will still cut corners on lamb if possible.  Although lamb is high in saturated fat, the gravy can easily be de-fatted by putting it in the freezer until the fat layer hardens on top where it can be removed (about 10-15 minutes).

New Zealand lamb is generally considered the highest quality, but locally raised is normally a better alternative.  Lamb contains tryptophan, protein, zinc, iron and B-vitamins.  Grass-fed lamb also contains CLA and high levels of Omega-3.

Pork (Pig)

This author once heard a butcher joke that people often requested “free range” pork.  He said “Trust me, you do not want free-range pork — pigs will eat anything in sight!”  However there are certainly more humane treatments available than the typical corporate hog experiences.

Humanely-raised pigs are fed organic grain along with being grass-fed.  Factory raised pork is reared in such poor conditions that the workers themselves are now becoming very ill.  However, given that pigs are the only animals besides humans to get atherosclerosis, the consumption of even organic pork may be questionable.

Pork does have many health benefits as it is one of the best sources of B-Vitamins and contains lots of minerals like zinc, magnesium, iron and phosphorous.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

In the old days it was understood that you should always know your butcher, otherwise you might not know what you were eating.  Nowadays people seem content to allow enormous factories to torture animals, inject them with poisons, slaughter them inhumanely (producing adrenaline that further contaminates the meat), preserve them with cancer-causing substances, and leave behind toxic waste sites, all just to save a buck.  This “out of sight, out of mind” mentality is justified by consumers because they need “to put food on the table”.

A preferable way to get your meat is directly from the people that humanely raise it, through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).  In addition to buying meat, if you have questions about the animal, how to cook a particular cut or you wish to share a recipe, they welcome your call at your CSA farm.  With CSA there are no middle-men, there are no misunderstood labels, there is no compromise of quality and CSA farmers won’t lobby the USDA to allow toxic sewer sludge to be called “organic”.  CSA meat is either hand-delivered or shipped once weekly, year round.

Your local farmers market is likely another great source of humanely raised meat.

http://www.farmforward.com/farming-forward/factory-farming

http://www.eco-farm.org/programs/ge/

http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_22458.cfm