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OCTOBER 2005
Quick Facts
Billions spent on risky digestion aids Spike in gastrointestinal disorders GI tract largest component of immune system Vital: Chew well & eat slowly! Poor digestion can damage esophagus Clean teeth, gums key to good health Avoid fluoride! Mercury fillings are hazardous A way to beat Acid Reflux Vital bacteria you need & ones you dont Eating several small meals aids digestion What the stomach REALLY does Stomach acid is your friend Connection between ulcers & germs Enzymes: Our invaluable ally
Stomach Health:
Stop Acid Reflux, Prevent Cancer & Improve Your Life
Today, the most commonly sold over-the-counter medications are those used to treat gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including indigestion, bloating, heartburn, diarrhea and constipation and even excessive flatulence. Billions of dollars are spent on these remedies, which often bring only temporary relief or none at all. A number of gastrointestinal disease specialists have remarked on the dramatic increase in digestive disorders especially acid reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD), which is a condition in which acid rises out of the stomach and into the esophagus. Acid reflux can bring on heartburn, damage to the lower esophagus, difficulty swallowing, unexplained coughing, the feeling of having a lump in the throat and even cancer of the esophagus. In severe cases, we see intense scarring of the esophagus and even perforation into the chest which can be fatal. As we age, the occurrence of digestive disorders increases dramatically. Yet, like so many chronic diseases, digestive maladies are now affecting younger people in larger numbers even preteens. To a large degree, this is the result of inadequate nutrition, excessively bad diets and exposure to a number of harmful food additives and toxins. The gastrointestinal tract extends from the mouth down through 15 feet of hollow tubing to the anus. Most think of the GI tract as something that allows us to eat. But what we are now learning is that this vital passageway plays a major role in many aspects of human health. For example, the GI tract is the largest component of the immune system. Buried within its walls is an extensive system of immune cells, lymphatics and lymph nodes. And it is important to appreciate that the interior of the gut connects directly with the outside world, which means that it is exposed to all of the germs, pollutants and toxins in the environment. Along with the skin, the GI tract serves as a first line of
PLUS:
Tips to: Beat ulcers Keep a healthy mouth Deal with gastritis
AND:
Health News Briefs & Ask Dr. Blaylock
October 2005
a couple of weak chomps before they swallow. Remember that vegetables, especially in their raw form, are very difficult to digest if they are not mechanically broken down first. This is because plant cells are coated with an indigestible layer called a cellulose cell wall. If this protective sheath is not broken, especially with raw vegetables, the rich nutrients inside will merely pass through the GI tract unabsorbed. And that nullifies the effects of eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, because they will do little to improve your health. To get the maximum nutritional value from your foods, even meats, you should chew them until they are finely dissolved that is, until they are almost a liquid mush. This greatly assists digestion in the rest of the GI tract and helps prevent acid reflux. It also aids in reducing the volume in the stomach, which is vital to stopping acid reflux. Again, the gut brain is playing a role. There is a reaction known as the gastroesophageal reflex that is triggered when the stomach is overdistended. When it occurs, it causes a special ring of muscle located at the lower end of the esophagus to relax. This allows acid to erupt back into the lower esophagus. Normally, when the food enters the stomach from the esophagus, this valve is closed. Unlike the stomach, the esophagus lacks a layer of protective mucus and therefore the refluxed acid can burn the tissue. If this occurs often enough, heartburn, belching and a sensation of fullness can result a condition doctors call dyspepsia. Occasionally, a sufferer will feel few symptoms but by the time they do, considerable damage is often already done. Over time, this constant injury to the lower esophagus can result in the development of a cancer, which has a very high mortality. Smoking and drinking alcohol to excess can dramatically increase this risk. Obviously, as we chew our food, it is mixing in with our saliva. While saliva does contain a digestive enzyme called amylase, it actually plays only a minor role in digestion. Salivas main function is to moisten the food so that it can slide down the esophagus more easily. By eating more
As we shall see, it is one of the more complicated systems in the body and has, in fact, been referred to as the second brain. This is because it contains an extensive network of nerves, neurotransmitters and nerve receptors that allow it to operate largely independent of the brain. This does not mean that the brain ignores the GI tract. In fact, the brain modulates many of the gut brains activities a sort of fine-tuning.
An example of this gut brain activity is the swallowing reflex. The only control we have when swallowing is placing the food or drink into our mouth and pushing it back into the esophagus. At that point, the nerve networks embedded in the esophagus grab the food and move it downward toward the stomach using a wave of muscle contractions called peristalsis. Its all done automatically. In fact, if you ever wanted to, you could swallow water while standing on your head. Now let us see one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of digestion chewing our food.
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slowly and chewing our food more thoroughly, we stimulate more saliva secretion and give it time to mix well with the food. Some have advocated avoiding drinking during a meal, claiming it dilutes digestive enzymes and stomach acid. To a degree, this may be true, but it also helps break the food down into smaller parts, improving digestion and absorption. As we age, we often produce less saliva. In addition, many medical conditions and medications can cause a dry mouth, interfering with proper breakdown of foods. In this event, drinking water with the meal becomes critically important. The essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) can increase the amount of moisture in the mouth. The dose is 1,000 mg a day. In fact, when taken orally it greatly amplifies moisture in the eyes, mouth and vagina, while keeping the skin from drying out.
Researchers note that these very same bacteria are also found in the plaque clinging to teeth. Thats why heavy dental plaque is a sign of similar infection in the walls of the arteries. Combining the chelation therapy with antibacterial treatments or immune stimulation may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and even reverse it. In fact, some recent studies comfirm this idea. Healthy teeth and gums are also vital to properly chewing your food. Many elderly are either partially or totally toothless or have false teeth. This makes chewing difficult.
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October 2005
He found that those who ate healthy, nutritious diets had perfect teeth, even without using a toothbrush or mouthwash. Despite this, I would recommend using a natural toothpaste (one without fluoride) as well as a natural mouthwash without alcohol or fluoride. Toms of Maine makes several types of both. Another good brand is Kiss My Face organic whitening toothpaste. They should be used after each meal or snack. It is also important to sterilize your toothbrush before each use. Hold the bristles under the hot water for two minutes and this will kill all the germs. Keep your toothbrush covered between uses. Dr. Blaylocks Gum-Protection Mixture: Mix 60 mg of CoQ10 powder into a teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil and swish in the mouth for 2 to 3 minutes, working it into the gums, after which you can swallow it. CoQ10 has been shown to significantly improve gingivitis. A similar mixture with a quarter-teaspoon of curcumin and the same amount of quercetin powder will also help kill the bacteria. I would do this twice a day until the gums are again healthy, then once a week. Incidentally, a just-released study found that vitamin D3 also significantly reduced the incidence of gingivitis, in addition to preventing inflammation in a number of tissues. The vitamin D3 is taken in capsule form. The dose is 1,000 ug a day. Finally, if you have dental amalgam fillings (the silver metal-like variety which contain 50% mercury), have them removed and replaced with ceramics. It has been proven that the mercuryladen dental amalgam fillings release large amounts of mercury vapor when you consume hot foods and drinks. Several studies have shown that chewing with these dangerous fillings is linked to a doubling of blood mercury levels and that a significant amount of the mercury is absorbed by the olfactory nerves (smell nerves) in the nasal cavities. From there it then enters the same area of the brain that causes Alzheimers disease. Mercury-laced fillings should only be removed by a trained dentist. The International Association of Oral Medicine and Toxicology
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stomach acid is normal or high. Also, H. pylori reduces stores of vitamin C in the stomach, lessening protection against free radicals in the stomach lining. In addition, many studies have shown that GERD and gastritis cause intensified free radical production in the stomach lining and esophagus. One more problem is inflammation in the lower part of the stomach (pyloric gastritis), which slows the emptying of its contents, causing acid to back up into the esophagus. Curcumin and hesperidin bolster mucus production in the lining of both the esophagus and stomach, providing protection against this acid reflux. Those with existing acid reflux would be best served to avoid midnight snacks and should sleep with the head of the bed elevated. Remember, food triggers acid release. It is also probably best to avoid calcium supplements, since calcium stimulates acid release. Sleeping on the left side also reduces acid reflux, as this position helps to empty the stomach.
hydrochloric acid can decline significantly. The condition is referred to as either hypochlorhydria (acid levels are merely reduced) or achlorhydria (hydrochloric acid is totally absent). A recent study of healthy elderly people determined that 90% had normal or near-normal acid production. The remainder had varying degrees of low or absent stomach acid. But the percentage of those suffering with this problem would be higher if we included people with a variety of chronic diseases commonly seen in our society. Many of the digestive problems linked to aging are the result of a hydrochloric acid shortage. Ironically, acid loss can actually boost the risk of acid reflux.
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October 2005
the elderly particularly those who use acidlowering medications such as Prilosec, Pepsid AC and Zantac. Studies using more accurate measurements indicate that 40% of normal elderly people and 80% of the chronically ill elderly have significant B12 deficiencies. Research also suggests that virtually all people with Alzheimers disease are vitamin B12deficient, and a shortage of this vital substance increases the risk of cancer in a number of organs.
One recent study found that those who regularly consumed nitrite-filled foods were 62 times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.
Beat Ulcers
Use quercetin, curcumin and hesperidin mixed with extra-virgin olive oil (one tablespoon between meals) Take two capsules of DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) between meals and two at bedtime Drink white/rosemary tea mixture two to three times a day In the past, farms were family-owned and employed solid feeding methods that ensured good nutrition for the animals such as free grazing. But these days, most farms are run by giant corporate entities that cut corners, nourishing their animals with feeds that are both contaminated with toxins and deficient in critical nutrients. More shockingly, some farms even make their animals eat the feces of other livestock. In Mississippi, we have several large corporate chicken farms.
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I have a patient who raises chickens on her family farm. I asked her if she knew why the eggs in the market had such paper-thin shells and pale yolks. She told me it was because they were vitamin-deficient, especially lacking in folic acid and vitamin B12.
We see the same problem with beef and other sources of meats. Farm animals are severely deficient in omega-3 fats and CLA oils. This makes them, like people, more prone to infectious disease. In some states, 60 to 80% of cattle are infected
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with cancer-causing viruses that live on in the meat even after slaughter. Think about that the next time you order a rare or medium-rare steak. Should you eat meats that are poorly cooked, or even if a portion is underdone, you run the risk of developing severe food poisoning. Symptoms range from severe intestinal cramping and explosive diarrhea to weakness and in some cases even death. In other instances, kidneys fail and limbs have to be amputated as a result of hypercoagulation (excessive clotting) of the blood.
But sometimes its not the growing bacteria themselves that cause food poisoning. Instead, the culprit is merely a toxin secreted by the bacteria. This is the case with the deadly strain of E. Coli 0157:H7, which secretes a Shigella toxin that is second only to botulism in toxicity. It can destroy the kidneys, especially in children. The CDC estimates that this strain affects 40,000 people every year, killing some 500. It was E. Coli that killed three children and sickened many others who ate at a Jack in the Box fast-food restaurant in California in 1993. And similar epidemics occurred at McDonalds restaurants in the early 1980s. When they enter our systems through food, many of these poisonous toxins and germs cause intense inflammation of the stomach and intestines, inducing cramping and watery diarrhea. Natural remedies like ginger, quercetin and hesperidin can reduce inflammation, while curcumin can curtail cramping and more importantly kill the troublesome organisms. In some cases, especially when symptoms are prolonged, antibiotics may be required. In such cases, the doctor must obtain a stool culture to identify the offending organism. That way the correct antibiotic can be used. This is very important because antibiotics can offer no help if the food poisoning is caused by bacterial toxins they may even make conditions worse, as seen with E. Coli 0157:H7. Antibiotics should be stopped as soon as symptoms subside. Prolonged use will only create new problems.
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throat (pharyngeal and laryngeal cancer). In particular, esophageal cancer and acid reflux seem to be more commonly linked, while stomach cancer is generally associated with chronic gastritis.
Fighting Gastritis
Take supplements to combat H. pylori Avoid hot or spicy food Stay away from alcohol Don't take NSAIDs (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs). These include Advil, ibupropen, aspirin, etc. If unable to avoid, use a transdermal form or take curcumin and quercetin in addition Take DGL capsules two capsules three times a day plus two at bedtime Use antioxidant vitamins with food Chew your food thoroughly Once the symptoms subside, you will need additional digestive enzymes with each meal
of contracting it from infected foods, and as more cases are discovered, researchers have taken great interest in the recent finding that low stomach acid levels significantly increase the risk of acquiring the horrible condition. Since this is a 100% fatal disease that causes victims to endure one of the most horrible deaths I have witnessed, anything you can do to reduce your risk is worth it. As far as harmful medications go, millions of people regularly take anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen and aspirin. One of the most common side effects is erosion of the stomach, a condition whose symptoms are very similar to those of ulcers. Bleeding and even perforation of the stomach can occur, which will lead to major surgery. Slow bleeding can result in anemia. Researchers have developed numerous drugs to combat this, but they usually provide little benefit. However, natural remedies like quercetin and curcumin have been shown to prevent and even reverse the damage caused by such drugs. Remember, curcumin and hesperidin also increase protective mucus production in the stomach. Interestingly, both of these also possess powerful anti-inflammatory effects, which greatly reduces the need for dangerous prescription drugs in the first place.
Cancer risk is dramatically reduced when antioxidants things like white tea, grape seed extract, curcumin, quercetin, hesperidin and vitamin C are taken in combination with the other vitamins and minerals (especially selenium). Avoiding known carcinogens including nitrites and nitrates, carrageenan, seared meats (grilled and pan-cooked at high heat) and eating a variety of fruits and vegetables also dramatically reduces risk. And again, an interesting connection leads us back to our old friend H. pylori. Studies show that this dangerous strain of bacteria increases ones risk of developing gastric cancer, especially lymphoma. It is important to remember that infections cause cancer because they produce chronic inflammation. You can reduce inflammation by using flavonoids such as ones we have discussed here as well as vitamins E, C, D and K. Some chronic gastritis has been linked to increased stress. As a treatment, hesperidin not only reduces stress-related injury to the stomach lining, but it also acts as a tranquilizer, soothing anxiety. Then theres mad cow disease, a slowly progressive degenerative and fatal disease affecting the central nervous system. With the growing risk
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not produce sufficient digestive enzymes to break down the foods we eat. As a result, we need the enzymes already present in most of our foods, especially fruits and vegetables, to get the job done. Raw fruits and vegetables store an abundant supply of these valuable enzymes and are especially important as we age, since our digestive enzymes decline significantly with time. People with digestive diseases suffer even greater declines in enzyme activity. Cooking fruits and vegetables will destroy most of their enzymes. As I often tell readers, I prefer to drink blenderized raw vegetables every day. This way you maximize the intake of these enzymes. The vegetable juice should be kept in the refrigerator. Over time, these enzymes you consume will begin to digest the vegetables themselves, further aiding the stomach in processing the food. Plus, several of these enzymes will break down the harmful products found in some plants (such as bell peppers), rendering them safe to eat. While saliva contains alpha-amylase (an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates) in most cases this is a minor player. In the stomach, pepsin initiates the breakdown of proteins. Primarily, the enzymes secreted from the pancreas and small intestine are responsible for most digestion. But when there is an enzyme deficiency, the pancreas will become enlarged sometimes growing to as much as twice its normal size. Poor digestion can have a profound effect on health, especially harming the brain. Studies have shown that low pancreatic enzymes result in brain shrinkage. Normally, enzymes in raw fruits and vegetables help us digest our food, effectively sparing the pancreas much of the task. Some symptoms frequently associated with diminished digestive enzymes are bloating, belching and abdominal discomfort after meals. Doctors refer to this as dyspepsia. Many studies have shown that artichoke extract aids dyspepsia. In one study, after a week of consuming the supplement, 70% of patients saw symptoms of bloating and pain improve. After a month, 85% saw similar results.
Another study determined that those taking the extract saw significant improvements in nausea, loss of appetite, severe constipation and flatulence. The extremely valuable artichoke extract contains high levels of several biologically active compounds, including the anticancer flavonoid luteolin. As far as other effects of poor digestion, chronic constipation is high on the list. The better our foods are digested (especially meats), the better the quality of our stool. But the most important effect of improved digestion is that vital nutrients from foods we eat can be absorbed with greater efficiency. In order for enzymes to break down our meals, they must be in contact with the surface of the foods. A chunk of chicken swallowed after only a few chews requires much more time to digest than a finely chewed piece of chicken. And on top of that, it will not be completely digested. Remember, one of the stomachs jobs is to thoroughly mix the swallowed food with enzymes and hydrochloric acid so that the major digestion process can begin in the small intestine. The decline in digestive ability begins after age 50. Bloating, pain, gas and prolonged abdominal discomfort after eating a meal are strong indicators of poor enzyme function. Sufferers should take additional enzyme supplements with each meal. Many brands and formulations are available. I would recommend one that is vegetable-based and comes in vegetable capsules. Take one or two capsules with each meal. When symptoms of dyspepsia subside, youll know youre getting the correct dose. At least one company makes enzymes specifically designed to aid digestion of vegetables and fruits. If you eat a lot of these natural foods, you should consider using these special enzymes. It is also important to remember that the powerful acid can deactivate many of these enzymes so choose acid-protected formulas. One of the better ones is derived from a plant source that is acid-resistant. It is called Pancreatic VegEnzymes, made by Pure Encapsulation (Emerson Ecologics). It should also contain enzymes to digest proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber.
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Another brand, called Super Digestive Enzyme Caps, is also acid-resistant and contains a wider spectrum of enzymes. The following is a list of the contents of Super Digestive Enzyme Caps: Amylase: ....................40,000 USP units Protease:.....................40,000 USP units Lipase...........................7,200 USP units Protease II: ................................130 mg Protease III: ...............................140 mg Amylase:....................................140 mg Lactase: .......................................20 mg Whole fruit papaya powder: .....100 mg Another interesting brand, BV-Similas, is specially designed to aid digestion of vegetables. In addition to the usual digestive enzymes, the manufacturer included alpha-galactosidase, phytase, lactase and cellulase I and II. BV-Similas can be purchased from Emerson Ecologics.
www.iaomt.org
Toms of Maine
www.tomsofmaine.com
Unique-E
www.acgraceco.com
Theralac
www.theralac.com
Super Digestive Enzyme Caps
www.iherb.com/superdiges.html
Pancreatic VegEnzyme (Emerson Ecologics)
www.emersonecologics.com
BV-Similas
www.emersonecologics.com
Kiss My Face
www.kissmyface.com
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(from the mothers diet) and after birth. Explanations for the effect include: s Omega-3 oils ability to reduce excess estrogen (conversely, omega-6 oils increase estrogen) s Omega-3 oils gene-regulating effects AND s The substances effect on inflammation. (The amount used was equal to taking the supplement three times a week.) With all we know about the beneficial effects of omega-3 oils on brain development, this new information should convince mothers to add it to their diets and those of their children. There is a small window of time to make optimal use of Omega-3s effects, so mothers should start using the oils during pregnancy and continue them well after their child is born.
Normally, levels return rather rapidly. Elevated cortisol has been shown to damage the very same area of the brain as damaged in Alzheimers disease: the hippocampus. High levels are commonly found in Alzheimers patients. Recent studies link chronic elevation of cortisol to hippocampus shrinkage in cases of chronic depression.
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Folate (folic acid) works to repair DNA, which is how it works to prevent cancer. A combination of folate, methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) and vitamin B6 significantly improves DNA repair. Numerous studies have shown that people with poor DNA repair capabilities have a dramatically increased risk of getting all kinds of cancer. The presence of BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes, which are commonly linked to elevated breast cancer risk, indicates impaired DNA repair ability. Supplementation with folate, B12 and B6 can improve this problem. Even light alcohol consumption during pregnancy appears to alter a babys brain formation and the effects are irreversible. None of this is related to folate deficiency it happens when alcohol blocks critical glutamate levels required for brain development. This is just one of many reasons that pregnant women should avoid all alcohol.
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However, some absorb only 20%. Magnesium oxide is very cheap. If you develop diarrhea, youll know that the supplement is being poorly For stubborn insomnia, do absorbed. The best-absorbed the above plus take 1 to 3 mg. varieties include the malate, malate/citrate, citrate and of melatonin 30 minutes gluconate forms. But the latter before you go to sleep. The Dr. Russell Blaylock supplies too little magnesium; flavonoid hesperidin also has the one containing malate prevents aluminum a soothing property that promotes sleep quality (I absorption. I recommend either the malate or recommend 250 mg. one hour before bedtime). malate/citrate form. Finally, a new product has proven to induce deep Magnesium malate/citrate gives you 150 mg. of and restful sleep safely without the morning magnesium per capsule. Take two in the morning hangover. It is an extract of the magnolia plant and two in the evening and make sure its known as Seditol. Gamma-hydroxybutryic acid consumed with food. This powerful supplement (GHB) used to be an excellent sleep aid that was also helps to induce sleep. Avoid the aspartate form very safe but of course the FDA outlawed it since aspartate is an excitotoxin that inhibits melatonin release from the pineal gland. because of its widespread use as a date-rape drug.
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6: Survive Your Hospital Visit 7: Health Exams That Can Save Your Life 8: Prevent Cancer Before Its Too Late Part 1 9: Prevent Cancer Before Its Too Late Part 2 10: Omega-3: Natures Miracle Panacea 11: Autism: The Silent Enemy 12: The Diabetes Solution 13: Eliminate Hypertension Forever! The Natural Approach to Curing High Blood Pressure Issue 14: The Fat Cure: Health Secrets to Losing Weight Permanently Issue 15: Extend Your Life: 4 Supplements That Will Help You Live Longer
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