Coastal Natural Health

Medical news this week: Statins can cause diabetes and aspririn causes more harm than help.

2012-01-11T13:49:00.001-05:00

If you take statins, you have increased your risk of developing diabetes [January 9, 2012 in the Archives of Internal Medicine]. This study showed a risk of developing diabetes that is significantly higher than previously thought. In the postmenopausal women studied, there was about a 48% higher risk of diabetes compared with those not given statin medication, controlling for all other significant factors.Aspirin is found to increase the risk of “non-trivial” bleeding events at a rate that surpasses the risk of non-fatal heart attacks [January 9, 2012 in the Archives of Internal Medicine]. In this study it means that 120 people need to take aspirin daily for nearly a decade before there is a chance that one has been helped. But one in 78 people will have a significant bleed, like a hemorrhagic stroke or gastric bleed that causes hospitalization or death. Take home message…Do not go looking for preventive wellness care from your doctors’ prescription pad. Maybe you are at a significantly increased risk of getting a thrombolytic (clot) stroke and an aspirin can help, but you raise the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke, so how good is your crystal ball. It turns out that most prescribing doctors have a pretty cruddy one, because all those people in the above two studies had the drugs recommended by their doctors. Proper wellness blood tests and an assessment with a qualified naturopathic doctor will be your step toward true longevity and health.Be well…for a long time to come,Richard Maurer, ND

Dr. Maurer on the GAPS Diet.

2012-01-02T13:31:00.000-05:00

Natasha Campbell McBride offers the thesis that chemical by-products from our digestion of certain challenging foods, such as gluten, and the response from ones’ immune system to various digestive compounds contribute to and can cause psychological conditions, childhood developmental conditions and numerous other non-gastrointestinal disease.

I have been to several conferences where Natasha speaks on her GAPS program and for every three good points she makes she drops a bomb of pseudoscience into the mix. Because of this, I cannot swallow the GAPS theory in entirety. It has parts that are well-founded and like many “systems”, it will work for many people, and often for reasons other than what are explained.

What are the parts of the GAPS diet that ring true?

1. A diet rich in quality animal fats will help protect the gastrointestinal lining from becoming weakened or leaky. Much of the gastrointestinal mucosa, which is where our protective probiotic flora thrives and where our first line of immune defense works, is made of saturated fat. And this layer gets partially removed every time we eat, especially as we eat fibrous foods. So dietarily we must include butter fat, poultry fat, fatty fish, and other stable animal fats in the diet. Fat soluble vitamins such as A, D and K also need to be adequately represented in our diet and if needed, supplementation.

2. Fermented and cultured foods help regulate the immune system of the gut. Without them, the immune system of the gut will be at risk of over-reacting. This sets up inflammatory disease, such as Crohn’s and Colitis and Allergies. Quality, proven probiotic supplements are helpful in these conditions but a diet rich in traditionally cultured foods is a basis of health.

3. Much of the mucosal gut layer gets sloughed off when we eat. These mucosal fats and proteins need to be replaced daily. So our diet needs quality proteins and fats at each meal. A vegetarian diet does not contain all the macro and micro nutrition required for this daily task. Therefore a diet rich in quality traditional protein-rich foods is essential. This does NOT include processed new-fangled foods like peanut butter and soy protein powder. Broth has tons of nutrition (It is pure alkaline nutrition – loaded with minerals) and no fiber to get in the way of the absorption. Therefore, bone broth is probably the most gut-restorative food to include in the diet.

4. Some foods that are evolutionarily new on the block such as gluten grains [wheat, rye, barley] cause certain compounds to be formed that alter the psychological state and function of our body. These foods best avoided in certain people, not just the those with celiac disease.

5. Excess sugars cause problems. Period. This is hard to disagree with, and whether the author of the moment is claiming theories of yeast overgrowth in the gut, or effect of fructose digestion on the liver, or insulin resistance, the conclusion is the same. Sugars need to be reduced in most if not all modern peoples’ diets. Some more strictly than others.

I would add that people should not eat more than three times per day. The 4-6 hours between meals allows the gut to recover and prepare for the next digestive feat. Whether the GAPS principles, Specific Carbohydrate Diet, Body Ecology Diet, or my FatBack Diet principles, each author points to similar end guidelines. At Coastal Naturopathic Center - Dr. Sarah Kotzur and Dr. Richard Maurer blend the principles that best meet the individual, rather than sticking one system to everyone.

Enjoy and be well,

Dr. Maurer

SINUS INFECTION PROTOCOL

2011-10-17T11:26:00.001-04:00

SINUS INFECTION PROTOCOL

Patient Instructions from Dr. Richard Maurer and Dr. Sarah Kotzur. Naturopathic Doctors atwww.CoastalNaturalHealth.com
• SALINE WASH - Home saline wash is the most effective single treatment. Do this over a sink with running water, it is gross, but clearly effective.
You can purchase a Neti Pot and follow instructions. We usually recommend simply flushing the sinuses with:
¼ tsp salt to ½ cup water
This flushes antigens out of the nasal passages and eradicates bacteria from the nasal mucosa. Gently inhale the same strength of salt water by plugging one nostril and gently sniffing the solution off a tablespoon through the other. Moving the position of the head will “move” the saline to different areas of the sinus passages. A pinch of baking soda makes the solution a bit less harsh and is an optional ingredient. There is also a product by Arm and Hammer called “Clearly Saline”. This can be useful for younger children or if you are too grossed out by the above.

Do this up to 2 times per day.

• URTI COMPOUND herbal tincture - 2 dropperfuls 3-4 x/day in water. Nastiest Tasting Tincture we could come up with – but taste is commensurate with its effectiveness. Hang in there.

• EHB - 2 capsules 3-4x/day. This is a go-to combination of nutrients and herbs for some immune support and antimicrobial effect.

• Zinc Lozenges - use especially if a sore throat is present - Lozenges need to contain a certain form of zinc to be effective for sore throat and colds. Use every 2 hours at the 1st sign of cold/sore throat

Getting a Bowen treatment or naturopathic manipulation can be helpful to allow the sinuses to properly drain through the lymphatic circulation of the neck and head.

Lyme Disease: What to do after a deer tick bite

2011-10-17T10:39:00.001-04:00

Procedure following removal of a deer tick

Patient Instructions from Dr. Richard Maurer and Dr. Sarah Kotzur. Naturopathic Doctors atwww.CoastalNaturalHealth.com
We live in an area with prolific deer ticks and these ticks can carry bacteria, the most notorious of which is Borrelia spp. which causes Lyme disease. The tick should be removed by grabbing as close to the head as possible, don’t squeeze the belly. Pull straight out.

The tick will seem imbedded as soon as the “anchors” are set, the tick may take 12-24 hours to start feeding, so there is time to remove the tick before exposure to harmful bacteria. There is a protocol that recommends using a single dose of 200-mg of doxycylcline the day the tick is removed. A study showed that the single dose doxy reduced the rate of rash and symptoms compared with those who did not do the single dose. A concern with this practice is that the people were not followed long-term and the single dose might have only slowed the bacteria down causing a more gradual and complex Lyme disease further down the line. If the single dose is done, I would encourage a blood test a month later to see if there is evidence of immune activity toward Lyme disease. See “Imugen” below.

If the tick was there for greater than 24 hours, there are a few steps to take. Mark the date on the calendar, save the tick for proper ID if you are unsure, and circle the spot on your skin so you remember where it is. The first few days after removal, it is red due to the bite itself, not the bacteria. The “Bulls Eye Rash” shows up in perhaps 60% of the cases and shows up between 3 days and 3 weeks of the bite. So watch carefully. Any fever or joint pain during this time is highly suspect and may warrant immediate treatment.

If there are no symptoms, running a western blot test at Imugen Lab about 3 weeks post-tick bite will catch the infection. But again symptoms in this 3-week period will guide treatment, blood tests are rarely positive prior to 3 weeks post bite.

If you are on anti-histamines, you may not get the tell-tale rash, this makes diagnosis more difficult. If you are on steroids, the suppression of the immune response may also make diagnosis by symptoms more difficult. In these cases, a test at 3 weeks post-tick bite is the best way to proceed.
You need as certain a diagnosis as possible; treatment is typically high dose antibiotics for an extended period of time. The relapse rate with 3-weeks of antibiotics is too high and I therefore use antibiotics for greater than 4-weeks for effective treatment of Lyme disease.

Again, I can’t emphasize enough that early and accurate diagnosis is paramount, so get in to see us or another primary care provider to assess any symptoms that arise in the weeks following a tick bite. The bacteria is pretty vulnerable early-on so it can be effectveily treated with antibiotics and supportive therapies.

Dr. Maurer

A response to the "Risk of Women Taking Vitamins" study

2011-10-12T09:26:00.000-04:00

Those who take certain nutritional supplements have less macular degeneration, less likelihood of certain cancers, less stroke risk, less complications of diabetes, less infectious disease and on the list goes. So when a study pops up saying “Older women are more likely to die if they take vitamins”, the media’s fetish for shock appeal was obvious. Research adds to the pile of knowledge in science. In baseball, one loss does not put the leading team in last place; it just tempers the perfect record. So when no such finding is present in prior multiple vitamin and mineral studies, and there have been many, we have to take this new statistical finding with reserve.

The study, over 19 years, 3 questionnaires were given to older women taking part in the Iowa Health Study. There was less risk associated with calcium studies, and no change with vitamin A and D and minimal difference for folic acid and B6 and the most statistical significance was found with women who took iron supplements. It is well-known that post menopausal women should take no supplemental iron unless it is confirmed that they are low, which can be established with a blood test of ferritin. Excess iron is pro-inflammatory and can feed infectious disease. People should properly evaluate their diet and disease risks before adding supplements to their lives for many decades.

The likelihood that this study is worthless is tremendous given the retrospective questionnaire based data, but, if anything, this study can remind us that unguided, long-term supplementation without an understanding of our unique disease/diet/risk profile will not give us the immortal get-out-of-jail-free-card.

Magnesium might help memory; the plasticity theory

2011-05-24T10:09:00.002-04:00

Richard Maurer, ND

Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology recently concluded that magnesium deficiency within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) might have detrimental effects on memory function. Although the research was an in vitro study on “synaptic plasticity”, the findings may well be clinically relevant. The term “synaptic plasticity” refers to the variability of the strength of a signal transmitted through a synapse, a function integral to both memory and learning.

By adjusting calcium flux, the researchers painstakingly assessed changes in plasticity of individual synapses. No long-term changes were elicited with “simple” decrease of calcium flux, making the researchers speculate a more complex role for calcium flux neural activity. Subsequently, the study turns toward adjusting the pattern of Calcium flux through manipulation of magnesium concentrations. First, by increasing the magnesium content from 0.8 up to 1.2 mM (1.0-1.2 mM is the normal range for CSF Mg), there was a 3.9-fold increase in total presynaptic strength. When Mg was then reduced back to 0.8 mM, synaptic strength remained enhanced for 2 days before reverting to prior levels. Second, when the hippocampal neurons used in this study were cultured in higher magnesium environments, their synaptic activity remained increased permanently.

This study shows a rigorous scientific method, involving well-measured increases in neuronal activity by making conservative adjustments in magnesium concentration. It is not hard to see how the researchers extended the ramifications of their findings to include the comment, “Since it is estimated that the majority of American adults consume less than the estimated average requirement of magnesium (Institute of Medicine 1997) it is possible that such a deficit may have detrimental effects on synaptic plasticity resulting in declines in memory function.”

Considering the health care needs of the aging American population, conditions such as “decline in memory” and related dementia will gain more attention. Magnesium appears to join a list of other nutritional therapies; including Omega-3 fish oils and Ginkgo biloba extract Egb-761, all displaying recent well-designed research on the condition of memory and cognitive function.

Slutsky I, Sadeghpour S, Li B, Liu, G, “Enhancement of Synaptic Plasticity through Chronically Reduced Ca++ Flux during Uncorrelated Activity.” Neuron, Vol 44, 835-849, December 2004

Optimal Vitamin D Prevents Gingival Inflammation

2011-05-24T10:08:00.000-04:00

Richard Maurer, ND

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, while periodontitis is a deeper and more serious inflammation of both the gingivae and tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. Both common conditions are often progressive and can eventually result in loss of the underlying bone that supports the teeth. After age 30, periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss.

We can look at past scientific literature and find ample reason to use nutritional therapies for gingival inflammation. For example, vitamin C status is directly related to periodontal health (J Periodontol. 1986 Aug;57 (8):480-5). Folic acid both topically and orally has a long-proven track record of anti-inflammatory effects in periodontal disease (J Periodontol. 1976 Nov;47(11):667-8). Now vitamin D enters the scene for gingival and periodontal health.

The researchers in this study evaluated over 77,000 teeth from 6700 subjects; it is no surprise that their “P value” indicates strong statistical significance. Essentially the people with the highest quintile of serum vitamin D were substantially less likely to bleed on gingival probing than the people in the lowest quintile of serum vitamin D status. Unlike studies that only provide evidence at the extremes of the subject pool, researchers found a linear association of periodontal bleeding and serum vitamin D status. Results were constant across racial or ethnic groups, and were similar among men and women as well as among users and nonusers of vitamin and mineral supplements. The latter implies that just taking a multiple vitamin mineral is inadequate assurance that vitamin D status is optimal.

We know that too little vitamin D contributes to many degenerative diseases beyond periodontal disease, but excess vitamin D is equally undesirable. Because of the varied ethnicities, latitudes and lifestyles in the United States, the only way to safely use vitamin D is test and retest as the researchers have done. In this study, Vitamin D - 25(OH)D, was measured by Radio Immunoassay and reference ranges were 22.5-94 nmol/L.

Dietrich,T et. al. Association between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and gingival inflammation. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Sep;82(3):575-80.

The author of this review (Dr. Maurer) practices in Maine, near the 45th parallel. Nutritional recommendations are different from September-March compared to April-August. Blood tests offer a relatively inexpensive way to accurately supplement vitamin D in patients with gingival inflammation as well as numerous other inflammatory and degenerative conditions.

Relief from Insomnia with Valerian Extract Compared to Prescriptions

2011-05-24T10:06:00.000-04:00

“Relief for Insomnia”: Valerian effective following benzodiazepine withdrawal

Use of benzodiazepine medications for sleep disorders has become more and more common, and is implicated in a long list of side effects and difficult withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are often found under the following names, Xanax (Alprazolam), Valium (Diazepam), Ativan, Alzapam (Lorazepam), Halcion (Triazolam), Klonopin (Clonazepam), and Restoril, among others. Patients often find it very difficult to withdraw from these medications and at the same time long-term medication with these drugs is often discouraged due to the addictive nature of the drugs and the accompanying side effects. Therefore this study should be of great interest to people suffering from sleep disturbance who want to avoid the potential side effects of benzodiazepine medications.

This was a placebo-controlled study of 19 patients who complained of poor sleep, marked by reports of frequent waking, despite chronic benzodiazepine use. Subjects were taken off their benzodiazepine medications for about 2 weeks prior to beginning Valerian 100 mg tid or placebo. The fifteen days of treatment with Valerian improved subjective sleep quality, without affecting sleep onset.

Poyares DR, Guilleminault C, Ohayon MM, Tufik S. “Can valerian improve the sleep of insomniacs after benzodiazepine withdrawal?” Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2002; 26(3): 539-545.

Editor’s Note: The study was done in Brazil using a standardized dry root extract of Valeriana walichii. This extract contained 80% didrovalerate, 15% valtrate and 5% acelvaltrate. [Valerian has dozens of compounds, known as valerenic acids, and many are considered actives, so a standardized extract must maintain a complete extract quality to protect all “actives” in the root.] Although this study used 100 mg tid, due to the short 2-week duration, it offers little insight regarding appropriate long-term dosages. However, this study adds to the total body of research on standardized Valerian extracts and the significant beneficial effect they have on sleep quality. The real service the researchers provided was to demonstrate the effectiveness of valerian root extract for people who had unrelenting insomnia and had been on Benzodiazepine medication for no less than 2.5 years. This is a tough patient base to treat, and the fact that valerian had a positive effect is impressive.

The product used in this study is currently unavailable in the U.S. However, European research conducted in 1996, utilizing a standardized valerian/melissa extract from Willmar Schwabe of Germany, noted similar effects in significantly improving sleep quality, but not sleep onset.

Dressing H, Köhler S, Müller WE. “Improvement of sleep quality with a high-dose valerian/lemon balm preparation: A placebo-controlled double-blind study.” Psychopharmakotherapie 1996; 6:32–40.

Probiotics in formula prevents fevers and GI illness

2011-05-24T10:04:00.002-04:00

Richard Maurer, ND

For 3 months, 194 infants in daycare (age 4 months to 10 months) were given two strains of probiotic bacteria (Bifidobacterium bifidum or Lactobacillus reuteri) or placebo. Significantly less febrile episodes and gastrointestinal illnesses occurred in the probiotics group, respiratory illnesses were the same in the study and placebo group.

Anyone with infants in daycare know how quickly gastrointestinal illness spreads from one child to another. This study does a great service by offering that there is something that can be done to prevent these “stomach bugs” from spreading to their child. The other unique characteristic of this study is the use of probiotics prophylactically for several months, as opposed to the well-known beneficial action that probiotics have on acute gastrointestinal symptoms.

Asli G, Alsheikh A, Weizman A. Effect of formula supplemented with two strains of probiotics on infections in day care infants. 2003 Pediatric Academic Societies' Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington, May 3-6, 2003; abstract 998.

Migraine Prevention: Another Use of Coenzyme Q10

2011-05-24T10:03:00.002-04:00

By Richard Maurer, ND

For people suffering from migraines, there are few efficacious, preventive treatments that come with few or no side effects. In this study, 32 patients with episodic migraines, occurring 2-8 times per month were given 150 mg coenzyme Q10 each morning at breakfast for 3-months. 31 out of 32 patients completed the study and no adverse events were associated with Coenzyme Q10 therapy. 93% of the patients had at least a 25% reduction in number of days with migraine and 61% had greater than a 50% reduction in migraine days at the end of 3-months. Only 2 patients showed no improvement.

A clinically relevant finding in this study was the length of time required for maximal effect. After only 1 month the reduction in migraine frequency was 13%, but this number increased to 55% by the end of the 3-month trial, indicating longer treatment might be required.

Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to improve mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in humans. With recent scientific interest in the role that mitochondrial function plays in migraine pathogenesis, it follows that Coenzyme Q10 might improve mitochondrial function and thus prevent migraine. Interestingly, riboflavin, vitamin B2, is indirectly involved in the electron transport chain at the mitochondria, and in several placebo controlled clinical trials, vitamin B-2 has been shown to reduce migraine frequency.

Rozen TD, et. al. Open label trial of Coenzyme Q10 as a migraine preventive. Cephalagia 2002; 22:137-141.

Macular Degeneration and Combination Anti-Oxidant Therapy

2011-05-24T10:02:00.000-04:00

Richard Maurer, ND

On a study of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), 6430 participants, they found that taking antioxidants (including 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, and 15 mg of beta-carotene) reduced the risk of developing AMD by 17%, and zinc lowered the risk by 21% (at a dose of 80 mg. zinc and 2 mg. copper). A synergistic effect was found when antioxidants and zinc were taken together, reducing the risk 25%. In addition, the combination of antioxidants and zinc led to a 27% decrease in the risk of having eyesight worsen. No significant side effects were recorded in those taking antioxidants or zinc.

Past research also implies that other antioxidants are significantly helpful in preventing AMD. Among them is the trace mineral selenium, which shows a preventive effect on AMD and is found to be low in both the blood and lens of the eye in patients with cataracts.

[Eye Disease Case Control Study Group. “Antioxidant status and neovascular age-related macular degeneration.” Arch Ophthalmol 1993; 111:104–9.]
[Karakucuk S, Ertugrul Mirza G, Faruk Ekinciler O, et al. Selenium concentrations in serum, lens and aqueous humour of patients with senile cataract. Acta Ophthalmol Scand 1995; 73:329–32.]

Editor’s note: The dosage for zinc in this study is significantly higher than the optimal recommended dose. A high dose of zinc (>50-mg) over an extended period of time does come with possible health risks. Lower doses of zinc could be sufficient especially if used in combination with other beneficial antioxidants.

Look for a combination antioxidant supplement to contain a supportive set of nutrients. Clinically I use Able Eyes by Carlson's for a smart combination of nutrients.

“Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss”: AREDS Report No. 8&9. Arch Ophthalmol 2001;119:1417–52

Glucosamine Sulphate Does Not Alter Blood Glucose

2011-05-24T09:59:00.003-04:00

Richard Maurer

This recent study appears in response to questions regarding the “glucose” effect from the glucose part of the glucosamine molecule. In this well designed study, there was no change in blood glucose after 90 days of supplementation of 1500 mg of Glucosamine HCl and 1200 mg.Chondroitin sulfate in type II diabetics. These results are not surprising, given that 1500 mg. of glucosamine HCl contains a relatively minute amount of pure glucose in vivo. In any case, clinicians can now be assured that what we have assumed regarding glucosamine supplementation is now supported by research.

The Effect of Glucosamine-Chondroitin Supplementation on Glycosylated Hemoglobin Levels in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Scroggie MD, Daren, Albright MD, Allison, Harris MD, Mark. Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:1587-1590.

Gingko does not appear to have a “blood thinning” effect.

2011-05-24T09:58:00.000-04:00

By Richard Maurer, ND

Given that Egb761 is one of the most researched herbal extracts in the world, we shouldn’t be surprised to see a study to evaluate the possible blood thinning effects of this Gingko biloba extract. Clinicians always question the possible additive effect of herbal treatment and daily aspirin or blood thinning medication. In the past year, several cases of spontaneous bleeding have been reported in patients treated with Ginkgo biloba.

A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was carried out in 32 young male healthy volunteers to evaluate the effect of three doses of Ginkgo biloba extract (120, 240 and 480 mg/day for 14 days) on hemostasis, coagulation and fibrinolysis. This study did not reveal any alteration of platelet function or coagulation. This suggests that the reported clinical bleeding events in patients receiving Ginkgo biloba extract are not related to pharmacological properties of EGb761.

Of course, older patients on several medications will require an individualized approach to CAM treatment using Ginkgo biloba extract. This study adds to our ever-growing knowledge of the safety and efficacy of Egb761.

Bal Dit Sollier C, Caplain H, Drouet L. No alteration in platelet function or coagulation induced by EGb761 in a controlled study. Clin Lab Haematol. 2003 Aug;25(4):251-3.

Taking Fish Oil Supplements Can Prevent Dangerous Arrhythmia

2011-05-24T09:55:00.002-04:00

In a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study 65 patients with cardiac arrhythmias without coronary heart disease or heart failure were subdivided into 2 groups. 33 people were supplemented with encapsulated fish oil 3g/day totaling 1000 mg. EPA/DHA (n-3 PUFA) combined per day over 6 months. The other group (32 people) was given 3 g/day of olive oil as placebo.

Clinically, this editor is impressed with the results given the relatively low dose of EPA/DHA. This study used small 500-mg. capsules (18%EPA/12%DHA) either 2, tid or 3, bid. The equivalent dose of a common capsule of 300 EPA/200 DHA would be only 2 capsules per day! Even at this nominal dosage, the fish oil group experienced significant:

• Decrease of serum triglycerides
• Decrease of total cholesterol
• Decrease of LDL cholesterol
• Decrease of plasma free fatty acids and thromboxane B2
• An increase of HDL cholesterol
• Moreover, a reduced incidence of atrial and ventricular premature complexes, couplets and triplets were documented. Put more simply, severity of ventricular arrhythmia diminished significantly over the 6-months.

No changes were seen in the placebo (olive oil) group. Notably, olive oil does NOT appear to carry cardiovascular benefits like fish oil.

The researchers report that a recent trial Cardiac Arrhythmias Suppression Trial (CAST) “showed an even higher rate of death from arrhythmia in patients after myocardial infarction treated with antiarrhythmic drugs compared to patients assigned to placebo”. Therefore, with just 1 g/day of n-3 (EPA/DHA) PUFA supplementation, we can offer a reasonable regimen at low cost and little risk in clinical practice to our patients.

Singer P, Wirth M, “Can n-3 PUFA reduce cardiac arrhythmias? Results of a clinical trial” Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids 71 (2004) 153–159.

Beta Blockers require CoQ10 supplementation

2011-05-24T09:53:00.003-04:00

COQ10 and Beta-blockers: Another indication
Richard Maurer, ND

Up to now, all the drug manuals from the PDR to the small handbooks note the depletion of CoQ10 from long-term HMG CoA Reductase inhibitors, which includes the “statin” family of cholesterol lowering medications. The latest drug handbooks such as the highly circulated Nursing 2003 Drug Manual indicate the possible depletion of CoQ10 from the use of beta-blockers. Interestingly, the knowledge that beta-blockers inhibit mitochondrial CoQ10 enzymes has been known for decades*. Supplementing CoQ10 might help prevent depletion of Co-enzyme Q10. Research on CoQ10 indicates a strong safety record with supplemental CoQ10 and few if any adverse drug interactions. The one noted interaction might be with Coumadin, a drug with many possible herb and nutrient interactions; therefore caution is needed if using CoQ10 with Coumadin.

• Kishi T, Watanabe T, Folkers K. Bioenergetics in clinical medicine XV. Inhibition of coenzyme Q10-enzymes by clinically used adrenergic blockers of beta-receptors. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol, May;17(1):157-64, 1977.

2011-05-23T19:39:00.000-04:00

Acupuncture Relieves Symptoms of Fibromyalgia, Mayo Clinic Study

In 2006, researchers at the Mayo Clinic found evidence that suggests acupuncture reduces the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Mayo’s study involved 50 fibromyalgia patients enrolled in a randomized, controlled trial to determine if acupuncture improved their symptoms. Symptoms of patients who received acupuncture significantly improved compared with the control group.
“The results of the study convince me there is something more than the placebo effect to acupuncture,” says David Martin, M.D., Ph.D., lead author of the acupuncture article and a Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist.

The take-home message from this study was not just pain relief, but improvements were noted in patients’ fatigue, anxiety level and sleep. Not surprisingly, acupuncture was well tolerated, with minimal side effects.

This study has led to a much larger study funded by the National Institute of Health which gathered patients from 2008-2010 and has not yet reported results.

Mayo Clin Proc. 2006 Jun;81(6):749-57

Tension and Migraine Headaches Improve with Acupuncture

2011-05-23T19:38:00.001-04:00

Migraines, Tension-Type Headaches Respond to Acupuncture

Linde, PhD. Centre for Complementary Medicine Research, Department of Internal Medicine II, Munich, Germany

OBJECTIVES of this STUDY: To investigate whether acupuncture is a) more effective than no prophylactic treatment/routine care only; b) more effective than 'sham' (placebo) acupuncture; and c) as effective as other interventions in reducing headache frequency in patients with migraine.

MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-two trials with 4419 participants met the inclusion criteria. Six trials compared acupuncture to no prophylactic treatment or routine care only. After 3 to 4 months patients receiving acupuncture had higher response rates and fewer headaches. The only study with long-term follow up saw no evidence that effects dissipated up to 9 months after cessation of treatment. Fourteen trials compared a 'true' acupuncture intervention with a variety of sham interventions. Four trials compared acupuncture to proven prophylactic drug treatment. Overall in these trials acupuncture was associated with slightly better outcomes and fewer adverse effects than prophylactic drug treatment.

Coastal Natural Health Conclusion: Now, with 12 additional trials, there is consistent evidence that acupuncture provides additional benefit to treatment of acute migraine attacks only or to routine care. Available studies suggest that acupuncture is at least as effective as, or possibly more effective than, prophylactic drug treatment, and has fewer adverse effects. Acupuncture should be considered a treatment option for patients willing to undergo this treatment.

Nutrients - Foods - and Cancer

2011-05-23T19:38:00.000-04:00

Nutrients in Whole Foods that Protect Against Cancer

VITAMIN A: Strengthens the immune system. Essential for mineral metabolism and endocrine function. Helps detoxify. True vitamin A is found only in animal foods such as cod liver oil; fish and shellfish; and liver, butter and egg yolks from pasture-fed animals. Traditional diets contained ten times more vitamin A than the typical modern American diet.

VITAMIN C: An important antioxidant that prevents damage by free radicals. Found in many fruits and vegetables but also in certain organ meats.

VITAMIN B-6: Deficiencies are associated with cancer. Contributes to the function of over 100 enzymes.

VITAMIN B-12: Deficiencies are associated with cancer. Found only in animal foods.

VITAMIN B-17: Protects against cancer. Found in a variety of organically grown grains, legumes, nuts and berries.

VITAMIN D: Required for mineral absorption. Strongly protective against breast and colon cancer. Found only in animal foods such as cod liver oil, lard, shellfish and butterfat, organ meats and egg yolks from grass-fed animals. Traditional diets contained ten times more vitamin D than the typical modern American diet.

VITAMIN E: A fat-soluble antioxidant at the cellular level. Found in unprocessed oils as well as in animal fats like butter and egg yolks.

CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID (CLA): Strongly protective against breast cancer. Found in the butterfat and meat fat of grass-fed ruminant animals.

CHOLESTEROL: A potent antioxidant that protects against free radicals in cell membranes. Found only in animal foods.

MINERALS: The body needs generous amounts of a wide variety of minerals to protect itself against cancer. Minerals like zinc, magnesium and selenium are vital components of enzymes that help the body fight carcinogens. Minerals are easily absorbed from animal foods.

LACTIC ACID AND FRIENDLY BACTERIA: Contribute to the health of the digestive tract. Found in old-fashioned lacto-fermented foods. Lacto-fermented dairy products are protective against several cancers including colon cancer.

SATURATED FATS: strengthen the immune system. Needed for proper use of the essential fatty acids. The lungs cannot function without saturated fats. Found mostly in animal foods.

LONG-CHAIN FATTY ACIDS: Arachidonic acid (AA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) help fight cancer on the cellular level. They are found mostly in animal foods such as butter, organ meats, cod liver oil and seafood.

CO-ENZYME Q10: Highly protective against cancer. Found only in animal foods.

Compounds in Processed Foods that Are Associated with Developing Cancer

TRANS FATTY ACIDS: Imitation fats in shortenings, margarines and most commercial baked goods and snack foods. Strongly associated with cancer of the lungs and reproductive organs.

RANCID FATS: Industrial processing creates rancidity (free radicals) in commercial vegetable oils.

OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS: Although needed in small amounts, an excess can contribute to cancer. Dangerously high levels of omega-6 fatty acids are due to the overuse of vegetable oils in modern diets.

MSG: Associated with brain cancer. Found in almost all processed foods, even when “MSG” does not appear on the label. Flavorings, spice mixes and hydrolyzed protein contain MSG.

ASPARTAME: Imitation sweetener in diet foods and beverages. Associated with brain cancer.

PESTICIDES: Associated with many types of cancer. Found in most commercial vegetable oils, fruit juices, vegetables and fruits.

HORMONES: Found in animals raised in confinement on soy and grains. Plant-based hormones are plentiful in soy foods.

ARTIFICIAL FLAVORINGS AND COLORS: Associated with various types of cancers, especially when consumed in large amounts in a diet of junk food.

REFINED CARBOHYDRATES: Sugar, high fructose corn syrup and white flour are devoid of nutrients. The body uses up nutrients from other foods to process refined carbohydrates. Tumor growth is associated with sugar consumption.

CoastalNaturalHealth.com
Dr. Richard Maurer

Food Introduction in the First Years of a Child

2011-05-23T19:37:00.002-04:00

Nourishing a Child – Introducing Foods in the first years.

How to reduce the likelihood of allergies and “atopy” in children

For the first 6-months of life, breast milk is the only food required by most infants. We expect a child’s birth weight to double at about 6-months old. Breast milk has essential antibodies that provide powerful immune function to the child as well as balanced nutrients to optimize growth. Children who have been breast-fed in these first 6-months are at lower risk for numerous diseases. Notably, a Finnish study found that exclusively breast-feeding an infant to 6-months of age resulted in significant prevention of allergies in infants of allergic parents. Of course, the mother’s diet and nutritional intake is paramount to making healthy breast milk!

Occasionally, a child on breast milk will react to allergens from the mother’s diet. Having the mother eliminate the food in question can treat the child effectively. Usually the foods are one or several of the “sinister seven“foods: Cow’s dairy protein, soy protein, chocolate, wheat, corn, egg whites and peanuts. [Extras might be potatoes, citrus and coffee].
Introducing an infant to solid foods too early or to allergenic foods too early will increase the susceptibility to allergies in a child. A child does not have a fully developed digestive capacity and cannot effectively digest some foods – especially grains. Therefore, less allergenic foods should be used to nourish the child while reducing the likelihood of allergies.

When not severe, these allergies are usually caused by the delayed-type IgG cells or the IgA cells – that live in all the mucous membranes of the body such as the sinus, lungs and gut. The symptoms can be negligible to severe but these 2 immune cells, while technically involved in the allergic response, are not going to cause life-threatening reactions. These may be better defined as sensitivities. This allows the word “allergy” to be reserved for the more acute and possibly anaphylactic-causing IgE immune reactions. For our discussion here we are referring to sensitivities.

Sensitivity reactions that a child might have to foods:

Rashes and hives (esp. around mouth and anus)
Hyperactivity or lethargy
Runny nose & mucous production
Frequent infections (esp. ear)
Allergic shiners
Stomach aches
Diarrhea or constipation
Dyslexia or changes in handwriting or drawing

At no other time in life is nutrition so important to a person. Our goal is not to treat allergies at this young age. Our goal is to provide a nutritional diet that promotes a healthy digestive system, a strong immune system and an intelligent and well-developed nervous system. Following a proper introduction schedule, you will do this while preventing the development of allergies.

What SHOULD infants and children eat?

What foods do infants digest best? A baby does have lactase, not surprising, as an infant needs this enzyme to digest the lactose sugar in breast milk. By 6-months old, the infant has developed pepsin (a protein-digesting enzyme) and hydrochloric acid production in the stomach. Again this is in response to breast milk and the need to break down the milk proteins. Other carbohydrate-digesting enzymes develop much later – some reports say it takes until 24 months; these include amylase, which is required for the digestion of grains. Other undeveloped enzymes might include cellulase, used to digest plant fibers and other enzymes used to break down the skin of legumes or nuts. Therefore, grains, nuts and beans are not early in the food introduction. Meats, fat-rich vegetables, and nutrient rich fatty foods such as egg yolks show up earlier in the infant food introduction.

Remember, the infant has a small capacity to take in a large amount of food, so nutrient “density” of the food is important. Fat is the food product that provides the most nutrition in the smallest package. It is helpful to remember that breast milk from a healthy woman is 50%-60% fat, and cholesterol represent 6 times the amount most adults consume from food! It is not surprising to read about other cultures where cholesterol rich foods like special meat broths and organ meats are delivered to women after childbirth – this fat rich diet helps assure the breast milk will have adequate nutrition for a healthy child and a healthy mother.

With this said, as solid foods become a greater part of the child’s diet – nutrient rich fats need to be a regular part of your food preparation. I believe this requires special emphasis as many parents and especially mothers have been pulled into the marketing of “low-fat” foods. For the infant, low fat means “empty calories”. Therefore, it may be helpful to use the rule of “50% of calories from fat” to assure the foods are providing the real needs of the child for optimal growth and development. An example of this in practice will be butter and cream added to cooked vegetables and meats.

Grains – when they are added, should be soaked for 12-24 hours prior to cooking, this strategy should be implemented with oats, rice, millet, barley, etc. Traditional sourdough bread accomplishes this through the soaking in the bread-making process, therefore “real” sourdough bread can be considered between 9-12 moths old.

Sweets and sugars can be added after one year old but desserts should only be one or two times per week at most.

From 3 years old to pre-teen

This is a period of physical growth. The actual needs do not vary much beyond adult except the quantity of food will vary from day to day and the child’s taste is developing. Children are not capable of the reasoning that sounds something like this “If you eat this you’ll be healthier.” This requires an abstract thinking closer to an 18-19 year old. So in short – You the parent are 100% in the driver’s seat.

Procuring food, preparing food, smelling and tasting food, cleaning up and re-cycling or composting leftovers are all part of the nourishment web. Integrate children in to all parts of this process. Having a few food staples that are prepared in the home will help drive home this “soup to nuts” approach to diet and nutrition for your family.

If children are excessively hungry between meals – they are probably not getting adequate fats at the early meals in the day. Fats are the most important of food components for proper function of the learning processes in children. Animal fats and the most nutrient rich but all saturated fats can be used as efficient energy many hours after a meal.

Teenage Years

Kids are going to start feeding themselves – but remember, abstract thought is not intact, so they’re not going to eat because it is “healthier” or eat in a way that will help them at some arbitrary point in the future. So the patterns you have set in the pre-teen years are all-important.

Tom Cowen perhaps rightfully simplified the teenage nutritional needs by stating:
Boys need to eat meat. It is not unusual to need to feed a teenage boy some sort of meat three times per day. As long as the meat is of the best quality, this will actually foster a robust muscle development. Boys will have much less interest in satisfying their nutritional needs outside the home if they’re served plenty of meat supplemented with grains, vegetables and salads.
For girls the equivalent food is fat, especially cream and butter. These are necessary for hormonal development, functioning like meat for boys, helping to meet their cravings and to stop them from looking outside the home for food.

Enjoy!

---Dr. Richard Maurer

Schedule for Introducing Solid Foods
(Provided breast-feeding continues to about 12-months or longer)

6-9 months: Hypoallergenic pureed, cooked and mashed foods 1-2 Tbs./day.
Vegetables should be mixed with cultured butter, animal fats, olive oil, and coconut oil and/or crème fraiche.
• Egg yolks from chickens on pasture or with enhanced DHA content in their feed
• Carrots, yams, squash – these foods can be seen a vehicles for healthy fats while providing some carbohydrate and nutrients.
• Avocados – Rich in stable monounsaturated fats
• Broccoli and Cauliflower – cook well and mash with fats
• Raw fruits such as: melon, papaya, banana (bananas & papaya contain enzymes)
• Cooked fruits such as: Apricots, peaches, pears, apples, and berries – again with cream

9 months: Higher zinc foods for the immune and digestive system; 2-4 Tbs./day.
Foods are more complex and difficult to digest.
• Potatoes, peas, string beans, parsnips – most every vegetable can be added by this time
• Fermented vegetables – a spoonful or sauerkraut, lacto fermented carrots or beets – this helps develop the enzymes necessary for complex digestion
• Whole milk yogurt, whole milk kefir, bone and meat broths.
• Oatmeal, rice, millet, and barley: non-gluten grains, assure the butter, cultured cream, etc. Grains should be soaked to provide adequate digestion

12 months: A more complex food set – food might completely replace food for calories
Meats & Fish: Chicken & turkey (organic or pastured), lamb & beef (grass-fed), fish (coldwater wild caught), wild game meats
Raw milk, clabbered milk, raw milk cheeses, cheese from sheep goat and cow’s milk
Egg whites may be added now with the yolk
Goats Milk (fresh)
Liver can be shaved into foods on a regular basis. Keep organic liver in the freezer and use it in a grater to instantly add essential nutrients.

18 months-24 months: This is where the most complex foods may be added; provided digestion appears strong the child is vital.
Salad greens
Raw tahini, sunflower seeds, raw almond butter
Beans
Rye & wheat
Citrus

Note: Peanut is not until about 4-years of age. Shellfish may also be delayed to 2-4 years

Supportive Protocol for Surgery - Use only under the supervision of your doctor

2011-05-23T19:37:00.000-04:00

Complementary Protocol for Surgery

Any surgery is a stress for your body and it takes time for healing to occur. The following protocol is based upon core nutritional intake to assure there are no deficiencies that might slow healing or nutrients that are associated with reduced infections and post-surgery complications.
1) Get as much rest as possible before the surgery and allow yourself plenty of time to rest afterward; initially, you can’t “rush” the healing process.
2) Develop a positive attitude toward the surgery, this is often done through having a full explanation and discussion with the surgeon.

Nutritional Support

TO BE TAKEN ONLY UNDER SUPERVISION OF A DOCTOR

Take these doses for at least a few days before the surgery if possible, until you are told to eat no food (12-24 hours prior to admission), at which time you should discontinue all supplements as well. Resume supplementation with food.

A comprehensive multiple vitamin-mineral:
• Adults: MultiNutrients (CODE MUL27) or Maxxum (MAXX 3 or 4):
1 - 3 x /day or 2 - 2x/day - you must total 3 or 4 capsules daily in divided dose.
• Children: take Chewable Pioneer Multiple Vit & Min. (Code: CHEW4):
1-2 tablets 1-2 x/day

Essential Fatty Acids:
• Nordic Natural’s or Carlson’s Cod Liver Oil (Code: CODL3): Adults should total about 1 tsp - 1 TBS daily.

Additional Anti-Inflammatory Support:
Bromelain is a plant-based enzyme that acts to “clean-up” excess inflammation. It is best taken away from food. High strength Bromelain can be taken alone for anti-inflammatory effect or in conjunction with NSAIDS.
• Bromelain 24/36 (Code BROM8): Take 1-2 capsules two to four times daily between meals to control inflammation OR take one bromelain with an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen as needed for pain.

www.CoastalNaturalHealth.com
Dr. Richard Maurer

Travel Protocol for Digestive Wellness

2011-05-23T19:36:00.000-04:00

Travel Protocol for Digestive Health

The following is to attempt to prevent the gastrointestinal backlash that we might experience while traveling and exposing ourselves to new and exciting microbes.

Take heed of local precautions such as “Don’t drink the water.” Easier said than done, but stick with the basics.

 Only drink from sealed containers; remember juice at a restaurant may be diluted
 Avoid ice cubes
 Avoid raw vegetables that may have been washed or soaked in unclean water

Items to take: If you take vitamins, take the minimum you think you will need. Many times just your multiple will do. If your travels bring you to a place that is notorious for stomach experiences, I recommend the following treatment:

Beginning 3 days before arrival, take a probiotic/acidophilus combination
• Primadophilus Acidophilus: 2 capsules, 2 times per day before and after sleep.

During the trip use:
• Primadophilus Acidophilus (by Nature’s Way): 1 capsule 2 times per day
• PARA-GARD (by IT) or The herbal combination Tricycline (BY Allergy Research Group): 1 capsule with each meal

If a problem should arise you can double both the above recommended doses.

www.CoastalNaturalHealth.com
Dr. Richard Maurer

Valerian and Insomnia - An effective and non-addictive therapy

2011-05-12T11:00:00.000-04:00

“Relief for Insomnia”: Valerian effective following benzodiazepine withdrawal

Use of benzodiazepine medications for sleep disorders has become more and more common, and is implicated in a long list of side effects and difficult withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are often found under the following names, Xanax (Alprazolam), Valium (Diazepam), Ativan, Alzapam (Lorazepam), Halcion (Triazolam), Klonopin (Clonazepam), and Restoril, among others. Patients often find it very difficult to withdraw from these medications and at the same time long-term medication with these drugs is often discouraged due to the addictive nature of the drugs and the accompanying side effects. Therefore this study should be of great interest to people suffering from sleep disturbance who want to avoid the potential side effects of benzodiazepine medications.

This was a placebo-controlled study of 19 patients who complained of poor sleep, marked by reports of frequent waking, despite chronic benzodiazepine use. Subjects were taken off their benzodiazepine medications for about 2 weeks prior to beginning Valerian 100 mg tid or placebo. The fifteen days of treatment with Valerian improved subjective sleep quality, without affecting sleep onset.

Poyares DR, Guilleminault C, Ohayon MM, Tufik S. “Can valerian improve the sleep of insomniacs after benzodiazepine withdrawal?” Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2002; 26(3): 539-545.

Editor’s Note: The study was done in Brazil using a standardized dry root extract of Valeriana walichii. This extract contained 80% didrovalerate, 15% valtrate and 5% acelvaltrate. [Valerian has dozens of compounds, known as valerenic acids, and many are considered actives, so a standardized extract must maintain a complete extract quality to protect all “actives” in the root.] Although this study used 100 mg tid, due to the short 2-week duration, it offers little insight regarding appropriate long-term dosages. However, this study adds to the total body of research on standardized Valerian extracts and the significant beneficial effect they have on sleep quality. The real service the researchers provided was to demonstrate the effectiveness of valerian root extract for people who had unrelenting insomnia and had been on Benzodiazepine medication for no less than 2.5 years. This is a tough patient base to treat, and the fact that valerian had a positive effect is impressive.

The product used in this study is currently unavailable in the U.S. However, European research conducted in 1996, utilizing a standardized valerian/melissa extract from Willmar Schwabe of Germany, noted similar effects in significantly improving sleep quality, but not sleep onset.

Dressing H, Köhler S, Müller WE. “Improvement of sleep quality with a high-dose valerian/lemon balm preparation: A placebo-controlled double-blind study.” Psychopharmakotherapie 1996; 6:32–40.

Ginkgo and Vitiligo - worth a look.

2011-05-12T10:59:00.000-04:00

Ginkgo biloba and Vitiligo

We shouldn’t be surprised to find another clinical indication for one of the world’s most researched herbal supplement. Vitiligo is an idiopathic condition that involves a steadily progressive de-pigmentation of the skin. This double blind preliminary study examined 47 vitiligo patients over six months, one group supplemented 120 mg of Ginkgo biloba extract daily (40 mg. tid) the other group took placebo. 10 individuals in the treatment group had complete re-pigmentation while only 2 in the placebo group experienced the same. Progression of de-pigmentation was arrested in about 80% of those in the treatment group vs. 36% in the placebo group.

Conventional treatment of vitiligo consists of topical steroids and waiting from months to years for symptoms to resolve, resulting in a frustrating and difficult to treat illness. The researchers summarized their outcome in the journal Clinical and Experimental Dermatology by informing us, “Ginkgo biloba extract seems to be a simple, safe and fairly effective therapy for arresting the progression of the disease”.

Parsad D, Pandhi R, Juneja A. Effectiveness of oral Ginkgo biloba in treating limited, slowly spreading vitiligo. Exp Dermatol. 2003 May;28(3):285-7

UTI PROTOCOL - Use only under the supervision of your doctor

2011-05-12T09:25:00.000-04:00

Urinary Tract Treatment Protocol

d-Mannose: 1 rounded tsp 3 times per day. Be certain to take this with some water or other fluid.
d-Mannose prevents the bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall and better allows the body to clear the infection.

UTI Formula (Wise Woman Herbals): 3-4 dropperfuls with several ounces of water 3 times per day.
UTI Formula is a combination of several herbs that have anti-microbial properties thereby safely killing the bacteria.

EHB: 2 capsules 2-3 times per day with eating.
EHB is a combination of herbs and nutrients to help the immune system get over infections in general. Sometimes UTI is just localized and one does not need to take EHB, but if there are systemic symptoms of just “being sick”, add EHB as above.

DO THIS TREATMENT UNTIL SYMPTOMS ARE GONE FOR THREE DAYS.

LOW GLYCEMIC LOAD DIET - FatBack Diet Summarized

2011-05-10T11:33:00.000-04:00

General Rule:
3 MEALS per DAY & EVERY MEAL MUST INCLUDE:

1 - An EFA or Essential Fatty Acid – Required for all functions in the body.
2 - A Protein – With the natural fats intact. Needed for repair and recovery.
3 - A Favorable Carbohydrate – For sugars and energy: use to deliver nutrients

Essential Fatty Acid---“EFA”

#1 Fats as their name implies are essential. Do not avoid fats in your diet. A diet of less than 15% fat is absolutely unhealthy.

#2 Avoid hydrogenated oils. These include hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils; they contain harmful “trans fats”.

#3 Avoid all “No-fat” and “Low-fat” products that are originally designed to have higher fat contents. These products have either more sugar or chemicals to mimic the taste of fat. (Examples: “low-fat mayonnaise”, ‘no-fat butter-substitute”, “no-fat Caesar dressing”)

#4 When cooking, a stable oil must be used to avoid the harmful effects of rancid/ oxidized oils. Cooking should be done with olive oil (only if cooking at less than 350F), coconut oil, butter, palm oil, rendered animal fats such as chicken fat and even lard (these are stable to high temp.)
Cooking should NOT be done in canola, corn, sunflower, safflower, and soy oils. Therefore avoid cooked, whipped or stored foods with these oils such as chips and spreads.
Find crackers that use olive oil or butter. There are potato chips cooked in Olive oil for a treat.

#5 While Omega-6 fats are essential – too much throws off the balance of other oils. Omega 3 fats should be higher than omega 6 in the diet. Don’t over-do nuts and nut oils.

BEST QUALITY OILS

• Omega-6 fats: Most RAW nuts and seeds, especially pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, almonds, sunflower seeds, pecans, walnuts, brazil nuts – These nuts can be soaked, rinsed and re-dried for better digestibility. See Nourishing Traditions for instructions.
• High quality, cold-pressed oils – Sesame, Olive, Flax (Do not heat Flax oil)
• Omega-9 fats: Artichoke hearts, Avocados, Olives
• Medium chain fats: Coconut oil
• Omega-3 fats: Fish oils
• Good quality Egg Yolks
• Short chain fats: Butter – organic, local. Good farm butter or at least “Cultured”.
• Nut butters, if used, must be raw – not roasted
• Many animal fats are rich in essential fat, especially when grass-fed, such as lamb or beef

Staples in the diet beside those listed above:
Salad Dressing – MAKE YOUR OWN with Olive oil, w/ lemon or vinegar & seasoning
Mayonnaise – Real egg yolks and quality oil - make yourself or buy “DeLouis fils”
Crème Fraiche or Mascarpone – Cultured cream products use with fruit/meat/etc.

Protein Choices - with whole fats intact

As we eat higher on the food chain we need to pay closer attention to quality. Make efforts to purchase all the below from sources that are organic, grass-fed, local, or at least natural. Choose whole proteins, the nutrients are in the bone, skin and organs.
There is a great deal of benefit in not only meats but from whole meat products such as bones and cartilage. Practically speaking...make broth. There are a tremendous amount of nutrients we get from broth when made properly. Try to buy meats or fish that contain bones and make broth for use when cooking rice, grains, soups & stews.

BEST CHOICES for PROTEIN FOODS

MEATS, POULTRY
Chicken/Turkey whole-w/bone&skin
Wild game meats (high EFA content)
Grass-fed beef or lamb (70-80% lean)
Organic organ meats – pate, terrine, etc.

FISH – From wild sources whenever possible
anchovies bluefish catfish cod clams crabmeat haddock halibut herring lobster mackerel, mussels oysters salmon sardines scallops shrimp any local sustainable fish
[whole sardines, canned salmon, anchovies: have bones-in for better nutrition]

EGGS
Whole Eggs

DAIRY

Cottage cheese - whole
Plain Yogurt – whole (YOU sweeten)
Goat Cheese or yogurt (chevre)
Sheep milk yogurt/cheese
Sheep=Valbreso feta/pecorino Romano
Raw Milk Cheeses (these have all been aged: includes gruyere and others)
Kefir or other cultured dairy products

VEGETABLE SOURCES OF PROTEIN
All legumes have moderate amounts of protein and need to be slow cooked properly.
Tofu – this is a “concentrated legume”, it is OK
AVOID all “processed” soy protein (soy protein isolate) i.e. Soymilk/ bars/ etc.
AVOID peanut butter/roasted peanuts – legumes need to be boiled, not roasted.

FAIR CHOICES for PROTEIN FOODS

MEAT & POULTRY – more processed forms
Natural cured meats or beef jerky, Ham, Turkey or chicken sausages/franks, natural sandwich meats. High fat cuts of meat, like natural bacon, can be used as condiments in any meal.

Some Great cookbooks:
Gourmet Cookbook by Ruth Reichl
Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
Anything recommended through Slow Food USA.

Carbohydrate Choices
Favorable Carbohydrates

The following are “favorable” carbohydrates; carbohydrates that provide a healthy increase in your blood sugar levels. The foods on this list will NOT include foods that create an immediate increase in our glucose and insulin levels such as sugary or starchy foods. Favorable carbohydrates provide soluble fiber most of the vitamins to your meal.

When possible, choose these fruits and vegetables in season in your locale.

Cooked Vegetables (Butter or olive oil)
Artichoke
Asparagus
Beans, black/pinto/kidney/white
Beans string, green
Beets
Bok choy
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage/sauerkraut/kim chi
Carrots
Cauliflower
Chickpeas - hummus
Eggplant
Greens, collards/beet/kale/chard /turnip
Leeks
Lentils/split peas
Mushrooms, any variety
Okra
Onions/shallots/garlic
Sauerkraut
Spinach – steam/blanch/creamed/wilt/sauté
Turnip/parsnip
Yellow/zucchini squash

Raw Vegetables – serve with olive oil
Sprouts from alfalfa or beans
Celery
Cucumber
Herbal greens – parsley/ cilantro/ etc.
Lettuces – all varieties
Peppers – all colors
Radishes
Salsa
Snow peas
Tomato

Fruit (fresh or frozen) - No fruit juice

*For those following a very low glycemic load diet such as Bernstein’s “Diabetes Diet” – All fruit is best avoided.

Apple - Applesauce
Apricots
Berries – blueberries/ blackberries/ raspberries/ strawberries
Cherries
Citrus – orange/ grapefruit/ lemon/ lime
Grapes
Kiwi
Melons – cantaloupe/ honeydew/ etc.
Peach / Nectarine
Pear
Plum
Tangerine
Watermelon

Grains
Oatmeal, whole rolled
Quinoa (cooks like rice)
Buckwheat
Wild rice

Carbohydrate Choices
Unfavorable Carbohydrates

The following are “un-favorable” carbohydrates. Use in moderation! These are foods that cause a more rapid increase in blood sugar. On their own – these foods cause a problematic rollercoaster ride to your blood sugar. Remember, these are not “bad” foods; you just want to:
Avoid building a meal around these foods!

Include unfavorable carbohydrates in a meal only after the essential protein; essential fat; and favorable carbohydrate needs have been met. See FatBack Diet.com for more about reducing unfavorable carbohydrates and increasing the proportion of fats to meet your caloric needs.

The glycemic load of a meal can be improved by Fat, Fiber and Fermentation
• Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut and true sourdough breads have a lower sugar-effect than non- lacto-fermented foods like milk and regular breads
• Fat slows the emptying time of the stomach – thereby causing the blood sugar to rise more slowly and evenly. See EFA’s to include whenever possible.
• Fibers found in the favorable carbohydrates, improve the sugar load of a meal.

Cooked Vegetables
Corn (as a grain)
Potatoes Sweet potatoes

Fruit
Banana
All dried fruits – Fig/
Raisins/Prunes/Apricots
Canned or sweetened fruits
All fruit and all vegetable juice

Grains and Breads
Remember – if rice or any grain is cooked in chicken broth and then butter (from the fats page) is added when finished cooking – less rice needs to be eaten to be satisfied, and the glycemic effect of rice is minimized.

Bulgur wheat/couscous
Pasta/Bread
Waffles/pancakes
Baked goods - muffins/ bagels/ crackers/ granola/ rolls/ cookies
Popcorn
Rice/ millet
Rice/Millet
Tortilla, corn/wheat flour
Cereals – All Boxed Cereals

Miscellaneous
Catsup/sauces/sweetened condiments
Frozen desserts
Jam and jelly
Foods with added sweeteners – honey/ maple syrup/ sugar/ agave/ cane sugar

*Large Meal Size*
Stomach stretching causes an increased glycemic reaction, Limit desserts and “volume” foods like popcorn

*Thing that taste sweet*
The mere taste of sweet causes an insulinemic reaction affecting sugars, so eliminate artificial sweetener

HomeMade Yogurt - Easy to make.

2011-05-10T11:27:00.000-04:00

Important: Use good quality whole milk with high butterfat content and a good clean whole milk yogurt culture.

 1 1/2 quarts, whole fat milk, preferably raw

 2/3 cups heavy cream, preferably raw

Directions:

• Heat milk and cream to the point when small bubbles form on the surface.

• Cool to room temperature, about 4-8 hours.

• Add 2-4 Tbs. whole yogurt with lactobacillis culture.

• Pour into 2 one-quart glass jars, shake and place in a cooler.

• Fill with hot water almost to the top, cover and let sit overnight or for at least 10 hours. Can be up to 24 hours.

Note: You can use the homemade yogurt as starter for as many batches as you like. If yogurt fails to form well, then you may need to use fresh starter culture again.

For a starter culture, use SEVEN STARS PLAIN WHOLE YOGURT

GOAT MILK FORMULA

2011-05-10T11:26:00.000-04:00

Goat Milk Formula

Note: This formula should be used under the supervision of a nutritionally oriented doctor. It is not “approved” by the American Pediatric Association.

This formula is an excellent alternative to cow’s milk and soy when a child allergic reactions or is intolerant of milk and soy formulas.

For Newborns to 9-12 Months of age:
Older Children should be supplementing with food introductions

Fresh Goat milk
• 36 ounces

Add to 1 quart goat milk and shake well before using

• 3-4 TBS organic maple syrup

• 10 drops liquid B-complex - TOTAL B – [Code: TOTAB]

• 2 tsp EFA’s as 1-tsp Flax oil [Code: FLAX4 – by Oakmont Labs] & 1-tsp Cod Liver Oil by Carlson [CODL7]

• 1 level tsp Primadophilus for Children’s [Code: PRI10 ]

Formulas may be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for use within 48 hours. However, after the formula has been warmed and the infant fed, any formula remaining in the bottle should be discarded to prevent bacterial contamination.

Athletic Performance Protocol

2011-05-10T11:25:00.001-04:00

FOUNDATION FOR EVERY ATHLETE

MULTIPLE VITAMIN-MINERAL

• MULTI-NUTRIENTS WITH IRON (MUL28)
Take a total of 3-4 capsules daily in divided dose, with meals.

• Other multiples might include Multi-Nutrients without iron (MUL27), Maxxum #3(MAXX3) and
Vita-Big-Kids, for kids age 12 and under (VIT19)

COD LIVER OIL: Take ½ to 1 Tablespoon daily.

• Carlson’s (CODL3) and Arctic –D (ARC25) both have Vitamin D added (for low light times of the year).

• Nordic Naturals, orange (ARCT6) & peach (ARCT7) have minimal Vitamin D (for summertime dosing)

PRE-EXERCISE PROTOCOL

ELECTROLYTE/ENERGY FORMULA (ELE18): Use 1-2 scoops (for magnesium & electrolytes)
This prevents muscle cramps/twitches, especially if there is increased perspiration.

POST-EXERCISE PROTOCOL

L-GLUTAMINE (GLU51): Use 5 grams of powder in some food or liquid
This protein is best taken away from meals and helps recover essential tissue.

BROMELAIN (BROM8) or WOBENZYM (WOBEN)
To help resolve inflammation, these proteolytic enzymes are taken away from food.

Bromelain: 2 capsules, 2/3x/day
Wobenzym: 3-5 tablets, 2-4x/day

HYDROXYLACTALBUMIN PROTEIN POWDER (HYDR7)
Pure, “pre-digested” protein.

Local Food Resources

2011-05-10T11:21:00.002-04:00

DR. MAURER’S RECOMMENDED FOODS

SOURDOUGH BREAD
Borealis, Black Crow & some Standard Bakery breads are true sourdough

YOGURT
(Whole fat, plain – you add the desired sweetener)
7 Stars, Hawthorne, Butterworks. Local sources are Moogurt.

• NOT Stonyfield nor Brown Cow due to the fermenting shortcut of adding pectin & inulin.
• NOT Nancy’s due to the addition of potentially rancid dried milk solids, used as a thickener.

DAIRY
Feta Cheese: Valbreso (100% Sheep). Found in health food stores or Micucci’s Market, Portland ME.

Raw Milk Cheese: Will not say “pasteurized” on the list of ingredients.

Butter: Organic Valley Cultured

Crème Fraiche

FERMENTED FOODS
Sauerkraut: Morse’s (located in Waldoboro ME) or Real Pickles.
Spiced Kim Chee.

Fibromyalgia Protocol

2011-05-10T11:17:00.003-04:00

Fibromylagia Protocol

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a disorder affecting over 5% of the patients in a general medical practice women more often than men. The general cause is a lack of recovery from general use or demand. Frequently, poor sleep with simultaneous increase physical or neurological stress demands will begin an episode. Treatment is therefore addressing several areas of health. Therefore it is essential for someone to have a supportive overall wellness plan with your naturopathic doctor. Fibromyalgia is curable and resolvable.

What about the magic bullet? There isn’t one.
By definition fibromyalgia does not have inflammation with the pain, so anti-inflammatory medications are generally unhelpful, this includes steroids, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and natural products such as bromelain.

#1 Assure optimal overall macronutrient intake
First, avoid foods that precipitate symptoms (in a retrospective study most patients did sig. better if they gave up coffee entirely). People with FMS do NOT tolerate alcohol well.
Second, eat to avoid hypoglycemia and supply every cell with the essential building blocks every moment of every day. Nutritional Resources: The FatBack Diet, our handouts for protein at every meal, Nourishing Traditions cookbook, See CoastalNaturalHealth.com)

#2 Comprehensive nutrient intake including…
• A broad spectrum Multiple Vitamin Mineral such as MultiNutrients (MUL27) or Maxxum #3 (MAXX3)
• Additional Mineral support including about 400-600 mg of chelated Magnesium – To reduce muscle spasm and improve sleep. Mag Citrate (MAG36) 150 mg 1-2 @ bedtime
• Essential Fatty Acids: consider additional EPA from Cod Liver Oil (CODL3)
• Protein should be from dietary sources, although occasionally, high quality whey protein might be used to complement one’s diet. Use hydrolyzed lactalbumin (HYDR7) or New Zealand Whey (VNWP5). Avoid processed soy protein.

#3 Improve Sleep Valerian Nighttime (VAL20). A European OTC herbal preparation that promotes deeper sleep. Magnesium can be added if there is restless leg syndrome.

#4 Gentle daily exercise. Occasionally if the cause of fibromyalgia is overuse, a period of rest may be required during acute phases. Once the acute phase is over, aerobic exercise and some light resistance exercise are important. Must gradually build up intensity.

#6 Soft Tissue Manipulation: Non-traumatic effective treatment is effective at re-aligning the patterns that have resulted in a pain syndrome. Bowen manipulation is effective through nerve conduction and reflex changes that occur with a treatment.

Eye Wash for Conjunctivitis

2011-05-10T11:16:00.001-04:00

EYE WASH INSTRUCTIONS for CONJUNCTIVITIS

1. Boil only 2-3 TBS of water

2. Put ½-1 tsp. Calendula Succus into the little bit of boiling water

3. Boil for a moment then let cool to room temperature

4. Using a clean face cloth, absorb the liquid into a corner of the cloth and squeeze to drip liquid into eye from inside to outside corner

5. Gently wipe eye area with clean cloth

Cookbook Recommendations

2011-05-10T11:08:00.000-04:00

COOKBOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

We are frequently asked to provide a list of cookbooks that will be helpful for individuals and families making dietary changes and looking for more healthy options. The following books come with our recommendation and they all offer some different ideas. Our ultimate goal is to provide you with the tools necessary to create a diet that does NOT rely upon processed foods, and instead emphasizes traditional foods and traditional preparation methods. Our meal should be rewarding, furthermore our diet should not rely on “snacking” as a rule. I believe our diets should complement our lifestyle and provide optimum health. As said by Hippocrates about 2,400 years ago, ”Let Food Be Your Medicine.”

NOURISHING TRADITIONS
By Sally Fallon, Pub. By Promotion Publishing, 1995 (800-231-1776)
The most enlightening book we’ve found about the traditional ways of maintaining health through foods. With in depth discussions about the nutritional implications of eating food prepared in traditional ways versus contemporary nutrient deplete, disease causing processed foods. Highly recommended.

THE JOY OF COOKING
By Irma Rombauer, Has been in publication longer than most of us have been around
[Must buy a pre-1980 copy] This is an old standby with information that has accumulated over several lifetimes, as much a history of food as a recipe book. The older addition has more traditional cooking methods that worked several generations ago. It is subtitled, “A Compilation Of Reliable Recipes With An Occasional Culinary Chat”

GOOD MAINE FOOD
By Marjorie Mosser; Pub. by Down East Books, 1939
This is really one of my favorites for practical and user-friendly local recipes. It even includes a month of daily diets used back in the Early 1900’s in a typical Maine household. This book was published in 1939 and never revised or altered. Brilliant.

The Best of Gourmet
By Ruth Reichl
The big yellow book that was many years in the making. Several recipes are top-notch and all are relatively simple to prepare. Tends to use traditional fats and oils in recipes. Great resource for great recipes.

THE NEW BASICS
By Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins
The best description for this book is that it is the current day Joy of Cooking for the Silver Palate crowd. Very easy to read (as opposed to the sometimes historical language in the Original Joy of Cooking), and has some of the greatest recipes our kitchen has seen.

Real Food
By Nina Plank.
This book is a well-written essay about real food written by a journalist who objectively dispels many common dietary myths. The result is an easy to read essay on “What to Eat and Why.”

Diabetes Diet
By Richard Bernstein, MD
Bernstein’s successful program for diabetes management is an excellent resource for those that need to follow a very low carbohydrate diet.

Visit Dr. Maurer’s website FatBackDiet.com for information about food and wellness.

Cold & Flu Protocol

2011-05-10T10:49:00.001-04:00

COLD AND FLU PROTOCOL

We review the latest research and apply it to your life. We include only those items that have been proven or shown to be both effective and safe.

First things first…Classic colds or “rhinoviruses” predominately occur at the beginning and the ends of flu season. For those of us in the northern climates that means fall and spring. Rhinoviruses are passed from nose to nose. Studies have shown that sharing a glass or even kissing are not “highly contagious” activities. Watch for very goopy noses and sloppy sneezes and coughs. Try to minimize exposure, although instant hand sanitizers are popular, it is proven they do not effectively replace hand-washing. This said, some exposures are not preventable (as a parent of three young children I am aware of this), so the susceptibility of the host (you and your immune system) is the most important factor. Below are ways of keeping your immune system strong throughout cold and flu season.

Basic Preventive Protocol for Cold Flu Season
Multiple vitamin and mineral without iron: Taking a good broad spectrum multiple vitamin mineral can help supply the necessary nutrients which helps your body to stay healthy throughout the cold and flu season. It should contain a balance of all minerals without iron, which for many can contribute to less susceptibility to infection.
A well balanced absorbable multiple vitamin/mineral will require 3-6capsules per day: eg. 2 capsules 2x/day.
Maxxum by Karuna: One of the best researched formulations available. [code MAXX3 is a capsule with 1:1 calcium magnesium ratio; codeMAXX1 is a tablet with a 2:1 ratio; code MAXX4 is a formula for men]
Multinutrients by Vital Nutrients: The most hypoallergenic supplement – [Codes: MUL27 is without iron or iodine. MUL28 is with iron and iodine]
Pioneer Chewable Multiple Vitamin Mineral [for Children]: [code CHEW4] This is by far the best tasting and superior quality chewable multiple vitamin and mineral anywhere. With a range of 1-4 tablets/day.
Cod Liver Oil: [Nordic Natural or Carlson] In our northern climate, the addition of W-3 fatty acids with Vitamin A and D is an important component of our daily diet throughout the winter. Take 1 TBS per day minimum
Take these at the first sign of symptoms or exposure
Echinacea Liquid: Protocol for Life [code P4841] This juiced Echinacea has been the exact subject of the most effective studies for preventing colds and flu. "Every home should have this on hand as early treatment is always more effective. - Take 2.5 ml. Every 2 hours for the first 24-48 hours, then 2.5 ml. 3 times daily for the next 8-9 days, or as needed. Best if added in water or juice. Shake well before use.
Sambucol: Nature’s Way [code SAM21] - This thick great-tasting elderberry extract is indicated when a virus is active. It appears to affect the virus by inhibiting the viral activity. The great taste allows for great compliance with kids. - Take 1-2 TBS, 3 times per day for up to 7 days.
Zinc Lozenges: [code ZNL] use only if a sore throat is present - Lozenges need to contain a certain form of
zinc to be effective for sore throat and colds. Use every 2 hours at the 1st sign of cold/sore throa

EHB: IT, Inc. (code EHB). This is a go-to combination of nutrients and herbs for some immune support and antimicrobial effect. Take 2, 3x/day, when needed.

Recommended Changes in Diet
• Limit dairy if there is any mucous production with the illness. Milk, frozen milk products and excess cheese are known to be mucous producing for many people.
• No refined sugars due to the drop in immune system activity. Our immune system is impaired by excess refined sugars, especially on an empty stomach. Avoid sweetened snacks as much as possible.
• Limit/Avoid all stimulants during an illness– coffee, alcohol, and tobacco.

Hydrotherapy

Our favorite treatment for the first sign of a cold or flu is the “Wet Sock Treatment”. This is one of the traditional naturopathic hydrotherapy treatments, used for centuries and still finds its way into virtually every naturopathic physician’s practice. I have recommended this to patients hundreds of times, and for both children and adults the results continue to be terrific. The instructions below are the same for children as they are for adults, my recommendation is if you use this therapy for your child, you should use the treatment on the same night to better understand the effects and benefits.

Wet sock treatment

When to use this treatment: Whenever there is any congestion in the ears, nose, throat, or chest, especially if sleep is interrupted or disturbed. This treatment draws the congestion and pressure away from your ears nose throat and lungs. It has also been shown to stimulate WBC activity, thereby providing a better night sleep and a faster recovery. Children generally sleep exceptionally well on nights the “set socks” are used.
What you need: Some hot water (to initially soak your feet), Cold water (to soak the cotton socks), Cotton socks, wool socks, a comfortable bed to fall asleep.
Instructions:
First: Warm feet in warm water while soaking summer-weight cotton socks in ice water. 1st rule of hydrotherapy is to always apply the cold part of a treatment on a warmed part of the body. Sometimes with very young children their feet are so warm to begin with this step can be skipped. Soak for about 5 minutes or more until feet are obviously warm to the touch
Second: Wring out cotton socks so they are just damp to the touch and put them on.
Third: Cover wet sock completely with dry wool socks and immediately go to bed for the night. Wool is very important here and should cover the cotton entirely. Do not continue with any activity once socks are on, add extra blankets to the bed for warm sleeping.

In the morning all socks should be dry and warm. If cotton socks are still wet, wring them out more and/or warm your feet more the following night.

THIS TREATMENT IS BEST DONE 3 NIGHTS IN A ROW

Muesli - a la Birchermuesli

2011-05-10T10:47:00.001-04:00

Birchermuesli

“Our favorite warm weather breakfast”

by Dr. Bircher-Benner
Zurich 1887: Recipe as done at this “Natural Health Clinic”

Soak Oats and Dried Fruit for 8 hours or longer in
Juice of 1 lemon **
Juice of 1 Orange **
Zest of 1 lemon peel

This may be left in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days for future breakfasts.
In AM add:
Raw Heavy Cream
Raw Nuts (* See instructions below)
Fresh Fruit

* Soaked and crisping nuts:
Raw nuts provide essential fatty acids and nutrients. But two obstacles need to be overcome.
#1 - These fats are labile omega-6 oils and are therefore destroyed with heat or whipping or long-term storage. Therefore roasted nut butters and roasted nuts are harmful. Therefore purchase raw nuts.

#2 – Nuts have a naturally irritating and toxic skin on them. This is to prevent bugs and other creatures from feeding on them. The tree protects these nutrients in the nut with a skin, which is loaded with phytic acid and other irritating chemicals which actually act as “anti-nutrients” when consumed in any quantity. Therefore; to get the nutrients from nuts, the chemicals in the skin need to be inactivated. By improving the digestibility of the nuts, it is likely that the nuts will be less allergenic. This improved digestion may also prevent allergies from developing. Almonds that are blanched and skinned are useful if soaking is not an option.

Preparing Soaked and Dry Crispy Nuts:

Pecans, Hazelnuts, Almonds, Walnuts etc. – These should be purchased raw.
Soak in water for 4-8 hours rinsing once or twice.

Placed in a very low oven or dehydrator to re-dry. Once cooled, they can then be stored.

Cod Liver Oil - Why Take It?

2011-05-10T10:46:00.002-04:00

BENEFITS OF COD LIVER OIL

Once a standard supplement in traditional European societies, cod liver oil provides fat-soluble vitamins A and D. Cod liver oil supplements are a must for women and their male partners, to be taken for several months before conception, and for women during pregnancy and lactation. Growing children will also benefit greatly from a small daily dose. Cod liver oil is also rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The body makes this fatty acid from omega-3 linolenic acid as an important link in the chain of fatty acids that ultimately results in prostaglandins, localized tissue hormones. It is very important for the proper function of the brain and nervous system, and for visual acuity. Those individuals who have consumed large amounts of polyunsaturated oils, especially hydrogenated oils, or who have impaired pancreatic function, such as diabetics, may not be able to produce EPA and will therefore lack important prostaglandins unless they consume large amounts of oily fish or take a cod liver oil supplement. Studies indicate that the unsaturated fatty acids in cod liver oil may be toxic in large amounts so don’t overdo—2 teaspoons per day is a good rule for adults, 3 teaspoons for pregnant and nursing mothers and 1 teaspoon for babies and children.

Bastyr University Hepatitic C Protocol

2011-05-10T10:45:00.000-04:00

Bastyr Protocol for Hepatitis C

The following chart includes therapies used in a study supported by the National Institute of Health and taking place in Seattle under the guidance of Bastyr University. This list is meant for informational use and not to be used for treatment.

Siliphos®
360 mg 1 cap tid Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, iron chelator, increased mitosis of healthy hepatocytes.

Glycyrrhiza
800 mg (Licorice Root Extract, 6% Glycyrrhizin) 1 cap tid Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, stabilizes hepatocyte membranes.

Actigall™
300 mg
(ursodeoxycholic acid) 1 cap bid Restores damaged bile ducts, induces choleresis, stabilizes hepatocyte membrane by preventing solubilization of cholesterol and phospholipids, increases hepatic blood flow.

Colchicine
0.6 mg 1 cap bid
5 days / week Enhances collagenase expression, stimulates collagenase secretion, inhibits collagen synthesis by hepatic fibroblasts, dec. IL-1.
Phosphatidyicholine (1200 mg soy phosphalid w/420-mg phosphalidylcholine 2 cap tid Protects and stabilizes hepatocyte membrane Hepatoprotection against xenobiotics. Primary source of choline.

Vitamin E 400 IU
(d-alpha-tocopherol) 1 gelcap bid Hepatoprotective by directly inhibiting lipid peroxidation.

Selenium citrate
200 mcg 1 cap bid Antioxidant, incorporated to selenocysteine, a component of glutathione peroxidase,

Thiocid
(alpha-lipoic acid)
100 mg 2 cap tid Chelates iron, antioxidant, free radical scavenger. Helps maintain hepatic vitamin C and E levels. Increases reduced glutalhione.

American Ginseng for Blood Sugar Control and Weight Control

2011-05-10T10:43:00.000-04:00

Three new studies, performed jointly by researchers at the University of Toronto, St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, and the University of Ottawa, show that American ginseng can lower blood-sugar levels in diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

These three studies can be summarized as follows: In both healthy and diabetic people, doses as small as 1 g American ginseng can lower the glycemic response after carbohydrate consumption. Although administration time does not seem to be an issue for diabetics, ginseng regulates blood sugar in healthy people most effectively when taken 40 minutes before carbohydrate consumption, such as with a tea before and with mealtime.

Use a tea bag or capsule before with or after each meal.

The Schumacher family raises some of the best quality ginseng in America. Dr. Maurer has tasted many different kinds of ginseng tea and Schumacher’s ginseng is unbelievable good. The quality of the ginseng root is in the flavor.

Bon appétit.

---Dr. Maurer

Allergy Supplement Protocol

2011-05-10T10:41:00.001-04:00

PRODUCT LIST

CORE SUPPLEMENTS

• Multiple Vitamin/Mineral: Multi-Nutrients (Vital) or Maxxum (Karuna). A high quality hypoallergenic multiple vitamin/mineral creates the foundation of your supplementation protocol.

• Cod Liver Oil (Carlson’s): Cod liver oil provides Omega-3 fatty acids with Vitamin A & D to reduce the inflammatory response and help balance Omega-3 and Omega-6 ratios for health. (Code: CODL3)

• Entrin Acidophilus: This initiates a healthy immune response. (Code: ENTRI)

ALLERGY PREVENTION

• Aller-C: 1-2 capsules 1-3x/day between meals or at least 15 minutes before eating. This helps stabilize mast cells resulting in less histamine release and can reduce all allergy symptoms. (Code: ALL11 = 100 caps)

• Tru-OPC: 1-2 tablets 2x/day. Proven grape seed extract at 75 mg. per tablet. This potent bioflavonoid has similar effects and is complementary to Aller-C. (Code: TRUOP)

• Vitamin C: 1000 mg. 3-4 x/day. This water-soluble antioxidant is known to prevent many allergic reactions and has been shown to reduce the need for inhalers in people with allergic asthma. (Code: C1001 – 100 capsules or C1004 – 250 capsules)

• Saline Nasal Wash – Arm and Hammer has “Clearly Saline” – Home saline wash is also effective. Follow Neti Pot instructions or use a flush of ¼ tsp salt to ½ cup water. This flushes antigens out of the nasal passages.

• Eat ½ cup of previously frozen berries daily – for flavonoid content.

ALLERGY TREATMENT

• Allerplex: 2 capsules 1-3x/day depending upon severity of symptoms. Reliably one of the most effective single items we recommend. This is a non-vegetarian whole-foods combination supplement. (For patients of Dr. Maurer, call our office for this item)

• Sublingual Immunotherapy may also be an option (S.L.I.T.) Contact our office.

Radioactivity and What it Means for Us

2011-03-30T10:57:00.002-04:00

I have received enough calls where I need to write my position and understanding of radioactivity risks and iodine benefits/risks. I am maddened by the number of natural health opportunists who are using a world event to falsely promote kelp products and proprietary products.

For perspective, a catastrophic leak as occurred in Japan is better than an explosion. Compared to the leak at Three Mile Island and the explosion and fire at Chernobyl, this radiation accident appears somewhere on the middle. Obviously, the above ground nuclear weapons testing that frequented the American landscape in the 1950 and 60’s released radioactive material far and wide.

The radioactive materials we have heard about very recently in the news now are of 2 types: one is Iodine-131 and Cesium 137 (C-137). I will begin with Iodine.

Radioactive Iodine-131 (I-131) has a half-life of about 8 days. When a material goes through about 7 half lives, it is considered gone. So within about 56 days in the environment, this compound breaks down. For the people within several hundred miles of Japan, I-131 have been detected in the ground and water. If ingested, it will go where Iodine is supposed to go, to the thyroid, but being radioactive it will damage the Thyroid gland. For people who have had hyperthyroidism, their endocrinologist might have prescribed the same I-131 in a pill form, this kills the thyroid gland. If our body has A LOT of natural iodine already in it, the iodine receptors are “saturated”, so there is no room for the I-131 to bind. This is the mechanism by which taking iodine supplements prevents the damage to the body and thyroid gland from the radioactive iodine. Treatment is typically for 100 days – over the 56 days since there is variability in body tissues eliminating iodine. Numbers are important here, the RDA for Iodine is about 150-micrograms. A kelp capsule typically has about 300-micrograms. Studies show that taking up to 1000 to 2,000-micrograms (1 to 2-milligrams) does not adversely affect the thyroid, but amounts higher begin to raise the risks of both hyper and hypothyroidism, probably more-so in people with family history of thyroid problems, but this represents a lot of people, so I am cautions here. Here is the punch line: A dose of 100-milligrams of Iodine (as potassium iodide) is required to protect the thyroid from the damaging effects of I-131. The harm-benefit ratio of this high dose only works out if one is in the “impact zone” of I-131. And for us on the East Coast, time and distance will prevent our being affected from this compound.

Cesium-137 (C-137) is another radioactive compound that was released in Japan, and this uniquely man-made chemical has an environmental half-life of 30-years. In the body, the half-life is about 70 days. C-137, along with Strontium-90, which also has a half-life of about 30 years, will be releasing excessive radiation throughout the area of Northeast Japan for many, many decades. Iodine and sea vegetables have no impact on the human effects of these compounds.

Sure, we can all be reminded about the health benefits of sea vegetables and dietary intake of fish such as whole sardines, but this is for our general health. Thanks for your interest.

Dr. Maurer

Knowingly using placebo works for IBS

2011-03-01T09:35:00.001-05:00

Upon reading this study method and result I thought, “Why didn’t this get done 30 years ago?” Health writer Dr. Andrew Weil in 1983 proposed in his book “Health and Healing”, that if the medical science community spent as much time and effort trying to rule in the healing response as it does trying to rule it out, we would have the best health care system in the world. Well, in late 2010, Ted Kapchuk pulled it off.

This study used a condition, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is known to respond highly to the placebo effect. Most conditions respond to the placebo effect about 30-40%. Thus, any drug or nutrient or herb that is studied for any condition should affect more improvement than the comparable placebo response before it is a viable treatment.

Well, in this study the placebo group, 40 people with IBS, was the study group and the control group of 40 people with IBS was not treated. The treatment group was given the placebo sugar pills, the bottle actually stated in plain letters – PLACEBO, and they were told to take one two-times-per-day.

The results after the three-week trial? 59% got better. 35% got better with no treatment at all. Interestingly, the expensive antidepressant drugs that are approved for use in people with IBS got no better than 59% when they were studied.

Take Home message: This study was not about the deceptive practice of hiding whether someone was getting a placebo. The cards were all open face and above the table. I have never met anyone who has a mind separate from their body, of vice-versa, for the vast majority of conditions; the mind-body “placebo” effect is knowingly accessible without deception.

Ted J Kaptchuk, et al. “Placebos without deception: A randomized controlled trial in irritable bowel syndrome.” PLoS ONE, December 22, 2010, online publication.

Zinc Can Effectively Treat And Prevent The Common Cold

2011-02-18T09:52:00.004-05:00

Two things I like about this study. There are no profiteering interest groups trying to spin results of a questionable study. This was a critical analysis of many studies done over many years, showing repeatable and reliable effectiveness for zinc lozenges over placebo. Zinc lozenges are generic and inexpensive. The kind of zinc in many of the studies is zinc acetate or glycinate. The dosage was between 10-15-mg of zinc per lozenge.

The authors of the study summarize it best, “Zinc administered within 24 hours of onset of symptoms reduces the duration and severity of the common cold in healthy people. When supplemented for at least five months, it reduces cold incidence, school absenteeism and prescription of antibiotics in children.”

I prefer to act on the acute dosing of zinc, because high dosages [50-mg or higher per day] of zinc long-term have been shown to cause anemia and low circulating white blood cells. Taken as needed within the first 24-hours of cold symptoms, zinc lozenges provide a valuable defense against the Mighty Cold.

Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Published online February 16, 2011

NUTS AND SEEDS: Do...Don't over do.

2011-01-17T16:25:00.001-05:00

Nuts and Seeds are some of the least understood dietary foods. See the link below to the FatBack Diet blog to understand more.

NUTS and SEEDS

Dr. Maurer

The Light Returns to Bring A More Positive Mood

2011-01-16T11:08:00.002-05:00

Every winter I am struck with a deluge of patients wondering why they are “tired” or otherwise emotionally affected in the October, November and December months. For an answer I look to my chickens for a little guidance. I use no light in their coop, so they are subject to natural light only, and as a consequence, out of 19 chickens, I received at most one egg a day for most of November and December. This behavior is part of a simple strategy that has become part of their wiring, to preserve precious proteins and capital going into the dark time of year. It would follow that hatching a chick would not be advantageous going into the winter. But the cold of winter is not the trigger for these little animals, because right around the 30th of December, when astronomically we have gained three minutes of light to our day here in Maine, I go to the coop and get six eggs, rather than none. This usually coincides with colder weather and clouds, so the length of day and angle of the sun, however minute, is detectable to these chickens. It is now January sixteenth and each day is approaching 2 minutes longer than each prior day, and I got 10 eggs from the same 19 chickens.

If these chickens are so reliably affected by sunlight and environment, what about us mammals? We human beings are dramatically affected by our environment and sunlight, beyond what most of us think. Our recent fascination with vitamin D in our bodies, or lack thereof, only punctuates our inseparable connection with our natural environment. And as with vitamin D, remember that the sunlight coming through a window imparts no UV and therefore no vitamin D in our bodies.

So my take-home message is to celebrate the notably longer days and get outside. Think of it as discovering your inner chicken. –Dr. Maurer

January, 2011

Revisiting immunity for the fall season

2010-10-29T23:20:00.002-04:00

The fall and spring are upon us and this is what is known as the “viral” time of year. Windows are closed at school, outdoor sports often transition to less active indoor pursuits, and the weather can tax the most die-hard Mainer. This is probably a good time of year to re-visit what works and what doesn’t for wellness care during this cold and flu season.

To start: Get enough sleep! I am impressed at just how much sleep October requires. In a set of exhaustive studies highlighted in the book “The Sleep Solution”, nobody functioned properly on six-hours of sleep or less. Detrimental effects of insufficient sleep primarily included a lowering of immune function leaving the body more prone to viruses and all infection illness.

Exercise: Stagnant blood and lymph flow can precede sinus infections or bronchitis. Just getting your breathing fuller and more rapid has a beneficial effect on the lungs, helping prevent infection. There can be no excuses based upon bad weather or injuries. Adapt and be persistent. Being active is something you have to BE, not something more to DO.

What is in my cabinet? With three school children and a busy life with some travel, I keep a few supplements on hand.

1 – Zinc Lozenges – Only if a sore throat is coming on – it is antimicrobial topically and if applied at the right time can prove effective

2 – EHB – This is my go-to combination of nutrients and herbs for some immune support and antimicrobial effect. Again, I only take when I need them and the n will use 2, 3 times per day

3 – Sambucus – This strong extract of elderberry has a number of mechanisms that are shown to have some effect on decreasing the duration and severity of viruses.

4 – Echinaguard – This Echinacea juiced extract from Germany has been proven effective in several studies on adults when taken at the first sign of a cold of flu. Studies on young children did not show efficacy and studies using it daily to prevent colds did not work. So I reserve this herbal treatment for those people over age 18 and those without underlying autoimmune disease.

5 – The old basics – During cold season, I am sure to get a dose of a multiple vitamin-mineral along with some 1tsp-1TBS of Nordic Naturals or Carlson’s cod liver oil.

--Be well,
Richard

Screen your insulin resistance!

2010-10-29T17:43:00.004-04:00

Visit the lates addition to the FatBack Blog [http://www.fatbackdiet.com] to find out a simple way to assess stroke risk through insulin resistance evaluation. It is a simple fasting test that you can request from any doctor. Measuring insulin is nothing new to patients who have worked with me for the past years, but this is a clear way to evaluate risk with a simple calculation.

BTW, I am reminded of a study that followed people over many years and kept track of fasting insulin and those that had the lower insulin values with normal sugar (LOW HOMA-IR) were more likely to live longer.

Does this have your attention? Live longer, prevent stroke. FatBackDiet-Dr Maurer

Our brain is wearing the collar and the body is holding the leash!

2010-10-01T17:03:00.006-04:00

Aka: How to relax in our body for the benefit of our mind

Some very interesting studies have revealed a mind body connection that triggers a re-thinking of our symptoms and emotional reactions. It was last year that I was listening to a “RadioLab” Podcast entitled “Where am I?”, and my favorite researcher Robert Sapolsky came on describing the study. Here it is in a nutshell…

When our senses get something unexpected, meaning our conscious brain is not expecting anything, in the case in the study it was a stressful image of a person bloody on a floor in a room, our eyes see the light and image lines, send it to the optic center for analysis to figure out what all these lines mean and before the meaning reaches the analytical part of our brain, there is a activation of the amygdale. So what, you say, well it may be useful to note that the amygdale is relatively limited to responses of fear, distress and anxiety. So in this case, the amygdale not only gets fired up, it immediately signals to the body to react accordingly, with a full “fight or flight response: tension between the ribs, heart racing, pupils dilated, dry mouth, etc.

What is revealing in the new studies is not the response of the body to the limbic system but the timing of it all. The body reaction PRE-cedes the conscious analysis of the image, or sound, or whatever it is that up-regulates the amygdale. So it is probably wrong for us to think that the brain thinks of something and THEN the body responds, because the brain triggers the response before thinking has even had a chance. What then happens is that the thinking part of the brain goes crazy trying to figure out why the body is doing what it is doing.

For people with symptoms of panic and anxiety, there is a positive spin here. Knowing that the conscious/thinking part of our brains actually take their cue from what is going on in the body, therapies such as relaxed breathing, patience, acupuncture and fostering mindfulness within the body. The bodies’ effects from the fight-flight response generally only last about 20-30 minutes and is found to be about 30% longer in women than in men.

Dr. Maurer’s conclusion: So the first call to treating our body/mind is to be patient. The next and most important thing to do is to become aware and practice a way in our body that is at ease and non-stressed. The three places in our body that most people hold anxiety provoking tension is the jaw, the shoulders, and the belly. SO, relax the jaw, let-go of the shoulders, and breathe into a soft belly. No judgment. This takes daily practice and reminders. Only then can the “thinking mind” be free from the wild goose chase of our stress response.

NSAID Use may result in future stroke in healthy individuals

2010-10-01T16:59:00.003-04:00

Fosbøl EL, Folke F, Jacobsen S, et al. Cause-specific CV risk associated with NSAIDs among healthy individuals. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2010; 3:395-405.

This study gave me pause to say the least. First, it was based upon “healthy people”, second, it included very common pain medications, and third, it showed not a weak correlation, but a striking risk association.

In some countries, pain medication is by prescription, which includes NSAIDS such as ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). With the ability to track who took prescriptions, when and how much, researchers tracked the entire Danish population over 10 years choosing only those who had not received chronic pain medications and had not been admitted to the hospital. This “outpatient” non-chronic-pain group was then evaluated.

The conclusions show that those who took even short –term NSAID pain medication had an increased risk of both fatal and non-fatal stroke. Remember the Cox-2 (Vioxx) studies linking the common pain medication to stroke and heart attacks? Since that time, evidence has only accumulated; linking NSAID medications to heart disease risk, and therefore the researchers in this latest study were not overly surprised.
What does surprise us on the receiving end of this study is the strong correlation for healthy people to develop stroke to a frequency that is associated with pain medication usage. What I am also struck by is the strong correlation of stroke with such common medications like ibuprofen and naproxen.

Dr Maurer’s conclusion: First, just because a drug is over-the-counter (OTC) does not mean it is safe. For pain relief, we should pursue non drug treatments, such as hot and cold water/ice, physical exercise and activity, acupuncture, soft-tissue manipulation, yoga, a better night’s sleep. The nutritional treatments such as Magnesium, valerian, and bromelain might prove useful as an alternative to OTC drug treatments.

Chemical sunscreens are unsafe…period.

2010-04-02T16:01:00.001-04:00

What is in chemical sunscreens:

• Benzophenones (dixoybenzone, oxybenzone)
• PABA and PABA esters (ethyl dihydroxy propyl PAB, glyceryl PABA, p-aminobenzoic acid, padimate-O or octyl dimethyl PABA)
• Cinnamates (cinoxate, ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate)
• Salicylates (ethylhexyl salicylate, homosalate, octyl salicylate)
• Digalloyl trioleate
• Menthyl anthranilate
• Avobenzone [butyl-methyoxydibenzoylmethane;

First of all: realize that sunscreen blocks all UV activity to the skin. Your skin provides countless functions not least of which is the absorption and manufacture of the steroid vitamin D. Any sunblock chemicals used in moisturizers, lip balm, and make-up should be eliminated if vitamin D levels are to be properly maintained.

The ineffectiveness of sunblock chemicals has been known for over a decade. Even though it is clear that the use of sunblock does effectively prevent sunburns, the prevention of skin cancers has not been found in the research. Furthermore, it is now clear that at least some of the chemicals in sunblock cause cancer changes in the skin.

Studies in Queensland Australia found that more melanoma was found as people used more sunscreen. [Could sunscreens increase melanoma risk? American Journal of Public Health, Vol. 82, No. 4, April 1992, pp. 614-15.]

Epidemiologist Marianne Berwick of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center after reviewing all the data on sunblock use and cancer outcomes she is quoted: “Although sunscreens do prevent sunburn”, Dr. Berwick concluded that “sunburn itself is not the direct cause of cancer. Dr. Berwick objected to the universal blanket advice about using sunscreens during all time spent outdoors.”
Dr. Gordon Ainsleigh in California believes that the use of sunscreens causes more cancer deaths than it prevents [Preventive Medicine, Vol. 22, February 1993, pp. 132-40]

When absolutely necessary to prevent sunburning, use a sunblock that washes off, stays on the surface of the skin, rather than one that penetrates, and one that has zinc as the active ingredient.

There is no evidence that saturated fat is even associated with heart disease.

2010-04-02T12:59:00.004-04:00

There is no evidence that saturated fat is even associated with heart disease.

Experts finally concede they have been wrong for the past 30 years. The results of the study are published online March 23, 2010 in PLoS Medicine. Lead investigator Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian (Harvard University, Boston, MA) summarized the importance of this meta-analysis study by saying "This is pretty important on a policy level," said Mozaffarian. "It's naturally assumed that lowering saturated fat is good for the heart, but that's not what the evidence shows."

The researchers note that people did in fact cut their saturated fat; but to continue to get their calories, they increased their intake of carbohydrates. Which, by the way, is exactly what the food pyramid at the USDA recommended with a whopping 6-11 servings of carbohydrates per day.

The team at Harvard does not exactly claim defeat though. Here is how they spun their story...
#1 - We were wrong: For 60 years Medical Nutritional "authorities" have claimed saturated fat is the cause of heart disease. But now, research is indicating that is not the case. In fact as people have cut saturated fat out of the diet over the past decades, heart disease has not decreased as a result.

#2 - It's your fault not ours: People did in fact cut saturated fat like we suggested but, the researcher claims, we did not explain what to eat instead of saturated fats, and people replaced saturated fats at meals with carbohydrates. I need to correct this researcher, as the USDA and the American Heart Association recommended 60% dietary calories come from carbohydrates.

#3 – We all should have been replacing saturated fat with UN-saturated fats (PUFA’s). This suggestion reeks of the kind that in 30 years will be followed by a Mea Culpa form Harvard researchers as they then acknowledge that they have dramatically raised cancer rates with their unsaturated fats recommendations.

Very simply – the days of hearing that “saturated fat is bad for your heart” should be over. Let’s get the FatBack in the diet!

Cholesterol lowering medication will now be marketed to people with normal cholesterol

2010-04-02T12:50:00.009-04:00

The FDA sickeningly approves a former cholesterol drug to be used on many healthy people.

The FDA, which is apparently working for the pharmaceutical industry not for you, has approved a pathetic study that allows the statin medication Crestor – to be used on people without cholesterol problems. Basically high CRP on a blood test is enough to indicate use of the drug. Look out everyone, statins used to be marketed to people with high blood cholesterol, now they will be marketed to nearly everyone. The best medical minds are in agreement:

“It’s a good thing to be skeptical about whether there may be long-term harm from healthy people taking a drug like this,” said Dr. Mark A. Hlatky, a professor of health research and cardiovascular medicine at the Stanford University medical school.

Ready for this, Astra Zeneca sponsored the study (maker of Crestor) and the doctor who led the study, Dr. Ridker, owns the use patent on the CRP test. Conflict of interest???

The benefit, even with this blatant conflict, is vanishingly small in the study. In my practice, CRP levels correct when someone takes anti-inflammatory herbs like Curcumin or if someone corrects their high blood sugar, or if someone takes fish oils. Another very comparable statin, Baycol was pulled from the market in 1991 when over 50 deaths from muscle wasting disease were caused by the drug. To say that herbal or nutritional treatment is safer is profoundly obvious.

When is comes to swallowing pharmaceutical marketing hype..."Skeptical minds are healthy minds."

Vitamin D, as suspected, prevents the flu.

2010-04-02T12:47:00.003-04:00

In this case the study summary says it all.

"Vitamin D3 supplementation during the winter is linked to lower incidence of influenza A, particularly in specific subgroups of schoolchildren, according to the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial reported online in the March 10 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"

Who should be tested for prediabetes and what test should be done?

2010-01-14T14:00:00.008-05:00

There are several tests that can screen for prediabetes. The old way to measure for diabetes is to wait until fasting blood sugars go above 124. This is the "wait until you're sicker and then we can save you" approach. But if prediabetes can be effectively caught, the dietary and exercise changes can be implemented to fully prevent any diabetes onset.

See the latest FatBack blog entries for a full discussion of what to test and why.

FatBack Diet

Be well, Dr. Maurer

"Pain Relievers" suppress the beneficial immune response

2010-01-05T23:22:00.003-05:00

Another reason to avoid the ubiquitous “pain relievers”

During the flu hype of November 2009, a headline hit the media. “Pain relievers prevent the immune response”. Researchers found that if a “pain reliever” – aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen, was taken near the time of a vaccine, the result was a reduction or elimination of the immune response, essentially, the drugs have a negative response on the immune system. The take home message is bigger than the headline, if these over the counter drugs have this immune blunting effect with a vaccine, what about when we are naturally exposed to the milieu of the illnesses on a daily basis? Or what about the cancer fighting action of the immune system, is that blocked too when the drugs are in the body?

The prolific use and over-the-counter access of drugs like Tylenol, Advil and Motrin have blunted our own judgment of what is best for our health in the long and short term. In the case of the flu – a proper immune response today provides a lifetime of greater immunity. This research should reinforce our respect of natural healing processes in our body, which may in fact require a little inflammation or fever to restore our health.

Acupucture Integrates into Breast Cancer Care

2010-01-05T23:17:00.005-05:00

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on December 28, 2009 showed that acupuncture was an effective remedy for complementary cancer care. As stated on Medscape on January 5th, 2010, author Roxanne Nelson states: “Acupuncture appears to be as effective as venlafaxine (Effexor), a standard drug therapy for relieving vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer patients. As an added bonus, acupuncture treatment also boosted libido, improved mental clarity, and did not have any adverse effects.”

This is the first randomized controlled trial to compare acupuncture with standard pharmaceutical therapy for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer patients who receive antiestrogen hormone therapy. Even though the number of patients in this trial was small (n = 50), senior author Eleanor M. Walker, MD, feels that acupuncture should be offered as an alternative therapy, even without the benefit of data from a larger trial.

Aside from the fact that no adverse effects were associated with acupuncture, Dr. Walker, who is director of Breast Radiation Oncology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, pointed out that there is a large body of literature showing its benefit in menopausal women experiencing hot flashes, and the results are similar.

Dr. Walker concludes by stating, "Actually, we are using it to treat both men and women for vasomotor symptoms and pain in a pilot study that looks at comprehensive lifestyle changes during and after cancer treatment for prostate and breast cancer,"

Even normal lead levels are too much!

2009-12-22T12:41:00.003-05:00

New research suggests that young adults with higher blood lead levels are more likely to have major depressive disorder (MDD) or panic disorder, even if they have exposure to lead levels generally considered safe. My local hospital uses the reference range stating that under 10 units is normal. This study has found that within normal ranges, people with numbers above 2.1 had over 5 times the likelihood of major panic disorders and twice the likelihood of major depression than those who were below 0.7 on lead levels.
It is no surprise that even tiny amounts of this toxic heavy metal can be too much. Environmental exposure has been reduced with unleaded gasoline – but soil and industrial uses of lead persist.

How to prevent high lead levels: Keep well nourished with calcium, magnesium and vitamin C, as these nutrients displace lead from the bones and help us eliminate lead from our body.

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2009;66:1313-1319

Don’t suppress the use of your immune system at the crucial time you need it!

2009-11-18T23:11:00.003-05:00

Don’t suppress the use of your immune system at the crucial time you need it!

The studies that have gone into swine flu vaccine outcomes have underlined an important medical fact. Use of ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol) and aspirin all seem to blunt the immune response to a vaccine. A confirmatory study was published in the Oct. 17, 2009 edition of The Lancet. Researchers found that giving acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, to infants weakens the immune response to vaccines. In fact – the body was not effective at producing antibodies to the vaccine, thus making the vaccine useless and potentially harmful.

This immunological reality is playing out in the body not just with all vaccines but with illness. When we are fighting a virus, our body produces chemicals to kill the virus, but it also produces cells which will remember the virus for the future, thus imparting immunity. If suppressive medication is used too frequently, this immunity may not occur fully. As a general rule, vaccines produce a small immunity, usually for a year or several years. Contracting and fighting the same viral illness produces lifelong immunity.

Remember a fever is not the illness itself, it is the cure. Our body creates an environment where the virus or bacteria is compromised while the immune system is functioning at extra efficiency. Lifelong immunity and effective recovery are our goals when fighting H1N1 or any viral illness.

Flu and cold prevention at home - simple behaviors to remember

2009-11-18T22:48:00.005-05:00

I recently received an email which had some helpful flu and cold prevention techniques. I appreciate the approach toward health that is simple and effective. Here is my re-write of the 6 basic guidelines for flu prevention.

Be well, Dr. Maurer

1. Frequent hand-washing – this is undeniably useful to prevent rampant viral spread.

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch parts of the face that cause infection with the virus – nose, mouth and eyes.

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water. All viruses take a period of time to multiply and concentrate in the tissue – this is called the “incubation period” or “period of proliferation”. H1N1 takes a couple of days for incubation, and gargling with salt water prevents the viral proliferation in the throat. I love this intervention. ½ tsp into ½ cup water will work. If only we can do this in the sinuses too…

4. Use salt water in the nasal and sinus passages. ¼ tsp salt to ¼ to a ½ cup of warm water. This may seem gross to those not familiar but it is the most effective way of eradicating virus from the nasal passages. A neti pot is a “neat” way to provide the treatment, while gently sniffing the solution will work as well, as I can attest.

5. Boost your natural immunity. Assure adequate intake of vitamin A and D such as with cod liver oil. Zinc lozenges are a great first line of defense as well. Foods and herbs rich in vitamin C and Flavonoids are great additions to the diet – sambucus extract may work via this mechanism.

6. Drink liquids. Just the act of drinking can wash mucous and viral loads out of the throat. This constant flushing will keep the virus from proliferating in the most vulnerable area of the throat.

Soluble Fiber - Not insoluble fiber wins the day

2009-11-13T13:13:00.003-05:00

Throughout my nutritional training, I have been struck by the contradiction of nutritional recommendations in America. I was told that if one ate refined grains they would suffer ill health. But the same professor of mine would quote the impressively low breast cancer rate in Thailand, and the low diabetes and heart disease rates in countries like Japan, France and other Mediterranean countries. If you were to travel to these countries you would see what I saw, white rice, white flour and white pasta. Brown rice in Asia is virtually unheard of. On a recent trip to France, I was cutting up a pear for the hors d’oeuvre plate, when my French host said, “We peel those here”, and by “here”, she meant in this country not just in her house. The ample intake of vegetables marks the healthy component in these countries. Throughout Asia, vegetables are eaten at lunch, usually in a nutritious soup and at dinner. In the Mediterranean, fresh vegetables and beans are a major part of most meals in conjunction with traditional fats and meats and fish.

My observation eating this way is that when some of the indigestible insoluble fiber is removed from foods, more total fiber is consumed as soluble fibers do not irritate the digestive tract like the insoluble skins and husks of grains and fruits.

See for a full citation of write-up of this post: http://www.fatbackdiet.com/?p=66

Packing a Children’s Lunch

2009-11-03T15:40:00.001-05:00

My children have been in schools for over 10 years that have required multiple packed lunches daily. By about 4th grade, they were making good choices and making their own lunches while I made breakfast. Here is what we have used and learned.

First, think of a French picnic, then assemble the foods. These are all foods that can come from our fridge and still be good hours later without refrigeration. Items are put into small glass “Pyrex” containers and put in a neoprene lunch bag. My children would rather have multiple food items rather than “a sandwich” – this list reflects that tendency.

Sourdough Bread or Crackers (made with olive oil or butter)
Real Butter (local, cultured or raw and/or organic are available)
Whole cheese made from sheep, goat or cow’s milk. (Raw cheeses are desirable)
Plain whole yogurt with fruit jam or maple syrup, this is from a bulk container at home
Whole fruit
Nitrate free dried meat – we have a natural beef jerky bade at a local butcher shop
Sandwiches – tuna/salmon or real nitrate free sandwich meats will work
Olives, or pickled vegetables – pickles & dilly beans are kids’ favorites
Raw (or soaked and re-dried) nuts and seeds

How Much Milk Is Enough For My Child?

2009-11-03T15:36:00.001-05:00

Richard Maurer, ND

From the "Got Milk" campaign to get people to drink more milk, to the "Not Milk" campaign decrying the benefits of milk, this is no easy answer. But let’s give it a try. To begin, cow’s milk is not recommended under the age of one, as it is deficient in critical nutrients, breast-milk or specialized formula is recommended. Throughout childhood vitamins A and D are critical for a child’s growth and development, therefore, full-fat dairy products, which naturally contain these nutrients, are recommended.

From age one to three, calcium requirement is 350 mg (UK) to 500 mg (US). For reference, 8 oz. of plain yogurt contains 350-mg well-absorbed calcium. Tad-dah, you’ve already reached the minimum requirement. But even the FDA reminds consumers not to capitalize on one source of nutrition. It recommends a variety of foods, so we must remember other sources of calcium. Minerals in vegetables are absorbable after the food is cooked; therefore cooked 4-oz servings of broccoli (250 mg), spinach and dark green leafy veg’s (200+/- mg) are desirable along with profoundly mineral-rich bone-broth.

From age 4 – teenage, the requirement increases to 600-800 mg and higher. One serving of dairy products daily might still be enough if the child is getting other sources of calcium, but two servings can be helpful as children approach teenage years. But before we leave this topic, let’s remember that calcium does not stand alone. Calcium rich foods that contain absolutely no other nutritional value such as calcium-fortified juice, does nothing for meaningful growth and development. “Nutrient-dense” foods that are rich in calcium should be emphasized whenever possible.

Lauric Acid - all saturated fat is not the same

2009-11-03T12:29:00.001-05:00

Lauric acid is one kind of saturated fat and is associated with several health benefits. Unfortunately, Americans’ intake of lauric acid has almost been eliminated with the misguided decrease in saturated fat intake. This healthful oil is traditionally found in heavy cream and butter of grass-fed animals. One of the highest sources is sheep milk products and lamb. Vegetable sources include coconut oil.

Flu Prevention and Treatment Suggestions

2009-09-23T23:21:00.002-04:00

Flu Prevention and Treatment Suggestions

This is a list of products to keep on-hand. Some are to be done throughout the cold/flu season while others are to be used “as needed” at the very first sign of symptoms or after exposure. The following list is in addition to your general daily multiple vitamin-mineral.

As a reminder, hand sanitizers do NOT replace hand-washing. Clean hands help prevent the spread of viruses!

“This is a list of what I have in MY home for flu prevention” – Dr. Maurer

DAILY (as an integral part of prevention):

Cod Liver Oil: [Nordic Natural or Carlson]. In our northern climate, the addition of W-3 fatty acids with Vitamin A and D is an important daily component throughout the winter. Take 1 TBS/day.

AS NEEDED (at the first sign of symptoms or after exposure):EchinaGuard: MMS Pro [code ECHI2]. This juiced Echinacea has been the exact subject of the most effective studies for preventing colds and flu. Every home should have this on hand - early treatment is always more effective. Take 2.5 ml. every 2 hours for the first 24-48 hours, then 2.5 ml. 3 times daily for the next 8-9 days, or as needed. Best if added in water or juice. Shake well before use.

Sambucus: MMS Pro [code SAMB8]. This thick great-tasting elderberry extract is indicated when a virus is active. It appears to affect the virus by inhibiting the viral activity. The great taste allows for great compliance with kids. Take 1-2 tsp, 3 times per day for up to 7 days.

Zinc Lozenges: Douglas Labs [code ZNL]. Use only if a sore throat is present. Lozenges need to contain a certain form of zinc to be effective for sore throat and colds. Use every 2 hours at the 1st sign of “tickle” in the throat.

For children under the age of 8 years old:
Use Cod Liver Oil and Sambucus as listed above. Do not use EchinaGuard or Zinc Lozenges.

Add Chewable Congaplex: Standard Process. 3 tablets 3 times per day. They taste great and help assist the immune system in what it is already trying to do - get better fast!

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

2009-09-23T22:49:00.001-04:00

Hype prevents rational thinking about health.

I have heard people “afraid of going to the fairs” this year since reading the Sunday paper this week. “You know there are all those animals at the Common Ground Fair” said one patient today. So many headlines this year…seasonal flu -H1N1 flu – now, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

How do we bring rational clinical healthcare and prevention to people who are reminded to anticipate the threat around the corner? Let’s try to address EEE to start, through better understanding of risks and the disease itself.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is designated “very rare” by the CDC with about 200 cases in about 40 years. For perspective, in the same 40 years, the National Weather Service reported 13,000 deaths or injuries from lightening strikes. Humans do NOT get EEE from horses and vice versa, they are a “dead-end” vector. The presence of horses or any livestock does not increase the unlikely risk of a human contracting EEE. So in short, going to a fair does not raise the risk of contracting EEE especially a place such as the MOFGA (Common Ground) fairgrounds which are located on a hilltop that suffers more from dryness than wetness.

Where do you contract EEE? The mosquitoes contract it through birds, and it is present in all states east of the Mississippi. Most of the cases are in states with large areas of freshwater marsh, such as Florida. Most species of mosquitoes travel much less than a mile from their wet breeding ground. To contract the illness, a human would presumably require multiple bites from an area where there are infected mosquitoes. Thus, taking precautions to reduce mosquito bites is wise, wear a long sleeve shirt, use repellent if in a highly infested area and time of day. A farm with many pockets of water in lowlands is at higher risk because of the sheer quantity of mosquitoes present. A farmer with EEE infected horses needs to evaluate the location of the horses in relation to wetlands and bogs harboring large numbers of mosquitoes. And obviously birds or livestock with positive EEE should raise our emphasis at preventing mosquito bites.

Dr. Richard Maurer
Falmouth, Maine
President, Maine Association of Naturopathic Doctors

The flu, H1N1 and the flu shots

2009-09-23T22:07:00.001-04:00

The flu, H1N1 and the flu shots – My Fall Statement – Dr. Maurer

The seasonal flu is upon us and the marketing of shots is in full force. And with the H1N1 swine flu in the news, we have never seen so much publicity about the flu as this year. Here is my current thought-out opinion on the subject and hopefully, this will help you make rational choices that are best for you and your families’ health.

The Seasonal Flu: Every year there are various strains of influenza that travel the globe at various level of contagiousness. Exposure to these viruses causes us to have typically viral symptoms: cold symptoms such as stuffiness, sore throat with the probability of accompanying aches and fever. Getting these predominantly minor illnesses provides lifelong immunity to contracting that strain or similar strains again. This is the theory of the vaccination, although it is more likely that the vaccine does not impart lifelong immunity and requires re-dosing every year to be effective. Pharmaceutical companies work intently to guess which strains will be the next year’s flu – this turns out to be unsuccessful.

Within the past years, the vaccine has not significantly reduced the likelihood of getting sick in the people that got the shot. That would seem like the demise of the vaccine, but in a portion of people who did get the shot, the symptoms if they did still get the flu were less severe.

Who should get the shot? If someone is likely to be clinically debilitated or their life threatened from the symptoms of the flu, it is worth getting the shot. Also, people with low immunity from chemotherapy or high doses of prednisone, or people more immobilized from surgery, age or disability.

Who should not get the shot? If someone is generally able to move and can get a cold and be over it in a week. The CDC used to recommend the shot for the elderly and immune-compromised. Within the past decade, they have added children, people in contact with children, health workers, elderly and people in contact with the elderly…I don’t think they have left anyone out anymore. Marketing has gotten the better of prudent medical discernment.

What do you do for the flu? If reducing the severity of flu symptoms when you do get it are all the vaccine is good for in most people, there are several CAM therapies that do this. Echinacea, Sambucus and zinc lozenges, are all indicated therapies. And for prevention…washing your hands and instructing your children in the house to do the same provides significant protection in study after study.

Swine Flu - H1N1: This flu has the “swine flu” name, which brings up the fears of the infamous swine flu of 1918 that struck the world with deadly vigor. In retrospect, it appears that the sudden worldwide spread of people during World War I and the malnourishment and stress of the soldiers deployed helped create the aggressiveness the virus displayed throughout the world.

This outbreak of H1N1 was being watched closely to ascertain whether it would become an aggressive strain. The illness in America has remained predominantly mild, with surprisingly low contagious spread. Less than 30% of people exposed directly to someone with H1N1 actually get the disease. Furthermore, it turns out that people born before 1955 are apparently not prone to getting the swine flu. Presumably, a strain like this went through several decades ago and imparted life-long immunity in many people. Thanks to our public health officials for watching so closely, if it were to have become more serious, they would have had good data to track the virulence and spread. But the poorly tested vaccine is now being mandated without justification.

DO NOT TAKE THE H1N1 VACCINE. So what to do for the swine flu? Well it turns out that it is no more serious than any other flu for us. So no new intervention other than listed above for the seasonal flu. Reasons to question the vaccine:

First, the H1N1 vaccine has been made with the mercury-containing preservative, thimersol. Shame on them.

Second, the H1N1 vaccine was fast-tracked with 3 weeks of studies then a release date set.

Third, because it was requested by federal officials in response to a pandemic, it is said that the companies that make the vaccine are absolved of any responsibility if the vaccine is a problem.

Fourth and most important, the additive squalene was added to make the immune system super reactive after the shot. This way one shot rather than two is needed for immune response, thereby doubling the amount of people that can be treated with the doses on hand. Squalene has only really been studied on elderly with more deficient immune systems. This chemical has not been adequately tested on pregnant women, children and younger people, and the primary risk is autoimmune disease in the future months to years after the shot. In the New York Times on September 22nd, they state, “…federal officials say the savings are not large enough to offset the possible risks and extra complexity of using the adjuvants [squalene].”

Fifth, people born before 1955 have protection against this current strain of H1N1. It is because they were exposed to the actual H1N1 and built a life-long immunity to the virus. Most vaccines when given do not impart lifelong immunity and require boosters to deal with the loss of immune-memory to that virus. This would effectively push the illness into later years of life.

I am glad the vaccine was developed, this is a good public health exercise to stave off a potentially devastating illness like in 1918, but this H1N1 is not that disease. The hype about the swine flu vaccine should not blind us to seeing the simple risk/benefit ratio that in this case leans to the risk side.

---Dr. Richard Maurer, September 24th, 2009

Is it bad not to eat breakfast?

2009-07-03T13:30:00.001-04:00

I can't help but observe how most on the places I have travelled, breakfast is the most incidental small meal of the day. There are several reasons why this is probably occurring. One is of course how late the evening meal is eaten, the later the meal, the less likely food is needed in the morning. Second is the physiology of our body, when we wake up, there is an adrenaline and cortisol surge that triggers what is known as the "dawn phenomenon". This is when the body liberates stored sugars to use in the morning to "get the day going".

Ultimately, I see most cultures have evolved over time to include about 2 1/2 meals per day. No traditional culture eats more than 3 times a day as a rule. And breakfast is often the smallest.

Because of the dawn phenomenon, we don't need sugar in our diets in the morning. It is better that we eat fat and/or protein in the morning. Examples in my diet include 1) a well buttered thin-cut toast with an egg 2) fresh fruit with cultured cream 3) pork cretons on a cracker 4) and of course when in France - a buttery croissant with tea or cafe.

So don't be guilty if you are not hungry for breakfast. Make it incidental. Lunch and dinner can then become the meals that gain your nutritional attention.

Bon Appétit, and let's "get the day going"

--Richard

Antacid medication causes worsening of symptoms on withdraw

2009-07-03T13:18:00.001-04:00

Here is the headline from July 2nd from the journal Gastroenterology: "Proton-Pump Inhibitor Withdrawal May Cause Rebound Acid Hypersecretion"

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) are the drugs being passed out like candy from primary care doctors and gastroenterologists. Common names are Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix & Nexium. The recent study found that PPI therapy for 8 weeks induces acid-related symptoms in healthy volunteers after withdrawal. What that means is that when you try to stop, you actually have symptoms that require you to stay on the medication. This is no doubt good for business if you sell the drug, but clearly it is bad for your health.

These acid blocking drugs join the many other drugs that cause worse rebound symptoms than the original complaint. Some other drugs that do this include, anti-deprssants, beta-blockers, anti-histamines and sleep inducing medications.

Rule to the wise...and to the healthy: Use more gentle and less invasive treatments for any condition whenever possible.

In health,
Richard

MyChelle Sun Sheild

2009-06-18T21:58:00.001-04:00

This is an extraordinary sun block with ZinClear and organic aloe. We have looked long and hard for this unique sun block. IT is nice to have a sunblock that actually washes off when you don't want it on anymore. We wanted one that not only protected you, but one that was fully non-toxic, reef-safe and zinc-oxide based, but without the whitening. We finally have found and now carry it – MyChelle Sun Shield, SPF 28.
To order, call the office at 207-781-4447.

Book Review - Nina Plank's Real Food for Mother and Baby

2009-06-18T17:04:00.001-04:00

I have tracked down the latest book by Nina Plank, "Real Food for Mother and Baby" and it is truly a refreshing look on the nourishing of our children and ourselves. The message is the same as the first book Real Food": meat and salt are essential to growth and energy, egg yolks are more essential than the egg white, butter is about as perfect a food as can be found. Forget carrots and crackers and think about a meatball with ground liver, egg yolks and meat. If you read and follow this book, you will never pass moral judgment on your grandmother’s food again. You will enjoy of a life of whole foods and extraordinary health.

Be well,

Richard

Travels to the Mediterranean with Dr. Maurer and Family

2009-06-05T15:34:00.002-04:00

What is the Mediterranean diet? In the United States it is a diverse set of conflicting opinions, and these opinions do little to resolve the moral mess we have gotten into by stating things like "saturated fat is bad" or that "eating late in the day is bad". These myths get quickly broken to pieces when one actually lives the Mediterranean diet on location. So with friends living in Italy, and my French brother-in law inviting us to stay with them in France, we were ready to take a trip. Ready, here we go. Let's explore some of the observations first hand. The FatBack Diet is alive and well in the Mediterranean.

Throughout Italy and France, the pasta and bread are white. There has not been a piece of whole wheat pasta in Italy for several centuries. The bread is airy light with very few total calories. Its purpose is to deliver something that is nutritious, such as the juices that from the meat, the prosciutto, or the sauce at the bottom of the soup.

The meats are not lean and they eat the fat. The region of Chianti that we stayed in Italy was known for raising an heirloom species of pig that had a highly marbled fat content. The result was a fatty tender naturally cured, cultured ham slice. It was about 75 % fat with 25 % protein.

Espresso is served in 2-4 TBS amounts. Milk can be added in the morning, but not after a meal. Eating high volume foods for the sake of feeling full is frowned upon. Again, with full fat foods, not as much volume of food needs to be eaten.

"Whole meats" does not only mean bone-in and skin-on – it means organ meats. As with most traditional cultures, not much is wasted.

Meats are always served with ample vegetables. This is not a burger with fries and a bun. Olive oil is used liberally on the vegetables and salads greens.

Only 2 ½ meals are eaten. This is no surprise, as I have not traveled anywhere in the world that has food more than 3 times per day. The idea of eating 5 or 6 mall meals is fundamentally American and only 25-30 years old. It comes from wrongly removing the fat from meals and ending up hungry 3 hours after the meal.

And yes, the smallest meal, if much of anything is eaten, is the morning. Then the mid-day meal is between 12 and 2PM. The final meal of the day is around 8-9 PM. If you are invited to a house for dinner, don't think of going home before 12 or 1 AM. I realize this may be why so little is eaten at breakfast. There is no snacking. No cheese sticks or nuts or any other snack. The only exception is that kids may have a snack after school to get through to dinner. It is a yogurt, or a half a grilled cheese or similar.

OK, one more observation. I thought grappa referred to how you feel when trying to deal with the sensation after drinking the strong Italian digestivo (after dinner drink). It turns out the drink originated in the town Bassano del Grappa. So it had nothing to do with gripping my throat while it was on fire.

Meta-Analysis Supports Heart-Health Benefits From a Mediterranean Diet. But what does this REALLY mean?

2009-04-23T09:57:00.001-04:00

I cringe at this headline. Yes, another study has shown that processed food and trans-fats are harmful to your health. To review, trans-fats are made by turning cheap vegetable oil into a lard-like substance through a chemically intensive process. They are dirt cheap and have a long shelf-life. People who claim to eat foods high in these processed foods are likely to be eating a very poor diet indeed. The other food that is included in the “bad list” is processed meats – cheap sandwich meats and the like. With additives and preservatives, they are again a mark of people who make other bad processed food choices.

I am in fact writing this entry from the South of France – and I have just spent last week in Italy. The best way I know to realize the Mediterranean Diet is to be in the Mediterranean. I doubt that the researcher from Hamilton, Ontario Canada has ever actually been here.

Here is the Mediterranean diet at it’s core.
Breakfast is very light, if at all. Very small bread with butter and un café (about 1-3 ounces of coffee is normal)

Lunch is a very simple sandwich – or maybe a quiche and salad, dressed with olive oil. There may be olives with the meal. A piece of saucisson or fish will go with a meal – the meats are notable marbled with large pieces of tender fat.

Dinner is a relaxed affair with simple foods – 2 vegetables, a fish or meat, and some starch-bread, pasta, potato. In Italy, beans are always one of the vegetables, just simple white beans. Butter is used liberally in the cooking of foods and olive oil is used liberally when foods are raw or have been cooked already.

There is no snacking. The marbled meats provide ample saturated and monounsaturated fats to give a long-lasting calorie that provides satisfaction for many hours. Salad dressing is always made as needed of just olive oil and lemon or vinegar salt and pepper.

I will post more about meals and dietary patterns in the coming weeks. In the meantime – come join me in the Mediterranean sometime.

Salt Restriction, Fat Restriction, What is Next?

2009-04-10T06:33:00.001-04:00

Salt restriction for all New Yorkers? “No Thanks” Mayor Bloomberg. How about the headline last week that New York “authorities” would put pressure on local restaurants and food industry to lower salt by half. The recent studies on salt intake have actually shown that mood and energy can be improved with salt intake. And past studies have refuted the claims that cutting salt in a population reduces blood pressure or heart disease. We have to beware of misguided authority creating guinea pigs of all of us.

Salt and fat have both been inappropriately singled out over the years. In the past, for the occasional fried food, a fat stable to high heat was used – lard. But then in the 70’s, saturated fat was on the “hit-list” and vegetable oils were said to be better. We could have been told to eat less processed fried food, but it was more alluring to attack the saturated fat. But what would we fry in? Unsaturated fats weren’t stable at high temperature so hydrogenated oils were manufactured and put into the fryers. By the 90’s the authorities said that hydrogenated oils are really, really bad, so now the fryers are filled with cheap vegetable oil, with a “heart healthy” sticker saying “No Trans Fats”. Now with overheated rancid, oxidized, cancer-causing oils back in the American diet, I am waiting to see what we will do in 10 years

We need to re-visit the generations-old science of cuisine. High temperature cooking should be done in stable oil, such as lard, coconut oil or other rendered animal fats. And Mayor Bloomberg, salt your food to taste.

It must be the red meat...Oh, or is it the candy?

2009-03-27T06:01:00.001-04:00

Researchers are desperate for headlines.

First of all, studies that use retrospective questionnaires are of questionable value when trying to ascertain health risk and diet. That said, here are 2 headlines from the past year related to these questionnaire-based population studies. Media sources attacked the “red meat” as the cause of increased disease risk in both instances.
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1 – (Sept. 2007) “A new study finds that the more “western” the diet — marked by red meat, starches and sweets — the greater the risk for breast cancer among postmenopausal Chinese women”

2 – (March 2009) “People who eat the highest levels of red meat and processed meats — such as hot dogs, bacon and cold cuts — are about 20 percent more likely to die of cancer compared with people who eat less than 5 ounces per week.”

In the first study they had to include candy to get statistical significance. In the second study – processed meats are included. It’s not about the color of the meat!

This is the conclusion as I see it. “Those who claim to eat more candy and processed food are at slightly higher risk for disease than those that claim none of these in their diets”

Pretty boring headline, but that is what the studies show.

Have you been reading about vitamin D?

2009-03-13T13:45:00.001-04:00

I was recently attending the International Health Symposium in New York and so much talk was about vitamin D. Ready, here is some of the proven medical coverage …”low blood level of vitamin D is associated with multiple sclerosis, diabetes, osteoporosis, dementia, depression, many autoimmune diseases, ADD, high blood pressure, many cancers…” The list goes on.

Vitamin D comes from animal fats such as butter, cream and egg yolks. We, being animals can make the vitamin in our skin is in contact with UV-laden sunshine for an adequate amount of time. Note that Glass, clothes and sun-block prevent the important UV rays that allow the synthesis of vitamin D.

I am reminded of the old naturopathic physicians Europe in the 1800’s, they knew that sunshine was as important to life as water and food. They did not need millions of dollars in grants to figure this out. I am also reminded of a painting from historic painter Rockwell Kent, where an Inuit woman is holding her naked baby up in the air as the first sunlight of the year is peeking over the horizon. Of course I know the temperature was probably minus 20 degrees F. Apparently she didn’t need scientific evidence to convince her that vitamin D was good for her and her child.

Let’s re-connect with our natural world. Eat real food, Exercise like you’re meant for it, and go outside. It’s almost spring in Maine, let’s go outside and play. The photo is taken of Claire and Linus skiing in Maine in April last year. So for us in Maine, we'll keep taking our cod liver oil with vitamin D.

Ginkgo biloba does not effectively prevent Alzheimer’s

2009-02-13T13:41:00.001-05:00

I have been waiting for the conclusion of this study for many years. And, not surprisingly, when healthy people take Ginkgo biloba they are not at a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. (Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Nov. 19, 2008.)

This was a well-designed study spanning 6-7 years and the researchers did use the EGb-761, which is the German Ginkgo extract product that has shown successful for Alzheimers dementia and other conditions (Vitiligo, Intermittent claudication). However, this study does not negate prior studies that show that Alzheimer’s disease progression can be significantly slowed and symptoms reduced if taken at the early stages of the disease.

I am not surprised at the lack of effectiveness because the last 5-years have shown us that onset of Alzheimer’s is linked as much to high blood sugars as poor circulation to the brain. This implies that more factors are at play in the development of Alzheimer’s than 120-mg of Gingko extract can cure.

What than can we do to stave off Alzheimer’s disease? One study back in 2004 shows that supplemental magnesium may be helpful, the researchers state:
“Since it is estimated that the majority of American adults consume less than the estimated average requirement of magnesium (Institute of Medicine 1997) it is possible that such a deficit may have detrimental effects on synaptic plasticity resulting in declines in memory function.”
Slutsky I, “Enhancement of Synaptic Plasticity through Chronically Reduced Ca++ Flux during Uncorrelated Activity.” Neuron, Vol 44, 835-849, December 2004

Our other mechanism is to maintain healthy blood sugars with a balance of diet and exercise. See Prior Post on this blog for more information.

---Dr. Maurer

How Much Milk Is Enough For My Child?

2009-02-13T13:16:00.001-05:00

Richard Maurer, ND

From the "Got Milk" campaign to get people to drink more milk, to the "Not Milk" campaign decrying the benefits of milk, this is no easy answer. But let’s give it a try. To begin, cow’s milk is not recommended under the age of one, as it is deficient in critical nutrients, breast-milk or specialized formula is recommended. Throughout childhood vitamins A and D are critical for a child’s growth and development, therefore, full-fat dairy products, which naturally contain these nutrients, are recommended.

From age one to three, calcium requirement is 350 mg (UK) to 500 mg (US). For reference, 8 oz. of plain yogurt contains 350-mg well-absorbed calcium. Tad-dah, you’ve already reached the minimum. But even the FDA reminds consumers not to capitalize on one source of nutrition. It recommends a variety of foods, so we must remember other sources of calcium. Minerals in vegetables are absorbable after the food is cooked; therefore cooked 4-oz servings of broccoli (250 mg), spinach and dark green leafy veg’s (200+/- mg) are desirable along with profoundly mineral-rich bone-broth.

From age 4 – teenage, the requirement increases to 600-800 mg and higher. One serving of dairy products daily might still be enough if the child is getting other sources of calcium, but two servings can be helpful as children approach teenage years. But before we leave this topic, let’s remember that calcium does not stand alone. Calcium rich foods that contain absolutely no other nutritional value such as calcium-fortified juice, does nothing for meaningful growth and development. “Nutrient-dense” foods that are rich in calcium should be emphasized whenever possible.

Diet Soda=Diabetes=Dementia

2009-02-13T13:08:00.002-05:00

Daily Consumption of Diet Soda Linked to Metabolic Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes Care. Published online January 16, 2009

OK, it is now crystal clear that diet soda, at an average of one per day, raises one’s risk of developing diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Well so what if we develop metabolic syndrome (aka. Prediabetes)? Take a look at the headlines that have come up over the past couple of years…

Prediabetes Ups Risk of Developing Alzheimer's - Swedish researchers report that people with borderline diabetes have nearly a 70% increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease

Tight Control of Blood Sugar May Also Reduce Risk of Alzheimer's - People who already have type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
SOURCES: 10th International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, Madrid, Spain, July 15-20, 2006

Midlife Diabetes Increases Alzheimer's Risk - Men who develop midlife diabetes have a significantly increased risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Diabetes. 2009; 58:71-77.

You get the idea, right? Maintain exercise and enjoy a diet that helps you keep good control of your blood sugar. The FatBack Diet will cover this. Oh yeah, and no diet soda.

---DrMaurer

New Topical Products at our office

2009-01-29T09:35:00.001-05:00

ULTRA AESTHETICS …. an all natural, chemical-free skin and hair care line
We now carry this all natural, gentle hair and skin care product line made with botanical extracts and essential oils. All feature MSM, a natural ingredient rich in geological sulfur and a major constituent of skin and hair. Our Alpha Lipoic Acid line adds several special nutrients to reverse the ravages of sun, stress and pollutants and help smooth away the signs of aging.

MyChelle SUN SHIELD … an extraordinary sun block with ZinClear and organic aloe
We have looked long and hard for this unique sun block. We wanted one that not only protected you, but one that was fully non-toxic, reef-safe and zinc-oxide based, but without the whitening . We finally have found and now carry it – MyChelle Sun Shield, SPF 28.

To order or learn more about these products, call the office at 207-781-4447.

Cholesterol drugs are overprescribed.

2009-01-29T09:33:00.001-05:00

“First of all, there is not a single randomized control trial that shows that cholesterol lowering statin drugs are beneficial for women of any age or men over 65 who do not already have heart disease or diabetes” John Abromson, MD (author of Overdosed America)

Dr. Maurer’s response:

Right on. We need to assess heart disease risk in a comprehensive and individualized manner. Prevent heart disease by addressing those other risk factors.

Cholesterol gets a great deal of press in our market-driven culture, addressing lifestyle factors of exercise, stress modification, social behavior and diet would more effectively improve cardiovascular health.

A case of Muscle Cramps & Fatigue in an athletic 17 year old girl

2009-01-29T09:29:00.001-05:00

FROM THE DOCTOR"S DESK -

These are cases that reveal conditions that are more and more common in the recent years of my 15 years of naturopathic medical practice. Thanks for reading. ---Richard Maurer, ND

She was getting more and more tired, leg cramps, and not recovering quickly after exercise. She was highly-ranked in the State as both a runner and Nordic skier.

She was generally healthy in our office visit, but noticeably tired, hunched, and I found she was very lean. She was sick more that winter than ever in her life, tested for mono twice. She was eating a mostly vegetarian diet because she “thought it was healthier”. On body fat calipers, she was at 16%. (Normal body fat for women is 22-28%, runners will generally be lower at 19-22%). Below 18%, her body will breakdown proteins for energy rather than fat or glycogen, thereby weakening muscles.

Blood tests revealed 2 deficiencies I know see epidemic in women — LOW FERRITIN (iron) and LOW VITAMIN D.

I recommended dietary liver and marrow several times/week and more fats from animals that are, in fact, outside (egg yolks, dairy fats from cows on pasture/grass, etc.)
OK … the liver rarely sells to a teenage girl—but I guarantee her grandmother did it that way. We then added high Vit. D cod liver oil, good magnesium/calcium, and well-absorbed iron.
Her muscle cramps have been eliminated and she has regained her energy and remains extremely healthy despite the unique demands of college-life.

I am now receiving updates of faster and faster running times at her college.

A case of Autism/Asburgers - FROM THE DOCTOR'S DESK

2009-01-29T09:25:00.001-05:00

These are cases that reveal conditions that are more and more common in the recent years of my 15 years of naturopathic medical practice. Thanks for reading. ---Richard Maurer, ND

I have seen similar cases as this countless times. A 5-year old boy came in with both parents; they reported a relatively healthy albeit highly active boy until 3 years old. At this time, there was a lack of eye contact, behavioral acting out, inability to play with others, and physical repetitive movements (self-stimulating behaviors). This resulted in several visits to pediatric OT’s and other specialists resulting in a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder.

On my physical evaluation I saw dry skin/eczema, pitted fingernails, and a moderately goopy nose. Mom claimed he had a “very healthy diet”. What I found out was that dad was told he had high cholesterol about 3 years ago and should be on a low-fat diet. Mom proceeded to lower the fat intake in the family so much; she removed virtually all the fats from the diet.

I discussed the basic nutritional recommendation to nourish a healthy child, yes it is a similar diet for healthy adults. We recommended higher natural fats (egg yolks, butter, quality animal fats, cod liver oil), fermented foods (whole plain yoghurt, sourdough bread, cultured butter), regular intake of nutrient-dense proteins (buying skin-on and bone-in meats whenever possible).

Within our first follow-up, the self-stimulating behaviors were gone, sleep was better and the change in behavior was as different as night and day. As Mom said…”this is a miracle!”
Active children and adults require a diet that contains calories from foods that provide a long-term energy burn. These calories come from saturated fats. Yes, saturated.

Thankfully, these parents now enjoy an active healthy bright 1st grader with no medication or diagnosis of autism.

Cholesterol Drugs for Eight-Year Olds!?

2008-07-09T23:25:00.001-04:00

As reported in the Portland Press Herald on Monday July 7th, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a statement suggesting that children as young as 8-10 years old might benefit at some unknown future date from taking drugs to lower cholesterol today. This leap of faith challenges the scientific process that should be found in our medical institutions.

The long term use of cholesterol drugs, starting that early in childhood, is not known. The empirical data simply are not available. The negative consequences of drug treatment of cholesterol early in life could prove to be catastrophic in future years or more likely, future decades. The reputed safety of such a treatment is strictly based on educated conjecture with the available data at hand, although it is acknowledged that the “data-on-hand” regarding cholesterol lowering medications is predominantly sponsored by drug companies. And while cholesterol gets a great deal of press in our market driven culture, the lifestyle factors of exercise, stress modification, lifestyle modification and a whole-foods diet would be more aptly applied to improve the cardiovascular health of our youth.

The pharmaceutical industry and supportive medical institutions will be enthusiastic about drug treatment as this medical approach could translate into billions of dollars of annual profits. To be fair, drug treatment, at least on the surface, also meets our “ease of care” medical model, not involving hours of lifestyle and dietary counseling.

Parents and health care providers must support the time and effort it takes to provide a healthy generation of children. Preventive health care is truly the most effective place to manage most of our modern degenerative illnesses, but this will require a more interdisciplinary approach and yes, may not be easy.

Richard Maurer, ND
Falmouth Maine
President, Maine Association of Naturopathic Doctors
MAND.org

Sunblock and Sunscreen

2008-05-02T15:53:00.001-04:00

Sun Protection

Dr. Richard Maurer
www.CoastalNaturalHealth.com
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), more than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year – this includes melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Protection, however, requires more than globbing sunscreens or sunblocks onto skin. We all know that using sunscreen dramatically reduces the incidence of sunburns – BUT, the reduction in future skin cancer is far from dramatic. "Sunscreens don't prevent skin cancer, they can only reduce the risk." according to Mark Chamberlain, PharmD at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Dr. Chamberlain offers this example: If time spent in the sun remains the same, a person with a 50 percent chance of developing skin cancer will reduce his risk to only 20 percent with daily use of sunscreen. Two forms of solar radiation are of concern: Ultraviolet-A (UVA) which are long-wave solar rays that are less likely to cause sunburn, but penetrate the skin more deeply; and ultraviolet-B, short-wave solar rays responsible for sunburns and considered the leading cause of basal and squamous cell skin cancer, as well as a significant contributor to melanoma. There is increasing evidence of UVA causing photoaging and UVA is believed to exacerbate UVB's carcinogenic effects, contributing to cancers, especially melanoma. Dr. John Knowland of Oxford University explains that in using sunscreens that absorb UVB but not UVA, "you can encourage prolonged exposure, thereby getting a much higher dose of UVA, and perhaps increasing the risk of melanoma."
Avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the rays are most powerful, is the best option for protection against UV rays, dermatologists say. But when this is not practical, one should use sunblock creams and wear protective clothing. Below are some recommendations for how to pick the most effective of both.
Ingredients to Avoid
Overall, there are two basic types of skin cream or lotion protection: sunscreens, which absorb and deflect (or reflect) the sun's rays via a chemical reaction, and "blocks"—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—which create a physical barrier against rays. Sunblocks are the best for many reasons. But let’s at least start by avoiding the following ingredients:
• PABA: Though rarely used now in sunscreens, beware of products that contain the ingredient. Forty percent of the population is sensitive to it, experiencing red, itchy skin.
• Benzophenone (benzophenone-3), homosalate, and octy-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate): These chemicals are of more concern because they have shown estrogenic activity in lab tests. Dr. Margret Schlumpf of the University of Zurich's Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology says they have been shown to disrupt hormones, affecting the development of the brain (particularly the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal system) and reproductive organs in laboratory rats.
Because people are exposed simply by eating fish (where benzophenone accumulates in the fat), using sunscreen containing these chemicals unduly increases the exposure. Based on her studies, Dr. Schlumpf advises people avoid products containing benzophenone and the related chemicals above.
• Parabens (butyl-, ethyl-, methyl-, and propyl-): Parabens may also mimic estrogen, but because they are common in sunscreens, avoiding them may prove difficult.
• Padimate-O and Parsol 1789 (2-ethylhexyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoic acid and avobenzone): These two chemicals have the potential to damage DNA when illuminated with sunlight. On the skin's surface, these chemicals do protect from UV damage; however, once absorbed into the skin, these same chemicals can prove destructive. Dr. Knowland's research indicates that Padimate-O and Parsol 1789 "are excited by the UV energy which they absorb and become reactive, acquiring the potential to attack cellular components, including DNA." Knowland cautions that "DNA damage inflicted by an excited sunscreen is much less capable of being repaired by naturally occurring repair mechanisms than the DNA damage inflicted by UV alone."
• Although insect repellents with sunscreen may seem like an easy option, Dr. Best recommends avoiding them because of the dangers of overexposure to DEET, which can cause eye and skin irritations, headaches, nausea, when the product is reapplied after swimming or exercise.
Choose Sun Blocks
Zinc oxide, which lies on the skin without being absorbed, is completely safe. Unfortunately, its most common form is lifeguard white which can make it an unattractive choice. Dr. Kazutaka Hirakawa of Shizuoka University has shown that when injected into tumor cells to test its usefulness in fighting cancer, titanium dioxide (TiO2) has shown phototoxicity (or the capability to damage skin upon exposure to light), but as a sunscreen appears to be safe, based on what is known so far. Dr. Hirakawa explains that "titanium dioxide itself is an effective sunscreen and does not show phototoxicity in a normal condition as a sunscreen. A protective action of TiO2 for UV light may be much greater than its phototoxic effect on human skin." Most titanium dioxide used in sunscreens is coated with materials that reduce its photoactivity. Dr. Knowland says that according to current evidence titanium dioxide is much less likely than other chemical sunscreens to penetrate human skin. Note that on sunscreen labels companies rarely distinguish between sunscreens and sunblock, and instead use the term "sunscreen" for both. Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient when choosing.
Protective Clothing
The right clothing can protect against the sun's harmful rays. Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats are obvious choices, but it is equally important to consider the rest of your clothing. Consider these factors when choosing appropriate clothing (most important factors are listed first): weave (tighter is best), color (darker fabrics let less light through than lighter), weight (the heavier, the better) and stretch (stretch clothing loses UV protection as the item stretches out). If this has you imagining yourself in a black wool sweater in the middle of an August heat wave, fear not. You'll be well-protected wearing unbleached cotton or high-luster polyester or satiny silk, which reflect radiation. You can also consider investing in ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing.
Proper Use of Sunscreen & When to Use It
Remember some sunlight is necessary for proper Vitamin D metabolism and skin health. Vitamin D is a unique vitamin associated with protection from osteoporosis and a reduced risk of breast, prostrate, and colon cancers. Studies have also linked vitamin D with mood improvement, endorphin release and libido function. If you are only going to be out in the morning or after 4 or 5 PM in the summer, this UV exposure is healthy, so do not use sunblock at this time.
But when the sun is strongest – look for shade and wear cool comfortable long clothing and a brimmed hat. Then go for the sunscreen in the target areas. If you are on or near the water or snow, the UV is coming from all directions due to reflection. So take extra precautions in these circumstances.

Products
Not as easy as it looks. As Zinc is really the best of the blocks we have found and the white film in ghastly to some. ZinClear is the best active ingredient to date. Look for sunblock for a company called MyChelle.
207-781-4447

Soy milk versus Cow's milk for children?

2008-04-08T16:42:00.001-04:00

Question from a concerned parent with 3 children under 10-years-old:
“I do not have access to organic cow’s milk where I live, but I do have access to organic soymilk. So would organic soymilk be better that non-organic cow’s milk?”

Answer by Dr. Maurer:

I do NOT recommend processed soy foods for kids. As a whole food, soybeans should be eaten no more than any other kind of legume – pinto, black, lentil, navy, etc. Legumes require soaking and cooking in water for extended periods to allow for humans to digest and absorb the nutrients. Improperly prepared beans will result in nutritional deficiencies, allergies and digestive problems. Nutritionally, beans are good but soy is nothing special. Processed soy products, such as soy protein isolate, soy protein, soy milk, soy cheez, and vegetarian meat substitutes are improperly prepared and represent the real reason modern soy is considered so bad for kids and adults. Additionally, kids are sensitive to the phytoestrogen effects of processed soy products.

Therefore, I would go with the best quality milk available - and perhaps better would be value-enhanced products such as kefir and yogurt. Even if milk has been pasteurized, the healthy probiotic bacteria used to ferment dairy products come with marked health benefits. The new-fangled ultra-pasteurized, homogenized skim/low-fat milk of today comes with no documented health benefits. In fact, nowadays, increased milk intake in kids is associated with increase allergies, diabetes, and Crohn's disease. I can't help but think something has changed from past milk.

So in Summary, processed soy is bad news for kids. I know ADM, Cargill and Monsanto disagree with this comment.

Milk should be as unprocessed as possible - Local, whole, not ultra-pasteurized and if available, un-pasteurized/raw is great. If this milk is not available, milk products such as raw milk cheeses, yogurt, kefir, crème fraiche and cultured butter are useful. As for calcium remember, most cultures in the world get their calcium from bone broth, bones (think whole sardines or canned salmon with bones) and cooked green vegetables not from dairy. We in America have a dairy association not a broth association. Our health would be better if we had the latter. Broth is a vastly superior food as it has all the minerals not just calcium.

Yours in health,
Richard Maurer, ND

Cholesterol Will Be Vindicated: How Alzheimer’s Disease and Autistic Spectum Disorder may be prevented with adequate cholesterol

2008-03-21T12:09:00.001-04:00

Richard Maurer, ND

I have seen hundreds of cases, and they all begin to sound the same except for the different ages and different diseases and different genders. What is the same then?

Deficient cholesterol and saturated fats in the diet.

The most recent headline that just came across my desk: “Alzheimer's Association Report Estimates 1 in 8 Baby Boomers Will Develop AD”. One in Eight!? Since when?

It was in Germany in 1901 that Dr. Alzheimer wrote down the degenerative process of a patient, Mrs. Deter. He would later discover the amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that characterize one of the brain changes of the disease. The striking matter is just how rare the condition was in 1901 – “1 in 8 people” is unprecedented. Longevity of people nowadays does not come close to explaining this increase in diagnosis frequency.

There is another disease that follows this epidemic pattern. Autism and Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Only about 25 years ago the numbers of kids diagnosed with Autism was about 5 per 10,000. Now the number is 1 per 150! I know that the diagnostic criteria have become much looser and include many children that have milder symptoms and would never have received special clinical attention 25 years ago. But again, the change in diagnostic criteria does not adequately explain this epidemic of disease.

CHOLESTEROL PROTECTS!

Alzheimers

Simple anatomy teaches us that the human brain makes up only two percent of the body's weight, yet contains nearly 25 percent of its cholesterol. It is no surprise therefore that a recent hypothesis is presented to show that cholesterol might actually have a significant protective effect in the nervous system and brain. [Borh, Iwo J., "Does cholesterol act as a protector of cholinergic projections in Alzheimer's disease?" Lipids in Health and Disease, 2005, 4:13.]

Autism

Kids with severely low cholesterol universally have autism. [Sikora DM, et. al. “The near universal presence of autism spectrum disorders in children with Smith-Lemli-Optitz Syndrome”, Am J Med genet A. 2006 Jul 15;140(14):1511-8]

Kids with Autistic Spectrum Disorder tend to have defects of cholesterol metabolism. Lower cholesterol levels are associated with suicide, aggressive behavior and accidents.

WHY NOW?

The story I hear in my office is classic. Mom has her second child, 18 months after her first. She is on a “low-fat” diet, because she has believed the bogus theory that reducing her fat intake will result in a loss of weight. And dad, who has been under more stress with work and a young child, has just been told by his doctor that his cholesterol is 240 and therefore he should eat a low cholesterol diet. The dad requests this at home, believing another bogus theory that removing dietary cholesterol has a significant impact on heart disease risk. The 2 young children therefore are tragically given a diet of non-hydrogenated spreads, skinless chicken, egg whites, and skim dairy. The learning disabilities and developmental delays in the children are quick to show. The second (or third) child gets it the worst, as mom’s fatty acid depletion gets more and more pronounced. The adults, I believe are more likely to develop cerebral defects on this diet. The short-term effect (1-10 years) of this deficiency is an inability to properly deal with stress, showing as anxiety, panic attacks and depression. Dementia, I believe is on this continuum, but takes several decades to develop.

THERE IS A CURE

Clinically, I have seen Autistic kids no longer autistic at all when the proper saturated fats are re-introduced. The recovery can be dramatic if the child is under the age of 5. Over 5 years old, the improvement from dietary changes are slower to take effect, not surprisingly, as so much development already took place under deficient circumstances. Alzheimer’s is not effectively treated with this dietary change, as I believe the damage was long in the past. So with Alzheimer’s we have to abide by the Naturopathic Physician’s adage, “prevention, prevention, prevention”.

Whole foods mean whole fats. We cannot espouse the health benefits of a whole food diet and then process the fats out. Bring the fat back! And let’s make Alzheimer’s disease and Autistic Spectrum Disorders revert back to less than 1 in a thousand.

---Dr. Richard Maurer

Body Fat % Using Calipers

2008-01-15T12:16:00.001-05:00

At Coastal Natural Health we insist on body fat %. Forget relying on a scale – forget the overly simplified BMI. Remember, when Arnold Schwarzenegger was at his best condition, he would have been considered obese using the USDA's approved BMI scale. By using a more accurate measurement of health and conditioning, we can assess health, not just mass.

Calipers are the most accurate way for people of all ages and all conditions to assess their body fat percentage. As a practitioner, I am looking for the distribution of fat, not just the presence of it. For example, if a woman has a skin caliper measurement of 20 on her triceps and 40 on her hip, I guarantee she has late metabolic syndrome or diabetes type II. Whereas if someone has a balance of measurements, say 30 in both the triceps and hip, I suspect that 50% of the improvement will come from the FatBack Diet and 50% will come from exercise implementation. Balance and strength are key elements for health – and that is different than saying that someone is healthier if only they are lighter.

Metabolic Syndrome

2008-01-15T12:10:00.001-05:00

Metabolic syndrome diagnosis

Every week, the medical research headlines show another study indicating that metabolic syndrome is an impressively strong indicator of heart disease risk. 3 times heart attack risk, double stroke risk, 10 times more likely to be obese. What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is the gray area that lies between normal blood sugar control and diabetes. Nicknames include insulin resistance, syndrome X, pre-diabetes. Before enrolling someone in effective treatment including the FatBack Diet, several tests need to be performed. Here is the list.

1. Fasting Glucose – Greater than 100 indicates metabolic syndrome

2. HGbA1C >6.0 confirms the chronic elevated glucose

3. Lipid panel - Elevated triglyceride (especially with depressed HDL) – Gerald Reavens, MD of Stanford University has offered a diagnostic criterion for metabolic syndrome of Triglyceride:HDL ratio of 3:1 or greater.

4. Liver enzymes – elevations may indicate benign fatty liver disease due to excess storage of sugars as fat. This is a complication of metabolic syndrome especially in those with elevated insulin.

5. Dynamic Serum Insulin – This test requires 2 parts. Fasting insulin & fasting glucose then a challenge of 75 grams of glucola (sweet orange flavored), and in 2-hours, another insulin and glucose are drawn. The reference ranges are different from lab to lab. At Coastal Naturopathic Center we use NorDx Labs – we expect normal fasting insulin to be less than 10; 2-Hour insulin post-glucola insulin should be between 20-70. Glucose should be < 100 fasting and after 2-hours, the glucose should be within 10-15% of the fasting value.6. Uric acid levels are often elevated and these patients are on drugs for gout forever until the metabolic syndrome is properly treated.

7. Body Fat % is necessary to map one’s body composition and body fat distribution. The more the hip is greater than the triceps, the more likely metabolic syndrome. The closer the hip is to doubling the triceps, the more likely it is to be diabetes.

Get diagnosed! Get treated! Metabolic Syndrome is impressively treatable with dietary and nutritional intervention. Although the specifics differ from person to person, the FatBack Diet is what works for the vast majority of people we see.

---Richard

What is a Whole Foods Diet? Resources to get you there.

2007-09-03T11:49:00.001-04:00

What is a Whole Foods Diet?
By Richard Maurer, ND

When I ask patients what is healthier…a whole foods diet or a refined foods diet? Their answer is clear and certain – “A whole foods diet”.

When I then ask which is healthier boneless skinless chicken breast or a piece of chicken cooked with the bone-in and the skin on? The answer is again a clear, albeit hypocritical, “The skinless chicken breast”.

With all this health hype on whole grains and whole foods, how have people accepted the Wonder Bread of the protein world (boneless skinless chicken breast) as healthy? The confusion goes on. Health conscious people will purchase pasteurized homogenized low-fat dairy products versus the whole raw milk dairy products that make up traditional curds, whey, butter and buttermilk, most of the best Swiss, Italian, and French cheeses, and thankfully some very interesting artisan US varieties. These well-intentioned people are choosing egg whites over egg yolks, or worse yet, some packaged preserved egg white product instead of eating whole eggs – Let's recover a yolk for every white.

Since “Whole Foods” as a term indisputably means healthy to so many people, a proper definition is required. Where did the food come from, what did the animal eat. When a whole chicken is purchased, the bones and fat can be used in a broth – giving an impressively mineral rich food to the family meal. If the fat is to be skimmed from the broth when cool (essentially producing rendered chicken fat – sometimes referred to a “schmaltz”), it can be used as the fat on some roasted vegetables in the oven.

If anyone is unfamiliar with rendered chicken or goose fat, there is nothing better. In fact, A related expression "falling into the schmaltz pot" refers to the concept of having something good happen to you, often by sheer luck (e.g., being born into a good family).

I have found some resources helpful at putting the pieces together of what is a healthy whole foods diet.

Nourishing Traditions, a cookbook by Sally Fallon, current president of the WestonaPrice.org foundation

SlowFood.usa – Look for a convivia in your area to connect with regional artisan foods in a healthy and community-based format.

Fine Cooking – A periodical by Taunton Press – This remains my favorite magazine for cooking tips and insight into food.

The Best of Gourmet – This is a great cookbook, Judith Reichl after many years as editor of Gourmet put together a great compilation of recipes and food insight.

Get a copy of a pre-1980 Joy of cooking. You know the one with the parts of a cow marked out and instructions on how to skin a rabbit. It still has the best recipe for homemade mayonnaise.

Enjoy and Salud.

---Dr. Maurer