10/27/13

1

Body, Mind Spirit Part 1

Session #2

Session #2 Agenda

• Sugar and Addiction

• Brain Agers and Pollutants

• Depression

• Bipolar disorder, mood swings

• Delinquent and Violent Behaviour

• Learning difficulties, ADD, ADHD

• Autism

10/27/13

2

Brain Fuel

• Carbohydrates are the best fuel for the brain

• Quality and quantity of each type matters!

• Best: complex carbohydrates– (root vegs., legumes, GF unpolished whole grains)

– Longer to digest, absorb = stable blood sugar, brain supply

• Worst: refined simple sugars– sucrose, HFCS

– Lead to energy fluctuations, cravings, overconsumption, vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Sugar and Mental Instability

• High sugar consumption associated with:

– Aggressive behaviour

– Anxiety

– Hyperactivity

– Attention deficit

– Depression

– Eating disordres

– Fatigue

– Learning difficulties

– PMS

10/27/13

3

The Link

1. Excess glucose reacts with proteins in the brain, forming AGEs (advanced glycation end-products)

– AGEs result in poor quality cell membranes, slowing down neurotransmitter communication

2. Sugar excess is inflammatory

– Insulin is inflammatory

– Chronic inflammation causes cellular damage

Safe Sugar Substitutes

1. Alcohol sugars: (contain no alcohol)

• Examples: xylitol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol,

erythritol,...

Pros: does not affect dental health, blood sugar,

and has no caloric value (cannot be absorbed),

can be used in baking

Con: excess consumption has a laxative effect;

may cause intestinal discomfort

10/27/13

4

Safe Sugar Substitutes

2. Stevia rebaundiana extract

= a plant indigenous to South America

Pros: does not affect dental health, blood sugar, and has no caloric value (cannot be absorbed)

Baking: only a tiny amount is required!

Cons: no adverse health effects reported

• cost, availability

Caffeine is a Drug

• Caffeine is a stimulant drug naturally occurring

in kola nut and cocoa/cacao, coffee and tea

leaves

• Also extracted and added to ‘energy drinks’

• Caffeinated products ‘buzzometer’

(p. 92)

10/27/13

5

The Cons of Caffeine

Issues:

• Dehydrating (diuretic), robbing body of water-soluble nutrients (B complex, C, potassium, zinc, etc.)

• Stimulates adrenaline, increasing blood pressure, heart rate, concentration (temporary!) and blood sugar

• Addictive: as little as 100 mg daily can cause physical withdrawal symptoms when missed

• Causes anxiety, irritability

• Increases production of dopamine and adrenaline

• Leads to adrenal fatigue

Detox and Replace with Substitutions

Choices:

1. “Go cold turkey” = stop caffeine suddenly

Con: 3 days of misery

Pro: cured

2. Gradual reduction

Con: a long process if a high user

Pro: coffee substitutions may be used* (check if GF)

10/27/13

6

Brain Agers

1. Oxidants

2. Alcohol

3. Stress

Main culprits of oxidation

Substances which generate free radicals cause

oxidative damage, resulting in faster aging of

the tissues

2 avoidable sources:

1. Fried foods

2. Smoking

10/27/13

7

1. Fried foods

– Rancid vegetable and nut oils are oxidized oils

(look for fishy or varnish-type odour)

– Rancid oils cannot convert into active forms

• i.e. LNA � to EPA and DHA is prevented

– If cell membranes oxidize, neurotransmitters are

not as effective at signaling

– Frying forms trans fats which block absorption of

EFAs by cell membranes

2: Smoking

•6,000 chemicals enter bloodstream form free radicals

•Chemically induced oxidation of EFAs of cell membranes

•cadmium in smoke contributes to zinc deficiency

•nicotine is an addictive stimulant drug, raising adrenaline and dopamine

•zinc prevents oxidation and supports serotonin and melatonin synthesis

10/27/13

8

Brain Ager #2: Alcohol

Reasons:

• a direct poison to neurons and hepatocytes

• a depressant; interferes with serotonin production, GABA

• blocks conversion of LNA to DHA and PGs

• diuretic; depletes water-soluble nutrients

• increases intestinal permeability,

a factor in allergy development

Brain Ager #3: StressStress

increased cortisol and adrenaline

Hyperglycemia

sugar-coating of brain proteins

dendrite shrinkage

inflammation

formation of amyloid plaques

Impaired memory etc.

10/27/13

9

Antioxidants:

Protection from Free Radicals

• Vitamin C: raw fruits and vegetables

• Vitamin E: raw nuts and seeds, oily fish, avocado

• Carotenoids: orange and green produce

• Selenium -� glutathione: brazil nuts, garlic

• Anthocyanidins (indigo pigmented foods)

• Lipoic acid (supplement)

• Co –enzyme Q 10 (supplement)

Brain Pollution

Some known neuro-toxins:

• Formaldehyde

• Alcohol

• Insecticides

• Carbon monoxide

• Heavy metals

• Benzene

• ....and more!

10/27/13

10

Brain Pollution:

Heavy MetalsLead: associated with hyperactivity, low IQ,

aggression

Sources: canned foods, paints, exhaust, shellfish

Cadmium: assoc. With aggression, confusion

Sources: cigarette smoke, fertilizers, fungicides, rubber, paint, exhaust fumes, batteries, shellfish

Aluminum: assoc. With premature senile dementia

Sources: tap water, toothpaste, anti-perspirants, baking powder, some antacids, pots and pans, foil, soda cans

Heavy Metals cont’d

Mercury: assoc. With psychosis “madness”, mood

disorders, memory loss

Sources: dental amalgams, carnivorous fish, shellfish,

vaccines

Copper: assoc. With phobias, anxiety, schizophrenia

Sources: new copper piping, kettles, chocolate,

shellfish

Arsenic: suspected carcinogen

Sources: herbicides, rice, pressure-treated wood

10/27/13

11

Testing For Heavy Metals

• Blood levels are NOT an accurate indicator of heavy metal status

• Heavy metals deposit in fats within muscle and organs, including nervous system

Testing options:

1) Hair mineral analysis

2) Chelating agents (binders) can be used to assess heavy metal status when urine is collected during a 24 hour period of use

– For ex. EDTA, DMSA (by Rx only)

Heavy Metal Detoxification

• With Detoxification support:– sulphur –containing amino acids (cysteine, methionine) in

garlic and onions, protein foods

– Vitamin C, B complex

• By Direct displacement:– Selenium (displace Hg and Pb)

– Calcium (displace Cd, Pb)

– Zinc (displace Cd, Pb)

• Using ‘Sponges’:– Pectin: apples, citrus fruits, pears

– Alginate: sea vegetables*

10/27/13

12

Brain Pollution: Aspartame

• Artificial sweetener owned by Monsanto

• A neuro-toxin

• Associated with headaches, seizures, etc. In

susceptible people

• Recommended reading:

– Dr. Russell Blaylock: Excitotoxins

Brain Pollution: MSGE621 = monosodium glutamate

• Glutamate = glutamic acid

• MSG synthesized in labs to use as a flavour enhancer

in processed foods, take out food

• Glutamates are found naturally in mushrooms,

eggplant, soy sauce, walnuts, parmesan cheese,

tomato juice

• MSG associated with headaches, intestinal distress

• An excito-toxin

– Excess consumption over-stimulates neurons to an early

death (Blaylock in Excitotoxins)

10/27/13

13

Other Brain Pollutants

• Sodium benzoate: mould inhibitor used

in fruit drinks, pickles, processed foods

– Linked to ADD and ADHD in susceptible children

• BHA and BHT: synthetically produced anti-

oxidants used by the cereal industry

– Linked to ADD and ADHD in susceptible children

Mood Disorders

• Depression

– Subtypes

• Bipolar Disorder: manic-depression

• Etc.

10/27/13

14

Role of Faulty Methylation in Mental

Illness• Methylation: a vital biochemical process of the human

body involving teamwork between B complex vitamins, the amino acid methionine and other co-factors that make SAMe.

– 1 billion methylation reactions per second

– SAMe (s-adenosyl-methionine) is the active methylatorcreated from the above nutrients

– Essential to phospholipid metabolism

– Controls gene expression

– Necessary for the brain’s adaptation

capabilities

The Homocysteine-Methylation-

Mental Illness Link

• Methylation is impaired without adequate B

vitamins. Why?

• Homocysteine: an amino acid generated by the body

in the absence of sufficient vitamin B-2, B-6, folic

acid, and B-12.

– Levels higher than 7 linked to heart disease,

stroke, Alzheimer’s

– Homocysteine testing of mentally ill patients tends

to display evidence of defective methylation via

high homocysteine

10/27/13

15

Methylation and

Biochemical Individuality

•Genes, diet and lifestyle determine the links

•For ex.: folate in food ----� 5-MTHF (active folic acid

in the body)

•About 1/3 of the population has a genetic variation

which impairs this conversion

Common Types of Depression

• Dysthymia: chronic, low-grade depression

• SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)

• Hormonal: linked to low estrogen (women: PMS, post-partum) or testosterone (men)

• Major depression: suicidal attempts

common; hospitalization required

10/27/13

16

Biochemical Causes of Depression

• Neurotransmitter imbalances: low serotonin, dopamine and/or adrenaline

• Hypothyroidism

• Nutritional deficiencies (B complex, zinc, protein, EFAs,...)

• Tension, emotional stress

• Allergies

• Any serious (painful) physical condition

• Dysglycemia

• Heredity

• Sex hormone imbalances (low estrogen or testosterone)

• Heavy metal toxicity

• Homocysteinuria (excess blood levels of homocysteine)

Depression: Clinical PresentationSome combination of the following:

Fatigue/loss of energy

Sleep disturbances (excess or insomnia)

Appetite changes

irritability/short tempered

Sadness / mood instability

Apathy, lack of motivation

Expressionlessness/emotionally flat

Withdrawal from society

Low libido

Disperceptions (physical pain, sensations)

Feels of worthlessness, low self-esteem

Thoughts of death/suicide

10/27/13

17

Depression: Goals of Treatment

• Protect patient from harming her/himself

• Rebalance neurotransmitters to provide sense

of calm motivation through nutrition

Nutritional Support for Depression

• Increase serotonin production with tryptophan-rich foods: milk products

(if tolerated), turkey, chicken, peanuts

• Combine with starches for faster effect (p. 151)

• Increase EFAs (omega-3s and 6s)

– Fish, flaxseed, algae, ...

– Nuts, seeds,...

Benefit: enhances receptivity of cells to neurotransmitters; supports myelin sheath

10/27/13

18

Supplementation• Zinc citrate: up to 50 mg

• L-taurine 500 mg

• B-50 complex 50 mg daily +

• Lecithin granules (soy, sunflower sources)

• Selenium 100 mcg

• EPA+DHA oils: 1-2 grams total daily; enhances receptors in cell membranes

• 5-HTP*: precursor to serotonin, 50 mg x 3

• St. John’s Wort*: prolongs activity of serotonin by preventing uptake

• GABA** (only in anxious types)

– *Caution: do not use if using other mind-altering drugs such as sedatives, anti-depressants, etc.

Lifestyle

• Exercise (raises endorphins)

• Keep regular sleeping hours

• Practice good sleep hygeine in total darkness

• Light therapy with 10,000 lux of full spectrum

light

• Balance work with play, ‘me-time’

10/27/13

19

Bipolar Disorder

• A.k.a. ‘manic-depression’

• Patient swings from depression to mania and back over a period of days, weeks, months or years

• Typically begins with a depressive episode in late teens

• Mistaken for depression (dominant feature)

• Triggered by stress

• Geographic stats: incidence is low in areas with highest lithium content in water

• Children now being diagnosed (new addition to the DSM)

Characteristics

of Mania

Very disorganized, unproductive at work

May talk fast, animatedly and profusely

Obsession with an idea or plan

Makes impulsive, high-risk decisions (for ex. sex)

Very high confidence level

insomnia

Belief one is operating at peak efficiency

Jumps from one project to the next without finishing any

Generally arouses suspicion by becoming extraordinarily positive

and chatty

10/27/13

20

Complications of Mania

• Adrenal exhaustion

• Financial bankruptcy

• Physical illness (infection, accidents, etc.)

• Suicide

• ....

Conventional Therapy

• Commonly prescribed drugs:

– olanzapine (Zyprexa)

– Lithium carbonate (naturally occurring mineral)

• Folic acid must be supplemented

10/27/13

21

Bipolar: Goals of Treatment

• Stabilize mood

• Balance blood sugar

• Balance nutrition to prevent mood swings

• Develop a routine schedule

• Avoid stimulants (nicotine, caffeine)

Nutritional Therapy in Bipolar Disorder

• B complex (with extra B-6) to correct faulty methylation

• L-taurine * 500 mg x 3 daily ( for GABA production)

• 5-HTP* (as serotonin precursor)

• Zinc: 50 mg daily

• EFAs: 1.5- 4 g of EPA-DHA

• Magnesium 500-1000 mg daily

*Caution: do not supplement single amino acids or GABA to bipolar clients without MD/ND supervision

10/27/13

22

Contraindications

• Folic acid

• L-glutamine

• glycine

• SAMe

• Choline

• Arginine

• Stimulants

• alcohol

Mood Swings

Frequency of mood swings provides clues:

• Daily: investigate dysglycemia, allergies,

nutritional deficiencies

• Monthly: investigate hormonal imbalances (women)

• Seasonally: investigate environmental allergies (dust, pollen, snow mould)

• Lifelong: investigate thyroid imbalance, histadelia, heavy metal toxicity, nutritional imbalance

“If mood swings are not due to drug abuse, food allergies or hypoglycemia, suspect bipolar” (C. Pfeiffer)

10/27/13

23

Anxiety

• Perception of stress brings on physical and mental symptoms

• Largely self-induced, concern over what has not yet happened*

• *exception: post-traumatic stress (PTSD)

Anxiety: Clinical Presentation

• Rapid breathing

• Speech changes: stuttering, rapid talking, muteness, etc.

• Shortness of breath

• Nail biting

• Dry mouth

• Chest pain

• Pounding heart

• Dilated pupils

• Insomnia

• Indigestion

• Muscle tension

• Trembling

• Diarrhea, IBS

10/27/13

24

Anxiety cont’d

• adrenaline and noradrenaline are responsible

for physical symptoms

• The adrenals will become depleted if

continued or repeated, leading to fatigue

Nutritional Support Goals for Anxiety

• Increase GABA (calming neurotrasmitter)

• Support adrenal glands

• Stabilize blood sugar with macronutrient

balancing, eating every 3 hours

• Identify allergens: yeast, gluten, milk, corn...

– Assoc. with panic attacks

10/27/13

25

Supplementation

• GABA 500-1000 mg 2 x daily

• Taurine 500-1000 mg 2 x daily

• Valerian root standardized extract: 50-200 mg

• Hops 200 mg daily

• Passion flower 100-200 mg daily

• Magnesium 300-600 mg daily

• B complex 50 – 100 mg 2 x daily

Aggression and Violent Behaviour

Risk Factors:

1. Dysglycemia: glucose intolerance

2. Zinc deficiency

3. Omega-3 deficiency

4. Heavy metal toxicity: lead, cadmium, copper

and mercury

10/27/13

26

Promising Research

• Double blind study involving 1382 detained

juvenile offenders

– Within 2 weeks showed a 44% decrease in

antisocial behaviour when placed on a reduced

sugar diet

More

Promising Research

• Supplementing vitamins and minerals to

young offenders compared to placebo

resulted in:

• an overall reduction of offences by 40%

• 22% fewer assaults

• 21% reduction in violent and non-violent anti-social

behaviour

• Those whole blood levels became normal by study

conclusion showed 70-90% improvement in behaviour

10/27/13

27

School Lunch Program Experiments

• Multiple trials involving school-aged children

on cafeteria lunch programs have shown

improvements in behaviour, attention and

grades when whole food menus replaced

processed and fried foods

ADD and ADHD

=attention deficit disorder and attention deficit

hyperactivity disorder

- hyperactivity = high levels of motor activity

- Diagnosed 3 x more often in boys than girls

10/27/13

28

Clinical Presentation

Inattentiveness and failure to follow instructions

Fidgeting, silly behaviour

Disorganization in school work

Inability to complete school work

Stress sensitivity (highly reactive)*

Outbursts/temper tantrums*

Impulsive behaviour*

Biochemical Imbalances to Investigate

• Nutritional deficiencies and imbalances

– EFAs

– Magnesium

– zinc

• Dysglycemia

• Sugar excess

• Allergies: food and inhalants

• Heavy metal toxicity

• Lead , arsenic

10/27/13

29

More Contributors

Chemical toxicity

• Food additives (BHA, BHT, sodium benzoate, MSG, aspartame)

• Salicylate sensitivity (see Dr. Feingold MD 1970s)– Naturally occurring phyto-chemicals found mainly in

fruits, nuts and seeds linked to behavioural disturbances in school children

• Dysbiosis (poor gut ecology)• Antibiotic use, sugar excess

Recommended Reading

By Dr. Michael Lyon MD

• Is Your Child’s Brain Starving?

By Dr. Doris Rapp MD:

• Is This Your Child?

• Toxic Child, Toxic World

10/27/13

30

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Speech difficulties

Abnormal posture and/or gestures

Impaired understanding

Socially inept

Lack of sensitivity to feelings of others

Sensory disperceptions

Fears, phobias and anxieties

Obsessive-compulsive behaviour

Ritualistic movements and practices

Exceptional abilities : Asperger’s syndrome

Autism (ASD)

Biochemical imbalances common in autism:

• pyroluria

• EFA imbalances (metabolism)

• allergy (casein and gluten)

• low retinol status

• low sulfate status

• high levels of heavy metals: PB, Hg, Cd

10/27/13

31

Functional Medicine Theories

• Environmental toxicity

– Heavy metals, etc.

• Vaccines

– Children receive +20 vaccines before their 4th

birthday

– Preservatives in vaccines may contain mercury

Nutritional Approach

• Eliminate gluten and casein

– exorphins = chemical products mimicking endorphins

– Gluten: wheat, barley, kamut, spelt, rye

– Casein: cow’s milk products

• Use active form EFAs (EPA-DHA)

• Support heavy metal detoxification

• Digestive support:

– probiotics, digestive enzymes

10/27/13

32

Learning Disorders

• Dyslexia = problems in visual perception of

words create mis-spelling, mis-pronunciation

e.g. “sutble probelms”

• Dyspraxia = problems with co-ordination

and/or following a set of instructions

– E.g. tying shoes, getting dressed, throwing a ball

Nutritional Support

• Smart fats (EFAs, natural SFAs)

– Through pregnancy, infancy, childhood

• multi-vitamin-mineral supplement

• avoidance of brain pollution (junk foods, chemicals)

•Attention to gut ecology (probiotics, fibre)

•Check heavy metal status in resistant cases