Gut Health and the Depression Connection

 

At least once a day I am explaining to someone that we ‘live and die through our gut’. Trying to bridge the gap in people’s way of thinking to help them understand that everything that they put in your mouth will have a positive or negative affect on their body; is a battle. I am not quite sure where or when the disconnect happened. I certainly do not know everything however; I am amused when people want to debate and defend their daily use of artificial sweeteners, long term daily antibiotic use, long term daily Proton Pump Inhibitor use and the frequent consumption of highly processed foods. There are many more offenders than just those I previously mentioned however; I only chose to list those because they are relative to, and a constant in a number of cases with unresolved symptoms of depression I have been involved with. Remember now that I am going to focus on the health of the gut, also known as ‘the second brain’ and how the use of (or combined use of) the aforementioned products can effect mood.

Starting with artificial sweeteners; I have yet to be able to reach some people regarding the deleterious effects of the consistent use of them. Many of the symptoms they may be experiencing are related to the use of artificial sweeteners and yet, though they may make significant changes in their nutrition and lifestyle, they will not let go of the artificial sweeteners. The phenylalanine in aspartame dissociates from the ester bond and increases dopamine levels in your brain. This can lead to symptoms of depression because it distorts your serotonin/dopamine balance, and by the way, 95% of the body’s serotonin is found in the gut. Artificial sweeteners reduce the amount of good bacteria in your intestines by 50 percent, increase the pH level in your intestines, and affect a glycoprotein in your body that can have crucial health effects, particularly if you’re on certain medications.  

It’s truly disturbing that Splenda can destroy up to 50 percent of your healthy intestinal bacteria, as these bacteria help maintain your body's overall balance of friendly versus unfriendly micro-organisms, and support your general health. So it would make sense that with even just this one insult to the gut’s balance that serotonin levels would be adversely affected.

Antibiotic use is another major gut flora disruptor. Antibiotics deplete intestinal flora. Antibiotics deplete nutrients such as biotin, inositol, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 & vitamin K. The intestinal flora is depleted affecting nutrient absorption AND the nutrients are be depleted. Look at the list of depleted vitamins and you will see they are mostly B vitamins. It is a well-known fact that along with a proper mineral balance, B vitamins are essential for mental and emotional well-being. Our body cannot store B vitamins so it is vital that they are repleted daily with a high quality diet and/or supplement. Add caffeine, alcohol, stress, nicotine, or refined foods to the mix and even more of your B vitamins are getting destroyed making them completely unavailable even if they could be properly absorbed. Long term use of antibiotics can lead to a low Hydrochloric Acid (HCL) level.

Low HCL has been associated with many other common health problems, including malabsorption of vitamins and minerals. Levels of Vitamin C and B12 are often low in individuals with impaired stomach acid. Minerals, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper, may be low because they require an acidic environment for absorption.

Proton Pump Inhibitors are acid (HCL) blockers. They are prescribed to patients with acid reflux symptoms. These drugs were only meant to be used for a suggested maximum of 16 weeks while allowing the tissue to cool down and repair; not for years. Ironically, often the symptoms of acid reflux are a result of too little stomach acid (HCL).  Acid blockers allow the pH in the stomach to rise above the optimal 1.5 – 2.0 level. Not only does this now mildly acidic environment not have the capabilities to destroy the bad bacteria, it cannot breakdown and digest foods properly thus leading to reflux and other digestive problems. With low HCL, the gut cannot adequately absorb vitamins and minerals that require an acidic environment to be absorbed properly. Allergies and asthma are also symptoms of low HCL.

Are you seeing the connection here? The gut and how it affects your overall health is undeniable. Once you disrupt the balance of gut flora and HCL thus interfering with absorption of nutrients; how could you expect NOT to be adversely effected? So before you reach for another prescription to mask your symptoms; consider the bigger picture. The long term benefits are worth it!

Lisa Mittry, CNC, CPT

“Driven by Passion, Inspired by Love”

Located In:

La Costa Chiropractic and Wellness Center

6986 El Camino Real, Suite F

Carlsbad, CA 92009

760.438.9548

818.389.1914

" Just Zap it in The Microwave"

How many times do you say that when your preparing something to eat? Can you remember the last time you were in a kitchen that did not contain a microwave oven? Your place of business or office most likely has an area containing at least one microwave oven. Do you think you could live without the convenience of a microwave oven? When I pose that question, most people answer with a resounding, “Absolutely, I hardly ever use it. I use it mostly just to reheat leftovers.” If that is the case with you, I challenge you to not use your microwave for one month. I mean nothing, not even water…no cheating!

During my studies to become a Nutritional Consultant, we were given a lesson on microwave ovens containing some very unappealing information. I expanded my research beyond my textbooks to confirm the stated facts I was given to read.  The following portion of this article is to enlighten you a bit on the microwave oven. This is not any of my own scientific research but rather, from published research I have read – scientifically researched and written by very reputable scientists and journalists.

Another response I often get when challenging the use of microwave ovens is, “They tell us they are perfectly safe.” My question is, Who is/are ‘they’? ‘They’ (whoever ‘they’ are) sure get a lot of credit for bestowing wisdom on us. Even if only 20% of what I read were to be accurate, I would still have walked my microwave oven out to the curb. But, I will let you make the decision for yourself after I share some of the information I have read.

By the way, have you ever wondered who invented the microwave?

The Nazi’s, for use in their mobile support operations, originally developed microwave “radiomission” cooking ovens to be used during the invasion of Russia. By being able to utilize electronic equipment for preparation of meals on a mass scale, the logistical problem of cooking fuels would have been eliminated, as well as the convenience of producing edible products in a greatly reduced time factor. After the war, the allies discovered medical research done by the Germans on microwave ovens. These documents, along with some working microwave ovens, were transferred to the U.S. War Department, classified for reference and “further scientific investigation”. The Russians also retrieved some microwave ovens and now have thorough research on their biological effects. As a result, use was outlawed in the Soviet Union (the ban is no longer enforced).The Soviets issued an international warning on the health hazards, both biological and environmental, of microwave ovens and similar frequency electronic devices.

Other Eastern European scientists also reported the harmful effects of microwave radiation and set up strict environmental limits for usage. The U.S. has not accepted the Europeans reports of harmful effects, even though the EPA estimates that radio frequency and microwave radiation sources in America are increasing at 15% a year.

A now retired Hans Hertel worked as a food scientist for several years. He was once fired from his job with a major Swiss food company for questioning procedures in the processing of food, because they denatured it. Hertel stated, “I am striving to bring man and techniques back into harmony with nature”.  Hans Hertel was the first scientist to conceive of and carry out a quality clinical study on the effects microwaved nutrients have on blood and physiology of the human body. This small, but well controlled study was able to show the degenerative force produced in microwave ovens and foods produced in them.

Hertel was one of eight participants in the study. The participants varied in ages between twenty and thirty; Hertel being oldest- 64 at the time. All participants were on a strict macrobiotic diet from the Macrobiotic Institute of Kientel Switzerland. To further keep the study controlled, all were housed in the same hotel environment for eight weeks. Other restrictions were put on the volunteers such as, no smoking, no alcohol and no sex. Adhering to the diet and other restrictions would be vital in order to detect subtle changes in their blood that otherwise could be missed if junk food, pollution, hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, alcohol, etc. were present.

Hertel used raw milk and vegetables cooked three different ways for the experiment:

All the same raw milk:

·         Conventionally cooked

·         Pasteurized

·         Cooked in microwave oven

All the same raw organic vegetables:

·         Conventionally cooked

·         Frozen then defrosted in microwave oven

·         Cooked in microwave oven

Then, Blood samples were taken at defined intervals after eating from above numbered milk or vegetable preparations. Significant changes were discovered in the blood of the volunteers who consumed foods cooked in the microwave oven. These changes included a decrease in the hemoglobin values and unfavorable cholesterol values; especially HDL (good cholesterol) to LDL (bad cholesterol) values and ratios.

Lymphocytes (white blood cells) showed a more distinct short term decrease following the intake of microwaved food than after the intake of all the other variants. Each of these indicators point in a direction away from robust health and toward degeneration[1].

The following is taken from an article titled, “Microwaved Food Isn’t Safe to Eat”-

By Larry Cook:

Microwave ovens “cook” food by forcing the atoms, molecules and cell within the food to reverse polarity billions of times per second, causing friction—the more the friction, the more the heat. This oscillation tears and deforms the molecular structure of food. New compounds are formed, called radiolytic compounds, which are not found in nature.

Interestingly, microwaves are actually used in gene-altering technology to deliberately break cells and neutralize there “life-force” so they cam be manipulated. Microwaves destroy the life-force that gives food its vitality and nourishment. When this life-force dissipates, microorganisms start breaking down and it begins to rot.

Kinesiologist, David Bridgeman, said, “Of all the people I test for allergies, 99.9% so far

show severe sensitivity to any microwaved food.”

Dr Lita Lee of Hawaii reported in December 9, 1989 Lancet:

            Microwaving baby formulas converted certain trans- amino acids into their

            synthetic cis-isomers. Synthetic isomers, whether cis-amino acids or trans-fatty

            acids are not biologically active. Further, one of the amino acids, L-proline,

was converted to its d-isomer, which is known to be neurotoxic (poisonous to the     nervous system) and nephrotoxic (poisonous to the kidneys). It’s bad enough that many babies are not nursed, but now they are given fake milk (baby formula) made even more toxic via microwaving.

           

·         Microwaved Blood Kills Patient

In 1991, there was a lawsuit in Oklahoma concerning the hospital use of a microwave oven to warm blood needed for a transfusion. The case involved a hip surgery patient, Norma Levitt, who died from a simple blood transfusion. Blood for transfusions is routinely warmed, but not in microwave ovens. In the case of Mrs. Levitt, the microwaving altered the blood and killed her. This tragedy makes it very apparent that there’s much more to “heating” with microwaves than we’ve been led to believe.

A concluding word from Hans Hertel, “There is extensive scientific literature concerning the hazardous effects of direct microwave radiation on living systems. It is astonishing therefore, to realize how little effort has been made to replace microwaves with technology more in accordance with nature.”

I assure you there is far more information than can be contained in this one article. If you would like to delve deeper into the research done on the effects of microwaves, I encourage you to search online. Also, there is a book by Bob O. Becker, titled: “The Body Electric” that is quite enlightening.

Well…I guess its time to get acquainted with your pots and pans again! And a little side note….. I believe microwave ovens may be a contributor to the nation’s obesity issues…think about that. More on that topic later!

Lisa Mittry, CNC, CPT

“Driven by Passion, Inspired by Love”

Located In:

La Costa Chiropractic and Wellness Center

6986 El Camino Real, Suite F

Carlsbad, CA 92009

760.438.9548

818.389.1914

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[1] “The Proven Dangers of Microwaves” –Dr. Joseph Mercola

                          Movie Night

                                Tuesday October 4, 2011

              6:30 PM

               

                                               

    This must see documentary that will change the way you treat your body.

           La Costa Chiropractic & Wellness- 6986 El Camino Real, Suite F

                                Carlsbad, CA 92009  760-438-9548

                              Lisa Mittry, CNC, CPT – 818-389-1914

                                                               

Acid Reflux and Your Gut Health

As a Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, one of my many beliefs, and that of numerous health professionals, is that “life and death begins in the gut”. I am amazed these days by how many people I consult with who have multiple digestive issues. One that seems to be the most pervasive is GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). It doesn’t discriminate by age or sex, and its frequency can be quite disruptive to one’s life. I am sure many of you have seen the numerous commercials on television promising fast relief for your 'acid indigestion' by taking one pill and not having to change your diet at all. Seems simple and harmless enough but, is it? These prescriptions or OTCs are referred to as, ‘Proton Pump Inhibitors’ or ‘acid blockers’. These products were designed by the manufacturers for short term use (about 16 weeks) while allowing for cool down and repair. The HCL (hydrochloric acid) that is being blocked in the stomach is vital to digestive health. Healthy HCL “turns on” Pepsin which is a key player in protein digestion. HCL activates Secretin which “turns on” pancreatic enzymes which help digest vegetables and starches as well as protein and fat. HCL also “turns on” Cholecystokinin which also activates healthy fat digestion. HCL’s main role is to kill the bacteria on foods that can cause GI distress. If you could actually see all the bacteria that was on your food, you probably wouldn’t want to eat it however; healthy HCL is meant to do the combat. We hear on the news about a breakout of dangerous bacteria, salmonella or E.coli on food. What is interesting is that some people become violently ill, while others never experience any symptoms after exposure. I recently heard the questions posed; is there now more salmonella and E. coli, or could it be that people are taking more acid suppressing medications, which leaves them less resistant to the germs? Stomach cancer is on the rise and H.Pylori is associated with it. Could it be that the drugs are suppressing and disrupting?  So what are some of the adverse effects of suppressing HCL?

·         A 2006 study from the University of Pennsylvania demonstrates a serious side effect of acid suppressing drugs. There is a 94% increased risk of hip fractures for people taking a class of acid suppressors longer than one year.

·         Stomach acid imbalances affect how nutrients are absorbed, particularly calcium, B12 and other minerals such as zinc and copper.

·         Acid blockers may then adversely affect bone remodeling or metabolism.

The longer you take these drugs, the higher your risk for potential problems. I strongly encourage you to consult with a practitioner familiar with natural therapies that promote healing. Remember, small changes can equal big results.

Lisa Mittry, CNC, CPT

nutrition@lacostawellness.com

La Costa Chiropractic and Wellness Center

6986 El Camino Real, Suite F

Carlsbad, CA  92009

760.438.9548 (phone)

760.438.1603 (fax)

www.lacostachiropractic.com

“Driven by Passion, Inspired by Love”

Lisa Mittry, CNC, CPT Nutrition and Lifestyle Consultant: Not All Salt Is Created Equal

Lisa Mittry, CNC, CPT Nutrition and Lifestyle Consultant: Not All Salt Is Created Equal: " Not All Salt is Created Equal Reasons to Consider Pink Himalayan Crystal Salt ..."

Not All Salt Is Created Equal

               Not All Salt is Created Equal

                        Reasons to Consider Pink Himalayan Crystal Salt

                    Containing all of the 84 elements found in your body.

             Some know benefits of natural Himalayan Crystal Salt include:

1.    Regulating the water content throughout your body.

2.    Promoting a healthy pH balance in your cells, particularly your brain cells.

3.    Promoting blood sugar health and helping to reduce the signs of aging.

4.    Assisting in the generation of hydroelectric energy in cells in your body.

5.    Absorption of food particles through your intestinal tract.

6.    Supporting respiratory health.

7.    Promoting sinus health.

8.    Prevention of muscle cramps.

9.    Promoting bone strength.

10.  Regulating your sleep -- it naturally promotes sleep.

11.  Supporting your libido.

12.  Promoting vascular health.

13.  In conjunction with water it is actually essential for the regulation of your blood pressure.

Lisa Mittry, CNC, CPT

nutrition@lacostawellness.com

La Costa Chiropractic and Wellness Center

6986 El Camino Real, Suite F

Carlsbad, CA  92009

760.438.9548 (phone)

760.438.1603 (fax)

www.lacostachiropractic.com

“Driven by Passion, Inspired by Love”

How Micronutrieints Effect Weight Loss

              How Micronutrients Effect Weight Loss

• When given the proper tools, it is easier to maintain proper health, including weight management. When you are healthy and your body has all the tools necessary to function properly, your workouts will be more effective.
  Some micro nutrients are closely involved in specific body functions related to weight management. For example, Vitamins B1, B5, and B6 aid in metabolism, while Chromium aid in insulin action, and Selenium and Iodine contribute to thyroid hormone function. Metabolism, insulin and thyroid hormones can all have an effect on body weight and appetite.

·         LACK OF MICRO-NUTRIENTS AND CANCER RISKS

But, again results were nor very conclusive. The JACKPOT was found out when OBESITY has been looked at. Another Researcher, Bruce Ames, from Oakland Research Institute, has put forward a new theory: the lack of micro-nutrients, like iron, magnesium, zinc and other vitamins. In some cases, the lack of these is very important, even in USA. For example, 56% of American Adults are lacking magnesium, and 92% lack Vitamin A. Even if the magnitude of the deficiency is small, it is increasing cancer risk. When the body is lacking small quantity of micro-nutrients, it uses them first for vital functions and the short term survival. Other functions, like the cell damage repairs are put aside. 

                               Micronutrient Testing and Supplement Consultations

                                                          Are available

                                                     

                                          Lisa Mittry, CNC, CPT

                                       nutrition@lacostawellness.com

                                     La Costa Chiropractic and Wellness Center

                                              6986 El Camino Real, Suite F

                                                   Carlsbad, CA  92009

                                                  760.438.9548 (phone)

                                                    760.438.1603 (fax)

                                              www.lacostachiropractic.com

                                         “Driven by Passion, Inspired by Love”