Are you making yourself sick?

There are some things You Need to Know if You Are Taking Drugs, and/or Nutritional Supplements, and/or Herbal Products.

written by John W Jones, MD, MPH and Marilyn Sidwell

Know the Facts:

• Supplements can interact with each other
• Supplements can interact with medications and herbs
• Medications can interact with herbs and supplements

More Facts:

• For optimum benefit, all nutrients must be present and in balance. See my Minimum Recommendations
• Very high levels of fat soluble nutrients such as vitamins A or D can reach toxic levels
• All the minerals need to be balanced, and high levels of certain minerals such as selenium can reach toxic levels
• B vitamins are generally safe, but should be used in balance. High levels of vitamin B6, for example, can cause neurologic symptoms and problems.
• High levels of Folic Acid can mask a B12 deficiency. Ultra Vites, Ultra Preventive and Ultra Preventive + Iron contain 1000 mcg of Vitamin B12 to balance Folic Acid.
• Supplements and drugs can work synergistically, but they  can have adverse reactions as well as good results. 

Example of a good result: the use of a probiotic with antibiotics can decrease the instance of diarrhea and colon irritation that can be caused by the use of broad spectrum antibiotics.

Example of a bad result: the action of some nutrients can interfere with some drugs used for chemotherapy.

A qualified health care provider should evaluate your nutritional needs and coordinate a nutritional program with other health considerations.

Drugs and Nutrients Interact.

For example, Statin drugs reduce the formation of coenzyme Q10.

Nutrients interact with Nutrients

A vitamin or a mineral should not be used by itself.  For instance, when high levels of zinc are used it needs to be balanced with copper and other minerals.   Use a balanced multi such as Ultra Vites before using a high level of an individual nutrient.

The effects of high levels of supplements needs to be evaluated.  Example: High levels of calcium can suppress the absorption of magnesium and zinc

Common Misconceptions about nutrients

Common misconception #1: herbs are natural, therefore safe. Herbs represent a body of knowledge unto themselves. They have been used for centuries to help people solve many health problems.  Herbal lore attributes different properties to different parts of plants, and many herbs operate synergistically with other herbs and nutrients.

Be aware that there can be adverse reactions to herbs.  In addition, there are herb/herb, herb/drug and herb/nutrient interaction problems.

Common misconception #2: herbs must be standardized. Standardizing means manipulating an herb so that it contains a guaranteed amount of a certain botanical constituent. Plants are extremely complex chemically, containing hundreds to thousands of constituents. The majority of plant constituents have yet to be identified or understood by modern science. It is the synergy of the various constituents that is responsible for the medicinal activity of herbs

Read “The Standardization of Herbs” from Time Labs.
 
Common Misconception #3:  your doctor knows what you are taking (medicines and supplements) and knows your complete health history. 

Here are some take-charge suggestions for you:

• Make a list of all your doctors
• Make sure that all of your doctors have a complete list of all of your medications, herbs and nutrients
• Record the major Health events in your life

More Suggestions

Discuss everything you are taking with your qualified health care provider or pharmacist. People taking 6 or more daily medications are more likely to have a negative drug reaction. It is especially important that you learn the consequences of taking multiple drugs as well as potential drug/drug adverse reactions.

Learn the effects, good and bad, of all the medications. Do read the information that comes with the prescription. These suggestions are from an article in USA Weekend, Jan 21-23, 2005. “Raise your Prescription IQ”

• List every pill (medications, vitamins, herbs, etc), cream and ointment
• Visit a pharmacist or doctor to review this list
• Side effects can mimic many things, such as signs of aging
• Drugs can Interact w/nutrients. Some nutrients can disable the effect of the drug, and some drugs can interfere with the nutrient.

Here is an example of potential problems from the most widely used prescription drug. The statin class of drugs, such as Lipitor, Zocor, Pravachol or Crestor are commonly used to control hyperlipidemia. Statin drugs are HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors and can reduce the formation of CoQ10.   The use of Ultra CoQ10-100 can minimize this reaction. Where the statin drugs lower cholesterol levels there are significant side effects affecting muscle physiology. There are noted frequent side effects from statin drugs, such as flu like symptoms, myopathy, myositis, peripheral neuropathy, and muscle wasting disease.

For more information: “The Nutritional Cost of Prescription Drugs” is a book which explains how to maintain good nutrition while using prescription drugs, and the various effects these drugs have on nutrition.

• It lists the drugs and shows how they can affect nutrients.
• Then it lists nutrients and show which drugs affect them.

Paperback, by Ross Pelton, R.Ph. and James B. LaVelle, R.Ph.

“Prescription Drugs and Vitamin Depletion” from Blue Cross of Idaho had an interesting article in one of their publications several years ago; It started out by saying: “Some medications may affect the storage and absorption of vital nutrients you need to stay healthy.  For the most part, prescription medications do not have this affect on the body unless they are taken at high doses for long periods of time (emphasis mine). However, some medications can deprive your body of specific vitamins/minerals at any dose.”

Well Said!

Is there more than one type of Diabetes?

by John W. Jones, MD, MPH

Nutritional Consultant, Nutrition Pure and Simple

www.jjconsulting.net

Did you Know?  There are three types of diabetes  -  and a fourth type is now recognized.
Did you Know?   Simple lifestyle changes can reverse or minimize Diabetes  
Did you Know?   About the Big Vitamin D Mistake?  Implications for Type 1 Diabetes...

Gestational Diabetes. The increase of hormones during pregnancy may cause Insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar.  I strongly advise you to choose low carbohydrate foods if you are pregnant.   It is most important that you minimize sugar intake.  In addition, you need the essential fatty acids in Ultra Omega-Linic and the readily available nutrients in Ultra Vites because both mother and baby have much higher than usual nutritional needs.

Type I Diabetes:  AKA 'juvenile diabetes'.   Type I begins with a decrease of insulin caused by a loss of the cells that produce insulin.  When this happens you need to supply insulin and monitor blood sugar levels carefully.  You hear a lot about diets - and I know it can be confusing.  FACT:  A low carbohydrate or ketogenc diet will aid in the control of blood sugar levels. This leads to easier insulin management.

Type II Diabetes is hereditary.  Look to your family for the first clue that you might develop a blood sugar problem..  Type II diabetes is a resistance to insulin at the cellular level.   If this continues, the  pancreas will be unable to make enough Insulin.  Glucose will build up in the blood stream and tissues.  Eventually you will be faced with a variety of potential problems: neurological, cardiovascular, kidney, vision problems and/or early death.

Did you know?  It may be possible to prevent or reverse the progression of Type II Diabetes?  You CAN stop insulin resistance from becoming uncontrolled Diabetes.   The Key is early recognition and early defensive action. The longer you wait the harder diabetes is to control.  More health complications are likely.

Once called 'borderline diabetes', the new term for 'early diagnosis' is 'PRE' Diabetes.  What you need to know about PreDiabetes is that you CAN keep it that way.  You simply decide you will make the necessary lifestyle changes. 

Type III Diabetes,  Recent investigations show that insulin is produced by a healthy brain.  In Alzheimer's disease the brain loses its ability to produce insulin and becomes insulin resistant.   As a consequence brain cells start to die.

Did you know?  This death can be prevented if ketones are available!  The brain cells can use Ketones instead of glucose as an energy source.   Medium chain triglycerides provide keytones in the body.   Ultra Monolaurin is a 90% pure distillate of medium chain fatty acids from coconut oil.

As a result of recent studies, the heartbreaking symptoms of Senile dementia and Alzheimer's are now being identified as Type III Diabetes.  These conditions mainly affect the aging population.  These conditions are preventable - and may be reversible. 
Did you know:  Nutrition can protect the brain?

I found this additional thought: Is cancer a type of diabetes?
There is a strong link between diabetes and different types of cancer.  Type I diabetes tends to occur with cervical and stomach cancers.  Type II diabetes often occurs with breast, endometrial, pancreatic, liver, kidney and colon cancers.  It is important to properly manage diabetes during cancer treatment.

Cancer and Diabetes | CTCA
Cancer and the Ketogenic Diet 

DIABETES FACTS

When you digest carbohydrates and simple sugars they become glucose.  Glucose is the major source of energy for your body.  Sugar enters your cells as glucose and is utilized by the action of Insulin.  The diagnosis of Diabetes means your glucose (sugar) levels are too high.

THREE SIMPLE STEPS TO PREVENT DIABETES

1. The most important step you can take is to minimize or eliminate high carbohydrate foods, like potatoes and sweet (high carbohydrate) foods. The low carbohydrate lifestyle approach to eating is VERY important to diabetics.   This diet may help you maintain insulin levels without injecting insulin.  If insulin is needed, it may possible to minimize the daily dose.   CAUTION - if you are on a daily does of insulin.  The first day you lower carbohydrates and sugar intake  you may experience a decrease in your insulin needs.


2. Exercise is another important step.  The amount of exercise per week that experts recommend is dependent on your age and general health.   Exercise also helps you maintain optimal weight and function
   


3. Weight loss may also be essential, especially if you have a high BMI* index.  BMI index provides and indicator of body fat.  Visit the BMI calculator to check how you are doing.

WEIGHT LOSS

Check the label on all manufactured foods.  For this purpose the amount of net Carbohydrate is more important than the Calorie count.   To check the carbohydrate content of a food (one without a label), visit SelfNutriton and enter the food in the search box.  Subtract the fiber from the carbohydrate listing. 

For the purpose of weight loss you need the net carb count to be around 20 gm per day.  40 gm per day is optimal to maintain weight.

Taking these simple steps will lower the glucose impact on the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.  This will preserve and perhaps prolong their function.  Since the destruction of these cells is not reversible, the sooner you take action the better.

IS DIABETES A PROBLEM?

Diabetes affects a large part of the population.  It affects people of all ages.  Many of the young people who are overweight will progress to Type II Diabetes.  Type II Diabetes is also associated with the use of many medications, such as Statin drugs.  Check with your pharmacist for potential side effects of ANY medication you may be taking.

Common sources of carbohydrate are sweets, many vegetables (potatoes are high, turnips are low), bread and pasta.   You can find good tasting entrees, dessert and other recipes at jjConsulting.net.   I have suggestions for foods that satisfy your desire for ‘sweets’.  Be careful with sugar substitutes (as opposed to other sweeteners - like Stevia).  Aspartame is a sugar substitute that is responsible for many neurologic problems.  See the BLOG:  ‘Aspartame - sweet Poison’.  I will share a secret with you:  sugary foods make you hungry.  Fatty foods are filling.

Ok, so you have decided to avoid sugary drinks.  Now you focus on healthy drinks, like orange juice.  Do you know how much sugar (carbohydrate) is in that glass of OJ?   You can find out HERE.  The very best way is to check the label on what YOU drink.

See my nutritional protocol for ‘Diabetes’.  At a minimum, if you are eating the typical Western diet you need a complete multi vitamin/mineral supplement like Ultra Vites.  Ultra Omega-Linic essential fatty acids are, well, ESSENTIAL.  If you have Diabetes, or if you have a family history of Diabetes, I strongly urge you to follow these diet, nutritional supplements and exercise recommendations. 

*BMI index is a ratio of body weight to height with age calculated into the results.  It provides an indicator of body fat. Visit the BMI calculator to check how you are doing!

SIDE EFFECTS?

Absolutely!  A better body weight.  More energy.  Less (or no) insulin.

In Summary 

Food choices that favor ketones help all types of Diabetes.  
•    use coconut oil and other fats (avoid processed vegetable oils)
•    make low carbohydrate / low glycemic food choices
•    choose high protein foods like meat, fowl, fish, nuts and eggs

BLOG: Diabetes Recommendations

REFERENCES:
Type III diabetes - a starving mind
Type III diabetes overlaps with Types I and II
The ketogenic revolution in Cancer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 
Recommendations are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

Spirulina | Coping with radiation in daily living.

By John W Jones, MD, MPH  

Nutritional Consultant for Nutrition Pure and Simple

 http://www.jjconsulting.net/

Many people have concerns about radiation. News about radiation from Japan's nuclear reactor deepens this concern. You may be unnecessarily worried. This paper discusses ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. We present useful nutritional information to help you cope with small and large exposures of radiation.

Ionizing radiation consists of particles or electromagnetic waves that are energetic enough to detach electrons from atoms or molecules, thus ionizing them. Its effect is mutagenic. Ionizing radiation is used in medical applications. 

Non-ionizing radiation refers to any type of radiation that does not carry enough energy to ionize. Non-Ionizing radiation can produce burns, but is not mutagenic

Natural background radiation of both types is present everywhere.  Some radiation you ignore.  Cell phones, microwave ovens, smoking and food are examples. Some radiation exposure can cause potential problems.  CAT scans and other radiographic studies, mammograms, dental and bone scan tests are common.  Airport body scanners are a hazard for frequent fliers.

These sources, both ionizing and non-ionizing, have the potential of being a greater problem as the incidence and proximity of exposure increases. In other words, you have more likelihood of damage from daily living exposure than from a nuclear disaster accident.

If you are very old, very young or in poor health you are most at risk from radiation.   Pregnant mothers risk their babies.  Problems from exposure to radiation vary according to the your health.   So what can you do?  Stay as healthy as you possibly can .

Here is a Nutritional approach to minimize damage from radiation exposure.
The simple thing to do is follow my Basic Protocol. It has been developed to supply the optimal nutrients needed by the body on a daily basis.

1. Ultra Vites - I Formulated this Multi to provide a high level of readily available minerals as well as B Vitamins and antioxidants. It is designed to keep the body well mineralized. This presents less opportunity for radioactive minerals to be absorbed. Note: Ultra-Preventive Multi Vitamin Mineral combines all the features of Ultra Vites, plus it includes 1.1 grams of Spirulina. See #5 for more information on Spirulina.
2. Ultra Omega-Linic - I designed this essential fatty acid product for its anti inflammatory properties. It supplies the fatty acids necessary to keep cell membranes functional. Essential because the body cannot make them - they MUST be supplied. Our Wild Salmon oil is from the protected waters of Alaskan fisheries and are assayed for heavy metals and toxins and radiation.
3. Extra Calcium (Calcium D Chelate) keeps optimal calcium levels in the bones, thus protecting them from the uptake of radioactive ions. 
4. Argiletz French Green Illite Clay is the only one that has been approved for food use by the French National Health Superior Counsel for internal use. Its main properties are that it is Adsorbent, Absorbent, Purifying and Calming. Green clays are curative volcanic ashes that detoxify and restore mineral balance. This Illite clay contains only natural materials treated mechanically without any chemical additives. As a bacteria-destroying agent it can render contaminated water innocuous. When ingested, it travels along the digestive tract eliminating toxic agents and harmful bacteria.
5. PhytoGreen Drink powder uses Organic Earthrise™ Spirulina. Earthrise™ Spirulina studies on the children exposed after the Chernoble accident showed a 50% decrease in radioactive elements. Spirulina also stimulates recovery of white blood cells and bone marrow counts.
6. Spirulina Caps - each 6 capsules provide 3.24 g Spirulina Natural® Earthrise™ Spirulina.

Resources:

 http://www.earthrise.com/university/california.php About Earthrise Spirulina

http://www.spirulinasource.com/library   This link provides information on the following topics:

Anti-Cancer Studies
Beta Carotene, Cancer Prevention and Health Improvement
AIDS Antiviral sulfolipids
Kidney and Liver Detoxification
Immune System Improvement
Radiation Protective Effect and Immune System Improvement
Natural Sorbent of Radionucleides

Dr Jones is the Nutritional Consultant for Nutrition Pure and Simple.
Nutrition Pure and Simple is a web based company with a shopping cart. We work closely with Dr Jones’ newly updated site, www.jjconsulting.net which has articles, gluten-free and low carbohydrate recipes, Dr Jones’ protocols and much new product information. You can to download pdf files that include the protocols and product information, as well as the catalog.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.