Archive for July, 2015

Poop transplant curing autism, MS, CFS and more?

July 31st, 2015 Lynn

Yep, you read that correctly.  Fecal microbiota transplant “FMT” (easily referred to as “poop” transplant) has been in the forefront of modern medicine for the past few years, despite its discovery in 1958.  The discussion of the microbiome, the imbalances, its affect on  the brain and its impact in neurological disorders is ever pressing.  I’ve been following it for quite some time, but this true story below just recently caught my attention.

Recently a 10 year old boy with autistic behaviors and gastrointestinal issues underwent 5 FMT’s and has fully recovered.  Read the article here written by Dr. Perlmutter a functional neurologist: http://www.drperlmutter.com/brain-maker/

He’s one of many individuals that are recovering from C.Diff infections, Crohn’s disease, Colitis, CFS and many other chronic illnesses.   Read more successes here 

Currently there are 150 medical facilities across the nation that are conducting poop transplants but the FDA has yet to approve it.  Currently a facility in Arizona is conducting an 18 week treatment study to be reviewed by the FDA.  

Want more information?  Per the Power of Poop website:

Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) is also known as a stool transplant, bacteriotherapy and human probiotic infusion.   It is a natural, medication free way to repopulate the intestinal microbiome.  FMT involves transferring fecal bacteria  from a healthy donor to repopulate the unbalanced gut bacteria of a sick person. It is used to treat  Clostridium Difficile  (C. Diff.)  infection and increasingly other conditions such as Ulcerative Colitis, Crohns Disease and digestive illness of indeterminate cause. There is also anecdotal evidence from Professor Thomas Borody’s Centre for Digestive Diseases to suggest that FMT could benefit other conditions including autoimmune disorders, neurological conditions, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.  The first reported FMT was in 1958 and involved the successful treatment of four patients with pseudomembranous colitis before C. Diff. was the known cause.

FMT involves a series of infusions of stool blended with saline or distilled water. Frozen stool can also be used but takes longer to populate. Medical transfer of stool is undertaken via enema, colonoscope or nasogastric tube. Home infusion usually takes place via enema, syringe or capsule. Various parties are researching the commercial production of freeze-dried stool capsules and artificial intestinal flora.

All medical interventions come with risk. However in over 370 published reports there has been no reported infection transmitted by FMT so the risks are minimal.   A study published in the New England Medical Journal in January 2013 reported a 94% cure rate of pseudomembranous colitis caused by C Diff from FMT compared to a mere 31% with vancomycin. The study was stopped prematurely as it was considered unethical not to offer the FMT to all participants.

– See more at: http://thepowerofpoop.com/about/about-fecal-transplant/#sthash.PgbayyGG.dpuf “

This is exciting research.  I’m looking forward to more findings.

Be well,

Lynn

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ADD and ADHD prevented by balancing the gut?

July 29th, 2015 Lynn

Approximately 6 million kids (ouch!) are diagnosed with ADD.  Many of the children are administered  brain-altering stimulant drugs (essentially “speed” and uppers”)that have been demonstrated to increase the likelihood of addictive behaviors.   There is no blood test for ADD; rather it’s based on a set of symptoms.  We know that ADD didn’t develop from a “Ritalin”deficiency.  

Fortunately a Finland based research group recently conducted a longitudinal study that followed 75 children from infants until about 13 years of age.  In the first six months of life, half of the children received a placebo and the other half received a probiotic referred to as Lactobacillus rhamnosus.  

At the end of 13 years, ADHD or Autism spectrum disorder was diagnosed in 17.1% of the half of the children that received the placebo.  In the other half of the children, that received the probiotic, none were diagnosed with ADHD or autism spectrum disorder.  That’s correct.  Zero, zilch.  http://www.drperlmutter.com/probiotic-prevents-adhd-autism/#more-3632

This study, although the first of hope to be many, demonstrates that the health of the microbiome can predetermine a brain disorder.

Be well,

Lynn

 

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These supplements are easily found at our favorite department stores, but are they good for us?

July 27th, 2015 Lynn

I’m often asked about supplements: where to purchase them or why is it necessary to buy them through recommended manufacturers.  I explain that there may be unnecessary fillers (such as a food like rice bran, gluten, soy, corn and even dairy) and even chemicals that can create more harm than good.  Even moreso, as a practitioner, I’m concerned about the manufacturing process, especially when the supplements are significantly cheaper than products that are manufactured under strict practices.  

In February, 2015, the New York State’s Attorney’s office found that 4 out of 5 supplements tested from Target, Walmart, GNC and Walgreens did not contain any of the herbs listed on their labels!  

Walmart offered a gingko biloba, to improve memory, that contained radish, houseplants and wheat even though it stated it was a wheat-free product!  

GNC sold products that had unlisted fillers including peanuts, legumes and soybeans.  These are highly allergenic foods that can create damaging consequences. Read more here 

Unfortunately, these are just two examples of gross negligence sold by major department chain stores.  The New York State’s attorney is the first governmental agency to make legal claims against these chain stores which needs to be commended.

It is very important is that you understand that you are potentially creating more harm than good by purchasing and consuming supplements from these major chains.  When it comes to your health, please consider investing in manufacturers that have certified their practices.  

Please share.

Be well,
Lynn

 

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For today

July 24th, 2015 Lynn

Four years ago, today, my son’s seizures ended.  I remember that day very clearly. Every day, for 18 months prior, we posted on a spreadsheet the number of seizures that we would witness each day.  At times, the documentation became disheartening, too many seizures to admit to.  But  two weeks before July 24, 2011 we noticed that the number of seizures were decreasing.  My son appeared to have more energy and “looked” as though he was feeling improved.   On July 24th not one of us adults (mother-in-law,  my husband nor I) commented to each other that we had noticed that there were no seizures.  I think, in a sense, we were holding our breath until the end of the day, hoping that there truly were no more seizures to come and what we experienced was real.  July 24th, 2011 was the first day of the end of his seizures.

Today, we celebrate 4 tremendous years of true recovery.  There are times when I flinch or jump or my heart skips a beat, but I rebound reminding myself that  that reality was yesterday.  Today’s energy is put forth to those I can help find similar tools.

I hugged Koa this morning and told him how important today was.   He responded so excited and asked ‘so today can be about me’?    Yes, I said, just like every other day 🙂

Be well,

Lynn

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Having GABA issues? There’s a link that you should know about…

July 23rd, 2015 Lynn

GABA is made in all neurons of the brain, is recycled through our energy systems (mitochondria) and aside from seretonin, is one of the major calming mechanisms built in the body. GABA is integrated into many of the anti epileptic drugs on the market and understood to play a factor into seizure disorders.

Glutamate, an amino acid, is recyled through the mitochondria using an enzyme (referred to as GAD, glutamate decarboxylase) and converted to GABA.  If the GAD enzyme is compromised or shunted, GABA is not produced which means, no calm.  Instead glutamate perpetuates and anxiety continues to climb.  This is not a good situation.  

Gluten intolerance and celiac disease create an autoimmune response that can attack the GAD enzyme mentioned above.  Again if the GAD enzyme is compromised or shunted, GABA cannot be made and anxiety builds.  There is no calm.  

Anxiety disorders are at an all time high.  Could a root cause be a gluten intolerance? Absolutely.  Depending on the time that the exposure has occurred can impact whether removing gluten is enough. Regardless, if you experience anxiety, entirely remove gluten.   As Dr. Tom O’Bryan states…’if you are a gluten intolerant you cannot consume even a little amount of gluten just like you can’t be a little bit pregnant’. 

Be well,

Lynn

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There’s a great app for this!

July 21st, 2015 Lynn

It’s been suggested that 70% of Americans experience blood sugar imbalances varying in extremes from insulin resistance  to reactive hypoglycemia.  In insulin resistance blood sugar is chronically to high and in reactive hypoglycemia blood sugar is chronically too low.  Many Americans can experience both insulin resistance and hypoglycemia.  In all circumstances the excess and deprivation of glucose can create organ and brain inflammation.  The good news is, there are dietary supports and nutraceuticals  that can help in managing blood sugar.  

The first step is to explore your diet.  Are you getting enough proteins, fats and carbohydrates on a daily basis.  Remember: Proteins provide essential amino acids and fats provide essential fatty acids;  carbohydrates in the form of mostly vegetables will provide you with essential minerals and vitamins; and there’s nothing essential about grains.  Still, we all struggle with making sure we are getting the right amounts of nutrients.  

Fortunately I’ve found a FREE (I love that word) app through the iphone that can help you manage your daily nutrients, inform you if you are eating enough of proteins, or fats and present you with an overview of your patterns. It’s called “MY Fitness Pal”.  I find it an excellent tool to fine tune the nutrients that you may need.    Initially it asks your age, goal (lose,gain,maintain weight), then on a daily basis you plug in your foods (their database is huge including everything from In n’Out protein style burgers to Mary’s gone crackers!).  There are great graphs demonstrate your ratio of foods.  You can even add in your exercise for the day.  

Here’s my recap.  Lesson #1: I wasn’t getting enough protein.  Yikes!  And I thought I was conscious incorporating meat into my diet and focusing on a protein with every meal.  Lesson #2:  I love fats.  About 50% of my diet is good fats (no trans fats).  Lesson #3: I eat 60% of my calories by dinner.  When I eat like this I feel great.  

I caution you.  I don’t want any of you counting calories.  This is not the purpose of the tool.  It is to understand if you are getting enough of the important nutrients: proteins and fats and some carbohdrates and to learn what ratios work best for you.   

I have clients that are under-nourished and incorrectly nourished regardless of their physical appearance.  The first step begins with looking at what they are eating on a daily basis.  This is a great tool to explore. Check out MyFitnessPal.  

Be well,

Lynn

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Are you low in this hormone that promotes peace and relaxation?

July 6th, 2015 Lynn

Progesterone is our hormone that’s made in the adrenals and in women, in the ovaries.  It helps us feel energetic, sleep well through the night, support our stress response, keeps our memory strong, skin elastic and promotes GABA, a built-in calming mechanism.  

Unfortunately through perimenopause and menopause, it leaves women quickly.  

How do you know if you are low in progesterone?

  • Do you wake between 2 and 4 am?
  • Do you experience heavy bleeding?
  • Erratic periods?
  • Anxiety? 
  • Low libido?
  • Fibrocystic breasts?

Even though many of these symptoms above are “common” they are NOT “normal”.  

There are certain supplements you can take to support the levels of progesterone, such as Vitamin C and selenium. Exercising “relaxation” and  identifying what other stressors can be reducing your progesterone levels can also support you.  And if attempting these supports on your own aren’t working, further testing may be warranted.  

Remember: you are entitled to feel great, not just “normal”.  

Be well,

Lynn

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Vaccines will become mandatory…

July 3rd, 2015 Lynn

Governor Brown quickly signed SB277 on June 30th, 2017 that will enforce a vaccination schedule on any child that wishes to attend public education.  

I’m stunned that on April Fool’s Day Dr. Mercola rolled out an April Fool’s Joke Blog entitled “US Government Rolls Out Mandatory Adult Vaccination and Tracking Program” and that in less than three months following this blog the SB277 bill has been fast tracked for Governor Brown to sign.  (Dr. Mercola’s flaberghasted as well as he states “How can this occur in America, “land of the free”? It is with a shudder I realize that my satirical April Fool’s article, “US Government Rolls Out Mandatory Adult Vaccination and Tracking Program“, is becoming more frighteningly real with each passing day.).  

For now we need to protect our children, those of us that elect to not vaccinate them.  

What to do?  Per the National Vaccination Information Council

Action Alert Instructions
“On June 30, 2015 Governor Brown signed SB 277.  Personal and religious belief exemptions will not be allowed in California, effective July 1, 2016.  However, if a parent files a letter or affidavit stating beliefs opposed to immunization prior to Jan. 1, 2016 that exemption will apply until the next grade span.(g) (1) A pupil who, prior to January 1, 2016, submitted a letter or affidavit on file at a private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center stating beliefs opposed to immunization shall be allowed enrollment to any private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center within the state until the pupil enrolls in the next grade span.

(2) For purposes of this subdivision, “grade span” means each of the following:
(A) Birth to preschool.
(B) Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten.
(C) Grades 7 to 12, inclusive.”
 
I’ve attached the California Public Health Exemption Form. (Please confirm with your educational facility that this will suffice).
 
Be well,
Lynn
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ADD, Headaches, Pollen Allergies, Autism potentially ends with this dietary change.

July 1st, 2015 Lynn

This is a powerful TedTalk from a Biochemist/Mother of a child that reversed autistic behaviors.   She communicates the relationship between glutamate receptors, associated symptoms, and the reduced glutamate diet.  It’s a must watch,

Be well,

Lynn

Posted in Digestive Issues, Kids Health 101, Nutrition for Seizures, Popular Articles Tags: , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments »