Category Archives: Toxicity

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Health

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Health

Omega-3 fatty acids are just one kind of fat. There are many (thousands, actually) types of fats. There are many ways that fats are analyzed chemically and classified by biochemists and nutritionists.

Research tells us that different fats either help or hurt your health and body functioning.

For example, rancid fats and trans fats are not good for your body.

We all need fats in our diet to live and flourish. Fats are one of the 3 primary food components, with the other two being proteins and carbohydrates. But you already know that.

The last 10 or so years the fish oils (deep sea) has received a resurgence of attention and popularity in the healthy eating literature and movement.   Part of this is based on the antiinflammatory properties some of the fish oil components have.  The cardiovascular risk reducing effects of Omega-3 fatty acids has become well know.  Largely due to the fact that a leading cause of death in the US is heart attacks and strokes.

You might already be taking omega-3 fatty acids as a supplement or eating portions of fish like salmon more frequently based on this information.

NOT ALL OMEGA-3 SUPPLEMENTS ARE THE SAME.  Not all of them are healthy.  Please watch the video attached to this blog post to learn cutting-edge (and advanced basic) knowledge relevant to optimizing your health.

My purpose is to help as many people as possible to optimize their health so they can fulfill their purposes in life.  We offer this video in that spirit.

Call us at The Redwood Clinic +1-510-849-1176 to order supplements mentioned in the video.

We have numerous other videos at this website and online that complement the content in this video.

Our podcast is also a great way to learn about caring for your health.  www.NaturalSolutionsWithDrJay.com

 

ALS and neurologic relief center technique — a new approach

ALS and Neurologic Relief Center Technique — A new Approach

ALS is short for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the famous athlete. This debilitating disease causes the nerves to the muscles to atrophy, thus the muscles atrophy. Dr. Jay has worked with several patients with ALS but that was before he started using NRCT. Now there is some anecdotal evidence that ALS might respond to NRCT in combination with other functional medicine approachs that Dr. Jay uses at The Redwood Clinic for the functional medicine patients.

Read this story from another NRCT clinic. Then call The Redwood Clinic should it sound familiar.

NRCT Results with an ALS patient

Note: While this is a testimonial from the office of another practitioner, Dr. Kevin Saiz, the methods used are the same as I use in my office but without using the NRCT chiropractic adjustment, rather the vector process. I am excited that we are doing so much to help so many people, even those with ALS.

“ALS and NRCT Berkeley AcupuntureHello, my name is Megan and I am 36 years old. I’m writing to share my experience with the NRC Technique thus far. My situation is unique because I have ALS. I was diagnosed in October 2015. My symptoms started about two and half years ago when my right hand seemed to just stop working. I had carpel tunnel surgery, cubital tunnel surgery, and later radial tunnel surgery. These procedures helped but I never regained function like I should have. Shortly after the last surgery my left hand started to weaken as well. This time I requested the surgeon have a different neurologist evaluate me. It was during the next EMG by a new and more competent neurologist that it became clear there was something more seriously wrong with me. After several more EMGs, a complete physical examination by yet another neurologist, a muscle biopsy, and bloodwork to exclude alternate causes, I received the diagnosis of ALS. This diagnosis was confirmed by the Professor of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine seven days later. Of course, I was told no real treatments exist.

When I came to see Dr. Saiz a few weeks ago it was not for ALS but for a painful shoulder. He immediately started to tell me about the NRC Technique he had learned and how he would like to try it on me. I figured I had nothing to lose so we got started on the test. I don’t recall anything remarkable happening during the test but when it was over I was able to move my right arm about four inches further behind my back that I could when I walked in the door. I also had an unexplainable ear to ear grin. That was enough to get me interested.

A couple days later, he performed the first adjustment. My feet flew about a foot up off of the exam table! I have had plenty of chiropractic adjustments and this has never ever happened before. When I left that day my right bicep was tingling with a pins-and¬needles feeling for about five minutes. A few times this sensation darted down to my right thumb (which is mainJy decorative at this point). But the really interesting thing occurred that evening. When I went to get out of the bathtub that night, I got my feet under me and … I stood up! This is significant because I have not been able to get up from a squat for 6 to 9 months. My newfound ability didn’t last long. I think it was gone by the next day. However, by the end of that week’s adjustments I was able to stand up from a squatting position for about three days following the last adjustment.

I am now eight adjustments into this process. The ability to get up from a squat is my most obvious marker of improvement. I am trying to find other functions/movements and evaluate if they are improving as well. Yesterday, I thought to see if I could stand on one leg. I could! I can balance on the other leg as well. For many months now, whenever I’m getting dressed I have made sure to lean against the bed because my balance was not predictable. I have also noticed that my walking, my gait, is more natural after a NRCT adjustment. Before the adjustments, I could still walk but it always felt awkward. Each step didn’t feel strong and sometimes it felt like my feet were flapping when they hit the ground. I had to ‘think’ about walking. Yesterday, however, I walked about three-quarter of a mile with my family and then showed off to my neighbor how I could balance on each leg!

To be completely honest, I have also been seeing a naturopathic doctor who ‘prescribed’ dietary changes and homeopathic remedies. While these changes greatly improved my energy and sense of well-being, they were not having any effect on my function. In fact, my function seemed to be very slowly slipping. But it is pretty hard to argue with the clear results that I have received from the NRCT adjustments. I’m very hopeful to see what else will come as I continue these treatments. Will these adjustments work for other ALS patients? Who knows … ? But it would be nice to find out.

Sincerely,
Megan M.”

 

Functional Medicine: What it is and Why do you want it?

Functional Medicine: What it is and Why do you want it?

Functional Medicine: Just exactly what is it? How is it different from conventional medicine? Why Functional Medicinemight you want to work with a functional medicine practitioner like Jay Sordean? This video explains it in full detail as Dr. Jay narrates and describes some of the distinguishing characteristics of this and how it differs from conventional medicine.

Dr. Jay has been studying and practicing functional medicine for the past 30 years. Learn about this medicine, focused on functional capacity in the body, in ways you may never have thought about it.

Additional resources can be heard at http://www.NaturalSolutionsWithDrJay.com

Learn about how the functioning of the body degenerates and how that leads to malfunction, disease, and THEN symptoms.

 

 

Water is an important part of your body’s functioning.  What happens to your function when your water is toxic?  Click on this link to learn more: http://www.theredwoodclinic.com/toxins-in-water/

Stress, trauma and toxicity are 3 of the most important causes of degenerating health.  These each lead to decreased vitality and organ function, increasing inflammation and causing the body to have to work harder to repair damaged tissues.  Call the office at 510-849-1176 to find out what we can do to help you regain your health.

 

Natural Solutions with Dr. Jay – New Posts

Natural Solutions with Dr. Jay – New Posts

There are several new posts at our podcasting blog, Natural Solutions with Dr. Jay. Please go there and check them out! www.NaturalSolutionsWithDrJay.com

A recent post about Active for Alzheimers is both a podcast and video.

Hyperactivity & Attention Deficit Disorder: Do We Have Options?

Hyperactivity & Attention Deficit Disorder: Do We Have Options?

Guest Author: Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O.,D.A.C.B.N., MS

Attention-deficit disorder affects a startling 17 million people and seems to be gaining ground every year.

As a parent of child suffering with this disorder.. what are you to do?? Attention-deficit disorder is the most frequently diagnosed childhood psychiatric condition in America. In the past most medical journals described this disorder as minimal brain damage, hyperactive child syndrome & minimal cerebral dysfunction.

The common symptoms include brief attention span, poor concentration, difficulty keeping track of things, making careless mistakes, impatience, difficulty waiting or taking turns, blurting out answers when not asked, impulsiveness, hyperactivity, failure to finish things off, lack of perseverance & poor organizing. These characteristics are frequently associated with difficulties in school, in both learning and behavior. Task that require concentration are nearly impossible causing frustration, irritability, agitation and often recklessness.

There are three types of ADHD: Inattentive, predominately hyperactivity and combined type. Girls are more prevalent to exhibit the symptom of inattentiveness, whereby boys tend to be more hyperactive. As a child with undiagnosed ADHD becomes a teenager, he/she may become involved in drugs and crime and will commonly drop out of school. In adulthood the predominant features are failure to complete tasks, disorganization, difficulty paying attention and difficulty beginning tasks.

Conventional Medical Treatment

The conventional medical treatment for ADHD is almost always pharmaceutical drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or or the amphetamine Adderall. A review in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry notes that two antidepressants — bupropion and venlafaxine — are now being used as an alternative. “Talk therapy” is often recommended in conjunction with prescription medication for ADHD.

Alternative Medical Treatment:

The causes of ADHD are many and it would serve your child well for the parents to investigate the possible underlying factors that could very-well be causing the condition.

The Functional Medicine Approach looks at the triggers of ADHD. People with ADHD often have impaired digestion, environmental and food sensitivities, nutritional insufficiencies, heavy metal toxicities, fatty acid and amino acid imbalances, sensitivity to food additives and sucrose (sugar). Some studies indicate a possible genetic predisposition. Children with ADHD usually have histories of more ear infections (otitis media) than other children with learning problems.

It is unfortunate that many people who have children suffering with ADHD are not informed of all the options. I must agree that prescription medications such as Ritalin and Adderall can make a significant impact on the symptoms of ADHD. A child who once was inattentive is now focused and doing well in school. Who can ask for anything better?!! But, are you being told everything? What are the long-term health risk for your child?

Studies done on children taking Ritalin using a PET scan revealed that although the children had a reduction in their symptoms the PET scan was highly abnormal.

Most physicians are trained to treat ADHD with amphetamine-like drugs. But nutritionally oriented physicians have known for a long time that food allergy is a primary cause. The first major scientific study to show the link between food allergy and hyperactivity appeared in a 1985 issue of Lancet, a prestigious international medical journal. Dr. J. Egger, head of a pediatric university hospital in Munich, and Dr. J Soothill, London, England, studied the effect of food on 76 hyperactive children. 79% had clear improvement in their mental activity, emotions and behavior and 28 became completely normal. To prove their findings, the researchers reintroduced the allergenic foods to the children and their hyperactive symptoms returned.

The following have been linked to ADD:
•Food sensitivities
•Heavy metal toxicity especially lead has been linked to attention deficit and learning problems. Dr. H.L. Needlemen of the University of Pittsburgh Medical School has conducted scores of studies over the last 20 years clearly establishing the link between lead levels in children and specific hyperactive and attention deficit behavior traits. Follow-up studies indicate that these effects often persist into adulthood.
•Fatty acid deficiency
•Amino acid imbalances
•Methylation dysfunction
•Intestinal dysbiosis
•to name a few

Dr. Grisanti’s Comment:

I would have to say that I have not met a parent who did not want the best for their child. The parent who is struggling with what to do to help their child, faces a major dilemma. Should you medicate your child or take the road less traveled and identify the underlying cause of your child’s problem. Realize you have two sides of this sensitive issue. On one hand you have your family physician who insist that pharmaceutical drugs is the only way to go and offers no real alternative. And on the other hand, the volumes of medical research is quite over-whelming in favor of looking for the root cause(s) of your child’s condition.

Dr. Jay Sordean’s Comment:

Hyperactivity & Attention Deficit Disorder

Thank you to Dr. Grisanti for his well thought out and presented article. As a functional medicine professional, I am able to do these same evaluations and treatment strategies in my office. Please contact us at 510-849-1176 about setting up an appointment.

As a functional diagnostic medicine practitioner, I have studied functional medicine principles and practices with the top practitioners around the world. A leading curriculum on the subject is available to licensed professionals. The enrollment is at limited times, but if you don’t get in this time, you can reserve a spot for the future.

Fore information on Dr. Grisanti’s Program at the Functional Medicine University, click here.

The original of this article, used by permission, is found at:
http://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/public/1124.cfm

BRAIN HEALTH TALKS in our community

BRAIN HEALTH TALKS in Lakeside Park and Berkeley Chinese Church

Dr. Jay’s BRAIN HEALTH talks have recently been well attended at Lakeside Park and Berkeley Chinese Church. The Berkeley Chinese Church talk was held Tuesday, March 1, 2016 in the morning. The title was “Maximize Your BRAIN HEALTH” and covered ways to enhance your brain health, why they work, and what you need to do to evaluate your current status and

BRAIN HEALTH TALK

Berkeley Chinese Church 1953

improve your brain health for a lifetime of clarity.

BRAIN HEALTH It is not simple — there are many parts to the puzzle, especially if your parent(s) and grandparent(s) died with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Genetics is a component but the environment has a large part in triggering the degenerative process. It is this “changeable” environment that we are addressing here.

BRAIN HEALTH Talk Resources

If you want to know what you missed by not attending the talks, please sign up for an encore webinar presentation here. Please share this link with family and friends as well — they need to know this as much as you do.

If you would like to hear INTERVIEWS that Dr. Jay Sordean did with other experts on brain health, please go to the podcast http://www.NaturalSolutionsWithDrJay.com and look up these podcast interviews. You will learn many significant and fascinating things.

Brain ConsultationDr. Jay’s two bestselling books are also great ways to learn about dementia, Alzheimer’s, and how to avoid them. To order either of the bestselling books by Dr. Jay Sordean, go to:
http://www.OutsmartingDementia.com and http://www.SuperBrain-TheBook.com
Or go directly and by at Amazon: Super Brain: http://www.createspace.com/5585723 and http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TFOP926 Outsmarting the Dementia Epidemic https://www.createspace.com/5585869 and http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TFS5PBC

 

TAGS: NRCT, Neurologic Relief Center Technique, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Memory Care, Memory Enhancement, Marcia Peoples, Anne Sanabria, Jay Sordean, Super Brain, Outsmarting the Dementia Epidemic, BRAIN HEALTH Program, Lakeside Park

#LakesidePark #BRAINHEALTHTalk  #BerkeleyChineseChurch #Alzheimers

Sather Health Lecture Part 10:”Language of Healting(tm)” Qi and Blood 2 26 14

Sather Health Lecture

Dr. Jay Sordean was an invited guest speaker at the University of California at Berkeley at their Sather Health Lecture Series.  In this segment of the talk Dr. Jay Sordean has Esther Slaman walk the Cal Students through the way that we explain to patients how Function, malfunction, disease and symptoms all fit together.

Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial Disease and Dysfunction

What is so crucial about mitochondrial disease and dysfunction? Well, you may remember that the mitochondria are organelles in your cells. They make the energy packets that store and release electrical power so you can make proteins, hormones, move, talk, breathe, circulate blood, and think. Mitochondria have a counterpart in the plant world. The chloroplast. The organelle in plant cells that take carbon dioxide and water, capture energy from the sun, and pack that energy in sugar molecules. Those sugar molecules are one of the three types of food that the mitochondria then burn to create heat and energy packets.

Of course, this reminds us of how important the plant world is for our survival. The picture below by Cody Serfass shchloroplast and mitochondriaows this interrelationship beautifully.

 

posted Dec 22, 2014, 8:30 AM by Cody Serfass

But, as much as we need the mitochondria to work right, it can either start to not work right or be so damaged as to not work at all. It is kind of like an internal combustion engine. There has to be fuel, the burning of the fuel has to be controlled, and the energy has to be converted into a useful form. So, just like taking your car to the mechanic to figure out why the horsepower dropped, you need an expert on mitochondrial function to figure out what might be going on if you are starting to lack power. Call The Redwood Clinic for help with this.

Mitochondrial Disease and Dysfunction Diagnosis

3-10-08-uae-fog-medium-2Definitive diagnosis of mitochondrial disease and dysfunction requires a knowledge of many steps in the process. Figuring out where in the process things aren’t working may require doing organic chemical analysis.  It tells us if the steps in the process of energy production are happening as they are supposed to. Sort of like seeing if the engine is burning cleanly or producing extra pollution.

Mitochondrial Disease and Dysfunction and Aging

Aging is related to inflammation. Inflammation damages tissues, nerves, blood sugar balance, brain tissues, and other tissues and organs. Inflammation can damage mitochondria and degeneration of mitochondria effects all parts of the body.

The prolongation of mitochondrial health seems also associated with life span. Why is that? Caloric reduction is a major factor related to longevity. When you reduce calories and fast on occassion, your damaged mitochondria will be broken down so only healthy ones remain behind. Having only well functioning mitochondria is like having a race event with only the best running cars working. The broken down cars then don’t create wrecks and roadblocks on the race course.

Mitochondrial Disease and Dysfunction and Your Heart

The failing heart is a muscle running out of fuel, and the fuel of the heart comes from mitochondrial activity. Without adequate intake of nutrients you will have mitochondrial deterioration, according the Bruce Ames. With the high prevalence of death from heart attacks in this country it is wise to have your mitochondria checked at The Redwood Clinic to see if they might be a source of potential early mortality.

Mitochondrial Disease and Dysfunction and Bipolar Depression

Build up of acids from the energy cycle, when it is not working right, leads to higher acidity, and that is related to bipolar depression.

Mitochondrial Disease and Dysfunction and Obesity

Stomach, Small Intestine, and Large Intestine

Stomach, Small Intestine, and Large Intestine

African Americans may have an especially susceptible mitochondria that have less ability to produce heat and thus have higher levels of diabetes and prostate cancer.

Also having too much “white fat” (devoid of mitochondria) puts you more at risk for obesity and cardiovascular disease than having enough brown fat which contains lots of mitochondria that can convert the fat into energy.

Mitochondrial Disease, Dysfunction, and what to do about it

In addition to getting your mitochondrial function checked out, there are many things you can do to help support your mitochondria. Periodic exposure to cold helps your metabolism and the functioning of your energy production system — the mitochondria. While it is not for me, you could really shock your system (and stimulate your mitochondria) by joining a “polar bear club.” Taking a cold shower in the morning can also help.

Exercise helps optimize thyroid function, and thyroid hormones enhance metabolism and speed mitochondrial activity to create more energy and resultant heat.

Mitochondrial Disease and Atrazine

Atrazine is a widely used weed killer predominantly for corn. Atrazine is a mitochondrial damager — avoiding foods with atrazine is a great idea. That may mean that you have to avoid packaged manufactured “foodstuffs” if made from non-organic corn. Other studies show that Atrazine use tends to correlate with the incidence of obesity.  And again, most manufactured foods are made with some kind of corn.

Herbicides work on chloroplasts and chloroplasts are like mitochondria.  When you poison the mitochondria you can’t burn fat anymore.  And fats, carbohydrates and proteins are what we burn for fuel.

Chronic use of alcohol can damage mitochondrial DNA through oxidative stress.  Then if the liver isn’t working, you can’t clear toxins and then you age quickly.

Certain combination and single drugs can damage your mitochondria. Go to www.mitoaction.org to see which drugs are not good for your mitochondria. Drugs that damage your mitochondria include statins, antibiotics, and beta-blockers. The bacteriocidal antibiotics, quinolones, aminoglycosieds and beta lactams, are the most damaging to mitochondria. Certain things might help to support your body when taking those drugs, such as the right probiotics and NAC. Also, if possible, use the bacteriostatic antibiotics versus the bacteriocidal antibiotics.

Methyl mercury has a damaging effects on mitochondria in the brain especially. An underlying mitochondrial disorder may be a reason why vaccine-induced autism is real, as mentioned in US Federal Court.

A damage to your body due to your doctors prescriptions is called inatrogenica imperfecta by Dr. LePine. Medicine-induced disease due to bad drug combinations is quite prevalent.

Panic attacks can come from a high pH in the brain. Eg. you panic when your CO2 level increases from, for example, holding your breath a long time underwater. Due to pH drop. (Meaning that you are becoming more acidic — remember the pH scale is small numbers acid, 8 is neutral, and larger numbers are basic). Aerobic exercise may help you deal with it build up of lactic acid which is the product of the energy production without oxygen.

Mitochondrial Disease and Charles Darwin

Darwin’s illness throughout life may have been due to mitochondrial problem and a mitochondrial DNA -related problem.

In this case, arginine and citrulline may have positive benefits.

Mitochondrial Disease and Autism

Autism or other types of delayed developmental conditions may be helped by understanding the mitochondrial gene sequence as well.

Understaning the need to get oxygen into the brain and then into the mitochondria is discussed in Dr. Jay’s bestselling book, Super Brain: Maximize Your Brain Health for a Better Life. Order online at this link.

Medical research increasingly recognizes mitochondrial dysfunction as a major factor in the pathology of numerous human diseases, including diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and ischemia reperfusion injury. So consider getting you “powerhouse” checked out at The Redwood Clinic before you “check out” for good. 510-849-1176

 

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

Fibromyalgia. A label for a myriad of symptoms, syndromes and conditions that have to be teased out to really find the underlying causes. I have been working with patients with Fibromyalgia Diagnosisdiagnoses of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome, etc. etc. for more than 25 years. So how about fibromyalgia diagnosis done properly?

I am at my third seminar touching upon this in the last 6 months. To find out if there is anything else new on the subject, to keep me on the cutting edge of understanding fibromyalgia. Because very few doctors have even close to enough training in it. And the diagnoses are really wrong so often, even by the experts (one study showed 60% incorrect diagnosis).

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and Mitochondria

One continuous thread in the fabric is the role of mitochondria and mitochrondrial dysregulation or sub-functioning. The mitochondria are the energy power-houses of our cells and body. Without enough energy you will feel achy and having pain in all parts of the body. I have numerous lectures on this subject on my youtube channel you can watch. None of these yet discuss mitochondria. Stay tuned for that aspect.

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and Meningeal Compression

meningeal compressionOn the other hand, the role of meningeal compression and torqueing is something I have spoken on extensively. This also is a key factor and understanding underlying causes in each individual presenting with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and What else?

The list of involved “diagnoses” includes: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Organic depression/anxiety, Multiple bursitis/tendonitis sites, Connective tissue disorders, Stealth infections (Lyme and co-infections, viral), Endocrine (hormone) myopathies, dysglycemia (blood sugar problems), Anemia, Multiple sclerosis, occult malignancy, GI (gastrointestinal dysbiosis and Toxicity.

You can get more individualized assessment by calling The Redwood Clinic at 510-849-1176

Fibromyalgia diagnosis

 

Microbiome Microbiota Probiotics Brain Health: What is the Connection?

Microbiome Microbiota Probiotics Brain Health

This topic – microbiome microbiota probiotics brain health – is the biggest rave right now in the medical field. But is it a new topic or just another “Johnny come lately” by conventional medicine to something natural medicine has been addressing for centuries? The latter is the case. This is important to know, but not new news. Science has just come up with more details and deeper explanations. Not a bad thing, but in my mind not a great sign that medicine is making great advances. These things were ignored and covered up because they did not fit the pharmaceutical model of treatment. Those of us with many decades of natural medicine experience have been fighting an uphill battle with the vast majority of MDs – they have berated us to our patients when we prescribed these effective approaches.
At any rate, what is the big commotion?

Microbiome Microbiota Probiotics Brain Health

Microbiome protects the Blood-Gut Barrier

Did you know that there are bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, molds and other critters besides animals that influence your health? Of course you do. I first heard about the use of “good bacteria” over 50 years ago. I watched my father break up a pack of brewer’s yeast and flush it down our toilets at home. He explained that the bacteria help to break down our “poop” faster in the septic tank.
For those of you who don’t know, a septic tank is a buried tank to convert sewage into harmless water. People in the city don’t have their own septic tanks – the city sewage treatment system does that for you. In the country, though, a septic tank is the advanced way to safely manage human waste. It is a big step up from the pit at the bottom of an “outhouse.”

Microbiome Microbiota Brain Health

Septic Tank diagram from wikipedia

So, flushing brewer’s yeast into the septic tank allowed the yeast to break down the sewage so the septic tank would not back up. The third stage of the septic tank then released the final water into a “finger system” of pipes, buried underground, that led out to the yard to help water it.
Next, I learned about the healing power of good bacteria (also called flora) when travelling at age 25 in India and other parts of Asia. I started taking brewer’s yeast tablets I purchased in a “tin” in an apothecary in Columbo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The “digestive urgency” (also know as diarrhea) that was common for other travelers and myself was largely and beautifully controlled by taking 6-10 tablets per day. While others were having problems, my poops were relatively formed and healthy. Once again, good bacteria having a positive influence on the digestion of human waste output.

But how do we get from septic tanks to gastrointestinal health to brain health?

The role of gastrointestinal health in brain health is not new.
Studies dating back to the turn of the 20th century explored this connection. Ultimately, poor explanation, a concept of panacea, charlatanism, and a greater interest in cognitive theories ended the interest in the subject in 1920s-1930s. However, with better investigative techniques and new approaches, the connection was re-explored at the turn of the 21st century with astounding results. Alterations to the microbiome are now known to create physiologic adaptations responsible for changes in mood, behavior and neural plasticity. In this webinar you will learn about those physiological responses, what causes them, and how to fix it.

We start out life, after birth, with not a lot of this “flora” in our guts. By age one we have a similar mix as adults. That is over 1,800 genera of critters, 40,000 species (genus species, like “homo sapiens” humans), and 100,000,000,000,000 (one hundred trillion) single critter in all in our intestines. It weighs anywhere from 1 – 2 kg.

dna strandEach of these critters has DNA, genetic material like we do in each of our cells. Combining all of the critters together, they have 100 times the genes found in the human genome. Thus, all this genetic material can have a positive or negative impact on your genetic material. It is all a matter of having the right balance of flora.

Each person has her own “fingerprint” of flora that is unique to her. No one has the same mix. But there are general rules of thumb that we functional medicine doctors use in our treatments.

That is one of the specialty trainings we have to help you stay healthy. Not all probiotics are the same. Some are good for you as an individual. Others are a waste of money because they don’t even get to where they are supposed to go. Your stomach acid or bile kills them before they get to where they are supposed to go. And that is the job of your stomach acid and bile. But we use specific strains that we know will help you get the balance your intestine and brain needs.  One excellent probiotic for general use is Ultra-Flora and you can get it through our portal at http://www.TheRedwoodClinic.Metagenics.com  Call our office to get special code for ordering with free shipping. 510-849-1176

Stress Responses are Blunted by Good Bacteria

You have to have good bacteria in your gut for your stress response to not go crazy.

Imbalanced bacteria can cause liver pathology which can lead to negative brain responses.

476px-Chimp_Brain_in_a_jarImbalanced bacteria can lead to “leaky brain syndrome,” a breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and then changes in neurotransmitters. These include dopamine, serotonin, and others that effect mood and memory.

Imbalanced bacteria can also lead to autoimmune reactions.

What can cause imbalanced bacteria? Stress, environmental factors, and dietary factors. Gluten, dairy, food allergens, and others are the dietary factors. Medications can be part of the environmental factors.