Early Prevention Is The Key!  Get Moving

Why are diet and lifestyle considered alternative health care? Despite research that suggests that changes in diet and exercise will have a profound impact on health, wellness and longevity.

In our clinic we see primarily patients with chronic degenerative disease and illness.   It surprises me how so few of them have been prescribed dietary changes or exercises. Currently our health care system focuses on “sick care” and there is no emphasis placed on preventive care.   When the time comes when we finally interject medicine to help conditions such as Neuropathy, Alzheimer’s, Spinal Stenosis and Parkinson’s it is almost too late.

What I am telling you is not a secret, or is it?

Exercise can help shape your destiny and the effects have been shown to allow you to live a healthier, happier life. It has proven to lower blood pressure, improve diabetes and insulin resistance. It will help your depression, anxiety, sleep better and most importantly reduce and lower your risk of chronic degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

So how much exercise is enough? It is estimated that 5 times a week for 30 minutes is ideal.   That is just two and a half hours a week to carve out time to help shape your destiny. This investment in well-being can be accomplished through brisk walking, jogging, swimming, bicycling, or even joining an exercise class.

If your body can handle High Intensity Exercise this has even proven to be better for you and it can be accomplished in half the time.

We should all strive for 10,000 steps per day and make sure we keep moving.

We used to think genetics was a factor in some of our issues but we have since learned that we control our destiny not the genetics. Through diet and lifestyle we can turn genes on or off.   This was proven in a study called the Human Genome Project.

However, there is another study that when after reading it really got me thinking about genetics in an entirely different way. The study involved genetically compromised mice. These mice aged prematurely. They took one half of the group and placed them on a treadmill to run three times per week.   At the end of the study the group that exercised had not aged at all and appeared healthy in every respect. The group that did not exercise, they were holding on by a thread. There were numerous physiological changes of aging that occurred.

Remember it should not be a Secret. The single best and most effective therapy is exercise. Sometimes the statement Exercise is good for you is simply not enough to motivate the average person to put in their two and a half hours per week. In fact approximately only one-fifth of all Americans exercise this much.

We have developed into a sedentary culture that eats an inflammatory diet.   This is a recipe for disaster.

If only those patients believed that diet and lifestyle changes were mainstream medicine and prescribing medications with all the known side effects should really be considered “Alternative Medicine.”

Our system became so focused on labeling a condition so we can provide an ICD code to bill insurance and provide a medicine that can change symptoms that match this label or diagnosis.

We need to focus on not only the long-term benefits of exercise such as the prevention of these chronic degenerative diseases but also on the short term. How it affects our overall mood and energy level and allows us to sleep better.

The burning of calories and losing weight is not a bad side effect either.

It is important to choose an exercise you enjoy. I always tell my patients the best exercise is the one that you will do. Then you must commit to this regimen in no uncertain terms and develop a good habit that is not open for negotiation.

Once you begin this routine the benefits will be seen in a relatively short period of time, which should be enough motivation to continue.

Time to get moving and have no regrets when the future becomes the present.

Improving Chronic Conditions With Functional Medicine and Genetics

The current approach for the treatment of neuropathy has not been very successful. There are millions of people that suffer with this condition all across this country. There are several reasons for this failure in part because there are so many causes of neuropathy and in part because the treatment is not directed towards the whole body. The field of medicine addresses symptoms, diagnosing the problem and then prescribing a medication that hopefully will suppress the symptoms.

The cause is rarely found or for that matter rarely searched for. What is required is a whole body approach. A cure for neuropathy will never be found if we continue with our current approach.

A whole body approach for example for the diabetic neuropathy would be to prescribe dietary guidelines to normalize the HbA1c or the blood sugar levels.   Exercise would be prescribed to improve the insulin sensitivity. Supplementation would be recommended to assist in the reduction of inflammation, repairing of the cell and nerves, improve digestion and assimilation, detoxification and elimination.

This approach would be slightly different and personalized for that individual dependent upon their causes, lab markers and of course their genetics.

Genetics is proving to be a game changer when working with chronic patients.   It allows us to interpret potential vulnerabilities in methylation, (the utilization of B vitamins and Folate), detoxification, ability to handle chemical toxicity or pesticides, production of choline a necessary component in the myelin, and the body’s ability to produce glutathione the major antioxidant.

When I evaluate the root causes of all chronic issues including neuropathy I always look at these 6 factors: Inflammation, Methylation, Mitochondrial Health, Detoxification, Genetics and Autophagy.

1. Inflammation: When our immune system is more over active producing more cytokines and inflammatory markers. There are a lot of reasons for this including the toxic environment we live in and the exposure of an enormous amount of chemicals, molds, and heavy metals. The processed foods we eat are loaded with preservatives, chemicals creating a very unhealthy environment in our gut and adversely affecting our ability to digest, absorb and assimilate our food.
2. Methylation: This is our ability to convert green leafy vegetables into a useable form of folate and combine and manufacture enough B12 to allow us to detoxify, make neurotransmitters and produce anti-oxidants. Genetic markers for this are the MTHR, MTRR, MTHFD, MTR, COMT, NDUF as well as several others.
3. Mitochondrial Health: The mitochondria are the battery of the cell. It provides energy in the form of ATP. If there is not enough energy production the body will have difficulty performing its necessary functions and fatigue or lack of endurance will set in.   This creates another set of problems within the cell with regards to the sodium and potassium pump and the exchange of key minerals. Ultimately, this affects the frequency of firing of the nerve and the slightest impulse can cause this nerve to be activated.
4. Detoxification: It is important to address the ability to detoxify properly in the liver and its ability to convert these toxins to a water-soluble form. The interaction with digestive enzymes and bile is also important when looking at detoxification. Glutathione is our body’s major antioxidant and if we can see vulnerabilities in our ability to produce glutathione and help with the removal of chemicals and heavy metals. The PON1 gene is extremely common snp that I clinically see in practice. The function is the removal of pesticides in the body.   Also, the CYP1 and CYP2 genes need to be closely looked at. This is our cytochrome P450 system, which helps with the conjugation of the toxins and the conversion to the water-soluble form.
5. Genetics: The role of genetics has to be taken into consideration. The specific vulnerabilities each of us has and the expression of these genes. There are several important genes to consider. MTHFR C677t and A1298c and its effects on methylation and the ability to produce neurotransmitter. The CYP1 and CYP2 genes and detoxification.   We want to take a close look at the NDUF genes and its impact on the mitochondria. NOS, SOD and GSTM1 for oxidative stress and glutathione production. The goal is to assess the individual for potential vulnerabilities and support the body to minimize of eliminate the expression of those genes.
6. Autophagy: This is the ability of cell to clean itself from the debris. In other words if the trash keeps building up how can the cell or for that matter the mitochondria function properly.   The discovery of this process was recent and was so significant that it won the medical Nobel Prize. It has been linked to several of the chronic degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Lou Gehrig’s disease.

With all chronic disease including Peripheral Neuropathy these six areas must be addressed along with diet and lifestyle changes.

Sleep

Exercise

Anti-inflammatory or Nutrient Dense Food Program

Mediation

Eliminate or Reduce Exposure to Toxins

Treatments and therapies are much more effective when they are personalized to that individuals particular problem. Is it methylation, mitochondrial dysfunction? I will say methylation will directly affect the mitochondria as well as detoxification.

When the mitochondria are affected, remember this is the battery; the energy of the cell, the first place it will affect is the brain and nervous system. It is our most energy dependent system in the body. The second place it will affect is the immune system and then finally the muscular system.

Dependent on what genetic snps we have there are certain supplements that help to restore mitochondrial health. It could be NADH, D-ribose, COQ10, Ubiquinol, Magnesium, Carnitine or Alpha Lipoic Acid.

The solution is slightly different for everyone and there is no one size fits all. We have to determine which of these or a combination of these 6 factors are affected and provide support nutritionally along with the lifestyle factors mentioned above. I strongly believe that with the right approach a cure could be found for those that suffer with Peripheral Neuropathy.

I am taking the proceeds from my book “Understanding, Managing and Improving Your Peripheral Neuropathy,” which can be purchased on Amazon, and have begun to do research on genetics and neuropathy.

The Functional Medicine Doctor is the best qualified to assist with the needs of the chronic patient.

Dr. Veselak is a graduate of the Functional Medicine University and has extensively studied in post -graduate courses Genetics and Functional Neurology.

In our clinic we specialize in Chronic Degenerative Conditions including Peripheral Neuropathy.

We consult with individuals from all over the world. If you have interest in this please email Dr. Veselak at dr.veselak@gmail.com or Call our office for an appointment. 805 482-0723

METABOLIC SYNDROME: DIABETES, OBESITY AND FATIGUE

Metabolic Syndrome affects nearly one third of all adults putting them at a greater risk for heart attack, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Individuals with metabolic syndrome generally live a sedentary lifestyle and have poor dietary habits.

What Is Metabolic Syndrome?

If an individual has 3 of these 5 risk factors they have metabolic syndrome

• High Blood Pressure: Systolic >130 and Diastolic > that 85
• Excess Fat Around The Waist: Men with a waist of 40 inches and women 35 inches
• High Blood Sugar: Fasting blood sugar > 100; HbA1c > 5.5
• High Triglycerides: Triglycerides above 150mg/dl
• Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL): Men <40mg/dl; women < 50mg/dl

Why Is It So Common?

There are several factors that can lead to Metabolic Syndrome.   To begin with we need to address the Standard American Diet. This is very high in high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, hidden sugars, refined carbohydrates, gluten and refined vegetable oils.

We also have to address all the environmental toxins that we are exposed to. These include BPA from plastics, pesticides, phthalates and heavy metals.

It has also been argued that our food is much less nutrient dense coupled with the amount of processed foods we consume creating deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and fatty acids.

Chronic stress whether is emotional, physical or environmental can lead to increase in cortisol levels which in the long term can cause blood sugar abnormalities as well as it can affect the permeability of the gut.

Ultimately this makes us more fatigued leading to a lifestyle that is more sedentary but eventually can impact normal sleep patterns.

What Happens When Our Cells Become Resistant To Insulin?

The main job of insulin is to deliver sugar to our cells to produce energy.   When insulin becomes elevated due to the dietary, environmental, physiological and psychological factors mentioned above the cells become resistant to insulin and glucose or the blood sugar elevates in our blood stream.

When insulin resistance occurs this will not only impair glucose metabolism and elevate blood sugar, which is extremely inflammatory to the body and brain but it will also affect blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglycerides and obesity. It can even lead to hormonal issues, PCOS, and liver disease.

What Are The Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome?

• Sugar Cravings, especially after meals
• Fatigue After Meals
• Frequent Urination
• Increased Thirst and Appetite
• Difficulty Losing Weight
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Neuropathy
• Vision Problems
• Abdominal Fat

What Can Be Done To Fix This?

 To begin with dietary changes have to be made. There are several diets like the Paleo or Ketogenic that can provide benefit to the individual that has metabolic syndrome.

Here are some general guidelines:

Eat More of:

• Organic dark leafy greens and a variety of colored vegetables
• Organic Eggs
• Organic Poultry
• Wild Caught Fish
• Unrefined, cold pressed olive and coconut oil

Eat less of :

• Limit grains
• Limit Dairy
• Limit Fruits Veggie to Fruit Ratio 3:1
• Limit Beef
• Limit Natural Sweeteners (honey, maple syrup, agave)
• Caffeine

Avoid:

• Bread
• Refined Oils (soybean, canola, sunflower)
• Refined Sugar
• Pastries, Cookies, Crackers
• Fast Food
• Processed Food
• Alcohol
• Fruit juices

What Nutritional Supplements Help?

• Fish Oil , Curcumin and Resveratrol for inflammation
• Vitamin D for immune regulation
• Vitamin E, Coq10 for oxidative stress
• Selenium, Chromium, Alpha Lipoic Acid for Insulin Resistance
• Probiotics for a Healthy Gut Flora
• Siberian Ginseng, Ashwaghanda, Rhodiola for Adrenals.
• Milk Thistle for Liver Support

What Other Factors Help With Metabolic Syndrome?

• Exercise: Minimum of 30 minutes a day. Research suggests that low to moderate intensity at least an hour per day will dramatically improve insulin sensitivity
• Sleep: We must strive for 8 hours per day. Keep it dark in the room, avoid electronics one hour prior to bed. Do not have your cell phone or router in the room.
• Meditation: Take time for yourself and practice self -guided imagery or mediation techniques to minimize stress response.

Can It Be Reversed?

Yes! Through diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications it is reversible. By following our recommendations we have been able to reverse metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. This will improve not only their symptoms, but their quality of life.

If you are suffering from any chronic disease or from chronic pain this is a fundamental step that must be addressed for improvement to take place.

If you would like additional information please call our office at 805 482-0723

Or take the free health assessment on our website Pacificfunctionlhealth.com

Leaky Gut: The Impact on Chronic Disease

Intestinal hyper-permeability or “leaky gut”, is a condition in which macromolecules leak either between the cells or “tight junctions or through cells that line the gut called enterocytes.

This can lead to systemic inflammation and can lead to many chronic diseases. The most common endotoxin is LPS or lipopolysaccharide which, is a gram-negative bacteria.

Conditions Associated With Leaky Gut:

• Food Sensitivities
• Gluten Intolerance
• Crohn’s Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Psoriasis
• Diabetes
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Alzheimer’s

What Are The Causes of Leaky Gut?

Stress has proven to be one of the most common factors in creating intestinal permeability. This can be emotional, physical or chemical. Other common causes are antibiotic use, NSAIDs, and proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec or Prevacid.   Certain lifestyle factors such as chronic alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of sleep or over training can cause leaky gut.

How Do We Test For It?

A simple lab test to measure leaky gut is to measure two sugar molecules, Lactulose and Mannitol. The Lactulose is a larger molecule is not readily absorbed and Mannitol is smaller and easier absorbed.   Although this test is relatively inexpensive it is not entirely accurate as it does not measure the immune response. Also, ingesting the sugar molecules can be reactive if the patient has SIBO.

There is another test that we often recommend it is Array 2 from Cyrex Labs. This test will measure LPS, which will indicate infiltration of endotoxins through the intestinal barrier into the circulation.

It also measures Occludin and Zonulin. Occludin in a protein that keeps together the tight junctions making the intestinal wall not permeable. Zonulin is a protein that is responsible for regulating the permeability of the intestines.

The Array 2 will also measure Actinomyosin that helps regulate intestinal barrier function.

What Can Be Done To Fix The Leak?

As a Functional Medicine Practitioner we will run the proper tests to assess whether you have the leak. Then we will employ lifestyle choices such as managing stress with Neurofeedback, Heartmath, Vagal Nerve Stimulation and co-managing with a Therapist. Other lifestyle choices such as reducing the intake of alcohol, proton pump inhibitors and NSAIDs will be beneficial. We also stress the importance of good sleep and proper exercise techniques to avoid over training.

We incorporate strategies to increase secretory IgA levels. This will help to minimize the endotoxin LPS as it is our first line of defense and will minimize and neutralize the effects of LPS.

Nutrients that we use to increase secretory IgA levels are Colostrum, Omega Fatty Acids, Glutathione, Glutamine, Glycine and Zinc.

Next it is important to strengthen the intestinal lining or mucosal barrier. We recommend Threonine, Serine, Proline and Cysteine to increase the mucin or mucous production.

The final step is to improve the microbiome. With leaky gut we lean towards the spore based probiotics. Common probiotics lactobacillus and bifidobacteria have difficulty surviving due to the acidity of the stomach. Generally, we recommend Megaspore Biotic as it has been clinically proven to reduce leaky gut associated with chronic diseases.

Strategies that effectively handle leaky gut is a fundamental step in the process of treating chronic disease and pain.

Anxiety: Neurofeedback and Hemp Seed Oil

It has been estimated that approximately 40 million adult Americans suffer from generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Based on these estimates from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, this means that approximately 1 in 5 people will develop some type of anxiety condition sometime in their lives. These numbers are staggering, making it the most common mental illness in the United States.

There are many causes of anxiety disorders may be caused by environmental factors, medical factors, genetics, brain chemistry, substance abuse, or a combination of these. It is most commonly triggered by the stress in our lives.

In our clinic we address several of these possible factors. First we analyze genetics and look particularly at the MTHFR, COMT, MAO and GAD snps.   Through proper personalized nutrition these can be minimized or neutralized.

Next we address environmental exposures and levels of toxicity, heavy metal, chemical as well as bacterial or viral overload.

With regards to stress we employ techniques to balance the sympathetic nervous system or the “fight or flight”, with the parasympathetic nervous system, “rest and digest”. We teach you methods to stimulate the Vagus nerve and help your body deal with stress.

Therapy can also be an important intervention with chronic stress and anxiety. We work with a team of therapists to guide you through this process.

It is important to manage anxiety from a metabolic standpoint, with diet and lifestyle recommendations. We have found that some adaptogens like Ashwaghanda or polypehnols can prove to be beneficial.

Recent research also suggests that hemp seed oil might be an alternative to some of the medications to relieve emotional distress.

Finally we incorporate Neurofeedback. Simply stated this has been by far the best therapeutic intervention we have employed with our anxiety patients. While the patient comfortably watches a movie, Neurofeedback will change the brain wave activity lowering it from a high beta pattern to more of a relaxed alpha state.

If you are experiencing anxiety and are looking for a comprehensive alternative, than call our office at 805 482-0723.