Reading Room

Salt Vindicated-a personal case study

by Tammera J. Karr, PhD, BCHN, BCIH

In 2005, I thought I was developing hypothyroidism; I was tired, overweight, with high triglycerides, and muscle pain, all symptoms. I was eating real food, but I was under a lot of stress. Remember I have said several times over the last three years that stress is the number one cause of illnesses, and can kill you.

I saw a doctor I had confidence in, had her run a battery of tests and found out – nothing. So I cut back on salt, red meat, grains, and cut all sugar out of my diet. By 2006, I was running very high heart rates, triglycerides as well as my LDL’s were still elevated, I felt like crap, and my stress had doubled. Now my thyroid test began showing elevations in my TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), my free T4 and free T3 numbers changed also.

This scenario would have continued to escalate and in fact did – my TSH levels reached 8, my doctor told me I was too difficult of a patient and I needed a specialist, I couldn’t tolerate thyroid medication due to my elevated heart rate, and refused to take medications to slow my heart rate for the rest of my life.

I kept looking till I found the answers that made sense to me, and am very pleased to say today my thyroid numbers are all perfect without medication. My current nurse practitioner, when reviewing my labs from the last 7 years, admitted she had never seen anyone turn their thyroid around. Oh and my heart rate is normal again!

Dr. James Wilson told me in 2006, “If you don’t treat the Adrenal Glands before the thyroid, the client will never get better.” I went back to eating Celtic sea salt, lean red meat, and took supplements for thyroid support and stress. The hardest part was acknowledging what the major stress triggers were, and over time cleaning house so to speak.

Salt

In 2011, the medical communities called on food manufactures to cut sodium in commercial foods. GOOD, why, because the forms of salt used in commercial foods are nitrates and nitrites, not natural salt with all the trace minerals for health.

A study released October 2011, in the American Journal of Hypertension, brought into question the time honored belief salt is bad for you. When I first viewed this article on Medscape the opening sentence was, “critics don’t believe study findings”, and of course after reading the conclusion of the study I can see why – it is throwing salt in their eyes. The study titled – Effects of Low-Sodium Diet vs. High-Sodium Diet on Blood Pressure, Renin, Aldosterone, Catecholamines, Cholesterol, and Triglycerides.

At this point I need to tell you several of the aforementioned named in the study title are either manufactured in the adrenal glands or in the liver –salt, is a detoxification agent for several glands and organs. Cholesterol and triglycerides are also elevated by poor thyroid function. Beginning to see the connection here? This is what the study found to my hearts delight.

“sodium reduction resulted in a significant increase in plasma cholesterol (2.5%) and plasma triglyceride (7%), which expressed in percentage, was numerically larger than the decrease in blood pressure of 1%. These results do not support that sodium reduction may have net beneficial effects in a population of Caucasians.”

Aldosterone is a steroid hormone produced by the outer-section of the adrenal gland, and acts on the functioning unit of the kidney, to cause the conservation of sodium, secretion of potassium, increased water retention, and increased blood pressure. The overall effect of aldosterone is to increase reabsorption of ions and water in the kidney — increasing blood volume and, therefore, increasing blood pressure. So if this hormone goes up, so does your water retention and BP, salt prevents this from happening according to the study.

Renin is an enzyme released by the kidneys that breaks down proteins and helps regulate blood pressure. This enzyme is the key to activating a complex process in which it increases the secretion of aldosterone, and stimulates the hypothalamus to activate the thirst reflex, each leading to an increase in blood pressure.

Catecholamine is a compound that acts as a neurotransmitter or hormone; neurotransmitters are used in the brain. They include dopamine, as well as the “fight-or-flight” hormones adrenaline. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter lacking in Parkinson’s patients, and when under stress our fight or flight hormones increase. That’s why Dr. Wilson and Dr. Brownstein believe salt to be critical for adrenal health, when under constant stress the adrenal glands dump salt through the kidneys, creating an imbalance in electrolytes. When potassium levels elevate, tachycardia can result. (an excessively rapid heartbeat, typically regarded as a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute in a resting adult)

Cholesterol, is painted as the evil one, in fact it is far from it. Without cholesterol we would not be able to think or make hormones. All forms of cholesterol are important to the body as a constituent of cell membranes, and involved in the formation of bile acid.  Cholesterol is necessary for the synthesis of vitamin D and the steroid hormones, including the adrenal gland hormones cortisol and aldosterone.

Now this doesn’t mean you can eat all the salt you can stuff in, but the reasonable use of high quality salts from Selina Naturally and Redmond, are indeed a recommendation for everyone living with stress. It won’t fix all of your health challenges; you will have to take back control of your health just as I did with the right supplements and dietary changes.

There is more to good health than the Status Quo.

Broccoli ~ your best choice

By Tammera J. Karr, PhD, CNC, BCIH, CNW, CNH

 

Remember to buy from a reputable local farm, farm market or organic from your produce section at your favorite grocery store. The best way to cook broccoli is to slightly steam, this increases broccolis cancer fighting properties – tender but still crisp and bright green in color. You can also stir fry or wrap in foil with other vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, onion, garlic add a pinch of thyme, basil and oregano – place on your grill to steam in natural juices, and enjoy with your chicken or stake.

 

How to Produce Broccoli Sprouts from Broccoli Seeds

Place up to one cup of broccoli seeds into a clear glass jar and cover with water.

Alternatively, place broccoli seeds into a moist linen or muslin bag. Rinse or spray the broccoli seeds two to four times per day. Once rootlets and two leaves have formed, the seeds have become broccoli sprouts.

To your Good Health and Summer Foods.

Cholesterol, Heart Disease & Myth

It is my opinion and that of many others that cholesterol is one of the most heavily maligned, and over treated naturally occurring blood components in the health industry today.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is essential for all animal life; it is primarily synthesized from simpler substances within the body. For a person of about 150 pounds, typical total body cholesterol synthesis is about 1,000 mg per day, and total body content is about 35 g., typical daily additional dietary intake, in the United States is 200–300 mg. The body compensates for cholesterol intake by reducing the amount synthesized by the liver.

Cholesterol is recycled. It is excreted by the liver via the bile into the digestive tract. Typically about 50% of the excreted cholesterol is reabsorbed by the small bowel back into the bloodstream. Cholesterol is required to build and maintain membranes; it regulates membrane fluidity over the range of physiological temperatures.

Within the cell membrane, cholesterol also functions in intracellular transport, cell signaling and nerve conduction. Cholesterol is essential for structure and function of endocytosis. Recently, cholesterol has also been found in cell signaling processes, assisting in the formation of lipid rafts in the plasma membrane. In many neurons, a myelin sheath, rich in cholesterol, provides insulation for more efficient conduction of impulses.

Within cells, cholesterol is the precursor molecule in biochemical pathways. In the liver, cholesterol is converted to bile, which is then stored in the gallbladder. Bile contains bile salts, which solubilize fats in the digestive tract and aid in the intestinal absorption of fat molecules as well as the fat-soluble vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K. Cholesterol is an important precursor molecule for the synthesis of Vitamin D and the steroid hormones, including the adrenal gland hormones cortisol and aldosterone, the sex hormones progesterone, estrogens, and testosterone, and their derivatives. Current research is indicating cholesterol acts as an antioxidant.

Cholesterol Controversy

In the 1950s, the lipid hypothesis (also known as the “Diet-Heart Idea”) was introduced, which poses that saturated fat and high cholesterol play a role in the causation of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

The International Network of Cholesterol Skeptics responds to this hypothesis with the following quote. “For decades, enormous human and financial resources have been wasted on the cholesterol campaign, more promising research areas have been neglected, producers and manufacturers of animal food all over the world have suffered economically, and millions of healthy people have been frightened and badgered into eating a tedious and flavorless diet or into taking potentially dangerous drugs for the rest of their lives. As the scientific evidence in support of the cholesterol campaign is non-existent, we consider it important to stop it as soon as possible.”

Dr. Mary Enig noted nutrition scientist, researcher and author, in her book “Know Your Fats” states; “Intake of cholesterol has no effect on cholesterol levels in 70% of people, and in the other third, it raises LDL and HDL similarly and does not affect the ratio.  Intake of certain fatty acids increases cholesterol levels, but again this is more consistent with greater cholesterol synthesis.  For example the most powerful increaser of total cholesterol is probably lauric acid, but lauric acid is also the most powerful reducer of the LDL-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio — this is consistent with lauric acid being burned for quick energy, thus increasing the energy state of the liver cell and allowing for greater cholesterol synthesis.  In summary, eating traditional saturated and monounsaturated fats does not clog the liver and does not promote LDL oxidation.”

Statin Drugs

David Brownstein, M.D. describes familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) as a genetic disorder characterized by high cholesterol levels – usually high LDL cholesterol levels.  It affects less than 1% of the population. He goes on to say the following; “The media and many prominent cardiologists would have you believe that having a diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia markedly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and proves the hypothesis that elevated cholesterol levels are responsible for cardiovascular disease.  However, the research actually disproves the hypothesis that elevated cholesterol levels are responsible for cardiovascular disease. Research has shown people with familial hypercholesterolemia live at least as long as people without the condition and fewer die from cancer and other diseases. “

Lipitor an older statin drug came off patent in 2009; sales of Lipitor® topped 13 billion dollars worldwide.  Pfizer applied for a six-month extension of its patent after doing its studies of Lipitor® on younger patients. In the U.S. and EU, drug makers are allowed to apply for an additional six months of patent protection if they test their drug in children.  And indeed Lipitor® has been approved by the FDA for use in children and Pfizer collected additional funds from its patent for an additional six months.

The side effects associated with statins include muscle pain, memory loss and brain dysfunction, premature aging, liver dysfunction, muscle breakdown and weakness, lowered immunity, fatigue, and blood sugar dysregulation and hormone dysfunction.  More information about statin drugs can be found in, “Drugs That Don’t Work and Natural Therapies That Do”, 2nd Edition, by Dr. David Brownstein, M.D. and “Lipitor the Memory Thief” by Duane Graveline

Herbs to the Rescue – natures antibiotics

Herbs to the Rescue – natures antibiotics

By Tammera J. Karr, MSHN, CNC, CNW, CNH 2009©

It happened this week… At first you thought it was only a headache but as the day wore on your brain stopped working, the chills came on and everything began to ache. The flu – anyone of a hundred wee beasties has come to visit and you are the host. Oh Goodie.

“The man is not sick because he has an illness; he has an illness because he is sick” Chinese proverb

By Tammera J. Karr, MSHN, CNC, CNW, CNH 2009© It happened this week… At first you thought it was only a headache but as the day wore on your brain stopped working, the chills came on and everything began to ache. The flu – anyone of a hundred wee beasties has come to visit and you are the host. Oh Goodie. “The man is not sick because he has an illness; he has an illness because he is sick” Chinese proverb For those who have chosen not to get the potentially dangerous flu vaccine, what are the alternatives to prescription or over the counter drugs? Herbs the original medicine. Every culture has a vast pharmacopeia of herbs to help the body fight off foreign invaders. This natural pharmacy has been relegated to the fringes of quacks and oddballs over the last four decades in favor of trendy designer drugs. But the side effects of these drugs opens ups a Pandora’s box of health challenges as time goes by because they treat symptoms, unlike herbs that build the bodies resistance through nutrients, vitamins, phytochemicals, tannins and a host of ingredients that we are not even aware of yet. Viruses do not become resistant to Herbs like antibiotics, because herbs make your own immune system stronger without. Here are a few of the herbs we keep on hand for the cold and flu season in addition to our enzymes and probiotics. Oregano oil – The oil from oregano leaf helps eliminate bacteria and fungi, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. Research suggests that oregano oil inhibits unfriendly parasites, fungi and yeasts. Garlic - is widely researched in the United States and abroad and is one of the most revered botanical foods. Garlic strengthens the immune system, by working against immune invaders and attacking bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Use fresh in broths. Add liberally to vegetables, meats, always use fresh not dried or canned. Grapefruit seed extract – Antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic.  Of all herbs, it is perhaps the only true antibiotic. Horehound - has used internally to treat upper respiratory congestion, whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis and diarrhea. This herb is intended for short term use and some medications may interact. Be warned a strong tea taken twice daily for two to three days is all you will likely need and it tastes offal but IT WORKS! Chinese Herbs (by Paul C. Robbins, L.Ac Roseburg Oregon) A master Chinese Herbalist has the ability of compounding a tea formula best suited for your health. These herbs heal, nourish of the and build the body back up naturally and effectively. Chili peppers – use liberally in foods you are preparing and especially in soups. Chilies have the highest natural vitamin C content. Acts as a vassal dilator opening blood vessels. Gypsy Cold Care® tea (available in most natural food stores) Handy to have at work when the first symptoms are apparent, eg. tightening in the chest, stuffy nose, runny nose. Also available in Throat Coat® and Breath Easy® Rosemary - Natural antioxidant, it’s essential oils are also antiviral and microbial. Add liberally to chicken stock for healing broths. The essential oils placed on the chest help to open air ways. Ginger – Ginger is used as an antioxidant; in the prevention of motion and morning sickness, relieve sore throat, nausea, vomiting and headaches. Peppermint – helps to south upset stomachs and open air ways. Adding this to the horehound herb tea will help improve the flavor. Goldenseal – Useful in the case of sore throat, bladder infection – should not be used by those who are pregnant. Last but far from least is the warm healing benefits of homemade chicken soup – fat included and organic.  Researchers have found that the fat from organically raised chickens is one of the reasons it is so beneficial for getting rid of a cold or flu bug. Grandmas chicken soup for the common cold was real! Combine this with garlic, celery, carrots, onion, mushrooms, chilies, rosemary, pinch of sage, oregano and thyme and you have the makings for a rich soup that heals the body. If you are prone to chest and head congestion I advise you, to avoid eggs and dairy during the cooler months as they encourage mucus and phlegm build up.  Gluten also is an antagonist for some so limit it as well. To your good health, Food Truly is Your First Medicine. ** All herbs should be used with caution by anyone who is pregnant or lactating, on anticoagulants or who has sever immune impairment. Please consult a Master Herbalist, Chinese Herbalist or Natural Health Practitioner if you are inexperienced with the use of herbs.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism

Joseph Pizzorono, N.D.

Insufficient thyroid hormone, either by decreased production or increased breakdown, which is known as hypothyroidism.

Insufficient thyroid hormone, either by decreased production or increased breakdown, which is known as hypothyroidism.

Symptoms: Fatigue, weight gain, slowed heart rate, constipation, irritability, sensitivity to cold, mental depression, slowness or slurring of speech, drooping and swollen eyes, swollen face, recurrent infections, increase in allergic reaction, headaches, hair loss, brittleness of hair, female problems such as heavy menstrual flow, painful periods, and premenstrual tension, decreased immune functioning, and calcium metabolism problems. In childhood hypothyroidism can cause a retardation of normal growth and development.

Occurrence: This is a very common health problem. Hypothyroidism is recognized by medical doctors. However, unusual cases of hypothyroidism, such as borderline cases of underactive thyroid, or individuals who have normal laboratory levels of thyroid hormone, but, in their personal case, respond best and function optimally when supplemented with either thyroid nutrients or thyroid itself, are often unrecognized. Thus, they often go untreated. Undiagnosed thyroid problems can be the underlying cause in many reoccurring or nonresponsive health problems.

Consider: Food allergies, deficiencies of B vitamins, iron or digestive enzymes, liver disease, hormone imbalances, or parasites.

Special Notes: In Hashimoto’s disease, the body becomes allergic to its thyroid gland and forms antibodies against it, causing low thyroid.

Home thyroid test: Keep basal thermometer by bedside. In the morning, before arising, lie still, and put thermometer under armpit and hold it there for fifteen minutes. A temperature below 97.5 degrees Fahrenheit may indicate a problem with the thyroid gland. Take the temperature in this manner for three days, except for the first few days of the menstrual cycle, and the middle day of the cycle, and calculate the average temperature. If it is consistently low, it is a suggestion that low thyroid may be a problem. The lower the temperature, the greater the degree of hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism  Alternative Treatments

Refer to alternative therapy chapters for more information before evaluating or applying any treatment. Some conditions, including yours, may require a physician’s care.

Diet: Consume foods that are naturally high in iodine such as fish, kelp, vegetables, and root vegetables such as potatoes. Avoid foods that naturally slow down the functioning of the thyroid such as: cabbage, brussels sprouts, mustard greens, broccoli, turnips, kale, spinach, peaches, and pears. Avoid sulfa drugs and antihistamines which aggravate this problem. If you are on thyroid medication, increase calcium supplementation, as studies show that the drug increases bone loss significantly. Also, increase daily consumption of foods high in vitamin B complex such as whole grains and raw nuts and seeds, and of vitamin A rich foods which are dark green and yellow vegetables, avoiding repetitive consumption of the ones mentioned above.

Nutritional Therapy:

• Thyroid glandular
• Tyrosine amino acid
• Iodine
• Vitamin B
• Calcium/magnesium
• Essential fatty acids
• Vitamin A
• Zinc

The following therapies can be undertaken at home under appropriate professional supervision.

• Biofeedback Training
• Fasting
• Qigong
• Yoga

Herbs: Mild cases sometimes respond to herbal bitters such as gentian or mugwort. Kelp has been used in the past, but is only specifically helpful where an iodine deficiency is present. Associated constipation may be alleviated with yellowdock, butternut, or cascara sagrada. The antidepressant herb St. John’s Wort can be helpful.

Homeopathy: Calc carb. 1M is effective in treating hypothyroidism and improving thyroid function.
Hydrotherapy: Contrast application: apply daily to stimulate thyroid function.
Juice Therapy: Never juice raw cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower.
Lifestyle: Aerobic exercise is important.

Naturopathic Medicine: A commonly unrecognized cause of hypothyroidism is excessive consumption of brassica (cabbage) family foods. A component of the cabbage binds to iodine, making it unavailable to the thyroid gland for thyroid hormone production. Half a head of cabbage or the equivalent amount of broccoli, brussels sprouts, etc., can be as effective in binding iodine as the medical drug thiouracil used to treat hyperthyroidism, according to Joseph Pizzorono, N.D.

DIETARY AND SUPPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MENOPAUSE AND BONE HEALTH

DIETARY AND SUPPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MENOPAUSE AND BONE HEALTH

By Tammera J. Karr, MSHN, CNC, CNW
The increased use of soy foods is subject to soy intolerances and thyroid health and function. If soy is not an option because of these concerns there are still plenty of foods to help with estrogen dominance and to ease the transition into this new exciting faze of life.

A soy-based diet (currently in question) appears to be beneficial in the preservation of bone health. Soy protein is thought to not cause calcium excretion at the higher rates of animal-based proteins.  Soy foods such as tofu and tempeh are rich sources of calcium and phytoestrogens. In 1992 a study suggested that soy isoflavones found in soybeans have a direct benefit to bone health.

The increased use of soy foods is subject to soy intolerances and thyroid health and function. If soy is not an option because of these concerns there are still plenty of foods to help with estrogen dominance and to ease the transition into this new exciting faze of life.

Calcium rich foods should be increased in your diet along with additional high quality supplements, calcium by itself is not usable for bone health and is dependent on other minerals and vitamins for utilization.

• Sardines ¼ pound = 300 mg
• Frozen Yogurt 1cup = 200 mg
• Yogurt 1cup = 290 mg
• Cheddar cheese 1 ounce = 205 mg
• Cooked spinach 1cup = 150 mg
• Tofu 4 ounces = 145 mg
• Steamed broccoli 1 cup = 130 mg
• Raw almonds ¼ cup = 80 mg

The nutritional value of foods varies and cannot be relied on for optimum replacement therapies. However, they contain many unacknowledged vital cofactors that increase the absorption of much needed nutrients. It is highly recommended that you use organic produce and fruits and a vegetable / fruit wash to reduce xenoestrogens present in herbicides and pesticides. Xenoestrogens are responsible for many hormone related cancers and illnesses.

Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption by the body. Without vitamin D the small intestine cannot absorb calcium adequately no matter how much you take. Thirty percent (the numbers are thought to be much higher) of per- and post-menopausal women with bone deterioration are found to be deficient in vitamin D.

Sunshine is the most effortless way to promote vitamin D production. Thirty minutes daily of direct sun exposure not only promotes vitamin D production but hypothimus hormone production in the brain.

Good dietary sources of vitamin D are:

• Salmon
• Tuna- Albacore
• Shrimp
• Egg yolks

Low levels of vitamin K are linked with bone loss and hip fractures. Vitamin K is present in dark green leafy foods like parsley, kale, beet greens, collard greens, dark lettuces like oak leaf, red leaf and romaine.

Daily nutritional support for prevention of osteoporosis:

• Calcium Hydroxyapatite – 1500 mg
• Vitamin D₃ – 400 to 800 IU
• Magnesium as a Amino Acid Chelate – 600 to 800 mg
• Vitamin C – 2000mg
• Vitamin K – 100 to 500 mg
• Boron – 3 mg
• Zinc Picolinate
• Equestetum arvense
• Folic Acid
  B₆

Foods and herbs that help reduce estrogen dominance symptoms are black currant oil, flaxseed, black cohosh, bioflavonoids, fenugreek, gotu kola, sarsaparilla, licorice root, wild jam, dandelion leaf, alfalfa or borage. Ginseng is a potent and popular herb and vitex or Chasttree oil. Chastberry has been used for centuries in Europe to help relieve symptoms involved with life transitions.

Eliminate trigger foods such as caffeine, sugar, alcohol and convenience foods. Reduce complex carbohydrates such as white flour, sugar, rice, pastas, breads and potatoes.

Progesterone, especially in natural forms, is necessary for support of the thyroid, balancing of other hormones, like estrogens, testosterone, cortisol, the stress hormones and blood sugar, cholesterol regulation.

Do not confuse synthetic progestin with natural progesterone. They are utilized by the body in different ways and have marked adverse effects on the other hormones like testosterone and DHEA when used instead of natural cream replacement. Progesterone has been shown in studies to increase bone density by a minimum of 15 percent within the first year.

It is recommended that you use a natural progesterone cream of 25 mg two times daily of a pea-sized drop (1/4 teaspoon) applied to soft tissues. It may take 3 to 4 months before imbalances are stabilized.

It is recommended that you increase your consumption of essential fatty acids (EFA’s). Foods rich in EFA’s are cold water fish, avocados, flax seed, borage, black currant, evening primrose. EFA’s are responsible for keeping cell walls soft and permeable so that easy utilization of nutrients can occur.

Ways to insure phytoestrogens are present ion your diet are to eat a salad made from mixed dark greens daily, increase steamed broccoli and Brussels sprouts consumption, incorporate more beans into your diet as well as grapes, apples, berries, cherries, bell peppers, cabbage, cauliflower,  cucumbers, dandelion, garlic, squash, tomatoes and yams.

It is important to use high quality supplements in connection with dietary and lifestyle changes to insure optimum nutrient absorption. Nutrient content of foods vary greatly and cannot be relied upon for complete nutritional balance and usage.

Resources:

“Eat Well for a Healthy Menopause”

“Balance Hormones Naturally”

“The Hormone Connection”

“What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause”

“Menopause Without Medicine”