NAC: Your best Cold & Flu Defense, Part I

A little-known dietary supplement maybe ne your best defense against symptoms of the flu and common cold. This supplement. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a form of the amino acid cysteine and a component of protein-containing foods. It is also one of the most potent immune boosters around. Never heard of it? Virtually every hospital emergency room in the country stocks NAC as an antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning.

Overdoses of acetaminophen, as common analgestic drug, deplete liver levels of glutathione, one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants, and lead to lover failure. Large supplemental doses of NAC restore liver glutathione levels and help the organ to break down acetaminophen.

NAC has also been used since the 1960s as a “mucolytic” agent – that is, to break down lungclogging mucus in chronic bronchitis and other respiratory disorders. Rich in what chemists call “free sulfhydryl groups,” NAC break down the disulfide bonds that make mucus thick-in essence, thinning it out.

Low Cellular Energy, Low Blood Sugar Part IV

Pancreas – Adrenal – Liver Coordination Paying Dues for Sugar Blues

Taken from article by Dr. Edward Bauman and Mary Claire Blakeman (additions and edits by Dianna Pardee, RN ND)

Besides diet, the reduction of stress is an integral part of gaining wellness. Stress is any extra burden placed on your body: anxiety,fatigue, stimulants, pollutants, chemical additives, change, injury, or surgery. Stress raise the body’s requirements for most nutrients. If these requirements are not met and sugar is substituted for quick energy, the low cellular energy pattern is reinforced, along wit its depleting side effects.

Chocolate and coffee (which contain excess caffeine), tobacco, and alcohol, all cause stress on the body. Their relation to low cellular energy is like that of sugar and white flour. Craving any of these substances indicates a low cellular energy condition, which is only temporarily relieved and then worsened by partking of these “treats”. Toxins formed by yeast organisms and reabsorbed from the bowel also act like sugar to over stimulate the pancreas. This is why overeating carbohydrates of any kind causes problems. Exposure to allergens and chemicals does the same kind of overwork to the pancreas, adrenals, and liver.

If you suspect you suffer from low cellular energy, consult a Naturopathic Physician. Begin to make improvements. Don’t worry – it only aggravates the condition. 

By heeding the signal of low cellular energy and responding positively, you can correct this pattern, and save yourself more serious health problems later in life.

Low Cellular Energy (Low Blood sugar), part III

Low Cellular Energy (Low Blood sugar) 

Pancreas – Adrenal – Liver Coordination Paying Dues for Sugar Blues
Taken from article by Dr. Edward Bauman and Mary Claire Blakeman (additions and edits by Dianna Pardee, RN ND)

When these glands, which are important in handling stress, can no longer do their job, the cortex becomes worn out. At this point, low cellular energy affects the mind. Brain waves become abnormal, the person becomes more sensitive to noise, becomes depressed, and often is unable to relax or sleep. Insufficient cellular energy in the blood contributes greatly to neurotic behavior. 

Other symptoms include nervousness, exhaustion, dizziness, and hunger. In extreme cases, convulsions and come may occur. 

Low cellular energy may remain at an undetected yet mildly troublesome level for years, growing steadily worse, until it can no longer be ignored. Medical authorities disagree on the incidence, but some estimates put the number of sufferers at one in five Americans, with higher figures in children.

Dietary suggestions for low cellular energy included high, complete protein foods taken frequently in moderate portions; fresh, low-carbohydrate vegetables; whole grains; legumes; unsaturated fats (in seeds, nut, and cold-pressed oil); occasional fresh fruit; and a complete vitamin/mineral supplement program, strong in the b-complex group. When preparing a diet program, remember that hidden sugar is almost always present in commercial, canned, frozen, or restaurant food. 

Commercial salt usually contains a sugar-like dextrose. When you read labels, know your sugar words; any word ending in –ose: fructose, dextrose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, glucose, corn sweetners, date sugar, sucanat, cane sweeteners, invest sugar, corn syrup, honey, sorghum, rice bran syrup, and molasses, ect. 

Low Cellular Energy, part II

Pancreas – Adrenal – Liver Coordination Paying Dues for Sugar Blues

Taken from article by Dr. Edward Bauman and Mary Claire Blakeman (additions and edits by Dianna Pardee, RN ND)

When a blast of glucose enters the bloodstream, the pancreas responds by secreting the hormone insulin to get the cells to absorb excess sugar. This action stimulates the liver to take the glucose from the blood, in order to return the insulin level to normal for that person. If there is a continual intake of refined carbohydrates, the pancreas becomes overactive, and then deplete. The adrenal glands which make the stabilizing hormones for the pancreatic function become depleted, too. A pattern is created in which the pancreas releseas to much insulin, leading the rapid energy drops throughout the day and/or night.

At such a time a person feels weak, shaky, or tired, and so s/he may reach for a candy bar, cup of coffee, or a sort drink, in hope of a quick pickup. (According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average American consumes 158 pounds of sugar per year.)

Ingesting sugar in a low cellular energy state is like pouring gasoline on a dying fire. The result is a brilliant, but short-lived blaze, and subsequent exhaustion.  The sufferer craves sugar, but the more s/he eats, the worse the symptoms become, and the further the system is thrown out of line. Not only are the pancreas and lover effected, but adrenal cortex glands.

Hypoadrenia and Adrenal Fatigue, Part IV... last part

Some practical ways to recover and regain your adrenal health:
Some of these suggestions might seem like common sense but your adrenal health is greatly affected by your lifestyle; how you spend and conserve your energy and create your energy, what you eat and drink, the thoughts you think and the beliefs you hold are all very important factors. 

People with adrenal fatigue often have food allergies and sensitivities. 

Avoid people and situations that take away your energy.
Change your way of thinking toward a more positive outlook. You can use some simple tools as meditation or motivational CD’s, good friends, a trusted counselor. It’s important to undo negative self talk and especially that which produces more stress. 

Learn and implement relaxation techniques.

Get enough sleep. It’s important to be in bed before 10 or 11 each night.

Laughter 

Rest during the day.

Fun light exercise, like walking, yoga, ta’I chi, dancing and making love 
Keeping your blood sugar balanced is one of the most important! Eating small nutrient packed meals with some protein, often throughout the day.

Eliminate white flour and sugar products, they are huge energy suckers!

Salt craving is a very common symptom of all stages of adrenal fatigue. Physiologically, you need salt (mineral or Celtic salt) right now and the majority of people with adrenal fatigue suffer from low blood pressure not high. As long as you are well hydrated and getting potassium rich foods in your diet it will balance out. 

Some supplement recommendations next!

Low Cellular Energy "Low Blood Sugar" part I

Pancreas – Adrenal – Liver Coordination Paying Dues for Sugar Blues
Taken from article by Dr. Edward Bauman and Mary Claire Blakeman (additions and edits by Dianna Pardee, RN ND)

If you wake up tired, experience erratic mood swings, and cannot focus you attention, you could be experiencing a low cellular – energy condition. Some sources call this condition hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. It can affect all of us to varying degrees at different times and it is a signal of physiological imbalance within the body. This disturbance is the price one pays for the high-stress lifestyle in which real nutritional needs are continually unmet. When the roof falls in on your mental, emotional, and physical health, low cellular energy has caught up with you. 

Contrary to the assumption that a high sugar intake raises one’s energy levels (which it does only for a short time), the overall effect of sugar is to lower energy drastically, as the body overcompensates due to stressed pancreas – adrenal – liver coordination.

In a condition of optimal health, the body’s glandular system secrets hormones that hold the level of glucose in the body relatively constant. Among the biggest affronts to this naturally balanced system are refined carbohydrates, especially granulated sugar and white flour products. Refined sugar is difficult for the body to metabolize properly, and poses as acute problem. Over consumption of carbohydrates is equally problematic.

Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue 

1. difficulty getting up in the morning 

2. Continuing fatigue not relieved by sleep

3. craving for salt and salty foods

4. Lack of energy

5. Increased effort to do every day tasks 

6. Decreased sex drive

7. Decreased ability to handle stress

8. Increased time to recover from illness, injury, or trauma

9. Light-headed when standing up quickly 

10. Increased PMS 

11. Symptoms increase if meals are skipped or inadequate. You need to drive yourself with sugary snacks and/or caffeine to keep going can be due to tendency towards low blood sugar

12. Inability to focus, fuzzy thinking

13. Become irritated easily

14. Feel better after evening meal

15. Afternoon low generally between 3 and 4

16. Decreased productivity, takes longer to complete tasks

No one symptom is a diagnosis but if several of these symptoms seem familiar to you then it is likely you are suffering from some level of adrenal fatigue.

Hypoadrenia and Adrenal Fatigue, Part III

Factors that affect the adrenals: 

Toxins

Death of a loved one

Repeated stresses, marital, unemployment 

Acute and chronic infections  

Emotional stress

Allergies

Over exertion including over exercising 

Smoking 

Lack of sleep

Lack of good food and eating sugar and white flour products

Lack of exercise

Medications and non-prescription drugs

Caffeine 

Fear and worry 

Anxiety and psychological stress

Unable to relax

Negative attitudes and beliefs 

Chronic pain

Working night shifts 

Some people become so accustomed to stressful situations that they don’t even realize they are stressed anymore. A study done on a group of hospital workers in a pediatric nursing unit showed the workers didn’t even realize they were under stress. Their cortisol levels, a common measure of stress, were elevated by 200-300%. 

Your total stress load entails the number of stresses, the intensity, frequency, and length of time it is present. You may not even recognize it as a stress. If someone were raised in a stressful environment with a lot of yelling, and any kind of emotional or physical abuse, physiologically and psychologically they typically tend to attract or gravitate toward those types of situations as they get older. They essentially become addicted to the patterns that create the hormone output and of course it is subconscious or non-intentional. Especially is today’s fast paced, do as much as you can in as little time as possible society adrenal fatigue or hypoadrenia is a very common problem.

What are the signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue and what you can do about it next…… 

Hypoadrenia and Adrenal Fatigue, Part II

Did you know that with adrenal fatigue or hypoadrenia you can suffer a broad range of symptoms and disorders the most severe being Addison’s disease where the adrenals, basically, don’t function or barely at all.  People with Addison’s disease usually have to take corticosteroids in order to function with some sort of normalcy. 

The adrenals, also known as “the stress glands,” help you deal with stress. Whether it be stress, disease or injury. They produce the steroid hormones to give you energy and endurance to deal with all of life’s challenges. 

Corticosteroids such as catecholamines and cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine are produced by the adrenals.

Cortisol controls how the body uses fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Corticosterone works with cortisol to suppress inflammation and affects the immune system.

Aldosterone affects blood volume and blood pressure.

Epinephrine and norepinephrine work together creating the physical reactions regulating stress responses known as the fight or flight response. 

Norepinephrine is a hormone in the catecholamine group. This hormone affects attention, focus and plays a role in depression.

Epinephrine also known as adrenalin, is also a hormone and neurotransmitter in the catecholamine group and also plays a large role in the fight or flight response.

Adrenal fatigue occurs when the activity of the  adrenal glands become diminished. This can be so severe that it can get to the point where it even becomes difficult to get out of bed in the morning. When adrenal activity diminishes, it affects it causes changes in metabolism, the heart and cardiovascular system, sex drive, and even body shape. 

More to come…..

Hypoadrenia and Adrenal Fatigue, Part I

Did you know that with adrenal fatigue or hypoadrenia you can suffer a broad range of symptoms and disorders the most severe being Addison’s disease where the adrenals, basically, don’t function or barely at all.  People with Addison’s disease usually have to take corticosteroids in order to function with some sort of normalcy. 

The adrenals, also known as “the stress glands,” help you deal with stress. Whether it be stress, disease or injury. They produce the steroid hormones to give you energy and endurance to deal with all of life’s challenges. Corticosteroids such as catecholamines and cortisol  epinephrine and norepinephrine .

Glycemic Index vs. Glycemic Load

What is the G.I. of a food? The glycemic index (G.I.) measures how much your blood sugar or glucose level increases after eating a certain food.  Each food has it’s own G.I. The faster a carbohydrate breaks down and releases glucose, the higher the G.I. will be of that particular food.

The glycemic load (G.L.) is measured using the G.I. of a food while considering the amount of carbohydrate per serving of food. So a food that has a low G.L. usually has a low G.I. but a food with a medium to high G.L. can have a very low to a very high glycemic index.
To maintain stable blood sugar levels it is important to focus on foods that have an low overall G.L. It is also important to keep your G.L. well below 500 for the day for optimal health.

Here is a list of foods with the G.L. values. http://www.lowglycemicload.com/glycemic_table.html 

Migraine part IV

Wouldn’t you agree, headaches can be extremely painful, even unbearable at times, but did you know that migraines can actually be dangerous? When the onset of migraines with an aura, comes later in life you are 6 X’s  more likely to suffer a stroke and people who suffer from migraines are more susceptible to epilepsy.  I’ve mentioned more than once, that inflammation plays a key role in disease and illness but in the case of migraines there are other factors that are involved as well. Dr Russell Blaylock says recent studies have shown that four major events occur in the brains of people who have 
migraine headaches:

• Localized inflammation

• Reduced production of energy

• Low ionic magnesium levels

• High levels of glutamate 

He says all of these also occur in epilepsy, and related neurological disorders. Not only are these people more susceptible to epilepsy but disorders  of immunoexcitotoxicity such as depression, anxiety, and one that I struggled with for many years, panic attacks. Dr Blaylock, a nationally recognized board-certified neurosurgeon, health practitioner and author, says even a fall in estrogen levels can precipitate a migraine and calls this process immunogtoxicity.


Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter of the brain. Studies have shown that  people with migraines have elevated levels of glutamate. Too much glutamate and the brain will become over-stimulated. 


Next we’ll talk about triggers for migraines and what you can do to prevent them.


The start of a migraine is triggered by inflammation and excitotoxicity which sets off a wave of electrical activity that slowly moves across the brain. Various triggers such as flashing lights, food sensitivities, a diet high in glutamates, hypoglycemia, oral contraceptives, and a drop in estrogen levels can cause this wave of depressive activity to initiate a migraine. This fluctuation in estrogen is often times why women experience migraines right before their period. 


Interestingly, optimal magnesium levels play a large part in preventing migraines. High estrogen levels and progesterone levels tend to reduce magnesium levels and can bring on a migraine. This is one of the reasons I am so insistent that my clients take magnesium everyday. It can sometimes take up to 6 months to reach optimal levels of magnesium in the body, but that is another blog to come.


What to do as prevention, next!

What can you do to prevent migraines? 

• Avoid foods high in glutamate, some people are much more susceptible to glutamate than others, even low levels. Foods high in glutamate include anything with MSG or monosodium glutamate. MSG is disguised as natural flavoring, carrageenan, hydrolyzed proteins, isolated soy and soy protein, sodium or calcium caseinate, stock and commercial soups or foods made with broth. 

• Of course natural foods are best but even some of those contain high levels of natural glutamate that may trigger a migraine. Pureed tomatoes and tomato paste, beans, peanut butter, portabella mushrooms, cheese, and condensed or dried cows milk all contain high levels of glutamate. 

• Low blood sugar is a big trigger for migraines so avoid lots of sugar that can precipitate a sudden drop in blood sugar. When blood sugar drops it sends a signal to the brain to release high levels of glutamate so it’s important to be on a sugar free diet.

• Stress is a big trigger for migraines, exercising will help reduce stress. 

• Supplements such as riboflavin, L-carnitine, and CoQ10 help to increase brain activity and reduce severity and frequency of migraine attacks. 

• And of course increase magnesium levels by supplementation, one of my favorites is magnesium citrate/malate.  

• Reduce inflammation with turmeric and omega 3 fish oils. 

• Get enough sleep

• Free radical production increases inflammation, excitotoxicity and the chance for migraines so use antioxidants.

• Finally yet importantly, drink plenty of water, away from meals not with meals. 

Migraine part II

He says all of these also occur in epilepsy, and related neurological disorders. Not only are these people more susceptible to epilepsy but disorders  of immunoexcitotoxicity such as depression, anxiety, and one that I struggled with for many years, panic attacks. Dr Blaylock, a nationally recognized board-certified neurosurgeon, health practitioner and author, says even a fall in estrogen levels can precipitate a migraine and calls this process immunogtoxicity.

            Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter of the brain. Studies have shown that  people with migraines have elevated levels of glutamate. Too much glutamate and the brain will become over-stimulated.

Next we’ll talk about triggers for migraines and what you can do to prevent them.