Dr. Lauren Deville: Recent Episodes

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Naturopathic Doctor

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Gisela Kreglinger grew up on a winery in Franconia, Germany, where her family has been crafting wine for many generations. She holds two master’s degrees in biblical studies from Regent College and a PhD in historical theology from the University of St. Andrews. She teaches Christian spirituality in the academy, churches, on her annual wine pilgrimages, and every time an opportunity opens up around the dinner table, preferably with a glass of well-crafted wine to inspire her musings on food, faith and the importance of cultivating joy and conviviality. She is the author of Cup Overflowing: Wine’s Place in Faith, Feasting and Fellowship, The Spirituality of Wine, and The Soul of Wine.

To learn more about Gisela, visit her at giselakreglinger.com

Wine in the Word: Interview with Gisela Kreglinger

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Lakshmiraman Oza from Pixabay

Continuing my series on DMSO—in this article I’m going to focus specifically on its uses for the central and peripheral nervous systems, including nerve damage and neurodegenerative conditions.

DMSO for Head or Spinal TraumaAs I mentioned in the original DMSO article, DMSO is great at establishing, or reestablishing, blood flow, protecting tissues that have sustained all kinds of trauma from cellular death, and helping to put fluid in the right compartments, and not in the wrong ones (so good for swelling and edema, too). It also helps to increase ATP production by the cell’s mitochondria (and this of course means it decreases oxidative stress, and is thus anti-inflammatory, also).

For this reason, studies show that DMSO has great promise for cases of traumatic brain injury or spinal trauma. Specifically, after injury, DMSO modulates intracranial pressure while improving perfusion to the brain. Because it is anti-inflammatory, it also lowers the inflammatory cytokines that usually get deployed post-TBI.

This study which mimicked a concussion by restricted blood flow showed that pre- and post-treatment with DMSO for three days helped to prevent nerve damage and behavioral effects. This similar rat study likewise restricted blood flow to the brain, and after 3 months DMSO was shown to limit neuronal damage and functional deficits. This study shows that DMSO protects neurons from an excessive influx of ions (excitotoxicity) and protects from oxidative stress as well.

This rat study likewise showed that after restricted blood flow to the brain and suffering deficits to their visual and spatial memories, 14 weeks after the injury they were given DMSO and improved by about 54%. This suggests that even if DMSO is given long after the fact, its effects can still be impressive.

DMSO is also apparently useful for spinal cord injuries. This animal study shows that DMSO after blunt trauma to the spinal cord appeared to prevent subsequent degenerative effects. This animal study also shows that, after a cut spinal cord, DMSO was able to help in resealing the membrane and subsequent axonal repair (!).

DMSO for Nerve HealingI wasn’t able to find a lot of studies on DMSO for nerve injuries, but this small study did show that of nine patients with neuralgia (nerve pain), eight of them received complete or partial remission with DMSO treatment.

This study on Bell’s Palsy shows that 10-12 topical applications of DMSO to the affected area showed a statistically significant improvement in symptoms.

DMSO for a Parasympathetic Reset The autonomic nervous system includes the sympathetic (“fight, flight or freeze,”) and the parasympathetic (‘rest, digest, and heal”) side. Many of us, after trauma, or just under intense ongoing stress, can find ourselves stuck in “fight, flight, or freeze.” This state tends to make the “rest, digest, and heal” nervous system functions elusive to us, and is a hallmark of autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

It turns out that DMSO can aid in this process too, helping to rebalance the sympathetic nervous system.

Also, the primary neurotransmitter involved in the parasympathetic nervous system is acetylcholine. DMSO appears to block the enzyme acetylcholine esterase (which breaks down acetylcholine), which means more acetylcholine will be available to stimulate its receptors. DMSO also helps to enhance vagal tone.

These effects generally help to reset a hyper-vigilant nervous system to a more balanced, parasympathetic state.

The UpshotAs I wrote here, because DMSO creates slightly stronger hydrogen bond than water, it sounds to me like it helps to structure the cellular water it encounters as it passes through various body tissues.

If this is true, the implications are profound, as water is the medium through which our body’s electromagnetic energy, potentially our literal “vital force,” flows. I assume this has to be the reason why an otherwise simple compound can at least apparently have so many and varied effects.

DMSO for Nerves and the Nervous System

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Today’s podcast comes from this blog post, Health Benefits of Juice Fasting.

Health Benefits of Juice Fasting

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

I wrote here on dimethyl sulfide (DMSO) for pain, inflammation, tissue healing and protection. In this one I’ll talk about how it works for circulatory conditions—but in order to explain that, I first need to revisit how it works.

How DMSO WorksSulfur is foundational for all your connective tissues, and it’s inherently antimicrobial.

The tiny difference in the chemical formula between MSM and DMSO means that the former is nonpolar, while the latter is polar, as it’s bent: the methyl side is electrically neutral, while the oxygen side is electronegative. This is why DMSO is such a great solvent, but it also means that DMSO can penetrate through tissues and cell membranes extremely effectively. This means that even if applied topically, it can get into the bloodstream and into nearly every other body tissue from there in a short period of time—carrying with it almost anything that was applied along with it (because it’s such a great solvent). It’s rapidly eliminated though, so it has to be reapplied to maintain effects.

DMSO is far more than just a driver for other substances that might not otherwise get where they need to go, though. The tissue effects of DMSO itself are so many and varied as to almost stagger belief.

Because DMSO creates slightly stronger hydrogen bond than water, it sounds to me like it helps to structure the cellular water it encounters as it passes through various body tissues. If this is true, the implications are profound, as water is the medium through which our body’s electromagnetic energy, potentially our literal “vital force,” flows.

This directly applies to how DMSO helps to support the cardiovascular system.

DMSO Supports CirculationIf DMSO helps to structure the cellular water it encounters, it would explain why DMSO is so incredible at establishing, or reestablishing, blood flow.

This study shows that half of Raynaud’s patients had symptoms eliminated, and that it also improves peripheral arterial disease when applied topically.

This study shows that DMSO also dramatically improves circulation in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy or diabetic ulcers.

This study also shows that DMSO topically can help benefit varicose veins.

DMSO for ClottingDMSO has also been shown to prevent blood clot formation via multiple potential mechanisms (the clotting cascade is very complex):

It inhibits platelet bonding
It inhibits platelet aggregation and activation via hydroxyl (-OH) free radicals — perhaps because DMSO helps to increase ATP production by the cell’s mitochondria (and this of course means it decreases oxidative stress).
It inhibits platelet activation via inhibiting the enzyme COX-1, which prevents production of thromboxane A2.
It inhibits Tissue Factor, or thromboplastin expression, which typically gets activated in response to inflammation (in particular, in response to the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α). So probably this is also due to DMSO’s increased mitochondrial efficiency (which, in addition to decreasing oxidative stress, will also decrease inflammation too).
Along those lines, it also inhibits inflammatory prostaglandins as well.
It inhibits the action of a platelet enzyme that breaks down the signaling molecule cAMP, which prevents clots from contracting.

Based on all of this, you’d think DMSO would be potentially beneficial for thrombotic stroke victims.

This (horrible!) rabbit study simulated stroke effects by restricting cerebral blood flow for five minutes, after which the animals were given DMSO or saline. The animals given DMSO survived with minimal damage, whereas most of the animals given saline did not survive, and those who did had severe brain damage.

This small clinical trial, actually from 2002 (one of the few more recent ones) showed that IV DMSO + dextrose significantly improved stroke consequences if given within 12 hours of onset. But this study even showed that it had some benefits long after the event had occurred.

The Upshot and A Few CautionsThere is far too much to cover on DMSO for a single article, so I’ll stick to the topic of circulation and clotting on this one, and will cover more in subsequent articles.

If you’re inclined to try it topically, one quick warning: the primary “side effect” of DMSO is skin burning, itching, and irritation due to the increased blood flow. These symptoms are typically proportional to how fair-skinned and sensitive in general a person is, as well as how high the concentration of DMSO. DMSO can be purchased pre-diluted, or can be diluted with distilled water, magnesium oil, or preservative-free aloe gel (a good place to start is 50% DMSO). It’s best to mix in a glass bottle rather than plastic, to avoid phthalate leeching into the mixture (since again, DMSO is a driver). Also, be aware: mixing DMSO with any of these will produce an initial exothermic (heat-releasing) reaction. It won’t be piping hot, but it’ll be warm to the touch, and will steam a bit! Not to worry, when the reaction completes, it’ll return to room temperature.

DMSO also increases liver production of glutathione, which means there is a possibility of detox reactions in those who are chemically sensitive or toxic in general. If that’s you, I’d consult your health care practitioner for a tailored protocol before you begin.

DMSO for Vascular and Circulatory Disorders

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This was an incredibly practical and insightful guide to why people who have been chronically ill and resistant to biochemical and functional medicine treatment may be “stuck”: the autonomic nervous system may need a reset. I’ve read several other books focusing on shifting the body from sympathetic to parasympathetic, but most of them were simple activities without a great deal of structure to them. This one was VERY practical, with somatic action steps at the end of every chapter. There was a thorough explanation of what each set of practices was supposed to do, why it works, and what the results should be. For someone who struggles to recognize their own emotions or understand their subconscious reactions, this is a great guide.

…I have to say, though, that especially toward the end, I rolled my eyes a lot (“your truth” and “my truth?” Your “inner child”? Really?) But, to be fair, I can see why the latter is the term used to describe our deepest seated beliefs. I can’t think of a better phrase for it, quite frankly.

The Secret Language of the Body

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This is a terrific and very practical handbook on how to use DMSO as a therapy for a wide variety of conditions at home. There are recipes, as well as cautions on when to go slow and build up. Most of the other DMSO books cite studies but don’t really give clear instructions on implementation. Very accessible!

Healing with DMSO

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Today’s podcast is a meditation on these scriptures:

– Eph 2:10: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
– Phil 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
– 1 Cor 3:11-15: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
– Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
– John 15:16: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” (And one of the fruit we are to bear is patience, or longsuffering, and self-control, Gal 5:22)
– Prov 16:32: “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
– Prov 14:29: “Whoever is patient has great understanding,but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
– Psalm 75:2: “You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity.”
– Eph 4:2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
– Psalm 90:2 “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
– James 4:13-14: “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
– Ecc 1:3-8: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
– Prov 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Meditation on Patience and Flexibility

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by u_if8o5n0ioo from Pixabay

DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is an old remedy, well studied many decades ago, and only just beginning to resurface. Chemically, it’s two methyl groups and one oxygen, bound to a sulfur atom. It’s almost identical to MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), except that MSM has an extra oxygen attached.

The compound is natural: it’s produced by phytoplankton and it’s found in some fruits and veggies as well. But it was also a byproduct of the paper pulp industry, and in the 1860s it was researched for this reason, to see if it might have any additional uses. It was found to be a terrific solvent (it helped to dissolve things), and was used industrially for that purpose.

In the 1950s and 60s, though, studies on DMSO in medicine exploded.

How DMSO WorksI’ve written about sulfur (in the form of MSM) to heal the gut here. But sulfur heals far more than just the gut. It’s foundational for all your connective tissues, too, and it’s inherently antimicrobial.

The tiny difference in the chemical formula between MSM and DMSO means that the former is nonpolar, while the latter is polar, as it’s bent: the methyl side is electrically neutral, while the oxygen side is electronegative. This is why DMSO is such a great solvent, but it also means that DMSO can penetrate through tissues and cell membranes extremely effectively. This means that even if applied topically, it can get into the bloodstream and into nearly every other body tissue from there in a short period of time—carrying with it almost anything that was applied along with it (because it’s such a great solvent). It’s rapidly eliminated though, so it has to be reapplied to maintain effects.

DMSO is far more than just a driver for other substances that might not otherwise get where they need to go, though. The tissue effects of DMSO itself are so many and varied as to almost stagger belief.

Because DMSO creates slightly stronger hydrogen bond than water, it sounds to me like it helps to structure the cellular water it encounters as it passes through various body tissues. If this is true, the implications are profound, as water is the medium through which our body’s electromagnetic energy, potentially our literal “vital force,” flows.

If this understanding is correct, it would explain why DMSO is so incredible at establishing, or reestablishing, blood flow, protecting tissues that have sustained all kinds of trauma from cellular death (see below), and helping to put fluid in the right compartments, and not in the wrong ones (so good for swelling and edema, too).

It would explain why DMSO helps to increase ATP production by the cell’s mitochondria (and this of course means it decreases oxidative stress, and is thus anti-inflammatory, also).

All of these mechanisms comprise numerous possible causes for pain, so DMSO has been shown to benefit a wide variety of types of pain.

As with other sources of sulfur like MSM, DMSO is also antimicrobial, and can help with especially connective tissue healing.

More on most of these in future articles; in this one, I’ll focus on pain.

DMSO for Protection from Various Types of Tissue TraumaTrauma can cause cell death in a number of ways. One is by ischemia (lack of oxygen, usually due to lack of blood flow). The improved cellular hydration from DMSO may be the reason why it helps to protect tissues that would otherwise have little chance.

This rat study shows that pre-treatment with DMSO helped to protect the animals from cardiac damage after induced myocardial infarction.

This rat study shows that pre-treatment with DMSO largely prevented death by nitrogen asphyxiation (and yes, these studies are awful. I know.)

Cells can also die due to a rapid influx of ions that should be on the other side of the cell membrane. This is usually part of programmed cell death, which occurs due to various types of toxicity or trauma. DMSO pre-treatment can prevent this process—and I suspect Dr Gerald Pollack might explain that this occurs because DMSO helps to maintain intracellular structured water, which in turn will keep ions in their respective compartments.

This may be why DMSO helps to prevent cell death via intense vibration (which can be a good thing at certain frequencies, but like any hormetic therapy, it’s the dose—or in this case, the intensity—that makes the poison.)

It’s likely also why DMSO helps to prevent cell death by frostbite, and by burns and radiation.

DMSO for Pain in GeneralPain is unpleasant, of course, but it’s also a useful signal, telling us that something is wrong, and we’d better find out what it is and go fix it. Some of the most horrific diseases are those in which the person is unable to feel pain, and thus to protect themselves from cumulative damage. This is one of the key features of Hansen’s Disease, also known as (biblical) leprosy.

But while there are a myriad of possible reasons why tissue damage may occur, there are a small number of ways in which that damage might manifest and thus trigger pain. Many of them were just listed: ischemia (lack of oxygen and/or poor blood flow), inflammation, oxidative stress, influx of ions and cell death. If DMSO can protect against these, then it stands to reason that it would also be useful for a wide variety of types of pain. And because DMSO can penetrate the skin so well, even a local application can have potentially systemic effects.

This study shows that mice exposed to heat and trauma to their tails (again—awful, I know) experienced relief from DMSO equal to that of morphine (and of course, without all the side effects).

DMSO for Inflammatory PainAs I wrote here, inflammation is never really the root cause of a problem; it’s what your body is trying to do in response to the problem, in an attempt to heal it. But if the damage is mitigated by various mechanisms after the fact, then the inflammation and subsequent oxidative stress and pain will likewise decrease.

In this study from the late 70s, 343 patients were given DMSO topically either alone or in conjunction with other medications. DMSO alone showed significant improvement in 64% of the test subjects, and improvement increased when combined with other therapies.

Other studies from the 1960s investigated DMSO for autoimmune conditions with similarly incredible effects. This study showed improvement in 75% of mild and 44% of severe cases of RA. This study showed complete remission of early stage RA in more than half of the test subjects. This study meanwhile gave DMSO at 85% (a high percentage) to patients with varied types of pain, from autoimmune to neurological to spinal disc pain. Up to 80% of subjects experienced improvement within one week.

DMSO for Central and Nerve PainDMSO can help to block entry of sodium and calcium ions into cells, which is the way many anesthetics work. Therefore, nerve pain can be improved, too. It also helps to enhance efficacy of local anesthetics.

Central pain via NMDA receptors also occurs due to ion influx, and DMSO has been shown to suppress this too.

This cat study showed that DMSO blocked conduction of small nerve fibers at lower concentrations, and of larger nerve fibers at higher concentrations.

DMSO for Musculoskeletal Pain DMSO also has muscle relaxing properties. Muscle spasms lead to decreased blood flow, pinched nerves, and thus, pain. Increased blood flow typically helps muscles to relax.

This 1967 paper discusses use of DMSO in treating musculoskeletal conditions with dramatic results.

DMSO for Sprains, Bursitis, Tendinitis, and Adhesive CapsulitisDMSO is also useful for other types of connective tissues, including joints, tendons, fascia, and bursae.

This small study of patients with bursitis, also from the 1960s, showed dramatic and rapid improvement in acute cases, while chronic cases took some three months of treatment, but likewise improved.

This study investigated not just bursitis, but also tendinitis, sprains, and strains. It showed that while 80% DMSO was very effective, 10% was not (and often lower doses are used just as drivers for other compounded medications, rather than as part of the treatment in themselves.)

However, this study on acute tendonitis used only 10% DMSO gel, and within two weeks, 44% of the patients were pain free.

This small study on frozen shoulder (a notoriously difficult condition to treat) showed excellent improvement when combined with physical therapy, though it did require patience (up to 24 applications) to see results.

The Upshot and A Few CautionsThere is far too much to cover on DMSO for a single article, so I’ll stick to the topic of pain on this one, and will cover more in subsequent articles.

However, if you’re inclined to try it, one quick warning: the primary “side effect” of DMSO is skin burning, itching, and irritation due to the increased blood flow. These symptoms are typically proportional to how fair-skinned and sensitive in general a person is, as well as how high the concentration of DMSO. DMSO can be purchased pre-diluted, or can be diluted with distilled water, magnesium oil, or preservative-free aloe gel (a good place to start is 50% DMSO). Also, be aware: mixing DMSO with any of these will produce an initial exothermic (heat-releasing) reaction. It won’t be piping hot, but it’ll be warm to the touch, and will steam a bit! Not to worry, when the reaction completes, it’ll return to room temperature.

DMSO also increases liver production of glutathione, which means there is a possibility of detox reactions in those who are chemically sensitive or toxic in general, so if that’s you, I’d consult your health care practitioner for a tailored protocol before you begin.

DMSO: For Pain, Inflammation, Tissue Healing and Protection

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Alan Goldhamer is an expert in the use of medically supervised, water-only fasting. He is the founder and director of TrueNorth Health Center and has supervised the fasting and care of more than 25,000 patients. TrueNorth Health is a multidisciplinary practice that includes doctors of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, naturopathy and psychology. Its healthcare providers treat patients with conditions ranging from high blood pressure and diabetes to autoimmune disorders and lymphoma. The Center is the largest facility in the world specializing in medically supervised water-only fasting and a premier training facility for doctors to gain certification in the supervision of therapeutic fasting. Dr. Goldhamer is a frequent lecturer, author of several books, most recently “Can Fasting Save Your Life,” as well as of numerous studies and case reports published in peer-reviewed journals.

Learn more about Dr Goldhamer at truenorthhealth.com or pick up the most recent book, “Can Fasting Save Your Life?” here.

Fasting at TrueNorth Health Center: Interview with Dr Alan Goldhamer

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Dr. Manuel González Reyes from Pixabay

Boron is a relatively neglected trace mineral found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, often in the form of boric acid. Most of us get between 1-3 mg in our diets regularly, between food and the low levels in our multivitamins (if it’s there at all). It’s one nutrient we might consider increasing for a number of chronic health conditions, though. Most of boron’s benefits only become apparent above 3 mg per day.

Here’s why this mineral is so powerful.

How Boron Affects Bones and OsteoporosisBoron has been demonstrated to be an important trace nutrient required for osteogenesis, or new bone production and regeneration.

This is at least in part because boron supplementation dramatically decreases urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium, building blocks required for bone production. This study shows that calcium loss was reduced with boron supplementation by 44%, and the improvement was greater when magnesium levels were already adequate. This study also shows that boron decreases urinary excretion of phosphorus too, another critical nutrient for bones.

In addition to just keeping the necessary bone building blocks around at higher concentrations, this study shows that boron increases production of other proteins and enzymes required for bone production, as well.

How Boron Affects JointsBoron’s support for the body’s overall structure doesn’t end there. Studies show that it’s also beneficial for osteoarthritis.

This epidemiological study shows that in places where boron intake is around 1 mg per day, osteoarthritis levels range from 20-70% of the population. However, if intake is in the 3 to 10 mg per day range, incidence of osteoarthritis falls to just 0-10%.

This is correlation, and not causation, of course, but it’s still quite interesting.

How Boron Affects Wound HealingBoron also helps with tissue repair. This study shows that boric acid aids in wound healing by helping to repair the extracellular matrix, affecting the involved enzyme production levels as well as production of the protein building blocks, including collagen.

This study shows that application of 3% boric acid to deep wounds decreased intensive care time by two thirds.

How Boron Affects HormonesBoron also increases serum levels of estrogen and testosterone, while decreasing Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG — another mechanism by which boron may improve osteoporosis, see above). Lower levels of SHBG means increased ability for the sex hormones to bind to and stimulate their receptors.

This study demonstrates that boron increases the half-life as well as the bioavailability of the hormones, which appears to be the mechanism for these improvements.

How Boron Affects Vitamin DBoron also increases the half-life and bioavailability of Vitamin D, as well—and this is yet another mechanism by which it might affect osteoporosis, though Vitamin D of course does so much more.

This study shows that boron specifically increases serum levels of Vitamin D.

How Boron Affects CognitionThis study shows that low levels of boron lead to decreased brain electrical activity. and thus, power performance on attention, memory, speed, and dexterity tasks.

It’s possible this could be secondary to the Vitamin D effects, or even to estrogen effects. But it could also have something to do with substantially decreasing inflammation, and oxidative stress.

How Boron Affects Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and LongevityBoron has been shown to significantly decrease inflammatory markers in humans, such as CRP (presumably in cases of otherwise low levels of boron). This study also shows that it decreases the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, while this study shows that it dramatically increases the activity of the powerful antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) in red blood cells.

Not only that, but it appears that boron is involved in the production of SAMe, the end product of the methylation cycle. This study shows that in boron-deficient animals, SAMe decreases while homocysteine, the inflammatory byproduct of the methylation cycle, increases. Methylation is an extremely important biochemical pathway with a wide variety of functions.

Boron also influences the ratio of NAD+, the oxidized version of niacinamide, to NADH (the reduced form), leading to improved NADH levels. NADH is a powerful anti-aging nutrient.

Boron is also a building block involved in production of healthy cell membranes—critical for physiologic function on nearly every level.

Sources of BoronIt’s not hard to find boron in readily available foods. Boron is very high in particularly avocados, in dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and prunes (the fact that they’re dried increases the concentration of minerals), and in a variety of nuts including almonds, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, walnuts, and peanuts.

You can also consider supplementing to get above the critical 3 mg per day threshold, since food just doesn’t have as many nutrients in it as it once did. Check your multivitamin to see how much, if any, is in there already.

Boron: The Forgotten Trace Mineral

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Laurie Hammer is a Functional Nutritional Therapist and Neuro-Nutrient Specialist who focuses on helping clients with brain toxicity, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and autoimmune conditions. Her journey of overcoming personal health challenges through holistic methods drives her passion. She has dealt with cancer, celiac disease, bulimia, and depression, and now, she helps clients from around the world, both virtually and in person. She offers hope and practical insights for women dealing with anxiety, depression, and the overwhelming demands of life.

Check out her Podcast-Take Back My Brain on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@takebackmybrain9073

Follow her on social media: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.hammer.7/ https://www.instagram.com/thecalmmomcommunity/

Her website: https://www.lauriehammer.com/

Root Cause Healing: Interview with Laurie Hammer, FNTP

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Couleur from Pixabay

Juice fasting, or cleansing, is a fast that involves only fruit or vegetable juice rather than solid foods—for as little as one meal, or sometimes up to weeks at a time. In most cases, those engaging in longer juice fasts have a juicer and can thus make their own fresh fruit and vegetable juices as needed.

All forms of fasting share similar benefits, in that they relieve the body of the calorically expensive process of digestion, so that it can reallocate those resources to “cleaning house,” as it were—also known as autophagy.

Why Juice Fasting?The body has to catabolize its own tissues for calories during a water fast, so it’s best to do this only if you can scale back the intensity of your daily activities for the duration of the fast.

Juice fasting on the other hand, as well as fasts involving various types of medical foods, still provide some calories for those whose schedules don’t allow a water fast. They also providing high doses of essentially pre-digested and readily bioavailable nutrients for the repair process—so you can still rest your gut, and get a big nutritional boost at the same time.

Juice Fasting for Metabolic and Cellular EffectsFasting in general decreases insulin and IGF-1, which means the body will prioritize repair and regeneration. This metabolic shift activates autophagy (the breakdown of senescent cells) and mitophagy (the breakdown of poorly functioning mitochondria)—making way for newer, healthier cells, and thus improving overall longevity.

Juice Fasting, Your Microbiome, and InflammationThere’s a lot more research on fasting in general than on juice fasting in particular. But this study shows that even a short 3-day juice fast can significantly shift the microbiome population for the better. Changes resulting from this study included a dramatic increase in plasma and urinary nitric oxide, fewer oxidized lipids, a contributing factor in heart disease, and improvement in overall subjective well-being.

Juice Fasting Cardiovascular BenefitsAlong those lines, this study also highlights the positive effects of juice fasting on cardiovascular health. Juice fasting can decrease arterial stiffness and lower blood pressure (probably also in part due to nitric oxide effects mentioned above). It can also decrease clotting and inflammation, and lower homocysteine, the inflammatory breakdown product of the methylation cycle.

Juice Fasting for Nutritional BenefitsThis study shows that juicing significantly increases the specific blood nutrient levels that they happened to measure (and surely many more besides). Those measured include β-carotene (the water-soluble precursor for Vitamin A), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium, and folate (again, benefitting the methylation cycle).

The study notes that these ranges are associated with reduced disease risk (of course, assuming that the cause of disease in those cases might have been due to deficiency of these building blocks.)

How to Do a Juice FastThe trick to juicing (in my opinion anyway) is to make it palatable. While the juice from veggies is inherently sweeter than eating the vegetable itself (because the sugar is more concentrated), vegetables are not terribly high in sugar as a general rule. But you also don’t want an enormous amount of sugar in most cases either, as you’ll get if you only juice fruits (and now you have a new problem. Natural sugars are ok in moderation, but if you overdo it, it’ll still raise your glucose levels, and may be problematic for those with metabolic syndrome.) You also want a large enough volume of liquid, without too much of it coming from fruits. Another thing to remember is that salty, bitter, and sweet flavors tend to balance each other–but unless the juice is just sweet, you really need all three.

So my recommendation is to make your juice “base” from veggies with a high water content, but not a lot of sugar, such as cucumbers, or celery. (Technically cucumbers are actually fruits, but we usually classify them as veggies, and the sugar content is certainly low.) Celery is inherently on the saltier side, so you have that flavor in the mix. (Bonus: the water inside of fruits and veggies is already structured, so that your body doesn’t have to do the work to structure it for you.)

You’ll need to add at least some fruit for sweetness, though—so I’d recommend adding lower glycemic fruits like berries, grapes, or apples, or higher glycemic veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes. As a general rule, nutrient density of fruits and veggies corresponds to the vibrancy of the color, so especially dark colored fruits and veggies will add a walloping dose of bioflavonoids and polyphenols too.

For the “bitter” flavor, you can choose citrus fruits like lemon, lime, or grapefruit (and if you choose the latter, you’ll get a lot of liquid volume as well). Dark leafy greens are also rather bitter, and can work well here. They’re also a great source of chlorophyll and antioxidants.

Finally, add some anti-inflammatory herbs, such as turmeric or ginger. In addition to their great nutritional benefits, they add a nice spicy kick, too, which can help the flavors blend.

My biggest objection to juicing used to be that it seemed so wasteful–why throw away all that nutrient dense pulp? But if you have a garden (even a small one), the pulp can be recycled as compost.

The UpshotMost people who aren’t either diabetic or struggling with hypoglycemia can tolerate juicing as a supplement to intermittent fasting, or a 24 hour juice fast. For longer fasts (juicing or otherwise) it’s a good idea to consult with your health care provider to make sure it will be beneficial for you.

Health Benefits of Juice Fasting

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Margarita Konstantinova from Pixabay

Sprouts and microgreens are both immature vegetables, convenient to grow at home, and that pack a big nutritional punch—even more so than their full-grown vegetable counterparts, ounce for ounce. They also have a more concentrated, often spicy flavor as well, depending upon the variety.

Sprouts are younger than microgreens, typically harvested 7-10 days from germination, and can be produced without soil, with just water and sunlight. Microgreens are just a bit older, 7-21 days from germination, and are classified thus because they have full stems and small leaves. They do require soil, compost, or microgreen mats for growth.

Here’s why these micro-veggies are so powerful.

Health Benefits of SproutingMicrogreens and sprouts are considered “superfoods” because of their high concentration of minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, and calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Think of it this way: all the nutrition of the mature plant is contained in the little seedling. The macronutrient content (mostly carbohydrate) is lower because the plant isn’t full-grown yet, but all the micronutrients are there. As the plant grows, they’ll become distributed throughout the full grown vegetable (or grain, or legume, or whatever type of plant the seed is to become). But in the seed stage, they’re all still very concentrated.

Because of this, sprouts and microgreens are higher in all the other various nutrients too, including vitamins, amino acids, polyphenols, carotenoids, and chlorophyll.

Why Sprout?One reason to sprout is to reap the nutritional concentration, of course. This is helpful for anyone, but especially for those who may not have easy access to fresh fruits and veggies. It’s easy and cheap for anyone to sprout at home, and only slightly more labor intensive to grow microgreens. You can do both with no pesticides (an ever-increasing problem with the agriculture industry), and harvest them just when you’re going to consume them.

If you want to avoid pesticides and herbicides, but don’t live in a place where it’s feasible to tend your own garden, sprouting and microgreens are a great option.

How to Make and Consume SproutsSprouts are a little easier to start than are microgreens. All you need for sprouting is a mason jar, a sprouting lid (something like this), a tablespoon of seeds (see below for options), water, and a nearby window for light.

Place the tablespoon of seeds in the jar, fill it with water, and screw on the sprouting lid. Let soak for about 24 hours, and then drain the water out, leaving the jar inverted over a grate in the sink so it can drain, or over a bowl and half inverted, so that the water can drain out and fresh air can get in. Every day thereafter, rinse with water again and immediately drain. About a week later, you can enjoy almost an entire jarful of fresh sprouts.

Options for sprouts include especially anything from the cruciferous family—broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc. Popular legumes include lentils and various types of beans. Beets, spinach, radishes, watercress, red clover, dill, fennel, celery, or grains such as wheat, barley, and oats also all work. Of course the nutrient and antioxidant properties will vary depending upon the type of sprouts you choose, but all will be very nutrient dense.

Once grown, you can easily add sprouts to your salads, smoothies, soups, sandwiches, or blend them in dips and salad dressings.

Health Benefits of Sprouts and Microgreens

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Steve Wohlberg is the Speaker/Director of White Horse Media. He is the author of 40+ books, including End Times Health War, has been a guest on over 500 radio and TV shows, and has spoken by special invitation inside the Pentagon and U.S. Senate. Mr. Wohlberg currently lives in scenic Priest River, Idaho, with his wife Kristin (they have been married for 24 years) and their two children, Seth (age 20), and Abby (age 17). Steve loves the great outdoors, hiking, swimming, and spending quality time with his family.

To learn more about Steve, you can see his website, www.whitehorsemedia.com

or you can find his free Bible school at whitehorsemediabibleschool.com

You can also check out his sprouting channel at sproutingwithsteve.com

You can find him on YouTube at White Horse Media: https://www.youtube.com/@whitehorsemedia

He is giving away 10 copies of the book to the first callers that mention this show! 800-78-BIBLE (or 800-782-4253)

End Times Health War: Interview with Steve Wohlberg

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Renee Olmsted from Pixabay

Fo-ti, also known as polygonum multiflorum, is an herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. From a TCM standpoint, it supports the kidneys, which (in the TCM philosophy) are responsible for the body’s water metabolism, and storing the body’s “essence.” Kidney deficiency in TCM is closely linked to aging, which may be why fo-ti is considered an anti-aging herb in many ways.

Fo-ti Decreases Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Nearly every medicinal herb I’ve ever heard of boasts of anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antioxidant effects. Fo-ti is no exception.

It inhibits many inflammatory cytokines as well as the COX-2 enzyme (also the target of ibuprofen).

This study shows that an extract of fo-ti increases both superoxide dismutase and glutathione, ramping up antioxidant activity.

Fo-ti for Reversing Gray Hair and Hair LossPerhaps fo-ti’s greatest claim to fame from a folk legend standpoint is its lauded ability to stimulate hair growth, even increasing the number of active hair follicles, and to turn gray hair back to its youthful color.

This rat study shows that fo-ti helps to shift hair follicles from the telogen (resting) phase to the anagen (growth) phase. (I wonder if this might make it a possible treatment for telogen effluvium, ordinarily a self-limiting but upsetting condition characterized by many follicles entering the telogen phase all at once after a trauma or major stressor. I was not able to find any studies on this, though.)

This study also showed that several herbs, fo-ti among them, promoted hair growth as efficiently as topical minoxidil.

This animal study showed that fo-ti extracts significantly increased synthesis of melanin, the pigment producing protein—a possible explanation for fo-ti’s supposed abilities to revert gray hair back to its original color.

Fo-ti as a PhytoestrogenFor menopausal women who prefer to or need to avoid BHRT, and who may not care for soy either, fo-ti offers a potential alternative. This study shows that it has high phytoestrogen activity, second only to soy in the herbs tested—about 1/300th the strength of actual estradiol.

Fo-ti for Parkinson’s DiseaseAccording to this study, fo-ti helps to balance dopamine production in the brain, improving both behavior and coordination in a Parkinson’s animal model.

This study also shows that a fo-ti extract helps promote survival of dopaminergic neurons, suggesting that it might be a neuroprotective treatment for Parkinson’s Disease.

Fo-ti and the Liver: Good or Bad?The reports on how fo-ti affects the liver are mixed. This animal study shows that an extract of fo-ti helped to reverse cirrhosis of the liver

However, most of the negative reports of fo-ti have to do with liver toxicity. This review showed a total of 450 cases in 76 articles indicating that long-term or excessive use of fo-ti can lead to liver damage. In most cases this was reversible, but a few cases were fatal.

Like so many other things, I suspect that fo-ti’s effect upon the liver is probably hormetic: that is, beneficial at low doses, and harmful at high doses.

Dosing and Side Effects There aren’t a lot of studies of dosing recommendations, though traditionally, up to 1 gram three times daily of dried root powder has been recommended. Given the potential concerns, it might be wise to stay well under this amount. There are also topical formulations available.

Side effects can include rashes, stomach aches, nausea and diarrhea, though these are uncommon. Given the possible liver concerns, those with active liver disease or who are on medications that might increase susceptibility to liver inflammation (hepatitis) might want to either avoid fo-ti, or at least track liver enzymes to ensure there are no adverse effects.

Health Benefits of Fo-Ti / Polygonum multiflorum

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Beverly Buckley from Pixabay

Gotu kola, also known as Centella, is a ubiquitous medicinal herb as well as an ingredient in traditional Asian cuisine. It’s probably best known for its memory enhancing properties, but it has a number of other specific benefits as well.

Gotu Kola, Cognition, and MemoryGotu kola has been shown in both animal and human studies to enhance cognition and memory. This study implies that Gotu kola derives its benefits in this area from a significant increase in antioxidant activity.

This rat study shows that Gotu kola specifically stimulates neurons in the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved in learning and memory, in rats with Alzheimer’s.

This study shows that Gotu kola and folic acid both improve cognition in post-stroke adults, but that Gotu kola is better than folic acid for improving memory. This study on healthy older adults likewise shows improvement in both cognition and mood.

Gotu Kola and CirculationSome of the benefits of Gotu kola to cognition might also stem from its improvements in circulation.

Further downstream, though, Gotu kola likewise improves circulation, vascular health, and such venous symptoms as leg heaviness, pain, and edema.

Gotu Kola, Wound Healing, and Normalizing Collagen Synthesis Improved blood flow is a prerequisite for healing, of course (healing is always in the blood). But Centella, or Gotu kola, doesn’t stop there. It also enhances collagen formation, the most abundant protein building block in the body. This contributes to wound healing in this rat study.

Since cartilage in joints is made of collagen, Gotu kola is also beneficial in various models of arthritis—not just for this reason, but also because its antioxidant properties help to regulate inflammation and immune dysfunction in autoimmune arthritis.

Speaking of autoimmunity, Centella, or Gotu kola, is especially beneficial for scleroderma and its various sub-types (CREST and Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder), because while it does increase collagen synthesis, it also modulates it, ensuring that there isn’t an overproduction.

Gotu Kola and Mucosal Healing (Ulcers) Ulcers are just wounds in the mucosa, so of course, Gotu kola is beneficial for those, too. This rat study shows that rats pre-treated with Gotu kola before alcohol exposure produced up to 82% fewer alcohol-induced gastric ulcers.

Once ulcers were already present, Gotu kola also helped to heal them up faster, with both increased blood flow and also increased wound healing.

Gotu Kola, Depression and AnxietyProbably due to improved circulation as well as antioxidant activity, Gotu kola has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety as well as depression. This is at least in part also by increasing catecholamines and adrenal function.

Gotu kola specifically decreases the “startle response” (where you jump out of your skin when someone approaches you from behind, or your hear a loud noise)—corresponding to decreased anxiety. I imagine this is due to the increase in catecholamines, since usually a high startle response is correlated with adrenaline-deficient anxiety.

The UpshotWhile nearly every medicinal herb boasts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Gotu kola is unique for its collagen production and regulation properties, wound healing, enhanced circulatory support, and mood balancing via several mechanisms.

Gotu kola is not a low dose herb and there are few side effects, but it is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Health Benefits of Centella / Gotu Kola

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Mike Novotny is an author, pastor, and speaker who holds a Master of Divinity from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Mike is the lead speaker for Time of Grace, a global media ministry that exists to point people to what matters most: Jesus. Using a variety of media (television, radio, podcasts, print publications, and digital), Time of Grace teaches tough topics in an approachable and relatable way, accessible in multiple languages, making the Bible clear and understandable for those who need encouragement in their walks of faith and for those who don’t yet know Jesus at all. Mike’s radio program, Time of Grace with Mike Novotny, is syndicated on the Faith Radio Network, and found on other radio stations. He is the author of Lonely Less: 6 Steps to a Less Lonely Life.

To learn more about Mike, see timeofgrace.org

Lonely Less: Interview with Pastor Mike Novotny

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Steffen Erbe from Pixabay

I wrote here about melatonin production not just from the pineal gland, but also inside of individual cells, and specifically inside the mitochondria.

In a nutshell, this cleans up oxidative stress right where it’s needed, enabling more optimal mitochondrial function, which has wide-ranging implications.

This means, among other things, improved fertility, for both men and women.

PCOS and MelatoninIn women with PCOS, this study shows that 6 months of treatment with melatonin restored normal menses and ovulation, balancing androgenic hormone levels, LH and FSH ratios.

Melatonin has in general been shown to regulate and balance LH and FSH, the hormones in the pituitary that regulate estrogen and progesterone production, as well as prolactin, which (if excessively high) will suppress ovulation. In many cases, women with PCOS experience estrogen dominance, and melatonin also helps to block estrogen overproduction.

Melatonin can even be synthesized inside the follicles themselves, where it reduces follicular cell death, probably because of its strong antioxidant capabilities.

Melatonin positively influences embryonic implantation, and helps to maintain the placenta once implantation has occurred.

Melatonin and Egg QualityAdvanced maternal age leads to poorer egg quality, largely due to increased oxidative stress.

This study shows that the combination of melatonin and myoinositol improves egg quality, and increases pregnancy and implantation rates. This study likewise shows an increase in egg quality and concentration, and more balanced hormones with melatonin treatment.

Melatonin and EndometriosisThis study shows reduced pain after 8 weeks of melatonin treatment in women with endometriosis, corresponding to a healthier endometrium.

This was dose-dependent, however: too much melatonin was toxic to the follicles and lead to amenorrhea (no menses at all).

This is yet another example of hormesis at work: if some of a particular substance is good, more is not necessarily better. The dose makes the poison (or the medicine).

Melatonin and Male FertilityMelatonin also influences male fertility, regulating the health of the cells that produce sperm, and improving sperm’s ability to penetrate the egg, if otherwise impaired by poor mitochondrial function. Melatonin and inositol are also a winning combination when it comes to semen quality, improving antioxidant concentration and reducing oxidative damage to sperm DNA.

But, this too is dose dependent: both too much and too little are problematic.

The UpshotFor those suffering from reproductive issues, moderate melatonin supplementation (at bedtime) can be beneficial, if it’s well tolerated. However, as mentioned in the previous article, it’s possible to improve cellular melatonin production without supplementation, too—just by spending more time in the sunlight, or with infrared therapies.

Melatonin and Fertility

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Deception is simply taking a piece of the truth, and twisting it. That’s what makes it so convincing. It sounds right… sort of. Almost.

I believe I first read in one of C.S. Lewis’s books, probably in several of them, that evil defines itself by the absence of God, just as darkness defines itself as the absence of light. Satan cannot create anything; all he can do is pervert something that God made, and intended for good.

The introduction of Jonathan Cahn’s most recent book, “The Dragon Prophecy,” puts this extremely well, so I’m going to just quote him. He writes, “If God is good, then how could there be evil? And if God is evil, then how could God be good? But if God did not create evil, then how could evil exist? Or how could God be God?… If evil was created, it would not be a problem, nor would it be evil. Evil is a problem for the very reason that it was not created. It should not exist, because it was not created, and yet it does. The existence of evil defies the created order. It is not of the creation and thus exists in opposition to the created order. Evil exists in defiance of existence… evil is not simply a force, like that of an earthquake, a hurricane, or a fire. All these bring calamity and destruction. But none would constitute true evil. Serial killers are. Why? The hurricane is an impersonal force. It acts without consciousness, will, choice, volition, or intent. But the serial killer commits his acts with conscious intent, will, an volition–and so is evil. And so evil is not an impersonal force–but a personal one, requiring consciousness, volition, will, and intent. Thus in our search for an answer to evil, we are led to personhood… Evil is an inversion–an inversion of truth, of reality, of existence. Evil is, by nature, inverted and, by nature, inverts. It twists, bends, and turns existence in upon itself. It exists as anti-existence. Its being is anti-being, and its nature, anti-nature. It is a negation and therefore seeks to negate, a nullification that exists to nullify. It has no true, ultimate, or absolute existence and therefore acts to bring that which exists into non-existence… Possessing no absolute or true existence of its own, evil is, as well, by nature, parasitic… Evil must use the good. And so though good can exist without evil, evil cannot exist without good. Truth can exist without falsehood, but falsehood cannot exist without truth. Laws can exist without crimes, marriage without adultery, and life without murder. But crimes cannot exist without laws, adultery without marriage, nor murder exist without life. Destruction requires structure, immorality requires morality, and sin requires the holy. The good is primary. Evil is the parasitic inversion of the good. And so the existence of evil inadvertently testifies not against the existence of the good–but for it. It bears witness, unwillingly, to the existence of the good–the existence of God” (9-10).

So if evil itself is an inversion of something created to be good, then nearly everything God created for our pleasure and enjoyment can also become evil… but because it contains the seeds of something that was originally good, Satan can also use that kernel of goodness, or truth, to convince us that the twisted version is actually good and true, too… and if we don’t know the truth well enough to tell the difference, we’ll fall for it.

The Syncretism TrendAccording to Dr George Barna’s research with the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, the dominant worldview of Americans (92%) now is syncretism (https://www.arizonachristian.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CRC-Release-AWVI-2-April-23-2024.pdf): that is, an amalgamation of disparate and contradictory beliefs, pulled from multiple religious or philosophical ideologies, according to an individual’s personal inclinations and emotions. Syncretism is therefore not a single worldview, but a mishmash of beliefs–hence the common phrase, “your truth” and “my truth.” The implication is that these can be mutually exclusive, without any logical contradiction.

This strategy of Satan’s is nothing new. He is a liar and the father of lies by nature (John 8:44). He sticks with this approach because it works.

Syncretism in the Old TestamentSyncretism has been around since the days of the Old Testament, and was the main reason why the Israelites couldn’t seem to stay on the “blessing” side of God’s covenant (Deuteronomy 28). Literally the first of the Ten Commandments was “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Ex 20:3)–and al, the Hebrew word translated “before”, also means “by” or “beside.” So God wasn’t saying they simply had to worship Him the most, but it was okay if they occasionally sacrificed to Baal or Molech or Asherah–so long as He was the most important. No; they were to have no other gods besides Him. Period. The entire Old Testament history is a cycle of the Israelites’ disobedience of this one commandment. The first example after the Ten Commandments were given is the golden calf that Aaron made with the spoils from Egypt while Moses was up on the mountain receiving God’s law (Ex 32). These Israelites had spent their entire lives in Egypt, where a pantheon of gods were worshipped (many of whom God specifically humiliated by the plagues chosen to eventually force Pharaoh to let them go). When they made the golden calf, the Israelites declared that this was God–the One who had delivered them from Egypt (Ex 32:4). So they weren’t exactly abandoning Yahweh for some other god; rather, they were mixing Him with the gods they had grown up with.

Then, the Israelites tended to mix worship of Yahweh with worship of the gods of neighboring nations, even before they ever got to the Promised Land. Israel’s enemies feared God, and one of them (King Balak of Moab) sent for Balaam, a local seer, to curse Israel (Numbers 22-24). God wouldn’t allow Balaam to curse Israel, but Balaam wanted Balak’s money… so instead, he told Balak how to get the Israelites to curse themselves, by placing themselves on the “cursing” side of God’s covenant (Deuteronomy 28). Numbers 25 shows the result: the Moabite harlots used sex to entice the men of Israel into idolatry. The issue in this case wasn’t so much the sex, as it was that sex was used in worship of false gods.

The cycle repeats throughout the Old Testament: Israel falls into idolatry, they fall under the ‘cursing’ side of God’s covenant as a result (bringing themselves out from under His protection, and subject to Satan’s machinations), they get oppressed by their enemies, they cry out to God, and God delivers them. They renew their vows to and worship of the One True God in varying degrees, but then they forget again, fall into idolatry, and the cycle repeats. God had laid out very clearly that they would be blessed if they followed His laws, and cursed if they didn’t (Deut 28), and the very first commandment was no gods before Him. It was the first for a reason: God knows that we were made to worship something, and we treasure what we worship. “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt 6:21), and our hearts guide the course of our lives (Prov 4:23).

Eventually Israel split into two kingdoms (Northern and Southern, or Israel and Judah) over this very issue. Most of the subsequent kings of both nations perpetuated idolatry, though a few tried to purge the nation of idolatry to varying degrees, and enjoyed the ‘blessing’ side of the covenant for a time as a result (Deut 28). But God sent prophet after prophet to the Northern and Southern nations (writers of most of the major and minor prophetic books of the Old Testament), warning them of impending destruction if they did not repent of their idolatry. They ignored the warning, and eventually both nations were taken into captivity because of their idolatry: Israel to Assyria and Judah to Babylon. (Though of course, God was not done with Israel, and His promises to them still stand–Ezekiel 37 prophesied their restoration to their own land as a resurrection of dry bones, which miraculously took place on May 14, 1948. And the nation of Israel takes center stage throughout most of the book of Revelation, from chapter 5 on.)

Syncretism in the New Testament Syncretism was around during the time of the early church, too, particularly in Paul’s ministry. God sent him as the apostle to the Gentiles, who practiced varying forms of pagan beliefs already. They attempted to mix Jesus with these beliefs, until Paul’s preaching convicted them to follow Jesus only, burning their books of magic arts and getting rid of their idols of Greek and Roman gods (Acts 19:11-20–which turned into a big riot in the city, v 21-41).

Paul described the end times as being a time of “unrighteous deception among those who perish” (2 Thess 2:10), so we can expect that as we approach that day, this will only increase. Jesus told us that in the last days, “if possible, even the elect” would be deceived (Matt 24:24).

The Greek work for deception in these verses is planao, and it means “to lead away from the truth, to lead into error.” This inherently means that there is such a thing as truth. If you believe something contradictory to that truth, that is deception.

We’re living in an age that largely borrows from postmodernism as part of the syncretic worldview. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, “Postmodernists deny that there are aspects of reality that are objective; that there are statements about reality that are objectively true or false; that it is possible to have knowledge of such statements (objective knowledge); that it is possible for human beings to know some things with certainty; and that there are objective, or absolute, moral values.” Holders of this worldview are therefore confused about even observable or mathematical truths, let alone those that are not observable (such as whether or not there is a God, and if there is, how many, and which one, how do we get to Him, etc).

So before we even approach the topic of how to avoid being deceived, we have to establish that there is such a thing as objective truth. If there isn’t, then there is no such thing as deception, either, since deception derives its definition from truth (just as darkness derives its definition from light, by the absence of it).

What Is Truth (i.e. Is There Such A Thing As Objective Reality?)The best argument I’ve heard on the topic of whether or not there is an objective reality comes from Dr Jason Lisle’s “The Ultimate Proof of Creation” (which is a book, but here is his lecture on the argument https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ_UxcV-xcM). While there is an abundance of apologetic evidence for the scientific and historical accuracy of scripture (here’s the first in an apologetics series I did on the subject, https://www.drlaurendeville.com/anthropic-fine-tuning/), Lisle points out that none of these arguments can be definitive, because someone who holds a different worldview can simply invoke a “rescuing device” to explain away any evidence that seems to contradict his own position. We all do this, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing–for example, if someone points out an apparent contradiction in scripture, my first reaction isn’t, “Oh, I guess the Bible is wrong!” Rather, I assume there’s additional information I don’t happen to know about yet, which resolves the apparent contradiction, and then I go look for it. Even if I can’t find it at the time, I am still certain it exists, and someone will find it eventually. That’s a rescuing device, to preserve an otherwise deeply held worldview without logical contradiction.

The real key to establishing which worldview is correct lies in that last statement: “without logical contradiction.” There are laws that govern the way the world and the universe works–laws that we all have to believe in and abide by in order to know anything at all. C.S. Lewis expounded on this concept in “Mere Christianity” (https://www.authorcagray.com/posts/mere-christianity/) with respect to morality, in particular–the idea that we all know that there are universal laws of decency and conduct, and we further know that we don’t live up to them. But, that being the case, who made those laws? Where did they come from? He argues that their very existence necessitates a lawgiver.

Lisle takes this argument further–the existence of non-moral rules that govern how the material world works, such as the laws of logic, and principles of math and science, are the presuppositions upon which all knowledge is based. Everyone has to abide by these, no matter what their worldview is, or it would be impossible to know anything at all. But who made those rules? Where did they come from? Why does math work? Why do we all assume the laws of logic in order to have a coherent conversation? This, too, necessitates a creator. Many who abide by laws of math, science, and logic (and morality, for that matter) don’t happen to have a theistic worldview, but that in and of itself is a logical inconsistency; they can’t account for those rules in their worldviews at all. They have to borrow from the theistic worldview in order to make any of their other arguments.

This is the very place where postmodernism diverges, though. If there is no objective reality, then knowledge of any kind doesn’t exist. Most of those who hold this worldview at least believe in morality of some kind. Lewis’s argument might be most relevant here–you’ll never get someone persuaded by postmodernism and religious syncretism to argue that murder, or genocide, or racism are fine, for example. They know these are wrong because they “feel” them to be wrong–and they’re not just wrong for them, they’re wrong for everyone. Now we have at least one absolute… which necessitates a lawgiver not only for morality, but also for at least one logical law: that of non-contradiction.

This already establishes the existence of an objective reality. If there is an objective reality, then necessarily, some statements about it must be true while others must be false. The world is round and not flat, for example. If a world exists at all, both things cannot be true about it at the same time and in the same way, simultaneously–that would be a logical contradiction.

Which Objective Reality Is It? (Can Anybody Know?)If some objective reality does in fact exist, how do we know which one it is? How do we know that our senses are reliable, first of all, and that we’re not living in a simulation a la “The Matrix,” for instance–one in which the laws of morality, logic, math, and science are simply foundational to the code?

This argument goes back to Descartes, who concluded that at the very least, he must exist after some fashion, because his consciousness told him he must. C.S. Lewis in “Mere Christianity” used a similar line of reasoning, arguing that if there were a deeper reality, one that created this reality, we couldn’t possibly find out anything about it through our five senses. Of course we couldn’t; those senses are of the physical world, and can thus only give us information about the physical world. Our consciousness, however, has no identifiable physical reality. (To this day, science cannot explain what consciousness actually is – https://www.drlaurendeville.com/electromagnetism-vital-force/.) So Lewis argues that, if there were anything knowable about the world beyond our own, the only place where we might possibly expect to find clues about it would be in our own consciousness. And there, in fact, we do find such clues: specifically, we all have a sense of right and wrong. While we might quibble about the details therein–someone might say that under such and such a condition, killing someone is not murder, for example–no one will seriously argue that murder is morally fine. One might have different rules surrounding the morals of sex, but nobody is going to say you can just have any person you like anytime you like. This establishes several things, according to his argument: the existence of a moral law outside of our reality, of how we ought to behave (even though we know we don’t, or at least not always, and certainly not perfectly), which necessitates the implied existence of a law-giver. The very fact that we do not keep the law (even though we know we should) is the whole point of the law of the Old Testament, too (Romans 7)–but even those who didn’t know the Old Testament were aware of the moral law to this extent, so that no one is without excuse (Romans 1:18-2:16).

Once we know that there is a moral law, and that we’re incapable of keeping it on our own, that narrows down the possible religions considerably. We must choose one that hinges on the concept of grace, not works. There is literally only one of those. (More on that in this podcast: https://www.drlaurendeville.com/relational-apologetics/). That’s why we call Christianity the gospel, which means good news: the good news is that, while you can’t make yourself righteous no matter how hard you try, you don’t have to make yourself righteous because Jesus did it for you. All you have to do is accept what He did on your behalf.

Once you’ve gotten to this place, now all the scientific apologetics (start here: https://www.drlaurendeville.com/anthropic-fine-tuning/) can fall into their proper place: as corroborating evidence for the Bible. But the Bible has to be philosophically established as authoritative first.

Once we’ve established that the Bible is truth (John 17:17, Psa 25:5, Psa 91:4, Psa 96:13, 100:5, 117:2, 119:142, 151, 160; 138:2, Prov 3:3, Col 1:5), we’ve got to learn what it says–well enough that Satan can’t take it out of context and feed it back to us, or add a tiny bit to it to change the meaning. That’s exactly how he works, though. He even tried that with Jesus (Luke 4:1-13). Fortunately Jesus was the Word made flesh (John 1:14), so He didn’t fall for it… but the less we actually know the scripture, the more vulnerable we’ll be to this strategy.

Knowing the Truth WellJesus warned us that as the last days approach, Satan will double down on this strategy: that false prophets will rise up and deceive many (Matt 24:11), claiming to be Jesus returned (Mark 13:6), some with signs and wonders. At the same time, Revelation suggests that in the last days, the church will become apathetic, so prosperous materially that we will be unaware of our spiritual emptiness (Rev 3:14-22). (This sounds a lot like the seeds choked by thorns in Jesus’ parable of the sower: the seed is choked by “the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches, and he becomes unfruitful”, Matt 13:22). Peter tells us that “scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.'” (2 Peter 3:3-4). Paul tells us that the last days will be accompanied by a great “falling away” (2 Thess 2:3).

Deception comes in many forms, but one thing they all have in common is that they act almost like a vaccine against the truth. There’s just enough truth to them, mixed with a lot of untruth, that it’s hard to tease apart the good from the bad. In that way, they can deceive “even the elect, if possible” (Matt 24:24, Mark 13:22).

We protect against this, in a nutshell, by knowing the truth really, really well. This is the way bankers are trained to recognize counterfeit money: they don’t study every possible counterfeit (there will always be a new one). Rather, they learn what the real thing looks like so well that they’ll know when something seems off, even if they can’t articulate what it is.

In the same way, we’re to renew our minds with the Word (Romans 12:2); that’s how we will recognize truth from lies. Otherwise, it’s all too easy for Satan to take a sliver of truth, mix it with a lie, and so deceive us.

An Old Testament example of this is found in 2 Kings 18. The back story: in Numbers 21:6-9, the people had sinned, had come out from under the protection of God’s covenant, and were dying from bites from poisonous snakes. God commanded Moses to make a bronze serpent on a pole, and told the people that if they would only look at the serpent, they would be healed. We know with hindsight that this was a type and shadow of Jesus, who was made sin for us, and became our substitutionary sacrifice (“by His stripes, we are healed,” Isaiah 53:5). But the Jews didn’t realize that; all they knew was that God ordained healing through looking at the pole, so the pole became a symbol of deliverance. But over the centuries, they made looking at the pole into a formula: the shadow without the substance of Jesus behind it. It became an idol, which they called Nehushtan. Back to 2 Kings 18, centuries later: verse 4 tells us that King Hezekiah had torn down the high places and broke Nehushtan in pieces.

Later in the chapter, Judah is threatened with destruction by a messenger from the King of Assyria, Rabshakeh. This would have been especially terrifying, since Israel (by this point they has become two nations, Israel and Judah) had already been carried into captivity by Assyria, in punishment for the fact that the people kept falling into idolatry and had forsaken God. So when Rabshakeh threatened the people with destruction, he said, “You broke down God’s symbols of worship! Why would He come through for you?” (2 Kings 18:22). The people of Judah had to know God and His word well enough to know that what Hezekiah did was actually right in God’s eyes (2 Kings 18:5-7). God had originally ordained the serpent on the pole, yes, but the people had made it into an idol, which broke the first of the Ten Commandments. Hezekiah’s actions had placed the Jews on the right side of God’s covenant (Deut 28), so they, unlike their sister nation of Israel, could trust that God would come through for them. But if the people had not understood all the back story, they might easily have believed Rabshakeh’s taunts. They could have lost faith that God would come through for them, convinced that they would go the way of Israel before them, and turned against Hezekiah, thinking he’d brought them out from under God’s protection.

This is how the enemy works. The serpent is subtle and cunning (Gen 3:1, 2 Cor 11:3-4). Satan tried to deceive Jesus not even by misquoting scripture, just by quoting it out of context (Matt 4:6). This happens to us today all the time. One common example is the teaching that God causes or (directly) allows sickness in order to discipline us, or to teach us something, or for the “greater good”. This sounds so spiritual, and a host of out of context scriptures even seem to back it up–yet Deut 28 makes it clear that sickness is always considered a curse. Jesus became a curse for us and redeemed us from the curse (Gal 3:13-14), and even before that, He healed all who came to Him (Matt 15:30, Matt 4:23-24, Matt 8:16, Matt 9:35, Matt 10:1, Matt 12:15, Matt 15:30, Luke 4:40, Luke 10:9). Jesus He was a perfect representation of the Father (John 5:19, 5:30, 8:28, 12:49). So this cannot be right. He may take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good (Gen 50:20), but that doesn’t mean He caused the evil in the first place. Not even close. (For more on this, see https://www.drlaurendeville.com/why-bad-things-happen-from-a-biblical-perspective/).

Truth is the foundation of the spiritual armor (Eph 6:14)–it must go on first, before anything else. The Bible can testify to us that not only is the Word truth, but God is the God of truth (Isa 65:16), that Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). Only knowing the truth will make us free (John 8:32). If we focus on knowing the truth, we will recognize deception.

It’s important to also rely upon the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth (John 14:17, 15:26, 16:13, 1 John 5:6), to guide us, rather than on our own understanding (Prov 3:5-6), or the wisdom of the world (1 Cor 1:20-2:7), or any other spirit besides the Holy Spirit. The world is confused about what truth is (John 18:37-38) because they don’t hear His voice–but we do. This shouldn’t be a problem for us.

Cross-Reference What You HearAlong those lines, just because we hear a doctrine preached from the pulpit doesn’t mean it’s so. It’s our responsibility to be like the Bereans in Acts 17–when Paul and Silas preached the word to them there, Luke writes of them, “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed” (Acts 17:11). They didn’t just take Paul and Silas’s word for it; they went straight to the source text to confirm it. Paul later wrote to the Galatians, “even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Gal 1:8-9). He repeats himself, because this is so important. Forget him–even if an angel preaches it, let him be accursed! We are not to blindly follow any person simply because of his or her authority. (We’re to respect authority of all kinds, Romans 13:1-7–that’s a different issue. But when what someone in authority says comes in conflict with God’s word, we obviously go with God’s word, Acts 4:19).

There are plenty of warnings about false teachers in scripture (though one important note here–there’s a difference between a false teacher, and a good person doing his or her best who is simply flawed. None of us is going to get everything right. This is the reason why James says that not many should become teachers, as they will “receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things,” James 3:1-2.)

A false teacher, though, is one who will distort the truth (Acts 20:29-30, 2 Peter 3:16), by mixing it with myths/fables (Titus 1:14) or “merely human commands” (Matthew 16:1-12) or the traditions of men (such as forbidding to marry, abstaining from certain foods, 1 Tim 4:3), according to the principles of the world (Col 2:4-8). They will pretend to be godly or moral, though (2 Cor 11:13-15, 2 Tim 6:5)–so we must use discernment. There are a few criteria we’re given to distinguish a false teacher from just a flawed human being, in process like the rest of us:

Anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ is a false teacher (1 John 2:22-23, 4:2-3)
Some may lie intentionally for their own gain (Deut 18:20, Ezekiel 13:9, Jer 14:14, Jer 23:16, Titus 1:10-11) or in hypocrisy (1 Tim 4:2-5), using “godliness” as a means of their own selfish gain.
Others may be so blind that they truly believe they are doing God a favor in persecuting His true followers (John 16:2).
Romans 16:18: Paul said in this verse that these individuals use good words and fair speeches and deceive the hearts of the simple. This means that they flatter people (2 Timothy 4:3) and appeal to the same selfish desires that they themselves have, to draw people after themselves (Acts 20:30).

We can’t judge another person’s motives (Matthew 7:1-3), but we can, and should, judge the fruit of their lives and ministries (Matthew 7:15-20, 1 John 3:7-9). There are many who claim to be believers but aren’t (Matthew 7:21-23) and they’ll be among us until the end of the age, when God will finally separate them out (Matthew 13:24-30).

Truth, “Signs,” and Our EmotionsWe are the gatekeepers of our hearts (Prov 4:23), and have to guard its boundaries, careful of what we allow in. I always thought the parable of wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-30) only referred to evil people sown amongst the good people of the church. But what if it also means good and bad ideas from good and bad spirits within a given individual– in other words, we can bear good fruit and bad fruit from different ‘trees’ even within our own hearts? This might be why Jesus could tell Peter “get behind me Satan” (Matt 16:23) and James and John, “you don’t know what spirit you are of” (Luke 9:55), but the men themselves were still His. This also probably goes along with the Parable of the Sower (Matt 13:3-15)… the ‘tares’ we allow into our own hearts are part of what can choke the word and render it unfruitful.

Truth of course must correspond to an accurate description of reality (Gen 42:16)–which should negate any postmodernist philosophy, or syncretism, blending contradictory descriptions of reality. Once we know the truth, we are to continue in what we were taught (Col 2:6-7, 1 John 2:24), not mix a little Christianity with a little of some other contrary message. Paul rails against this practice in many of his letters. In 2 Cor 11:3-4, Paul is angry that the Corinthians’ minds may be corrupted so that they receive the one preaching a different Jesus or gospel from the one he preached. In Galatians 1:6-9, as mentioned earlier, the Galatians are falling prey to a perverted gospel, and Paul curses those who preach such a gospel. In Eph 4:14, he writes that only “children” in Christ are tossed about by every wind and wave of doctrine, taken in by trickery and craftiness and deceit.

We’re supposed to guard against not just what we hear from other humans, but to test what the spirits say too–hence Paul’s angel comment (Gal 1:8-9). John also tells us, “do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1). In a lot of denominational churches that don’t believe in the supernatural gifts of the spirit (1 Cor 12), this may not come up much. But in those that do, or for individuals who might ascribe to varieties of syncretism (believing in “signs from the universe” if they seem especially coincidental, perhaps), this will become important. Just because a prophet seems to be speaking from a supernatural source doesn’t mean what they’re saying is from God. It might be, but we have to test it. Just because an idea out of left field pops into our minds doesn’t mean it was the Holy Spirit who put it there. Just because a black crow perches on a tree doesn’t mean it’s an omen foreshadowing our future. Just because we see the same state license plate on every car doesn’t mean God is telling us to move there, etc. Solomon writes, “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps” (Prov 14:15). Elsewhere “simple” is used as a synonym for “fool” (Prov 7:7, 8:5, 9:13).

We have to remember that the physical world is a battleground. Until the earth lease is up, Satan is still technically the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4). So God can send us signs in the physical realm, yes–but so can Satan. God can whisper thoughts to our minds–but so can Satan (in fact, this is his primary tactic, 2 Cor 10:3-6). Peter writes that the scriptures are a “more sure word of prophecy” even than hearing an audible voice from heaven (2 Peter 1:19-21), probably for this exact reason: anything using the physical realm has the potential to be counterfeited. That doesn’t mean God can’t use physical means to communicate with us, but it’s clear that the primary means He uses for His own are the scriptures, and the Holy Spirit (John 14:17, 26), who also often speaks to us by bringing the scriptures we know to our remembrance. He also will speak through the prophets (1 Cor 12:1-11), dreams and visions (Acts 2:17-18), but we have to check all of this against the Word. Scripture will divide between soul and spirit (what originates with us vs Him, Hebrews 4:12), as well as what might originate with a malevolent spirit sent to lead us astray. David tells us it’s the scriptures that make the simple wise: “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7).

What if an idea comes to us as an idea, a dream, a vision, a prophecy, or a “synchronicity” moment that seems supernatural, and it’s something that isn’t addressed in scripture at all, though? How do we know if it’s from God, from us, or from the enemy then?

The first thing to check there is whether or not the message is consistent with God’s character. Jesus said we can ask anything in His name and He will give it to us (John 14:14). What’s in God’s name (https://www.drlaurendeville.com/names-of-lord-psalm-9-9-10-meditation/)? He is Jehovah Nissi (the Lord my Banner), Jehovah-Raah (the Lord my Shepherd), Jehovah Rapha (the Lord that Heals), Jehovah Shammah (the Lord is There), Jehovah Tsidkenu (the Lord our Righteousness), Jehovah Mekoddishkem (the Lord who Sanctifies You), Jehovah Jireh (the Lord who Provides), Jehovah Shalom (the Lord is Peace), Jehovah Sabaoth (the Lord of Hosts).

The next thing to check is the fruit that message produces (Gal 5:19-23, Romans 8:6-8). God won’t lead us into anything producing negative fruit–if the fruit is bad, it’s from the flesh or the enemy, and not the Spirit.

If it passes those tests, though, then as we continue to pray about the message (dream, vision, prophecy, idea, etc) then it’s also biblical for us to ask for additional confirmations of the message–Paul says in 2 Cor 13:1 that every word should be established by two or three witnesses. If the message is from God, He’ll make sure you know it. His Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16:13). And as you continue to seek Him and pray about it, peace (a fruit of the Spirit) should grow, confirming that the message comes from God (Col 3:15).

Discerning Truth from Deception

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Belinda Cave from Pixabay

Most of us think of melatonin just as the sleep hormone produced by the pineal gland at night. It’s a fantastic antioxidant, and even decreases pain signaling. Yet there are limitations in how it can be dosed, since obviously we don’t want to fall asleep in the middle of the day.

However, the benefits of melatonin aren’t limited to the nighttime. In fact, the vast majority of your body’s melatonin doesn’t respond to the circadian clock at all… and it comes from inside of nearly every one of your cells.

Melatonin and Oxidative Stress The vast majority of oxidative stress in your body comes not from toxic exposures, but from inside your own mitochondria. Even healthy mitochondria aren’t perfectly efficient; a small percentage of the electrons that enter their electron transport chain will leak out into the surrounding cytosol, becoming oxidative stressors. Of course, the more of an energy mismatch you might have (consuming more calories than you burn), or the more toxic the mitochondria might be, the higher this percentage will become.

Because melatonin is such a powerful antioxidant, the mitochondria produce it locally, to deal with these locally produced free radicals.

Why melatonin, though? Why not, say, glutathione, or superoxide dismutase, or Vitamin C, or Vitamin E?

It turns out that melatonin orchestrates the release of a whole cascade of other antioxidants, helping to recycle glutathione so that it can do its job. It’s also amphiphilic, which means it’s both fat and water soluble, which gives it a lot of biochemical flexibility. Vitamin E is specifically lipophilic (having an affinity for fat-soluble environments), but melatonin is twice as powerful as Vitamin E even in a lipid-rich environment.

Because of all this, melatonin is protective against oxidative damage in a wide variety of tissues, including lipids, proteins, and in DNA.

Infrared Light and MelatoninThere are ways to increase the amount of melatonin that the mitochondria produce. One way in particular is with exposure to infrared light.

This may be the primary reason why red light therapy has been shown to improve mitochondrial function. Red light refers to the visible part of the spectrum, but infrared is usually included in most of those devices as well, and should have an even more powerful effect. Infrared saunas of course would fit here too.

Some of the minor natural ways to achieve infrared exposure is through fire, like candles and campfires. Incandescent light sources release some infrared light. (This is yet another reason, aside from the dirty electricity argument, to eschew LED and fluorescent “energy saving” lightbulbs for the older, incandescents… though these days you can basically only find them on Amazon.)

But the most robust way to get infrared exposure is through sunlight, as infrared is part of the sun’s natural spectrum. Sunlight helps the cells to make melatonin, and yet, it’s the very absence of light that triggers melatonin release from the pineal gland.

You need a steady supply of melatonin throughout the day, in other words–in the absence of infrared exposure from the sun, the body still needs melatonin to help quench free radicals.

So the sun causes your cells to produce their own melatonin, while the absence of the sun causes the pineal gland to release melatonin into the bloodstream, outside the cells. (How clever is that?)

Why Melatonin Levels (Subcellular or Otherwise) Might Be LowAside from not getting enough exposure to infrared light (which would apply to anyone spending too much time inside, particularly without windows, or swing shift workers, etc), there are a few other potential risk factors for low levels of melatonin as well.

Dysbiosis might play a role here, as the gut produces some 90% of serotonin, the primary precursor for melatonin. So if you’re struggling with gut health, or perhaps took a round of intense antibiotics, this could be an issue.

Zinc is also required to produce serotonin, so a deficiency in zinc would lead to low levels of serotonin, which would lead to low melatonin as well. Other required nutrients include folate, magnesium, and vitamin B6, so deficiencies in these would also result in lower melatonin levels too.

The UpshotMelatonin is about more than just sleep—it’s also critical for cellular and mitochondrial health. Bizarrely enough, one of the best ways to ensure adequate levels of melatonin, aside from making sure you’re getting adequate nutrition and your gut is healthy, is to get out into the sunshine.

Intracellular Melatonin

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This made me so happy!

I’m often frustrated by the pervasive messaging in our culture to expect decline with age (even beginning as early as mid-30s!), even to the point of writing off symptoms as “aging” without bothering to look for an actual root cause. While aging means we’ve been on the planet longer, and thus accumulated more toxic exposures, more opportunity for damage and deficiencies, and entropy means that everything (including our bodies) will go from order to disorder over time, far too often (as Langer points out), this becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Our minds are far more powerful than we realize, and if we expect to go downhill by a particular calendar date, we’ve greatly increased the likelihood that it will, in fact, occur. Not only that, but if we expect it, we won’t fight it. We won’t look for ways to optimize our health, or search for obstacles to cure to eliminate, or nutritional deficiencies to bolster. We’ll just complacently decide, “Oh, well, what can you expect? I’m getting older.” If you don’t look for a solution, it’s guaranteed you’ll never find it.

I love that Langer is a voice (perhaps almost a lone voice) proclaiming the opposite.

My rating: *

Counter Clockwise, Ellen Langer

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Emma Tekstra is a global health consultant and independent health researcher, passionate about helping companies and individuals understand what truly creates health and wellbeing. As a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries, Emma is deeply rooted in the data and science of the human body and what makes it tick or break down. She is the author of “How to Be a Healthy Human.”

You can get a copy of “Turtles All the Way Down: Vaccine Science and Myth” here. (You can also read my review of the book here.)

You can get a copy of Emma’s book, “How to Be a Healthy Human” here.

Turtles All The Way Down – Vaccine Science and Myth: Interview with Emma Tekstra

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Alexa from Pixabay

Insulin resistance is one potential cause for both and overactive bladder in general and specifically for nocturia (increased urination at night).

Here’s some of the reasons for this.

Insulin Regulates Fluid Levels via Sodium I wrote here on how chronically low salt intake can actually induce insulin resistance.

This is because insulin triggers increased sodium reabsorption in the kidneys (therefore, salt restriction will stimulate increased insulin release in order to exert balance).

Insulin resistance means insulin levels are high, but the cells are less responsive to it, though—kind of like the boy that cried wolf. It takes more and more insulin to achieve the same result. So in insulin resistance, we can expect that, even though levels of insulin are high, it’ll be less effective—so more salt will spill into the urine, taking water with it. Hence, more frequent urination.

Circadian Effects of Insulin: Why At Night?But why does insulin resistance seem to worsen specifically nocturia, rather than simply increase urination all day long?

Metabolism, which includes insulin’s effects, functions on a circadian rhythm. We’re not supposed to be hungry at night; we’re supposed to be sleeping. The hypothalamus in the brain maintains an internal circadian clock that should regulate, among other things, insulin secretion (though this is also subject to other triggers such as carbohydrate intake as well).

So insulin is supposed to be low at night. But in insulin resistance, it’s still higher—which is also associated with (among other things) increased sympathetic nervous system activity. This wakes you up, of course (adrenaline and sleep don’t mix), but increased sympathetic tone causes the bladder to constrict. The point of this is also to close the urethral sphincter (as opening the sphincter is a parasympathetic activity), but the constriction does mean that there will be an increased sensation of pressure on the bladder.

This may be why you first wake up… then you realize you have to pee.

The UpshotNocturia is quite common. There are a lot of other potential reasons for it, but this one is exceedingly prevalent, and worth checking.

Insulin Resistance and Nocturia: The Hidden Connection

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Obsession and addiction often go together: we tend to get obsessed with whatever we’re addicted to, and can’t stop thinking about it. Intrusive thoughts are also in this category – we don’t want them any more than we want an addiction, but by their very nature, they dominate our thoughts, and thus become an obsession.

All of these have a common origin.

All Obsessions Start With Something Good, and then Twist ItEvil defines itself by the absence of God, just as darkness defines itself as the absence of light. Satan cannot create anything; all he can do is pervert something that God made, and intended for good.

So if evil itself is an inversion of something created to be good, then nearly everything

God created for our pleasure and enjoyment can also become evil, or sinful, if we make it our highest aim or focus.

Obsessions and Addiction are Placing Anything Before GodGod’s very first commandment to the Israelites in the Old Testament was to have no other gods before Him (Ex 20:3). The Israelites broke this commandment over and over in a very literal sense, worshipping false gods first that they’d grown up with from Egypt, and then the false gods of the nations they encountered in the wilderness and in the surrounding nations of the Promised Land.

Today, most of us don’t literally worship false gods, per se (though that’s becoming more prevalent too). Rather, we make some desire or worry or need or love the focus of our lives, instead of God.

C.S. Lewis wrote that romantic love (a very common substitute for God) “ceases to be a devil only when it ceases to be a god.” The same would go for any other positive good that God created for our benefit–all could become something we seek after, more than we seek after God. That’s really a prerequisite for any obsession or addiction.

Jesus told us that if we’d seek Him and His kingdom first, everything else would be added to us (Matt 6:25-34). That’s not just our needs, either. God is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). If we make Him our primary delight, we’ll get the desires of our hearts thrown in (Psalm 37:4). If we’re abiding in Him first, we can ask whatever we desire, and it will be done for us (John 15:7). That’s what it means, that if we find our lives (make that our primary focus), we’ll lose it, but if we lose it for His sake, then we’ll find it (Matthew 10:39).

The problem is, most of us don’t actually believe that.

One of my favorite fictional stories is the Superman myth. It’s such a clear parable. (Also, apparently the creators of Superman were Jewish, not Christian, but they based the character of Superman on Moses and Samson of the Old Testament, as well as the prophecies of the coming Messiah. Some of the earlier Superman movies were conscious of the Christ symbolism, as well.) Lois Lane fawns over Superman, while ignoring Clark Kent—not realizing that Superman remains elusive to her only because it’s clear that she doesn’t really love him; she only loves what he can do for her. If she’d only choose Clark, she’d get Superman thrown in.

I think God is exactly like that. He loves us, and He longs to bless us (Psalm 103:1-5), but He wants our hearts, not our actions. He wanted a relationship with Israel, after bringing them out of the wilderness–but they were afraid of Him, and asked Moses to just be His mouthpiece and relay to them what He said (Ex 20:18-19). Even after that, God asked Moses to take seventy of Israel’s elders and bring them a little way up the mountain so that they could eat and drink in His presence–even though He was at a distance, He wanted them to catch a glimpse of Him (Ex 24:9-11). He wanted to have dinner with His family. God later made this part of how the Israelites were to worship: they were to bring all their burnt offerings, sacrifices, tithes, and heave offerings of grain to the place of worship, and eat it together in His presence (Deut 12:5-7). He blessed them with increase, and as their act of worship, He wanted them to have a big feast and enjoy it. All He asked was that they invite Him to the party!

Understanding how much God loves us is really the key to faith–faith works though love (Gal 5:6). If we don’t understand how much He loves us, we aren’t going to trust Him to take care of us and meet our needs (Isaiah 26:3). That’s why we’ll try to take matters into our own hands, attempting to meet our own needs (as an anxious primary fixation—not as the side benefit of doing our work well for the purposes of glorifying God, Col 3:23-24). But if we do truly put God first, it’s the antidote to all anxiety, addiction, and obsession.

Willpower (“The Law”) Won’t Work. That’s the Whole Point.Paul describes in Romans 7:14-24 what happens when we try to suppress or control any obsessive or addictive tendency: “For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do… For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.”

This describes the experience of every yo-yo dieter, every sugar addict, every alcoholic, or everyone addicted to any other substance or behavior. Paul repeats the same concept in Galatians 5:17: “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” You might be able to exert willpower against those things for a time, but the very act of denying yourself actually makes the desire for the thing denied grow stronger. That’s what the Old Testament law was designed to do–to make us aware that we were incapable of keeping it, apart from God’s help (Romans 7:5-6). Paul addresses the next logical objection: “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, ‘You shall not covet.’ But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death.” (Romans 7:7-10). This is just the way of our flesh: it rebels against any rules placed upon it–even if the rules are neutral, or if you know they’re for your good and will achieve a desired end, and even if they’re self-imposed. This is the whole concept behind any type of “forbidden fruit.”

That phrase itself alludes to the single fruit in the garden forbidden to Adam and Eve, from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, though God had given them so much abundance elsewhere (Genesis 3); the very fact that it was forbidden called their attention to it, making it more attractive. (This is also why, for instance, a perfect recipe for insomnia is to try to will yourself to sleep–the harder you try, the more wide awake you’ll be. It’s also why trying to suppress any intrusive thoughts will have the opposite effect. “Don’t think about a pink elephant”–see, what are you thinking about right now?)
Fortunately, the story doesn’t end with Romans 7, though. Paul is tracing the story of God’s relationship with humanity through successive covenants. Before the law came, He did not impute sin to men yet (Romans 7:8-9), which is why after Cain murdered his brother, God actually protected him (Gen 4:13-15). Yet after Noah’s covenant (which was the first to include a command not to murder), then murder was to be punished as sin (Gen 9:5-6). At this point it was the only sin to be called out, though, so it was the only sin that carried punishment, until the Mosaic covenant made the rest explicit. This is the law Paul describes in Romans 7, and the entire Old Testament dramatizes the fact that men are incapable of being righteous by works; that was Paul’s point. God wanted us to know that we’re incapable in our flesh, so that we’d be aware that we needed a savior to do it for us.

That’s why Romans 8 follows Romans 7. Romans 7 is all about us (our “flesh”) trying to keep the law–any law–by ourselves. By contrast, Romans 8 describes what happens when we have help from the Holy Spirit. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin… For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. …So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.” (Romans 8:2-11). This is about salvation, yes, but it’s also more practical than that. Those of us who are saved can still choose to walk in the flesh (by our own efforts) or we can surrender to God and walk by His Spirit, with His help. This is the main message of Galatians; Paul writes, “Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?” (Gal 3:2-3). Obviously this is rhetorical–but it’s clear that even those who have received forgiveness for their sins can choose to return to the efforts of their flesh, if they want to do so. But it will only produce bondage if they do. Paul writes, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Gal 5:1).

Obsession and addiction is the compulsion to obey a master other than God. That’s bondage. Paul writes, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16).

How to Get Free: Walking By the SpiritPaul’s juxtaposition in Romans opposite walking in the flesh is walking by the spirit. But the big caveat is that we don’t walk in the spirit by trying to walk in the spirit; If we try, if WE try, we’re doing it from the flesh. That will never ultimately work, and will likely have the opposite effect eventually. That’s how all works of the flesh are. We don’t “ask God to do it for us,” either, though, because He already did it! He can’t give us again something He already gave us. Instead, our part is to acknowledge what Jesus did for us, and thank Him for it. Paul wrote in Philemon 1:6 that Philemon’s faith became effective by the “acknowledging [of] every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”

And what has Christ provided?

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (Past tense. This is ours in the spirit, but not necessarily in the flesh–we’re to work this out in our souls and flesh, with God’s help: Phil 2:12).
Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
2 Peter 1:4: “By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”
1 Corinthians 2:12-16: “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God… We have the mind of Christ.”
Phil 4:13: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
2 Timothy 1:7: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

We also have the fruit of the spirit. We don’t have to conjure it up (and indeed, we can’t), but it’s already ours: “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22).
We don’t strain to live from this place; we thank God that it is ours already (Phil 4:6-7). Our labor now is only to enter that state of resting in what He has already done (Hebrews 4:11).

Satan contributes to obsessions and intrusive thoughts, of course–whether they originate with him or with our flesh, it’s certainly his agenda to keep us in chains. But thank God, the power of Satan was sin–that was the Old Testament curse, and Jesus redeemed us from the curse (Galatians 3:13). The power Satan has over us now is only the power to deceive us. That’s why Paul tells us that when Satan comes to us with lies, we’re to fight back with the weapons God gave us, taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ (2 Cor 10:5). But they’re God’s weapons, not ours. In Eph 6:12-18, Paul enumerates them–they are truth (being well grounded in God’s word so that we can recognize lies when we hear them, even and especially if they are half-truths), righteousness (understanding that we are righteous because of what Jesus did, not because of anything we do–and that we are righteous already, so can can come boldly before the throne of grace, and expect to receive help in time of need, Heb 4:16), peace (which guards our minds, Phil 4:7), faith (you can’t have peace without faith, Isaiah 26:3), salvation (which also means we have the Holy Spirit living in us as our guide), and the sword of the Spirit, God’s word. This is the offensive weapon; the only one Paul lists. The Holy Spirit will bring to our remembrance those scriptures we know, when we need them (John 14:26).

So the keys God gave us to achieve freedom are to remember that He gave us His Spirit, to thank Him that although we can’t free ourselves, He freed us already–and to use the spiritual weapons He gave us to enforce what is already ours.

And then, go about the business of God’s kingdom. Fixating on trying to solve your problem will only keep you stuck in the loop of thinking you can solve your problem. You can’t; but He already did. We can trust Him for the full manifestation of that freedom, just like Jesus told us to trust Him to meet our physical needs (Matt 6:25-34). And he says we get those by going about His business, by seeking after something greater than ourselves. When we do that, Jesus promised that we’d get everything else thrown in.

Overcoming Obsession and Addiction

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Jean-Dominique POUPEL from Pixabay

Maltodextrin is an additive found in highly processed foods, used as a thickening agent, a preservative, or an anti-caking agent.

It’s made from a starch, sometimes rice, potato, or wheat, but most often corn.

Is Maltodextrin Bad For You?The fact that maltodextrin is highly processed is already a big strike against it. Other common food additives carry a lot of known adverse associations—and that’s just the ones that have been studied.

Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate, which means (like all carbs) it carries 4 kCal/gram—but typically the more highly processed a carb is, the higher the glycemic index. That means those carbs hit the bloodstream as glucose more rapidly. Maltodextrin has a higher glycemic index even than table sugar. This doesn’t usually have a tremendous impact upon blood sugar simply because the amount of maltodextrin in most foods is low, though. As a supplement additive, for instance, though would be negligible.

Also, corn in the US is mostly genetically modified, so chances are high that maltodextrin is too—unless it’s in a product labeled either non-GMO or organic.

Maltodextrin’s Impact on the MicrobiomeThe biggest potential concerns with maltodextrin have to do with potential gut inflammation.

This study shows that maltodextrin encourages biofilm formation in pathogenic E coli, and also increased its ability to adhere to the intestinal lining. This bacteria is associated with the lesions of Crohn’s Disease, suggesting that in those susceptible to Crohn’s, maltodextrin can encourage disease progression.

This study also shows that maltodextrin impairs function of the cells in the intestine involved in production of mucus, which is a first line of defense for the intestine to protect against pathogens.

The UpshotAs a general rule, it’s a good idea to avoid highly processed foods and food additives, whether or not there are studies yet that demonstrate that that particular food additive can be problematic. My overall philosophy on nutrition leads me to expect that it’s best to minimize processed foods and ingredients, as they are likely to have unforeseen effects upon the body. This also applies to GMOs, though there’s enough evidence of more specific objections to these.

Conversely, unprocessed foods the way God made them are, as a general rule, healthy. There may be some individuals who need to restrict some of those foods for a period of time, but (by and large, and in moderation) they are still good for you.

That said, small amounts of maltodextrin here and there are unlikely to be a problem for most people. If your gut happens to be your “weak link,” you might want to be a little more strict about avoiding it, though.

Maltodextrin: Is It A Concern?

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

One of the significant challenges for neurodegenerative conditions is how to repair the Blood Brain Barrier, once it’s disrupted.

The big picture of naturopathic medicine remains identifying and removing the obstacle(s) to cure, supplying any building blocks for health that might be missing, and supporting the body’s vitality so that it can heal itself from there. But which building blocks might specifically be useful for restoring the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB)?

Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Especially DHAEssential fatty acids (EFAs) in the omega-3 family are important building blocks for the BBB. Fish oil consists primarily of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The former is by far the most critical EFA for the brain, important for cellular signaling and communication between neurons. Studies show that when tissue levels of DHA are low, spatial memory and neurotransmission are impaired.

The brain can synthesize DHA from its precursors, alpha linolenic acid (ALA) or EPA (see the biochemical pathways here), but it’s not a very efficient process.

Both EPA and DHA appear to cross the BBB by simple diffusion, though—so it appears that the solution is (at least to some degree) as simple as just taking DHA orally. This study shows that there is a correlation between higher DHA levels in the bloodstream and better cognition, which implies that the DHA does make it into the brain, where it counts. (Studies do show that diffusion is greatly enhanced when DHA is bound to lysophosphatidylcholine, where the phospholipid is missing one of its fatty acid chains—see below, but this isn’t commercially available as of the time of this writing.)

It’s important not just to consume enough omega 3’s (and particularly DHA), but also to watch your omega 6 intake too. Both of these compete for the same metabolic pathways for uptake, so too much omega 6 (from processed vegetable oils, for instance) will mean even the omega 3s you do consume might not get utilized efficiently.

Other Fatty Acids: Phospholipids and Cholesterol Since the brain is nearly 60% fat, other fatty acids are important for repair and function of the BBB as well. These include cholesterol (another reason why cholesterol shouldn’t be avoided), as well as phospholipids, which are phosphates bound to two fatty acids. Phospholipids include especially phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine, among others.

There is a definite association of phosphatidylserine loss in the brain in neurodegenerative disease — up to 20% over the normal loss from aging in the frontal cortex in Alzheimer’s Disease.

In fact, DHA isn’t only important for its own sake, but it actually is an important factor that helps to modulate the brain’s synthesis of phosphatidylserine, though some studies suggest that both DHA and EPA equally increase the brain’s phospholipid levels.

SulforaphaneThere are also some phytochemicals that aren’t considered standard micronutrients, but that can be helpful in initiating repair of the BBB. One of them is sulforaphane, an extract of broccoli. It activates the Nrf2 genetic pathway, which reduces inflammation, and enhances antioxidant status and mitochondrial function in general. This is likely at least part of the reason why it’s been shown to protect against neurodegeneration.

Sulforaphane also directly protects the tight junction proteins involved in the BBB, and blocks production of enzymes involved in breaking down its matrix.

CurcuminCurcumin is a well known anti-inflammatory compound found in turmeric. Neurological disorders and inflammation of course go together.

What’s remarkable about curcumin, though, is that even though it isn’t particularly bioavailable, enough of it can still cross the BBB, where it can exert its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities.

This study specifically demonstrated that curcumin was protective against neurological damage secondary to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from gut dysbiosis (because of the gut-brain axis). Once in the brain, curcumin modulates the astrocyte response (which regulate blood flow, inflammatory and antioxidant responses to the insult).

This study also shows that curcumin can bind to and sort out β-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. It’s also been proposed as a treatment for other neurological conditions for its inflammation modulating effects, including Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and prion disease.

However, because of its low bioavailability, curcumin is being studied bound to various carriers (mostly lipids and nanoparticles) to improve absorption.

My favorite more bioavailable formulation is bound to phospholipids:

ResveratrolAnother darling of the anti-aging world is resveratrol. It too can cross the BBB, with similar studies behind it showing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities, leading to neuroprotective effects including improved cognition, mitochondrial function, and synaptic plasticity.

This study also demonstrates that resveratrol can protect against LPS-induced neuroinflammation and BBB disruption, by modulating the microglia and astrocyte response.

Resveratrol has a similar problem to curcumin, though: poor bioavailability means a delivery mechanism would greatly enhance efficacy. This study for Parkinson’s shows that resveratrol bound to phospholipid nanoparticles may do the trick.

BerberineBerberine is another common anti-inflammatory herb that has been studied and shown to reduce BBB permeability, enhance antioxidant activity, and improve memory.

The UpshotWhile any approach to neurological symptoms or neurodegeneration should include identifying and if possible removing any obstacles to cure, and supplying systemic building blocks that might be missing for the process of healing generally, building blocks for the brain will certainly include adequate cholesterol, phospholipids, and EFAs, particularly DHA.

Certain phytochemicals including sulforaphane, resveratrol, curcumin, and berberine may also help the body to heal faster and more efficiently.

Restoring the Integrity of the Blood Brain Barrier

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Today’s podcast comes from this blog post: The Mighty Cell Membrane

The Mighty Cell Membrane

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This is a great, systematic resource for those looking for structured detail on how to go about calming a nervous system stuck in the “freeze” side of fight-or-flight due to long-standing trauma or a trauma response. It puts all the well known tools together in an accessible way.

My rating: ****

The Vagus Nerve Reset, Anna Ferguson

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Wow.

In med school we were taught to encourage a modified vaccine schedule, and to encourage parents to perform a cost/benefit analysis of the vaccines in order to determine which ones to give, and which ones not to give. But they never taught even us that there were no controls–for ANY of the vaccines on the childhood schedule. They say there were, but the controls always compare the newer vaccine to the older one (if there was one), or if there wasn’t one, they compare the vaccine to a “placebo” that includes all the adjuvants, but they simply lack the antigen. But it’s the adjuvants that are in most cases the most concerning ingredients. There is absolutely no good reason to make this choice, when truly inert placebo options exist… unless you want to obscure the data.

The rest of the book was equally eye-opening, as well as extremely scientifically grounded and not at all sensationalist. It’s also incredibly well-written, for a book that (for obvious reasons) was published anonymously.

Well, well, well worth the read.

My rating: *

Turtles All The Way Down

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Romans:

“The just shall live by faith” (1:17).
“God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did” (Romans 4:17).
“He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform” (4:20-21).
“we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (5:3-5).
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (8:1).
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace… So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (8:5-8).
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” (8:11).
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father’. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (8:14-17).
“For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with perseverance” (8:24-25).

1 Corinthians:

“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are” (1:27-28).
“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (2:14).
“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” (3:1-3).
“If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their own craftiness,’ and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.’” (3:18-20).
“For all things are yours: whether… the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s” (3:21-23).
“For the form of this world is passing away” (7:31).
“But I discipline my body and bring it under subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (9:27).
“Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known” (13:12).
“Whatever is not of faith is sin” (14:13).
“There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial another. There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, ’The first man Adam became a living being.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit” (15:40-44).

2 Corinthians:

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (1:20).
“But their (the children of Israel’s) minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (3:14-18).
“we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (4:18).
“For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked” (5:2-3).
“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (5:7).
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (5:17).
“That though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (8:9).
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when you’re obedience is fulfilled” (10:3-6).

Galatians:

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (2:20).
“Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?”(3:2-3).
“therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” (3:5).
“So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham” (3:9).
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (3:13-14).
“And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (3:29).
“Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a free woman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the free woman through promise, which things are symbolic… so then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.” (4:22, 31).
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (5:1).
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love” (5:6).
“I say then: walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (5:16-18).
“Now the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (5:22-25).
“For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (6:8-9).

Ephesians:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved” (1:3-6).
“that… the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power” (1:18-19).
“and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (2:6).
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (2:10).
“that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (3:17-19).
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Eph 3:20).
“that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head, Christ” (4:14-15): so this kind of being “tossed about” and easily led astray or deceived is a trait of children in the faith
“you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart” (4:17-19).
“But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (4:20-24).
“For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord” (5:8-10).
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (6:12-18).

Philippians

“work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (2:12).
“For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised on the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith” (3:3-9).
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (3:13-14).
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (4:6-7).
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (4:8).
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (4:13).
“My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (4:19).

Colossians

“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (1:15-17).
“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (1:27).
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving” (2:6-7).
“If then you were raised with Christ. seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (3:1-3).
“you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all” (3:9-11).

2 Thessalonians

“that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of the Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:11-12).

Hebrews:

“upholding all things by the word of His power” (1:3).
“For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren” (2:11).
“they could not enter in (to the Promised Land) because of unbelief” (3:19).
Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it… for we who have believed do enter that rest” (4:1, 3).
“the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it” (4:2).
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience” (4:9-11).
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (4:12).
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (4:16).
“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (6:11-12).
“For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, ‘Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.’ And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil” (6:13-19).
“We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man” (8:1-2).
“For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, ‘See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain’” (8:4-5).
“For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (9:24).
“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh” (10:19-20)
“Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (10:23).
“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (10:35-36).
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (11:1).
“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” (11:3).
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (11:6).
“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going… for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (11:8, 10).
“By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude — innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore” (11:11-12).
“But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them” (11:16).
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:1-2).
“now He has promised, saying ‘Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.’ Now this, ‘Yet once more’ indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire” (12:26-29).
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (13:2).
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (13:8).
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (13:15).

James

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (1:2-8).
“For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its lower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits” (1:11).
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (1:17).
“See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (5:7-8).

1 Peter

“though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls” (1:6-9).
“who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed” (2:24).

2 Peter

“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (1:3-4).
“for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound. you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:5-8).
“saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’ For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (3:4-7).
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (3:10-13).
“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless” (3:14).

1 John

“If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (2:15-17).
“If our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight” (3:21-22).
“as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (4:17-18).
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (5:4-5).
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (5:14-15).

Walking by the Spirit, Seeing Into the Unseen

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by manseok Kim from Pixabay

Essential fatty acids are those you must consume from your diet, because your body can’t make them on its own. These include two types, defined by the location of double bonds in the carbon backbone of the fatty acids: omega 3’s and omega 6’s.

Both are necessary, but they’re also on a see-saw, competing with one another for incorporation into cell membranes. So too much dietary intake of one can inhibit utilization of the other.

In general, we don’t worry too much about omega 6 intake, because the Western diet tends to contain a preponderance of these, to the exclusion of omega 3’s. This leads to inflammatory prostaglandin production (the very compounds that NSAIDs suppress). The Western diet is very high in omega 6’s due to processed foods, most of which are made with vegetable oils, like corn and safflower, cottonseed, soybean, and canola oil.

However, we do need some omega 6’s, even to spill over into the inflammatory (in excess) arachidonic acid, as this is a critical component of a healthy cell membrane. Healthy, unprocessed omega 6 sources include nuts and seeds of various types (walnuts, peanuts, almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds), eggs, and some of the healthier oil options (grapeseed and avocado oil).

One supplement option for those who might have too little in the omega 6 pathway is Evening Primrose Oil.

Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)Evening Primrose Oil comes from the evening primrose wildflower, and up to 80% of its fatty acids are in the form of the omega-6 linoleic acid, with the rest in the form of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA).

Particularly the latter, GLA, is very anti-inflammatory, inhibiting release of various inflammatory cytokines. While inflammation in and of itself isn’t bad, excessive amounts of it are part of the pathophysiology of nearly every chronic disease—and one possible cause of inflammation may be as simple as insufficient levels of anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids. (After all, the big picture philosophy of naturopathic medicine is to identify and remove obstacles to cure, yes—but it also requires that we supply the building blocks necessary for the body to heal.)

EPO for Hormone BalancingIn addition to these general properties, EPO is particularly beneficial for hormone balancing for things like PMS and cramping, as well as for mastalgia, or breast tenderness.

It’s also been studied for hot flashes, and has been shown to be beneficial for those too.

These characteristics may suggest that EPO has some phytoestrogen properties, though that hasn’t been conclusively demonstrated.

EPO for Skin HealthEPO also is especially beneficial for a healthy skin barrier—improving skin moisture, elasticity, and firmness from an anti-aging standpoint.

It’s also been studied for various skin conditions, particularly atopic dermatitis, which is characterized by imbalanced fatty acids in the skin. This is apparently because those with eczema aren’t able to process fatty acids efficiently, and thus end up with insufficient levels particularly of GLA. So while the real “root cause” of eczema nearly always goes back to the gut, EPO can certainly speed up the healing process, once the obstacle to cure is removed.

The UpshotFor most of us, a balanced diet consisting of whole, unprocessed foods should supply the omega 3’s and the omega 6’s that we need. But for those particularly struggling with skin conditions or hormonal imbalance, EPO may be a useful supplemental addition.

Health Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Today’s podcast comes from this blog post, Electromagnetism and the Vital Force.

Electromagnetism and the Vital Force

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay

After calcium, phosphorus is the most abundant mineral in your body. The vast majority of it (some 85%) is found in the bones and teeth, complexed with calcium as hydroxyapatite. About 14% of it is stored inside the cells, where it performs various essential functions (see below). Only 1% is found in the extracellular space (like in the bloodstream).

Because phosphorus is so fundamental to the bones and skeleton, it’s found at highest abundance in infants—about 50% higher than in adults—since it’s necessary for growth. Serum levels decline with age, but they also follow a circadian rhythm, with levels highest at 3 am and lowest around 11 am in a given day.

It’s considered an electrolyte, and as such, it needs to be kept in tight ranges—too much or too little of it becomes a problem.

Fortunately (as with everything else), the body has a number of feedback mechanisms designed to keep levels in check.

Phosphorus for Bones and TeethAs mentioned above, the bulk of phosphorus is found in the bones, including the teeth. The enzyme alkaline phosphatase frees phosphorus from its bound state, making it available to form hydroxyapatite crystals along with calcium. (This activity of alkaline phosphatase is the reason that the enzyme is high in growing children: it’s got a lot of work to do.)

Hydroxyapatite is also the most abundant structural component of the teeth, too, required for mineralization of the enamel, dentin, cementum, and alveolar bone. Not only does it help to restore tissue integrity, but helps achieve teeth whitening, as well. (Side note: for this reason I prefer toothpaste that includes hydroxyapatite as an ingredient. This one is my current favorite!)

Even if you have adequate systemic levels of phosphorus to do the job, it has to get into your saliva for it to benefit your teeth. This is where the parotid gland comes in, as well as a healthy salivary pH (see below).

Phosphorus for pH, Oxygenation, Cell Membranes, and Energy MetabolismThe importance of your pH goes far beyond dental health. It’s a measure of your cellular voltage, and it’s the best way I know of to objectively measure the body’s vital force.

Phosphorus is important to several steps in this process.

First, we have to have enough electrons available to the cells in order them to do the work of metabolism (inversely measured by the pH). Phosphate acts as a buffer, as it can bind to free hydrogen ions (directly measured by pH, as pH stands for potential Hydrogen). Since phosphate is primarily an intracellular electrolyte, it does its most important work in regulating the pH inside the cells, too.

This is related to cellular oxygen utilization, as well: the higher the pH, the better the cellular uptake and utilization of oxygen will be. Even beyond this indirect relationship, phosphorus is directly involved in the oxygen carrying capacity of hemoglobin, too.

Phosphorus is also critical for multiple steps in converting macronutrients into usable energy. It’s required for various enzymatic reactions required for glycolysis which first converts glucose into a substrate capable of entering the mitochondria. It’s also the defining ingredient in their final product: our body’s intracellular energy currency, ATP (which stands for Adenosine Tri-Phosphate).

Phosphorus is also an important to the structure of the cell membrane. Even if there’s plenty of “voltage” inside the cell, in order for the cell to cooperate with the rest of the body, a healthy cell membrane is critical. This, too, requires phosphorus.

Why Phosphorus Might Be Too High, or Too LowWith all of that, we might be inclined to think that “more is better”—but that is definitely not true. While hyperphosphatemia (high levels) can be asymptomatic, it’s usually indicative of a significant underlying problem. It can also lead to muscle spasms due to low calcium levels (the phosphorus binds to the calcium), and to calcium/phosphate deposition on soft tissues, subcutaneous tissues, and joints.

Hypophosphatemia (low levels), on the other hand, can cause symptoms of fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, bone pain (usually secondary to bone loss), dental decay, irritability, and anxiety.

There are several hormones involved in regulating phosphate levels, including Vitamin D—particularly calcitriol, the active form. Excessively high Vitamin D levels increases gut absorption of phosphorus, while deficiency might account for low absorption.

Other hormones involved include parathyroid hormone (PTH), and a hormone called fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23, released by the bone). Together, these hormones help to influence release of phosphate from the bones, and excretion via the kidneys.

So, serum phosphate levels will depend upon all of these factors, potentially: dietary intake, Vitamin D levels, hormonal levels, intestinal absorption, and renal function—renal failure is the most common cause of hyperphosphatemia.

Many of these hormones work downstream via sodium transporters, so I also wonder whether physiologically low levels of salt (even if the kidneys are capable of compensating) might affect the efficacy of these hormones’ phosphate regulation efforts, too, leading to lower serum phosphate levels. (But that’s speculation; I couldn’t find any studies to corroborate this.)

If the kidneys are functioning properly, other factors may influence reabsorption or excretion of phosphorus too.

Reabsorption in the kidneys increases (as a compensatory mechanism) when fluid volume drops, when calcium levels are low, and when levels of insulin, estrogen, thyroid hormone, and growth hormone are higher.

Reabsorption in the kidneys decreases (as a compensatory mechanism) when fluid volume increases, with higher calcium levels, with high phosphorus levels of course, and with higher parathyroid hormone levels.

Phosphorus can also move from inside the cells into the serum, or vice versa. Any cause of tissue breakdown will spill phosphate from the tissues into the bloodstream, including muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis—think statins as a common potential cause).

Higher insulin levels also causes phosphate to move into the cells from the serum, which would lead to lower serum levels.

Anytime the blood pH might be in danger of dropping (metabolic acidosis, as in renal failure, or if lactic acid levels skyrocket, or in diabetic ketoacidosis), intracellular phosphate will shift out of the cells to act as an emergency buffer.

Some medications will also raise phosphate levels in the blood, including penicillin, corticosteroids, several diuretics, and phosphate-containing laxatives.

Dietary Sources of PhosphorusBecause phosphorus is such an important nutrient, it’s pretty hard not to consume enough of it in your diet. It’s abundant in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy (covering the keto and carnivore crowd), but it’s also abundant in peanuts, legumes, cashews, potatoes, whole grains (covering the vegans, too). That said, the phosphorus in the latter is bound to phytate, which hinders absorption—so vegans might need to consider soaking legumes and grains prior to consumption to avoid deficiency.

Also, while phosphorus can be found in whole grains, highly processed grains (white carbs) will likely have very little. This is yet another reason to consume white carbs only sparingly.

The UpshotPhosphorus is a very important mineral, so it’s abundant in our food supply, and levels in our bodies are tightly regulated.

Serum levels of phosphorus might be low if your Vitamin D levels are low, if you have intestinal malabsorption, if you’re a vegan and don’t soak your grains and legumes prior to consumption, if your diet consists primarily of processed foods, (possibly) if your sodium intake is low, or if you’re insulin resistant. Anytime serum levels of phosphorus are low, I might expect other extracellular spaces (such as the saliva) to be low too, which might account for a persistently low salivary pH (since there may be insufficient phosphorus available to act as a buffer.)

Serum levels of phosphorus might be high if your Vitamin D levels are excessively high, PTH is high (hyperparathyroidism), in muscle or other tissue breakdown, in renal failure, in acidosis, or with excessive use of steroids, diuretics, or laxatives.

Phosphorus: An Essential Mineral for ATP, pH, Oxygenation, and Bones

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Mast cells are part of the innate immune system that carry various compounds inside of them—most notably histamine, but also including tryptase, serotonin, heparin, and a whole host of chemicals that both increase and modulate inflammation.

Generally mast cells are thought of as part of the allergic response in the skin, airways, and gut, as that is where they are often found. But they are also quite abundant in the brain, where they play a crucial role.

Mast Cells in the BrainMast cells in the brain are there for neuro-regulation and protection—but in the presence of brain injury, they’re the first responders, disrupting the blood-brain barrier on purpose in order to recruit other mediators to the site and regulate the brain’s inflammatory response.

Remember that “inflammation” isn’t necessarily bad. Without inflammation, healing won’t occur. Inflammation only becomes a problem when it becomes chronic.

In the case of mast cells, their activity recruits the microglia and astrocytes in the brain to take out the garbage, as it were. Just like inflammation in general, this is neuroprotective… until it isn’t.

Mast Cells in Neurodegenerative DiseaseAnything that triggers neuroinflammation can trigger mast cell degranulation in order to attempt to restore homeostasis. This can include things like traumatic brain injury, infection, and stroke, or it could be a response to toxic exposures.

The Blood-Brain Barrier is there to prevent most toxins from reaching the brain, but the gut-brain axis means that a disrupted gut barrier might be a pathway to circumvent this. Thus, Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure, from the cell membranes of pathogenic gut bacteria are one potential way this might occur.

Once mast cells are engaged, though, because BBB disruption is part of the way they work, any other toxins now have much easier access.

Mast cells then recruit microglia—and in the process of “taking out the trash,” these may also break down debris from neurons. They can potentially then present them to the T-cells, which may lead to autoimmunity. This may be one of the mechanisms behind Multiple Sclerosis.

Mast cell activation and subsequent cascades of BBB disruption, inflammation, and oxidative stress is also implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease as well as Parkinson’s Disease.

In the case of Parkinson’s, elevated levels of histamine are particularly observed in the substantia nigra, where it is associated with increased neuronal loss, and worsening symptoms of dyskinesia.

The UpshotA lot of this research is new, so there aren’t a lot of studies surrounding mast cell treatments for neurological conditions. My thought would be that, while these conditions are characterized by a disrupted BBB, it still might be difficult to get many of the mast cell stabilizing treatment options across the BBB where it would be likely to help.

However, one such mast cell stabilizing option that is often beneficial for those with MCAS is ketotifen, which happens to be lipophilic and thus, would cross the BBB, in theory. I’d love to see more studies on this for neurodegenerative conditions in the future.

Mast Cells in Neurodegenerative Disease

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

As a Fellow at the Cultural Research Center and the Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities at Arizona Christian University, Dr. Adam Rasmussen draws upon his 25 years of experience in Christian education to inspire students to thrive under the Lordship of Christ in all aspects of their lives. With a passion for helping students connect their faith with reason and culture, he guides them to make meaningful and relevant connections that go beyond mere academic study. Dr. Rasmussen is a magna cum laude graduate of Northwestern College, where he earned a BA in history. He also holds an MA in Educational Ministries from Wheaton College, as well as a PhD in Educational Studies with a focus on leadership and administration from the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. His research interests include biblical literacy, educational ministries, and Christian apologetics.

To learn more about Dr Rasmussen or the Cultural Research Center, see culturalresearchcenter.com or arizonachristian.edu

Consequences of a Declining Biblical Worldview in America: Interview with Dr Adam Rasmussen

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Alicia Harper from Pixabay

Bile is the yellowish-green substance produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder that enables the body to absorb fat and fat-soluble vitamins, as well as excrete various different types of toxins via the bowels. It is comprised of bile acids (breakdown products of cholesterol), bile salts, a breakdown product of red blood cells called bilirubin, cholesterol itself, and water (about 85% is water actually).

Bile Acids vs Bile Salts vs Conjugated Bile Salts The first step in bile production is the breakdown of cholesterol into the primary bile acids, cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid. This is how the body breaks down cholesterol, so that you can maintain normal levels of it (and you don’t want too little of it, by the way, for a wide variety of reasons. This is just one of them).

Once bile is secreted into the small intestine, the bacteria there should modify some of them into secondary bile acids, deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid.

Incidentally, bile acids and the microbiome maintain a symbiotic relationship—while the gut flora participate in production of these secondary bile acids, the bile acids also help to curb the small intestinal bacterial population, inhibiting overgrowth of SIBO.

The liver then adds an amino acid side group to both primary and secondary bile acids (either glycine or taurine), at which point they become conjugated bile acids, or bile salts. These are the component of bile most useful for fat breakdown and absorption. Because everything in the body functions via feedback mechanisms, the presence of bile salts actually inhibits the rate-limiting enzyme leading to production of more bile acids (cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase), signaling, “slow down, we’ve already got plenty.”

Why You Might Be Low in Bile Acids or Bile Salts If your cholesterol is low (perhaps because you’re on a statin—which I’d definitely discourage pretty much across the board), you might be low in bile acids.

Those with a genetic condition called hypobetalipoproteinemia, or abetalipoproteinemia will have very low cholesterol, which will also mean deficiency in bile acids.

If your cholesterol levels are not too low, then in theory you shouldn’t have a deficiency of bile acids, unless you have a genetic mutation in the gene encoding for the rate-limiting enzyme in the breakdown process (called cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase).

If you have enough bile acids being produced, you might still have low levels of bile salts, if you’re low in glycine (which is surprisingly common), or taurine (which might be over-utilized elsewhere, such as in modulating adrenaline levels or calming hyper-excitable membranes).

If you have SIBO, even if you’re producing both bile acids and bile salts just fine, the bacteria don’t like the fact that bile is antimicrobial—so they’ll deconjugate the bile acids, rendering them far less effective.

Symptoms of Low Bile Acids or Bile Salts The most obvious, but least specific symptoms of low bile salts are gut distress, due to poorly absorbed fats and possibly bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, leading to gas, bloating, diarrhea (especially with floating stools), or constipation (as bile salts tend to have a natural laxative effect).

Bile also stimulates the secretion of bicarbonate (which is alkaline) to neutralize the acidic chyme that comes from the stomach into the small intestine, so heartburn may be a symptom as well. And of course, while there are other reasons for gallstones besides low bile salts (just as there are other reason for the other listed symptoms), this can certainly result as well. Bile acids can in some cases even break down gallstones.

Low levels of bile salts may also result in poor absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, E, D, and K, low essential fatty acids, low omega-9 fatty acids, and low phospholipids. All of these latter deficiencies may lead to unhealthy cell membranes.

Low bile salts will also mean low levels of anything built from fat, which would include all of your adrenal hormones (cortisol, aldosterone, DHEA), and the rest of your sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone).

It also turns out that, at least in men, inadequate bile salts inhibit the conversion of the thyroid hormone conversion of T4 into the more metabolically active T3—resulting in functional hypothyroidism. (This is a bit of a catch-22, since hypothyroidism also slows all metabolic activities, including the liver’s breakdown of cholesterol, too.)

Because bile acids help with fat absorption and utilization, they’ll keep fat from accumulating in the liver, as in NAFLD. So NAFLD or even liver fibrosis can be an indication of low bile acids.

As NAFLD is nearly always related to insulin resistance, this may be why adequate bile acids will help to improve insulin and glucose sensitivity, and decrease cardiovascular disease too. Elevated blood sugar is very often a cause of heart disease, which may be why this is connected.

Some giveaways of a gallbladder issue on labs might be elevated bilirubin levels, as bilirubin is secreted in bile. This is what turns feces dark brown, and it’s the reason why gallbladder issues can result in pale stools. Of course, if this progresses far enough, increased circulating bilirubin levels can result in jaundice.

The UpshotIf you have any of the above symptoms, depending upon severity and what you’ve already ruled out, consider checking a lipid panel (make sure cholesterol levels are adequate—total levels at least over 170, if not higher), a CMP (make sure bilirubin isn’t elevated), SIBO testing, and potentially consider micronutrient testing to see whether there are any deficiency patterns that might suggest a fat absorption issue.

It’s also worth considering whether the low-hanging fruit might be insufficient glycine, given all its many functions, or not enough taurine to go around, if you’ve been super stressed out lately, especially.

Bile Salts, Bile Acids, and Gallbladder Support

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Derek Mason is the founder and president of Identity In Christ, Inc. and Identity In Christ Media. His ministry has also helped individuals break free from enslavement to pornography, PTSD, schizophrenia, suicidal thoughts, severe depression and addictions. One of very few pastors delving deeply into the study and teaching of spiritual warfare today, Derek addresses the very real and dark spiritual forces at work in the world today and employs a Biblically grounded approach that has consistently helped hundreds. He also offers extensive experience in counseling and deliverance to support many in finding lasting freedom and healing. Derek currently serves as an associate pastor at Grace Bible Church in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and as the assistant director of BaseCamp USA.

To learn more about Derek, see idnchrist.com or you can find his book, “Embracing Our Full Victory in Christ,” on Amazon here.

Halloween and Spiritual Warfare – Interview with Derek Mason

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From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Guest post by Erik Larson; Image credit

For the millions of children and adults diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), exploring alternative means of managing this condition becomes essential for those seeking relief beyond the scope of traditional medicine. Through a holistic approach that encompasses lifestyle modifications, educational support, and alternative therapies, treating the whole person rather than merely addressing the symptoms of ADHD can greatly enhance overall well-being. Let’s begin our journey toward a more comprehensive understanding of holistic health practices tailored for children with ADHD beyond just medication.

Understanding ADHD Key Characteristics:

Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus, following through on tasks, and being organized.
Hyperactivity: Excessive fidgeting, talking, or difficulty remaining seated.
Impulsivity: Hasty actions without thought of consequences; difficulty with delayed gratification.

These symptoms can significantly impact educational, occupational, and social interactions and may coincide with other mental disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders. A diagnosis is typically made based on a comprehensive clinical assessment, which may involve behavior rating scales and gathering information from sources including schools and family.

What Does a Holistic Approach to ADHD Look Like? A holistic approach in healthcare encompasses the consideration of an individual’s complete well-being, integrating physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The core tenets of a holistic approach include:

Treating the Person, Not Just the Symptoms: The aim is to identify underlying causes, not just alleviate surface issues.
Personalized Care: A holistic approach recognizes that each individual is unique and requires tailored care plans.
Balance and Integration: Emphasis is placed on maintaining balance within the body and life as a whole.
Multiple Facets of Health: This perspective incorporates factors including nutrition, exercise, psychological well-being, and social factors.
Preventive Measures: One of the most powerful benefits of a holistic approach is preventing conditions before they start by promoting a healthy lifestyle.

School Support Educational support plays a pivotal role in managing symptoms and improving overall functioning in younger people affected by the disorder. Effective treatment often extends beyond the home and into the learning environment, where targeted support can lead to significant improvements in academic and social outcomes. Holistic strategies at school might include developing personalized learning plans, incorporating more physical activity into the day, and employing techniques aimed at enhancing concentration and reducing classroom distractions.

Parent Education Parents and family members are often the main advocates and support system for their children. Education about ADHD and its impact on learning and behavior can empower parents to facilitate positive behaviors at home and advocate for their child’s needs in the school setting. Providing parents with strategies to help their children develop social skills and maintain a healthy lifestyle creates a solid foundation that benefits the entire family. Engaging in family therapy can address any family stress associated with managing ADHD, encouraging a more open, supportive, and nurturing environment.

Understanding Lifestyle Factors Exercise Engaging in exercise can act as a natural stimulant, which is particularly beneficial since it can improve attention, decrease impulsive behaviors, and elevate mood without the common side effects associated with medication intervention. Studies indicate that even moderate exercise can increase the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which are directly related to attention and executive function.

Aerobic activities such as running, cycling, or swimming can help in improving overall cardiovascular health and endurance.
Team sports offer opportunities for social interactions and developing communication skills.
Martial arts or yoga emphasize self-discipline, focus, and mindfulness.

Nutrition Nutrition is another essential component in managing ADHD. Certain dietary choices can influence ADHD symptoms. For instance, consistent blood sugar levels are crucial for brain function, and thus, a balanced diet that includes protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats is best for promoting focus and attentiveness. It’s recommended to:

Incorporate whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Minimize the intake of simple sugars and processed foods, which might cause fluctuations in energy and mood.
Stay hydrated, as even mild dehydration can affect concentration and cognitive abilities.

Sleep Insufficient rest can exacerbate ADHD symptoms like lack of focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake time by developing a pre-sleep ritual to wind down and effectively managing screen time before bed are some of the key ways to better regulate one’s sleep hygiene.

Alternative Therapies for ADHD Alternative therapies don’t rely on medication, and for many, this is a significant advantage. Let’s explore two alternative therapies for ADHD that are growing in popularity in a little more depth:

Neurofeedback Neurofeedback, an innovative biofeedback technique, holds potential as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for ADHD. This therapy is premised on the concept of brain plasticity, the brain’s ability to change its structure and function in response to training and experience. By observing their brain activity in real-time via EEG, participants can learn to enhance cognition and reduce impulsivity. The process usually entails a series of guided training sessions, during which the individual practices controlling visual or auditory signals generated by their brain activity.

Mindfulness Practices Mindfulness practices emerge as another beacon of hope for managing ADHD symptoms. The essence of mindfulness is the cultivation of present-moment awareness, a skill that proves beneficial for individuals prone to distractibility and restlessness. Studies show mindfulness training enhances attention and reduces anxiety disorders often comorbid with ADHD. In addition to mindfulness, you can explore and find the best productivity app for ADHD that suits your needs, helping to streamline daily tasks and provide structure and focus. Engaging in mindfulness practices such as meditation and focused breathing exercises can aid in developing greater self-awareness and emotional regulation. The goal is to create a sense of calm and focus, which may help counteract the chaotic whirl of thoughts often experienced by those with ADHD.

Unlocking New Pathways to Wellness Those with ADHD, including those with concurrent mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders or mood disorders, should work with open-minded health care providers to tailor a personalized strategy. Incorporating positive behavioral interventions can lead to the reduction of impulsive behaviors and reinforce positive behaviors. If you or a loved one is seeking alternative and holistic health approaches for ADHD management, consider exploring these avenues to find an effective treatment plan that aligns with your values and health goals.

| About the Author: Erik Larson, PMHNP-BC has been a dedicated healthcare professional since 2005, beginning his career as a Registered Nurse after graduating from Regis University. With extensive experience in treating traumatic brain injuries and psychiatric conditions, Erik has worked at Craig Hospital, served as a Nurse Practitioner in the U.S. Army, and now leads Larson Mental Health in Denver. He specializes in a broad range of conditions, including PTSD, depression, and substance abuse, and is committed to providing effective and compassionate care. Larson Mental Health offers expert medication management services across Colorado. |

How a Holistic Approach Can Help in ADHD Treatment

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Charlie Lewis is a seasoned businessman, entrepreneur, author and expository teacher of scripture. With over five decades of experience, Charlie has not only built a successful national insurance business who works with more than twenty-five thousand representatives, but has also dedicated his life to sharing the values and principles and the established precedents of faith that have guided him and led to his success. Together with his wife of over 55 years, Fran, Charlie has cultivated a legacy of entrepreneurship that extends to their sons, Zachary and Nicholas, and their families. As an author, Charlie has penned a series of books that provide readers with a practical roadmap to success and fulfillment, grounded in scriptural principles. Charlie’s teachings have been translated into several languages, making his insights accessible to diverse audiences worldwide. Charlie resides in Thomasville, GA.

To learn more about Charlie or to get his books, see charlielewis.net and ksam.net

The Kingdom System – Interview with Charlie Lewis

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

LG Nixon fuses a page-turning fantasy with a haunting theme and turns it into a spirit filled adventure with quirky and likeable characters the whole family can enjoy. Her stories are lighthearted but carry an underlying message of the importance of a Biblical worldview.
After growing up in a creaky old house with a grandmother who told stories of ghostly visitors, LG naturally gravitated toward the mysterious. Today, she enjoys writing stories filled with mystery, suspense, and other worldly wisdom. She researches and writes full-time from her home in Michigan where she prowls the night star gazing and watching for a supernatural events.

To learn more about LG and her books, see lgnixon.com

Biblical Ghost Stories – Interview with LG Nixon

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Olya Adamovich from Pixabay

We all like the feeling of a fresh, minty-clean mouth. For many, mouthwash has become a staple of personal hygiene, along with brushing and flossing—both to achieve that fresh, clean feeling, and also to prevent cavities and gingivitis.

Does it deliver on these promises? And are there any drawbacks?

The Oral MicrobiomeThe problem with wiping out the oral microbiome indiscriminately is the same as it is with indiscriminately wiping out your gut microbiome.

While some bacteria are opportunists, and they can cause cavities when the conditions are right, other bacteria in the mouth are actually protective against dental infections and gingivitis. If you wipe out the good with the bad indiscriminately, you’re setting yourself up for dysbiosis (or an unhealthy microbiome) in the mouth, which actually increases susceptibility to subsequent infections.

That’s what indiscriminate broad-spectrum antiseptic mouthwashes do. And it can thus increase susceptibility to a host of chronic diseases.

Mouthwash and Blood PressureOne of those chronic diseases that’s already rampant is hypertension.

This study showed that there is an association between a disrupted oral microbiome secondary to overuse of mouthwash, and hypertension.

This is because the saliva delivers nitrates consumed in the diet to the oral bacteria in the mouth, so that they can convert those nitrates into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a powerful vasodilator, which helps to regulate blood pressure. But those who used a chlorhexidine-containing mouthwash even for a single week experienced a drop in nitric oxide production via oral flora, and a subsequent increase in specifically systolic blood pressure. The effect wasn’t enormous, but it was measurable.

(Mouth breathers experience a similar decrease in nitric oxide, due to decreased salivary delivery of said nitrates).

The Drying, Peeling, and Burning EffectsMany complain that mouthwash causes a burning sensation—in some cases, this can be a lasting problem. Usually this is associated with alcohol-based mouthwashes.

While alcohol can itself be antiseptic, the concentration must be very high for it to have this effect—much higher than the concentration in most mouthwashes. The purpose of alcohol in mouthwash is rather to act as a solvent, enabling better distribution of the other ingredients. (The other common ingredient that can cause burning is chlorhexidine, which is more commonly prescription and intended for only short-term use, due to its potential to stain the teeth.)

Alcohol is also inherently drying, which means lower saliva production and distribution. As mentioned above, though, saliva is far more than just a mouth lubricant—it is highly nutritive, distributing minerals the teeth need to heal themselves.

So if you are going to use a mouthwash, choose one that is alcohol-free.

The Nasty Ingredients On the subject of ingredients, most of the commercially available mouthwashes are full of questionable additives—and even though you plan to spit them all back out again, you’ll absorb a good bit of them through your oral mucosa.

These additives commonly include:

Parabens. These are used as preservatives, but are associated with endocrine (hormonal) cancers. Specifically they have been linked with breast cancer. They are banned in Japan and Sweden.
Formaldehyde. Used as a disinfectant and preservative, it’s a suspected carcinogen (especially linked with lung cancer). Exposure in high doses can cause asthma, headaches, eye irritation and upper respiratory irritation. It’s been banned in Japan and Sweden.
Triclosan. This antibiotic has been associated with thyroid disruption. It also can form toxic byproducts when combined with the chlorine in water, such as carcinogenic dioxins. Also often found in toothpastes.
Sucralose. Byproducts of sucralose are in the same chemical category as certain pesticides (PCBs and DDT), and inconclusive studies suggest that it may cause genetic mutations. High doses have been linked with lower immune function.
Artificial colors. The Center for Science in the Public Interest says that the three most commonly used dyes, Red #40, Yellow #5, and Yellow #6, are contaminated with known carcinogens, and the FDA has recognized Red #3 as a carcinogen for years. Yellow #5 (tartrazine) is especially linked with childhood behavior problems. Blue #1, Red #40, Yellow #5, and Yellow #6 have all been shown to trigger allergies.
Benzoic acid or sodium benzoate. Can react with other compounds to form benzene, a known carcinogen.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Another suspected carcinogen, this one is linked to kidney and liver damage, is associated with frequent UTIs, nervous system disruption, eye damage, eczema and dermatitis, and is also linked with SLE (Lupus). It’s been banned in Europe and Central America. Also often found in toothpastes.
Fluoride. Hailed as a treatment for cavities, this endocrine disruptor also happens to be the most reactive element on the periodic table. This means it has great potential for disrupting enzymatic functions in your body. Also often found in toothpastes.
Propylene Glycol. Found in antifreeze, this is toxic to the nervous system. It has beenbanned in Europe. Also often found in toothpastes.

Alternative Options for Oral HygieneI’m not the biggest fan of commercial mouthwash, as you might have gathered. A good alternative is to simply brush teeth and tongue well with a non-toxic toothpaste (see DIY options at the end of this article, but my favorite commercially available toothpaste is Periobiotic Silver by Designs for Health).

Brushing teeth and tongue and flossing should be sufficient to freshen the breath just fine, which is often the primary motivation for using mouthwash. A great addition to this would be to add in xylitol-containing mints or gum after meals, and to incorporate regular oil pulling into your oral hygiene routine.

Also, of course make sure you’re consuming adequate nutritional building blocks for dental health. If you need a little extra help, consider red light therapy for your teeth.

Mouthwash: Good or Bad?

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Raeanne Newquist, her husband, and 3 children joined Mercy Ships in 2019. After leaving everything behind in Southern California, they boarded the Africa Mercy in Las Palmas and made their way down to Dakar, Senegal for their first field service. On board, Raeanne volunteered in the communications department and later in chaplaincy. Currently, Raeanne works in the Mercy Ships U.S. Marketing department. Raeanne is the host of the New Mercies podcast, and is the voice of the Mercy Minute daily radio broadcast and serves as a staff writer.

To learn more about Mercy Ships or to consider volunteering, see mercyships.org/serve

Mercy Ships – Interview with Raeanne Newquist

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by u_if8o5n0ioo from Pixabay

The traditional medical paradigm holds that salt raises blood pressure, and it should therefore be limited to even as little as 1500 mg daily.

While there is some truth to the effect of sodium upon blood pressure, the process is not nearly that simple, involving feedback systems and multiple hormones to keep sodium levels in balance.

But because of these common recommendations, many people are not getting enough salt. Some of those in this camp might be chronic migraine sufferers—and low sodium might actually be involved in the pathophysiology of their symptoms.

How Salt is Involved in the Mechanism of MigrainesI wrote here on the mechanism of migraines as it relates to nitric oxide and serotonin. To sum up, low levels of serotonin can trigger nitric oxide release. This vasodilates, driving increased blood flow in a confined space. The nitric oxide can meanwhile also turn into highly reactive peroxynitrite, which can lead to oxidative stress and thus, inflammation.

But it’s possible that there is something more fundamental still—why else would this process trigger migraines in some people, and not others?

This study suggests that the issue may have to do with sodium intake. In fact, the study showed that odds of a patient suffering from migraines decreased proportional to increased sodium intake. The study’s authors hypothesized that the lower the extracellular fluid concentration of sodium, the more hyper-excitable the neuronal membranes become. I assume this means that the neurons’ response to triggers, such as serotonin changes and nitric oxide, would thus be more extreme.

Salt, Glucose, and Carbs Since glucose and sodium tend to be a see-saw (as one goes up, the other tends to go down), those who suffer from migraines may experience increased migraines with a higher sugar and white carbohydrate intake.

In this study, every participant who reduced carbohydrate intake and increased salt intake were able to “eliminate migraine medications and remained migraine free.” Wow!

This is likely the reason why some migraine sufferers swear by very restrictive diets such as the ketogenic or the carnivore diet to curb their migraines.

While this appears to work, there are some significant drawbacks to long-term, very restrictive diets such as these. A better solution would be to eat a balanced, unprocessed, whole food-based diet, and to increase salt intake significantly.

(Most electrolytes are nowhere near high enough in salt—usually anywhere from 30 to 300 grams at most. Again, I assume this is based on the common recommendations for sodium intake. My favorite electrolytes, such as LMNT and a few others, contain somewhere on the order of 1 gram of salt or more per serving.)

The Salt and Migraine Connection

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Roma Peace is an executive with Pure & Clean, a family owned business headquartered in Missouri that promotes the use of their hypochlorous acid (HOCl) solutions to prevent infection, improve patient outcomes and to heal wounds faster.

To learn more about Pure and Clean hypochlorous acid, see pureandclean.us and enter the code CNH10 at checkout for a discount

The Healing Power of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) – Roma Peace

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Julita from Pixabay

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a test to measure not just where your glucose is at a snapshot (that’s the glucose test as part of the metabolic panel), nor how well your body responds to glucose (that’s inulin), but rather, where your glucose levels have been over the previous few months. Red blood cells typically live 120 days before the spleen breaks them down and recycles them. Over the course of their lifetime, they will come in contact with glucose in the bloodstream, which will attach to them. The more sugar in the bloodstream, the more hemoglobin will become glycated (have a sugar attached to them) in their life cycle.

In most cases, HbA1c is a pretty accurate measure of glucose levels over the previous four months. But there are some exceptions.

HbA1c Increases with Age and DiseaseHbA1c is a type of advanced glucation end-product (AGEs)—and these are associated with aging proteins of all kinds, including age-related browning of tissue and decreased elasticity of collagen. Oxidative stress both accelerates this process, and AGEs themselves induce oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and increased tissue damage. In fact, this AGEs are so relevant to biological age that there is a test looking at these as well as the related process of glycosylation as a way to determine biological age.

So it’s not too surprising that HbA1c increases with age, independent of blood sugar levels, and also independent of BMI.

The specificity of HbA1c to measure blood sugar levels therefore decreases substantially with age, to the point where HbA1c was found to be 30% greater in an 80 year old with normal blood sugar, compared to a 30 year old with normal blood sugar.

Why HbA1c Can Be Higher than Blood Sugar Levels PredictAside from age, other things can vary HbA1c levels, too.

The most obvious thing to test next, if HbA1c is high but fasting glucose is fine (under 90), is fasting insulin. If it’s high (I like it to be around 5), it may suggest that glucose control after meals could be less than ideal. Another way to measure this more directly might be with a glucometer for spot checks after meals, or a continuous glucose monitor (pricier, but can be useful, especially if your blood sugar tends to spike only with certain foods).

Blood sugar levels aside, HbA1c levels can increase due to ethnicity. It’s often higher for African American, Hispanic, and Asian populations than for Caucasians with similar blood sugar levels.

Anything that might cause a slower rate of red blood cell turnover will mean hemoglobin would stick around longer, and thus be exposed to sugars for a longer period of time. This would “falsely” raise levels. Causes would include:

Certain anemias (iron deficiency, or megaloblastic: due to B12 or folate deficiency).
Kidney disease (which can lead to lower levels of erythropoietin, a hormone that tells the body to make red blood cells)
Lead poisoning slows the production of hemoglobin, thereby raising HbA1c.
An under-functioning spleen (asplenia or hyposplenia)
I imagine anything slowing down metabolism will mean a slower red blood cell turnover as well. This study shows that hypothyroidism can raise HbA1c independent of blood sugar levels, probably because of slowed metabolism in general.
This is probably also why a high opiate intake can increase HbA1c: opiates generally slow metabolism too.

Kidney disease also can mean increased circulating urea (also called carbamide) which can attach to hemoglobin instead of glucse, and raise A1c levels.

Any condition that causes jaundice or otherwise increases circulating bilirubin levels (a breakdown product of hemoglobin) can likewise elevate HbA1c.

Alcoholism can increase HbA1c too. This is because, in the process of breaking down alcohol, the liver produces acetaldehyde, which can bind to hemoglobin too. (This makes me wonder if a raging yeast overgrowth can do the same thing, since it too produces the byproduct of acetaldehyde.)

Apparently this is another area in which pH may play a role: lower intra-erythrocyte pH increases HbA1c levels. I suspect this is because pH levels are inversely related to oxygen carrying capacity.

Why HbA1c Can Be Lower Than Blood Sugar Levels PredictHbA1c can also be lower than the blood sugar levels might indicate.

This might be due to any process that would speed up red blood cell elimination. Possibilities include:

Anemia from blood loss or hemolysis (destruction).
Splenomegaly

Increased Vitamin C and E intake also reduce glycation, probably because these are both antioxidants. I suspect any of the other antioxidants would have a similar effect, though those are the ones I saw that were explicitly studied.

And the inverse of pH—increased pH inside red blood cells decreases HbA1c, just as lower pH increases it. I’m sure this too has to do with oxygenation and oxidative stress.

The UpshotFor most people, HbA1c is a good test to measure where glucose has been for the past several months. But if the result seems significantly out of step with glucose and insulin levels, it can be worthwhile to consider these other confounding possibilities.

Why HbA1c Levels Might Fluctuate

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Ryan Wohlfert is a Certified Mindset Specialist, Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician and Certified Chiropractic BioPhysics® physician, using a specific spinal correction protocol to help patients resolve chronic pain, and avoid dysfunction & disease. With 24+ years of education and clinical experience, Dr. Ryan has helped thousands correct their spine, improve energy & longevity, eliminate dependence on medication, and make simple healthy, pain-free living possible.

To learn more about Dr Ryan, see drwohlfert.com or you can get his free posture minicourse at https://www.drwohlfert.com/posture-minicourse

Spinal Health and Hygiene – Interview with Dr Ryan Wohlfert

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Shingo_No from Pixabay

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin best known for its role in blood clotting—in fact, the “K” stands for “koagulation” (the Danish spelling of the word).

While Vitamin K is fat-soluble, the body doesn’t store much of it, so we have to consume it on a regular basis. Our bodies can also recycle the Vitamin K we have, which means we don’t have to consume as much of it as we otherwise might.

Functions of Vitamin KAs mentioned, Vitamin K is necessary for producing several clotting factors, produced in the liver. (As such, the anti-coagulant medication Warfarin works by preventing Vitamin K recycling.)

Vitamin K also helps to make sure that calcium gets stored where it should be (in the bones, including the teeth), and doesn’t instead deposit where it shouldn’t be (the tissues and arteries). Because of this, higher Vitamin K intake is associated with improved bone density, and also with less vascular calcification–and thus, decreased heart disease risk.

Proteins that require Vitamin K are present in cartilage as well as bone, which may be why it is beneficial for osteoarthritis as well.

In addition to all of this, Vitamin K has a role in regulating oxidative stress and inflammation.

Subtypes of Vitamin KThere are several subtypes of Vitamin K.

Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), found in plant sources such as green leafy veggies (specifically from their chlorophyll), accounts for about 75% of dietary Vitamin K intake. Absorption of Vitamin K1 from food sources isn’t very high, though it increases when combined with fat.

Vitamin K2 includes several subtypes called menaquinones. Each is called MK-n, where the number n refers to the number of repeated 5-carbon units connected to the core molecule, ranging from MK-2 to MK-13. Vitamin K2 is apparently more efficient at activating proteins that require Vitamin K than is K1.

The body can make most of the various menaquinones from phylloquinone via the gut flora, assuming the microbiome is healthy and diverse. However, the bioavailability of gut flora-produced K2 to other parts of the body is limited, so we still get most of our menaquinones from our diets. The most bioavailable K2 subtype is MK-7.

Menaquinones can be consumed from fermented foods and animal products. MK-4 is the only menaquinone that cannot be produced via the gut flora, and must be obtained from dairy products and some types of meat. (Vegans therefore might need to supplement.)

Vitamin K3, menadione, is a synthetic intermediate between K1 and K2, and is often used as an additive in animal feed.

Vitamin K DeficiencyBetween all the various food sources, Vitamin K deficiency isn’t super common. However, it can occur in those with malabsorption issues, such as IBD or celiac disease. Those with poor gut flora diversity in general may struggle with converting K1 to K2 as well. High doses of other fat-soluble vitamins (A or E) may also make it more difficult for the body to absorb Vitamin K.

In particular, there is a concern for newborn babies in the first 6 months of life, because of limited transport of Vitamin K across the placenta, low Vitamin K storage in the liver, immature gut flora (the gut is sterile at birth, and is initially populated via vaginal flora in a vaginal birth, but this won’t happen with a C-section), and also due to low levels of Vitamin K in breast milk. In premature infants, there is also concern that the Vitamin K cycle may not yet be fully functional.

These are the reasons why a Vitamin K shot is recommended at birth, to avoid any occult bleeds that might occur secondary to deficiency. There is some debate and concern over this shot, largely due to additives in the injection. Oral (sublingual) supplementation is an alternative option that does appear to be effective, according to some studies, as long as it is given on a regular basis during the first 6 months of life, and not simply one time at birth.

Toxicity from Vitamin KWhile allergic reactions can occur in response to Vitamin K, there is no known toxicity associated with high doses of either Vitamin K1 or K2. Toxicity can occur with the synthetic K3, though it is not typically used in humans.

Vitamin K and its Subtypes

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Seth Gruber is the founder of the fastest-growing pro-life organization in the country (The White Rose Resistance) and a speaker, documentary filmmaker and author. His new documentary film, ‘The 1916 Project’ releases this fall on streaming services and is currently being screened all over the U.S. It’s an unprecedented deep dive on the opening of eugenicist Margaret Sanger’s first illegal birth control clinic in 1916 and connects the dots from Sanger all the way to every cultural crisis and leftist movement threatening our culture and democracy today. The book releases the first week of September.

Learn more, schedule a showing at your church of the documentary, or preorder the book at https://the1916project.com/

Get more info on The Last Stand in June 2025 at thelaststand.com

You can also learn more about Seth at https://sethgruber.com/

The 1916 Project and the White Rose Resistance – Interview with Seth Gruber

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

These days, it’s quite popular to vilify certain foods, or certain constituents of various whole foods as “anti-nutrients”—be they oxalates, lectins, phytoestrogens, or, as we’re talking about today, phytic acid.

I’ll tell you my punch line up front. I don’t believe that any food God made, the way He made it, is inherently bad. He didn’t screw up. You don’t need to suddenly adopt some super strict fad diet that no generation of humans ever tried before (and indeed, they never even knew about that particular phytochemical before the age of biochemistry), because you’ll otherwise end up nutrient deficient, toxic, or what have you. In fact, quite the reverse—any very unbalanced diet, attempting to avoid one ingredient, will almost invariably create unforeseen deficiencies or consequences elsewhere. This is the concept of hormesis: nearly anything can be beneficial or poisonous, depending upon the dose. Even water can kill you, if you drink way, way too much of it!

As it turns out, while yes, phytic acid can block absorption of certain minerals, there’s much more to the story. Phytic acid turns out to be hormetic, too.

What Is Phytic Acid?Phytic acid is actually inositol, a member of the B vitamin family, with 6 phosphates attached to it, so it’s also known as IP6. It’s a storage form of phosphorus for the plant, one of the plant’s primary “macronutrients”.

When the seeds sprout, the IP6 gets broken down—because the plant needs the phosphorus in order to grow.

Phytic acid is primarily found in some of the most vilified food groups in the Western diet: grains (wheat, oats, rice), legumes (beans, lentils, peanuts), nuts and seeds, and starchy root veggies (potatoes, turnips, carrots, etc).

It’s an essential nutrient for us (more on that below). We tend to store it in our cell membranes as phosphatidylinositol.

Why Phytic Acid Is In The Foods It’s InIn addition to functioning as a storage reservoir for phosphate, phytic acid acts as an antioxidant and thus, as a natural preservative.

Interestingly, some of the foods most prone to growing mold are also grains and root vegetables, and it turns out that phytic acid is protective against various forms of physiologic damage from mycotoxins in animal studies. (In other words, foods prone to a potential problem already contain the solution within themselves. Clever, isn’t it?)

Inositol (as myo-inositol) is a second messenger for insulin, too, which means it helps the insulin signal to get through, decreasing insulin resistance. Grains and tubers in particular have been vilified as high carb, and thus bad for metabolism, weight, glucose levels, etc. But in the whole, unprocessed form of those foods, the phytic acid itself actually helps the body to metabolize the glucose extracted from it.

Phytic Acid’s “Antinutrient” PropertiesIt is true that phytic acid can block absorption of various positively charged minerals, including copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, manganese, iron, and calcium—in that order.

This would only be a problem during the specific meal in which phytic acid is consumed; concentrations of phytic acid don’t bioaccumulate. It also doesn’t block the absorption of these same minerals from meat, even if meat is consumed in the same meal with bread or potatoes. This means that those consuming a more omnivorous diet are at less risk of nutrient deficiencies from phytic acid than, say, vegetarians or vegans.

In general, studies show that those who consume a balanced diet aren’t at much risk of nutrient deficiency due to phytic acid.

That said, it is possible to decrease the phytic acid concentration in foods high in it by soaking, fermenting, and cooking them. For vegetarians and vegans, these may be more important steps to consider.

Phytic Acid’s Health Benefits That said, phytic acid is far from all bad—we don’t want to get rid of all of it.

In addition to its role in insulin signaling, inositol is also a second messenger for several other hormones too, including LH and FSH, so it’s a terrific option for PCOS. It’s also a second messenger for TSH, so it can be beneficial for hypothyroidism. TSH is the hormone in the brain that tells the thyroid to make T4. When the signal isn’t getting through very well—possibly due to low inositol—the brain shouts louder, and TSH goes up.

Various inositols, including phytic acid, also help to regulate a wide variety of cellular functions, including ion exchange, cell replication, DNA repair, and more. It helps to regulate inflammatory pathways and programmed cell death too, helping to maintain a healthy homeostasis.

Phytic acid also helps to regulate tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression, and activates various tumor suppressive pathways, Probably because of this, studies suggest that phytic acid can be protective against cancer.

Because of all of these generalized benefits, phytic acid has been linked with a decreased predisposition to clotting, lower serum lipid levels (probably secondary to its insulin regulation capacity), it’s protective against inflammatory bowel disease, against cardiovascular disease, and against various neurodegenerative diseases.

This study also shows that phytic acid is protective against osteoporosis—I’m guessing because it’s a source of phosphorus, another critical nutrient in our bones. Probably related to this, phytic acid lowers the risk of kidney stones, too. This may be just because decreased bone breakdown means less risk of kidney stones.

The UpshotIt really frustrates me (maybe you can tell) when people think they need to live on a super restrictive diet in order to be healthy, because various famous clinicians make a living off of vilifying one natural ingredient or another. I have patients who are literally afraid to eat, because they think everything is bad for them. I’m sure those clinicians really believe what they’re saying, and if they cherry-pick their data, they can show you the studies to prove it, too.

The thing is, though, our bodies, like our environment, are intricate and self-regulating systems built on feedback loops. It’s all meant to work together. It’s made to work together. That isn’t to say there’s anything wrong with soaking, sprouting, or fermenting your grains and nuts and legumes to try to minimize phytic acid concentrations (unless there’s anxiety, fear, or overwhelm attached to the process). But without some philosophical foundation helping us to discern what is fundamentally healthy and what is not, we’re liable to be tossed to and fro with every new headline proclaiming that this or that food that you always thought was good for you, is actually going to kill you tomorrow. It’s all clickbait.

We shouldn’t have to improve on God’s original design. He knew what he was doing.

Is Phytic Acid Bad For You?

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

BRONWYN SCHWEIGERDT may be the most evocative psychotherapist you’ve ever heard. Instead of fixing peoples’ messes, her goal is to elicit feelings you’re most ashamed to have, such as hatred and betrayal. She knows that even though feelings are invisible, they don’t evaporate, but store away in our bodies when they’re disowned. Bronwyn has a masters degree in counseling, and another in nutrition. She is a public speaker, author, and licensed psychotherapist.

Check out her podcast, Angry at the Right Things, here: https://angryattherightthings.podbean.com/

Angry at the Right Things: Interview with Bronwyn Schweigerdt

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by GUDE PAVAN from Pixabay

We produce an incredible amount of plastic waste in our world. It’s very convenient, but unfortunately, it not biodegradable, meaning that microorganisms can’t break it down for us. Rather, it just breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces. Micro means they’re on the order of millimeters (1/1000th of a meter). Nano means they’re on the order of nanometers (1/10^9 of a meter). These tiny plastic bits then contaminate our environment, our water supply, our air, and our food. From there, it bioaccumulates inside our bodies, because we’re not designed to break it down, either.

This study shows that the average amount of plastic particulates circulating in the human bloodstream is about 1.6 µg/ml. This study shows that plastics circulating in the bloodstream make their way to the liver in patients with cirrhosis, though it’s unclear whether or not they contribute to disease, or whether they show up there after the disease is already present.

Microplastic ToxicityHow big a problem is the bioaccumulation of micro and nano-sized plastics?

They apparently are capable of disrupting immunity, metabolism, and the microbiome of humans, as well as other animals.

This study shows that infants with higher microplastics in their meconium experienced a greater disruption of the microbiome, and this study. shows that micro plastics disrupt a healthy intestinal barrier.

This animal study shows that microplastics (particularly polystyrene) decrease sperm quality and testosterone levels.

This recent study shows that in heart disease patients, microplastics increase risk of stroke, heart attack, and death by four-fold.

Nano-sized plastics are even more concerning, as they are so small that they can easily slip past barriers such as cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier. This animal study likewise shows that once inside the brain, microplastics can bioaccumulate in the hippocampus, affecting learning and memory, and also contributing to neuroinflammation.

In addition to the potential toxicity of the plastics themselves, micro- and nanoplastics can be carriers for other toxins, too—most notably the endocrine disrupting Bisphenol A (BPA), used to harden plastic, and phthalates, also endocrine disrupting, and used to make plastics more flexible.

So What Do We Do? So far there’s no commercially available test for micro- and nano-sized plastic levels in humans (though I imagine there will be soon). Considering how ubiquitous plastics are in our environment, we can all assume we have them, though; the question is whether or not they’re at a level that is causing us any harm, contributing to current symptoms, or a risk factor for future conditions. There are some basic things we can do to help with their excretion regardless, though.

Probiotics for MicroplasticsMicroplastics are one more good reason to take your probiotics. Not only may they help to mitigate intestinal inflammation induced by plastics, but they actually help to eliminate not necessarily the plastics themselves, but some of the contaminants bound to them, like BPA.

Algae (Chlorella and Spirulina) for MicroplasticsAlgae of various types also tends to adsorb (bind to) microplastics and even nanoplastics. This affects the algae’s cellular function, but in that way, they might act sort of like a protective shield for us.

Algae have actually been used to treat wastewater because of this. But it stands to reason that taking algae in a capsule form might protect us from plastics that otherwise might bioaccumulate in our own tissues.

Charcoal for Microplastics Charcoal is a fairly universal binder, often used to help with water purification. Considering the size of the micro- and especially the nanoparticles in question, it doesn’t seem likely that charcoal would be able to bind with them chemically—but it doesn’t have to.

Charcoal is negatively charged, while nanoplastics are positively charged, so they will attract one another because of their relative electrostatic charges.

Zeolite for MicroplasticsZeolite is another binder that works by electrostatic charges.

While it’s largely been studied as a way to remove a wide variety of possible contaminants (in water), microplastics were in that bundle–and its binding capacity ranges from 81-99%.

Fulvic Acid for MicroplasticsFulvic acid is one of my new favorite supplements, due to its capacity to boost pH and thus, vital force.

But it also is a great binder, and may be to the soil what algae is to the water: protecting new plant life from the various soil contaminants that might otherwise choke the life out of a new little seedling.

It’s more effective for some microplastics than for others, but it may work via a number of mechanisms, including electrostatic charges, hydrogen bonding, or polarity.

Avoidance of MicroplasticsThe best way to address the issue of micro and nanoplastics is to just avoid them before they ever get into your body in the first place, of course—to the extent that this is possible in our modern world.

This study shows that microplastic consumption depends on caloric intake (the more food you eat, the more microplastics you swallow along with it). But you can choose to minimize plastic food packaging, and definitely don’t use plastic tupperware for food storage–choose glass or Pyrex instead. Minimize use of seran wrap for food storage, too. Remove any take-out food from its styrofoam containers as soon as you get home, and transfer it to glass.

Then there’s the air you breathe. There’s little you can do out and about, but a HEPA air filter at home is advisable. Good ones include Blue Air and Intellipure. It’s also a great idea to vacuum regularly, as dust particulates can contain microplastics too.

Plastic consumption increases by orders of magnitude with bottled water consumption—90,000 micro plastics annually compared to only 4000 for those who drink tap water. So cut out the flexible plastic water bottles. Switch to stainless steel or glass.

On the subject of plastics in water, a recent study also showed that one simple (if time-consuming) way to remove microplastics from our tap water is to boil it. This works best if the water is hard, as the microplastics will precipitate out, along with the calcium carbonate or other minerals in the water. This is probably a pain to do with all the water you plan to consume, though. And at least in theory, a good water filter ought to likewise remove plastics.

Other possibly lesser sources include choosing natural fabrics rather than synthetic materials that might shed microplastics over time.

Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Why They’re a Problem and How to Get Rid of Them

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Jason Carver is a pastor and the founder of Standing Supernaturally for Marriage Restoration ministry. He has served in various pastoral roles in the church for over 25 years and is also a Board Certified Christian Counselor. Jason’s personal story of marital restoration is a prophetic picture of what God can do in anyone’s life who is faithful to the promises of God. He currently coaches and teaches courses on how to supernaturally stand for marriage restoration. Jason lives in Waco, TX, with his wife Christine and daughters, Abby and Sydney. He also teaches tennis at Baylor University and produces an international TV ministry program. 40 Day Stand: A 40-Day Devotional Empowering You to Stand Supernaturally for Marriage Restoration is his first book.

To learn more about Jason, see supernaturally.com or you can find his free gift of 40 days of prayers for your spouse at supernaturally.com/gift

Supernatural Marriage Restoration: Interview with Jason Carver

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by A M Hasan Nasim from Pixabay

Semaglutide in all its various permutations (Ozempic, Wegovy) are all the rage for weight loss at the moment. They work by activating the glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor, which in turn increases a sense of satiety by delaying gastric emptying, as well as increasing insulin secretion, which in turn means glucose levels drop.

I’ll tell you right now that I won’t prescribe it—not only does it carry a black box warning for increased thyroid cancer risk, but it’s also associated with kidney injury, pancreatitis, gallstones and gallbladder inflammation, as well as (given the delayed gastric emptying effect), gastroparesis. Most drugs have a long potential side effect list, of course, but if you look at the cost/benefit analysis, the math on this one just doesn’t make sense to me.

That said, there’s a fairly recently discovered probiotic that might have at least a similar mechanism of action, without the nasty side effect profile. It’s called Akkermansia—and there might be some other reasons to consider it, too.

What Akkermansia IsAkkermansia is an anaerobic bacteria that nevertheless tolerates oxygen, as it encounters plenty of it in its environment in the intestinal mucus layer.

Like most probiotics, it eats prebiotics, so those foods help to boost the population.

It’s abundant, accounting for 1-3% of the microbiome, though variation in these percentages correspond to various disease states.

Akkermansia and GLP-1Intestinal cells secrete peptide hormones in response to intestinal contents, signaling the brain that we’re full and it’s time to stop eating. One of these is glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). As mentioned above, GLP-1 delays gastric emptying and also stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin—on the assumption that we’ve just consumed a big meal (that after all is what’s supposed to trigger its release) and we’ll need the insulin in order to metabolize the glucose.

GLP-1 also triggers the body’s AMPK pathway, which causes the body to burn energy as heat, rather than store it.

It turns out that Akkermansia regulates GLP-1 by producing a protein that triggers a cascade of events that ultimately leads to GLP-1 production.

Akkermansia and Metabolic Syndrome This may not be the only mechanism by which Akkermansia supports metabolism. It’s also been shown to significantly reduce inflammatory cytokine production in adipose tissue. Since fat is hormonally active, and inflammation tends to perpetuate adiposity, this may be another way in which it helps.

Fatty liver (NAFLD) is nearly always connected to insulin resistance, and Akkermansia also was shown in this mouse study to help reverse fatty liver and associated liver inflammation and injury.

Akkermansia and Leaky Gut Akkermansia also has been shown to help maintain a healthy gut barrier and heal intestinal permeability, possibly via the endocannabinoid system as well as gut peptide modulation.

It also increases production of the mucus layer, which likewise acts to protect the gut barrier.

Akkermansia and Gut Inflammation—Good or Bad?There are a few caveats, though—it’s possible for there to be too much of a good thing.

While some studies suggest that Akkermansia decreases inflammation in IBD such as Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis, as implied by the gut barrier protective mechanisms, and that they increase butyrate production (one of the primary Short Chain Fatty Acids that keep the gut healthy), this study showed that Akkermansia given to otherwise germ-free mice actually increased intestinal inflammation, compared to bacteria in the bacteroides family, which did not have the same effect.

I suspect this can best be understood in the context of balance. While neither bacteroides nor akkermansia make up the bulk of overall normal gut species, the former is expected to be a significantly higher percentage of the pie than the latter. A little bit of akkermansia may be anti-inflammatory, while a lot (as in a case of introducing a single species to an otherwise sterile gut) may have the opposite effect. This is likely hormesis in action. In the same way, we’re all supposed to have some clostridia in our guts, and that’s quite normal (it’s in the firmicutes family, associated with weight management and balance, as well). But if too much of the rest of the microbiome gets wiped out with some heavy duty antibiotics, that’s when we might end up with “C. diff”—which can be very serious if it’s out of control. Yeast is the same way—we should have some yeast in our guts. That’s normal. Problems occur when we have a yeast overgrowth.

This may also (at least partly) explain why this study shows that patients with Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis tend to have more Akkermansia as part of their microbiome than the rest of the population. This doesn’t necessarily imply a causal link between the bacteria and the diseases (it might, but I doubt it. We’d need more research to establish this for sure). Rather, I think it’s more likely this suggests an overall gut flora imbalance as part of the disease process. There’s possibly a lack of some other good flora and akkermansia simply fills the void–and maybe all of this is secondary to some other, deeper cause.

It wouldn’t make sense for those who already have an overabundance of a given organism to take more of it, though.

The UpshotThis 2020 randomized controlled trial established the safety of akkermansia as a supplement, albeit with only 76 people. It also demonstrated that the organism indeed did help to regulate glucose levels, which is why it is now available for purchase commercially, as an alternative approach to GLP-1 mediated weight management. (Definitely better than the currently trending alternative!)

Akkermansia, GLP-1, and Weight Loss

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

DR. MALAIKA WOODS is dually board certified with the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology. She is the founder of Dr. Woods Wellness, and the #1 best-selling author of “Physician Unleashed: The Physician Freedom Formula.” In addition to running her own independent practice, Dr. Woods also coaches other physicians and practitioners on starting and growing their independent practices.

When not working in the office, Dr. Woods enjoys singing, especially gospel music. She has been a choir director throughout the years and a wedding singer for many of her family and friends. Spending time with her wonderfully supportive husband, daughter, son and close friends are her most treasured moments. Her secret ambition is to one day write a fictional book that gets turned into a block buster movie!

To learn more about Dr Woods, you can find her on her free Facebook community, The Natural Hormone Fix, and/or you can download The Three Secrets to Hormone Balance Every Woman Should Know at drwoodswellness/guide

Weight Loss in Menopause: Interview with Dr Malaika Woods

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Siobhan Dolezal from Pixabay

Chia seeds come from the salvia hispanica L plant, and are probably most notable for their ability to absorb about 15 times their weight in water, forming a hydrogel. Because of this, they make a great binding agent for puddings, homemade jams, egg substitutes, and more.

They’re terrific for hydration, both because they’re a natural source of some electrolytes, and because the hydrogel is water that has already been “structured” for you, so your body doesn’t have to do the work.

But there are a few other great nutritional benefits to chia seeds, besides their hydration potential.

Chia Seeds: Source of FiberChia seeds are great for bowel regulation both because of hydration support, and also as a fiber source. Two tablespoons of chia seeds (a common approximate serving in many of the recipes listed below) provide 9.8 grams of fiber, of the recommended RDI of 25 grams of fiber for women and 38 grams daily for men.

This includes both soluble and insoluble fiber. The soluble fiber can feed probiotics and increase production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Fiber generally helps to improve satiety and increase blood sugar stability, and studies show that chia seeds do offer this benefit as well.

Chia Seeds: Source of Omega-3sChia seeds are also the best plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, in the form of alpha-linolenic acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for healthy cell membranes, decreased inflammation, and more.

That said, plant-based omega-3 sources may not be nearly as immediately useful as the omega-3s found in fish, because they have to be converted into EPA and DHA in order for our bodies to use them, and there are a variety of reasons why we might not be able to do this as efficiently as we might like.

Chia Seeds Source of Protein Chia seeds are also an impressive source of protein, containing 4.7 grams per 2 tbsps. Not only that, but it’s a complete protein, too, containing all nine essential amino acids.

Favorite Chia Seed RecipesHere are some of my favorite ways to consume chia seeds, for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. (Keep in mind that if you’re eating chia seeds that have not been pre-hydrated (like in the bars below), you’ll need to consume extra water, or they might have an opposite effect in terms of hydration.)

Basic Chia Seed Pudding recipe – you can doctor this one any way you like
Raspberry Coconut Chia Pudding — any kind of berry works fine (and any kind of alternative milk too). Skip the sweetener, doesn’t need it.
Chocolate Chia Pudding
Mint Chocolate Chia Pudding – the whipped topping is good but not necessary
Fresh Mango Coconut Chia Seed Parfait (I subbed monk fruit for the syrup, and it was great)
Tiramisu Chia Pudding – I used decaf instant coffee
Lemon Blueberry Avocado Smoothie
Creamy Date Coffee Smoothie – I used 1-2 tbsps instant decaf coffee for this rather than brewed coffee
Vanilla Raspberry Chia Pudding
Blueberry Coconut Chia Seed Pudding
Blueberry (or any kind of berry) Chia Jam — I prefer to skip the sweetener. It doesn’t need it!
Cinnamon Pecan Chia Bars
Chocolate Coconut Chia Seed Bars
Matcha Green Tea Smoothie Bowl
No Bake Chia Energy Bites
Quinoa Chia Seed Protein Bars

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Emma Tekstra is an actuary, independent health researcher and author of “How to Be a Healthy Human”. With a 30-year background in employee benefits and corporate health and wellbeing, she consults with employers looking for real solutions to runaway healthcare costs, and with startup companies bringing health solutions to market.

To learn more about Emma, see EmmaTekstra.com/About or EmmaTekstra.Substack.com. You can get a copy of her book here.

Fixing Healthcare, One Step at a Time: Emma Tekstra

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Josch13 from Pixabay

“Water is life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.” — Albert Szent-Györgyi, Nobel prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1937.

This is true on the macroscopic level (the water in our earth’s atmosphere makes life possible on our planet), but also on an individual level as well.

Hydration is critical for a wide variety of biological functions, including transport of nutrients, elimination of waste products, facilitating enzymatic reactions, regulating pH, electrolyte balance, and more. It’s a critical ingredient in in all of our body’s biochemical reactions.

What is important about intracellular water isn’t so much its chemical makeup, though, as its structure.

The Structured Water TheoryIn grade school science courses, we all learned that water exists in three phases: solid, liquid, and gas. I’d thought it was primarily Dr Gerald Pollack who had identified and researched the fourth phase of water which he calls the Exclusion Zone or EZ. This EZ phase behaves not like bulk water, but like a coherent liquid crystal, as measured by spectroscopy. This coherent structure is essentially a way for the water to store energy, in the same way that it requires work to push back entropy, and to bring about order from disorder. Pollack certainly is one of the best known modern proponents of the theory, but he’s far from the only one.

One of the strongest arguments for the unique properties of the EZ is its absorption peak at 270 nm (ultraviolet) light specifically—distinct from the absorption spectrum of bulk water. The EZ also grows in response to infrared radiation—in other words, infrared radiation is the source of the energy that the water then converts into increased order. All of this strongly implies that its structure is different than that of bulk water.

In fact, a hexagonal structure of EZ water polymers was proposed and identified after the water had come in contact with a variety of different surfaces, and it did in fact have an absorption peak corresponding to 270 nm in each case, making this a strong candidate for the molecular basis of the EZ. The hexagonal structure is interesting, since snowflakes, while always unique, are nevertheless always hexagonal.

Pollack points out in “Cells, Gels and the Engines of Life” that Nobel laureate Linus Pauling in 1935 argued that water rearranges its gel-like crystalline structure in order to transmit information—literally, a “memory” of substances with which it had previously been in contact, even if they’re not there anymore. Other studies have since echoed this finding. Numerous studies have likewise demonstrated that different types of surfaces can alter the structure of the water that comes in contact with it, changing its molecular composition, as measured by various different electromagnetic, chemical, and optical measurements.

Specifically, lipid surfaces (like the fatty acids that make up the cell membrane—which itself functions like a liquid crystal) tend to form large exclusion zones directly adjacent to them.

This certainly implies that one of the functions of a healthy cell membrane might be to maintain cellular hydration.

Intercellular WaterIt’s not just the cell membrane that structures intercellular water, but all of the organelles and other molecular machinery that allow the cell to function do so as well. This ordered intracellular structure allows the tissues to retain water.

The efficiency of this process is at least in part a function of age. When we’re born, we’re 90-95% water by weight, and by the end of life, this declines to 50-70%. Not only that, but the structure of that water decreases as well, such that it’s more difficult for tissues to hang onto it. As Pollack points out, this isn’t only true of humans—for instance, you can tell how old a log of wood is by how readily it burns. Old wood dries out readily due to the deterioration of its molecular structure, and thus burns well, while younger wood holds its hydration far more tenaciously.

Water’s Response to ElectromagnetismWhy is it so important that our cells are bathed in structured, liquid crystalline water—other than the fact that hydrogels retain fluid much more efficiency than if water were merely in its bulk form?

I made the case here that the “vital force” of our bodies is essentially electromagnetism, and here that the flow of electrons through our acupuncture meridians and perineural networks are what power our tissues at an organism level. These signals make their way to the individual cell membrane, which will likewise resonate with the electromagnetic signal, because they too are basically liquid crystalline semiconductors.

If the water inside the cell is itself a liquid crystalline coherent structure, then the resonance of the cell membrane will translate to the water inside in response to that same external electromagnetic signal, affecting the cell’s function accordingly.

All of this likely explains the degree to which electromagnetic pollution (EMF) can affect our health. Even the structured water inside our individual cells will resonate with dissonant signals, disrupting cellular function.

Structure Determines FunctionWater’s structure has a strong influence on structures inside our cells, including the cell membrane, the shape of the DNA double helix, and the folding (and thus, the function) of our proteins. It even affects binding of target proteins to receptors, a process involved in a great deal of our biochemistry.

The UpshotYou knew you needed to drink water anyway, but the kind of water you drink also matters. Make sure it’s free from impurities, and that you’re also getting adequate electrolytes too. Beyond that, there are a number of different water structuring bottles and systems that claim to restore its liquid crystalline structure, even before it gets inside your body, where your cell membranes and organelles will go to work on structuring it for you. (Creating order from disorder requires energy though, so this task isn’t free.) I’m still investigating those products myself, and don’t yet know if I can fully endorse any of them (though I want to believe!)

In the meantime, though, in addition to drinking half your body weight in ounces in purified water (more if you sweat), a few ways you can be sure you’re getting well structured water is to consume fresh juice from a juicer. You can also just eat the whole fruits and veggies, though, as any water consumed by the plant is guaranteed to be structured already. You won’t get as much structured water that way of course, as you can drink far more fruits and veggies in one sitting than you can eat. Natural hydrogel formers like chia and flax seeds should also structure water for you, and thus aid in hydration. And if you get out into the sun, or otherwise expose yourself to a source of infrared light, this should help to structure the water already inside your cells, too, by “charging” the EZ.

Seems weird, I know. But as author Philip Ball writes, “No one really understands water. It’s embarrassing to admit it, but the stuff that covers two-thirds of our planet is still a mystery.”

How Cellular Water Responds to Electromagnetic Energy

Cells, Gels and the Engines of Life: A New Unifying Approach to Cell Function

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Alexandra Yu is an author and registered nurse with many years of experience in the clinical research industry. Her passion for holistic health led her to launch the Her Holistic Healing podcast. Alexandra’s mission is to encourage women to seek God’s wisdom first for their health and life so that they can experience true, lasting healing that will allow them to make a greater eternal impact in their homes and communities.

Alexandra is a wife and mom of three children. She loves to read,
work out, travel, and play the piano, and she has a passion for helping at-risk children.

To learn more about Alexandra, see herholistichealing.com or you can find a copy of her book at herholistichealing.com/book

God’s Healing Wisdom – Alexandra Yu

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Susan Cipriano from Pixabay

The pineal gland is the endocrine (hormone-producing) gland in the brain that produces melatonin in response to darkness, regulating our circadian rhythms. Most people think of melatonin just for sleep, and it is a powerful sleep hormone. But there’s more to the story of the pineal gland and melatonin than just that.

Melatonin’s Other Health BenefitsIn addition to aiding sleep, melatonin is a powerful antioxidant.

It’s neuroprotective, supporting neurogenesis—which makes sense, when we think about all the brain health benefits of sleep.

I wrote here on melatonin for pain in general, but it’s specifically been studied for various headaches, especially migraines and cluster headaches. This study shows that those who suffer from migraines tend to have lower levels of melatonin breakdown products detected in urine, suggesting that their melatonin levels are lower. This study also shows that melatonin can both prevent migraines, and also reduce the duration, severity, and frequency of migraines that do occur.

In animal studies, melatonin has also been shown to regulate bone deposition. This study also shows that it plays a role in humans in both bone and cartilage health, and is therefore involved in osteoporosis, periodontitis, and osteoarthritis.

Melatonin is also involved in fertility. This animal study shows that the pineal gland plays a role in regulating the balance of pituitary hormones LH and FSH, and when the pituitary is removed, concentrations of these both increase.

One indication of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is elevated LH relative to FSH. This may be at least partly why melatonin can help balance hormones in this population, and improve egg quality.

In the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, melatonin should rise along with progesterone, and is thus lower in women with short luteal phases, though it’s unclear if this is a cause or an effect. Lower levels of melatonin are also associated with various symptoms of PMS.

In men, melatonin also regulates secretion of FSH as well as of both LH and testosterone release–one reason why lack of sleep can lead to low testosterone. It also helps to protect testicular tissue and sperm stem cells, possibly due to its antioxidant effects. It thus helps to improve sperm quality.

Possible Sources of Pineal Gland DisruptionAside from structural things like pineal cysts and tumors, the pineal gland becomes easily calcified, either with actual calcium or other salts similar to those that can cause kidney stones. This is speculated to be connected to age, though even some infants have calcified pineal glands, which makes this a less likely explanation. (I wonder if there’s a relationship between melatonin’s role in bone health, and calcification of the pineal gland: perhaps if melatonin is lower, bone may be more prone to breaking down, releasing the minerals in bone into the bloodstream. If so, a calcified pineal gland would be more an effect than a cause, though. I also wonder if Vitamin K2 might be a reasonable approach to addressing this, to put calcium back in the bone where it belongs, and if this might help the pineal gland to work more efficiently–though this is pure speculation).

Calcium or other salts circulating in the bloodstream may have access to the pineal gland in the first place because the blood-brain barrier only partially protects it.

There at least may be a correlation between a calcified pineal gland and migraine and cluster headaches, though again, it’s unclear if this is merely correlation, or causation.

The pineal gland also is likely one of our most sensitive organs to EMF disruption, due to its magnetic sensitivity. Pigeon pineal glands are clearly magnetic, explaining how birds can navigate by the earth’s magnetic field. Humans, too, have a high concentration of magnetite in the pineal gland, and at least some research suggests that we too have a magnetic sense connected to our pineal gland. The earth’s Schumann resonance has a magnetic component, and while it averages out at about 7.8 Hz, it varies by the position of the earth relative to the sun (faster in the day, slower at night). It’s probably not a coincidence that our delta brain waves corresponding to deep sleep are between 0-4 Hz, while theta (daydreaming and light sleep) are 4-8 Hz. Is it possible that the magnetic pineal gland is supposed to sense the earth’s nighttime Schumann rhythm and resonate with it, reinforcing the signal our retinas also receive from the darkness–multiple senses, all telling us when it’s time to sleep?

This certainly would explain why one of the first and most common symptoms of EMF sensitivity or pollution is insomnia, and why use of melatonin has skyrocketed in the last several decades, in adults and even in children. EMF pollution has certainly risen exponentially, and continues to do so.

I’m not against melatonin supplementation by any means, but I do find it peculiar that it’s suddenly required for so many, and always prefer to treat the root cause when I can. (For more on how to minimize your EMF exposures, see here.)

Sleep, Biorhythms, and the Pineal Gland

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

There is certainly a stereotype that natural healers of all sorts, including naturopathic doctors, acupuncturists, homeopaths, massage therapists, and etc are all a bit on the “woo-woo” side. When I first started practicing, friends would ask me (jokingly—mostly) whether they’d have to part a beaded curtain to get into my office, or whether they’d find it adorned with crystals. My husband still calls me a hippie, because I like yoga, and prefer to go barefoot whenever possible.

I’m also a strong Christian, though, and many of my patients choose my practice because they want the non-pharmaceutical, “heal the root cause” focus, without all the New Age or Eastern religious stuff thrown in.

But why are natural healing and alternative spiritual ideas so often entwined, anyway?

The Vital Force, Electromagnetism, and Energy MedicineI think the reason these things go together has to do with the concept of the vital force—this nebulous concept of the thing that keeps an organism alive, maintains homeostasis, and heals when a disturbance occurs. Because this idea is so nebulous (or at least it has been historically), it’s often conflated with spirituality and the metaphysical. Most of my colleagues in naturopathic school were spiritual in some way or another; I’d say perhaps a third to half were Christian, and the rest identified with some other organized religion, or they had their own hodgepodge collection of spiritual beliefs. Everyone attributed the vital force to their own spiritual ideas, though—indeed, you couldn’t really be a naturopath and not believe in the vital force. It’s kind of fundamental to the whole philosophy.

I’m now starting to believe, though, that the vital force isn’t spiritual at all; it’s actually electromagnetism (more on this here). I rather suspect the soul is the source of that power, but in much the same way that a piano player plays the keys, and music results. Our souls are the players, our bodies are the keys, and the music is the voltage that then enervates the body. This may seem like semantics—we’ve only removed the spiritual by one extra step—but to me, this changes how I think about energy medicine tremendously.

For instance: acupuncture meridians turn out to be fascia, made of collagen and hydrated with crystalline water, acting as semiconductors of electrons on a tissue-based ‘wiring’ system (more on this here).

Homeopathy turns out to borrow from the near-infinite structural possibilities of liquid crystalline water, imprinting a structural memory upon it in the form of a fractal. Since frequencies can be converted into fractals and vice versa (they’re called cymatic images), it’s not too far-fetched to say that homeopathy contains the imprint of the frequency of the original substance. That frequency can affect the frequency of our own cells via resonance—the same phenomenon that occurs when you strum a guitar string, and the same key on a different guitar will begin to vibrate, without ever being touched. On a piano, when you play a low C, the C notes at higher and lower octaves will resonate as well—but the other notes won’t, because the frequency is wrong. This is why, with homeopathy, you have to get the remedy (the frequency) correct, or nothing will happen: only the right frequency will cause your cells to resonate in harmony, and come into appropriate alignment. (By contrast, this is at least part of the reason why synthetic electromagnetic frequencies can be so damaging: they can disrupt the delicate frequencies of our own cells, thus interfering with their function).

Even auras turn out to have an entirely physical basis. Anyone who has ever been to Sedona has probably seen the Kirlian photography studios that offer to photograph your aura. It’s based on the corona discharge phenomenon, in which the photographic film is connected to a high energy power source, creating an electric field. When a person (or any other grounded object) touches it, those excited electrons have a direct route back to the ground, through that object. As they fall, they have to get rid of their extra energy, and they do so via light emission—essentially, this is the same idea as in Einstein’s photoelectric effect. According to Dr Richard Gerber in Vibrational Medicine, Kirlian photography can offer useful diagnostic information—but only if the frequency used to excite the photographic film resonates with the body’s natural frequencies. Otherwise, it’s pretty, but useless.

Many energy medicine approaches say they work “on the quantum level”, which can be a non-explanation that just sounds impressive—but I do wonder if quantum physics isn’t just the interface between the spirit realm and physical reality. Quantum physics includes concepts like entanglement, or “spooky action at a distance,” as Einstein called it—which certainly sounds like it could apply to Jesus speaking a word of healing over the Centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1-10), or the Syro-Phoenician woman’s daughter (Mark 7:24-30), or the handkerchiefs and aprons imbued with Paul’s healing energy (Acts 19:11-12). It also encompasses concepts like scalar energy, the underlying energy in the universe that holds all things together (which sounds a lot like Hebrews 1:3).

Where Things Go SidewaysI’d venture to speculate that for all forms of energy medicine, there are two possibilities—either they don’t work at all except by placebo (which is possible, if they haven’t been rigorously tracked—30% recovery I’d imagine would be more than enough to inspire passionate proselytes), or else they do work, if recovery is higher than that. If they do work, then they must do so via some scientific mechanism that God created (as He is the giver of all good gifts, James 1:17, and health and healing are good gifts, Deuteronomy 28), whether or not we know what that mechanism is yet. Science fiction novelist Arthur C. Clarke once wrote, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Since technology is the harnessing of scientific principles to do work, and since magic (if believed in at all) is nearly always attributed to spiritual sources, then any medical techniques we cannot explain will likely be attributed to spiritual sources, by default.

As C.S. Lewis famously observed in Mere Christianity, though, Satan cannot create anything new. All he can do is twist or pervert something God meant for good (a good gift in the wrong timing, in the wrong amount, with the wrong motive, attributed to the wrong power, etc), thus deceiving people into following him, instead of God. Any non-falsifiable explanation for a real, physical phenomenon will always contain at least the possibility of deception, and I can’t imagine Satan not exploiting that (John 8:44). For thousands of years, acupuncture (or chakras, or fill in the blank on your favorite ancient energy medicine) weren’t explainable in any scientific way, but they seemed to work, so people kept doing them… and then of course, they tried to come up with explanations for why they worked. Since people at that time didn’t know the scientific explanation, though, their explanations were, invariably, spiritual. Even today, energy medicine practitioners who wish to study their craft usually also study the ancient esoteric religious texts with which they are intwined. And isn’t it only natural for people to think, well, they were right about the healing principles… what if they’re right about the rest? At that point, people don’t know what to believe, or what truth is (John 18:37-38). Once you get into the realm of metaphysics, anything goes, because you can’t prove any of it anyway…

Isn’t this the same question, more or less, as how we can determine which religion (if any) is correct, when it pertains to an invisible world? That too seems non-falsifiable, which is why many people will argue that one religion is as good as another. C.S. Lewis’s is the best philosophical argument I’ve heard on this, also from Mere Christianity: that our own souls and consciences point toward an external morality we did not create, and that, alone, verifies a spiritual world, and the existence of a God who created that moral code. Our experience of attempting to keep the moral code and failing to do so should thus help narrow down the religion we need (one of grace—and there’s only one of those). Then on top of that, there is apologetic (physical) evidence to corroborate the truth of the Biblical scriptures, the testimonies of skeptics and atheists who set out to disprove the Bible, only to become converts in the end, and the miracles that are supposed to follow those who believe (Mark 16:17-18)—evidence of the invisible invading the visible. Most religious assertions cannot be tested, and must be accepted on faith only—and while Christianity also requires faith, it first appeals to reason. We were never expected to believe anything arbitrarily.

Discerning the TruthSo, to the one who diligently seeks truth, concrete insights rule out all religions but one as a foundation. How then does that foundation help us to discern between truth and deception?

Our protection against deception is knowing God’s word, because it is truth (John 17:17, Psa 25:5, Psa 91:4, Psa 96:13, 100:5, 117:2, 119:142, 151, 160; 138:2, Prov 3:3). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, and He will guide us into truth (John 14:17, 15:26, 16:13, 1 John 5:6). But He can only bring to our remembrance the scriptures we know (John 14:26)… and remember that when Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he did so by either misquoting scripture, or by quoting it out of context (Matthew 4:1-11). So our job is to renew our minds with scripture (Romans 12:2) to the point where we’ll recognize a counterfeit when we’re presented with it (1 John 4:1).

The bottom line, as I see it, is that when it comes to energy medicine principles intertwined with other religious teachings that lead us away from God’s truth, we must exercise discernment. Know the truth, so that some impressive and seemingly inexplicable phenomenon doesn’t lead you to question what you do know.

At the same time, though, let’s not “throw the baby out with the bathwater.” Every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17), and “greater is He that is in me than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Let’s not give Satan more credit than he deserves.

How Do Frequency-Based Therapies Fit with Christianity?

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Jo Luijten from Pixabay

I argued here that the “vital force,” that intangible element that keeps our souls tethered to our bodies, may actually be electromagnetic energy. There are (so far) two identified sets of body-wide channels through which such frequencies appear to flow: the perineural system (peripheral to the nervous system), and the acupuncture meridians. These are analogous to the body’s wiring system—much like the wiring inside the walls of your house enables you to plug in an appliance anywhere with an outlet that connects to that wiring.

How might this system on the cellular level interface with the body-wide “wiring” system of electromagnetism, though?

The Membrane as a CapacitorOn the cellular level, energy (electrons) from oxygen, food and water get extracted by the mitochondria—the organelles inside every cell (except red blood cells) that produce ATP. If there’s more energy coming in than we can use (we’re eating too much and not exercising, for example, or perhaps our metabolism is slower than it should be), then the body stores any excess in the adipose tissue (fat cells). When later, we have a demand for more energy than we’re consuming, the body transports stored triglycerides into the mitochondria, one free fatty acid at a time. Each fatty acid can produce 129 ATP, compared to the 38 ATP derived from each glucose molecule. So fat is a very efficient way to store energy, which can then power the cell.

But that’s all very localized. If the “vital force” involves the flow of electromagnetic energy systemically, how might that coordinate activity on the cellular level?

According to Jerry Tennant in “Healing is Voltage,” excess circulating voltage can get stored for later use in the cell membranes, like a battery. This is because the inside and the outside of the cell are both characterized by highly conductive ionic fluid, separated by an insulating material that keeps them apart (the fatty cell membrane). This definition alone means that the cell membrane is a capacitor: it stores electrical energy.

The Membrane Conducts ElectricityBut the cell membrane isn’t just a pure insulator; if it were, the energy flowing throughout the meridians and perineural systems wouldn’t be able to actually do anything on the cellular level. The membrane isn’t just an impenetrable lipid bilayer, but it has receptors and channels embedded throughout, allowing signals from the outside in, and inside out. This makes the membrane conductive, both biochemically and electrically. As Dr Robert Becker noted in “The Body Electric,” many parts of the cell support semiconduction, quite efficiently (just as the acupuncture and perineural systems do).

It’s not just the biochemical channels and pores that contribute to this feat, either; even the membrane’s elasticity has intrinsic electrical potential, such that when the membrane receives a mechanical stimulation, it can convert this into an electrical signal, called the flexoelectric effect.

Not too surprisingly, then, electromagnetic frequencies can directly affect the cell membrane, too.

The Membrane Responds to Electromagnetic FrequenciesIn fact, electromagnetic frequencies may be a far more common, and certainly a far more efficient stimulus for coordinating cell behavior than are the far more inherently localized biochemical stimuli.

At least certain membrane enzymes respond to specific electromagnetic signals by performing chemical work, provided the signal is the appropriate frequency and amplitude.

This is hypothesized to occur on a far broader scale within the cell too, changing the conformation of membrane receptors in response to electromagnetic signals. Vibrations from an electromagnetic signal could and should affect not just one or two membrane proteins, but the entire interconnected cell membrane, and everything anchored to it: all the proteins, and anything in the cell’s interior that is likewise connected to the cytoskeleton. (Picture a subwoofer sitting on a table strewn with debris. Everything connected to that table will resonate.)

Membrane lipids are also known to be diamagnetic, meaning they align themselves with externally applied magnetic fields. Even a small external magnetic field can change the membrane’s electrical potential, and thus affect the activities within the cell. And incidentally, of all of the organelles inside the cell, the mitochondria are the most sensitive to magnetic signals.

The Cell Membrane is a Liquid CrystalMany of the cell membrane’s remarkable properties stem from the fact that it can be classified as a liquid crystal. The definition of a liquid crystal is one that possesses no positional order (it’s a liquid, so things can still move around), but it does have orientational order (the molecules line up in an orderly fashion). Lipids in general typically self-order themselves into liquid crystalline patterns, and cell membranes are made up of a variety of different fatty acids.

The water inside your cells is also in a hydrogel, or liquid crystalline form.

This matters because the very coherence of the pattern of molecular alignment in liquid crystals allows electromagnetic waves, or vibrations, to have a much more long-ranging effect—again, picture the subwoofer on the table strewn with debris. The debris connected to that table will vibrate in rhythm with the beat, whereas objects not connected to the table may not move at all, or only very little.

Another place you might have heard of a liquid crystal is in LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens, such as in your television, computer, iPad, or smart phone. The responsiveness of such liquid crystals to electromagnetic fields is the reason why these technologies work. In the same way, your cell membranes (and any water in your body in the liquid crystalline hydrogel form) are exquisitely sensitive to electromagnetic energy–which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending upon the frequency.

Your Cell Membranes Do Most of Your Body’s WorkDr Bruce Lipton sums this up as follows: the cell membrane is a liquid crystal semiconductor that essentially functions as a biological computer chip, interacting with and responding to the information in its environment, and in turn inducing (or suppressing) gene expression (epigenetics).

The cell membranes appear to manage and coordinate all the rest of the biological activities inside the cells, and because of this, they consume most of our body’s energy.

The UpshotSo far as I can tell, then, ATP seems to supply intracellular power, while the electromagnetic “vital force” flowing through the body as a whole stimulates the cell membrane, coordinating intracellular activity and storing any excess energy in the membrane itself. This would enable the membrane to continue to do its job (for awhile at least), in case somehow it finds itself cut off from the intercellular power supply. From a Chinese Medicine standpoint, this might be due to qi stagnation, though I’d imagine various structural obstructions might block the flow as well.

This certainly highlights not only the importance of keeping our cells charged up, but also the importance of keeping our cell membranes healthy, by consuming real and unadulterated saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The Mighty Cell Membrane

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Jodi Scholes is a celebrated author, educator, and Licensed Massage Therapist with over 30 years of experience in understanding and treating pain. Her work with elite athletes, including Major League Soccer team and U.S. Track & Field athletes, has taken her across the U.S. and internationally, providing high-level care and support. Her book, Body Blueprint: How Your Pain May Be Telling a Story, explores how a person’s perception of pain is not solely influenced by biological factors but is also profoundly affected by mental and emotional stress. Jodi has shared her insights on a global stage, including delivering a TEDx talk titled “Body Blueprint: How Your Pain May Be Telling A Story.” She is a retired triathlete herself, and an improving tennis player. She continues to speak at retreats, teach weekly, and provide massage therapy, blending her extensive experience with her passion for holistic wellness.

To learn more about Jodi, see jodischoles.com

How Your Pain May Be Telling a Story : Interview with Jodi Scholes

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

Most of us are aware that we should be taking essential fatty acids, or omega-3 and omega-6, if we’re not consuming them in our diets. These are essential, because the body cannot make them; they must be obtained from the diet.

But what about omega-9 fatty acids—where do these fit in?

Omega-9 Fatty AcidsWhereas omega-3s and omega-6s are polyunsaturated (meaning they have multiple double bonds,) omega-9s are monounsaturated, meaning they have only a single double bond, and it’s located at the 9th carbon in the chain from the omega (or terminal) end.

We generally think of omega-9 as oleic acid, the most common one both in the diet, and in the body. Olive oil is by far the most concentrated source of oleic acid (though not the only one), so often the terms olive oil and omega-9s are used interchangeably.

Omega-9 Fatty Acids and Cell Membranes Fatty acids in general are critical for cell membrane fluidity and function. This is true of omega-3s and 6s, as well as saturated fatty acids too—and the exact concentration of each of these depends upon the purpose of the cell in question.

But undoubtedly, omega-9s and particularly oleic acid plays a strong role in membrane structure.

This is especially important, in light of the research suggesting that the cell membrane, rather than its nucleus, is actually the brain of the cell.

Omega-9 Fatty Acids and Brain HealthSince the brain is 60% fat by weight, fatty acids are very important to its structure and function. This is certainly true of other fatty acids too, including saturated fat, essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6), but it’s true of omega 9s as well.

This study shows that increased monounsaturated fatty acid consumption is protective against cognitive decline, while this study showed that postmortem, the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s had lower levels of oleic acid than those with normal cognitive function.

This study also shows that replacement of palmitic acid (a saturated fatty acid) with oleic acid resulted in decreased anger and resulted in mood balancing.

Omega-9 Fatty Acids, Weight, and Insulin SensitivityOmega-9s also are involved in improved metabolism. This study mentioned before also shows that replacement of palmitic acid with oleic acid showed improved resting energy expenditure, which they presumed meant improved mitochondrial function.

This may be why in part other studies have shown that increased monounsaturated fatty acid consumption led to improved insulin sensitivity, though omega 9s also improve the insulin signaling pathway directly, and decrease inflammation.

This study showed that olive oil consumption at 3 tbsps per day led to at least 5% weight loss over an 8-week period.

The olive oil-rich Mediterranean Diet is well-known to be heart-healthy, and these metabolic effects may be the reason why.

Additional Benefits of Omega-9 Fatty AcidsLike so many other constituents of foods, oleic acid is also directly antimicrobial, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Sources of Omega-9 Fatty Acids Olive oil is 83% omega-9 fatty acids (as oleic acid). Avocado oil is also 60% omega-9s, though, and it’s much better for cooking at high heat (olive oil is much better at low heat or drizzled over salads, to avoid oxidation.) Many nuts are good sources of omega-9s also, but their percent by weight is much lower than in oil sources.

Health Benefits of Omega-9 Fatty Acids

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Mrs. Christy Stutzman is a small-business owner, a music composer and a former teacher and state legislator. She has written for multiple news organizations including The Washington Times, The Daily Signal and is a featured opinion writer for the Washington Stand by Family Research Council. As the wife of a member of Congress, she traveled widely on diplomatic delegations and has been a strong advocate for conservative, pro-family causes on Capitol Hill and in political campaigns for the past twenty years. She has been a featured radio and podcast guest, and a featured speaker at political, Christian, and pro-life events across the country. Her new book, The Spiritual Price of Political Silence, connects the dots of political apathy and the cultural decline of American values. Mrs. Stutzman resides on her farm in Howe, IN with her husband, Marlin, and their two sons, Payton and Preston.

To learn more about Christy and to get a copy of her book, see booksbychristy.org

The Spiritual Price of Political Silence – Christy Stutzman

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Schorsch from Pixabay

The definition of what constitutes life is one as yet unsettled by science. In “The Rainbow and the Worm,” author Mae-Wan Ho presents at least a characteristic of life, if not a definition, as an interconnecting series of feedback loops designed to capture and store energy to do the work of metabolism, locally reversing entropy, and maintaining homeostasis. This is what naturopaths mean when we say “the body is designed to heal itself”—barring some catastrophic event, all of these brilliantly self-correcting systems can and will do their jobs, if we 1) identify and remove any impediments, 2) give them the building blocks they need, and in some cases, 3) give the body a little “push” in that direction (all hormetic therapies are based on this idea).

Though it was disputed for some time, it’s now mostly accepted that the earth as a whole functions this way too. The concept is called the Gaia Hypothesis.

The Gaia Hypothesis Feedback SystemsJames Lovelock, the scientist who developed the Gaia Hypothesis, argued that the earth as a whole functions much like an organism, in the sense that multiple interconnected systems all work together in order to maintain the homeostasis of our planet required for life.

These systems include:

Atmospheric gases. Without the presence of life, any oxygen in the atmosphere should react with elements in the earth’s crust, or in the atmosphere, and thus be consumed. But the presence of plants on earth ensures that this is not the case. Plants inhale CO2, and exhale O2, in a symbiotic balance with animals, who do just the opposite. This balance is so remarkable that it seems to have been specifically fine-tuned for the purposes of life.
The carbon cycle. Along these lines, CO2 is the foundation for carbon-based life forms. Plants breathe in CO2 via photosynthesis, storing the carbon into their own stroma. Animals consume the plants, using the carbon as building blocks for their own cells and tissues as well, and also exhale more CO2 into the atmosphere. When animals and plants die, the carbon returns to the rock and soil, and can either get recycled into new life, or serve as a source of fossil fuels, in which case CO2 gets released back into the atmosphere again. Increasing CO2 in the atmosphere encourages plant growth, which leads to increased CO2 consumption by said plants. The total amount of carbon remains constant within earth’s system; what shifts is which “compartment” it’s located in at any given time.
The ocean ecosystem and climate/temperature: The CLAW hypothesis, inspired by Gaia, specifically asserts a connection between phytoplankton and earth’s temperature stability. One particular ocean algae increases in response to CO2 concentration, sequestering it in the ocean floor and also triggering an increase in cloud cover, helping to drop the earth’s temperature.

Because of all of these feedback systems and many more, the earth (like our own bodies) can respond to disturbances and self-correct very quickly.

Similarities to the BodyTo zoom in on one of these parameters in our own bodies, CO2 was long considered just a waste product of our metabolism. We breathe it out; that’s all.

We now know, though, that CO2 is the body’s primary vasodilator. This makes perfect sense, from a feedback standpoint: oxygen and CO2 act like a seesaw to one another. When tissue levels of oxygen are low and CO2 is high, the body responds by increasing blood flow to that tissue—bringing fresh oxygen and carrying away excess CO2 for exhalation. For this reason, low CO2 on a metabolic panel (CMP) actually serves as a good surrogate marker for both how efficiently you’re breathing, and also your pH: low CO2 corresponds to acidity, which corresponds to tissue dysfunction.

Another common example: take the thyroid hormones. TSH is produced by the pituitary in the brain. The reason high levels actually mean hypothyroidism is because of a feedback system: when the thyroid isn’t listening, the pituitary shouts louder. By contrast, if someone is hyperthyroid, the body compensates by dumping the excess T4 into reverse T3—which can paradoxically make that person feel hypothyroid, since reverse T3 will block active T3 from stimulating receptors.

All hormones have self-regulating systems like this. This is also the reason why the conventional wisdom that one should avoid salt to lower blood pressure is often far too simplistic, and can in some cases even have the opposite effect.

Feedback systems are the whole reason why drugs have side effects. Symptoms are there for a reason, and they’re generally the adaptation least likely to disturb the body’s overall homeostatic mechanisms. If you just suppress them, the systems will have to compensate, causing something to break somewhere else instead (often somewhere worse).

This is the reason why my favorite therapies (once we’ve removed obstacles to cure and given the body the building blocks it’s missing to heal) employ the principles of hormesis: these therapies work with the body’s feedback systems, rather than against them.

Anthropic Fine TuningLovelock’s argument was emphatically not that the earth “intended” to maintain an environment suitable for life, nor that God created it to be so, but rather that the systems themselves, combined with the presence of life itself on earth, serve to perpetuate the environment that life requires.

It seems to me that this explanation begs the question, though. Now, the earth is self-sustaining in an incredible balance ideal for life, able to withstand perturbations and self-correct (just like our bodies). But how did it come to be that way?

Sure sounds to me like this is another example of God’s anthropic fine tuning.

The Gaia Hypothesis, vs the Body’s Homeostasis: God’s Fingerprints

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr Tony Nalda holds a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Life University, and built one of the most successful chiropractic clinics in Central Florida. His expertise has made him a highly sought-after scoliosis specialist both in the U.S. and abroad. Dr. Nalda is CLEAR Institute’s Chairman of the Board—the only non-profit chiropractic educational and certification center devoted to non-surgical scoliosis treatment and research, a MaxLiving board member and instructor, and a keynote speaker who teaches chiropractors across the world. He has written several books, including “Scoliosis Hope: How New Approaches to Treatment are Transforming Lives.” He has successfully led his family practice for 20+ years and continues to seek out the latest and most effective modalities for treating patients naturally.

To learn more about Dr Nalda, see scoliosisreductioncenter.com or you can find him on YouTube at Scoliosis Reduction Center

Natural Scoliosis Care: Interview with Dr Tony Nalda

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Silvia from Pixabay

Amino acids are the building blocks for proteins. There are twenty of them. The body can make quite a few of them, but there are nine that have to come from the diet—these are considered essential. A “complete” protein is a food that by definition contains all nine. Histidine is one of those nine.

It performs a lot of important functions. Here are a few of them.

Histidine, Antioxidants, and InflammationProbably due to its inclusion in the dipeptide carnosine (including the amino acids histidine and alanine), histidine has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Insufficient histidine will mean insufficient carnosine, which will compromise this system.

Higher dietary histidine was associated with lower levels of various inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, lower C-reactive protein, and higher levels of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), according to this study.

Inflammation and oxidative stress both have their place, of course. But when they are chronic and unremitting, without resolution, they are a hallmark of most Western diseases.

Histidine, Metabolic Syndrome, and Weight LossOne of the most common of these chronic Western diseases is Metabolic Syndrome, and everything that goes with it, including hypertension, heart disease, insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, histamine has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, and thus lead to weight loss.

Of course, histidine supplementation will only have this effect in those who are low in it—but this study showed that dietary histidine intake was much lower in those participants who were overweight or obese. Conversely, those with higher intake of histidine generally had lower fasting glucose.

We might conclude that this just means eating more protein (relative to carbs) leads to weight loss, which is what those following the ketogenic, paleo, and carnivore diets would likely assert — and there is some truth to this. But this study and this one show that histidine supplementation specifically improves insulin resistance, BMI, and fat mass. This study also suggests that histidine, as a precursor to histamine, will regulate feeding behavior, lowering food intake.

Histidine has also been shown to lower blood pressure too. This study suggests that it may do this by decreasing sympathetic output (less fight-or-flight) via the histamine receptor, as well as by promoting nitric oxide release. This study, meanwhile, speculates that histidine decreases blood pressure via the cardiovascular-protective L-carnosine production.

Histidine, Attention, Memory, Focus, and MoodHistidine is the precursor to histamine, which is also a neurotransmitter associated with wakefulness, memory, and focus.

This study showed that histidine supplementation decreased fatigue, improved attention, working memory, and cognition, and balanced mood, as well. This study showed the same result.

Interestingly, low levels of histidine were associated with increased anxiety in animal studies too, further supporting its mood balancing effects.

Histidine and HistamineBecause histidine is the precursor for histamine, it’s also required for stomach acid production—low levels may be one reason why HCl could be low.

Of course histamine is traditionally thought of in conjunction with allergies, and excessive release of histamine (Mast Cell Activation Disorder) or inability to break histamine down (histamine intolerance) certainly do involve histamine. But histamine itself does quite a bit more than this. Also, supplementation with histidine should not lead to excessive levels of histamine, as the body gets to choose what it wants to make with it.

Histidine, Iron, and FerritinHistidine is also required for the body to build hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen via iron. If iron levels are fine, but histidine is low, labs will show lower hemoglobin and higher serum iron, as it can’t get where it needs to go.

Histidine is also required to build ferritin — so this may be one reason why ferritin might be low, while serum iron levels are ok.

Histidine and pHI wrote here on the importance of keeping cellular pH neutral or slightly alkaline.

Turns out, histidine plays a role here too, if it’s low: carnosine specifically helps to buffer intracellular pH. If histidine and carnosine levels are adequate, supplementation should not have an effect upon pH, but if they’re low, it could be significant.

Histidine and Heavy Metal ChelationHistidine is also involved in detoxification of heavy metals, and it appears that carnosine is involved here too. It can also help protect tissue from damage due to heavy metals (possibly just by getting rid of them).

Histidine and the Myelin SheathHistidine is also a necessary building block for the myelin sheath, the fatty covering for the nerves. Because of this, it can be protective against neural degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. Carnosine specifically has been shown to protect against buildup of amyloid beta, the plaque associated with Alzheimer’s.

This study shows that people with Multiple Sclerosis tend to have lower levels of histidine as well as of other amino acids. This study also shows that in women with both Multiple Sclerosis and increased fatigue, histidine is significantly lower, compared to subjects who did not experience fatigue.

Histidine and Skin ProtectionHistidine is a precursor of urocanic acid, which accumulates in the dermis and protects the skin against UV damage.

Histidine is also included in a protein called filaggrin, a natural skin moisturizer which helps to protect against atopic dermatitis—perhaps surprising, since atopic dermatitis is associated with allergies. This study shows that efficacy of oral histidine supplementation is comparable to the effects of topical steroids for atopic dermatitis.

Why You Might Be LowFoods high in histidine include all animal proteins, as well as most other protein sources we generally think of (legumes, soy, dairy, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and eggs). In theory, then, if you consume enough protein, you’ll get enough histidine too, though vegetarians and vegans may be at higher risk of deficiency.

Folate deficiency can also increase histidine loss in the urine, as well.

I wasn’t able to find any studies to corroborate this, but I also speculate that since histidine (via carnosine) is involved in heavy metal chelation, those with heavy metal toxicity may potentially end up with deficiency, too. if this is the case, I’d imagine any high demand upon carnosine (acidic intracellular pH, for example) may also lead to histidine depletion.

Health Benefits of Histidine

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

It’s so hard to find books on frequency-based therapies with scientific grounding. This is one of them.

Ever since reading Gerald Pollack’s “The Fourth Phase of Water,” I’ve been trying to understand the implications of structured water for our own bodies. I recently learned of a company that claims to make glass water bottles that will “structure” the water within, and was skeptical–mostly because I really don’t understand material science. Isn’t glass, just glass? (But then again, isn’t water, just water? Apparently not!) After reading this book and taking copious notes, I have more questions than answers, mostly of new things I need to learn about. For instance: how exactly do silicon chips store data? (Ones and zeroes, yes, I know. But from a literal, structural standpoint, what does that mean?) How do fractals actually store information–is the information in the structures themselves? And if so, how can it possibly be extracted? It seems the answer to these questions will also explain how crystals can store information (apparently they are nearly perfect for this purpose, far less subject to entropy than most other mediums), and how water can do so as well. The body can apparently “store” memories in structured water, but how? What does that mean? And if you make new memories, there’s only so much water in your tissues–how do you avoid accidentally overwriting them?

There were also a lot of chapters on how water is sacred to a number of religions. I skipped these chapters, not because I didn’t believe it, but simply because I didn’t need to be convinced and that wasn’t what I was really seeking to know, anyway.

I’m especially grateful for the author’s “recommended reads” section at the end. I’ll be following her down that rabbit hole…

My rating: *

Water Codes, Carly Nuday

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This was a reread… I first discovered this book in I think 2012 or so. It confirmed what I already believed about the importance of our beliefs on our health, though I didn’t agree with a lot of the author’s specific spiritual conclusions.

There was one standout concept that made me reread the book now, and that was the concept that the “brain” of the cell is not the nucleus, as was so long believed, but rather, the cell membrane. This seemed so counterintuitive–the nucleus houses the DNA necessary for cellular replication, though, so it’s more akin to the gonads, while the cell membrane had previously been conceptualized as the skin… but really, it’s the gatekeeper that determines what gets in and what gets eliminated. Without a cell membrane, the cell dies, but without the nucleus, it simply cannot reproduce. I’d hoped he would go into this in greater detail than he actually did though (I’d just read Jerry Tennant’s “Healing is Voltage,” in which he contends that the cell membrane is actually a battery pack, and I was hoping Lipton would somehow comment on or corroborate this. He did not.) This book really doesn’t get into a lot of nitty gritty details; it’s more of a general read.

One study really stood out to me, though, and I’ve referenced it in conversation since the first time I read it, but didn’t remember that this is where I heard about it. In the chapter on aging, Lipton refers to the “rewind” study, in which elderly men with various physical ailments were invited to a retreat in which all of the media, decor, and the environment was designed to mimic that of the decade of their youth. At the beginning of the week, many arrived on walkers, with canes, etc. By the end of the week, they were playing touch football. The point was that so much of what we believe about aging is a self-fulfilling prophecy. The complete immersion in an environment that made these men remember their younger selves brought about remarkable physiologic changes in a short period of time.

My rating: ****

The Biology of Belief, Bruce Lipton

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

For years now, even as headlines about the development of AI have become more frequent and more dire, I really never worried about it much, because I couldn’t think of anything in scripture that sounded a great deal like a superintelligent machine. I’d read the end of the book (Revelation), I knew how it ended, and it wasn’t in a robot apocalypse… so all the fears surrounding that possibility must therefore be much ado about nothing. (I did write a fictional trilogy for young adults back in 2017 about how I imagined a near-miss robot apocalypse might look, though, because I found the topic fascinating enough to research at the time. It’s called the “Uncanny Valley” trilogy, where the “uncanny valley” refers to the “creepy” factor, as a synthetic humanoid creature approaches human likeness.)

When I finished the trilogy, I more or less forgot about advancing AI, until some of the later iterations of Chat GPT and similar Large Language Models (LLMs). Full disclosure: I’ve never used any LLMs myself, mostly because (last I checked) you had to create an account with your email address before you started asking it questions. (In the third book of my series, the superintelligent bot Jaguar kept track of everyone via facial recognition cameras, recording literally everything they did in enormous data processing centers across the globe that synced with one another many times per day. Though at that point I doubt it would make any difference, I’d rather not voluntarily give Jaguar’s real-life analog any data on me if I can help it!)

Particularly the recent release of Chat GPT Omni (which apparently stands for “omniscient” –!!) gave me pause, though, and I had to stop and ask myself why the idea that it could be approaching actual Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I recently read a book called “Deep Medicine” by Eric Topol on the integration of AI into the medical field, which helped allay some potential concerns–that book contended that AGI would likely never be realized, largely because AGI inherently requires experience in the real world, and a robot can never have lived experiences in the way that humans can. It painted a mostly rosy picture of narrow (specialized) AI engaging in pattern recognition (reading radiology images or recognizing pathology samples or dermatological lesions, for instance), and thus vastly improving diagnostic capabilities of physicians. Other uses might include parsing a given individual’s years of medical records and offering a synopsis and recommendations, or consolidating PubMed studies, and offering relevant suggestions. Topol did not seem to think that the AI would ever replace the doctor, though. Rather, the author contended, at the rate that data is currently exploding, doctors are drowning in the attempt to document and to keep up with it all, and empathic patient care suffers as a result. AI, he argues, will actually give the doctor time to spend with the patient again, to make judgment calls with a summary of all the data at his fingertips, and to put it together in an integrated whole with his uniquely human common sense.

Synthetic Empathy and Emotions?But, “Deep Medicine” was written in 2019, which (in the world of AI) is already potentially obsolete. I’m told that Chat GPT Omni is better than most humans at anything involving either logic or creativity, and it does a terrific approximation of empathy, too. Even “Deep Medicine” cited statistics to suggest that most humans would prefer a machine for a therapist than a person (!!), largely due to the fear that the human might judge them for some of their most secret or shameful thoughts or feelings. And if the machine makes you feel like it understands you, does it really matter whether its empathy is “real” or not?

What does “real” empathy mean, anyway? In “Uncanny Valley,” my main character, as a teenager, inherited a “companion bot” who was programmed with mirror neurons (the seat of empathy in the human brain.) In the wake of her father’s death, she came to regard her companion bot as her best friend. It was only as she got older that she started to ask questions like whether its ‘love’ for her was genuine, if it was programmed. This is essentially the theological argument for free will, too. Could God have made a world without sin? Sure, but in order to do it, we’d all have to be automatons–programmed to do His will, programmed to love Him and to love one another. Would there be any value in the love of a creature who could not do anything else? (The Calvinists might say that’s the way the world actually is, for those who are predestined, but everyone else would vehemently disagree.) It certainly seems that God thought it was worth all the misery He endured since creation, for the chance that some of us might freely choose Him. I daresay that same logic is self-evident to all of us. Freedom is an inherent good–possibly the highest good.

So, back to AI: real empathy requires not just real emotion, but memories of one’s own real emotions, so that we can truly imagine that we are in another person’s shoes. How can a robot, without its own lived memories, experience real empathy? Can it even experience real emotion? It might have goals or motives that can be programmed, but emotion at minimum requires biochemistry and a nervous system, at least in the way we understand it. We know from psychology research on brain lesions as well as from psychiatric and recreational medications and experiences with those suffering from neurodegenerative conditions that mood, affect, and personality can drastically change from physiologic tampering, as well.

Does it follow that emotions are ‘mere’ biochemistry, though? This is at least part of the age-old question of materialism versus vitalism, or (to put it another way), reductionism versus holism. Modern medicine is inherently materialistic, believing that the entirety of a living entity can be explained by its physical makeup, and reductionistic, believing that one can reduce the ‘whole’ of the living system to a sum of its parts. Vitalism, on the other hand, argues that there is something else, something outside the physical body of the creature, that animates it and gives it life. At the moment just before death and just after, all the same biochemical machinery exists… but anyone who has seen the death of a loved one can attest that the body doesn’t look the same. It becomes almost like clay. Some key essence is missing. I recently read “The Rainbow and the Worm” by Mae-Wan Ho, which described fascinating experiments on living worms viewed under electron microscopes. The structured water in the living tissue of the worm exhibited coherence, refracting visible light in a beautiful rainbow pattern. At the moment of death, though, the coherence vanished, and the rainbow was gone–even though all of the same physical components remained. The change is immaterial; the shift between death and life is inherently energetic. There was an animus, a vital force–qi, as Chinese Medicine would call it, or prana, as Ayurvedic medicine would describe it, or (as we’re now discovering in alternative Western medicine), voltage carried through this structured water via our collagen. That hydrated collagen appears to function in our bodies very much like a semiconductor, animating our tissues with electrons, the literal energy of life. At the moment of death, it’s there, and then it’s not–like someone pulled the plug. What’s left is only the shell of the machine, the hardware.

But where is that plug, such that it can be connected and then, abruptly, not? The materialist, who believes that everything should be explainable on the physical level, can have no answer. The Bible tells us, though, that we are body, soul, and spirit (1 Thess 5:23)–which inherently makes a distinction between body and soul (implying that the soul is not a mere product of the chemistry of the body). The spirit is what was dead without Jesus, and what gets born again when we are saved, and it’s perfect, identical with Jesus’ spirit (2 Cor. 5:17, Eph 4:24). It’s God’s “seal” on us, vacuum-packed as it were, so that no sin can contaminate it. It’s the down-payment, a promise that complete and total restoration is coming (Eph 1:13-14).

But there’s no physical outlet connecting the spirit and the body; the connection between them is the soul. With our souls, we can see what’s ours in the Spirit through scripture, and scripture can train our souls to conform more and more to the spirit (Romans 12:2, Phil 2:12-13). No one would ever argue that a machine would have a spirit, obviously, but the materialists wouldn’t believe there is such a thing, anyway. What about the soul, though?

What is a soul, anyway? Can it be explained entirely through materialistic means?

Before God made Adam, He explicitly stated that He intended to make man after His own image (Gen 1:26-27). God is spirit (John 4:24), though, so the resemblance can’t be physical, per se, at least not exclusively or even primarily. After forming his body, God breathed into him the breath of life (Genesis 2:7)–the same thing Jesus did to the disciples after His resurrection when he said “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). So it must therefore be in our spirits that we resemble God. Adam and Eve died spiritually when they sinned (Genesis 3:3), but something continued to animate their bodies for another 930 years. This is the non-corporeal part of us that gets “unplugged” at physical death. Since it can be neither body nor spirit, it must be the soul.

Andrew Wommack defines the soul as the mind, will, and emotions. I can’t think of a single scripture that defines the soul this way; I think it’s just an extrapolation, based on what’s otherwise unaccounted for. But in our mind, will, and emotions, even before redemption, mankind continued to reflect God’s image, in that he continued to possess the ability to reason, to choose, to create, to love, and to discern right from wrong.

The materialists would argue that emotion, like everything else, must have its root purely in the physical realm. Yet they do acknowledge that because there are so many possible emotional states, and relatively few physiologic expressions of them, many emotions necessarily share a physiologic expression. It’s up to our minds to translate the meaning of a physiologic state, based on the context. In “How Emotions are Made,” author Lisa Barrett gave a memorable example of this: once, a colleague to whom she didn’t think she was particularly attracted asked her for a date. She went, felt various strange things in her gut that felt a little like “butterflies”, and assumed during the date that perhaps she was attracted to him after all… only to later learn that she was actually in the early stages of gastroenteritis!

This example illustrates how the biochemistry and physiologic expressions of emotion are merely the blunt downstream instruments that translate an emotion from the non-corporeal soul into physical perception–and in some cases, as in that one, the emotional perception might originate from the body entirely. This also might be why some people (children especially) can mistake hunger or fatigue for irritability, or why erratic blood sugar in uncontrolled diabetics can manifest as rage, etc. In those cases, the emotional response really does correspond to the materialist’s worldview, originating far downstream in the “circuit,” as it were. But people who experience these things as adults will say things like, “That’s not me.” I think they’re right–when we think of our true selves, none of us think of our bodies–those are just our “tents” (2 Cor 5:1), to be put off eventually when we die. When we refer to our true selves, we mean our souls: our mind, will, and emotions.

It’s certainly possible for many of us to feel “hijacked” by our emotions, as if they’re in control and not “us,” though (Romans 7:15-20). Most of us recognize a certain distinction there, too, between the real “us” and our emotions. The examples of physiologic states influencing emotions are what scripture would call “carnal” responses. If we’re “carnal,” ruled by our flesh, then physiologic states will have a great deal of influence over our emotions– a kind of small scale anarchy. The “government” is supposed to be our born-again spirits, governing our souls, which in turn controls our bodies, rather than allowing our flesh to control our souls (Romans 8:1-17) – though this is of course possible if we don’t enforce order.

With respect to AI, my point is, where does “true” emotion originate? There is a version of it produced downstream, in our flesh, yes. It can either originate from the flesh itself, or it can originate upstream, from the non-corporeal soul, what we think of us “the real us.” That’s inherently a philosophical and not a scientific argument, though, as science by definition is “the observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena.” Any question pertaining to something outside the physical world cannot fall under the purview of science. But even for those who do not accept scripture as authority, our own inner experience testifies to the truth of the argument. We all know that we have free will; we all know we can reason, and feel emotions. We can also tell the difference between an emotion that is “us” and an emotion that feels like it originates from outside of “our real selves”. As C.S. Lewis said in “Mere Christianity,” if there is a world outside of the one we can experimentally observe, the only place in which we could possibly expect to have any evidence of it is in our own internal experience. And there, we find it’s true.

Without a soul, then, a robot (such as an LLM) would of course exist entirely on the physical plane, unlike us. It therefore might have physical experiences that it might translate as emotion, the same way that we sometimes interpret physical experiences as emotion–but it cannot have true emotions. Empathy, therefore, can likewise be nothing more than programmed pattern recognition: this facial expression or these words or phrases tend to mean that the person is experiencing these feelings, and here is the appropriate way to respond. Many interactions with many different humans over a long period of time will refine the LLM’s learning such that its pattern recognition and responses get closer and closer to the mark… but that’s not empathy, not really. It’s fake.

Does that matter, though, if the person “feels” heard and understood?

Well, does truth matter? If a man who is locked up in an insane asylum believes himself to be a great king, and believes that all the doctors and nurses around him are really his servants and subjects, would you trade places with him? I suspect that all of us would say no. With at least the protagonists in “The Matrix,” we all agree that it’s better to be awakened to a desperate truth than to be deceived by a happy lie.

The Emotional Uncanny ValleyEven aside from that issue, is it likely that mere pattern recognition could simulate empathy well enough to satisfy us–or is it likely that this, too, would fall into the “uncanny valley”? Most of us have had the experience of meeting a person who seems pleasant enough on the surface, and yet something about them just seemed ‘off’. (The Bible calls this discernment, 1 Corinthians 12:10.) When I was in a psychology course in college, the professor flashed images of several clean-cut, smiling men in the powerpoint, out of context, and asked us to raise our hands if we would trust each of them. I don’t remember who most of them were – probably red herrings to disguise the point – but one of them was Ted Bundy, the serial killer of the 1970s. I didn’t recognize him, but I did feel a prickling sense of unease as I gazed at his smiling face. Something just wasn’t right. Granted, a violent psychopath is not quite the same, but isn’t the idea of creating a robot possessed of emotional intelligence (in the sense that it can read others well) but without real empathy essentially like creating an artificial sociopath? Isn’t the lack of true empathy the very definition? (Knowing this, would we really want jobs like social workers, nurses, or even elementary school teachers to be assumed by robots–no matter how good the empathic pattern recognition became?)

An analogy of this is the 1958 Harlow experiment on infant monkeys (https://www.simplypsychology.org/harlow-monkey.html), in which the monkeys were given a choice between two simulated mothers: one made of wire, but that provided milk, and one made of cloth, but without milk. The study showed that the monkeys would only go to the wire mother when hungry; the rest of the day they would spend in the company of the cloth mother.

My point is that emotional support matters to all living creatures, far more than objective physical needs (provided those needs are also met). If we just want a logical problem solved, we may well go to the robot. But most of our problems are not just questions of logic; they involve emotions, too. As Leonard Mlodinow, author of “Emotional” writes, emotions are not mere extraneous data that colors an experience, but can otherwise be ignored at will. In many cases, the emotions actually serve to motivate a course of action. Every major decision I’ve ever made in my life involved not just logic, but also emotion, or in some cases intuition (which I assume is a conscious prompting when the unconscious reasoning is present but unknown to me), or a else leading of the Holy Spirit (which “feels” like intuition, only without the presumed unconscious underpinning. He knows the reason, but I don’t, even subconsciously.) Obviously, AI, with synthetic emotion or not, would have no way to advise us on matters of intuition, or especially promptings from the Holy Spirit. Those won’t usually seem logical, based on the available information, but He has a perspective that we don’t have. Neither will a machine, even if it could simultaneously process all known data available on earth.

There was a time when Newtonian physicists believed that, with access to that level of data in the present, the entire future would become deterministic, making true omniscience in this world theoretically possible. Then we discovered quantum physics, and all of that went out the window. Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle eliminates the possibility that any creature or machine, no matter how powerful, can in our own dimension ever truly achieve omniscience.

In other words, even a perfectly logical machine with access to all available knowledge will fail to guide us into appropriate decisions much of the time — precisely because they must lack true emotion, intuition, and especially the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Knowledge vs WisdomNone of us will be able to compete with the level of knowledge an AI can process in a split second. But does that mean the application of that knowledge will always be appropriate? I think there’s several levels to this question. The first has to do with the data sets on which AI has been trained. It can only learn from the patterns it’s seen, and it will (like a teenager who draws sweeping conclusions based on very limited life experience) assume that it has the whole picture. In this way, AI may be part of the great deception mentioned by both Jesus (Matt 24:24) and the Apostle Paul (2 Thess 2:11) in the last days. How many of us already abdicate our own reasoning to those in positions of authority, blindly following them because we assume they must know more than we do on their subject? How much more will many of us fail to question the edicts of a purportedly “omniscient” machine, which must know more than we do on every subject? That machine may have only superficial knowledge of a subject, based on the data set it’s been given, and may thus draw an inappropriate conclusion. (Also, my understanding is that current LLMs continue learning only until they are released into the world; from that point, they can no longer learn anything new, because of the risk that in storing new information, they could accidentally overwrite an older memory.)

A human may draw an inappropriate conclusion too, of course, and if that person has enough credentials behind his name, it may be just as deceptive to many. But at least one individual will not command such blind obedience on absolutely every subject. AGI might. So who controls the data from which that machine learns? That’s a tremendous responsibility… and, potentially, a tremendous amount of power, to deceive, if possible, “even the elect.”

For the sake of argument, let’s say that the AGI is exposed only to real and complete data, though–not cherry-picked, and not “misinformation.” In this scenario, some believe that (if appropriate safeguards are in place, to keep the AGI from deciding to save the planet by killing all the humans, for example, akin to science fiction author Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics), utopia will result.

The only way this is possible, though, is if not only does the machine learn on a full, accurate, and complete set of collective human knowledge, but it also has a depth of understanding of how to apply that knowledge, as well. This is the difference between knowledge and wisdom. The dictionary definition of wisdom is “the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting,” versus knowledge, defined as “information gained through experience, reasoning, or acquaintance.” Wisdom has to do with one’s worldview, in other words, or the lens through which he sees and interprets a set of facts. It is inextricably tied to morality. (So, who is programming these LLMs again? Even without AI, since postmodernism and beyond, there’s been a crisis among many intellectuals as to whether or not there’s such a thing as “truth,” even going so far as to question objective physical reality. That’s certainly a major potential hazard right there.)

Both words of wisdom and discernment are listed as explicit supernatural gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 12:8, 10). God says that He is the source of wisdom, as well as of knowledge and understanding (Prov 2:6), and that if we lack wisdom, we should ask Him for it (James 1:5). Wisdom is personified in the book of Proverbs as a person, with God at creation (Prov 8:29-30)–which means, unless it’s simply a poetic construct, that wisdom and the Holy Spirit must be synonymous (Gen 1:2). Jesus did say that it was the Holy Spirit who would guide us into all truth, as He is the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). The Apostle Paul contrasts the wisdom of this world as foolishness compared to the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:18-30)–because if God is truth (John 14:6), then no one can get to true wisdom without Him. That’s not to say that no human (or robot) can make a true statement without an understanding of God, of course–but when he does so, he’s borrowing from a worldview not his own. The statement may be true, but almost by accident–on some level, if you go down deep enough to bedrock beliefs, there is an inherent inconsistency between the statement of truth and the person’s general worldview, if that worldview does not recognize a Creator. (Jason Lisle explains this well and in great detail in “The Ultimate Proof of Creation.”)

Can you see the danger of trusting a machine to discern what is right, then, simply because in terms of sheer facts and computing power, it’s vastly “smarter” than we are? Anyone who does so is almost guaranteed to be deceived, unless he also filters the machine’s response through his own discernment afterwards. (We should all be doing this with statements from any human authority on any subject, too, by the way. Never subjugate your own reasoning to anyone else’s, even if they do know the Lord, but especially if they don’t. You have the mind of Christ! 1 Cor 2:16).

Would Eliminating Emotion from the Workplace Actually Be a Good Thing?I can see how one might think that replacing a human being with a machine that optimizes logic, but strips away everything else might seem a good trade, on the surface. After all, we humans (especially these days) aren’t very logical, on the whole. Our emotions and desires are usually corrupted by sin. We’re motivated by selfishness, greed, pride, and petty jealousies, when we’re not actively being renewed by the Holy Spirit (and most of us aren’t; even most believers are more carnal than not, most of the time. I don’t know if that’s always been the case, but it seems to be now). We also are subject to the normal human frailties: we get sick, or tired, or cranky, or hungry, or overwhelmed. We need vacations. We might be distracted by our own problems, or apathetic about the task we’ve been paid to accomplish. Machines would have none of these drawbacks.

But do we really understand the trade-off we’re making? We humans have a tendency to take a sliver of information, assume it’s the whole picture, and run with it–eliminating everything we think is extraneous, simply because we don’t understand it. In our hubris, we don’t stop to consider that all the elements we’ve discarded might actually be critical to function.

This seems to me sort of like processed food. We’ve taken the real thing the way God made it, and tweaked it in a laboratory to make it sweeter, crunchier, more savory, and with better “mouth feel.” It’s even still got the same number of macronutrients and calories that it had before. But we didn’t understand not only how processing stripped away necessary micronutrients, but also added synthetic fats that contaminated our cell membranes, and chemicals that can overwhelm our livers, making us overweight and simultaneously nutrient depleted. We just didn’t know what we didn’t know.

We’ve done the same thing with genetically engineered foods. God’s instructions in scripture were to let the land lie fallow, and to rotate crops, because the soil itself is the source of micronutrition for the plant. If you plant the same crop in the same soil repeatedly and without a break, you will deplete the soil, and the plants will no longer be as nutritious, or as healthy… and an unhealthy plant is easy prey for pests. But the agriculture industry ignored this; it didn’t seem efficient or profitable enough, presumably. Synthetic fertilizer is the equivalent of macronutrients only for plants, so they grow bigger than ever before (much like humans do if they subsist on nothing but fast food), but they’re still nutrient depleted and unhealthy, and thus, easy prey for pests. So we added the gene to the plants to make them produce their own glyphosate, the active ingredient in RoundUp. Only glyphosate itself turns out to be incredibly toxic to humans, lo and behold…

There are many, many more examples I can think of just in the realm of science, health, and nutrition, to say nothing of our approach to economics, or climate, or many other complex systems (the Gaia Hypothesis comes to mind here, of how the world itself functions as a complex interconnected system of feedback loops to maintain homeostasis–almost like a living organism). We tend to isolate the “active ingredient,” and eliminate everything we consider to be extraneous… only to learn of the side effects decades later.

So what will the consequences be to society if most workers in most professions eventually lack true emotion, empathy, wisdom, and intuition?

Finding Purpose in WorkThere’s also a growing concern that AI will take over nearly all jobs, putting almost everyone out of work. At this point, it seems that information-based positions are most at risk, and especially anything involving repetitive, computer-based tasks. I also understand that AI is better than most humans at writing essays, poetry, and producing art. Current robotics is far behind AI technology, though… Elon Musk has been promising self-driving cars in the eminent future for some time, yet they don’t seem any closer to ubiquitous adoption now than they were five years ago. “A Brief History of Intelligence” by Max Bennett, published in fall 2023, said that as of the time of writing, robots can diagnose tumors from radiographic imaging better than most radiologists, yet they are still incapable of simple physical tasks such as loading a dishwasher without breaking things. (I suspect this is because the former involves intellectual pattern recognition, which seems to be their forte, while the latter involves movements that are subconscious for most of us, requiring integration of spatial recognition, balance, distal fine motor skills, etc. We’re still a very long way from understanding the intricacies of the human brain… but then again, the pace at which knowledge is doubling is anywhere from every three to thirteen months, depending on the source. Either way, that’s fast).

Bennett also stated at the end of “A Brief History of Intelligence” that older iterations of ChatGPT missed simple “common-sense” type questions, because they lacked a mental model of the world (of course; they don’t have bodies or experiences). The example he gave was to complete the test sentence, “I am sitting in my apartment, and I look up, and I see…” The response from the machine was something along the lines of, “a star, and I am happy.” Of course, what one would see if sitting in an apartment would not be the sky, but the ceiling. Having never lived in an apartment, that iteration of AI missed this. Current models of LLMs answer this question appropriately–but only because the engineers fed the machines more and more data designed to shore up this deficiency. They’ve anticipated possible common sense questions and attempted to feed the LLM patterns that cover the blind spot… but that isn’t at all the same as actual understanding. It’s the equivalent of just memorizing the answers to pass the test. If this is the way in which the LLMs have been trained, one can certainly imagine a situation not anticipated by the original engineers, in which the LLM’s lack of real-world understanding would likewise lead to inappropriate recommendations. This is no big deal, as long as there are humans to “fact-check” its responses. Without the human oversight, this would probably always be a potential pitfall, though.

Still, in the assumption that we’ll soon be able to automate nearly everything a human can do physically or intellectually, the world’s elite have postulated a Universal Basic Income–essentially welfare for all, since we would in theory be incapable of supporting ourselves. Leaving aside the many catastrophically failed historical examples of socialism and communism, it’s pretty clear that God made us for good work (Eph 2:10, 2 Cor 9:8), and He expects us to work (2 Thess 3:10). Idleness while machines run the world is certainly not a biblical solution.

That said, technology in and of itself is morally neutral. It’s a tool, like money, time, or influence, and can be used for good or for evil. Both the Industrial Revolution and in the Information Revolution led to plenty of unforeseen consequences and social upheaval. Many jobs became obsolete, while new jobs were created that had never existed before. Work creates wealth, and due to increased efficiency, the world as a whole became wealthier than ever before, particularly in nations where these revolutions took hold. In the US, after the Industrial Revolution, the previously stagnant average standard of living suddenly doubled every 36 years. At the same time, though, the vast majority of the wealth created was in the hands of the few owners of the technology, and there was a greater disparity between the rich and the poor than ever before. This disparity has only grown more pronounced since the Information Revolution–and we have a clue in Revelation 6:5-6 that in the end times, it will be worse than ever. Will another AI-driven economic revolution have anything to do with this? It’s certainly possible.

Whether or not another economic revolution should happen has little bearing on whether or not it will, though. But one thing for those of us who follow the Lord to remember is that we don’t have to participate in the world’s economy, if we trust Him to meet our needs. He is able to make us abound for every good work (2 Cor 9:8)–which I believe means we will also have some form of work, no matter what is going on in the world around us. He will bless the work of our hands, whatever we find for them to do (Deut 12:7). He will give us the ability to produce wealth (Deut 8:18), even if it seems impossible. He will meet all our needs as we seek His kingdom first (Luke 12:31-32)-and one of our deepest needs is undoubtedly a sense of purpose (Phil 4:19). We are designed to fulfill a purpose.

What about the AI Apocalyptic Fears?The world’s elite seem to fall into two camps on how an AI revolution might affect our world–those who think it will usher in utopia (Isaac Asimov’s “The Last Question” essentially depicts this), and those who think AI will decide that humans are the problem, and destroy us all.

I feel pretty confident the latter won’t occur, at least not completely, since neither Revelation nor any of the rest of the prophetic books seem to imply domination of humanity by machine overlords. Most, if not all of the actors involved certainly appear to be human (and angelic, and demonic). That said, there are several biblical references that the end times will be “as in the days of Noah” (Matt 24:27, Luke 17:26). What could that mean? Genesis 6 states that the thoughts in the minds of men were only evil all the time, so it may simply mean that in the end times, mankind will have achieved the same level of corruption as in the antediluvian world.

But that might not be all. In Gen 6:1-4, we’re told that the “sons of God” came down to the “daughters of men,” and had children by them–the Nephilim. This mingling of human and non-human corrupted the genetic line, compromising God’s ability to bring the promised seed of Eve to redeem mankind. Daniel 2:43 also reads, “As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they (in the end times) will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.” What is “they,” if not the seed of men? It appears to be humanity, plus something else. Chuck Missler and many others have speculated that this could refer to transhumanism, the merging of human and machine.

Revelation 13:14-15 is probably the most likely description I can think of in scripture of AI, describing the image of the beast that speaks, knows whether or not people worship the beast (AI facial recognition, possibly embedded into the “internet of things”?), and turns in anyone who refuses to do so.

The mark of the beast sure sounds like a computer chip of some kind, with an internet connection (Bluetooth or something like it – Rev 13:17).

Joel 2:4-9 describes evil beings “like mighty men” that can “climb upon a wall” and “when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded,” and they “enter in at the windows like a thief.” These could be demonic and thus extra-dimensional, but don’t they also sound like “The Terminator,” if robotics ever manages to advance that far?

Jeremiah 50:9 says, “their arrows shall be like those of an expert warrior; none shall return in vain.” This sounds like it could be AI-guided missiles.

But the main evil actors of Revelation–the antichrist, the false prophet, the kings of the east, etc, all certainly appear to refer to humans. And from the time that the “earth lease” to humanity is up (Revelation 11), God Himself is the One cleansing the earth of all evil influences. I doubt He uses AI to do it.

So, depending upon where we are on the prophetic timeline, I can certainly imagine AI playing a role in how the events of Revelation unfold, but I can’t see how they’ll take center stage. For whatever reason, it doesn’t look to me like they’ll ever get that far.

The Bottom LineWe know that in the end times, deception will come. We don’t know if AI will be a part of it, but it could be. It’s important for us to know the truth, to meditate on the truth, to keep our eyes focused on the truth — on things above, and not on things beneath (Col 3:2). Don’t outsource your thinking to a machine; no matter how “smart” they become, they will never have true wisdom; they can’t. That doesn’t mean don’t use them at all, but if you do, do so cautiously, check the information you receive, and listen to the Holy Spirit in the process, trusting Him to guide you into all truth (John 16:13).

Regardless of how rapidly or dramatically the economic landscape and the world around us may change, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), and faith works through love (Gal 5:6). If we know how much God loves us, it becomes easy to not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present our requests to God… and then to fix our minds on whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, praiseworthy, or virtuous (Phil 4:6-8). He knows the end from the beginning. He’s not surprised, and He’ll absolutely take care of you in every way, if you trust Him to do it (Matt 6:33-34).

What the Bible Says about Artificial Intelligence

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Guest Post by Victor Alex; Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Fertility is a topic of concern that has endured since the beginning of time and for a good reason. As humans, we ensure our survival through our children. This is where the magic happens. Unfortunately, infertile couples or spouses are unable to make this happen.

For a long time, infertility was thought to be the woman’s fault alone. However, with advances in modern medicine, we now know that male infertility is the other half of the equation. That is, egg + sperm. Male fertility is equally as important as female fertility. Therefore, people (men in particular) should actively and intentionally keep tabs on male fertility.

This article sheds more light on male fertility lifestyle changes and natural ways to optimize male fertility. So, grab a drink and settle down, as this article will open your mind to lifestyle changes that will make a difference in male fertility.

What is Fertility?Fertility is simply the ability of a person or couple to conceive and reproduce through normal activity and without medical assistance. A man is fertile when he can produce sufficient (healthy) sperm and deliver them into the uterus of a woman or female partner.

What is Infertility? Infertility is the inability or difficulty of a couple to conceive and reproduce naturally after one year of frequent unprotected sex. Male infertility is when a man is unable to successfully impregnate his female partner after one year of continuous and unprotected sexual activity.

Several factors cause male infertility or fertility problems. They include:

Sexual function
Semen quality
Low sex drive or decreased libido
Low hormone levels (e.g., testosterone and prolactin)
Low sperm count (fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen), quality, or motility
Erectile dysfunction
Certain drugs like steroids
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplants.
Surgery for cancers of the reproductive organs and cancers in the pelvic region
Abnormal sperm function or blockages preventing the delivery of sperm

About 50% of infertility cases can be traced back to male infertility. This goes to show how important male fertility is for pregnancy. Therefore, as a couple, both partners (male and female) must investigate fertility issues and manage them.

Natural Ways to Optimize Male FertilityFertility is a very sensitive topic and definitely not a favorite for discussion. A man would sooner talk about his sexual escapades than talk about his fertility challenges. No one wants to be the butt of that joke. Fortunately, it doesn’t always have to be that way. As a man, you can take control of your fertility and change the narrative in your favor. The best part is that you can even start from home.

The testicles produce sperm daily, but a full sperm maturity or regeneration cycle (spermatogenesis) takes about 64 days or 2.5 months. This means that the lifestyle changes you make will start affecting your sperm (and fertility) 2 months from now as the new, healthier sperm cells mature and become present in your ejaculate.

Below are eight science-backed lifestyle changes as well as nutrients and supplements that boost male fertility.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise keeps the body healthy and strong and increases powerful antioxidant enzymes that protect sperm. It also helps to balance your hormones, which are important for fertility. Men who regularly exercise typically have better sperm concentrations and motility than men with a sedentary lifestyle.

According to a study, regular physical activity improves testosterone levels and semen quality. Another study revealed that weight loss and exercise among overweight and obese people improves or increases sperm count, motility, and normal morphology.

Regular physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight, boosts blood flow, and reduces stress. This, in turn, leads to better sperm production and quality, making it easier to have a baby. Nevertheless, the intensity and duration of exercises needed to boost male fertility aren’t fixed. Some studies found that high-intensity exercise has a greater impact on semen quality and male fertility. On the other hand, some studies found that vigorous exercise affects male fertility negatively. So, to play it safe, find a balance and stick with it!

Get Some Sleep and Relax

Let’s face it; you really can’t get in the mood when you’re tired or stressed. But there’s more to it. Personal burnout and stress are directly linked to erectile dysfunction and reduced sexual satisfaction. Also, stress negatively affects sperm concentration, total count, and motility, thereby reducing sperm quality.

Getting enough sleep and sleeping on time improves sperm health. When you get enough sleep, your body produces important hormones that help make healthy sperm.

Take Vitamin D Often

Vitamin D is essential for several bodily functions and reproductive health. It boosts testosterone levels, the hormone essential for sperm production. Higher testosterone levels equal healthier and more abundant sperm. Additionally, vitamin D helps regulate calcium, which helps the sperm function properly. When sperm function properly, they have the energy and mobility needed to swim and reach the egg. According to a study, low vitamin D levels have a causal relationship with low testosterone levels, affecting male fertility.

However, a study revealed that while vitamin D improves testicular and prostate function, there are no significant effects of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels. The study also found that although vitamin D engages spermatogenesis, it remains unclear whether vitamin D is a determinant of fertility. Therefore, more research is needed on this.

Don’t Forget Vitamin C

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, fighting harmful substances in your body that can hurt your sperm. Vitamin C helps improve semen quality, sperm count, and motility. This is especially helpful for men who are older or have an unhealthy lifestyle. The reason is because men in this category tend to suffer from oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is simply when the body’s reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels are harmful. Research shows that oxidative stress may affect sperm count and quality, thus affecting male fertility. Therefore, taking antioxidant supplements like vitamin C may help improve male fertility.

Try Fenugreek Extracts

Fenugreek extracts or supplementation significantly improve male testosterone levels. According to a study, fenugreek extracts have a significant effect on total serum testosterone. In another study, it was found that taking 600 mg of Testofen (a fenugreek supplement) daily for three months boosts erectile function, testosterone levels, and sexual activity.

However, these studies examined fenugreek extracts, not whole fenugreek, which is used for culinary purposes.

Get enough Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), or Indian ginseng, is an ancient Indian herb used for medicine. It also remedies several forms of sexual dysfunction. In a 2013 study, men with low sperm counts took 675 mg of Ashwagandha roots every day for three months and experienced a 167% increase in their sperm count, 53% increase in semen volume, and 57% increase in sperm motility.

Nevertheless, consult a doctor or healthcare professional on when and how to use Ashwagandha to boost fertility.

Stay Away From Alcohol and Hard Drugs

Hard drugs like marijuana or any other drugs containing CBD (Cannabidiol) reduce sperm quality, quantity, and motility. Heavy consumption of alcohol has oxidative effects on the body, harming and reducing sperm production. However, drinking occasionally is no problem. So, always find a middle ground.

Eat Healthy

Eating healthy is the best thing you can do for your sperm health. Foods rich in antioxidants deactivate free radicals, which damage cells. Antioxidants like beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and vitamin C contribute to a healthy sperm count.

Additionally, foods with healthy fats (like omega-3 fatty acids) improve sperm motility and concentration. You can also spice up your diet with folate and zinc. This combination can boost sperm health, concentration, and count. However, there are limited studies regarding folate and zinc consumption.

Extra Tips

There are different causes of fertility issues, and they require individualized treatment plans and lifestyle changes. However, here are some more general things you can do to maintain fertility:

Maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at all costs. STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause infertility (and fertility issues) in men. Therefore, it’s very essential to practice safe sex.
Eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Remember, you are what you eat!
Stop smoking!

ConclusionFertility challenges and infertility are common predicaments globally. It is a sensitive issue that no one is willing to share openly. However, a problem shared is a problem solved, and talking about your fertility issues (as a man) will help you handle it better.

If you struggle with fertility, the best thing to do is focus on healthy lifestyle activities. A few lifestyle changes may be all you need. With the help of this article, you now know how to take control of your fertility. Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this, the general tips outlined in this article will surely make a difference.

Always consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before undergoing any self-medication or treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions Are sperm cramps a sign of infertility?*

No, sperm cramps do not cause fertility issues in men because “sperm cramps” is not a recognized medical condition. Although sperm cramps do not directly affect fertility, they may be a sign of other issues that might affect fertility, such as infections, varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum), or other medical conditions.

Can environmental toxins impact male fertility?

Yes, environmental toxins can impact male fertility. Chemicals found in pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, industrial chemicals, organic solvents, painting materials, and pollution can harm sperm production and quality. These toxins can reduce sperm count, concentration, motility, and viability. Also, such toxins can damage sperm DNA, cause abnormal sperm morphology, and affect their ability to swim properly.

Does age impact male fertility?

Age has a significant impact on male fertility, sexual function, and sperm parameters. As men get older, their sperm quality tends to decline. This means there can be a lower sperm count, reduced motility, and more DNA damage in the sperm. These changes can make it harder to father a child and increase the risk of genetic issues. While many older men can still have children, fertility generally decreases with age.

Lifestyle Changes and Natural Ways to Optimize Male Fertility

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Lindsey Medenwaldt, (MA, JD, MPA) is the Director of Ministry Operations at Mama Bear Apologetics and serves as a consulting editor for the Christian Research Journal. She holds a Master’s in Apologetics and Ethics from Denver Seminary, a JD from St. Mary’s School of Law and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Midwestern State University. Her primary apologetics focus is on world religions and how we talk to people of other faiths.

To learn more about Lindsey, see lindseymedenwaldt.com

Relational Apologetics: Interview with Lindsey Medenwaldt

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay

The basic philosophy of naturopathic medicine is that, regardless of the diagnosis or the symptom, if you 1) identify and remove the obstacle to cure, 2) give the body the building blocks it needs to heal, and 3) support the body’s natural vitality, or vital force, then within reason, healing will follow.

There is tremendous controversy over the concept of the vital force, though. The problem is that, while there appears to be subjective evidence that such a force exists (as anyone who has ever witnessed the moment of death can attest), the exact nature of such a force has not been quantified or described, except in metaphysical terms. It seems to be some nebulous power that we can neither see nor measure; we must simply believe in it, the way we do a religion. Indeed, the concept is intertwined with many Eastern religions, referring to the vital force as prana, qi, chakras, etc.

I can almost see why the materialists (the classic philosophical position of the allopathic, Western medical paradigm) tend to pooh-pooh the concept of the vital force as metaphysical nonsense. Their position is that the whole organism is nothing more than the sum of its tangible, measurable parts. The problem on their side, though, is that the subjective evidence of a vital force exists—we all know it does—but their worldview cannot account for it. Biology can describe the processes of life, once it’s begun, but it cannot say what life is. Our current scientific processes cannot take the raw biochemical machinery, and, Frankenstein-like, breathe life into them. Nor can the materialist explain what happens at the moment of death, when at one instant the body is a person, and in the next, it is clay. Nothing material has changed, not yet—so what, precisely, is gone?

Ultimately this question does take us into religious territory, but not immediately. There may be yet one more realm of agreement between vitalists and materialists—a physical explanation for the vital force, prana, or qi. All of these may be just ancient descriptions of electromagnetism: the literal, physical energy of life.

Electromagnetic Energy Generates LifeThe initial spark of the energy that sustains life comes from the sun. (No wonder the Genesis creation account starts with “Let there be light,” Gen 1:3). These same photons arrive at all the planets of our solar system, but Earth just so happens to be perfectly situated to do something with them: it exists exactly in the habitable zone around the sun where liquid water can exist, and where Earth can maintain the right balance of gases in its atmosphere. It’s also exactly the right size to produce a magnetic field in its core, just strong enough to hold on to said atmosphere. Without an atmosphere, Earth couldn’t capture the sun’s rays, and we’d have a dead planet. These are only a few of the many details of the anthropic fine tuning of Earth, making it uniquely suited for life.

Once those photons enter earth’s atmosphere, the chloroplasts in plant leaves absorb the photons in the process of photosynthesis. The water inside the plant’s cells receive that energy, and the water’s electrons jump to a higher subshell, freed from their chemical bonds, releasing oxygen and protons. Those free electrons then flow through the plant’s Electron Transport Chain (we have an almost identical ETC in our own mitochondria). Ultimately the plant’s ETC produces ATP, its energy currency and ours. When it’s dark, the ATP formed by the ETC reduces carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to organic carbon compounds—sugars and carbohydrates. When animals eat the plants, they get the benefit of this stored energy, which ultimately gets converted into electrons to feed into their ETCs. When humans eat plants and animals, we too borrow this energy, stored for us and ready for our cells to use via our mitochondria.

In this way, Schrödinger (of Schrödinger’s cat fame) observed that living organisms are able to locally reverse entropy (the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which describes the tendency of all things to descend from order to disorder). A hallmark of life is the ability to capture energy, and turn it either into the work of metabolism, or else store it in an ordered structure, which can be broken down and converted into work later.

But ultimately, that energy begins its journey in the form of electromagnetism.

Beyond ATP: Current in the BodyThe classical view of electrons in biochemistry begins and ends with ATP production, assuming that the energy from the original photons are stored in the phosphate bond, and from there, biochemistry as we know it takes over. But after being lost for almost a century, Dr Robert Becker reintroduced the concept that that the body actually runs on electricity. Becker’s experiments first demonstrated increased current in tissue injury, as part of the healing process. Beyond just injury, his experiments as well as those of others also showed a negative voltage between the head and the rest of the body during consciousness which increased during exercise, declined during sleep, and reversed polarity to positive under general anesthesia.

A quick refresher on what this means: electricity generation occurs when an electron in the outer valence shell of an atom absorbs energy (via light, heat, mechanical movement, etc), and jumps to a higher subshell, no longer bound to its original atom. From there, the electron can either fall back to where it was, releasing the energy it absorbed as heat or light, or it can flow from point a to point b, as a current. Voltage is the potential to perform electrical work, while a current is the actual flow of electrons. Any current produces a corresponding electric field in the area around the current flow, and a magnetic field perpendicular to the current flow as well.

The reverse is also true: an applied magnetic field will likewise induce a current. Because of this, if organisms truly run on electricity, we should be highly sensitive to applied magnetic fields (like EMF), since the current that magnetic field induces might interfere with the current our bodies already run on. And indeed, we’re significantly more sensitive to magnetic fields than we are to electric fields—our skin insulates us from the latter, but not from the former.

Hydrated Collagen: A Semiconductor?So why might voltage between head and body become more negative during exercise? It turns out that our muscles as well as our collagen are piezoelectric, meaning that mechanical stress applied to them can produce electricity. (Yet another reason why exercise is good for you!)

In addition to being the most abundant protein in the body, collagen is the primary protein in our fascia, the connective tissue surrounding our muscles. According to Mae-Wan Ho in “The Rainbow and the Worm,” collagen is not only sensitive to mechanical pressures, but also to pH, ions, and electromagnetic fields. Its electrical properties largely depended upon its hydration status, though. Water bound to collagen not only increases conductivity, but the structured water found inside our cells is in its liquid crystalline, fourth phase.

This matters because semiconduction requires a highly structured medium—such as a liquid crystal. Electricity flowing through a typical wire will drop off exponentially with distance without amplifiers to propagate the current, due to resistance. Semiconduction, on the other hand, will allow electrons not to travel through the medium itself per se, but rather, they can jump “above” the medium, through the cloud of electrons surrounding the atoms of the medium itself. This is only possible if the atoms are arranged in a highly structured, crystalline form, though (and one with slight impurities in the crystalline structure, too—otherwise the medium becomes an insulator, and won’t permit conduction at all).

So, our hydrated collagen may function as a semiconductor, serving as the literal electrical wiring of our bodies. Incidentally, multiple authors including this 2002 paper, Robert Becker, Mae-Wan Ho, Jerry Tennant, and Richard Gerber all noted that the highest density of fascia in the body happens to line up quite well with the acupuncture meridians.

Gerber also found that many known acupuncture points on those meridians happened to fall at points of nearly 20-fold lower resistance than elsewhere along the meridian, usually at natural junctions between otherwise overlapping sheaths of fascia. Insertion of a needle into these points would, in theory, serve as an amplifier. If you combine this concept with Einstein’s photoelectric effect, in which particular wavelengths of light trigger excitation of electrons in a particular material, it makes sense why, as Gerber notes, low level laser therapy at acupuncture points has been found to be even more effective than classical acupuncture: perhaps rather than just helping to propagate the current, LLLT acupuncture will add new electrons to it, also.

Robert Becker found that the acupuncture meridians are not the only potential “wiring” system of fascia in the body, though; the perineural cells form a secondary pathway, made up of the cells in the nervous system traditionally thought to be merely nutritive and supportive to the neurons. These include Schwann and glial cells. (In light of the concept that these cells carry current, it’s interesting that this study on cell phone usage specifically notes increased risk of Schwannomas of the heart and gliomas of the brain—could this be due to interference from EMF signals, disrupting the information these cells are meant to carry?)

The UpshotIn intracellular machinery, electromagnetic energy gets converted into ATP via photosynthesis (in plants) and mitochondria (in humans). But there appear to be at least two other sets of circuitry in the body, delivering electromagnetic energy to organs and tissues hooked up along the way. That electrical energy seems to provide the power necessary for the organism as a whole to function—in much the same way that our appliances only function when they’re plugged in. Where that “plug” is, for living organisms, might be where the question ceases to have a concrete, physical answer, and enters the realm of the spiritual.

Regardless, electromagnetism may be the literal vital force.

Electromagnetism and the Vital Force

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Annie Pafford is the owner of Healthy Naturally You, next door to us at Nature Cure Family Health in Tucson, AZ! She is a Certified Laser Technician and Certified Sound Therapist with a 20 year background in nutrition and fitness. She was born and raised in Tucson, but she started Healthy Naturally You in 2011 in Michigan, and moved back to Tucson in 2020, opening her practice here in February 2021. She’s also the mother to three handsome sons.

To learn more about Annie or to schedule a consultation, call or text 1-269-330-6847

Frequency Based Healing – Annie Pafford

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay

It’s a common theme in the natural health world to try to become more alkaline, and less acidic, as these are considered general conditions for health vs disease systemically. But why?

What pH is and Why It MatterspH stands for “potential hydrogen.” H+ are single hydrogen atoms, or protons (as opposed to hydrogen gas, which is H2). The definition of an acid is a substance that releases protons, which carry a single positive charge (or another way to think of it is, they’re missing an electron). This means they want to steal an electron from something else, since electrons always like to be paired up. Substances that want to steal electrons are oxidizing agents (or oxidative stressors), while substances that donate electrons are reducing agents, or antioxidants.

In other words, pH is a rather arbitrary way of describing whether or not a particular substance or system will donate or steal electrons. A pH of 0 is the strongest acid, or a strong oxidizing agent. A pH of 7 is by convention, neutral. A pH of 14 is the strongest base, or reducing agent.

Extremely brief quantum physics interlude: electrons are particles, but when they travel from point a to point b, they do so as waves (unless you look directly at one of them, and then it becomes a particle again!) The wave-like behavior is a current, just like what flows from your outlet into your appliances.

Our bodies run on electricity. It’s the literal engine that makes us go. We think of ATP produced by the mitochondria as our energy currency, and that’s true, but the mitochondria convert the electrons in oxygen and glucose into ATP. Electrons are more fundamental still.

So in a way, pH is a measure of whether or not we have enough electrons to function. Electrons are what’s flowing in a current. A current is an actual stream of electrons, versus voltage, which is the potential for a current to flow. Since pH is “potential” hydrogen, then it’s a measure of voltage, the potential current—and pH values can be converted into current. A pH of 0 = +400 mV—positive by convention, because it’s stealing electrons. A neutral pH of 7 is neutral because it produces no current at all, so it’s 0 mV. A pH of 14 is -400 mV, negative by convention because it is an electron donor.

Our blood has a pH of 7.35 (-20 mV) to 7.45 (-25 mV). There’s a tight buffer system involving the bones to maintain this… so as long as we’re alive, the blood will stay in this range, even if there’s collateral damage elsewhere in order to do it.

That’s not necessarily the case for the rest of our extracellular fluid, though. We can measure extracellular pH via saliva or urine as a rough indicator of our cellular voltage.

Relationship Between pH and OxygenYour pH describes the number of free protons (electron stealing power), or electron donating power available to your cells. The more free protons are present, the less space there is for dissolved oxygen, because the hydrogen will react with oxygen.

Remember that the mitochondria, which are inside every cell in the body except red blood cells, make ATP from the electrons delivered by glucose and oxygen. Less oxygen = less ATP.

Also, oxygen is a primary source of our body’s natural pro-oxidative defenses to kill off foreign invaders.

If your pH is too low, it will compromise your ability to both produce energy, and to defend against foreign invaders, at a minimum.

How to Raise Your pH (Increase Electrons) Why your pH might be low is beyond the scope of this article—more coming on that in a future article, though certainly diet can contribute. I would certainly assume any source of oxidative stress could as well, and excess oxidative stress and chronic inflammation go hand in hand.

Nature is an abundant source of free electrons, though. This includes grounding (as long as you’re not wearing anything insulating on your feet, like rubber or plastic soles), forest bathing, and any source of moving water (no wonder we love waterfalls and the beach so much!)

Salt (in the environment) is also a source—which is why some use Himalayan salt lamps to render an indoor environment a little more electrically negative. Indoor plants have this effect as well.

Baking soda is another quick way to raise your pH—in part because it’s directly alkaline. It also turns into CO2 in the body, a vasodilator which will lead to increased blood flow and oxygen, and thus, electrons.

Humic and Fulvic AcidI wrote here on fulvic acid—a component of soil which aids in delivery of nutrients to the growing plant. While it is technically an acid, it’s interestingly also an antioxidant, and can either donate or accept electrons.

Fulvic acid is a component of humic acid, which is formed from the breakdown of plant matter by fungi. The fungi essentially pre-digest the dead plant matter, making its constituent micronutrients available to the soil, and to any new plant that might take root in it. Fulvic acid specifically helps the plant utilize the electrons stored in the dead plant matter.

There are some studies that suggest it can do the same thing for us.

Healing Frequencies?Einstein won his one and only Nobel Prize for discovering the photoelectric effect, which describes the way that certain wavelengths of light applied to certain metals can induce voltage. The colors of light that induce this effect in a given metal are the same colors of light emitted when the metal is heated hot enough to glow. When the metal is heated to incandescence, the electrons in the element’s outer subshell jump to an even higher subshell, releasing a quanta (or a little packet) of energy as light. When that same light is applied to the metal, the metal will absorb exactly that wavelength of light, converting it to voltage.

Light carries energy, in other words, in differing amounts, depending upon its wavelength. This same process almost certainly occurs in the body: certain wavelengths preferentially excite the electrons already stored in certain tissues. This may be how chromotherapy works.

Ultrasound therapy works similarly, via what’s called the piezoelectric effect, which is when mechanical pressure applied to a crystal produces voltage, or vice versa, when a current applied to a crystal becomes mechanical movement.

Doesn’t it stand to reason that the energy from sound therapy in audible ranges and vibration therapy might likewise translate to voltage in the body, as well?

The UpshotYou can easily check your pH via salivary test strips as one way to measure the status of your cells: are they hungry for electrons, or do they have plenty? Even if your blood oxygen levels are fine, find out if your tissues are getting the oxygen they need. If they’re not, choose from some of the recommendations above to add electrons to your cells.

For additional reading, I’d highly recommend “Healing is Voltage” by Jerry Tennant.

Your pH: A Measure of Cellular Voltage

None

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

After going down the rabbit hole of the damage from manmade EMFs, I then naturally turned to healing frequencies as the other side of that coin. Most of the books in that realm are a little “woo-woo” for me, but this was written by an MD, so I thought I’d give it a try. For about half of it, it absolutely did not disappoint, postulating physical correlates for what had long been otherwise relegated to the “spirit” realm (I was especially impressed with the explanation for what an aura actually is, and how one can photograph it!) I skipped over the sections on homeopathy and Bach flower remedies since I use those all the time–long ago I wrestled with whether there was anything to that, decided there was, and have more or less satisfied myself with the mechanism of how it works (to the extent that it can be known at this point).

Later on in the book, it kind of went off the rails in my view, considering any and every esoteric philosophy in human history as equally valid. I do have a problem with believing in non-falsifiable ideas (I’m a Christian for, I think, very rational reasons; now I accept it as a foundation for everything I can’t prove, because it has otherwise been proven trustworthy). That said, it made me think… I suspect most of the long-held energy medicine approaches rooted in alternative religions actually correspond to a physical phenomenon, and perhaps specifically, to the flow of electrons in the body (and the subsequently generated electric and magnetic fields).

My rating: ****

Vibrational Medicine, Richard Gerber

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Bob Gardner is the Founder of The Freedom Specialist, a body-based approach to happiness, health, and well-being. Bob is also the author of the book Built for Freedom and host of the podcast Alive and Free. As a Transformational Specialist, Bob’s aim is to share his unique tools with the world to empower everyone to find happiness, health, and well-being on autopilot.

For the past 15 years, Bob has been incorporating multiple tools and knowledge gained from his years of experience in martial arts, breathwork, functional psychology, deep tissue release, and numerous other healing modalities to help thousands of people permanently put an end to their depression, anxiety & addiction by identifying and healing what’s at the core of these issues.

To learn more about Bob and The Freedom Specialist, see www.thefreedomspecialist.com

The Freedom Specialist – Interview with Bob Gardner

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Darko Djurin from Pixabay

Why Stomach Acid MattersThe primary job of hydrochloric acid (HCl) is to begin the process of digesting protein in the stomach. If this isn’t done appropriately, poorly digested food arrives in the small intestine, which can trigger the immune system to react to something it doesn’t recognize. This can lead to food sensitivities and eventually, leaky gut.

Not only that, but HCl as part of the chyme dumped from the stomach into the small intestine serves as a trigger for peristalsis, the smooth muscle contractions in the intestines that move our food on down the digestive tract. Because of this, bowel motility is linked to adequate levels of HCl. Slower peristalsis can mean constipation. But on the flip side, one of the hormones that triggers HCl release is gastrin, which stimulates gut motility. If there isn’t enough HCl released, gastrin increases to try compensate, which can mean diarrhea, too.

Due to its low pH, HCl also helps to kill any potential offending organisms, protecting us from food-borne illnesses. Lack of it renders us more susceptible. By the same token, HCl together with bile help to prevent SIBO. While gallbladder dysfunction can set us up for SIBO, so can low stomach acid. (And then we have two potential causes for reflux: the stomach acid is too basic to trigger the esophageal sphincter to close, and the SIBO ferments our food, creating gas. The pressure from the gas then forces the esophageal sphincter open.)

Additionally, HCl is also necessary for adequate absorption of iron, B12, folate, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), beta carotene (a precursor for Vitamin A), calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Since the first two are critical for energy, this is another reason why low HCl can lead to fatigue.

What’s Required for Stomach Acid ProductionLike any biochemical process, there’s a chain of events involved in production of stomach acid, kind of like a Rube Goldberg machine. If inadequate HCl production occurs, the problem could be anywhere along the chain of events.

Overall MetabolismLow thyroid function means low metabolism, and that means slow digestive functioning. This most commonly means constipation, but low stomach acid can be a part of that.

While I don’t subscribe to the Blood Type Diet for the most part, it is certainly well documented that people who are blood type A tend to produce less HCl as a general rule, too.

Blocks in Stomach ProductionGastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining, means that the tissue won’t be able to do its job. There are a number of possible causes of gastritis, both acute and chronic.

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune condition in which the body specifically attacks the parietal cells, which secrete both HCl and Intrinsic Factor (necessary for absorption of B12). Those with pernicious anemia will therefore have low stomach acid as well as low B12.

Histamine and MethylationHistamine triggers release of stomach acid by binding to histamine receptors in the parietal cells of the stomach lining—so even if the stomach lining is fine, low histamine levels can lead to low stomach acid. This may be due to a deficiency in the amino acid histidine, the precursor for histamine. (Histidine is found in protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, soy, dairy, eggs, nuts, and seeds).

Another possible cause of low histamine levels may be overmethylation, which can be genetic, or due to taking excessive amounts of methyl donors as supplements. This is because methylation is one of the main pathways for histamine elimination.

Common over-the-counter H2 blockers such as Zantac/ranitidine, Pepcid/famotidine, Tagamet/cimetidine, etc work at this level as well.

Acetylcholine and GastrinThe parietal cells in the stomach that produce HCl receive three signals to do so: histamine, the hormone gastrin and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Gastrin is a peptide hormone, requiring adequate amino acid building blocks from protein.

Acetylcholine is made from the nutrient choline, found in milk, eggs, liver, and peanuts. Since liver isn’t a common part of the Western diet, and the other three are common allergens, it’s possible that deficiency could result.

Biochemical Precursors and CofactorsOnce the parietal cells receive the signal to produce HCl, the biochemical reaction requires salt, water, and carbon dioxide, which will proceed to produce HCl in multiple separate steps.

This means there must be adequate levels of salt as a chloride source (which may be one reason why hyponatremia, or low salt, can manifest with slight anorexia, as in adequate HCl production may result from hyponatremia). Many people avoid salt out of concern for its blood pressure effects; this could be one of many unintended consequences of this practice.

There must also be enough CO2, as well—the body’s primary vasodilator. Acidity in the extracellular space is often correlated with low CO2 levels.

Cofactors for HCl production (vitamins and minerals required for the enzymes that make it go) include iodine, zinc, and Vitamin B1, or thiamine. Deficiencies in any of these can result in inadequate HCl production. Thiamine can be found in brown rice, soy, beef, sunflower seeds, whole grains; iodine in seaweeds, iodized salt, fish, and seafood primarily; zinc in oysters, turkey (dark meat), mustard greens, pumpkin seeds, soy beans, tuna, ginger root, peas, cashews, sunflower seeds, pecans, tahini, crab, peanuts, red meat, beans, whole grains, and dairy.

This is also the level at which Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) work, and of course they’ll block HCl production.

Roadblocks DownstreamEven if all of this goes according to plan, the presence of H pylori might produce an enzyme called urease. Urease counteracts stomach acid and damages the stomach lining. (H pylori isn’t always a problem, though; in some people, it’s normal flora.)

Natural Stomach Acid StimulationOne way to compensate for inadequate HCl is either with the supplement betaine-HCl, or with Apple Cider Vinegar with meals, as it’s about the same pH as the stomach acid, and will have a similar effect.

But an old time approach is a combination of digestive herbs known as Swedish bitters. These appear to work essentially by increasing blood flow to the gut, which triggers increased release of all digestive juices, including HCl. They also stimulate taste receptors (even if you take them in capsule form!), and in so doing, help to boost appetite.

The UpshotLow stomach acid can occur anywhere along the line. If there isn’t an obvious cause, though, Swedish bitters are a good approach to try to stimulate the body to make adequate acid.

How to Raise Stomach Acid (HCl)

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

I read “Man’s Search for Meaning,” and was intrigued by the concepts of logotherapy, though that book didn’t focus on it as much. This is a series of essays that describes it in far greater detail. What intrigued me most was the concept of paradoxical intention. It’s based on the idea that anytime we try very hard to NOT do something, or not to think about something, invariably, that’s what we think about. This struck me as being exactly what the Apostle Paul wrote about in Romans 7, describing man’s struggle against his flesh, in contrast with Romans 8, which describes freedom of the Spirit in Christ. The last chapter of the book in particular was a series of essays demonstrating how paradoxical intention can be applied to numerous psychological conditions, to brilliant effect.

My rating: ****

The Unheard Cry for Meaning, Viktor Frankl

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Astounding!

As I started to learn more about healing frequencies, this book came up again and again as a suggested read. I didn’t actually read it until I’d heard the author speak at a recent medical conference though. It blew me away–not least because a prayer of mine for some time had been to understand the connection between physics and biochemistry. I knew there was one, but had no idea how to begin researching the question, since it was such a big picture concept, and that’s not how our Western minds tend to think. We usually compartmentalize subjects such that they are more easily digestible.

This book is a big part of the answer. Many other books I’d read recently had discussed the concept of healing frequencies, and the vital force as they pertain to Eastern healing modalities, but not until I read this book did I come to think of all if those concepts as voltage: literally, the flow of electrons. That changed everything… particularly when applied to ideas mentioned here but also in many other works I’ve read recently as well, regarding how acupuncture meridians are literal semiconductors, particularly when hydrated (with water in its liquid crystal form, as Gerald Pollack wrote about in “The Fourth Phase of Water.”) It’s a circuit.

I definitely didn’t agree with everything the author argues past this point, though. I’m still quite a skeptic on the concept of chakras (though I am open to being convinced, if it can be proven that there is a physical explanation for them, as it now turns out there is for acupuncture meridians). I didn’t follow his proprietary approach to re-establishing charge via the biomodulators he sells for thousands of dollars, and indeed, there were a few too many proprietary offerings sprinkled throughout the book(s) for my taste. Even so, I could overlook that for the core idea, which was pure gold.

My rating: *

Healing is Voltage, Jerry Tennant

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

I almost never read paperbacks anymore, but I did this one because there was no e-book option, and I’d heard from so many different places that it was one of the most important books on the subject of how electricity and biology interact that it became worth it. I’m in process of transposing my highlights to my Evernote notebook by hand…

Becker was, I believe after reading this, not just a brilliant scientist willing and able to think outside the box, but a man of integrity as well, willing to fight against the establishment and risk his career in order to do what he could to alleviate human suffering. His experiments proved, stunningly, that electricity is not just involved in, but the driving force in healing and even regeneration. He first established this with salamanders, known to regrow limbs after their loss. But then he was able to establish that the same thing was possible in mammals as well, provided the positive polarity electrical signal sent out from the adjacent nerves were not interfered with by allowing the wound to heal over too quickly. His one lasting contribution to medicine was that this approach made its way into mainstream orthopedics for non-healing fractures, and now electrical currents are used to stimulate bone healing, and he won a Nobel Prize for this. But he had such big dreams, of helping regrow limbs for human beings, or triggering healing within the spinal cord itself for those who had suffered spinal cord injuries. It certainly sounds to me like all of these things are possible, based on the studies he performed, but I’ve never heard of any of it before. It seems that research on all these frontiers completely stopped, possibly in the 80s, when Becker’s research itself came to a halt.

Many of the powers-that-be came against him because Becker also used his insights into the power of electricity to heal to extrapolate that manmade electromagnetic frequencies could interfere with the body’s own signaling processes, and cause potentially tremendous suffering. Here the book was a repeat of many others I’ve read on the damage from EMF, but it was grounded in the concept that frequencies can heal as well as harm. How do we know which will do which? It seems that is an area ripe for research, which (so far as I know) still isn’t being done. The last chapter of the book was dedicated to all the political intrigue that conspired against him, and the psychological reasons behind it. Much of it, as Becker put it, wasn’t so much about financial gain as it was just about pride. The ‘establishment’ did not want anyone to challenge their own contributions to academia, which meant that anyone with a revolutionary idea didn’t get funding. Those who pandered to the existing power structure got grants, got published, and eventually made it into the pantheon of the old guard themselves… which only served to perpetuate the system. Eventually when a new idea couldn’t be hushed up, the old guard would mock on one hand, while taking credit for their opponents’ work on the other. Then of course, financial incentives of industry put pressure as well.

What all of this ultimately suggests to me is that a lot more miraculous things might be possible than we think, even from an objective scientific standpoint… but if it doesn’t make it into the mainstream, for whatever nefarious reasons, the rest of us may never know.

My rating: *

The Body Electric, Robert Becker

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Martin Hetto from Pixabay

Astragalus has been a commonly used herb in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, but it’s one of few such herbs that also enjoys a crossover into common use in Western botanical medicine. Like so many herbs, astragalus has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, but it stands out as an adaptogen.

Adaptogens are incredibly versatile, acting primarily as modulating agents on various systems, rather than stimulants or suppressants. In this way, they work with the body, rather than against it, to achieve balance.

Astragalus as an Immune Modulating AdaptogenAllergies and autoimmunity are two sides of the same coin, both representing different types of immune dysfunction. Since astragalus is immune modulating, it helps both sides — mitigating allergy symptoms such as rhinorrhea and also modulating specifically manifestations of scleroderma. This is due to the fact that fibrosis in scleroderma is secondary to elevated TGFb1, and astragalus modulates this.

Incidentally, TGFb1 is also implicated in keloid scar formation, so astragalus can be helpful in preventing keloid formation for those prone to them.

This study also shows that astragalus can also modulate a hyperactive immune system secondary to a legitimate foreign invader, such as in sepsis, by reducing out-of-control inflammation, and edema.

Astragalus for Wound HealingInterestingly, while the mechanism of scleroderma (mentioned above) involves inappropriate collagen deposition in fibroblasts, and astragalus is beneficial in preventing this, it nevertheless encourages appropriate collagen deposition in wound healing.

This study shows that astragalus improved wound healing two- and threefold over 48-96 hours.

Astragalus as an Antiviral AgentAstragalus has been shown to have antiviral properties specifically, helping to inhibit viral hepatitis, coxsackie, and viral myocarditis.

Astragalus for Protection Against Cardiovascular DiseaseDue to its antioxidant properties, astragalus has also been shown to be beneficial in atherosclerosis, as the underlying cause always involves damage to the vasculature.

Astragalus also has been shown to be beneficial in patients with congestive heart failure by improving function of the heart, and its ejection fraction.

Astragalus for Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 DiabetesPossibly related, since metabolic syndrome is so often closely linked to cardiovascular disease, astragalus also improves insulin sensitivity in general, and in insulin-resistant skeletal muscle, and adipocytes (fat cells).

This will have the effect of decreasing circulating glucose levels, thus protecting against vascular damage due to elevated blood sugar.

The UpshotIn addition to many of the common benefits of medicinal herbs, astragalus is also an excellent immune modulating herb, protective against metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease to boot.

Health Benefits of Astragalus

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This week’s podcast comes from this blog post on Chromotherapy.

Chromotherapy (or Color Therapy)

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Today’s meditation is on Jeremiah 1:11-12 and Isa 55:10-11

God Watches Over His Word to Perform It: Jeremiah 1:11-12

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by ml991 from Pixabay

In keeping with my theme on healing frequencies (I wrote here on chromotherapy and here on vibrational therapy), next up is audible sound. As anyone who has both been to a classical piano concert and also been awakened by the sound of a jackhammer can attest, audible sound can be healing or not, depending upon frequency and intensity.

Vibration vs Sound TherapyThere’s a significant overlap between audible sound and vibration, of course. The primary difference between them is the medium through which the sound waves propagate—the former through air, to ultimately vibrate the tympanic membranes inside our ears, and the latter through our body tissues. Audible sound creates vibration too, but not all frequencies that create vibration can be perceived by our eardrums. Typically, whole body vibration is at 30-40 Hz or below, while vibroacoustic therapy ranges from 30-120 Hz.

Because of this overlap in frequencies, the effects of vibration and sound therapy likewise overlap, primarily both enhancing blood flow. Since blood carries oxygen and nutrients and eliminates metabolic waste, the healing is in the blood. Anything that enhances blood flow can likewise have beneficial effects.

Since the body operates via electricity, and there is always an electric field surrounding any flow of electrons from any source, some speculate that sound vibration brings about healing by interacting with the human biofield, or the electrical field surrounding the body.

Sound Therapy Improves Parasympathetic ToneMost of us intuitively understand the power of music to put us in a calmer mood. Other forms of sound therapy, such as tuning fork therapy, Tibetan singing bowls, and binaural beats can have a similar effect, producing symptomatic changes consistent with parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) tone, as opposed to sympathetic (“fight or flight”).

These changes include decreased blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, as well as decreased tension, depression, and anxiety.

Salivary amylase, a digestive enzyme released into the saliva, likewise increases, consistent with a “rest and digest” state.

Heart rate variability, a marker for resilience as well as reduced stress, increases as well, as does cognitive function.

Brain Wave Synchrony from Sound TherapyCertain frequencies of sound can also synchronize brain waves. Binaural beats are when one frequency plays in one ear, and a different frequency plays in the other; the difference between the two can fall into the low frequency range of calming brain waves, putting the listener in a correspondingly relaxed state—usually theta (drowsy meditation) or even delta (sleep) waves.

This study shows that participants achieved delta brain waves from singing bowl therapy.

Sound Therapy for PainSince pain is often associated with agitation and a “fight-or-flight” state, it’s not surprising that a more parasympathetic state can lead to reduced pain.

This study shows that low frequency sound stimulation leads to clinically significant improvement in pain for fibromyalgia patients.

This study shows that Tibetan singing bowl meditation leads to reduced physical pain in general.

The UpshotIn our household, we nearly always have relaxing nature YouTube videos on as background noise—waves, rain, waterfalls, birds chirping, and the like. There are innumerable free binaural beat videos available too, or music albums specifically designed to train the brain to synchronize to alpha, theta, or delta waves. Classical music or jazz also works! Choose to create a peaceful environment whenever possible.

Sound Therapy (or Vibroacoustic Therapy)

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

While some frequencies on the electromagnetic spectrum can be problematic, others can be healing, including visible light and infrared.

Sound, infrasound, and ultrasound technically reside on the same electromagnetic spectrum as well, though these are lower frequencies than visible light by orders of magnitude—and also, sound waves require a medium for transmission, while light can travel in a vacuum. But both light and sound are forms of energetic frequencies which can translate to therapeutic benefits.

Whole body vibration therapy is the translation of sound and infrasound (below the frequencies that you can hear with your ears) into vibration, at frequencies usually ranging from 1-100 Hz. There are some surprising health benefits conferred by such an approach.

How Whole Body Vibration Can HealThere are quite a few mechanisms identified by which vibration can help the body to heal, but most of them boil down to helping the body do what it’s already designed to do, better—from vasodilation, increasing blood flow, to stimulating various parts of the brain that have become disconnected to talk to one another again, to helping tense tissues relax and stimulating weakened muscles and bones to grow. Ultimately, vibration at very low frequencies such as those in the infrasound and sound ranges seem to have an hormetic effect.

Vibration leads to increased cellular metabolism, circulation, and lymphatic flow, bringing the cells what they need for repair while helping with elimination of metabolic waste.

Specifically, vibration stimulates the endothelial cells of the blood vessels to release nitric oxide, leading to improved blood flow—and the healing is in the blood. In this study, nitric oxide release increased by 374% with vibration at 50 Hz in healthy controls, and 236% in diabetics (where we’d expect diminished blood flow). Not only that, but vibration has also been known to stimulate angiogenesis, or production of new blood vessels for increased circulation.

Pulsed vibrational frequencies also dramatically increase production of endogenous antioxidants as well.

Vibration even appears to stimulate the body to produce new mitochondria—particularly at 50 Hz in this study.

Whole Body Vibration Therapy for Neurological ConditionsIn addition to the generalized body-wide benefits mentioned above, nitric oxide is known to trigger the production of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which together can help protect the brain, and also help it to heal.

Vibration therapy also helps the body to make new neurological connections, and increases the flow of cerebrospinal fluid as well as elimination of metabolic waste within the brain. This is of course especially helpful for neurological conditions, since most detoxification agents can’t get past the blood brain barrier.

In many cases of neurological conditions, there is a disconnect between the thalamus (the main “manager” of the brain, connecting one part to another) and the cerebral cortex. Optimal oscillation between these regions is around 40 Hz in the cortex, and 10 Hz in the thalamus; however, dysrhythmia tends to shift all of these frequencies downward, a characteristic of Parkinson’s Disease, major depressive disorder and neurogenic central pain.

In general, whole body vibrational therapy (WBV) is associated with improved strength, proprioception, gait, and balance. Proprioception in particular seems to be sensitive to vibration, and it seems to enhance connectivity between the cortex and spinal motor neurons.

Parkinson’s DiseaseThis study shows improvement in tremor, rigidity, posture, and gait at 40 Hz.

This study used a whole body physioacoustic chair, and showed improvements in motor control, rigidity, tremor, step length, and speed.

A couple of studies showed that both 30 and 40 Hz were equally effective for neuromodulation in Parkinson’s.

Alzheimer’s DiseaseThis study shows that frequencies between 10-100 Hz improved new neuritis growth, with a peak at 40 Hz. This mouse study also suggests that the reason for this optimal frequency may be that it helps to clear out amyloid-β levels, and also increases activity of the microglia (the “trash collectors” of the brain).

This study also shows optimal benefit for those with Alzheimer’s Disease at 40 Hz, and this study also agrees.

Multiple SclerosisThis study shows that WBV can improve walking endurance in MS patients. More studies for MS are needed.

Cerebral PalsyThis study showed that spasticity and motor function improved over a 3-month period in children with CP, lying on a vibration mat at 40 Hz.

Whole Body Vibration Therapy for Osteopenia and Osteoporosis WBV is perhaps best known as an alternative therapy for osteopenia and osteoporosis, where the stress applied to the bones stimulates new bone growth. The vibration appears to stimulate bone-related stem cells, while inhibiting bone breakdown.

In this case too, 40 Hz seems to be the sweet spot, though animal models from 10-100 Hz have shown efficacy. Of course effects are better when combined with exercise.

There are some studies that suggest the effects of vibration upon bone depend upon estrogen levels, though—if estrogen is very low, these effects are potentially negligible.

Whole Body Vibration Therapy for Chronic Pain and FibromyalgiaIn the case of some forms of chronic pain, the effects of vibration may go back to re-establishing appropriate oscillatory coherence (connections) in the brain, while modulating pain perception.

This study shows that Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) may be due to a mismatch in input and output to the cortex, and that vibratory stimulation would help to correct this. The study used 86 Hz, in this case only applied to the hand and wrist for 20 min per day for 10 weeks, and showed that pain decreased by 50% and range of motion improved by 30%.

This study shows that, again, 40 Hz seems to be beneficial specifically for patients suffering from fibromyalgia.

For those suffering from Degenerative Disc Disease, it appears that vibration increases production of the various building blocks the body needs in order to repair the discs themselves.

For those suffering back pain not related to the intervertebral discs, vibration delivered directly to the area in question decreases pain, and improves range of motion. This study used vibration in the 80-120 Hz range for the cervical spine, while this one found that 40 Hz and 80 Hz were best for the thoracic spine.

Whole Body Vibration Therapy for COPDVibration can also mechanically break up mucus, which can be beneficial for those with chronic bronchitis, and for increasing lung capacity in those with COPD who cannot exercise due to fatigue and breathing limitations.

Whole Body Vibration Therapy for Muscle HypertrophyMost WBV plates are marketed for those who are healthy and just looking to build more muscle mass, and it does work for this too.

This study shows that the vibration triggers the muscles to contract, and produces mechanical tension that can increase muscle mass, while helping to prevent muscle atrophy.

The UpshotWhole Body Vibration can be more than just an addition to a gym routine. It’s especially promising for neurological conditions where few things can have much of a direct biochemical effect, due to the blood brain barrier—but it’s a great way to overall promote coherent connections in the brain, muscle and bone growth, lymphatic and circulatory flow, and even endogenous antioxidants and mitochondrial production. It’s another great tool in the hormetic toolbox.

Whole Body Vibration Therapy

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Connie McReynolds is a licensed psychologist and certified rehabilitation counselor with more than 30 years of experience in the field of rehabilitation counseling and psychology. She is the founder of neurofeedback clinics in southern California, working with children and adults to reduce or eliminate conditions of ADHD, anxiety, anger, depression, chronic pain, learning problems, and trauma. She recently published the book “Solving the ADHD Riddle: The Real Cause and Lasting Solutions to Your Child’s Struggle to Learn”

To learn more about Dr McReynolds, see www.conniemcreynolds.com

Treating ADHD Naturally – Interview with Dr Connie McReynolds

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Kanenori from Pixabay

Chromotherapy, the scientific name for color therapy, involves the use of wavelengths of visible light as a healing modality. It’s similar to red light therapy, differing primarily in the sense that chromotherapy doesn’t necessarily involve its own light source, and simply involves reflecting or polarizing visible light to a particular wavelength, corresponding to a particular color.

Can Simple Color Truly Heal?One might not think that specific wavelengths of visible light would be particularly therapeutic, simply due to their ubiquity—”familiarity breeds contempt,” as they say. And yet, we do recognize and accept now that sunlight (including the full visible spectrum, plus ultraviolet and infrared) has many health benefits.

Also, if you consider the full electromagnetic spectrum, of which visible light is only a small slice, we do know that many of the other frequencies (inversely related to the wavelength) have potentially profound physiologic effects, for good or for ill.

Infrared is just below the visible spectrum, and there’s been a great deal of research about its health benefits.

Most of the EMF we’re concerned about lives in the extremely low frequency range—but then, those are also the ranges of the Schumann resonance of the earth, and our brainwaves, too, for example.

Then at the opposite extreme, ionizing radiation is known to be potentially DNA damaging and carcinogenic—yet it’s also quite useful for imaging technologies, such as x-rays.

Given all of that, wouldn’t it make sense that there would be therapeutic benefits to concentrated or polarized wavelengths in the visible spectrum, too?

The History of ChromotherapyThe idea of using colors as a therapy is definitely not new; it’s been around since the time of ancient Greece, China, and Egypt.

It wasn’t until 1666 that Sir Isaac Newton discovered the visible electromagnetic spectrum, though, and thus, the color wheel. (We now know that the color wheel has some very interesting properties too—corresponding to both the musical scales, and the Fibonacci sequence, in its wavelength progression!)

Even back in the 1870s, effects of colors on living organisms was being studied in a systematic fashion.

In the mid-twentieth century, effects of colors on the nervous system specifically were being investigated.

How Chromotherapy Works (Maybe)To my knowledge, it’s really been mostly Dr Gerald Pollack that has brought the study of the gelatinous phase “exclusion zone” water to the forefront. This structured form of water contains order, which can therefore carry information—and it is this form of water that resides inside our bodies.

One possibility for how chromotherapy works is by imparting information upon the structure of cellular water, via the frequencies of colored light themselves.

In fact, there is a practice called hydrochromotherapy that makes this explicit: exposing samples of water to monochromatic light, in an effort to use the water as a conduit for the frequency of the color.

Once inside the body (directly or via the conduit of water), the colored light stimulates the cell in a process called photobiomodulation. Certain molecules in the body, called chromophores, specifically absorb light at a particular wavelength. The energy from those photons of light trigger the electrons in the chromophore to jump, emitting a corresponding color in the process. Chromophores are especially found in the mitochondria, so it may be that chromotherapy specifically acts as a non-invasive way to stimulate mitochondrial function. This is certainly true of red light therapy.

But, there are mitochondria in every cell of the body, except red blood cells. Is it possible that certain tissues respond more to certain color wavelengths than to others?

Evidence that Chromotherapy Has Health EffectsDespite how long it’s been around, there are more studies than I expected to corroborate efficacy of chromotherapy.

This study shows that monochromatic light of various wavelengths can have bacteriostatic, bactericidal, or even stimulating effects upon certain bacteria.

Light spanning the nearly entire visible spectrum, on into the infrared spectrum, were studied in this review paper, demonstrating that all wavelengths reduced inflammation, increased collagen synthesis and new blood vessel formation.

This study also states that chromotherapy in general, of differing wavelengths, has been shown to affect serotonin and melatonin pathways. The light does this by stimulating the hypothalamus via the retina—effectively triggering the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

Effects of Specific Wavelengths of Visible LightRed light therapy is certainly the best known source of photobiomodulation. This study shows that the wavelength of 644 nm (the color red) is beneficial for thrombocytopenia (low platelets).

This study likewise suggests that the same wavelength, 644 nm (red), appears to ‘charge’ the superoxide dismutase enzyme, one of the body’s primary antioxidant enzymes. (Incidentally, yellow was the least effective color for this purpose.)

Another strike against yellow: this study of the behavior of American prisoners found that in contrast to soothing pink light, yellow seemed to evoke more violence and criminal behavior.

Yellow has its place, however; in this study, yellow (590 nm) and green (538 nm) were specifically shown to have antibacterial efficacy against E. coli.

Green light also seems to be more beneficial for those who suffer from migraines than is white, blue, amber, or red, according to this study. The rat study suggests that this is because the green light stimulates the retinal cones less than other colors, which means in turn, the brain’s cortex lights up less in response. Since migraines typically present with light sensitivity, this is presumably the reason for the benefit. (If sitting in a dark room isn’t an option, then, perhaps green lenses might be beneficial to those in the throes of a migraine.) The same study speculates that the lesser stimulation of retinal cones and thus, the cortex, may be the reason why green is considered to be a ‘soothing’ color.

Looking at screens at night is problematic largely because the blue light tends to trigger cortisol release while suppressing melatonin release. But for those suffering from seasonal affective disorder, melatonin suppression during the daytime may be the reason for blue light’s beneficial effects.

Purple light (464 nm) meanwhile seems to be most beneficial for breaking down glucose, while dark violet (400 nm) helps to break down cholesterol.

The UpshotElectromagnetic energy has always been all around, as well as within us—after all, our brains, hearts, nerves, muscles, and bodies in their entirety run on electricity. All of the energy found on earth ultimately derives its source from the sun’s light (made usable via photosynthesis in plants, and via mitochondria in animals). While there’s certainly still a vast amount of research still to be done, why should we be surprised that certain slices of that visible spectrum of light turn out to have specific healing properties? After all, there are an almost infinite number of medicinal compounds in plants with specific healing properties.

To me, this is just more evidence that God wants us to be well. There are just so many different ways to get there.

Chromotherapy (or Color Therapy)

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Russell Witte is a Professor of Medical Imaging, Optical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arizona. Dr. Witte’s Experimental Ultrasound and Neural Imaging Laboratory (EUNIL) devises cutting-edge imaging technology, integrating light, ultrasound and microwaves to diagnose and treat diseases ranging from tendinopathies and arrhythmias to breast cancer. By integrating different forms of energy, special effects are created that enable ultrasound imaging of optical absorption deep in tissue, mapping current source densities in the beating heart, and elasticity imaging of human muscle and tendon for quantifying tissue mechanical properties. Dr. Witte’s research further extends into nanotechnology and smart contrast agents, which have applications to functional brain imaging, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Dr. Witte works closely with collaborators in the Colleges of Engineering, Optical Sciences and Medicine, as well as industry, to develop cutting-edge imaging technologies that potentially improve patient care.

To contact Dr Witte: rwitte@protonmail.com

Healing Frequencies: Interview with Dr Russell Witte

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by djedj from Pixabay

Those who struggle with constipation or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may have a number of possible root causes (contrary to common belief, IBS shouldn’t be a diagnosis so much as a description of symptoms). While it’s always best to identify and treat the cause, there are some common herbs that can help hit a ‘reset button’ on gut motility by adding in some prokinetic herbs, once this is done. Very often this is necessary after treating SIBO, for instance, in order to prevent recurrence. Here are few of the better choices.

Ginger for Gut MotilityGinger is a great carminative (or gut-calming) herb in general. Sometimes for regulating gut motility, it stands alone, and sometimes it’s used in combination with other herbs.

This study shows that ginger particularly increases gastric (stomach) emptying, while this study shows that ginger increases not just gastric, but gastrointestinal motility in general.

Artichoke for Gut MotilityArtichoke (the food, and the extract) both encourage bile production. Better bile flow likely enhances gut motility due to the fact that bile itself is very antimicrobial, if SIBO is present, the bile itself tends to kill it off. This may be why artichoke encourages small bowel motility.

It’s also possible that artichoke’s prokinetic effects may be due to the prebiotics they contain. This study shows that the inulin from artichokes significantly increases beneficial microbiota in the gut—which will of course have motility-enhancing effects.

Artichoke is also antispasmodic, and if motility is disrupted due to gut spasms, artichoke may therefore have a positive effect upon motility for this reason.

This study combines ginger and artichoke in the same product, and demonstrates significant improvement in gut motility.

Peppermint for Gut MotilityPeppermint essential oil is a classic carminative choice for those suffering from IBS. It can have a soothing effect due to its antispasmodic properties, as well. It appears that peppermint has antispasmodic properties because it functions as a natural calcium channel blocker.

This study also shows that peppermint has a positive impact on gut motility generally.

The UpshotIn addition to ginger, artichoke, and peppermint, other common non-herbal prokinetics include Low Dose Erythromycin (compounded, but in such a low dose that it has no antibiotic effects, only prokinetic effects), and Low Dose Naltrexone.

According to naturopathic philosophy, it’s not the substance you use, so much as the way in which you use it that makes the difference between symptom suppression, and aiding the body to restore balance.

Herbs to Enhance Gut Motility

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by LUM3N from Pixabay

Pycnogenol is an extract of pine bark, which comes from the inner bark of a pine tree. Nearly every medicinal herb is loaded with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties at least, and pycnogenol is no exception. But it boasts a number of unique medicinal properties, as well.

Pycnogenol: Why It’s a Great Antioxidant Many plants contain antioxidants, but pycnogenol is unique in the sense that it helps with regeneration of other antioxidants that have already donated their electrons in the service of regenerating glutathione—specifically, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. These are significant in particular, as Vitamin C is one of the primary water-soluble antioxidants, while Vitamin E is one of the primary fat-soluble antioxidants.

Pycnogenol is also unique in the sense that it helps to increase NAD+, the activated version of Vitamin B3—one of the darlings of the anti-aging world at the moment. Specifically, this means increased ATP production, and increased repair of DNA damage.

Pycnogenol for Venous Insufficiency and Vascular HealthPycnogenol is perhaps best known for improving endothelial (blood vessel) health and function. This makes it useful for the cardiovascular system in general.

Those who struggle with spider veins, varicose veins, and chronic venous insufficiency may find it helpful. This study shows that those who took pycnogenol for 3-6 months noticed a significant improvement in all of these conditions, with less need for additional treatments such as sclerotherapy.

This study showed that those subject to lower extremity edema while flying, secondary to venous insufficiency, experienced significantly less edema with pycnogenol.

This study shows that venous ulcers healed faster with pycnogenol used as an adjuvant.

Spontaneous or inexplicable bleeding may also experience improvement with pycnogenol. This study suggests that it is beneficial for retinal micro-hemorrhages (though of course if this is occurring, make sure you get a thorough workup to determine the cause).

Pycnogenol for Clotting and Heart DiseasePycnogenol also has potent anti-clotting effects, inhibiting oxidation of lipids which can cause vascular inflammation, and platelet aggregation.

This study shows that pycnogenol also reduces thromboxane, which tends to constrict blood vessels and is involved in clot formation.

This study shows that pycnogenol is even more effective than aspirin in inhibiting platelet aggregation, without increasing bleeding time (which aspirin, of course, does).

This study showed that patients with a history of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) experienced no recurrence of DVT and significantly greater improvement in edema symptoms, compared to those using compression stockings.

This study shows that for those with Congestive Heart Failure, heart ejection fraction increased by 22.4%, while edema likewise significantly improved, with a combination of pycnogenol and CoQ10.

Pycnogenol for Male Fertility and Sexual FunctionErectile dysfunction is most often vascular in nature. Because of this, it makes sense that pycnogenol would be a good potential treatment option. This study combined pycnogenol (at 120 mg/day) with arginine and showed that ED symptoms normalized for 92.5% of the subjects within three months of treatment—but those subjects who took arginine only, often a go-to supplement for ED, did not improve. (Also, I’d recommend caution for men using Nitric Oxide-enhancing supplements or especially medications for this purpose, due to a potential increased clotting risk).

This study also demonstrated benefit for ED with pycnogenol—but interestingly, it also showed that after 2 and 4 mo, men experienced improvement in sperm quality, count, and sexual satisfaction, as well.

This study shows that pycnogenol’s benefits in sexual health are not limited to men: postmenopausal women struggling with libido, lubrication, and pain also experienced a significant improvement.

Pycnogenol for Asthma and AllergiesThere are quite a few studies that demonstrate pycnogenol’s immune modulation properties, helpful for both autoimmunity and allergic responses.

Pycnogenol specifically reduces levels of circulating leukotrienes, which significantly improves pulmonary function and asthma symptoms. This study shows that participants on pycnogenol could reduce or discontinue rescue inhalers. This study, done at 50 mg of pycnogenol twice daily, demonstrates the same thing.

This study also shows that subjects who took pycnogenol 7-8 weeks prior to allergy season experienced significant symptom relief from seasonal allergies.

Pycnogenol for Cognition and Focus Possibly due to its antioxidant properties, its vasodilation properties, or both, pycnogenol has been studied for improvement in cognitive function, attention, memory, and executive function in otherwise healthy adults, with positive effects after 12 weeks.

It’s demonstrated similar benefits in college and graduate students, and in older adults as well. It’s even demonstrated improvement on the Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) in older adults experiencing cognitive decline after 8 weeks.

On the other end of the spectrum, this study showed that pycnogenol can benefit hyperactivity, attention and concentration in children with ADHD.

The UpshotPycnogenol shares many benefits with medicinal herbs in general, but it stands out for cardiovascular benefits, including for male sexual function, cognition and focus, and asthma.

Health Benefits of Pycnogenol (Pine Bark)

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr Christie Fleetwood earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University, in 1988. After practicing as a retail pharmacist in the greater Richmond area for a decade, she attended Bastyr University, earning a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine in 2004. Because of her unique education and training, she effectively branded herself as “medically bilingual”. Her current passions and projects include renovating her crazy-cool house in unlicensed Virginia—where she ADORES practicing vitalist naturopathic medicine, riding her new touring bicycle, motorcycling with her husband and adult sons, eating great food, listening to great music, chasing her favorite band…. Oh! And for those who’ve been asking for her Book, the first one is underway: The Cardiovascular SYSTEM, combining both “Diseases of the Drugs” and the “Disease Reversal/Deprescribing” portions! “The Disease Reversal Project”, as a website and a podcast has already been published (currently on Spotify)!

To learn more about Naturopathic Medical Institute or to help with their vision, visit naturopathicmedicineinstitute.org

Or, you can reach out to director@naturopathicmedicineinstitute.org or to Dr Fleetwood directly at: president@naturopathicmedicineinstitute.org

Naturopathic Medicine Institute (NMI): Interview with Dr Christie Fleetwood

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Groundbreaking!

I heard of Gerald Pollack in my naturopathic practice about a decade ago, as a scientist who had postulated that water has a “memory,” and therefore might be used as an explanation for the mechanism of homeopathy, at least loosely. I didn’t know the particulars, and at the time, since he worked for a traditional university, I rather suspected that he would object to that association. It was only recently, when I started studying fluid dynamics within the human body with a strong sense that this was a key somehow to adequate detoxification, that I stumbled upon this book.

The fourth phase of water isn’t what I thought it was, at least not precisely. It’s called “EZ water,” which sounds like easy water, though it stands for Exclusion Zone water–and it seems exceedingly likely to be exactly what Pollack postulates, based upon not only his own experiments, but also its ability to elegantly explain many of water’s previously familiar but inexplicable properties. It’s so called, because it excludes all solutes that might otherwise be dissolved within “bulk water,” or what we think of as normal liquid water. It does this by forming what’s almost a gel-like crystalline structure, with charge separations between the EZ and bulk water. Its formation can be triggered by a hydrophilic surface, yet water doesn’t need such a surface to form an EZ–it also forms spontaneously within “bulk water,” which is the reason for the mosaic-like reflective patterns we see within a body of water. When water evaporates, it does so within the bulk water columns bordered by EZ, which is why steam follows a similar mosaic pattern. EZ also forms just at the point of transition of water to ice as well. Such a surface explains how things float, how “Jesus lizards” and certain insects can run across water’s surface, how water ascends to the reach the tops of trees, how the fluid line within a straw rises above the regular water’s surface, how one can skate on top of ice (and yet if you lick a frozen flagpole, you’re likely to stick), why Brownian motion occurs (he’s so bold as to revise Einstein on this), and both how and why water forms both droplets and bubbles. (It never occurred to me to think of this as peculiar before, but it really is peculiar!)

What really blew my mind about all of this is the concept that the EZ, due to its charge separation, is a perpetual potential source of energy–just like a battery. The EZ, and thus the charge separation–spontaneously grows in response to infrared light… and we have a free, ready source of this in the sun. The implications of this, to me, are enormous, and Pollack does allude to this at the end of the book (I’d hoped he’d take it much further, but I guess that’s for some engineer to take his concept and build upon it). I’m trying very hard to see how I can work this concept into my next book…

My rating: *

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The Fourth Phase of Water

The Fourth Phase of Water

The Fourth Phase of Water: Beyond Solid, Liquid, and Vapor

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This book blew my mind.

Warning: it’s not a light read. She literally has physics equations scattered throughout the text, and she goes into a ridiculous amount of minutiae–to the point where I almost gave up toward the beginning. But as I kept reading, I began to understand, in a vague way that I could never quite put my finger on even when I finished, that this is an incredibly important work. It touches on the concept of what life is, not just in a philosophical but in a physical, biological, and quantum mechanical way. It describes how life must be a coherent system, in the sense of communication at almost light speed (which defies the generally understood biochemical explanations), and suggests that the crystalline water inside cells (referencing The Fourth Phase of Water, Gerald Pollack) plays a fundamental role in this communication. Not only that, but this structured water can thus refract light shone through it into a rainbow, hence the title–but only when the organism is alive. The moment it dies, the rainbow vanishes, suggesting that order and life are, in some way, synonymous.

Ho wrote for her peers, not really for the general public, and she didn’t seem much bothered with making herself easily understood, But it’s well worth the effort… I’ve since found myself going down the rabbit hole, trying to find similar books to give me a firmer grasp of her ideas, since she herself didn’t seem to publish much else.

My rating: *

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The Rainbow and the Worm

The Rainbow and the Worm

None

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

My rating: *

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The Power of Habit

The Power of Habit

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

I’ve read a lot of self-help books–so many that I’ve largely stopped listening to them now, because I rarely hear anything new.

This one was new.

My brother, a high achiever himself, told me about this one and said that it’s been a game-changer for him. It’s definitely very common for type-A high achievers to always look at how far short they’ve fallen from their ideal (or especially in kids, from someone else’s ideal), rather than how much they actually have achieved. By definition, an ideal is never reachable, so this approach is a recipe for discouragement. Still, the tendency to focus on the ideal is termed “perfectionism,” and it’s considered a personality trait, not something modifiable. Sullivan (and Hardy) argue that it is indeed modifiable, and with a simple frame-shift: simply measure how far you’ve come (the gain), not how far you have yet to go (the gap).

While that’s a simple statement, the rest of the book gives practical examples of how to do this, not just once, but as part of an ongoing lifestyle. I don’t usually consider myself a perfectionist, but my focus is usually also how far I have yet to go to achieve my self-determined goals. It takes a conscious effort to look at what I actually have done, and it really is uplifting to do so.

My favorite chapter in the whole book was toward the end, though. I’ve heard about “miracle mornings” ad nauseum, and my mornings are already as structured as they can be, so there’s nothing else I can really do there. But Sullivan/Hardy wrote about taking the last few minutes of each day, not long, to write out your three wins for that day, and your projected wins for the next day. I love this. Often I forget to give myself credit for what I’ve accomplished in a given day… and if I didn’t accomplish what I’d hoped, I can still reframe what I did instead as a “win.” The idea behind setting goals for the next day isn’t for them to be set in stone, but rather, it sets the tone of momentum and accomplishment before you even go to bed. I usually make a list of weekly goals in various categories, and never get to all of them… but this narrows it down further, and gives me a greater sense of intention and purpose when I find myself with a sudden short window of time.

Definitely a worthwhile read.

My rating: *

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The Gap and The Gain

The Gap and the Gain

The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

My husband and I read this one out loud to each other over a period of like a year (we’re very slow). It was a good bonding experience, but I don’t know that it was the best way to read it in order to extract information from it, since I didn’t take notes or anything. I’m not sure I would have anyway, though, because most of it seemed to be more or less common biblical sense, illustrated with a number of anecdotes. The anecdotes were really the best part, though–it’s easy to lecture and preach, but the number of personal stories Peale had to back up his points would have made his case for him, if I hadn’t already been inclined to agree. Very uplifting, as the title implies.

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The Power of Positive Thinking

The Power of Positive Thinking

Power of Positive Thinking

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

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Love and Respect

Love and Respect

Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

I’m on my second listen of this book. It’s terrific.

There’s no super new concepts for me in this book. I’ve read a lot of self-help books and have studied scripture from a charismatic perspective for a good decade now, but this really brought it all together. It’s recorded in a question-and-answer format of interviews with Bob Proctor. He covers a LOT of scripture, which I love, and which helps to counterbalance references to The Secret and what otherwise might be a lot of New Age sounding ideas about the power of words, vibrations, etc. But if you can strip away some of the phrases that might have become associated with a particular set of ideas, there’s gold here.

The concept boils down to the importance of repetition, of meditation, and on engaging your imagination until it sparks hope. Hope becomes faith, and all things are possible for those who believe. These are principles that God baked into the universe, and they are impartial; anyone, regardless of their religious persuasion, can tap into them and make them work. The key is, getting to the point where the image or idea or belief you want makes it from your conscious mind down into your subconscious mind. The only way to do that is through repetition. It’s like brainwashing, only in this case you’re brainwashing yourself, intentionally, and for a positive purpose.

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Change Your Paradigm Change Your Life

Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life

Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This was my second time through this book; the first time was over a decade ago and I felt it changed my life then. I’ve recommended it to many patients since, but felt it was time to go back through it now.

For me, the biggest takeaway was the clear delineation between what is under my control, and what is not, and also what is my responsibility, and what is not. For me certainly, and I think for many others, the desires and demands of others seem like our responsibility to fulfill, but they are not, and putting this in so many words was very helpful. There are many examples of how this plays out, too, which drives the point home. We should (to the extent that we are able) extend a helping hand to those who are bearing a crushing burden that they cannot carry themselves–if we want to, can do so without a sense of obligation, and have the resources to do so. None of us can meet every single need that we become aware of, though, even if those needs are legitimate. At the same time, if someone else merely has a desire that they would like us to fulfill, or they don’t want to take responsibility for something that they are, in fact, responsible for, it’s not our job to accommodate those desires. We can if we choose to freely, and have the resources to do so, and aren’t making an entitled monster of the other person in the process, but we are each responsible for our own wishes, needs, plans, and desires. When those lines get blurred, relationship problems ensue.

Very insightful and very helpful, particularly, I think, for women in the church.

My rating: *

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Boundaries

Boundaries

Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Today’s podcast comes from this blog post of the same title.

No, Good Natural Foods Are Not Killing You

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This book blew my mind.

Warning: it’s not a light read. She literally has physics equations scattered throughout the text, and she goes into a ridiculous amount of minutiae–to the point where I almost gave up toward the beginning. But as I kept reading, I began to understand, in a vague way that I could never quite put my finger on even when I finished, that this is an incredibly important work. It touches on the concept of what life is, not just in a philosophical but in a physical, biological, and quantum mechanical way. It describes how life must be a coherent system, in the sense of communication at almost light speed (which defies the generally understood biochemical explanations), and suggests that the crystalline water inside cells (referencing The Fourth Phase of Water, Gerald Pollack) plays a fundamental role in this communication. Not only that, but this structured water can thus refract light shone through it into a rainbow, hence the title–but only when the organism is alive. The moment it dies, the rainbow vanishes, suggesting that order and life are, in some way, synonymous.

Ho wrote for her peers, not really for the general public, and she didn’t seem much bothered with making herself easily understood, But it’s well worth the effort… I’ve since found myself going down the rabbit hole, trying to find similar books to give me a firmer grasp of her ideas, since she herself didn’t seem to publish much else.

My rating: *

The Rainbow and the Worm

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are not a single diagnosis, but rather a collection of six subtypes of collagen disorders, with thirteen variants beyond those. The condition is genetic, and usually autosomal dominant (meaning that if you inherit a single copy, you have the syndrome, rather than needing a copy from each parent). The mutations can occur de novo too, though (or without being inherited—just in the individual) up to 50% of the time.

Ehlers-Danlos SymptomsSince our bodies are primarily made of collagen (skin, bones, cartilage, blood vessels, fat cells, connective tissue, etc), the potential symptoms of EDS are many and varied. Most common symptoms are hypermobility and joint laxity (often first diagnosed after a shoulder dislocation), skin hyper-elasticity and poor wound healing, chronic pain and muscle weakness, and fragile blood vessels with easy bruising and bleeding, without any other obvious cause.

In many cases, EDS can also include dysautonomia, or dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (very often this presents as POTS, or Positional Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), MCAS, and gut motility issues.

Dental problems are also common, as dental ligaments are made of collagen, too. Sometimes dentists are the first to make the observation leading to diagnosis.

Most women with a condition called lipedema, or accumulation of fatty tissue below the skin in the limbs, also have EDS, though it’s unclear whether this is a related condition or part of EDS itself. Since subcutaneous adipose tissue is a type of connective tissue, it would make sense that they would be part of the same disorder. In addition to fatty tissue deposition, lipedema is also characterized by poor lymphatic circulation through the limbs, and accumulation of metabolic waste in the extracellular space, leading to inflammation and subsequent fibrosis.

Ehlers-Danlos Diagnosis The variability of the symptoms is part of what makes EDS so difficult to diagnose. It’s also not easy to run the genetic tests to identify the sub-type, as traditional labs don’t run them (generally you have to see a geneticist for this)—and one common subtype doesn’t have a known gene mutation associated. Because of this, diagnosis is often clinical—based on the genes when available, family history, symptoms, and clinical criteria.

By far the most common of the six subtypes are the first four: classical (which comprises I and II), including joint and skin hyper-mobility, and easy bruising; hypermobility (type III) which includes joint hyper-mobility as well as dislocations and pain (this is the one with no known associated gene mutation, and it’s also the most common subtype), and vascular (type IV), which involves thin skin, easy bruising, and arterial or uterine rupture, spontaneous pneumothorax, as well as small joint hyper extensibility. All of these follow an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern.

Far less common autosomal recessive subtypes (meaning you can inherit them only if both parents give a copy of the same gene) are types V and VI, which involve improper lysine linkages in collagen. Another rare subtype involves abnormal copper metabolism.

The primary argument for genetic testing and exact diagnosis is awareness of potential severe risk factors, so that proper screening and prevention can be done.

Treatment for Ehlers-Danlos SyndromesOf course, as of now, we can’t change our genes—so officially, there’s no treatment to completely resolve EDS symptoms.

That said, this study from all the way back in 2005 made the interesting argument that in identical twins with connective tissue disorders, symptoms can still vary widely—the old “nature vs nurture” argument. Identical twins share the same genetic code, so variation between them must be environmental. The study’s authors concluded that therefore, even though the genes can’t be modified, nutritional supplementation for common symptoms of EDS should be just as relevant as with any other cause of those same symptoms.

They therefore recommended calcium, carnitine, CoQ10, glucosamine, magnesium, methylsulphonylmethane (MSM), pycnogenol, silica, vitamin C, and vitamin K.

Vitamin C is synergistic with collagen, aiding in its formation and strength (when, of course, levels are either low or demand for Vitamin C is especially high). MSM and silica were also recommended as collagen building blocks. (You’d think collagen itself would be useful for EDS, though I was only able to find this one case study to demonstrate that this is in fact the case.)

While connective tissue includes collagen, it also includes glucosamine, which is why that was included in this proposed formula.

Bones are made of collagen, but are also a reservoir for calcium, and Vitamin K helps to put calcium where it belongs.

Carnitine and CoQ10 are two of the most common supplements utilized for mitochondrial support—and the mitochondria produce ATP, the body’s energy currency, plentiful amounts of which are necessary to heal just about anything.

While blood vessels are made of collagen, pycnogenol increases bioavailability of Vitamin C and blocks collagen breakdown, which is likely why it is so beneficial to both skin and blood vessels. This study shows that pycnogenol is very helpful for those with venous insufficiency, edema, and spider veins.

And of course, plenty of salt and water intake helps with orthostatic hypotension and POTS symptoms.

Interestingly, this recent study draws a strong correlation between EDS clinical presentations, and undermethylation, even going so far as to suggest that EDS can be treated with 5-MTHF, or activated folate.

The UpshotIn the vast majority of even clearly genetically correlated disorders, genes still do not dictate destiny.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Natural Management Strategies

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Fabulous! I never thought an entire book could be written on the subject of breathing. Not only is it possible, but the history of “pulmonauts” is a fascinating one.

Some of the pearls from this book include the concept that the “use it or lose it” idea applies to breathing through your nose, and into the deepest recesses of your lungs, too. You can practice, and regain what has been lost. And a host of benefits await those who do.

There is such a thing as the perfect breath: 5.5 seconds in, and 5.5 seconds out. But not only that, there are a whole host of breathing techniques that can train your body’s utilization of oxygen to become more efficient.

CO2 is far more than just a biological waste product; it’s a critically important molecule in and of itself. So much so that training to “hold your breath” is incredibly beneficial.

A patient recommended this to me and I’ve since recommended it to about twenty more. Well worth the read.

My rating: *

Breath

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This was very inspiring! As a naturopathic doctor I’ve read and heard ad nauseum about the benefits of mindfulness and meditation–of course it’s true, but it’s not easy for a lot of people in our modern world to practice. I’ve had to struggle myself to do 5 minute meditations here and there when I feel I need it, and while I do feel it’s done me a lot of good, I love the fact that this is an accessible approach to achieving something quite similar, that happens to be available even to those who struggle to calm their “monkey minds,” or who are in pain, or exhausted, or otherwise incapable of the discipline required for meditation. In less than a minute, we can experience awe just by fully focusing our attention and admiration on something outside of ourselves, breathing in deeply, holding it and our focus, and then breathing out. I’ve been practicing this myself since reading the book, and I do feel that it will be very beneficial if I can make it a habit. I’ve felt I needed to get better at being fully present in the moment for some time now, noticing my surroundings.

Even though the practice can be described in a sentence, though, I still think the book is well worth a read. It gives the studies to back it up, inspiring personal stories, and guidance on how to choose what to fix your attention on, from things outside of yourself, to an idea or a memory, a sound or a smell or a taste. It’s a great guide for those who need help getting started.

My rating: *

The Power of Awe

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

I’ve read at least four books on EMF that I can think of now, and this is by far the best. I picked it up because most of the blogs I’d read said the same thing. It’s straightforward, accessible, and practical, assuming the reader is a consumer and not an electrician.

I like the fact that the author is up front about the fact that he’s in the same boat: he’s a science writer who’s done an enormous amount of research on the subject, and interviewed numerous experts. After reading, taking notes, and reading my notes, and then trying to apply what I had read, I felt like I could take my $150 Gauss meter purchased on Amazon and actually glean some usable information on my environment and what I could do to make it safer, without going overboard and upending my whole life (as the title implies).

What bothers me is that most of the authors I read and experts I’ve talked to on this subject seem to disagree with one another on one or more points. Nick does acknowledge that where he can, and gives both sides of the argument so that the reader can draw his or her own conclusions. I guess in any other area of medicine that’s true too, it’s just that in the realm of biochemistry, I have enough of a foundation that I can draw my own conclusions without having to rely on anyone else. In the realm of electricity I don’t know enough to do that with a great deal of confidence, and it’s still such a controversial topic. So I can’t say I feel like I know enough after reading this book. But I do feel like I know a lot more than I did before I started, and I feel less overwhelmed about what to do about it.

My rating: *

The Non-Tinfoil Guide to EMF

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

A fascinating topic, and very well researched! Methylene blue has been on my radar in the last many months, but I didn’t know much about it before. What excites me most about it is its potential as a mitochondrial support. I’ve long known that mitochondria are (at least potentially) at the core of nearly every metabolic/chronic illness, but that only gets us so far. Mitochondria make ATP, the body’s energy currency, and any tissue lacking adequate ATP will limp along with subclinical or clinical dysfunction, unless the body gets the signal to destroy that cell (or that mitochondrion) altogether and make a brand new one. The only way I really knew of before to trigger the latter was with fasting, which of course isn’t a long-term option in most cases (with the exception of intermittent, though that too has limited usefulness from my experience.) Mitochondria can easily become poisoned by various environmental or biological toxins, but… then what? Most mitochondrial support I’m aware of gives building blocks needed to potentially help them work better, but if the problem isn’t the lack of that building block, but rather a toxin, now what? Detoxification also requires ATP to be efficient, so now you’re in a bit of a catch-22.

Methylene blue, apparently, offers an alternative pathway for the mitochondria to make the same amount of ATP it would if it were perfectly healthy, bypassing the toxic impediments, while at the same time stimulating the body to make new mitochondria. That’s astounding. There are some drawbacks to be aware of (mostly that the medicine is bright blue, but there are a few others too), but I’m excited about the therapeutic potential!

The reason I only gave the book four stars, though, is because the author tends to be rather bombastic in his writing style. I can appreciate this to a certain degree (he reminds me of a few people I know, and it’s probably quite endearing in person), but it means that sometimes he leaps to extreme conclusions on topics which I happen to know something about. I suspect that if he were a practicing clinician himself, he might be more circumspect–but this tends to make me question his conclusions on topics that are less familiar to me, as well.

My rating: ****

Methylene Blue

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

The author seemed to believe that the premise of this book was more revolutionary than I thought it was, to the point where I wondered if maybe I missed something.

Her main premise seems to be that there are no universal emotional pathways in the brain for things like happiness, sadness, fear, anger, etc. Rather, the body has only a very few possible physiologic states that can be mentally attributed to a given emotion, depending upon the person’s thoughts about their cause, and the context. An example that stuck out to me was when she was in school and a colleague to whom she didn’t think she was particularly attracted asked her for a date. She went, and felt various strange things in her gut, and assumed during the date that perhaps she was attracted to him after all… only to later learn that she actually had the early stages of gastroenteritis. It makes the vivid point that we can misattribute physical symptoms for emotions, because there are only so many possible physical manifestations of emotion, so the same ones have to get used over and over. Then it’s up to us to interpret what they mean.

Barrett then references a number of studies with which I was familiar, regarding the universality of emotion in various cultures that have had no contact with the Western world. She makes the point that these studies all essentially “stacked the deck,” teaching the people about Western emotional concepts and then showing them the facial expressions that were affiliated with them. But she makes the point that we are literally incapable of perceiving or even feeling a given emotion until we become culturally aware of it. The examples she gives to back this argument are very unique situations in which a particular complex emotion arises — situations which some cultures define by a single word. I don’t know if I’m convinced that other cultures can’t experience that emotion, though I certainly agree that we become far more emotionally intelligent when we possess the breadth of language to define it. I certainly have had the experience in my life of hearing someone describe an emotion, and saying to myself, “Ah-ha! So that’s what I was feeling (and why)!”

What to me was most revolutionary about this book was the author’s concept of the “body budget,” which affects the physical manifestations of emotions which we then have to use our language to define and context to interpret. Our body budgets can be affected by things like our sleep deficits, our blood sugar levels, cortisol levels, etc. Essentially it all goes back to the basic naturopathic building blocks of eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, spending time with those we love and doing things we love, and balancing our time between work and play. This isn’t exactly new, but it’s a new twist on the concept that the more depleted we are, the more emotional we can become… but then it’s still up to interpret what we are feeling.

My rating: ****

How Emotions Are Made

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

It’s rare that I’m truly impressed by a book on health. Most of them say the same (albeit good) things: eat right, exercise, get enough sleep, minimize your stress. That seems to be the last half of nearly all of them, and in many cases the final portion is taken up with recipes. Because this is what I do all day (naturopathic medicine), I’m looking for something truly new that can expand my toolbox for treating patients.

Many people are interested in how to age well and stay healthy longer, but usually longevity too seems limited to aesthetics, or studies that show this or that supplement might lengthen telomeres, decrease inflammation or oxidative stress, etc. This book offered something new, though: a broader context for why certain treatments might work.

First, it introduced me to the concept of hormesis, which I knew quite well before without knowing what to call it. Now I realize that most of my favorite modalities work exactly this way: giving the body a push in the direction it’s already going so that it will self-correct in the opposite direction. Having a name and a concrete description of the concept seems to broaden my understanding of other things that might work in a similar fashion, too.

Second, and along those lines, it pointed out that there’s a trade-off between growth and longevity. I knew that Growth Hormone was highly regulated and not generally recommended, but not why. Now I have a better philosophical idea of the reason: too much GH might seem to reverse the clock, but at a cost. The phrase “better to burn out than to fade away” comes to mind, though the book’s argument is the exact opposite, since longevity is all about persisting rather than burning bright and then dying young. This also may help inform discussions surrounding other “youth-promoting” treatments, too. The body is wise; it’s best not to work against its natural processes when possible.

Third, the specific concepts of mTOR, IGF-1, sirtuins, and AMPK and how they relate to longevity was well and thoroughly answered. These are buzz words in longevity medicine these days and I had long intended to do a deep dive into them. I plan to go back through my notes and do just that.

I also loved how they reviewed inhabitants of various Blue Zones throughout the world, with the highest percentage of centenarians, and showed what their lifestyles did (and didn’t) have in common. There’s good balance to the plant-based argument, as well as to often-vilified substances like wine and coffee.

Highly recommended!

My rating: *

The Longevity Solution

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Fabulous! Best medical book I’ve read in awhile.

This book casts serious doubt on the prevailing dogma that salt is the enemy, particularly in hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The studies (as in several other areas of prevailing medical dogma) have long been conflicting at best, and pointing in the exact opposite direction at worst. The author did address some of his theories as to why that might be, but I paid less attention to this part than I did to his actual arguments. As a naturopathic doctor, this has already affected advice I’ve given to patients, and has given me new treatment insight in a few resistant cases. It’s also changed my own practice prior to long workouts and sauna sessions–pretty sure I’ve been low in salt for awhile, myself!

After listening to the audiobook, I also purchased the kindle version just so I could gain access to his bibliography. Highly recommended.

My rating: *

The Salt Fix

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This book is absolutely fantastic. It’s rare that a medical book seems completely new to me, or opens a new horizon, particularly since in naturopathic medicine I’m usually not “mainstream” to begin with. This one, though, plows through the studies that have been available for decades, but simply pushed aside in favor of a more profitable narrative: that cholesterol drives heart disease. I’ve long suspected that there was something amiss about this story, but Kendrick brings it home–and he does so in an amusing, readable way, while sticking to the scientific literature to back his every claim. Highly recommend.

My rating: *

Holistic Dental Care

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This book is absolutely fantastic. It’s rare that a medical book seems completely new to me, or opens a new horizon, particularly since in naturopathic medicine I’m usually not “mainstream” to begin with. This one, though, plows through the studies that have been available for decades, but simply pushed aside in favor of a more profitable narrative: that cholesterol drives heart disease. I’ve long suspected that there was something amiss about this story, but Kendrick brings it home–and he does so in an amusing, readable way, while sticking to the scientific literature to back his every claim. Highly recommend.My rating: *Nutrient Power

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This book is absolutely fantastic. It’s rare that a medical book seems completely new to me, or opens a new horizon, particularly since in naturopathic medicine I’m usually not “mainstream” to begin with. This one, though, plows through the studies that have been available for decades, but simply pushed aside in favor of a more profitable narrative: that cholesterol drives heart disease. I’ve long suspected that there was something amiss about this story, but Kendrick brings it home–and he does so in an amusing, readable way, while sticking to the scientific literature to back his every claim. Highly recommend.

My rating: *

The Clot Thickens

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Excellent — I learned a lot of new clinical pearls, and the psychological analysis for practitioners was fascinating.

My rating: *

Toxic

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

I’ve already recommended this book to several people, but I’m not giving it 5 stars for a couple of reasons.

The concept is that all problems in life go back to cellular memories that we can reprogram, more or less with prayer and concentrated meditation on a regular basis. I agree with this to a point, and it’s very similar to a lot of other energetic healing approaches I’ve heard of, such as Emotional Freedom Technique especially, and to some degree EMDR. Like EFT which employs tapping of acupuncture points during treatment, the Healing Code employs what I think essentially amounts to Reiki, pointing fingers an inch away from a few glandular structures in the brain and throat during treatment. I don’t know the reason for this; the book just asserts that it’s necessary. My guess is that this serves as a distraction for the conscious mind, allowing the words of the procedure to sink in more deeply into the subconscious–but because I don’t understand why it would do more than this, and the book doesn’t attempt to explain it, I suspect that’s all there is to it. Nevertheless, I think any version of regular focused meditation and prayer would be very beneficial, and so I don’t dispute some of the lofty claims of the authors. I also think that some of the questions the authors teach patients to ask themselves allows even less self-aware individuals to get at core beliefs in order to reprogram them.

A good 2/3 of the book is a combination of theory and testimonials, which is fine as far as it goes, and I understand the reason behind it: considering they’re asking the reader to take a leap of faith, since there aren’t any clinical studies behind this, they have to get your faith on board before they launch into specifics. If they didn’t, you’d scoff and put the book down. And while I certainly do agree that there’s a lot more to how quantum physics interacts with medicine than we currently understand, it still makes me skeptical, at least initially, when someone invokes a quantum mechanism of action for an otherwise unexplained modality. It very well may be quantum–but because we don’t understand it, any modality can equally claim it, and it’s equally un-provable.

I view the Healing Code as one path towards accessing unconscious memories and beliefs that hinder one’s current life, and reprogramming them. Not the only one, as they seem to claim, but a good one nevertheless, with the added benefit that you can learn it and do it to yourself. You don’t need to see a practitioner in order to experience the benefits. So I give them points for that, for sure: this isn’t a money-making scheme. They just want people to have the information.

My rating: ****The Healing Code

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Very interesting. I’ve heard for years about how LDN is essentially useful for every kind of chronic illness, but because I didn’t understand the mechanism of action and because it claimed to be useful for everything, I never thought of it for any one condition and therefore almost never prescribed it. This book explains both the mechanisms we know and the mechanisms speculated, and describes how the

y can be useful for individual illnesses including various kinds of autoimmunity, depression, and cancer. I’m far more inclined to prescribe and endorse it now, especially because its benefits come from the rebound action of the body rather than the primary action of the drug–meaning it actually helps the body to heal itself (pretty much the same mechanism of action of homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and most other naturopathic therapies.) This is also the reason that there are very few side effects to speak of — the side effects are the whole reason it’s prescribed!

My rating: *

The LDN Book

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This was incredibly eye-opening! I’ve been praying for direction for how to help some of my very sensitive patients, who are either hyper-sensitive to everything, or else nothing I try seems to move the needle. I’ve known to consider EMF as a potential “toxin” for some time, but didn’t know what to do about it. There are some practical steps here, as well as in-depth biochemical explanations of exactly how it affects us.

My rating: *

EMF’d

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Really fascinating! I rarely review nonfiction here, but I’ll make an exception for this one.

I already had a framework for the concepts, so that made it much easier to listen to as an audiobook. What I knew already was that dopamine was associated with pleasure and reward, and the lack of it (and its downstream metabolites, norepinephrine and epinephrine) with a particular kind of depression: the kind that lacks excitement or interest. It’s also the neurotransmitter associated with focus; in excess, it can lead to schizophrenia, and in deficit, it can lead to Parkinson’s Disease.

What I did not know was the distinction between dopamine and the other catecholamines, norepi and epi: Lieberman categorizes the latter two, along with things like serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins, as “here and now,” or H&N neurotransmitters, meaning they help with enjoyment of the moment and satisfaction in one’s actual experience. By contrast, dopamine is all about novelty and desire. The moment that a pleasure is no longer unexpected, or a goal is achieved, dopamine is quenched. The enjoyment associated with expected pleasures or enjoying what one already possesses requires the H&N neurotransmitters–and certain kinds of people are predisposed more toward one over the other. The highest achievers in history tend to be very dopamine dominant, with all its attendant benefits and pitfalls. They are constantly driven, and usually obsessed with achievement and efficiency–but this also means they are rarely “happy”, where happiness is defined by satisfaction with what they actually have. Many of them are more susceptible to affairs and divorce, because for them, it’s more about the thrill of the chase than the actual relationship. They often care for humanity in the abstract, but have little patience with individual people. But on the plus side, they also are quite resilient to adversity and change, since novelty produces the dopamine spike they crave.

On the flip side, those more predisposed genetically to the H&N neurotransmitters tend to be happier and more content, and to have stronger interpersonal relationships, but far less driven to achievement and less resilient to the stress of change. I particularly found the political discussion interesting: those predisposed to dopamine dominance were more often liberal or progressive, while those with more of the H&N neurotransmitters tended to be more conservative. I thought the book did a good job of staying neutral on this point, and showing the pluses and minuses of each. For instance, it took for granted that both sides wanted to help the poor, but they went about it differently. While liberals want to legislate that the government should provide for them financially, seeing this as the most efficient way to achieve their goal, conservatives are against government entitlements, but statistically give far more of their own money to charities. While both sides sympathize with the plight of immigrants, liberals will show it by arguing for an open border, yet implement strict zoning laws as a boundary against their own places of residence–while conservatives will argue for stricter immigration policy, but will be more likely to actively serve the refugee community once they’re here.

I also thought the discussion of schizophrenia was fascinating. I knew it was dopamine-driven, but never thought about the mechanics behind this. Whenever we hear a salient point, something that we find interesting, a dopamine spike allows us to remember it. Those with very high dopamine levels will have a dopamine spike at seemingly random times, and their brains will then weave a story to explain how these seemingly unrelated pieces of information might be connected (and particularly how they might be connected to them personally, since we all consider the most salient information to be that which concerns ourselves). The process almost sounds like a waking dream.

Overall, a very interesting read, well worth it.

My rating: *

The Molecule of More

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Sleep apnea, or interrupted breathing at night, affects 39 million adults in the US. This is a potentially major health concern, as sleep apnea raises the risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and stroke.

Unfortunately, the major treatment for sleep apnea, other than weight loss which is often indicated and recommended, are CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines during sleep, which many patients find intolerable or disruptive, so compliance is often poor. Not only that, but for those who are EMF sensitive, sleeping with an electrical device attached to the body can be problematic for other reasons as well.

Near-term alternatives to CPAP machines vary, depending upon whether the obstruction is due to nasal polyps or swollen nasal turbinates, or due to obstruction in the mouth, via the soft palate, tongue, and tonsils, or both. For the former, Breathe Right strips can sometimes be very beneficial, though of course the real treatment involves addressing the reason for the obstruction. For the latter, elevating the head of the bed can sometimes vary the angle enough to open the airways, and dental devices can sometimes move soft tissue out of the way.

But another promising option to potentially correct at least part of the problem is myofunctional therapy.

What Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy IsDysfunctional movements of facial and mouth muscles can result in various Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs), and they can be either the cause of or the result of mouth breathing rather than nasal breathing. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, originally based on principles from speech language pathology, can help correct subsequent disorders in swallowing and positioning of the tongue that can contribute to breathing obstructions.

Myofunctional therapy is like physical therapy for the mouth, incorporating isotonic and isometric exercises to tone the relevant muscles.

Myofunctional Therapy Exercises Exercises involved in myofunctional therapy can vary, but they may include the following:

Pushing the tongue against the hard palate and sliding it backwards
Sucking the tongue against the palate
Sucking something thick through a straw
Pushing the back of the tongue against the roof of the mouth while keeping the tip behind the bottom front teeth
Blowing up a balloon

Exercises should be done daily over a 6-12 month period for best results. Length of practice time varies from 45 minutes per day to 5-10 minutes daily, depending upon the practitioner’s recommendations.

Benefits of Myofunctional TherapyEvidence shows that myofunctional therapy is indeed beneficial for reducing episodes of sleep apnea, and for reducing snoring. This review of eleven studies showed the same.

This review shows that myofunctional therapy specifically decreases apnea by about 50% in adults and 62% in children. These numbers are comparable to the benefit achieved from CPAP machines.

The UpshotWhile myofunctional therapy takes time and dedication to achieve results, it’s certainly a better option than no therapy at all, for those who cannot tolerate the various alternative devices.

Myofunctional Therapy for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Mark Walker’s story is one of humble beginnings and extraordinary success. Raised in Spokane, Washington, he pursued his education at the University of Washington before embarking on a remarkable entrepreneurial journey. In 1980, Mark founded Walker’s Furniture with a clear purpose: to build a successful business that could make a positive impact on society and advance the kingdom of God. What started as a modest venture has since flourished into a thriving enterprise, with thirteen furniture stores and over 200 employees. With annual retail sales exceeding $70 million, Mark’s business acumen and dedication to his vision have made Walker’s Furniture a pillar of the community. Beyond his professional endeavors, Mark finds fulfillment in his role as a devoted husband to Pam, a loving father to two daughters, and a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren. Together, Mark and Pam are passionate about supporting ministries that are making a difference, both locally and globally. As a sought-after speaker, Mark shares his insights on partnering with God in life and business at conferences across the nation and around the world.

To learn more about Mark or to get a copy of his book, The Multiplication Factor, see restore7.org or you can pick up a copy on Amazon here.

The Multiplication Factor: Interview with Mark Walker

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From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

I’d heard that the drugs we’re prescribing for mental health issues may very well be to blame for the veritable epidemic of mental health disorders (especially just plain depression and anxiety.) But I hadn’t heard this angle before, at least not in so many words: the problem is, we’re not getting the building blocks our bodies need in order to produce our neurotransmitters because our food is so adulterated. It’s definitely true that most of our food these days isn’t real food, but it’s fascinating to note that the explosion of processed and fast food occurred around the same time that the mood epidemic started gaining traction (…and also around the same time that Prozac and similar drugs hit the market, but that’s another issue).

Julia Ross discusses the biochemical basis for a lot of these imbalances… but it’s not genetic. It’s much simpler than that. Her solution: eat real, unprocessed food, with plenty of protein; cut out the sugar; and then maybe until you get yourself back to ground zero, supplement with the specific amino acid precursors you’re lacking.

My rating: *

The Mood Cure

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Guest Post by Brad Krause at selfcaring.info; Image: Freepik

Self-care transcends individual practice, flourishing into a profound impact when embraced by families as a whole. In today’s fast-paced world, prioritizing collective well-being is not just beneficial—it’s essential. This guide explores how you and your loved ones can cultivate a nurturing environment that fosters health, happiness, and a deep sense of connection.

Crafting a Sanctuary of PeaceYour home should be a retreat from the chaos of the outside world. To achieve this, start by clearing out clutter which often disrupts mental clarity and adds to daily stress. Next, introduce elements that evoke calmness; soft, soothing colors, an abundance of plants, and gentle lighting can transform your living space into a haven of tranquility. Designate specific areas for relaxation and quiet time, encouraging each family member to take moments of solitude to recharge.

Embracing the NowIncorporating mindfulness into your family’s routine is a powerful tool for reducing stress and enhancing emotional well-being. Begin with simple practices such as deep breathing exercises or engaging in short guided meditations together. These moments of mindfulness invite you to connect with the present, improving mental clarity and fostering a peaceful state of mind across all age groups within the family.

Visualizing Wellness TogetherCreating a poster for your family that details healthy habits is a visually engaging and fun way to promote wellness. It acts as a constant reminder in your home, encouraging everyone to stick with positive lifestyle choices. With the plethora of templates available online, you can easily choose one that catches your eye and then customize it to fit your family’s needs. Add your own text and photos to make it truly personal and effective in fostering a healthy environment for your loved ones.

Digital Detox for Deeper ConnectionsIn the digital age, it’s imperative to create boundaries around screen time. Encouraging periods where electronics are set aside can significantly improve family dynamics. Designate areas in your home as screen-free zones, or establish specific times for technology use. This approach not only mitigates the distraction and isolation often caused by screens but also opens up space for more meaningful interactions and connections among family members.

The Foundation of RestSleep is the cornerstone of health, impacting everything from cognitive function to emotional stability. Establish and maintain a consistent bedtime routine that aligns with the sleep needs of each family member. Prioritizing a full night’s sleep ensures that everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, wakes up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day with vigor and vitality.

Movement as MedicinePhysical activity is a joyous form of self-care that reaps benefits for the mind and body alike. Establishing a routine that includes everyone brings a new level of excitement and commitment to staying active. Whether it’s hiking through the beauty of nature, engaging in a friendly game of soccer, or participating in a dance-off in your living room, these activities not only bolster physical health but also enhance family bonds through shared experiences and laughter.

Adopting Nutritious EatingAdopting healthy eating habits is a vital part of self-care. Involve the entire family in planning and preparing meals to make this practice even more rewarding. Experimenting with different cuisines and ingredients not only expands your culinary repertoire but also teaches valuable lessons about nutrition and the importance of fueling your body with the right foods. This collaborative approach to mealtime nurtures a healthy relationship with food and each other.

Maximizing Your Time TogetherPlanning regular outings as a family strengthens bonds and creates cherished memories. Whether exploring the great outdoors, visiting a local museum, or enjoying a leisurely picnic in the park, these experiences enrich your family life. They offer a refreshing break from routine, allowing everyone to reconnect with each other and the world around them.

Investing in your family’s self-care is a journey that offers profound rewards. By fostering a peaceful home environment, practicing mindfulness, limiting screen time, ensuring adequate sleep, visualizing wellness goals with a poster, staying active, eating healthily, and enjoying adventures together, you cultivate a foundation of love, health, and happiness that benefits everyone involved. Start today and watch as these practices transform your family’s world, one moment of care at a time.

Start your journey to wholeness in body, mind, and spirit with Nature Cure Family Health. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today and discover the path to holistic wellness.

Transforming Your Family’s World: The Ultimate Guide to Collective Self-Care

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Russell Witte is a Professor of Medical Imaging, Optical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arizona. Dr. Witte’s Experimental Ultrasound and Neural Imaging Laboratory (EUNIL) devises cutting-edge imaging technology, integrating light, ultrasound and microwaves to diagnose and treat diseases ranging from tendinopathies and arrhythmias to breast cancer. By integrating different forms of energy, special effects are created that enable ultrasound imaging of optical absorption deep in tissue, mapping current source densities in the beating heart, and elasticity imaging of human muscle and tendon for quantifying tissue mechanical properties. Dr. Witte’s research further extends into nanotechnology and smart contrast agents, which have applications to functional brain imaging, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Dr. Witte works closely with collaborators in the Colleges of Engineering, Optical Sciences and Medicine, as well as industry, to develop cutting-edge imaging technologies that potentially improve patient care.

To find antennas in your area if you’re in Tucson, see safetechtucson.com

Dr Witte mentions Aman Jabbi – find a presentation on this subject by him here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL_JQjjkOMY

To contact Dr Witte: rwitte@protonmail.com

1) “Russ’ Favorite links to government + peer-reviewed studies on Microwaves + Health + Safety”:
https://bit.ly/Russ5GLinks
2) “Sample References Describing Adverse Biological Effects of Low-level Microwave Radiation ”
https://tinyurl.com/yc23ravs

3) Updated review of 3000 peer-reviewed studies from a panel of scientific experts regarding “low-intensity microwave/electromagnetic radiation” and recommendations for rationale for biologically-based exposure standards.
https://bioinitiative.org/

4) “Hidden Dangers of 4G/5G Microwave Technology.” May 27, 2021 [15 min] (my shortest presentation on health effects of low-level microwave radiation)
https://youtu.be/0y8ixJFQDjo
Download slides: https://bit.ly/Witte_052721_Slides

5) 13-page letter sent to the City of Tucson demanding an moratorium on the deployment of 5G Cell Towers. The city did not respond to this letter or a followup letter sent in July 2020.
https://tinyurl.com/3pacba4k

6) Tips!

5G Hazards: Interview with Dr Russell Witte

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Claus van Mierlo from Pixabay

Resveratrol is probably best known as a polyphenol found in red wine, though it is also found in red grapes (that’s why it’s in wine, too), apples, peanuts, and more. It’s a terrific antioxidant, as are most polyphenols.

Resveratrol is unique among polyphenols, though, for some of its other impressive characteristics.

Resveratrol for Anti-Aging and Longevity

Resveratrol is one of the darlings of the longevity world. It protects against outward signs of aging due to sun exposure and subsequent oxidative stress.

But resveratrol’s benefits are more than just cosmetic. It sets off a biochemical cascade that ultimately raises NAD+ and sirtuin activity. NAD+ is important for ATP production, the body’s energy currency produced in the mitochondria. NAD+ thus improves metabolic efficiency, and it’s required for the anti-aging activity of sirtuin proteins.

Resveratrol also activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which likewise stimulates the mitochondria to produce more ATP while simultaneously conserving the ATP that is already present. AMPK can be stimulated by fasting and intermittent fasting, and suppressed by obesity and overeating. But it’s possible to affect AMPK by nutrients alone, as well. Resveratrol is one of the nutrients that can do so.

Polyphenols generally, of which resveratrol is one, can also inhibit mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), which in turn triggers autophagy (the body’s natural “clean-up” process of breaking down cells that aren’t working optimally, so that new ones can take their place). Autophagy is very associated with longevity. While mTOR also goes up with specifically protein intake, and down with fasting, polyphenols, such as resveratrol, can lower mTOR as well.

Moreover, telomeres are somewhat analogous to the hourglass of time, and have long been considered the primary marker of biological aging. These are the DNA “caps” on the ends of chromosomes, and they get a little shorter every time the cells divide. When they get so short that the cell can no longer divide, the cell dies. But unlike time itself, telomere length isn’t in a fixed relationship with the calendar; telomere length can be protected from premature shortening. Resveratrol is one of the nutrients that can do this.

Resveratrol as an AntimicrobialResveratrol, also known as Japanese Knotweed, is one of the core herbs frequently used for Lyme Disease due to its antimicrobial properties. It doesn’t only kill the organisms, but it also decreases biofilms, making them easier to kill, keeps them from communicating with one another, and decreases their biotoxin production at the same time.

Resveratrol is effective against not just bacteria, but also viruses, and fungi as well.

Resveratrol for Brain and Intestinal Barrier SupportResveratrol has the unique distinction of being able to cross the blood brain barrier, which is probably why it is able to improve cognition, and protect neuronal energy.

The gut and the brain are closely linked; what crosses one barrier often crosses the other. Possibly for this reason, resveratrol is also helpful for balancing the gut microbiome and protecting the intestinal barrier.

Resveratrol Protects Against CancerMost antioxidants are considered anti-cancer, if for no other reason than by virtue of the fact that they can protect against the DNA damage that can lead to the mutations that later turn into cancer. But resveratrol takes this a step further; it’s been shown to actively halt the progression of cancer cell differentiation.

Resveratrol Helps Balance Blood SugarTo round out the picture of protection against the most common Western diseases, resveratrol also helps to improve insulin sensitivity and decrease common markers of metabolic syndrome, including elevated glucose, hypertension, and elevated blood lipids.

The UpshotWhile it is generally difficult if not impossible to get resveratrol from food-based sources at the levels represented by the studies mentioned, certainly food-based consumption cannot be a bad thing. And as far as individual nutrients to take from a longevity standpoint, resveratrol stands out for consideration.

Health Benefits of Resveratrol

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

We all have disappointments in life – things our hearts were set on that just didn’t pan out. God does promise to give us the desires of our hearts if we’re following Him (Ps 37:4), but He doesn’t promise to give them to us on our time table, or through the avenues we choose. His way is always best in the end, but that doesn’t make the immediate disappointments hurt any less.

Then there are those times when bad things happen to us that God had no part of. These are the things that God specifically lists as a curse in the Old Testament – things like disease, death, destruction, destitution, and the like (Deuteronomy 28:15-38). They are listed as part of the curse of the law – but Jesus has redeemed us from the curse of the law, so God doesn’t do these things. When these things happen now, it is because there is an enemy who “prowls about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet 5:8-9), or because the world itself is fallen and waiting for redemption (Rom 8:20-22), or because of the free will of sinful people (Ps 37) – either our own or that of others who hurt us.

There are usually only a few ways that most people handle disappointments and sorrow: 1) they lie to themselves and pretend they never wanted (that thing) very much in the first place; 2) they run away, keeping themselves otherwise occupied so that they never feel the loss (and this includes addictions of all forms); 3) they get really mad, either at God or fate or whatever they blame; or 4) they grieve.

The last one is the only path to true healing.

Lying to Yourself (Denial)This is the “sour grapes” approach… “Well, fine, I never wanted it that much anyway!” It seems to work on the surface for awhile… the problem with this is simply that, well, it’s a lie. Pretending you feel one way when in fact you feel another way entirely is suppression. And the thing suppressed doesn’t go away… it gets buried deeper. It’s like getting a splinter in your foot, and instead of having it removed, you shove it down inside the flesh so you can’t see it anymore, and just learn to walk with a limp.

This is often where emotional handicaps (such as depression) come from. We are injured and isolated, and we don’t see that there’s anything we can do except learn to live with it – the “stiff upper lip” approach. We move beyond blaming our needs to a denial of our needs. There’s something we’re not admitting to ourselves, and the depression is a symptom of it. It’s trying to remind us that we need to enter the healing process.

The solution, of course, is to submit to having your foot cut open so that the splinter can be extracted and the cut can heal. Jesus says in Mark 8, If you try to preserve the things you want in life (by pretending everything is okay when it isn’t) then you will lose them. But if you willingly lay them down for the sake of the Kingdom, then they’ll be given to you. As long as the splinter is still there, coping and “getting by” is the best you can ever do. But that isn’t God’s best for you.

In “The Law of Happiness,” Dr Henry Cloud writes, “…grief allows you to let go of what you cannot have in order to make room in your heart for what you can have. Those who don’t feel safe enough to grieve find themselves holding on to lost hopes and relationships. Then it’s difficult for them to seek out new attachments, since the ghosts of the past still occupy their emotional life”.

Jesus promises that when we let go, the exchange he offers is beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3).

Running Away (and Addictions)An addiction is anything that we run to in order to escape from unpleasant thoughts or emotions. (That’s usually how all the physiologic addictions start, too.) The obvious ones are substances, food, sex, gambling, shopping, and work (or busyness in general). We can also be addicted to a person (that’s called codependence). We can compulsively fill our lives with noise so that silence never has the opportunity to ask its uncomfortable questions. We can park ourselves in front of the TV every night after work to escape from all the problems we don’t know how to solve. Distraction techniques are very popular.

These approaches all have one thing in common: they help us to avoid our pain, but they don’t heal it. Because of that, they all enslave us sooner or later.

But when Jesus first announced his ministry, he said it like this: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Isa 61:1-2). He came to heal, not just to offer a band-aid. He came to set the captives free.

Once a hurt has been grieved and released, there’s no longer any need to run from it, and the necessity for addictive distractions goes away.

Anger at GodI tried this one. My dad died when I was fifteen. I didn’t stop believing in God (I’d studied too much apologetics to do that, so I knew He was there,) but instead I decided that He was like an army general who made sacrifices for the greater good… and sometimes, guess what? It’s your turn to get sacrificed.

Because this was my basic philosophy, I therefore assumed that if I wanted any happiness, anything good to happen in my life, I had to take matters into my own hands. I became a control freak.

Only problem was, I wasn’t in control of anything that truly mattered to me.

The moment I got set free was the moment I admitted this, to myself and to God. And that was when He showed me who He really is. He doesn’t do bad things to us; death and disease are a result of one of those three things listed above (Satan, a fallen world, free will, or some combination of the above). But because He’s amazing, He can take all things (even the bad) and work them together for His purposes (Prov 16). Once I turned to Him instead of away from Him, He was there to comfort me (Psalm 34). One of my favorite verses to cling to even now is Deut 33:12: “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields them all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.”

I found out that “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knows them that trust in him” (Nahum 1:7). I found out that if I seek Him, He will grant me the desires of my heat (Ps 37:4), but I probably can’t grant them to myself, no matter how hard I try. Giving up and letting go was freedom.

GriefGrief happens when we admit that what happened to us hurt, and we allow ourselves to feel sad about it. God set up grief as a method for allowing us to accept those things we can’t do anything about. Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount that grief is what allows you to be comforted (Matt 5). If you’re too busy denying and suppressing your pain, though, comfort can’t get in.

I see this one all the time. Patients come in with physical problems that started around the same time that someone they loved passed away, or they went through a divorce, lost a job, or had some other major life event happen to them. They subsequently developed insomnia, depression, digestive disorders, crippling fatigue, or a full-blown autoimmune disease. Then I ask what they did to grieve the loss, and they tell me they just do their best to keep going, because they can’t change the situation — “so I just have to live with it, don’t I?”

It’s really no secret that “the body weeps tears that the eyes cannot shed.” Grief is an important season, and without it, we will never quite function as well as we did before. But (again quoting Henry Cloud and John Townsend in “How People Grow”): “We basically need two things for grieving. First, we need love, support, and comfort… Second, we need structure. We need time and space for grieving. We need structured activities. This is why good support groups that meet at a regular time and do regular tasks are effective in getting people through grief”.

Grief isn’t something we can do alone. We need the love and support of others to allow us to intentionally face pain. Although no other human can ever fully understand how you feel (Prov 14:10), God called us to “mourn with those who mourn” (Rom 12:15). Grief involves letting ourselves fall apart, and in order to do that in safety, we need God and others to hold us up.

Ps 55:22: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.”
1 Pet 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Ps 62:8: Trust in God at all times and pour your heart out to Him, because He is your refuge.

When we let ourselves feel sad for our losses in the context of relationship with God and others, true healing becomes possible. God says that sorrow lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning, and mourning will turn to dancing (Ps 30). Isaiah 61:3 says that He will “comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, A garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

How to Handle Disappointments

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dave Stetzer has been an electrician by training, education and experience for over 30 years. He joined the United States Air Force, attended electronics school at Keesler Air Force Base—at the time, the world’s #1 electronics school, and was given top-secret military clearance, as much of the electronic equipment he worked on was, and still remains, highly classified. In 1975, Dave founded Stetzer Electric, Inc, specializing in power control in industry, municipalities, and motor control centers, focusing his attention on power quality analysis and troubleshooting. This led to the founding of Stetzer Consulting, LLC and the development of the STETZERiZER (Graham-Stetzer) Filter and Microsurge Meter in conjunction with the late Professor Martin Graham. Dave has been an Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Member since 2000. For his extensive and exemplary work and research, Dave was nominated for, and now holds IEEE Senior Member status.

To learn more about Dave, see stetzerelectric.com

Interview with Dave Stetzer on Dirty Electricity

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Salicylates are a compound produced by plants as a defense mechanism against insects and fungi. They’re thus found in a number of fruits and vegetables, and also in herbs used for medicinal purposes. Aspirin is probably best known for its salicylate content, originally derived from the medicinal herb called willow bark.

Salicylates are in the phenol family. The body has several pathways to potentially detoxify and eliminate them—but for some people, these pathways are compromised. This is when salicylate sensitivity occurs.

Causes of Salicylate Sensitivity SymptomsAspirin, and all NSAID drugs, work for pain by blocking cyclooxygenase enzymes, abbreviated as COX. This enzyme produces a compound called prostaglandins, most of which are inflammatory—so aspirin and NSAIDs are considered anti-inflammatory, as they block inflammatory prostaglandin production.

Those who are sensitive to salicylates can’t eliminate them well, which means the salicylates continue to block COX, leading to a “reroute” in the metabolic pathway; suppression of prostaglandins means an increase in production of alternative compounds called leukotrienes. High levels of leukotrienes can cause asthma; up to 22% of adults with asthma are sensitive to salicylates.

Other common symptoms include allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal polyps, as well as allergic responses, such as hives, red and itchy skin, and even anaphylaxis.

The symptoms are due to the fact that the salicylates cause this biochemical reroute to excessive leukotrienes–but the reason salicylates would be high in the first place (aside from overdose of medications like aspirin) primarily has to do with blocked elimination pathways.

Salicylate MetabolismThe liver has six main pathways for phase 2 detoxification in general. Many compounds can pass through more than one of these pathways. Salicylates can be eliminated through three of them.

The primary elimination pathway is via an enzyme called phenol sulfurtransferase, so named because it involves transfer of a sulfate molecule. This is why people who are sulfur sensitive are often also sensitive to salicylates—if they aren’t able to turn the sulfur in food into sulfates, there won’t be enough sulfates for salicylate elimination, either. Sulfur is also critically necessary for healing the gut, so this may be the underlying reason why many people with chronic food sensitivities and irritable bowel disease often have salicylate sensitivity too.

A secondary pathway for salicylate elimination is the glucuronidation pathway. Glucuronic acid is derived from glucose.

Finally, the amino acid conjugation pathway adds the side group glycine to salicylates for elimination, though the amount by which the body uses this as a pathway of elimination varies. Amino acid conjugated compounds require the body to be alkaline for elimination to occur, which may be the reason why renal excretion of salicylates is far more efficient with alkaline urine.

Sources of SalicylatesNatural salicylates are found in otherwise healthy foods, though of course the concentration in each food varies (and lists of high salicylate foods found online will vary in their definitions of what constitutes a “high” amount.) In general, though, high salicylate foods include red grapes (due to resveratrol, as well as quercetin), apples (also high in quercetin), berries, eggplants, citrus, cucumbers, peanuts, peppers, avocados, zucchini, broccoli, spinach, cantaloupe, watermelon, dates, watercress, artichoke, and most herbs and spices.

Obviously avoiding all of these healthy foods indefinitely isn’t the best solution, though it may be necessary in the short-term.

Other artificial sources include artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives—and of course it’s a good idea to avoid these anyway, as anything containing these sources of salicylates is also necessarily highly processed.

Testing for Salicylate SensitivityUrinary Organic Acid (OAT) testing is the best way I know of to identify a salicylate sensitivity, though if someone is completely avoiding salicylates, we’d expect the levels to be low, regardless.

Commercial labs do have salicylate serum testing, though my understanding is that these are most useful for very high sources such as aspirin, and are probably less useful for detecting smaller amounts.

Treatment for Salicylate Sensitivity Since the primary pathway for salicylate elimination requires adequate levels of sulfates, my suspicion is that the primary cause of salicylate sensitivity is a sulfur deficiency. I wrote here about potential causes for this. In addition to eating a higher sulfur-containing diet, supplements containing sulfur include methionine, cysteine, and taurine, and production of sulfates from these amino acids requires molybdenum as a cofactor, as well as support for the methylation pathway.

For those with sulfur sensitivity (usually also those who are sulfur deficient), there are some back door ways to support sulfate levels, including Epsom salt baths and molybdenum especially.

Those with Gilbert’s Syndrome, or chronically elevated bilirubin, struggle with glucuronidation. This could be a cause of salicylate sensitivity too, especially in combination with low sulfates. The best support for this pathway is Calcium D-glucarate, as well as vitamins and magnesium.

If glycine is low (and it very often is, for a number of reasons), adding this in can be helpful for salicylate elimination, as long as the body is sufficiently alkaline. There are a number of possible reasons why it might not be, but one quick way to raise the pH in a hurry is with baking soda and deep, slow breathing.

Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids have also been shown to help control salicylate sensitivity. I suspect this is because it helps to shift the body away from the inflammatory omega-6 prostaglandin and leukotriene pathways altogether. This shouldn’t therefore have any impact on salicylate elimination, but should only decrease sensitivity to them.

The UpshotIf you’re sensitive to high salicylate foods, in the short term, avoiding them may be beneficial. But the better long-term solution is, as always, to identify and correct the problem.

Salicylate Sensitivity

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

The scripture says a lot about seeking the Lord and getting wisdom from Him on the direction He wants you to go. But what about that most dreaded in-between stage, when you’re praying for wisdom and getting nothing, and no doors seem to be opening, and you feel unsettled – like you know your time in a particular circumstance or life stage is short, but you have not yet been released?

In a word, what about waiting?

The Fruit of the Spirit

Patience is a fruit of the Spirit… but it comes as a result of a process.

Paul lists the “fruit” that we bear when we’re walking with God’s spirit as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control” (Gal 5:22-23).

Peter gives a similar list, but he doesn’t call them fruit. His list looks like this (2 Peter 1:5-7):

Add to your faith, goodness. This makes sense, because without faith we can’t even become God’s kids. So you have to start with that – faith is the seed that produces the fruit of goodness. In the Old Testament, God started by giving the Israelites the Law. They didn’t understand why they were doing what they were doing, but the Law produced “goodness” – meaning they weren’t killing each other and cheating on their spouses, and that sort of thing.
And to goodness, knowledge. God didn’t want them to stop there, though. He wanted the Israelites to know Him, not just to obey a set of rules. God wanted them to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Goodness therefore leads to knowledge – knowledge of the Lord.
And to knowledge, self-control. Now that we know what God asks us to do, and we know God himself, we need the ability to control ourselves in order to do what He is asking of us… but we don’t have the ability to control ourselves unless He gives it to us (remember Paul talking about how he used to continually do what he did not want to do, Rom 7:15-20? Instead, we get the fruit of self-control by getting to know the Holy Spirit (which is why Peter lists it after knowledge.) So knowledge is the seed that produces the fruit of self-control.
And to self-control, PERSEVERANCE. We may have learned to subjugate the desires of the moment for the longer-term goal, but what happens when the longer-term goal looks REALLY far away, like it’s never going to happen? That’s why we need perseverance. The word implies a struggle: it’s suffering without quitting. It’s hard, but we stick it out. The writer of Hebrews says, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (10:36).
And to perseverance, godliness. Notice that the corresponding fruit to perseverance is patience. While the word perseverance implies a struggle, the word patience implies rest. You’re not struggling anymore. You know that God is going to come through. Perseverance is the seed, and eventually it bears the fruit of patience. Once you’ve got that, once you’re in rest, you become godly. This was one of the key traits that set Jesus apart: when the storm blew up, while the rest of the disciples were freaking out, He was sleeping in the boat. He’d said they were going to get to the other side, and He knew they were going to – he didn’t have to persevere through the storm anymore. He was in rest. He was godly.
And to godliness, brotherly kindness. Paul lists kindness after godliness. Now that you’re in rest, you’re not so worried about meeting your own needs anymore; you know God’s got you covered, and you can wait peacefully for Him to come through. Now you have energy to spare, and you can use it to see and joyfully meet the desires and needs of those around you. (The fruit of kindness is joy, because it feels pretty great to help others.)
And to brotherly kindness, love. This is the ultimate destination – to sow love into the lives of others, as we have received it from God. (“Freely you have received; freely give,” Matt 10:8.)

What this tells me is that we can’t just pray for patience and get it, in the same way that you can’t just pray for a Ph.D. and get it without putting in the necessary time and effort. It happens as a result of a process – that’s how God set it up. We have to first believe God, then follow after Him, then get to know Him, and then we gain His power to control ourselves and persevere, even in the face of hardship or long delays. Once we learn how to do this, we bear the fruit of patience. That’s when we can “sleep in the boat,” as it were. We’re not worried about the circumstances – now we can “walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7), because we know it’s gonna work out just fine in the end.

David: Waiting for Deliverance

David was anointed to be king when he was 17. Then the current king, Saul, got (understandably) jealous, and tried to kill him… so David was on the run for thirteen years. Almost anybody else would have given up long before that… but David had this principle down. He knew God would come through if he waited for God to act. And God always did.

Ps 5:3 “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”
Ps 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Ps 33:20: “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”
Ps 37:7: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
Ps 38:15: “Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.”
Ps 40:1: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.”
Ps 130:5: “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”
Ps 130:6: “I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.”

Why Waiting?

Personally I hate waiting. I hate anything slow. I walk fast, I eat fast, and some people say I talk too fast. If I wasn’t a naturopath I’d be all about microwaves.

But James says that we should rejoice when we face trials (including delays) because “you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:3) – there’s that word again – and perseverance is the seed that produces the fruit of patience. Notice that all of the fruit before patience are about us – they’re about our growth in faith, in knowledge, and in controlling ourselves. But patience is the one that allows us to start to produce for others – godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. That’s where God wants us. So James goes on to say that “perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4) – in other words, not lacking any of the other fruits of the spirit.

But it means more than that too – those fruits of the Spirit also bear physical results in our lives. For example – Abraham’s patience eventually “bore the fruit” of Isaac (Heb 6:15). The farmer who patiently waits for the appropriate season will eventually “bear the fruit” of a harvest (James 5:7). Had the farmer tried to reap prematurely, he would not have had a harvest at all – he absolutely had to be patient, recognizing the season he was in and doing the work associated with it (Prov 20:4; Ecc 3:2).

Do Not Despise Small Beginnings

The same is true of us. God reminds us not to “despise the day of small beginnings” (Zechariah 4:10) – everything great started out small. We all start out as babies. Every harvest begins with a seed.

Solomon reminds us not to try to “get rich quick,” for instance, because it will become a curse in the end – instead he says that if you gather money little by little, you will make it grow (Prov 13). He says to build what you already have, and not to tear it down (Prov 14). He says whatever your hands find to do, you should do it with all your might (Ecc 9). He reminds us that our part is to do the possible, but we must leave it to God to do the impossible – that is, to bring victory (Prov 21).

“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (Heb 6:12).

Doing Uncertainty Well

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Ramiro Calace Montu from Pixabay

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can be problematic for dental health, as well as a cause of TMJ dysfunction, and headaches. It’s also possible that there could be a connection between bruxism and tinnitus, as well.

In general, people seem to associate bruxism with one of two things: stress and anxiety, and parasites. There’s some evidence for both of these (far more for the former than the latter), though there are other possible causes as well. So far as I can tell, many of the causes involve neurotransmitter imbalances.

Causes of BruxismThere’s always a question as to whether mental and emotional disorders are the “chicken or the egg” when it comes to neurotransmitter imbalances, but either way, there are usually neurotransmitter imbalances involved—either too low or too high serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, or epinephrine. This may be the reason that many medications used to treat depression, seizures, and ADHD can cause bruxism: these all generally affect one or more of those neurotransmitters.

Other causes of bruxism include alcohol and caffeine. Caffeine triggers release of adrenaline (norepinephrine and epinephrine) from the adrenals, so this makes sense. Anxiety and stress usually means acute adrenaline release, even if overall adrenaline levels are actually low, which they very often (nearly always, in my experience) are.

While alcohol specifically stimulates GABA receptors, like anything addictive, it also triggers dopamine release as well as serotonin release. My guess is that, since living organisms are an intricate system of feedback mechanisms, hours after alcohol, levels of these neurotransmitters will fall, possibly lower than they were to begin with.

Smoking is also associated with bruxism. While nicotine has its own receptors, smoking also stimulates the release of many other neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. I assume the same process occurs after smoking as after alcohol, with possibly a lower level of the associated neurotransmitters than were present in the first place.

As for parasites, there aren’t a lot of studies to support the association, but there are a few, mostly involving bruxism in children. As with nearly every subject, there are studies in both directions—this one does not support an association, while several others do, including this one and this one.

There is also an association between bruxism, upper respiratory infections and asthma in kids, as well.

I can’t find any studies to corroborate this, but I’ve seen bruxism show up as a manifestation of detoxification reactions with zeolite, though I’d imagine the same would be true of any detoxification agent that pulls toxins directly out of the cells). This generally indicates that we’re pulling toxins faster than the patient is able to eliminate them. It just means either slow down, open up the lymphatic system to help the toxins clear faster, or both.

The UpshotClassically, bruxism is treated with mouth guards. Of course, the best approach is to treat the cause, if you can find it. Neurotransmitter testing and balancing might be helpful.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Sally K. Norton, MPH is a distinguished expert in dietary oxalates with 35 years of health education and research experience. She holds a nutrition degree from Cornell University and a master’s degree in Public Health from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Her path to becoming a leading expert on dietary oxalate includes a prior career working at prestigious medical schools in medical education and public health research. Sally championed a five-year, National Institute of Health-funded program at the UNC Medical School that educated students and faculty about holistic, alternative, and integrative healing. Her personal healing experience inspired years of research, culminating in the release of her groundbreaking book, Toxic Superfoods, which was released in January 2023 and is available everywhere books are sold.

- You can pick up a copy of Toxic Superfoods here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0593139585?tag=randohouseinc7986-20
- Learn more about Sally at https://sallyknorton.com/ or you can find her on YouTube as SallyKNorton

Oxalates: Interview with Sally K Norton, Author of “Toxic Superfoods”

Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload Is Making You Sick--and How to Get Better

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Kelly Needham is a servant of Jesus Christ, a student of the Bible and COO of her home, where she lives with her husband, Jimmy, and their five children. She is the author of Friendish: Reclaiming Real Friendship in a Culture of Confusion (Thomas Nelson, 2019) and has been a contributing author to many other books, including Faithful (David C. Cook, 2021) and Beautifully Distinct (Good Book Company, 2020). She has served on staff at multiple churches, serving in youth, college and women’s ministry. Kelly currently co-leads a women’s teaching program, training women to accurately handle the word of truth and co-hosts a podcast, Clearly with Jimmy and Kelly Needham. Whether writing or speaking, Kelly’s aim is to convince as many people as possible that nothing compares to knowing Jesus.

You can find Kelly’s books, podcast, and learn more about her at jimmyandkelly.com

God’s Purpose For Your Life – Interview with Kelly Needham

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Welcome to all and thank you for your visit ! ツ from Pixabay

Glycine is a single amino acid, one of the building blocks for protein, as well as a calming neurotransmitter, best known as a calming influence on the NMDA receptors involved in learning and memory (or excitotoxicity, if they are overstimulated).

In its role as a protein building block, glycine is particularly important for collagen, elastin, creatine, heme formation, bile salts, and glutathione. The roles for these two are critical, and deficiency in glycine can therefore have far-reaching results. And deficiency is more common than you might think.

Why We’re Low in GlycineThis paper suggests that, with all of its many various jobs in the body, including collagen turnover, heme formation, glutathione levels, and the rest, optimal intake for glycine is around 15 grams per day. Twelve grams of this go toward collagen turnover, and the surplus should be sufficient for the rest.

However, while glycine isn’t considered an essential amino acid (meaning our bodies are capable of producing it), we only make three grams per day, dairy, and beans, and average dietary intake is around another two or three grams daily.

That means most of us are still short around 9-10 grams.

Glycine and CollagenAs mentioned, 12 grams of glycine daily would be needed for optimal collagen turnover.

Collagen is a popular anti-aging and joint supplement, for good reason: it’s not only the most critical structural protein in skin and joints, but it’s also the structural component of blood vessels as well.

A number of nutrients are necessary for the body to make collagen, but glycine is one of the most abundant amino acids in its structure. If you take collagen (or eat bone broth), you’re already getting glycine as part of it — but this may be insufficient for your overall needs for collagen turnover, let alone for other purposes besides.

Glycine, Glutathione, and Oxidative StressGlutathione is the body’s master antioxidant. It’s a tripeptide comprised of the amino acids glycine, glutamine, and cysteine. NAC (the activated version of cysteine) is often the rate-limiting step in glutathione formation, but sometimes that is insufficient to raise levels. Glycine deficiency may be the reason.

Aside from its use as a building block in glutathione, glycine also helps to decrease oxidative stress by blocking production of superoxide free radicals from oxygen via NADPH.

Glycine is also required for production of inflammatory proteins like C-reactive protein too—which means that oxidative stress tends to deplete glycine by consuming it in production of CRP. If this means there’s not enough left over to make glutathione, or to block NADPH, then the problem is compounded.

Glycine and the BrainIn addition to its other jobs, glycine is involved in the production of new neurons. This may be why it’s regulated by Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor, or BDNF, which is necessary to create new neural pathways.

This is probably why glycine has been shown to aid in memory.

The UpshotGlycine has many more functions than those highlighted here, including aiding in repair of intestinal mucosa, improving depth and quality of sleep, and more.

Glycine has a very mild sweet flavor, and can be used as a sweetener in tea or coffee (or hidden in a smoothie). Considering the shortfall for most of us, it’s not a bad idea to add it in. Here’s one I’d suggest.

Glycine: Antioxidant, Insulin, and Collagen Support

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Guest Post by Andrew Graham, NP; Image by 1388843 from Pixabay

Compared to times past, psychological stress is much more frequently discussed and recognized as an important contributor to dysfunction and disease in the body. We’ve made important strides as a society.

I’ll never forget a visit that I had to a dermatologist when I was teenager. This doctor was still practicing in his late 80s or early 90s. At some point in the visit, I asked him about the potential role of stress in contributing to my symptoms. He responded with an eye roll, looking away, and a stern: “Stress? I don’t believe in ‘stress’”—as though stress were some kind of mythical story only some believe in! This kind of opinion was not uncommon in years past. Suffice to say, times have changed (for the better)—and we have a lot of compelling data suggesting excessive chronic stress (and I’m referring in this article specifically to psychological stress) is one of the most significant risk factors for many of the most prevalent chronic diseases. Additionally, stress tends to lead to less ideal dietary choices, exercise habits and sleep quality—the other critical pillars of health. So it’s essential to address.

However, even as more people recognize the truth that chronic stress is not good for health, I fear that too many of us are still underrating just how important this fact is, and in many cases how much stress we still carry—perhaps even unknowingly.

This is a thought I’ve had increasingly often the more time I spend in clinical care with patients. I continue to recognize how frequently stress comes up as an underlying cause (and often the primary cause) of a person’s symptoms. Many times, the person I’m working with will not necessarily come in consciously aware of the stress they’re holding in their body.

Here’s the thing: we should not feel bad about ourselves if we come to recognize that stress is a problem. It is a problem to some degree for virtually all of us in modern society. It’s harder than ever to be mentally and emotionally healthy (not to mention physically). We live in a world where consistent engagement with computers and smartphones is not really optional anymore for most of us, even if we would like to live “off the grid” (what a refreshing thought). It’s much like the modern food environment—everyone who wants to be healthy is confronted with the temptation of readily available, hyperpalatable, processed food that surrounds us at the grocery store and convenient fast food chains. Our brains have access to candy and fast food nearly all day every day. We are all “swimming upstream,” in a way, in order to stay healthy in the 21st century.

This is not to suggest that technology and mental overstimulation are the only causes for excessive chronic stress. Many people are struggling with significant life challenges including things like taking care of an ill family member, dealing with past traumas, working a taxing job, raising children who have special needs, facing the loss of loved ones, or any of many other burdens that many of us have to bear in this life. These causes of stress are typically easier to recognize as causing stress and being important to address for one’s emotional health. But it does not mean they are easy to live with or overcome. It just means that for these individuals, supporting mental/emotional health as a critical pillar of health is that much more important: not only for day to day well-being, but also long-term health and happiness.

Whether you have clear life stressors that are causing excess chronic stress, or feel you may be experiencing undue daily stress “for no good reason”—everyone deserves to understand how to support their mental and emotional health.

This was part I of a two-part series on stress. In the next post, I’ll outline how to better recognize if you may still be experiencing suboptimal levels of chronic stress, and the best things you can do to work on that and get your health into a much better place!

Andrew Graham is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner licensed to practice in the State of Arizona. He completed his Master’s in Nursing from Boston College after earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Nutritional Science from Brigham Young University. Before receiving his conventional training, he discovered and began studying functional and integrative medicine many years prior after dealing with health issues himself. Andrew is committed to thoroughly investigating patient’s health concerns in an effort to identify root causes, and then using the most effective combination of conventional and integrative modalities in order to optimize health and well-being. Particular interests include gut health, nutrition, blood sugar issues, hormonal imbalances and longevity medicine.

Why Most Of Us Are Stressed (Part 1)

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Alan Bauman is an accomplished hair restoration physician, known for his expertise in treating hair loss and his pioneering work in the field. His state-of-the-art “Hair Hospital” in downtown Boca Raton, FL, covers 12,000 square feet and is recognized worldwide for its advanced hair restoration technologies.

His dedication to the field of hair restoration has earned him many accolades throughout his career. He is one of approximately 200 physicians worldwide to have achieved certification from the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS). He has pioneered numerous technologies in the field of hair restoration.

Dr. Bauman’s expertise has made him a highly sought-after speaker and guest expert. He has been featured in hundreds of news stories in the media. Dr. Bauman has also been recognized for his contributions to the field of healthcare, receiving the 2022 “Lifetime Achievement Award in Hair Restoration” and being named one of “10 CEOs Transforming Healthcare in America” by Forbes.

To learn more about Dr Bauman or for a consultation, visit baumanmedical.com

Holistic Approaches to Hair Loss – Dr Alan Bauman

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 That's a command for all of us, but some of us find it easier to do than others. I do a lot of neurotransmitter testing in my practice: urine testing for [...]

If you struggle with getting a good night's sleep, here are some simple tips you can utilize at home to boost your nightly restoration.

Dr Jacob Teitelbaum is one of the most frequently quoted integrative, pain and fibromyalgia medical authorities in the world. He is the author of the best-selling From Fatigued to Fantastic!, Pain Free, 1,2,3!, The Complete Guide to Beating Sugar Addiction, Real Cause Real Cure, The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution, Diabetes Is Optional and the popular free Smart Phone app Cures A-Z. He is the lead [...]

BCAAs do increase muscle building, decrease post-exertional fatigue and muscle soreness. But there are a few caveats to keep in mind, too.

The biggest obstacle to faith for a lot of people is this: “If God is all powerful, then why does He cause (or allow) bad things to happen?” There's something fundamental that we must establish before we ever address this question directly: God is good, all the time (James 1:16-17). We know this, at least [...]

Dr. Erik Korem has always been driven by a relentless pursuit of high performance. As time progressed, that drive became a purpose — to improve the lives of others in ways they didn’t know were possible. Whether fueling the performance of NCAA athletes or the U.S. Dept. of Defense, implementing one of the NFL's first [...]

Hibiscus tea can be a helpful adjunctive treatment to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, appetite, and body fat.

Tea (especially green tea) can be a great aid to cardiovascular health, blood sugar regulation, and weight loss.

Sam Black is a renowned author and expert in the field of pornography recovery. As the Director of Recovery Education at Covenant Eyes, he brings a wealth of experience to his work, having joined the organization in 2007 after a distinguished 18-year career as an award-winning journalist. Sam is the author of two groundbreaking books: [...]

There is a bit of a debate amongst believers regarding how to reconcile scripture with scientific claims about the age of the earth. Many assume that the evidence that the earth is millions of years old is water-tight, and therefore we only have three options: find a way to fit millions of years into the [...]

Steve Wiideman is the CEO of Wiideman Consulting Company. Specializing in SEO Strategy, Steve likes to organize search into specific disciplines broken down by business model. For natural search, Steve believes in only three fundamental requirements: Relevancy, Visibility and User Behavior. For local search, Data, Landing Page, Citation and Reputation are the keys to success. [...]

Let's grant for the moment that somehow, the fully functional and the irreducibly complex genetic code necessary for a single eukaryotic, or even prokaryotic cell, came into existence by happenstance (or by panspermia, perhaps, or by an infinite number of parallel universes -- pick your deus ex machina mechanism). Even with a "cheat" like this, could the [...]

Suzy Griswold is the Founder and President of HealingStrong. Suzy is a 13+ year Thyroid Cancer Thriver. After surgery and conventional treatment failed and subsequent scans revealed lymph node involvement, Suzy ultimately took a very different route to healing that was revealed after much prayer and research. When friends and family noticed the transformation, they [...]

Let's bypass the idea that DNA, the blueprint for proteins, couldn't come about by random chance. Perhaps the process worked backwards: perhaps the proteins came first. That was the concept behind the Miller-Urey experiment of 1953, in which the chemicals thought to have been present in earth's "primordial soup" (water (H2O), methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), [...]

Dr. Matt Queen is the L.R. Scarborough Chair of Evangelism ("Chair of Fire") and professor of evangelism at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he also serves as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Administration. The author of Recapturing Evangelism: A Biblical-Theological Approach (B&H Academic, 2023), Everyday Evangelism (Seminary Hill Press, [...]

Autophagy and mitophagy are necessary for optimum longevity. The most efficient way to get there is via occasional fasting, but there are a few natural substances that can help achieve similar ends as well.

Image by Debbie EM from Pixabay You’ve probably heard heard that wine (or, more specifically, the resveratrol in red wine) is good for the heart. You’ve probably also heard, on the flip side, that in order to get enough resveratrol to do your heart any good as an antioxidant, you’d have to drink truckloads of [...]

Hyperpigmentation occurs when you have unusually dark patches of skin. Here’s how to use natural home ingredients to treat hyperpigmentation.

Studies have shown for many years that there is a clear correlation between heart disease and dental infections, though the relationship between them is still unclear. Still, a new heart disease marker, Lp-PLA2, can also potentially suggest dental infections as well.

Lp-PLA2 is an enzyme that rides along on top of cholesterol, to break it down when it gets oxidized. As such, it seems to be a useful independent marker to determine cardiovascular risk. But there's potentially more to the story...

Guest Post by Brad Krause at selfcaring.info; Photo via Pixabay Living with an addiction can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life, and learning to overcome it isn’t easy for anyone. No matter how strong you are, no matter how much you want it, sometimes finding the path to sobriety is [...]

Ginger is an herb with many different possible positive benefits. The best studied are those for digestive health, but it also helps with metabolic syndrome markers, pain, male fertility, and much more.

The history of acupuncture, a little on how it works and what the research shows in terms of its efficacy.

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Guest post by Brad Krause at selfcaring.info

Looking to prioritize self-care without breaking the bank? You’re in luck. The truth is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to feel renewed and revitalized. In this blog, we’ve compiled some practical and cost-effective ways to incorporate self-care into your routine. Discover how you can boost your well-being without hurting your wallet.

Prioritize SleepSleep plays a crucial role in maintaining good health, yet it’s often neglected. Inadequate sleep can negatively impact your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. Research shows that getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night can do wonders for your body. However, the key is to establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a solid bedtime routine. These habits can significantly enhance the quality and quantity of your sleep.

Find Joy in Affordable HobbiesEngaging in hobbies is an excellent way to combat stress and enhance your well-being. However, some hobbies can be costly, making it difficult to enjoy without breaking the bank. Gardening, knitting, and painting are just a few examples of hobbies that require minimal supplies and can provide a therapeutic outlet. With these activities, you can feel a sense of fulfillment and relaxation without worrying about the expense.

Downsize to Reduce Financial StressCombat the negative effects of financial stress on your mental and physical well-being by taking action. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, consider finding a smaller home or rental to lower your expenses. This choice can enable you to free up more of your income to cater to other needs. Besides, downsizing can simplify your living and reduce clutter for a more serene and organized environment. You can start your search in Tucson by reviewing rental listings and filtering by cost, amenities desired, and home type.

Discover Inner Peace Through MeditationIf you are looking for a hassle-free and efficient way to alleviate stress and enhance calmness, meditation is the answer. It requires no special equipment or training, making it accessible to everyone. You can easily find multiple online resources and apps providing free guided meditations to kickstart your practice. Start with a few minutes of meditation daily, and as you gradually develop your skills, increase the time you allocate to this practice.

Embrace Yoga’s Transformative PowerIf you want to enhance your overall health and alleviate stress, yoga is an amazing alternative. It not only aids in boosting flexibility, strength, and balance but also effectively reduces anxiety and depression. You can attend donation-based or discounted classes at various yoga studios or use free online resources. All that’s needed to begin is comfortable clothing and a yoga mat.

Start At-Home WorkoutsExpensive gym memberships are no longer necessary to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. With minimal equipment, countless exercises can easily be performed at home. Engage in free outdoor activities like walking, jogging, or biking. Furthermore, enhance your routine with free or low-cost guided workout videos and apps.

Discover Family Fun Ideas OnlineSelf-care includes spending time with family, but finding affordable activities and products that everyone enjoys can be challenging. Check out online resources for local community events and free or low-cost activities in your area. Carefully look over product reviews from experts to ensure you’re purchasing healthy and durable items. Additionally, plan family games or movie nights at home for a fun and inexpensive way to bond with your loved ones.

Opt for a StaycationIf you’re looking to take a break from your daily routine, you don’t need to splurge on an expensive vacation. Opt for a staycation by exploring your local area or nearby cities. Affordable lodging options such as camping or renting a vacation home can be considered. It’s an excellent way to relax and unwind without spending a lot of money.

Incorporating affordable self-care practices into your routine isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether you’re downsizing into a rental or starting a new hobby, don’t let a tight budget prevent you from prioritizing your physical and mental health. By taking the time to relax and reduce stress with these practices, you’re investing in your overall well-being for the long term.

Take your family to Nature Cure Family Health for a holistic and naturopathic approach to medicine.

Affordable Strategies to Prioritize Self-Care

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Malgorzata Haggu from Pixabay

Black seed oil comes from a cold pressed extraction of the Nigella sativa plant. While it shares some of the broad-spectrum benefits common to many botanicals, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer, black seed oil stands out for the breadth of its additional medicinal effects. Likely this is at least in part because there are so many medicinally active constituents within this one plant.

Black Seed Oil for Acute InfectionsWhile many botanicals have some anti-microbial activity, black seed oil shows promise at least in petri dish studies against MRSA.

It also has been shown to have comparable efficacy against H pylori to the standard conventional treatment of two antibiotics and a PPI.

This study involving black seed oil capsules showed that it is an effective treatment for acute pharyngitis as well.

Black Seed Oil for Immune ModulationOne of my favorite things about herbal antimicrobials is that many of them also exert an immune modulating effect, too. Sometimes immune stimulation is called for, and in other areas, immunosuppression is preferred. An immune modulator is capable of exerting either effect when called for. Black seed oil has this capability as well.

Black Seed Oil for Dermatological ConditionsBlack Seed Oil really shines for various skin conditions.

This study shows that it is useful for psoriasis, topically.

This study shows a topical benefit for eczema, particularly of the hands.

This study shows that black seed oil exerts antifungal properties against dermatophytes, or fungal infections of the skin.

This study shows impressive efficacy of black seed oil in the form of a hydrogel against acne.

This study shows that black seed oil is useful for wound healing, as it stimulates tissue growth in addition to its many other properties. In this animal study, it’s specifically shown to promote wound healing of diabetic ulcers. This study shows that it’s even more effective when combined with honey.

More uniquely, black seed oil has also been shown to be effective topically in vitiligo lesions, here on the arms, trunk, head, and neck, and in this study to the face, hands, and genital region.

A combination of oils including coconut oil and black seed oil was also shown to be significantly effective in combatting hair loss, with up to a 76% decrease in hair loss over a 90 day period.

Black Seed Oil for Respiratory HealthBlack seed oil has also been shown to improve asthma, decreasing subjects’ reliance upon inhaled steroids and beta-agonist inhalers.

Black Seed Oil for Blood Sugar Control and Blood PressureThere aren’t too many significant natural hypoglycemic agents – most have a mild effect at best. However, black seed oil drops fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, and insulin resistance substantially over up to a 12 week period, according to this study, and this one as well.

Another symptom of metabolic syndrome is hypertension, and black seed oil has been shown to drop blood pressure too, over an 8 week period.

Black Seed Oil for Opiate WithdrawalCuriously enough, black seed oil can even be an adjunctive aid in opiate withdrawal. This study shows that it not only aids in weakening dependence upon opiates, but helps with other ancillary symptoms associated with opiate addiction including frequent infections.

The UpshotIt seems hard to believe that one plant can do so many different things, but that’s the beauty of botanical medicine: they never have only a single mechanism of action. Many constituents within the same plant can have synergistic effects, offering a myriad of different potential health benefits.

Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

Nearly all culinary spices have some health benefits, but the top two found on nearly every table are salt and pepper. Salt is critical for life. Pepper isn’t quite so exalted as that, but it certainly does earn its place as the complement to so illustrious a partner.

Pepper comes from ground peppercorns, which are the dried unripe fruit of the piper nigrum vine. The active botanical ingredient responsible for pepper’s sharp, hot flavor is called piperine.

Black Pepper for Nutrient AbsorptionGram for gram, pepper is high in certain vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, and Vitamin K, though of course in typical culinary doses, it’s not a significant source of these.

Where pepper really shines is in its ability to enhance absorption of the nutrients in the food it seasons.

It’s perhaps best known for aiding in the absorption of the popular anti-inflammatory herb, curcumin. This study shows that large doses of each (20 mg of piperine and 2 grams of curcumin) improved bioavailability of the latter by 2000%. This is why the two are often paired in curcumin supplements.

However, black pepper has a similar role with other nutrients, as well. This study shows that it also aids in absorption of iron and beta carotene, and it’s generally considered a botanical “driver,” assisting in micronutrient absorption generally.

Black Pepper for DigestionAnother great reason why black pepper earns its place on our tables is because piperine stimulates digestive juices, including salivary and pancreatic digestive enzymes as well as secretion of bile acids. It has even been shown to increase the small intestine’s capacity to absorb macronutrients.

Optimal digestion requires normal bowel transit, as well. This study shows that black pepper tends to slow bowel transit by contributing to healthy smooth muscle contractions in the intestines, thus decreasing any predisposition to diarrhea.

If your food carries any food-borne pathogens, pepper can also help to protect you against them, as it is also antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal.

Black Pepper for Weight Control and Blood Sugar RegulationWhile black pepper aids in macronutrient and micronutrient absorption, in small doses (like we’d use on a typical dish prior to consumption), this animal study shows that it suppresses a postprandial glucose spike, helping to keep glucose levels balanced.

This alone should allow pepper to act as a mild aid in weight management. But this study also shows that it can hinder the genes that form new fat cells, interfering with their production. The extent to which pepper inhibits weight gain isn’t completely known, but at least it has a minor positive effect.

Black Pepper for Immune ModulationThis study reviews an impressive list of chronic diseases for which pepper has been shown to provide some therapeutic benefit, via modulation of a myriad of different biochemical pathways.

This implies that piperine works almost like a second messenger: in the same way that pepper acts as a “driver,” enabling greater nutrient absorption and digestion, it also seems to facilitate transmission of many of the signals that the body is already sending.

This study notes that piperine specifically modulates immune responses, too. Modulation is potentially more beneficial than direct stimulation in a system as complex as immune function, as a “sledgehammer” approach will not always be beneficial in every situation. (This is the reason why pharmaceuticals, which are usually metaphorical “sledgehammers,” always carry side effects: definitive action in one part of a complex system will invariably have unintended consequences somewhere up or downstream.)

Black Pepper as an AntioxidantLike almost every herb, black pepper contains polyphenols that act as free radical scavengers, protecting you from oxidative stress.

Antioxidants are generally considered anti-cancer, since oxidative stress is one mechanism by which cancer develops.

The UpshotMost of us keep dried, powdered herbs in our cabinets for convenience. Oxygen tends to degrade many of the active constituents over time, though, so if possible, it’s best to grind herbs and spices shortly before consuming them. This may not be practical for many spices, but fortunately, peppercorns and their corresponding grinders are easy to come by. This is certainly the best choice in terms of preserving medicinal activity.

Health Benefits of Black Pepper

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Lucio Alfonsi from Pixabay

Many of my new patients come in with shopping bags filled with supplements, wanting to know which they should continue and which they can stop. Often, as Andrew mentioned here, people don’t remember why they’re taking something, or they read, somewhere, that a given supplement was a remedy for everything but death.

Here’s the thing, though: nearly every medicinal herb you can name is antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, at least. Many of them are also anti-cancer, protecting against DNA mutation. They’re nearly all chock-full of phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. You could cherry-pick almost any herb and make similarly spectacular claims, if the studies have been done. Does that mean you should be taking ALL of them in supplement form?

My $0.02 from a Christian worldview is that God is good, and He wants us well. Because of this, He’s provided a myriad of different tools (called modalities in naturopathic medicine) to can get us there, and it hardly matters which one you pick.

What does matter is the way in which you use them: that is, the dose, the timing, and the philosophical reasoning behind it. It’s possible to use nearly anything to either suppress symptoms, or to heal root cause—this is related to the concepts of hormesis, as well as germ vs terrain theory.

Because of that, there’s almost no one-size-fits-all to a supplement regimen either. Once upon a time in the not-so-distant past, we could get all our nutrients from our food, and wouldn’t need any supplements at all. Unfortunately, modern farming practices and industrial processing of prepackaged food products have made that a thing of the past. At the same time that the nutrient content of our food has been on the decline, the same industrial processes and technological advancements have made our world increasingly toxic. This has, to varying degrees, overwhelmed our previously sufficient detoxification pathways, crippled our mitochondria, and set us up for chronic oxidative stress and inflammation. Which of these (or which combination of these) is the biggest problem for a given individual depends on their genetic predispositions, epigenetic changes, exposures, stressors, and lifestyle choices.

Physicians who have been practicing naturopathic medicine a lot longer than I have observe that cases have become increasingly complex over recent generations, corresponding to the increasing toxicity of the Western world.

I don’t doubt it.

Approaches for individualized treatment range far beyond supplements, but they do include supplements. This is why there’s almost nothing that I prescribe for everyone—though there are a few favorites that I prescribe quite a lot. Here’s a few of those categories, with some common variations.

Supplement: MultivitaminsAs previously mentioned, even unprocessed foods are no longer the way God made them anymore. Buying organic and from farmer’s markets is better, but there are no guarantees, even if the crops planted are heirloom, crops are rotated and fertilized with organic material, and no pesticides or herbicides are used.

Because of this, and because I’d prefer people not take each individual vitamin and mineral in a separate capsule (if only for cost, and because inactive ingredients can add up), I generally recommend a multivitamin for almost everyone.

Which one can vary, though there are a few rules of thumb. First: look at the minerals (magnesium, calcium, selenium, zinc, etc). These are always complexed with something (unless they’re whole-food based vitamins). If the word next to the mineral name is “oxide,” “carbonate,” or “sulfate,” it’s not absorbable. It should be a chelated version, which is anything else ending in -ate (such as “citrate,” “orotate,” “glycinate,” etc).

Second, look at the type of folate and B12. If they’re folic acid and cyanocobalamin, it’s a crappy brand. (There are rare exceptions when I think people need folic acid rather than another form, but cyanocobalamin is never good.) Better forms are 5-MTHF or folinic acid (though again—there are some who don’t tolerate these forms)), and either methylcobalamin, hydroxycobalamin, or adenosylcobalamin.

Third, look at the inactive ingredient list. It should be very short, and one giveaway that it’s junk is soybean oil. I’m not necessarily against soy, but if it doesn’t say it’s organic or non-GMO, it is GMO, and I’ve yet to see a high quality supplement listing soybean oil as an inactive ingredient.

Fourth, you want a capsule instead of a tablet (with the exception of whole food based multivitamins, which are always tablets). This is because it takes very robust stomach acid to break down most commercially prepared tablets. As we age, stomach acid production declines, and those who have blood type A have lower levels of HCl in the first place.

Beyond that, there are other potential variables for given individuals. Some people really need certain types of B vitamins and not others, as mentioned above. (Those who can’t handle synthetic B vitamins at all usually do need a whole food based multivitamin.) Some need higher levels of nutrients to help balance blood sugar, such as chromium and vanadium (UltraNutrients is my favorite for this).

Some people are low in iron, in which case I’ll often choose a prenatal (regardless of age. Pure Encapsulations is my favorite for this).

Other people are too high in iron, in which case I’ll choose a multivitamin that doesn’t have any (Polyphenol Nutrients is often the one I pick for this).

Some are basically healthy and really don’t want to take a lot of pills, in which case I’ll choose a one-a-day (O.N.E. is my favorite for this).

Some can’t swallow pills—for these I try to avoid gummies (since the nutrient content is generally quite low, to make space for the gelatin and sugar and whatever else), but they’re better than nothing. I’d prefer either a liquid version, or opening capsules and mixing them in with something to disguise the flavor.

There’s a lot of possibilities. One thing to note: make sure you take anything with minerals in it with food, otherwise it’s likely to make you nauseous.

Supplement: Essential Fatty AcidsEssential Fatty Acids are called “essential” because your body can’t make them—you have to consume them. They’re critical for cellular functioning. While it is possible for you to eat enough of them to maintain the proper omega 6:3 ratio of 4:1, anybody consuming any appreciable quantity of prepackaged foods (which is most of us, let’s be honest) probably isn’t doing it. That’s because the highly inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids are high in the vegetable oils used in all manner of crunchy, salty processed snacks. Not only that, but other variables, such as micronutrient deficiencies and stress, can affect your ability to utilize the omega 3’s from your food, too. So even if you eat fish several times per week, you’re still most likely closer to the typical American omega 6:3 ratio of 20:1 than you are to the more optimal 4:1.

Because of this, I usually recommend most people take an essential fatty acid, somewhere in the ballpark of 1000 mg of EPA. I prefer essential fatty acids from fish over krill, only because krill tends to be pricier, but it’s otherwise fine. Fish oil isn’t all created equal, though. You want a high quality brand that tests their fish for heavy metals, does quality control to ensure that you’re actually getting the essential fatty acids rather than a large amount of “filler” oil instead, and one that doesn’t smell fishy (if it does, it’s likely rancid). I prescribe EPA/DHA from Pure Encapsulations most often, though I do like the Nordic Naturals brand quite a lot too.

I don’t prefer flax oil except for vegans who can’t do fish, simply because it takes more steps to convert it to a usable form.

Supplement: ProbioticsThere are people who don’t need probiotics every day—they’re the ones who don’t have any particular gut pathology going on, and who eat fermented foods daily, like our ancestors did historically, as condiments. Most likely anyone doing that is also getting an abundance of prebiotics from their diets, too.

Everyone else really should be taking regular probiotics. Your microbiome is like an army, protecting you against foreign invaders (pathogenic bacteria, parasites, etc). It also helps to educate your immune system about the difference between friend and foe, making it very important to mitigate against and prevent allergies and autoimmunity. It also helps you break down your food.

This is an army you want to replenish regularly, one way or another, and there are many ways in our modern world for it to get depleted. These causes range from direct or indirect antibiotics (indirect would be consuming agriculture industry animals that have been given massive doses of antibiotics in their feed) to birth control pills to PPIs, and beyond.

For someone who is otherwise healthy, I generally recommend a 50/50 blend of bifidobacillus to lactobacillus. For someone with SIBO, or with suspected SIBO, or who just tells me they feel worse with probiotics, I’ll choose one that’s prebiotic-free. Some argue that for those with SIBO, soil-based probiotics are better. In my experience they’re not necessarily better, but they’re a fine alternative.

The UpshotIdeally, we’d get every nutrient we need from our food, but that’s no longer realistic. Almost everyone really needs to be on a multivitamin, and most also need to be on an essential fatty acid and a probiotic, at least.

Beyond that, there’s no one-size fits-all supplement regimen. There are lots of potentially good options, though. Often as I sort through a person’s shopping bag of supplements, I’ll just shrug and say, “Does it help you?” If the answer is yes, then sure, stick with it. If the answer is “I don’t know, but I read such great things about it!” then I’ll say, “Up to you.” If it’s no, and they have no idea why they’re on it, I get rid of it. I try to whittle the list down to at least no more than around ten, though, as a general upper limit.

How to Choose The Right Supplements for You

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Melanie from Pixabay

While most types of honey have some medicinal properties and health benefits, Manuka honey is generally considered the healthiest of them all. It’s made by bees that pollinate a single New Zealand plant, the Manuka bush, or Leptospermum scoparium.

Manuka honey stands out from others because of its exceptional antimicrobial activity, thought to come from its phenols, its low pH, and especially from its methylglyoxal (MGO) content. MGO is a dehydrated form of a phytocompound found in the nectar of the flowers of the Manuka bush. So far as we can tell, MGO should be as toxic to us as it is to pathogens, but it isn’t—in fact, it seems to have a beneficial effect upon our own tissues, as we’ll discuss more below.

However, the MGO level can range dramatically from one honey sample to the next, from 1000 to >1200 parts per million. Thus, the efficacy of a given honey sample is correlated to its Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), which will be prominently labeled on the packaging for authentic Manuka honey with all the attendant benefits. The higher the UMF number, the greater the honey’s MGO and thus, its antimicrobial capabilities. The lowest UMF rating is 5, and it ranges up to 15 or even higher.

Manuka Honey for Wound Healing and Skin ConditionsAny powerfulantimicrobial is an aid to wound healing, even if it does nothing else. This is because when the skin barrier gets breached, normal flora convert to potential opportunistic infections, hindering the body’s ability to heal.

While antibiotic-resistant bacteria are dramatically on the rise in general, we have yet to identify a bacteria that is resistant to Manuka honey. It has been shown to effectively inhibit all types of potentially pathogenic organisms from the skin and oral mucosa.

Manuka honey has likewise been shown to exhibit antiviral properties, and may be useful for shingles.

It’s less useful against dermal fungal species, but it still does exhibit antifungal effects, due to its production of hydrogen peroxide.

Aside from its direct antimicrobial properties, the low pH of honey inhibits activity of enzymes from pathogens that might worsen tissue destruction. The honey’s osmolarity (high concentration of dissolved particles) also draws fluid out of the wound when applied topically, allowing pressure to drain and lymph to flow.

For all of these reasons, Manuka honey is well studied for wound healing, especially diabetic ulcers. It is also shown to be effective for atopic dermatitis, for these reasons as well as probably for its immune modulation properties (see below).

Manuka Honey for Oral HealthAs mentioned, Manuka has been tested against both dermatological and oral bacteria, and has been shown to be effective for both. While sugar in general is well-known to cause cavities, that isn’t the case with pure honey.

This study rather ironically shows that unlike most candy, a “candy” sweetened with Manuka honey drops both dental plaque and gingival bleeding by 35%.

These benefits are not exclusive to Manuka honey. This study shows that honey in general is effective against every tested pathogen associated with periodontal disease, while this one shows that a mouthwash containing regular honey improves not just plaque and gingivitis, but dental caries as well.

Manuka Honey for Gastrointestinal HealthWhile Manuka honey hasn’t been extensively studied against GI microbes, this in vitro study shows its impressive efficacy against Clostridia difficile, a potentially severe opportunistic infection.

Other types of honey have been studied and shown to be effective against H pylori, presumably Manuka honey would be also.

Manuka Honey Modulates the Immune Response Oxidative stress and inflammation are not always bad, contrary to popular opinion. They are both necessary for healing, in their place.

Manuka honey does, in fact have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action, but it also can stimulate reactive oxygen species, or increase inflammatory cytokines, depending upon the condition of the tissue. This means that the honey can aid in debridement (removal of dead or damaged tissue), and also stimulate healing repair mechanisms.

Manuka honey’s immune modulating properties mean that it can regulate tissue healing, and not just stimulate one aspect of it.

The UpshotManuka honey is probably best studied for topical application to speed wound healing. But it can also be used in herbal tea for sore throats, mouth ulcers, or probably stomach ulcers or gastritis. It can be diluted as a mouth wash and swished regularly for gingivitis or periodontal disease. Additional uses for so versatile a substance are sure to be discovered in time.

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Guest Post by Andrew Graham, NP; Image by Ri Butov from Pixabay

The nutritional supplement industry is massive. In the U.S. alone, the dietary supplement market size hit $48.4 billion last year and is projected to grow to $56.7 billion by 2024. There are many understandable and valid reasons for this: the declining quality of the average American diet paired with declining levels of nutrients in the soil (and therefore our food supply) suggests perhaps many people may need to supplement their food with added vitamins and minerals in order to achieve optimal nutrition. Additionally, there are many herbs, probiotics, and several other classes of supplements that are relatively well researched and can be utilized to address specific health concerns or improve overall health. Targeted supplementation is an important part of my clinical approach alongside dietary and lifestyle measures.

However, in an industry where there is that much money to be made, there are reasons for consumers to take a step back and evaluate whose interests they are best serving. In this article, I want to walk through a few core principles that I feel are most important in ensuring the use of dietary supplements is thoughtful, and worth the money invested.

1 Understand why you are taking somethingThis may sound like an obvious concept, but take a step back and think about how you would answer the question “why are you taking that?” and see how specific you would be able to get. It’s not that you need to have a complete scientific understanding of the mechanisms by which each of your supplements work, but: make sure you at least understand what the purpose is so you can evaluate if it is actually working!

It is extremely common for people to take supplements without necessarily understanding why or evaluating if they are helping them achieve their goals. Maybe they were recommended the supplement by a friend or family member. Maybe at some point they did some quick research, ordered the supplement and later on forgot why they began taking it. Or perhaps they were recommended the product from a provider but have since forgotten the reasoning. All of these are completely understandable situations to find oneself in. What I would say is simply make sure you have at least a basic understanding of why you are taking something before you continue to spend your hard-earned money month after month.

2 Have an idea of time-frameA common problem I see working with patients who have seen other functional or integrative medicine providers is they can be given supplements without any timetable on when to stop (or try stopping). I’m sure that I can be guilty of this at times as well, especially during more busy visits. But similar to understanding why you might be taking something, having at least a rough idea of how long you should expect to take it to have the desired outcome is a critical part of having a thoughtful supplement regimen. There are some supplements, in particular vitamins and minerals—for example, magnesium—for which ongoing, long-term consumption makes sense. In those cases you are trying to make sure you achieve consistent and optimal intake of a nutrient. However, for something like an herb, it may make a lot less sense to stay on it indefinitely.

3 Look at the bigger picture — are your supplements helping correct the most important drivers of dysfunction?These principles were in no particular order, but this is probably the one I would argue is the most important and something I wish more people understood. The factors that affect our health are NOT created equal.

If you are chronically stressed, you will not fix your health with only supplements. If you are not regularly physically active at an appropriate intensity level, you are unlikely to feel and perform well regardless of your supplements. If you have an underlying gut imbalance like SIBO or yeast overgrowth, you may need this corrected before certain supplements will offer you much benefit.

To be clear, I am a huge fan of supplements and feel that when applied strategically they can be critical to addressing root imbalances of dysfunction in the body. Additionally, there are many supplements that can help prevent illness or otherwise maintain our health. But I fear far too many people are on supplements for reasons they don’t understand, or don’t know how long to take something, or are focused on supplements when by far the more important thing would be addressing stress, or changing their diet, or starting to exercise more consistently and intensively, or getting outside in nature—or addressing one of many other core drivers of dysfunction like gut dysbiosis, mold toxicity, hormone imbalances, chronic infections, etc. (many of which can respond to the right supplements).

This can understandably become overwhelming and properly assessing your own situation can be difficult to do by yourself. Consider working with a thoughtful provider who will spend the time with you assessing what supplement regimen makes the most sense for you.

Andrew Graham is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner licensed to practice in the State of Arizona. He completed his Master’s in Nursing from Boston College after earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Nutritional Science from Brigham Young University. Before receiving his conventional training, he discovered and began studying functional and integrative medicine many years prior after dealing with health issues himself. Andrew is committed to thoroughly investigating patient’s health concerns in an effort to identify root causes, and then using the most effective combination of conventional and integrative modalities in order to optimize health and well-being. Particular interests include gut health, nutrition, blood sugar issues, hormonal imbalances and longevity medicine.

Are Your Supplements Really Worth It?

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Azzaryiatul Amar from Pixabay

Diatomaceous earth is sand containing the fossilized remains of a type of algae known as diatoms. It’s mostly comprised of silica, as well as other trace elements.

There are two forms used commercially: industrial and food grade. The former is used in pest control and for filtration purposes, and can be toxic to humans when inhaled. The latter, however, are approved for dietary supplementation use.

Here’s what it’s used for.

Diatomaceous Earth for Detoxification of Mycotoxins and Heavy MetalsMost commonly, diatomaceous earth is used for detoxification purposes. It has been shown to be an efficient binder for certain mycotoxins, including aflatoxin, zearalenone, and ochratoxin.

If it works for these, my suspicion is it likely works well for other mycotoxins that haven’t yet been studied, as well. This may be why diatomaceous earth has been used for food storage, mixing it in particularly with grains and legumes. This is said to protect them from both mold and also from insects, as it is a natural insecticide (see below).

Diatomaceous earth is also used industrially to remove heavy metals from liquids. This study shows that it at least decreases bioavailability of aluminum in the human GI tract. The same is probably true for other metals, though this doesn’t necessarily mean that it would help with removal of metals already in long-term storage in the body. It might; we just don’t have the studies to prove it.

Diatomaceous Earth for Viral Detoxification (and possibly parasites)Diatomaceous earth also helps to neutralize viruses in liquids by adsorption as well. This study shows that diatomaceous earth bound and eliminated up to 80% of viruses left over in liquid after filtration.

Diatomaceous earth also binds to the lipids (fats) on the exoskeletons of insects. Lipids help trap liquid inside, so removing them causes the insects to die of desiccation. This is also the theory behind why diatomaceous earth may also be effective against parasites.

Diatomaceous Earth for Bones, Skin, Hair, and NailsSilica seems to be necessary structural components of the body involving collagen, even though the mechanism for its role remains unclear. Nevertheless, low levels of silica are associated with deficiencies in bone, joint, cartilage, and collagen structure and quantity. Conversely, increased silica intake seems to increase bone density.

Diatomaceous earth is one possible source of silica, though certain foods are also high in silica, including grains such as wheat, rice, and oats, legumes including beans, nuts, and seeds, and bananas.

Diatomaceous Earth DosingWhile diatomaceous earth works as a binder, because of the possible desiccation mechanism by which diatomaceous earth may kill organisms, there is still a chance of a herxheimer (“die-off”) effect. This is why it’s a good idea to start low in terms of dosing and then taper up. For most people, a good starting dose is 1 tsp daily, with plenty of liquid (as binders tend to be constipating if you don’t take them with enough liquid).

Diatomaceous Earth

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by -Rita- from Pixabay

We’ve all heard the phrase, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” In a certain sense, it turns out, that’s actually true. Renaissance physician and philosopher Paracelsus famously said, “All things are poison and nothing is without poison, only the dose permits something not to be poisonous.”

Examples include critically important minerals in the body like iron, selenium, and iodine. A small amount of these are necessary for life and optimal functioning, but too much can be dangerous, or even deadly. Carbon monoxide is another example: it irreversibly binds to hemoglobin, preventing its ability to bind oxygen and resulting in asphyxiation… but in small doses, it serves as a signaling molecule in nerve cells.

The idea is broader than just substances, though. Exercise is a type of hormetic stressor: microtears in the muscles cause them to actually grow during the repair process. Fasting is a big one: calorie restriction leads to autophagy, allowing the body to clean up damaged cells and produce new, healthy ones instead. Contrast bathing operates by similar principles.

In toxicology, this concept is known as hormesis: the idea that small exposures to a toxin can have a beneficial effect upon an organism, while larger doses do act as poison. In fact, many of the modalities used in naturopathic medicine rely upon this principle: the idea that a minor (and usually short-lived) stressor will result in a compensatory and opposite response in the body, in order for it to maintain homeostasis.

Antioxidants: Beneficial or Harmful? For decades, oxidative stress was the reigning theory of the cause of aging. Indeed, oxidative stress has been linked to most chronic diseases, and it is undoubtedly quite toxic when in excess.

However, the majority of oxidative stress in the body comes from the mitochondria themselves. Healthy mitochondria have very little “leakage” into the surrounding cell, but at least 4-5% of the oxygen that goes in does leak out, turning into free radicals like hydroxyl (OH-), superoxide anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorite (OCI-), and peroxynitrite (ONOO-). While the body uses antioxidants such as glutathione to clean this up, small amounts of oxidative stress are also part of the mitochondrial feedback mechanisms, signaling that the body has lower need for energy. This helps the mitochondria to adapt to the needs of the moment, while the oxidative stress itself triggers increased production of antioxidants and enzymes for detoxification.

This may be the reason why studies of high-dose antioxidants haven’t been nearly as impressive as we once expected them to be. Some antioxidants are good, but excessive amounts don’t seem to be better.

(Feedback mechanisms of all kind are like this, allowing the body and the individual to learn how to respond to the world around them. Pain, when functioning properly, serves this purpose, sending signals like, “Don’t touch that hot stove!”)

Phytochemicals (Plant Toxins)Many of our favorite medicinal plant compounds are actually toxins the plant produces to ward off insects. Considering the body weight dose an insect might get compared to us, it might explain our different physiological response.

Some of these compounds include:

caffeine (and coffee incidentally can also be helpful or harmful to us too, in a dose-dependent way)
curcumin, which is not a direct but a hormetic antioxidant, in the sense that it triggers the body to produce them
resveratrol, shown to stimulate the longevity enzymes sirtuins (more on this below)
sulforaphane, which also stimulates antioxidant production
capsaicin, the “burning” compound in peppers paradoxically used topically to quell pain
allicin, the antimicrobial compound primary in garlic and onions.

Mental Stress and NeuroplasticityAging adults at risk for dementia are often encouraged to engage in mental exercises. This seems to make intuitive sense, if we consider how physical exercise works. It certainly does appear that the effort pays off for hormetic reasons.

The NMDA receptors on the neurons, involved in learning and memory, trigger the influx of calcium. Because at the core, all of these activities involve mitochondria, just the act of using these pathways triggers production of some free radicals.

The body responds to this stress, as elsewhere, by activating neurotrophic factors involved in neuroplasticity, as well as various other neuroprotective proteins.

Fasting and Intermittent FastingAs mentioned in the introduction, fasting enables the body to spend the energy it might otherwise expend upon digestion and instead “clean house,” eliminating damaged cells and instead producing new ones, in a process called autophagy. Part of the reason it does this is because fasting activates the enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which in turn triggers autophagy.

At the same time, fasting also lowers both insulin, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). The latter inhibits autophagy, so this is another mechanism by which fasting promotes it.

Exercise and LongevityWeight-bearing exercise causes muscle growth through initial damage, a hormetic process. However, both weight bearing and aerobic exercise increase increase NAD, which in turn is a cofactor needed to activate the anti-aging enzymes called sirtuins. These also promote autophagy.

Cross-Benefits of Hormetic StressorsThe good news is, exposure to one kind of hormetic stressor seems to confer protection against another, as well. Heat stress, for instance, can protect those same cells against oxidative or toxic stress later. (Hormesis may be at least in part why sauna bathing is associated with lower all-cause mortality.)

Another example: exposure to low doses of a mitochondrial toxin protects those same cells from later death by ischemia, or lack of oxygen.

The UpshotMany naturopathic modalities operate on hormetic principles. These include homeopathy, Low Dose Immunotherapy, Low Dose Naltrexone, hydrotherapy, and even acupuncture.

Traditional pharmaceuticals in most cases work against this principle. They are strong enough to exert a primary, rather than a secondary effect, inevitably leading to compensatory mechanisms elsewhere (aka side effects). But small doses of those same drugs might be expected to have a very different effect.

The dose determines whether a substance (or an activity) is medicine or poison.

Hormesis: The Dose Makes the Poison

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Dean Simone from Pixabay

The prefix ‘nano’ refers to the number 9, as in 10^-9, usually in the context of nanometers. In other words, a nanometer is 1 x 10^-9, or a billionth of a meter—a scale that is almost unimaginably small. Some nanoparticles are byproducts of industry, or even normal physiologic breakdown of food. Others are manufactured on purpose. These are called nanotechnology.

Because nanotechnology is so small, it can confer certain unique benefits to food and medicine—but like all technological advancements, they are not without potential risk.

Concerns with NanoparticlesNanoparticles may enter the body via inhalation, ingestion, or skin penetration. The body has a number of mechanisms to protect its sensitive inner workings from foreign invaders, be they chemical or pathogens—particularly the Blood-Brain Barrier to protect the brain, and the cell membranes to protect the interior of the cells. Unfortunately, nanoparticles are so small that they can slip right past these defenses. Nanoparticles have been shown to cross the Blood-Brain Barrier, as well as freely pass through cell membranes and even make their way into the cell nucleus.

How damaging or benign these particulates might be is a function of their individual properties, including shape, size, charge, hydrophobia or hydrophilia (whether they repel or attract water), and inner structure. These properties will determine how readily the particles are taken up by the cells, and how easily they are either eliminated or bioaccumulate. Once inside, potential damage may be induced by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS, otherwise known as free radicals, or pro-oxidants), which leads to oxidative stress and inflammation, and potentially even to cancer. Since nanoparticles can also penetrate into the cell nucleus, they can damage the DNA itself, ultimately by triggering programmed cell death. Inhaled nanoparticles can trigger pulmonary allergic inflammatory responses.

Common nano-sized ingredients include silicon dioxide and other synthetic silicas, calcium carbonate, silicate, and tricalcium phosphates, iron compounds, and titanium dioxide. Metal nanoparticles produced as byproducts of industry and manufacturing include silver, copper, and aluminum, though these can be used intentionally in food packaging, too (see below). In some cases, exhaust, and fumes can also produce accidental nano-titanium dioxide and carbon particulates. Presumably these have been an issue since the Industrial Revolution, at least to some degree.

Metal nanoparticulates have been associated with neuronal and glial cell damage, as well as endothelial damage (damage to the blood vessel lining).

Nanoparticulates produced by combustion or otherwise aerosolized in industry likewise have been shown to reach the brain, and are potentially connected to neurodegeneration.

Nanoparticles in Food PackagingNanotechnology is used in food packaging to better ensure seals against oxygen (which causes oxidation and thus, more rapid decay), a well as to enhance its water and flame resistance, strength, and other properties.

Unfortunately, whatever the food is in contact with tends to leech into the food itself. I see this often in my practice with hormone-disrupting phthalates from plastics (in plastic water bottles, seran wrap, tupperware storage containers, etc), as well as styrofoam containers. The same thing can happen with nanoparticulates in packaging.

Metal nanoparticles are sometimes used to prevent the breakdown of plastic packaging from sunlight, and also for their antimicrobial properties. Metal nanoparticles can bioaccumulate and cause heavy metal toxicity.

Nanoparticulates in Food ItselfUnfortunately, because nanotechnology is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, companies are not required to mention it on ingredient lists–so they don’t. But it can serve a number of different purposes in the food manufacturing industry.

Nanotechnology can manipulate the structure of food to decrease calories, while maintaining flavor.

They are used as emulsifiers, to keep ingredients from separating.

Silicon dioxide in particular is used as a carrier for flavor and fragrance in food. There is some evidence that nano-sized silicon dioxide can be absorbed through the gut lining, making it a potential cause for leaky gut syndrome.

Like with packaging, edible nano-particulate coatings from gelatin, silica, cellulose, and silicon dioxide are used to help preserve shelf life of foods.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the sugar coating on chewing gum get released into the saliva and slowly bioaccumulate.

There are even experiments to wrap allergenic proteins like gluten in nanotechnology, in an attempt to ‘hide’ it from the immune system to avoid triggering an allergic or autoimmune response.

Nanoparticles in MedicineGiven the ability of nanoparticles to venture into places of the body that were previously heavily guarded (the cells, the cell nucleus, the BBB), they are studied and used to improve drug delivery, as well as in vaccine development, imaging and diagnostic technologies, and implants. Most recently, nano-sized polyethylene glycol was used in COVID vaccines, to stabilize the mRNA that would otherwise rapidly degrade in the body.

For any therapeutics intended for the brain, nanoparticles offer a novel method to deliver the drug right where it’s most needed.

Nano-sized lipids (fats) are also used to encapsulate drugs, enabling better absorption through cell membranes.

Nanoparticles in Cosmetics and Personal Care ProductsIn some cases, nanoparticles form as a byproduct in some personal care products, but in others they are added intentionally.

There is some debate over whether or not titanium dioxide in cosmetics is nanosized or not. Nanosized silicon dioxide is often used as an anti-caking agent, a thickener, and a carrier for fragrances as it is in foods.

The UpshotFor most normal-sized particles, traditional detoxification protocols will work. For nano-sized particles that can slip right through the gut lining and the cell membranes and the Blood-Brain Barrier, though? These might still work, but we simply don’t know. (Would ordinary binders, for instance, be like trying to pick up sand with a colander? Would the liver be able to process them via its same six phase 2 detox pathways?) It takes years, and in most cases decades, before we can really say whether or not a new innovation has unforeseen health consequences. But, judging by the explosion of chronic disease in the last several decades, it certainly appears likely that some of the things we thought were safe, weren’t.

Since nanotechnology isn’t required to be labeled on packaging, it seems to me that this is another excellent reason to forego prepackaged and processed foods, and to make as many of your personal care products yourself as possible. At least we can limit our exposure to the extent that we are able.

Nanotechnology in Food and Medicine

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Annette Meyer from Pixabay

Mullein is in the snapdragon family of herbs, growing wild up to six and seven feet tall, with yellow flowers along its stalk.

Mullein has been used medicinally for hundreds of years, and is probably best known as a soothing herb to infuse into warm oil with other antimicrobial herbs for earaches. But it’s a stand-out treatment for a number of other conditions, too, most notably for respiratory and throat health.

Mullein for Lung HealthMullein tincture or tea has a soothing effect upon lung inflammation. It has been used for asthma, spasmodic coughs, or lung irritation from pollutants and smoke.

It’s also a gentle expectorant, helping to thin mucus.

The tea tastes pretty good, too—I think it’s sort of similar to chamomile, with a bit of natural sweetness.

Mullein as an Anti-MicrobialMullein’s anti-microbial properties mean that it does more than just soothe inflammation, but also can actively help fight against infections.

It has been shown to have antibacterial effects upon a number of different types of both pathogenic and opportunistic organisms.

Mullein also has been considered anti-fungal and antiviral, as well.

All of this makes mullein tea a good choice for tonsillitis, soothing a raw or raspy throat even as it helps it heal.

Mullein for Wound HealingThere aren’t many studies to support mullein’s role in wound healing, but this one shows that a cream infused with mullein speeds healing of episiotomy wounds.

Anecdotally, mullein can also be used topically to decrease swelling and aid in lymphatic flow.

Safety ConcernsMullein is not a low dose herb, and there are no known side effects or issues with potential toxicity.

Health Benefits of Mullein

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Poswiecie from Pixabay

I wrote here on what Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) are, and why they can be a problem. In a nutshell, a flowing current produces a magnetic field perpendicular to the direction of the flow—this is the electromagnetic field (EMF). If we’re close enough to it, this magnetic field in turn can induce a current in our own bodies, disrupting the flow of the positively charged ions in our bodies (primarily calcium, so far as we know at the moment).

This is why those with EMF sensitivity tend to feel best when not only ‘off the grid,’ but also when grounding, or standing barefoot on the negatively charged earth (or at any rate without a barrier that prevents current from flowing, like rubber soled shoes). The exposure to negative charges at least appears to contribute to neutralizing the effects of EMF.

Where Negative Ions in Nature Come From A negative ion is a molecule or atom that has an extra (negatively charged) electron attached to it, whereas a positive ion is an atom or molecule missing an electron.

One process by which negative ions are formed in nature is the Lenard effect in moving water, discovered by German physicist P. Lenard in 1892. The movement of the water itself creates a charge disparity: positive molecules stay with the larger, heavier droplets, while the mist generated around the moving body of water is primarily negatively charged. The movement and temperature of the air, contact with various surfaces, solutes dissolved in the water, and height from which the water falls will all contribute to the charge disparity. Waterfalls are therefore strong sources of negative ions— and the concentration of them gets higher the closer you get to it. (No wonder we feel so good around waterfalls!)

Any other source of moving water should produce the Lenard effect to some degree as well, with the aforementioned variables determining how strong the effect might be. Other sources would include waves on the beach, being outside in the rain, or even a fountain or shower.

Plants, by the very fact that they release negatively charged oxygen in the process of photosynthesis, are natural negative ion generators as well. This is part of why forest bathing may be so beneficial.

Effects of Negative and Positive IonsOf course, when negative ions are produced, there must be a corresponding positive ion somewhere.

This particularly happens just prior to a storm. As pressure builds, water molecules and particulates in the air collide with one another, exchanging electrons and producing ions. Those that are negatively charged sink while those that are positively charged rise. Meanwhile, humidity (water) is a great conductor of electricity. When the charge disparity becomes great enough between the positively charged atmosphere and the negatively charged earth, lightning results.

High positive ion concentration has been associated with malaise, joint pain, and respiratory problems. This may be at least part of why many feel worse with thunderstorms, and better once the storm has passed, leaving a greater abundance of negative ions in is wake.

Negative ions tend to have a specifically antimicrobial effect, protecting us against various pathogenic organisms.

They have been shown in some subjects to decrease depressive symptoms.

They increase heart rate variability, a measure of resilience, and improve cognitive performance.

So if positive ion buildup makes us feel worse, and negative ions make us feel better (particularly those sensitive to EMF), where (besides waterfalls or in the forest) might we find high concentrations of negative ions?

Other Sources of Negative IonsIn days gone by, doctors would recommend a “holiday by the sea” as a treatment for various ailments. Perhaps there was more to that than just rest and relaxation. In addition to the Lenard effect right next to the waves, the air also has a very high salt concentration from the briny sea.

Halotherapy, or salt therapy, is said to be another source of negative ions. The theory is that salt creates negative ions because it attracts water (water always follows salt). When water evaporates, it carries electrons from the salt off with the water molecules into the ambient air.

This may be the rational behind halotherapy for asthma. It has been shown to improve forced expiratory volume, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow, as well as quality of life in asthmatics. It also has been shown to reduce “body sensitivity” in those with asthma as well. (Those who don’t have easy access to a salt cave might choose to try a Himalayan salt inhaler instead!)

Himalayan salt lamps may have a similar effect for the same reason, though considering the very small volume of water likely to collect on the surface and then evaporate, it would probably depend upon the surface area of the lamp, the humidity of the air, and the size of the room to have any appreciable effect on negative ion generation.

Plants are also natural negative ion generators, which is a great reason to keep indoor plants. (One caveat here, though: many of my patients are mold sensitive. If you’re one of those people, be aware that most soil does contain small amounts of mold, and even this might be sufficient to cause an inflammatory response.)

Some sources say that the minerals tourmaline and amethyst are natural negative ion generators as well, though I couldn’t find any studies to corroborate these claims. That doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t work; just that the studies haven’t been done.

The UpshotWe’re always finding more reasons why spending time out in nature is good for us; negative ions are yet another one. Since most urban life is indoors, and particularly if you tend to be EMF sensitive, it’s a good idea to be intentional about getting outside as much as possible. When you can’t, consider adding some negative ion-generating strategies such as fountains, house plants, or even Himalayan salt lamps to your environment.

Negative Ions and Why They’re Good For You

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay

I wrote here on how salt affects blood pressure (or how it doesn’t, as the case may be). As mentioned in that article, low sodium can actually increase the risk for cardiovascular disease by a number of mechanisms. One of those mechanisms is by increasing insulin levels, and thus eventually, insulin resistance.

Here’s a couple of mechanisms for how that happens.

Sodium Restriction Activates Hormones to Retain It Sodium levels in the body are regulated not just by intake, but also by a delicate balance of hormones. If your intake is too low, the hormones renin, angiotensin, aldosterone, and Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) step in to increase sodium retention. These hormones themselves are associated with an increase in insulin resistance. This may be because insulin itself stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb sodium, is this may be one mechanism by which the other hormones regulate sodium levels. Because of this effect, ingestion of sugar (which will trigger insulin release) tends to increase sodium retention and thus, blood pressure.

In other words, low sodium leads to higher insulin, and particularly if this is combined with high sugar intake, this leads to higher blood pressure—the exact opposite of what a low sodium diet is supposed to do.

Sodium restriction may occur via limiting intake, via fasting (even intermittent, as electrolytes tend to plunge as ketones rise—this is what causes the “ketogenic flu”), via loss as a side effect of many common medications (including diabetic medications), and also via heavy sweating. All of these could potentially activate the hormones mentioned above, leading to both insulin resistance and increased arterial stiffness.

This study shows that increased exercise training and sweat loss without adequate sodium repletion (somewhere in the neighborhood of 1500 mg of sodium for every half hour of heavy sweating) can lead to symptoms of hyponatremia within two weeks. These symptoms include hypertension, presumably secondary to activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Rehydration with water alone will lead to increased urination, but won’t balance sodium losses.

Sodium Restriction or Loss—> “Fight or Flight”Salt restriction seems to send an ‘emergency’ signal to the body such that it stimulates the sympathetic, or ‘fight or flight,’ autonomic nervous system. Presumably because the hallmark of this system is to burn energy as rapidly as possible rather than store it (as with the parasympathetic “rest and digest” nervous system), increased sympathetic activity and insulin resistance go hand-in-hand.

Typically, in addition to allowing glucose inside the cells, insulin also has a vasodilating effect on the blood vessels, which should lead to a drop in blood pressure. But this only occurs when the cells of the blood vessels are sensitive to the insulin signal. Low salt diets cause norepinephrine to rise (this is the precursor to epinephrine, otherwise known as adrenaline, the main neurotransmitters of the sympathetic nervous system), and as that occurs, vascular sensitivity to insulin decreases.

This is likely another reason why a low salt diet has less of an effect upon blood pressure than might be anticipated from the osmotic effects of sodium alone. It also demonstrates decreased systemic insulin sensitivity secondary to low sodium levels as well.

Glucose and Salt Together in Salt-Sensitive Individuals The story is never one-sided, though.

In this study, salt-sensitive individuals seemed to be less able to compensate for high or low salt levels with compensatory mechanisms. These individuals made up 18.4% of those in the study, and they did show an increase in blood pressure of at least 5 mm Hg with high salt intake.

Unfortunately, these individuals are also more likely to be insulin resistant. This will be true even if salt-sensitive individuals consume low salt diets, but it will be significantly worse if they consume high salt diets.

What this means is, if you’re someone whose blood pressure is more sensitive to salt intake, you need to be more careful than most with your sugar and white carbohydrate intake. These are primarily found in processed foods… which also tend to be high in sodium content as well.

So eat real, unprocessed food, the way God made it.

The UpshotInsulin resistance is certainly epidemic. Even those who eat healthy may struggle to keep blood sugar in ideal ranges—and those already committed to eating healthy are more likely than most to follow accepted health guidelines, and limit sodium. For those, increasing healthy salt intake may help to also stabilize blood sugar—particularly if you sweat excessively, are on a low carb or ketogenic diet or an intermittent fasting protocol, are on any medications that deplete sodium, don’t consume much salt, or drink Reverse Osmosis water.

How Salt Affects Insulin

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This week’s podcast comes from this blog review of Preventing and Dissolving Kidney Stones.

Preventing and Dissolving Kidney Stones

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Marek from Pixabay

It’s been considered conventional wisdom for decades that sodium (half of table salt, which is sodium chloride) raises blood pressure. All else being equal, water does generally follow sodium in order to maintain osmotic balance, keeping concentrations of solutes in one body compartment similar to those in another.

But is it really this simple inside our bodies?

The Blood Pressure Regulatory HormonesThe answer is, not usually, or at least not always. The reason is because the body needs adequate sodium for many physiologic processes, and it has a complicated system for hanging on to it when the intake is low. The system involves several hormones: renin (released in response to low blood volume), which then activates angiotensin II, which both causes blood vessels to constrict and also triggers release of aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone (ADH). The former retains salt while excreting sodium, while the latter maintains fluid volume generally. Like most systems in the body, there are buffers and feedback mechanisms, checks and balances to keep everything in homeostasis, or balance.

What this means is, even though metabolic panels (CMP) will check sodium and chloride, you can’t necessarily conclude that you’re getting the right amount of salt just because your levels are in range. That just means the system is working, but it’s possible that it might have to work really hard in order to keep that balance.

All that extra work comes with a cost.

Salt, Blood Pressure, Renin, and AldosteroneSome people are considered “salt sensitive” relative to the rest of the population. These people are those whose blood pressure rises at least 5 mmHg with higher salt intake. Those whose blood pressure rises less than 5 mmHg with higher salt intake are considered salt resistant. Then there are some who have a paradoxical reaction, and their blood pressure falls in response to salt (there’s always at least someone who has an opposite reaction to everything, I’ve found!) Notice, though, these blood pressure changes aren’t huge either way—and in this study, only 18.4% of study participants are considered salt sensitive, while 81.6% are either salt resistant or have a paradoxical reaction.

In this study, meanwhile, salt restriction had no significant effect on blood pressure at all.

This study also shows that reduced sodium intake led to only a slight reduction in blood pressure, but renin and aldosterone levels went up more than 3-fold, proportional to the degree of sodium restriction.

This study likewise showed that renin and aldosterone rise proportional to sodium restriction. This is a problem, because aldosterone increases arterial stiffness, as does renin.

Salt Restriction Worsens Risk of Cardiovascular DiseasePerhaps because of the effects on renin and aldosterone at least in part, salt restriction as been associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, including heart attack risk. This is particularly true in those without hypertension, though it is true in those with hypertension as well.

The increased risk may also be because, in addition to the renin and aldosterone effects, low sodium intake triggers increased levels of norepinephrine (a precursor to epinephrine, or adrenaline—the primary neurotransmitter associated with the sympathetic, “fight-or-flight” nervous system), and also tends to spike insulin (more on this in a future article). Insulin resistance is of course part of the metabolic syndrome picture, which includes obesity, hypertension, eventual diabetes, and heart disease risk due to elevated glucose.

What’s the Alternative? According to Dr James DiNicolantonio in “The Salt Fix,” across the globe, when no restrictions are applied, people consistently consume between 3 and 6 grams of salt per day. The healthy set point for most seems to fall in that range, in contrast to the RDA recommendation of 2300 mg per day for healthy individuals, or 1500 mg per day for those with hypertension.

This study indeed shows the those who consume between 3 and 6 grams per day (or around 1-3 teaspoons per day) had a lower overall risk of cardiovascular events.

One caveat here: highly processed foods, which is nearly anything boxed, bagged, canned, or in a wrapper, tend to be quite high in sodium. For those who are salt sensitive, it would be best to avoid these—but then, highly processed foods full of fake chemicals and lots of sugar are terrible for everyone. Instead, choose whole, unprocessed foods, with half your plate veggies at every meal, and liberally use iodized sea salt or Himalayan salt to taste at every meal. And if you drink water stripped of minerals or sweat heavily, you’ll likely need to add even more!

Does Salt Raise Your Blood Pressure?

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Don Newman has more than twenty years of experience in ministry and leading prayer, and is also the acting Executive Director of Publishing for Salem Author Services, a division of Salem Media Group. As a passionate historian of the church and revival, Don has benefited from the writings and stories of many great intercessors of the church, including some of his own ancestors. These inspired truths are all part of his new book Praying for Reign. It is easy to underestimate the impact of prayer; however, Don believes we can develop a thoughtful, intentional prayer practice—a practice rooted in understanding the types of prayers God yearns for us to pray. Cultivating this type of prayer practice is revolutionary, both of our own lives and the world around us. It’s the first step for those who wish to be a part of the army that establishes God’s kingdom here on earth… and it all starts when we learn how to Pray for Reign. Don and his wife Tracee live in Central Florida. They have been married for almost 40 years and have three children and six grand-children.

You can preorder “Praying for Reign” here, or you can get his previous books “Respond Up” here, or “Don’t Just Speak It, Write It” here.

See his YouTube channel, Living a Life Worth Remembering, here.

You can also join his private prayer group on Facebook – just search for “Praying for Reign” and ask to join!

Praying for Reign: Interview with Don Newman

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From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Guest post by Brad Krause from selfcaring.info; Photo by Ivan Oboleninov via Pexels

If there was one single change that could vastly improve your health and wellness, you’d want to know about it, right? Well, it turns out that improving sleep habits can have a big impact on the mental and physical health of children and adults alike. So, what can you do to enhance your sleep? Consider these budget-friendly tips to get you started on the right path.

Shut Screens Off Earlier in the Evenings

Kids and adults love to fall asleep watching their favorite YouTube video or checking social media feeds. But if you are doing these things at night, you could be seriously interfering with your sleep. Our eyes and brains are very sensitive to light, and the blue light emitted by screens on phones, laptops and televisions sends a signal that it is time to wake up. As a good rule of thumb, all electronics should be switched off at least two or three hours before bedtime, and they should definitely be kept out of bedrooms. If absolutely necessary, you can spend some money on a pair of affordable blue light-blocking glasses.

Get Cozier Bedding, Pillows, and Pajamas

Nothing inspires a good night’s sleep like a soft pillow, a cozy blanket, and comfortable pajamas. If you need to make your bedrooms comfier, consider updating items you sleep on, like linens and pillows. If you want to score some new bedding without breaking your budget, save money by finding deals at big-box retailers. As a bonus, many retailers will ship items directly to your door. You can also find great deals on kids and adults pajamas online.

Keep to the Same Schedule, Even During Breaks

When you have kids, bedtime and wake-up routines can get seriously off track on weekends, holidays, and breaks. If you, or your children, are having troubles with your sleep, however, sticking to a consistent schedule can give you the restful boost you need. By going to bed and waking up at the same time every single day, you are helping to set your body’s natural rhythm in a way that supports healthy sleep cycles. So avoid the urge to sleep in on weekends, and make sure your kids get up as well.

Keep Pets Out of Your Bed

Pets are little bundles of furry love, but they can also be little space heaters. Sleeping with your pets may be causing you to overheat at night, which can seriously disrupt your ability to get the rest you need. Pets can also put pressure on limbs and joints, or cause you to sleep in odd positions. So as hard as it may be, if you are trying to improve your sleep hygiene, you may want to get your dogs and cats their own beds. Find supportive pet beds to keep them cozy, and be sure to wash their beds to cut down allergens that can cut into sleep as well.

Shield Bedrooms from Light

If you want to create the perfect environment for sleep, you should aim to create a sleep cave. Humans need cool temps, quiet, and most of all, darkness to get quality sleep. So if you have light from street lights and cars creeping into your bedroom in the evenings, try blocking them out using inexpensive blackout curtains, blinds, or sleep masks. Also, make it a habit to switch to dim or warm lighting during the evening hours.

Look Into Underlying Conditions

Yes, it is possible for sleep to be impacted by other conditions. Stress, for example, can have a pronounced effect on your sleep quality as well as other adverse effects. Try to incorporate some stress management techniques like exercising and deep breathing. Your house itself can also be a source of stress. Reducing clutter is one of several positive changes you can make to optimize your home. Not only will this guarantee better sleep, but a better overall outlook in life, too.

Sleep is essential, so make sure your family is getting the sleep they need at night—and save some money while you’re doing it. It’s the one change that can have the most impact on your health, happiness, and quality of life.

For functional and naturopathic medicine, visit Nature Cure Family Health today!

Budget-Friendly Changes That Can Greatly Improve Your Family’s Health

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Listen to “Health Benefits of Nattokinase” on Spreaker.

Health Benefits of Nattokinase

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Guest Post by Andrew Graham, NP; Image by Tracy Lundgren from Pixabay

In recent years, there is more discussion on the importance of endothelial health, or the health of the cells that line our cardiovascular system. Endothelial dysfunction is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and in fact may play a much more central role than things like cholesterol alone. One of the most important molecules regulating the health of the endothelium is nitric oxide.

The Importance of Nitric OxideNitric oxide is a soluble (meaning it can dissolve in water) gas floating throughout our blood stream. It is continuously released from the endothelium for a number of reasons, the most important of which is “vasodilation”, or the relaxing of our blood vessels. We want our blood vessels to remain nice and open so blood can flow optimally and oxygenate all of our tissues, so that blood pressure remains at a healthy level, and also to lower the risk of a clotting event.

Because nitric oxide has been recognized as such a critical molecule, researchers have tried to figure out if there are ways we can boost our levels of nitric oxide, and if boosting those levels is associated with health benefits. (Interesting side note, breathing through your nose creates more nitric oxide in the body than mouth breathing!) There are two main pathways the body uses in creating more nitric oxide. The primary pathway is converting the amino acid L-arginine into nitric oxide via enzymes known as nitric oxide synthases. The other is the conversion of “nitrate” (found in the body in small amounts, but also the diet) into nitric oxide. As you might imagine, L-arginine and nitrates, the precursors to nitric oxide, are among the supplements that have been researched to help boost nitric oxide. I’ll also discuss a third not yet mentioned, L-citrulline.

Nitrates in the DietNitrates in the diet can be found in highest concentration in beetroots. This is why many supplements marketed for nitric oxide support are primarily beetroot juice or concentrate. Nitrates are also found in leafy green vegetables and roots like radishes and turnips. As mentioned above, nitrates can be converted into nitric oxide which dilates the blood vessels and improves blood flow, among many other effects.

A quick detour: you may be aware that there has been some concern about cancer risk from nitrates. Those investigations have been concerning nitrites and nitrates specifically from food additives and processed meat, and even that data is a bit conflicting. The dietary nitrates found from vegetables, which also contain antioxidants and so many other beneficial compounds, are not thought to increase cancer risk; in fact they are thought to reduce it. That said, since we don’t yet understand all of the implications of supplementing with high amounts of nitrates in the form of beetroot (or similar plant extracts), I am a bit hesitant to recommend it as an ongoing, daily supplement.

Beetroot As A SupplementBeetroot can make for a good targeted supplement to take occasionally before workouts or intense physical activity, though. A systematic review and meta-analysis in 2021 showed that beetroot can increase maximum power by about 5%. For people who are not regularly in the gym, this likely won’t matter too much, but for those looking for a little extra support to help them reach a new personal best, beetroot may be able to help. We have reason to believe that beetroot may boost nitric oxide for up to a few hours, based on a trial that showed exhaled nitric oxide levels were elevated significantly at 90 minutes after consumption, and in a few individuals up to three hours later.

L-Arginine and L-CitrullineL-arginine and L-citrulline work a little bit differently in boosting nitric oxide. Like nitrate, L-arginine is also a direct precursor to nitric oxide, however it utilizes a different pathway. L-citrulline can be turned into L-arginine, and actually will increase L-arginine levels more than L-arginine itself, which is probably a bit counterintuitive. The reason for this is because much of the L-arginine you consume will be broken down before it gets to your bloodstream. L-citrulline also has the upside of being tolerated better than L-arginine, which for some people can cause gastrointestinal distress.

For those reasons, L-citrulline may be a superior supplement to L-arginine for boosting nitric oxide levels more consistently. The reality is that we don’t really have enough research to feel highly confident on the benefits of L-citrulline as compared to L-arginine (which has a lot more research). However, just as there is with L-arginine, there is data supporting benefits including exercise performance and recovery enhancements, improvements to erectile dysfunction, and blood pressure lowering. Because of the importance of nitric oxide across the body, it is also possible that supporting nitric oxide with these amino acids could offer some cardiovascular protection or even enhance immunity. Time will tell if the research indeed supports this.

The UpshotBut for now, nitric oxide supports like beetroot, L-arginine and L-citrulline appear to be safe supplements with low risk that can benefit circulatory health.

Andrew Graham is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner licensed to practice in the State of Arizona. He completed his Master’s in Nursing from Boston College after earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Nutritional Science from Brigham Young University. Before receiving his conventional training, he discovered and began studying functional and integrative medicine many years prior after dealing with health issues himself. Andrew is committed to thoroughly investigating patient’s health concerns in an effort to identify root causes, and then using the most effective combination of conventional and integrative modalities in order to optimize health and well-being. Particular interests include gut health, nutrition, blood sugar issues, hormonal imbalances and longevity medicine.Beetroot, L-arginine, and L-citrulline for Circulatory Health

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Contributed post by Emma Houston; Photo by Patrick Malleret on Unsplash

Yoga is a practice that has been used for thousands of years to improve physical and mental health.

One area where yoga can be particularly beneficial is in helping to reform irregular sleeping habits. We will explore some of the different yoga practices that can be used to improve sleep and help regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

Develop a Consistent Sleep ScheduleDeveloping a consistent sleep schedule is one of the key elements in reforming irregular sleeping habits. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

This helps to regulate the body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning.

It’s important to establish a consistent schedule, and stick to it as much as possible, even on weekends. This will help the body to adjust and regulate its sleep-wake cycle.

It’s also important to avoid napping during the day and to minimize exposure to screens in the evening, as they can disrupt the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.

A consistent sleep schedule combined with other yoga practices can help to improve the quality of your sleep, and ultimately improve your overall health and wellbeing.

What’s the Best Time to Practice Yoga?What’s better: doing your yoga workout first thing in the morning or closer to bedtime? There is no right answer to this question because everyone is different.

It helps to calm your mind and body, which increases your chances of a good night’s rest. But a morning yoga session can also give you more energy for the day, and help you start the day on a positive note.

If you are a night owl, you might want to try an evening yoga routine. This can be particularly helpful for those who are prone to fatigue in the evening.

Some people prefer the morning, because then they feel more alert at that time of the day. An early morning practice might not be realistic if you have to work during the day, or if you have young children who need to wake up for school.

It’s important to have a schedule when it comes to your yoga practice. Doing it during your lunch break or after work can be a good idea.

Remember to stick with your schedule, though, as the best results come from consistent practices over a period of time.

Yoga Poses for Relaxation and CalmnessTo help establish a consistent sleep schedule, it can be helpful to practice yoga poses that promote relaxation and calmness in the body and mind.

Child’s PoseOne such pose is the child’s pose, which can be done by sitting back on your heels and reaching your arms forward. This pose helps to stretch the back and shoulders, and can help to release tension and stress that can contribute to difficulty falling asleep.

Corpse PoseAnother yoga pose that can be helpful for promoting relaxation and calmness is the corpse pose.

This pose is done by lying flat on your back with your arms and legs outstretched, and focusing on breathing deeply and slowly. This pose helps to quiet the mind and relax the body, making it easier to fall asleep at night.

Easy PoseEasy pose is a yoga pose that requires a stable lower body. It can be a useful way to relieve stress. The pose stretches the back, shoulders, and hips.

To begin this yoga pose, lie flat on your back. Bring your knees together, then bend your hips inward. Keep your shoulders relaxed. You can hold the position for as long as you like.

Bridge Poseyou may have come across the bridge pose. This is a great pose to perform as it stretches the muscles in your back and your thighs. It is also good for stimulating the abdominal organs.

Cat Cow PoseCat cow Pose in yoga for relaxation is a great way to relieve stress and promote better posture. It stretches and strengthens muscles in your back, neck and shoulders. In addition, it is a good way to warm up.

When performing the Cat/Cow pose, you should use proper breathing techniques. By synchronizing breath with movement, you can reduce stress, relieve menstrual cramps and stimulate the digestive organs.

Breathing Techniques for Better SleepIn addition to practicing yoga poses that promote relaxation and calmness, it can also be helpful to incorporate pranayama (breathing) techniques into your sleep routine.

One such technique is the 4-7-8 breathing technique, which involves breathing in for a count of 4, holding the breath for a count of 7, and exhaling for a count of 8. This technique can help to slow the heart rate and calm the mind, making it easier to fall asleep.

Another pranayama technique that can be helpful for promoting sleep is alternate nostril breathing. This technique involves breathing in through one nostril, and then out through the other. It helps to balance the body’s energy and can help to promote relaxation and calmness to get you ready for a good night’s sleep.

ConclusionIf you are suffering from irregular sleeping habits, it may be time to start using yoga practices to help you get the sleep you need.

Pranayama techniques, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, can also be helpful to make changes to your overall lifestyle to promote better sleep.

This might include cutting back on caffeine, avoiding screens for at least an hour before bed, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine that includes reading or listening to soothing music.

The good news is that you do not have to be a yoga expert to start practicing these techniques.

All you need to do is be consistent and stick to your routine. This way you will develop some healthy habits and reform your irregular sleeping schedule.

Emma is a gardener, a bookkeeper, writer, and mother of three. She is spending her time mostly in her garden. When she is not there, you will find her working on developing her own line of homemade natural skincare products.

Yoga Practices for Reforming Your Irregular Sleeping Habits

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Richard Ruhling was board-certified in Internal Medicine and had a Cardiology Fellowship before teaching Health Science at Loma Linda University, a community featured on the National Geographic cover story on Longevity as the only ‘Blue Zone’ for health in North America. There, he gained insights on how the body is designed for self-healing, without the need of prescription drugs that have become a leading cause of illness and death.

For more on Dr Ruhling, see his website, www.healthhappinessdestiny.com

Listen to “The Body is Designed to Heal – Dr Richard Ruhling” on Spreaker.

The Body is Designed to Heal – Dr Richard Ruhling

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

Figs were cultivated by many ancient Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures, and were mentioned in the biblical books of Genesis and in Revelation, and in quite a few other places in between. They were usually mentioned as symbols of plenty and prosperity, often alongside pomegranates, grapes, raisins, and olives. (Some scholars even speculate that the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden was a fig, and not the apple usually depicted in artwork. I imagine they think this because Adam and Eve sewed garments for themselves out of fig leaves after the Fall, though I’m not sure why they’d have wanted anything more to do with that tree.)

Figs (or ficus carica) are very nutrient dense, naturally sweet, and pack a number of health benefits. Here’s some of them.

Figs for Gut HealthFigs are packed with fiber: just three or four of them makes up 20% of your daily recommended intake. Fiber of course helps to keep you regular, bulking stool and decreasing abdominal discomfort when passing it.

Figs are also a great source of prebiotics, which serve as food for the probiotics that make up your microbiome and keep it healthy.

Figs as a Source of AntioxidantsLike most fruits and veggies, figs are chock-full of antioxidants in the form of phenols and flavonoids.

Antioxidants are always protective against oxidative stress.

This study shows that the flavonoids and phenols in figs protect specifically against DNA damage.

This one shows the they are protective against oxidative stress in the liver.

This one shows that the antioxidants in figs are protective to the brain, and can thus stave off degenerative changes from Alzheimer’s disease.

Antioxidant effects are usually also anti-inflammatory; this study does show that figs are as well.

Figs Lower Blood PressureMany fruits and veggies are also quite high in potassium, which makes them great for blood pressure. Figs are especially high in potassium: just five fresh figs contain around 460 mg of it.

That may be why this rat study shows that fig extract significantly reduces blood pressure.

(Figs are also exceptionally high in other minerals too, including calcium, magnesium, strontium, and iron.)

Figs Regulate Blood SugarFigs have also been studied for diabetes, and in addition to their antioxidant capacity, which should help to prevent diabetic complications, they have also been shown to directly lower blood sugar—though the sugar (fructose) content in figs themselves is relatively high. (The fiber content presumably has at least something to do with this, slowing the blood sugar spike.)

Figs Are AntimicrobialFigs are effective against all four of the primary types of pathogenic organisms.

This study shows that figs are antibacterial, and particularly that they are effective against oral bacteria.

This study shows that fig milk, or the sap from the tree, is anti-fungal against candida.

This study shows that fig leaf extract is effective against at least one virus: the herpetic blisters from HSV-1.

And this study shows that fig milk is anti-parasitic, against intestinal nematodes of various types.

Figs for Skin HealthFig milk has other beneficial properties for the skin as well. It’s particularly good for warts, perhaps because the enzymes in the milk help to break down protein. Fig milk is only slightly less effective for warts than cryotherapy.

Fig extract also tends to protect against the breakdown of collagen, and of course it also still has antioxidant effects, which helps to minimize the appearance of wrinkles.

Fig extract also improves skin’s hydration, and helps to balance out hyperpigmentation of the skin as well.

Ways to Consume FigsFigs can of course be enjoyed fresh or dried. Due to the high sugar content, a few at a time is best.

Several of the remedies above come from fig leaves, which can be steeped in hot water and enjoyed as a tea. You can add the fruit itself to the tea as well, for a more comprehensive “extract.”

Health Benefits of Figs

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Glenn Daman is a pastor in Stevenson, Washington with over 35 years experience in the pulpit. Author of ‘The Lighthouse: Discovering Security in the Radiance of God’s Character’, as well as five books related to rural church ministry, he is a graduate of Western Seminary and Trinity Evangelical Seminary. He serves on the Board of Directors of Village Missions. Glenn and his wife, Becky, have 2 children. He enjoys photography and woodworking.

To learn mor about Dr Daman, see theattributesofgod.net or you can get his book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Lighthouse-Discovering-Security-Radiance-Character/dp/163357413X/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?crid=3W0X0TYRLKDBW&keywords=The+Lighthouse+Dr+Glenn+Daman&qid=1673635989&sprefix=the+lighthouse+dr+glenn+daman%2Caps%2C939&sr=8-1-fkmr2

Listen to “Attributes of God – Interview with Dr Glenn Daman” on Spreaker.

Attributes of God – Interview with Dr Glenn Daman

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From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This week’s podcast comes from this blog post on My Do-It-Yourself Skincare Routine: https://www.drlaurendeville.com/my-do-it-yourself-natural-skincare-routine/

Listen to “Do-it-Yourself Skincare” on Spreaker.

Do-it-Yourself Skincare

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Guest post by Emma Houston; Photo by www.zanda. photography on Unsplash

Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health and well-being.

One way to ensure that your family is getting the nutrients they need is by planting your own vegetable garden at home.

It not only provides fresh and healthy produce, but it also teaches children about where their food comes from and the importance of healthy eating.

We will discuss how to plan, plant, maintain, and benefit from a home vegetable garden. From choosing the right location to selecting the right vegetables to grow, we will provide the information you need to create a thriving vegetable garden that will maximize your family’s nutrition.

Plan Your GardenPlanning your first home vegetable garden is an important step in ensuring a successful and bountiful harvest.

Consider your climate and the type of vegetables that will thrive in your area. Research which vegetables grow well in your area, and choose varieties that are well-suited to your climate and soil.

Think about the space, as some vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers require more space to grow than others such as lettuce, radishes, and herbs. Make a layout of your garden and decide how much space you will dedicate to each vegetable.

Think about the soil quality and drainage of the area you have selected for your garden. If the soil is not good, you can consider raised beds or containers that will make it easier to control the growing conditions.

Make sure to also factor in the amount of sunlight the area will receive and if it will be enough for the vegetables you want to grow.

Maintain Your GardenMaintaining a home vegetable garden requires regular attention and care.

One of the most important things to do is to keep the garden free of weeds. Weeds compete with your vegetables for water, nutrients and sunlight. To control weeds, you can use a hoe or a hand weeder to remove them by the roots.

Another important step is to make sure your garden is getting enough water. Most vegetable plants need about 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.

Monitor soil moisture and water your plants when the soil is dry. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take action as soon as you spot them.

You can also use organic pest control methods such as companion planting, neem oil or diatomaceous earth.

Fertilize your plants as needed, and make sure to harvest your vegetables as they ripen to encourage continued growth.

Best Hardy Veggies for BeginnersMost vegetables need a certain amount of sunlight, water and nutrients to grow. This means you need to take the time to research what your specific vegetable needs. It is also wise to follow the directions on the seed packet.

SpinachOne of the best vegetables to plant for a beginner is spinach. Unlike lettuce, which thrives in warm weather, spinach can be planted year-round in many climates.

BeetsAnother good crop to plant for beginners is beets. Beetroot is a versatile vegetable that can be grown indoors or outdoors. A variety of beetroot varieties are available, including Bull’s Blood, Meadowlark and Baby Ball.

PeasPeas are another cold-loving crop that can be grown indoors or out. They do best in fall or early spring. If you don’t have a lot of space to spare, try growing bush beans instead. Bush varieties are compact and do not require a trellis.

PeppersPeppers are another hardy vegetable that beginners can grow. These are simple to plant, and the longer the pepper stays on the plant, the more vitamins it will provide.

Peppers need a lot of water and attention, so you’ll have to irrigate them regularly.

TomatoesTomatoes are an easy vegetable to grow. While they require a bit of care, the rewards are plentiful. Not only do you get a delicious and nutritious vegetable, but you’ll also learn a lot about how to care for your crops. Growing tasty tomatoes is a badge of honor for any gardening aficionado.

The Benefits of Having Your Own GardenHaving your own vegetable garden offers many benefits to your family’s nutrition.

Fresh ProduceA fresh veggie garden provides access to fresh and healthy produce that is free from pesticides and other chemicals commonly found in store-bought produce. This can be especially beneficial for families with young children, who are more susceptible to the effects of pesticides.

Control over QualityHaving your own garden allows you to control the quality of the food you consume and ensure that it is organic and non-genetically modified. It can also save you money as you don’t have to buy as much produce from the store. Plus, you only pick what you need so there’s less waste.

It’s FunGardening is a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Gardening allows children to learn about where their food comes from and the importance of healthy eating, as well as develop an appreciation for nature and the environment.

Having a home vegetable garden can also be a great way to promote physical activity and mental well-being. Gardening can be a form of low-impact exercise and has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood.

ConclusionA home vegetable garden is a great way to maximize the nutrition of your family.

It provides access to fresh, healthy produce that is free from pesticides and other chemicals commonly found in store-bought produce. It allows you to control the quality of the food you consume and ensure that it is organic and non-genetically modified.

With a little planning and care, you can easily create a thriving vegetable garden that will benefit your whole family.

Emma is a gardener, a bookkeeper, writer, and mother of three. She is spending her time mostly in her garden. When she is not there, you will find her working on developing her own line of homemade natural skincare products.

Maximize Your Family’s Nutrition with a Home Vegetable Garden

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Listen to “Effects of Praise” on Spreaker.

Commands to praise or be thankful: Sacrifices of thanksgiving were commanded for the Israelites: Levicitus 7:12-15, but He wanted it to be from their own free will (Lev 22:29) * Deut 10:20-21: “You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name. He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen.” * Many of the psalms are trying to stir up the speaker or the crowd to praise, vowing “I will” praise (sometime in the future), or do such-and-such, that I might praise, or (these people) will praise, or saying “let me” or “let [some third party]” praise the Lord, as if asking for God’s help in doing it, in addition to actually praising God: + Psalm 9:11: “Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion! Declare His deeds among the people.” + Psalm 29:1: “Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, Give unto the Lord glory and strength.” + Psalm 30:4: “Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.” + Psalm 33:2: “Praise the Lord with the harp; Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.” + Psalm 47:1, 6-7: “Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!… Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding.” + Psalm 66:1-2, 8: “Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious…. Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard.” + Psalm 68:4, 32: “Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name Yah, And rejoice before Him… Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; Oh, sing praises to the Lord, Selah“ + Psalm 98:4: “Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.” + Psalm 100:4: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” + Psalm 117:1: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!” * Romans 15:11: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!” * 2 Cor 2:14: “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” * 2 Cor 4:15: “For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.” * We should bring praise to God (when people see us): Eph 1:11-12: “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.” + The Holy Spirit in us is to the praise of His glory: Eph 1:13-14 + When we bear fruits of righteousness, it is to God’s glory and praise: Phil 1:11 + Our faith brings praise to God: 1 Peter 1:7 * Eph 5:20: “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” * Col 3:15: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” * Col 4:2: “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving“ * 1 Thess 5:18: “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” * 1 Tim 2:1: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,” * 1 Tim 4:4: “For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;” * Heb 13:15: “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” * 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” * Rev 7:12: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” * Rev 19:5: “Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise* our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!”

Effects of thanksgiving: It was a battle strategy a at least once, when Jehoshaphat sent out the worshippers in the front lines of battle: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 * It led to a prison break at least once, when Paul and Silas were singing to God, triggering an earthquake: Acts 16:25-34 * It leads to peace: Phil 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” * It’s how we abound in faith: Col 2:6-7: “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving*.”

Examples of thankfulness: Moses’ song after God parts the Red Sea: Exodus 15:1-18, and Miriam’s, Ex 15:21 – to memorialize it. It’s like a poetic retelling of what just happened. * Deborah’s song after their defeat of Sisera: Judges 5:1-31 * Hannah’s song after she bears Samuel: 1 Samuel 2:1-10 * David’s psalm when God makes a covenant with his line: 2 Sam 7:18-29 * David appointed singers to rejoice as the ark returned from the Philistines, and he was dancing himself with all his might (2 Sam 6:12-23 and 1 Chron 15:16-29). * David after his mighty men killed the last of the Philistine giants: 2 Sam 22:1-51 (also Psalm 18). + David set aside a company of men appointed just for worship: 1 Chronicles 25, and also made them their instruments for that purpose: 1 Chron 23:5 (and they still used them during Solomon’s reign, 2 Chron 7:6), and they did it morning and evening every day: 1 Chron 23:30. - Solomon followed suit (2 Chron 8:14). - Later Hezekiah reinstituted temple worship according to David’s pattern, even using the instruments he had made (2 Chron 29:20-36), and reinstituted Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread with accompanying praise (2 Chron 30:21). + David’s psalm at the end of his reign: 1 Chron 29:10-15 + The Levites rejoice when the ark is brought into the new temple: 2 Chron 5:13 + The people of Israel in response to the glory of the Lord in the new temple: 2 Chron 7:3 + Most of the psalms: 7:17, 9:1-2, 14, 18:3, 49, 21:13, 22:3, 22-26, 26:7, 27:6, 28:7, 30:4, 30:12, 33:1, 34:1, 35:18, 28, 40:3, 42:5, 11, 43:4-5, 44:8, 45:17, 50:14, 51:15, 52:9, 54:6, 56:4, 12, 57:7, 57:9, 59:17, 61:8, 63:3, 5, 69:30, 34, 71:6, 8, 14, 22, 72:15, 75:1, 9, 78:4, 79:13, 86:12, 89:5, 92:1, 95:2, 96:1, 4, 97:1, 12, 98:1, 100:1, 100:4, 101:1, 103:1, 104:1, 33, 35, 105:1, 106:1-2, 48, 107:1, 8, 15, 21, 22, 31, 108:1, 3, 109:30, 111:1, 112:1, 113:1, 3, 9, 115:18, 116:1, 17, 19, 117:12, 118:1, 19, 21, 28-29, 119:7, 62, 164, 171, 175, 135:1, 3, 21, 136:1-3, 26, 138:1-2, 139:14, 140:13, 144:9, 145:1-4, 10, 21, 146:1-2, 10, 147:1, 7, 12, 20, 148:1-5, 7, 13-14, 149:1, 3, 6, 9, 150:1-6 + Many of the major and minor prophets prophesy that Israel will rejoice when God redeems them, brings them back to the land, reveals the Messiah, in the Millennium, etc + Jeremiah prays for deliverance: Jer 17:14 and his praise that God will deliver him from those who are against him: Jer 20:13 + Daniel praises God for revealing Nebuchadnezzar’s dream: 2:23 + Nebuchadnezzar praises God: Daniel 4:34-37 + Daniel prayed and praised daily (despite opposition): Daniel 6:10 + Ezra 3:10-11: the people rejoice when the foundation of the temple is re-laid. + Nehemiah on dedication of the rebuilt temple: he commands the people to rejoice and hold a feast, not mourn at the reading of the law they haven’t kept (Nehemiah 8:10) and the Levites lead them in a psalm of praise to God and remembrance of their history: Nehemiah 9:5-38. Then Nehemiah appoints thanksgiving choirs with lots of instruments to rejoice loudly (Nehemiah 12:27-43). It’s interesting that the story is long over by this point, but several more chapters are dedicated to their thanksgiving, praise, and remembrance of Israel’s history and God’s goodness to them. + “For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chiefs of the singers, and songs of praise* and thanksgiving to God.” Neh 12:46 – David set the standard and future generations try to recreate it + Jonah, while still in the belly of the whale: Jonah 2:9 + Mary upon being told she will bear Jesus: Luke 1:46-55. + The Samaritan leper came back to give Jesus thanks for his healing: Luke 17:16 + The blind man Jesus heals on the way to Jerusalem causes the crowd to praise: Luke 18:42-43 + The triumphal entry: Matthew 21:9, Luke 19:37-40 + The activity of heaven: Rev 4:9-10: “Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne”

What happens if you’re not thankful: Romans 1:21: “because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful*, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” * Deut 28:47. the curses were triggered “because you didn’t serve the Lord with joyfulness and with gladness of heart for the abundance of all things”

Effects of Praise

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Christine Sponchia from Pixabay

I wrote here on how certain foods are ‘acidic’ (mostly the highly processed ones, and animal products), while others are ‘alkaline’ (mostly fruits and vegetables). While your blood has an intricate buffer system to account for these effects and maintain your pH, your kidneys and your bones might suffer the consequences if this system gets activated too often (I wrote more about that here).

But there’s another part to this story, too.

The Extracellular or Interstitial Fluid (Lymph)While the buffer systems work great for maintaining the pH in the blood and inside the cells, the extra protons (H+, which define an acid) have to go somewhere. Where they go is into the interstitial fluid, which essentially becomes the lymph.

The interstitial fluid doesn’t have a system to buffer its pH. What this means is, an acidic environment in the extracellular space can influence the chemistry that ought to go on there—and this would include things like insulin fitting into its receptors and triggering an expected cellular response, leading to insulin resistance, or uric acid precipitating out of solution and into the joint space, leading to a gout flare.

Acidity and Mitochondrial DysfunctionAs this paper notes, mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the main causes of acidosis. This is because the most concentrated source of energy produced by the mitochondria comes from fatty acids (which turn into ketones—this is the concept behind the ketogenic diet). But if the mitochondria aren’t efficient enough to utilize those acidic ketones, they’ll release protons, which will end up in the interstitial space.

Mitochondrial dysfunction can occur from a number of possible causes, most of them toxic exposures—but it can also occur secondarily to diet and lack of exercise.

Acidity and Lack of ExerciseExercise ultimately helps to maintain the balance in the mitochondria between energy coming in and energy output. It means that the fatty acids supplied to the mitochondria will get utilized for energy, rather than turning into protons and contributing to overall acidity.

But if there are way more calories coming in than there is demand for ATP, the energy currency made by the mitochondria, this will lead to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction (and eventually apoptosis of the cell).

Acidity and the Standard American Diet Foods that become acidic in the body include beef, ice cream, canned fruits, peanuts, bacon, tuna, corn, sugar, vinegar, corn syrup, cereals, mustard, mayo, corn tortillas, milk, sardines, soft drinks, artificial sweeteners, and ketchup. (Junk food, in other words.)

Foods with an alkalinizing effect include alfalfa, celery, barley grass, peppers, beet greens, broccoli, cabbage, mustard greens, chard greens, collard greens, chlorella, onions, cucumber, spinach, spirulina, garlic, green beans, dandelions, lettuce, kohlrabi, kale, pumpkin, wheat grass, sprouts, watercress, and wild greens.

The UpshotThe potential acidity in extracellular tissues and lymph can cause or perpetuate metabolic disease. While certain minerals like calcium and magnesium can be utilized to balance acidity, of course the foundation of any healthy lifestyle is a clean, unprocessed diet high in plenty of produce, and a regular exercise program.

This powdered calcium and magnesium are in the right ratio to optimize alkalinity. Dosing is 1/4 to 1/2 tsp per day.

But if your pH is still low (saliva testing should be slightly alkaline), consider testing for mitochondrial function.

How Alkalinity Reduces Risk of Metabolic Disease

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Obodai26 from Pixabay

I wrote here on how the Standard American Diet generally contributes to the formation of kidney stones, due to its acidity. The bottom line from a dietary standpoint is to avoid processed, prepackaged foods, eat whole foods the way God made them, and drink plenty of water.

But is there anything else that can be done to prevent kidney stone formation, or even to help them dissolve once they’re there?

Identify Where High Oxalates Are Coming From (If You Have Them) It’s often recommended that those prone to calcium oxalate stones (the most common type of kidney stones) should follow a low oxalate diet. This is good, short-term advice… but the question remains, why are your oxalates high in the first place?I wrote here on possible causes.

If your stones are calcium oxalate, it’s best to minimize your Vitamin C intake until you’ve fixed the problem, as this increases oxalate excretion.

Interestingly enough, increasing dietary calcium actually decreases the risk of stone formation. This is because calcium in food binds with oxalates in food, preventing absorption. Whole foods high in calcium include leafy greens, broccoli, dairy, nuts, seeds, and brown rice. Supplementing with calcium citrate also helps bind the oxalates in food, enabling their excretion in stool (see more on citrate below).

Vitamin E also protects against calcium oxalate deposition in the kidneys in the meantime as well.

Vitamin B6 also leads to lower oxalate levels. This is because it is a cofactor for a liver enzyme (AGT) which converts the precursor for oxalates (glyoxylate) into the amino acid glycine, preventing it from turning into oxalates instead.

Increase Fluid Intake Generally (Just Not Soda)The job of the kidneys is largely to maintain electrolyte balance in the bloodstream, filtering any excess from the blood and dumping it into the urine (or else reabsorbing it from the blood if levels are too low, such that urine electrolyte concentrations fall).

So think of adding any solid granule, like salt or sugar, to water. If you add enough of it, it’ll precipitate out of solution. But if you then add more water to the solution, you can usually put the precipitate back into solution.

The same process is happening in your kidneys: the more concentrated the urine, the more likely you are to end up with precipitates, which can turn into stones. This is why, the more fluid you drink, the less prone you will be to stone formation—with one major exception.

Most kidney stones (75-85%) are made of either calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. Soda is high in phosphate, which is the other half of calcium phosphate, and also of the far less common magnesium ammonium phosphate stones. Because of this, soda is associated with an increased risk of stone formation—but nearly every other kind of fluid (including coffee and alcohol oddly enough), are associated with a decreased risk.

Increase Citrus ConsumptionFruits (and juices) containing citrate or citric acid are particularly helpful in preventing and even dissolving kidney stones. This is because citrate binds to calcium, so that it’s not available to precipitate out of solution in the kidneys.

This study compares potassium citrate as a supplement to drinking lemonade, and finds that the two treatments over a period of 42.5 months are nearly equivalent in terms of raising urinary citrate levels.

(The main concern I might have with this approach is that lemonade is typically very high in sugar, which is itself acidic and can create new problems. But stevia-sweetened lemonade might work great, or else adding lemon juice to your water.)

This animal study showed that lemon juice not only succeeds in raising urinary citrate levels, but that it also translates into reduced calcium oxalate deposition in the kidneys.

Orange juice works for this too, as it is also high in citric acid.

Apple Cider VinegarApple cider vinegar has also been shown to help dissolve kidney stones via acetic acid.

There are a number of other potential health benefits to adding ACV to your diet as well. I usually recommend 1-2 tsps in water, daily or per meal, depending upon the goal.

Essential Fatty AcidsEveryone should be on an essential fatty acid supplement, in my opinion. They help protect the cell membranes and decrease inflammation.

This study also shows that in a period of just 30 days, those who took omega-3 fatty acids showed decreased urinary oxalate excretion.

While it’s possible to get EFAs through your food, there are a number of possible, increasingly common reasons why your body might not effectively utilize those EFAs.

Black Seed OilAccording to this study, black seed oil at 500 mg twice daily for 10 weeks had significant positive effects upon decreasing stone size and facilitating excretion, compared to placebo.

Chanca Piedra (Stone Breaker)Chanca piedra (also called phyllanthus niruri) is the herb I probably use most often for this purpose. It earned its name because of its effects upon kidney stones. This study shows that the herb helps to eliminate existing kidney stones, or to clear out any remaining fragments after lithotripsy, without side effects.

Chanca piedra also decreases urinary oxalate and uric acid.

The UpshotThe best treatment for kidney stones is prevention, of course: eat whole foods and particularly plenty of broccoli, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds for the calcium, and citrus fruits for the citric acid (or add a dash of lemon juice to your water). Drink half your body weight in ounces daily in water.

It’s also possible to naturally dissolve kidney stones too, though—and to identify and address the reason for their formation in the first place, so that they don’t recur.

Preventing and Dissolving Kidney Stones

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Narupon Promvichai from Pixabay

Nattokinase is an enzyme that comes from a Japanese soy dish called natto, fermented with the bacteria Bacillus subtilis natto. Proteolytic enzymes chew up proteins, and nattokinase specifically has an affinity for blood clots and atherosclerosis or heart disease. Most anticoagulant medications can prevent clot formation, but aren’t as useful for a clot that already exists. Enzymes are more useful for that job.

Here’s the data behind nattokinase as a natural cardiovascular support.

Effects of Nattokinase on Blood Clotting MarkersAccording to this study, nattokinase works at least in part by interrupting the process of oxidative stress and inflammation which leads to clotting.

This study, though small and performed on healthy subjects, demonstrates that nattokinase is effective in lowering a number of clotting markers, including D-Dimer, fibrinogen, and Factor VIII.

This study demonstrates that nattokinase is as effective as a body weight dose of aspirin in clot prevention (and without the NSAID side effects).

Effects of Nattokinase on Post-Stroke DamageIn this animal study, nattokinase deceased the severity of damage from a subsequent stroke.

Even after a stroke, this study shows that nattokinase can improve subsequent blood flow—and healing is in the blood, of course.

Effects of Nattokinase on Progression of Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis, or heart disease, is (somewhat arguably) caused by clotting on the blood vessel lining. Because of this, if nattokinase is helpful for free-floating thrombi (clots), it stands to reason that it might also be useful clinically for heart disease in general as well.

This study does show that daily nattokinase at 6000 fibrin units (FU) which translates to about 300 mg daily does indeed help to slow the progression of heart disease and mitigate the risks of stroke and heart attack.

Effects of Nattokinase on Vascular HealthThis study also shows that those with phlebitis (inflammation of a vein) or venous insufficiency can benefit from nattokinase. Both men and women across a broad range of ages experienced clinical benefit from both conditions (as well as Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, which fits under the previous clotting discussion), without experiencing any adverse effects or progression of symptoms.

Contraindications and CautionsOf course anyone with the opposite risk of excessive bleeding risk, due to a condition like hemophilia or other prescribed blood thinners, should not take nattokinase. It’s also poorly studied in pregnancy and breast feeding, and so is contraindicated.

In my experience, some who may suffer from chronic infections of various kinds might also want to be cautious—nattokinase can also function as a biofilm buster, which can lead to unexpected die-off if they jump to a high dose too quickly. For this reason, I often start low and taper up if I suspect this might be a concern.

Health Benefits of Nattokinase

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This week’s podcast comes from this blog post, Keeping Your Glycocalyx Healthy https://www.drlaurendeville.com/keeping-your-glycocalyx-healthy/

Listen to “Keeping Your Glycocalyx Healthy” on Spreaker.

Keeping Your Glycocalyx Healthy

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Mimi Kroger is a powerful Health & Weight Loss Coach with a heart for helping others heal
through Biblical principles. After healing from an eating disorder, body image issues, lupus, and other life traumas with God’s help, Mimi started Healthy Happy & Heavenly to guide her clients to health and wholeness rooted in a relationship with the Holy Spirit. Her mission is to bring others into the same freedom she’s received through faith-based coaching, nutritional guidance, and discovering the root causes of emotions. As a bestselling author, speaker, nationally certified personal trainer, nutrition guide, and behavior change specialist, Mimi
empowers her clients to become the healthiest versions of themselves – mind, body, and spirit. Mimi is a mom to an awesome adult son, and she resides in Colorado with her loving husband, Ben. They have one tenacious Yorkie named Hugs!

To learn more about Mimi, see healthyhappyandheavenly.com.

Listen to “Holy Spirit Healing: How the Lord Can Set You Free, with Mimi Kroger” on Spreaker.

Holy Spirit Healing: How the Lord Can Set You Free, with Mimi Kroger

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by hl5bsp from Pixabay

I wrote here on what electromagnetic fields (EMF) are and how they affect the body. Briefly: Many studies have now established that EMFs chronically overstimulate voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). In the brain, this looks like excitotoxicity and neurological dysfunction, though there are calcium channels throughout the body. Calcium flowing through these channels sends a signal to the mitochondria to produce more ATP, and production of ATP requires more electrons, so more electrons flow into the electron transport chain. But if the ATP isn’t needed on the other end, electrons begin to bottleneck and leak out into the cytosol, combining first with oxygen to form superoxide, and then with Nitric Oxide (NO) to form the highly damaging peroxynitrites.

When this happens, the mitochondrial membrane and mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) are the first to get damaged. Initially this results in decreased functionality, due to lower ATP production. However, when the damage reaches a critical level, the mitochondria trigger apoptosis of the cell, leading to atrophy of the tissue involved.

Approaches to Counter EMF DamageGiven the above mechanisms, calcium channel blockers may help (I wrote here on some natural options for those), as may mitochondrial support approaches. Grounding is also very useful.

Since oxidative stress is a primary downstream effect of EMF damage, we’d expect antioxidants to be effective as well. Not all of the best known antioxidants have been specifically studied for this purpose, but some have.

Turmeric or CurcuminCurcumin, an extract of turmeric, is perhaps one of the best known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herbs.

This study shows that curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties does indeed protect against EMF damage, while this animal study shows that curcumin exerts a protective effect upon the rats’ brains after EMF exposure.

Green TeaWell known for its health benefits, green tea is an especially great antioxidant. This may be why it was studied for its protective effects against radiation exposure,

This animal study looked at green tea’s ability to prevent neuron cell death after exposure to radiation from cell phone exposure, and it was demonstrated to have protective effects. (It’s also a good idea to use speakerphone whenever possible, so that you don’t have the cell phone pressed right up against your head!)

This study looked at green tea’s effects upon damage from exposure to EMF from high voltage power lines. Oxidative stress in the study group was considerably less.

(As a side benefit, green tea contains theanine, which is great for mood balancing.)

RosemaryRosemary is considered a cognitive stimulant, and an antioxidant, as well.

This study shows that, while EMF exposure tends to lower androgens in male rats, rosemary offers protective effects particularly against damage to the testes. This is particularly interesting, given the data suggesting that EMF is especially damaging to sperm, and global sperm counts are on a dramatic decline.

This study also shows that rosemary offers protection against EMF-induced liver damage in rats as well.

Adaptogenic and Immune Modulating HerbsMany common medicinal herbs help the body adapt to the varied effects of stress. We tend to think of stress as emotional, but physical insults can be stressful to the body, too—such as EMF. Quite a few of these herbs have also been studied for their ability to protect against EMF or radiation damage. Here are a few:

Ginkgo biloba. Probably best known for its ability to aid in the symptom of brain fog due to its ability to drive blood flow to the brain, ginkgo was also studied in rats for its ability to protect against cell phone radiation damage. It, too, was found to be effective against oxidative stress.
Ginseng. Herbs in the ginseng family also possess antioxidant and immune modulating properties. American ginseng was demonstrated to protect against oxidative injury from cell phone exposure as well. Herbs in the ginseng family generally (also including Siberian, also known as Eleuthero, and Panax, presumably) also protected the calcium balance in the brain, and protected against damage from gamma radiation as well.
Ashwagandha. One of my favorite calming adaptogenic herbs for effects of chronic stress on the adrenals, ashwagandha is also a great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herb as well. This rat study shows that it protects the liver from damage from gamma radiation.
Reishi. This medicinal mushroom is also anti-inflammatory, modulates the immune response, and protects the liver. This study shows that it too protects against radiation exposure.

The UpshotIt’s an unfortunate fact that as technology becomes increasingly faster and more ubiquitous, EMF exposure will continue to rise along with it. Some may not immediately notice the health effects enough to correlate them, but the proverbial ‘canaries in the coal mine’ certainly do—and unless we somehow manage to stay ‘off the grid,’ we’re all exposed, whether we like it or not.

Because of this, mitigating strategies are important. These include avoidance to whatever extent is possible, as well as grounding, natural calcium channel blockers, mitochondrial support, and antioxidants.

Protecting Against EMF Damage

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Peter Kozlowski uses a broad array of tools to find the source of the body’s dysfunction: he takes the time to listen to his patients and plots their history on a timeline, considering what makes them unique and co-creating with them a truly individualized care plan. Currently, he works with patients online and in person via his Chicago, Illinois, and Bozeman, Montana-based offices. Dr. Kozlowski did his residency in Family Practice but started training in Functional Medicine as an intern. He trained in the clinics with leaders in his field, including Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Deepak Chopra, and Dr. Susan Blum. He is the author of “Get the Func Out” and “Un-Func Your Gut.”

To learn more about Dr Koz, see doc-koz.com
You can get his book “Get the Func Out” here

Listen to “Dr Peter Kozlowski: “Get the Func Out”” on Spreaker.

Dr Peter Kozlowski: “Get the Func Out”

Unfunc Your Gut: A Functional Medicine Guide: Boost Your Immune System, Heal Your Gut, and Unlock Your Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Health

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From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Hermann Eben has served in various executive management roles for 40+ years in the business arena. Hermann’s world was devastated in 1991 when he received a phone call. The caller told him that his wife, Louie, was having an affair and that a package would be coming to prove the allegations. After seeing the evidence, he called his pastor, who decided it would be best for Hermann and Louie to meet with Dr. Marlin Howe to work through their relationship. The church had been using Dr. Howe’s Hope for the Family video series for about five years.

God did a fantastic thing and restored their marriage. After a couple of years of God’s blessing and healing, Hermann and Louie decided, with the approval of the church elders, to use their experience to help others. And that is what they have been doing for 30 years. With the foundation of Dr. Howe’s work and blessing, Hermann developed GR8 Relationships (www.gr8relate.com) in 2000. He and Louie have held countless weekend seminars, met with couples one-on-one, and facilitated weekly study groups. Together they are on a mission to restore marriages and relationships.

For more on Hermann and Louie and to get their materials, see www.gr8relate.com

Listen to “Hermann and Louie Eben: Gr8 Relationships” on Spreaker.

Hermann and Louie Eben: Gr8 Relationships

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Guest post by Andrew Graham; Image by LaCasadeGoethe from Pixabay

Aging is a natural process in life, one that is slowly occurring to every single human being on the planet. It’s not something to “fight” or be afraid of. However, the speed at which we age and the impact it has on our bodies can vary greatly individual to individual, and is worth trying to understand.

Which specific factors are most important for causing aging is still a topic of debate among researchers. It turns out that aging is an incredibly complex process from a biochemical perspective. That said, we have come to understand it much better in recent years. A landmark 2013 study in the medical journal Cell defined nine “hallmarks of aging” that characterize the aging process. Five additional hallmarks have been identified and added since. These “hallmarks” are biochemical changes that occur in all aging humans, and include things like mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA instability. Another hallmark is known as telomere shortening. What that is and how we can slow it will be the focus of this article.

What are telomeres?In short, telomeres are structures found on the end of our chromosomes. A (very) quick primer on genetics and chromosomes: We all have 23 pairs of chromosomes for 46 total: 23 from one parent, 23 from the other. Chromosomes are structures made up of tightly-coiled DNA, and this DNA is the genetic code that contains the instructions for how our body grows, develops and functions.

Telomeres can be thought of as a kind of “cap” on each of the ends of these chromosomes, protecting our DNA from damage, destruction or other biochemical changes (as stated above, DNA damage or instability is another hallmark of aging!). This is crucial for maintaining proper cellular function, and for this reason the shortening of these telomere “caps” is considered a hallmark sign of aging.

Extending the ‘lives’ of our telomeresFirst and foremost, we want to do the things we know are most important for taking care of our bodies generally, including maintaining a healthy diet, living an active lifestyle, getting quality sleep, managing stress, and developing meaningful relationships. It turns out these are also the most impactful factors impacting the length of our telomeres. The inverse of these habits, meaning insufficient sleep and exercise, chronic stress, etc have been associated with telomere shortening. Often the mechanism behind this is increased oxidative stress and inflammation. We need to keep inflammation low, as chronic inflammation can shorten telomeres.

What about other specific strategies? Most people reading this will likely understand how important diet, sleep, stress, exercise and social connections are for health. Is there anything else we can do in particular to help protect our telomeres?

There is data supporting omega-3 fatty acids (found in abundance in seafood, and to a lesser degree in some plants) protecting telomeres from shortening. A recent study, which was a “meta-analysis” summarizing data across multiple other studies, found that there does appear to be significant telomere lengthening from omega-3 fatty acids. This could very well be due to both their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s best to consume seafood regularly as part of a healthy diet, particularly cold-water fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, sardines, etc. But for many people supplementation may be needed to consume significant enough amounts of omega-3s.

Another relevant nutritional approach is ensuring adequate levels of vitamin D, since vitamin D may reduce telomere shortening. This may be in part because of the relationship between vitamin D and regulation of inflammation.

Lastly, tocotrienols—a family of vitamin E compounds gaining popularity (for good reason)—may help protect telomeres through their antioxidant activity. There have been multiple studies showing this effect in cells, and one study in humans that showed a reduction in DNA damage from supplementing with tocotrienols. When people talk about vitamin E, they are typically referring to alpha-tocopherol, the most ubiquitous vitamin E compound in the body. But more recent research has suggested that tocotrienols may have more potent health benefits, and supplementing with alpha-tocopherol is likely unhelpful (and potentially harmful). Unfortunately, there are no great dietary sources of tocotrienols so these must be supplemented to gain benefit.

Final ThoughtsA caveat on lengthening telomeres: we don’t fully understand at this point all the implications of lengthening telomeres. And in fact, while we know that telomeres shorten over time and that this is a hallmark of aging, we also know that certain diseases are associated with longer telomeres. So with this in mind, we should not be blindly searching for any intervention that can lengthen telomeres. This is why I focused this article on lifestyle and supplement strategies that we have good reason to believe are generally healthful and also might protect our telomeres.

To be clear, no matter what you do, your telomeres will shorten over time. It’s part of the aging process—and we are all going to die some day! But there are still strategies and lifestyle behaviors we can implement to do our best to help protect our precious 46 chromosomes.

Andrew Graham is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner licensed to practice in the State of Arizona. He completed his Master’s in Nursing from Boston College after earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Nutritional Science from Brigham Young University. Before receiving his conventional training, he discovered and began studying functional and integrative medicine many years prior after dealing with health issues himself. Andrew is committed to thoroughly investigating patient’s health concerns in an effort to identify root causes, and then using the most effective combination of conventional and integrative modalities in order to optimize health and well-being. Particular interests include gut health, nutrition, blood sugar issues, hormonal imbalances and longevity medicine.

How to Lengthen Your Telomeres (And Your Life!)

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This week’s podcast comes from this blog post: Glutathione, Master Antioxidant https://www.drlaurendeville.com/articles/glutathione-master-antioxidant/

Listen to “Glutathione – Master Antioxidant” on Spreaker.

Glutathione – Master Antioxidant

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Victoria Model from Pixabay

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) seems to have joined several of the other common winter infections floating around this year. It’s most concerning for little ones, and basic hygiene such as hand washing, and immune support can often help with transmission.

Once someone is infected, though, here’s what we know about the physiology—and some ideas of what can be done naturally for support.

RSV Shifts the Immune BalanceI wrote here on the balance between two sides of the T-cells in the specific immune system: Th1 and Th2, which act kind of like a seesaw. Briefly, Th1 directs fights against intracellular threats. These threats are viruses, and bacteria that act like viruses by hiding inside the cell (such as chlamydia and mycoplasma). Th2 focuses on extracellular threats, such as most other types of bacteria not covered by Th1, parasites, and toxins (like mold biotoxins and solvents).

Since RSV is a virus, the Th1 side should take up the charge against it. But RSV evades this fate by increasing cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Cortisol is a steroid, which has the effect of dampening the Th1 response and shifting the body in the direction of Th2 dominance.

Excessive or inappropriate Th2 activity can have the effect of producing allergic type responses, which is why leukotriene inhibitor medications (often used for asthma and even MCAS) are often prescribed for RSV for symptomatic relief. And for symptom management, petasites/butterbur is an herb that shares leukotriene inhibiting properties.

But there’s another potential approach.

Balancing out the Th1/Th2 Response Excessive Th2 can lead to an asthma-like presentation, but suppressed Th1 also means that it’s harder for the body to clear the virus. Another approach would be to help the body shift back to balance.

Sunlight actually helps to balance Th1/Th2, regardless of which side happens to be dominant. This isn’t too surprising, since it’s one of the major building blocks for health generally.

These are some additional approaches to help shift a Th2 dominant system back to Th1:

Lactobacillus. Many of the species in this probiotic family tend to either lower Th2 or raise Th1, including reuteri, salivarius, lactis, plantarum, acidophilus, casei, and rhamnosus. (I’d venture to guess most lactobacillus species would have a similar effect.)
Sulforaphane, found in the superfood broccoli (and also in supplements)
Ginger
Ganoderma/reishi mushrooms
Quercetin—which can of course be found in supplement form, or in foods too.
Astragalus

Considering higher cortisol kicked all of this off in the first place, adaptogenic herbs can be helpful for balancing, too—particularly licorice/glycyrrhiza, which also helps tip the balance toward Th1.

And of course, immune support generally is always a great idea!

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Jack Countryman is the founder of JCountryman gift books— a division of Thomas Nelson—and is the recipient of the
Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s Jordan Lifetime Achievement Award. Over the past thirty years, he has
developed bestselling gift books such as God’s Promises for Your Every Need®, God’s Promises for Men®, God’s Promises for Women®, God’s Blessings Just for You® and The Red Letter Words of Jesus. Countryman’s books have sold more than 27 million units.

To get Jack’s new book, the Miracle of Peace, see here: The Miracle of Peace: You Can Find Peace in Every Challenge You Face

To get God’s Promises for Your Every Need, see here: God’s Promises for Your Every Need, NKJV

Listen to “Jack Countryman: The Miracle of Peace” on Spreaker.

Jack Countryman: The Miracle of Peace

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From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

In this special episode, Dr. Deville shares a preview of Life After Addiction, a free podcast that discusses life, addiction, and recovery all from a biblical worldview.

Discover more episodes of Life After Addiction:
Apple Podcasts: Life After Addiction
Spotify: Life After Addiction
LifeAudio: Life After Addiction

Listen to “Life After Addiction” on Spreaker.

Life After Addiction

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Today’s podcast comes from this blog post, The Adverse Effects of PPIs.

If you’re interested in finding a doctor near you, see: Whole Health Practitioners

Listen to “Adverse Effects of PPIs” on Spreaker.

Adverse Effects of PPIs

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Today’s meditation comes from John 4:1-42.

Afterword:

I didn’t include this story in my “Daughters of Zion” biblical retellings (you can find that here: Daughters of Zion (Biblical Retellings) only because the theme of that book was miracles experienced by women, and not just biblical stories in which a woman was prominently featured. Otherwise, this would have been one of the big ones. The story only appears in the gospel of John, though it makes sense why John specifically would have chosen to include it. The theme of his gospel is love.

The Jews of Jesus’ day scorned Samaritans, and from a religious standpoint, it would seem that there were good reasons for this. The Samaritans were Jews who had intermarried with pagans of neighboring nations, violating God’s commandments to Joshua (Joshua 23:11-13), and falling prey to the doctrine of Balaam (from Numbers 23-24). God specifically told the Jews not to intermarry with those who worshipped other gods, lest they be led into idolatry. But when Assyria captured Samaria (2 Kings 17:5-41), the Assyrian king sent foreigners into the land who worshipped other gods. The Jews there did intermarry with them, and incorporated their pagan practices into their worship of Yahweh as well. Because of this, devout Jews wanted nothing to do with Samaritans, and wouldn’t allow them to worship at their temple. The Samaritans had thus erected their own temple for worship instead (John 4:19-20).

Even among her fellow Samaritans, though, this woman was an outcast. This is implied by the fact that she went alone to the well in the heat of the day, rather than in the morning when it was cooler, with all the other women. Her story, as Jesus revealed it, indicates the probable reason for this: her immoral behavior presumably caused the respectable women of the town to look down on her. This was probably why she was so shocked when Jesus spoke to her, even humbling himself to the point of asking her for a favor. (I’m sure He really did want a drink, though, as we’re told earlier in the story that He was weary from his journey, and it was mid-afternoon so possibly it was hot, John 4:6. The story never mentions that the woman actually gave Him a drink, so as I wrote the retelling, I kept thinking, He’s still thirsty…)

Jesus’ humility in asking the woman for a favor probably lowered her defense mechanisms initially, but I love how Jesus proceeded to dismantle whatever remained of them with just a few sentences. Every “chick flick” or “chick lit” story features an archetypical down-and-out heroine, embittered by the adversities of life. She then surreptitiously encounters a romantic hero who is the very embodiment of perfection. He’s not only handsome, confident, and kind, but also several rungs above her on the social ladder to boot–but he’s never arrogant about it. He sees through our heroine’s prickly defenses to the soft heart she’s trying to protect, and he’s absolutely taken with her. From that point on, he pursues her relentlessly, refusing to be dissuaded. Try as she might, she can’t resist him–because as frightened as she is of letting herself be vulnerable, all she’s ever wanted is for someone to look past her faults, see her for who she truly is, and love her anyway. She falls in love with him in spite of herself… and then of course they live happily ever after.

That’s how I see this story, and I think it’s how John saw it too. It’s not a romance in the human sense, and yet (as author John Eldredge would put it), it’s “The Sacred Romance,” writ small and personal–almost in allegory, though this was also a real woman, too. We are not called the Bride of Christ for nothing. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that this woman was the lowest of the low in that society, either–and yet, despite that, this woman is the first recorded person to whom Jesus overtly declares His identity as the Messiah (John 4:25-26). Of all people, He chose her to be the first to hear the news–just as later, the formerly demon-possessed Mary Magdalene was the first to see the risen Christ. (John is also the only gospel writer to explicitly record this encounter, in John 20:11-18.)

If Jesus qualified even these women, then there’s hope for all of us.

Listen to “The Woman at the Well: John 4:1-42” on Spreaker.

The Woman at the Well: John 4:1-42

Daughters of Zion (Biblical Retellings)

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Nasha Winters is a global healthcare authority and best-selling author in integrative cancer care and research consulting with physicians around the world. She has educated hundreds of professionals in the clinical use of mistletoe and has created robust educational programs for both healthcare institutions and the public on incorporating vetted integrative therapies in cancer care to enhance outcomes.

Dr. Winters is currently focused on opening a comprehensive metabolic oncology hospital and research institute in the US where the best that standard of care has to offer and the most advanced integrative therapies will be offered. This facility will be in a residential setting on a gorgeous campus against a backdrop of regenerative farming, EMF mitigation and retreat, as well as state of the art medical technology and data collection and evaluation to improve patient outcomes.

To learn more about Dr Nasha, follow her at www.drnasha.com, or follow the progress of her integrative hospital at www.mtih.org.
You can also find her book, “The Metabolic Approach to Cancer”, here: Dr. Nasha , or her book, “MISTLETOE AND THE EMERGING FUTURE OF INTEGRATIVE ONCOLOGY” here: THE MISTLETOE BOOK

Listen to “Dr Nasha Winters – Integrative Oncology” on Spreaker.

Dr Nasha Winters – Integrative Oncology

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

We know salvation (sozo) is by grace through faith, and a gift, not of works (Eph 2:8-9). All of the promises of God are included in that word (appearing 110 times in the NT). So we receive them all the same way–entering the rest of receiving by grace through faith–and so we are also to live, in His power (Romans 5:17, Romans 8:37, 2 Cor 13:4, 1 John 4:9) and not by our own strength.

The OT types of entering God’s rest:
– Israelites going from wilderness to Promised Land:
– God’s grace provided it, but the first generation failed to add faith (Heb 4:2). Psalm 95:7-11: God laments that they would not enter His rest because they knew His works but not His Ways, leading to an evil heart of unbelief (Heb 3:12, 19) and hardened hearts (Heb 3:15).
– So knowing His ways is the key to entering His rest. Caleb’s example: Joshua 14:7-15.
– When they did finally go in, they still had a battle (though God fought for them and promised them victory): Hebrews 4:8-10
– The type of the Sabbath:
– Hebrews 4:4, quoting Genesis 2:2
– Exo 20:11: God made this the 4th of the 10 Commandments (right after no Gods before Him, no idols, and not taking His name in vain)–so rest is key. (All the rest of the 10 Commandments were about how people were to interact with each other)
– Blessings associated with keeping the Sabbath: Isaiah 58:13-14
– The Heptadic calendar:
– Week of days – Shabbat (sabbath): the day of rest
– Week of weeks – Shavout
– Week of months – the religious year
– Week of years – the sabbatical year or the shmita year: when the land was to rest
– Seven weeks of years + 1 – Jubilee year: when slaves/captives were to go free
– Is it possible that God used the heptadic calendar, and structure throughout scripture of 7s appearing everywhere, because He intended to emphasize rest?
– But it was always just a type, not about actual works on the Sabbath: Matt 12-1-12

We can’t achieve righteousness through our own works–the harder we try, the worse we get (Romans 7:15-20). This is meant to drive us toward giving up (Romans 7:22-25) and receiving righteousness/life from the Holy Spirit, who literally imbues our bodies with it (Romans 8:1-11).

This isn’t just about righteousness, or about receiving God’s promises (2 Cor 1:20). Our “identity in Christ” also gives us the strength, energy, stamina, courage, etc to do what He has called us to do.
– We “reign in life” through Him (Romans 5:17)
– We were raised in Him to bear fruit to God (Romans 7:4). This includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22).
– You can’t bear these if you’re burned out. “contentions, outbursts of wrath” are rather fruits of the flesh (Gal 5:20) which are consistent with burnout. If the fruit is negative, we’re living from our own resources (flesh), not His (Spirit).
– We are full of goodness and complete in knowledge (Romans 15:14).
– We are enriched in every way (1 Cor 1:5).
– We have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16).
– All things are ours (1 Cor 3:21).
– His power is in us (Eph 1:19) – the word eis translated for or toward can also be translated in. Also Eph 3:20
– We are competent and can be confident (2 Cor 3:4-6)
– We can serve others from God’s strength (2 Cor 13:4)
– We have every blessing in the spirit realm (Eph 1:3)
– God created good works for us to do, which we do in Christ (Eph 2:10)
– We have grace and peace in abundance (2 Pet 1:2)
– We have power, love, and self-discipline/sound mind (2 Tim 1:7)
– We have everything we need for life and godliness so that we may participate in the divine nature (2 Pet 1:3-4)
– Examples:
– 1 Cor 15:10: Paul labored from God’s grace
– Jesus still went out on the boat, but slept through the storm (Matt 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25).

We still labor, but plugged into His power source:
– Heb 4:4, 11: we are to be diligent to enter His rest, and we enter by believing (Heb 4:3). Faith without works is dead (James 2:17-18) but the “work” is believing
– Heb 12:1-2: run with endurance the race set before us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus, the joy set before us. Keeping our eyes fixed is how we lay aside the weights that entangle (deceitfulness of riches, desire for other things, Mark 4:19), and how we run with endurance (otherwise we’d collapse)
– We give Him those weights that might entangle/burdens: 1 Peter 5:7
– When we’re weary, He will give us rest (recharge us): Matt 11:28-30
– The Jews had swords to fight the giants. We have the sword of God’s word as our weapon (Heb 4:12) which we use to resist the devil and demand what’s ours (but remembering that the devil is defeated already, Col 2:15, Heb 2:14, which is where the rest comes in:)
– Luke 18:1-8

Listen to “Entering God's Rest” on Spreaker.

Entering God’s Rest

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This week’s podcast comes from this blog post on Methylation Defects.

Listen to “Methylation Defects” on Spreaker.

Methylation Defects

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Steven K. Scott flunked out of his first 9 jobs right out of college, but after reading the book of Proverbs, he learned 16 strategies that he applied to each area of his life. Steve is a best selling Christian author & billion-dollar business builder. Steve’s blessed entrepreneurship journey has funded his ministry. His latest project is called “Neumi” and he refers to it as the biggest health breakthrough he’s ever seen.

To learn more about Steve, go to Steven K. Scott where you can also learn more about Neumi!

Listen to “Steven K Scott: Wisdom from Proverbs, Teachings of Jesus, and a New Glutathione Delivery System” on Spreaker.

Steven K Scott: Wisdom from Proverbs, Teachings of Jesus, and a New Glutathione Delivery System

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This week’s podcast comes from this article: Why Is My Fasting Glucose Too High?

This is the podcast I mentioned on how to break the sugar addiction: Breaking the Sugar Addiction: Interview with Teresa Shields Parker
Here’s the resource on stress management techniques: Stress Management Techniques

Listen to “Why Your Fasting Glucose Is High” on Spreaker.

Why Your Fasting Glucose Is High

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

– In the last days, deception will come– false prophets will rise up and deceive many (Matt 24:11), claiming to be Jesus returned (Mark 13:6), some with signs and wonders, deceiving even the elect, “if possible” (Matt 24:24, Mark 13:22). How do we protect against this?
– Focus on knowing the truth, and then you will recognize deception (as how the bankers are trained to recognize counterfeit money). The world is confused about what truth is (John 18:37-38) because they don’t hear His voice. God’s word is truth (John 17:17, Psa 25:5, Psa 91:4, Psa 96:13, 100:5, 117:2, 119:142, 151, 160; 138:2, Prov 3:3), including the gospel (Col 1:5)
– God is called the God of truth (Isa 65:16).
– Jesus is the truth (John 14:6, as well as the Word, John 1:1-3, 14).
– The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17, 15:26, 16:13, 1 John 5:6) and He will guide us into all truth. Through the anointing of the Holy One, we know all things and He will instruct us (1 John 2:20, 2:27).
– We must worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24)–i.e. according to His word and by the help of the Holy Spirit.
– Love rejoices in truth (1 Cor 13:6) – both fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23, Eph 5:9)
– Renew our minds with the Word (Romans 12:2); thus we will recognize God’s will. Truth is the foundation of the spiritual armor (Eph 6:14)–it goes on first. Only knowing the truth will make us free (John 8:32).
– Once we know the truth, we are to continue in what we were taught (Col 2:6-7, 1 John 2:24).
– Truth of course also means words corresponding to reality (Gen 42:16), and whether our actions/words correspond to our thoughts and emotions (Josh 24:14, 1 Sam 12:24, 1 John 3:18)
– The opposite of this is hypocrisy, or pretense (Phil 1:18), or unrighteousness (2 Thess 2:12).
– What if an idea, concept, or belief that comes to us isn’t addressed in scripture at all?
– Is it consistent with God’s character? Jesus said we can ask anything in His name and He will give it to us (John 14:14). What’s in God’s name? He is Jehovah Nissi (the Lord my Banner), Jehovah-Raah (the Lord my Shepherd), Jehovah Rapha (the Lord that Heals), Jehovah Shammah (the Lord is There), Jehovah Tsidkenu (the Lord our Righteousness), Jehovah Mekoddishkem (the Lord who Sanctifies You), Jehovah Jireh (the Lord who Provides), Jehovah Shalom (the Lord is Peace), Jehovah Sabaoth (the Lord of Hosts).
– What is its fruit? (Gal 5:19-23, Romans 8:6-8) God won’t lead us into anything producing negative fruit–if the fruit is negative, it’s from the flesh and not the Spirit.
– The opposite of truth is deceit(Prov 12:17, Isaiah 59:4, Jer 9:5, 2 Cor 4:2). Satan is the father of deceit/lies and there is no truth in him (John 8:44). Those who are unrighteous will suppress the truth (Romans 1:18).
– False teachers will distort the truth (Acts 20:29-30, 2 Peter 3:16), by mixing it with myths/fables (Titus 1:14) or “merely human commands” (Matthew 16:1-12) or the traditions of men (such as forbidding to marry, abstaining from certain foods, 1 Tim 4:3), according to the principles of the world (Col 2:4-8). They will pretend to be godly or moral, though (2 Cor 11:13-15, 2 Tim 6:5)–so we must use discernment.
– How do we know a false teacher vs just one who is flawed?
– Anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ is a false teacher (1 John 2:22-23, 4:2-3)
– Some may lie intentionally for their own gain (Deut 18:20, Ezekiel 13:9, Jer 14:14, Jer 23:16, Titus 1:10-11) or in hypocrisy (1 Tim 4:2)
– Others may be so blind that they truly believe they are doing God a favor in persecuting His true followers (John 16:2).
– Romans 16:18: Paul said in this verse that these individuals use good words and fair speeches and deceive the hearts of the simple. This means that they flatter people (2 Timothy 4:3) and appeal to the same selfish desires that they themselves have, to draw people after themselves (Acts 20:30).
– We can’t judge motives (Matthew 7:1-3), but we can and should judge fruit (Matthew 7:15-20, 1 John 3:7-9). There are many who claim to be believers but aren’t (Matthew 7:21-23) and they’ll be among us until the end of the age, when God will finally separate them out (Matthew 13:24-30).
– The serpent is subtle and cunning (Gen 3:1, 2 Cor 11:3-4). We’ll have to know scripture well so that it cannot be twisted against us. Satan tried to deceive Jesus with scripture (Matt 4:6)–and not even misquoted, just out of context. Some examples of how beliefs can be twisted and used against us if we’re not careful:
– Some teach that God causes or allows sickness in order to teach us something. This sounds spiritual–yet Deut 28 makes it clear that sickness is always considered a curse. Jesus became a curse for us and redeemed us from the curse (Gal 3:13-14), and even before that, He healed all who came to Him (Matt 15:30, Matt 4:23-24, Matt 8:16, Matt 9:35, Matt 10:1, Matt 12:15, Matt 15:30, Luke 4:40, Luke 10:9) and He was a perfect representation of the Father (John 5:19, 5:30, 8:28, 12:49)
– 2 Kings 18:4: the people had converted God’s symbol for healing, the brass serpent from Numbers 21:6-9, a future type of Jesus, into an idol which they called Nehushtan. King Hezekiah had torn down the high places and broke Nehushtan in pieces. When Rabshakeh from the king of Assyria threatened the people with destruction, he said, “You broke down God’s symbols of worship! Why would He come through for you?” (2 Kings 18:22). The people had to know God and His word well enough to know that what Hezekiah did was right in God’s eyes (2 Kings 18:5-7); if they didn’t, they might easily lose faith that God would come through for them, and also turn against Hezekiah, thinking he’d brought them out from under God’s protection.

Listen to “Knowing Truth from Deception” on Spreaker.

Knowing Truth from Deception

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This week’s podcast comes from this blog post, Fat Burner Shots.

Listen to “Fat Burner Shots” on Spreaker.

Fat Burner Shots

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Image by Silvia from Pixabay

There’s nothing more naturopathic than water therapy. It’s a method of stimulating the body’s vitality and ability to heal itself, first invented by one of the fathers of naturopathic medicine, Dr. Sebastian Kneipp.

Water immersion confers a certain set of benefits—perhaps due to relieving the strain of gravity upon the body (and today, it’s also a way of grounding, to counter EMF toxicity).

Water is also a wonderful conduit for temperature. The temperature of the water stimulates blood flow, and the healing is in the blood. Dr Kneipp employed water as a therapy by alternating between hot and cold (in the shower, or contrast bath immersion) in three to five one minute to 30 second cycles, starting hot and ending on cold.

Here are some of the health benefits of this process.

The Physiology of Hot Water ApplicationsHeat increases blood flow locally (by vasodilation) while cold decreases it locally (by vasoconstriction). Since the overall blood volume remains unchanged, this really has the effect of shunting blood from one part of the body to another—rapidly, in the case of contrast bathing.

Heat activates the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) nervous system, which aids with relaxation of muscles as well as mentally. (This might be terrific if you’re looking to become drowsy before bedtime, but might not be ideal if you’re showering first thing in the morning.)

The steam from a hot shower can also help the bronchioles dilate in the lungs, and loosen stubborn mucus in those with acute or chronic respiratory problems.

However, the body always tries to seek balance—so while a brief burst of heat can be helpful to drive blood flow, prolonged heat tends to produce stagnation. This may be why hot showers tend to ultimately dry out skin and hair.

The Physiology of Cold Water ApplicationsConversely, cold water seems to brighten skin and hair by closing hair cuticles and tightening pores.

Cold applications of course also decrease superficial blood flow (that’s why it’s helpful to ice a swelling injury). Superficial vasoconstriction leads to corresponding vasodilation deeper in the body, which can mean a temporary increase in heart rate blood pressure, and metabolism—this latter due to increased blood flow to vital organs. But as the body seeks to balance this initial effect, ultimately cold temperatures serve to decrease cardiovascular risk.

Cold also stimulates the body to compensate and generate heat by burning fat. This may, over time, help to speed up metabolism.

Dr Kneipp’s method of contrast bathing prevents stagnation, optimizing benefits of both temperatures while pumping blood flow through organs of elimination faster than would occur physiologically. As an added bonus, the constriction of the vessels and muscles also helps to flush the lymph as well: a critical element in detoxification.

The Balancing Effects of HydrotherapyYou might expect that alternating hot and cold would produce a balancing effect, or promote homeostasis—and indeed it does, having been proven helpful for a wide variety of conditions.

Full body immersion in water at various temperatures, even without the contrast element, tends to balance heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormone release. For this reason, it’s been shown to aid in managing pain in conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Hydrotherapy Stimulates Immune FunctionParticularly cold water seems to stimulate an immune boost, which might be a surprise for those who associate cold temperatures with illness. In fact, in a controlled environment, the cold seems to produce eustress (or good stress) on immune function—much like lifting weights might initially produce microtears in the muscles, but ultimately serves to make them stronger.

This study shows that repeated cold water stimulation decreases frequency of infection, while boosting white blood cells and modulating inflammatory cytokine release.

Hydrotherapy Lifts Depression Probably because cold water therapy boosts catecholamines in circulation, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, it has been associated with lifting mood. This study shows that brief cold showers were indeed effective in relieving symptoms of depression.

The UpshotContrast showers are one of my go-to techniques to include in a detoxification protocol, but they’re also terrific for boosting what naturopathic theory calls the “vital force.” This concept includes the idea of boosting the immune system, the metabolism, and helping the body return to a state of homeostasis, or balance.

I typically recommend contrast showers as Dr Kneipp prescribed them: 1 minute hot, 30 seconds cold, 3 cycles, starting hot and ending on cold.

Health Benefits of Contrast Shower Hydrotherapy

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which means it has a whole range of health benefits.

Health Benefits of Astaxanthin

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

A lot of patients ask my favorite natural skincare line. I've struggled to find one that's clean, effective, and also reasonably priced - so I tend to do it myself. Here's my tips and tricks on how you can do the same.

My Do-It-Yourself Natural Skincare Routine

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

The glycocalyx is an important part of your body's cellular health and defense mechanisms - here's how it keeps you healthy, how it gets damaged, and how to heal it.

Keeping your Glycocalyx Healthy

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

A summary of the common causes and at-home treatments for back pain.

Back Pain Causes and How to Deal With the Problem

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Albumin is a test included in every Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP). But what is it, and what do levels mean?

What Do Albumin Levels Mean?

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

The Standard American Diet is highly inflammatory--but what are some of the top reasons why, and biggest offenders?

Five Ways Your Diet Could Be Causing Chronic Inflammation

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Glutathione, the body's most powerful antioxidant, is even more important than you think.

Glutathione: Master Antioxidant

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

PPIs such as omeprazole are very common drugs, but they have many possible long-term side effects. It's always best to find and treat the root cause whenever possible.

The Adverse Effects of PPIs

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Zinc plays a number of peripheral but very important roles in the maintenance of brain health, including neurotransmitter balance.

How Zinc Influences Mental Health

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Today's podcast comes from this article, Why You Should Only Use NSAIDs Sparingly. Download the latest episode of Christian Natural Health!

Why You Should Only Use NSAIDs Sparingly

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Vitamin B6 is perhaps the single most important nutrient cofactor for production of the various neurotransmitters involved in mental and emotional health.

Vitamin B6 for Anxiety and Depression

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Steven Arms lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, Emily, and is the proud father of two young children. In his book 'Milestone to Manhood' , Steven shares his firsthand experience of his Rite of Passage weekend with his dad and reflects on how it shaped him into the man that he is today. To [...]

‘Milestone to Manhood’ – Interview with Steven Arms

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Undermethylation defects are more common than overmethylation. Here are the signs and symptoms to watch for, the reasons it might occur, and how to address it.

Methylation Defects

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Linda Elsegood is the founder of the UK charity LDN Research Trust, established in 2004. She has Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) significantly impacted her life. She wanted to help other people, not only with MS but all autoimmune diseases, cancers, mental health issues, etc. In the last 18 years, the charity [...]

Low Dose Naltrexone: Interview with Linda Elsegood

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Mike Novotny is a pastor at The CORE, a church in downtown Appleton, WI, as well as spiritual leader and lead speaker for Time of Grace—a media ministry that reaches a national television audience of 400,000 a week and engages with people more than five million times a month across its various media platforms. He [...]

How to Grow Great Faith: Interview with Pastor Mike Novotny

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Elevated glucose levels might stem from a number of different causes, including diet, exercise, micronutrient deficiencies, oxidative damage, chronic inflammation, and elevated stress levels.

Why Is My Fasting Glucose Too High?

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Coke Zero is still a bad idea for diabetics. Here's why.

Is Coke Zero Good for Diabetes?

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Prebiotics: where they're found, if they're sufficient without probiotics, and potential side effects

Prebiotics (vs Probiotics)

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Michael Rubino is an air quality expert who helps bridge the gap between the air in our homes and its direct impact on our health and founder of Change the Air Foundation. Rubino works with over 100 doctors globally to not only raise awareness but also provide solutions to correctly identify and remove the pollutants causing this [...]

Michael Rubino: Mold Testing and Treatment

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

CBD is a safe and effective topical alternative to NSAIDs or other OTC pain medications which carry significant long-term side effects.

CBD Topicals for Muscle Aches & Joint Pain

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Jesus says we should discern good people from evil people by their fruit (Matthew 7:16-20, Matt 12:33). Every seed bears fruit according to its kind (Gen 1:11) so this is how we can see physical evidence of what they've planted in their hearts. But what fruit does He mean? Fruit of the Spirit: [...]

Bearing Fruit: A Meditation

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr Neil Nathan has been practicing medicine for 50 years, and has been Board Certified in Family Practice and Pain Management and is a Founding Diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine. He has written several books, including Healing is Possible: New Hope for Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Persistent Pain, and Other Chronic Illnesses [...]

Dr Neil Nathan: Toxic: Heal Your Body from Mold Toxicity, Lyme Disease, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and Chronic Environmental Illness

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Probiotics can help with weight loss by increasing satiety and digestion, thus decreasing overall calories consumed.

Do Probiotics Decrease Appetite?

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Having worked with CEOs, celebrities, church leaders and everyday people from every walk of life and countries around the world, Ray Leight has spent nearly two decades teaching people how to know, believe and live the truth of who they are. Having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADHD, discovering and living out of one's [...]

Ray Leight: Identity Restoration and Maturing Into Yourself

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Nayan Patel is a sought after pharmacist, health expert, and thought leader in the industry. Since 1999, he has been collaborating with physicians to develop customized medication for their clients and design patient-specific drug and nutrition programs. He has been the pharmacist of choice to celebrities, CEO's and physicians themselves. He recently published his first [...]

Interview with Dr Nayan Patel – Glutathione, Master Antioxidant

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Lipoprotein(a) is heavily implicated in cardiovascular disease. This is an update on natural approaches for treatment.

Lipoprotein(a) Revisited

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Borage is an edible plant, packed with anti-inflammatory oils, and potentially a natural calcium channel blocker.

Spotlight On: Borage

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Ryan Beck is the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Pray.com, the world's #1 app for daily prayer and faith-based audio content. Pray.com is driven by a mission to grow faith, cultivate community, and leave a legacy of helping others. Beck brings expertise in computer science, software engineering, and theological studies to his role as [...]

Interview with Ryan Beck: CTO of Pray.com

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

NSAIDs are powerful drugs for pain, but they have a corresponding side effect profile that is significant. Here's why you shouldn't overuse them.

Why You Should Only Use NSAIDs Sparingly

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr Greg Hammer is a Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, pediatric intensive care physician, pediatric anesthesiologist, mindfulness expert, and the author of GAIN without Pain: The Happiness Handbook for Health Care Professionals. A member of the Stanford WellMD initiative, Dr. Hammer is currently the Chair of the Physician Wellness Task Force for the California Society of [...]

Dr Greg Hammer: Burnout and Mindfulness

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

weight training has significant health benefits beyond just aesthetics--regardless of age or other health factors.

Why Weight Training Can Change Your Life

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Today we jump around in scripture a lot. Here are some of the verses: John 10:3-5 Romans 3:4 John 10:27 John 8:47 Jeremiah 33:3 Rev 3:20 Isaiah 30:21 James 4:8 Jeremiah 29:13 Heb 8:6-13 Psalm 37:4 Col 3:15 1 Kings 19 Hebrews 4:12 and more... Download the latest episode of Christian Natural Health!

Hearing God’s Voice

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Why potassium is an important nutrient for blood pressure regulation.

Potassium and Your Blood Pressure

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This week's podcast comes from this blog post: Spotlight On: Baking Soda. To find a root cause doctor in your area, check out wholehealthdr.com Download the latest episode of Christian Natural Health!

Spotlight On: Baking Soda

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Mouth breathing decreases release of nitric oxide, which can set you up for cardiovascular disease.

Does Mouth Breathing Increase Cardiovascular Risk?

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Today's podcast is a meditation on how to pray for the world in dark times. Our anchor verse is Proverbs 4:23. Other scriptures discussed include: - Philippians 4:6-8 - Colossians 3:15 - James 5:16 - Psalm 2 - 2 Cor 3:14 - Matthew 9:38 - Romans 1:19-22 - Luke 12:2-3 - 2 Chronicles 7:14 - [...]

Praying in Dark Times

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

BDNF is a critical protein for neuroprotection and neuroplasticity--and there are many simple, healthy, surprising changes you can make that can boost its release.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Today's podcast comes from this blog post, Clotting: The Real Cause of Heart Disease? To find a local holistic doc near you, go to wholehealthdr.com Download the latest episode of Christian Natural Health!

Clotting: The Real Cause of Heart Disease?

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Bob Hasson (hass-en) is a businessman, author, consultant and podcaster. He is both the founder and CEO of HPCI, a painting subcontractor he founded in 1978 and that operates across the western U.S. For over 30 years, he has been active as a consultant and board member for churches, ministries, non-profits and school boards. A [...]

Shortcuts: Interview with Bob Hasson on Finding Your Purpose

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

The dental lymph flow is regulated by the parotid hormone--and it is this, in large part, that protects the teeth from caries or helps them to heal.

How Hormones Influence Dental Health

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

This week's podcast comes from this blog post: How Uric Acid Affects Blood Pressure. Download the latest episode of Christian Natural Health!

How Uric Acid Affects Blood Pressure

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

The data suggests that the cause of cardiovascular (heart) disease is clotting, not cholesterol.

Clotting: The Real Cause of Heart Disease?

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Don and Esther Parsons have served in cross-cultural missions for over 25 years. Sensing the call to use their language and cultural skills in the region where their missionary ministry began, Don joined the staff of Mission Eurasia in 2020 working as the only western member of their Field Ministries Team. Through Mission Eurasia's vast [...]

Mission Eurasia: Interview with Don Parsons

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Exercise is a great way to increase your stamina

Exercise Tips for Increased Stamina and Energy

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Coach April is an international speaker and author who loves to exhort people to tap into their greatness to identify who they really are! Now a Certified Fitness Trainer, April carried around the weight of feeling fat for many years after a boy called her "big" at the ripe age of 12. Finding her identity [...]

Kingdom Power Living – Interview with Coach April

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

the many uses for baking soda as a non-toxic cleaning agent: for body and household!

Spotlight On: Baking Soda

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Health benefits of regular sauna bathing and the possible mechanisms behind them

Why You Should Sauna

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Jared Zeff is a licensed doctor of naturopathic medicine and a licensed acupuncturist. In addition to maintaining a private practice, Dr. Jared Zeff currently teaches at the Bastyr University, College of Naturopathic Medicine in Seattle. Dr. Zeff is considered a traditionalist, practicing a classical form of naturopathic medicine. He began a private practice in McMinnville, [...]

Naturopathic Philosophy – Interview with Dr Jared Zeff

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Defeating Anxiety and Control Realize you are not in control anyway - that is an illusion. Think back over the events in your life: list the other times that you have tried to control your circumstances. Did it work? What was the outcome? Admit that you are powerless to make your life work [...]

Defeating Anxiety and Control

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

The medicinal effects of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Spotlight On: Lemon Balm

From Dr. Lauren Deville - Naturopathic Doctor

Today's podcast comes from this blog post: The Dark Side of Statins. Download the latest episode of Christian Natural Health!

The Dark Side of Statins