Nutrition

NUTRITION

Food is one of our most basic needs. However, in our modern society fresh food is a thing of the past. The so called fresh fruits and vegetables we buy today have little nutritional value because they are grown in nutrient-deficient soil, picked before they ripen naturally, gassed, irradiated, artificially ripened and stored for days before we eat it. Therefore, our diets lack the essential building blocks of functional foods vital to our health and well being.

Without functional foods the body cannot continue the miracle of healing itself as these foods provide the raw materials needed to assist in this healing process thus giving the body fuel to perform at optimum levels. Without sufficient functional foods the following four problems exist for most people:

• Starvation: since most of our food is nutritionally starved;

• Toxicity: many food products including raw fruits and vegetables contain toxins not to mention the air we breathe and the water we drink which actually work against our body's natural healing process;

• Stress: as a result of malnutrition and high levels of toxicity;

• Degenerative disease: which can be symptomatic of nutritional deficiency and as a result of stress on the body.

Functional foods or Neutraceuticals are "foods that are thought to prevent disease" (Harvard Health Letter April '95). The building blocks of functional foods are called phytochemicals (plant chemicals) These phytochemicals (carbohydrates) are naturally occurring bioactive substances that prevent diseases by interacting with the body's innate healing process to maintain vibrant health and energy.

Of the 200 simple sugars (glyconutrients) occurring in plants, only eight are known to be essential for cell-to-cell communication. These are only found in food that is ripened on the vine/tree and remain active for 48 hours after being picked. However, only two of these, glucose & galactose are found in modern diets. The body can convert these two into the six missing sugars, but this enzymatic process is long (up to 20 steps), unreliable and error-prone. Thus we need to supplement our diets with these missing sugars.

All cell surface receptors, binding and signalling components are glycoproteins (proteins and sugar). They essentially act as the language between cells in our body. The glycoprotcins are like the letters and words of a language. If the correct sugar (carbohydrate) is not placed in the proper location, or is missing, the glycoprotein is not formed correctly and will not be able to carry out its function in the cell membrane. Only effective cell membrane communication can make the proper cells for our organs.

The functional components of glyconutrients appear to boost the production or activity of enzymes that act as:

1. Blocking agents: deloxifying carcinogens or keeping them from reaching or penetrating cells;

2. Suppressing agents: restraining malignant changes in cells that have been exposed to carcinogens.

There are four basic reasons why people get sick. These are:

(1) decreased function of the immune system

(2) increased oxidative stress

(3) diminished/ faulty neurotransmitter function

(4) poor/faulty cellular repair/regeneration

Therefore anyone with the following diseases will benefit from glyconutritional supplementation:

Brain: ADHD, Alzheimer's, seizures, dementias, stroke, aneurysm, migraines, brain tumors, Cerebral Palsy, Down's syndrome, hydrocephalus, autism, a wide variety of psychoses

Eyes: Macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, retinopathy, retinitis, detached retina

Ears: Tinnitus, various forms of deafness

Nose: Sinus infections, hay fever

Mouth: Mouth ulcers, gum disease

Thyroid: Goitre, hypothyroidism, Grave's disease

Heart: Myocardial infarction (heart attack), clogged arteries, aneurysm, tachycardia, arrhythmia, and mitral valve problem

Liver: Hepatitis C, A, & B, cirrhosis

Colon: Ulcerative colitis

Underactive Immune System: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, vital infection, flu, cold, cancer, AIDS

Overactive Immune System: Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergies

Pancreas: Diabetes, hypoglycaemia

Joints: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis

Muscles: Fibromyalgia, muscular dystrophy, various cramps and pains

Cartlidge: deteriorated, Carpal tunnel syndrome

Nervous System: MS, ALS, Parkinson's, ALD Bell's Palsy, other degenerative disorders

Lungs: Asthma, emphysema, cystic fibrosis

Skin: Eczema, psoriasis and scieroderma

Cravings: alcoholism, sugar, caffeine

The discovery of the importance of glycoproteins was awarded the "Biochemical Discovery of'. the Year" in 1996 by the American Naturopathic Medical Association. The ANMA further released the statement "The most Significant Discovery of the Century". "Almost without exception where ever two or more living cells interact in a specific way, cell surface carbohydrates will be involved " (Bio/'I'echnology, John Hodgson 1990). Major studies have recently indicated exciting revelations regarding the significance of glycoproteins in our development', out- growth, and in the formation of disease.

Scientists are suggesting that glyconuirients may provide the missing link in the body's amazing capacity to heal itself and sustain health. Thus anyone who eats, drinks or breathes in today's world is likely to benefit from these supplements.

In addition to glyconutrient support, research suggests that supplementation with essential fatty acids (EFA's) are also beneficial in ameliorating the symptoms of dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD.

Why are Essential Fatty Acids Important?

Brain neurons are fluid filled structures completely covered with a thin membrane composed mostly of various types of fat. Nerve endings in the executive regions of the brain are important in ADHD. The whole cycle of dopamine release, attachment to receptors, reuptake into the neuron and breakdown of dopamine all occurs at an extraordinarily rapid rate. The speed of this process depends largely upon the fats that compose these specialised nerve endings. Approximately 80% of these dopamine producing nerve endings are made up of the thinnest, lowest viscosity fat within the human body, known as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is an extremely fragile omega-3 fatty acid which gives the nerve endings extremely fluid properties enabling very rapid release of dopamine.

If there is an insufficient supply of DHA during foetal development, infancy or childhood, the body will substitute thicker fats (omega-9 instead of omega-3) to build these important brain cells. Thicker fats at these nerve endings means that nerve endings are less fluid and dopamine release may be more sluggish. MRI scans consistently show executive centres in ADHD brains to be more underdeveloped and shrunken and this may be in part due to DHA deprivation.

Furthermore, since DHA is a super-polyunsaturated fat and therefore fragile, it is more susceptible to oxidation it must be continually supplied to the brain throughout life in order to maintain adequate brain function. Oxidative stress in the brain occurs as the result of the following:

• trauma or emotional stress (cortisol, adrenalin)

• toxicity (mercury, lead, aluminium, pesticides- organophosphates, organochlorides, alcohol, nicotine)

• inflammatory disorders, food allergies/intolerances, trans-fatty acids

• drugs (Dexamptheamine, Ritalin)

Prolonged periods of excessive stress can actually cause molecular damage to the brain and accelerate the aging process ( Campbell 99; Seeman 97)

In addition to brain function, DHA is critically important in the development and function of the eye. Raid processing of light information to the brain depends upon the fluidity of the membranes of the retina. A deficiency in DHA especially during foetal development or childhood could lead to visual problems.

DHA is a rare nutrient found only in certain fish and aquatic plants. The richest sources of DHA is tuna oil. DHA is also found in sardines and salmon. The body can produce DHA from a more readily available omega-3 fatty acid alpha linolenic acid (ALA) found in vegetables oils (canola, soy, flax seed). However, there may not be enough ALA in the diet without supplementation. Furthermore, the conversion of ALA to DHA requires the enzyme delta-six desaturase and nutritional elements. Without adequate amounts of Vitamin, A, E, B and zinc, magnesium the action of this enzyme is impaired. Conversion is also impaired by stress hormones, alcohol, nicotine, drugs, heavy metals, chronic infections, trans-fatty acids and pesticides and also depends upon a persons genetic make up.

Omega-6 fatty acids are also necessary for brain function and effective functioning of the immune system. Arachidonic acid (AA) is readily available in animal fats and in the developed world excessive AA is often the case and is associated with allergies, inflammation or muscle spasms. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is another omega-6 fatty acid which is important in brain and immune system function. Unfortunately, GLA is not common in the western diet and is usually manufactured in the body through enzymatic conversion of linoleic acid (LA) readily available from vegetable oils. The richest source is evening primrose oil, borage oil or black current seed oil. Whilst recent studies have shown adequate amounts of LA in levels in children with ADHD, the same research shows inadequate GLA levels in these children.

New research suggests that there is a series of related conditions (dyslexia, attention deficit [hyperactivity] disorder and dyspraxia) which can overlap, so an affected child is likely to display a combination of problems which are extremely distressing both for the child and his or her parents. Such problems often lead to disruptive behaviour and school failure.

Striking results from a major ongoing research program on Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) show that lipid supplementation can make a child less clumsy and more able to catch a ball within 12 weeks. These findings are supported by observations from leading UK medical research centres indicating unusual brain lipid biochemistry in people with Dyslexia.

Efamol Ltd are sponsoring a major series of research programmes into these three linked disorders and important advances have emerged in findings presented to date. These include-.-

New research by Dr Jackie Stordy published in the Lancet, indicated abnormal essential fatty acid metabolism in the eyes of dyslexics. This caused night blindness, which could be corrected by supplementation with essential lipids. The dyslexics showed substantial improvement to near normality in just 4 weeks.

Research from the Royal Postgraduate Medical School at Hammersmith by Dr Basant Puri, using brain scanning techniques has demonstrated that dyslexic individuals have abnormal brain lipid chemistry.

Research by Dr Stordy on fifteen dyspraxic children who were seriously clumsy, showed substantial objective improvement when treated for three months with a supplement of high DHA tuna oil and thyme oil, which promotes the incorporation of these lipids into brain and eye. This combination made a noticeable improvement in the children's manual dexterity, ball skills and balance. The tests measured co-ordination, fine movements and balance. All three tests showed substantial improvements over three months. In practical terms this lead to improved writing skills, better balance and behaviour and co-ordination.

A major American study from Purdue University compared hyperactive boys to normal ones and found that hyperactive children were deficient in essential fatty acids. Blood samples showed that the problem was not dietary deficiency but that hyperactive children can't convert dietary EFA's to the long chain EFA's required by the body for brain & eye function.

This worldwide research indicates that supplementation with a combination of tuna oil, high in docosahexaenoic acid and thyme oil, offers hope to dyslexic, dyspraxic and ADHD.

Research has shown:-

• Hyperactivity may be due to a deficiency of EFAs

• Low levels of EFAs are common in the blood of children with asthma and allergies. It is known that many hyperactive children suffer from colic, eczema, asthma, allergies and repeated infections.

• Zinc deficiency leads to poor EFA processing in the body. Hair analysis has indicated that many hyperactive children are zinc deficient.

• Salicylates block conversion of EFAs to Prostaglandins - EFAs and prostaglandins are important in brain function. Some food additives and natural food ingredients like salicylates can cause rapid deterioration in a hyperactive child's behaviour.

• The problem is unlikely to be due to lack of EFAs in the diet since often only one family member may be affected.

• The most likely cause of the problem is a failure to convert dietary EFAs to long chain EFAs (the ones needed by body processes and especially by the brain)

A major study conducted at Purdue University compared 52 hyperactive boys with 42 normal ones and found that many of the hyperactive children are EFA deficient based on clinical signs such as thirst, dry skin & hair, more asthma and infections. They also took blood samples from the boys to test evidence for EFA deficiency. These showed that the problem is not dietary deficiency but that the hyperactive children can't convert the dietary EFAs to the long chain EFAs required by the body for brain and eye function.

OTHER ESSENTIAL VITAMINS AND MINERALS

In addition to glyconutrients and essential fatty acids, the brain needs adequate amounts of numerous other nutrients.

B group vitamins are essential for many metabolic processes and require daily supplementation because they are not stored in the body. A lack of Vitamin B1 ((thiamine) manifests in disorders of the neuromuscular, intestinal and cardiovascular systems. Deficiency symptoms include depression, irritability, memory loss, mental confusion, weight loss etc. Vitamin B1 is easily destroyed during cooking, with alcohol consumption and is depleted in celiac disease.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) facilitates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and is critical for the conversion of carbohydrates to ATP in the production of energy. Deficiencies affect primarily the skin, eyes and mucous membranes of the intestinal tract. Eczema, red, itchy eyes, light sensitivity and depression are some of the symptoms of a B2 defeciency.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is important because it functions as a component of two important coenzymes: nicotineamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotineamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). It is useful in reducing elevated cholesterol levels, enhancing response to insulin and important in the Krebs cycle. The parts of the body most affected by niacin defeciency are the skin (dermatitis), intestinal tract and nervous system.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is necessary for the production of some hormones and neurotransmitters and is involved in the metabolism of carbohydreates, fars and proteins. Deficiencies manifest as problems related to the skin, liver, thymus and nerves.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is required for the proper functioning of more than 60 enzymes. It is involved in the metabolism of amino acids, haemoglobin, serotonin, various hormones and the prostaglandins. Deficiencesmanifest as depression, sleep disturbances, nerve inflammation, PMS, lethargy, decreased alertness, anemia, elevated homocysteine levels, nausea, vomiting, seborrheic dermatitis.

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is an essential growth factor and plays a vital role in the metabolism of all cells especially those of the intestinal tract, bone marrow, and nervous tissue. Deficiencies manifest primarily as anemia and neurological changes. Symptoms include fatigue, depression, confusion and memory (particularly in the elderly), poor blood clotting, dermatitis, easy bruising, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

Iron Trace minerals also have a significant role to play in ADHD. Iron deficiency which leads to anemia reduces the quantity of red blood cells within the blood stream depriving the oxygen-hungry brain of its fuel. Iron is also incorporated into enzymes such as cytochromes which help detoxify drugs and poisons. Dopamine producing neurons in the brains executive centre require the highest concentration of iron. Thus a deficiency in iron robs the brain of energy to perform adequately and cognitive impairments and behavioural problems can result.

Magnesium. Magnesium has a multitude of different uses in the and is an essential cofactor of the enzyme delta 6 desaturase which converts vegetable derived omega 3 fatty acids to the brain critical omega 3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which is essential for the rapid release of dopamine. Thus if magnesium levels are low, DHA deficiency is very likely to exist. Magnesium is also a calming mineral that relaxes nerves and muscles. Emotional and physical stress, chemical abuse (caffeine, cortisone, alcohol, nicotine, Ritalin, dextroamphetamine,), recurrent infection, food or environmental allergies and gastrointestinal parasites can all result in magnesium depletion and can increase hyperactivity.

Zinc is another mineral that may be of prime importance in ADHD. Zinc is responsible for the activation of numerous enzyme systems in the body. Low-grade zinc deficiency results in a weakened immune system (recurrent infections) and diminished digestive system function (intestinal parasites, bacteria and yeast in the gut). Kids who are zinc deficient are often fussy eaters who love junk food, have poor appetites and a poor sense of taste. Zinc is also a cofactor for the enzyme delta 6 desaturase mentioned above. Additionally, inadequate zinc levels affect the production of a complex protein called metallothionein which acts likes a "metal clean up service" for toxic metals such as lead, cadium, mercury, aluminium and arsenic. Since the ADHD brain is very susceptible to these toxins adequate levels of zinc may be of critical importance.

Calcium, chromium and selenium are other important minerals. For those who are allergic to dairy products eating adequate amounts of vegetables from the cabbage family, nuts, seeds, sardines, tofu and legumes is essential. Calcium is the key component in bones and teeth but is also necessary for blood clotting, nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and enzyme activity. Calcium also helps the body detoxify from lead poisoning and calcium citrate and micro-crystalline hydroxyapatite are usually free of heavy metals contamination. Supplementation if the diet is inadequate needs to occur.

Chromium is thought to play a vital role in the immune system and is known to be important in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia (weakness, shakiness, irritability, moodiness, cognitive problems, sweating, rapid heart rate, hyperactivity or lethargy) result when there is an excessive drop in the blood sugar level. Avoiding sugary foods, beginning the day with breakfast and frequent balanced meals during the day as well as supplementation if necessary are ways to overcome hypeglycemia and keep the blood sugar levels stable and the brain on an even keel.

Selenium is important for the production of antioxidant enzymes the most important of which is glutathione peroxidase. Inadequate levels of this enzyme leaves the body highly susceptible to oxadative damage and the brain vulnerable to toxic stress. Furthermore, selenium plays a major role in thyroid function. The enzyme 5deiodinase depends on selenium for its activity. It is responsible for converting the hormone T4 to the active hormone T3 which is difficult to measure and thus subtle thyroid problems often go undetected. It has been suggested that inadequate T3 activity may result in profound diminishing of brain function. Those who are selenium deficient are also at greater risk to the accumulation of toxic mercury (amalgam filings, fresh water fish) because the activity of the enzymes glutathione peroxidase and 5deiodinase are decreased.

Other trace elements may also play a role in ADHD. The most important way to ensure an adequate intake of nutritional traces minerals is to eat a whole foods diet with adequate whole grains (be careful of gluten), proteins, fruits and vegetables. Care should be taken to ensure that multivitamin supplements supply adequate quantities of the desired trace minerals and vitamins in a highly absorbable form and they should be free from common allergens (wheat), artificial colours, flavours and sweetners.

Proteins provide amino acids particularly tyrosine and phenylalanine which are used to manufacture the nuerotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, glutamine which is used for the production of GABA, and tryptohan which is used to make serotonin. Poor breakdown of protein or inefficient absorption of amino acids may be significant factor in both addiction and ADHD (Blum 1996).

Probiotics There are over 400 species of microbes residing in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and not all of these are friendly. Some of the most dangerous of these enter the body through the food we eat, the water we drink and from the air we breathe and there is no escape from them anywhere on this planet. These intestinal microbes can be divided into three groups.

Group One:

Probiotics which are known to be beneficial and are never responsible for disease (friendly flora).

Consists mainly of Lactobacilli (predominantly in the small intestine) and Bifidobacteria (predominant in the large intestine or colon) used in fermented foods like cheese, yogurt, sauerkraut.

Streptococus ,Enterococus, Bacillus and E.coli are also probiotic.

Group Two:

Those that have no known benefits and which cause or contribute to disease processes only under certain circumstances. Consist mainly of bacteria and yeast eg. Streptococus pneumoniea and Candida albicans. In small numbers they may help to maintain the immune system in a vigilant state but in large numbers they cause disease. Candida can cross the blood brain barrier and has been found in many children with learning difficulties and ADD/ADHD.

Group Three:

Those that have no known benefits and which are known to readily cause or contribute to disease processes (pathogenic or parasitic). These include bacteria, protozoans, viruses and worms such as Salmonella or enterotoxigenic E coli (food poisoning), Cholera or rotavirus (cause dysentery or diarrhea), Heliobacter pylori (ulcers), enterotoxigenicE.coli, Gardia lamblia (associated with growth retardation in children) Klebsiella (in the colon increases the risk of anky-losing spondylitis - apainful arthritic condition of the spine).

The relative balance of these various organisms have a tremendous influence on a persons health. GALT simply cannot function without the assistance and adequate populations of friendly flora. They not only suppress immunity to decrease allergic states, they also diminish gut inflammation and food allergies whilst improving immune responsiveness toward infection.

Recent research (Lyon 2000) reported that in a sample of 63 children with ADHD 46% of children had no Lactobacillus or Bifidobacteria species. Additionally, over 80% of these children had significant quantities of Group 3 bacteria. In the same study, 32% of the stool samples were found to have Candida albicans or other related fungi. In 41% of cases, protozoal parasites were found on microbial analysis. (Previous research suggested that 5-10% of the normal population would be found).

Shaw (1996) reported high levels of tartaric acid in the urine of many children who have autism. Tartaric acid is a fermentation by-product of an overgrowth of Candida. Tartaric acid is a potent inhibitor of certain microbial enzymes used in energy production, particularly in the mitochondria. This is also found in the urine of those with chronic fatigue syndromme.

It is interesting to note that McGregor (1996 a &b) discovered a substance in the urine of individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The substance (CFSUM1) is a marker which has been detected in approximately 85% of cases and is similar in molecular structure to the common pesticide N-methyl proline  known to cause overgrowth of certain undesirable gut bacteria, and although no research has been done to date to look for this gut derived toxin in those with ADHD, the finding further establishes the reality of a gut brain connection.

Unfriendly microorganisms come in many guises and are responsible for a range of diseases and disorders including bowel problems, constipation, diarrhea, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections, migraines, rheumatic and arthritic conditions, some skin conditions including acne, eczema and psoriasis. Healthy colonies of flora in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) constitute the first line of defense against illness and disease. For those taking antibiotics it is vital to supplement the GIT with L.acidophilus, B. bifidum and L. bulgaricus since antibiotics do not discriminate between friendly and unfriendly microorganisms. Probiotics should ideally be taken at least two hours after a dose of antibiotics. Once antibiotic treatment is over, the probiotic regimen should be doubled for the next ten to fourteen days to ensure the gut reestablishes its friendly flora.

Water - Perhaps the simplest and least expensive dietary intervention is to ensure that a person has an adequate intake of clean, filtered water. Chronic low grade dehydration is common in children with ADHD and learning disabilities for a variety of reasons - they don't slow down long enough to think about drinking water; a fatty acid deficiency may have a diuretic effect on the kidneys, and food allergies are often associated with excessive thirst and urination. Eventually a sense of thirst can become inefficient and these children feel miserable when they become dehydrated. Minor degrees of dehydration can cause irritability, malaise, cognitive problems, lethargy or hyperactive behaviour.,

Dehydration also causes significant impairment of the immune system, constipation and increases the risk of respiratory infections. Detoxification also requires optimal function of the liver, kidneys and bowel , all of which require good hydration. The usual recommendation of six to eight glasses of water may be insufficient for children who are active, have food allergies or fatty acid deficiencies. Sending a child to school with a litre bottle of filtered water is one way for parents to control the quality of water and allows some degree of monitoring the child's intake of water.

References:

NOTE: The referenced website links are highly recommended, to return to the LDPS website, simply use the "Back" button on your browser.

Alexander, P (1997): It could be allergy and it can be cured. Ethicare Pty. Ltd.

Lyon, M (2000): Healing the Hyperactive Brain. Focussed Publications

Hoggan, R (1998): Application of the Exorphin Hypothesis to ADHD: A theoretical Framework. Masters Thesis, University of Calgary. Many ADHD and associated disorders and mental illnesses are postulated to be exacerbated by the ingestion of gluten (wheat, rye, barley, oats) and casein (cow's milk) and backed up by a thorough scientific literature search.

Osiecki, H (1998): The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. Bioconcepts Publishing

Pelton, R & LaValle, J.B (2000): The Nutritional Cost of Prescription Drugs. Morton Publishing Company

Rapp, D (1981): Diet and Hyperactivity. Paediatrics. 67 (6), 937-938

Trenev, N (1998): Probiotics: Nature's internal healers; Your body's first line of defense against most common diseases. Avery Publishing Group

Wadley, G & Martin, A (2000): The origins of agriculture a biological perspective and a new hypothesis. Journal of the Australasian College of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine. Vol. 19, No. 1, April 2000, pages 3-12. See http://www.acnem.org/journal/19-1_april_2000/origins_of_agriculture.htm for full article.

This article is well worth reading as it explores the pharmacological properties of cereals and milk and the possible link between diet and mental illness. Exorphins opioid activity in wheat, rye, barley and oats and casomorphin (in bovine [cow's] and human milk) have been shown to be absorbed from the intestine and can produce effects such as analgesia and reduction in anxiety usually associated with poppy-derived opioids (heroin and morphine). The questions raised in this article "Are cereals and milk chemically rewarding and are humans somehow addicted to these foods?" are thought provoking and the arguments presented are certainly food for thought.

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