Understanding the Inner Ecosystem & Unlocking the Mystery of Autism
Over the last few years groups like Defeat Autism Now (DAN), started by doctors whose own children suffer from the condition, have done an excellent job of diagnosing what's gone so seriously wrong with millions of children -- mostly in the last five years. They have consistently found a combination of conditions including severe intestinal dysbiosis, systemic fungal and viral infections, mineral deficiencies, abnormal serotonin levels and an abundance of toxic materials including pesticides other chemicals, mercury and other heavy metals.
To date, attempts to solve autism focus on the use of supplements and various therapies to correct the disorder (and its milder forms, including Asperger's syndrome, ADD, ADHD and ODD). And yes, diet is key: the recommended gluten-free, casein-free diet has proven to be extremely valuable. But while health-care professionals can be commended for their sincere attempt to find a more natural solution to the problem, they are meeting with only limited success. The missing piece needed to solve the mystery of autism lies deep within the intestinal walls.
A lack of understanding of the role of our inner ecosystem is preventing researchers from unlocking the mystery of autism. If we fully recognized the value of the amazing "subculture" of microflora that our intestinal tracts are designed to support, we would discover the key to preventing and healing this disorder.
Setting the stage for autism
Following conception, a child grows for nine months in the sterilized fluid of the womb, free of bacteria. But as soon as the mother's cervix begins to dilate in preparation for her baby's entrance into the world, bacteria from her birth canal contaminate the sterile fluid and begin to coat the body of the emerging fetus and even enter his digestive tract. Since this phenomenon is literally unseen, it goes unnoticed as people focus on the obvious things- for instance, the mother's well-being and whether the child has all his fingers and toes. No thought is given to the critical importance in these first few days of life to the development of the baby's inner ecosystem, intended by nature to help ensure human survival in a world dominated by bacteria (which are mostly beneficial, but sometimes harmful). It's this inner ecosystem that will determine the effectiveness of the child's immune system and ability to digest nutrients and remain free of toxins, and thus the quality, and even the length, of her life.
Unfortunately, because cultured, fermented foods are not a part of our western diet, few mothers have a healthy predominance of beneficial vaginal bacteria needed to "inoculate" their babies at birth with these vital components of a healthy inner ecosystem. Instead, all too frequently, they unsuspectingly pass on pathogenic bacteria and yeast to their newborn child. In addition, many infants begin life with the added disadvantage of inheriting from their parents weakened adrenals and congested livers. These factors often combine with a lack of Colostrum at birth to build the immune system to fight fungal and viral infections, the use of soy formulas (high in copper, manganese and plant estrogen) and the early introduction of sugars and carbohydrates that feed the yeast and viral infections. While the child may seem healthy from all outside appearances, the stage has been set for autism.
A series of vaccinations containing toxic mercury and aluminum add to the amounts of toxic metals already inherited from the mother and father. The combined result is that the brain and nervous system stop functioning as they should. For most of the children who, at birth, are "normal, bright, high functioning little beings," the measles mumps and rubella vaccine takes them over the edge. The measles virus mutates, the body's undeveloped immune system has no resistance to this combination of three viruses and the gut lining becomes infected, a condition that is not detected since it cannot be seen. That's why following this vaccination, some children develop a fever, act ill and begin the steady decline into autism. Sadly, all this could, and still can be, prevented.
The gluten-free, casein-free (GF/CF) diet -- is it enough?
At Body Ecology our goal is to teach parents of autistic children to take the GF/CF diet to another level. The Body Ecology Diet was originally created to reverse fungal infections including Candidiasis (present in children with autism), so it is a great start. Besides having no gluten or casein, it is also free of sugar and bad fats.
Unlike other diets, ours primarily focuses on establishing the inner ecosystem deep within the intestines, then healing chronic and acute bowel dysbiosis, correcting the nutritional deficiencies, strengthening the adrenals and conquering the systemic infections. We do this by having the children under our supervision eat and drink foods that are fermented or cultured every day. These essential foods lay down a critical foundation for establishing a healthy inner ecosystem in the intestinal tract and follow Nature's way of building strong, healthy immune and digestive systems. Soon after incorporating fermented foods into their diets, our autistic children are able to digest high quality fats essential to becoming well.
This includes plenty of raw butter and raw cream (which may contain insignificant amounts of casein). These foods are rich in the raw, saturated fatty acids (like those in mother's milk) that nourish the brain and intestinal lining. Anti-fungal and antiviral coconut oil, cod liver oil (DHA, EPA and vitamins A and D), and unrefined seed oils such as pumpkinseed oil (zinc), flax seed oil (omega 3), evening primrose, borage (GLA), and raw, casein-free Ghee round out an excellent fatty acid profile. Our Vitality SuperGreen alkalizes their overly-acidic blood and heals and nourishes the mucosal lining of the intestines. We add undenatured whey protein (Immune Pro) to increase glutathione levels -- helping with the detoxification of toxins -- and raw egg yolks (rich in choline, fats and vitamin A) to also nourish the brain. (Vitamin A also helps fight the viral infections) Once large amounts of friendly dairy-loving microflora predominate in the intestines, we add buttermilk and whey, and then finally have many of them back to drinking fermented, organic raw milk (kefir) with casein. Cultured veggies, a special water from Japan, vegetables from the land and ocean and a limited amount of raw fruits always combined with a fermented coconut water drink to eat up the sugars in the fruit, give our autistic children the nourishment they need to start them on the road to wellness.
One thing has become increasingly clear: autism isn't the congenital condition that it was once assumed to be. It is preventable, and even treatable if we understand the multiple causes of the "systemic failure" that brings it about.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
natural cure for dandruff
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a condition that affects the scalp and causes the flaking of skin on the head. Dandruff results from the natural process of shedding of old skin cells.
If dandruff occurs due the natural process of shedding dead cells, then why does it appear only in some individuals?
In a person who doesn’t have dandruff, the process of replacing dead skin cells with new ones occurs every 28 days. The dead cells are so tiny that the naked eye cannot notice them.
The same process of replacing dead cells with new ones occurs very quickly—as early as in less than 2 weeks—in a person that has dandruff. Not only are dead cells shed in a hurry, but they also mix with the oil from hair follicles to form greasy lumps that are big enough to be clearly seen with the naked eye.
Common causes of Dandruff
Some common causes of dandruff include:
Fungus infection (Malassezia)
Psoriasis
Seborrheic dermatitis
Deficiency of zinc
Poor scalp hygiene
Poor nutrition
Head lice
Stress
Repercussions of Dandruff
When we talk about repercussions of dandruff, the first thing that comes to mind is that it causes embarrassment. In addition to embarrassment, dandruff can cause temporary hair loss and increase the risk of developing skin infections.
Natural Dandruff Cures
Here’s a look at the top 10 natural dandruff cures:
1. Fenugreek Seed Treatment For Dandruff – A valuable prescription for removal of dandruff is the use of fenugreek seeds. Take two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds and soak them overnight in water. In the morning, crush the seeds to form a thin paste. Apply the paste all over your scalp and leave it for 30 minutes. Now, wash your hair thoroughly with a soap-nut solution or acacia solution. Use this anti-dandruff treatment two times for the first two weeks and then once for the next two weeks.
2. Lime Treatment For Dandruff – The use of fresh lime juice is one of the most important natural remedies in the treatment of dandruff. When washing your hair, use a tablespoon of fresh lime juice for the last rinse.
3. Vinegar Treatment For Dandruff – Take two tablespoons of vinegar and mix it with six tablespoons of hot water. Apply the combination on your scalp and leave it overnight. In the morning, wash your hair with a shampoo.
4. Curd Treatment For Dandruff – Curd is another natural ingredient that is known to prevent and treat dandruff. Apply curd on your hair and scalp and leave your hair uncovered for half an hour. Then, wash your hair thoroughly.
You can also use curd with lime juice to treat dandruff. Leave curd in the open for 3 days and then mix it with a few drops of lime juice. Apply it on your head before going to bed.
5. Aloe Vera Treatment For Dandruff – Aloe Vera is another good natural remedy for dandruff. Cut a few pieces of aloe vera length wise. Next, grind the pieces in a mixture for a few minutes and extract the paste. Now, apply the paste on your hair and scalp. Leave your hair uncovered for 30 minutes and then wash your hair. If you select aloe vera treatment, then please remember that aloe vera can cause mild itching.
6. Beet Treatment For Dandruff – Another natural ingredient that is effective for dandruff treatment is beet. Boil the roots of beet in water. Next, gently massage your head with this water. It is advised that you use old pillowcases and sheets, as this treatment may stain your linen.
7. Listerine Treatment For Dandruff – Listerine has been found to be beneficial in treating dandruff. Soak your hair with Listerine and leave it uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. Wash your hair with a shampoo thereafter.
8. Coconut oil Treatment For Dandruff – Coconut oil is useful in the prevention and treatment of dandruff. Put 3 grams of black pepper in 300 grams of coconut oil. Next, heat the oil. Stop heating when the oil starts to boil. Screen out the oil using a fine cloth and keep it in a bottle. Before going to bed, gently massage your scalp with the oil.
9. Snake Gourd Treatment For Dandruff – Take the juice of snake gourd and rub it gently over the scalp. To increase the effectiveness of snake gourd, mix it with fresh beet juice.
10. Green Gram Powder Treatment For Dandruff – Take two tablespoons of green gram powder and mix it with half a cup of curd. Wash your hair twice a week with this paste.
Please remember that you must use the above treatments for at least two weeks. Also, you can use more than one natural remedy at a time to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
Dandruff is a condition that affects the scalp and causes the flaking of skin on the head. Dandruff results from the natural process of shedding of old skin cells.
If dandruff occurs due the natural process of shedding dead cells, then why does it appear only in some individuals?
In a person who doesn’t have dandruff, the process of replacing dead skin cells with new ones occurs every 28 days. The dead cells are so tiny that the naked eye cannot notice them.
The same process of replacing dead cells with new ones occurs very quickly—as early as in less than 2 weeks—in a person that has dandruff. Not only are dead cells shed in a hurry, but they also mix with the oil from hair follicles to form greasy lumps that are big enough to be clearly seen with the naked eye.
Common causes of Dandruff
Some common causes of dandruff include:
Fungus infection (Malassezia)
Psoriasis
Seborrheic dermatitis
Deficiency of zinc
Poor scalp hygiene
Poor nutrition
Head lice
Stress
Repercussions of Dandruff
When we talk about repercussions of dandruff, the first thing that comes to mind is that it causes embarrassment. In addition to embarrassment, dandruff can cause temporary hair loss and increase the risk of developing skin infections.
Natural Dandruff Cures
Here’s a look at the top 10 natural dandruff cures:
1. Fenugreek Seed Treatment For Dandruff – A valuable prescription for removal of dandruff is the use of fenugreek seeds. Take two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds and soak them overnight in water. In the morning, crush the seeds to form a thin paste. Apply the paste all over your scalp and leave it for 30 minutes. Now, wash your hair thoroughly with a soap-nut solution or acacia solution. Use this anti-dandruff treatment two times for the first two weeks and then once for the next two weeks.
2. Lime Treatment For Dandruff – The use of fresh lime juice is one of the most important natural remedies in the treatment of dandruff. When washing your hair, use a tablespoon of fresh lime juice for the last rinse.
3. Vinegar Treatment For Dandruff – Take two tablespoons of vinegar and mix it with six tablespoons of hot water. Apply the combination on your scalp and leave it overnight. In the morning, wash your hair with a shampoo.
4. Curd Treatment For Dandruff – Curd is another natural ingredient that is known to prevent and treat dandruff. Apply curd on your hair and scalp and leave your hair uncovered for half an hour. Then, wash your hair thoroughly.
You can also use curd with lime juice to treat dandruff. Leave curd in the open for 3 days and then mix it with a few drops of lime juice. Apply it on your head before going to bed.
5. Aloe Vera Treatment For Dandruff – Aloe Vera is another good natural remedy for dandruff. Cut a few pieces of aloe vera length wise. Next, grind the pieces in a mixture for a few minutes and extract the paste. Now, apply the paste on your hair and scalp. Leave your hair uncovered for 30 minutes and then wash your hair. If you select aloe vera treatment, then please remember that aloe vera can cause mild itching.
6. Beet Treatment For Dandruff – Another natural ingredient that is effective for dandruff treatment is beet. Boil the roots of beet in water. Next, gently massage your head with this water. It is advised that you use old pillowcases and sheets, as this treatment may stain your linen.
7. Listerine Treatment For Dandruff – Listerine has been found to be beneficial in treating dandruff. Soak your hair with Listerine and leave it uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. Wash your hair with a shampoo thereafter.
8. Coconut oil Treatment For Dandruff – Coconut oil is useful in the prevention and treatment of dandruff. Put 3 grams of black pepper in 300 grams of coconut oil. Next, heat the oil. Stop heating when the oil starts to boil. Screen out the oil using a fine cloth and keep it in a bottle. Before going to bed, gently massage your scalp with the oil.
9. Snake Gourd Treatment For Dandruff – Take the juice of snake gourd and rub it gently over the scalp. To increase the effectiveness of snake gourd, mix it with fresh beet juice.
10. Green Gram Powder Treatment For Dandruff – Take two tablespoons of green gram powder and mix it with half a cup of curd. Wash your hair twice a week with this paste.
Please remember that you must use the above treatments for at least two weeks. Also, you can use more than one natural remedy at a time to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
cold or warm water? which is better?
Is drinking cold water good or bad for you? Does the temperature of the water matter at all? Believe it or not – it does matter.
Cold water is not as good for hydration as room temperature. The theory is that the cold water causes the blood vessels surrounding stomach to shrink, slowing absorption.
One theory, upon which medical researchers have varying opinions regards whether drinking cold water is as good for you as drinking tepid water, particularly when you are exercising. Some doctors suggest that room temperature or body temperature water is better than cold water, because the body has to expend energy to heat cold water to body temperature, resulting in some water loss. On the other hand, some doctors say that after physical exertion, you should drink cold water since it will help cool the body more effectively than room temperature water.
What is clear is most people who drink cold water are likely to consume more of it, since it tends to taste better and is more satisfying. Even if drinking cold water results in marginal water loss, the extra water you will probably drink will help make up for this.
The problem is that as the COLD drinks pass through our system, they solidify the fats from the foods we have just eaten or are eating at present. This makes the body find it harder to digest and disperse the unwanted fats from our body.
However, if we simply swap our cold drinks for a warm drink (warm water/ coffee/tea/herbals) the warm fluids help the fats in our foods to remain fluid and so easing the digestive system and helping the fats pass through our body (and reduce risk of clogged arteries).
If you are attempting to help bring down a fever, or assist someone with sunstroke (animal or person), you should not immerse that person or animal in cold water. Instead you should use lukewarm water, or even slightly warm water. Cold water can provoke chills, which may actually raise body temperature. Though baths can be a helpful way to bring down high fevers, you especially want to avoid allowing someone to shiver or get chilled. If people with fevers drink cold water that is very icy, they may also get chilly, so lukewarm or tepid water may be a better choice.
There are a number of other urban legends associated with the amount of liquids and the type of liquids you consume. For instance people are told that coffee, tea and sodas deplete water from their bodies. Actually, people who routinely drink caffeinated beverages retain about two-thirds of what they drink, and this can be counted as part of daily fluid intake. Another “myth” regarding water is the eight, eight ounce (.24 l) glasses of water are needed daily. While this amount of water, whether you drink cold water or hot, won’t hurt you, daily intake of food usually provides about half the amount of needed fluids. Most people would get by with drinking about 32 ounces (approx. 1 liter) daily.
Also warm/hot water relaxes the body better. Cold water might be more refreshing, but it may disrupt your vocal cords, that’s why singers always drink room temperature water.
The best indicator on whether your body is getting enough water is urine color. If your urine is dark yellow, chances are you’re not getting enough water. If you pass clear to very light colored yellow urine, your fluid intake is adequate. Remember that urine color in the morning will always be a little darker.
Cold water is not as good for hydration as room temperature. The theory is that the cold water causes the blood vessels surrounding stomach to shrink, slowing absorption.
One theory, upon which medical researchers have varying opinions regards whether drinking cold water is as good for you as drinking tepid water, particularly when you are exercising. Some doctors suggest that room temperature or body temperature water is better than cold water, because the body has to expend energy to heat cold water to body temperature, resulting in some water loss. On the other hand, some doctors say that after physical exertion, you should drink cold water since it will help cool the body more effectively than room temperature water.
What is clear is most people who drink cold water are likely to consume more of it, since it tends to taste better and is more satisfying. Even if drinking cold water results in marginal water loss, the extra water you will probably drink will help make up for this.
The problem is that as the COLD drinks pass through our system, they solidify the fats from the foods we have just eaten or are eating at present. This makes the body find it harder to digest and disperse the unwanted fats from our body.
However, if we simply swap our cold drinks for a warm drink (warm water/ coffee/tea/herbals) the warm fluids help the fats in our foods to remain fluid and so easing the digestive system and helping the fats pass through our body (and reduce risk of clogged arteries).
If you are attempting to help bring down a fever, or assist someone with sunstroke (animal or person), you should not immerse that person or animal in cold water. Instead you should use lukewarm water, or even slightly warm water. Cold water can provoke chills, which may actually raise body temperature. Though baths can be a helpful way to bring down high fevers, you especially want to avoid allowing someone to shiver or get chilled. If people with fevers drink cold water that is very icy, they may also get chilly, so lukewarm or tepid water may be a better choice.
There are a number of other urban legends associated with the amount of liquids and the type of liquids you consume. For instance people are told that coffee, tea and sodas deplete water from their bodies. Actually, people who routinely drink caffeinated beverages retain about two-thirds of what they drink, and this can be counted as part of daily fluid intake. Another “myth” regarding water is the eight, eight ounce (.24 l) glasses of water are needed daily. While this amount of water, whether you drink cold water or hot, won’t hurt you, daily intake of food usually provides about half the amount of needed fluids. Most people would get by with drinking about 32 ounces (approx. 1 liter) daily.
Also warm/hot water relaxes the body better. Cold water might be more refreshing, but it may disrupt your vocal cords, that’s why singers always drink room temperature water.
The best indicator on whether your body is getting enough water is urine color. If your urine is dark yellow, chances are you’re not getting enough water. If you pass clear to very light colored yellow urine, your fluid intake is adequate. Remember that urine color in the morning will always be a little darker.
water gives body energy
Found at http://healthconsultive.com/nutrition/drink-more-water-for-more-energy-2.html.
Interesting article about water, but I think that ormus water, structured water or good source spring water are the best! The water that has vitality and alive. What do you think?
What makes up 70-80% of our planet? Water. What makes up 70-80% of our body? That’s right, water.
Water is the single most important nutrient you will give your body apart from oxygen. Water rejuvenates us and carries vital nutrients all round the body where it’s needed. Water picks up all the leftovers, wastes and debris that the cells throw off into the lymph system and transport them out of the body via the channels of elimination.
So when you drink more water it has the double combination of feeding your body and clearing you of all the waste products that were built up in your system.
Your brain needs water, and plenty of it. Without water, your brain will operate worn out, tired and sluggish. Water is the ultimate gift to give yourself to think with clarity. In addition, water acts as a kind of healthy lubricant moistening tissues and joints.
When you drink, you want to avoid tap water. Tap water is more like a dazzling mix of chemicals. It contains fluoride, chlorine, and many others. The amount of chemicals in water will fill up books – it’s more like a chemical soup. The evidence that fluoride is poisonous is so overwhelming that it’s being pushed to be banned in many countries by action groups.
The thirst mechanism when having been turned off for a prolonged period is often mistaken for hunger. As you drink more water your thirst mechanism will return to its natural state. Not only will you begin to feel thirsty when you need water again, but your appetite will decrease.
This brings us to the next big thing you need to understand about water. If I asked you the difference between inorganic and organic minerals, chances are you couldn’t tell me, right? Well let?s briefly explain the difference. It’s a simple difference. Organic minerals come from plants; inorganic minerals come from rocks and volcanic sources. Organic minerals can be broken down by the body. Inorganic minerals are not used by the body and are stored until suitable water can come and carry them out. Organic minerals can be broken down by the body, while inorganic cannot. One is derived from natural plant life; one is derived from rocks,filings and small pieces of grit. Which one makes more sense to use?
It?s better to get your plant minerals through the food you eat rather than the inorganic form in water. Bottled water is often taken, tested and found to have bacteria and very often isn’t rated much better than tap water.
Do you know the best water to use? The best water to use is the same water you use in your iron. The purest water in the world is distilled water. It’s as pure as rainwater should be if our atmosphere wasn’t polluted.
If you haven’t yet heard that 70% of the world’s population is dehydrated – you will soon, as the UN push to get proper water supply to people in the third world.
The second best method of filtering is a type of filtering called “reverse osmosis”. Unfortunately the standard bench top filter isn’t enough.
Most of the nasty contaminants in our water simply don’t have a taste. Some people feel it’s a case of out of sight out of mind. This may work for things people think, yet when it comes to your body, the life of your children, the health of those you care about and the line between getting cancer and surviving it’s far short of acceptable.
The opportunity for energy, for vitality, for a quality of life is only known to a select few who choose to raise their standards and take action to apply what they know. New discoveries are being made all the time as new research comes out of the United States, out of Germany, and out of Australia and other countries. How does this apply to me you may ask? Well, these contaminants can kill you. Is this a reason to get upset? No, it?s simply an action signal to act smarter.
The best bit is when you’re drinking absolutely pure distilled water it is so much easier to drink. It’s so easy to refreshingly flood your body with purity that will flush out chemicals, clear out the lymph system and contribute to expelling excess weight in the body. Many people report who were struggling to drink half a liter of water a day, are now drinking 4 liters a day and up, with ease! If you can’t get distilled water, reverse osmosis filtered or table water is the next best option.
Many people in third world countries don’t have access to a clean water supply. We in developed countries have currently almost unlimited access to clean water. My suggestion to you is to use it!
Interesting article about water, but I think that ormus water, structured water or good source spring water are the best! The water that has vitality and alive. What do you think?
What makes up 70-80% of our planet? Water. What makes up 70-80% of our body? That’s right, water.
Water is the single most important nutrient you will give your body apart from oxygen. Water rejuvenates us and carries vital nutrients all round the body where it’s needed. Water picks up all the leftovers, wastes and debris that the cells throw off into the lymph system and transport them out of the body via the channels of elimination.
So when you drink more water it has the double combination of feeding your body and clearing you of all the waste products that were built up in your system.
Your brain needs water, and plenty of it. Without water, your brain will operate worn out, tired and sluggish. Water is the ultimate gift to give yourself to think with clarity. In addition, water acts as a kind of healthy lubricant moistening tissues and joints.
When you drink, you want to avoid tap water. Tap water is more like a dazzling mix of chemicals. It contains fluoride, chlorine, and many others. The amount of chemicals in water will fill up books – it’s more like a chemical soup. The evidence that fluoride is poisonous is so overwhelming that it’s being pushed to be banned in many countries by action groups.
The thirst mechanism when having been turned off for a prolonged period is often mistaken for hunger. As you drink more water your thirst mechanism will return to its natural state. Not only will you begin to feel thirsty when you need water again, but your appetite will decrease.
This brings us to the next big thing you need to understand about water. If I asked you the difference between inorganic and organic minerals, chances are you couldn’t tell me, right? Well let?s briefly explain the difference. It’s a simple difference. Organic minerals come from plants; inorganic minerals come from rocks and volcanic sources. Organic minerals can be broken down by the body. Inorganic minerals are not used by the body and are stored until suitable water can come and carry them out. Organic minerals can be broken down by the body, while inorganic cannot. One is derived from natural plant life; one is derived from rocks,filings and small pieces of grit. Which one makes more sense to use?
It?s better to get your plant minerals through the food you eat rather than the inorganic form in water. Bottled water is often taken, tested and found to have bacteria and very often isn’t rated much better than tap water.
Do you know the best water to use? The best water to use is the same water you use in your iron. The purest water in the world is distilled water. It’s as pure as rainwater should be if our atmosphere wasn’t polluted.
If you haven’t yet heard that 70% of the world’s population is dehydrated – you will soon, as the UN push to get proper water supply to people in the third world.
The second best method of filtering is a type of filtering called “reverse osmosis”. Unfortunately the standard bench top filter isn’t enough.
Most of the nasty contaminants in our water simply don’t have a taste. Some people feel it’s a case of out of sight out of mind. This may work for things people think, yet when it comes to your body, the life of your children, the health of those you care about and the line between getting cancer and surviving it’s far short of acceptable.
The opportunity for energy, for vitality, for a quality of life is only known to a select few who choose to raise their standards and take action to apply what they know. New discoveries are being made all the time as new research comes out of the United States, out of Germany, and out of Australia and other countries. How does this apply to me you may ask? Well, these contaminants can kill you. Is this a reason to get upset? No, it?s simply an action signal to act smarter.
The best bit is when you’re drinking absolutely pure distilled water it is so much easier to drink. It’s so easy to refreshingly flood your body with purity that will flush out chemicals, clear out the lymph system and contribute to expelling excess weight in the body. Many people report who were struggling to drink half a liter of water a day, are now drinking 4 liters a day and up, with ease! If you can’t get distilled water, reverse osmosis filtered or table water is the next best option.
Many people in third world countries don’t have access to a clean water supply. We in developed countries have currently almost unlimited access to clean water. My suggestion to you is to use it!
noni
Noni is the common name for Morinda citrifolia, a tropical tree native to Polynesia, especially Tahiti and Hawaii. The fruit, leaves, stems and roots have all been used by Polynesian "Kahuna", or traditional healers, for up to 2,000 years in foods and beverages.
The noni tree begins as a small blossoming shrub with leaves that can reach up to 25 cm in length. The tree can grow to a height greater than 10 meters. The plant produces an irregular, lumpy, egg-shaped fruit reaching a dozen or more centimeters in length. The ripe fruit has a strong, pungent odor. The seeds within the fruit can float due to inner air chambers and can withstand prolonged exposure to salt water. Noni is believed to have spread to Asia, Australia and the Americans initially by floating seeds on ocean currents and later by Polynesian traders and settlers. Noni was a founder crop to original peoples who populated the Hawaiian Islands.
Modern research has identified several important and beneficial nutritional compounds in Noni. Studies have suggested an exciting finding: that Noni increases the efficacy of the immune system by stimulating white blood cells into “overdrive”. Polysaccharide compounds (6-D-glucopyranose pentaacetate), which are found in the fruit, are generally believed to increase the overall killing power of white blood cells. Also, Noni fruit is full of many powerful antioxidants and compounds already believed to promote wellness such as: selenium (skin elasticity, skin health), xeronine (cell structure health and regeneration), glycosides (defense against free radicals), scopoletin (anti-inflammatory properties), terpine (helps the body detoxify), limonene and anthraquinones (antiseptic properties particularly for people with compromised or inhibited immune systems).
Newly discovered compounds found in noni leaves have proven to be rich in flavonoid and other antioxidants that help protect cells and tissues from free radical damage. Tea made from the leaves helps to improve digestion, maintain normal blood sugar levels and eliminate toxins from the body. The tea also has antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Preliminary evidence suggests that the leaves (and seeds) of noni contain omega 3 fatty acids.
The flavor of noni leaf tea is extremely pleasant. It tastes a bit like coca tea with hints of green tea. Noni leaf is relaxing and contains no caffeine or stimulants of any kind. No trace of the pungent odor or taste of the noni fruit or noni juice is present in the leaves.
Noni leaf tea is a great way to ingest the great health-giving compounds of the noni plant without having to overcome the pungent nature of the juice. Picking noni leaves from the noni tree does not damage the tree in any way; in fact, picked leaves grow back swiftly and abundantly.
The noni tree begins as a small blossoming shrub with leaves that can reach up to 25 cm in length. The tree can grow to a height greater than 10 meters. The plant produces an irregular, lumpy, egg-shaped fruit reaching a dozen or more centimeters in length. The ripe fruit has a strong, pungent odor. The seeds within the fruit can float due to inner air chambers and can withstand prolonged exposure to salt water. Noni is believed to have spread to Asia, Australia and the Americans initially by floating seeds on ocean currents and later by Polynesian traders and settlers. Noni was a founder crop to original peoples who populated the Hawaiian Islands.
Modern research has identified several important and beneficial nutritional compounds in Noni. Studies have suggested an exciting finding: that Noni increases the efficacy of the immune system by stimulating white blood cells into “overdrive”. Polysaccharide compounds (6-D-glucopyranose pentaacetate), which are found in the fruit, are generally believed to increase the overall killing power of white blood cells. Also, Noni fruit is full of many powerful antioxidants and compounds already believed to promote wellness such as: selenium (skin elasticity, skin health), xeronine (cell structure health and regeneration), glycosides (defense against free radicals), scopoletin (anti-inflammatory properties), terpine (helps the body detoxify), limonene and anthraquinones (antiseptic properties particularly for people with compromised or inhibited immune systems).
Newly discovered compounds found in noni leaves have proven to be rich in flavonoid and other antioxidants that help protect cells and tissues from free radical damage. Tea made from the leaves helps to improve digestion, maintain normal blood sugar levels and eliminate toxins from the body. The tea also has antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Preliminary evidence suggests that the leaves (and seeds) of noni contain omega 3 fatty acids.
The flavor of noni leaf tea is extremely pleasant. It tastes a bit like coca tea with hints of green tea. Noni leaf is relaxing and contains no caffeine or stimulants of any kind. No trace of the pungent odor or taste of the noni fruit or noni juice is present in the leaves.
Noni leaf tea is a great way to ingest the great health-giving compounds of the noni plant without having to overcome the pungent nature of the juice. Picking noni leaves from the noni tree does not damage the tree in any way; in fact, picked leaves grow back swiftly and abundantly.
Friday, December 24, 2010
I bribed a Swedish professor to enhance the registration of Prozac in Sweden ~ John Virapen
Preface
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
The truth,
The whole truth
And nothing but the truth,
So help me God.
Night after night shadowy figures gather at my bedside. They usually appear during the early hours of the morning. They bang their head against the walls and cut their arms and throats with razor blades. I wake up drenched in sweat. I indirectly contributed to the death of the people, whose shadows now haunt me.
I didn’t personally kill anyone, but I feel indirectly responsible for their deaths. No, I was a willing tool of the pharmaceutical industry.
“Really?” you might ask. “Well, yes, I was a tool; a mere tool like a hammer is to a carpenter.” And you might sneer. You are right. I was more than that. Unlike the hammer I have my own will. But honestly, how freely does one make their own decisions? Manipulation of will in the pharmaceutical industry plays an important role in my story. And, is there a more dangerous tool than a person whose will has been manipulated? It’s like selling your soul to the devil.
Today I no longer play this game. As an individual, I wasn’t that important, I was only a pawn in the game. It was important that I functioned to their satisfaction. And the game continues. Others function as I did and do what I did.
As a patient, you are always a pawn in the game. You are the most important pawn. The game is tailormade for you and for your children.
Now, you will surely say, that the pharmaceutical industry does good for mankind for example; they do research to develop new drugs to help people. That’s what they loudly proclaim. They produce pictures of children laughing and old people dancing on a beautiful sunny day, and yet the picture isn’t correct. Unfortunately, it is stained, and that is putting it mildly.
Did you know that large pharmaceutical corporations spend about $35,000–$40,000 per year and per practicing doctor to persuade them to prescribe their products?
Did you know that so-called opinion maker/leaders – that is to say recognized scientists and doctors – are specifically bribed with expensive trips, presents and quite simply with money to report positively about medicines, when their serious and even fatal side effects have become public, in order to banish the valid concerns of doctors and patients?
Did you know that there are only short-term clinical trials for many newly approved drugs and nobody knows the effects on patients who take them for long periods or even for the rest of their lives?
Did you know that the research reports and statistics, which are necessary for the approval of drugs by the regulatory authorities, are constantly being edited, so that deaths caused by the side effects of the drug can no longer be found in them?
Did you know that more than 75 percent of the leading scientists in medicine are paid by the pharmaceutical industry?
Did you know that there are drugs on the market where bribery played a role in the approval process?
Did you know that the pharmaceutical industry invents illnesses and promotes them with targeted marketing campaigns to increase the market for their products?
Did you know that the pharmaceutical industry increasingly has its sights on children?
No. Much of that you couldn’t know, because the pharmaceutical industry has a large interest in keeping it secret. If some of it is made public, then only if it is unavoidable – as was the case with the German pharmaceutical manufacturer TeGenero. This was in London in 2006. Do you remember? “Drug trial creates ‘Elephant Man’” was the headline on CNN News.2 The head of one of the human guinea pigs swelled within two hours of taking the new wonder pill to three times its size and resembled the “Elephant Man”. Something went wrong at TeGenero. Not the head swelling. That doesn’t worry the pharmaceutical industry. The fact that it became public, which is the real problem. “Amateurs,” is what I would have said back then, when I was active. TeGenero had no choice. They disappeared and filed for insolvency. That doesn’t happen to a global player.
Such cases, however, are always exceptions. Often it is maintained that the test subjects were critically ill, anyway. They are given the blame for their own kidney failure or their own death. It is constantly stressed how useful drugs are for many other people. My book reveals how wrong both of these self-serving declarations are.
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
I Was a Global Player
I’m not talking as an outsider and not as an investigative journalist. I am not pointing with a morally clean, sterile finger at the evil people up there. I know what I am talking about because I was actively involved. I was one of them.
I worked for the pharmaceutical industry, beginning in 1968. I started out as a salesman, who knocks on doctors’ doors. I worked my way up. Each step of the career ladder is shaped by the ignorance the respective bosses allow their employees to remain in. Since I carried on climbing, I found out more and more. And I became an offender myself. I worked for various companies. I left one company and went to the next in a higher position, allowing me to climb steeply upwards. I got to know some multinational companies from the inside. I became the General Manager of Eli Lilly & Company in Sweden and later worked for global players such as Novo Nordisk and Lundbeck from Denmark.
As far as the product range goes: sometimes, it was wonder pills against arthritis, or the human insulin scandal, or rejuvenating cures (growth hormones), and finally the new psychotropic family of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are wrongfully called mood lifters. These drugs are anything but that. They drive people to suicide or to kill others. These dangerous substances are not drugs that only treat rare diseases. On the contrary, just one single drug from this family generates billions of dollars in turnover. Per year. Every year.
Marketing and Bribery
I developed and implemented marketing campaigns for these dangerous and widely-used products. Marketing comprised the whole range, starting with expensive presents for doctors, trips for opinion maker/leaders, money for paid articles in scientific journals, the preparation and realization of scientific conferences, right up to brothel visits for particularly high-maintenance managers.
And finally, bribing authorities became a part of my sad repertoire. One of these cases is, in particular, the flagship of my career and generated specific consequences. It was the bribing of an independent expert, employed by the regulatory authorities of a country, to attain approval of a drug.
The fact that I willingly took part in it is what torments me the most. Pajamas drenched with sweat – that is the motor for self-awareness. I had performed a criminal act. I was forced to use bribery to influence drug approval, even though I knew the drug would harm people.
I am 64 years of age now, and I live in the south of Germany. I am married and have a young son (3 years old), who is the most important thing in the world to me. The pharmaceutical industry is constantly searching for new lucrative markets – today, it is children. And I am scared.
I am not afraid of my former bosses, even though I know that others, who revealed wrongdoings, have all gambled with their lives to do so. The pharmaceutical industry’s lobby is extremely powerful. It constantly lobbies politicians and the judiciary and even blackmails governments by threatening to withdraw investments or to close down sites, thus, creating unemployment in a country. Before you know it, the government backs down and plays the game, just as the industry stipulates. The influence of the pharmaceutical industry is often invisible.
A year ago, I had a telephone conversation with the editor of a famous German scientific publisher. This editor was very interested in my story, thus, interested in this book. “The lid must be lifted”; he said fervently, “the public must finally be informed about what is going on.” He was all for it.
I said, “Good, then publish the book.”
He laughed heartily and said that it was impossible for them because publishers usually thrive from the ads of the pharmaceutical industry. This publisher publishes standard medical reference works. However, he urgently requested a copy of this book to be sent to his private address, should it ever be published. He didn’t want to miss the satisfaction of being among the first to read it.
A man, Alfredo Pequito, was attacked with a knife for revealing inconvenient truths about the pharmaceutical industry. He had to have 70 stitches. And that didn’t happen in a third-world country or in Los Angeles and not in the second to last century in the Wild West. No, it happened amongst us, in the middle of civilization. This happened despite enormous personal protection. The man had worked in Portugal as a representative for the German pharmaceutical company BAYER, so he was on the career step that I had started on, some thirty years ago. He was one of those guys who always appear at the doctors with free samples, candy, and perhaps a bit more.
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
My Past and the Future of My Son
Such cases don’t frighten me. No, I’m scared that my son will also be turned into the type of person that the pharmaceutical industry loves the most – a willing pill-popper, who takes medicines for made-up illnesses and those you are talked into having, with deadly side effects included in the price. The pharmaceutical industry is changing the reasoning of the coming generation.
As a matter of fact, it has already begun. Have you heard of ADHD? No? It is popularly known as Fidgety Philip or hyperactivity in children. Children, who can’t sit still, who interrupt when others are talking, who disturb lessons – children who behave like plain, unadjusted children. According to the pharmaceutical industry, these children are suffering from a disease called, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Of course, there are medicines for this. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be so much enormous and aggressive advertising for these products. Ritalin® is one of the most well-known products. Strattera®, a newer one, originates from the company, for which I worked, for many years, Eli Lilly & Company. So far, no one knows about the developmental disorders and long-term damage Strattera® causes. Nevertheless, it is prescribed thousands of times every day to allegedly hyperactive children.
The pharmaceutical industry takes care of that. I was involved – not with Strattera®, but with Prozac® (Fluoxetine), a predecessor of Strattera®. As of this year, Prozac® can also be prescribed for children in Germany, where I live (the trade name for Prozac® in Germany is Fluctin®). It’s what is called a lineextension in marketing jargon: If a market segment has reached its upper limit, you start looking for a new market segment. Children are a new market segment. Now, it’s their turn to swallow Prozac® – a medicine that can make you aggressive and even tired of living. Approval should not be given to such crap. But, unfortunately, it is. And I know how to arrange this.
Don’t get me wrong: There’s nothing wrong with maximization of turnover, and I would be the last who would make capitalism alone responsible for the sordid deals with health I describe in this book. Be profitoriented, if you sell cars or screws or burgers, for all I care, but here we are dealing with the physical and mental well-being of people, whose destruction is deliberately accepted by the pharmaceutical industry, in order to make money and even more money. Hidden and unnoticed death.
If a car’s brakes don’t work every time, if its windshield falls out, when it is driven at over 40 mph, or if its exhaust fumes are channeled into the inside of the car – it wouldn’t make it onto the market. Medicines with equally dangerous side effects do. How is that possible? Why are consumers better protected against defective cars than against what happens to their bodies, to their health, to their lives?
Of course, not the entire pharmaceutical industry is bad. I can’t judge them all since I don’t know all of the companies. But the search for an ethically pure company can be equated with searching for a needle in a haystack. Pharmacists started out differently. They were suppliers of medicine. The search to cure diseases was the motive behind their research. Today the driving force is turnover.
Which active pharmaceutical ingredient brings the most money? This is the question. Particularly since supposedly new active pharmaceutical ingredients are allowed to be sold at higher prices. Whether these medicines are effective or their damage greater than their benefit – who cares?
It’s All Just a Question of Money
It’s all just a question of money – which is the most important message of my book. You achieve what you want, you break your back and avoid every legal boundary, if you just know the correct price – and are prepared to pay. It doesn’t even have to be an astronomical sum, as my example with Prozac® will show, and, even in other cases, the sums were indeed high or rather the goods were valuable – but not exorbitant. For bribery, you need a lot of instinctive feeling. It can’t be too heavy-handed. First-rate small talk is just as important as the price itself.
State authorities will not be able to save you or my little son from the criminal structures within the pharmaceutical industry. Authorities are bribable, experts are bribable and the doctors are, too. Everyone is corruptible in a sense. Every father, every mother knows that. Mothers and fathers manipulate their children by promising to let them stay up later to watch TV – if they will just finish the food on their plate. Conversely, a child will stop its whining, as soon as it gets what it wants. That’s all just part of normal, daily life. The activities I refer to are strategically planned and part of the official procedure, just as they are part of a pharmaceutical company’s business plan. It is not coincidence. And today, it is progressing further than ever. Particularly with psychotropic pills. Many new products have developed since I was involved in the approval of the first ever blockbuster.
On February 7, 2004, a nineteen year old student hanged herself with a scarf in the laboratory of the pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly, during a clinical study. Suicide under clinical conditions. This is insane. This was only one of a whole series of suicides, and one of the few which the public found out about. The young woman was completely healthy at the beginning of the trial. The money she was to receive for participating in the trial was to help finance her studies. To be on the safe side, people with any signs of
depression were excluded from the trials. Although the drug to be tested was supposed to be approved for people with depression.
As always, the suicides were kept secret for as long as possible. If a religious sect were to drive young, healthy people psychologically crazy by means of chemical and/or other methods of brainwashing to the extent to which suicide seemed to be the only logical solution; these sects would be banned immediately, with good reason. But the research laboratories of the pharmaceutical industry are not banned, nor are the even bigger laboratories, with millions of patients, who are unknowingly given such badly tested and life-threatening drugs with fancy and expensive names. You are part of this laboratory. And you pay for it, sometimes with your life. Did anyone inform you about this?
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
Productive Concern
There is every reason for concern. Don’t let this concern remain an unspecific feeling inside you, let it become active. That is my wish. Everyone in the pharmaceutical industry can play their part, as well. People like me, who have had enough of their bosses’ and their own lies, whose conscience is stricken.
After reading this book, you probably won’t like me very much. Condemn and damn me. You cannot be harsher on me than I am on myself. But you will start to be more aware, when you visit your doctor and see how they prescribe medicines; you’ll be aware of the latest scientific news, research reports and scientific symposia, medical journals, government recommendations, as well as being able to see the safety of drug approval procedures in a completely different light.
The Set-up of this Book
The first part of this book is about the upward climb of a child from a corner of the Third World to the global stage of the pharmaceutical industry.
The second part deals with the transformation of the pharmaceutical industry to a corrupt dream factory in the early 1980s – and about my involvement in that. Furthermore, I will describe the further development of the pharmaceutical industry’s unethical sales strategies, up to the present day.
In the third part, you will find my suggestions for the improvement of patient protection, a glossary of the most important terms, as well as addresses for further information.
There is nothing worse than the pharmaceutical industry’s being exposed to public attention because negative publicity, such as patients who slash themselves open in clinical trials, test subjects whose heads swell to the size of balloons, all have effects on the sanctum of the pharmaceutical industry, namely their turnover. The public, YOU, have the power to change things. Help stop this madness. You have the power to do it.
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
The truth,
The whole truth
And nothing but the truth,
So help me God.
Night after night shadowy figures gather at my bedside. They usually appear during the early hours of the morning. They bang their head against the walls and cut their arms and throats with razor blades. I wake up drenched in sweat. I indirectly contributed to the death of the people, whose shadows now haunt me.
I didn’t personally kill anyone, but I feel indirectly responsible for their deaths. No, I was a willing tool of the pharmaceutical industry.
“Really?” you might ask. “Well, yes, I was a tool; a mere tool like a hammer is to a carpenter.” And you might sneer. You are right. I was more than that. Unlike the hammer I have my own will. But honestly, how freely does one make their own decisions? Manipulation of will in the pharmaceutical industry plays an important role in my story. And, is there a more dangerous tool than a person whose will has been manipulated? It’s like selling your soul to the devil.
Today I no longer play this game. As an individual, I wasn’t that important, I was only a pawn in the game. It was important that I functioned to their satisfaction. And the game continues. Others function as I did and do what I did.
As a patient, you are always a pawn in the game. You are the most important pawn. The game is tailormade for you and for your children.
Now, you will surely say, that the pharmaceutical industry does good for mankind for example; they do research to develop new drugs to help people. That’s what they loudly proclaim. They produce pictures of children laughing and old people dancing on a beautiful sunny day, and yet the picture isn’t correct. Unfortunately, it is stained, and that is putting it mildly.
Did you know that large pharmaceutical corporations spend about $35,000–$40,000 per year and per practicing doctor to persuade them to prescribe their products?
Did you know that so-called opinion maker/leaders – that is to say recognized scientists and doctors – are specifically bribed with expensive trips, presents and quite simply with money to report positively about medicines, when their serious and even fatal side effects have become public, in order to banish the valid concerns of doctors and patients?
Did you know that there are only short-term clinical trials for many newly approved drugs and nobody knows the effects on patients who take them for long periods or even for the rest of their lives?
Did you know that the research reports and statistics, which are necessary for the approval of drugs by the regulatory authorities, are constantly being edited, so that deaths caused by the side effects of the drug can no longer be found in them?
Did you know that more than 75 percent of the leading scientists in medicine are paid by the pharmaceutical industry?
Did you know that there are drugs on the market where bribery played a role in the approval process?
Did you know that the pharmaceutical industry invents illnesses and promotes them with targeted marketing campaigns to increase the market for their products?
Did you know that the pharmaceutical industry increasingly has its sights on children?
No. Much of that you couldn’t know, because the pharmaceutical industry has a large interest in keeping it secret. If some of it is made public, then only if it is unavoidable – as was the case with the German pharmaceutical manufacturer TeGenero. This was in London in 2006. Do you remember? “Drug trial creates ‘Elephant Man’” was the headline on CNN News.2 The head of one of the human guinea pigs swelled within two hours of taking the new wonder pill to three times its size and resembled the “Elephant Man”. Something went wrong at TeGenero. Not the head swelling. That doesn’t worry the pharmaceutical industry. The fact that it became public, which is the real problem. “Amateurs,” is what I would have said back then, when I was active. TeGenero had no choice. They disappeared and filed for insolvency. That doesn’t happen to a global player.
Such cases, however, are always exceptions. Often it is maintained that the test subjects were critically ill, anyway. They are given the blame for their own kidney failure or their own death. It is constantly stressed how useful drugs are for many other people. My book reveals how wrong both of these self-serving declarations are.
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
I Was a Global Player
I’m not talking as an outsider and not as an investigative journalist. I am not pointing with a morally clean, sterile finger at the evil people up there. I know what I am talking about because I was actively involved. I was one of them.
I worked for the pharmaceutical industry, beginning in 1968. I started out as a salesman, who knocks on doctors’ doors. I worked my way up. Each step of the career ladder is shaped by the ignorance the respective bosses allow their employees to remain in. Since I carried on climbing, I found out more and more. And I became an offender myself. I worked for various companies. I left one company and went to the next in a higher position, allowing me to climb steeply upwards. I got to know some multinational companies from the inside. I became the General Manager of Eli Lilly & Company in Sweden and later worked for global players such as Novo Nordisk and Lundbeck from Denmark.
As far as the product range goes: sometimes, it was wonder pills against arthritis, or the human insulin scandal, or rejuvenating cures (growth hormones), and finally the new psychotropic family of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are wrongfully called mood lifters. These drugs are anything but that. They drive people to suicide or to kill others. These dangerous substances are not drugs that only treat rare diseases. On the contrary, just one single drug from this family generates billions of dollars in turnover. Per year. Every year.
Marketing and Bribery
I developed and implemented marketing campaigns for these dangerous and widely-used products. Marketing comprised the whole range, starting with expensive presents for doctors, trips for opinion maker/leaders, money for paid articles in scientific journals, the preparation and realization of scientific conferences, right up to brothel visits for particularly high-maintenance managers.
And finally, bribing authorities became a part of my sad repertoire. One of these cases is, in particular, the flagship of my career and generated specific consequences. It was the bribing of an independent expert, employed by the regulatory authorities of a country, to attain approval of a drug.
The fact that I willingly took part in it is what torments me the most. Pajamas drenched with sweat – that is the motor for self-awareness. I had performed a criminal act. I was forced to use bribery to influence drug approval, even though I knew the drug would harm people.
I am 64 years of age now, and I live in the south of Germany. I am married and have a young son (3 years old), who is the most important thing in the world to me. The pharmaceutical industry is constantly searching for new lucrative markets – today, it is children. And I am scared.
I am not afraid of my former bosses, even though I know that others, who revealed wrongdoings, have all gambled with their lives to do so. The pharmaceutical industry’s lobby is extremely powerful. It constantly lobbies politicians and the judiciary and even blackmails governments by threatening to withdraw investments or to close down sites, thus, creating unemployment in a country. Before you know it, the government backs down and plays the game, just as the industry stipulates. The influence of the pharmaceutical industry is often invisible.
A year ago, I had a telephone conversation with the editor of a famous German scientific publisher. This editor was very interested in my story, thus, interested in this book. “The lid must be lifted”; he said fervently, “the public must finally be informed about what is going on.” He was all for it.
I said, “Good, then publish the book.”
He laughed heartily and said that it was impossible for them because publishers usually thrive from the ads of the pharmaceutical industry. This publisher publishes standard medical reference works. However, he urgently requested a copy of this book to be sent to his private address, should it ever be published. He didn’t want to miss the satisfaction of being among the first to read it.
A man, Alfredo Pequito, was attacked with a knife for revealing inconvenient truths about the pharmaceutical industry. He had to have 70 stitches. And that didn’t happen in a third-world country or in Los Angeles and not in the second to last century in the Wild West. No, it happened amongst us, in the middle of civilization. This happened despite enormous personal protection. The man had worked in Portugal as a representative for the German pharmaceutical company BAYER, so he was on the career step that I had started on, some thirty years ago. He was one of those guys who always appear at the doctors with free samples, candy, and perhaps a bit more.
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
My Past and the Future of My Son
Such cases don’t frighten me. No, I’m scared that my son will also be turned into the type of person that the pharmaceutical industry loves the most – a willing pill-popper, who takes medicines for made-up illnesses and those you are talked into having, with deadly side effects included in the price. The pharmaceutical industry is changing the reasoning of the coming generation.
As a matter of fact, it has already begun. Have you heard of ADHD? No? It is popularly known as Fidgety Philip or hyperactivity in children. Children, who can’t sit still, who interrupt when others are talking, who disturb lessons – children who behave like plain, unadjusted children. According to the pharmaceutical industry, these children are suffering from a disease called, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Of course, there are medicines for this. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be so much enormous and aggressive advertising for these products. Ritalin® is one of the most well-known products. Strattera®, a newer one, originates from the company, for which I worked, for many years, Eli Lilly & Company. So far, no one knows about the developmental disorders and long-term damage Strattera® causes. Nevertheless, it is prescribed thousands of times every day to allegedly hyperactive children.
The pharmaceutical industry takes care of that. I was involved – not with Strattera®, but with Prozac® (Fluoxetine), a predecessor of Strattera®. As of this year, Prozac® can also be prescribed for children in Germany, where I live (the trade name for Prozac® in Germany is Fluctin®). It’s what is called a lineextension in marketing jargon: If a market segment has reached its upper limit, you start looking for a new market segment. Children are a new market segment. Now, it’s their turn to swallow Prozac® – a medicine that can make you aggressive and even tired of living. Approval should not be given to such crap. But, unfortunately, it is. And I know how to arrange this.
Don’t get me wrong: There’s nothing wrong with maximization of turnover, and I would be the last who would make capitalism alone responsible for the sordid deals with health I describe in this book. Be profitoriented, if you sell cars or screws or burgers, for all I care, but here we are dealing with the physical and mental well-being of people, whose destruction is deliberately accepted by the pharmaceutical industry, in order to make money and even more money. Hidden and unnoticed death.
If a car’s brakes don’t work every time, if its windshield falls out, when it is driven at over 40 mph, or if its exhaust fumes are channeled into the inside of the car – it wouldn’t make it onto the market. Medicines with equally dangerous side effects do. How is that possible? Why are consumers better protected against defective cars than against what happens to their bodies, to their health, to their lives?
Of course, not the entire pharmaceutical industry is bad. I can’t judge them all since I don’t know all of the companies. But the search for an ethically pure company can be equated with searching for a needle in a haystack. Pharmacists started out differently. They were suppliers of medicine. The search to cure diseases was the motive behind their research. Today the driving force is turnover.
Which active pharmaceutical ingredient brings the most money? This is the question. Particularly since supposedly new active pharmaceutical ingredients are allowed to be sold at higher prices. Whether these medicines are effective or their damage greater than their benefit – who cares?
It’s All Just a Question of Money
It’s all just a question of money – which is the most important message of my book. You achieve what you want, you break your back and avoid every legal boundary, if you just know the correct price – and are prepared to pay. It doesn’t even have to be an astronomical sum, as my example with Prozac® will show, and, even in other cases, the sums were indeed high or rather the goods were valuable – but not exorbitant. For bribery, you need a lot of instinctive feeling. It can’t be too heavy-handed. First-rate small talk is just as important as the price itself.
State authorities will not be able to save you or my little son from the criminal structures within the pharmaceutical industry. Authorities are bribable, experts are bribable and the doctors are, too. Everyone is corruptible in a sense. Every father, every mother knows that. Mothers and fathers manipulate their children by promising to let them stay up later to watch TV – if they will just finish the food on their plate. Conversely, a child will stop its whining, as soon as it gets what it wants. That’s all just part of normal, daily life. The activities I refer to are strategically planned and part of the official procedure, just as they are part of a pharmaceutical company’s business plan. It is not coincidence. And today, it is progressing further than ever. Particularly with psychotropic pills. Many new products have developed since I was involved in the approval of the first ever blockbuster.
On February 7, 2004, a nineteen year old student hanged herself with a scarf in the laboratory of the pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly, during a clinical study. Suicide under clinical conditions. This is insane. This was only one of a whole series of suicides, and one of the few which the public found out about. The young woman was completely healthy at the beginning of the trial. The money she was to receive for participating in the trial was to help finance her studies. To be on the safe side, people with any signs of
depression were excluded from the trials. Although the drug to be tested was supposed to be approved for people with depression.
As always, the suicides were kept secret for as long as possible. If a religious sect were to drive young, healthy people psychologically crazy by means of chemical and/or other methods of brainwashing to the extent to which suicide seemed to be the only logical solution; these sects would be banned immediately, with good reason. But the research laboratories of the pharmaceutical industry are not banned, nor are the even bigger laboratories, with millions of patients, who are unknowingly given such badly tested and life-threatening drugs with fancy and expensive names. You are part of this laboratory. And you pay for it, sometimes with your life. Did anyone inform you about this?
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
Productive Concern
There is every reason for concern. Don’t let this concern remain an unspecific feeling inside you, let it become active. That is my wish. Everyone in the pharmaceutical industry can play their part, as well. People like me, who have had enough of their bosses’ and their own lies, whose conscience is stricken.
After reading this book, you probably won’t like me very much. Condemn and damn me. You cannot be harsher on me than I am on myself. But you will start to be more aware, when you visit your doctor and see how they prescribe medicines; you’ll be aware of the latest scientific news, research reports and scientific symposia, medical journals, government recommendations, as well as being able to see the safety of drug approval procedures in a completely different light.
The Set-up of this Book
The first part of this book is about the upward climb of a child from a corner of the Third World to the global stage of the pharmaceutical industry.
The second part deals with the transformation of the pharmaceutical industry to a corrupt dream factory in the early 1980s – and about my involvement in that. Furthermore, I will describe the further development of the pharmaceutical industry’s unethical sales strategies, up to the present day.
In the third part, you will find my suggestions for the improvement of patient protection, a glossary of the most important terms, as well as addresses for further information.
There is nothing worse than the pharmaceutical industry’s being exposed to public attention because negative publicity, such as patients who slash themselves open in clinical trials, test subjects whose heads swell to the size of balloons, all have effects on the sanctum of the pharmaceutical industry, namely their turnover. The public, YOU, have the power to change things. Help stop this madness. You have the power to do it.
Your Emotion Body Talks ...listen
It’s interesting that this is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year when everyone should be jolly, but people often struggle with unhealthy—even negative—emotions or thinking during this season. Those negative emotions can take their toll on health, too—not only during the holidays, but at other times.
Dr. Candace Pert, a stress research pioneer, gives some insight on the connection between emotions and their effects on the entire body. She says, "In the beginning of my work, I matter-of-factly presumed that emotions were in the head or the brain. Now I would say they are really in the body." Pert explains that no one experiences emotions just in the heart or mind. It’s more systemic and far-reaching than that. People experience emotions in the form of chemical reactions in the body and the brain. What’s more is that those chemical reactions occur at the organ level—in the stomach, heart, large muscles and so forth—and also at the cellular level.
Fear, for example, triggers more than 1,400 known physical and chemical stress reactions and activates more than 30 different hormones and transmitters. When a person is stressed, the brain triggers hormone releases, including adrenaline and cortisol. Unfortunately, prolonged and elevated levels of adrenaline can increase heart rate, blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar levels.
Likewise, elevated levels of cortisol can impair immune function, reduce glucose utilization, increase bone loss, reduce muscle mass and skin growth/regeneration, increase fat accumulation and impair memory and learning, while destroying brain cells.
The good news, however, is that emotions can also benefit our health. The field of positive psychology explores what contributes to emotional resilience, happiness and health. Martin Seligman, who pioneered positive psychology, says, “Experiences that induce positive emotion cause negative emotion to dissipate rapidly.” He believes happiness and health really are connected and that the level of one’s happiness impacts the level of one’s health—as well as their resilience.
Among studies on happiness and overall health, happiness has been linked to longevity, strong immunity, as well as personal and marital satisfaction—to name just a few benefits. Another positive outlook—optimism—is a trait that adds to resiliency and buoyancy. Optimists tend to see the good in life, to follow more health-promoting behaviors and to live longer. One study, in fact, found that optimists had a 19% longer life span on average.
Another positive outlook involves something called “mature defenses,” which are not possessed by everyone and may ebb and flow over one’s lifetime. These traits include altruism (looking out for and caring for others—as opposed to just looking out for your own interests), looking towards the future and having a good sense of humor. In one study, those who had mature defenses had more joy in living, higher income and enjoyed a long, healthy life.
Happiness and a positive outlook are so important that happiness researcher Robert Holden surveyed people and found that 65 out of 100 them would choose happiness over health—but that both were highly valued.
Lucky for us, we don’t have to choose because happiness and health can go hand-in-hand. Perhaps Robert Holden put it best when he observed, “There is no true health without happiness.”
Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition ride that's troublesome.
Dr. Candace Pert, a stress research pioneer, gives some insight on the connection between emotions and their effects on the entire body. She says, "In the beginning of my work, I matter-of-factly presumed that emotions were in the head or the brain. Now I would say they are really in the body." Pert explains that no one experiences emotions just in the heart or mind. It’s more systemic and far-reaching than that. People experience emotions in the form of chemical reactions in the body and the brain. What’s more is that those chemical reactions occur at the organ level—in the stomach, heart, large muscles and so forth—and also at the cellular level.
Fear, for example, triggers more than 1,400 known physical and chemical stress reactions and activates more than 30 different hormones and transmitters. When a person is stressed, the brain triggers hormone releases, including adrenaline and cortisol. Unfortunately, prolonged and elevated levels of adrenaline can increase heart rate, blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar levels.
Likewise, elevated levels of cortisol can impair immune function, reduce glucose utilization, increase bone loss, reduce muscle mass and skin growth/regeneration, increase fat accumulation and impair memory and learning, while destroying brain cells.
The good news, however, is that emotions can also benefit our health. The field of positive psychology explores what contributes to emotional resilience, happiness and health. Martin Seligman, who pioneered positive psychology, says, “Experiences that induce positive emotion cause negative emotion to dissipate rapidly.” He believes happiness and health really are connected and that the level of one’s happiness impacts the level of one’s health—as well as their resilience.
Among studies on happiness and overall health, happiness has been linked to longevity, strong immunity, as well as personal and marital satisfaction—to name just a few benefits. Another positive outlook—optimism—is a trait that adds to resiliency and buoyancy. Optimists tend to see the good in life, to follow more health-promoting behaviors and to live longer. One study, in fact, found that optimists had a 19% longer life span on average.
Another positive outlook involves something called “mature defenses,” which are not possessed by everyone and may ebb and flow over one’s lifetime. These traits include altruism (looking out for and caring for others—as opposed to just looking out for your own interests), looking towards the future and having a good sense of humor. In one study, those who had mature defenses had more joy in living, higher income and enjoyed a long, healthy life.
Happiness and a positive outlook are so important that happiness researcher Robert Holden surveyed people and found that 65 out of 100 them would choose happiness over health—but that both were highly valued.
Lucky for us, we don’t have to choose because happiness and health can go hand-in-hand. Perhaps Robert Holden put it best when he observed, “There is no true health without happiness.”
Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition ride that's troublesome.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Pharma Insider confess .....
book: Side Effects: Death – Confessions of a Pharma Insider
This is the true story of corruption, bribery and fraud written by Dr. John Virapen. During his 35 years in the pharmaceutical industry internationally (most notably as general manager of Eli Lilly and Company in Sweden), Virapen was responsible for the marketing of several drugs, all of them with side effects.
Pharmaceutical companies want to keep people sick. They want to make others think that they are sick. And they do this for one reason: money.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
To read please click this link:
http://badscienceblindtruth.wordpress.com/2010/12/19/side-effects-death-%E2%80%93-confessions-of-a-pharma-insider/
CA Care
This is the true story of corruption, bribery and fraud written by Dr. John Virapen. During his 35 years in the pharmaceutical industry internationally (most notably as general manager of Eli Lilly and Company in Sweden), Virapen was responsible for the marketing of several drugs, all of them with side effects.
Pharmaceutical companies want to keep people sick. They want to make others think that they are sick. And they do this for one reason: money.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
To read please click this link:
http://badscienceblindtruth.wordpress.com/2010/12/19/side-effects-death-%E2%80%93-confessions-of-a-pharma-insider/
CA Care
Friday, December 17, 2010
A Calling ....
Written by Dr. Lee Wei Ling
Medicine is not just a career, but a calling !!!!!!!!
I have always felt keenly the suffering of animals. Since I was a child, I had wanted to be a vet. My parents persuaded me to abandon that idea by using the example of a vet whose university education was funded by the Public Service Commission. When he returned to Singapore , he was posted to serve his bond at the abattoirs.
That was enough to persuade me to select my second career choice – a doctor. I have never regretted that decision.
There are still many diseases for which medical science has no cure, and this is especially true of neurological diseases because nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord do not usually regenerate. Hence, a significant percentage of patients seeing neurologists, of which I am one, cannot be cured. But as in all areas of medicine, we still try our best for the patient, ‘to cure, sometimes; to relieve, often; to comfort, always’.
An example is a 70-year-old woman who sees me for her epilepsy. Her husband has taken a China mistress whom he has brought back to his marital home. He wants my patient to sell her 50 per cent ownership of their HDB flat and move out. Her children side with the husband because he is the one with the money and assets to will to them.
When this patient comes, I always greet her with a big smile and compliment her on her cheongsam. She will tell me she sewed it herself, and I will praise her for her skill. Then I ask her whether she has had any seizures since the last t! ime she saw me. She sees me at yearly intervals, and usually, she will have had none.
Next, I ask her how she is coping at home. She would say she just ignores her husband and his mistress. I would give her a thumbs-up in reply, then ask her whether she still goes to watch Chinese operas. She would say yes.
By then, I would have prepared her prescription. I hand it to her, pat her on her back and she would walk out with a smile on her face, back straight and a spring in her step.
It takes me only five minutes to do the above. I can control but not cure her epilepsy. But I have cheered her up for the day.
One very special patient, Jac, has idiopathic severe generalised torsion dystonia. By the age of 11, she was as twisted as a pretzel and barely able to speak intelligibly. She did well in the Primary School Leaving Examination, but was a few points short of the score needed for an external student to be accepted by Methodist Girls’ School (MGS).
I had done fund-raising for MGS prior to this and knew the principal. I phoned her and explained Jac’s disease as well as her determination and diligence.
I told the principal that the nurturing environment of MGS would be good for Jac, and that it would be a good lesson for the other students in MGS to learn to interact with a peer with disability.
At the end of Secondary 2, Jac mailed me a book and a typed letter. The book was a collection of Chinese essays by students in MGS.
There were two essays by Jac. In addition, she had topped the entire Secondary 1 and, subsequently, Secondary 2 in Chinese. She was second in the entire Secondary 2 f! or Chemistry. She was happy at MGS, and her peers accepted her and helped wheel her around in her wheelchair.
Medication merely gave Jac some degree of pain relief from her dystonia. Being admitted to MGS gave her the opportunity to enjoy school and thrive in it.
I was walking on clouds 9 for the next few hours after I received the book and letter. Jac showed that an indomitable human spirit can triumph over a severe physical disability. As a doctor, I am not just handling a medical problem but the entire patient, including her education and social life.
I have been practising medicine for 30 years now. Over this period, medical science has advanced tremendously, but the values held by the medical community seem to have changed for the worse.
Yearning and working for money is more widely and openly practised; and sometimes this is perceived as acceptable behaviour, though our moral instinct tells us otherwise.
Most normal humans have a moral instinct that can clearly distinguish between right and wrong. But we are more likely to excuse our own wrongdoing if there are others who are doing the same and getting away with it.
These doctors who profit unfairly from their patients know they are doing wrong. But if A, B and C are doing wrong – and X, Y and Z too – then I need not be ashamed of doing the same. Medical students who see this behaviour being tacitly condoned will tend to lower their own moral standards. Instead of putting patients’ welfare first, they will enrich themselves first.
The most important trait a doctor needs is empathy. If we can fee! l our patient’s pain and suffering, we would certainly do our best by our patients and their welfare would override everything else.
Medicine is not just a prestigious, profitable career – it is a calling !!!
Being a doctor will guarantee almost anyone a decent standard of living. How much money we need for a decent standard of living varies from individual to individual.
My needs are simple and I live a spartan life. I choose to practise in the public sector because I want to serve all patients without needing to consider whether they can pay my fees.
I try not to judge others who demand an expensive lifestyle and treat patients mainly as a source of income. But when the greed is too overwhelming, I cannot help but point out that such behaviour is unethical.
The biggest challenge facing medicine in Singapore today is the struggle between two incentives that drive doctors in opposite directions: the humanitarian, ethical, compassionate drive to do the best by all patients versus the cold, calculating attitude that seeks to profit from as many patients as possible. Hopefully, the first will triumph.
Doctors do have families to support. Needing and wanting money is not wrong. But doctors must never allow greed to determine their actions.
I think if a fair system of pricing medical fees – such that doctors can earn what they deserve but not profit too much from patients – can be implemented, this problem will be much reduced. The Guideline of Fees, which previously was in effect, was dropped last year. I am trying to revive it as soon as possible.
The writer is director of the National Neuroscience Institute.
I was born and bred in Singapore . This is my home, to which I am tied by family and friends. Yet many Singaporeans find me eccentric, though most are too polite to verbalise it.
I only realised how eccentric I am when one friend pointed out to me why I could not use my own yardstick to judge others..
I dislike intensely the elitist attitude of some in our upper socio-economic class.
I have been accused of reverse snobbery because I tend to avoid the wealthy who flaunt their wealth ostentatiously or do not help the less fortunate members of our society.
I treat all people I meet as equals, be it a truck driver friend or a patient and friend who belongs to the richest family in Singapore .
I appraise people not by their usefulness to me but by their character. I favour those with integrity, compassion and courage..
I feel too many among us place inordinate emphasis on academic performance, job status, appearance and presentation.
I am a doctor and director of the smallest public sector hospital in Singapore , the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI).
I have 300 staff, of whom 100 are doctors. I emphasise to my doctors that they must do their best for every patient regardless of paying status.
I also appraise my doctors on how well they care for our patients, not by how much money they bring in for NNI.
My doctors know I have friends who are likely to come in as subsidised patients. I warn them that if I find them not
treating any subsidised patient well, their appraisal - and hence bonus and annual salary increments - would be negatively affected. My doctors know I will do as I say..
I remind them that the purpose of our existence and the measure of our success is how well we care for all our patients -
and that this is the morally correct way to behave and should be the reason why we are doctors.
. In NNI, almost all patients are given the best possible treatment regardless of their paying status.
My preference for egalitarianism extends to how I interact with my staff.
I am director because the organisation needs a reporting structure..
But my staff are encouraged to speak out when they disagree with me. This tends to be a rarity in several institutions in Singapore .
The fear that one's career path may be negatively affected is what prevents many people from speaking out.
This reflects poorly on leadership. In many organisations, superiors do not like to be contradicted by those who work under them. Intellectual arrogance is a deplorable attitude. 'Listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story,'
the Desiderata tells us.
It is advice we should all heed - especially leaders, especially doctors.
I speak out when I see something wrong that no one appears to be trying to correct.
Not infrequently, I try to right the wrong. In doing so,
I have stepped on the sensitive toes of quite a few members of the establishment. As a result, I have been labelled 'anti-establishment'.
Less kind comments include:
I am indifferent to these untrue criticisms; I report to my conscience; and I would not be able to face myself if I knew that there was a wrong that I could have righted but failed to do so. I have no protective godfather.
My father, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, would not interfere with any disciplinary measures that might be meted out to me.
And I am not anti-establishment. I am proud of what Singapore has achieved. But I am not a mouthpiece of the government.
I am capable of independent thought and I can view problems or issues from a perspective that others may have overlooked.
A few months ago, I gave a talk on medical ethics to students of our Graduate Medical School .They sent me a thank-you card with a message written by each student.
One wrote:'You are a maverick, yet you are certainly not anti-establishment. You obey the moral law.'
Another wrote: 'Thank you for sharing your perspective with us and being the voice that not many dare to take.'
It would be better for Singapore 's medical fraternity if the young can feel this way about all of us in positions of authority.
After the SARs epidemic in 2003, the Government began to transform Singapore into a vibrant city with arts and cultural festivals, and soon, integrated resorts and night F1.
But can we claim to be a civilised first world country if we do not treat all members of our society with equal care and dignity?
There are other first world countries where the disparity between the different socio- economic classes is much more extreme and social snobbery is even worse than in Singapore .
But that is no excuse for Singaporeans not to try harder to treat each other with dignity and care.
After all, both the Bible and Confucius tell us not to treat others in a way that we ourselves wouldnot want to be treated.
I wish Singapore could be an exception in this as it has been in many other areas where we have surprised others with our success.
"I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, as I shall not pass this way again."
Medicine is not just a career, but a calling !!!!!!!!
I have always felt keenly the suffering of animals. Since I was a child, I had wanted to be a vet. My parents persuaded me to abandon that idea by using the example of a vet whose university education was funded by the Public Service Commission. When he returned to Singapore , he was posted to serve his bond at the abattoirs.
That was enough to persuade me to select my second career choice – a doctor. I have never regretted that decision.
There are still many diseases for which medical science has no cure, and this is especially true of neurological diseases because nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord do not usually regenerate. Hence, a significant percentage of patients seeing neurologists, of which I am one, cannot be cured. But as in all areas of medicine, we still try our best for the patient, ‘to cure, sometimes; to relieve, often; to comfort, always’.
An example is a 70-year-old woman who sees me for her epilepsy. Her husband has taken a China mistress whom he has brought back to his marital home. He wants my patient to sell her 50 per cent ownership of their HDB flat and move out. Her children side with the husband because he is the one with the money and assets to will to them.
When this patient comes, I always greet her with a big smile and compliment her on her cheongsam. She will tell me she sewed it herself, and I will praise her for her skill. Then I ask her whether she has had any seizures since the last t! ime she saw me. She sees me at yearly intervals, and usually, she will have had none.
Next, I ask her how she is coping at home. She would say she just ignores her husband and his mistress. I would give her a thumbs-up in reply, then ask her whether she still goes to watch Chinese operas. She would say yes.
By then, I would have prepared her prescription. I hand it to her, pat her on her back and she would walk out with a smile on her face, back straight and a spring in her step.
It takes me only five minutes to do the above. I can control but not cure her epilepsy. But I have cheered her up for the day.
One very special patient, Jac, has idiopathic severe generalised torsion dystonia. By the age of 11, she was as twisted as a pretzel and barely able to speak intelligibly. She did well in the Primary School Leaving Examination, but was a few points short of the score needed for an external student to be accepted by Methodist Girls’ School (MGS).
I had done fund-raising for MGS prior to this and knew the principal. I phoned her and explained Jac’s disease as well as her determination and diligence.
I told the principal that the nurturing environment of MGS would be good for Jac, and that it would be a good lesson for the other students in MGS to learn to interact with a peer with disability.
At the end of Secondary 2, Jac mailed me a book and a typed letter. The book was a collection of Chinese essays by students in MGS.
There were two essays by Jac. In addition, she had topped the entire Secondary 1 and, subsequently, Secondary 2 in Chinese. She was second in the entire Secondary 2 f! or Chemistry. She was happy at MGS, and her peers accepted her and helped wheel her around in her wheelchair.
Medication merely gave Jac some degree of pain relief from her dystonia. Being admitted to MGS gave her the opportunity to enjoy school and thrive in it.
I was walking on clouds 9 for the next few hours after I received the book and letter. Jac showed that an indomitable human spirit can triumph over a severe physical disability. As a doctor, I am not just handling a medical problem but the entire patient, including her education and social life.
I have been practising medicine for 30 years now. Over this period, medical science has advanced tremendously, but the values held by the medical community seem to have changed for the worse.
Yearning and working for money is more widely and openly practised; and sometimes this is perceived as acceptable behaviour, though our moral instinct tells us otherwise.
Most normal humans have a moral instinct that can clearly distinguish between right and wrong. But we are more likely to excuse our own wrongdoing if there are others who are doing the same and getting away with it.
These doctors who profit unfairly from their patients know they are doing wrong. But if A, B and C are doing wrong – and X, Y and Z too – then I need not be ashamed of doing the same. Medical students who see this behaviour being tacitly condoned will tend to lower their own moral standards. Instead of putting patients’ welfare first, they will enrich themselves first.
The most important trait a doctor needs is empathy. If we can fee! l our patient’s pain and suffering, we would certainly do our best by our patients and their welfare would override everything else.
Medicine is not just a prestigious, profitable career – it is a calling !!!
Being a doctor will guarantee almost anyone a decent standard of living. How much money we need for a decent standard of living varies from individual to individual.
My needs are simple and I live a spartan life. I choose to practise in the public sector because I want to serve all patients without needing to consider whether they can pay my fees.
I try not to judge others who demand an expensive lifestyle and treat patients mainly as a source of income. But when the greed is too overwhelming, I cannot help but point out that such behaviour is unethical.
The biggest challenge facing medicine in Singapore today is the struggle between two incentives that drive doctors in opposite directions: the humanitarian, ethical, compassionate drive to do the best by all patients versus the cold, calculating attitude that seeks to profit from as many patients as possible. Hopefully, the first will triumph.
Doctors do have families to support. Needing and wanting money is not wrong. But doctors must never allow greed to determine their actions.
I think if a fair system of pricing medical fees – such that doctors can earn what they deserve but not profit too much from patients – can be implemented, this problem will be much reduced. The Guideline of Fees, which previously was in effect, was dropped last year. I am trying to revive it as soon as possible.
The writer is director of the National Neuroscience Institute.
I was born and bred in Singapore . This is my home, to which I am tied by family and friends. Yet many Singaporeans find me eccentric, though most are too polite to verbalise it.
I only realised how eccentric I am when one friend pointed out to me why I could not use my own yardstick to judge others..
I dislike intensely the elitist attitude of some in our upper socio-economic class.
I have been accused of reverse snobbery because I tend to avoid the wealthy who flaunt their wealth ostentatiously or do not help the less fortunate members of our society.
I treat all people I meet as equals, be it a truck driver friend or a patient and friend who belongs to the richest family in Singapore .
I appraise people not by their usefulness to me but by their character. I favour those with integrity, compassion and courage..
I feel too many among us place inordinate emphasis on academic performance, job status, appearance and presentation.
I am a doctor and director of the smallest public sector hospital in Singapore , the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI).
I have 300 staff, of whom 100 are doctors. I emphasise to my doctors that they must do their best for every patient regardless of paying status.
I also appraise my doctors on how well they care for our patients, not by how much money they bring in for NNI.
My doctors know I have friends who are likely to come in as subsidised patients. I warn them that if I find them not
treating any subsidised patient well, their appraisal - and hence bonus and annual salary increments - would be negatively affected. My doctors know I will do as I say..
I remind them that the purpose of our existence and the measure of our success is how well we care for all our patients -
and that this is the morally correct way to behave and should be the reason why we are doctors.
. In NNI, almost all patients are given the best possible treatment regardless of their paying status.
My preference for egalitarianism extends to how I interact with my staff.
I am director because the organisation needs a reporting structure..
But my staff are encouraged to speak out when they disagree with me. This tends to be a rarity in several institutions in Singapore .
The fear that one's career path may be negatively affected is what prevents many people from speaking out.
This reflects poorly on leadership. In many organisations, superiors do not like to be contradicted by those who work under them. Intellectual arrogance is a deplorable attitude. 'Listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story,'
the Desiderata tells us.
It is advice we should all heed - especially leaders, especially doctors.
I speak out when I see something wrong that no one appears to be trying to correct.
Not infrequently, I try to right the wrong. In doing so,
I have stepped on the sensitive toes of quite a few members of the establishment. As a result, I have been labelled 'anti-establishment'.
Less kind comments include:
I am indifferent to these untrue criticisms; I report to my conscience; and I would not be able to face myself if I knew that there was a wrong that I could have righted but failed to do so. I have no protective godfather.
My father, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, would not interfere with any disciplinary measures that might be meted out to me.
And I am not anti-establishment. I am proud of what Singapore has achieved. But I am not a mouthpiece of the government.
I am capable of independent thought and I can view problems or issues from a perspective that others may have overlooked.
A few months ago, I gave a talk on medical ethics to students of our Graduate Medical School .They sent me a thank-you card with a message written by each student.
One wrote:'You are a maverick, yet you are certainly not anti-establishment. You obey the moral law.'
Another wrote: 'Thank you for sharing your perspective with us and being the voice that not many dare to take.'
It would be better for Singapore 's medical fraternity if the young can feel this way about all of us in positions of authority.
After the SARs epidemic in 2003, the Government began to transform Singapore into a vibrant city with arts and cultural festivals, and soon, integrated resorts and night F1.
But can we claim to be a civilised first world country if we do not treat all members of our society with equal care and dignity?
There are other first world countries where the disparity between the different socio- economic classes is much more extreme and social snobbery is even worse than in Singapore .
But that is no excuse for Singaporeans not to try harder to treat each other with dignity and care.
After all, both the Bible and Confucius tell us not to treat others in a way that we ourselves wouldnot want to be treated.
I wish Singapore could be an exception in this as it has been in many other areas where we have surprised others with our success.
"I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, as I shall not pass this way again."
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Food Poisoning, Singapore Sports School
Update of investigation into food poisoning incident at Singapore Sports School
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
1. The Ministry of Health (MOH), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) have concluded investigations into a food poisoning incident reported at the Singapore Sports School (SSP) on 4 November 2010, involving a licensed caterer, ISS Catering Services Pte Ltd. The incident involved 106 cases, including 11 who needed outpatient treatment. All patients have since recovered.
2. Our investigations showed a common source outbreak of gastroenteritis consistent with bacterial food poisoning. While the exact cause of food poisoning could not be established without positive patient samples, we have identified cordial drinks and chicken frank rolls as the suspected cause of the incident.
3 Our investigations showed that the cordial drinks served to students were prepared by ISS Catering Services Pte Ltd at the school using a plastic bucket which was not clearly labelled. Clear labelling of containers used for food preparation is important to minimise the risks of cross-contamination. One of the food handlers in ISS Catering Services Pte Ltd at Singapore Sports School was also tested positive for Salmonella. MOH has required the food handler to stop working from the time of the outbreak until she was certified fit on 7 Dec 2010.
4 A joint investigation at Wei Cian Foods Pte Ltd (where the chicken frank rolls were produced) was also conducted. The food handlers there tested negative for foodborne pathogens although one food handler was observed to handle ready-to-eat food with his bare hands. Of the six food samples taken from Wei Cian Foods Pte Ltd, only one chicken frank roll sample was detected with 10 cfu/g of Bacillus cereus. This bacteria may cause food poisoning if bacteria levels reaches a level > 100,000cfu/g and produces enterotoxin. However, the low level of Bacillus cereus detected in the sample was not significant to be the cause of food poisoning and Bacillus cereus enterotoxin was not detected.
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
1. The Ministry of Health (MOH), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) have concluded investigations into a food poisoning incident reported at the Singapore Sports School (SSP) on 4 November 2010, involving a licensed caterer, ISS Catering Services Pte Ltd. The incident involved 106 cases, including 11 who needed outpatient treatment. All patients have since recovered.
2. Our investigations showed a common source outbreak of gastroenteritis consistent with bacterial food poisoning. While the exact cause of food poisoning could not be established without positive patient samples, we have identified cordial drinks and chicken frank rolls as the suspected cause of the incident.
3 Our investigations showed that the cordial drinks served to students were prepared by ISS Catering Services Pte Ltd at the school using a plastic bucket which was not clearly labelled. Clear labelling of containers used for food preparation is important to minimise the risks of cross-contamination. One of the food handlers in ISS Catering Services Pte Ltd at Singapore Sports School was also tested positive for Salmonella. MOH has required the food handler to stop working from the time of the outbreak until she was certified fit on 7 Dec 2010.
4 A joint investigation at Wei Cian Foods Pte Ltd (where the chicken frank rolls were produced) was also conducted. The food handlers there tested negative for foodborne pathogens although one food handler was observed to handle ready-to-eat food with his bare hands. Of the six food samples taken from Wei Cian Foods Pte Ltd, only one chicken frank roll sample was detected with 10 cfu/g of Bacillus cereus. This bacteria may cause food poisoning if bacteria levels reaches a level > 100,000cfu/g and produces enterotoxin. However, the low level of Bacillus cereus detected in the sample was not significant to be the cause of food poisoning and Bacillus cereus enterotoxin was not detected.
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
watch your Food Matter
http://www.thelongevitynowconference.com/Food-Matters.htmlhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Dear Longevity Enthusiast,
A few years ago I was featured in the hit film about uncovering the trillion dollar 'sickness industry' throughout the world.
The film is called 'Food Matters' and brings together leading health experts who reveal that using natural therapies can be more effective, more economical and less harmful than most conventional medical treatments.
The film covers a lot of ground with chapters on superfoods, detoxification, weightloss, cancer, heart disease, big pharma, raw foods and depression & mental illness. Most importantly the film shows that not only can you prevent illness with nutrition and lifestyle changes but that you can even reverse illness in this way.
I also conducted a "behind the scenes" interview that nobody has ever seen before... you can access this interview (and the film trailer)
Dear Longevity Enthusiast,
A few years ago I was featured in the hit film about uncovering the trillion dollar 'sickness industry' throughout the world.
The film is called 'Food Matters' and brings together leading health experts who reveal that using natural therapies can be more effective, more economical and less harmful than most conventional medical treatments.
The film covers a lot of ground with chapters on superfoods, detoxification, weightloss, cancer, heart disease, big pharma, raw foods and depression & mental illness. Most importantly the film shows that not only can you prevent illness with nutrition and lifestyle changes but that you can even reverse illness in this way.
I also conducted a "behind the scenes" interview that nobody has ever seen before... you can access this interview (and the film trailer)
Pain why pain?
You're not still using NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory drugs like
Ibuprofen or prescription versions) for back aches to help
get you moving again, headaches, sprains, arthritis, and
other nagging pains, are you?
You already know they give only temporary relief, but
did you know this is because they do not fix the underlying
cause of your pain, and that's why it comes back so fast...
NSAIDs can also raise the risk of ulcers and heart
problems... should you take an NSAID every day if you
have arthritis or chronic pain, when this unique natural
alternative is available (more on that below)?
I recently learned some surprising and welcoming facts from
a doctor friend of mine who spilled the beans on the TRUTH
ABOUT PAIN and how to fight it effectively instead of just
trying to mask it like you're probably doing now.
I'm going to explain some of what I learned today, including
the source of your pain, and then give you the all natural
solution that's working for us in place of potentially
dangerous drugs... sound good?
Alright, let's get to it...
There are ONLY two basic physiological types of pain:
1. Tissue-pain,
and
2. Nerve-pain
If you have a condition like sciatica, herniated disc, stenosis
or scoliosis you probably suffer from BOTH types of pain.
You have both tissue-pain caused by inflammation and this
causes nerve-pain by exerting pressure on your nerves
(sciatica is a very common example of this).
If you've ever injured your back, the pain is almost all
inflammation related... because inflammation is your
body's natural reaction to trauma.
Which brings me to a VERY important reason WHY
YOUR PAIN ISN'T GOING AWAY LIKE IT DID
WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER...
To get rid of your pain, you'll have to first get rid of the
tissue inflammation...
...and second, get rid of any ongoing causes of
inflammation.
Also, do you feel a lot of nerve pain?
Things like shooting lines of pain, burning, numbness, and
pinching tend to be nerve pain.
But guess what?
Often the pressure and pinching of the nerve occurs
because the surrounding tissue is inflamed and expanded!
Now, here's why your pain won't go away, especially
as you age...
As you get older your production of the enzymes that reduce
your inflammation decrease, so your pain goes away slower,
and slower as you age.
Remember spraining an ankle, or pulling a muscle during
your 20s?
You probably recovered in a couple of weeks or less. But
the same injury now nags at you for months... (I know this
from my weekly basketball game... my wife is always saying
I come home each week with a new 'nagging' injury... and
as much as I hate to admit it, it's true... sometimes even the
slightest pull or strain lasts at least twice as long as it used to!)
Your body just isn't dealing with inflammation as well as it
used to... and I've found if you don't reduce the
inflammation the pain is just not going to go away.
This is why most doctors will prescribe an anti-inflammatory
(NSAID) when you have pain. But none of us want to be
stuck on prescription drugs all the time (not to mention that
some stats show prescription anti-inflammatories have a
terrible record of putting people's lives unnecessarily at risk).
The All Natural Pain Fighting Solution You've Been
Waiting For: SYSTEMIC ENZYME THERAPY:
http://www.losethebackpain.com/aff/index.php?w=HNSVIDTRIAL&p=bharris&a=92110
Systemic Enzyme Therapy has been used in numerous
countries throughout the world for over 50 years, yet
most people have no idea what it is and that it's readily
available to help fix your pain and get you moving again!
Enzymes are basically the main line of defense against
inflammation. Enzymes are NOT anti-inflammatory drugs
but rather reduce inflammation by neutralizing the bio-
chemicals of inflammation to levels where the creation,
repair and regeneration of injured tissues can take place.
Yes, reducing inflammation helps speed up recovery from
sprains, strains, fractures, bruises, contusions, surgery and
arthritis!
So now you know why NSAID's may give only temporary
relief and do not fix the underlying cause of the problem,
whereas systemic enzymes work to reduce the inflammation
and promote healing without any side effects...
And the best solution I've found to delivery this type of safe
natural enzyme therapy to your aching body is something
called 'Heal-N-Soothe':
http://www.losethebackpain.com/aff/index.php?w=HNSVIDTRIAL&p=bharris&a=92110
Heal-N-Soothe replaces the inflammation-fighting enzymes
your body isn't producing enough of anymore, as the
enzymes go right to the root of inflammation where the
repair and regeneration of injured tissue takes place.
This stuff neutralizes the bio-chemicals that keep
inflammation from going away... just what the doctor
ordered!
And this means you can reduce the inflammation and pain
naturally... without any of the side effects that are typical
of medications.
Did you know the same natural anti-inflammation
properties that deliver whole-body pain relief ALSO
could fight Heart Attack , Stroke and Alzheimer's?
The New England Journal of Medicine reports: "there is
convincing evidence that inflammation is strongly linked
to heart attacks and stroke."
A Harvard study agreed: "half of all heart attacks are
CAUSED by inflammation."
Plus, a study in The Annals of Neurology, the official
journal of the American Neurological Association, concluded:
"inflammation is linked to Alzheimer's and other degenerating
diseases."
There is simply no doubt about it, tissue inflammation in
your body is deadly stuff!
And you now know it's also one of the PRIMARY
causes of pain in your body.
If you are not doing anything to address inflammation in
your body it will make your life miserable because every
day you'll wake up with more aches and pains...
...your back will hurt more and more as the months
go by...
...pain will become a bigger and bigger part of your life.
And finally, inflammation could cause an early death (sounds
a bit extreme but it's true).
But you when you're using systemic enzyme therapy like
those taking this Heal-n-Soothe solution, you're fighting
and reducing tissue inflammation throughout all of your
body’s systems...
...you're reducing inflammation in your muscles, your
arteries and blood vessels, and tissue throughout your
entire body so you can get moving again.
Now the coolest part of all of this is I convinced the guys
responsible for helping so many people with Heal-N-
Soothe to let us try a full 30 day supply for FREE!
Get Moving Again Pain Free With Heal-N-Soothe FREE…
http://www.losethebackpain.com/aff/index.php?w=HNSVIDTRIAL&p=bharris&a=92110
Like me you may have had some skepticism about certain
natural remedies like this in the past, and you had every
right to be, but of course the only way to know for sure
that this will work for you too is to try it. That's why I
DEMANDED that these guys let us try it and see for
ourselves... makes sense, right?
There's one problem though... while they agreed to my
demands, they did tell me they can't do this for everybody,
so they've limited the number of free bottles for us to about
100... give or take a few, that's all they can offer right now.
Stop Using Dangerous Drugs That Only Mask The Pain &
Try Heal-N-Soothe FREE (1st 100 bottles only):
http://www.losethebackpain.com/aff/index.php?w=HNSVIDTRIAL&p=bharris&a=92110
I guess most of their supply goes to their Heal-N-Soothe
Smartship Program members who have requested to receive
a bottle every month automatically, so I understand the limit
they've put on it.
Anyway, I can't wait to hear about your experience using
Heal-n-Soothe... after you get your free bottle in the mail
and try it out for a few days, make sure to come back and
let us know how it's working for you.
P.S. Want to see the ingredients that make Heal-n-Soothe
such a powerful formula? I snagged this from the bottle…
Be well,
Bill
Alright, and please feel free to forward to your friends and/or
family who you think could also benefit
Here’s to getting healthy and pain-free for life,
http://www.losethebackpain.com/aff/index.php?w=HNSVIDTRIAL&p=bharris&a=92110
Ibuprofen or prescription versions) for back aches to help
get you moving again, headaches, sprains, arthritis, and
other nagging pains, are you?
You already know they give only temporary relief, but
did you know this is because they do not fix the underlying
cause of your pain, and that's why it comes back so fast...
NSAIDs can also raise the risk of ulcers and heart
problems... should you take an NSAID every day if you
have arthritis or chronic pain, when this unique natural
alternative is available (more on that below)?
I recently learned some surprising and welcoming facts from
a doctor friend of mine who spilled the beans on the TRUTH
ABOUT PAIN and how to fight it effectively instead of just
trying to mask it like you're probably doing now.
I'm going to explain some of what I learned today, including
the source of your pain, and then give you the all natural
solution that's working for us in place of potentially
dangerous drugs... sound good?
Alright, let's get to it...
There are ONLY two basic physiological types of pain:
1. Tissue-pain,
and
2. Nerve-pain
If you have a condition like sciatica, herniated disc, stenosis
or scoliosis you probably suffer from BOTH types of pain.
You have both tissue-pain caused by inflammation and this
causes nerve-pain by exerting pressure on your nerves
(sciatica is a very common example of this).
If you've ever injured your back, the pain is almost all
inflammation related... because inflammation is your
body's natural reaction to trauma.
Which brings me to a VERY important reason WHY
YOUR PAIN ISN'T GOING AWAY LIKE IT DID
WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER...
To get rid of your pain, you'll have to first get rid of the
tissue inflammation...
...and second, get rid of any ongoing causes of
inflammation.
Also, do you feel a lot of nerve pain?
Things like shooting lines of pain, burning, numbness, and
pinching tend to be nerve pain.
But guess what?
Often the pressure and pinching of the nerve occurs
because the surrounding tissue is inflamed and expanded!
Now, here's why your pain won't go away, especially
as you age...
As you get older your production of the enzymes that reduce
your inflammation decrease, so your pain goes away slower,
and slower as you age.
Remember spraining an ankle, or pulling a muscle during
your 20s?
You probably recovered in a couple of weeks or less. But
the same injury now nags at you for months... (I know this
from my weekly basketball game... my wife is always saying
I come home each week with a new 'nagging' injury... and
as much as I hate to admit it, it's true... sometimes even the
slightest pull or strain lasts at least twice as long as it used to!)
Your body just isn't dealing with inflammation as well as it
used to... and I've found if you don't reduce the
inflammation the pain is just not going to go away.
This is why most doctors will prescribe an anti-inflammatory
(NSAID) when you have pain. But none of us want to be
stuck on prescription drugs all the time (not to mention that
some stats show prescription anti-inflammatories have a
terrible record of putting people's lives unnecessarily at risk).
The All Natural Pain Fighting Solution You've Been
Waiting For: SYSTEMIC ENZYME THERAPY:
http://www.losethebackpain.com/aff/index.php?w=HNSVIDTRIAL&p=bharris&a=92110
Systemic Enzyme Therapy has been used in numerous
countries throughout the world for over 50 years, yet
most people have no idea what it is and that it's readily
available to help fix your pain and get you moving again!
Enzymes are basically the main line of defense against
inflammation. Enzymes are NOT anti-inflammatory drugs
but rather reduce inflammation by neutralizing the bio-
chemicals of inflammation to levels where the creation,
repair and regeneration of injured tissues can take place.
Yes, reducing inflammation helps speed up recovery from
sprains, strains, fractures, bruises, contusions, surgery and
arthritis!
So now you know why NSAID's may give only temporary
relief and do not fix the underlying cause of the problem,
whereas systemic enzymes work to reduce the inflammation
and promote healing without any side effects...
And the best solution I've found to delivery this type of safe
natural enzyme therapy to your aching body is something
called 'Heal-N-Soothe':
http://www.losethebackpain.com/aff/index.php?w=HNSVIDTRIAL&p=bharris&a=92110
Heal-N-Soothe replaces the inflammation-fighting enzymes
your body isn't producing enough of anymore, as the
enzymes go right to the root of inflammation where the
repair and regeneration of injured tissue takes place.
This stuff neutralizes the bio-chemicals that keep
inflammation from going away... just what the doctor
ordered!
And this means you can reduce the inflammation and pain
naturally... without any of the side effects that are typical
of medications.
Did you know the same natural anti-inflammation
properties that deliver whole-body pain relief ALSO
could fight Heart Attack , Stroke and Alzheimer's?
The New England Journal of Medicine reports: "there is
convincing evidence that inflammation is strongly linked
to heart attacks and stroke."
A Harvard study agreed: "half of all heart attacks are
CAUSED by inflammation."
Plus, a study in The Annals of Neurology, the official
journal of the American Neurological Association, concluded:
"inflammation is linked to Alzheimer's and other degenerating
diseases."
There is simply no doubt about it, tissue inflammation in
your body is deadly stuff!
And you now know it's also one of the PRIMARY
causes of pain in your body.
If you are not doing anything to address inflammation in
your body it will make your life miserable because every
day you'll wake up with more aches and pains...
...your back will hurt more and more as the months
go by...
...pain will become a bigger and bigger part of your life.
And finally, inflammation could cause an early death (sounds
a bit extreme but it's true).
But you when you're using systemic enzyme therapy like
those taking this Heal-n-Soothe solution, you're fighting
and reducing tissue inflammation throughout all of your
body’s systems...
...you're reducing inflammation in your muscles, your
arteries and blood vessels, and tissue throughout your
entire body so you can get moving again.
Now the coolest part of all of this is I convinced the guys
responsible for helping so many people with Heal-N-
Soothe to let us try a full 30 day supply for FREE!
Get Moving Again Pain Free With Heal-N-Soothe FREE…
http://www.losethebackpain.com/aff/index.php?w=HNSVIDTRIAL&p=bharris&a=92110
Like me you may have had some skepticism about certain
natural remedies like this in the past, and you had every
right to be, but of course the only way to know for sure
that this will work for you too is to try it. That's why I
DEMANDED that these guys let us try it and see for
ourselves... makes sense, right?
There's one problem though... while they agreed to my
demands, they did tell me they can't do this for everybody,
so they've limited the number of free bottles for us to about
100... give or take a few, that's all they can offer right now.
Stop Using Dangerous Drugs That Only Mask The Pain &
Try Heal-N-Soothe FREE (1st 100 bottles only):
http://www.losethebackpain.com/aff/index.php?w=HNSVIDTRIAL&p=bharris&a=92110
I guess most of their supply goes to their Heal-N-Soothe
Smartship Program members who have requested to receive
a bottle every month automatically, so I understand the limit
they've put on it.
Anyway, I can't wait to hear about your experience using
Heal-n-Soothe... after you get your free bottle in the mail
and try it out for a few days, make sure to come back and
let us know how it's working for you.
P.S. Want to see the ingredients that make Heal-n-Soothe
such a powerful formula? I snagged this from the bottle…
Be well,
Bill
Alright, and please feel free to forward to your friends and/or
family who you think could also benefit
Here’s to getting healthy and pain-free for life,
http://www.losethebackpain.com/aff/index.php?w=HNSVIDTRIAL&p=bharris&a=92110
The Dark Side of Wheat....
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
The globe-spanning presence of wheat and its exalted status among secular and sacred institutions alike differentiates this food from all others presently enjoyed by humans. Yet the unparalleled rise of wheat as the very catalyst for the emergence of ancient civilization has not occurred without a great price. While wheat was the engine of civilization’s expansion and was glorified as a “necessary food,” both in the physical (staff of life) and spiritual sense (the body of Christ), those suffering from celiac disease are living testimony to the lesser known dark side of wheat. A study of celiac disease may help unlock the mystery of why modern man, who dines daily at the table of wheat, is the sickest animal yet to have arisen on this strange planet of ours.
THE CELIAC ICEBERG
Celiac disease (CD) was once considered an extremely rare affliction, limited to individuals of European origin. Today, however, a growing number of studies indicate that celiac disease is found throughout the US at a rate of up to 1 in every 133 persons, which is several orders of magnitude higher than previously estimated.
These findings have led researchers to visualize CD as an iceberg. The tip of the iceberg represents the relatively small number of the world’s population whose gross presentation of clinical symptoms often leads to the diagnosis of celiac disease. This is the classical case of CD characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms, malabsorption and malnourishment. It is confirmed with the “gold standard” of an intestinal biopsy. The submerged middle portion of the iceberg is largely invisible to classical clinical diagnosis, but not to modern serological screening methods in the form of antibody testing. This middle portion is composed of asymptomatic and latent celiac disease as well as “out of the intestine” varieties of wheat intolerance. Finally, at the base of this massive iceberg sits approximately 20-30% of the world’s population – those who have been found to carry the HLA-DQ locus of genetic susceptibility to celiac disease on chromosome 6.
The “Celiac Iceberg” may not simply illustrate the problems and issues associated with diagnosis and disease prevalence, but may represent the need for a paradigm shift in how we view both CD and wheat consumption among non-CD populations.
First let us address the traditional view of CD as a rare, but clinically distinct species of genetically-determined disease, which I believe is now running itself aground upon the emerging, post-Genomic perspective, whose implications for understanding and treating disease are Titanic in proportion.
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
IT IS NOT THE GENES, BUT WHAT WE EXPOSE THEM TO
Despite common misconceptions, monogenic diseases, or diseases that result from errors in the nucleotide sequence of a single gene are exceedingly rare. Perhaps only 1% of all diseases fall within this category, and Celiac disease is not one of them. In fact, following the completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP) in 2003 it is no longer accurate to say that our genes “cause” disease, any more than it is accurate to say that DNA is sufficient to account for all the proteins in our body. Despite initial expectations, the HGP revealed that there are only 30,000-35,000 genes in human DNA (genome), rather than the 100,000 + believed necessary to encode the 100,000 + proteins found in the human body (proteome).
The “blueprint” model of genetics: one gene → one protein → one cellular behavior, which was once the holy grail of biology, has now been supplanted by a model of the cell where epigenetic factors (literally: “beyond the control of the gene”) are primary in determining how DNA will be interpreted, translated and expressed. A single gene can be used by the cell to express a multitude of proteins and it is not the DNA itself that determines how or what genes will be expressed. Rather, we must look to the epigenetic factors to understand what makes a liver cell different from a skin cell or brain cell. All of these cells share the exact same 3 billion base pairs that make up our DNA code, but it is the epigenetic factors, e.g. regulatory proteins and post-translational modifications, that make the determination as to which genes to turn on and which to silence, resulting in each cell’s unique phenotype. Moreover, epigenetic factors are directly and indirectly influenced by the presence or absence of key nutrients in the diet, as well as exposures to chemicals, pathogens and other environmental influences.
In a nutshell, what we eat and what we are exposed to in our environment directly affects our DNA and its expression.
Within the scope of this new perspective even classical monogenic diseases like Cystic Fibrosis (CF) can be viewed in a new, more promising light. In CF many of the adverse changes that result from the defective expression of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene may be preventable or reversible, owing to the fact that the misfolding of the CFTR gene product has been shown to undergo partial or full correction (in the rodent model) when exposed to phytochemicals found in turmeric, cayenne, and soybean Moreover, nutritional deficiencies of seleniun, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin e, etc. in the womb or early in life, may “trigger” the faulty expression or folding patterns of the CFTR gene in Cystic Fibrosis which might otherwise have avoided epigenetic activation. This would explain why it is possible to live into one’s late seventies with this condition, as was the case for Katherine Shores (1925-2004). The implications of these findings are rather extraordinary: epigenetic and not genetic factors are primary in determining disease outcome. Even if we exclude the possibility of reversing certain monogenic diseases, the basic lesson from the post-Genomic era is that we can’t blame our DNA for causing disease. Rather, it may have more to do with what we choose to expose our DNA to.
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
CELIAC DISEASE REVISITED
What all of this means for CD is that the genetic susceptibility locus, HLA DQ, does not determine the exact clinical outcome of the disease. Instead of being the cause, if the HLA genes are activated, they are a consequence of the disease process. Thus, we may need to shift our epidemiological focus from viewing this as a classical “disease” involving a passive subject controlled by aberrant genes, to viewing it as an expression of a natural, protective response to the ingestion of something that the human body was not designed to consume.
If we view celiac disease not as an unhealthy response to a healthy food, but as a healthy response to an unhealthy food, classical CD symptoms like diarrhea may make more sense. Diarrhea can be the body’s way to reduce the duration of exposure to a toxin or pathogen, and villous atrophy can be the body’s way of preventing the absorption and hence, the systemic effects of chronic exposure to wheat.
I believe we would be better served by viewing the symptoms of CD as expressions of bodily intelligence rather than deviance. We must shift the focus back to the disease trigger, which is wheat itself.
People with celiac may actually have an advantage over the apparently unafflicted because those who are “non-symptomatic” and whose wheat intolerance goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because they lack the classical symptoms and may suffer in ways that are equally or more damaging, but expressed more subtly, or in distant organs. Within this view celiac disease would be redefined as a protective (healthy?) response to exposure to an inappropriate substance, whereas “asymptomatic” ingestion of the grain with its concomitant “out of the intestine” and mostly silent symptoms, would be considered the unhealthy response insofar as it does not signal in an obvious and acute manner that there is a problem with consuming wheat.
It is possible that celiac disease represents both an extreme reaction to a global, species-specific intolerance to wheat that we all share in varying degrees. CD symptoms may reflect the body’s innate intelligence when faced with the consumption of a substance that is inherently toxic. Let me illustrate this point using Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA), as an example.
WGA is glycoprotein classified as a lectin and is known to play a key role in kidney pathologies, such as IgA nephropathy. In the article: “Do dietary lectins cause disease?” the Allergist David L J Freed points out that WGA binds to “glomerular capillary walls, mesangial cells and tubules of human kidney and (in rodents) binds IgA and induces IgA mesangial deposits,” indicating that wheat consumption may lead to kidney damage in susceptible individuals. Indeed, a study from the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research in Milan Italy published in 2007 in the International Journal of Cancer looked at bread consumption and the risk of kidney cancer. They found that those who consumed the most bread had a 94% higher risk of developing kidney cancer compared to those who consumed the least bread. Given the inherently toxic effect that WGA may have on kidney function, it is possible that in certain genetically predisposed individuals (e.g. HLA-DQ2/DQ8) the body – in its innate intelligence – makes an executive decision: either continue to allow damage to the kidneys (or possibly other organs) until kidney failure and rapid death result, or launch an autoimmune attack on the villi to prevent the absorption of the offending substance which results in a prolonged though relatively malnourished life. This is the explanation typically given for the body’s reflexive formation of mucous following exposure to certain highly allergenic or potentially toxic foods, e.g. dairy products, sugar, etc? The mucous coats the offending substance, preventing its absorption and facilitating safe elimination via the gastrointestinal tract. From this perspective the HLA-DQ locus of disease susceptibility in the celiac is not simply activated but utilized as a defensive adaptation to continual exposure to a harmful substance. In those who do not have the HLA-DQ locus, an autoimmune destruction of the villi will not occur as rapidly, and exposure to the universally toxic effects of WGA will likely go unabated until silent damage to distant organs leads to the diagnosis of a disease that is apparently unrelated to wheat consumption.
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
Loss of kidney function may only be the “tip of the iceberg,” when it comes to the possible adverse effects that wheat proteins and wheat lectin can generate in the body. If kidney cancer is a likely possibility, then other cancers may eventually be linked to wheat consumption as well. This correlation would fly in the face of globally sanctioned and reified assumptions about the inherent benefits of wheat consumption. It would require that we suspend cultural, socio-economic, political and even religious assumptions about its inherent benefits. In many ways, the reassessment of the value of wheat as a food requires a William Boroughs-like moment of shocking clarity when we perceive “in a frozen moment….what is on the end of every fork.” Let’s take a closer look at what is on the end of our forks.
OUR BIOLOGICALLY INAPPROPRIATE DIET
In a previous article, I discussed the role that wheat plays as an industrial adhesive (e.g. paints, paper mache’, and book binding-glue) in order to illustrate the point that it may not be such a good thing for us to eat. The problem is implicit in the word gluten, which literally means “glue” in Latin and in words like pastry and pasta, which derives from wheatpaste, the original concoction of wheat flour and water which made such good plaster in ancient times. What gives gluten its adhesive and difficult-to-digest qualities are the high levels of disulfide bonds it contains. These same sulfur-to-sulfur bonds are found in hair and vulcanized rubber products, which we all know are difficult to decompose and are responsible for the sulfurous odor they give off when burned.
There will be 676 million metric tons of wheat produced this year alone, making it the primary cereal of temperate regions and third most prolific cereal grass on the planet. This global dominance of wheat is signified by the Food & Agricultural Organization’s (FAO) (the United Nation’s international agency for defeating hunger) use of a head of wheat as its official symbol. Any effort to indict the credibility of this “king of grains” will prove challenging. As Rudolf Hauschka once remarked, wheat is “a kind of earth-spanning organism.” It has vast socio-economic, political, and cultural significance. For example, in the Catholic Church, a wafer made of wheat is considered irreplaceable as the embodiment of Christ. .
Our dependence on wheat is matched only by its dependence on us. As Europeans have spread across the planet, so has this grain. We have assumed total responsibility for all phases of the wheat life cycle: from fending off its pests; to providing its ideal growing conditions; to facilitating reproduction and expansion into new territories. We have become so inextricably interdependent that neither species is sustainable at current population levels without this symbiotic relationship.
It is this codependence that may explain why our culture has for so long consistently confined wheat intolerance to categorically distinct, “genetically-based” diseases like “celiac.” These categorizations may protect us from the realization that wheat exerts a vast number of deleterious effects on human health in the same way that “lactose intolerance” distracts attention from the deeper problems associated with the casein protein found in cow’s milk. Rather than see wheat for what it very well may be: a biologically inappropriate food source, we “blame the victim,” and look for genetic explanations for what’s wrong with small subgroups of our population who have the most obvious forms of intolerance to wheat consumption, e.g. celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, etc. The medical justification for these classifications may be secondary to economic and cultural imperatives that require the inherent problems associated with wheat consumption be minimized or occluded.
In all probability the celiac genotype represents a surviving vestigial branch of a once universal genotype, which through accident or intention, have had through successive generations only limited exposure to wheat. The celiac genotype, no doubt, survived through numerous bottlenecks or “die offs” represented by a dramatic shift from hunted and foraged/gathered foods to gluten-grain consumption, and for whatever reason simply did not have adequate time to adapt or select out the gluten-grain incompatible genes. The celiac response may indeed reflect a prior, species-wide intolerance to a novel food source: the seed storage form of the monocotyledonous cereal grasses which our species only began consuming 1-500 generations ago at the advent of the Neolithic transition (10-12,000 BC). Let us return to the image of the celiac iceberg for greater clarification.
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
OUR SUBMERGED GRAIN-FREE METABOLIC PREHISTORY
The iceberg metaphor is an excellent way to expand our understanding of what was once considered to be an extraordinarily rare disease into one that has statistical relevance for us all, but it has a few limitations. For one, it reiterates the commonly held view that Celiac is a numerically distinct disease entity or “disease island,” floating alongside other numerically distinct disease “ice cubes” in the vast sea of normal health. Though accurate in describing the sense of social and psychological isolation many of the afflicted feel, the celiac iceberg/condition may not be a distinct disease entity at all.
Although the HLA-DQ locus of disease susceptibility on chromosome 6 offers us a place to project blame, I believe we need to shift the emphasis of responsibility for the condition back to the disease “trigger” itself: namely, wheat and other prolamine rich grains, e.g. barley, rye, spelt, and oats. Without these grains the typical afflictions we call celiac would not exist. Within the scope of this view the “celiac iceberg” is not actually free floating but an outcropping from an entire submerged subcontinent, representing our long-forgotten (cultural time) but relatively recent metabolic prehistory as hunters-and-gatherers (biological time), where grain consumption was, in all likelihood, non-existent, except in instances of near-starvation.
The pressure on the celiac to be viewed as an exceptional case or deviation may have everything to do with our preconscious belief that wheat, and grains as a whole are the “health foods,” and very little to do with a rigorous investigations of the facts.
Grains have been heralded since time immemorial as the “staff of life,” when in fact they are more accurately described as a cane, precariously propping up a body starved of the nutrient-dense, low-starch vegetables, fruits, edible seeds and meats, they have so thoroughly supplanted (c.f. Paleolithic Diet). Most of the diseases of affluence, e.g. type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer, etc. can be linked to the consumption of a grain-based diet, including secondary “hidden sources” of grain consumption in grain-fed fish, poultry, meat and milk products.
Our modern belief that grains make for good food, is simply not supported by the facts. The cereal grasses are within an entirely different family: monocotyledonous (one leaf) than that from which our body sustained itself for millions of years: dicotyledonous (two-leaf). The preponderance of scientific evidence points to a human origin in the tropical rainforests of Africa where dicotyledonous fruits would have been available for year round consumption. It would not have been monocotyledonous plants, but the flesh of hunted animals that would have allowed for the migration out of Africa 60,000 years ago into the northern latitudes where vegetation would have been sparse or non-existent during winter months. Collecting and cooking grains would have been improbable given the low nutrient and caloric content of grains and the inadequate development of pyrotechnology and associated cooking utensils necessary to consume them with any efficiency. It was not until the end of the last Ice Age 20,000 years ago that our human ancestors would have slowly transitioned to a cereal grass based diet coterminous with emergence of civilization. 20,000 years is probably not enough time to fully adapt to the consumption of grains. Even animals like cows with a head start of thousands of years, having evolved to graze on monocotyledons and equipped as ruminants with the four-chambered fore-stomach enabling the breakdown of cellulose and anti-nutrient rich plants, are not designed to consume grains. Cows are designed to consume the sprouted mature form of the grasses and not their seed storage form. Grains are so acidic/toxic in reaction that exclusively grain-fed cattle are prone to developing severe acidosis and subsequent liver abscesses and infections, etc. Feeding wheat to cattle provides an even greater challenge:
“Beef: Feeding wheat to ruminants requires some caution as it tends to be more apt than other cereal grains to cause acute indigestion in animals which are unadapted to it. The primary problem appears to be the high gluten content of which wheat in the rumen can result in a "pasty" consistency to the rumen contents and reduced rumen motility.”
(source: Ontario ministry of Agriculture food & Rural affairs)
Seeds, after all, are the "babies" of these plants, and are invested with not only the entire hope for continuance of its species, but a vast armory of anti-nutrients to help it accomplish this task: toxic lectins, phytates and oxalates, alpha-amalyase and trypsin inhibitors, and endocrine disrupters. These not so appetizing phytochemicals enable plants to resist predation of their seeds, or at least preventing them from "going out without a punch."
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WHEAT: AN EXCEPTIONALLY UNWHOLESOME GRAIN.
Wheat presents a special case insofar as wild and selective breeding has produced variations which include up to 6 sets of chromosomes (3x the human genome worth!) capable of generating a massive number of proteins each with a distinct potentiality for antigenicity. Common bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), for instance, has over 23,788 proteins cataloged thus far. In fact, the genome for common bread wheat is actually 6.5 times larger than that of the human genome!
With up to a 50% increase in gluten content of some varieties of wheat, it is amazing that we continue to consider “glue-eating” a normal behavior, whereas wheat-avoidance is left to the “celiac” who is still perceived by the majority of health care practitioners as mounting a “freak” reaction to the consumption of something intrinsically wholesome.
Thankfully we don’t need to rely on our intuition, or even (not so) common sense to draw conclusions about the inherently unhealthy nature of wheat. A wide range of investigation has occurred over the past decade revealing the problem with the alcohol soluble protein component of wheat known as gliadin, the glycoprotein known as lectin (Wheat Germ Agglutinin), the exorphin known as gliadomorphin, and the excitotoxic potentials of high levels of aspartic and glutamic acid found in wheat. Add to these the anti-nutrients found in grains such as phytates, enzyme inhibitors, etc. and you have a substance which we may more appropriately consider the farthest thing from wholesome.
The remainder of this article will demonstrate the following adverse effects of wheat on both celiac and non-celiac populations: 1) wheat causes damage to the intestines 2) wheat causes intestinal permeability 3) wheat has pharmacologically active properties 4) wheat causes damage that is “out of the intestine” affecting distant organs 5) wheat induces molecular mimicry 6) wheat contains high concentrations of excitoxins.
1) WHEAT GLIADIN CREATES IMMUNE MEDIATED DAMAGE TO THE INTESTINES
Gliadin is classified as a prolamin, which is a wheat storage protein high in the amino acids proline and glutamine and soluble in strong alcohol solutions. Gliadin, once deamidated by the enzyme Tissue Transglutaminase, is considered the primary epitope for T-cell activation and subsequent autoimmune destruction of intestinal villi. Yet gliadin does not need to activate an autoimmune response, e.g. Celiac disease, in order to have a deleterious effect on intestinal tissue.
In a study published in GUT in 2007 a group of researchers asked the question: “Is gliadin really safe for non-coeliac individuals?” In order to test the hypothesis that an innate immune response to gliadin is common in patients with celiac disease and without celiac disease, intestinal biopsy cultures were taken from both groups and challenged with crude gliadin, the gliadin synthetic 19-mer (19 amino acid long gliadin peptide) and 33-mer deamidated peptides. Results showed that all patients with or without Celiac disease when challenged with the various forms of gliadin produced an interleukin-15-mediated response. The researchers concluded:
“The data obtained in this pilot study supports the hypothesis that gluten elicits its harmful effect, throughout an IL15 innate immune response, on all individuals [my italics].”
The primary difference between the two groups is that the celiac disease patients experienced both an innate and an adaptive immune response to the gliadin, whereas the non-celiacs experienced only the innate response. The researchers hypothesized that the difference between the two groups may be attributable to greater genetic susceptibility at the HLA-DQ locus for triggering an adaptive immune response, higher levels of immune mediators or receptors, or perhaps greater permeability in the celiac intestine. It is possible that over and above the possibility of greater genetic susceptibility, most of the differences are from epigenetic factors that are influenced by the presence or absence of certain nutrients in the diet. Other factors such as exposure to NSAIDs like naproxen or aspirin can profoundly increase intestinal permeability in the non-celiac, rendering them susceptible to gliadin’s potential for activating secondary adaptive immune responses. This may explain why in up to 5% of all cases of classically defined celiac disease the typical HLA-DQ haplotypes are not found. However, determining the factors associated greater or lesser degrees of susceptibility to gliadin’s intrinsically toxic effect should be a secondary to the fact that it is has been demonstrated to be toxic to both non-celiacs and celiacs.
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2) WHEAT GLIADIN CREATES INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY
Gliadin upregulates the production of a protein known as zonulin, which modulates intestinal permeability. Over-expression of zonulin is involved in a number of autoimmune disorders, including celiac disease and Type 1 diabetes. Researchers have studied the effect of gliadin on increased zonulin production and subsequent gut permeability in both celiac and non-celiac intestines, and have found that “gliadin activates zonulin signaling irrespective of the genetic expression of autoimmunity, leading to increased intestinal permeability to macromolecules.”10 These results indicate, once again, that a pathological response to wheat gluten is a normal or human, species specific response, and is not based entirely on genetic susceptibilities. Because intestinal permeability is associated with wide range of disease states, including cardiovascular illness, liver disease and many autoimmune disorders, I believe this research indicates that gliadin (and therefore wheat) should be avoided as a matter of principle.
3) WHEAT GLIADIN HAS PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Gliadin can be broken down into various amino acid lengths or peptides. Gliadorphin is a 7 amino acid long peptide: Tyr-Pro-Gln-Pro-Gln-Pro-Phe which forms when the gastrointestinal system is compromised. When digestive enzymes are insufficient to break gliadorphin down into 2-3 amino acid lengths and a compromised intestinal wall allows for the leakage of the entire 7 amino acid long fragment into the blood, glaidorphin can pass through to the brain through circumventricular organs and activate opioid receptors resulting in disrupted brain function.
There have been a number of gluten exorphins identified: gluten exorphin A4, A5, B4, B5 and C, and many of them have been hypothesized to play a role in autism, schizophrenia, ADHD and related neurological conditions. In the same way that the celiac iceberg illustrated the illusion that intolerance to wheat is rare, it is possible, even probable, that wheat exerts pharmacological influences on everyone. What distinguishes the schizophrenic or autistic individual from the functional wheat consumer is the degree to which they are affected.
Below the tip of the “Gluten Iceberg,” we might find these opiate-like peptides to be responsible for bread’s general popularity as a “comfort food”, and our use of phrases like “I love bread,” or “this bread is to die for” to be indicative of wheat’s narcotic properties. I believe a strong argument can be made that the agricultural revolution that occurred approximately 10-12,000 years ago as we shifted from the Paleolithic into the Neolithic era was precipitated as much by environmental necessities and human ingenuity, as it was by the addictive qualities of psychoactive peptides in the grains themselves.
The world-historical reorganization of society, culture and consciousness accomplished through the symbiotic relationship with cereal grasses, may have had as much to do with our ability to master agriculture, as to be mastered by it. The presence of pharmacologically active peptides would have further sweetened the deal, making it hard to distance ourselves from what became a global fascination with wheat.
An interesting example of wheat’s addictive potential pertains to the Roman army. The Roman Empire was once known as the “Wheat Empire,” with soldiers being paid in wheat rations. Rome’s entire war machine, and its vast expansion, was predicated on the availability of wheat. Forts were actually granaries, holding up to a year’s worth of grain in order to endure sieges from their enemies. Historians describe soldiers’ punishment included being deprived of wheat rations and being given barley instead. The Roman Empire went on to facilitate the global dissemination of wheat cultivation which fostered a form of imperialism with biological as well as cultural roots.
The Roman appreciation for wheat, like our own, may have had less to do with its nutritional value as “health food” than its ability to generate a unique narcotic reaction. It may fulfill our hunger while generating a repetitive, ceaseless cycle of craving more of the same, and by doing so, enabling the surreptitious control of human behavior. Other researchers have come to similar conclusions.
According to the biologists Greg Wadley & Angus Martin:
“Cereals have important qualities that differentiate them from most other drugs. They are a food source as well as a drug, and can be stored and transported easily. They are ingested in frequent small doses (not occasional large ones), and do not impede work performance in most people. A desire for the drug, even cravings or withdrawal, can be confused with hunger. These features make cereals the ideal facilitator of civilisation (and may also have contributed to the long delay in recognising their pharmacological properties).”
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4) WHEAT LECTIN (WGA) DAMAGES OUR TISSUE.
Wheat contains a lectin known as Wheat Germ Agglutinin which is responsible for causing direct, non-immune mediated damage to our intestines, and subsequent to entry into the bloodstream, damage to distant organs in our body.
Lectins are sugar-binding proteins which are highly selective for their sugar moieties. It is believed that wheat lectin, which binds to the monosaccharide N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), provides defense against predation from bacteria, insects and animals. Bacteria have NAG in their cell wall, insects have an exoskeleton composed of polymers of NAG called chitin, and the epithelial tissue of mammals, e.g. gastrointestinal tract, have a “sugar coat” called the glycocalyx which is composed, in part, of NAG. The glycocalyx can be found on the outer surface (apical portion) of the microvilli within the small intestine.
There is evidence that WGA may cause increased shedding of the intestinal brush border membrane, reduction in surface area, acceleration of cell losses and shortening of villi, via binding to the surface of the villi. WGA can mimic the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) at the cellular level, indicating that the crypt hyperplasia seen in celiac disease may be due to a mitogenic reponse induced by WGA. WGA has been implicated in obesity and “leptin resistance” by blocking the receptor in the hypothalamus for the appetite satiating hormone leptin. WGA has also been shown to have an insulin-mimetic action, potentially contributing to weight gain and insulin resistance.15 And, as discussed earlier, wheat lectin has been shown to induce IgA mediated damage to the kidney, indicating that nephropathy and kidney cancer may be associated with wheat consumption.
5) WHEAT PEPTIDES EXHIBIT MOLECULAR MIMICRY
Gliadorphin and gluten exporphins exhibit a form of molecular mimicry that affects the nervous system, but other wheat proteins effect different organ systems. The digestion of gliadin produces a peptide that is 33 amino acids long and is known as 33-mer which has a remarkable homology to the internal sequence of pertactin, the immunodominant sequence in the Bordetella pertussis bacteria (whooping cough). Pertactin is considered a highly immunogenic virulence factor, and is used in vaccines to amplify the adaptive immune response. It is possible the immune system may confuse this 33-mer with a pathogen resulting in either or both a cell-mediated and adaptive immune response against Self.
6) WHEAT CONTAINS HIGH LEVELS OF EXCITO-TOXINS
John B. Symes, D.V.M. is responsible for drawing attention to the potential excitotoxicity of wheat, dairy, and soy, due to their exceptionally high levels of the non-essential amino acids glutamic and aspartic acid. Excitotoxicity is a pathological process where glutamic and aspartic acid cause an over-activation of the nerve cell receptors (e.g. NMDA and AMPA receptor) leading to calcium induced nerve and brain injury. Of all cereal grasses commonly consumed wheat contains the highest levels of glutamic acid and aspartic acid. Glutamic acid is largely responsible for wheat’s exceptional taste. The Japanese coined the word umami to describe the extraordinary “yummy” effect that glutamic acid exerts on the tongue and palate, and invented monosodium glutamate (MSG) to amplify this sensation. Though the Japanese first synthesized MSG from kelp, wheat can also be used due to its high glutamic acid content. It is likely that wheat’s popularity, alongside its opiate-like activity, has everything to do with the natural flavor-enhancers already contained within it. These amino acids may contribute to neurodegenerative conditions such as Multiple sclerosis, Alzhemier’s, Huntington’s disease, and other nervous disorders such as Epilepsy, Attention Deficit Disorder and Migraines.
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
CONCLUSION
In this article I have proposed that celiac disease be viewed not as a rare “genetically-determined” disorder, but as an extreme example of our body communicating to us a once universal, species-specific affliction: severe intolerance to wheat. Celiac disease reflects back to us how profoundly our diet has diverged from what was, until only recently a grain free diet, and even more recently, a wheat free one. We are so profoundly distanced from that dramatic Neolithic transition in cultural time that “missing is any sense that anything is missing.” The body, on the other hand, cannot help but remember a time when cereal grains were alien to the diet, because in biological time it was only moments ago.
Eliminating wheat, if not all of the members of the cereal grass family, and returning to dicotyledons or pseudo-grains like quinoa, buckwheat and amaranth, may help us roll back the hands of biological and cultural time, to a time of clarity, health and vitality that many of us have never known before. When one eliminates wheat and fills the void left by its absence with fruits, vegetables, high quality meats and foods consistent with our biological needs we may begin to feel a sense of vitality that many would find hard to imagine. If wheat really is more like a drug than a food, anesthetizing us to its ill effects on our body, it will be difficult for us to understand its grasp upon us unless and until we eliminate it from our diet. I encourage everyone to see celiac disease not as a condition alien to our own. Rather, the celiac gives us a glimpse of how profoundly wheat may distort and disfigure our health if we continue to expose ourselves to its ill effects. I hope this article will provide inspiration for non-celiacs to try a wheat free diet and judge for themselves if it is really worth eliminating.
The globe-spanning presence of wheat and its exalted status among secular and sacred institutions alike differentiates this food from all others presently enjoyed by humans. Yet the unparalleled rise of wheat as the very catalyst for the emergence of ancient civilization has not occurred without a great price. While wheat was the engine of civilization’s expansion and was glorified as a “necessary food,” both in the physical (staff of life) and spiritual sense (the body of Christ), those suffering from celiac disease are living testimony to the lesser known dark side of wheat. A study of celiac disease may help unlock the mystery of why modern man, who dines daily at the table of wheat, is the sickest animal yet to have arisen on this strange planet of ours.
THE CELIAC ICEBERG
Celiac disease (CD) was once considered an extremely rare affliction, limited to individuals of European origin. Today, however, a growing number of studies indicate that celiac disease is found throughout the US at a rate of up to 1 in every 133 persons, which is several orders of magnitude higher than previously estimated.
These findings have led researchers to visualize CD as an iceberg. The tip of the iceberg represents the relatively small number of the world’s population whose gross presentation of clinical symptoms often leads to the diagnosis of celiac disease. This is the classical case of CD characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms, malabsorption and malnourishment. It is confirmed with the “gold standard” of an intestinal biopsy. The submerged middle portion of the iceberg is largely invisible to classical clinical diagnosis, but not to modern serological screening methods in the form of antibody testing. This middle portion is composed of asymptomatic and latent celiac disease as well as “out of the intestine” varieties of wheat intolerance. Finally, at the base of this massive iceberg sits approximately 20-30% of the world’s population – those who have been found to carry the HLA-DQ locus of genetic susceptibility to celiac disease on chromosome 6.
The “Celiac Iceberg” may not simply illustrate the problems and issues associated with diagnosis and disease prevalence, but may represent the need for a paradigm shift in how we view both CD and wheat consumption among non-CD populations.
First let us address the traditional view of CD as a rare, but clinically distinct species of genetically-determined disease, which I believe is now running itself aground upon the emerging, post-Genomic perspective, whose implications for understanding and treating disease are Titanic in proportion.
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IT IS NOT THE GENES, BUT WHAT WE EXPOSE THEM TO
Despite common misconceptions, monogenic diseases, or diseases that result from errors in the nucleotide sequence of a single gene are exceedingly rare. Perhaps only 1% of all diseases fall within this category, and Celiac disease is not one of them. In fact, following the completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP) in 2003 it is no longer accurate to say that our genes “cause” disease, any more than it is accurate to say that DNA is sufficient to account for all the proteins in our body. Despite initial expectations, the HGP revealed that there are only 30,000-35,000 genes in human DNA (genome), rather than the 100,000 + believed necessary to encode the 100,000 + proteins found in the human body (proteome).
The “blueprint” model of genetics: one gene → one protein → one cellular behavior, which was once the holy grail of biology, has now been supplanted by a model of the cell where epigenetic factors (literally: “beyond the control of the gene”) are primary in determining how DNA will be interpreted, translated and expressed. A single gene can be used by the cell to express a multitude of proteins and it is not the DNA itself that determines how or what genes will be expressed. Rather, we must look to the epigenetic factors to understand what makes a liver cell different from a skin cell or brain cell. All of these cells share the exact same 3 billion base pairs that make up our DNA code, but it is the epigenetic factors, e.g. regulatory proteins and post-translational modifications, that make the determination as to which genes to turn on and which to silence, resulting in each cell’s unique phenotype. Moreover, epigenetic factors are directly and indirectly influenced by the presence or absence of key nutrients in the diet, as well as exposures to chemicals, pathogens and other environmental influences.
In a nutshell, what we eat and what we are exposed to in our environment directly affects our DNA and its expression.
Within the scope of this new perspective even classical monogenic diseases like Cystic Fibrosis (CF) can be viewed in a new, more promising light. In CF many of the adverse changes that result from the defective expression of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene may be preventable or reversible, owing to the fact that the misfolding of the CFTR gene product has been shown to undergo partial or full correction (in the rodent model) when exposed to phytochemicals found in turmeric, cayenne, and soybean Moreover, nutritional deficiencies of seleniun, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin e, etc. in the womb or early in life, may “trigger” the faulty expression or folding patterns of the CFTR gene in Cystic Fibrosis which might otherwise have avoided epigenetic activation. This would explain why it is possible to live into one’s late seventies with this condition, as was the case for Katherine Shores (1925-2004). The implications of these findings are rather extraordinary: epigenetic and not genetic factors are primary in determining disease outcome. Even if we exclude the possibility of reversing certain monogenic diseases, the basic lesson from the post-Genomic era is that we can’t blame our DNA for causing disease. Rather, it may have more to do with what we choose to expose our DNA to.
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CELIAC DISEASE REVISITED
What all of this means for CD is that the genetic susceptibility locus, HLA DQ, does not determine the exact clinical outcome of the disease. Instead of being the cause, if the HLA genes are activated, they are a consequence of the disease process. Thus, we may need to shift our epidemiological focus from viewing this as a classical “disease” involving a passive subject controlled by aberrant genes, to viewing it as an expression of a natural, protective response to the ingestion of something that the human body was not designed to consume.
If we view celiac disease not as an unhealthy response to a healthy food, but as a healthy response to an unhealthy food, classical CD symptoms like diarrhea may make more sense. Diarrhea can be the body’s way to reduce the duration of exposure to a toxin or pathogen, and villous atrophy can be the body’s way of preventing the absorption and hence, the systemic effects of chronic exposure to wheat.
I believe we would be better served by viewing the symptoms of CD as expressions of bodily intelligence rather than deviance. We must shift the focus back to the disease trigger, which is wheat itself.
People with celiac may actually have an advantage over the apparently unafflicted because those who are “non-symptomatic” and whose wheat intolerance goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because they lack the classical symptoms and may suffer in ways that are equally or more damaging, but expressed more subtly, or in distant organs. Within this view celiac disease would be redefined as a protective (healthy?) response to exposure to an inappropriate substance, whereas “asymptomatic” ingestion of the grain with its concomitant “out of the intestine” and mostly silent symptoms, would be considered the unhealthy response insofar as it does not signal in an obvious and acute manner that there is a problem with consuming wheat.
It is possible that celiac disease represents both an extreme reaction to a global, species-specific intolerance to wheat that we all share in varying degrees. CD symptoms may reflect the body’s innate intelligence when faced with the consumption of a substance that is inherently toxic. Let me illustrate this point using Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA), as an example.
WGA is glycoprotein classified as a lectin and is known to play a key role in kidney pathologies, such as IgA nephropathy. In the article: “Do dietary lectins cause disease?” the Allergist David L J Freed points out that WGA binds to “glomerular capillary walls, mesangial cells and tubules of human kidney and (in rodents) binds IgA and induces IgA mesangial deposits,” indicating that wheat consumption may lead to kidney damage in susceptible individuals. Indeed, a study from the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research in Milan Italy published in 2007 in the International Journal of Cancer looked at bread consumption and the risk of kidney cancer. They found that those who consumed the most bread had a 94% higher risk of developing kidney cancer compared to those who consumed the least bread. Given the inherently toxic effect that WGA may have on kidney function, it is possible that in certain genetically predisposed individuals (e.g. HLA-DQ2/DQ8) the body – in its innate intelligence – makes an executive decision: either continue to allow damage to the kidneys (or possibly other organs) until kidney failure and rapid death result, or launch an autoimmune attack on the villi to prevent the absorption of the offending substance which results in a prolonged though relatively malnourished life. This is the explanation typically given for the body’s reflexive formation of mucous following exposure to certain highly allergenic or potentially toxic foods, e.g. dairy products, sugar, etc? The mucous coats the offending substance, preventing its absorption and facilitating safe elimination via the gastrointestinal tract. From this perspective the HLA-DQ locus of disease susceptibility in the celiac is not simply activated but utilized as a defensive adaptation to continual exposure to a harmful substance. In those who do not have the HLA-DQ locus, an autoimmune destruction of the villi will not occur as rapidly, and exposure to the universally toxic effects of WGA will likely go unabated until silent damage to distant organs leads to the diagnosis of a disease that is apparently unrelated to wheat consumption.
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
Loss of kidney function may only be the “tip of the iceberg,” when it comes to the possible adverse effects that wheat proteins and wheat lectin can generate in the body. If kidney cancer is a likely possibility, then other cancers may eventually be linked to wheat consumption as well. This correlation would fly in the face of globally sanctioned and reified assumptions about the inherent benefits of wheat consumption. It would require that we suspend cultural, socio-economic, political and even religious assumptions about its inherent benefits. In many ways, the reassessment of the value of wheat as a food requires a William Boroughs-like moment of shocking clarity when we perceive “in a frozen moment….what is on the end of every fork.” Let’s take a closer look at what is on the end of our forks.
OUR BIOLOGICALLY INAPPROPRIATE DIET
In a previous article, I discussed the role that wheat plays as an industrial adhesive (e.g. paints, paper mache’, and book binding-glue) in order to illustrate the point that it may not be such a good thing for us to eat. The problem is implicit in the word gluten, which literally means “glue” in Latin and in words like pastry and pasta, which derives from wheatpaste, the original concoction of wheat flour and water which made such good plaster in ancient times. What gives gluten its adhesive and difficult-to-digest qualities are the high levels of disulfide bonds it contains. These same sulfur-to-sulfur bonds are found in hair and vulcanized rubber products, which we all know are difficult to decompose and are responsible for the sulfurous odor they give off when burned.
There will be 676 million metric tons of wheat produced this year alone, making it the primary cereal of temperate regions and third most prolific cereal grass on the planet. This global dominance of wheat is signified by the Food & Agricultural Organization’s (FAO) (the United Nation’s international agency for defeating hunger) use of a head of wheat as its official symbol. Any effort to indict the credibility of this “king of grains” will prove challenging. As Rudolf Hauschka once remarked, wheat is “a kind of earth-spanning organism.” It has vast socio-economic, political, and cultural significance. For example, in the Catholic Church, a wafer made of wheat is considered irreplaceable as the embodiment of Christ. .
Our dependence on wheat is matched only by its dependence on us. As Europeans have spread across the planet, so has this grain. We have assumed total responsibility for all phases of the wheat life cycle: from fending off its pests; to providing its ideal growing conditions; to facilitating reproduction and expansion into new territories. We have become so inextricably interdependent that neither species is sustainable at current population levels without this symbiotic relationship.
It is this codependence that may explain why our culture has for so long consistently confined wheat intolerance to categorically distinct, “genetically-based” diseases like “celiac.” These categorizations may protect us from the realization that wheat exerts a vast number of deleterious effects on human health in the same way that “lactose intolerance” distracts attention from the deeper problems associated with the casein protein found in cow’s milk. Rather than see wheat for what it very well may be: a biologically inappropriate food source, we “blame the victim,” and look for genetic explanations for what’s wrong with small subgroups of our population who have the most obvious forms of intolerance to wheat consumption, e.g. celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, etc. The medical justification for these classifications may be secondary to economic and cultural imperatives that require the inherent problems associated with wheat consumption be minimized or occluded.
In all probability the celiac genotype represents a surviving vestigial branch of a once universal genotype, which through accident or intention, have had through successive generations only limited exposure to wheat. The celiac genotype, no doubt, survived through numerous bottlenecks or “die offs” represented by a dramatic shift from hunted and foraged/gathered foods to gluten-grain consumption, and for whatever reason simply did not have adequate time to adapt or select out the gluten-grain incompatible genes. The celiac response may indeed reflect a prior, species-wide intolerance to a novel food source: the seed storage form of the monocotyledonous cereal grasses which our species only began consuming 1-500 generations ago at the advent of the Neolithic transition (10-12,000 BC). Let us return to the image of the celiac iceberg for greater clarification.
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
OUR SUBMERGED GRAIN-FREE METABOLIC PREHISTORY
The iceberg metaphor is an excellent way to expand our understanding of what was once considered to be an extraordinarily rare disease into one that has statistical relevance for us all, but it has a few limitations. For one, it reiterates the commonly held view that Celiac is a numerically distinct disease entity or “disease island,” floating alongside other numerically distinct disease “ice cubes” in the vast sea of normal health. Though accurate in describing the sense of social and psychological isolation many of the afflicted feel, the celiac iceberg/condition may not be a distinct disease entity at all.
Although the HLA-DQ locus of disease susceptibility on chromosome 6 offers us a place to project blame, I believe we need to shift the emphasis of responsibility for the condition back to the disease “trigger” itself: namely, wheat and other prolamine rich grains, e.g. barley, rye, spelt, and oats. Without these grains the typical afflictions we call celiac would not exist. Within the scope of this view the “celiac iceberg” is not actually free floating but an outcropping from an entire submerged subcontinent, representing our long-forgotten (cultural time) but relatively recent metabolic prehistory as hunters-and-gatherers (biological time), where grain consumption was, in all likelihood, non-existent, except in instances of near-starvation.
The pressure on the celiac to be viewed as an exceptional case or deviation may have everything to do with our preconscious belief that wheat, and grains as a whole are the “health foods,” and very little to do with a rigorous investigations of the facts.
Grains have been heralded since time immemorial as the “staff of life,” when in fact they are more accurately described as a cane, precariously propping up a body starved of the nutrient-dense, low-starch vegetables, fruits, edible seeds and meats, they have so thoroughly supplanted (c.f. Paleolithic Diet). Most of the diseases of affluence, e.g. type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer, etc. can be linked to the consumption of a grain-based diet, including secondary “hidden sources” of grain consumption in grain-fed fish, poultry, meat and milk products.
Our modern belief that grains make for good food, is simply not supported by the facts. The cereal grasses are within an entirely different family: monocotyledonous (one leaf) than that from which our body sustained itself for millions of years: dicotyledonous (two-leaf). The preponderance of scientific evidence points to a human origin in the tropical rainforests of Africa where dicotyledonous fruits would have been available for year round consumption. It would not have been monocotyledonous plants, but the flesh of hunted animals that would have allowed for the migration out of Africa 60,000 years ago into the northern latitudes where vegetation would have been sparse or non-existent during winter months. Collecting and cooking grains would have been improbable given the low nutrient and caloric content of grains and the inadequate development of pyrotechnology and associated cooking utensils necessary to consume them with any efficiency. It was not until the end of the last Ice Age 20,000 years ago that our human ancestors would have slowly transitioned to a cereal grass based diet coterminous with emergence of civilization. 20,000 years is probably not enough time to fully adapt to the consumption of grains. Even animals like cows with a head start of thousands of years, having evolved to graze on monocotyledons and equipped as ruminants with the four-chambered fore-stomach enabling the breakdown of cellulose and anti-nutrient rich plants, are not designed to consume grains. Cows are designed to consume the sprouted mature form of the grasses and not their seed storage form. Grains are so acidic/toxic in reaction that exclusively grain-fed cattle are prone to developing severe acidosis and subsequent liver abscesses and infections, etc. Feeding wheat to cattle provides an even greater challenge:
“Beef: Feeding wheat to ruminants requires some caution as it tends to be more apt than other cereal grains to cause acute indigestion in animals which are unadapted to it. The primary problem appears to be the high gluten content of which wheat in the rumen can result in a "pasty" consistency to the rumen contents and reduced rumen motility.”
(source: Ontario ministry of Agriculture food & Rural affairs)
Seeds, after all, are the "babies" of these plants, and are invested with not only the entire hope for continuance of its species, but a vast armory of anti-nutrients to help it accomplish this task: toxic lectins, phytates and oxalates, alpha-amalyase and trypsin inhibitors, and endocrine disrupters. These not so appetizing phytochemicals enable plants to resist predation of their seeds, or at least preventing them from "going out without a punch."
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WHEAT: AN EXCEPTIONALLY UNWHOLESOME GRAIN.
Wheat presents a special case insofar as wild and selective breeding has produced variations which include up to 6 sets of chromosomes (3x the human genome worth!) capable of generating a massive number of proteins each with a distinct potentiality for antigenicity. Common bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), for instance, has over 23,788 proteins cataloged thus far. In fact, the genome for common bread wheat is actually 6.5 times larger than that of the human genome!
With up to a 50% increase in gluten content of some varieties of wheat, it is amazing that we continue to consider “glue-eating” a normal behavior, whereas wheat-avoidance is left to the “celiac” who is still perceived by the majority of health care practitioners as mounting a “freak” reaction to the consumption of something intrinsically wholesome.
Thankfully we don’t need to rely on our intuition, or even (not so) common sense to draw conclusions about the inherently unhealthy nature of wheat. A wide range of investigation has occurred over the past decade revealing the problem with the alcohol soluble protein component of wheat known as gliadin, the glycoprotein known as lectin (Wheat Germ Agglutinin), the exorphin known as gliadomorphin, and the excitotoxic potentials of high levels of aspartic and glutamic acid found in wheat. Add to these the anti-nutrients found in grains such as phytates, enzyme inhibitors, etc. and you have a substance which we may more appropriately consider the farthest thing from wholesome.
The remainder of this article will demonstrate the following adverse effects of wheat on both celiac and non-celiac populations: 1) wheat causes damage to the intestines 2) wheat causes intestinal permeability 3) wheat has pharmacologically active properties 4) wheat causes damage that is “out of the intestine” affecting distant organs 5) wheat induces molecular mimicry 6) wheat contains high concentrations of excitoxins.
1) WHEAT GLIADIN CREATES IMMUNE MEDIATED DAMAGE TO THE INTESTINES
Gliadin is classified as a prolamin, which is a wheat storage protein high in the amino acids proline and glutamine and soluble in strong alcohol solutions. Gliadin, once deamidated by the enzyme Tissue Transglutaminase, is considered the primary epitope for T-cell activation and subsequent autoimmune destruction of intestinal villi. Yet gliadin does not need to activate an autoimmune response, e.g. Celiac disease, in order to have a deleterious effect on intestinal tissue.
In a study published in GUT in 2007 a group of researchers asked the question: “Is gliadin really safe for non-coeliac individuals?” In order to test the hypothesis that an innate immune response to gliadin is common in patients with celiac disease and without celiac disease, intestinal biopsy cultures were taken from both groups and challenged with crude gliadin, the gliadin synthetic 19-mer (19 amino acid long gliadin peptide) and 33-mer deamidated peptides. Results showed that all patients with or without Celiac disease when challenged with the various forms of gliadin produced an interleukin-15-mediated response. The researchers concluded:
“The data obtained in this pilot study supports the hypothesis that gluten elicits its harmful effect, throughout an IL15 innate immune response, on all individuals [my italics].”
The primary difference between the two groups is that the celiac disease patients experienced both an innate and an adaptive immune response to the gliadin, whereas the non-celiacs experienced only the innate response. The researchers hypothesized that the difference between the two groups may be attributable to greater genetic susceptibility at the HLA-DQ locus for triggering an adaptive immune response, higher levels of immune mediators or receptors, or perhaps greater permeability in the celiac intestine. It is possible that over and above the possibility of greater genetic susceptibility, most of the differences are from epigenetic factors that are influenced by the presence or absence of certain nutrients in the diet. Other factors such as exposure to NSAIDs like naproxen or aspirin can profoundly increase intestinal permeability in the non-celiac, rendering them susceptible to gliadin’s potential for activating secondary adaptive immune responses. This may explain why in up to 5% of all cases of classically defined celiac disease the typical HLA-DQ haplotypes are not found. However, determining the factors associated greater or lesser degrees of susceptibility to gliadin’s intrinsically toxic effect should be a secondary to the fact that it is has been demonstrated to be toxic to both non-celiacs and celiacs.
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2) WHEAT GLIADIN CREATES INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY
Gliadin upregulates the production of a protein known as zonulin, which modulates intestinal permeability. Over-expression of zonulin is involved in a number of autoimmune disorders, including celiac disease and Type 1 diabetes. Researchers have studied the effect of gliadin on increased zonulin production and subsequent gut permeability in both celiac and non-celiac intestines, and have found that “gliadin activates zonulin signaling irrespective of the genetic expression of autoimmunity, leading to increased intestinal permeability to macromolecules.”10 These results indicate, once again, that a pathological response to wheat gluten is a normal or human, species specific response, and is not based entirely on genetic susceptibilities. Because intestinal permeability is associated with wide range of disease states, including cardiovascular illness, liver disease and many autoimmune disorders, I believe this research indicates that gliadin (and therefore wheat) should be avoided as a matter of principle.
3) WHEAT GLIADIN HAS PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Gliadin can be broken down into various amino acid lengths or peptides. Gliadorphin is a 7 amino acid long peptide: Tyr-Pro-Gln-Pro-Gln-Pro-Phe which forms when the gastrointestinal system is compromised. When digestive enzymes are insufficient to break gliadorphin down into 2-3 amino acid lengths and a compromised intestinal wall allows for the leakage of the entire 7 amino acid long fragment into the blood, glaidorphin can pass through to the brain through circumventricular organs and activate opioid receptors resulting in disrupted brain function.
There have been a number of gluten exorphins identified: gluten exorphin A4, A5, B4, B5 and C, and many of them have been hypothesized to play a role in autism, schizophrenia, ADHD and related neurological conditions. In the same way that the celiac iceberg illustrated the illusion that intolerance to wheat is rare, it is possible, even probable, that wheat exerts pharmacological influences on everyone. What distinguishes the schizophrenic or autistic individual from the functional wheat consumer is the degree to which they are affected.
Below the tip of the “Gluten Iceberg,” we might find these opiate-like peptides to be responsible for bread’s general popularity as a “comfort food”, and our use of phrases like “I love bread,” or “this bread is to die for” to be indicative of wheat’s narcotic properties. I believe a strong argument can be made that the agricultural revolution that occurred approximately 10-12,000 years ago as we shifted from the Paleolithic into the Neolithic era was precipitated as much by environmental necessities and human ingenuity, as it was by the addictive qualities of psychoactive peptides in the grains themselves.
The world-historical reorganization of society, culture and consciousness accomplished through the symbiotic relationship with cereal grasses, may have had as much to do with our ability to master agriculture, as to be mastered by it. The presence of pharmacologically active peptides would have further sweetened the deal, making it hard to distance ourselves from what became a global fascination with wheat.
An interesting example of wheat’s addictive potential pertains to the Roman army. The Roman Empire was once known as the “Wheat Empire,” with soldiers being paid in wheat rations. Rome’s entire war machine, and its vast expansion, was predicated on the availability of wheat. Forts were actually granaries, holding up to a year’s worth of grain in order to endure sieges from their enemies. Historians describe soldiers’ punishment included being deprived of wheat rations and being given barley instead. The Roman Empire went on to facilitate the global dissemination of wheat cultivation which fostered a form of imperialism with biological as well as cultural roots.
The Roman appreciation for wheat, like our own, may have had less to do with its nutritional value as “health food” than its ability to generate a unique narcotic reaction. It may fulfill our hunger while generating a repetitive, ceaseless cycle of craving more of the same, and by doing so, enabling the surreptitious control of human behavior. Other researchers have come to similar conclusions.
According to the biologists Greg Wadley & Angus Martin:
“Cereals have important qualities that differentiate them from most other drugs. They are a food source as well as a drug, and can be stored and transported easily. They are ingested in frequent small doses (not occasional large ones), and do not impede work performance in most people. A desire for the drug, even cravings or withdrawal, can be confused with hunger. These features make cereals the ideal facilitator of civilisation (and may also have contributed to the long delay in recognising their pharmacological properties).”
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
4) WHEAT LECTIN (WGA) DAMAGES OUR TISSUE.
Wheat contains a lectin known as Wheat Germ Agglutinin which is responsible for causing direct, non-immune mediated damage to our intestines, and subsequent to entry into the bloodstream, damage to distant organs in our body.
Lectins are sugar-binding proteins which are highly selective for their sugar moieties. It is believed that wheat lectin, which binds to the monosaccharide N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), provides defense against predation from bacteria, insects and animals. Bacteria have NAG in their cell wall, insects have an exoskeleton composed of polymers of NAG called chitin, and the epithelial tissue of mammals, e.g. gastrointestinal tract, have a “sugar coat” called the glycocalyx which is composed, in part, of NAG. The glycocalyx can be found on the outer surface (apical portion) of the microvilli within the small intestine.
There is evidence that WGA may cause increased shedding of the intestinal brush border membrane, reduction in surface area, acceleration of cell losses and shortening of villi, via binding to the surface of the villi. WGA can mimic the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) at the cellular level, indicating that the crypt hyperplasia seen in celiac disease may be due to a mitogenic reponse induced by WGA. WGA has been implicated in obesity and “leptin resistance” by blocking the receptor in the hypothalamus for the appetite satiating hormone leptin. WGA has also been shown to have an insulin-mimetic action, potentially contributing to weight gain and insulin resistance.15 And, as discussed earlier, wheat lectin has been shown to induce IgA mediated damage to the kidney, indicating that nephropathy and kidney cancer may be associated with wheat consumption.
5) WHEAT PEPTIDES EXHIBIT MOLECULAR MIMICRY
Gliadorphin and gluten exporphins exhibit a form of molecular mimicry that affects the nervous system, but other wheat proteins effect different organ systems. The digestion of gliadin produces a peptide that is 33 amino acids long and is known as 33-mer which has a remarkable homology to the internal sequence of pertactin, the immunodominant sequence in the Bordetella pertussis bacteria (whooping cough). Pertactin is considered a highly immunogenic virulence factor, and is used in vaccines to amplify the adaptive immune response. It is possible the immune system may confuse this 33-mer with a pathogen resulting in either or both a cell-mediated and adaptive immune response against Self.
6) WHEAT CONTAINS HIGH LEVELS OF EXCITO-TOXINS
John B. Symes, D.V.M. is responsible for drawing attention to the potential excitotoxicity of wheat, dairy, and soy, due to their exceptionally high levels of the non-essential amino acids glutamic and aspartic acid. Excitotoxicity is a pathological process where glutamic and aspartic acid cause an over-activation of the nerve cell receptors (e.g. NMDA and AMPA receptor) leading to calcium induced nerve and brain injury. Of all cereal grasses commonly consumed wheat contains the highest levels of glutamic acid and aspartic acid. Glutamic acid is largely responsible for wheat’s exceptional taste. The Japanese coined the word umami to describe the extraordinary “yummy” effect that glutamic acid exerts on the tongue and palate, and invented monosodium glutamate (MSG) to amplify this sensation. Though the Japanese first synthesized MSG from kelp, wheat can also be used due to its high glutamic acid content. It is likely that wheat’s popularity, alongside its opiate-like activity, has everything to do with the natural flavor-enhancers already contained within it. These amino acids may contribute to neurodegenerative conditions such as Multiple sclerosis, Alzhemier’s, Huntington’s disease, and other nervous disorders such as Epilepsy, Attention Deficit Disorder and Migraines.
To simplify complications is the FIRST essential of success. (Click here)
CONCLUSION
In this article I have proposed that celiac disease be viewed not as a rare “genetically-determined” disorder, but as an extreme example of our body communicating to us a once universal, species-specific affliction: severe intolerance to wheat. Celiac disease reflects back to us how profoundly our diet has diverged from what was, until only recently a grain free diet, and even more recently, a wheat free one. We are so profoundly distanced from that dramatic Neolithic transition in cultural time that “missing is any sense that anything is missing.” The body, on the other hand, cannot help but remember a time when cereal grains were alien to the diet, because in biological time it was only moments ago.
Eliminating wheat, if not all of the members of the cereal grass family, and returning to dicotyledons or pseudo-grains like quinoa, buckwheat and amaranth, may help us roll back the hands of biological and cultural time, to a time of clarity, health and vitality that many of us have never known before. When one eliminates wheat and fills the void left by its absence with fruits, vegetables, high quality meats and foods consistent with our biological needs we may begin to feel a sense of vitality that many would find hard to imagine. If wheat really is more like a drug than a food, anesthetizing us to its ill effects on our body, it will be difficult for us to understand its grasp upon us unless and until we eliminate it from our diet. I encourage everyone to see celiac disease not as a condition alien to our own. Rather, the celiac gives us a glimpse of how profoundly wheat may distort and disfigure our health if we continue to expose ourselves to its ill effects. I hope this article will provide inspiration for non-celiacs to try a wheat free diet and judge for themselves if it is really worth eliminating.
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