The

September 2010

Blaylock Wellness Report

Living a Long, Healthy Life
Edited by Russell L. Blaylock, M.D. Vol. 7, No. 9

Key Points
Strong evidence suggests that longevity may be improved through calorie restriction Low-calorie diets may reduce the incidence of Type-2 diabetes What you eat, and how much, affects your brain eat smart Grapes are great the added benefits of resveratrol

How Diet and Exercise Can Improve Your Health Even Your Brain
In the age of high technology and complex pharmaceutical drug development, the study of medicine seems to have forgotten some of the fundamentals of health fundamentals that may be more valuable than all of todays modern marvels. For those of use who are Christians, Jesus admonishes us to develop understanding and wisdom, and several philosophers have pointed out that deeper understanding surpasses mere collections of facts. Todays world is drowning in data, and in the area of health, only a few of our brighter minds truly seem to have that deeper understanding of human health and disease. Fortunately, men of understanding are now looking at the gifts of our Creator and discovering that the systems functioning within us can heal and repair beyond the best of man-made medical miracles. In this issue, I want to bring together some of these discoveries and outline a program that you can use to not only live a longer life, but, more importantly, to live a healthier life. Instead of the many pharmaceutical drugs being thrust upon us, there is compelling evidence that healthy diets, exercise, and weekly or biweekly fasting can extend lifespan, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and promote healing, especially within the brain. Combining these three simple recommendations can have dramatic beneficial effects on our lives.

PLUS The importance of reducing cortisol in the elderly The real scoop on HDL

Reducing Calories Increases Lifespan

ASK DR. BLAYLOCK The benefits of rooibus tea; dealing with bone loss; help for those suffering from double vision

Everyone wants to live longer. Throughout history, medicine has doggedly pursued the goal of prolonging life. But for the most part, the best efforts of scientists had failed to extend the seemingly fixed limit on human lifespan. That changed in 1935, when a group of scientists discovered that restricting the caloric intake of rats caused them to live longer as long as they were supplied with essential vitamins and minerals at the same time. In these early studies, the animals were on a nearstarvation diet, and the scientists were puzzled by the fact that almost starving could actually extend life.

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There were limits, of course. Too drastic a they eat a lot of vegetables. One member told reduction in calories increased death rates, Laura Cassiday of New Scientist magazine that she especially during times of stress and increased rarely felt hungry, and has noticed an improved energy demands. mood, better quality sleep, and improved mental 1 Over the years, I have clarity and memory. When I have switched noticed a link between older patients from a typical people who eat very little Insulin Resistance Impairs Western diet high in simple and live very long lives, Brain Function carbohydrates, fats, and and another link between More than 45 million Americans suffer proteins, to a diet rich in those who overeat and die from metabolic syndrome (grouped risk vegetables, moderate in prematurely. factors for artery disease, stroke, and Type 2 low glycemic carbs, and no It is my belief that many diabetes). Millions more have Type 2 diabetes simple sugars, almost all people can live into their and prediabetes, which means they have insulin tell me that they experience 90s and beyond through resistance. Insulin resistance has been shown to the same positive effects basic calorie restriction and be a major cause for impairment of brain function, especially learning and memory. Insulin resistance within two weeks. Most dietary changes. impairs plasticity in the hippocampus the often, they are surprised at A friend of mine is now 96 part of the brain vital to forming new memories, their mental clarity. years old, remains relatively learning, and linking memories to emotions. Studies of the CRONies active, is a voracious reader, Worse yet, as we age all of these negative show that they have optimal and for the past three effects of a poor diet are greatly magnified. metabolic reports, including decades has eaten very small, Remember, aging of the brain is associated with low blood pressure and nutrient-rich meals. progressive inflammation, and it is inflammation normal blood lipids. Newer studies have shown that is at the bottom of neurodegenerative In general, they are much that mice on a reduceddiseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons. healthier than their same calorie diet of 30 to 50 When the diet is filled with fats, carbohydrates, and proteins that promote inflammation, those foods age counterparts who eat a percent fewer calories live actually accelerate the damage. typical American diet. 50 percent longer than rats Animal studies have allowed to eat unlimited shown similar effects from amounts. These studies low-calorie diets on blood sugar, blood lipids, and have been repeated on other animals with the overall health. One study used rats genetically same results. Human lifespan extension has not prone to strokes. Those rats placed on a restrictedbeen confirmed because testing is more difficult to calorie diet delayed the onset of the stroke from the conduct. 2 normal 34 days to 70 days a very significant Another study used monkeys to better improvement in the lifespan of a rat. approximate human biology. They found that monkeys on a 30 percent lower calorie diet There is a strong link between chronic outlived the monkeys on a regular caloric diet by inflammation and stroke risk. Researchers found 2-to-1. In addition, they had fewer diseases such as that these rats had elevated levels of proteins cancer, diabetes, and other age-related ailments. secreted by cells that carry signals to other cells, called inflammatory cytokines (Il-1beta, TNF-alpha, Follow the CRONies Example MCP-1, ICAM, and VCAM), in their fat tissues. The One group of people practicing this lowercondition also appears in the abdominal fat tissue of calorie diet goes by the name Calorie Restriction people at high risk for strokes. Society International they refer to themselves Interestingly, animals placed on very lowas CRONies, short for Calorie Restriction with calorie diets experience a dramatic drop in these Optimal Nutrition. inflammatory chemicals. The reduction in strokes Members restrict their caloric intake by 10 to 30 occurred without lowering blood pressure, percent, a practice that can be quite uncomfortable, indicating that lowering inflammation is the more especially in the beginning. For nutritional balance, important factor in avoiding stroke. Other studies

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have shown that diets high in carbohydrates (simple sugars and high-glycemic carbs) increase inflammation, producing high levels of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha in the animals 3 liver and fat tissue. Low-calorie diets have been shown to dramatically reduce the incidence of metabolic syndrome, Type-2 diabetes (insulin resistance), and high blood pressure. These diets can also correct abnormal blood lipids, including the following: Cholesterol Triglycerides Very low-density lipoproteins Taken together, these factors translate into a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. But the real surprise has been the effects of diet and exercise on brain function and brain repair. In my part of the country, people eat enormous portions during meals. If you go to a restaurant in Jackson, Miss., you will see large platters piled high with french fries and fried fish with heavily buttered french bread on the side, and a large glass of sweetened tea or a soft drink. Southerners love to eat this way all day long. Most teenagers eat like this on a continuous basis as well high-fat, highly sweetened foods. Snacking on chips, pretzels, donuts, cakes, breads, muffins, and other types of junk food have become an American pastime and studies have been done to see what effect these foods have on the brains function and health. Dr. Mark Mattson at the Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging is uncovering the link between excessive food intake and brain malfunction. (I particularly like the subtitle of one of his articles on diet and brain health: Take Away My Food and Let Me Run.4) Mattson has shown that significantly restricting dietary caloric intake enhances cognitive function (thinking) by enhancing brain plasticity that is, growth of the intricate connections between neurons especially in the hippocampus, the part of the brain devoted to learning and memory.5 Exercise also dramatically enhances these brain mechanisms and reduces age-related loss of brain function. Memory and learning are also improved. When low-calorie diet and exercise are

used together, the effects are even more dramatic. Meticulous brain scans have shown these changes in the brain. Studies found that both exercise and restriction of calories increase the size of the hippocampus and thicken the brains cortex, two factors associated 6, 7, 8 with better memory and learning. Human epidemiological studies have also found that obesity and diabetes are associated with an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline.9 And the damaging effects of overeating worsen after age the age of 30. Keep this in mind when you hear about energy bars and carb loading.

About Dr. Blaylock

Dr. Russell Blaylock edits Newsmax.coms Blaylock Wellness Report. He is a nationally recognized board-certified neurosurgeon, health practitioner, author, and lecturer. He attended the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed his internship and neurosurgical residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C. For the past 26 years, he has practiced neurosurgery in addition to having a nutritional practice. He recently retired from his neurosurgical duties to devote his full attention to nutritional studies and research. Dr. Blaylock has authored three books on nutrition and wellness, including Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills, Health and Nutrition Secrets That Can Save Your Life, and his most recent work, Natural Strategies for The Cancer Patient. An in-demand guest for radio and television programs, he lectures extensively to both lay and professional medical audiences on a variety of nutritionrelated subjects. Also, Dr. Blaylock has been appointed to serve on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Life Extension Foundation. He is the 2004 recipient of the Integrity in Science Award granted by the Weston A. Price Foundation. Dr. Blaylock serves on the editorial staff of the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association and on the editorial staff of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, official publication of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons. He previously served as clinical assistant professor of neurosurgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Miss., and is currently a visiting professor of biology at the Belhaven College, also in Jackson.

Feed Your Brain With Healthier Choices

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One of the worst dietary combinations is fats (especially omega-6 fats and saturated fats) and simple carbohydrates (sugar, especially highfructose corn syrup). When rats fed a high saturated-fat diet were given a number of mental tasks, including both memory and learning, 10 their performance was impaired. The effects of these bad fats occurred Studies have also shown that rapidly, dietary restriction protects appearing neurons against degeneration within nine days in models of human diseases of starting the such as Alzheimers. bad diet. Researchers found that similar diets fed to pregnant rats resulted in cognitive impairment in offspring, 11 especially offspring that continued the diet. When the rats brains matured, they were found to contain high levels of free radicals and signs of inflammation. Studies in humans have also shown that the blood of overweight people has high levels of inflammatory cytokines, and shows signs of oxidative stress. Placing them on an alternating fasting diet fasting several times a week dramatically reduced these markers for disease.12, 13 Mattson and his co-workers found that animals fed diets similar to the typical Western diet had cognitive impairment, but switching them to restricted-calorie diets protected them against learning and thinking problems.14 Furthermore, researchers have shown that to form new neurons, which can improve brain function, you should pay close attention to the way you eat, including: Reducing meal size Spacing the meals over longer periods Eating healthy foods Studies have also shown that dietary restriction protects neurons against degeneration in models of human diseases such as Alzheimers, Huntingtons, Parkinsons, and strokes. The importance of spacing meals should change the current thinking that promotes eating six smaller meals a day. Eating three meals separated by longer periods actually makes more sense.

A number of researchers have studied the link between diet, exercise, and brain health, but it was Mattsons team that led the way. Among other things, they found that when we exercise, the brain produces more of a special brain-growth repair hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that stimulates the increase in brain connections dendrites and synapses especially 15 within the hippocampus. Mattson eventually found there are three chemicals involved in the beneficial effects of exercise and dietary restriction: 1. BDNF (protein for brain cell development) 2. Serotonin 3. IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) The amounts of all three chemicals increase with 16 regular exercise and proper dietary restrictions. The typical Western diet was found to drastically lower the amounts of BDNF, the principle brain protector. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter often associated with protecting against depression, stimulates BDNF production, and IGF-1 (insulinlike growth factor-1) plays a special role in protecting our ability to recall memories. However, too much IGF-1 is as harmful as too little. High protein diets dramatically increase IGF-1 levels and reduce lifespan. Milk from cows treated with bovine growth hormone is a special hazard. Studies have shown that this hormone, when consumed, dramatically increases blood IGF1 levels. This can not only shorten lifespan, but also stimulates the growth of tumors. The mechanisms involved in exercise and lifespan extension can get quite complicated, but summarily, we do know that exercising, fasting, or reducing caloric intake significantly triggers a stress response in cells.

How Do Diet, Exercise Protect the Brain?

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When cells are under stress, they secrete a dramatic increase in cerebral blood flow (flow of number of protective chemicals, including BDNF blood in the brain) in the area of the hippocampus. and Hsp70 (proteins that protect against stress). Neither of the other two groups showed such an This process of stimulating the body to protect increase. Studies have shown that increasing blood itself through stress is called hormesis. flow in the hippocampus correlates with better Exercise and intellectually memory. challenging hobbies, put Of even greater interest, Resveratrol: The Magic stress on the brains cells, researchers found that of the Grape which causes more BDNF the brains of those who to be secreted, leading to exercised had better The extract resveratrol, which is found in the clearer minds, quicker connections to a special skin of red grapes, has gotten a lot of attention thinking, and better area of the brain needed recently because it has been shown to extend the memory. for a number of important lifespan of animals. It has anticancer properties, and a powerful ability to protect the brain against One of the major triggers functions. Evidence immunoexcitotoxicity, the central mechanism in for the release of BDNF indicates that some brain aging and neurodegenerative disease of is electrical activity in the neurological disorders, the brain. It is a potent antioxidant that stimulates brain itself. This is why such as dementia, are brain growth and synaptic connections. Resveratol intellectually challenging associated with an early can also mimic fasting. In fact, it appears to confer exercises stimulate the loss of connectivity of the all the beneficial effects of actual fasting and dietary caloric restriction without having to go brain to grow and repair brain various parts of through extreme dietary changes. itself. Interestingly, BDNF the brain have difficulty also acts on special neurons communicating with In the past, it was thought that resveratrols benefits were the result of stimulating a cellin the hypothalamus that each other. signaling substance called sirtuins (SIRT1). control weight gain. The increased connectivity But a new study found that it prolongs life by Obese diabetic rats in those who exercised was stimulating AMPK. placed on a low-calorie between the hippocampus One of the really interesting properties of diet increased their brain and the anterior cingulate AMPK stimulation is that it causes mitochondria BDNF, which causes weight cortex (ACC), a part of the to reproduce within cells, especially neurons. By loss. Injecting BDNF into frontal lobe that oversees making more mitochondria per cell, the neuron the brains of diabetic mice executive functions of the has more energy without the added risk of also improves their insulin brain. The ACC is sort of producing a lot of free radicals. (Mitochondria resistance. This is one of like the conductor of an are, after all, the major source of free radicals.) Resveratrol also causes robust outgrowth of the ways that exercise orchestra it directs the neurites that is, brain connections and is a improves blood sugar levels other areas to produce major weapon against immunoexcitotoxicity. in diabetics. the beautiful symphony of Because of its effect on neuronal AMPK, A recently completed brain functions. resveratrol reduces the damage caused by strokes, study in the journal This area of the brain has brain oxidative stress, immunoexcitotoxicity, and Frontiers in Aging critical functions, including post-traumatic seizures. Animal models have Neuroscience studied six resolution of conflicts in the shown that it protects against Alzheimers and individuals from a group brain. For example, if your Huntingtons disease. of elderly persons (ages 70 eyes tell you that something to 85) using sophisticated is close, but your memory 17 functional MRI techniques. They were divided says it is really far away the ACC searches the into three groups: One group received exercise brains memory of previous experiences to resolve training, a second group had cognitive training the conflict. only, and a control group of healthy individuals ACC also plays a critical role in memory, received neither. especially episodic memories, which are immediate Researchers found that people who were in the memories needed for everyday life. exercise group for four months demonstrated a Interestingly, the improved connectivity shown

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after just four months of exercise in 70- to 85-yearolds was greater than that seen in much younger individuals. It is important to keep in mind that all of these improvements in brain function occurred in elderly individuals who had not exercised before this study, indicating that even very old brains can improve and heal with proper exercise and diet. Studies also show that an important side benefit of caloric restriction is an increase in parasympathetic activity of the heart, which reduces the risk of arrhythmia, a major killer. Newer studies show that two cell-signaling molecules play a major role in lifespan and brain health, in particular. These are called mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) and AMPK (activated protein kinase). MTOR is a special cell sensor for protein synthesis, and AMPK is the bodys energy sensor. Evidence shows that increases in mTOR reduce lifespan, while decreasing it extends life in a number of 18 animal species, including mammals. The function of AMPK the bodys energy sensor is to tell the cells when too much or too little energy is being consumed. When you are fasting or eating a low calorie diet, AMPK is 19 stimulated. This stimulation prolongs life. AMPK is activated by a number of conditions, such as low oxygen (hypoxia), low glucose, exercise, leptin, and adiponectin (lipid hormones). This brings us back to hormesis cell stress. Cell stress triggers an increase in AMPK activity, which initiates mechanisms that protect all the cells of the body, especially brain cells. The benefits of exercise and caloric deprivation appear to act though AMPK cell-signaling. This makes sense, because AMPK is the bodys energy sensor. Eating meals high in fats and simple carbohydrates causes AMPK to shut down. That can cause the brain to start degenerating, and can shorten overall lifespan. Lowering energy intake (by eating more vegetables) activates AMPK. This improves insulin function and may reduce ageassociated Alzheimers-like changes in the brain.

Autophagy: The Cell Cleaner

Many years ago, when studies showed caloric restriction lengthened life, other studies showed that high-protein diets shortened lifespan. Newer studies show how lifespans are shortened: It

involves the cell-signaling molecule mTOR (mammalian target for rapamycin). Rapamycin is a drug extracted from a fungus that inhibits mTOR function. Earlier studies found that treating animals with rapamycin extended their lifespan significantly, even among animals genetically prone to die early (senescence 20 accelerated mice). Further research found that mTOR activation had two deleterious effects on the body it increased protein synthesis and suppressed autophagy, the method cells use to clean up toxic and misfolded proteins, damaged organelles, and other cellular debris. So, what is wrong with stimulating protein synthesis? In general, nothing. But excessive synthesis puts a heavy burden on the cells energy supply. This increases free radical generation and damage to the cells DNA. While most speak of lifespan, Excessive healthspan the number of protein years you spend healthy is synthesis even more important. suppresses autophagy. When we eat a large amount of protein, the cell becomes overwhelmed with oxidized protein products (called protein carbonyls) and chemically altered proteins that are poisonous to the cell (toxic proteins). Accumulation of these toxic proteins appears to play a major role in aging and many diseases associated with aging, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. When we are young, our autophagy mechanism is healthy, and can keep our cells clean. As we approach middle age, autophagy becomes impaired, and these toxic protein products start to accumulate in our cells. As they begin to damage other parts of the cell, such as the ribosomes and mitochondria, these damaged cell organelles must also be removed. Autophagy does this job as well. MTOR, which suppresses autophagy, is activated by amino acids and high-protein diets; this is why high-protein diets shorten lifespan. Rapamycin, the immune suppressing drug, inhibits mTOR; this prolongs lifespan in a number of species. When genes that operate autophagy are purposely turned off in animal experiments, the animals age rapidly and die early. Autophagy is
21

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line is if you arent taking a high quality multivitamin, you are needlessly jeopardizing your health and longevity.

How to Pick the Right Multivitamin for You

Can Multivitamins Fill in the Gaps?

Todays fast-paced lifestyle makes it difficult to eat well. Were surrounded by processed foods, and fresh produce is less nutritious than it was years ago due to industrial farming practices. To make up for dietary deficiencies, over 100 million Americans take multivitamins, but research shows that the associated benefits vary widely depending on the multivitamins quality.

Choosing the best multivitamin can be hard, unless you know what to look for. First and foremost, look for a product made in the USA to pharmaceutical grade standards in an FDA inspected facility. Stay away from 1-a-day formulas theres no way they can fit everything you need into one pill! If most of the ingredient levels are equivalent to 100% or less of the RDA, chances are its too weak to be effective. A good multi will also include significant doses of super antioxidants.

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Experts agree that most multivitamins are simply not potent enough to support optimal wellness and longevity. This is because they are formulated according to an antiquated standard the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), which defines the bare minimums we need for survival. While some of the RDA levels may be adequate, a growing number of experts believe that our health would improve substantially with higher levels of select nutrients.

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Vitamins & Minerals Alone Are Not Enough

Today, we are exposed to an increasing amount of toxins, which generate cell-destroying free radicals within the body something the RDA does not even take into account. According to Jean Carper, best-selling author and founder of Stop Aging Now, an estimated 80 90% of all degenerative diseases involve free radical activity. Science shows that the best protection is super antioxidants, such as CoQ10, Green Tea, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Curcumin and Ginkgo. Most multivitamins, unfortunately, have little antioxidant firepower.

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absolutely essential to protecting cells and tissues. In some tissues, such as the liver, the high insulin levels that are seen with metabolic syndrome and Type-2 diabetes suppress autophagy by stimulating mTOR. Reduce insulin through activities such as exercise, and you can increase autophagy, resulting in healthier cells. Resveratrol also stimulates autophagy by stimulating sirtuins (SIRT1), which also defend cells from free radical damage. Autophagy also appears to be a front-line defense against oxidative stress. This explains why research has found that autophagy efficiency decreases gradually with aging and especially with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and Huntingtons. How can you improve autophagy? Reduce protein intake Take resveratrol Avoid amino acid concoctions Studies have shown a dramatic improvement of autophagy in aged animals with exercise and low protein diets. A diet high in saturated fats can also suppress autophagy, and has been shown to damage cognition and learning in animals. Interestingly, supplemental resveratrol had its greatest beneficial effects when started during adulthood. The reason is because toxic protein products, oxidative stress, and autophagy impairment all reach their peak after adulthood. One study found that a high-fat diet increased levels of an enzyme, NADPH oxidase, that plays a 22 major role in age-related brain degeneration. When activated, this enzyme can produce high levels of a mildly destructive free radical called superoxide, which degenerates into peroxynitrite, a much more destructive free radical. High levels of peroxynitrite are seen with head injuries, strokes, brain infections, Alzheimers, and Parkinsons. It is produced mainly by brain immune cells called microglia the same cells that appear to play a central role in: Neurodegenerative diseases Strokes Head injuries Brain infections This is another reason to avoid high-fat diets, especially when combined with simple sugars, and, in particular, high fructose corn syrup.

In my book, Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills (www.blaylockwellnesscenter.com), I explain in detail how an excess of certain amino acids can cause a slow degeneration of the brain. When allowed to accumulate, excitotoxic amino acids interact with the brains immune system to cause a destructive reaction called immunoexcitotoxicity. One source for these toxic amino acids is our diet. In 1969, neuroscientist John Olney discovered that MSG could destroy the nerve cells of the retina and certain areas of the brain. The dose used was close to the amount being added to common processed foods. Subsequent research has shown that humans who consume MSG or hydrolyzed proteins have glutamate blood levels that are 20 to 50 times higher than normal. This excitotoxic reaction is magnified under certain conditions: Aging Head injury Stroke Brain infection Autoimmune diseases Heavy metal poisoning Those at greatest risk are the unborn, small children, the elderly, and people with brain disorders. For example, the glutamate levels in the blood of people who have Lou Gehrigs disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is double that of normal people when they eat high-protein diets or foods containing MSG. This causes their condition to advance more rapidly. The same appears to be true for other neurological disorders, especially head injuries, strokes, brain infections, and multiple sclerosis. High-glutamate intake makes cancers, such as breast, lung, and brain cancers more invasive and may cause them to grow faster. Eating diets high in proteins, including protein shakes or whey protein, can trigger mTOR and immunoexcitotoxicity at the same time a dangerous combination. Evidence suggests that bodybuilders who consume massive amounts of protein live shorter lives. I am always amazed when I see them buying huge canisters of protein powders. This practice can lead to heart damage, kidney injury, and eventually damage to the brain, especially the hippocampus. By stimulating mTOR, it can also shorten their

High-Protein Diets and Excitotoxicity

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lifespans and promote cancer development. calories for women engaged in moderate activity. Compelling evidence from laboratories all over Other evidence suggests that fasting just one day the world indicates that we are eating too much a week confers protection equal to more extensive food, especially harmful foods. The so-called fasting (for example, as the Bible suggests, fasting Western diet is the biggest killer in the world, on the Sabbath). It may be that taking resveratrol and more countries recently China are without fasting accomplishes the same goal. But adopting this diet. this does not mean that you can revert to a Western While most speak of lifespan, healthspan the diet just as long as you take resveratrol! number of years you spend healthy is even more These should be the mainstays of your diet: important. No one wants to live a life plagued with Nutrient-dense vegetables repeated or chronic illness. Some fruits (especially blueberries, blackberries, One of the important findings of studies both raspberries, etc.) in humans and primates is that switching to low Few breads protein, reduced-calorie diets dramatically reduces A moderate amount of low-glycemic the major killers: carbohydrates Heart disease Avoid sugars and artificial sweeteners such Cancer as aspartame and Splenda. Saturated fats are Diabetes harmful mainly when mixed with a high level of Neurodegenerative diseases carbohydrates and sugars. This type of diet would spare people a life of One of the problems with animal fats is that they misery and early death, and would save hundreds are contaminated with pesticides and herbicides, of billions of dollars in healthcare costs. because most such toxins are fat-soluble. The problem is convincing people to make the Some evidence suggests that it is not a reduction switch. Food is addicting, and adding excitotoxic in calories that is critical, but a reduction in additives to foods plays a major role in this proteins, and Americans consume massive addiction. In a previous newsletter, I discussed the amounts. One should eat no more than 3 to 4 link between excess brain glutamate and addiction ounces of meat twice a day, and possibly less. high-protein diets raise brain glutamate Red meats, such as beef, wild game, and buffalo levels. A diet consisting of excess saturated fats, have higher levels of glutamate and iron, and are omega-6 fats, sugar (especially high-fructose more likely to be contaminated with pesticides corn syrup), and highand herbicides. Organically glycemic carbohydrates is a raised chicken, turkey, and High-Protein Diets pork are better choices. prescription for long-term Shorten Lifespan In all of the lifespan poor health. extension studies of animals The evidence is compelling. In the world of nutrition, there is an obsession on calorie-restricted diets, Such a diet causes the cells with high proteins diets. Several popular books extol their benefits, and every health food store, all subjects were given and tissues in the body to supermarket, and specialty shop is currently filled vitamin and mineral rapidly age, especially in with high protein bars, foods, shakes, and powders. supplements. the brain. Certain areas The newest rage is whey protein supplements. By combining moderate of the brain, such as the I have spoken out against these high protein regular exercise (45 to 60 hippocampus and parietal products for years, much to the consternation of minutes at least four days cortex, are vulnerable to a my nutritional colleagues. But the science is firmly a week), dietary restriction, poor diet. These are the on my side. and intellectual stimulation, same areas affected in one can greatly enhance Alzheimers disease. health and longevity. So, just how low does our calorie and protein Studies are under way to see if caloric restriction intake have to be to reach this magic dietary goal? can protect humans against or even reverse As a rough guideline, Mattson has suggested 1,800 diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons. to 2,200 calories for men and 1,600 to 2,000

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Health and Nutrition Updates

Reducing Cortisol in the Elderly
and switches from a protective, anti-inflammatory molecule to a highly inflammatory, free-radicalOne of the problems associated with aging is producing molecule. In this way it helps the a gradual elevation in cortisol, an adrenal gland immune system rid the body of the infection. stress steroid. Older people have higher base levels Once the infection is over, of cortisol, and with stress HDL switches back to a they secrete higher levels protective molecule. But Bolster Your Immunity that persist longer than does it always? in younger people. High Carotenoids are a group of chemicals found Recent evidence suggests cortisol has been shown in leafy green, yellow, and some white vegetables that it can become stuck in to interfere with sleep and many fruits. Studies show that mixing some a harmful mode. (waking up in the middle vitamin A with carotenoids is especially beneficial This explains studies for immune function and for preventing cancer. of the night), to cause that show a number of atrophied (shrinking) Over 600 carotenoids are found in nature, people with high HDLmuscles, and to accelerate 50 of which are used in the human diet. Of these, cholesterol levels who beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, degeneration of the brain have a high risk of heart and gamma-carotene can be converted by the with aging. attack and a high incidence body into vitamin A. In this transformation, only A new study of 32 the amount of vitamin A needed for health is of severe atherosclerosis. elderly people placed on a generated, and the rest remains as the original It may be that these carotenoids. For example, whether you take 10,000 diet containing branched people have undiagnosed, IU of beta-carotene or a million, the amount of chain amino acids smoldering infections or vitamin A produced in the body remains the same. [BCAA] (valine, leucine, a loss of the protective This makes the carotenoids a very safe way to and isoleucine) for six antioxidant enzymes get your vitamin A. Each of the various types of months, found that those carotenoids has a different function in the body (called paraoxonase or and also accumulates in different concentrations in on the amino acid diet PON) normally found various tissues and organs. significantly reduced their within HDL. cortisol levels. Diet, antioxidant Other studies have supplements (especially shown that BCAA also improves brain function flavonoids), and exercise have been shown to and reduces excitotoxicity. But BCAA also correct this HDL problem. stimulates mTOR, and may reduce lifespan overall. More research is needed. How Homocysteine Causes

Is HDL Really Healthy?

Atherosclerosis

Most physicians, and many cardiologists, tell their patients that a higher HDL-cholesterol level is heart healthy. But, is this really true? Is high HDL really protective? In previous newsletters on heart health, I warned readers that sometimes a high HDL level might be harmful, as harmful as a high level of LDL-cholesterol. What most doctors do not understand is that HDL is not only a carrier of cholesterol, but is also part of the immune system. When we are infected with bacteria or a virus, our HDL level goes up

Only fairly recently have physicians accepted the major role homocysteine plays in cardiovascular disease and strokes, despite years of research that made the connection. It is now accepted as an independent risk factor for heart attacks and strokes, meaning that if homocysteine is elevated by itself, even with normal cholesterol levels, one is at a high risk. A new study found that elevated homocysteine activated an enzyme in monocytes called NADPH oxidase, which is the major source for a free radical called superoxide.23 This radical forms an

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RefeRences

September 2010

even more powerful radical in the presence of nitric oxide called peroxynitrite. An early event in the development of atherosclerosis is the infiltration of reactive monocytes into the endothelial lining of blood vessels. This initiates intense inflammation and triggers all the events associated with atherosclerosis. Homocysteine, by making the monocytes produce even higher levels of superoxide, accelerates the process tremendously. It should be noted that homocysteine, and especially its metabolic breakdown products, are all powerful excitotoxins. Other studies have shown that just a few feedings of the excitotoxin food additive MSG to newborn rats can cause a prolonged generation of free radicals in the endothelial linings of blood vessels. This constant formation of free radicals lasted the equivalent of decades in humans. These excitotoxins, like MSG and homocysteine, produce much of their damage by triggering NADPH oxidase, and should be a wake-up call to those eating processed foods filled with excitotoxin food additives.

1. Cassiday L., New Scientists; May 29, 2010, 36-39. 2. Chiba T., Ezaki O., Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010 (published online ahead of print). 3. Ferreira A.V., et al., Inflammation 2010; May 6 (published online ahead of print). 4. Mattson M.P., Brain Res 2000; 886: 47-53. 5. Mattson M.P., Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2010; 2: 1-12. 6. Voss M.W., et al., Neuropsychologia 2010; 48: 1394-1406. 7. Erickson K.I., et al., Hippocampus 2009; 19: 1030-1039. 8. Colcombe S.J., et al., J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2006; 61: 1166-1170. 9. Nilsson L.G. and Nilsson E., J Psychol 2009; 50: 660-667. 10. Greenwood C.R. and Winocur G., Behav Neurosci 1996; 110: 451-459. 11. White C.L., et al., Neurobiol Dis 2009; 35: 3-13. 12. Gundstad I., et al., Compr Psychiatry 2007; 48: 57-61. 13. Kodl C.T., and Sequist E.R., Endocr Rev 2008; 29: 494-511. 14. Mattson M.P., et al., J Neurochem 2003; 84: 417-431. 15. Mattson M.P., et al., Trends Neuroscience 2004; 27: 589-594. 16. Mattson M.P., et al., Ageing Res Rev 2004; 3: 445-464. 17. Burdette J.H., et al., Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2010 doi: 10.3389/ fnagi.2010.00023. 18. Blagosklonny M.V., Hall M.N., Aging 2009; 1: 357-362. 19. Potter W.B., et al., Plos One 2010; 5: e8996. 20. Dasgupta B., Milbrandt J., Proc Nat Acad Sci 2007; 104; 7217-7222. 21. Hands S.L., et al., Aging 2009; 1: 586-597. 22. Bruce-Keller A.J., et al., Free Rad Biol Med 2010; 49: 22-30. 23. Biochem J 2006; 398: 73-82.

A note from Dr. Blaylock: Advertisements for various supplements may appear in the newsletter or attached to the newsletter. I have nothing to do with these advertisements and do not endorse them. The only supplements I endorse are those that I list in the newsletter. This is not to say that I object to the supplements; its just that I am not familiar with the supplements being advertised. Please note that this advice is generic and not specific to any individual. You should consult with your doctor before undertaking any medical or nutritional course of action.

PLEASE NOTE: All information presented in The Blaylock Wellness Report is for informational purposes only. It is not specific medical advice for any individual. All answers to reader questions are provided for informational purposes only. All information presented in The Blaylock Wellness Report should not be construed as medical consultation or instruction. You should take no action solely on the basis of this publications contents. Readers are advised to consult a health professional about any issue regarding their health and well-being. While the information found in The Blaylock Wellness Report is believed to be sensible and accurate based on the authors best judgment, readers who fail to seek counsel from appropriate health professionals assume risk of any potential ill effects. The opinions expressed in The Blaylock Wellness Report do not necessarily reflect those of Newsmax Media.

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Ask Dr. Blaylock

Attention Blaylock Readers:

Dr. Blaylock welcomes any questions or comments you would like to share. Each month, he will select a few to be published and answered in the newsletter. Please remember that he cannot answer every question. When submitting a question or comment, please include full name, city, and state. Please e-mail the doctor at: askblaylock@newsmax.com.

Q: What are the benefits of drinking rooibos tea? Jim O., Lenoir City, Tenn. A: Rooibos tea, a South African tea which has a slightly sweet taste, has a number of health benefits and is quite popular in many parts of the world. It contains a number of flavonoids that reduce inflammation, have anticancer effects, and are powerful antioxidants. The only downside is that rooibos contains as much fluoride (approximately 1 ppm) as fluorinated water. But if you do not drink large amounts, the fluoride is less of a problem. Overall, it is a healthy tea. Q: Is there any way to treat painful swelling of the facial nerves (trigeminal neuralgia)? Morris D., Houston, Texas A: When I was a medical student and later as a resident, I had a great interest in this condition, and I worked with Dr. Peter Jennetta, an expert in trigeminal neuralgia surgery. While a number of surgical treatments are available, Jennettas has been the most successful. Yet I found natural remedies helped a number of my patients. A combination of curcumin and quercetin (500 mg each), mixed with extra-virgin olive oil and taken three times a day, reduces the inflammation of the nerve and promotes healing. Magnesium citrate/malate (500 mg twice a day) reduces the pain, blocks excitotoxicity (which triggers the pain), and allows the nerve to heal. Phosphotidylcholine, which makes up a large part of the fatty insulation of the nerve, promotes healing as well. The B vitamins, especially B1, B6, B12, folate, and niacinamide, also promote nerve healing

and improve nerve function. It is critical to avoid all excitotoxins in foods MSG, hydrolyzed proteins, caseinates, carrageenan, autolyzed yeast, etc. Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants is also important. Other nutrients that reduce trigeminal hyperactivity include carnosine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and silymarin. Q: What is the best medication to stop bone loss in people with osteoporosis? Ellen B., Hemet, Calif. A: The main cause of osteoporosis is an insufficient amount of vitamin D3. Most people need at least 5,000 IU a day, and many need amounts as high as 10,000 IU, especially those who avoid the sun. Get tested for vitamin D3, and if the level is below 70, a supplement is needed. Adding a moderate amount of calcium, (around 500 to 600 mg of calcium citrate) a day improves bone mineralization. A number of other nutrients also improve bone mineralization, including vitamin K, magnesium, zinc, green tea, and curcumin. Exercise plays a major role as well, especially resistance exercises. It is critical to avoid high protein diets, since proteins increase acid levels in the body, and this demineralizes the bones (causing osteoporosis). Exercise drives calcium into the bone. If all these things are used in combination, bones will be strong and resist osteoporosis. Q: What are some of the causes of double vision? Elizabeth H., La Canada, Canada A: Double vision has a number of causes. In most cases, the problem is neurological, and involves the cranial nerves controlling eye movement the III,

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IV, and VI cranial nerves. Your ophthalmologist can determine which nerve is involved. Some of the causes include pressure on one of the cranial nerves, such as aneurysms or tumors (especially pituitary tumors). One of the most common causes for intermittent double vision is impending multiple sclerosis. A neurologist or neurosurgeon can make the diagnosis. Q: How can I control attacks caused by Menieres disease (a disorder of the inner ear)? Ken G., Denver, Colo. A: Menieres disease is a condition causing intermittent vertigo. In many ways, it is like trigeminal neuralgia, and it may respond to the same nutritional and supplement treatments. I have found that high-dose vitamin B1 (100 mg), B6 (as pyridoxal-5 phosphate, 50 mg a

day), niacinamide (500 mg a day), B12 (as methylcobalamin, 5,000 mcg a day), and folate (400 mcg a day) in combination with magnesium citrate/malate (500 mg twice a day), helps most people. Q: Does hydrogen peroxide offer health benefits? Linda K., Norman, Okla. A: Hydrogen peroxide has been promoted to treat a number of chronic infections, as well as cancer. Under carefully controlled conditions by those expert in using it, hydrogen peroxide is generally safe. Long-term use is to be discouraged. In the body, hydrogen peroxide is broken down into powerful free radicals, which is how it cures infections and kills cancer cells. However, long-term use can actually induce cancer and damage a number of organs, including the brain.

The Blaylock Wellness Report (#75) is a publication of Newsmax Media, Inc., and Newsmax.com. It is published monthly at a charge of $54.00 per year and is offered online and in print through Newsmax.com. Our editorial offices are located at 560 Village Boulevard, Ste. 120, West Palm Beach, Florida 33409. The owner, publisher, and editor are not responsible for errors and omissions. Rights of reproduction and distribution of this newsletter are reserved. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution of information contained herein, including storage in retrieval systems or posting on the Internet, is expressly forbidden without the consent of Newsmax Media.

For permission, contact the publisher at PO Box 20989, West Palm Beach, Florida 33416. Publisher Christopher Ruddy Editor Russell L. Blaylock, M.D. Contributing Editor David Alliot Art/Production Director Elizabeth Dole For Subscription/Customer Service inquires, call 1-800-485-4350 or e-mail wellnessreport@newsmax.com. Send e-mail address changes to wellnessreport@newsmax.com. 2010 Newsmax Media, all rights reserved.