“Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.”

“Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.” Buddha

Do we create/influence our level of health and ill health/disease?

In over 22 years of helping thousands of patients, I would say that at least 90+% of our current state of health is self-created. 10% +/- is pure genetics, which may be influenced, negatively or positively, by our daily acts.

So, which diseases are predominately caused by US, knowingly/on-purpose (smoking, poor eating habits, lack of exercise, drugs, excessive alcohol, chemicals, avoidable stressors….) or unknowingly (basically, lack of knowing that the acts just listed are health damaging)?

First and foremost:

• Diabetes (pre-diabetes and insulin resistance)
• High Cholesterol
• Hypertension / High Blood Pressure
• Obesity / Over-Weight
• Osteoporosis
• Heart Disease
• Cancer

Other conditions that are very strongly related to what we do or don’t do to our body:

• Alzheimer’s
• Auto Immune Conditions (middle age onset)

Which diseases respond the best to lifestyle modification (diet, exercise and target nutritional supplementation) than the do to potentially dangerous drugs?

• Diabetes (pre-diabetes and insulin resistance)
• High Cholesterol
• Hypertension / High Blood Pressure
• Obesity / Over-Weight
• Osteoporosis
• Heart Disease
• Stomach and GI Conditions (Ulcer, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Disease, Crohn’s Disease…)
• Eczema
• Cancer (as a preventative more so than a treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation are even worse as a long-term treatment, as success is only measured as, “being alive five years post original diagnosis, no matter what the state the cancer is in at that time”).

The above disease states, as well as many more not listed, can and have be treated, with almost 100% effectiveness, utilizing lifestyle modifications, alone.

Here is a set of questions to see if there needs to be some attention paid to the topic of health. Please email me back with your responses and/or questions (cut and paste) – info@advancedhealing.com. If you are presently under active care, then this would apply to anyone you know that would benefit from my help.

Do you or someone you know have any of the above conditions?

1. If there was an easy, safe, affordable and effective way to reverse the condition/disease would you be interested in knowing more about it?
2. Is there something stopping you from getting better?
3. Is there something about your present state of health that needs changing? What is it?
4. If on a medication, would you like to get off of it, if it were possible?
5. Do you ever complain about how bad you feel?
6. Do you move with pain or lack of breath?
7. Does having more energy, living longer and healthier interest you?
8. Would you like to save money on your health care spending?

In 22+ years of active practice I have helped thousands of people, just like you, live happier and more productive lives. All without the use of harmful drugs. There is no better time to make your health a priority, than right now. You owe it to yourself to live every day to the fullest, without pain or illness.

I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Marcus Ettinger

The below cycle of inflammation (also known as an inflammatory cascade) is one of the most profound contributors to ill health and disease we face. Once set in motion, this inflammatory cycle will feed itself and becomes harder to suppress. 75% of the patients I see are in my practice because of the effects inflammation is having on their body. 100% of these effects are a direct result of not following (step 6) at the bottom of the page. The easiest way to avoid disease and ill health is to remove as many stressors (step 1) out of your life.Step 1. Over-exposure or excessive physical, emotional and/or chemical stress’, leading to the activation of  a potent modulator of the inflammatory cycle.

Stressors: Radiation; oxidative stress; physical injury, bacterial endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from food-borne bacteria (E. coli and Salmonella); “Leaky Gut Syndrome”; food and environmental allergens; viral infections; excessive consumption of simple sugars (sucrose); consumption of corn oil; arachidonic acid metabolites such as PGE2; nutrient poor, processed food diet; insufficient Omega 3 fatty acids (ALA, EPA, DHA), insufficient GLA and Vitamin D deficiency.

Step 2. Activation of NF-κB

NF-κB is widely used by eukaryotic (cells that contain a nucleus) cells as a regulator of genes that control cell proliferation and cell survival (anti-apoptotic). Blocking NF-κB can cause tumor cells to stop proliferating, to die, or to become more sensitive to the action of anti-tumor agents.

NF-κB also controls many genes involved in inflammation (cytokines [signaling molecules used extensively in intercellular communication], cell adhesion molecules and the pro-inflammatory enzymes: inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS,) cyclo-oxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LPOX). NF-κB is found to be chronically active in many inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, sepsis, gastritis, asthma, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disease.

Step 3. Cytokines, cell adhesion molecules and the pro-inflammatory enzymes are produced.

*Interleukin-6 (IL-6) → C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Cyclooxygenase-2 → Prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) and Thromboxanes
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) → Collagenase-3 (MMP-13)
Lipoxygenase → Leukotrienes
Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) → Nitric Oxide (NO)
Tissue Necrosis Factor (TNFα)
*Cell Adhesion Molecules (CAMs)

Step 4. Health conditions created by prolonged exposure to the above chemicals.

• Pain
• Inflammation (edema, swelling)
• Asthma and Hypersensitivity to Potential Allergens
• Cardiovascular disease
• Thrombosis (blood clots)
• Insulin resistance
• Autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s, Lupus…)
• Rheumatoid disease
• Neurodegeneration (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease)
• Cancer

Step 5. IL-1, PGE2, reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, TNFα and CRP created because of the above health conditions, facilitate the continued activation of NF-κB.

Step 6. In order to break the above inflammatory cycle, stressors need to be removed,  severely reduced or reversed. One of the easiest steps that can be taken is to eliminate table sugar, vegetable oil and hydrogenated fats out of the diet and add in Omega 3 fatty acids, in the form of fish and flax seed oil. Next, is to reduce animal protein (red meat) consumption to 6 ounces per day and add-in nutrient dense foods like: vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and beans. Increasing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients is a cost effective measure that will pay dividends in the form of less sickness, disease and an increased life-span. Here are a few of my favorite nutrients that support  anti-inflammatory processes: molecularly distilled fish oil, natural vitamin C, chlorella, vitamin E, selenium, NAC, resveratrol, grape seed extract and curcumin. Here are a few of my favorite antioxidant rich (anti-inflammatory) fruits and vegetables: red bell pepper, tomato, cilantro, spinach, red cabbage, onion, garlic, strawberries, blueberries and red raspberries. Lastly, engaging in mild-moderate exercise (3 days/week), taking a broad-spectrum, enteric-coated probiotic and 4,000 – 10,000 IU’s of vitamin D3 per day, will round-out any  anti-inflammatory protocol.

Step 7. Proactive diagnostic blood tests to determine the presence and level of inflammation within the body, as well as tests that will determine risk for development of cardiovascular disease (heart attack) or cerebrovascular disease (stroke). Any of these tests can be ordered by calling our office 714-639-4360

• C-Reactive Protein (CRP) – High Sensitive (Cardiac)
• Homocysteine
• Fibrinogen
• Hemoglobin A1C
• IL-6 – Interleukin – 6
• Sed Rate (ESR)
• Lipid Panel
• D,25 Hydroxycalciferol – Vitamin D

*Atherosclerosis is strongly considered to be a low-grade inflammatory response of the arterial wall to a variety of stimuli in all aspects of coronary syndromes, from the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis to plaque rupture and myocardial cell death. In each of these steps, infiltration of cardiovascular tissue by inflammatory cells is evident and is regulated by a number of cytokines (IL-6 and CRP) and cell adhesion molecules.  Maseri A. N Engl J Med. 1997;336:1014-1016

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and is not a normal part of aging. Alzheimer’s disease is progressive and there is no known cure.

Alzheimer’s disease occurs when Two abnormal structures called plaques and tangles begin to form in the memory sections of the brain, and begin damaging and killing the nerve cells. Plaques are deposits of a protein fragment called beta-amyloid (BAY-tuh AM-uh-loyd) that builds-up in the spaces between nerve cells. Tangles are twisted fibers of another protein called tau (rhymes with “wow”) that builds-up inside cells. Though most people develop some plaques and tangles as they age, those with Alzheimer’s tend to develop far more.Below is an explanation of how the above occurs and is also one way to increase your odds for developing Alzheimer’s disease. This is also a way to increase your odds of dying of cardiovascular disease, stroke or cancer.

The diabetes, insulin and Alzheimer’s Disease connection – or – How to increase your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease by living a traditional Western lifestyle.

First, you must eat a standard Western diet, which is also a high glycemic and high fat diet. The standard Western diet contains an over-abundance of added sugar (sucrose); starch; saturated, polyunsaturated and trans-fats (dairy, red meat and hydrogenated vegetable oil), and avoid a Mediterranean diet, which is abundant in fiber; fruits; vegetables; beans/legumes; nuts and seeds and monounsaturated fats (avocado, olive oil and fish rich in Omega 3 fatty acids).Second you must avoid exercise.

Third, you must limit your engagement in mental activities such as, but not limited to: continued education, crossword puzzles and social interactions (out-side of work).

The traditional Western lifestyle is a risk factor for the development of many diseases, and it will definitely contribute to the production of elevated triglyceride (fat) and glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. Elevated glucose in the blood will raise insulin (hormone) levels and is known as type 2 diabetes. When blood glucose is elevated for an extended period of time it begins to bind to the oxygen carrying component of our blood called hemoglobin. This combining of glucose and hemoglobin is known as glycated hemoglobin (glycosylated hemoglobin or A1C), and is a diagnostic marker used to monitor the long-term state (severity or healing) of a diabetes. As the glucose level in the blood increase, so does the concentration of glycated hemoglobin (A1C).

Glycation is a normal chemical reaction that glucose (sugar) will undergo in our body and usually increases as we age. Under certain pathologic conditions such as diabetes this process is abnormally accelerated and will lead to an overabundant production of a destructive class of chemicals known as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Some AGEs are benign, but others are more reactive than the sugars they are derived from, and are implicated in many age-related chronic diseases such as: cardiovascular diseases (the endothelium, fibrinogen, and collagen are damaged), Alzheimer’s disease (amyloid proteins are side-products of the reactions progressing to AGEs), cancer (acrylamide and other side-products are released), peripheral neuropathy (the myelin is attacked), and other sensory losses such as deafness (due to demyelination of auditory nerves). This range of diseases is the result of the very basic level at which glycations interfere with molecular and cellular functioning throughout the body and the release of highly-oxidizing side-products such as hydrogen peroxide.

Another pathologic component derived from following the above lifestyle (lack of exercise, high blood triglyceride and glucose levels) is an increase in IGF-1 production and a reduction in the passage IGF-1 into the brain. IGF-1 possesses many functions but in this context we are looking at its neuroprotective ability to inhibit the formation of beta-amyloid plaque and tau in the brain, which can lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

In summary, Reducing blood levels of triglycerides (below 150 mg/dL) and glucose levels (below 96 mg/dL); engaging in regular exercise (exercise increases the neuroprotective hormone Insulin-like-Growth-Factor’s passage into the brain) and continued education, will lower the risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Commentary: I have to take issue with this study.  One because it is going to scare, needlessly, a lot of people and second, because it failed to include lifestyle, genetics, geographic location and other beneficial dietary factors (homocysteine reducing nutrients – fruits and vegetables), into of the overall Alzheimer’s equation, that could lesson or even negate the negative impact from eating only this type of diet.  This study is solely one of, “let’s see what will happen to a bunch of mice if we only feed them….” I am sure that adding the above factors into their final conclusion would most likely have negated their findings.

Now, let’s take a look at a population group  that has the lowest rate per of Alzheimer’s in the world, Northern India – specifically the state of Haryana.  The other northern states, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir also have very low per capita rates of Alzheimer’s.   Why is this?  Well, it’s not from a lack of consuming the above foods, because these foods just so happen to be staples in their diet.

Let’s look at the dietary habits of North India.  The cuisine of Northern India can be broken down into these regional styles: Punjabi cuisine, Mughlai/Moghul cuisine, cuisine of Kashmir, Awadhi cuisine, cuisine of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthani cuisine, Bhojpuri cuisine, Bihari cuisine, and Sindhi cuisine.  The commonality between these regional styles is the proportionally high use of meat (chicken, lamb/mutton, goat and no pork); dairy products (milk, yogurt and cheese/paneer); flat breads (the primary dietary starch) some tandoor/griddle (roti/chapati, naan, parantha) and some deep-fried in oil (puri/poori and bhatoora); many varieties of lentils/dal;  seasonal vegetables; fresh fruit (apples (apples, cherries, plums and strawberries); Nuts (pistachios, almonds); seeds/spices (cloves, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom ghee, Garam masala, sesame, turmeric [curcumin], onion, garlic, ginger and bay leaves, fennel, coriander, nutmeg, and paprika); and the samosa.  The samosa is a popular North Indian snack.  Commonly filled with boiled, fried, or mashed potato and other fillings like minced meat, cheese, mushroom, and chick pea.  (Due to sub-cultures and climate extremes within these geographic regions there will always be exceptions/exclusions to my ingredient list above).

Conclusion: Per this recent study and the fact that the diet of the Northern Indian population, which is rich in red meats, lentils, onions, garlic, yogurt and seeds, you would expect that there would be a high, per capita rate of Alzheimer’s; well, there isn’t.  In fact it’s the lowest in the world!

Let’s take a look closer to home.  The rate of Alzheimer’s in the United States is far higher than Northern India, but again based on the above study, lets look it the correlates to real life.  Below are the top ten states and bottom ten sates for rates of Alzheimer’s disease deaths  per 100,000 residents (source).

The top 10 states with the highest rates of Alzheimer’s disease deaths are:

1. Tennessee (age-adjusted death rate per 100,000 = 36.2)
2. Washington (35.9)
3. Louisiana (34.2)
4. Alabama (33.2)
5. South Carolina (32.4)
6. Arizona (31.3)
7. N Dakota (29.8)
8. N Carolina (29.5)
9. Idaho (29.4)
10. Maine (29.1)

The top 10 states with the lowest rates of Alzheimer’s disease deaths are:

1. New York (age-adjusted death rate per 100,000 = 9.2)
2. Hawaii (11.4)
3. Connecticut (16.1)
4. Nevada (17.1)
5. Maryland (17.5)
6. New Jersey (17.6)
7. New Mexico (18.3)
8. Florida (18.4)
9. Rhode Island (18.8)
10. Pennsylvania (18.9)

Do you think that New Yorker’s or Hawaiian’s eat any less red meat or fish than citizens of Tennessee, Washington or Louisiana?  No!  Do Hawaiian’s or New Yorker’s eat less eggs, onions, yogurt, garlic or seeds than the fine citizens of Tennessee, Washington or Louisiana?  No!

So, obviously there must be another or other factors, besides excess methionine, that’s contributing to their predilection for developing Alzheimer’s disease.  My thought’s are that a lack of  vitamin D, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA), fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, exercise, chiropractic adjustments, continual engagement in intellectual activities (chess, crossword puzzles, social interaction…) and prolonged smoking are all predisposing/contributing factors.

Basically what this all proves, is that sensational research studies like this, translated into real world applications, which they don’t – are bull shit.

If you are interested in taking proactive steps that may protect you from developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, MS and others, please contact our office in orange, California.  FYI: It is not required that clients come directly to the office to receive help. Call Dr. Marcus Ettinger for more information 714-639-4360

There are also many dietary, nutritional and exercise actions that can be taken even if someone is already experiencing one of the above conditions.  The sooner these steps are implemented the better the overall results will be.  Time is of the essence when it comes to neurodegenerative type conditions.

Mediterranean Diet, Physical Activity, Cognitive Function, and Dementia Risk

Scarmeas and colleagues investigated the association between amount of physical activity, alone or in combination with adherence to a Mediterranean-type diet, and incidence of Alzheimer disease (AD). For a mean of 5.4 years, the investigators followed 1880 community-dwelling, nondemented elders in New York City. Approximately every 1.5 years, participants completed physical-activity and food-frequency questionnaires and underwent cognitive and clinical assessments to determine dementia onset. A total of 282 participants developed AD. After adjustments for multiple confounders (including age, education, sex, ethnic background, presence of apolipoprotein E ε4 gene, baseline cognitive function, body-mass index, caloric intake, leisure activities, medical comorbidities, and smoking), the risk for AD was lower in participants with a high diet score (hazard ratio, 0.60), high physical activity (HR, 0.67), or both (HR, 0.65).

The Mediterranean Diet consists of low meat intake, moderate intake of alcohol (wine) and dairy products (sheep’s milk products), and high intake of fruits, nuts, vegetables (primarily greens), cereals/grains, and fish (small fish like sardines, high in omega 3′s), and flavoring foods with herbs, spices and natural sea salt. The researchers found dose-response relationships for:

Olive Oil Benefits More Than The Heart

1. fruits and nuts
2. monounsaturated-to-saturated fats ratio
3. legume (beans) intake

The higher the intake of fruits, nuts, monounsaturated fats (olive oil) and beans – The more profound the beneficial results were.

Archives of General Psychiatry 2009;66:1090-1098.

ADDITIONAL: E-mail to Dr. Nikolaos Scarmeas MD one of the foremost researchers into the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

Dr. Scarmeas,

I just read your study in JAMA, very nice! I have a Integrative medicine practice in southern California for twenty years now and advocate that my clients follow a Mediterranean Diet. I have followed this way of eating for over twenty years and at 45 I have ideal blood markers.

My question is this: what do you feel is the most important aspect (most profound physiological benefits) of the Mediterranean diet?

Is it the red wine (polyphenols, especially resveratrol and its ability to increase NO synthase?)
or
Is it olive oil and omega 3’s from the fish and almonds?
or
Does the diet itself inhibit/reduce inflammatory cytokines, reducing the incidence of cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s?
or
?

I would really appreciate any insight you can share.

Thank you in advance.

Marcus Ettinger

Reply (brief but to the point):

Dear Dr Ettinger.

We are investigating some of it. Currently it is not clear. It may be a combination of all the above – biological synergy. Physical activity seems equally important.

Thank you for your interest.

Note:

Below is a paragraph from my post on The True Cause of Alzheimer’s? The deficiencies that may predispose one to developing this terrible disease can be corrected by following a Mediterranean Diet and engaging in regular exercise, throughout one’s life.

“My thought’s on predisposing/contributing factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease and senile dementia: A severe lack of vitamin D, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA), fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, exercise, chiropractic adjustments, continual engagement in intellectual activities (chess, crossword puzzles, social interaction…) and prolonged smoking.”

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC – H. pylori treatment – H. pylori protocol.

Disclaimer: This post is not a substitute for medical advise or treatment and is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician before starting any nutritional protocol on your own.

Blog post – H. pylori free, in just 34 days, without antibiotics on Dr. Ettinger’s protocol! Lab tests to prove it.

H. pylori – Resources and Links

“Heartburn, chronic active gastritis, GERD, acid reflux, achlorhydria or H. Pylori - that is the question.” William Shakespeare. Are any of these conditions actually due to too much stomach acid (hyperchlorhydria)? Not necessarily. I have to admit here, I experienced a severe bout of gastritis – once, when I started-up my first practice. And yes, it hurt. It felt exactly like someone poured a quart of battery acid down my throat, at the same time I was having a heart attack, while licking a brand-new nine volt battery. I think you get the picture. (The Digestive System)

Well, to make a long story short, my stress wasn’t going to go away in the next five minutes, so I needed to apply my “medical detectiveness” and back-track the pathophysiology of the condition, to figure out the cause. Knowing the cause and predisposing factors would allow me to apply the precise heartburn treatment, H. pylori treatment, chronic active gastritis treatment, GERD treatment or low stomach HCl treatment. The cause and predisposing factors were:

My Predisposing Factors:

1. Chronic Dehydration – There are different types of mucous cells in the stomach and they are easy sources to supply the body with water when dehydrated. The thinning of the gastric mucosa or destruction of that mucous membrane layer, makes the stomach vulnerable to acids – hydrochloric or those produced from fermentation of ingested sugars and purification of ingested proteins. Decreased stomach acid (HCl) also creates the perfect storm for the introduction and/or colonization of the dreaded H. pylori bacterium.

2. Zinc deficiency - I  picked-up on this during a hair-mineral analysis. Zinc deficiency as a single factor would, most likely, not cause anything overtly noticeable. When combined with a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, the compounding effects created a more severe inflammatory reaction within the gastric lining.

3.  Wine and Beer - Ethanol on its own can create painful erosion and inflammation of the gastric lining, but when combined with the zinc deficiency, it can compound the degree of inflammation and drastically delay healing.

4.  H. pylori or Lack of HCl? – After testing it was confirmed the H. pylori was present. Now was my lack of HCl the reason I got the H. pylori or was the H. pylori the cause of the reduced stomach acid?

So, at this point, not only was I up shit-creek without a paddle, I was missing the canoe too.

So What Was the True Cause of My Gastritis?

#1, #2, #3 and #4 all played their individual parts in my condition. A little more on #4 – Achlorhydria (lack of stomach HCl) or H. pylori bacteria: This is the, what came first, chicken or the egg dilemma. Did my lack of stomach acid allow the H. pylori a safe haven to take up residence OR did the H. pylori infection cause the lack of stomach acid? Both are possible and both allow the other to exist, and create a painful condition called atrophic gastritis. This is exactly what I had, and, I am sure, a little erosive gastritis as well.

H. pylori bacteria

Diagnostic Testing:

After some diagnostic testing: allopathic (traditional medicine), which included BioHealth Diagnostics Laboratories 401H ( GI Pathogen Screen w/ H. pylori Antigen $270.00) and energetic testing (Applied Kinesiology & Contact Reflex Analysis), I now knew what was going on, what caused it and what to do to get it completely under control. I confirmed that I did have Helicobacter pylori - H. pylori for short.

The True Cause – H. pylori:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped gram-negative bacterium which was identified in 1979[1]. It produces urease in abundance, the activity of which, through the production of   ammonia, together with the bacterium’s motility and ability to adhere to the gastric mucosa, enables its survival in the acid environment of the stomach. About half of the worlds population house H. pylori, in their stomach, and are unphased by it. But in about 15 percent of those infected, the microbes cause peptic ulcers and chronic active gastritis, and in an unluckier bunch the H. pylori is a causative agent for gastric cancer and mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma[2]. It has also been shown to be associated with extragastric diseases, such as iron deficiency anemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura[3-5].

1. Pajares JM, Gisbert JP. Helicobacter pylori: its discovery and relevance for medicine. Rev Esp Enferm Dig 2006; 98: 770-785
2. Sari YS, Sander E, Erkan E, Tunali V. Endoscopic diagnoses and CLO test results in 9239 cases, prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Istanbul, Turkey. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007; 22:1706-1711
3. Bohr UR, Annibale B, Franceschi F, Roccarina D, Gasbarrini A. Extragastric manifestations of Helicobacter pylori infection — other Helicobacters. Helicobacter 2007; 12 Suppl 1: 45-53
4. Franceschi F, Roccarina D, Gasbarrini A. Extragastric manifestations of Helicobacter pylori infection. Minerva Med 2006;97: 39-45
5. Franceschi F, Gasbarrini A. Helicobacter pylori and extragastric diseases. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2007; 21: 325-334

My H. pylori Treatment Protocol

Pre-treatment – First, I took antacids (over the counter – Zantac OTC) to increase the susceptibility of the H. pylori to treatment/eradication (lesson the need of  H. pylori to defend itself so vigorously) and allow my gastric mucosa a chance to heal.  Note: The H. pylori form protective bacterial colonies called biofilm, which are made up of a protective, extracellular polysaccharide shield. This protective shield is a defensive barrier against stomach hydrochloric acid and other factors, like antibiotics. Being a complex matrix of proteins and carbohydrates, which are probably interdependent, the H. pylori biofilm could possibly offer a protective haven for the survival of this gastric bacterial pathogen in the extragastric environments (Proteomannans in Biofilm of Helicobacter pylori ATCC 43504).

Treatment – Second, my personal H. pylori bomb consisted of: x,xxx mg’s 2x/day of Monolaurin (xxx mg’s lauric acid per cap – also see coconut oil, which is 50% lauric acid by weight) and x caps x times per day of H-PLR (Supports bacterial elimination) from Apex Energetics. I also juiced 1/4 cabbage every day (cabbage contains S-Methylmethionine also known as Vitamin U, a great healer of ulcers and gastritis). After 4 weeks on my protocol I was feeling like a new man! I rechecked myself, after 8 weeks, and was free of the foreign invaders, breath test confirmed the same.

Note: As of September 2009, I’m also adding Klaire Labs – InterFase Plus, x caps x per day on an empty stomach to my H. pylori treatment protocol. InterFase Plus is now an important and mandatory part of the protocol. InterFase Plus aids in the eradication of biofilm, especially H. pylori biofilm colonies. This is a major advancement in my protocol. Understanding BIOFILM is extremely important for a variety of reasons. Please follow any biofilm link to read more about it and also see my biofilm protocol. Additional products taken during the treatment phase: Probiotic Defense Powder (multi-strain pro-biotic and pre-biotic formula), NAC by Now Foods and Psyllium Husk Fiber.

Certain dietary restrictions and additions will need to be taken. These are determined on a case by case basis.

Prevention – Third, was to keep the H. pylori bacteria from coming back and keep the healing process moving forward. I took digestive enzymes w/HCl* – x w/ea. meal, plant based enzymes – x w/ea. meal, zinc** – xx mg’s x per day, L-carnosine** – xxx mg’s x times per day, mastic gum*** x,xxx mg’s x times per day, TheraAloe**** – x ounce x times per day, chlorophyll – xxx mg’s x per day (chlorella or spirulina can be substituted for chlorophyll), a daily broad-spectrum probiotic (Probiotic Defense Powder or Probiotic-10 from Now Foods), psyllium husk fiber (x heaping Tbsp x-x times per day) and tons of distilled water, for 6 weeks. I was now better than before my first symptom.

All-in-all, it was a learning experience, and one that has made me a better doctor and a more diligent medical detective.

FYI: Gastritis is not a single condition, but several different conditions that all share inflammation of the stomach lining as a common symptom. Gastritis, most often, is caused by prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin, drinking too much alcohol or infection such as Helicobacter pylori bacteria (H. pylori). It may also occur after a major surgery, severe infections, trauma-injury-burns, or severe infections. Some diseases, such as pernicious (B12 deficiency) anemia, autoimmune diseases, and chronic bile reflux, can cause gastritis as well.

*Microscopy studies of the motility of H. pylori in gastric mucin at acidic and neutral pH in the absence of urea show that the bacteria swim freely at high (alkaline – achlorhydria) pH, and are strongly constrained at low (acidic) pH. Also, H. Pylori, through enzyme reactions promote increased ammonia production, which raises the pH of its environment – allowing it to move more freely.

(**)A combination of zinc and L-carnosine has been shown to prevent gross visible damage to gastric mucosa caused by ethanol ingestion. This combination also acts as a potent antioxidant, specifically benefiting the gastric mucosa.

***There is conflicting data on whether mastic gum kills H. pylori effectively in vivo (live human trials). Killing it in a test tube or mice is one thing, but I am interested in living human beings. There is evidence that it aids in the healing of the gastric mucosa, possessing anti-inflammatory properties. I used it for healing rather than as an agent to kill the H. pylori bacteria. Note: there are studies that have shown that mastic gum kills H. pylori. The problem is that it is in less than 30% of the trial groups. So it works in about 1 out of every 3 that try it as a primary treatment (at dosages of 500mg’s 3x/day).

****TherAloe is a high molecular weight polysaccharides containing aloe vera juice product. Its healing capabilities, as far as I am concerned, are quite profound on the gastric mucosa.

Important Note on Purchasing Products:

All dosages will be provided if you purchase some or all of your products through my office. I truly do want to help all who are interested, but it’s finally gotten to the point where too many people want free advice and an increasing amount of my time, and then buy all of their products elsewhere. I am a firm believer in fair exchange and I feel I have done that by providing the information in this post.

I also offer tailor made protocols for your individual situation, please contact our office for product prices and distance patient information (714) 639-4360

H. Pylori Articles:

Updates:

September 13, 2009 Update – I am now taking, Source Naturals – Broccoli Sprouts Extract, which provides 2,000mcg’s sulforaphane daily. This is equivalent to eating more than a pound of fresh broccoli. Dietary Sulforaphane-Rich Broccoli Sprouts Reduce Colonization and Attenuate Gastritis in Helicobacter pylori–Infected Mice and Humans

October 03, 2009 Update - H. pylori most likely will live in biofilm colonies which make them even harder to kill or be identified by our host defenses. Read more about biofilms here and my protocol to remove them. BIOFILMS

November 03, 2009 Update – In my never ending quest for knowledge, I just came across this interesting piece of data. The H. pylori bacteria is thought to have been with us for around 58,000 years and migrated with modern man out of east Africa. Here is the link to this article. – An African origin for the intimate association between humans and Helicobacter pylori

November 18, 2009 Update – Here are two PubMed articles validating the effectiveness of Monolaurin for the prevention and/or eradication of H. pylori.

Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2002 Oct;20(4):258-62
Bactericidal effects of fatty acids and monoglycerides (Monolaurin) on Helicobacter pylori
Bergsson G, Steingrímsson O, Thormar H. Institute of Biology, University of Iceland, Grensasvegur 12, 108, Reykjavik, Iceland. bergsson@here.is

The susceptibility of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and Helicobacter pylori to fatty acids and monoglycerides was studied. None of the lipids showed significant antibacterial activity against Salmonella spp. and E. coli but eight of 12 lipids tested showed high activity against H. pylori; monocaprin and monolaurin being the most active. The high activity of monoglycerides against H. pylori suggests that they may be useful as active ingredients in pharmaceutical formulations.

Mol Cell Biochem. 2005 Apr;272(1-2):29-34
Minimum inhibitory concentrations of herbal essential oils and monolaurin for gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Preuss HG, Echard B, Enig M, Brook I, Elliott TB. Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA. preusshg@georgetown.edu

New, safe antimicrobial agents are needed to prevent and overcome severe bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Based on our previous experience and that of others, we postulated that herbal essential oils, such as those of origanum, and monolaurin offer such possibilities. We examined in vitro the cidal (def. killing, as in bactericidal) and/or static effects of oil of origanum, several other essential oils, and monolaurin on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis Sterne, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, and Mycobacterium terrae. Origanum proved cidal to all tested organisms with the exception of B. anthracis Sterne in which it was static. Monolaurin was cidal to S. aureus and M. terrae but not to E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Unlike the other two gram-negative organisms, H. pylori were extremely sensitive to monolaurin. Similar to origanum, monolaurin was static to B. anthracis Sterne. Because of their longstanding safety record, origanum and/or monolaurin, alone or combined with antibiotics, might prove useful in the prevention and treatment of severe bacterial infections, especially those that are difficult to treat and/or are antibiotic resistant (also see biofilm, as a source of antibiotic resistance).

Note: Monolaurin has been shown to inactive many forms of bacteria and virus’ that are protected by an outer lipid membrane, known as an envelope (H. pylori cell envelope). The mechanism is due to monolaurin’s ability aid in the disintegration of this lipid membrane.

May 02, 2010 Update - A recent review, just published, of available literature on the use of probiotics in the treatment or prevention of H. pylori infection, validated that, “Both in vitro and in vivo studies provide evidence that probiotics may represent a novel approach to the management of H. pylori infection.”

Helicobacter. 2010 Apr;15(2):79-87.
Role of probiotics in pediatric patients with Helicobacter pylori infection: a comprehensive review of the literature.
Lionetti E, Indrio F, Pavone L, Borrelli G, Cavallo L, Francavilla R. Department of Paediatrics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. elenalionetti@inwind.it

March 28, 1011 Update – Helicobacter pylori infection has been associated with diverse extra-digestive morbidity, including insulin resistance (IR) syndrome (1), atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (2). Insulin resistance is the pathophysiologic background of the clinical features of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.

Morbidity – The rate of incidence of a disease. (Medicine / Pathology) Also called morbidity rate the relative incidence of a particular disease in a specific locality.

1. Gunji T. Helicobacter pylori infection significantly increases insulin resistance in the asymptomatic Japanese population. Helicobacter. 2009 Oct;14(5):144-50.
2. Polyzos SA. The Association Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Insulin Resistance: A Systematic Review. Helicobacter. 2011 Apr;16(2):79-88. doi: 10.1111/j.1523-5378.2011.00822.x.