The most up to date collection of scientifically based health facts.
Includes simple to understand definitions and complete references
www.scienceofhealthindex.com
It is estimated that an infant exclusively fed soy formula receives the estrogenic equivalent (based of body weight) of at least 5 birth control pills per day.
Reference: Irvine, C. et al., "The Potential Adverse Effects of Soybean Phytoestrogens in Infant Feeding", New Zealand Medical Journal May 24, 1995, p. 318.Pancreas: (also see Diabetes)
Parent Essential Oils (also see EFAs or Essential Fatty Acids)
Prions:(see Disease)
Polycystic Ovary Disorder
Pregnancy/Infant Development
Protein
Prostaglandins: (also see Essential Fatty Acids)
Pancreas: (see Diabetes)
Insulin stops fat burning:
It is now known that insulin instructs the body not to burn stored fat. So there is a compound effect from consuming excess carbohydrates: sugar is converted into new fat and existing fat is not metabolized.
Reference: Textbook of Medical Physiology, pg. 936, Arthur C. Guyton, John E. Hall, W B Saunders Co., January 15, 1996, ISBN: 0721659446.
Structure of pancreas & pancreatic system:
99% of the pancreas is devoted to handling the digestion of fats and protein while only 1% is devoted to handling sugar.
Reference: Scientific Foundations of Biochemistry in Clinical Practice, David L. Williams, Vincent Marks, Butterworth-Heinemann, September 1994, ISBN: 0750601671
The system responsible for Pancreatic Insulin release is called the endocrine system. The cells of the pancreas are called the islets of langerhans - these produce Insulin. They make and secrete hormones that help the body break down and use food. Named after Paul Langerhans, the German scientist who discovered them in 1869, these cells sit in clusters in the pancreas. There are five types of cells in an islet:beta cells, which make insulin; alpha cells, which make glucagon; delta cells, which make somatostaton; and PP cells and D1 cells, about which little is known.
References: Mabley, J. G., Belin, V. D., John, N. E., Green, I. C. (1997) Insulin-like growth factor I reverses interleukin-1 inhibition of insulin secretion, induction of nitric oxide synthase and cytokine-mediated apoptosis in rat islets of Langerhans. FEBS Letters 417, 235-238
References: Belin, V. D., Mabley, J. G., James, R. L. F., Swift, S. M., Clayton, H. A., Titheradge, M. A., Green, I. C. (1999) Glucagon decreases cytokine induction of nitric oxide synthase and action on insulin secretion in RIN5F cells and rat and human islets of Langerhans. Cytokine11, 585-592
Overworking the pancreas:
Complex carbs, having increased pancreas workload: Reference: Dutto, S.K. and Hlasko, J. (1985). Dietary fibre in pancreatic disease: effect of high fibre diet on fat mal absorption in pancreatic insufficiency and in vitro study of the interaction of dietary fibre with pancreatic enzymes.
Reference: Amer J Clin Nutr, 41, 517-525.
Reference: Moser, E. (1989). Fibre types and their physiologic effects, In Dietary Fibre: Chemical and Biological Aspects, (ed. D.A. T. Southgate, K. Waldron, I.T. Johnson and G.R. Fenwick), pp.91-102. Royal Society of Chemistry, Special Publication No. 83.
Carbs raise insulin levels:
Insulin levels will reach 10 – 25 times above normal to get rid of the excess glucose (sugar), and continue to stay elevated even 2 to 3 hours after the time carbohydrates are eaten.
Reference: Textbook of Medical Physiology, pg. 977, Arthur C. Guyton, John E. Hall, W B Saunders Co., January 15, 1996, ISBN: 0721659446.
Cholesterol and insulin:
Excess insulin stimulates overproduction of Cholesterol: leading to elevated blood levels. It reduces the elasticity of arterial walls, increasing the risk of plaque formation, and causes the kidneys to increase salt and fluid retention – all of which increase blood pressure and heighten risk of heart disease and stroke.
Reference: American Diabetes Association's 59th Annual Scientific Sessions, June 1999. And Basic Medical Biochemistry, pgs 25, 26, 475, 512, 566, Dawn B. Marks, Allan D. Marks, Colleen M. Smith, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, August, 1996, ISBN: 068305595X.
Diabetes and vitamins:
Vitamins impaired by diabetes. "Evidence that diabetes millitus favors impaired metabolism of zinc, copper, and selenium in chronic pancreatitis,"
Reference: Pancreas 2001 Apr; 22(3):299-306, J. Diabetes Complications 2001 Mar-Apr;15(2)97-102, "Effects of diabetes on vitamin B6 requirement in experimental animals," Diabetes Obes Metab 1999 Jul;1(4):221-5.
Parent Essential Oils (PEOs): (see EFAs or Essential Fatty Acids, Deficiency, Fish Oil or Nerves)
Click here for "The Scientific Calculation of the Optimum Parent Omega 6/3 Ratio"
Omega 6– LA – Linoleic Acid, body makes into the derivatives: GLA, DGLA, AA. - polyunsaturated – safflower, sunflower, corn.
Omega 3– ALA – Alpha Linolenic Acid, body makes into the derivatives: SDA, EPA, DHA. - super-unsaturated – flax, hemp (fish is also a source of omega 3, but it is mostly derivative based and not the ideal form for what your body needs).
Proper EFA radio: "Parent" omega 6 to "Parent" omega 3 = 1:1 to 4:1
Advice: EFA supplements that contain derivatives and NOT parent oils cannot be guaranteed to be used by your body as needed. Fish Oil supplements is a perfect example, containing mostly derivatives and very little parent oils. Your body needs the parent oils as much as it does the derivatives, and it will make any derivatives it needs from the parent oils. When you look at the ingredients of an EFA supplement, and it contains tons and tons of derivative information, don't buy it. It's not going to give your body what it needs.
Anachidonic Acid is the 3rd EFA – non-essential.
Reference: Stephen B. Edelson, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.,F.A.A.E.M. The Edelson Center for Environmental and Preventive Medicine.WARNING: Popular health writers and nutritionists do NOT understand the difference between "parent" and derivative EFAs! They also don't take into consideration that most if not all foods contain damaged omega 6 EFAs, which are NOT used by the body!
*IMPORTANT: The parent form of EFAs cannot be manufactured by your body; however, the derivatives can. Fish oil consists of ONLY Omega-3 derivatives. Your body makes the needed derivatives from the parent EFAs, automatically “as needed.” But it does not make the Parent from the derivatives. The body uses 95% of the Parent form and only about 5% of the derivatives, so overloading on derivatives, as in fish oil, can cause great harm. You will be deprived of the Parent form of Omega-3 as well as the vital, unadulterated Omega-6 EFAs.
There are numerous articles on EFAs everywhere with some good information, but nearly all of these articles lack a basic understanding of the difference between "parent" and derivative EFAs (Parent omega 3 = LNA & Parent omega 6 = LA - all others are derivatives*). You'll find Fish Oil is talked up constantly. The more you read at this website, the better you'll understand why taking fish oil is NOT the best way to get your EFAs. You may also read that you already get tons of omega 6 EFAs in your diet and that you only need to take omega 3. The problem is the omega 6 EFAs in foods are mostly damaged and you need pure, undamaged "Parent" omega 6 EFAs in your diet! This knowledge will help you weed out the good and bad info you may read on Essential Fatty Acids.
*Derivative EFAs are not used by the body, unless derived from the "parent." Nearly ALL EFA supplements, including fish oil, consists of derivatives. Your body makes the derivatives it needs from the "parent" oils, as well as using the parent directly. So supplements without parent oils are insufficient and ineffective!
EFAs are fundamental to proper nutrition. Our bodies use EFAs as the building blocks for cellular growth, which plays a central role in feeling, looking, and performing well. Your body can’t make EFAs; they must come from the food you eat or from nutritional supplements.
References: Biochemistry and Disease, Basic Medical Biochemistry Fatty Acid Trafficking and Transcriptional Control of Genes Regulating Fatty Acid Transport and Metabolism.
[Omega 6 (GLA)] - borage oil, evening primrose oil, and black currant oil have been prescribed for a variety of conditions, including cancer, premenstrual syndrome, cystic fibrosis, irritable bowel syndrome and many skin conditions.
Reference: Enig, Mary G., Know Your Fats, (Silver Spring, Bethesda Press, 2000). and Horrobin, David F., The regulation of prostaglandin biosynthesis by manipulation of essential fatty acid metabolism. Reviews in Pure and Applied Pharmacological Sciences, Vol. 4, pp 339-383, Freund Publishing House, 1983.
“We know that EFAs support heart health.”
Reference: 2002 EFA Conference, Shanghai, China.
Fatty acids (EFAs) and higher lipids are essential to the structure and function of cells and organisms. These compounds include structural components of biological membranes, mediators of signal transduction and transcription, and physiological regulators. Fatty acids are also the preferred energy source for the heart and it is estimated that circulating long chain fatty acids provide 60-70% of the cardiac energy requirements. Current evidence indicates that several classes of conserved transport proteins, enzymes, and transcription factors participate in fatty acid metabolism and gene regulation. Using yeast and bacterial model systems, the proteins involved in fatty acid transport, activation, and transcriptional control are being defined at genetic, functional, and structural levels. These investigations include identification of unique genes and proteins using molecular genetics; characterization of mammalian gene expression in yeast and bacteria; and biochemical analysis of protein structure and function. This work will result in a better understanding of how lipid metabolism is coordinated to meet the nutritional, structural, and regulatory needs of cells and tissues. It provides a foundation for understanding and treating diseases resulting from deficiencies in fatty acid and lipid metabolism including arteriosclerosis, cardiomyopathies, obesity, and diabetes.
Reference: Laboratories:Paul N. Black, B.S., Ph.D. Professor, Education:B.S. from Colorado State University in 1978 Ph.D. from University of Vermont in 1983.
Reference: Concetta C. DiRusso, Ph.D. Professor Education: Ph.D. from University of Vermont in 1982EFAs and cellular oxygen transfer (key to resisting cancer cell development):
“Essential fatty acids [EFAs] are found in the structural lipids of the cell… and are concerned with the structural integrity of the mitochondrial membrane [respiratory-based energy producing].”
Reference: Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry, 26th edition, page 191.
EFA conversion inhibited:
Bad fats [trans-fats], lack of minerals, lack of vitamins B3, B6, C, E, viruses, obesity, diabetes, aging, and rare genetic mutations can inhibit omega 6 conversion.
Reference: Stephen B. Edelson, M.D., F.A.A.F.P., F.A.A.E.M. The Edelson Center for Environmental and Preventive Medicine
EFAs and cholesterol levels:
Essential Fatty Acids naturally decrease blood cholesterol levels.
Reference: Textbook of Medical Physiology, pg. 873.
EFAs and cancer:
Omega 3 fights colon cancer in laboratory studies, according to graduate student Abgela Jordan and colleagues at J.W. Goethe University, Frankfort Germany. “The growth inhibitory effect was most prominent in rapidly proliferating [cancer] cells. They seemed especially effective against COLO-320, the most aggressive of the two cancer cell lines, halting all growth within 72 hours of exposure. This inhibitory effect appears to stem from ‘both growth arrest and apostasies [death of cells].”
Reference: Reuters Health, May 24, 1999.
EFAs and the brain:
Brain synapses have higher levels of DHA (Omega 3 EFA) than most tissues.
Reference: Nutrition and the Brain, Vol. 8, 1990:2.EFAs help ADD:
Purdue University conducted a study which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. About 40% of children with ADD had deficiencies of EFAs as measured in their blood.
Polycystic Ovary Disorder:
Polycystic ovary disorder [becoming rampant in young women] associated with insulin resistance [result of overeating carbohydrates and trans fats].
References: Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 13th Edition. Eugene Braunwald M.D., Anthony S. Fauci M.D., Dennis L. Kasper M.D., Stephen L. Hauser M.D., Dan L. Longo M.D., J. Larry Jameson M.D., McGraw-Hill Professional, 16 February, 2001, ISBN: 0070072728
Pregnancy/Infant Development:
Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for normal development (1). If the mother is deficient in omega-3s then the nursing infant is going to be deficient, which means the child's nervous and immune systems may not develop fully. A study at the Mayo Clinic found that of 19 pregnant women eating a standard American diet, all 19 were deficient in omega-3 fatty acids (2).
References:
1. Simopoulous AP. Omega-3 fatty acids in health and disease and in growth and development. Am J Clin Nutr 54:438-463, 1991.
2. Holman R, et al. Deficiency of EFAs and membrane fluidity during pregnancy and lactation. Biochem Nat Acad Sci 88:4835-4839, 1991.Soy and Infants:
It is estimated that an infant exclusively fed soy formula receives the estrogenic equivalent (based of body weight) of at least 5 birth control pills per day.
Reference: Irvine, C. et al., "The Potential Adverse Effects of Soybean Phytoestrogens in Infant Feeding", New Zealand Medical Journal May 24, 1995, p. 318.…18% higher incidence in autoimmune thyroid disease in infants who are fed soy formula.
Reference: J Am Coll Nutr 1990, Apr; 9(2): 164-167
[Dietary fat] is a required nutrient for an infant's brain and nerve development. Compared to breast-fed infants, infants who were fed hydrolyzed soy (processed) protein showed significant reduced growth in weight and length, as well as total blood protein.
Reference: Acta Paediatr Suppl, Sept. 1994; 402: 100-104, and Eur J Clin Nutr, Sept. 1995; 49 Suppl 1: S26-38
Soy-based infant products often contain double the amount of protein supplied by mother's milk. (This is not good - the baby is supposed to get fats, not excessive protein.) Soy formula is clearly not a proper "substitute"
Reference: Adv Exp Med Biol, 1991; 289: 389-402Soy contains goitrogens – substances that depress thyroid function. Soy based formula can cause thyroid problems in babies. Soy stunts the growth and sexual development of male babies and children. The trypsin inhibitors and harmogglutinin in soy are growth inhibitors. Females who consumed soy milk as infants, have been shown to begin sexual development as early as 3 years old. Other sexual complications may develop later in life.
References: Hagger, C. and J. Bachevalier, "Visual habit formation in 3-month-old monkeys (Macaca mulatta): reversal of sex difference following neonatal manipulations of androgen", Behavior and Brain Research (1991) 45:57-63.
References: Ross, R.K. et al., "Effect of in-utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol on age at onset of puberty and on post-pubertal hormone levels in boys", Canadian Medical Association Journal 128(10):1197-8, May 15, 1983
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) and higher lipids are essential to the structure and function of cells and organisms. These compounds include structural components of biological membranes, mediators of signal transduction and transcription, and physiological regulators. Fatty acids are also the preferred energy source for the heart and it is estimated that circulating long chain fatty acids provide 60-70% of the cardiac energy requirements. Current evidence indicates that several classes of conserved transport proteins, enzymes, and transcription factors participate in fatty acid metabolism and gene regulation. Using yeast and bacterial model systems, the proteins involved in fatty acid transport, activation, and transcriptional control are being defined at genetic, functional, and structural levels. These investigations include identification of unique genes and proteins using molecular genetics; characterization of mammalian gene expression in yeast and bacteria; and biochemical analysis of protein structure and function. This work will result in a better understanding of how lipid metabolism is coordinated to meet the nutritional, structural, and regulatory needs of cells and tissues. It provides a foundation for understanding and treating diseases resulting from deficiencies in fatty acid and lipid metabolism including arteriosclerosis, cardiomyopathies, obesity, and diabetes.
Reference: Laboratories:Paul N. Black, B.S., Ph.D. Professor, Education:B.S. from Colorado State University in 1978 Ph.D. from University of Vermont in 1983.
Reference: Concetta C. DiRusso, Ph.D. Professor Education: Ph.D. from University of Vermont in 1982
Prions: (see Disease)Prions are a microscopic protein particle similar to a virus but lacking nucleic acid, thought to be the infectious agent responsible for Scrapie (a livestock disease) and certain other degenerative diseases of the nervous system.
Prostaglandins: (see Eisonanoids and Essential Fatty Acids)
EFAs produce prostaglandins:
Prostaglandins help keep blood platelets apart, avoiding dangerous blood clots. Prostaglandins help to support a healthy cardiovascular system because of this.
References: Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill, Udo Erasmus, Alive Books, 01 January, 1999, ISBN: 0920470386
EFAs and heart disease:
Researchers have found that both GLA (omega-6) and EPA (omega-3) can effectively lower blood cholesterol and other lipid risk factors for cardiovascular disease (1, 2). EFAs may also help prevent coronary heart disease because their eicosanoid products can decrease platelet aggregation and relax vascular smooth muscle (3, 4).
References:
1. Harris WS. Fish oils and plasma lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in humans: a critical review. J Lipid Res 30(6):785-807, 1989.
2. Chaintreuil J, et al. Effects of dietary gamma-linolenate supplementation on serum lipids and platelet function in insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Hum Nutr Clin Nutr 38:121-130, 1984.
3. Karmazyn M,et al. The mechanism of coronary artery spasm: foles of oxygen , prostaglandins, sex hormones and smoking. Med Hypoth 5:447-452, 1979.
4. Vericel E, et al. Effects of linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid intake on platelet function in elderly people. Thromb Res 42:499-509, 1986.
Protein:
First Class: Meat, Fish, Eggs, Cheese.
Second or Third Class: Beans, Soy, Grains, Vegetables, and Nuts.Protein not stored as body fat:
Amino acids (from protein) can’t be stored (as body fat) in contrast with glucose (from carbohydrates), nor are they excreted. References: Biochemistry, Donald Voet & Judith Voet, New York, 1999, pg. 660 & Essentials of Biochemistry, pg. 220.“amino acids are used in the cellular structure and don’t go to excess body-fat – in fact, carnitine (a non-essential amino acid) is required for fat-burning."
First class protein:
Protein should come from meat, fish, eggs, and cheese:
Reference: Landmark book, “Man Alive, You’re Half Dead!”, Daniel Munro, M.D. Bartholomew House, New York, 1950
Niacin in grains:
Most niacin in grains has low bio availability (it can’t be used by the body).
Reference: Basic Medical Biochemistry: A Clinical Approach, pg. 16. Dawn B. Marks, Allan D. Marks, Colleen M. Smith, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, August, 1996, ISBN: 068305595XProteins and kidney health:
Protein is good for kidneys. Glutamine, which is protein derived removes toxic ammonia from your blood to protect you. It converts the ammonia to urea, which is excreted through your urine.
Reference: Basic Medical Biochemistry: A Clinical Approach, pg. 653. Dawn B. Marks, Allan D. Marks, Colleen M. Smith, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, August, 1996, ISBN: 068305595X
References: Protein Power, Michael Eads, M.D., and Mary Eades, M.D., Bantam Books, New York, 1996. Pg 188.
References: Basic Medical Biochemistry: A Clinical Approach, pg. 653. Dawn B. Marks, Allan D. Marks, Colleen M. Smith, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, August, 1996, ISBN: 068305595X
Protein and diabetes:
In a Type 1 Diabetic (see Diabetes:) high blood sugar levels cause proteins to be surrounded by glucose molecules. This is called Glycosylation. This causes abnormal protein spillover in to the urine. Normally blood proteins are repelled by the kidneys pores and don’t overflow into the urine. Also, these are blood proteins, which have nothing to do with dietary protein.
Reference: Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution, pg. 316., Richard K. Bernstein, Little Brown & Company, May, 1997, ISBN: 0316093440.Protein and bone health:
…women showed that those who ate the most meat were 68% less likely to break a hip!
Reference: Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1999;69:147-152, of 32,000
Protein helps bones heal quicker (by up to 50%).
Reference: Prevention, October 1998, page 143. As referenced above, protein is essential for healthy, strong bone matrix. This is also because protein transports calcium to the bone.Adult protein requirements:
A 150 lb. person requires a full pound of protein per day for normal bodily processes.
References: Basic Medical Biochemistry: A Clinical Approach, page 648. Dawn B. Marks, Allan D. Marks, Colleen M. Smith, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, August, 1996, ISBN: 068305595XChildren’s Protein Requirements:
Children need one-and-a-half to two times more protein per pound of body weight than adults--and babies need three times more!
Protein used by body:
Following the ingestion of a high protein meal 60%-70% of protein eaten is used to fuel energy of digestion, only 30%-40% is left for body structure — like muscles — and system function — like enzyme production.
References: Biochemistry, Donald Voet & Judith Voet, New York, 1999, pg. 660.Most beneficial nutritional substances must be coupled with a protein or amino acid to enter our body's cells.
Reference: The Physiology Coloring Book, plate 75.
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