Category: Health News

NAD+ – Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide is a co-enzyme present in every cell in the body and it is vital for cellular function.

Like hormones and other endogenous compounds in the body, NAD+ levels decrease as we age however they decrease precipitously with NAD+: down 50% at the age of 50 and down 90 – 96% at the age of 80.

One of the key functions of NAD+ is to activate the Sirtuin longevity genes which as the name implies are important for healthy aging. Without adequate levels of NAD+ to activate the Sirtuin genes, vascular aging accelerates.

We can help to optimize our NAD levels as we age by engaging in exercise and as well by fasting.

Another way to optimize NAD+ levels is to take a precursor formulation.

Taking NAD+ itself is not effective because it gets broken down in the digestive system.

Optimizing NAD+ levels as we age has been shown to provide many health benefits including:

KEY APPLICATIONS

• Neurodegenerative conditions e.g. Parkinson’s
• Inflammation
• Addictions
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Exercise performance and recovery
• Immune system activation
• Diabesity Spectrum
•Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Hypertension
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Depression
• Oxidative stress

For more information on NAD+, the Sirtuin longevity genes and NAD+ precursor formulations such as our top selling practitioner quality Pricera formulation reach out to me – or review some of the info on our website:

https://roblamberton.com

Or in the following document on Pricera:

https://lnkd.in/gxS9RJDv

Recently I decided to check my blood pressure which I had not done for a while. My BP has always been pretty good throughout my life: Typically systolic would be 115 to 120 over diastolic of 70 to 80. I was shocked to find that my BP that my systolic reading was between 145-155. Diastolic was fine: between 70 and 80 So obviously this situation called for some action to bring my systolic BP down.

Here is a quick review/overview of hypertension from the American Heart Association website:

High blood pressure threatens health and quality of life

In most cases, damage done from high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) occurs over time. Left undetected or uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to:

  • Heart attack — High blood pressure damages arteries that can become blocked and prevent blood flow to the heart muscle.
  • Stroke — High blood pressure can cause blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the brain to become blocked or burst.
  • Heart failure — The increased workload from high blood pressure can cause the heart to enlarge and fail to supply blood to the body.
  • Kidney disease or failure — High blood pressure can damage the arteries around the kidneys and interfere with their ability to filter blood effectively.
  • Vision loss — High blood pressure can strain or damage blood vessels in the eyes.
  • Sexual dysfunction — High blood pressure can lead to erectile dysfunction in men and may contribute to lower libido in women.
  • Angina — Over time, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease including microvascular disease (MVD). Angina, or chest pain, is a common symptom.
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD) — Atherosclerosis caused by high blood pressure can lead to narrowed arteries in the legs, arms, stomach and head, causing pain or fatigue.

Download the consequences of HBP infographic: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF) | Traditional Chinese (PDF)

Can hypertension cause other problems?

When your blood pressure is high for too long, it damages your blood vessels – and LDL (bad) cholesterol begins to accumulate along tears in your artery walls. This leads to narrowed arteries and increases the workload of your circulatory system while decreasing its efficiency.

As a result, high blood pressure puts you at greater risk for developing life-changing and life-threating conditions. My Treatment Protocol to Lower My BP

Obviously, it makes sense to try to address the cause of health issues such as lifestyle considerations and that certainly applies in the case of cardiovascular disease.

However for brevity, I will focus this article on supplements and ingredients for treating hypertension.

There is a spectrum of medicinal herbs as well as other compounds that have been shown to be beneficial for cardiovascular conditions.

Based on my research and clinical experience, I would suggest that the top three medicinal herbs in the world for dealing with cardiovascular disease include a medicinal herb from each of the three major medical systems: The West, Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese medicine.

From the West,Hawthorn, from Chinese Medicine,

Red Salvia Root (Dan Shen)and from Ayurvedic Medicine, Arjuna.

So my first step in my protocol was to start taking my own Heart Health formulation which includes each of the top 3 CV herbs but also the following medicinal herbs and compounds:

Tienchi Ginseng (Panax notoginseng), Jiaogulan,

Shilajit, Motherwort, Ashwagandha and Chromium Picolinate

In addition to this, I wanted to target/increase nitric oxide levels (for blood vessel dilation) so I started taking a combination of the amino acid L-Citrulline as well as beet root powder.

Plus I started taking one additional key compound:

celery seed powder which has been shown to be effective in lowering BP

So I followed this protocol for seven days –

And reassessed my BP and it had gone down to an average of 125/72 – an improvement of over 20 points – without any pharmaceuticals.

CVD is a multi-factorial prevalent cause of health issues as well as death however integrative approaches can work quite well to facilitate improvement.

Reach out to me if you have any questions or want more information.

Some individuals develop significant but difficult to diagnose and treat health issues and bounce around the health care system trying to get help for health issues which seem almost impossible to correctly diagnose – let alone develop effective treatment protocols.

This newsletter article from the Clinical Rounds section of Functional Medicine University discusses one type of condition that can cause this issue: MCS – Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

Here is the article:

MCS can be difficult to diagnose because it can mimic a spectrum of other conditions.

A 25 year old woman named Jan begins her new career as a 2nd grade school teacher. After many of years of preparation, Jan is ready to serve the public and help her young students learn how to read and write. Beginning in a newly renovated school is an extra bonus which makes our new teacher proud that she became part of the educational system. Everything is moving along fine.. she couldn’t be happier!

Three months pass by and Jan has noticed that her concentration is just not right. She has been getting a little “edgy.” Definitely not like her. Her husband is concerned that maybe she is pushing herself a little too much and encourages her to simply slow down and pace herself. As the weeks go by, she begins experiencing headaches over her eyes and the back of her head. The headaches are now occurring more frequently; a minimum of 3-4 times a week.

Six months into the school season and her symptoms are getting worse. In addition to her headaches, lack of concentration and irritability, Jan is now having insomnia, cries over nothing and has noticed an unusual tingling in her face, hands and feet. Concerned, our once “excited” trainer of children decides to see her family physician. After a brief consultation and a basic physical evaluation, her physician is confident she is again just overdoing it and recommends she lighten her work load. In the mean time, she is prescribed Xanax, a mild tranquilizer to settle her nerves. Feeling reassured that nothing is seriously wrong, our teacher returns to her young students and pushes on.

Another three months pass and this time our once highly motivated teacher is only a “shadow” of herself. It takes every ounce of energy to get started in the morning. She is having greater difficulty preparing her school assignments and simply is just exhausted! In a state of desperation she is referred to a psychiatrist. He diagnoses her with depression and prescribes an anti-depressant and also recommends counseling.

After two emotional years of trying an assortment of anti-depressants and hours of counseling, Jan is stuck in a nightmare.. a web of medical labels… depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, stress … just name a few!

Is It Possible Something Has Been Missed?

Every year thousands of teachers are afflicted with a condition that simply “zaps” the life right out of them. Most physicians are at a total loss to understand what is behind this mysterious illness. Unfortunately, many people are looked at as hypochondriacs and continue to suffer year after year.

The Diagnosis

By a stroke of luck and a lot of prayer, Jan stumbled on a medical article that “painted” an exact picture of her health challenges. She was amazed to find that she was not alone and that thousands of other teachers were experiencing the same problem.

She was able to find a physician who was trained in making this difficult diagnosis and learned that she was suffering with something called “Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS).” Some physicians have coined the term “The Toxic Teacher Syndrome” due to the numbers of teachers suffering with the same symptoms.

What is MCS?

Chemical Sensitivity is not a new term. It has been around for many years. The diagnosis MCS was researched by allergist Theron G. Randolph, M.D. (1906-1995). Dr. Randolph discovered that many of his patients became ill from chemical substances that were normally considered safe at the recommended dosage. In the 1950s, Dr. Randolph concluded that people were failing to adapt to modern-day synthetic chemicals. As more research was done on the effects of MCS, doctors suggested that the immune system is like a barrel that continually fills with chemicals until it overflows and symptoms appear. Potential chemical toxins include:

  • Formaldehyde which can be found in foam insulation, plywood, particleboard and press cabinets, fabric finishes, new carpet, polyurethane foam rubber (used in pillows, cushions, mattresses and rug padding), mobile homes, adhesives, synthetic clothes that crease resistant, wrinkle resistant
     
  • Oil vapors: from oil furnaces, motor-oil air-conditioning filters, electric kitchen appliances such as food processors, blenders, can openers.
     
  • Polyethylene plastics: fake leather, artificial flowers, shower curtains.
     
  • Household chemicals such as dry cleaning chemicals in clothes, mothballs, rug-cleaning products, paints, solvents, stain removers, air fresheners, window washing compounds
     
  • Polyesters in clothing, upholstery, drapery, furniture and stuffing for pillows and quilts.
     
  • Pesticide residue on cottons and woolens; residues from exterminators.
     
  • Epoxy adhesives on plastics, electronic equipment (TVs, microwaves,) which release gases when heated up.
     
  • Common school paraphernalia such as carbon paper, ink, mimeographic and duplicating chemicals, glue

How Do These Chemicals Cause Health Problems?

For most people the constant exposure to the above chemicals may not pose any health challenge. However, an individual may come in contact with a freshly painted room and begin to experience dizziness, nausea, headaches etc.. Usually, however, it requires the constant everyday exposure to various toxins that simply become cumulative and eventually overwhelm the body’s ability to eliminate them. When your detoxification system is in good working order, it protects you from low level chemical build-up. It is interesting that most of the sixty thousands chemicals in current use today have been developed in the last forty years. In other words, it seems quite clear that these chemicals are being made at a faster rate than our bodies are able to get rid of them.

Chemicals are known to injure the part of the cell that produces energy causing swelling of the cell membrane and a decreased ability to pump out chemical toxins. When this occurs you can experience fatigue, weakness, poor memory, migraine headaches, insomnia, anxiety, etc..

So What Happened to our Teacher?

When Jan first arrived in her new school, she was greeted with fresh paint, new carpet, new furniture etc.. which was all piled in her small room. This was further complicated by inadequate ventilation. When the chemical load to her system was too high, some of the chemicals were simply unable to be detoxified. This resulted in the slow accumulation of chemicals backing up in the blood causing her health to slowly spiral downward.

How Was She Helped?

Our school teacher was thoroughly evaluated receiving a physical examination, blood tests for liver function, comprehensive detoxification blood test and chemical toxicity assessment.

Detoxification Profile: This test is used to determine how well her body is getting rid of toxins.

Click here for a PDF copy for better clarity
of the following lab test

Comments and Results:

As you can see above ( please review PDF copy to allow for improved readibility), Jan had a normal phase I detoxification function but her phase II revealed a high plasma cysteine with low plasma sulfate and an impaired glucuronidation detoxification.

** Detoxification is much more complicated than most doctors (not trained in the diagnosis of detoxification) make it out to be and commonly will cause more harm than good.

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

A healthy liver uses two mechanisms, called Phase I and Phase II detoxification to remove toxins.

In Phase I, your body’s enzymes activate toxic substances to make them more accessible to Phase II.

In Phase II, other enzymes convert toxins to more water-soluble forms, which your body eliminates through urine or stool. Major Phase II pathways include glutathione, sulfate, glycine, and glucuronide conjugations. Individual xenobiotics and metabolites usually follow one or two distinct pathways.

Chemical Testing

A chemical blood exposure test was also performed. This test is extremely valuable in determining the levels of chemical toxins in the blood.

A checklist of suspected chemical toxins was done as well as an assessment of the schools ventilation system.

The Results

After suffering for a little over two years, her tests revealed the following:

  1. The Liver Profile was normal
     
  2. The Detoxification Profile revealed a compromised phase II detoxification with high plasma cysteine with low plasma sulfate and an impaired glucuronidation detoxification resulting in an inability to process the load of chemicals.
     
  3. The Chemical Testing revealed high levels of: Formaldehyde,Toluene and Xylene
     
  4. The checklist accurately correlated with her high levels of chemicals in her blood.
     
  5. As suspected, although the school received a face-lift with new furniture and a fresh coat of paint, the ventilation system was functioning at approximately 40% efficiency and needed a major overhaul!!

The Treatment

The first step was too begin treatment on improving Jan’s ability to detoxify by improving her impaired glucuronidation detoxification and decrease the total load of toxic elements.

  • Ruled out hypothyroidism (delays maturation of conjugating enzyme)
     
  • Correct nutrient deficiencies
     
  • Increase intake of nutrient cofactors for glucuronidation
     
  • L-glutamine, aspartic acid, niacin, vitamin B6
     
  • Support other Phase II pathways, especially sulfation and glycination, to reduce burden
     
  • Increase intake of cruciferous vegetables (induces conjugating enzyme)
     
  • Had teacher purchase a Four Stage Air Filtration System for her classroom to improve ventilation
     
  • Our teacher had a comprehensive safe environmental check of her classroom. Chemical toxins were replaced with non-toxic products. This was carried over to her home as well.

The Outcome

Within 2 weeks, Jan began to notice an improvement in her health. Her energy gradually increased, headaches were reduced to 1 every 2 weeks, the depression lifted, insomnia was replaced by sound restful sleep. By the end of 2 and half months, Jan felt like her old self again and has continued to do well ever since.

Our Comments:

This article presents a real case and demonstrates the sad fact that thousands of people are suffering needlessly. Unless a physician has studied and been trained in the diagnosis and treatment of environmental illness, many more people especially teachers and other professionals working in similar environmental surroundings will continue to develop MCS and unfortunately be “branded” undiagnosable and sadly a hypochondriac. The truth of the matter is.. there is an answer and this answer can pull many people out of this nightmare.

Over the past 15 years, an accumulation of published research has continued to support the hypothesis that Zonulin, a protein compound is a key modulator of the tight junctions between enterocytes in the intestine.


Here is a quick overview of Zonulin From Wikipedia:

Zonulin


Zonulin is a protein that modulates the permeability of tight junctions between cells of the wall of the digestive tract. Initially discovered in 2000 as the target of zonula occludens toxin, secreted by cholera pathogen Vibrio cholerae,[1] it has been implicated in the pathogenesis of coeliac disease[2] and diabetes mellitus type 1.[3] It is being studied as a target for vaccine adjuvants.[4] ALBA Therapeutics is developing a zonulin receptor antagonist, AT-1001, that is currently in phase 2 clinical trials.

Gliadin (glycoprotein present in wheat) activates zonulin signaling irrespective of the genetic expression of autoimmunity, leading to increased intestinal permeability to macromolecules. [5]

An article by Dr. Jill Carnahan, MD (IFM certified in Functional Medicine) provides a good overview on this topic:

An amazing discovery a few years ago revolutionized our ability to understand the gut and permeability and how this impacts a wide range of health conditions from cancer to autoimmune disease to inflammation and food sensitivities.

Zonulin is the “doorway” to leaky gut

Zonulin opens up tight junctions in the intestinal wall: that normally occurs, in order for nutrient and other molecules to get in and out of the intestine.

However, when leaky gut is present, the tight junctions between the cells open up too much allowing macromolecules to get into the bloodstream where an immunologic reaction can take place. Once that happens, the body is primed to react to those proteins each and every time they appear.

It can also cause leakage of intestinal contents, like bacteria into the immune system creating inflammation and overloading the liver’s ability to filter out this garbage.
Triggers that open the zonulin doorway

Based on Dr. Fasano’s research, we know that the two most powerful triggers to open the zonulin door are gluten and gut bacteria in the small intestine.

Gliadin causes zonulin levels to increase both in those people who have celiac disease and those who do not. As the zonulin level rises, the seal between the intestinal cells (tight junctions) diminishes, opening up spaces between the enterocytes that allow all sorts of things to pass right through.

This is called “leaky gut”.

The immune system may be primed to think that these are foreign invaders and will mount an immune response leading to food sensitivities. In addition this immune activation leads to more damage to the enterocytes and the gut becomes more inflamed and more permeable or “leaky”. As the damage continues, the microvilli that line the intestines and absorb nutrients become damaged, leading to other nutrient deficiencies.

Top causes of increased zonulin and development of leaky gut:

1. Overgrowth of harmful organisms, like bacteria or yeast in the intestine
1. SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
2. Fungal dysbiosis or candida overgrowth
3. Parasite infections
2. Gliadin in the diet (from gluten containing foods)

However, a study published in the Scandiavian Journal of Gastroenterology in 2006 clearly showed that gliadin can affect zonulin even in people without the gene for celiac.

The researchers concluded that:

Based on our results, we concluded that gliadin activates zonulin signaling irrespective of the genetic expression of autoimmunity, leading to increased intestinal permeability to macromolecules.

The significance of this is that gluten affects intestinal permeability in all persons to different extents. It also means that 100% of patients with autoimmune disease or leaky gut could potentially benefit from a gluten-free diet.

Elevated zonulin levels and leaky gut are also associated with the following:

1. Crohn’s disease
2. Type 1 Diabetes
3. Multiple Sclerosis
4. Asthma
5. Glioma
6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

In conclusion the article states:

Genetic predisposition, miscommunication between innate and adaptive immunity, exposure to environmental triggers, and loss of intestinal barrier function secondary to the activation of the zonulin pathway by food-derived environmental triggers or changes in gut microbiota all seem to be key ingredients involved in the pathogenesis of inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer.

This new theory implies that [once this path is activated] it can be… reversed by preventing the continuous interplay between genes and the environment.

In a recorded interview with Chris Kresser, L.Ac., Dr. Fasano indicated the significance of upregulated zonulin levels on a variety of health issues:

Upregulated zonulin levels can be present even after individuals have adopted a gluten-free diet. This is true not only for celiac patients, but also for other people with different kinds of autoimmune diseases:

Dr. Alessio Fasano:

We have seen this in celiac disease and type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. When we discovered what zonulin is all about in terms of genes, now we know that zonulin is the precursor of a molecule, a protein called haptoglobin 2, so we know what kind of molecule it is.

And using that as a biomarker, we see that there are three major categories of conditions that see zonulin upregulated or present in a mutated fashion.

These are autoimmune diseases, and besides the three that I just mentioned, it has been proven in Crohn’s disease, for example, and in another category there are tumors ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, glioma, these kinds of cancers, and then in diseases of the nervous system, including schizophrenia and autism.

The significance of Zonulin and its impact on not only Leaky Gut but a variety of other potentially significant health issues cannot be underestimated and it reinforces the importance of reviewing the impact that grains in our modern diet have on our overall health.

In this edition of our newsletter we profile an article from Life Enhancement Magazine on 5-HTP and its impact on Rheumatoid Arthritis.

More well-known benefits of 5-HTP include restoring Serotonin levels and helping to improve:

  • General mood
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Weight loss
  • PMS
  • Chronic headaches
  • Migraines
  • Fibromyalgia

5-HTP Subdues Rheumatoid Arthritis

In addition to its use as an antidepressant …
New research brings additional clarity to the mechanisms of 5-HTP

The amino acid tryptophan is essential for humans, meaning the body cannot synthesize it and must obtain it from the diet. A tryptophan deficiency can lead to serious emotional imbalances as well as diminished neural health.

In part, this is because tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin. To synthesize these, tryptophan drives two major metabolic pathways: the serotonin pathwayand kynurenine pathway.

The Pathway to Well-Being and Happiness

In the serotonin pathway, tryptophan is catalyzed into 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) by tryptophan hydroxylase-1 and then converted into serotonin. Biochemically derived from tryptophan or 5-HTP, serotonin is principally found in the gastrointestinal tract, blood platelets, and the central nervous system of humans and animals. Serotonin is generally thought to be a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness.

Does Kynurenine Provide a Pathway to Inflammation?

A tryptophan deficiency can lead to serious emotional imbalances as well as diminished neural health.

In the kynurenine pathway, tryptophan is catalyzed into N-formylkynurenine by indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) and then converts into L-kynurenine. L-kynurenine is a metabolite of the amino acid L-tryptophan used in the production of niacin. However, the Kynurenine pathway is a mixed bag. Rheumatoid arthritis patients have increased kynurenine levels in their blood1,2 and its levels are positively correlated with C- Reactive Protein (CRP), a measure of inflammation.3

Serotonin is generally thought to be a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness.

5-HTP Suppresses Inflammatory Responses 

In a new Taiwan study,4 researchers note that 5-HTP suppresses inflammatory responses in mouse models of asthma and sepsis. In prior studies, 5-HTP inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in different cell lines. These associations stimulated the researchers interest in whether 5-HTP could suppress inflammation and disease activity in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. CIA is an animal form of human rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The Value of Rheumatoid Arthritis’s Therapeutic Window

Evidence is accumulating that a preclinical phase is present before the onset of clinical signs and symptoms of RA. This phase represents an important therapeutic windowwithin which interventions can dramatically modulate outcomes.

RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder that, unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, typically affects the small joints in the hands and feet. RA also affects the lining of joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. RA can occur at any age, although it usually begins after age 40 and is much more common in women.

Preventative Desired

An agent that could prevent RA in the preclinical phase would be a novel approach. In this study, the Taiwan researchers investigated whether the tryptophan metabolite, 5-HTP, could act as such an agent for the primary prevention of CIA. The CIA mouse model is the most commonly studied autoimmune model of rheumatoid arthritis. It is widely used to address questions of disease pathogenesis and to validate therapeutic targets.

5-HTP suppresses inflammatory responses in mouse models of asthma and sepsis.

5-HTP Suppressed Cell Proliferation

The Taiwan researchers found that 5-HTP given at 10, 20 and 50 μg/ml suppressed cell proliferation and decreased the production of Interleukin (IL)-22 type cells, which regulate the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

5-HTP also suppressed the expression of IL-17, TNFα, IFNγ and T-bet in activated splenocytes (spleen cells). These findings did not result from cell death, because 5-HTP did not increase cell death at these levels.

It’s a Matter of Timing

In their animal studies, a supplement of 5-HTP from day 20 did not affect the disease course. However, 5-HTP given from day 7 before induction significantly decreased the arthritis scores and joint inflammation. Earlier was better than later.

5-HTP May Prevent RA

According to the Taiwan study, patients with allergy/asthma commonly have associated symptoms of anxiety/depression. These results suggest that 5-HTP supplements can be an approach to prevent arthritis.

5-HTP taken orally suppressed allergic lung inflammation, even though cytokine levels were not decreased on broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL).5 BAL is a medical procedure in which a bronchoscope is passed through the mouth or nose into the lungs and fluid is squirted into a small part of the lung and then collected for examination. It is typically performed to diagnose lung disease. (See “Galantamine Protects Against Lung Injury,” the sidebar in the lead article “Stop Smoking with Galantamine” in this issue.)

5-HTP given from day 7 before induction significantly decreased the arthritis scores and joint 
inflammation.

Serotonin and Major Depressive Disorders

Decreased levels of serotonin in the central nervous system are associated with major depressive disorders. Treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or supplementation with serotonin precursors (tryptophan and 5-HTP) is an important strategy in depression therapy. SSRIs can block serotonin re-uptake and thus increase serotonin levels in the brain and improve depression. Tryptophan and 5-HTP can make serotonin in the body and also improve depression.

SSRIs and Supplements

Of interest, certain SSRIs can decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suppress airway inflammation in asthma patients, and reduce disease activity in RA patients. SSRIs have also been found to decrease the arthritis scores in CIA mice and suppress cytokine production in macrophages and synovial membrane cells. But SSRIs are not without adverse effects.

Patients with allergy/asthma commonly have associated symptoms of anxiety/depression.

The Taiwan researchers found that the SSRI fluoxetine (aka Prozac) effectively decreased the production of IFNγ and TNFα in activated splenocytes. In the animal study, it was found that 5-HTP given orally increased the serum levels of serotonin, whereas parenteral 5-HTP did not affect the serum levels of serotonin in CIA mice. Thus, regulation of serotonin levels is not likely to be the major mechanism behind the suppression of arthritis by 5-HTP in the CIA mice.

RA patients have increased kynurenine levels in the blood, and the levels are positively correlated with C-reactive protein. In addition, RA patients have increased indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) activity in the synovial fluid.

5-HTP Regulates Immune Responses

The Taiwan study provides both in vitro and in vivo evidence that 5- HTP, a tryptophan metabolite, can regulate immune responses. Taking a 5-HTP supplement before CIA induction can decrease disease activity, suppress joint inflammation and cause minimal side effects in CIA mice. Nevertheless (you’ve undoubtedly heard this before), further studies are required to elucidate whether the common dietary supplement 5-HTP can act as an agent for primary prevention of RA.

5-HTP taken orally suppressed allergic lung inflammation, even though cytokine levels were not decreased on broncho-alveolar lavage.

Also in the Taiwan study, it was found that 5-HTP did not affect the cytokine levels in the serum or the percentages of IFNγ+CD4+ T cells in the spleen. However, 5-HTP suppressed the expression of TNFα and IL-6 in the inflamed ankle joints and decreased the percentages of IFNγ+CD4+ T cells in the draining lymph nodes. These results suggest that 5-HTP decreased arthritis activity without affecting systemic immunity.

Serotonin Up; Kynurenine Down

Of great interest, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα, IL-1 and IFNγ can increase IDO expression and promote serotonin re-uptake, resulting in increased levels of kynurenine and decreased levels of serotonin. Indeed, IDO is the first and rate-limiting enzyme of tryptophan catabolism through the kynurenine pathway, thus causing depletion of tryptophan, which can cause halted growth of microbes as well as T cells.

The study showed that mice with a higher arthritis score were more likely to have high serum levels of kynurenine and low levels of serotonin.

5-HTP for Asthma, Depression, Obesity, Headaches, Fibromyalgia, Insomnia, and Arthritis

As reported by the Taiwan scientists, in mouse models of asthma, the amount of 5-HTP given to the mice was equivalent to consumption of 200 mg per day by a 100 lb person. In their study, the daily consumption of 5-HTP was equivalent to between 384 mg and 1,920 mg per day by a 132 lb person.

5-HTP given orally increased the serum levels of serotonin.

5-HTP is indicated for depression, obesity, headaches, fibromyalgia and insomnia. A 5-HTP supplement is well-tolerated and causes minimal side effects. In clinical studies, the doses of 5- HTP in the treatment of depression have been from 20 to 3,250 mg per day.

Treatment with 5- HTP at 600 mg per day was also found to decrease the frequency of migraine and improve insomnia. In a mouse model of asthma, the amount of 5-HTP given to the mice was equivalent to consumption of 200 mg per day by a 100 lb person.

In the Taiwan animal study, 5-HTP given orally did not affect body weight or cause diarrhea. However, the daily consumption of 5-HTP was equivalent to 384 mg and 1,920 mg per day by a 132 lb person. Furthermore, 5-HTP given by i.p. injection at 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg decreased the production of TNFa in a sepsis model.

These results suggest that 5-HTP decreased arthritis activity without affecting systemic immunity.

The mice receiving the i.p. amounts at 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg (human equivalents of 160 mg, 527 mg, 1,580 for a 132 lb person) had improved arthritis scores and decreased joint inflammation.

Today I want to share with you an article written by Ron Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., DACBN, MS, CFMP from Functional Medicine University on the topic of Excitotoxins.

Excitotoxins are chemicals substances that overstimulate certain type of cells in the brain, all of the nervous system and many other organs.

In high and excessive amounts these cells become damaged and may die.

The underlying mechanism of excitotoxins has been attributed to the following diseases: alzheimer’s, parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, strokes, autism, huntington’s disease. 

Excitotoxins have also been found to be associated with the following diseases: migraines, diabetes, atherosclerosis, sudden death from heart disease, eye diseases, digestive disorders, autoimmune diseases, growth of tumors, spread of cancer and obesity.

The Most Common Excitotoxin is Glutamate

Glutamate is the main component of Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

As a general rule, the more a food is processed, the more likely it is to contain MSG. Foods that commonly use MSG include potato chips, flavored crackers, canned soups, dry soup mixes, canned meats, diet foods, soy sauces, salad dressings, cured meats and poultry injected with broth. But reading the labels won’t always help you.

When a food product is 99 percent pure MSG it is called “monosodium glutamate” by the FDA and must be labeled as such. However, when a food product contains less than 99 percent MSG, the FDA doesn’t require that the MSG be identified. So it often appears on labels in various disguised forms, such as “hydrolyzed vegetable protein,” “spices” and “natural flavoring.”

Here’s a quick list of potentially suspect ingredients to watch for:

Ingredients that may contain 30 to 60 percent MSG:

hydrolyzed vegetable protein
hydrolyzed protein
hydrolyzed plant protein
plant protein extract
sodium caseinate
calcium caseinate
yeast extract
textured protein
autolyzed yeast
hydrolyzed oat flour

Ingredients that may contain 12 to 40 percent MSG:

malt extract
malt flavoring
bouillon
broth
stock
natural flavoring
natural beef or chicken flavoring
seasoning
spices

Ingredients that may contain some MSG:

carrageenan
enzymes
soy protein concentrate
soy protein isolate
whey protein concentrate
some soymilk

Although I have presented the downside of excessive glutamate it is important for me to let you know that glutamate does have positive health benefits.

These would include the following benefits:

  • Acting as an important neurotransmitter in the brain — it has excitatory effects, meaning it makes neurons more likely to fire
  • Serving as a precursor for the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system
  • Supporting growth and development of the brain
  • Helping cells survive and differentiate and supporting formation and elimination of nerve contacts (synapses)
  • Supporting cognitive functions, including learning and memory.
  • Stimulating gut movement by increasing gut serotonin levels
  • Producing the antioxidant glutathione
  • Regulating inflammatory processes

So what is one to do when it comes to this special and sometimes detrimental neurotransmitter.

One answer is to test if you suspect glutamate toxicity. If  glutamate levels are high then you have an objective marker to carefully monitor as you get your patients to taper and avoid foods high in glutamate.

Doctors Data Lab

Doctors Data Lab

If you don’t want to invest in testing the next best step is to avoid foods in glutamate and see if you see an improvement in their symptoms.

Natural plant products and extracts that reduce glutamate and immunoexcitotoxicity

Curcumin, quercetin, green tea catechins, balcalein, and luteolin have been extensively studied to dampen the detrimental impact of excessive glutamate

References:

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00561/full
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8732541/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10613826/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7098326/
https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-1-4614-5836-4_148
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2015.00469/full
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29859974/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7386414/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21288239/
https://www.nature.com/articles/srep44120
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3307240/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4478437/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8977545/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26788243/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7260594/
https://europepmc.org/article/med/27185356