Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)  is an alternative to Subcutaneous (Injection) Immunotherapy (SCIT), which for the last 100 years has been considered the standard for allergy desensitization. The research shows that SLIT is not only equally or more effective than allergy shots, but also has many advantages.

What the Research Tells Us About Sublingual Immunotherapy

Activates Dendritic Cells

Recent research shows that during SLIT, the allergen is absorbed into the oral mucosa. The underlying dendritic cells produce a enzyme that suppresses T-helper cell responses which serve to activate and direct other immune cells. This leads to a decrease in IgE (antibodies that attach to the foreign substances so the immune system can destroy them) and a reduction in recruitment and activation of proinflammatory cells in the tissue. This mechanism of action is similar to that observed in conventional immunotherapy.

Helps Prevent Asthma

A 2004 study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology evaluated the effects of SLIT in patients with grass pollen allergy. One hundred thirteen Italian children (age range 5-14 years) were assigned to receive standard allergy treatment only or standard allergy treatment with SLIT. In the first year of treatment, no significant difference in allergy symptom scores or medication use was found between the 2 groups, but in the second year of treatment, allergy symptoms scores and medication use were significantly less in those receiving SLIT. In the third year of treatment, children receiving SLIT had a statistically significant reduction in medication use. The study also found that children in the control group developed asthma 3.8 times more frequently during the study period than children who had been receiving SLIT.

Greatly Improves Allergic Rhinitis

Four investigations compared the effects of SLIT vs SCIT.

• 36 adults with house dust mite-induced asthma were assigned to receive SLIT, SCIT, or placebo SLIT for 1 year. After 1 year of treatment, the group receiving SCIT had a significant reduction in asthma and rhinitis symptoms scores, while the group receiving SLIT improved in rhinitis symptom scores only, compared with  the group receiving placebo SLIT.
• Two studies found significant improvement in allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms scores associated with SLIT and SCIT, with no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups compared with placebo.
• An open two year study of low-dose SLIT for Alternaria allergy found that allergic rhinitis symptoms scores were better in the SLIT group than in the SCIT group.

A Safer Alternative to Injection Immunotherapy

SLIT has been used clinically for more then 3 decades. Popularity, especially in other countries, has been steadily increasing over the past 15 years. Up to 40% of Europeans use SLIT as a first-line of treatment for allergic diseases. And despite more than 300 published studies showing that SLIT is equally or more effective than allergy shots, it is seldom used in the US.  For those who fail to respond to injection immunotherapy or who had an anaphylactic reaction to injection, SLIT is advantageous. There are no reports of SLIT causing anahylaxis or any other serious life-threatening reaction. It is also more convenient than injections because the patient administers the drops at home, meaning fewer office visits and no needles.

_Sources

_{http://www.aaaai.org}

_{Ingels, Darin (2012). Sublingual Immunotherapy: An effective Alternative to Injection Immunotherapy for Allergies and Asthma. Naturopathic Doctor News & Review, April 2012.}

The journal Acta Dermato-Venereologica published a study testing the potential of a low glycemic diet as a treatment for acne.

According to this study, eating a low glycemic diet resulted in a reduction in acne, reduced sebaceous gland size and lower levels of inflammation.

The study adds to the evidence in the role of diet in acne, specifically the role of carbohydrates.

In my experience, dairy products also play a role in a variety of skin conditions, including acne and eczema.

The mechanism appears to be due to the hormones insulin and IGF-1.

Insulin and IGF-1 can stimulate hormonal changes similar to those seen in puberty. In addition, over time, there is the potential for other health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cancer to develop later in life.

Western diets in general seem to promote or exacerbate a number of chronic inflammatory diseases:

• Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis
• Asthma
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Arthritis
• Diabetes/prediabetes
• Overweight/obesity
• Cancers
• Gingivitis
• Sinusitis
• Pain
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• PMS

A diet more ‘primal’ (Paleo) in nature, which predominantly  includes:  vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, nuts and seeds, while  avoiding refined  grains and dairy products, appears to be a safe and inexpensive solution.

Food sensitivities that are generally unique to the individual but fairly simple to identify, may also be contributory.

For more information on “primal eating” and food sensitivity testing for acne or other chronic inflammatory conditions,  visit Dr. Lecovin’s website: www.drgeofflecovin.com

References

Kwon HH, et al. Preview of article: Clinical and Histological Effect of a Low Glycemic Load Diet in Treatment of Acne Vulgaris in Korean Patients: A Randomized, Controlled Trial Acta Dermato-Venereologica 2012. DOI: 10.2340/00015555-1346.

http://thepaleodiet.com/

Consider MicroNutrient Testing

Overwhelming evidence confirms that vitamin deficiencies are associated with disease processes and the overall condition of one’s health. Vitamin, mineral and antioxidant deficiencies have been shown to suppress immune function and contribute to chronic degenerative processes such as arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

At EIMED, we offer micronutrient testing through Spectracell Laboratories. Below is the list of nutrients that are measured:

Here’s a sample of what those results will look like: (Sample Test Report PDF)

In the essence of National Nutrition Month, get your plate in shape with a plan that fits your dietary needs. Dr. Lecovin or Dr. Seligman can collaborate with you when making nutritional shifts that help establish a balance in your diet. Schedule an appointment by calling our office.

There are six classes of essential nutrients:

1. Carbohydrates
2. Fats
3. Proteins
4. Vitamins
5. Minerals
6. Water

Nutrients serve three general functions:

1. Provide energy (fuel)
2. Regulate body processes
3. Contribute to body structure

Carbohydrates, fats and proteins each provide energy (Carbohydrates- 4 kcal/g; fats- 9 kcal/g and proteins (4 kcal/g).

Vitamins are organic (carbon containing) compounds necessary for reproduction, growth and maintenance.

Minerals are inorganic compounds needed for growth and regulation of body processes.

Energy is the capacity to do work. When Carbohydrates, fats or proteins are metabolized (broken down), they yield energy (ATP) in the form that cells can use.

The main function of carbohydrates in the body is to supply energy. In this role, carbohydrates spare protein for use in making body proteins and allow for the complete breakdown of fat as an additional energy source.

At rest, fat is the primary source of energy, whereas with exercise (or as the intensity of an activity increases) carbohydrates become the primary source of fuel. While proteins can be eventually used to provide energy in the absence of carbohydrates (gluconeogenensis), this is not the preferred pathway to make glucose (blood sugar) nor is it the optimum use of protein, which is to make enzymes, hormones, transport proteins and regulate fluid and PH (Acid/base balance).

Low carbohydrate, high fat diets shift the body’s metabolism to provide fuel through the production of ketone bodies. Ketone bodies are the body’s way of providing emergency energy. Other than glucose, ketone bodies are the only other effective fuel.

Getting back to the title of today’s blog, what supplements give you energy? Based on the function of the six classes of essential nutrients as described above, energy is supplied by the macronutrients (Carbohydrates, proteins and fats) that we get from our diet.

Vitamins and minerals do not supply us with energy. They are involved in the pathways where Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are metabolized to produce energy. Taking extra vitamins won’t affect energy production, unless one is deficient in a vitamin or mineral.

How can you tell if you are deficient?

If you eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of carbohydrates (e.g. colorful fruits and vegetables), proteins (e.g. pasture raised, grass fed) and fats (e.g. nuts and seeds, olive oil, flax oil and cold water fish), do not have any disordered eating, match you intake with your activity level and take into consideration any specific health conditions you may have, you are probably getting an adequate amount of micronutrients. The addition of a multiple vitamin/mineral is also a good insurance package.

What about Herbs?

Herbs do not supply energy either, but can be used to treat conditions or diseases that can affect energy levels. These herbs are often called “adaptagens” and are commonly used for adrenal or other endocrine problems.

If you have low energy, consider having your diet and lifestyle evaluated. This is one of the cornerstones of naturopathic care.

Where does CoQ10 come from?
Our bodies naturally produce sufficient quantities of CoQ10. The rest is synthesized from foods we eat. Dietary sources include: meat (pork heart contains 0.1268 mg/g), oily fish (canned tuna contains 0.0159 mg/g),  and fruits and vegetable when fresh and unprocessed (cauliflower contains 0.0027 mg/g, strawberries contain 0.0014 mg/g)—just to name a few.

When Is Additional Supplementation Important?
Statin medications, used to treat high cholesterol, work by inhibiting a pathway in the liver called the mevalonate pathway.  The mevalonate pathway is the biochemical path by which the liver manufactures cholesterol, unfortunately, disruption of this pathway also leads to disruption of the bodies’ production of CoQ10.  One of the most common side effects of statin medications is fatigue and muscle aches.  These side effects can be relieved by using CoQ10 with the statin medication.  Alternatively, you can consult with Dr. Seligman or Dr. Lecovin for medication-free approaches to lowering cholesterol. 

Current CoQ10 Products
Supplemental CoQ10 originates in a crystal (dry powder) form. This crystal form alone is not well absorbed because the crystals do not fully dissolve in the intestines and the body cannot absorb lipid crystals. When crystals are dissolved in a lipid-based delivery system (ie, oil-based softgels, liposomes, micelles, and nanoparticles), absorption is improved. However, there is still partial crystallization found in these preparations.

Increased Absorption with Q-Best
Unlike current CoQ10 supplements, Q-Best (product PDF) by Thorne Research is fully dissolved, crystal-free, lipid-based form that allows greater absorption. To compare it with our last CoQ10 product, its absorbency is 3 times greater. Let’s translate: 150 mg of our previous CoQ10 would only require 50mg of Q-Best. This is accomplished by a tri-lipid delivery system. One lipid keeps the CoQ10 crystals fully dissolved at 10°C above body temperature; the second lipid keeps the CoQ10 crystals fully dissolved below body temperature; and the third lipid acts as a carrier molecule to facilitate absorption.

American Heart Month Discount
February is American Heart Month and due to the importance of CoQ10 in cardiovascular health we are including our Q-Best in this month’s 25% supplement discount. Learn more.

 Sources:

Taking preventative measures for heart conditions is an important step. Spend some time to consider the following:

• Keep cholesterol levels in a healthy range. Total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol less than 100 mg/dL, and HDL (“good”) cholesterol above 50 mg/dL.
• Watch your blood pressure. High blood pressure means your heart is working harder to keep blood circulating and is a risk factor for many heart related problems. Aim for 130/80 or lower.
  
• Lose unnecessary weight. Extra weight increases the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Quit smoking. Quitting drastically reduces your risk of heart disease, respiratory disease and cancers.
• Exercise daily. At least a half an hour per day.
• Let Food be Thy Medicine. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains provides your body with nutrients to lower your blood pressure and maintain a healthy weight.
• Consider a supplement. Taking the right supplements can assist in reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke. Make an appointment with Dr. Seligman or Dr. Lecovin to discuss supplements especially if you’re managing a health condition.

At EIMED, we are offering a package of natural supplements selected by Dr. Seligman for supporting a healthy heart. When these supplements are purchased as a package you’ll receive a 25% discount. Just mention the special to our staff when purchasing your supplements. Here’s what’s included:

•  CoQ10 – A potent antioxidant and vitamin-like substance that is necessary for an important step in the production of energy in the body. CoQ10 exerts a powerful blood pressure-lowering effect.
• Vitamin E – Vital to the overall antioxidant capacity in the blood and tissues. Numerous studies suggest vitamin E is beneficial to the cardiovascular system.
• Fish Oil – Supports cardiovascular health and lowers heart disease risk.

Don’t forget, our infrared sauna can be another tool as it increases blood circulation and strengthens the cardiovascular system. As your body increases sweat production to cool itself, your heart works harder pumping blood at a greater rate to boost circulation, providing the conditioning benefits of continuous exercise. Heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate increase, while diastolic blood pressure drops, thus boosting overall cardiovascular fitness. Learn more about the many other benefits on our Infrared Sauna page. And from now until the end of the month, if you buy a sauna treatment, you’ll get a second sauna treatment for free—Learn more.

There are many ways to be proactive with your cardiovascular health and setting out to do them all might be unrealistic. The key is to identify your goal and then chart out the small steps along the way. Small steps is the important word. By outlining the necessary steps, you build a sense of mastery each time you’ve completed one step towards your goal. For example, if you’re goal is to add fish oil into your daily supplements, identify each step from purchasing the fish oil, finding a daily activity to pair taking your fish oil with (perhaps brushing your teeth), all the way to the steps it takes to maintain the practice—making sure to reward yourself for each accomplishment. By doing so, your not only improving your health, you’re also being kind to yourself.

For a great repository of articles and studies related to heart disease check out Bastyr Center for Natural Health’s website—Learn more.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov
Beauchamp, Kimberly. Fish Oil May Lower Heart Disease Risk. Journal of Nutrition. doi:10.1016