November 2015 Newsletter - How Words Can Be Deceiving

Trick or Treat? While there is one specific day on the calendar set aside for this – Halloween, in the world of nutrition and health it is an everyday challenge, particularly with the foods we eat. I have devoted a significant amount of “print” space the past few months to glyphosate and I have more this month to share – and it illustrates how words can be deceiving. In the article below you’ll see how Monsanto says something which is true to prove their point, but leaves out the rest of the story which negates the true statement.

I just returned from an excellent conference in Santa Barbara hosted by Physica Energetics. And yes, I learned some new things which I have already incorporated into my practice. Some of you have already benefited from this and others will soon as well. The information I’m sharing regarding glyphosate is from that conference.

This issue also features the first in a series of three articles about cardiovascular health. It is a summary of the information I learned in September at the Back to School for Doctors conference.

I hope you enjoy all this new information!

How Words Can Be Deceiving – What Monsanto Says about Glyphosate but What it Really Means

As I’ve been saying over the past few months – I love to learn! I just returned from the Physica Energetics annual conference called Concordia. Not only did I get to be in beautiful Santa Barbara (I’d never been there before), hang out with some interesting practitioners, learn new stuff to apply in my practice, and gain knowledge to share.

This is under “knowledge to share.” Thanks to Dr. Robert Cass for educating me! Below is information quoted from his presentation.

“According to Monsanto, producer of Roundup, the most popular herbicide used on the planet, the product is nearly nontoxic for humans. The usage of Roundup to kill weeds has skyrocketed around the world since the year 2000, in part it went off patent that year, but also because of the enormous increase (especially in the U.S.) in the appearance of “Roundup-Ready” GMO crops.”

To read the rest of the article and learn the truth click here: http://brwellness.com/nutrition-news/?p=405

Nutrients for a Healthy Heart: Part I – Introduction and Heart Rate

I love to learn! It’s probably one of the most enjoyable aspects in my line of work. I am always learning. I have to, to keep up with the latest nutrition information. Be it from my clients, other practitioners, or at educational seminars – it is a continuous process. The best part of the process is once I learn something new I can apply it in my practice and pass it on to my clients and the public.

Recently I attended a seminar on cardiovascular health (Cardiovascular: Performance, Endurance, and Maintenance). While the new information is still circulating (pun intended) through my system, I’ll be sharing it with you through a series of articles. 

Let’s start with a few basic facts about your heart. The adult heart weighs about 8-10 ounces, yet it is more electrical than the brain (which weighs five times as much). It contracts about 100,000 times during the day pumping six quarts of blood through over 100,000 miles of arteries, veins, and capillaries. The basics of circulation are as follows: The heart pumps oxygenated blood through the arteries to the organs and tissues. At the same time veins carry deoxygenated blood from the organs and tissues back to the heart. The deoxygenated blood goes to the lungs to get oxygen and is then pumped out again to the organs and tissues. This process is repeated over and over. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. Each year there are 1.6 million heart attacks, with over a half million of those being fatal. And, each year there are 795,000 strokes, with 140,000 deaths.

Approximately one-third of the deaths in the US each year are caused by heart disease and strokes.

This leads to the question of whether heart disease and strokes can be avoided or reduced. It appears that medicine has many theories on treating heart disease, but actual success has yet to be achieved as evidenced by the continued increase in deaths. Perhaps this is why JAMA (the Journal of the American Medical Association) reported in February of 2009 that just 11% of the more than 2,700 recommendations approved by cardiologists for treating heart patients are actually supported by high-quality scientific testing! 

To read the rest of the article click here: http://brwellness.com/nutrition-news/?p=390

How Words Can Be Deceiving – What Monsanto Says about Glyphosate but What it Really Means

As I’ve been saying over the past few months – I love to learn! I just returned from the Physica Energetics annual conference called Concordia. Not only did I get to be in beautiful Santa Barbara (I’d never been there before), hang out with some interesting practitioners, learn new stuff to apply in my practice, and gain knowledge to share.

This is under “knowledge to share.” Thanks to Dr. Robert Cass for educating me! Below is information quoted from his presentation.

“According to Monsanto, producer of Roundup, the most popular herbicide used on the planet, the product is nearly nontoxic for humans. The usage of Roundup to kill weeds has skyrocketed around the world since the year 2000, in part it went off patent that year, but also because of the enormous increase (especially in the U.S.) in the appearance of “Roundup-Ready” GMO crops.”

Before I continue – doesn’t the phrase “nearly nontoxic” concern you? That still means it is toxic!!

Continuing, “Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, kills weeds by interfering with what is called the shikimate pathway. This pathway is essential in plants for the synthesis of a class of amino acids called the “aromatics.” But this pathway is nonexistent in any mammalian cell. By simple logic, the fact that our cells don’t have this pathway means that glyphosate cannot harm us.” 

So far – so good? We don’t have this pathway, so it can’t harm us. Apparently a true statement. But here’s the rub…

Back to Dr. Cass, “While mammals don’t possess the shikimate pathway all of the microbes that take up residence in our digestive tract do have that pathway. If they are exposed to glyphosate gut bacteria is disrupted causing inflammation in the gut along with an overgrowth of pathogenic forms and concurrent loss of beneficial bacteria…There’s also an intricate connection between the gut and the brain, such that an unhealthy digestive system translates into pathologies in the brain.”

Here’s why the aromatic amino acids are so important. In this category are: tryptophan (the precursor to serotonin), tyrosine (the precursor to dopamine), and phenylalanine. These are essential nutrients – neurotransmitters. 

Serotonin deficiency plays a role in autism, obesity, Alzheimer’s, depression, suicide, and homicidal behavior. Serotonin is a precursor for melatonin which regulates the wake-sleep cycle. Tyrosine deficiency is associated with Parkinson’s disease. Glyphosate activates an enzyme called phenylalanine lyase (PAL) which breaks down phenylalanine and releases ammonia as a by-product. Excess ammonia in the blood is associated with seizures.

Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. His office is in Mequon, WI. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call (262) 389-9907 or go to www.brwellness.com.

Nutrients for a Healthy Heart: Part I - Introduction and Heart Rate

I love to learn! It’s probably one of the most enjoyable aspects in my line of work. I am always learning. I have to, to keep up with the latest nutrition information. Be it from my clients, other practitioners, or at educational seminars – it is a continuous process. The best part of the process is once I learn something new I can apply it in my practice and pass it on to my clients and the public.

Recently I attended a seminar on cardiovascular health (Cardiovascular: Performance, Endurance, and Maintenance).  While the new information is still circulating (pun intended) through my system, I’ll be sharing it with you through a series of articles. 

Let’s start with a few basic facts about your heart. The adult heart weighs about 8-10 ounces, yet it is more electrical than the brain (which weighs five times as much). It contracts about 100,000 times during the day pumping six quarts of blood through over 100,000 miles of arteries, veins, and capillaries. The basics of circulation are as follows: The heart pumps oxygenated blood through the arteries to the organs and tissues. At the same time veins carry deoxygenated blood from the organs and tissues back to the heart. The deoxygenated blood goes to the lungs to get oxygen and is then pumped out again to the organs and tissues. This process is repeated over and over. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. Each year there are 1.6 million heart attacks, with over a half million of those being fatal. And, each year there are 795,000 strokes, with 140,000 deaths. Approximately one-third of the deaths in the US each year are caused by heart disease and strokes.

This leads to the question of whether heart disease and strokes can be avoided or reduced. It appears that medicine has many theories on treating heart disease, but actual success has yet to be achieved as evidenced by the continued increase in deaths.  Perhaps this is why JAMA (the Journal of the American Medical Association) reported in February of 2009 that just 11% of the more than 2,700 recommendations approved by cardiologists for treating heart patients are actually supported by high-quality scientific testing! 

There are lots of recommendations, but very few proving successful.  In this and subsequent articles I will share with you nutritional information which has been proven over the last 60-70 years to enhance cardiovascular health. Ironically some of it is just now being “discovered” by today’s researchers. 

Rate, rhythm, and tone are the key measurements of heart health. Rate is the speed at which the heart beats. This is influenced by the autonomic nervous system and two key minerals:  potassium and phosphorus. Rhythm refers to how blood moves through the vasculature. This is influenced by the integrity of the vasculature tissues, electrical signaling and by the mineral calcium. Tone refers to the muscular strength of the heart. This is influenced primarily by Vitamins B, C, and E. The rest of this article will discuss nutrients related to heart rate. Subsequent articles will cover rhythm and tone.

The brain controls the heart rate, but interestingly enough does not directly innervate the heart. All the heart needs to beat is oxygen, which is why a heart will still beat when not connected to the body. 

The heart rate is controlled by the autonomic nervous system and its two components – the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system manages our stress response (generally described as “fight or flight”) thus it will accelerate the heart. Whether we are going to fight the tiger or run from it either way we need to get moving and we need more blood flow. The increase to our heart rate gets the job done. Our parasympathetic nervous system is engaged for more normal functioning or when we are relaxed. Therefore less blood flow is necessary and the heart rate will be inhibited or lowered.

Potassium is an alkaline ash mineral used by the parasympathetic nervous system while phosphorus is an acid ash mineral used by the sympathetic nervous system. For optimal heart health you need both these minerals. Phosphorus is the key ingredient in ATP which is essential for cellular energy which fuels the heart and the body. Without sufficient phosphorus the body will be energy deficient. At the same time the body needs potassium for when it needs to curb energy (or excess energy) production. Without potassium, there will be no constraint on phosphorus and the sympathetic nervous system will continue to fire. 

One of the ways potassium gets depleted is through a high carbohydrate/sugar diet. The sugar needs to be stored in the liver and muscles and takes potassium along with it. A high carbohydrate dinner can be particularly dangerous as a potassium deficiency can be created causing the heart to work extra hard during the night. Perhaps this explains how you hear of people dying in their sleep, particularly after a big meal!

In addition to heart rate, the autonomic nervous system controls many significant bodily functions including breathing, metabolism, emotional responses and digestion just to name a few. While I only discussed heart rate above,  you can certainly well imagine how autonomic dysfunction caused by a deficiency in potassium or phosphorus can cause a wide range of symptoms as other parts of the body goes out of balance.

Typical symptoms of phosphorus deficiency include: morning stiffness, nausea, cramping when in one position for a long time, being a slow starter in the morning, sensitivity to cold weather, edema, high blood pressure, insomnia, restlessness, leg cramps, tight feeling in chest, headaches, irritability, throbbing sensations, excess tarter buildup on teeth, and gastric hyperacidity.

Typical symptoms of potassium deficiency include: frequent sighing, dislike for closed rooms, hyperirritability, cold sweats, and dehydration (dryness of mouth, skin, dry hard stools, diminished urination and perspiration).

Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. His office is in Mequon, WI. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call (262) 389-9907 or go to www.brwellness.com.

October 2015 Newsletter - I Love to Learn

The Importance of Continuing Education

I love to learn! It’s probably one of the most enjoyable aspects in my line of work. I am always learning. I have to, to keep up with the latest information. Be it from my clients, other practitioners, or at educational seminars – it is a continuous process. I’m always amazed how rapidly a new learning is applied in the office. I attend a seminar and as soon as I’m back a new or existing client presents with exactly what I just learned about!

As I mentioned last month my personal “Back to School” is now in session. Last month I attended Back to School for Doctors 2015 which focused on cardiovascular health (the title was Cardiovascular: Performance, Endurance, and Maintenance). See below for my report! And in a few weeks I’ll be heading to Santa Barbara to learn more about Physica Energetics products. This is a supplement line that I began to incorporate in my practice last January and have been seeing amazing results! I can hardly wait to learn more how I can help clients with these great products! More on that in next month’s newsletter.

As the Autumn settles in it is a great time to do your own personal “fall cleanse.” There are still plenty of fresh vegetables available to nourish yourself with. The following two articles highlight the key vitamins and minerals from vegetables. If you’re interested in doing a cleanse in October please e-mail or call. If you mention my newsletter there may even be an unadvertised special!!

Part 1: http://brwellness.com/nutrition-news/?p=12

Part 2: http://brwellness.com/nutrition-news/?p=379

One last item, I apologize if anyone is having difficulty navigating my WordPress blog. I had a major issue last month. I ran an update per instructions from WordPress and my blog vanished! Apparently the theme I was using was no longer compatible with the new version of WordPress. Luckily I have maintained a duplicate blog and I was able to copy articles from Blogger. As of now, the content has been restored. However I am still in the process of fixing all the links! It is quite the project and unfortunately it is not the top priority. 

Cardiovascular Health: It’s All About Rate, Rhythm, and Tone

All the new information I learned at the Back to School for Doctors 2015 seminar is still circulating (pun intended) through my system! Mark Anderson presented a lot of great material. I’ll be writing a series of articles over the next few months. Here’s a few of the highlights – more in depth articles to come.

One of the key elements to cardiovascular health is vascular integrity, particularly the tiny capillaries. Leaky blood vessels (from damage to the vessels) lead to clotting and that leads to strokes. Rutin, part of the Vitamin C complex (note the complex, not ascorbic acid as found in most supplements) is a critical nutrient as it has been found to prevent capillary damage, protect against strokes, break up blood clots, prevent protein degeneration, and even protect against X-rays. While some Harvard researchers claimed credit for discovering this in 2012, it is well documented in writings from 1947! I’ll have future articles with more details on this topic.

For a refresher on how vitamin C and ascorbic acid are not the same (vitamin complexes versus synthetic vitamins) click here: http://brwellness.com/nutrition-news/?p=181.

Rate, rhythm, and tone are the key measurements of heart health. The rate of the heart beating is influenced by the autonomic nervous system and two key minerals:  potassium and phosphorus; while the rhythm is impacted by calcium. This too will be detailed in a future article.

Tone is influenced by our old friend Vitamin B4. This is the vitamin you never heard of because there is no synthetic version. It always appears in nature with Vitamin B1. The B1/B4 combination helps keep the heart strong (tone) and converts chemical energy into electrical energy working with calcium for keeping up the heart’s rhythm. For a refresher on B4 click here: http://brwellness.com/nutrition-news/?p=38.

There’s lots more to come….

Have a healthy month,

Bernie

Now’s the Time to Take Advantage of Fresh Vegetables and Their Nutritional Benefits – Part 2

In my previous article I mentioned how this is my favorite time of the year – and one of the reasons being the arrival of fresh vegetables.  As I discussed vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The most nutritious vegetables are the dark leafy greens (kale, spinach, collard greens, mustard greens, chard) and the Cruciferous family (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage). These are loaded with Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C, Folate, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and Zinc.

In Part 1 I discussed the vitamins. In this article we’ll learn about the minerals – Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and Zinc.

Calcium is one of the most important minerals to the body. While we often think of calcium and milk, it is actually highly available in many vegetables. One of the best sources is the leafy green vegetables including collard greens, mustard greens, spinach, beet greens, and turnip greens. Calcium is also found in broccoli and asparagus as well as many nuts and seeds. Calcium is best known for supporting strong bones and teeth, but it is also crucial for muscle tissue, blood clotting, supporting cardiovascular and nerve functions, supporting the immune system and helping in normal functioning of many enzymes. In short, it supports the whole body!

Right up there in importance with Calcium is Magnesium. In fact, they often work together in the body. Magnesium is found in artichokes, beans and seeds (black, green, navy, pinto, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower), cashews, broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard, and tomatoes. Magnesium supports normal acid/alkaline and blood pH balance; aids in enzyme activation (remember enzymes make everything happen in the body!); helps metabolize blood sugar and produce cortisone; supports healthy nerve and muscle function (it works with calcium to keep the nerves firing and the muscles moving and is involved in nerve signal transmission, muscle contraction, and heart rhythm); assists in forming bones and teeth; and plays a role in nucleic acid, protein, carbohydrate, and fat synthesis.

And, right up there with Calcium and Magnesium, is Potassium! Potassium is found in artichokes, beet greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, lentils, lima beans, pinto beans, spinach, Swiss chard, and yams. Potassium is also found in fruits such as avocado (yes it is technically a fruit) bananas, grapes, oranges, papaya, raisins, and tomatoes (a fruit too!). Nuts and seeds such as almonds and sunflower seeds are also good sources. 

Potassium is critical for the ongoing health of every cell in our body.  That’s a pretty important job!  Along with its partner sodium, the two minerals balance the nutrient and waste exchange of each cell.  Potassium is involved in nerve and muscle functioning where it again teams with sodium.  It also maintains our body’s fluid balance, electrolyte balance, and pH balance. Additional functions of potassium include aiding in sugar metabolism, activating enzymes, supporting healthy heart function, and calming the nervous system.

Zinc is found in beets, carrots, green peas, mushrooms, and spinach. It is also prevalent in nuts and seeds such as almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds. Zinc is known for its support of the immune system but it also is critical in the formation of many enzymes and insulin. It also assists with wound healing, reproductive organ growth and development, and metabolism of phosphorus, carbohydrates, and proteins.  Putting it simply - zinc helps many body processes work.  

Zinc is especially important for men.  Zinc is one of the key nutrients for the prostate gland.  Men will want to make sure they are getting sufficient zinc.  One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.  

Please note that these minerals are found in other food sources as well. For the purposes of this article I wanted to illustrate their availability in all the wonderful fresh vegetables (and a few fruits) that are being grown locally and are now or will soon be available to you. Enjoy! 

Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. His office is in Mequon, WI. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call (262) 389-9907 or go to www.brwellness.com.