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If You Are What You Eat, Then Many Of Us Are In Trouble (Part 5/10)

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

Gluten Sensitivity is something you may have heard of recently.  The incidence of gluten sensitivity has skyrocketed since the introduction of genetically modified wheat.

Dr. Thomas O’Bryan is considered the gluten sensitivity guru.  I am happy to be trained by him in his program to identify and conquer gluten sensitivity inside and outside the gut.

Over the last few years, we have seen the correlation of Gluten Sensitivity as a common initiator of multiple pathologies. From Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to Hepatocellular Carcinoma, from Migraines to Recurrent Pancreatitis, from Cardiomyopathy to numerous autoimmune diseases, we have seen the association of sensitivity to this protein of wheat, rye and barley with the initial manifestation of multiple pathophysiologies.  But there’s been a Conundrum. What is it? Problems associated with standard tests for Gluten Sensitivity.
- The only blood tests (until now) for Celiac Disease have been extremely accurate and dependable if a person has Total Villous Atrophy (TVA). However, when biopsy test results with anything less than TVA, the accuracy of the test drops tremendously (to as low as being wrong 7 out of 10 times). Would you tolerate that accuracy rate for a cancer, heart disease, or even pregnancy test? Gluten has to have significantly destroyed the gut wall for current blood testing
to be effective. For the majority of people that isn’t the case…especially if the brain, heart, liver, or some other part of the body is the main target of attack.
A very recent study in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition screened 5,000 children with a saliva test to see how it compared to the blood tests. Their Conclusion? It was as good as the best blood test to screen for Celiac Disease.

Current blood tests to identify an immune reaction to wheat (Gluten Sensitivity) only screen for one peptide of wheat. Yet people can react to a single peptide in wheat, or a combination of many proteins, peptides, and enzymes associated with wheat. Blood tests for twelve of the most antigenic (meaning most likely to provoke a reaction) pathogens associated with wheat are now available. This is the first time anything like this has been available.  – Some people also have cross-reactivity to gluten. For instance, eating dairy can trigger a gluten-like immune response because the body treats them as one in the same. Cyrex Labs hones in on the specifics of Gluten Sensitivity
After many years of research and development Cyrex Labs in Arizona now offers thorough and
comprehensive testing for Gluten Sensitivity. Cyrex was founded based on the life-work of Aristo
Vojdani, Ph.D., M.Sc., C.L.S., a leading researcher in the fields of autoimmune disease and
neuroimmunology who has published more than 100 scientific papers.

Array 1: Gluten Sensitivity Screen
The most research-validated ‘screen’ of Gluten Sensitivity (oral fluids)
Array 2: Intestinal Antigenic Permeability Screen
Finally a test that will identify antigenic Intestinal Permeability
Array 3: Wheat/Gluten Proteome Sensitivity & Autoimmunity
There are multiple peptides of gluten that are antigenic. Until now, we have only been able
to test one – gliadin. Now we can test for 10 gluten peptides.
Array 4: Gluten-Associated Sensitivity and Cross-Reactive Foods
When a patient doesn’t ‘feel like a million dollars’ on a GFD, are they ingesting foods that
cross-react with gluten? Now the Array is available looking at 24 of these foods.

Cyrex Labs offers four arrays, with a fifth to be introduced in spring of 2011.

Here they are:
Array 1: Gluten Sensitivity Screen
A simple, affordable way to screen for Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity using saliva. As mentioned above, in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, it has just been shown to be as effective as the current blood tests (which is not full-proof), yet it’s an affordable screen. We recommend it be considered for Patients who:
- Are suspected of having mucosal abnormalities (The mucosal lining is the tissue which lines various passages and cavities exposed to the air – such as the mouth, nose, GI tract, vagina. and the lungs.It is the first, the earliest response of the immune system to allergenic foods.)
- Are suspected of having Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac Disease
- Have relatives with Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac Disease
- Have a family history of autoimmune Disorders
- Those unable or who refuse to do a more comprehensive blood test
- Patients not responding as expected to any health concern
The saliva is the best way to detect a gluten sensitivity early, even before symptoms manifest.
The gut has to be severely damaged in order for a blood test to be dependable. Because it uses
a saliva sample, this test is easy to use with children.
This is a great test for people who have a family history of any autoimmune disease, even if they’re asymptomatic (no symptoms). Since so many autoimmune diseases are triggered by gluten, this test shows the patient if a gluten-free diet may help prevent him or her from going down the same path as other family members that may be experiencing disease.
The Gluten Sensitivity Screen includes:
Total secretory IgA. Antibodies are used in testing to determine whether the immune system is
reacting to something. Secretory IgA, a type of antibody, is a ‘First Line of Defense’. Its job is to
keep invading pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria and food proteins from attaching to the gut
lining. When the layer of mucosa that protects the lining of the digestive tract breaks down or
becomes dysfunctional, total secretory IgA may be too low or too high. This means you could
have too few or too many antibodies to test properly, even though you are gluten sensitive. This
marker screens for that.
Gliadin IgA + IgM antibodies. IgA antibodies are used to screen for gluten sensitivity. However if IgA antibodies are low due to weak immunity, another type of antibody called IgM will be high. Screening for both gives a more accurate view of immune status and thus test results. Transglutaminase IgA + IgM combined antibodies. Transglutaminase is an enzyme in the digestive tract targeted in an autoimmune attack triggered by gluten. If this marker comes back positive you know gluten is attacking gut tissue through an autoimmune attack.
Array 2: Intestinal Antigenic Permeability Screen
A test that identifies how gluten is robbing you of gut health
Gluten causes inflammation in the gut, which eventually leads to intestinal permeability, or “leaky gut.” Leaky gut allows undigested food particles, bacteria, and other pathogens to escape into the bloodstream where they can trigger allergies, sensitivities, and inflammation in other parts of the body. This is a main reason why people come back allergic to many foods. Several different mechanisms cause leaky gut:
· Breakdown of cells
· Loosening of the junctures of the gut lining
· Bacterial infection
This test pinpoints which of these is causing leaky gut so your practitioner knows what to specifically target for faster and more efficient gut repair.
Array 3: Wheat/Gluten Proteome Sensitivity and Autoimmunity
More than one wheat protein can cause Gluten Sensitivity – Cyrex Labs tests for twelve Being Gluten Sensitive isn’t as black-and-white as once thought. Actually gluten is a misnomer, “gliadin” is one portion of wheat that triggers an immune response in people (since “gluten” is commonly used I will stick with that term). It also has been discovered that wheat is made up of more than 100 different components that can cause a reaction, not just one (gliadin).
Until now testing for Gluten Sensitivity has only been against one of those components, alpha gliadin. Through extensive research Cyrex pinpointed the twelve components of wheat that most often provoke an immune response.
This new test greatly expands the parameters of gluten sensitivity testing, catching those who may have previously tested negative because they don’t react to the alpha gliadin. A ‘false negative’ occurs when the (current) test says a person is ‘ok’ and they are not. I believe we will no longer see as many ‘false negatives’.
Opioid testing
Array 3 also tests whether gluten has a drug-like opiate effect on an individual. Is gluten affecting your brain? Some people have enzymes in their digestive tract that break gluten down into opioids that act like heroin or morphine. Embarking on a gluten-free diet can cause terrible withdrawal symptoms in these people. One practitioner tells of a patient whose withdrawal symptoms were so severe she went to the emergency room. Another problem with opioids is they disrupt brain function by attaching to receptor sites normally meant for neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that help dictate our personality, moods, behavior, bodily function, and more. This opioid effect on neurotransmitter receptors explains why gluten plays a role in so many cases of ADD/ADHD, autism, or behavioral problems in children; or brain fog, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, anorexia and migraines in adults. When one mother put her autistic son on a gluten-free diet, he began eating the binding out of books as he was so desperate for his
gluten-opioid “fix.” Array 3 screens for antibodies to the opioids produced from wheat called Gluteomorphins and
Prodynorphins.
Array 4: Gluten-Associated Sensitivity and Cross-Reactive Foods
24 foods that cross-react with gluten or are newly introduced to a gluten-free diet One of the most frustrating scenarios for both the practitioner and the patient is when a glutenfree diet fails to have any effect on a person who seems so clearly gluten sensitive. Newer research shows this may be due to cross-reactivity. In cross-reactivity the body mistakes another food for gluten and reacts accordingly. Array 4 tests for 24 different foods that may be causing cross-reactivity.

Dairy – Cross-reactivity is common with dairy as its structure so closely resembles that of gluten. In fact 50 percent of people who are sensitive to gluten are also sensitive to dairy. Coffee surprisingly, can cross-reactive with gluten – However Cyrex researchers were surprised to find coffee has the highest rate of cross-reaction with gluten. In other words, some people’s (not everyone’s) immune system mistakes coffee for gluten, triggering a reaction. This test informs people whether one needs to give up coffee (gasp!) to prevent gluten crossreactivity. Amaranth and quinoa – Array 4 also tests for foods that many people eat for the first time on a gluten-free diet, such as amaranth or quinoa. Never having been exposed to these foods could trigger the immune system to respond as if these grains were foreign intruders, especially in the case of a leaky and inflamed gut. This panel has great clinical significance as it explains why people still react even after giving up gluten and even dairy.

Array 5
Which parts of the body are affected by a gluten-sensitivity?
People typically shrug off the possibility of a gluten sensitivity by saying, “I don’t have any digestive problems.” Little do they know that gluten produces digestive symptoms in only a minority of people (1 out of 8). For the majority gluten damages the brain, the heart, the skin, the respiratory tract, or the joints. Although it won’t be out until spring of 2011, Array 5 will test for which part of the body is the site of inflammation and degeneration caused by gluten  ensitivity.

All of these tests can be obtained through Elite Care by Dr. Liesa, M.D., Liesa Harte, M.D., P.L.L.C., 1524 South Interstate 35, Suite 140, Austin, TX  78704.  512-537-8859.  www.DrLiesa.com  Chris@drliesa.com

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If We Are What We Eat, Then Many Of Us Are in Trouble (Part 3/10)

Monday, January 30th, 2012

The Power of Food

What does food do that makes it an effective intervention?

• Provides essential nutrients

• Wires around genetic limitations

• Helps us adapt to our environment

• Protects against damage

• Supports repair

In short, food helps to:

–        Heal illness

–        Preserve wellness

–        Promote health and a high quality of life

 

 

A New Perspective on Food

• Food is a carrier of bioactive components

• Bioactives in food are dietary signals that carry information from the environment to the cells

 

• Thus, food = information

• Change the food and the information/signal can be changed and biological response can change

 

• Genes = targets receptive to information from the environment

 

• Change the gene (and its protein) and the transmission of the signal can be altered

 

 

Diseases    dis·ease definition: A pathological condition of a part, organ, or system of an organism resulting from various causes, such as infection, genetic defect, or environmental stress, and characterized by an identifiable group of signs or symptoms.

Most of the diseases you can name are what I would consider lifestyle diseases.  That means they can be prevented, and often can be reversed if lifestyle is strategically improved.   Often a person may have the genes for the disease, but lifestyle usually accounts for about 75% of the risk factor for actually developing a disease.  That means you often have more control that you realize.

Examples of Chronic Diseases/Conditions that are often Lifestyle Diseases:

–        Heart Disease

–        Heartburn

–        Irritable Bowel Disease

–        Headaches

–        Attention Deficit Disorder

–        Depression

–        Anxiety

–        Slowed Thinking

–        Insomnia

–        Obesity

–        Muscle Cramps

–        Joint Pains

–        Restless Legs

–        Skin Conditions like psoriasis, eczema, seborrhea

–        Acne

–        Diabetes

–        Metabolic Syndrome

–        Hormonal Imbalances

–        Poor Oral Health

–        Stroke

–        Cancer

–        Arthritis

–        High Blood Pressure

–        Constipation

–        Dementia

–        Osteoporosis

–        Fatigue

–        Fibromyalgia

–        Pain

–        Various Inflammatory Diseases

–        Celiac Disease

–        Tremors

–        Numbness and Tingling

–        Asthma

–        Thyroid Disorders

–        Macular Degeneration

–        Vascular Problems

–        Chronic Urinary Tract Infections

–        Poor Vision

–        High Cholesterol

–        High Triglycerides

–        Premature or Accelerated Aging

All can be modified with diet!

If you’d like help knowing exactly what you should be eating, based on your genetics, your health conditions, etc., then call now for an appointment with me – Dr. Liesa Harte, M.D. at 512-537-8859.  www.DrLiesa.com

 


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If We Are What We Eat, Then Many Of Us Are In Trouble (part 2/10)

Monday, January 30th, 2012

 

Real Food Actually Communicates with Your DNA

 

The Human Genome Project ushered in a new era.  Not only did we identify the DNA sequence, but we understand better the molecular basis for health and disease.  We can use this information to our benefit to increase our health and decrease our diseases.

 

In my medical practice, I use my Functional Medicine training, which goes far and above my training that gave me my M.D. and my board certification in Family Medicine.  Functional Medicine physicians treat the causes instead of the symptoms.  That tends to eliminate the symptoms altogether.  Along that line, there is a systematic thought process that takes into account an individual’s genes and what environment the genes are exposed to each day.  The environment includes a person’s lifestyle.  Nutrition is one of the biggest lifestyle factors.  Most of us eat three or more times a day.  Even skipping meals has a nutritional influence.

 

Other lifestyle factors that influence whether our genes are expressed for health or disease include the toxins that we are exposed to, the amount of rest we get, the amount and type of exercise we get, our stress level, and our thoughts.

 

The sum total of our DNA is our genome.  The epi-genome represents the genes that are expressed.   It is clear that you can use food choices to modify gene expression.  Phytonutrients actually communicate with your genes and turn certain genes on and others off.  Scientists haven’t even identified what many of these phytonutrients are.

 

A fundamental universal biological principle is Genes + Environmental Factor = Function/Dysfunction.  These means that genes are not destiny.  Lifelong diet and lifestyle choices have strong influences on genetic outcomes.

 

 

What is DNA?

DNA is:

• The genetic material, our operating system

• 3 billion nucleotides, in a specific order

• Nucleotide = phosphorus + ribose + nitrogenous base

• 4 base options: Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine

• Must be decoded and translated into proteins

• Faithfully transferred from generation to generation

 

Each human has:

• The same base set of DNA characteristic of our species

• A slight variation on that common human DNA theme

• A full complement of DNA (genome) in a cell’s nucleus

 

What is a gene?

• Analogous to a sentence – words that collectively convey something meaningful

• A sequence of nucleotides within the DNA that can be translated into a protein

• Proteins do the work: structural, enzymes, receptors transporters communicators hormones, receptors, transporters, communicators,

• Humans have ~23,000 genes

• We have two copies of each gene, one copy inherited from each parent

 

 

Genotype vs. Phenotype

Genotype

–        The sum total of our DNA and its information

–        Genotype is stable

Phenotype

–        The measurable outcomes of our DNA (genotype)

–        Phenotype changes as our genes and environment interact

 

• Genotype is like a musical score

• Phenotype is like a symphony played from that musical score and changes with the conductor

 

If you’d like help knowing exactly what you should be eating, based on your genetics, your health conditions, etc., then call now for an appointment with me – Dr. Liesa Harte, M.D. at 512-537-8859.  www.DrLiesa.com

 

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If We Are What We Eat, Then Many Of Us Are In Trouble (part 1 of 10)

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

When I was in medical school and residency, I was taught that as long as people eat a normal diet, they get all of the nutrients they need and do not need to supplement.   Unfortunately, that is just not true for most of us.  The “normal” diet for Western Cultures and perhaps especially for  North America is the S.A.D.  That stands for Standard American Diet.  It really is “sad”, consisting of mostly brown, white, and yellow foods.   Think about it.  It is true for far too many people.

 

The current “5 a day for better health” slogan reflects a major government-industry campaign to encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables.  Studies by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Academy of Sciences suggest that the nutritional goodness of fruits and vegetables, with a diet that is low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, and that contains plenty of whole-grain breads and cereals, may decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer.  The U.S.D.A. and Department of Health and Human Services’ Food Guide Pyramid recommends 3 to 5 servings of vegetables and 2 to 4 servings of fruits.

 

Surveys say that as many as 42% of the population are eating less than two servings a day, one of which is likely to be french fries.   Based on my medical practice, for patients who are not already tuned into their nutrition, the percentage is much higher.  This is even though consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a substantially lower risk for many chronic diseases, including many types of cancers.

 

Unfortunately, modern diets are often heavily processed and loaded with fats, sugars, flavor-enhancers, and a long list of ingredients that are hard to pronounce, and lack sufficient quantities of fruits and vegetables.   We are over-fed and under-nourished.

 

The popularity of high-protein, low-carb diets has further reduced or eliminated healthy fruits from the daily diet routines of millions.

 

Even if a patient is clever enough to eat five fruits and vegetables a day, there is a good chance these are contaminated with pesticides and are low in the expected vitamins and minerals because of the depletion of nutrients in our soil.  The nutrients from over-farmed fields are just not there.  This is one reason that eating organic fruits and vegetables is so important.   You don’t have to detoxify the pesticides, and the nutrient content is often 25 to 30% higher in organic fruits and vegetables.

If you’d like help knowing exactly what you should be eating, based on your genetics, your health conditions, etc., then call now for an appointment with me – Dr. Liesa Harte, M.D. at 512-537-8859.  www.DrLiesa.com

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What Would it Take For You to be Healthier in 2012?

Sunday, December 25th, 2011

As we celebrate the holidays and wind down 2011, it is common practice to start thinking of things large and small that we would like to change in the new year.

Many of these changes are health changes.  Perhaps the most common wish or resolution for the new year is to lose weight or “get healthier”.   In my opinion, this is very worthwhile.   I have been a doctor long enough to know that it is unlikely to happen without a plan.  I’m talking about a plan that breaks a good plan down into small, strategic, doable action items.

I am a master at helping people lose weight.  One reason is that I recognize that being overweight is way more than eating too much and exercising too little. Those are often important factors,  but usually there is more to it than that.

Did you know that food sensitivities can cause you to hold on to fat?   One of my favorite patients lost 60 pounds within 4 months after stopping eating gluten once I diagnosed her with a sensitivity to gluten!

Thyroid issues are a frequent contributor to weight issues.  Before I did my extra training in functional medicine and looking for and treating the root causes of my patients’ health problems, I was taught to just look at TSH.  Now I spend much of my day reviewing with patients their complete thyroid lab results.  Did you know that Free T3 accounts for about 85% of thyroid activity?   How about that Reverse T3 has no activity and increases if a patient is stressed or is taking a synthetic T4 like synthroid or levothyroid?

Just not getting enough sleep can even make you fat.  If you get less than 7 hours of good quality sleep, then you actually mess up your hormones than tell you when you are hungry and when you are full, and affect fat storage.

Being stressed causes you to pump out constant cortisol, which is a fat storage hormone.  It is one of the common causes of belly fat.

Eating a high glycemic diet, and having unstable erratic blood sugars cause you to spike your blood sugar over and over during the day, which causes you to spike your insulin over and over again.  Insulin is another fat storage hormone.

Having a toxin load of heavy metals or other toxins can cause you to hold onto many extra pounds of fat and water, too.

There are other causes, too!

So, what to do about it?  I recommend a personalized approach, with labs and a detailed history to identify any easily fixable causes or contributors to the excess fat.  I have many approaches to actually helping my patients to lose their excess quickly and painlessly.  Most of all, it is always my plan to help a patient to get healthy and to have the weight loss be a side effect of that.  There is no joy in helping patients to lose the same 30 pounds over and over.

I am thankful for the opportunity to practice my craft of optimal health functional medicine and to serve my patients.  I am a lucky doctor!

I am accepting new patients, so if you or a loved one could use a new doctor, call or email to make your appointment now at 512-537-8859 or drliesa@drliesa.com. Come see me in my new office at 1524 South IH-35, Suite 140, Austin, TX  78704 between Riverside and Woodland.

To your health!

Liesa Harte, M.D.

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Cruciferous Vegetables

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

 

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are amazing. These special vegetables play an important role in cancer prevention. In addition, these vegetables contain phytochemicals known as isothiocyanates . These phytochemicals alter the way estrogen is broken down in the body.
This in turn declines the risk of hormone or estrogen related cancers such as breast and uterine cancer. Cruciferous vegetables possess significant amounts of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Since many nutrients can be destroyed in the cooking process, the healthiest way to consume these vegetables is either raw, lightly sauteed, or steamed to best retain the full array of nutrients.
Consuming a serving of these vegetables daily (particularly broccoli, kale, and brussels sprouts) can help lower disease risk.
The following vegetables are included in the cruciferous family:
  • Arugula.
  • Brussels Sprouts.
  • Bok Choy.
  • Broccoli.
  • Radish.
  • Turnips.
  • Kohlrabi.
  • Daikon (a type of radish)
  • Chinese cabbage (napa)
  • Cabbage.
  • Kale.
  • Mustard greens.
  • Rutabaga.
  • Watercress.
  • Collard greens.
  • Cauliflower.
  • Broccoli rabe.
All of these cruciferous vegetables are low in fat and low in calories. It is recommended to add these cruciferous vegetables to your diet to receive the maximum benefits they proudly boast. Drowning these vegetables in cheese and gravy is NOT healthy.
  • Small cuts of raw broccoli and raw cauliflower make great snacks and party appetizers,  organic of course! Add organic hummus for a yummy dip!
  • For lots of vitamin C, add organic and raw chopped broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage to your salad.
  • Cruciferous vegetables contain substances shown in research studies to help strengthen the body’s immune system.
  • Cruciferous vegetables lower cholesterol.
  • Cruciferous vegetables neutralize toxins.
  • Influence ones’ metabolism positively.
  • The average American eats only about one serving per week (instead of per day, as recommended). The Japanese, who have the world’s lowest cancer rates, eat eight servings of cruciferous vegetables per week.
  • Cruciferous vegetables prevent DNA damage.
  • Cruciferous vegetables are usually green, though cauliflower is a white/cream color. Cauliflower’s nutrition facts and health benefits should not be overlooked. Cauliflower aids in weight loss, clearing skin, and fighingt toxic substances in your body.
  • Cruciferous vegetables help to protect against cancer by reducing oxidative stress.
  • Kale has the most vitamin A and broccoli has the most vitamin C.
  • When grocery shopping, if the broccoli is limp, bendable, and has yellow coloration, do not purchase it. This indicates that the broccoli is OLD.
  • Purchase ORGANIC cruciferous vegetables.
  • A cruciferous vegetable diet is linked to lower levels of markers of inflammation in the body.

Make an appointment to come talk about your optimal health NOW by going to our website and making an appointment at www.DrLiesa.com and clicking on the Request an Appointment button or by calling our office at 512-537-8859, or by emailing us at drliesa@drliesa.com . Our office is located at Liesa Harte, M.D., P.L.L.C., 1132 South Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704.

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What You Should Know About Sunscreen

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made recent changes to sunscreens to help protect consumers from damage caused by excessive sun exposure. These changes will take place in 2012.
The new measures include the following:
  • Final regulations that establish standards for testing the effectiveness of sunscreen products and require labeling the accurate test results.
  • A proposed regulation that would limit the maximum SPF value on sunscreen labeling to “SPF 50+”.
  • A data request for safety and effectiveness information in certain dosage forms (For example, sprays).
  • A draft guidance for sunscreen manufacturers on how to test and label their products in spite of these new measures.
The additional and final regulations include:
• Sunscreen products that are NOT broad spectrum or that are broad spectrum with SPF values from 2 to 14 will be labeled with a warning that will read, “Skin cancer/Skin Aging Alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburns, NOT skin cancer or early skin aging.”
• Water resistance claims on the product’s front label must tell how much time a user can expect to get the declared SPF level of protection while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing. Two times will be permitted on labels: 40 minutes or 80 minutes.
• Manufacturers cannot make claims that sunscreens are “waterproof” or “sweatproof, or identify their products as “sunblocks”. Also, sunscreens CANNOT claim protection immediately on application (For example, “instant protection”) or protection for more than two hours without reapplication, unless they submit data and get approval from the FDA.
Below, I have posted a link to a video that explains how sunscreen works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC-d9ZsnLds&feature=player_embedded#at=31
Not all sunscreens are created equal, and this new information will help consumers know which products offer the best protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Reading all of the labels, front and back, is recommended because we need to choose the appropriate sunscreen for our own needs.
Under these new regulations, sunscreen products that protect against all types of sun-induced skin damage will be labeled “Broad Spectrum” and “SPF 15″ ( Or higher) on the front. Broad Spectrum protects our skin against all of the sun’s rays.
Wearing sunscreen everyday, even in the dead of winter, will protect our largest organ, the skin, from painful sunburns, skin cancer, age spots, and wrinkles. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and clothing that covers your skin. Of course you can still wear shorts and tank tops, though just apply sunscreen to areas of skin that are  exposed to the sun. Remember to reapply frequently!
What is SPF?
SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor”.  Sunscreens are rated or classified by the strength of their SPF. SPF numbers can be anywhere from as low as 2 to as high as  50. These numbers refer to the product’s ability to deflect the sun’s burning rays.
An SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on sunscreen-applied skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin.
For example, if a sunscreen is rated SPF 2 and a person who would normally turn red after 10 minutes of exposure in the sun uses it, it would take 20 minutes of sun exposure for them to turn red instead.
Can I use the sunscreen I bought last summer, or do I need to purchase a new bottle each year?
Unless indicated by an expiration date, the FDA requires that all sunscreens be stable and at their original strength for at least three years. You can use the sunscreen you bought last summer, though keep in mind that if you are using the correct amount, a bottle of sunscreen should not last very long.
What type of sunscreen should I use?
Sunscreens are available in many forms, including wax sticks, oils, ointments, lotions, creams, and gels. Choose any type you’d like, its all a matter of personal preference. Gels are nice in hairy areas, a male chest and the scalp. Creams are good for individuals who have dry skin. Sticks are good around the eyes. Creams are also typically thicker, and are best for face. There are also sunscreens made for special purposes, such as use on babies and sensitive skin.
There are many harmful chemicals in sunscreens and I definitely suggest usage of organic sunscreens. I recommend http://www.badgerbalm.com/c-6-sun-care.aspx
How much and how often should sunscreen be used?
Sunscreens should be applied 15 to 30 minutes BEFORE going outside. When putting on sunscreen, be sure to apply it to all skin that will be exposed to the sun-pay attention to the ears, hands, arms, neck, legs, back, stomach, feet, face, and lips! Rub thoroughly and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating heavily. Water resistant sunscreens lose their effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water.
When and who should use sunscreen?
Everybody should use sunscreen everyday! Even on a cloudy day, up to 80% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds. Sand reflects 25% of the sun’s rays and snow reflects 80% of the sun’s rays. UVA rays can penetrate glass windows. Sunscreen can be applied under makeup, or there are many cosmetic products that already contain sunscreen in them, great! Also, limit in the sun between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, because this is when the sun’s rays are most intense.
Infants:
Infants under 6 months old should be kept out of direct sun as much as possible. Their skin is not yet protected by melanin. So when you take your cute, little baby outside:
  • Avoid midday sun- Take walks in the early morning or late afternoon.
  • Make shade- Use the stroller’s canopy or hood. If you can’t find a shady spot, put up an umbrella.
  • Follow product warnings for sunscreen on infants under 6 months old- Most manufacturers advise against using sunscreens on infants and urge parents and caregivers to consult a doctor first.
Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen SPF 70+ is absolutely the WORST sunscreen you can buy for your baby. It’s key ingredient is oxybenzone, which readily seeps through the skin and into the bloodstream and acts like estrogen in the body. Oxybenzone is dangerous to everyone, not just babies. 


They are plenty of safer and more effective products out there, my personal favorite sunscreens are all by Badger Balms. http://www.badgerbalm.com/c-6-sun-care.aspx

 

Make an appointment to come talk about your optimal health NOW by going to our website and making an appointment at www.DrLiesa.com and clicking on the Request an Appointment button or by calling our office at 512-537-8859. Our office is located at Liesa Harte, M.D., P.L.L.C., 1132 South Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704.

 

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What Smoking Does for Your Health

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

There is really nothing good about smoking.

Smoking
Smoking is the definitely one of the WORST action one can do to himself/herself. The good news is that it is never too late to quit. Just a day after stopping smoking, the body begins to heal itself. One year after quitting, the chance of having a heart attack is reduced significantly. After five years, the risk of developing certain types of cancer (throat, mouth, bladder and esophagus) is cut in half. If you have never smoked, PLEASE DON’T START!
1) One cigarette stick contains more than 7,000 chemicals and nicotine!
  1. 443,000 people die each year from smoking-related diseases.
  2. Breathing smoke causes blood vessels to thicken and narrow.
  3. Smoking makes diabetes more difficult to control.
  4. Smoking is expensive, why waste your precious money on crap?
  5. Smoking can damage sperm and decrease fertility chances.
  6. Aging of the skin, yellow teeth, bad breath, and smelling like cigarettes is gross. In NO way attractive.
  7. Most smokers do not have as much of a libido as their non-smoking peers.
  8. Smoking reduces your ability to do things that require endurance, such as sports, etc. You will have to breathe more to get the same amount of oxygen as if you didn’t smoke.
  9. Worldwide, about six million hectares of farmland is devoted to growing tobacco. If the same land was used to grow organic produce, we could feed up to 20 million people!
  10. Because smoking restricts blood vessels, it can prevent oxygen and nutrients from getting to the skin- which is why smokers often appear pale and unhealthy. There is also an increased risk of getting a type of skin rash called Psoriasis.

 

I am well trained in detoxification, and tests to determine how much toxic load your body has and the effects they are having on you and your health in general.  I can also do special tests to detect nutritional deficiencies. Make your appointment today by going to my online appointment scheduler at www.DrLiesa.com , by phoning us at 512-537-8859, or by emailing me at drliesa@drliesa.com .  See the link to the scheduler on the right hand side of the page.

Liesa Harte, M.D.

1132 South Lamar Boulevard

Austin, Texas  78704

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What You Can Do to Decrease Toxicity and Harmful Chemical Exposures

Saturday, August 13th, 2011
Toxic Chemicals

Beware Toxins and Toxic Chemicals

There are many chemicals in the world. Almost all of them are harmful to our bodies and may cause harm to our cells and our organ systems. They may also cause inflammation and increase our bodies’ production of free radicals; therefore increasing our chance of developing chronic health problems. The information below will suggest everyday actions and changes we can make to reduce our chemical exposures.

FOOD

  • Purchase and consume organic foods as much as possible! This includes all meat, vegetables, fruits, dairy, seafood, eggs, canned foods…whatever it is, read the ingredients and make sure it is organic! When buying seafood, be cautious that larger fish (tuna, swordfish, etc.) are generally higher in mercury.

 

*Organic food will ALWAYS be better than NON organic food. Why?

Organic food is certified and tested. The soil the produce is planted in is thoroughly inspected to be free of chemical exposure for at least three years. The food must be free of any genetically engineered ingredients and must not have been raised or produced with any drugs or hormones. Finally, you have an organic food.
We all know that the radiation produced by x-ray machines can be dangerous.  Food irradiation zaps food with 150 million times as much as radiation.   How much nutrition do you think is left in the food after that?   The purpose of irradiation is to kill pathogens, but the ironic part is that it doesn’t kill all of the pathogens and just basically destroys the food’s good qualities.   The most intriguing result is that irradiation also changes the chemical structure of the molecules within the food and can turn them into mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds that promote cancer.
This is to all of my meat and dairy eaters out there. Please only purchase high quality and organic meat and dairy products! By eating non-organic animal products, you are consuming the same drugs, hormones, and chemicals that the animals did.   Buying organic animal products ensures that the animals were raised humanely and were not fed any hormones, chemicals, or drugs.

Most conventional farmers do not feed their livestock their natural diets.   Cows for example, simply don’t eat grain.   They eat grass. Furthermore, the feed they are forced to eat contains cement dust, cardboard, and animal carcass to make it cheaper.   Many of these animals are fed synthetic hormones to increase their production and to make them grow faster.   Things get worse when you consider that the animals are usually treated cruelly and are raised in warehouses.

Scientifically, the thought of genetically altering plants to grow faster, taste better, and be more resistant to diseases sounds like an absolutely amazing breakthrough.  It is, though that doesn’t mean that it is safe or healthy.  By eating genetically engineered crops, we are introducing DNA into our bodies that we’ve never encountered during our millions of years evolution.  Who do you trust more, science or nature?  Many soy products are genetically modified, so read the ingredients and look for organic and/or NON GMO.
The chemicals used in conventional farming kill many of the microorganisms in the soil that keep it healthy. Crops that are grown in low nutrient sill are obviously less healthy. Due to these chemicals, the farm land is susceptible to weed overgrowth, insects, and other predators. This calls for the use of even more fertilizers and chemicals! Putting these chemicals into the Earth is bad enough, though the soil becomes more and more depleted until it cannot support any life and nutrients, therefore it is “dead”.  American food corporations are buying land to farm in other countries, because of this. Eventually we will run out of land to farm on. What will happen then?

Although organic food is more expensive, you can’t put a price tag on good health. Occasional consumption of conventionally farmed food is not likely to do harm now, eating it at every meal amounts to an enormous amount of contaminated, toxic chemicals swirling in your body. Over the course of weeks, months, years, and decades, the toxins accumulate and the consequences can be drastic. If and when you reach the point of disease, you may wonder why you are suddenly sick.   However, it actually wasn’t sudden at all and maybe that’s something you should consider next time you are purchasing food.

Organic food is available at Farmers Markets and higher end grocery stores.

Products

  • Purchase the most natural cleaning and household products you can find. While you’re at it, buy some fluorescent light bulbs too!
  • Avoid spraying pesticides in your garden, grass, or plants.
  • For hair products ( shampoo, conditioner, color, and styling products) read the ingredients and make sure they are free of alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, paragons and petrochemicals. Look in your local yellow pages and look for an environmentally, natural, oriented hair salon in your area.
  • Avoid using hairsprays; unless they are safe to you and the Earth.
  • Stay away from perfumes or other skin and hair care products that use synthetic fragrances.

Skin Care and Makeup

  • Look for makeup, nail polish, hair mouse and gel, body wash, face wash, lotions/creams, shampoo, conditioner, and body scrub that is formulated WITHOUT phthalates, paragons, propylene glycol, alcohols, fragrance, and if there is an ingredient that you cannot pronounce or read, then that is a red flag. Look for organic ingredients and oils. These are available at Farmers’ Markets and higher end grocery stores.

Organic beauty products work better because they are made with superior ingredients; organic, fresh, and free of herbicides, synthetic pesticides, fillers, petroleum waxes, and genetically modified organisms. Think about it, what you put on your skin eventually ends up in your body. Did you know that adults are exposed to more than 120 chemicals JUST from personal care products?!
You don’t have to worry about allergies and rashes because the ingredients are usually fruits, vegetables, leaves, herbs, oils (from flowers), and roots.
Your hair will feel and look a lot lighter, cleaner, bouncier, shinier, and softer because the shampoos and conditioners are easier to rinse out and the ingredients are what your hair demands!

 

Deodorant and Antiperspirants

Sweating is normal, natural, and good for you. It’s one of the ways your body releases toxins. Sweat is smelly, though fortunately deodorant helps to control odor by controlling bacteria growth. The trick to wearing deodorant is to apply it immediately after you bathe. Make sure you washed your armpits well, dry them, and put on deodorant as soon as possible before you sweat even the tiniest amount. Aluminum is found in almost all NON natural deodorants and is absolutely poisonous and toxic. Though highly affective, it has been linked to breast cancer and alzheimers. The good news is that there are many effective and safe deodorants that don’t use aluminum and work very effectively and are cheap!

Electromagnetic Fields

For patients with headaches and regional pain, decrease your exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields by:

  • Minimizing cell phone use
  • Instead of using a wireless phone at home, switch to a corded phone.
  • Take that clock radio away from your head and bed.
  • Get the fields measured in a new car or home before you buy it.

Home or Office Remodel

  • Change the filter on your furnace every three months, using the best allergy furnace filter you can find.
  • Avoid using urea formaldehyde in building products.
  • Take off shoes at the door to decrease indoor chemicals and pesticides.
  • Minimize carpet and choose hardwoods but not laminates (avoid Pergo, for example).

Use a low or no VOC paint, carpet, and rug.

Home

  • Minimize the amount of regular carpet in your home, or use natural carpets.
  • Use air filters such as a Herpa filter with a charcoal filter to clean the debris in the air in your home.
  • Let a new car off gas by keeping the windows open.
  • Avoid furniture with particle board or buying used furniture, that has had a chance to “off gas.”
  • Use natural and organic cleaning products.

Plastics

  • Plastics can disrupt hormones in your body.  This is one reason so many men are experiencing problems with hypogonadism, and who so many baby boys are being born with problems with their genetalia.
  • Avoid plastic bottles and containers with the numbers 3,6, and 7 on the bottom. These are most likely to leach plastics into the food or water they contain.
  • Buy juices and water in glass containers when possible.
  • Avoid PVC’s.
  • Never microwave in plastic containers.
  • Minimize washing plastic containers in the dishwasher under high heat.
  • Instead of cling wraps, try to use paper wraps.
  • Recycle plastic!

Dental Care

  • Avoid mercury amalgam fillings.
  • Get second opinions on root canals.
  • Avoid if possible having two different metals in adjacent teeth.
  • Pick a dentist who is aware of healthy choices for the mouth-perhaps a more holistic or biologically oriented dentist who does not place new mercury fillings.
  • Use organic and fluoride free dental products including floss, mouthwash, and toothpaste. There is a reason why there is a “call poison control if swallowed” label on the container.
  • Avoid and do not purchase products that include parabens, mineral oil, petroleum, propylene glycol, synthetic flavorings, synthetic fragrances, and sulfates. It is also a nice idea to purchase products that are NOT animal tested. Cruelty free products are a more wholesome choice for you and your family, and you want the best for your family, yes?
  • Ammonia, formaldehyde, and hydrogen peroxide are common ingredients in mouthwash. These are VERY TOXIC and may be harmful or fatal if swallowed.
  • Fluoride overuse can cause mottling, cancer, and renal or kidney disease.
  • When you see an ingredient that you do not recognize, take charge and do your research!

Water

  • Regular drinking of unfiltered water can significantly contribute to the toxin load of your body.
  • Water quality will vary city to city, though in general it is better to filter tap water.
  • Try to avoid bottled water in soft plastic containers as the plastics often leach into the water.
  • Minimize the use of leaving and drinking form plastic water bottles that have been in a hot car for any period of time.
  • FIlter shower water in order to limit your exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons.
  • Drink as much as 6-8 glasses of water or healthy liquids each day.
  • Mineral waters in glass bottles are generally safe unless there is a question of the quality of the source.

I am well trained in detoxification, and tests to determine how much toxic load your body has and the effects they are having on you and your health in general.  I can also do special tests to detect nutritional deficiencies. Make your appointment today by going to my online appointment scheduler at www.DrLiesa.com , by phoning us at 512-537-8859, or by emailing me at drliesa@drliesa.com .  See the link to the scheduler on the right hand side of the page.

Liesa Harte, M.D.

1132 South Lamar Boulevard

Austin, Texas  78704

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SoZo, clinically proven to help reduce inflammation in patients

Monday, August 1st, 2011
SoZo coffeeberry functional beverage with the highest ORAC by far

SoZo - 3 ounces a day to reduce your inflammation

This is from a recent study published by Nemzer et al. Nutrition Journal 2011, 10:67

http://www.nutritionj.com/content/10/1/67

Inflammation underlies so many of the diseases that I help my patients to prevent and manage. I have already noticed a difference in the way my patients are doing since starting on the SoZo functional drink. I like it very much that it is completely organic and contains the equivalent of 21 servings of fruits and vegetables!

Acute reduction of serum 8-iso-PGF2-alpha and
advanced oxidation protein products in vivo by a
polyphenol-rich beverage; a pilot clinical study
with phytochemical and in vitro antioxidant
characterization

Boris V Nemzer1*, Liliana C Rodriguez2, Linda Hammond2, Robert DiSilvestro3, John M Hunter1 and
Zbigniew Pietrzkowski4

Abstract

Background: Measuring the effects of the acute intake of natural products on human biomarker concentrations,
such as those related to oxidation and inflammation, can be an advantageous strategy for early clinical research on
an ingredient or product.

Methods: 31 total healthy subjects were randomized in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, acute pilot study
with post-hoc subgroup analysis on 20 of the subjects. The study examined the effects of a single dose of a
polyphenol-rich beverage (PRB), commercially marketed as “SoZo®”, on serum anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
markers. In addition, phytochemical analyses of PRB, and in vitro antioxidant capacity were also performed.

Results: At 1 hour post-intake, serum values for 8-iso-PGF2-alpha and advanced oxidation protein products
decreased significantly by 40% and 39%, respectively. Additionally, there was a trend toward decreased C-reactive
protein, and increased nitric oxide levels. Both placebo and PRB treatment resulted in statistically significant
increases in hydroxyl radical antioxidant capacity (HORAC) compared to baseline; PRB showed a higher percent
change (55-75% versus 23-74% in placebo group), but the two groups did not differ significantly from each other.

Conclusions: PRB produced statistically significant changes in several blood biomarkers related to antioxidant/antiinflammatory
effects. Future studies are justified to verify results and test for cumulative effects of repeated intakes
of PRB. The study demonstrates the potential utility of acute biomarker measurements for evaluating antioxidant/
anti-inflammatory effects of natural products.

To read the complete study, you can go to http://www.nutritionj.com/content/pdf/1475-2891-10-67.pdf

To try SoZo or one of the other products in their line, you can go to www.sozolife.com/drliesa now.

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