Foods with very high exogenous AGEs includes donuts, barbecued meats, cake, and dark colored soda pop. Knowing how fast or slow you are glycating the proteins of your body helps you know whether biological aging is proceeding faster or slower than chronological age. Thankfully, a simple blood test can be used to gauge the ongoing rate of AGE (APE and ALE too) formation. This is hemoglobin A1c, or HbA1c. HbA1c is a common blood test that, while usually used for the purpose of diabetes control, can also serve as a simple index of glycation. This study is automatic on some panels such as the VAP. Also it is paid for by insurances every 60 -90 days without question. Even if one had to pay, it costs less than $20.

Red blood cells have an expected life span of sixty to ninety days. Measuring the percentage of hemoglobin molecules in the blood that are glycated provides an index of how high blood glucose has ventured over the preceding sixty to ninety days, a useful tool for assessing the adequacy of blood sugar control in diabetics. It is also used to diagnose diabetes if greater than 6.4 and a component of the Metabolic Syndrome if it is over 5.6 HbA1c—i.e., glycated hemoglobin—therefore provides a running index of glucose control. It also reflects to what degree you are glycating body proteins from inside production and prepared foods . The higher your HbA1c, the more you are also glycating the proteins in the lenses of your eyes, in kidney tissue, arteries, skin, etc. In effect, HbA1c provides an ongoing index of aging rate: The higher your HbA1c, the faster you are aging.
So HbA1c is much more than just a feedback tool for blood glucose control in diabetics. It also reflects the rate at which you are glycating other proteins of the body, the rate at which you are aging. Stay at 5 percent or less, and you are aging at the normal rate; over 5 percent, and time for you is moving faster than it should, taking you closer to the great nursing home in the sky.

Lectins(not to be confused with Leptin or Lecithin)occur ubiquitously in nature. They are sugar-binding proteins in both animal and plants. They bear similarity with Lecter who not only was a cannabilistic serial killer, but extremely charming.  Lectins, like Lecter, bind to unlike sweet entities (glyconutients) on cell walls and entice them to death and then consumption with phagocytosis (the eating of substances by certain white cells. Hannibal Lecter M.D. was a fictional character in a series of horror novels by Thomas Harris and in the films adapted from them. Lecter was introduced in the 1981 Red Dragon as a brilliant psychiatrist. In The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal, Hopkins won an Academy Award. In 2003, Anthony Hopkins again portrayed Hannibal Lecter who was chosen by the American Film Institute as the #1 movie villain.  Hannibal Rising (2006) explores his childhood and development.

Lectins aggregates to the cell walls of other plants (bacteria) and our own cells. Medical science is just beginning to understand Lectin physiology and pathology. We naturally consume Lectins in our food. They play a helpful role in the expulsion from our body of harmful bacteria. Lectins from the diet damage the delicate intestinal lining (the microvilli) and negatively influence gut permeability (leaky gut) and digestion. Lectins are capable of being actively endocytosed (transported) across the intestinal membranes into the general circulation where they may attach to other tissues (connective, nervous, bladder) causing immune dysfunction and systemic inflammation. Lectins play a role in biological recognition involving cells and proteins in animals as well as plants.

They were first discovered by Peter Hermann Stillmark in 1888 initially isolated ricin, an extremely toxic hemagglutinin, from seeds of the castor plant.  The word “Lectin” comes from the Latin phrase, “I choose,” a fitting phrase since Lectins are very specific as to what they chose to bind. Most Lectins are non-enzymatic in action and non-immune in origin. They functions in humans in other ways than the regulation of cell adhesion. These molecules control some of our circulating  proteins and antibodies levels. That can cause problems in those of us that genetically predisposed ! Additionally in the intestine it could help in recognizing carbohydrates that are found exclusively on pathogens and target their destruction, or play havoc  if the target is on friendly bacteria or our intestinal lining.

Our state of health and genetic make-up determine to what Lectins we are sensitive and how we will react to them. Lectin in the gut initiate inflammation that may be expressed in other parts of the body. Also there are other genes that directly and indirectly affect how we deal with Lectins. Many people have no digestive problems but could have Lectins affect them. The damage is cumulative and pathology occurs years later like cancer. As humans we all possess cell surface sugars, such as n-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and mannose. Lectins that bind to those sugars can affect those that are genetically determined.

The toxicity of Lectins has been identified by consumption of food with high content of these proteins, which can lead to organ failure in addition to the GI tract where it destroys its lining and causes bacterial over growth. Lectins elevate NF kappa which, when up-regulated, are involved in almost every acute and chronic inflammatory disorder including neurodegenerative disease, inflammatory bowel disease, infectious and autoimmune diseases.Lectins can dramatically reduce natural killer (NK) cell activity directly and through disruption of intestinal flora. Natural killer cells are one of the body’s most important defenses against viruses and other invaders. Most dietary Lectins will also stimulate gut polyamines which are important growth factors that may have negative effects if levels become imbalanced. High polyamine level may also decrease NK cell populations, can contribute to halitosis (bad breath), and is considered an important biological marker for colonic precancer.  It may also be part of the cause of Ulcerative Colitis and Regional Enteritis. Legume seeds  such as Peanuts, Soybeans and Wheat are  significant for human illness. Wheat has gliadin, a component of gluten which is an iso-lectin of wheat germ. Ancient wheat species had much lower protein contents than the modern varieties.  Genetic altering of grain plants (GMO) increases the protein component and the Lectin load with the resultant potential for inflammation and metabolic disruption much more today than in yesteryear. Heating destroys much of the Leptins in our food, but not so in Soybean and Wheat. In a study published not too long ago in the Journal of Gastoenterology compared the blood that was stored from 10,000 people for gluten antibodies and that of a similar number of persons today and found 400% more in modern humans!

This is part responsible for our new epidemics of heart, thyroid disease, arthritis, cancer and hard to diagnose and treat conditions like acne, rosaccea, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, IBS, allergy and obesity.

Lectins also make us fat in two ways! Leptins make us skinny! Lectins decrease leptin activity by binding to the  receptor on our fat cells and amplifying the signal from insulin. This encourages them to take in the circulating fats, rather than let them go to our muscles to be burned. Research has shown that high insulin levels, or in this case, an exaggerated response to normal insulin levels a major causes of obesity. The other mechanism of Lectin obesity is by binding to the cholecystokin receptor in the hypothalamus and turning off the satiety factor while eating.

“Nightshade Arthritis” is the stiff and sometimes painful joints of folks that are genetically predisposed to the toxicity of these vegetable Lectin. Although some experts feel it is just the alkaloid in these, most feel it is the combination. Nightshade is a term used to describe the Solanaceae family of plants to include white potatoes, tomatoes, gogi berries, eggplant,  and all peppers (bell, green, hot, etc) except: black. There are also deadly nightshades to include mandrake, belladomnna, and perhaps tobacco. Most Lectins are destroyed in the sprouting process, which allows for a safer form of grain consumption, not to mention that the sprout is generally higher in overall nutritional value than the seed. Organic, sprouted grain bread products (with no added gluten) appear to be the safest and healthiest way to reap the nutritional benefit of grain without the Lectin burden.

Diagnosing a Lectin problem is difficult. First it must be suspected and most doctors do not even know the word let alone identify it!  Lectins contribute to food sensitivities (or food intolerances) and provokes the immune system to make antibodies against them. Allergy skin test, a myriad of blood tests such as IgG, IgE, Sage, and Promethius are used. Elimination diets are also helpful for determining the demon food.

Another test we have found very helpful is the HYDROGEN BREATH TEST. This is an inexpensive, paid by insurance study that gives a presumptive diagnoses for Lectin intolerance. It detects bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. This is most common in intestinal diseases in which the mucosa of the intestine is compromised like in Lectin problems, but also small intestinal diverticulosis, abnormal flora, parasites and previous surgery where the usual anatomy of the intestine has been change. An example of this is By Pass surgery for weight loss. Also if the intestine cannot make the enzymes to break down food stuff there is Hydrogen produced. In cases of abnormal gases due to the fermentation from normal bacteria such as in Lactose intolerance it is positive. Normally there should be NO hydrogen in the breath if the bacteria, the enzymes and the anatomy is doing its job and there is no Lectin intolerance. But if something is awry then hydrogen which is normally produced in minute amounts goes up. Gastroenterologist picked the cut point of 10 parts per million or more to be abnormal. However other experts feel that anything above 0 is an indication of something wrong in the intestine. The test is done by holding ones breath for 30 seconds then exhaling through a cardboard tube into a special handheld device. In 20 seconds, the results are apparent. There are several challenge test that can be done such as by loading the subject up with lactose or sucrose and in particular a Lectin in question like gluten and repeating the test to see how much increase of hydrogen is produced thus nailing down the exact culprit.

Treatment is to completely remove the offending agent from the diet. It also adjunctively can not hurt in improving bowel health by food enzymes and pre/probiotics. Presriptive drugs like Diclocyamine also improve the problem but is only a bandaid. In severe cases in which the offending food can not be found antibiotics may improve the situation. Flagyl, Doxycycline, Cipro, are good and the best and most expensive is Xifixam.  When all else fails, the off- lable use of the asthma drug Xolair will solve the allergy problem. Acupuncture, NAET, Vibrational Therapy and Psychotherapy, should be considered when nothing seems to help.

There are however more specific supplements that are individually listed below such as NAG (N-Acetyl Glucosamine), DPP IV, Bladderwack (Fucus vesiculosus), D-Mannose, Pepsin, and Aloe vera, Xylitol and Okra. They can be used alone or in combination. The doses are not fixed and it may be trial and error until fine tunning of the bowel and body are achieved.

Aloe Vera provides the main ingredient the intestinal cells need to reproduce, which they do every four days. This is the amino acid L-glutamine of which we do not get enough in our diet. Aloe Vera contains this compound thereby enhancing the ability of cell regeneration. If “leaking gut syndrome” develops, long chain polysaccarides (Acemannan is a D-isomer mucopolysaccharide) in aloe vera leaves. This has been known to have immunostimulant, antiviral, antineoplastic and heals the intestinal lining. Aloe has amazing anti-inflamatory attributes which are very effective in calming the intestinal spasms that cause abdominal pain, as well as soothing other Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms. Aloe Vera works gently within the intestinal tract to help break down food residues that have become impacted and help clean out the bowel. When the bowel is cleaned out, it greatly reduces bloating, discomfort, and helps ease stress. Aloe Vera contains 75 micro- nutrients  (vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes) essential for keeping our body in good working order. Aloe can be consumed as a food or in a supplement. As a food, break off the bottom succulent leaf from the plant that should be in everybody’s kitchen. Peal off the diarrhea causing bitter “skin” and eat two to four square inches of this wonder vegetable. It can be eaten plain or as part of a salad. Another way to get glutamine is buying the glutamine powder and take one or two teaspoons a day on an empty stomach.

Bladderwack (Fucus vesiculosus), Primary chemical constituents of this plant include , iodine, alginic acid, fucoidan, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin,  bromine, potassium, volatile oils, and other minerals. One of the emerging fields of research with regards to microorganisms (and lectins) centers about an idea of adherence and anti-adherence. Basically, an unwanted organism can do little harm if it cannot attach to or anchor itself to intestinal lining. Lectin damages the cells and the pathogenic organisms add insult to injury.

D-Mannose is a five-carbon sugar that has specific Lectin and Gram negative (stains red rather than blue) anti-bacterial properties. It prevents bacterial adhesion and binds to Lectins.  This changes the configuration of the Lectin and decreases its “inflammatory” and adhesive qualities. Interestingly, the so called ‘friendly’ bacteria are left “unharmed” by mannose because they lack the pili (bridging protein) that pathogenic bacteria develop for adhesion.  This allows the body to shed pathogenic bacteria through the stool. One half a teaspoon of the powdered form is advised.

DPP IV (DiPeptidyl Peptidase IV) enzyme is a serine exopeptidase that cleaves X-proline dipeptides from the end of polypeptides from Lectins such as gluten and casein.  Research determined that the rate-limiting bond in the digestion of these Lectins requires an enzyme known as DPP IV (dipeptidyl dipeptidase IV).  Biocore® DPP IV is a proprietary formulation of proteases providing a standardized DPP IV activity. The DPP IV activity in Biocore® DPP IV is standardized at 5000 units/g. Biocore® DPP IV also provides 300,000 HUT/g and 85 aminopeptidase units per gram of the product. The recommended dose for Biocore® DPP IV is 100 mg. The proteases in Biocore® DPP IV are stable in the acidic environment of the stomach.

Lycopene has the ability to prevent macrophage (a Pac-Man type white blood cell) activation induced by gluten and IFN-gamma (an inflammatory immune signaling chemical). Gut microflora ,bacteria in the gut, reponses trigger tumor necrosis factor-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) upregulation, and are inhibited by the flavinoid apigenin.  When ICAM-1 is increased or upregulated – we are more prone to infection with viruses and it also promotes Leaky Gut Syndrome.  Apigenin helps reduce this. Prepared tomatoes (spaghetti sauce etc.) are a good source of lycopene. But beware, tomatoes, a night shade, for some predisposed people may be a source of a Lectin problem.

NAG binds to Lectins in the gut so they will not damage the intestinal wall.  Also many pathogenic bacteria are made up of Lectins and the NAG will glue these organisms together rendering them harmless.  Doses of 3000 to 5000 mg a day have no toxicity and decrease gut Lectin load and the bad bacteria within.

Okra is source of Lectin-binding protective mucilage. It protects the digestive tract from Lectins and maybe the pathogenic bacteria. It also removes existing Lectins that are already attached to cells. Okra is also beneficial for ulcers, colitis, and other causes of malabsorption.

Pepsin is an proteolytic enzyme, that breaks down certain amino acid molecules to include Leptins. It comes in capsules with HCl containing 648 mg or in half doses. It also is available with Okra which as noted below improves Leptin intolerance.  Pepsin clears away excess mucous formed as a result of food intolerance  allowing for better absorption of micronutrients. One full dose with or without HCl or Okra with ameal breaks down the Leptin.

Quercetin has also been shown to have a specific activity against antigen-induced histamine secretion in intestinal mast cells.  Histamine promotes an allergic response, and quercetin reduces this problem. Frequently, the flavinoid, luteolin, is given along with quercetin. The  Luteolin is a PDE4 inhibitor and a general phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and an Interleukin 6 inhibitor. Both Quercetin and Leteolin have demonstrated the ability to prevent lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-kappaB kinase activity in intestinal epithelial (wall) cells and dendritic (brain and nerve) cells as well as TNF-alpha and IL-8 on colon epithelial cells.

The Quarcetin Luteolin combination cover up the Lipopolysaccharides  (also known as lipoglycans), the large molecules consisting of a fat joined loosely with a chain of sugar molecules (polysaccharides). They are found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, act as endotoxins (toxins within our body) and elicit strong immune responses in animals and humans.  NF-kappaB plays a key role in regulating the immune response to infection. On the converse, incorrect regulation of NF-kappaB has been linked to cancer, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, septic shock, viral infection, and improper immune development. NF-kappaB has also been implicated in processes of synaptic plasticity and memory.

Xylitol is an intestine-friendly,” nonfermentable sugar alcohol. It is a prebiotic that feeds the nonpathogenic gut bacteria, discourages the harmful organisms and acts as a bowel friendly laxative! Two to three teaspoons a day used as a sweetener is recommended.

Final thoughts for this hard to diagnose and easy to treat disease is to consider that there can be more than one offending agent. To remove it (them) is key.  Beyond that since there is always a chance that a small amount of the offending Lectin such as gluten is consumed in some prepared food, I suggest doing the DDP IV first then adding the Pepsin/Okra. If there are still problems try the others depending upon availability and your pocketbook. Some folks may need to do three or four of the supplements together. Lots of luck in your journey to health.

Several years ago, I looked at the scientific literature for nutritional treatments for diabeties that are backed by human studies that revealed both safety and effectiveness. I found some extremely promising studies in diabetic animals, as well as insulin dependent and non-insulin dependent human diabetics, that utilized the herb Gymnema Sylvestre (GS) were of good quality.  Gymnema Sylvestre (family Asclepiadaceae) is a woody climber that grows in tropical forests of the central and southern parts of India. This bitter herb acts in at least three ways. In India, it has been used as a treatment for diabetes mellitus since ancient times but the mechanism was not known. In the last two decades, it was shown that the administration of GS to diabetic animals not only resulted in glucose improvement,  but was accompanied by a regeneration of beta cells in the pancreas! . A study in Type 1 diabetics showed equally impressive results. Insulin requirements came down together with blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin trended downward. Serum lipids returned to near normal levels with GS therapy and the dose of injected insulin was reduced in almost all cases. A control group showed none of these improvements, and actually worsened over the study period. Importantly, none of the participants in either of these studies presented any adverse side effects.

In a Type 2 diabetes mellitus/GS study all participants were taking oral antidiabetic medication, and treatment with the herb resulted not only in a lowering of oral medication necessity, but almost 25% of the participants were able to discontinue conventional oral medication and maintain blood glucose control with GS alone. Additionally, GS significantly improved cholesterol, triglyceride, and free fatty acid levels that were elevated in the study participants. The fact that GSE lowered conventional medication requirements, increased serum insulin levels, and required months to obtain optimal effects, led the authors to speculate that, “These data suggest that the beta cells may be regenerated/repaired in Type 2 diabetic patients on GSE supplementation.”

GS may also improve the insulin receptors, so that the bodys natural insulin will work better. The third way the herb works is by thwarting the desire for sweets. If a tincture of the herb is placed on the tongue, and the recipient is asked to eat something sweet, it would be not only neutral, but disagreeable.  Wow! What a way to discourage high carb/high glycemic index foods (aka crapohydrates) intake.

I recommend GS tablets 300 to 500 mg size and five minutes before eating something sweet. Or better yet when the desire arises then put a tablet in the mouth and suck on this bitter product as long as you can stand, then swallow it with any liquid. If the craving returns, repeat the process. With this herb, one will have an immediate reduction of carbohydrate intake, a gradual decrease in an elevated sugar with the upregulating of the insulin receptors and a possible “cure” of diabeties as the pancreatic Beta cells are regenerated. A Low Blood Sugar would only be possible while taking a sugar lowering agent (hypoglycemic) additionally. GS potentiates the effect of Metformin and even together should not cause hypoglycemia. In many of my patients who have the Metabolic Syndrome or Prediabeties, I start them on GS now so the will never get Diabeties.

Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) or heelspur affects one out of every 20 people at one time or another. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of tendon like connective tissue originating on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot towards the five toes.  This problem is a painful “inflammatory” process that often demonstrates more degenerative changes than inflammatory, in which case plantar fasciosis is better term  (the suffix “osis” implies a state of chronic abnormality or pathology). Injury to this tendon is usually the result of an accumulation over time of microscopic tears and disruption at the cellular level with stimulation of the pain fibers.

It is commonly associated with long periods of weight bearing.  Among non-athletic

populations, it is related to an increase body mass index. Plantar fasciitis or heel spurs are common in sports which involve running, dancing or jumping. Runners who overpronate (feet rolling in or flattening) are particularly at risk as the biomechanics of the foot pronating causes additional stretching of the plantar fascia.

Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with the very first steps in the morning. Once the foot limbers up, the pain usually decreases, but it may return after long periods of standing or after getting up from a seated position. Sometimes there may also be pain along the outside border of the heel. This may occur due to the offloading the painful side of the heel by walking on the outside border of the foot.

An incidental finding associated with this condition is a heel spur, a small bony calcification, on the calcaneus, which is an epiphenomenon. The condition is responsible for the creation of the spur, the plantar fasciitis is not caused by the spur!

Treatment options for plantar fasciitis include rest, steroid/lidocaine injection, acupuncture, massage therapy, stretching, weight loss, night splints, motion control running shoes, physical therapy, cold therapy, heat therapy, orthotics, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, iontophoresis, and tape strapping, Also ultrasound-guided needle fasciotomy,  radiofrequency ablation, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, Botox Injections, Prolotherapy,  and Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP therapy. This is a procedure which involves an injection of special plasma, made out of the patients own blood, and placed into the injured area. Platelets have special blood components that play a major role in the healing process. Blood is taken from the patient and separated into its components. The platelet rich part of the blood is injected into the injured tendon attachment. The procedure supposedly maximizes the body’s natural healing response of the treated area. Surgery preformed by an orthopod or a podiatrist is used when all else fails because of the risk of nerve injury, infection, rupture of the plantar fascia, and failure to improve the pain. For us the best treatment is the minimally invasive procedure with an injection of a Tri- mix into the damaged tendon attachment. The three ingredients in the mixture are Sarapin^R, Long acting cortisone and Lidocaine. The last drug gives immediate pain relief and stops the recurrent reflex of pain amplification through spinal reflex mechanisms. The cortisone of course is anti-inflamatory.

Sarapin^R is a biologic derived from the Pitcher plant.  It works by inhibiting pain signals and initiates healing in the surrounding tissue.  It does not affect any other nerve functions or motor functions like local anesthesia such as lidocaine.  Research published by Bernard Judovich MD in 1935 who did not only did original in vitro research, but used this preparation in over 5,000 patients found it almost as a miracle drug.  Toxicity tests on Serapin published by William Bates MD in the Ohio State Medical Journal in 1942 revealed that it was harmless and no evidence of tissue coagulation or sclerosis could be found.  In that it is an alkaline extract, which releases an ammonium ion from the organic matrix, it was theorized that this was the active ingredient in the solution.  It is known that this ion does affect nerve conduction, but Sarapin^R does more. It was postulated that there was another yet unidentified biological fraction of the plant that is in the mix that is the active ingredient along with the ammonium molecule. We know the C fibers in the nerve carries the pain sensation and this chemical tells them not to.  Acute pain is a useful mechanism for us to know that there is something wrong that must be remedied. But once it has been identified and there is no easy fix, then to quiet these C fibers makes sense. Serapin^R does not only that, but also initiates the healing process. So if you or your love one has plantar fasciitis, consider this almost natural therapy

If you are on T Replacement it is imperative to maximize the treatment. In four to six weeks after initiation, repeat blood levels are obtained. Rather than be in the normal range, they should be IDEAL !  Three other tests that should be also done to keep your body happy are also listed below:

For Optimal Health

- Total Testosterone 800 – 1,000 ng/dl

- Free Testosterone 250 – 300 pg/ml

- Estradiol 20 – 30 pg/ml

- DHT 60 – 70 ng/dl

Two of the main metabolites  of Testosterone are Estrogen (Estradiol) and DiHydroTestosterone (DHT).

High estrogen negates most of the benefits of testosterone resulting in many of the same symptoms of low testosterone. Fatigue, impotence, water retention (bloat), depression, and brain fog are all commonly associated with high estrogen.

Maintenance of testicular structure (and size) is also important.

High DHT makes the male more likely to become bald and to have prostate cancer.

Good docs advise the tetrad of Testosterone +Arimidex  HCG + +Finistride. T is given in the dose it takes to reach the ideal range. If  by cream or gel by dose modification. –if by injection, by changing the dose or frequency–and if by pellet by adjusting the milligrams for the next procedure –and if currently low “touching it up” with additional topical T. When using the intramuscular route, a peak level two days after the shot and a trough immediately before the next injection. An average of the two is then adjusted to be in the ideal range.

If the Estradiol  is elevated, the solution, is to add an estrogen lowering medication, commonly Arimidex (anastrozole) – 0.25mg every third day or Aromasin (exemestane). It’s from the class of medications called aromatase inhibitors, which essentially block the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. The FDA approved use of this is for women with breast cancers that may be encourage by the estrogens they produce. It helps by forcing testosterone output to remain high while keeping estrogen levels low.

Once your testosterone and estrogen levels are dialed in, consider the next inevitable decline… shrinking testicles and it’s often associated fertility problems and the inability to make any Testosterone if for some reason you cease to continue T replacement. HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) stops the reduction of the testes because the body’s under the misguided notion it doesn’t need to make testosterone anymore. For some, small testicles may just be a cosmetic problem. But HGC injections do more than increase testicle size, it also increases adrenal function, which has many positive effects on well-being, fat loss, libido, and energy. I recommend for starters 500IU HCG every third day by a subcutaneous injection. If the DHT becomes elevated then consider adding 5 mg of Finistride (Proscar) again every third day.

The Bottom Line is HCG, ARIMADEX and PROSCAR to keep your body HAPpy given every three days or to make things easier and just as effective MONDAY, WENDSDAY, and FRIDAY

Our full head of hair will naturally decrease as we age and the follicle dies, but hair loss is more common and severe in men. Every decade after the age of thirty, men lose 10 percent of their hair on average and women only 5!  This type of hair loss is a genetic predisposition inherited from both parents. In addition to genetics, too much sunlight, trauma, and harsh chemicals can influence the incidence and rapidity of hair loss. Mild hair loss is a bother to some, but to others, it is a real concern with the reality of becoming bald with loss of self-image and health.

The most significant because of its rapid onset is Telogen effluvium characterized by massive hair loss! Fortunately this in 92% of cases is only temporary. But to accept that is most difficult for some patients, particularly women, who because their mental state, are incapable of being optimistic that the odds are overwhelming that their hair will grow back. The science of hair growth and loss is that hair normally grows in a two- to six-year cycle. There are three stages of the hair season.

• Anagen which involves active hair growth. This phase of hair life cycle lasts   f about two to six years.
• Catagen is a short transitional phase which lasts for approximately two to three weeks.
• Telogen is the last and the resting phase. At the end of the latent phase which stays for two to three months, the hair is drop, a new hair restores it and the growing cycle starts again from another antigen phase.

What happens during weight loss and other significant stressors is the Telogen effluvium. THIS IS HAIR LOSS AT ITS WORSE!  This causes an early entry of hairs into the above described telogen phase. Emotional or physiological stressful events may result in an alteration of the normal hair cycle. It may be due to a variety of causes, successful dieting, low thyroid, and female hormone deficiency, especially when first being treated are the most common in my practice. But high fever, childbirth, chronic illness, major surgery, severe emotional disorders, and drugs are other causes. The story is that many of our hair follicles go into catagen to conserve body resources. The hairs literally stops growing and “rests”. Once our body feels safe again, those hairs go back into anagen – but because there was the pause in the middle, the brand new growing hair pushing the old hair out of the follicle. So in reality you have just as much hair as you did before – and it’s probably far healthier hair. But the new hairs are initially “invisible” then just a light colored dot  as they very slowly start to erupt. Later they are so extremly short and are hard to see.

Normally around 10% of our head of hair is in the catagen or telogen phase, in essence resetting itself to prepare for new hair to grow in. Because we have so much hair on our head, you don’t even notice. During stressors noted above that percentage gets higher, but this is only temporary. Our body starts creating new hair in its normal cycle once it settles into a healthy situation and those hairs start growing again. Remember that hair doesn’t reach a long state overnight! So all those new, healthy hairs need time to grow out to whatever length of hair you have chosen.

Usually it takes 6 months for your head of hair to have grown back out to typical fullness. Hair grows around 1/2″ per month, so at the 6 month mark, the hair is around 3″ long which is enough to seem thick on most heads. Again, it’s not that the hair is MISSING during this intermediate time. It’s just that it is brand new and growing from scratch.

Doctors do a very sophisticated test, a PULL TEST, in which they pull a lock of hair. If more than two come out, it is indicative of losing more than natural. We also look at the end of the root and if there is a small BULB, then it is likely that the hair will return. Unless one sees the actual “peach fuzz” on the scalp, it is hard to predict when, but one can be almost sure that the hair will return and be even more luxurious than before.

Other than the self healing telogen effluvium, in the twenty-first century, there are options for treating inherted baldness, including an aggressive surgical treatment with hair transplants, scalp reduction, and rotation flaps. These alternatives are very effective, but they are fairly expensive and for the most part, not paid for by third-party payers. There are also hairpieces, hair weaves, hair enhancers (shampoos, sprays, mousses), camouflaging (Derm Blend, which colors both the hair and the scalp), and approved medical therapies. The latter includes Propecia(, Avodart may be better), which is taken orally, and Rogaine, which is applied topically. Another topical product, Latisse (bitmatoprost), is used for eyelashes, brows, and scalp. For each hair that grows naturally, two or three will replace it, although it takes two months to see the results. If treatment stops, the new hair will fall out. There are hundreds of other treatments involving herbs and plants include licorice extract (thought to prevent hair loss, but can also increase blood pressure); horsetail (which is a source of silica, a component in healthy hair); saw palmetto; apple cider vinegar and sage tea applied directly to the scalp (thought to stimulate hair growth); psoralea seeds (a Chinese herb applied to the scalp) and ginger (either taken as a tea or applied to the scalp). Many vitamins such as the B vitamin, Biotin has scientifically that has been shown to grow hair. However, there are patented therapies that range from one to hundreds of dollars a week. Since I am bald, I too am interested in a having a mane. To that end, I am working with a compounding pharmacist for a topical cream that would enhance any mans pate for a reasonable price.

As many as 30% of the modern world has some hearing loss. There are many causes to include congenital, toxins (particularly drugs), infection, extra in-canal wax, loud noise and “aging”. There are three major categories of hearing loss. Conductive, “Sensory” (aka Sensorineural) and Mixed. A conductive hearing impairment is an impairment resulting from abnormalities in any of the mechanisms that normally conduct sound waves through the outer ear, the eardrum or the bones of the middle ear. A sensorineural hearing impairment is one resulting from dysfunction in the inner ear, especially the cochlea where sound vibrations are converted into electrical-neural signals, or in any part of the brain that subsequently processes these communications.

The vast majority of human sensorineural hearing loss is associated with abnormalities in the hair cells of the organ of Corti in the cochlea. This dysfunction may be present from birth due to genetic or developmental abnormalities, or arise through trauma or disease during the lifetime of an individual. There is a genetic predisposition in many older folks as well as the most common presbycusis. Unusual sensorineural hearing impairments  involve the VIIIth cranial nerve, the Vestibulocochlear nerve or, in rare cases, auditory cortex(Central Hearing Loss). Sensorineural hearing loss can be mild, moderate, or severe, including total deafness.  Loss Hearing can be uni or bilateral and is frequently greater in one ear than the other. To determine if the hearing loss is sensineural or conductive, a Weber and a Rinne test are preformed. The Weber test, in which a  56 H tuning fork is touched to the midline of the forehead, localizes to the normal ear in people with this condition. The Rinne test, which tests air conduction vs. bone conduction is positive (normal), though both bone and air conduction are reduced equally.

Treatment of conductive hearing loss is like in almost all of medicine identifying the cause be it wax in the ear, otosclerosis of the ear bones, perforated ear drum, infection etc. Management of sensineural is more problematic. Hearing devices of many varieties are used but work poorly in the long run. Research at University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York, found that the hormone, Aldosterone (Aldo) plays an important part in age related hearing loss. The more of the hormone older people have in their bloodstream, the better their hearing is, and the less of the hormone, the worse it is. Aldo is normally made and secreted from the adrenal gland. It is termed a mineralocorticoid hormone, and is essential to life because it regulates the amounts of electrolytes (sodium and potassium) in the body.  It role is to maintain both blood pressure and water retention and has something to do with glucose metabolism.  Aldosterone levels vary between the sexes and is affected by the amount of sodium and potassium in a person’s diet. Women often have even higher levels of aldosterone  when pregnant. Aldosterone test are performed to determine the cause of high or low blood potassium or of certain conditions, such as heart failure, liver issues, kidney disease and in treating disorders of hearing.

There is a direct link between blood levels of aldosterone and the ability of people to hear normally as they age. Depressed hormone levels may impair hearing both in the inner ear and the part of the brain used for hearing.  In that aldosterone hormone has a protective effect on hearing in old age, it may be useful in treating sensineural hearing diorders. By taking bio-identical aldosterone in “physiologic” quantities–amounts that would normally be present in adult human bodies–more than 75% could find a significant proportion of their “lost” hearing.

Over the last decade several thousand people under the guidance of avant guarde doctors have tried it. When it works, it does so relatively rapidly, restoring a significant degree of hearing within the first two months. Some have literally heard improvement within just two to three weeks. It is capable of restoring a significant degree of hearing even years after the hearing loss initially occurred. Adverse effects from aldosterone therapy are possible.  But by obtaining initial levels, giving bio-identical, physiologic-dose aldosterone  and restore levels to normal, these are minimized. Blood levels of Aldo, Glucose, Sodium and Potassium should be frequently monitored to make sure we get the good and not the harm from too much Aldo. After determining if the patient has a documented sensineural hearing problem by an audiologist and or doing a Weber and a Rinne test, I start a patient on this bioidentical hormone orally at 125 ug twice a day initially. Every three weeks we monitor blood and hearing levels and adjust accordingly. If there is no improvement after three months, then the odds that this treatment is going to work is minimal. This is prescriptive only and can be obtained from compounding pharmacies. The cost is between $1.50 and  $8.00 a day.

If you are on T Replacement it is imperative to maximize the treatment and prevent any side effects from the therapy. Blood studies will guide your Doc and you for your genetic metabolism  and your best health. In four to six weeks after initiation, blood levels are obtained. Rather than be in the normal range, they should be IDEAL !  Three other tests that should be also done to keep your body happy are also listed below:

For Optimal Health

- Total Testosterone 800 – 1,000 ng/dl

- Free Testosterone 250 – 300 pg/ml

- Estradiol 20 – 30 pg/ml

- DHT 60 – 70 ng/dl

Two of the main metabolites  of Testosterone are Estrogen (Estradiol) and DiHydroTestosterone (DHT).

High estrogen negates most of the benefits of testosterone resulting in many of the same symptoms of low testosterone. Fatigue, impotence, water retention (bloat), depression, and brain fog are all commonly associated with high estrogen.

Maintenance of testicular structure (and size) is also important.

High DHT makes the male more likely to become bald and to have prostate cancer.

Good docs advise the tetrad of Testosterone +Arimidex  HCG + +Finistride. T is given in the dose it takes to reach the ideal range. If  by cream or gel by dose modification. –if by injection, by changing the dose or frequency–and if by pellet by adjusting the milligrams for the next procedure –and if currently low “touching it up” with additional topical T. When using the intramuscular route, a peak level two days after the shot and a trough immediately before the next injection. An average of the two is then adjusted to be in the ideal range.

If the Estradiol  is elevated, add an estrogen lowering medication, commonly Arimidex (anastrozole) – 0.25mg every third day or Aromasin (exemestane). It’s from the class of medications called aromatase inhibitors, which essentially block the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. The FDA approved use of this is for women with breast cancers that may be encourage by the estrogens they produce. It helps by forcing testosterone output to remain high while keeping estrogen levels low. If the free T is low consider the herb Tomcat ali.

Once your testosterone and estrogen levels are optimized, consider shrinking testicles with it’s associated fertility problems and the inability to make any Testosterone if for some reason you cease to continue T replacement. HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) stops the reduction of the testicular size because the body’s misguided notion it doesn’t need to make testosterone anymore. For some, small testicles may just be a cosmetic problem. But HGC injections do more than increase testicle size, it also increases adrenal function, which has many positive effects on well-being, fat loss, libido, and energy. I recommend for starters 500IU HCG every third day by a subcutaneous injection. If the DHT becomes elevated then consider adding 5 mg of Finistride (Proscar), FDA approved use is to decrease prostate size, again every third day.

The Bottom Line is HCG, ARIMADEX and PROSCAR to keep your body HAPpy given every three days or to make things easier and just as effective MONDAY, WENDSDAY, and FRIDAY

Have you ever wondered why, in spite of a good diet, supplements, and exercise, many people still don’t feel their best, don’t sleep well, or find it difficult to lose weight? Good nutrition and exercise are very important for good health, but relying on these strategies alone while your hormones are out of balance can make it difficult for your body to derive maximum benefit from those good health habits.

Around age 40, our body begins to slow down its production of estrogen and testosterone until it reaches a point where it is difficult to keep up with the ongoing demands of daily life. Unfortunately, these vital hormones can greatly diminish more than they should due to stress, nutritional deficiencies, lack of exercise, lack of sleep, environmental pollution, long-term use of prescription or over-the-counter medications, and advancing age. As hormone production decreases, the body often begins to slow down its rejuvenation and repair of tissues and organs. This can cause health to decline and aging to accelerate. If you suffer from symptoms that are taking their toll on your quality of life, you may not have to live with them any longer. By restoring declining hormones to physiologic levels, it is possible to regain your health, energy, and sexuality, as well as a more youthful physique.

The health benefits of hormone restoration are numerous and may include:

• Increased energy levels
• Increased sense of well being (“zest for life”)
• Increased sex drive & satisfaction
• Improved mental sharpness, concentration, and memory
• Improved sleep
• Decreased body fat
• Increased muscle mass and strength
• Increased response to diet & exercise
• More stable moods—less irritability and grumpiness
• Less anxiety and depression
• Less joint pain and muscle aches
• Improved flexibility and mobility
• Increased bone density
• Fewer & less intense migraine headaches
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Improved blood sugar levels
• Increased blood flow to the heart
• Decreased state of inflammation
• Men: Stronger erections
• Women: Reduced hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and breast tenderness

A simple blood test can reveal one’s hormone levels. If one is deficient, doctors can prescribe or administer hormone pills, creams, patches, injections, or pellets. The pellets have distinct advantages however.

Hormone Pellet Therapy:

Hormone Pellet Therapy is a state-of-the-art medical protocol, utilizing tiny hormone pellets that provide an on-demand delivery system to replenish missing amounts estrogen and testosterone. They are designed to supplement or add to your own hormones—not replace them. The pellets contain low-dose, plant-based hormones derived from a naturally occurring compound found in soy and wild yam called diosgenin, which is biologically equivalent to human hormones. They are hand-formulated under sterile conditions in licensed compounding pharmacies in the United States, using the purest ingredients and formulated to the highest standards.

The pellets are slightly larger than a cooked piece of rice and are painlessly placed beneath the skin. Hormone Pellet Therapy allows your body to receive the hormones it needs directly into the bloodstream 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The body uses the pellets as a reservoir or “hormone bank,” withdrawing from it as needed. This makes estrogen and testosterone available exactly when you need it, in the correct amount you need, and in a form that is equivalent to your own. Depending on your metabolic state at any given moment, blood flow will automatically increase or decrease around the pellets. When more hormones are needed—like during stress or exercise—blood flow increases and more hormones are absorbed. When less hormone is needed—like during sleep—blood flow decreases and less hormone is absorbed. And when the body is given back the exact hormones it is missing, normal physiology is restored, allowing one to experience improved health and vitality.

Hormone therapy using pellets is FDA-approved and is not new. If you haven’t heard about the benefits, you’re not alone. Hormone pellets were originally developed in France in 1935 to help alleviate the symptoms of menopause. They were first used in the United States from the early 1940’s to the early 1970’s before synthetic hormones were heavily marketed, and are currently popular in Europe and Australia for both men and women. Since the 1970’s, medical education in the United States has been geared toward synthetic hormones, and most physicians practicing today were never trained in the use of hormone pellets. The truth is hormone pellets have been available for over 60 years but are grossly underutilized. But a growing number of physicians in the U.S. have begun to realize the importance of restoring hormones to healthier levels, and many are now using pellets to do so.

It is difficult for prescription hormone pills, creams, gels, patches, and shots to produce a normal physiologic state because they cannot deliver the varying amounts of hormones required by the body at different times, causing a peak-and-valley or roller-coaster effect, and subjecting one to potentially excessive dosages. Because hormone pills are absorbed through the digestive tract and pass through the liver before the body can absorb them, some of the hormone can be lost in the process. And no over-the-counter herbal or vitamin product can return your hormones to normal physiologic levels, and any claims to the contrary are simply untrue.

There are no peaks and valleys of hormone levels with pellet therapy. Just like the natural, built-in hormone-delivery system of your body (endocrine system), pellets work on an ongoing basis, automatically delivering correct amounts of hormones directly into the bloodstream when you need it. This consistent level of hormones can give you the same sense of well-being and vitality you felt in your 30’s. And when your body returns to normalized physiologic function, you may sleep better, think more clearly, and enjoy an increase in your energy levels, as well as your sex drive.