Definition of Genetic: adjective – Of or relating to genes (a unit of heredity) that is transferred from a parent to its child and is thought to cause physical and/or mental characteristics in the child: all the cells in a body should contain the same genetic information.

Definition of Heredity: The passing on of physical or mental characteristics from a male and a female to their children and their children and the following generations.

Simplified Definition of DNA: It is material in a body that carries all of the genetic information.

What Causes Autism, Down Syndrome, and Other Genetic Disorders

Pharmaceutical Companies tell patients and parents that genetics are solely to blame for every medical failure that comes about from using their expensive, toxic, and destructive drugs and procedures. But more and more people are seeing what plenty of research shows, these super drugs and vaccinations being pushed down our throats are actually the cause of the modern day diseases such as Autism, Down syndrome, and the many other epidemics.

In 1998, I discovered the basic physical common denominator of all disease: “stoppage.” In 2007 I realized the 3 basic physical reasons why all stoppage occurs:

1. A person is DOING something they shouldn’t be doing.
2. A person is NOT DOING something they actually should be doing.
3. Lastly, they are doing both #1 and #2 at the same time.

For most people this seems overly simplistic. And of course (as usual) most of the authorities would vehemently disagree with these principles, if only because applications using them are inexpensive and just too easy.

A few of the many real life examples I have come across in my practice:

A person is DOING something they shouldn’t be doing.

At the urging of their medical doctor, a mother and father of a small boy have him vaccinated at an early age. One of the main ingredients in this shot is Thimersol, of which 49% is the heavy metal Mercury. Mercury, besides being highly toxic in itself, can cause the nerves and the brain to short circuit. This brings about weird physical and mental behavior in children and creates Autism in its many forms.

A person is NOT DOING something they actually should be doing.

A woman doesn’t exercise at all while pregnant. The birth is very difficult, the baby is physically stressed and often even damaged. Often she will end up having to have a cesarean section rather than a natural child birth simply because she wasn’t in a good enough physical condition.

A person is NOT DOING something they actually should be doing while doing something else they should not be doing.

A husband and wife are alcoholics or drug addicts and spend a great deal of their time boozing or doping up, rather than consuming nutritious food and drink. Alcoholics and drug addicts are well known to be suffering from malnutrition due to their bad diets. While not addressed or promoted broadly, it is a scientific fact that alcohol and drugs taken to any excess can create abnormalities in the DNA. Now scientists are beginning to discover what many of us naturopaths have long known; diet, too, can have a significant effect on DNA. Is it really any surprise that because of this one fact, Down Syndrome is also on a dramatic rise in this current society?

Because every case is different, and some bodies are more susceptible to damage than others, or some just don’t have the recuperating powers or the stronger immune systems that others have, the above is not broadly recognized or promoted, and is actually suppressed in many circles. The amazing thing is, these conditions cannot only be prevented, and in most cases these diseases can actually be stopped and reversed.

It stands to reason that in order to begin the healing process and the reversal of any one of these Genetic disorders, one need only…

Treatments and Remedies; The Protocols For Reversing Autism, Down Syndrome, and Other Genetic Disorders (Listed in order of importance)

1. Add Proper Nutrition

   One needs to put the proper building blocks there so that when the correction starts happening, the right nutrients are available for the rebuilding process.

2. Remove the Toxins

   The mercury, the food additives, the pesticides, the hormones, the steroids, the alcohol & drug residues, and the radiation buildup all have to go. These are what created the stoppage in the first place. Complete detoxification is a must!

3. Use of GOOD Bio-chemicals

   Vitamins and herbs that increase circulation and deliver nutrients to the nerves and the brain will also stimulate and improve their function. These are essential. The main ones for doing this are vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B3 (niacin), a vitamin B complex, gingko biloba, cayenne, horseradish, garlic, and ginger (not a complete list by any means, but a good start).

4. DMSO Therapy

   DMSO has four main characteristics:

   1. It will penetrate any organic cell wall.
   2. It takes whatever you mix with it through the cell wall as well.
   3. It is a free radical fighter second to none. Free radicals are particles that destroy cells.
   4. Most exciting and extremely important: There is every evidence that it realigns the body’s DNA back to the original blueprint (form).

5. Oxygenation Therapy Used Along With Inversion Therapy

   Oxygenation therapy by means of food grade hydrogen peroxide when used with inversion therapy (hanging upside down) will START that which has been stopped. This part of the process will reset and turn on the switches that were turned off when the damage was done.

6. A Quality Exercise Protocol

   Any game such as tennis, or any sport that requires coordination, played every day for an hour or three, no matter how badly played to begin with, is absolutely vital when it comes to reprogramming the body.

The above is very inexpensive to do and so will not be popular with those who are money motivated. Not only are they listed in order of importance, they were also placed in the proper sequence for getting the best results. It will not be appreciated by those who believe that throwing money at a problem is the way to solve everything. However, using the above program, with some hard work and dedication anyone will see dramatic improvement in conditions, and in most cases the above protocol will remedy them altogether.

There is no limit to the number of times a person can be put through the entire program. Once completely done in sequence, extra emphasis can then be placed on one or more of the protocols thereafter. After the first time through, each step can be done over and over again as needed. It is not uncommon to put a person through the detox part of the program at least 4 times in the first year, and once or twice a year from thereon out. Step one (the addition of excellent nutrition) should not only be done throughout, but must be maintained even after one has attained the desired results and is no longer on the program. Though not to the same degree of importance, the same is true for step 6 as well.

The Importance of Proper Nutrition

You can’t build a bowl of clay pottery without clay. You can’t run a car without fuel. And you most certainly cannot build or rebuild a healthy body without excellent nutrition. Without the proper building blocks, neither a building nor a body gets built with any permanence or strength to it. If you create a structure with junk materials, you’ll get a junk building that soon decays and crumbles into ruin. If you attempt to build a body on junk food, you’ll get a body that decays and is always sick, tired, and diseased. It only stands to reason that the opposite is also true. If you add great nutrition to your daily regimen, you will now have the “building blocks” necessary to start building a healthy body. This is especially true when attempting to bring a body back from a condition of disease, and into a state of health. When building or rebuilding anything, you’ve got to have the right tools and the right building materials!

First and foremost is to eat only 100% organic, all natural foods. Nowadays, the GMO companies (Monsanto, ADM, Dupont, etc.) are trying to get the organic standards changed so that even GMO soy can be legally labeled organic. There is a great deal of evidence pointing to the fact that even many so called organic standards have been compromised or soon will be if they haven’t been already. We all should make friends with our local farmers and start supporting our local farmer’s markets. Additionally, start gardening! This is tremendous fun for the kids (gets them away from the TV), and the health benefits are noticed immediately. You’ll be amazed at how much better the taste of your produce is, and the whole family’s health will start improving overnight. If you live in a big city, join a local co-op.

Don’t forget, raw fresh produce is the healthiest food you can eat! By volume, most of your diet should be produce, and consume more vegetables than fruit.

Many people simply can’t do this due to the location where they live. Many simply have no access to high quality food. This is why I created my Total Nutrition Formula. I wanted a formula that had the best of the best in it and that was accessible to everyone. I wanted a nutritional supplement that could do it ALL, and this recipe does exactly that. Also very important to me was making the recipe “public domain” = publishing the exact formula, and making it fully available for anyone to make on their own if they so wished. Anyone wanting the exact recipe has only to go to: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Herbal_Remedies/ and look in the “FILES”. There are no exceptions. Every single one of my recipes, formulas, and health tips are there and FREE for the downloading.

Why is the Total Nutrition Formula so good and so vital?

The most important ingredients in Total Nutrition is spirulina, a blue green algae. Spirulina is one of the most concentrated, nutritious foods on the planet. It is the highest natural source of complete protein (77% = much higher than many meat sources), plus we use only 100% organically grown spirulina. It is extremely high in beta carotene and is also a rich source of all the B-vitamins. It is one of the best sources of organic minerals, yet it is easily metabolized and assimilated, even by those with major digestion difficulties.

The second most important ingredient is chlorella, a close second  to spirulina in overall nutritional content. Another of the algae, it is an extremely concentrated food where the cell wall has been cracked to make the nutrients quickly available. But that’s only half the story. Chlorella is very special, in that it acts as a  natural chelation agent that will bond with heavy metals to facilitate their removal from the body. It is a vital tool for autistic children who have been exposed to high levels of mercury and is essential when it comes to removing all heavy metals from the brain and other areas of the body.

The third major ingredient is astragalus. In Oriental herbology, astragalus shares the #1 spot with ginseng. Astragalus not only has a reputation for preventing cancer, but it is legendary for rejuvenating digestive organs and balancing blood sugar levels. Astragalus also corrects metabolism and can therefore bring about weight-loss or weight-gain depending on the needed improvement. This makes it equally great for weight lifters and weight reducers. It strengthens and builds the immune system, promotes the healing of wounds and injuries, reduces edema and is well known for dramatically increasing energy levels and assisting those who wish to handle diabetes. Astragalus also has the added benefit of helping to balance hormone levels in both men and women, plus it is an adaptogen second to none, (adaptogen = a natural, herbal substance that helps the body adapt to stress and which also brings about a normalizing or balancing effect upon all bodily processes – the two top adaptogens are ginseng and astragalus). It is a marvelous herb.

The are many other important ingredients in the recipe. Alfalfa, barley, and wheat grasses are rich in natural vitamins. Purple dulse seaweed is the greatest source of organic, assimilable minerals and trace minerals on the planet. Beet root and spinach leaf have the highest easily assimilable levels of organic iron, which is essential to blood building. Rose hips, orange peels, and lemon peels are the best sources of vitamin C, and together these three offer a completely balanced C-complex source. The citrus peels are also one of the highest sources of pectin, which has been proven to remove heavy metals (mercury, lead, etc.) from the body, and they even remove radioactive contaminants like the deadly strontium 90. The non-active saccharomyces cerevisiae nutritional yeast is a non-active yeast that is grown on beets and in pure molasses. It is the second highest source of complete protein in nature (50%), is the richest source of B-complex vitamins, and is also a rich source of iron and many other minerals. The yeast we choose is heated high enough to absolutely destroy any yeast activity, but not high enough to lessen the B vitamin content. It is totally NON-active and safe for those with Candida Albicans or on yeast free diets.

The Importance of Detoxification.

For almost every disease a quality detox should be done along with the other parts of the program. They should also be done at regular intervals thereafter to handle day-to-day contact with common toxins in the environment. A very important fact I’d like to state right up front, and this will not be popular with the conventional authorities, is a point about safety. Unlike contemporary medicine and drug therapies, it is very difficult to hurt yourself using herbal remedies, regardless of what mistakes are made. Herbal regimens are very safe, even if you don’t stick to recommended amounts. One really has to go out of his or her way to do any kind of actual damage. It happens, but it is exceptionally rare. And any harm that might be done is almost always temporary and usually limited to discomfort such as a headache or an upset stomach. As a matter of fact, when it comes to herbs, doing more is usually better. Because drugs are truly that dangerous, pharmaceuticals need to have specific dosages and very exact scientific protocols. But a piece of information that is kept top-secret by the medicos is that these drugs damage and toxify the liver and other organs, requiring the necessity of detoxification. Herbal remedies are not rocket science, but unlike pharmaceuticals, they don’t have to be.

As previously covered, mercury, food additives, pesticides, hormones, steroids, drug residues, and radiation buildup all have to go. Most often, these are what created the stoppage and the genetic damage in the first place. Complete detoxification of the entire body is a must!

There are a large number of detox programs out there, but only a few of them are excellent. Many of them are either barely effective, ineffective, or just plain junk.

My own Total Body Cleanse is crucial when it comes to doing a deep and thorough cleanse that not only cleans out the elimination organs, but gets rid of enough toxins so that a permanent healing can then take place throughout the entire body. The basic theory behind the TBC is that the complete detoxification of the major elimination organs and corrective glands of the body, will then allow the body to repair itself using the excellent nutrition previously introduced and continuously being supplied to the body. You have to get the junk out, and the only way to do this is through the elimination organs. The place to begin is with a complete cleanse and detox of the bowels, followed by a liver and kidney detox. While cleansing, it is also necessary to increase circulation and nutrients to the nerves and the brain in order to stimulate and improve their function. This is essential. The main vitamins and herbs for doing this are vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin B–complex, gingko biloba, cayenne, horseradish, garlic, turmeric, cilantro, and ginger. Also, supplementing with MSM, co-enzyme Q-10, minerals from my Body Balance+ Formula (potassium & iron), and plant enzymes will also bring quicker results.

For more information on Total Nutrition Formula, including how to make your own,check out OLM’s Total Nutrtion article.

For more information on DMSO, and trust me, you want to know more because this stuff is amazing, check outOLM’s DMSO article.

DMSO = Dimethyl Sulfoxide – a Sulfur Compound

DMSO is a bio-chemical from pine trees that is made in the pulp and paper industry. It is also found naturally in garlic as one of garlic’s 70+ sulfur compounds. DMSO has four main characteristics:

What DMSO Does

1. You can put a drop of DMSO on your big toe and taste it in your mouth in about 12 seconds. It has a bit of a garlicky / oyster taste. It goes through the cell walls of the body so fast that a dropper-full of it taken internally through the mouth never reaches the stomach when swallowed. Most of it is absorbed directly into the mouth, the rest in the throat. This gives one an unusual feeling of heat as it goes directly through the individual cells of the mouth and then penetrates into all other areas of the body.
2. One has to pay attention and use caution when using DMSO because it has the ability to take other things with it when it penetrates each and every cell wall of the body. This is very beneficial when you mix certain herbal formulas with it as it carries the awesome bio-chemical properties of the herbs into the body and gets them to where they’re needed most. But, very importantly, you don’t want to take DMSO right after you change the oil on your car either, because it will take any unwanted toxins into your body as well. Just as it will take good things into the body, so will it take the bad. However, when used with highest quality detox herbs, especially chelating herbs like garlic, fruit pectin, and cilantro, there is nothing that removes toxins and heavy metals from the body quite so thoroughly and as quickly as DMSO. Easily passing the blood/brain barrier, DMSO when mixed with these awesome detox herbs becomes the ultimate therapy and tool for detoxifying the brain and other vital organs of the body.
3. DMSO effectively wipes out free radicals (destructive, single, unconnected atoms). When toxins start moving around inside the body, they have the ability to create free radicals. DMSO instantly bonds with these wild atoms, neutralizing and rendering them harmless.
4. Last, but not least, is the apparent ability of DMSO to realign DNA back to the original blueprint (the body’s original intended form). DMSO is a tool that allows the basic characteristics of the cell (through growth or healing) to go back to its original form before it was damaged by an outside source. Damaged cellular structure is actually encouraged to regrow back into its purest and most basic, original form. It is the physical catalyst that allows complete healing to occur. Using DMSO, people beyond count have attested to amazing results such as scars disappearing, organs being rejuvenated, vitality being restored, hair regrown, and wrinkles vanishing. It also works well against viruses. Autism, Down Syndrome, and other genetic disorders have been completely reversed!

Why aren’t the benefits of this marvelous compound being screamed from the rooftops? How and why has this information been suppressed for the last 60+ years?

Well, for one thing, it is extremely inexpensive to make. For another, it is a natural substance and cannot be trademarked, copyrighted, or patented. In other words, there’s no money whatsoever to be made from any research into this vital, extremely valuable tool. And yet, DMSO was actually outlawed in Canada a short while ago without any concrete proof that it created any negative effects whatsoever. The giant pharmaceutical companies swing so much weight in governments nowadays, that they have been able to suppress this incredible knowledge for over half a century. Unbelievable!

DMSO Miracle

My most dramatic experience in using DMSO was when I was actively practicing in my clinic in New Mexico. A neighbor brought me his black Labrador that had been attacked by a pack of coyotes and was missing half of his shoulder. The muscles, and the skin & hair had all been torn from the shoulder leaving only a gaping hole the size of my fist with severed veins just hanging loose. My neighbor was just hoping we could save the dog’s life, but I informed him we could do much better than that. For the next 6 months we mixed and applied an herbal preparation using my Total Healing Poultice Powder and DMSO. We crudely loaded the wound up with this mixture, bandaged it up (changing it weekly), and at the end of 6 months, the flesh, muscle and tissues had all grown back, the skin had reformed over the wound. Even the hair had grown in again leaving no scar whatsoever. The dog had no limp, and there was no way anyone could even tell he’d ever been injured at all. All traceable signs of the wound were gone.

How to Take DMSO

Start with 1 dropperful of USP Grade DMSO a day taken internally through the mouth. When the person stops stinking (garlicky smell), raise the amount to 2 dropperfuls and so on up to 5 dropperfuls. When the stink stops at 5, this part of the program is done.

When shopping for DMSO, be sure to purchase the product from a reputable company and the bottle must be glass! We’re looking for a reliable and consistently high quality source to sell at Green Lifestyle Market but have not had success yet.

Recommended Reading:

• Total Nutrition – Make your own Homemade Multivitamin and Mineral Formula
• Homemade Calcium and Magnesium
• Homemade Vitamin C
• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included

As a clinician, it is imperative that I understand all different types of unique health problems and metabolic challenges. On a biochemical level what may be a superfood for one individual may be poison to another. Histamine intolerance is an area where this is the case.

People who are unable to effectively metabolize histamines must restrict their consumption of many foods that I typically recommend on a regular basis. If you have a histamine intolerance, consuming histamine rich foods can lead to chronic health issues such as allergies, asthma, sinus problems, eczema, chronic pain, menstrual problems, and much more.

I always wondered about what was happening with individuals who told me they were “allergic to the sun.” Interesting research is indicating this is a histamine response, as UV light can trigger histamine release. Other research is indicating that those susceptable may have problems with high-intensity exercise, especially done in a warm environment. Individuals with periods of high estrogen may have higher than normal histamine responses and high stress increases histamine levels and decreases the bodies ability to metabolize the histamine.

What is Histamine?

Histamine is an in important neurotransmitter and immune messenger molecule. It is involved in processes involving hydrochloric acid secretion for digestion, triaging water reserves to key areas of the body and the inflammatory response. Histamine receptors are located all over the body and have many important functions including:

• Histamine H1 receptors: Smooth muscle and endothelial cells affecting skin; blood vessels (Benadryl and Claritin block activity of these receptors)
• Histamine H2 receptors: Cells in the intestines control acid secretion, abdominal pain, and nausea; heart rate
• Histamine H3 receptors: Central nervous system controlling nerves, sleep, appetite and behavior
• Histamine H4 receptors: Thymus, small intestine, spleen, colon, bone marrow and white blood cells; inflammatory response

One of the major effects of histamine is causing the blood vessels to swell and dilate. When the body senses that it is threatened, it will secrete higher amounts of histamine. This allows the white blood cells to quickly move through the bloodstream and find the potential threat or infection. This is an important component to a healthy immune response.

When Does Histamine Become a Problem?

Histamine only becomes a problem when we have metabolic disturbances that do not allow us to effectively metabolize histamine properly. When histamine is formed it is broken down by specific enzymes. In the central nervous system it is metabolized by hitamine N-methyltransferase (HMT), while in the digestive tract it is broken down by diamine oxidase (DAO).

The experts state that DAO is the major enzyme involved in histamine metabolism. The enzyme converts the histamine into imidazole acetaldehyde which does not trigger any sort of reaction in the body. DAO is responsible for ensuring a steady histamine level required for the balance of numerous chemical reactions taking place in the body.

Some individuals have altered DAO production due to a number of different factors including:

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) – some gut microbes produce high amounts of histamines as a byproduct of their metabolism.

Copper, Vitamin C, and B6 Deficiency: Copper and Vit C are crucial components of the DAO enzyme and B6 is a key cofactor that enables DAO to degrade histamine.

Leaky Gut Syndrome: Intestinal permeability creates major inflammatory stress in the body which can contribute to poor DAO function.

Genetic Polymorphisms in DAO enzyme – this can be seen on the 23andme SNP’s. A homozygous DAO would make someone more susceptible to developing a histamine intolerance.

Use of Certain Medications

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin)
• Antidepressants (Cymbalta, Effexor, Prozac, Zoloft)
• Immune modulators (Humira, Enbrel, Plaquenil)
• Antiarrhythmics (propanolol, metaprolol, Cardizem, Norvasc)
• Antihistamines (Allegra, Zyrtec, Benadryl)
• Histamine (H2) blockers (Tagamet, Pepcid, Zantac)

According to expert Dr. Amy Myers MD, “Histamine blockers, a class of acid-reducing drugs, seem like they would help prevent histamine intolerance. These medications can actually deplete DAO levels in your body.”

According to Chris Kresser L.AC, “Histamine is different than typical food sensitivities or allergens in that it is a cumulative problem.” So we begin to have symptoms when we either take in too many histamine molecules or we reduce the DAO enzyme to the point where the histamines overload the system. These symptoms will last until the body metabolizes the histamines and removes them from the system.

Who Has Histamine Intolerance

According to available research, histamine intolerance manifests in approximately 3% of the population. In up to 20% of these cases the symptoms occur mostly when histamine containing foods are used in combination with DAO inhibitors such as alcohol. Approximately 80% of individuals with histamine intolerance are women and most of them are over 40.

The three biggest factors involved with histamine intolerance include leaky gut syndrome or related disorders such as Crohn’s disease, Irritable bowel, celiac, gluten sensitivity, etc. The second factor is a genetic polymorphism with the DAO enzyme. Heavy alcohol and/or medication usage is another strong risk factor.

Diagnosing Histamine Intolerance

This is a challenging condition to diagnose for a number of reasons. The first is that there are so many popular foods, many of which are considered health foods, that are high in histamines. Also, some individuals have a unique gut flora that is producing high histamine levels.

Most doctors are not familiar with histamine intolerance and never consider this as a contributing factor in the individual’s health challenges. In fact, many physicians including myself, typically recommend a diet high in histamine containing foods. This includes fermented foods which have incredible health benefits for those with adequate histamine metabolism.

Research has also shown that people react quite differently to elevated histamine making it that much harder to pinpoint. As a clinician, I have learned that when individuals react very poorly to fermented foods it is a sign of histamine intolerance. Most people respond very well to small amounts and gradually increasing levels of fermented foods. Individuals with histamine intolerances often break out with hives, eczema, rashes, puffy eyes, headaches, etc.

Common Symptoms of Histamine Intolerance Include:

• Headaches/Migraines
• Difficulty falling asleep, easy arousal
• Hypertension
• Vertigo or Dizziness
• Arrhythmia, or accelerated heart rate
• Difficulty regulating body temperature
• Anxiety
• Nausea, Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Flushing
• Nasal Congestion, Sneezing, Difficulty Breathing
• Abnormal Menstrual Cycle
• Hives
• Fatigue
• Tissue swelling

Histamines travel throughout the bloodstream and therefore can effect the gut, lungs, skin, brain and entire cardiovascular system. This is why there are such a wide array of health problems associated with it and it is quite challenging to pinpoint and diagnose if you are not aware of the condition.

Testing For Histamine Intolerance

The 23andme genetic test will look at genes associated with DAO enzyme production. When an individual has a homozygous mutation they will most likely struggle with histamine metabolism. This may not occur until after a stressful season of their life when their gut barrier breaks down and their adrenal glands are unable to keep up with the demands placed upon them. This creates a vicious cycle of chronic inflammation and inflammatory stress that depletes the body of vital reserves and exposes the genetic weaknesses of the individual.

There are lab tests that can be done that analyze the ratio of histamine/DAO. A high histamine/DAO ratio indicates that one is ingesting too much histamine and is not producing enough DAO to effectively metabolize it.

Without getting the blood test you could do a histamine challenge by consuming a number of different fermented foods and high histamine foods and see if this aggravates your symptoms. If so, try a low-histamine diet for a week and if you notice significant improvements you most likely have histamine intolerance.

To improve your tolerance to histamine, it is critical to heal the gut and address the dysbiotic issues that are at the root of the problem. I would recommend working with a qualified health practitioner to assess and create a specific plan to address the bacterial imbalance.

Foods High in Histamines:

Some foods naturally have more histamine content while others accumulate histamines while they age. Fermented and dried foods typically have the highest levels of histamines. A low histamine diet must be focused around getting foods at their peak level of freshness. Here is a list of high histamine foods:

• Fermented alcoholic beverages, especially wine, champagne and beer
• Fermented foods: sauerkraut, vinegar, soy sauce, kefir, yogurt, kombucha, etc
• Vinegar-containing foods: pickles, mayonnaise, olives
• Cured meats: bacon, salami, pepperoni, luncheon meats and hot dogs
• Soured foods: sour cream, sour milk, buttermilk, soured bread, etc.
• Dried fruit: apricots, prunes, dates, figs, raisins
• Most citrus fruits
• Aged cheese including goat cheese
• Nuts: walnuts, cashews, and peanuts
• Vegetables: avocados, eggplant, spinach, and tomatoes
• Smoked fish and certain species of fish: mackerel, mahi-mahi, tuna, anchovies, sardines
• Processed foods of all types – Preservatives are high in histamines

Histamine-Releasing Foods

These foods do not necessarily contain histamine but they block the action of DAO and therefore they potentiate the effects of elevated histamines.

• Alcohol
• Bananas
• Chocolate
• Cow’s Milk
• Nuts
• Papaya
• Pineapple
• Shellfish
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Wheat Germ
• Many artificial preservatives and dyes

DAO-Blocking Foods

• Alcohol
• Energy drinks
• Black tea
• Mate tea
• Green tea 

Low Histamine Foods

• Freshly Cooked Meat & Poultry (frozen or fresh)
• Freshly Caught Fish
• EV Olive Oil
• Pasture-Raised Eggs
• Gluten-Free Grains: brown rice & quinoa
• Fresh Fruits: Other than citrus, avocado, tomato, pineapple, bananas and strawberries
• Fresh Vegetables (except spinach and eggplant)
• Coconut Milk, Rice Milk, Hemp Milk, Almond Milk
• Coconut Oil & Grass-fed Butter/Ghee
• Organic Coffee
• Almond Butter
• Leafy Herbs
• Herbal Teas

Unique Variables with Histamine Intolerance

People with histamine intolerance react in a multitude of different ways as shown in this study. Some people cannot handle any high histamine foods while others can handle certain types but not others.

As an example, an individual may tolerate avocados, berries, and lemons quite well but have significant reactions with any sort of fermented foods or wine. You will have to find the unique ways that you react and understand what triggers reactions and what doesn’t.

Overtime, as histamine content is reduced and the individual improves their gut health, reduces inflammation, improves liver function and stabilizes their adrenals they will be able to handle more of the histamines. For some, this will mean they will be able to incorporate small amounts of all the higher histamine foods. For others they will only be able to handle certain foods while others will continue to trigger reactions.

What This Means to You

If you struggle with major symptoms listed above when you have the various high histamine foods you may have this problem. In particular, if you struggle with fermented foods and probiotic supplements this is a classic sign of histamine intolerance.

Chances are you do not have this problem, but you may come across a friend or a client (for those of you who are health coaches and doctors) who will have these signs and symptoms. If so, have them try a low-histamine diet for a week and see if it makes a difference. If so, then continue on the diet and work with a functional medicine practitioner to support the gut and detoxification systems.

If you are suffering from an acute histamine reactions, taking 10 grams of liposomal vitamin C and taking DAO enzymes or high dose proteolytic enzymes can help to reduce the effects of this. A diet rich in the flavoinoid luteolin has been shown to reduce mast cell activation. This is found in carrots, bell peppers, thyme, rosemary, peppermint, oregano, romaine lettuce, artichoke, pomegranate, chocolate, rooibus tea, buckwheat sprouts and cucumbers among other things.

Sources For This Article Include:

• http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11175/everything-you-need-to-know-about-histamine-intolerance.html
• http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/85/5/1185.long
• http://lsialab.com/gb/Histamine_Intolerance_Test
• http://healthypixels.com/?p=1044
• http://www.dramymyers.com/2013/10/03/everything-you-need-to-know-about-histamine-intolerance/
• http://www.iainfoctr.com/articles/histamine.php
• http://www.foodintolerancetest.ae/what-is-food-allergy.php
• http://lewyland.blogspot.com/2013/09/health-revolution-part-1-diving-into.html
• http://drsaulmarcus.com/mentalillness/neurotransmittertesting.html
• http://www.therootofhealth.com/food-allergies-intolerances/

Burn Fat and Build Muscle with a Cyclic Ketogenic Diet

What constitutes an optimal physique?  This is different based on each individual’s unique genetic potential but researchers would agree that we should have a moderate to thin structure and good muscular development.

While many have sought after a thin physique, the mantra of the 21^st century is that strong is the new thin!  We want to have a good body fat percentage (6-15% for men and 15-30% for women) and have developed well-toned musculature.

Ketogenic Diet and Fat Metabolism

A ketogenic diet is a very low carbohydrate, moderate protein, and high fat based nutrition plan.  A ketogenic diet trains the bodies metabolism to run off of fatty acids or ketone bodies.  This nutrition plan has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.  This leads to improved muscle development and fat metabolism.

The ketogenic diet is built around good fats such as grass-fed butter, coconut products, avocados, nuts/seeds, pasture-raised animal products and extra-virgin olive oil.  This diet should also focus on low-carbohydrate fruits, vegetables and herbs as staple components.  The fat levels will be between 60-80% of calorie intake.

How Ketones Are Formed?

The body has two major energy sources, it burns glucose or ketone bodies.  The majority of people burn glucose primarily because they are constantly supplying a steady form of sugar, starches, and proteins that can be turned into blood sugar.  When one either fasts or goes on a low-carb, moderate protein, and high fat diet they switch their energy source to fat.

In particular, the fatty acids are broken down into ketone bodies.  The three major forms ketones produced in the body include Acetoacetate, Acetone and Beta-HydroxyButyric acid.  These are released into the blood from the liver when insulin levels are low and hepatic liver metabolism is increased.

Healthy Cell Membrane

The cell membrane is the double outer layer of fatty acids.  This structure is made up of a blend of saturated, monounsaturated and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs).   The cell membrane and particularly the HUFAs are very susceptible to free radical damage.  This free radical damage causes something called “lipid peroxidation” and negatively effects hormone sensitivity.

Elevated lipid peroxidation leads to issues like insulin resistance and poor blood sugar metabolism.  Insulin resistance and poor blood sugar metabolism leads to fat storage and muscle tissue breakdown.  This is the antagonist to healthy aging and a desirable physique.

The two biggest dietary factors that reduce lipid peroxidation include

1. The Anti-oxidant Content of the Diet
2. Carbohydrate Level of the Diet

Research has shown that a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet reduces oxidative stress in the body¹.  The reduction in oxidative stress on the cell membrane allows for the formation of healthy insulin receptors and normalized blood sugar regulation.  This improves insulin sensitivity which further reduces inflammation and fat storage in the body.²  The more sensitive the body is to insulin, the less stress it puts on the rest of the system and the easier it is to build muscle and burn fat.

Protein Sparing and Healthy Muscle Tissue

A healthy body is not thin and weak.  A desirable physique is strong and has well-developed muscle tissue that is genetically congruent for the individual.  The antagonist to this is again poor blood sugar sensitivity and insulin resistance.

High carbohydrate diets increase the level of muscle cell inflammation and reduce protein synthesis.  For many body types this leads to a catabolic or cannablistic state where the body eats up the muscle tissue.  This leaves the individual with a very thin and under developed physique.

A properly formed ketogenic diet maintains circulating branched chain amino acids (BCAAs).  These BCAA’s (leucine, isoleucine and valine) and especially leucine are critical for protein and muscle synthesis in the body.  Blood leucine levels, a powerful regulator of muscle protein synthesis, increases on a ketogenic diet.  Meanwhile, insulin levels decrease on a ketogenic diet as does muscle inflammation ³

The result of this is that the muscle cells will have an environment that promotes proper development and optimal function.  The keto-adapted state improves the efficiency of protein utilization.  The   greater economy of protein allows for less to be consumed while still maintaining healthy blood leucine levels for proper muscle development and recovery.

Practical Considerations

There is a popular idea that the body needs carbohydrates and protein immediately after exercising in order to properly recover.  However, with the application of a properly formulated ketogenic diet to achieve a keto-adapted state this is not necessary.  Keto-adapted individuals can often fast for periods after a short high intensity workout and see improvements in strength and muscle development.

In my late teens and early twenties, I would eat around 5,000 calories a day with over 200 grams of protein.  I used to have to eat before and after I exercised.  My diet was probably 50% carbohydrate, 25% protein and 25% fat.  This nutrition plan resulted in good strength gains but also destroyed my gut, desensitized my cells to insulin leading to blood sugar instability and chronic inflammation.  The elevated carbohydrate and protein levels also promoted the development of cancerous growths in my body.

This resulted in severe health problems and a 5+ years of learning better strategies to improve my health.  I noticed incredible improvement with the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting.  I also learned to focus on super hydration with anti-oxidants in the morning hours.  I typically drink 64oz of water before 12pm and use anti-oxidant extracts such as lemon and/or anti-oxidant supplements in the morning hours.

Now, I eat 2 meals a day between a 4-8 hour eating window and consume around 3500-4000 calories with approximately 60-70% fat, 20-25% protein and 10-15% carbohydrates on average.  Some days, it is 70%, 25%, 5% while other days it is 60%, 20%, 20%.   I work out intensely in the morning and NEVER eat afterwards.  I eat my meals between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. on most days.

The results – I am stronger in my upper and lower body and feel significantly better than I did in my teens and 20’s.  The pic below is not me…haha!

What This Means to You

As a clinician, I believe that everyone on the planet will benefit from a well-formulated cyclic ketogenic diet.  This will look different for each individual.  Some will do great with 80% fat, 15% protein, 5% carb.  Some will need a more carbohydrate and protein, or maybe just one or the other, etc.

I am not strict about counting calories or percentages of macronutrients and the numbers I provided were approximations based on the foods I typically consume.  I would encourage you not to be dogmatic with macronutrient counting but instead be strongly considerate of the quality of fuel you are putting into your body and you should categorize it as primarily fat, primarily protein, protein/fat, protein/carb or primarily carbohydrate.

There are many key variables that play a role in the proper formula for success.  These include your unique genetics, your exercise, activity and stress levels, your sleeping habits, levels of inflammation and the health of your thyroid, adrenals and liver/gallbladder.

By cyclic ketogenic diet, I am referring too a state of cylcling in and out of ketosis.  I will typically have a larger carbohydrate meal (using healthy starches like sweet potato, quinoa, brown rice, or a good sweetener like fruit, raw honey, or coconut nectar) once a week.  This pulls me out of ketosis for a short period and then I enter right back in the following day while I am doing my morning fast.

Some individuals do well with the inclusion of a higher carbohydrate meal 2 or 3 times a week while others will do better staying in ketosis for a month at a time.  You will have to experiment to find what you feel best with.

Would love to hear about your experiences with a cyclic ketogenic diet in the comments box below.

Sources For This Article Include:

• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17009256
• http://www.sott.net/article/249143-Ketogenic-Diet-high-fat-low-carb-Has-Neuroprotective-and-Disease-modifying-Effects
• http://www.jissn.com/content/1/2/7
• Volek J, Phinney S.  The Art & Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance.  Beyond Obesity LLC.  2012.  Pg 32-33.
• http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/cyclical_ketogenic_diet.htm
• http://biohackme.net/blood-sugar-insulin-ketosis/
• http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/sclark91.htm
• http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/keto.htm