I rarely suggest getting this particular gene test. Just because a person may have a gene does not necessarily mean they will develop the disease. We often think that our lives are controlled by our genes. In some sense they are. In a larger sense, our lives are controlled by the interaction between our genes and our environment. These interactions determine how our genes will manifest themselves. Not everyone with the APOe4 gene gets Alzheimer’s. Many people who do not have the gene, on the other hand, do get the disease.

Rather than ordering the test, I take an extensive history. Those individuals who have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease generally have a 10 to 30 percent increased chance of contracting the disease themselves. (Scroll to the chart below for a list of potential risk factors.)

The challenge we all face is how to live in such a way that we can be healthy and disease-free our entire lives. Often other genetic inefficiencies materially contribute to the question of how our environment interacts with the expression of our genes, all genes, even those that can effect Alzheimer’s disease.

For example, the adequacy of our diet interacts with genes that use B vitamins and magnesium. Vegetarians need to be particularly concerned with these genes. Our exposures to toxins, medications, and internal hormone balance interact with genes that operate our detoxification system. Stress and nutrition interact with genes that produce brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that control mood. Autoimmune processes, nutrition and gut function, all interact with genes that run our inflammation system.

Since toxins, inflammation, neurotransmitter balance, hormone balance, and nutrition resources all can have a SIGNIFICANT effect on our risks for Alzheimer’s disease and can be MODIFIED by nutrition, herbs, vitamin, minerals, supplements, stress reduction, and exercise, I find genetic tests that investigate how our body resolves imbalances in these issues to be helpful in reducing Alzheimer’s disease risks.

If you are interested in looking into the usefulness of genetic testing for MODIFIABLE risk factors, consider making an appointment by calling 203-863-3615. Genetic tests that may be run include detoxification enzymes gene tests, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecule gene tests, neurotransmitter production enzyme gene tests, neurotransmitter destruction enzyme gene tests, and nutritional genetic tests.

Below is a list of genes with the potential to directly contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. Since these genes do not necessarily cause the disease, but rather contribute to the disease in unknown ways, they are called genetic risk factors.

Genetic Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s disease

• APOE ε2 is relatively rare and may provide some protection against the disease. If Alzheimer’s disease occurs in a person with this, it develops later in life than it would in someone with the APOE ε4 gene.
• APOE ε3, the most common, is believed to play a neutral role in the disease – neither decreasing nor increasing risk.
• APOE ε4 is present in about 25 to 30 percent of the population and in about 40 percent of all people with late-onset Alzheimer’s. People who develop Alzheimer’s are more likely to have an APOE ε4 than people who do not develop the disease.
• Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease occurs in less than 5% of people and usually in people age 30 to 60. It appears that any one of a number of different single-gene mutations on chromosomes 21, 14, and 1 can contribute to abnormal proteins to formation. Mutations on chromosome 21 cause the formation of abnormal amyloid precursor protein (APP). A mutation on chromosome 14 causes abnormal presenilin 1 to be made, and a mutation on chromosome 1 leads to abnormal presenilin 2.

The science world is finding new genetic contributors to Alzheimer’s disease all the time.

Healthful Actions That Modify Alzheimer’s Disease Risk

• Control weight, insulin, diabetes
• Control inflammation**
• Detoxify**
• Evaluate and replenish nutritional deficiencies**
• Optimize gut function
• Normalize neurotransmitters, reduce stress, resolve depression**
• Optimize hormone levels
• Encourage learning and newness

**Genetic testing available

Risk for Developing Alzheimer’s Disease

• X 38 if your age is greater than 85
• X 10 if you have ever had a stroke
• X 7 to 7.5 if your age is between 75-84 or if more than 1 family member had Alzheimer’s Disease
• X 4.4 if you have ever been dependent or overused alcohol, tobacco, or any other mind altering substance
• X 3 to 3.5 if 1 family member had Alzheimer’s Disease or if you have ever had diabetes or cancer
• X 2 if you are between 65-74 or if you have ever had several head injuries or if even one head injury that resulted in loss of consciousness. If you have ever had seizures, hypertension, increased cholesterol, depression, cardiovascular disease; if you do little to no exercise, only had a high school education, have a job that requires little creative thought, or if you have ever smoked

Homocysteine is a necessary metabolite in our bodies, but when the levels are too high or too low they bring increased risk.

When homocysteine is too high, there can be problems with inflammation, with the utilization of B vitamins, and with an essential biochemical pathway in the body called the methylation cycle. The methylation cycle effects mood, energy, detoxification, and memory. Having high levels of a substance called homocysteine is called homocystinemia.

On the other hand, homocysteine that is too low may indicate imbalance in the body’s detoxification system. This can affect memory, energy generation, and mood down the line.

The best time to understand and normalize homocysteine is in the preventive stage before damage is done. It also appears that high levels can affect bone density, increasing fracture risk, especially in the elderly. Homocysteine affects collagen, which is part of the living matrix of the bone. Reducing homocysteine levels can be important for your brain and your bone health.

Along with lifestyle changes, including dietary changes, there are supplements that have been proven to lower homocysteine. Our preferred, high-quality supplement for this is called Homocysteine Supreme. It contains all of the studied components that affect the way out bodies break down homocysteine so we can maintain healthy levels.

Homocysteine does not come from the diet. It is synthesized in our bodies from methionine (contained in food) using a multi-step process. This fundamental, important process is dependent on having the proper raw materials including B vitamins and the all-important “methyl” group. So first, we need to make sure we have enough from the “methyl” group. Homocysteine Supreme supplies methyl-cobolamin, a superior form of B12, as well as trimethylglycine. Both of these are required to make energy properly. Cobolamin is also necessary for proper recycling of homocysteine. Homocysteine Supreme has the preferred amount of bioavailable methylcobolamin (1 mg).

Our bodies use pyridoxine, or B6, as a cofactor to synthesize cysteine, which we do via the homocysteine pathway. Homocysteine Supreme contains not just the basic pyridoxine, but also the enzymatic form, which works more efficiently.

Homocysteine can be changed back into methionine. The process of recycling includes a special form of folic acid called 5-methltetrahydrofolate, which is part of the natural folates, again included in the Homocysteine Supreme formula.

If you have high homocysteine levels on an ongoing basis call 203-863-3615 for an appointment to see if Homocysteine Supreme is right for you and to learn about other changes in lifestyle and diet that could accompany an individualized approach to achieving better health. If you are not sure whether your levels are high or low, please check with Dr. Roca before beginning supplementation on your own.

Allergy symptoms range from simple eye irritation to skin problems, intestinal issues, sinus congestion and infection, respiratory issues, and even asthma.

To help keep allergy symptoms under control:

• Control the triggers
• Reduce the overall allergen load
• Evaluate and reduce food allergens and sensitivities
• Flush, flush, flush your nasal passages
• Support the body with anti-inflammatory botanicals, supplements and homeopathic remedies
• Use acupuncture
• Use conventional medications as necessary

A good way to start is by removing as many causative agents as possible. Consider the carpet in your house that holds onto dust and dust mites, the small leak in the attic where fungus may be growing in the closet, even what you eat, as foods may contain chemicals or other substances that act as triggers for the allergic response.

The goal is to reduce or eliminate the allergic response. That allergic response may be partially due to stomach dysfunction, immune system dysregulation, food sensitivities, toxic metals or persistent infections. Assessing the role these factors may play in allergies is a proactive way of preventing and treating allergies. Holistic practitioners always take this into consideration.

It is important to realize that our bodies work as a whole and not individual parts. What we eat and drink can affect the entire body. This is particularly true when it comes to allergies. Eating a healthy diet low in allergenic foods can reduce allergy symptoms from environmental and other factors. The immunoglobulins that mediate allergic reactions are produced in the stomach, so eating well reduces the production of histamine.

Since many allergic symptoms are caused by the release of histamine in response to the activation of the immune system by a trigger, you have another wonderful opportunity for prevention. It usually takes about 30 minutes for these triggers to create an immune response. So, within the first half-hour of exposure, flushing your nose with nasal saline can stop or reduce that immune activation. You can flush your nose as frequently as necessary up to six times a day. Use an over-the-counter nasal saline flush or make your own and use with a neti pot.

For sinus sufferers, there are new and effective treatments that span the gamut from homeopathic to herbal, leaving no area untouched. Our Radiant Health Apothecary offers numerous products and can provide guidance and finding the right product for your needs.

With plants, trees and grass blooming, a number of homeopathic combinations can ease allergies. BHI’s Allergy formula is a broad homeopathic remedy that stimulates the body to produce its own antihistamine in a timely manner. There is also a nasal spray called Lufteel that works in a similar manner when applied to the nasal membranes as a spray. The key to success in the homeopathic treatment of allergies is getting the most appropriate formula for your individual issues. There are homeopathic eye drops, eardrops, nose drops, etc.

In the herbal world there are thousands of formulas promoted for treating allergies. D-Hist and D-Hist Jr (chewable for children) are combinations of standardized extracts from quercetin and stinging nettles leaf that act as natural antihistamines to relieve runny nose and watery eye symptoms. They also contain bromelain and n-acetylcysteine to boost the immune system and reduce some of the inflammatory response that accompanies allergies. Unlike pharmaceutical antihistamines, these are chemical-free, not sedating and have been used for years in herbal medicine. Beware of using nettles if you are taking testosterone or estrogen therapies.

Kold Kare contains an adaptogenic herb, Andrographis Paniculata, which is often used at the first signs of a cold or sinusitis and can open clogged sinus passages like pharmaceutical decongestants, but without the jitters and “speedy” feeling that these allopathic agents can cause.

Some supplements that are generally safe to use and have been shown to be effective in reducing allergy symptoms include omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and probiotics.

Acupuncture for Allergies
Acupuncture can help enhance the body’s resistance to triggers, open clogged nasal passages, and resolve symptoms related to allergies. Imbalances in the lung and large intestine meridians and their associated meridians – the spleen and stomach – are often the targets for therapy. These treatments should be done prior to allergy season and once a week during allergy season. Often the treatment is done in areas over and around the sinuses as well as on the arms and legs. This intervention is especially useful for those whose allergies tend to produce systemic symptoms, life-interrupting symptoms, and can lead to infections.

If all else fails, medications may be necessary for comfort. Cromolyn sodium comes as a nasal spray and helps to prevent allergies from even being triggered. At times nasal steroids may be useful. For some, antihistamines work well. For others they seem to not work at all. Anxiety and stress can make any allergy symptoms worse.

Now is the time to create your allergy prevention plan. The best strategy is to intervene early and often. Don’t wait until the symptoms are in full bloom.

It seems like everyone, including very traditional-minded people, is talking about the group of nutrients called essential fatty acids. These polyunsaturated fats, known as PUFAs, are made up of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

The two main fatty acids are called ALA or alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, and LA or linolenic acid, an Omega-6 fatty acid. The longer chain fatty acids EPA and DHA can be synthesized from ALA and the long chain fatty acid AA or arachidonic acid can be synthesized from LA. The problem is that EPA/DHA synthesis may not be sufficient under many circumstances, leading to deficiencies with severe health consequences.

Western diets appear to be much richer in Omega-6 fatty acids than some diets from other parts of the world. Some think that the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 in American diets is as much as 20:1. It is generally believed that an equal ratio of the Omega-3s to the Omega-6s is ideal. Therefore, it is important to restore the balance of these healthy fats. A large body of research indicates that higher dietary Omega-3 fatty acid intakes are associated with reductions in cardiovascular disease risk, prompting the American Heart Association to recommend that all adults eat fish, particularly the oily fish, at least twice a week. Randomized controlled trials show that higher Omega-3 consumption can decrease the risk of myocardial infarction or heart attack and even reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death.

Increasing the consumption of EPA-DHA can help diabetics, especially those with elevated triglyceride levels. It appears that increasing the intake of DHA may also help with neurological development. Even baby-formula companies are adding DHA to aid in brain, eye, and neurological development in infants.

These same EPA-DHA fatty acids appear to reduce inflammation in the joints and reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medication in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Preliminary studies indicate that increased supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial in the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Other studies have shown benefit to people suffering with inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.

EPA and DHA are found in high concentration in the cell membranes. Although the body makes its own EPA and DHA from precursors, evidence suggests that the body may not be able to make sufficient quantities under certain conditions. Therefore, EPA and DHA may also be considered essential meaning that we need to consume them.

DHA is more concentrated in the retina of the eye and animal studies indicate that it is necessary for the development of the retina. It is also important for the development of the phospholipids of brain gray matter.

While it is true that the oily fish, like salmon, halibut, tuna, and cod are rich in these fatty acids, eating them more than twice a week for the average individual may present other problems, like excess consumption of heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead. The waters are polluted and, therefore, the fish are polluted. Some people believe that pregnant women should not consume these fish at all, yet we know that they are essential for the development of the brain, eyes and nervous system of the developing fetus. I believe that the lack of these nutrients is a contributing factor to the high number of cases of ADD, ADHD, and even autism. It is with these facts in mind that I tend to recommend eating fish, if you like it, but supplementing with good quality fish oil for the omega-3 content.

Animal studies have shown that depletion of DHA can result in learning deficits.
During an inflammatory response, EPA can be used to synthesize molecules that are anti-inflammatory and prevent the release of excess histamine. This is why fish oil consumption is believed to help arthritic conditions as well as asthma.
When purchasing good quality fish oil it is important to remember why we are buying the supplement instead of eating the fish. Read labels carefully to make sure the oil is pure and has been tested for contaminants like mercury, arsenic, cadmium, lead, PCBs, and dioxins. PCBs and dioxins are a particular problem with farm-raised fish as the farms are often in polluted waters. Products found at the Center for Integrative Medicine all have statements on their labels as to the purity and testing, often by a third party.

When purchasing good quality fish oil, it is important to remember why we are buying the supplement instead of eating the fish and read labels carefully to make sure they indicate that the oil is pure and has been tested for contaminants like mercury, arsenic, cadmium, lead, PCBs, and dioxins. The PCBs and dioxins are a particular problem with farm-raised fish, as the farms are often in polluted waters. We carry Metagenics’ EPA-DHA 720, which meets all of those requirements and more. It is a high quality, well-priced, option.

For people who have previously tried fish oil with bad experience, try it again and take a good quality oil that has been purified, and take it at the beginning of a meal. If “fish burps” are the problem, enteric coated oil like Metagenics’ “EPA-DHA Extra Strength” will usually solve the problem as it is designed to bypass the stomach and open in the intestine. If this is not satisfactory, try storing your oil in the freezer and take it frozen.

It appears from numerous studies that consumption of 2 to 3 grams of EPA and DHA is ideal for many situations, though less certainly has benefits. When trying to calculate this dose remember that many of the supplements come in 1000mg capsules but this number only represents the weight of the oil within the capsule and not the amount of EPA and DHA. For example, Metagenics’ EPA-DHA 720 capsules each weigh 1.3 grams or 1300mg but contain 430mg of EPA and 290mg of DHA. These are quite potent, but for optimal benefit this may require 4 to 6 capsules a day. With these concentrated sources, EPA/DHA can offer multiple benefits in risk reduction from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis and even asthma.

Most of these benefits take at least 12 weeks to become apparent, but the benefits should be motivating enough to stay with the supplementation.

There are few supplements that have as much clinical documentation for effectiveness and safety as Omega-3 rich fish oils. I encourage every individual to take a good, rich EPA-DHA supplement before trying less proven approaches to any of the conditions I have mentioned. With today’s advances in distillation of these oils, it is now possible to supplement without the fishy taste or nausea experienced in the past.

There are many other essential oils available in the marketplace, such as flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil (EPO), and borage oil. All of these vegetarian oils have wonderful properties, but none are sources of omega-3s exclusively. Because of the dietary habits of most Americans, the balance of omegas is often far greater in the omega-6s than in the “3s,” and therefore it is considerably better to consume Omega-3s to help rebalance the ratio of the omega-3s to the 6’s.

Flaxseed oil is generally considered to be the vegetarian’s alternative to fish oil, but barring philosophical considerations, it still contains the 6s and 9s in addition to the 3s. The omega-3s do exceed these by 3:1 so it is a good alternative.

Evening primrose oil and borage oil do not contain any of the omega 3s; just the omega-6s and the omega-9s. They have been used traditionally, for eczema and other inflammatory issues with the skin. More recently they are being used for other inflammatory conditions like arthritis and also for issues involving the menstrual cycle, like breast tenderness.

In addition, the GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in borage seed oil and EPO can prevent the formation of blood clots, help to keep the cell membranes flexible, and support the body’s immune function.

I would like to stress that these GLA-containing oils are not necessary in healthy adults, as we make the GLA from linoleic acid, so there is often no benefit in supplementing oils other than the ones containing omega-3 fatty acids.

At this point in time, fish oil containing a rich source of omega-3s is considered a “core nutrient” and therefore people of all ages can benefit from supplementation, especially because there really aren’t any reasonable dietary sources that one can turn to on an ongoing basis.

The human brain is made up of neurons surrounded by cell membranes and wrapped with insulation. It is infused with blood vessels and supported by cells that create the neurons’ framework and help to govern their action. Neurons join in ways that reflect the conscious and unconscious experiences we have and, in turn, help us interpret the world. Everything we have ever experienced is stored in our brains.

Our brains are electrical. They are magnetic. They mirror the actions of those around us. They bond to those we love. They synch with the brains of others with whom we connect – whether over a lifetime or for a moment. And our synched brains actually change in response to the experience of those with whom we are bonded, even if they are large distances away.

Our brains make us the individuals that we are and also contribute to creation of a larger living entity – that of the community.

So how do you save your brain?

Pay attention to the parts and how well they function together. Here’s a list of things that we, as individuals and as a community, can do.

As we age, our memory may not be as sharp as in younger years. Contributing factors may include multitasking, the fast pace of living in today’s world, lack of sleep and “down time”, stress, nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, infection, and hormonal problems. But can supplements help to improve memory?

Despite the many possible contributing factors, reduction in memory increases irritability, and decreases focus as well as our ability to make healthy decisions as we care for ourselves.

Supplements should not be seen as a substitute for a healthy diet, lifestyle and exercise. However, they may help to optimize brain function by supporting the health of the brain tissue. As with all health issues, a trial of a supplement for three months should be enough to judge whether it is effective for an individual.

Memorall is a unique formula that combines the B vitamins with a special form of folic acid called 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. These are essential for healthy neurological function. In addition, added amino acids like N-Acetyl-Cysteine and Acetyl-l-carnitine as well as the phytonutrient resveratrol are included for healthy mitochondrial function. The mitochondria are the tiny energy factories that make energy in all the cells of our body and are especially concentrated in brain cells.

In addition to these components, several herbal extracts have been proven to reduce oxidative stress markers. Bacopa is one of the herbs that has been shown to reduce inflammation and degeneration in the nervous system. Vinpocetine as well as gingko biloba are also added based on the successful studies proving they can increase blood flow to the brain. Vinpocetine, from the periwinkle plant (Vinca minor), has been shown to reduce inflammation in the brain and is being studied in brain injury. Phosphatidylserine, also in the formula, was shown to have a positive impact on memory in double-blind studies in elderly people. This finding was also documented in other studies, which showed that ginkgo biloba increased this effect.

Memorall is a well thought out formula, with adequate amounts of each individual ingredient based on scientific studies, to improve memory and brain health. There are many memory formulas out there but I have yet to find one as effective as Memorall. Memorall is available through the Radiant Health Apothecary and at Dr. Roca’s integrative medicine practice.

Functional Medicine honors the innate healing processes within each of us and is based on the most current science including the concepts of genetic individuality, biochemical individuality, and the web-like interconnections of all processes within the body. Functional Medicine recognizes that every biological process affects every other biological process. There is absolutely no separation between inflammation, digestive processes, neurotransmitter balance, structural balance, immune function, detoxification, or mental/emotional experiences. Everything is related and everything is interconnected. In order to understand the causes of illness, one must understand the individual’s history and the interactions among their biological systems.

My practice of medicine is organized through the precepts of Functional Medicine. Using this framework, I am able to practice conventional medicine in a comprehensive manner utilizing the most natural interventions possible. Functional Medicine uses your entire story from conception to the present moment to understand key processes that are dysfunctional, when they began to be dysfunctional, and how these dysfunctions triggered imbalances in other processes. Hence, I can create a timeline that explains how everything that has happened to you has brought you to this place and time. This framework, in turn, can lead us to create a program of interventions that can enhance your health and/or work to reverse chronic disease.

The beautiful thing about Functional Medicine is that it incorporates all of the natural and traditional healing modalities including acupuncture, mind-body therapies, herbs, vitamins, supplements, and most importantly nutrition in addition to pharmaceuticals and, as a last resort, surgery.

A key example of the functional medicine approach would be an individual who had a history of ear infections as a young child, later allergies, asthma and sinus problems as an older child, and then gastrointestinal issues as an adult. In this case, I would look to gut dysfunction and food sensitivities as the underlying biological processes that will need to be brought into balance. These issues will be made worse by stress, by deficiencies in nutrients reduce inflammation, and by the presence of toxic elements.

Fatigue can touch almost all of life and can be caused by many varied circumstances.

The Functional Medicine approach to fatigue looks at the whole person and sees the complex interrelationships among many diverse variables:

Step 1: Understand the problem through a complete history and targeted benchmark laboratory data.

Step 2: Replenish the identified nutritional deficiencies using food wherever possible and supplements as necessary. While few of us have a deficit of calories in our diet, many of us have significant micronutrient deficiencies. Some potential nutritional deficiencies that can cause fatigue are folate, B12, B3, B6, magnesium, zinc, and iron.

Step 3: Understand and optimize how the gastrointestinal tract functions. If nutrition can’t be properly ingested and assimilated, or if molecules that are not supposed to be able to enter actually do (food sensitivities), fatigue can occur.

Step 4: Understand inflammation and reduce it. Whether by foreign food-based molecules, infectious disease (Lyme, hepatitis, Epstein Barr for example), sugar dysregulation, smoking or other causes, uncontrolled inflammation, mediated through numerous different molecules, can trigger fatigue.

Step 5: Understand and optimize hormone function. Whether through imbalanced thyroid hormone, low adrenal function (low cortisol), low estrogen or testosterone, or by high insulin (causing first high blood sugar levels then low blood sugar levels), imbalanced hormones can lead to fatigue directly or through their combined effects on the body (obesity contributing to sleep apnea).

Step 6: Understand and balance mood. Depression can cause fatigue. In turn, depression can be caused by imbalances in a number of neurotransmitters. Optimizing neurotransmitter balance through food and supplements can alleviate fatigue. Stress contributes to fatigue through this mechanism.

Step 7: Remove toxic exposures and toxic burden. Heavy metals such as mercury and lead can directly create fatigue by poisoning our energy-generating mechanisms, or mitochondria.

Step 8: Understand a person’s genetic makeup. Genetic inefficiencies can cause fatigue even if all other findings appear normal.

In short, everything that has ever happened to you collectively brings you to the place of feeling fatigued. Usually, fatigue results from a complex set of interacting factors rather than a single cause. For each of us, the source of fatigue may be different because our specific genetics are different and our specific exposures are different.

The GOOD NEWS: by looking at the whole person over the course of his or her lifetime, it is possible to not only alleviate fatigue, but to reverse it.

In our current culture, our lifestyle accelerates the aging process. Utilizing the systems and processes-based approach of functional medicine can help to decelerate aging. Stedman’s Medical Dictionary defines aging as, “the gradual deterioration of a mature organism resulting from time-dependent, irreversible changes in structure that are intrinsic to the particular species, and that eventually leads to decreased ability to cope with the stresses of the environment, thereby increasing the probability of death” ¹.

The functional integrative medicine approach to decelerating aging includes replacement of the deficiencies that come with aging, such as enzymes, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. Amino acids are the crucial building blocks for all proteins in the body. There are many messages that signal the body to perform different tasks; exercise signals the muscles to create more muscle using the amino acids from dietary protein ². If these deficiencies are addressed, the body will more likely be able to continue the actions it was able to complete in younger years. For example, low levels of l-arginine were linked to erectile dysfunction ⁴, so supplemental l-arginine can be used as a natural treatment for erectile dysfunction. (Warning: increasing arginine will also lead to reactivation of herpes simplex virus.)

Although aging is not a disease, many ailments associated with age including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis are also influenced by amino acid availability in the body. For example, utilizing acetyl-l-carnitine can help nerve function in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

The depletion of another amino acid, tryptophan, is a possible mechanism causing depression ⁵. Tryptophan is the molecule from which serotonin is created. I often use it to increase serotonin but without the side effects of weight gain, lost libido, or suicidal tendencies caused by medications. Addition of the amino acid derivative SAM-E can also be useful for depression and additionally helps the joints. One study found SAM-E to have a slower onset of action, but comparable effectiveness to celecoxib (Celebrex) in the management of knee osteoarthritis ⁷.

Another wonderful amino acid is l-theanine, a major component of green tea with relaxing properties similar to medications like alprazolam (Xanax) ⁶.

Although our bodies make l-glutamine, deficiencies can contribute to gastrointestinal issues such as colitis and diverticulitis. It acts as a natural antibiotic in the gut and a source of nutrients for the cells lining the intestinal tract. Glutamine can enhance immune function of the gut ⁹.

It is possible and appropriate for you to have your amino acid profile checked, especially if you have low overall protein levels in your bloodwork, your diet is largely carbohydrate, or if you are a vegetarian. As we age, dietary changes can lead to protein deficiencies. These can be identified through testing done by Dr. Henri Roca at Greenwich Integrative Medicine.

The proper use and balance of amino acids can assist the body in decelerating the changes associated with progressive diseases of aging. For many issues that are beyond dietary control, we may want to look at this important family of nutrients before moving on to more potent pharmaceutical alternatives.

References

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4) Wierzbicki AS, Solomon H, Lumb PJ, Lyttle K, Lambert-Hammill M, Jackson G. Asymmetric dimethyl arginine levels correlate with cardiovascular risk factors in patients with erectile dysfunction. Atherosclerosis. 2005 Jul 23; [Epub ahead of print]


5) Praschak-Rieder N, Wilson AA, Hussey D, Carella A, Wei C, Ginovart N, Schwarz MJ, Zach J, Houle S, Meyer JH. Effects of tryptophan depletion on the serotonin transporter in healthy humans. Biol Psychiatry. 2005 Jul 15; [Epub ahead of print].


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Kawabubo M, Ito Y, Odinura Y, Kobayashi M, Sakura K, Kasama S, Fukuda MN, Fukuda M, Katsuyama T, Nakayama J. Natural antibiotic function of a human gastric mucin against Helicobacter pylori infection. Science. 2004 Aug 13;305(5686):1003-6.


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Every year, for International Integrative Medicine Day, Integrative Medicine physicians and programs within academic health centers join together to educate and inspire individuals in their quest for optimal health.

If you pay for your healthcare out-of-pocket, pay co-pays, deductibles and premiums, or are an employer who provides healthcare for your employees, this talk is for you.

Dr. Roca presents this talk in recognition of Greenwich Hospital Volunteers who provide caring and personal attention to patients. These volunteers help to make the hospital a healing place.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health, reports that 38 percent of U.S. adults who were surveyed have used a form of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the previous 12 months, with the highest rates among people aged 50–59.