Volume 12, Number 07
- How Metabolism Modulates Inflammation by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo
- Think Cool Thoughts by Martha D'Adamo
- Product Highlight: Unibars
- In The News: Blood Type Diet
- Local Event: Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo to speak on July 24th in Connecticut
- Recipes: Summer Soufflés
- July Product Specials: 15% OFF
Bromelain, Connectivar, Phloxicin, Fish Oil, Histona Ulterior, Glycoscia, Genoma Security, Scienca
How Metabolism Modulates InflammationBy Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo |
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The term inflammation has a distinct shortage of positive connotations, sort of like terrorism and pollution. However, unlike these last two problems, inflammation enjoys a much more subtle relationship with our physiology. Driving a car is a good analogy: One can drive a car leisurely and restfully on a tree-lined parkway just as likely as drive off a cliff or into a chicken coop. The difference between the two is largely a matter of direction and velocity. Surprisingly, many of the same cellular functions that give rise to inflammation and autoimmune problems serve in their day-to-day capacities as essential processes that maintain health. |
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Many of the genetic elements that give rise to inflammation exist in a teeter-totter type relationship that is part of the bigger picture, a regulatory process known as homeostasis. A gene gets active and makes its protein; the protein exerts its effects, and these effects trigger other genes that make proteins with opposing functions, or proteins that turn the first gene off. As with our driving analogy, the difference between a safe driver and a reckless one is the ability to adjust the gas pedal and steering to the demands of the environment. In the case of the car, it is the path of the road; in the case of the cell, it is the changes in its internal and external environment. For example, a gene called TNF (tumor necrosis factor) ramps up a lot of inflammation. However TNF, also triggers many of the immune hormones (the interleukins) that also protect the cell from infection. Under certain conditions, TNF will stimulate these interleukins excessively or unnecessarily. Then inflammation will develop. Being overweight is one way for this to occur: overweight people often manufacture too much of a hormone called leptin. Leptin can trigger TNF and increase inflammation -- except when we exercise. The small level of inflammation produced during exercise actually blocks the further production of TNF. Thankfully, leptin has its nemesis, in this case a protein called adiponectin. Adiponectin pretty much does all the right things: It blocks leptin and prevents TNF from binding to proinflammatory proteins known as COX (COX proteins are what many anti-inflammatory drugs and herbs target). Adiponectin also activates fat-busting genes known as PPARs, which you may remember I discussed in a previous newsletter. PPARs turn on many genes involved in the metabolism of lipids and sugar. When TNF builds up, it activates another gene called NFKB1, and now here comes trouble. NFKB1 is like the big brother of a ten-year old in a schoolyard squabble who is called and proceeds to turn a minor dispute into a full-fledged battle royal. When NFKB1 gets angry, everybody gets upset: it is capable of turning on over 300 other proinflammatory genes! Having a brawny 21-year old big brother is great when you are walking in a dangerous neighborhood or need to move the sofa, but it pays to keep him happy otherwise. Having many free radicals in your cell is guaranteed to put NFKB1 in a bad mood. So, what can we do to keep inflammation in balance --doing just enough to help with the daily housekeeping, but not too much, so the place doesn't get trashed. Here are some ideas:
My good friend, the late philosopher Eric Butterworth, once commented to me that the 'Body has an innate bias towards healing.' When was the last time you ever heard someone turn the word 'bias' into a good thing? How true indeed! Just as in the case of inflammation, meaning requires context. On its own, the cell will strive towards balance. We simply need to help it achieve that. |
Think Cool ThoughtsBy Martha D'Adamo |
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With this issue's focus on inflammation, I have had the opportunity to learn more about the inflammatory process, what sets it off, as well as how to develop strategies for managing inflammation, whether it is short term/acute or chronic. "Good inflammation" can be part of the healing process, as the body's natural defenses rally around it to help heal from a cut or wound; "bad inflammation" creates damage and causes longer-term issues such as heart disease, arthritis, and depression. Eating well, following your specific blood type diet and exercising are critical components in inflammation management. And research is now revealing that there's another element that we can incorporate into the mix to assist us in lowering the inflammatory conditions that arise in life – meditation. Say, what? There's a developing body of research that shows that meditation can suppress genes that cause inflammation. Researchers are finding that individuals can alter genetic behavior through thought control and meditation. The combination of nutrition, lifestyle and mindfulness can be a powerful tripod of tools that can support us throughout every stage of our lives. Having meditated for years, I see the value of it in my life on a daily basis. Initially, I thought that it would be good for stress reduction and blood pressure control – and it was. It also provides the opportunity to step outside of the day-to-day issues of life, even for five minutes, and then return. Refreshed, removed, and able to see life without encumbrances. Many times, when I talk to people about meditation, they get kind of squirmy. "I don't have time," "I can't sit still," or simply, "I don't know how to do it." There's no magic or mystery to it, and you don't need five hours. One of my teachers used to say, "Five minutes on the clock can provide everything you need," and it does. It also promotes a practice that you want to build on. Five minutes becomes 10 or 20. Here's a wonderful meditation to practice, whether you are a beginner or a more advanced meditator:
I love this meditation, as it is simple and yet very meaningful. As with any meditation, you can adjust it so that it suits you, as the very practice of meditation is to take you to your center or source. Another helpful tool, although not quite a meditation is alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana in Sanskrit). This is a fantastic practice as breathing is the foundation of any meditative practice. Here's how to practice:
The key to anything in life, whether it is mastery of a new skill, meeting a challenge, or learning something new, is practice, practice, practice. If you stop and think about it, isn't this what life is all about? Whatever it is you practice, enjoy it, and allow it to nourish and enrich you and keep you vital and healthy. Be cool. Martha |
Product Highlight: UnibarsThe one protein bar right for all types |
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Wheat & Gluten FREE Protein Bars Our Unibars are the perfect grab and go, blood type friendly snack, whether you are hiking, relaxing, heading to the beach, or need a mid-morning or afternoon snack at the office. In two delicious flavors: Chocolate Cherry [Martha's favorite] or Blueberry Almond [Dr. D's favorite]. Take your pick... or one of each. *Enjoy now through July 31, 2015. Offers not to be combined with other discounts. |
Blood Type Diet in the News |
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Here's a round up of articles about the blood type that have appeared in recent news reports. These reinforce the value of personalized nutrition and the BTD in health and wellness and also in developing health strategies for specific diseases. Science is catching up to Dr. Peter D'Adamo! | |
You're OK With Type O Blood, It Might Protect You From Alzheimer's | |
Blood Type And Brain Health: Type O Protects Against Cognitive Decline Via Gray Matter | |
Your Blood Type May Put You at Risk for Heart Disease | |
Inside Out: Does the Blood Type Diet work? | |
5 Things Your Blood Type Says About Your Health |
LOCAL EVENT:
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Here's a great opportunity to hear Dr. D'Adamo speak and support a worthy cause. On Friday, July 24, Dr. D'Adamo will be the guest speaker at the Orchids of Life benefit/fundraiser to support non-toxic cancer research. You can find out all the details at the Orchids of Life website. Hope to see you there! |
Summer brunches are a great time to share a wonderful meal made with veggies from the local farmers market or if possible, your own garden. Here is a selection of four delicious and beautiful soufflés we love that can be the centerpiece of your meal. Serve with mixed greens, a fruit salad, and muffins and rolls that are right for each type. |
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Spinach and Zucchini Soufflé – Type O Ingredients:
Spinach and Zucchini Soufflé – Type A Ingredients:
Directions:
Spinach-Pepper Soufflé – Type B Ingredients:
Kale and Zucchini Soufflé – Type AB Ingredients:
Directions:
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Find more delicious side dishes and recipes as well as healthy cooking tips in the Eat Right for Your Type Personalized Cookbooks |