Level 2 Certification Exam Prep Flashcards
The Optimal Health Model is:
- Maximize
o Put in what’s needed for this unique person
o Raw materials your body needs to function and heal
o Oxygen, Water, Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants, Protein, Healthy Fats o Belief that the therapy one is choosing is effective and safe. - Minimize
o Take out what’s harmful for this unique person o Toxins, Infections, Allergens, Stress, Trauma
o Limiting beliefs, fear, negative expectations
v*Prioritize
o Create an environment for healing for this unique person o Sleep, Rest, Laughter, Stress Reduction
o Exercise, Stretching, Breathing
o Meaningful Relationships
o Positive visualizations and associations
Fatty Acid Catabolism
- Each fatty acid molecule produces about 42 ATP (40% more than glucose).
- In lipolysis, enzymes separate glycerol from its 3 fatty acids in triglycerides & makes free fatty acids and glycerol available for cellular absorption/catabolism.
o Glycerol can be used to produce glucose (when needed to maintain blood sugar) or converted to enter glycolysis on its own.
o Fatty acids can be used to produce ketone bodies (back-up fuel source for brain and nervous system when glucose is not sufficient).
*Beta-Oxidation breaks down fatty acids to form Acetyl-CoA (in mitochondria). v The remaining 2-step process is essentially the same as for carbohydrates: the
Citric Acid cycle and the Electron Transport Chain. - During times of high Beta-Oxidation, liver mitochondria can produce ketones
which are used as a glucose substitute in other cells.
o Can happen in response to low blood sugar (e.g. low carb dieting, after glycogen
depletion) or high blood sugar in the case of diabetes (e.g. if glycogen stores are full and the citric acid cycle is overwhelmed). Acetone is a byproduct of ketosis (“nail polish remover” breath). If prolonged, ketoacidosis can develop (low blood pH).
Coenzyme Q10
*Required in every cell of your body for the mitochondria to produce energy. Muscle cells have more mitochondria than any others.
*The heart is arguably the most important muscle in the body.
*Statin medications work by disabled the metabolic pathway in the liver that makes Coenzyme Q10. A client who is taking statins daily should be taking at least 100mg of CoQ10 twice a day (on a full stomach). Those on statins who have struggled with muscle pain/degradation and/or memory loss, 200mg, twice daily.
*Beta blockers (for hypertension) and glyburide (for diabetes) may also both deplete CoQ10.
*CoQ10 is available in the oxidized (ubiquinone) and the reduced (ubiquinol) forms. In a young, healthy body, conversion from one to the other is done readily. In those above age ~40,
I recommend going only with the ubiquinol form only (any brand).
*CoQ10 will also assist with increased energy in other weakened cells. e.g. I use in Alzheimer’s (200mg, twice daily) and
Parkinson’s (400mg, twice daily)
ATP Busters: Blocking the CAC (Make ATP)
- Oxidative Stress
- Toxins
o Fluorine can disrupt enzymes within the CAC (e.g. fluoride-fortified toothpastes, municipal water, Teflon cooking pans, contaminated food e.g. tea, pesticides e.g. cocoa)
WS TIP: High-quality cookware is a powerful cient recommendation, as it will affect many exposure opportunities!
o “Heavy” metals disrupt many different enzymes within the CAC.
ATP is depleted at various points in the CAC. These elements also cause oxidative stress (e.g. mercury, lead, arsenic, antimony, aluminum)
• A rich variety of lifestyle choices can help to balance phase 1 and phase 2 detoxification in order to promote clearance and reduce oxidative stress.
• Simple but powerful components of detoxification are (1) not being constipated and (2) drinking plenty of water
The Cellular MemBrain
- Constantly sensing and responding to our environment via receptors (millions)
- Waste products and proteins moving out; nutrients & O2 moving in. Selectively permeable.
- Made up primarily of fatty acids (in the form of phospholipids) and cholesterol. Primary phospholipids include phosphatidylcholine (PC) phosphatidylserine (PS), and phosphatidylinositol. PC is lecithin.
- Should be fluid and flexible. Transfats are most rigid.
WS TIP: yes, clients still need to know to avoid all partially hydrogenated oils (zero consumption).
Vulnerable to oxidation, especially polyunsaturated fats. Sufficient antioxidants is key! Higher Omega 3 (O3) composition increases fluidity, reduces oxidative
stress and decreases inflammation (vs. Omega 6 fats***).
*In the brain, high O3 in cell membranes (esp. DHA) reduces neuron sensitivity to excitation (e.g. too much glutamate) such as in ADHD or chronic anxiety.
Metabolism Basics
*Definition of metabolism: a complex
and intricately regulated system of energy-producing and
energy-utilizing chemical reactions which occur within cells in order to sustain life *
o Catabolism – the breaking down of food (or stored fuel) to allow for the harvesting of energy.
Breaking down. Release energy (exergonic).
o Anabolism - the utilization of energy to construct proteins/cells to allow tissue-specific function.
Building up. Utilize energy (endergonic).
* ATP: the body’s energy currency (adenosine 5’ triphosphate).
ATP is a co-enzyme; it carries energy within a cell
and delivers it to chemical reactions.
* All the magic is about transferring
a phosphate group, which is bound
to ATP with a high energy bond.
* Once depleted of its energy, ATP becomes
ADP and is replenished with energy
via food catabolism (or stored energy)
of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids.
Well-Intended Misconceptions and Myths
- Cortisol or Pregnenolone steal? The cascade happens within individual cells, not by
pulling from a single, systemic “bucket” of pregnenolone. “Stress Steal” a better name?
*Many of the same triggers for increasing cortisol converting enzymes will alsodecrease
DHEA converting enzymes within their individual cells (mitochondria). A coordinated
stress response that shifts catabolic (breaking down) and anabolic (building up) balance.
High cortisol inhibits release of GnRH
(controls sex hormone synthesis via FSH
and LH) and TRH (and thus TSH
re: thyroid hormones). - Receptors for anabolic hormones
also often become less sensitive.*
*The body regulates hormone balance
as a symphony – not just aggregate levels.
*Coordinated hormone response can
have desired effects e.g. high cortisol +
high insulin + low androgens = high body fat
= survival (but perhaps higher risk of CVD).
*The lower your LDL the better? No!
WS Tip: Cholesterol in LDL is starting point
for all steroid hormones. Patients on statins?
Dis-ease Often Begins in the Gut…
Deficiency-Driven Dysfunction (digestion, absorption)
- e.g. anemia, neuropathy, depression, headache
vGastrointestinal Dis-ease (motility, microbes, hormones)
- e.g. IBS, constipation, belching, bloating
* GI-origin Inflammation (enhanced gut permeability)
- e.g. osteoarthritis, asthma, migraine, chronic fatigue,
fibromyalgia, eczema, allergy/atopy
v*Autoimmune Dis-ease (immune dysregulation)
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, multiple
sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis
Disease begins in the Gut …and in Many (Oh So Common!) Ways
- Dysbiosis? An imbalance in indigenous, human gut bacteria OR species of
bacteria in the wrong place in the gut OR potentially pathogenic microbes (e.g.
parasite, bacteria, yeast). Perhaps compounded by toxins secreted by the
microbes or inflammatory byproducts of the microbes themselves (e.g. LPS). - Food? Low in nutrition or the food itself, especially that which looks a little too
much like a toxin, allergen, or foreign invader e.g. processed, refined,
homogenized, hybridized, pesticide-laden, GMO. - Toxins and Insults? E.g. pesticides, LPS,
gluten, Red #40, birth control pills, NSAIDs,
artificial sweeteners, chlorinated tap water,
mercury, alcohol, antidepressant drugs,
intestinal permeability. - Malnourishment? Via maldigestion and/or
malabsorption e.g. magnesium for motility,
B12 and B6 for nervous system, vitamin D for
tight junctions, zinc for immune strength.
Immune System Central
*Just beneath the precious mucosal layer in the gut lies the GALT (Gut-Associated
Lymphatic Tissue), the immunity “police station”.
* Many effective defenses against foreign invaders (hydrochloric acid, bile, mucus,
antibacterial peptides, and IgA antibodies). But if these are weak/insufficient…
* Bacterial imbalance or invaders can cause a combination of issues that over time
can be a major driver for chronic autoimmune activation!
1. Reduction in GI tract function (e.g. malabsorption, low enzymes)
2. Localized discomfort (e.g. bloating, gas, spasms, diarrhea)
3. Intestinal permeability (often leading to food sensitivities and AI activity)
4. Systemic inflammation triggered by our immune system
v Acute infections usually cause undeniable symptoms (e.g. watery diarrhea).
Low level infections may persist for a long time and show less intense GI
symptoms (e.g. bloating, spasm).
* Persistent (or populous) invaders trigger NF-KappaB, cellular release of cytokines,
and an inflammatory cascade in the gut - and then potentially throughout the
body. A progression that eventually can drive chronic autoimmune activation.
* In every case of chronic autoimmune activation, look for drivers in the gut
Vicious Interconnectedness & Immune Dysregulation
- Crap Food: Doesn’t give Nutrients, Looks like a Toxin, Increases stress.
- Toxins: Deplete nutrients, Increase stress, Impair
metabolism/detox. - Stress: Depletes nutrients, Impairs digestion, Impairs
detoxification. - And then ALL of these challenge our immune system’s ability to Tolerate intelligently.
Autoimmune Disease: A Perfect Storm
- Genetics
- Intestinal Permeabiltiy
- Weak Imbalnced Immune Function
- Environment (through genitic modulation and/or inflammatory triggers)
AUTOIMMUNE DIS-EASE ACTIVATION
“...the autoimmune process can be arrested if the interplay between genes and environmental triggers is prevented by re-establishing intestinal barrier function.... - Dr. Alessio Fasano
Many Ways to Be “Over The Top”!
- Immune dysregulation and imbalance can take many forms
- Each case is unique in triggers, genetics, and predisposing factors…
- Unregulated and Auto-reactive B cells & T cells can sustain immune activity. **
o “Regulatory T cells prevent biological “friendly fire” by ensuring that the T cells do
not attack the body’s own tissues. Failure of the regulatory T cells to control the
front-line fighters leads to autoimmune disease” - WS tip: In all AI, assume Intestinal Permeability, barrier dysfunction
(low Vitamin D, gluten, variety of medications, NSAIDs, toxins, radiation/chemo) *** - Out of control inflammation (e.g. Th17) or where anti-inflammatory cytokines change to
inflammatory ones. More inflammation attracts more immune activity, a vicious cycle ** - Loss of internal inflammation management due to low cortisol ****
- Molecular mimicry (esp. in regard to food and toxins)**
- Portions of various herpes viruses (e.g. Epstein Barr) are similar in polypeptide structure to
the myelin sheath of neurons. Immune system “confusion” is being studied in the etiology
of Multiple Sclerosis. ***** - Investigate Immuno-deficiency (weak immune system, ongoing/multiple infections,
Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Zinc…)
General AI Remedies
- Clean thoughts, water, and air. (We consume way more of these three than food.)
- Adequate Vitamin D, but not too much.* Optimize Vitamin A, Zinc. Boost minerals.
- WS tip: A willingness to be very disciplined in lifestyle choices for 12+ months.
- Ensure adequate methylation. Balance phase 1 and phase 2 detox.
- Eat real food, not foods that confuse the immune system (e.g. GMO, chemical-laden).
- Don’t eat gluten. Dairy and other grains may also be major factors (ST vs LT?).
- Find and counter microbial drivers. Address thyroid/adrenal if they keep showing up.
- Prevent or reverse obesity. **
- WS tip: Allow drugs to do their job in short-term, as necessary, in order to address root
causes w/o exacerbating disease damage or creating a secondary disease dynamic. - WS tip: Work on lifestyle improvement step by step. Overwhelm is a toxin.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint. - Sleep. Soundly. Regularly. Follow a natural, circadian day/night rhythm.
- Eating hygiene. Support impaired digestive function where/as needed.
- Overtly heal and then Nurture the gut lining. Don’t consume things that damage it
(e.g. food additives, artificial sweeteners, NSAIDs, medications). - Calm the immune system biochemically (e.g. probiotics) & hormonally (e.g. meditate).
- Create a resilient belief in the body’s ability to heal and be well.
Quercetin
- Flavanol common in fruits and vegetables
(e.g. onions, apples, berries, buckwheat, citrus fruit).
*Suppresses histamine release from mast cells, calming the immune system (and thus allergic and asthmatic response)
o Dosage: 1000mg 2-3x/day as needed. Start a full month prior to strong seasonal allergy time. - Dilates blood vessels by increasing nitric oxide production and reduces blood pressure in those with hypertension
o Dosage: 500mg twice daily. - Reduced inflammation from LDL oxidation and potentially reduces triglycerides (early data)
- Choose a formula with Bromelain (from pineapple) for enhanced absorption, but this must be taken on an empty stomach in order to be a helpful addition.
- Quercetin is contraindicated while one is taking antibiotics.
o It is a weak phytoestrogen which, contrary to common myth, is generally protective/helpful for those with hormone-mediated disease or imbalance.
