By Ralph Sanchez, L.Ac.,CNS,D.Hom.

Obesity has become a major health epidemic. Data from a prominent health survey (NHANES) taken in1976-1980 and again in 2003-2004, revealed that obesity rates (defined as being over 30 percent above ideal body weight), have more than doubled for children and adults. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), reports that approximately one-third of the U.S. population is classified as obese and over two-thirds are significantly overweight. What we now know, is that the proverbial spare tire or belly fat, and obesity, represents a slow but sure metabolic disease pattern which begins for many early in childhood. Being overweight is not simply about towing around extra weight, but rather one of a brewing health disorder that most people are not aware of until they are given a diagnosis. There may be 30 or 40 years of biological mayhem being created in one’s body before they are pronounced with Metabolic Syndrome or type 2 diabetes, not to mention the cardiovascular and neurological implications of their condition that can suddenly put their lives at risk if not end it prematurely.

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By Ralph Sanchez, L.Ac.,CNS,D.Hom.

GABA, or “gamma aminobutyric acid,” produced in the central nervous system, is the body’s natural muscle relaxant, tranquilizer, and nerve calmer. GABA, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter), also available as a supplement, works by limiting the nerve cell activity in areas of the brain associated with anxiety. Some anxiety disorders have increased cell activity in these areas. GABA functions as a calming neurotransmitter in your brain inhibiting nerve impulses related to stress and anxiety.

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By Ralph Sanchez, L.Ac.,CNS,D.Hom.

The associated health issues related to gluten intolerance (GI), have a wide range, with Celiac Disease being the defining and best known aspect of that problem. However, GI can often go undiagnosed, because it does not always present with the more obvious symptoms seen in Celiac Disease (CD). GI and even CD can be cryptic, or a hidden problem, in many individuals. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatty stools, nausea or vomiting, and distention are at times part of the clinical presentation of GI and CD, however these symptoms may be mild or absent altogether. Cryptic or hidden GI, is commonly referred to as sub-clinical gluten intolerance or sensitivity, and bears distinguishing it’s clinical features from CD.
Sub-clinical gluten intolerance is often confused with celiac disease, also referred to as celiac sprue or non-tropical sprue, or gluten enteropathy. In essence, CD is a diagnosis that is confirmed by biopsy of intestinal tissue. If the damage is apparent upon biopsy and there is other supportive evidence, such as elevated antibodies, then the diagnosis of CD is given. The reaction to gluten in sub-clinical gluten intolerance, commonly referred to as gluten “sensitivity”, may be similar to the gluten intolerance in celiac disease, except for the actual degree of presenting symptoms and the damage to the small intestine-if any exists. In many cases there is not any typical presenting symptoms and absence of any apparent intestinal damage, but there will be other health issues, such as anemia, fatigue due to malabsorption of nutrients, mood disorders, elevated thyroid antibodies, rheumatic pains or other related autoimmune diseases.
Other medical references to forms of CD, include “silent” CD, which does not present with any symptoms that normally characterizes a GI, but upon a biopsy, there will be damage to the tissues of the small intestine. Silent CD, may present as one of many other celiac disease related disorders. “Latent CD”, refers to a finding of positive blood antibody tests, but there are is minimal or no appearance of damage to the intestinal tissues upon examination. It is thought that these latent cases reflect gluten sensitive individuals, or perhaps a relatively gluten free diet, albeit also having a high probability for eventual damage to the intestinal tract with any significant exposure to gluten. These references to GI and classifications of CD are not concrete definitions. They are at times used interchangeably and are used more so to categorize atypical CD.

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By Ralph Sanchez, L.Ac.,CNS,D.Hom

One of the most versatile nutraceuticals for a number of clinical applications is Carnitine. Carnitine, a vitamin-like compound, is generally classified as an amino acid. Not to be confused with Carnosine, L Carnitine (Levocarnitine), is the preferred form (isomer) of Carnitine. Another form of Carnitine, the D-isomer, or D Carnitine, is not biologically active. D Carnitine can compete with the L-isomer. Always look for a guarantee that your Carnitine product is free of D Carnitine. Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR), the acetyl derivative of L-Carnitine, and a popular supplement for supporting brain function, is metabolized in the body from carnitine, crosses the blood brain barrier more effectively and is best known for its brain protection and performance benefits. For the purposes of expanding the benefits of carnitine for energy and performance enhancement, we will stick to L carnitine in this article.

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