Daily Research: The Blood Type Diet

As I have studied with GCNM I have learned a little bit about how blood type can determine a persons health. I decided to research it more after reading about it in Patrick Holford's book The New Optimum Nutrition Bible. I was lucky enough to come upon the books that have been written to define this theory. Doctor Peter J.D' Adamo is the founding father of what is now known as "The Blood Type Diet." Here is a great article introducing his theory.

How Blood Type Determines Your Health
One of the hallmarks of alternative medicine is the recognition of the biochemical uniqueness of each individual and the need to tailor treatments and prescriptions to match that individual variability. While a person's genetic code, ultimately, is the basis of this individuality, basing treatments on genetic factors is too broad an approach and not consistent with alternative medicine.

According to naturopath Peter J. D'Adamo, N.D., in his book Eat Right 4 Your Type, the missing link might be the four basic blood types: O, A, B, and AB. "There had to be a reason why there were so many paradoxes in dietary studies and disease survival," why some people lose weight and others do not on the same diet or why some people keep their vitality as they age, and others do not, says Dr. D'Adamo.

His research into anthropology, medical history, and genetics led him to conclude that blood type is "the key that unlocks the door to the mysteries of health, disease, longevity, physical vitality, and emotional strength." Dr. D'Adamo explains that the practical application of the blood type "key" is that it enables you to make informed choices about your dietary, exercise, supplement, and even medical treatment plans. With the blood type "road map," these plans can now "correspond to your exact biological profile" and "the dynamic natural forces within your own body."

Type O-People with type O blood fare best on intense physical exercise and animal proteins and less well on dairy products and grains, says Dr. D'Adamo. The leading reason for weight gain among Type O's is the gluten found in wheat products and, to a lesser extent, lentils, corn, kidney beans, and cabbage, Dr. D'Adamo explains. Ideal exercises for Type O's include aerobics, martial arts, contact sports, and running.

Type A-Those with blood type A, however, are more naturally suited to a vegetarian diet and foods that are fresh, pure, and organic. As Type A's are predisposed to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, "I can't emphasize how critical this dietary adjustment can be to the sensitive immune system of Type A," says Dr. D'Adamo. Type A's prefer calming, centering exercise, such as yoga and tai chi.

Type B-Type B's have a strong immune system and a tolerant digestive system and tend to resist many of the severe chronic degenerative illnesses, or at least survive them better than the other blood types. Type B's do best with moderate physical exercise requiring mental balance, such as hiking, cycling, tennis, and swimming.

Type AB-Blood type AB, the most recent, in terms of evolution, of the four groups and an amalgam of types A and B, is the most biologically complex. For this group, a combination of the exercises for types A and B works best, says Dr. D'Adamo.

Blood type, with its digestive and immune specificity, is a window on a person's probable susceptibility to or power over disease, according to Dr. D'Adamo. For example, Type O's are the most likely to suffer from asthma, hay fever, and other allergies, while Type B's have a high allergy threshold, and will react allergically only if they eat the wrong foods. Type B's are also especially susceptible to autoimmune disorders, such as chronic fatigue, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Type AB's tend to have the fewest problems with allergies, while heart disease, cancer, and anemia are medical risks for them.

With arthritis, Type O's, again, are the predominant sufferers because their immune systems are "environmentally intolerant," especially to foods such as grains and potatoes which can produce inflammatory reactions in their joints, says Dr. D'Adamo. Types A and B are the most susceptible to diabetes, while types A and AB have an overall higher rate of cancer and poorer survival odds than the other types.

While you cannot change your blood type, you can use knowledge about its nature to implement a dietary plan biologically suited to your makeup, says Dr. D'Adamo, who supplies copious details on eating plans for all four types. "Most of my patients experience some results [within two weeks of starting the diet plan]-increased energy, weight loss, a lessening of digestive complaints, and improvement of chronic conditions such as asthma, headaches, and heartburn."

-Excerpted From: Alternative Medicine Digest, Future Medicine Publishing (source)

To learn more go to Doctor D' Adamo's website: Eat Right For Your Type

Daily Research: Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

I have a four year old son who has a serious problem with grinding his teeth at night. It has gotten to the point that it is beginning to wear on his teeth. I was studying my GCNM Text: The New Optimum Nutrition Bible, by Patrick Holford. He gives a great analysis of all of the different vitamins and their benefits as well as their deficiency signs. According to Holford, teeth grinding is a sign or a deficiency in vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid.)

I decided to do further research in this to find another source to confirm this as well as any further information and suggestions about the matter. I found a source that gives suggestions that confirm Holford's diagnosis as well as a good list of remedies for the condition. The information is as follows:

Health911.com

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

" Grinding your teeth at night can cause a number of problems, such as seriously wearing down your teeth, loosening the teeth, gum reduction, jaw joint problems, and may be a cause of headaches during the day. You may not realize you are grinding your teeth unless somebody sleeping with you notices it. Otherwise you may notice symptoms to alert you to the problem, such as headaches, aching jaw muscles, loose teeth or gum problems.

Studies have shown that one of the causes is a deficiency in pantothenic acid (one of the B-vitamins) and calcium. Pantothenic acid, an anti-stress vitamin, reduces the production of certain hormones from the adrenal glands. A lack of pantothenic acid is a factor in the control of motor activity; bruxism is a sign that motor activity is not under control. A calcium deficiency causes muscle cramps or involuntary movement of muscles in the mouth resulting in grinding of the teeth. Chew a few calcium or bone meal tablets before bedtime. This remedy seems to reduce contractions of the jaw muscles. Another idea is to crush the tablets and combine them with wheat germ oil and mix with food or drink to make it palatable.

A magnesium deficiency may be another cause. A deficiency can cause spasming, and seems to affect people at night. Leg cramps and teeth grinding are just two ways a magnesium deficiency manifests itself at night. See our remedy below.

Another possible cause of bruxism is parasites. Pinworms, a common parasite, can cause teeth grinding. A large percentage of the population has some form of parasitic infestation, so have a stool analysis test to determine if you have parasites. Then try an herbal parasite cleanse, not a drug remedy.

Some people who have bruxism are internalizing their anger. There are many ways to deal with anger, but it is not the scope of this section. However, meditation, tai chi, and exercise are a few methods to try. Anything that will help you relax will be beneficial. A method called Emotional Freedom Technique may be helpful in dealing with stress and anger.

Tips
To eliminate your tooth grinding problem here are several suggestions: try taking a warm bath before bedtime; drink less alcohol. Your dentist will be able to assess the extent of tooth damage caused by this problem. The dentist may recommend a custom-fitted mouth guard (expensive) to be worn while you sleep or you may purchase one from a sporting goods store. If the problem persists, consider cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Changes to Make
Supplements

Take supplements or foods rich in pantothenic acid and calcium to help relieve your tooth grinding problem.

Calcium Take calcium before going to bed. This will help relax your muscles.

Lavender Mix 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil in a teaspoon of almond or olive oil and massage in onto your jaw and neck close to the jaw. Also, drink some lavender tea regularly.

Magnesium Take 4-500 mg of magnesium before going to bed. This, too, will help relax your muscles and will prevent leg cramps, too.

Pantothenic acid is found in multivitamins, and should be taken daily.

Valerian Mix 3-4 drops of valerian essential oil in a teaspoon of almond or olive oil and massage in onto your jaw and neck close to the jaw. Also, drink some valerian tea regularly." - Health911.com

I really liked these suggestions. As a mother, these suggestions are very doable. As a HHP these suggestions are in line with the education that I have gained so far as a student, including the suggestion that teeth grinding might be a sign of a parasite.

Daily Research: Adoptive Mother Breastfeeding

I have a dear friend who will be adopting a baby in one month. She is unable to become pregnant because health problems required a full hysterectomy. My friend was able to have two children prior to the hysterectomy. She was able to breastfeed both of her children and had a wonderful experience doing so. She understands the benefits of breastfeeding and came to me to talk about whether or not it is possible to breastfeed this adopted baby. The answer is, YES!
Adoptive mothers breastfeeding their newly adopted babies has become almost common practice. My friend knew that re-lactation was possible. But she was unsure whether or not it was possible for a women who has had a hysterectomy. I was thrilled to be able to let her know that breastfeeding is indeed possible for a woman who has had a hysterectomy. The hormones that make lactation possible are hormones produced by the pituitary gland, not the ovaries.
Another common question is whether or not a woman who has never been pregnant or lactated before can breastfeed a baby. I am again thrilled to say that the answer is YES!
A woman produces breast milk due to hormone changes in the body and stimulation to the breast. "Prolactin (PRL) or Luteotropic hormone (LTH) is a peptide hormone primarily associated with lactation. In breastfeeding, the act of an infant suckling the nipple stimulates the production of prolactin, which fills the breast with milk via a process called lactogenesis, in preparation for the next feed. Oxytocin, another hormone, is also released, which triggers milk let-down." - Wikipedia Encyclopidia
So how can an adoptive mother begin the process of stimulating lactation and ultimately breastfeeding her adopted baby? Here are my suggestions:

1. Build a support group. The process of stimulating lactaion or re-lactation is not necessarily easy. It takes time, patience, and a positive outlook on the whole experience. It is important to surround yourself with positive and supporting influences.

2. Nourish your body. Begin taking prenatal vitamins (Rainbow Light are my personal favorite.) I also encourage supplementing with Omega 3 (NSI are my personal favorite.) Study up on the fact that what you put into your body eventually may be excreted through your breast milk. Begin making any changes necessary.

3. Start pumping! Invest in a high quality electric breast pump. Make sure that it is a dual pump so you can pump both breasts at the same time. It is also very helpful to have an adapter included that makes it possible to plug the pump in while you are on road trips in the car or away from home. Purchase a hands free pumping bra (here is what I recommend.) This is very helpful when you are trying to pump several times throughout the day. I also highly recommend a nursing cover up (this is what I recommend.) My recommendation is for a woman to pump an average of every two to four hours throughout the day, sleep through the night, and pump again first thing in the morning (not going more then 9 hours in between the last night and morning pumping session).

4. Herbs: Funugreek has been used by women for centuries to promote lactation in women. Rema Jensen MD has written a great article titled Fenugreek: Overlooked But Not Forgotten. She writes from personal experience about how Fenugreek promotes lactation. Milk Thistle is another herb that has been known to promote the production of breast milk in women. Milk Thistle stimulates blood flow to the breasts which leads to increased production of breast milk.

5. Medication: There is a medication that has a side effect that increases the production of Prolactin. It is called Domperidone (Motilium™.) Domperidone increases prolactin secretion indirectly, by interfering with the action of dopamine. One of the actions of dopamine is that it decreases the secretion of prolactin by the pituitary gland. Doctor Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC has written an article on adopting.org about Domperidone. He gives a good overview on the pros and cons of using Domperidone to increase the Prolactin hormone.

How Long Will It Take? What If I Need Milk NOW? This is the big question. Because every woman's body is different, everyone will have a different outcome. Some women have been known to have drops of milk within a week after pumping, other times it takes months. Occasionally women are able to produce enough milk to sustain their baby's needs. Most of the time a secondary supplementing source is necessary. I recommend the Lact Aid Nursing Trainer. Darrillyn Starr has written an article that gives an overview of the different Nursing Supplementers. She writes from personal experience which is always helpful.

Breast Milk or Formula? I am a strong advocate of breast milk. I am not however against formula (especially in this circumstance.) Some women feel comfortable using both the breast milk they can provide as well as formula to fill in the gaps. There is also the option of using donated breast milk from another woman. You would be amazed at how many women have frozen breast milk stored in their deep freezers.:) If this is something you want to consider I suggest asking close family and friends first and then going to your nearest La Leche League International Leader.

What Should I Stay Away From? I recommend talking to your doctor if you are taking any anti depressants that effect the dopamine level in the body such as Wellbutrin. I am not in any way saying that anyone should go off of medication, I just want to make a note that high levels of dopamine might interfere with the production of prolactin in the body.