I’ve had numerous patients in the past tell me they’ve dabbled in Thrive. Hell, I even did for a hot minute when I was in school! Most recently, I had a new patient ask me if they should continue their Thrive regiment along with her individualized plan from me. I asked her to send me the ingredient list of what she was taking, and I couldn’t believe was I was reading. These types of things really raise my cortisol level. 

I’m including the pictures she sent me and I’m going to break down a handful of things that I have to address. 

These two words make me cringe! They sincerely make me cringe more than the word moist. Folic acid is not our friend and we do not want it in the supplements we take or the food we eat. Folic acid IS NOT the same thing as folate and should NEVER be used as an equivalent. Folic acid can inhibit transport of the necessary active folate across the blood-brain barrier where we need it to be able to support reductions in neuroinflammation.

My patient then told me that you’re supposed to then have your shake 20 to 40 minutes after taking the capsules that I was just referring to. 

Magnesium is a powerhouse mineral that roughly 80% of American’s are deficient in. It’s also needed for over 300 enzymatic conversions inside of your body. Wild, I know!  There are multiple forms of magnesium- magnesium citrate is one I rarely ever use. It is typically used for constipation, if you’ve ever had a colonoscopy prep, you’d have used a lot of it. It’s not absorbed well and it’s not a great wellness, magnesium option- sometimes is can even do more harm than good. 

Each natural flavor may contain up to 100 ingredients. Those 100 ingredients include synthetic chemicals such as the solvent propylene glycol, the preservative BHA, and GMO-derived ingredients (unless organic or Non-GMO Project verified). Natural flavors can be derived from literally anything in nature, even animal parts. The subgroup of BPA plastics are also xenoestrogens, meaning they mimic estrogen. With female autoimmune disorders on the rise, along with female cancers, the last thing we want in our diets are xenoestrogens. 

Sucralose (Splenda) is an artificial sweetener, similar to aspartame. Sucralose is produced by a multi-step chemical process that replaces three hydrogen-oxygen groups with three chlorine atoms. This replacement intensifies the sweetness to 600 times more than table sugar- while containing zero calories. As you can imagine, our gut is not a fan of sucralose. A study on sucralose and the GI microbiome showed that sucralose altered the gut microbiome by decreasing beneficial bacteria by up to 50%. Moreover, 12 weeks after the study the beneficial bacteria in the GI tract had not recovered. The study also found that sucralose may limit the bioavailability of certain orally administered medications- making the medications less effective.1

. Nearly all soy is GMO courtesy of Monsanto. (Insert eye roll emoji.) There are two soy isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, that increase estrogen activity. Which means soy is xenoestrogens and mimics estrogen- causing an estrogen buildup in our bodies. As we learn more about what this does to our body, we know it influences autoimmune disorders, estrogen dominance, and female cancers. 

• These products are not certified GMO-free. And let's be real, if you’ve grossed over two billion dollars in 2018, you can afford the certification. Without a certification, I don't blindly trust anything- you shouldn't either. 

Now, as I stated previously, you don’t know until you know. I’ve had patients and friends tell me they’d spend $150-$300 A MONTH on their Thrive supplements. That doesn’t sit right with me knowing how subpar and toxic some of their ingredients truly are.
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It is imperative to get your supplements, herbs, and vitamins from a trusted medical professional. If you have any questions on what supplements you and/or your kiddos should be taking, please, set up an appointment! I am truly here to help you- that’s the purpose of this exposing blog. I sincerely hope I did not hurt any feelings, but the truth needs to be told.

​Let’s get back to health,
Dr. Taryn

Alright, now back to the nitty gritty.....

I’m sure you’ve noticed the posts circling, the news anchors chatting, and your mother calling about not using Advil for the Coronavirus or elderberry, but instead to use Tylenol. 
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When I see things like this, I revert to what I know best, science and research. I immediately think of how the body functions and what pathways are affected. The yin and the yang. Before I start talking about what may be foreign words to most, I’m going to break a couple things down. 

• Cytokines: “Cytokines are multifunctional molecules that mediate a wide range of physiological responses, primarily host defense (immunity and inflammation). In addition to their role in immunity and inflammation, cytokines are involved in a variety of pathophysiological conditions in the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), and thus serve as neuro-immunomodulators.”​

• 
  
• 
  
• Pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α
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• Anti-inflammatory cytokines: IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, TGF-β

• Th1 cytokine profile: IL-2, IL-12, IFN- γ, TNF-α
  • Th1 cytokines are associated with bacterial infections and certain autoimmune disorders (i.e.: atherosclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis)
  • TH-1 Dominant= Too much natural killer and cytotoxic T-cell activity
  • Research shows that Type 1 Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis and chronic viral infections are often associated with a TH-1 dominance.

• Th2 cytokine profile: IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13
  • Th2 cytokines indicate allergic responses or mucosal parasitic infections.
  • TH-2 Dominant= Too much B-cell activity
  • Research shows that Lupus, dermatitis, asthma and multiple chemical sensitivities are often associated with a TH-2 dominance.

The goal in Th1/Th2 dominance is to balance them. You do this by stimulating the non-dominant side. It's easier said than done! But, that's why I'm here. 

• Th17 cytokine profile: IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, TGF-β
  • Th17 cells are implicated in autoimmune disorders; but IL-17 is also key to maintaining a protective intestinal mucosal barrier and to fighting bacterial, mycobacterial, and fungal infections.

Cytokine Storm (hypercytokinemia): The systemic expression of a healthy and vigorous immune system resulting in the release of more than 150 known inflammatory mediators. This isn’t a good thing. 

Okay, let me break this down:

Coronavirus, when it’s severe, gets into the lungs and becomes a respiratory problem- an immense one at that- especially in the elderly and the immunocompromised. The elderly and immunocompromised typically have lower glutathione levels, lower stomach acid, and redox imbalance.

​Elderberry stimulates Th1 cytokines, which some are inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1, IL-8). The increased inflammatory response is vital for the initial stage of our immune system killing pathogens. Hence, why it can be potentially helpful against the Coronavirus. It summons the many components of the immune system to the infection to kill the bug. In some people, taking this may be helpful.

​But as the study circulating suggested, the potential danger is the increased IL-6 production. If you increase IL-6 in a patient, who has high TGFb (transforming growth factor beta) you will increase and activate the amount of Th9 cells. Th9 cells produce enormous amounts of IL-9. What does this mean? Massive mucus production. In a respiratory illness, increasing mucus production is not what you want. 

​But IL-6 alone will not raise the Th9 levels and activity. You also need elevated TGFb. When TGFb is high, it’s made from MDSCs (myeloid derived suppressor cells). MDSC’s rise when the immune system is being inefficient and having trouble clearing infections, resulting in chronic elevated inflammatory levels- commonly seen in autoimmune disease. 

The thought is, if you have a Th1 polarized disease, elderberry could induce a “cytokine storm” inside your body. However, on the flip side, elderberry has never been shown to increase cytokine storm. It’s a hard row to hoe to actually trigger a cytokine storm. In fact, the scientific literature suggests that herbs (including Echinacea) decrease cytokine storms. PMID: 28279802

•  The cytokine storm of severe influenza and development of immunomodulatory therapy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4711683/. Accessed March 2, 2020.

​Elderberry supplementation, in an otherwise healthy individual, is not harmful. During respiratory distress, if you have an autoimmune disorder, elderberry may not be the best choice. 

Now let’s discuss the push to use Tylenol (Acetaminophen) instead- YIKES!

If you’re wondering where the ‘yikes’ comes from, read this.

So, let's talk prevention and/or recovery!

First and foremost, when it comes to preventing upper respiratory infections, you want to increase Defensins (Vitamin D). Why? So that any virus landing on the skin or in the mouth are killed on contact. 

• Pinheiro da Silva F, Machado MCC. Antimicrobial peptides: clinical relevance and therapeutic implications. Peptides. 2012;36(2):308-314. doi:10.1016/j.peptides.2012.05.014.
• Beard JA, Bearden A, Striker R. Vitamin D and the anti-viral state. J Clin Virol. 2011;50(3):194-200. doi:10.1016/j.jcv.2010.12.006

​You want a diet high in antioxidants- Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C are VITAL! Hell, even if your diet is high in these, added supplementation is still a great idea. If you live where the air hurts your face; you MUST supplement Vitamin D. 

Wash your hands, get adequate sleep, take your supplements, get adjusted, reduce your stress, drink water, eat whole foods, support your body. 

​There are a multitude of upper respiratory support herbs, GI tract support (probiotics are hugely important), overall immune support, etc.- SO MANY OTHER OPTIONS THAT ARE SUPERIOR TO TYLENOL!

​I hope this eased some minds, clarified some others, and most of all- educated. I’m always here to help!

​While getting ready to write this blog, I called my grandmother and my mother to ask a couple questions.

My grandmother is 79 years young, and bless her heart, when my son is around in the winter- “bundle up before you catch a cold” comes out of her mouth without hesitation. I know she knows differently now, but it’s true that old habits die hard. And quite honestly, if she gets him to put his winter clothing on, without hesitation- that’s fine with me!

​As I say often, I love science because it’s always evolving. Well, my grandmother’s mom used to suggest a shot of Brandy to kick the cold as well! Good thing that’s taken a back seat- along with lobotomies.

​My mother is a generation younger than my grandmother. (You’re welcome, Mom.) While she was growing up: the cold weather made you sick, but chicken noodle soup, 7UP, and saltines made you better. My mom’s mother was ahead of her time, she started giving my mom Vitamin C for prevention!

Okay, okay, let’s put a kibosh on his old wives’ tale....

​It is the inability to adapt due to decreased sun exposure and water intake combined with increased sugar intake and stress. (Read that again.)

​If you live where the wind hurts your face during the winter months, you are not getting nearly enough Vitamin D. Where is the BEST source of Vitamin D? The sun. Sunlight increases vitamin D synthesis when it strikes bare skin. Deficiency in Vitamin D contributes to inflammation in the body and decreased immunity. Well over 50-60% of Americans have inadequate Vitamin D levels. Pregnant mothers are at an upwards of 70+%!

There are different forms of Vitamin D and excess can cause hypercalcemia, Let me elaborate on that:

Vitamin D3 has been shown to be 87% more potent in raising vitamin D concentrations in the body.

​Vitamin D and Vitamin K can work together to optimize calcium metabolism. 

​Vitamin K3 - that is a synthetic metabolite that needs to be converted to MK-4 to be active, it is not generally in supplements or used in humans. 

​Vitamin K (either K1 (found in leafy greens), K2 (from fermentation) or both) is often used in conjunction with Vitamin D supplementation to support calcium absorption into bones.

Optimal gut health is vital when it comes overall health and wellness. In order to achieve optimal gut health, probiotics must be utilized. Without probiotics, imbalances in the gut microbiota, dysregulate immune responses. Specific probiotic strands like: Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG® and Lactobacillus casei DN-114001 have been extensively studied for immune system support. Learn more

​It is true that the common cold virus can reproduce itself more efficiently in the cooler temperatures found inside the nose than at core body temperature, but this does not mean that the cold weather will make you sick! It’s 2019, we know that a shot of Brandy isn’t going to fix a cold or the flu; but we also know that there are many, many preventative supplements to reduce your chance of succumbing to the latest “bug” this winter! If you would like to know more, please, contact us today.

​Let’s get back to health,
Dr. Taryn

"What cold medicine do you recommend?" I think I now hear this in my sleep! I 100% recommend THIS cold medicine. I suggest V Clear EPS 7630 to be in every household, there's even a cherry flavor for the kiddos! Prevention is key through diet, lifestyle, and supplements- but sometimes things are out of our control. 

Steer clear of medicines with acetaminophen in them, ​https://www.stittleburgrhc.com/lifestyle-blog/lets-talk-acetaminophen

Please contact Stittleburg Restorative Health Care for more information!
​
Let's get back to health,
Dr. Taryn

Let’s Talk (Cheap) Supplements!

With so many people experiencing nutritional and mineral deficiencies, feeling stressed out and tired, the supplemental industry has taken off. I read a study the other day stating that 50% of Americans take a multivitamin and one in five adults take an herbal supplement. Money doesn’t grow on trees, everyone loves to save money, I get it. But what are you truly putting into your body when taking cheap, uncertified supplements, not purchased from your Health Care Professional? The answer, no one truly knows! Supplements that aren’t certified are full of nasty fillers and synthetic ingredients, with little to no active ingredients. 

Ugly Truth #1- Most supplements you find on grocery store and drugstore shelves, haven’t been tested for safety or efficacy by the FDA before marketing! Read that again, that’s scary. There is a law called the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) that defines how dietary supplements are regulated. The law states that it is the responsibility of each manufacturer to show that a product is safe and effective before marketing that product. The FDA has no authority to do its own safety review before a product is made available to the public. Some companies do their own testing of raw materials and final products, but some do not. Product analyses are completely voluntary. High-quality companies will pay for third-party testing to confirm the presence of ingredients, the potency of ingredients, and the absence of contaminants. Common contaminants that are tested for include heavy metals, solvents, pesticides, and microbes.

Ugly Truth #2- The FDA does not certify supplement-manufacturing facilities. Sure, the FDA requires that companies follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), but there’s no certification for this. cGMPs require that the manufacturing facility be clean, climate-controlled, and run with good quality-control procedures. cGMPs have to do with how products are made—they have nothing to do with what is actually in the final product.
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Ugly Truth #3- The FDA does not standardize dosages or forms of ingredients in dietary supplements. Magnesium is mineral that nearly 50% of Americans are deficient in. Off the top of my head I can think of 5 different forms of magnesium: magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide and magnesium glycinate. What form and/or dosage is sold on the shelves? I have no idea. One form is fantastic for muscles, one is great for digestion, and one will give you diarrhea- just for starters. Do you take an iron supplement? Iron sulfate causes the common side effect of constipation, whereas iron citrate formulated with vitamin C is most readily digested and absorbed. The form of the ingredient, the dosage of the ingredient, and the formulation of the entire product all influence whether or not a dietary supplement will be effective. This is information you should trust your Health Care Provider with.

Take it from me, I am a bargain shopper. I love garage sales, I love thrift stores. I love things that are free, that I will probably never use- but you never know! Something you just can’t skimp on, is what goes into your body. You are doing more harm than good with taking supplements from the grocery store and drugstore! With the Emerson Quality Program℠ we can assure you of your product. At Stittleburg Restorative Health Care we utilize Emerson's Gold Partner Brands. This means that they test every lot of every ingredient in the products they manufacture, far exceeding FDA requirements. Ensuring the highest level of quality has been in Emerson’s DNA since day one.

Please contact us today for a supplemental consultation! You can place your order online and it’s shipped right to your door. Now, that’s pretty neat!

Referenced:
1. Nutrition Business Journal. Practitioner Channel Deep Dive. 2017 
Content referenced from Emerson Wellevate site https://edu.wellevate.me/three-minute-difference/a-conversation-on-quality-3-things-new-patients-need-to-know/