Spring 2011 Newsletter

From the Doctor’s Desk

Dr. Jim, Karen and Issy

First, I would like to thank Michelle Frost, our editor, for making this newsletter happen.

As everyone is well aware, we have been inundated with news about radiation fall-out since the recent 8.9 earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan, which has created extreme health risks and unimaginable havoc for the people living there. Shockwaves of fear about radioactivity exposure have now reached the United States. What advice do we as doctors give our patients, family and friends to reassure them there are measures they can take to minimize the effects of radioactive fallout?

Most importantly, they need to understand that as radiation travels from the compromised nuclear plants in northern Japan, the levels of radiation drop significantly the farther they travel away from the point of origin. It has been speculated that by the time the radioactive particles reach the United States the amount of exposure to humans would be equivalent to the amount of radiation a person receives on a transcontinental airline flight. This assessment has been widely questioned and it may indeed be an understatement. Being as proactive as possible is well-advised and I suggest these healthful options, based on the latest research I have gathered, for optimum self-care and peace of mind. Suggested measures/actions to take:

1. Antioxidants are essential due to the oxidation created by radiation. Antioxidants are a family of molecules that network to safely transfer energetic electrons and channel them into useful work through adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP). ATP is made in the mitochondria of the cell and is basically our power source throughout our body. Oxidative stressors, such as radioactive fallout (containing radioisotopes), disrupt the function of the mitochondria as well as causing damage to the immune and endocrine systems. Antioxidants can prevent and limit the damage to these systems. Begin a regim of antioxidants such as Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), Alpha-lipoic acid, selenomethionine, Vitamins A, C, D and K2, coenzyme Q10, omega 3 fatty acids and glutathione. Our Ultra High™ Formula is an advanced multi vitamin and antioxidant formula and is an excellent first line of defense.

2. Increase the consumption of sulfur-rich foods including garlic, onions, broccoli sprouts, ginger, and eggs (chicken, duck or goose). These sulphur-rich foods are traditionally protective foods. Consume miso, sea vegetables, seaweed (kelp), kimchi or raw sauerkraut and watercress. Herbal, green and white teas, rich in epigallocatechin gallates (ECGC), are recommended as well as fresh or freeze-dried vegetable juices and fiber or pulp-rich juices. Remember to stay hydrated (64 ounces daily). Avoid excess consumption of simple sugar sweeteners.

3. Many folks are concerned about the known risk of radioactive iodine 1-131 coming through the area of major fallout. The obvious thinking here is to block the intake of iodine 1-131 from getting into the thyroid gland. This can be accomplished by flooding the body with non-radioactive iodine. However, Potassium iodide use is only recommended in areas where the exposure is extremely high, i.e., northern Japan. By the time radioactive fallout reaches the U.S., the amounts of radioactive particles do not warrant the use of potassium iodide and the subsequent damage that would occur to the endocrine system. It is suggested to consume sea vegetables, such as nori or kombu, that contribute healthy iodine to the thyroid, eaten with each meal, will deter the uptake of destructive radioactive iodine 1-131.

4. Exercise that includes stretching remains an important component of maintaining health. Work consciously to maintain a sense of balance and calm throughout this period. This too shall pass.

Understanding Raw Materials

I am frequently asked by fellow doctors why some supplement formulas work better than similar formulas that share many of the same raw materials. The simple answer is that all raw materials are not created equal. Some raw materials are standardized to contain specific amounts (usually in percentages) of the active constituents that are clinically shown to be effective in treating certain medical conditions. For example, Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), found in many liver formulas, is generally recognized as a highly beneficial botanical medicine in treating liver disease. In most professional liver formulas, you will find that the silymarin raw material used is standardized to contain 80% silymarin. The problem is that since all these companies are claiming to use the “same” standardized 80% silymarin, they would all contain the same ingredients. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

At Mountain Peak Nutritionals, we looked closely at the different raw materials offered by various venders and found they are indeed not of the same quality. We discovered many of the Chinese botanicals we tested contained higher than acceptable levels of solvents, silymarin being a perfect example. There are also ways to manipulate higher standardization values by adding certain compounds that inflate actual values. A less conscientious company may not know they are using a raw material that contains such solvents, falling short of the values and specifications they claim.

We made a decision when we first began Mountain Peak Nutritionals in 1996 that we would judiciously search for the highest quality and most bioavailable raw materials. For years, we have purchased many of our botanical raw materials from Euromed® because they are simply a cut above the other vendors offering similar, but certainly not equal, raw materials. Recently, we integrated three new raw materials from Indena S.p.A into our formula line, which utilize the most current phytosome technology: Meriva®, Siliphos®, and Virtiva®, offering far greater bioavailability and absorption than the traditional standardized alternatives. For example, Siliphos® (Silymarin) demonstrated a 10-fold higher bioavailability then it’s standardized counterpart, and Meriva® showed a 20-fold increase over standardized curcumin.

Mountain Peak Nutritionals is always on the lookout for more effective raw materials that will provide even better patient outcomes. We are delighted to integrate this new phytosome technology into our product line.

Yours in health,
Jim Massey, ND

Mountain Peak Nutritionals’ Features…

Click the image to see this formula on mpn8.com

Aging is not for the faint of heart. We all want to grow old gracefully and feel healthy for as long as possible. With this ideal in mind, Mountain Peak Nutritionals (MPN) created Longevity™ formula – a vital component for a healthy life-prolonging regimen. Longevity™ formula brings together the top five clinically recognized anti-aging raw materials into a single capsule. Coenzyme Q-10, acetyl-L-carnitine (with Biotin), resveratrol, alpha-lipoic acid, and serrapeptase are combined at high therapeutic levels.

There are two forms of CoQ10, ubiquinone and ubiquinol; ubiquinone is easily converted to ubiquinol. The impression that ubiquinol, being in an oil soluble base, is more bioavailable for patients with an absorption issue (1 in 10,000) must also be balanced with the fact that ubiquinol needs sufficient dietary fats for optimal absorption. Ubiquinone is water soluble, easily converted to ubiquinol and readily absorbed.

MPN uses natural CoQ10 (ubiquinone) manufactured at Kwoya Laboratories in Japan, one of the top three manufacturers of CoQ10 in the world. This natural CoQ10 is produced by microbial (yeast or bacteria) fermentation, resulting in the production of the desirable trans isomer, the form identical in structure made by the human body. This allows for optimal bioactivity. There is no residual yeast or bacteria in the final raw material.

Serrapeptase digests non-living tissue, blood clots, cysts, arterial plaque and inflammation in all forms. It i

s important to keep inflammation under tight control since it appears to play a major role in the development of far too many chronic degenerative diseases. We have included 30 mg of serrapeptase, as it has been clinically shown to be not only an incredible anti-inflammatory, but also highly beneficial in reducing arthritis pain (both osteo and rheumatoid), improves circulation, protects against stroke, and removes arterial plaque.

The buzzword in any life-prolonging regimen is Resveratrol. Preliminary clinical studies show Resveratrol possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antioxidant and antimutagenic activity. At MPN, we elected to use 200 mg of the stronger, naturally created raw material standardized to contain 50% trans-resveratrol.

What We’re Up To…

MPN is a Proud Sponsor of Tribute Skate Team

The folks at Tribute were all set to embark on a trip to Japan on March 28th to meet up with their Tokyo distributor. Team members were planning to spend 3 weeks connecting with their Japanese counterpart and capturing their epic journey on film (Tribute Takes Tokyo, March 28-April 18). Since the earthquake, they have cancelled the trip and hope to raise funds to help Japan by selling Tribute t-shirts online. All proceeds from t-shirt sales will be donated to Mercy Corps Japan Relief. Tribute tees are $10 and can be found at: www.tributeskateboards.com.

MPN8 Team is in Training for the Portland Marathon October 9th, 2011

Our MPN8 marathon team is gearing-up with daily walks and weekend hikes around the west slope and Mt.Tabor areas. Karen, Leslie and Michelle have set their sights on completing the half-marathon walk, following a 13-mile course through downtown’s tree-lined streets and along the Willamette River waterfront. Our fingers are crossed for NO RAIN on that October day.

We Have Discovered a New Healthy Snack Called SEEDY BARS

Jim and Karen met the owner of Seedy Bars, Lisa Chuman, at the local farmers’ market in Beaverton, Oregon. They really loved the snack bars so they brought them to the office to share and we all agree, there’s nothing like their surprising blend of honey and cayenne. Seedy Bars is so new that Lisa does not yet have a web site. However, she has been taking orders over the phone 503-245-2744 and by email at seedybar@gmail.com.

Upcoming Conferences & Events We Plan to Attend

• Wright & Gaby: “Nutritional Therapy in Medical Practice” May 13-16, Seattle, WA
• 26th Annual AANP Convention: “Composing Effective Patient Care” August 17-20th Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, AZ

Issy-isms

Issy

You may not yet know about our company mascot Isabella, a.k.a. Issy. She is a very rambunctious and well-loved one-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever. Issy keeps us smiling and reminds us with her frayed rope or another favorite chew toy to stop and play several times a day. When she is not busy chasing squirrels up the oak tree, or chewing sticks under the hammock, she is indoors with us supervising our busy office. Please stay tuned for Issy’s summer missives.

In Closing…

MPN is working hard to support naturopathic communities everywhere. Currently, we are donating a portion of our profits to NDs in Colorado and Alaska as they struggle to achieve licensure and other legislative efforts. We truly appreciate each state’s efforts to create state licensure and state boards for the legitimate certification of NDs.

Thank you, we hope you enjoyed our brand new newsletter. Until we meet again, be well!

Your Friends at MPN,
Jim, Karen, Leslie, Trisha and Michelle