Winter News/January 2012

From the Doctor’s Desk

In a previous newsletter I discussed sugars and the major role they play in obesity and diabetes.  Since then I’ve been reading more about the epidemic growth of diabetes and the connection in eating meat.  Recent research confirms a link to Type 2 diabetes from traces of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides found in factory-farmed meat and fish.

Most of us are aware of the cancer risks from PCBs and many of the toxic pesticides being used in factory farms across the U.S., and now we’re discovering that these PCBs and pesticides may also be causing diabetes.  A new peer-reviewed study published in Diabetes Care found a strong link between diabetes onset and a group of dangerous industrial chemicals known as “persistent organic pollutants” (POPs), many of which have been banned in the U.S. for years.  These POPs degrade slowly, thus being “persistent,” and so they continue to be found in our food today.

PCBs play the most significant role in causing the unhealthy effects from a class of highly toxic chemicals widely used as industrial coolants before being banned in 1979.  The main U.S. manufacturer of PCBs is Monsanto, better known perhaps for their creation of the controversial genetically-modified (GMO) seeds which are banned in Europe.

In the study, the researchers identified a group of 725 diabetes-free Swedes and tracked them for 5 years, studying the levels of POPs in their blood.  Of those in the study, 36 contracted Type 2 diabetes, and these 36 had significantly higher levels of POPs in their blood.  Evidence of a link between toxic chemicals in food and Type 2 Diabetes is growing in the scientific community.

How are these toxic chemicals still present and causing serious health problems decades after being banned? POPs accumulate in the fatty tissue of animals and transfer to the animals that eat them, including humans who eat meat and fish.  In industrial animal farming, livestock eats feed that contains animal fat, which keeps POPs in the food chain.  Feed made of animal by-products is cheaper to produce, thus it continues to be used as the main source of food for livestock.

Farmed salmon contains significant levels of POPs, especially PCBs.  Science (2004) found PCB levels in farmed salmon was 7 times higher than in wild salmon and advised consumers to limit consumption of farmed salmon.  Given all of these findings and the emerging link to diabetes, it seems appropriate to limit our consumption of factory-farmed meat and fish.

Dr. Jim, Karen and Issy

MPN Features New Formula: Permeable Gut™

New at MPN

Many health issues begin in the gastrointestinal tract.  Leaky gut syndrome often goes unrecognized by conventional physicians because it cuts across the boundaries of specific diseases.

What is required to address the real problem affecting the lining of the intestinal tract is to strengthen and support the integrity of the gastrointestinal function within the intestinal lining (gut mucosa).  Damage to the intestinal lining allows absorption of macromolecules, which include bacteria and toxins as well as incompletely digested proteins, fats, and other wastes that are not normally absorbed in a healthy, non-compromised lining.

This leaking of macromolecules triggers autoimmune reactions that can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal bloating, excessive gas and cramps, fatigue, food sensitivities, joint pain, skin rashes and compromised autoimmunity.

Permeable Gut™ formula was formulated in collaboration with Dr. Tom Kruzel ND, a leader in the field of naturopathic medicine.  Permeable Gut™ is a unique combination of nutritional ingredients that aid in the repair and function of the gut mucosa.

Snow Slang from MPN Snowboarder Trisha

Trisha at Mt. Hood Meadows

Happy winter everyone!  I’m sure some of you are anxiously anticipating the arrival of spring. But for us snow brats, we’re still enjoying the season and head to the mountain whenever possible in search of some of that “cherry pow-pow.” In layman’s terms that means fresh, untracked, powder-like snow.  In the same spirit as Snowboarder magazine’s hilarious and helpful “Sicktionary,” here are some more fun terms and their definitions:

Pinhead: slang for a telemark skier.

 Planker:  slang for a skier. They can also be called, “double plankers.”

Knuckle-dragger:  slang for a snowboarder. Term is generally only used by skiers and was once considered derogatory but has since been embraced by the snowboard community. For the most part, snowboarders refer to themselves as “boarders,” or “shredders.”

 Grommet (Grom): a term of endearment for a small, young snowboarder. As in, “Dude, hang back a minute. There’s a few grommets in the half-pipe.”

 Goofy Footed:  means that you ride a snowboard with your right foot in the forward position. If you ride with your left foot forward you’re, “regular footed.”

 Yard Sale:  a major crash that results in a skier or snowboarder’s gear – skis, poles, hat, goggles, etc – scattered down the slope.  Has also been called a “flea market.” A person committing this on-snow infraction should expect individuals riding the chairlift to yell out, “Yard sale!”

 Lodge Lizard:  an individual who makes it to the hill, but doesn’t make it onto the snow. Often seen sporting expensive, designer ski gear that they have no intention of ever using on the slopes.

 Wintervention:  this is a group intervention caused by a friend’s lack of attendance at the mountain.  As in, “Bob used to ski all the time until he started dating Susan.  I think we need to plan a wintervention.”

 Snobriety:  when a person gives up powder days and skiing/snowboarding in exchange for living in a warm weather climate.  As in, “Alan is enjoying his new home in Austin, but the snobriety is killing him.”

See you on the slopes!  –Trisha

MPN Update… What We’re Up To

Holiday Toast to Good Health in 2012

*Karen & Jim attended the Living Legends Awards Banquet in Portland, OR on December 3.  Dr. Rick Marinelli was honored by the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians.  Marinelli is a clinical authority on pain management and natural medicine practicing in Portland, OR.

*Preparations are gearing up for Jim and Karen to attend the 56^th Annual North West Naturopathic Physicians Convention in Blaine, WA on May 18-20.  This year’s theme is “Doctor Heal Thyself” and we will have more on this as the time draws nearer.

*The 27^th Annual AANP Convention is being held this year in Bellevue, WA on August 15-18.  Dr. Jim and Karen always look forward to seeing old friends and learning of the newest technologies in natural health care

*MPN is excited to introduce our newest formulas: Arctic Wild, Permeable Gut and Acid Reflux.  Please see our website or call for more information.

*We have two birthdays to celebrate in February! Isabella, our mascot, turns two! Also in February, Dr. Jim turns wiser and even funnier!

Call or email if you have not yet received our new 2011 Catalog

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Issy-isms: Pet Safety at the Holidays and all Season

Our Isabella

1. The following can be toxic to pets: Chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, garlic, onion, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, bread dough, and sugar-free candy and gum containing the artificial sweetener xylitol.

2. Even a pet-safe treat can cause stomach upset if it is new to your pet. Offer only one of these at a time…ideally, a few days apart to better monitor the effects. If your pet becomes ill after eating a treat, it will be easier to trace the source and discontinue that treat. Also, check new toys for sharp edges, pieces that can be chewed off, or other potential hazards.

2. Monitor pets near fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, candles, and portable heaters. Also, don’t forget to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly. Space heaters, furnaces, and idling cars (in a garage) can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in pets and humans.

3. In many cases, if your pet has consumed something toxic, warning signs will include gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Other signs may include tiredness and lack of appetite, especially in cats that have eaten lilies. If your pet shows any of these signs, or if you think he or she has gotten into something dangerous but is not showing any signs yet, please call your vet right away. Treating your pet as soon as possible is essential!

Closing & Thanks

Misty Morning

Thank you for checking-in with us, and for your support of natural healthcare everywhere! Take good care and enjoy your winter.

Our best wishes to you from everyone at MPN…

Jim, Karen, Trisha, Michelle, Isabella