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adwred
Bear Disciple
Joined: 16 Aug 2006
Posts: 9389
Location: Toronto, Canada
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 Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 1:49 pm Post subject: FAILSAFE and Food Chemical Resource Thread |
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*Note: If you're looking for something specific in this thread, when using the search function, remember to click on 'show posts' rather than 'show threads' at the bottom left of the search page so that you get more specific hits - otherwise it will just always point you to the same thread over and over. Also, when you're on the page, you can always use the "ctrl F" function, which will allow you to search for a specific word.
I talk a lot about the Failsafe diet on here, so I thought I'd try to keep all the Failsafe info in one thread, for any who are interested.
Useful links:
http://www.plantpoisonsandrottenstuff.info/ Emma's great website about food chemical intolerance. She taught me everything I know about food chemical sensitivity.
http://blog.plantpoisonsandrottenstuff.info/ - Her blog, along with a million great links and articles.
http://www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info/ The Food Intolerance Network - Sue Dengate's website (author of the Fed Upseries of books) out of Australia. Sue has done loads of research about food additives and the natural chemicals in food that cause a host of reactions and symptoms, ranging from mild skin disturbances to extreme social and emotional disturbances, such as Autism/Asperger's and everything in between. This site is a wealth of information.
http://users.bigpond.net.au/allergydietitian/fi/FI_natchem.html A great website detailing the different chemicals associated with different foods and clear descriptions of the symptoms associated with each chemical.
http://users.bigpond.net.au/allergydietitian/fi/salicylates-list.html List of salicylate-containing foods.
http://users.bigpond.net.au/allergydietitian/fi/amines.html List of amine-containing foods
http://users.bigpond.net.au/allergydietitian/fi/msg.html List of glutamate-containing foods.
http://users.bigpond.net.au/allergydietitian/fi/diet.html The trial elimination diet for determining sensitivities. Some people with lots of sensitivities have to stay on this diet indefinitely.
http://www.eklhad.net/manage-amines.html A site on managing the amine content of meat (buying, storing and cooking tips).
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/FailsafeNT/ the Failsafe Nourishing Traditions discussion group (Emma's group).
I'll add to this list as good links occur to me. If anyone has any questions about Failsafe, feel free to ask here and I'll do my best to answer if I know, or look it up if I don't!
ETA: Here are some more great resources, which make up for some of the broken ones above:
The RPAH elimination diet:
http://www.plantpoisonsandrottens...nfo/content/elimination-diet.aspx
'Enzyme Stuff' page on food chemical sensitivity:
http://www.enzymestuff.com/conditionsensitivities.htm#10
Salicylate food list:
http://www.zipworld.com.au/~ataraxy/Salicylates_list.html
Emma's salicylate list, with averages per 100 g:
http://www.plantpoisonsandrottens...elimination-diet/salicylates.aspx
Amine food list:
http://www.zipworld.com.au/~ataraxy/Amines_list.html
Another good site with detailed food lists and cosmetics info:
http://www.users.bigpond.com/mywebhome/sindex.html
Foods high in free glutamates:
http://www.msgtruth.org/avoid.htm
Excerpt from a FAISAFE discussion list newsletter with a good summary of symptoms (http://www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info/newsletters/FAILsaf9.html):
| Quote: | In a study listed below, salicylates appeared in the top six problem chemicals for each major symptom:
behaviour (salicylates, preservatives, nitrates, amines, MSG, colours)
eczema (salicylates, preservatives, nitrates, colours, amines, MSG)
irritable bowel (MSG, salicylates, nitrates, preservatives, amines, colours)
lethargy/ impairment of memory and concentration (salicylates, nitrates, preservatives, MSG, amines, colours)
migraine (nitrates, preservatives, salicylates, MSG, amines, colours).
Further reading: Loblay R.H. and Swain, A.R. (1986) 'Food intolerance'. In: Wahlqvist M.L., Truswell A.S., editors. Recent Advances in Clinical Nutrition. London: John Libbey, 169-177. Swain, A.R. and others (1985) 'Salicylates in foods' J Am Diet Ass 85, 950-960 |
_________________
I'm a vegetable-eater by proxy. I make sure to get 5-10 servings of herbivore per day.
Last edited by adwred on Wed Jul 02, 2008 3:39 pm; edited 11 times in total |
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adwred
Bear Disciple
Joined: 16 Aug 2006
Posts: 9389
Location: Toronto, Canada
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| Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 3:04 pm Post subject: |
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About opioids and endorphins:
| adwred wrote: |
| Quote: | I'm really sorry I don't have time to reply to all the posts at the
moment. I've put together something here on opioids and endorphins
that I hope will switch the light on for a few people regarding
confusing reactions to foods - particularly Elena and Annabelle and
those who are GFCF.
Opioids in foods mimic natural endorphins produced by the body.
The following are opioid food peptides:
* Casomorphin (from milk)
* Gluten exorphin (from gluten)
* Gliadorphin/gluteomorphin (from gluten)
* Rubiscolin (from spinach)
Anyone who is GFCF should be aware that they should also be avoiding
spinach!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opioid_peptide
Endorphins:
Inhibit release of GABA
Cause more dopamine to be released
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endorphins
Both of these effects can make you more irritable. I do get irritable
quite quickly after eating bread, oats or milk for the first time
after a break. GABA is calming and balancing. High dopamine is
connected to reward-response, creativity, pursuit of obsession,
bipolar, mania, rigidity of thought, aggression, hallucinations,
schizophrenia.
Addiction to food opioids can cause delayed reactions and slow build
ups - it might take a couple of weeks to see effects, or you might get
cravings and withdrawal symptoms the day after eating. You may be
unable to control consumption of milk or wheat.
Endorphins are also involved in the modulation of: stress, pain,
cardiac, gastric and vascular function, and possibly panic and
satiation. They are also linked to motivation, emotion, and attachment
behaviour. High endorphins are linked to panic disorder. High
endorphins can make you feel nauseous.
When you think of endorphins you should think of the side effects of
morphine:
Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; exaggerated sense of well-being;
headache; lightheadedness; nausea; restless mood; vomiting. Severe
'allergic' reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing;
tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat, or
tongue); excessive drowsiness; hallucinations; pounding in the chest;
seizures; shock; shortness of breath; sudden chest pain; sweating.
The GFCF diet is based around the idea that autistics have levels of
endorphins that are too high due to opioids in foods (and they have
'leaky gut' or wrong gut bacteria - a dubious theory, because
_everyone_ absorbs the opioids from food before they ever reach any
bacteria - more likely SOME autistics can't break down opioids in
their body due to low levels of the right enzymes).
However there is actually quite a lot of evidence in the medical
papers that most autistics and schizophrenics have endorphin levels
that are TOO LOW. This makes more sense in the context of opioid
addiction to milk and wheat, as if endorphins are high already you
would not expect to see withdrawal/addiction to those in food.
The proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene codes for endogenous endorphins.
Mutations in this gene have been associated with early onset obesity,
adrenal insufficiency, and red hair pigmentation. Red hair is
associated with a DEFICIENCY in POMC - resulting in low endorphins,
increased sensitivity to pain, and increased likelihood to gain weight.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proopiomelanocortin
This is interesting because there is also a correlation between having
red hair and having asperger's syndrome.
As well as food directly containing opioid-like peptides, food and
environmental factors can also stimulate endorphin release:
Paracetamol/tylenol is thought to act on beta endorphins - this may
explain why it tends to cause rebound headaches in some people (like
me!) the day after it is taken - just like too much wheat and milk can.
Capsaicin in peppers stimulates endorphin release.
Chocolate is crammed full of endorphin releasing chemicals.
Both fat and sugar stimulate endorphin release (causing strange
reactions and appetite problems with sweet foods and cream?).
Sunlight, SAD lights and infrared lights stimulate endorphin release.
This might explain why some people feel awful on days when they
suddenly don't get enough sunlight.
Smoking stimulates endorphin release.
Copper deficiency can result in low endorphin levels in the brain.
Endorphin release is also connected to psychological factors. When you
get a treat or a reward endorphins are released. Shopping addiction
(that's me!) is thought to be connected to endorphin
deficiency/release. Hypnotism, NAET and yoga can stimulate endorphin
release or program endorphin release in response to various situations.
It is entirely possible to convince yourself into various beliefs that
increase your endorphin levels - I am sure this has something to do
with some of the 'I have been cured by [insert very far-fetched
treatment here]' stories we sometimes hear.
Fluctuations in endorphin levels can also result in guilt complexes
and low self esteem. For example you might be unable to reward
yourself without feeling guilty, or be very strict on yourself, or
actively punish yourself. This can result in masochism, anorexia,
orthorexia, bulimia, etc. |
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More on endorphins and neurotransmitters:
http://wisewitch.blogspot.com/2004/05/amino-acid-trips.html
| Quote: | Amino acid trips
Dopamine & the catecholamines
Serotonin
Stability
Diet affects mood, mood affects how we react to a given situation. The dietary precursors of neurotransmitters are amino acids, the components of proteins. Proteins are found in most if not all foods, but are found their most balanced and useful forms in meat, fish and eggs. The humble egg contains a "perfect" balance of amino acids and is used as a standard by which all other foodstuffs can be measured. There are nine "essential" amino acids which our bodies cannot manufacture and from which all other amino acids can be manufactured.
Two of these essential amino acids are L-tryptophan and L-phenylalanine. In pharmacology, the "L-" denotes a natural form amino acid, as opposed to a synthetic forms "D-" or "DL-" which can have different effects on the brain. L-tryptophan and L-phenylalanine are chemical precursors of serotonin and dopamine respectively.
As well as amino acids, neurotransmitters require specific enzymes and cofactors as essential ingredients. If these factors are not present in sufficient quantities the body is unable to manufacture enough neurotransmitters. Shortages of many neurotransmitters lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety and irritability.*
The blood-brain barrier is a membrane intended to keep disruptive chemicals out of the brain. For example, the body produces great quantities of serotonin outside of the brain, but this serotonin does not get past the blood-brain barrier into the brain, only its precursor, L-tryptophan does, though some people have more "permeable" blood-brain barriers than others which may make them more susceptible to food related mood changes.
Amino acids are carried into the brain by the "large neutral amino acid transporter". Imagine a subway train with only so many seats during rush hour. Only so many commuters can fit onto the train at a time. Differing blood levels of different amino acids will result in differing levels inside the brain. This can result in different moods and perceptions when these amino acids are synthesised into neurotransmitters. Moreover, if you have a blood brain barrier that is slightly permeable, neurotransmitters themselves can pass from the body into the brain.**
Dopamine and the catecholamines
This is a diagram of how dopamine and the catecholamines are produced:
Amino acid: L-phenylalanine
Cofactor: nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide (NADH)
Amino acid: L-tyrosine
Cofactor: vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Enzyme: tyrosine hydroxylase
Neurotransmitter: levodopa (L-DOPA)
Cofactor: vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Enzyme: DOPA decarboxylase (AKA aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase)
Neurotransmitter: dopamine
Cofactor: vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Enzyme: dopamine beta-hydroxylase
Neurotransmitter: Norepinephrine (noradrenalin)
Cofactor: S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe)
Enzyme: phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT)
Neurotransmitter: epinephrine (adrenalin)
A number of psychiatric problems, including schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and other mood disorders are attributed to imbalances in dopamine levels. Dopamine is associated with pleasure and wakefulness: endorphins disinhibit dopamine pathways, causing more dopamine to be produced. Yawning produces endorphins. Elevation of dopamine levels often leads to improvements in alertness, mood and sex drive. Dopamine may also be associated with an enhancement in verbal fluency and creativity.
Sunlight, heroin, marijuana, alcohol, sugar, tobacco and even chocolate all stimulate endorphin release, causing increased dopamine levels. Endorphins are associated with psychological and physical pain relief, pleasure, the sense of "reward", and good and loving feelings towards others. A lack of endorphins is associated with overly sensitive personalities, feelings of incompleteness, anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure normally), a world lacking in colour, an inability to love, or general misanthropy.
Professor Richard Depue of Cornell University's Laboratory of the Neurobiology of Personality and Emotion believes that differing levels of or sensitivity to dopamine account for the fact that some individuals are highly motivated - or "incentive-reward" driven, while others are less focused on particular goals. He suggests that what drives extreme sports participants and possibly those people with a highly developed creative drive is the need to experience the sensation associated with the stimulation of the dopamine system.
THC in marijuana triggers the brain to release dopamine, giving the user good feelings. Methamphetamine is similar in structure to dopamine. Too much dopamine in the limbic system and not enough in the cortex may produce the feelings of paranoia and the inhibition of social interaction we associate with marijuana use.
Norepinephrine, produced from dopamine, is associated with arousal, energy and drive. Cocaine, speed, caffeine and tobacco all stimulate the production of or mimic norepinephrine. A lack of norepinephrine is associated with a lack of drive and energy, and depression.
The non-essential amino acid L-tyrosine is a closer precursor of dopamine than L-phenylalanine. A gram of L-tyrosine, readily available in health shops, taken along with vitamin B6 and vitamin C can lift mood significantly, particularly if taken on an empty stomach. Under the right circumstances it may contribute towards the feelings of pleasure and reward associated with creativity.
Down-regulation: prolonged use of drugs and stimulants that mimic or stimulate the release of dopamine and the catecholamines cause the brain to reduce manufacture of these neurotransmitters, and withdrawal causes cravings as the brain tries to regain its natural balance. Dopamine deficiency is linked with depression, burn-out, lack of motivation and decreased sexual desire. Norepinephrine deficiency leads to insatiable hunger, inability to focus or concentrate, exhaustion and carbohydrate cravings.
Serotonin
This is a diagram of how serotonin is produced:
Amino acid: L-tryptophan
Enzyme: tryptophan hydroxylase
Amino acid: 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
Cofactor: vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Enzyme: 5-HTP decarboxylase (AKA aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase)
Neurotransmitter: 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin)
Serotonin is associated with emotional stability, pain tolerance and self-confidence. Sunlight, sugar, marijuana, ecstasy and tobacco all stimulate serotonin production. A lack of serotonin is associated with depression, obsession, worry, low self-esteem, sleep problems, hunger and irritability. As you can see, serotonin is not just associated with mood, it also regulates appetite and sensory perception.
A lack of serotonin can be triggered by a lack of sunlight and may be the cause of winter depressions such as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), due to the hypothalamus's reaction to short days and darkness. This can lead people to become more irritable or volatile than usual and may involve the response to dopamine being heightened. Melatonin, produced from serotonin, is an important sleep regulator. Irregular serotonin levels might therefore be at the root of many cases of insomnia.
Methamphetamine, LSD, MDMA and MDA can all overload certain serotonin receptors, causing hallucinations. Such interesting effects as "seeing sounds" and "hearing colours", known as synesthesia, are associated with disruption of serotonin receptors. Ecstasy stimulates an overproduction of serotonin, leading to intense feelings of bliss and comfort.
Conspiracy theories
L-tryptophan, the body's natural source of serotonin is not available from health shops, though 5-HTP, a closer precursor to serotonin, can be purchased legally over the counter in the UK and the US. L-tryptophan was formerly a widely used and effective anti-depressant. It was produced by only one company, a Japanese company Showa Denko. During 1988, in order to increase their profit margins, Showa Denko genetically engineered a new strain of bacteria to produce L-tryptophan. At the same time they decreased their purification process, leaving out a charcoal filtration system. A second bacterial contaminant got into the system and through into the final product. Somewhere between two and 37 people died and many others were made ill. The exact numbers are contested depending on what source you read. The FDA's response was to ban the sale of L-tryptophan, and many other countries followed suit. This ban was never rescinded, even though the real culprit the bacterial agent was soon tracked down.
It is interesting to note that exactly one week after low-profit, unpatentable, natural L-tryptophan was banned, the high-profit, patentable Prozac, the first SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) was released. No association? According to some sources, Prozac killed at least 27 people during trials before it was even put on the market. I have not confirmed this. SSRI's have recently been associated with increased suicide rates and worsening depression. The problem is, again, that the body down-regulates its own production of serotonin. Missing a tablet, consuming alcohol, tobacco, or other stimulants, consuming varying amounts of carbohydrate or simply skipping a meal can result in huge moodswings from one hour to the next.
Whilst L-tryptophan is banned, chromium picolinate or chromium GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) increases L-Tryptophan availability. Chromium is a trace mineral that many people are deficient in. Chromium makes the body more sensitive to insulin, thereby reducing insulin resistance. There is some suggestion that it may help insulin-resistant people to lose weight. It is helpful in the control of reactive hypoglycaemia, though it occasionally makes users irritable when they start to take it.
The plot thickens
The best way to get a serotonin high is not through consumption of L-tryptophan, but through consumption of carbohydrate, in particular high GI sugars and starches such as white bread, mashed potato and sugary drinks. Most people experience a serotonin high every day after a meal without even realising. If you've ever experienced feelings of satisfaction, happiness, bliss, tiredness and demotivation after a Christmas, Thanksgiving or Sunday lunch, this is serotonin. The bliss is the same feeling associated with ecstasy use, and the demotivation is the same demotivation associated with marijuana use. Serotonin provides fuel for extra melatonin production, hence the tendency to fall asleep after high-carb lunches, hence the reason low-carb dieters generally feel more awake and need less sleep.
Serotonin highs after carbohydrate consumption happen because carbohydrate consumption stimulates the release of insulin. Insulin causes sugar to be converted to fat and stored in fat cells, and pushes amino acids into the muscles, with the exception of the amino acid L-tryptophan. This increases L-tryptophan availability in the bloodstream and increases the ratio that crosses through the blood-brain barrier, thus increasing serotonin levels in the brain at the detriment of other neurotransmitters.
Unfortunately if you are particularly sensitive to changing serotonin levels, after the high comes a low, with irritability, depression, confusion, poor memory and intolerance at the bottom of the trough. Sugar promotes sleepiness through serotonin surges, and hence calorie storing and fuzzy thinking. Our diets have changed considerably in the last twenty or thirty years in favour of consumption of excessive amounts of carbohydrate in the form of sugar, junk food, bread, pasta, potatoes and cereal. As a consequence the general population is on a serotonin rollercoaster.
Stability
In order to maintain a stable mood, you need to have adequate nutrition. Many people believe they have adequate nutrition when in fact they don't, surprisingly large percentages of the population are vitamin and mineral deficient. Just one deficiency can cause a block in the delicate and complex chain of reactions that creates adequate amounts of neurotransmitters. The above scenarios are very simplified for example, neurotransmitter production also requires vitamin B12, folate, iron, oxygen and other cofactors.
B vitamins are particularly important for mood stability. B vitamin complex deficiencies are very common, almost universal, amongst vegetarians and particularly vegans, those who do not eat red meat, and those who eat significant quantities of refined carbohydrates. Artificial B vitamin supplements are not necessarily identical to those found in nature and not everyone can use them. Some vegetarian supplements like spirulina contain analogs that can actually block and antagonise B12. Therefore relying on artificial supplements is a risky enterprise.
The elderly population, particularly those on a "tea and toast" diet are similarly at risk around 15% are B12 deficient and have increased homocysteine levels (an indicator of potential cardiac problems) as a result. B12 turns homocysteine into methionine, a direct precursor of S-adenosyl-methionine, a methyl donor required for proper neurotransmitter function. B12 is also vital in preventing the nerve damage associated with multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia, and is important to prevent deafness and blindness.
Vitamin C is water soluble, and the body does not store vitamin C (another important building block of neurotransmitters) for long periods so it is necessary to resupply the body with vitamin C every day. Vitamin C is only found in specific fruits and vegetables - not all fruits and vegetables.
As carbohydrate is responsible for the rollercoaster effect of serotonin, increasing your protein and fat intake and decreasing your carbohydrate intake will help to even out your mood regardless of whether you suffer from hypoglycaemia or not. One in four adults has a blood-sugar problem, and this will contribute seriously to mood instability due to variations in serotonin levels and the overproduction of cortisol and adrenaline as the body tries to compensate. If your diet is low in fat, you're a vegetarian, you are overweight, or you are an athlete who "carb-loads", you are particularly at risk for fast burn outs, mood swings, panic attacks, exhaustion and unhappiness. Fat does not stimulate insulin production and therefore does not destabilise serotonin levels in the same way that carbohydrate does.
Avoid MSG, it is a neurotransmitter. Artificial sweeteners and additives should be classified as drugs and avoided at all costs as many are associated with mood disorders. Be particularly wary of aspartame and artificial colours and flavours.
If you suffer from mood instability, avoid all drugs permanently alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. Caffeine inhibits other neurotransmitters (e.g. GABA) which are necessary for maintaining stable mood. Nicotine depletes B vitamin stores, and alcohol paralyses the liver, effectively putting all of the body's other tasks - such as maintaining stable insulin and blood sugar levels and recycling and using B vitamins on hold. Stimulant addiction and alcoholism is frequently associated with inappropriate eating habits, over-use of sugars and carbohydrates, and chronic dieting. A frequent excuse given by those who have various stimulant addictions (such as tobacco), is "but I'm stressed". This is the worst kind of excuse, because the stress is originally caused by poor diet, and is perpetuated by the stimulants which continue to deplete neurotransmitters until a mood disorder develops.
Notes from October 2007
I've cut out some paragraphs of the original article because I went on a bit of an anti-carbohydrate rant, that I feel isn't quite as justified as I thought it was. Although carbohydrate did affect my mood terribly at the time, I feel the reason it affected my mood was ultimately down to food chemicals causing excessive insulin production.
* There are also many common genetic variations in the enzymes that make neurotransmitters that can cause you to make more or less of them.
** If only I had known back when I wrote this that neurotransmitters were readily found in foods too! If I were to revise and update this article today it would be to add in that information. |
_________________
I'm a vegetable-eater by proxy. I make sure to get 5-10 servings of herbivore per day.
Last edited by adwred on Tue Jan 08, 2008 4:34 pm; edited 3 times in total |
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adwred
Bear Disciple
Joined: 16 Aug 2006
Posts: 9389
Location: Toronto, Canada
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| Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 3:07 pm Post subject: |
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About epsom salts and methylation:
| adwred wrote: |
As for epsom salts... epsom salts are something that are very calming and they do help with detox, but only in a very specific way in specific people. Epsom salts are also called magnesium sulphate - which means they are a highly-absorbable form of magnesium (which is a relaxing mineral) AND of sulphate, which some failsafers are low in because they have trouble converting the toxic sulphite molecule into sulphate - usually because of a natural mutation in their sulphation pathways. Those people are usually low in the trace mineral molybdenum, which is a cofactor in the sulphation process. But there is a lot more to it than just loading the body up with sulphate and magnesium. Doing that can throw cofactors out of whack by using them up. Magnesium shouldn't be thrown out of balance with calcium or other minerals and electrolytes. Extra potassium will be needed on top of the epsom. This is why I am so weary of supplementation, despite what Cygnus is always saying - ESPECIALLY with failsafers. Because it can cause a cascade of reactions and really screw things up in your body. If you have trouble converting sulphite into sulphate, when you take epsom salts and the sulphate you're taking in gets recycled, it'll just get hung up in the same place again. Plus, you'll have sulphite building up like crazy. If you feel good from epsom salts, it probably means you also need to supplement with molybdenum in order to help the rest of the sulphation process. See these links:
http://wisewitch.blogspot.com/200...-magnesium-balance-and-epsom.html
| Quote: | Epsom salts (MgSO4) are about 16.6% magnesium and the rest is the sulphate (SO4) molecule, which is only different from sulphite (SO3) by one oxygen atom. I was supplementing by about half a teaspoon a day. The body contains a total of around 25 grams of magnesium. The RDA for magnesium is about 320mg, and I was probably getting more. I suspect epsom salts also contain sulphites as well as sulphate, and sulphites usually give me asthma. I think I have probably thrown my blood-mineral balance out of whack.
When you throw out the mineral balance of your blood, your body compensates by leaching minerals from your bone. Calcium is leached, but this takes time. One clue to a mineral imbalance is painful teeth or a sign of new decay. I have a tiny cavity in one of my back teeth that I've been fighting with my high-dairy diet - it goes through bouts of getting better and worse. During the last week, I've noticed that it's started to hurt again.
Calcium and magnesium are regulators and are required in the correct ratios of 2:1 calcium:magnesium. Above around 350mg people can start to experience the effects of excess magnesium, which include relaxation, hypothyroidism, slowing down of the body's systems, shallow, slow breathing, lethargy, and a weird sleepy/alert state.
I haven't been supplementing any calcium. I've found that I can't supplement calcium for any length of time because soon enough it starts to hurt the site of my former DVT, and the symptoms are calf swelling and venous pain all up my leg. Calcium is involved in the clotting process. I'm actually perfectly fine even getting my RDA from milk, it seems to be supplementation in isolation from some essential factor (not vitamin A or D but perhaps the Price factor or another factor, maybe vitamin K*) that causes this. |
Methylation diagram:
http://www.nutriwest.com/articles/homovmsm.htm |
_________________
I'm a vegetable-eater by proxy. I make sure to get 5-10 servings of herbivore per day.
Last edited by adwred on Tue Jan 08, 2008 4:33 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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adwred
Bear Disciple
Joined: 16 Aug 2006
Posts: 9389
Location: Toronto, Canada
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| Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 1:31 pm Post subject: |
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About salicylate reactions:
http://www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info/newsletters/FAILsaf40.htm
| Quote: | | "Salicylates and similar food chemicals (colours, preservatives) delay gastric emptying and accumulate in the stomach thus allowing continuing absorption. Sodium bicarbonate increases excretion by increasing the pH of the urine. It is used in hospitals when patients present with acute or chronic salicylate poisoning. According to many failsafers, half a cup of soda bicarb in the bath water works 'brilliantly' for both eczema and behaviour, and can be used 3 times a day. Many mothers say that 1/8 tsp in a glass of water works well but not if used more than once a day. Adults can have 1 tsp up to 3 times a day. If you have to break your diet (e.g. Christmas day), don't wait for reactions to appear. Take soda bicarb as soon as possible." |
_________________
I'm a vegetable-eater by proxy. I make sure to get 5-10 servings of herbivore per day.
Last edited by adwred on Tue Jan 08, 2008 4:32 pm; edited 3 times in total |
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adwred
Bear Disciple
Joined: 16 Aug 2006
Posts: 9389
Location: Toronto, Canada
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| Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 4:02 pm Post subject: |
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About casomorphins, the opioid peptides in dairy and A1/A2 caseins:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casomorphin
| Quote: | Casomorphin is a particular type of peptide, i.e protein fragment, that can be derived from the digestion of casein proteins in milk and milk products. The distinguishing characteristics of casomorphins are that they have opioid (i.e narcotic) effects. There is a range of casomorphins whose effects range from weak to strong. There are also other peptides in milk that can have an ameliorating effect on the opioid effects of the casomorphins.
The most important casomorphins from bovine milk are those released from the digestion of β-casein (beta-casein). These are known as β-casomorphins, sometimes written as BCM followed by a numeral indicating the number of amino acids in the sequence. The most important casomorphins appear to be BCM5, BCM7, and BCM9. BCM7 in particular has been implicated in a number of medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and the symptoms of autism and schizophrenia. However, it appears that only some individuals are susceptible.[citation needed]
In cattle the amount of β-casein, and hence the potential release of β-casomorphins, varies between species and breeds. Typically, beta-casein comprises about one third of the casein, or about 12 grams per litre of milk. However, there are at least 13 different variants of the β-casein protein in cattle, with any one cow producing milk that will contain either one or two of these 13 variants.
The variants fit into one of two main categories known as A1 and A2. In cattle, A1-type β-caseins have the amino acid histidine at position 67 whereas the A2-type β-caseins have the amino acid proline at position 67. Laboratory experiments show that the casomorphin known as BCM7 is only released from the A1-type β-caseins (Jimsmaa and Yoshikawa 1999) (ref Jinsmaa Y, Yoshikawa M, 1999. 'Enzymatic release of neocasomorphin and beta-casomorphinfrom bovine beta-casein', Peptides 20:957-962). The potential release of BCM7 is about 0.4 grams per litre of milk (assuming as above that there are 12g of β-casein per litre). |
About rubiscolin, the opioid peptide in spinach:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubiscolin
| Quote: | | The rubiscolins are a group of opioid peptides which are formed during digestion of the ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) protein from spinach leaves. Rubiscolins mimic the effects of opiates and therefore influence the mind. These peptides have much in common with the more known gluten exorphins. The rubiscolins' impact on mental health is not yet known. |
*Note to GFCFers, that they should consider also being spinach-free!
About gluten exporphin and gliadorphin, the opioid peptides in gluten:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluten_exorphin
| Quote: | | Gluten exorphines are a group of opioid peptides which are formed during digestion of the gluten protein. It has been hypothesized that children with autism have abnormal leakage from the gut of these compounds, which then pass into the brain and disrupt brain function. This is partly the basis for the gluten-free, casein-free diet. Studies of this diet have had important methodological flaws and the scientific evidence is not adequate to make treatment recommendations.*[1] |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gliadorphin
| Quote: | | Gliadorphin (also known as gluteomorphin) is an opioid peptide which is formed during digestion of the gliadin component of the gluten protein. It is usually broken down into amino acids by digestion enzymes. It has been hypothesized that children with autism have abnormal leakage from the gut of this compound, which then passes into the brain and disrupts brain function. This is partly the basis for the gluten-free, casein-free diet. Studies of this diet have had important methodological flaws and the scientific evidence is not adequate to make treatment recommendations.*[1] |
*See above post from FailsafeNT on opioids about the leaky gut issue and how it's an unlikely culprit.
| Quote: | The GFCF diet is based around the idea that autistics have levels of
endorphins that are too high due to opioids in foods (and they have
'leaky gut' or wrong gut bacteria - a dubious theory, because
_everyone_ absorbs the opioids from food before they ever reach any
bacteria - more likely SOME autistics can't break down opioids in
their body due to low levels of the right enzymes). |
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adwred
Bear Disciple
Joined: 16 Aug 2006
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| Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 5:57 pm Post subject: |
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About opioids, endorphins and appetite control:
A book on feed regulation of livestock using peptides, including opioids and endorphins: http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=030903695X&page=8
p.8 | Quote: | | Another opioid peptide associated with the hunger component of feed intake is ί-endorphin. Increased plasma ί-endorphin concentrations have been shown to be related to hunger (McLaughlin and Baile, 1985). They postulated that if rats were immunized against ί-endorphin, antibodies would sequester ί-endorphin and produce a decrease in feed intake and body weight. In fact, rats autoimmunized against ί-endorphin increased feed intake and body weight. It is not clear if these responses are due to a decreased free concentration or an increased total concentration of plasma ί-endorphin. |
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arizonasun
Flesh Eater
Joined: 26 Jun 2007
Posts: 43
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| Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 7:30 pm Post subject: |
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I hope you don't mind me posting this here but I felt it was relevant to the topic. I'm been consuming /a lot/ of coconut oil lately to increase my fat ratio and I think I might be getting some negative effects. I've been trying to cut back on the butter due to the general attitudes towards diary (especially the pastuerized commercial kind). I also don't know how to find good sources of animal fat here. The lard we have here is hydronated. I'd ask for fat scraps, but they'd be gain-fed (too much omega 6) and probably full of hormones. I'd really like to try rendering some grassfed beef fat, but for now that is not an option.
Anyways, I seem to be getting a itchy rash. I am also very tired lately. I thought it was because I didn't sleep enough last week. But the past few days I've gotten plenty of sleep. I wake up feeling fine and then by mid afternoon I get really tired. I guess that could be due to lack of protein or iron though (I've been pretty much living on one meal of 10 eggs/60 grams protein, 3-4 tblsp butter, 10 tblsp coconut oil, and a iron free multi for the past week or so). Can salicylates cause these sort of reactions? I had cut back on eating it a few months ago, because I thought it might be causing acne. The acne hasn't returned yet, and I know when I put the oil on topically it makes my acne go away faster and without scarring. But I think I did get a rash before. If you are sensitive to salicylates, does only effect you when you eat it? |
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adwred
Bear Disciple
Joined: 16 Aug 2006
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Location: Toronto, Canada
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| Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 7:57 pm Post subject: |
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Oh God no. Topical exposure is one of the most common sources of salicylate. Creams, cosmetics, fragrances. They're actually far more powerful than the ones that naturally occur in foods, for the most part.
And yes, that definitely sounds like a chemical reaction. You don't get rashes from having the wrong macronutrient ratio.
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arizonasun
Flesh Eater
Joined: 26 Jun 2007
Posts: 43
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| Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 8:03 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the swift reply. I'm definitely going to stop eating it every day, this rash is really awful. I think it's okay if I eat it only once in a while. I wonder why it helps acne though then (I also get acne when I eat carbs  ). I guess when I'm not eating it and just using it on my skin, I'm only absorbing a small amount that does more good than harm. |
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adwred
Bear Disciple
Joined: 16 Aug 2006
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Location: Toronto, Canada
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| Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 8:20 pm Post subject: |
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It could just be the fat. You might get the same result from emu oil or another failsafe fat rubbed on your skin.
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Manaloa
Pack Member
Joined: 11 Apr 2007
Posts: 61
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| Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:46 pm Post subject: |
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| I can't eat CO, it makes my throat itchy. |
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Carnation
Top Carnivore
Joined: 15 Dec 2007
Posts: 3586
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| Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 10:57 pm Post subject: |
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| The book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia Fatigue by R. Paul St. Amand, there is an extensive list of "common natural salicylates," it maybe even have a few hundred listed. Mind you, he says to avoid them in topical preparations, and dietary avoidance isn't necessary, not to mention this is a book about fibromyalgia, but it's a potentially useful list. |
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barb0324
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| Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 11:09 am Post subject: |
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Quote" The non-essential amino acid L-tyrosine is a closer precursor of dopamine than L-phenylalanine. A gram of L-tyrosine, readily available in health shops, taken along with vitamin B6 and vitamin C can lift mood significantly, particularly if taken on an empty stomach. Under the right circumstances it may contribute towards the feelings of pleasure and reward associated with creativity. "
Red, I was just rereading some of the above ... and I know you're very busy right now and don't take supplements in general, but I'm curious about L-Tyrosine, any experience with it, or know anyone who might take it? Any downsides that you know of? I am intrigued by that statement above... as you know I've been taking the GABA and B6 with good results (sleeping through the night, calming effect during daytime, if I get upset and anxious...) I think I might try it. |
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adwred
Bear Disciple
Joined: 16 Aug 2006
Posts: 9389
Location: Toronto, Canada
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| Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 3:03 pm Post subject: |
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It depends entirely on how your genes allow you to deal with/produce dopamine. You could trial it. But always be aware that 'a little bit is good, so a lot must be great' is almost never true! Also, be prepared for rebound effects (withdrawal, or dependence of some kind). Monitor how you feel closely and try to take note of any rebound.
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barb0324
Guest
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| Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 5:06 pm Post subject: |
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| Thanks Red ... I have a feeling I'm very depleted for some reason, will give it a try and pay close attention to how I feel! |
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Galeron
Top Cat
Joined: 21 Feb 2007
Posts: 389
Location: Ohio, USA
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| Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 12:05 am Post subject: |
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Love the info. and the links, Red. Well done! I'm becoming more and more in tune with my sensitives (which are WIDE ranging) and I'm glad people like you and the Wise Witch are around to help those of us who also struggle with these chemical sensitives and 'body imbalances' (for lack of a more accurate description).
Thanks again.
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VLC/high fat since 11/18/06 | 5'11'' @ 143 lbs. | Indeterminate Colitis 06/23/08 | Accutane user 8+ years ago & trying to heal | Egg/dairy free since 05/25/08 |
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ReddyMcMeaty
The Boss
Joined: 20 May 2006
Posts: 5776
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| Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 8:14 am Post subject: |
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| barb0324 wrote: | Quote" The non-essential amino acid L-tyrosine is a closer precursor of dopamine than L-phenylalanine. A gram of L-tyrosine, readily available in health shops, taken along with vitamin B6 and vitamin C can lift mood significantly, particularly if taken on an empty stomach. Under the right circumstances it may contribute towards the feelings of pleasure and reward associated with creativity. "
Red, I was just rereading some of the above ... and I know you're very busy right now and don't take supplements in general, but I'm curious about L-Tyrosine, any experience with it, or know anyone who might take it? Any downsides that you know of? I am intrigued by that statement above... as you know I've been taking the GABA and B6 with good results (sleeping through the night, calming effect during daytime, if I get upset and anxious...) I think I might try it. |
Oh I missed this. I'm loving L-Tyrosine right now. I take 1 or 2 500mg capsules once or twice per day, depending on how wasted I am from the night. It makes me feel like I think caffeine SHOULD make me feel but doesn't, because I'm so run down. I really love it. It's nothing extreme or crazy, it's just a little boost which totally helps my mood and concentration.
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barb0324
Guest
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| Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 12:12 pm Post subject: |
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| Thanks Meg, I never did get it, more distraction with all that's been going on than not wanting to give it a try. I will give it a try though, glad it's helpling you with energy! |
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SandyDown
Top Cat
Joined: 31 Mar 2008
Posts: 257
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| Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 3:02 pm Post subject: |
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| Meg, what happens when you stop taking it? does it have a kind of a withdrawal symptoms, or do you feel extra low in energy/mood? |
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ReddyMcMeaty
The Boss
Joined: 20 May 2006
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| Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 3:07 pm Post subject: |
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the only thing I noticed is that when I don't take it, I feel the way I do when I don't take it...not different or worse
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Carnation
Top Carnivore
Joined: 15 Dec 2007
Posts: 3586
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| Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 8:13 pm Post subject: |
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| What was the brand of instant decaf coffee that won the taste test for the food chemical sensitive crowd? |
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adwred
Bear Disciple
Joined: 16 Aug 2006
Posts: 9389
Location: Toronto, Canada
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| Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 10:19 pm Post subject: |
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TASTERS CHOICE!!!
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ReddyMcMeaty
The Boss
Joined: 20 May 2006
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| Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 11:15 am Post subject: |
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It tastes pretty real. I like the brand around here "Jacobs" too.
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Carnation
Top Carnivore
Joined: 15 Dec 2007
Posts: 3586
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| Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 2:24 pm Post subject: |
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| I'm so excited, my friend with ms, who we suspect has a sal-sensitivity in the very least, is going failsafe! I can't wait to see if she feels any improvement. It would be such a blessing. She was happy to hear she could have a cup of coffee in the morning, even if it was instant decaf. |
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ReddyMcMeaty
The Boss
Joined: 20 May 2006
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| Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 2:30 pm Post subject: |
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Oh that is so cool, I have a friend whose fiancee has ms, and I'd love to be able to say "well it helped out so and so, and is at least worth a try." esp since the friend is studying nutrition.
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Carnation
Top Carnivore
Joined: 15 Dec 2007
Posts: 3586
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| Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 2:47 pm Post subject: |
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| She has such a wonderfully open mind. She says it's probably a good idea to get rid of franganced personal products anyhow, and that she's certainly tried crazier thing in hopes of gaining some relief from ms, so changing her diet will be easy. |
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ReddyMcMeaty
The Boss
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| Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 8:18 pm Post subject: |
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My youngest sister just asked me about getting really really annoyed at her boyfriend sometimes, when she doesn't think it's his fault.. and that it's better the next day. I'm pretty excited, maybe another life can be changed through salicylate and gluten awareness.
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Carnation
Top Carnivore
Joined: 15 Dec 2007
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| Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 10:13 pm Post subject: |
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| Have you talked to her about it before? |
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Glennart
Hunter
Joined: 23 Feb 2008
Posts: 135
Location: Sweden
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| Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 5:09 pm Post subject: |
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Is there any failsafe deodorant? (bicarb or the alum mineral thingy does not work very well for me  ).
Also is there anything that can be used as a hairstyling product? I doubt I can find an unscented hairwax..
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adwred
Bear Disciple
Joined: 16 Aug 2006
Posts: 9389
Location: Toronto, Canada
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| Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 5:16 pm Post subject: |
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Hmm. I just rub a bit of emu oil between my hands and use that as a bit of a pomade for my hair, but it doesn't make it stand on end, or anything, if that's what you're after. I know somone who used to mix unscented conditioner (we have a brand here called 'Naturals') with vaseline and use that as a hair pomade!
For deoderant, I use the alum crystal (probably horrible for me), but there are lots of unscented antiperspirants out there. They'll probably give you Alzheimers but I'm pretty sure they're not too bad, Failsafe-wise. You can try them and see. 
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