Saturday, May 23, 2015

Your Health & The DAO connection : High Histamine and Allergies

As many people have been tested via 23andme for MTHFR, and other, relevant Enzymes and SNP functions, I thought it time again, to share a few tidbits we have found. Working with Sterling Hill and MTHFRSupport is rewarding and fascinating, with new, in-depth information on enzyme function and environmental impacts to them constantly being updated.

One of these, the DAO (Diamine oxidase) snp, works within your GI to breakdown histamines from food(s), thus helping your body to have a healthy response to the foods your are eating, and to process the histamines effectively. If the DAO enzyme function is low, you may well have a high histamine response, or have an allergic reaction to foods you ingest. This can occur relatively quickly, or build up over time.

Now, take this information, and add in the trigger of  pesticides and herbicides used in  crops, which it has been shown, are taken up into the plants via passive diffusion ~ Meaning, you ARE or can be ingesting them when you eat. For more on Endogenous Toxins and enzymes, see the excerpt HERE  from the book "Endogenous Toxins: Targets for Disease Treatment and Prevention, 2 ..., Volume 1"

These  endogenous toxins, may disrupt the DAO enzyme function. If you have a compromised DAO enzyme function, and you are ingesting the herbicides or pesticides, then you have a much greater chance of allergic or histamine response to the food, as your bodies ability to breakdown the histamines has been further blocked. This too can occur from high Oxalates and Impaired GI from other sources as well.

An excerpt from an article here, explains :
"An impaired histamine degradation based on reduced DAO activity, and the resulting histamine excess may cause numerous symptoms mimicking an allergic reaction. The ingestion of histamine-rich food or of alcohol or drugs that release histamine or block DAO may provoke diarrhea, headache, rhinoconjunctival symptoms, asthma, hypotension, arrhythmia, urticaria, pruritus, flushing, and other conditions in patients with histamine intolerance. "

 As well, a book HERE, explains much better than I, how Glyphosates convert to glyoxalate, which it is said,  hinders DAO function.

There are a few things that help DAO work better :
  •  Clean 'traditional food' 
  •  Reducing pesticide and herbicide exposure 
  • Taking a supplemental form of DAO, such as Histame Block EVERY time you eat.
  • Sprouting your own, organic Green Pea shoots, and eating 3 times a day (do not heat)
  • Heal your GI
  • Reduce Oxalate loads

So, I adore the green pea shoot option, big time. Why? Well, you are eating organic vegetables ~ green pea shoots, and naturally upping your DAO, without it costing a fortune. Green Pea Shoots are the only known source at this time, of the enzyme Diamine oxidase. Once your DAO has been compromised, it does not 'get better' or improve regulation or function. So, avoid the trigger(s) above, and eat your green pea shoots daily.Note, if you have dysbiosis, please do not use Green Pea shoots until healed, or as well if you have SIBO.


I hope you found this information useful, and that what was shared today assists you on your path to wellness.

Be Well, Be Happy, Be Healthy!
 Meggan at
SnowDropHerbals

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Pharmacogenomics and how Enzyme function can affect opioid efficacy and toxicity

This post is from an article on Medscape. I am sharing it because I have clients with these issues, and these enzymes have impact ~ Causing either extreme sensitivity to a class of medicine (aka Ultra Rapid Metabolizers), or, lack of absorption (aka Slow or Under Metabolizers ) of the same drug can occur.

Many drugs are processed via these pathways. In this article, specifically, they are discussing Opioids such as Codeine/Morphine. Great insight for those that do take pain management medicines and wonder why they are not getting relief.....


Please share, this has impact on many adverse responses, and/or high doses of medicine, than any study I have seen thus far. 

Perhaps these findings can guide Clients/Patients and Health Care Providers, on better, individualized care at a personal level, that is much safer than the norm today. Scroll down for the complete article....

We now offer Pharmaco Reports via a CLIA certified lab, extracted from your raw genetic data file. This is included in the 'Complete Plan Consultation' at www.snowdropherbals.com. As always, work with your practitioner to implement any possible changes you deem necessary.

As always, 

Be Well, Be Happy, Be Healthy

SnowDropHerbals
Visit us here:
SnowDrop Herbals Website

Medscape article on CYP* Enzyme function

Patients with chronic pain who require high doses of opioids to achieve pain relief show exceptionally high rates of defects of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme system compared with the general population.
The CYP450 enzyme system is known to play an important role in the metabolism of opioids, and recent advances in genetic testing allow for the easy detection of defects to the enzymes.
"We've known for years that among patients with the exact same pain conditions one may need 500 mg of morphine a day while the other may need only 50 mg, but we've always wondered why," lead author Forest Tennant, MD, told Medscape Medical News.
"It turns out that among high-dose patients, about 85% have these defects in 1 or more of their CYP450 enzymes." In the general population, only about 20% to 30% of people have CYP450 defects, he said.
His findings were presented here at the American Academy of Pain Management (AAPM) 23rd Annual Clinical Meeting.
Emerging Frontier
To evaluate patterns among his own patients with intractable pain, Dr. Tennant tested 66 patients attending his clinic in West Covina, California, who required more than 150 mg equivalence of morphine a day for pain relief.
The patients were tested specifically for the CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 enzymes. The results showed that 55 (83.3%) of the 66 patients had 1 or more CYP450 defects, 21 (31.8%) had 2 defects, and 6 (9.1%) had 3 defects.
According to chronic pain management expert Gary M. Reisfield, MD, genetic research is poised to reveal expansive new insights into the mechanisms of why some patients respond to medications whereas others don't.
"Pharmacogenomics represents the emerging frontier for understanding interindividual variability in opioid efficacy and toxicity, and in guiding safe and effective opioid pharmacotherapy," said Dr. Reisfield, an assistant professor and chief of Pain Management Services in the University of Florida College of Medicine's Divisions of Addiction Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry and Department of Psychiatry in Gainesville, Florida.
"With regard to opioid response, the mu-opioid receptor, the ATP [adenosine triphosphate]-binding cassette subfamily B, and other genes are believed to play significant roles," he explained.
With CYP450, a "superfamily" of enzymes responsible for the metabolism of most opioids, various polymorphisms and variables in activity can have clinical significance.
The enzymes, for instance, have been implicated as playing a role in the overactive metabolism of codeine. In a recent case, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in fact issued a warning about the risks associated with codeine after 3 children died and a fourth child nearly died after having been administered codeine following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.
"Once in the body, codeine is converted to morphine in the liver by an enzyme called cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2D6 (CYP2D6) (and) some people metabolize codeine much faster and more completely than others," the FDA wrote in a statement.
"These people, known as ultra-rapid metabolizers, are likely to have higher-than-normal levels of morphine in their blood after taking codeine. These high levels can lead to overdose and death," the agency said. "The three children who died after taking codeine exhibited evidence of being ultra-rapid metabolizers."
Conversely, some people are "poor" metabolizers of codeine, meaning that they have few, one, or no copies of the gene or CYP2D6, Dr. Reisfield added.
"Such individuals are incapable of metabolizing codeine morphine, and thus incapable of deriving analgesia from administration of the medication. Both genetic defects would be detected through CYP2D6 genotyping."
Drug Seeker or Higher Requirement?
That being said, Dr. Reisfield suggested that the new study's findings, although intriguing, leave many unanswered questions.
"The study adds to a nascent literature on pharmacogenomics in opioid therapy," Dr. Reisfield said. "Dr. Tennant demonstrates an association between CYP 'defects' and requirements for high opioid dosages. He has not, however, established a causal association."
The study's limitations include that "the most frequent defects were in CYP2C19, which plays an inconsequential role in methadone metabolism, but plays no role in the metabolism of other opioids," Dr. Reisfield said.
Meanwhile, CYP3A4, an important enzyme for the metabolism of most opioids, was not genotyped in the study, Dr. Reisfield said.
In addition, the specific opioids used were not identified, which is important because some opioids, including hydromorphone, oxymorphone, and morphine, are not metabolized by CYPs, he added.
It's not known whether subjects were receiving other medications that could have affected CYP metabolic activity.
Dr. Tennant acknowledged that the study would have benefited from more information from a control group of patients with chronic pain who did not require the high doses.


"It is unknown just how prevalent severe intractable pain patients with CYP 450 defects who require high dose opioid therapy may be compared to the general, chronic pain population, but it is probably a small percentage," he wrote.
"This study makes it clear, however, that some severe chronic pain patients have major CYP defects that affect opioid metabolism and dosage."
At the very least, the findings suggest that CYP450 testing can represent an important starting point for evaluation when high doses of opioids are required, Dr. Tennant asserted.
"No one should be called a drug-seeker these days until you've done the CYP450 testing to see if that patient simply needs an awful lot more medication than someone else."
Dr. Tennant and Dr. Reisfield have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
American Academy of Pain Management (AAPM) 23rd Annual Clinical Meeting. Abstract 5. Presented September 21, 2012.




Monday, May 4, 2015

Royal Jelly with Honey ~ A Natural Source of Acetylcholine and BH4

I had to write this today, a fabulous find in my endless research into MTHFR Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Healing the GI.....

Many adore Honey, and enjoy Royal Jelly... Do you know the health benefits?

I was reading studies and some great articles, and you can find the links below.

Several NCBI studies found that Pesticide Free Royal Jelly contains many of the cofactors to create BH4 or Biopterin, as well as several Vitamin B's, Amino Acids and AcetylCholine.

What is Acetylcholine? Per numerous fact sheets : " Acetylcholine is one of many neurotransmitters in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It acts on both the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) and is the only neurotransmitter used in the motor division of the somatic nervous system.  Acetylcholine also supports Brain function and memory." It was originally deemed 'Vagus Stuff'. The average ratio of acetylcholine in royal jelly is 1 mg/gram. Pretty good!

The Vagus nerve is one of the largest central nerves that runs from the brain throughout the GI and other systems ~ including cranial nerves... Supplying the heart, lungs, upper digestive tract, and other organs of the chest and abdomen with signaling. NOTE: Twenty percent of the fibres of the vagus nerve control the organs which ‘maintain’ your body (the heart, digestion, breathing, glands). The other 80 percent of its fibres send information from your gut to your brain.

Acetylcholine is released via the vagus nerve signal ..... This is important, as the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls your relaxation, can be impacted by malnutrition and stress that effect signaling pathways and nerves in your body. 

The take on all this? Supplementing with Royal Jelly may be a safe and effective way to naturally raise acetylcholine, get vitamins and minerals as well as amino acids from whole food, and assist with BH4 production.

Enter Royal Jelly, with its numerous health benefits, including being the only natural source of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which acts as a brake on inflammation in the body.....

As part of an inflammation lowering regime....Eat Organic, gluten free and healthy foods, add a little Royal Jelly each day, it has also shown to lower Insulin Resistance. So eat, enjoy, and 'bee' healthier!


Key benefits of Royal Jelly supplementation :
Minerals like calcium, copper, iron, phosphorous, silicon, sulfur, and potassium
B-family vitamins including Niacin, Biotin, Inositol, Folate
Nucleic acids
Gamma globulin
17 different amino acids, including the 8 essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce, and must therefore get from food.
AcetylCholine
Biopterin, or BH4



Resources :
The vagus nerve its many roles and functions 

6 Month study of health effects of Royal Jelly

Dietary Strategies for the Treatment of Cadmium and Lead Toxicity

Traditional and Modern Uses of Natural Honey in Human Diseases: A Review 

BioActive Compounds and health-promoting properties of royal jelly: A review  

 Note: Remember to check Royal Jelly is safe for you, prior to consumption. Some people are allergic to Bee products.

 Our Website : SnowDrop Herbals

Friday, May 1, 2015

Sources for Foods and Herbals - by SnowDropHerbals

Today, I want to share with you places I have found for reputable, 'Good for YOU',  Food, Herbs, & Supplements - these sources are all online... YAY convenience! 



SnowDropHerbals Dish, Leek Cauliflower menage left, Cultured Red Potato Salad right :

 Garlic,  Sea Salt, and Mustard Courtesy of Mountain Rose Herbals, below

These are my go-to places for items that here, are simply too expensive in the local stores, and really help us out as a family. We grow a lot of our own vegetables and herbs of course, but it is not possible to always have what is needed, and Mother Nature loves to be capricious which can impact our garden .....

SnowDropHerbals refer clients to these places as well. They help with the transition, and offerings are great, tasty  and can make life easier on the food front.

It is still not standard nor easy to find Grass Fed meats, Gluten Free, etc for many on a local level. I am sad to state even our local Farmers Market rarely has  my favorite go-to produce, preserves or plants, and we are high up in the Colorado Rockies, near Pikes Peak! 

Here's to the growing trend that Farmers change back over to real food!! Believe me, every week last year I attended the Market, hopeful, and asked about this,  and out of 100+ stalls, only 2 had  offerings we will eat. Ga, I was disappointed. So, I turned to the internet to fill the holes our garden cannot fill.

As my daughters and I all have Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and lots of lovely MTHFR et all Genes, as well as chemical sensitivity now, it is important for us to continue with our current trend. It WORKS.

We made this lifestyle decision based on optimal food, herbs, and supplements, that work best for us on an enzyme level, and to assist our GI healing. In the Wellness consults I provide via SnowDropHerbals, the same practice is applied, with great results!

I know, it is hard to switch from the modern, in-a-box (with a huge ingredient list that cannot be pronounced!) diet, laden with bad fats, fake sugar, and gluten just to name a few....To a low Carb, healthy and Preservative-free one. Harder still, when locally prices are through the roof, or the foods just are not available. So, below is a list of websites I at times buy from. Many offer free shipping, most give discounts, and all have something to recommend them. Note, please, do continue to read labels and avoid that which you are not comfortable using! These are recommendations only, but may help you find the foods  you need, supplements, or herbals you want.



SnowDropHerbals Treats, Mini Sprouted Biscotti Bites made from the flours purchased at Healthy Flours, below :
Made with a little raw Honey and Vanilla to add sweetness...



Suggested places :
Meat and Things.....
For Grass fed, Pastured meats, and also Soy free Chicken, Duck, Broth bones, Lard, even Natural cheeses :
Good Earth Farms

US Wellness Meats has fabulous Paleo snacks, Duck and Chicken liver, and other tasty offerings, including Beef Bacon :
U.S Wellness Meats

In The Greater Southwest Area, Brad Delivers, including Wyoming, Texas, Kansas and Colorado, and New Mexico you can order 1/2 and whole processed Lamb, Beef, and Pork here.... Brads meat is fully grass-fed, pastured, steroid, and antibiotic free. He also will ship all over the U.S.A :
Carnivore for Life ~ Brad 

 
General Markets : For Supplements, Herbals, Teas and pre-made Organic, Paleo, or Gluten free offerings:
Thrive Market

IHerb

Mountain Rose Herbs

For special items, Barbeque for Fathers Day, Mothers Day treats, & Holiday bits we go here... They offer lovely organic Cheeses, Meats, Sauces... Pricier but world renowned offerings:
IGourmet

For Fermenting, Probiotics made by you, and Cultures Including my favorites! Such as Non Dairy Yogurt cultures, tabletop Yogurt (no heating!), and gluten free Sourdough Starter :
Cultures for Health 



For Sprouted & Organic Flour, Grains, Oats, Granola & Beans... Even Resistant Starches! Visit :
Healthy Grains & Flour  


For Organic, Gluten Free Ready made flour, baking mixes, and cake mixes :
WholeSome Chow Baking 




All of these can help you shorten that cooking or prep time, and make life easier. You can still have a life and be healthy, and eat healthy, utilizing some of the stores above.


SnowDropHerbals Treat... Rose Jasmine Tea Ice Cream made from fermented Coconut Milk:
 Cultures for Lemon Curd and Coconut are from Cultures for Health



Enjoy, and let us know, share, which site above, have you visited? Did offerings make life easier during your healthy food journey?  They have for us, and I hope they help you too.

Till next week :)

To Healing, Health, & Wellness!
Meggan
Our Site: SnowDropHerbals Nutrition & Wellness