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Eat Right for Your Metabolism, Not Your Blood Type -- Dr. Rowen Dr. Kelley cured himself of pancreatic cancer, which to this day is still incurable by conventional medicine, by eating an almost totally vegetarian diet, along with spiritual elements and supplements. When his wife became very ill, he tried the same diet on her and she became much sicker and almost died until he tried a last-ditch effort of giving her a lot of meat. She quickly recovered. Dr. Kelley spent many years investigating various metabolic types of people and what types of foods and supplements would keep each type in optimum health. You might have heard that everyone needs to alkalinize their bodies to recover from cancer by eating certain “alkaline” foods. Some types, such as parasympathetic dominant people, are actually too alkaline and need to be acidified! Atkins, Pritikin, the “Zone Diet,” the “Blood-type Diet,” it’s all enough to make you crazy, yes? It made me a bit crazy, too. For years, I thrived on a diet of vegetables and complex carbohydrates with eggs and occasional fish for protein. I’ve been the ideal weight for my height (5-10/155) ever since high school and rather healthy at that. So I thought if all my patients ate like me, they also would be healthy and fit. Problem is, when I taught patients to eat my diet, many came back saying, “Dr. Rowen, I’m doing everything you recommended to the letter, but not only can I not lose weight, I don’t feel very good either.” Low energy was the most common complaint. I was perplexed. Then I read about Robert Atkins’ high-protein / low carbohydrate diet. Yes, it did indeed work for some, but for others (including myself), I knew it would be a disaster. Why didn’t one diet work for everybody? After all, we’re all human. In the 1980s, I became aware of the work of Dr. William Donald Kelley — a man who helped patients with cancer in an extraordinary way. He worked on the principle that meat and protein caused the body to acidify and fruit and vegetables made the body more alkaline. By altering the patient’s diet for the patient’s metabolism, he could bring their pH into proper balance and very often the patients went into remission. Several years ago, I heard a lecture from another researcher, Rudolph Wiley, PhD, author of the book Biobalance. Wiley claimed meat and protein were alkalinizing and fruit and vegetables in general were acidifying. This flew in the face of everything I had been taught regarding the effects of food on pH, and directly contradicted Kelley’s work. Then, two years ago, I was given a rare book that’s now out of print called Nutrition and Your Mind by Dr. George Watson. He found (two decades before Wiley) the same findings Wiley published (that meat is alkalinizing). Watson showed how subtle shifts in pH through diet and supplements would normalize pH in mentally ill individuals and, when corrected, the patient’s mental disorder completely cleared or at least improved. All three men had done impeccable research, but all their theories couldn’t be right? Or could they? Today, we have several competing and conflicting diets, which must work for some or they never would have gotten off the ground. Yet none of them works for everyone. How does one make sense from all this? In his book, “The Metabolic Typing Diet”, William Wolcott, a protégé of Kelley, explains his dominance theory of individual metabolism. There are two competing determinants of metabolism in the body: the autonomic (unconscious) nervous system (ANS) and the oxidative system. Foods and nutrients have opposing effects on body pH in each. For example, everyone knows that potassium and magnesium are alkalinizing — or are they? The ANS has two parts, sympathetic and parasympathetic. The latter controls digestion, tends to unwind the system, and promotes alkalinization of the body when it’s active. The sympathetic branch winds us up, gets adrenaline pumping, and tends to acidify the body when active. Potassium and magnesium are required to activate the parasympathetic side, promoting alkalinization of the body. But here’s where the science gets tricky. In the biochemical cycles of energy production, the oxidative system, these two minerals tend to speed up reactions, which lead to acid production in the body. Therefore, the two systems tend to balance each other out with regards to pH. Wolcott teaches that, “The net effect of pH depends on which system is dominant in the given individual!” All of a sudden, it made sense to me how and why one diet that worked so well for one person would fail miserably for another, and why my vegetarian-style diet made me feel great and made others feel terrible. We are all different, and the same food may have opposite effects in two different people. A seminar by Hal Kristal, DDS, of California, confirmed what I had discovered. While living in Alaska for almost 20 years, I watched the Alaskan natives, so robust and healthy just two generations ago, slowly become heavy and riddled with diabetes and chronic diseases of “civilization.” When I first moved there, they were predominately meat eaters, living off the land. Now meat is supposed to be bad, isn’t it? But for them, they thrived with scant degenerative disease. Now they are eating out of local stores which have all the carbohydrate-laden foods for which their systems were never designed. And their metabolic type can’t handle it. But for others, including me, such a heavy meat-and-fat diet could spell ruin. With today’s epidemic of obesity, knowing your metabolic type is of paramount importance. For example, if you are one with a parasympathetic dominance and you are already alkaline, eating foods that further stimulate the parasympathetic system (vegetarian based) will only push you into further imbalance. If, on the other hand, you are oxidative dominant and a “slow” oxidizer, your alkalinity will be balanced by a vegetarian-based diet. It will provide the vitamins and minerals you need to speed up oxidation and generate more acids to balance you out. Herein lies the secret of why one diet works for some but not others. And why a holistic doctor like I can recommend a heavy meat/fat diet for some of my patients, instead of the vegetable/grain diet that’s supposed to be “good for everyone.” What makes one more alkaline might make another more acidic. But why does this work? Two reasons: First, for some, their metabolism is heavily weighted toward certain fuels for energy. Genetics play a significant role. If the need fuels are present, combustion within the cell furnaces proceeds optimally. If the wrong fuels are present, substances pile up and throw the cells off balance. Consider an auto assembly line where four wheels are needed but eight show up for each car: eventually, the whole factory backs up. With many generations of a given people living in one place, they develop metabolisms that matched their food supply. Second, the hormone insulin, which controls blood sugar, has to be considered. Some genetic types were granted a “thrifty gene” that stores fuel to pare the body in times of famine. This gene is great when food is scarce, but when a food is plentiful, it causes the body to become loaded down with stored fat. The gene works through the overproduction of insulin, which quickly clears blood sugar (from carbohydrates), converting the glucose to triglycerides and fats for storage. As long as insulin is around, carbs are headed into the fat-storage depot. The only significant stimulus for insulin is ingestion of carbohydrates, with refined carbs and sugars being the worst of the insulin stimulators. (The body has an abhorrence for high blood sugar since it causes damage to blood vessels.) For these people, there are only two alternatives to get rid of the fat-storing insulin: cutting down or completely eliminating the carbohydrate stimulus, or burning the carbs through exercise. How do you know what type you are? There are four basic types: Sympathetic Dominant; Parasympathetic Dominant; Oxidative Fast; and Oxidative Slow. The good news is that there are only two basic diets, the degree of adherence which is determined by the degree of dominance of one of the above. Oxidative Fast and Parasympathetic Dominants need a Group II diet, or one heavily weighted toward heavy protein and fat as a preferred fuel source. Sympathetic Dominants (myself) and Oxidative Slows need a Group I diet, which is more heavily weighted toward light, non-fatty proteins, an abundance of vegetables and a greater tolerance for carbohydrates, although neither group should be eating refined carbs. Some people are blessed to be balanced and have much greater dietary freedom. A quick way to tell for many people is a simple look at a fasting blood test at the value of triglycerides (fats). While the “reference range” may go from 0-160, I believe that any value over 80 suggests excess insulin activity converting excess carbs in that individual to fats, with higher levels ever more strongly pointing to the same. These people would most likely do well on a Group II or low-carbohydrate diet. For those with triglycerides lower than 80, a metabolic-typing test developed and taught by Dr. Kristal, which involves some simple pH and blood-glucose testing in response to a glucose challenge can identify your type. The metabolic-type testing is unnecessary if your triglycerides or fasting glucose are high, since you already know that your body will do much better carbohydrate free. (These are the people with the “thrifty gene”.) For those without these lab markers, the metabolic-typing test can easily identify one’s metabolic type for about another 60 percent of the population. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of dieting. Further, the testing can, long in advance, identify those headed toward the dreaded adult-onset diabetes (type 2). The paradox of the thrifty gene is that in times of scarcity, those blessed will survive much easier than will I, who must eat every day since my body does not store energy very easily. Yet in times of plenty, they are cursed if they do not recognize their gift and sharply reduce their intake of carbs because they will store fat everywhere including in the blood vessels. Their bodies prefer fat for optimal and efficient energy production. If your lab does not disclose high triglycerides, you might be interested in getting tested. Dr. Kristal has trained many in his technique and a call to his office (800-772-0646) or visit to his website (http://meta-typing.com/bph/main.html) might help you locate a professional near you. There is also a home testing kit: it’s not nearly as reliable as the in-office testing, but very valuable nevertheless since it does provide very accurate blood glucose results that you will have in response to a sugar drink. It’s also a little pricey at $210, but well worth the cost. I strongly suggest you look at Dr. Kristal’s Web site (http://meta-typing.com/index.htm; old site: www.bloodph.com). Wolcott has developed his own method of determining metabolic type, and this information is available in his book. You can also find out more about Dr. Wolcott by checking out his website (www.healthexcel.com) or calling his office (650-325-1840). To give you an example of how this works, Michelle, a 40-year-old female with cancer, tested herself using a home kit. Her blood glucose started low, peaked quickly and crashed, suggesting she was a fast oxidizer. I put her on a Group II diet (little carbs and heavy in meat), which is highly unusual for a cancer patient. Follow-up testing showed a significant correction of the blood-sugar curve and she felt much better. Another one of my patients, Jim, a 62-year-old male, had battled his bulging waistline for years. “I’ve tried everything,” he told me. Yet when he came to see me, his triglycerides and cholesterol were high, indicating excess insulin and a need for drastic carb reduction. He fought me on my recommendation, but surrendered and within two weeks, was proud to announce an 11-pound weight loss to 200 (he is only 5’ 7”). His triglycerides and cholesterol likewise fell to the desirable range. And then there’s me, the envy of many since I keep the perfect weight for my height so easily. I have always been drawn to a diet rich in veggies and felt sluggish after eating heavy protein. My triglycerides run about 30 and cholesterol is a low 155. Testing in Dr. Kristal’s office showed I’m markedly sympathetic dominant, hence my physical preference for the Group I diet and my ability to easily burn off carb calories. My body needs the minerals potassium and magnesium found in veggies to stimulate the parasympathetic side of my ANS to bring balance. Meat and fats will stress my parasympathetic side, which is already weak. This is the opposite of the thrifty gene, and those like me will do poorly in times of famine, but handle times of plenty much better. We are living in a time of plenty. Unfortunately, for those who have thrifty bodies, the unbroken chain of storage leads to pathologic obesity and eventually to diabetes. The high levels of insulin in these individuals causes an undesirable medical condition now termed Syndrome X, excess insulin. High insulin is one of the greatest risk factors for the development of circulatory disease: it causes elevated blood pressure, deposition of fat all over the body, fluid retention, headaches, fatigue, abnormal cholesterol levels, and may directly age our DNA (genetic material). It’s likely one of the greatest aging factors. That explains why in countless lab test, the most reliable way to extend life in laboratory animals is simple calorie restriction. Low insulin slows the aging of DNA and maximizes lifespan. By burning fuel rather than calling on insulin to store it, exercise accomplishes the same as calorie and carb restriction, provided you do not compensate by ingesting more carbs. One of the biggest problems I find is that people are eating out more than ever before and the portion sizes are huge (besides the fact that processed food is bad for you). The low-fat products you buy at a restaurant (or in the grocery store) may be low in fat, but they are not low-calorie. For instance, I recently saw that a regular 50-calorie fig cookie may have more fat, but its fat-free counterpart has 70 calories – which is what puts the weight on. In order to lose the weight, you’ve got to eat a type that’s right for your metabolic type (not your blood type) and avoid the carbohydrates and calories (which means sugar and other foods high on the glycemic index). Determining the best and worst foods for your particular metabolic type doesn’t have to be a guessing game. You’ll be amazed at the results. The above is courtesy of: Robert Jay Rowen, M.D., Golden Gate Health Association (GGHA), 2200 County Center Dr. Ste H, Santa Rosa, California 95472, 707-571-7560, Fax: 707-571-8929, http://www.doctorrowen.com/contact.html , or Email: drrowen@att.net "Seeing patients keeps my skills as sharp as possible. I prefer to see the most difficult cases and those that conventional medicine has pronounced incurable. There’s nothing more rewarding than giving hope to someone who was told there’s no hope." -- Dr. Rowen (Besides traveling out to see Dr. Rowen, he will also do telephone consultations with you or your doctor, and you can fax him your medical records). He is one of the best cancer doctors I know, and it's well worth getting his opinion. By the way, if you'd like to subscribe to his Second Opinions newsletter (from which this article came), go to: http://www.secondopinionnewsletter.com/ "Eating for one's individual metabolism is a time-tested truth. Common sense alone should tell us that the concept "one diet fits all" could not fly, anymore than one medical treatment could fit all. Celebrate your uniqueness, even if it is with foods shunned by conventional paradigms." - Robert J. Rowen, Second Opinion Newsletter Curing Incurable Cancer! -- Dr. Rowen When I first started seeing cancer patients 16 years ago, I repeated heard about a former dentist who had bucked the establishment (and paid dearly for it) by curing hundreds, if not thousands, of cancer patients. I was able to get a small paperback book that he authored, but as a novice to the concepts, most of it was “Greek” to me. The Dentist was Dr. William Donald Kelley and his work has followed me everywhere, most recently staring me in the face with the new information on metabolic typing. Suddenly, it call came together – Atkins, Pritikin, the Zone diet, all were correct, but for their own particular metabolic type, not for everyone. However, Kelley had gone much further, much earlier, and truly deserves the Nobel Prize for his work! In the 1960’s, Kelley awakened from a surgery to be told that he had pancreatic cancer. He said, “Just cut it out!” But when told that it was inoperable and he should prepare for his death within months, Kelley, always a deeply religious man, surrendered to God and began his road to recovery. (Also, his mother came over, went through his refrigerator and cupboards, and threw out all of his junk food, which I’m sure helped, too.) Kelley was aware of the obscure and almost lost work of a great embryologist, Dr. John Beard, who connected pancreas activity to the control of cancer, so Kelley started taking loads of pancreatic enzymes. As a student of the autonomic nervous system from college, and aware of acid-base chemistry in the body, he decided to alkalinize his body with a near vegetarian diet and he avoided acidifying animal protein. He also used coffee enemas to cleanse his colon and stimulate liver/gallbladder flushing and detoxification. Remember, he was diagnosed in the ‘60s, and he wasn’t even 45. Kelley’s recovery from cancer led him to work with thousands more cancer victims spanning over a decade before other problems (with the medical establishment and government) led to an effective retirement in the ‘80s. I spoke with Dr. Kelley recently, more than 35 years after his diagnosis of an “incurable” cancer! The good news is that anyone with cancer can use his program to defeat this deadly disease. There are three major parts to his program, all of which are natural and very simple: balancing the pH through diet and supplements; taking pancreas enzymes; and detoxifying the body. (There was also a spiritual/imagery side.) Balancing pH – Francis Pottenger, MD pioneered the study of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Kelley, in his university days, was well familiar with the two branches of the ANS, parasympathetic and sympathetic. The former controls digestion, lowers heart rate, relaxes, restores, and alkalinizes the body. The sympathetic is the adrenaline side. It pumps up the body, accelerates heart rate and metabolism, enables the “fight or flight” response, and acidifies the body. Kelley found that the majority of us have a dominant branch. For example, carcinomas, “solid” tumors like prostate, breast, lung, colon, stomach, etc., arose and thrived in the acid environment of the sympathetic dominant. “Soft” tumors, like lymphomas, leukemia, myeloma, and cancers such as sarcoma and melanoma arise in more alkaline systems, or parasympathetic dominants. Knowing what effects certain foods have on the body, Kelley designed diets to balance pH chemistry. For example, in a solid tumor, the sympathetic type, he would recommend a nearly vegetarian, meat-free diet, to alkalinize the body. For the soft tumor parasympathetic types, he recommended a protein and fat-rich diet to acidify the body. Additionally, from Pottenger’s basic science discoveries of the action of nutrients on the two nervous systems, he formulated specific nutrient combinations to further help balance the ANS and pH. Pancreatic Enzymes – These were the cornerstones of Kelley’s therapy. He used massive amounts around the clock, with less for parasympathetic types, since they already had a strong digestive system compared to the sympathetics (who lean toward constipation). Pancreatic enzymes, he though, dissolved the protective protein coating around the cancer cells as well as malignant proteins. (Dr. Blaylock believes that cancer secretes a kind of protein “glue” that agglutinates certain immune cells, and that the enzymes free the cells. Also, it seems that some of the enzymes, including nattokinase, dissolve a fibrin coating that the cancer cells use to “hide” from the immune system.) Detoxification – While the pancreatic enzymes were eating away at the cancer and destroying it, the body would come under great stress from the toxins liberated from the dying tumors. Hence, it was absolutely mandatory to encompass good detoxification techniques. These included daily (or more) coffee enemas. Additionally, skin brushing, juice fasting, and liver/gallbladder flushes were regularly employed to enhance detox. I first heard of Kelley in the 1980s, but by 1990, while still in Alaska, I was seeing patients seen by him more than a decade before and still totally free of the cancer they once had. But could the fabulous statistics I kept hearing be true? I found Dr. Kelley and, in a phone interview, he reaffirmed his experience of the 1970s, during which he saw late stage-4 cancers resolving into complete remission among many who rigorously followed his program. However, he added that cancer today is an entirely different animal, with the population being exposed to many more toxic chemicals, vaccines, nutrient-depleted “foods”, and stresses. Hence, we can expect inferior results in today’s world (which is why we need to integrate Dr. Blaylock’s teachings along with Dr. Kelley’s enzymes, metabolic typing, and faith or visualization/imagery today to increase effectiveness). So, is Dr. Kelley’s therapy just pie in the sky hype? Hardly: a most trusted associate, Nick Gonzalez, MD, of Manhattan, was an apprentice of Kelley for six years (1981-1987), and even lived in Kelley’s house for part of that time. As a medical student at Cornell, he had heard about this enigmatic man and arranged a study project to assess the validity of what he had heard. Just the cases on pancreatic cancer alone were nothing short of fantastic. Of patients with confirmed pancreatic cancer, in whom a six-month survival, at best, would be expected, 11 completed the rigorous Kelley program. Five lived two years, four lived three years, and two went beyond four years. Among the 10,000 cases of many cancer types Gonzalez reviewed, 500 had done extraordinarily well, in apparent remission. These were the ones who rigorously followed the entire program. Many more, who only partially followed the program, had comparable partial responses. Gonzalez has been practicing and refining the Kelley methods for many years. He has compiled such an impressive anecdotal record of success that the National Cancer Institute recently awarded him a $1.5 million grant to study the method on pancreatic cancer, under the auspices of Columbia University. Amazingly, the NCI seems willing to look at the whole program, not just a single agent, as do almost all pharmaceutical industry sponsored medical studies. (You can contact Dr. Gonzalez at 212-213-3337 or www.dr-gonzalez.com) I sat down with Dr. Gonzalez recently and was able to review his 20-year-old research thesis summarizing Kelley’s cases between 1974 and 1982. He confirmed the fabled stories far beyond my expectations. Furthermore, he allowed me to sit in with several of his ongoing cases. Take Cheryl Wilkens, for example. This brave 54-year old woman drove 20 hours to see Dr. Gonzales in 1992 after being given less than one year to live with a metastatic sarcoma. Her surgeons were eager to amputate her arm even with known lethal metastases to the liver and kidney. Ten disease-free years later, she was back to Dr. Gonzalez after severe stress from her workman’s compensation injury case apparently caused a recurrence (see Dr. Hamer’s theory of a very stressful event oftentimes preceding cancer elsewhere on this site). Another patient I met was Tracy MacDonald, who was diagnosed in 1997 at age 28 with a high-grade six cm incurable glioma (brain cancer). The bulk of the tumor was surgically removed. In a September 2001 follow-up visit to Dr. Gonzalez, she had no recurrence and only a slight neurological deficit from the surgery itself. I’m currently employing these methods, together with other strategies I’ve previously revealed in my articles (Note: see my “Cancer Info” and "Cancer Protocol" pages for articles on IPT, Artemisinin and Calcium d-Glucarate, as well as other articles by Dr. Rowen), and have no doubt as to the effectiveness of this inclusion in management. Diane Elhard of Alaska, having been through IPT and other intravenous therapies for her spine-metastasized breast cancer, has been off rigorous intravenous therapy for over a year now. First seen by me in May 2001 with intractable pain and neurological symptoms, she presently has no symptoms, lives a normal life, and her scans show the cancerous vertebral lesion is filling in with bone. Her long-term treatment is Kelly’s sympathetic diet, detox (including coffee enemas), pancreatic enzymes (for life), and small amounts of Artemisinin (see other articles by Dr. Rowen on “Cancer Info” page). The work of Dr. Kelley and Dr. Gonzalez is truly revolutionary. The best news is that this therapy works just as well to prevent cancer as it does to cure it. Now, metabolic typing is not just a fantastic way to lose weight, it is also a life-saving way to eat. Here are the steps you must take to prevent cancer, lose weight, and live a long disease-free life: (1) You must understand your own metabolic type and eat according to it. Dr. Kelley has developed a detailed questionnaire and other literature and products that are available from College Health Stores (888-477-3618) for assistance in self-performed metabolic typing. Additional sources of assistance are the websites www.healthexcel.com and www.bloodph.com (http://meta-typing.com/bph/main.html) These sites can give you help in locating a physician familiar with this knowledge. (2) Changing your eating habits to fit your metabolic type will help rejuvenate your pancreas, but you need to take plenty of pancreatic enzymes to prevent cancer. The best place to purchase them is from Nutricology (800-545-9960) [check prices at http://www.vitacost.com/NutriCology ] (3) As I said earlier, pancreatic enzymes can create a large amount of toxic waste products, especially as cancer is being destroyed, so it’s very important that you follow a stringent detoxification program. Organic coffee enemas are a good place to start (http://www.sawilsons.com/library.htm) and the regular use of Calcium d-Glucarate is important. These three steps will go a long way toward helping you live a wonderfully healthy life, free from the ravages of cancer and many other diseases, including diabetes. If you already suffer from cancer, as always, I recommend you seek assistance from a physician who is familiar with these particular approaches. Ref: Beard, John. The Enzyme Treatment of Cancer, 1911; Kelley, William Donald Kelley. Metabolic Answer to Cancer and Cancer: Curing the Incurable (http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Incurable-Without-Chemotherapy-Radiation/dp/0970429002/) (http://www.drkelley.com/CANLIVER55.html -- online book); Nicholas Gonzalez, personal communications. See also: http://www.amazon.com/Metabolic-Typing-Diet-Customize-Chemistry/dp/0767905644/ The Metabolic-Type Test (An Easy Method of Testing Yourself, from the book, “The Acid Alkaline Balance Diet”, pp15-16 by Kliment) Kelley determined metabolic type by having his patients answer hundreds of questions in a bound book, but he also used a simpler test that works just as well: Swallow 50mg of niacin (not niacinamide) on an empty stomach. If, within a half-hour, your skin turns red and you feel very, very hot and itchy, you have a meat-eating metabolism (Parasympathetic Dominant). If you feel warmer and have a better color in your face, then you have Balanced metabolism. If you don’t feel anything, then you have a grain-eating metabolism (Sympathetic Dominant). [This works because niacin produces alkaline effects, which worsens Parasympathetics, who are already too alkaline.] A second way (or if you want to confirm the first test) is to take 8g of vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) a day for three days in a row. If you feel depressed, lethargic, exhausted and irritable, or if you are a woman and experience vaginal irritation, then you have a meat-eating metabolism (Parasympathetic Dominant). If you don’t notice any change at all, you have a Balanced metabolism. But if you feel an improvement – more energy, better quality of sleep – then you have a grain-eating metabolism (Sympathetic Dominant). [This works because ascorbic acid, even though it’s an acid, produces alkaline effects in the body, which worsens Parasympathetics, who are already too alkaline; calcium ascorbate is the preferred form of vitamin C for them.] (Note: Ten years ago, I was almost killed by a one-size-fits-all low-fat diet and statin drugs given to me by my doctor until I realized that I needed lots of fat in my diet and gave the prescriptions to the Tidy Bowl Man, besides using metabolic typing, which fixed the extremely high triglycerides and bad cholesterol levels. I use specific supplements to prevent oxidation of my cholesterol. See my Cholesterol page for more information. You might consider taking one of the following free tests as a starting point to determine if you're a Carb type, Protein type), or Balanced metabolic type as a starting point: http://i.domaindlx.com/anilak/test.asp I have links to other self-tests about 2/3 of the way down on this page. Note that the Niacin quick test that I mention below is dependent upon the individual having the proper amount of stomach acid in order to give correct results, and many seniors are lacking in stomach acid. Taking Betaine Hydrochloride or 2 tsp of organic, unpasteurized apple cider in some water with a meal helps acidify the stomach but not necessarily the blood; it can increase absorption of vitamins and minerals and help you alkalinize. If you take too much Betaine HCL, it can acidify your blood (see my "MT&Stomach Acid" page for cautions and additional information). I use this to advantage, since I'm a protein type (Parasympathetic) and need to take certain additional foods and supplements because of my trouble with cancer, etc. and I don't want them to throw me out of balance even though I'm mostly following the protein type diet. Although the body struggles to maintain the blood pH at a constant 7.46, the urine pH is not constant and should not be; it normally cycles between about 7 (4am - maximum alkalinity) and 5 (4pm - maximum acidity) each day. I've found, by measuring my saliva and urine pH at 8am and 4pm, that by taking 1 Betaine HCL with breakfast, 1 with lunch and none with supper that my urine pH averages 6.0 (as it should) and my saliva pH averages 6.5. It's best to wait at least two hours after eating before measuring pH. Urine pH is measured mid-stream, and not from the toilet bowl (you don't want to test the pH of your public water supply). I use pH test paper with a range of 4.5 to 7.5, but there are test papers with wider range, such as 0-13, and pH test meters available, which are helpful if you are out of range of the 4.5-7.5. It is best to use foods and appropriate amounts (and forms -- see "carriers" below) of supplements to balance your metabolism, but if there are certain additional foods that are therapeutically necessary (such as extra lutein, ellagic acid, enzymes, cruciferous vegetables needed to fight cancer but not necessarily acidic or alkaline), you might take Betaine Hydrochloride with some or all meals, and/or Buffered Ammonium Chloride with and between meals to increase your acidity. Bicarbonates, such as Potassium Bicarbonate and Magnesium Bicarbonate, can be used to increase alkalinity. A little goes a long way. Be sure to wait for the normal lag time: it may take as little as 20-30 minutes before you begin to see a change. Monitor your urine pH closely, checking at first every half hour to get a sense of the dose you can tolerate. Start with the more subtle alkaline pancreatic enzymes, alkaline minerals, etc. (e.g., potassium citrate, magnesium citrate or carbonate) before resorting to the stronger bicarbonates. Extra calcium is usually needed for protein types (I take 1500mg/day), while lower amounts of calcium (e.g., 500mg) along with extra magnesium and potassium is usually needed for carb types. Note that I still take Magesium and use potassium chloride (Morton Lite) salt, only less than a carb type, and I use the appropriate forms of them ("carriers"). The type or carrier (e.g., calcium lactate or chloride is good for an alkaline Parasympathetic or Slow Oxidizer type, calcium citrate or carbonate is good for an acidic Sympathetic or Fast Oxidizer type, and calcium gluconate or orotate are good for either acidic or alkaline types) is important. Note that you choose the carrier based upon whether you're an oxidative dominant (e.g., Fast Oxidizer) or an ANS dominant metabolic type (e.g., Parasympathetic dominant). I use the acidic forms of minerals because I'm a Parasympathetic type, which is too alkaline. Note that this means my blood is normally a little to the alkaline side of 7.46 (e.g., 7.48 or so), NOT that my urine is alkaline or acidic. Your metabolic type is reflective of your blood pH, and you try to balance that by following the diet for your particular metabolic type. Your urine pH is different, and is reflective of the reserves of acid and alkaline minerals that your body has to draw upon to balance your blood; if it is too far out of balance for too long, your body can run out of reserves and be much more likely to become weakened or sick. You will notice that there is a "Comfort Range" of urine pH (and perhaps a particular type of day that usually corresponds to it) at which you feel best, since we are all individuals and there is some variation. Especially notice when you feel increased pain, fatigue or discomfort of any kind. The first urination of the day consists of a normal elimination acid wastes of cellular debris and toxins. Urine pH can change from acid to alkaline in 15-30 minutes if there is a deeper alkalinity, so it's better to test it a short time after the first urination. After you are in the right "ballpark", you can fine-tune your diet using the questionnaire at: http://www.mercola.com/forms/mtt_table.htm One thing that you would want to remember is that, with the proper diet and supplements, some people change types and become more balanced, requiring an adjustment in their diet and supplements, so you would want to re-test periodically (every 6 months or so). Some people never change, but at least they will feel good and be in good health if they are eating right for their metabolic type. There is too much contradiction and confusion out there. The most important thing for people to determine is if they're in Group I (fast oxidizers/parasympathetic dominant/overly alkaline), Group II (slow oxidizers/sympathetic dominant/overly acidic), or Group III (balanced); the subgroups (such as those mentioned on http://www.royalrife.com/hbal.html and used by Guy Schenker, Wolcott and Kristal) are less influential. The more technically-inclined people can even determine some of these subgroups themselves (mentioned on http://www.royalrife.com/hbal.html) by taking their reclining and standing respiration, pulse and blood pressure, dermographic lines, gag reflex, noticing pupil size, and length of time they can hold their breath, even if they don't order some pH and urine specific gravity test paper off the internet. (Note: I don't recommend the one-size-fits-all "Zone Diet" that is mentioned on the hbal web page.) I find the acid/alkaline imbalances particularly helpful, and they are easy for the average person to perform: they show if the body is close to (or past) exhausting its reserves in dealing with excess acidity or alkalinity. Regarding the commonly-heard claim that all cancer patients are too acidic, the following is from "Diabetes, Cancer and Weight: A Metabolic Typing Survey" by Harold J. Kristal, D.D.S. with James M. Haig, N.C (below, on this webpage or http://www.bloodph.com/articles/DiabetesCancerWeight.asp): Also note that certain metabolic types seem predisposed to certain kinds of cancer (search this page on "solid tumor" for more information). Metabolic Eating by Harold J. Kristal, D.D.S. with Jessica A. Lewis (http://www.bloodph.com/articles/metabolic-eating.asp) In recent Townsend Letter articles, I have outlined the benefits of eating a diet keyed to metabolic type. No one diet is ideal for everyone. What is healthful for one person may be inadequate or even harmful for another. When we recommend foods and supplements, it is crucial to address the patient's individual biochemistry. By testing thoroughly to determine each client's metabolic type, my associates and I are able to determine which foods and supplements will be beneficial for that person, and which will be useless or worse. To properly explain the usefulness of metabolic typing, I must briefly discuss the crucial role of blood pH. The ideal venous pH is 7.461. At this level, the body most efficiently absorbs and utilizes nutrients. A higher or lower pH means the blood is too alkaline or too acid for optimal functioning. Mal absorption and poor utilization of nutrients can lead to an extremely broad array of symptoms, from fatigue and allergies to overweight and high blood pressure. The further the blood deviates from its ideal pH level, the more severe the symptoms become. When the blood moves to its ideal pH level, the body comes into balance and these symptoms generally abate or disappear altogether. The key to managing the blood pH lies in knowing the individual's metabolic type. There are five basic metabolic types. Two of these tend to be too acid, and need foods that will help move their blood pH towards the alkaline. Two tend to be too alkaline, and need foods to make them more acid. One type tends to be fairly close to the center, yet may need fine-tuning to move to the ideal level. Why not simply determine the patient's blood pH and prescribe foods accordingly? Because even if we know, for example, that the blood is too acid, we still don't know which foods will make it more alkaline. The somewhat surprising reason for this is that any given food may be either alkalinizing or acidifying, depending on the metabolic type of the person ingesting it. Before we can be certain which foods (and supplements) a patient needs, we must know his or her metabolic type. Recently, there has been a great deal of excitement about another way to eat for your type: eating for your blood type, as described in the work of Peter d'Adamo (see Additional Information at the end of the article:2) This system is very appealing, at least in part because it is so easy to use: once you know your blood type, you simply follow the diet for that type outlined in d'Adamo's book. According to d'Adamo's interesting theory, the various human blood types evolved over time, and each corresponds to a phase of human development, and therefore to the dietary patterns of that period. The first blood type to evolve was type O, which was the blood type of early nomadic humans, hunter-gatherers whose diet included as much meat as they could catch. Then, about fifteen thousand years ago, certain humans learned to grow crops. They settled, became agrarian, and shifted to a more vegetarian, grain-based diet. These peoples evolved blood type A. Further evolution and mingling produced the other two types, B and AB. According to the theory, people with blood type O will function best by eating a lot of meat, while blood type A's will be healthiest when eating a mainly vegetarian diet, and so on. This makes a great deal of sense. The trouble is, it doesn't work. In my practice I see many type O's who thrive on a meat-based diet. But I also see many type O's who have become unwell on such a diet, and actually need a mainly vegetarian diet in order to feel their best. Conversely, I often see type A's who need to eat a lot of fat and meat to achieve optimal health. Other researchers and practitioners report the same experience: blood type is an unreliable indicator of dietary needs. Robert Crahon, a renowned nutritionist in Boulder, Colorado, has concluded that you cannot simply eat for your blood type. Bill Wolcott of Winthrop, Washington, who has created the Healthexcel program, states that you cannot rely on blood type to determine your most healthful diet and supplements. Dr. Guy Schenker, a chiropractor who runs the Nutrispect Company, is a renowned writer and publishes a monthly newsletter. He too is convinced that "eat for your blood type" is an erroneous prescription. The successes are balanced by too many failures. To be useful, the theory must produce consistent results. Why does eating for blood type work for some and fail utterly for others? It is impossible to know for certain, but I conjecture that the type O of today is very different from the type O of sixty thousand years ago. At that time, presumably, all humans were type O, and all had evolved to utilize the hunter-gatherer diet. Then one population group split off, adapted to an agrarian diet, and developed type A blood. At this point, each population group was homogeneous, and blood type was probably a reliable indicator of dietary needs. Since that time, I would suggest, human population groups have mingled, creating a very mixed gene pool. Each individual still has one of the four major blood types, but may have characteristics of all four types, passed on with the genes of parents and grandparents. Therefore, the individual physiology may contain elements found in various blood types, in unique combination. One Type O could have a very different metabolism, and dietary profile, from another. Though it is pure conjecture, this is one theory that could help to explain the inconsistency of results from "eating for your blood type." Eating for your metabolic type is not quite so easy to use - it requires a series of tests to determine type - but the consistent results make it worth the extra trouble. In order to efficiently determine each patient's metabolic type, Bill Wolcott and I have developed a series of tests which can be completed in one office visit. Before the visit, the client is asked to complete a questionnaire which includes both physical and psychological characteristics which are linked to metabolic type. In the office, we take physiological readings, including blood glucose level, pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and several others. In addition, we ask for the patient's subjective experience of well being, energy level, hunger, etc. We then give the patient a high glucose drink. We do this in order to challenge the system, and measure its reactions. We repeat the physiological tests and the subjective questions at specific intervals over the course of the visit. The entire process takes about two hours, and the results, combined with our extensive research data, allow us to determine each patient's metabolic type, with 80% accuracy on the first visit. Further testing, including a protein challenge I have recently developed, helps us to classify the 20% of patients who yield ambiguous results from the standard series of tests (see Additional Information at the end of the article: 3). In order to make the benefits of metabolic typing more widely available, my colleagues and I have developed a two part program for teaching medical and nutritional professionals how to use the system. In the Level One seminar, we outline the entire program, including hands-on practice at performing the tests and interpreting the results. This two-day seminar prepares the participants to begin using metabolic typing with their own patients. Consultation by telephone is available and generally necessary at this stage, until each participant becomes thoroughly proficient at using the system. To this end, we highly recommend that participants follow up by taking the Level Two seminar. In Level Two, we cover in depth the use of supplements as well as foods to resolve imbalances in the system. This information is fairly intricate, as well as extremely useful. In addition, we go through more complicated case studies, adding further details and refinements that cannot be covered in the basic program. These seminars are given quite frequently. For more information, please contact my office: 415-257-3099 Phone (800 number below is newer) General Information: pmn@meta-typing.com ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The protein challenge, as well as the glucose challenge, will be described in greater detail in a future article. http://www.afibbers.org/conference/session54.pdf: Robert Jay Rowen, MD, writes in his holistic newsletter, “Second Opinion,” (1) that people wishing to become healthy should eat right for your metabolism and not your blood type. He goes into detail about various diets used by his patients and observations that some diets worked for some and for others, they were a disaster. He references the same nutritional researchers as t William Wolcott in a historical review of the three researchers doing impeccable research but with three different theories and points out that while theories may be directly opposite, they still work when the ‘dominance theory of metabolism’ is applied. I think this will be especially interesting to you since you are one of the adrenergic afibbers who doesn’t respond favorably to the typical nutritional suggestions offered here. (quoting and paraphrasing from this newsletter). Dr. Rowen explains that there are two competing determinants of metabolism in the body: the autonomic (unconscious) nervous system (ANS) and the oxidative system. Foods and nutrients have opposing effects on body pH in each. Example – potassium and magnesium are alkalinizing –but they may not be in all individuals. The ANS has two branches, sympathetic and parasympathetic. The latter controls digestion, tends to unwind the system, and promotes alkalinization of the body when it is active. The sympathetic branch winds us up, gets adrenaline pumping and tends to acidify the body when active. From the Wolcott book, (page 382). “Different nutrients and foods have varying effects on the different divisions of the autonomic nervous system. Some stimulate, strengthen, or support the sympathetic system, thereby producing an acidic shift in metabolism. For example, potassium is a powerful stimulant to the parasympathetic system, and magnesium has an inhibiting influence on the sympathetic system. Thus, these nutrients tend to increase the parasympathetic activity and decrease the sympathetic activity. On the other hand, phosphorous and calcium powerfully activate the sympathetic system, thereby increasing sympathetic qualities and decreasing parasympathetic qualities. Significantly, it should be noted that those foods and nutrients (in general) that product an acidic shift through sympathetic stimulation have the opposite pH effect on the oxidative system, producing an alkaline shift. And those foods and nutrients that have an alkaline influence through acceleration of the parasympathetic system will actually produce an acidic response via the oxidative system. I (Wolcott) observed this phenomenon in 1983 and named it “The Dominance Factor” This explains why what works for one person an fail or even worsen the same condition in another and exemplifies the necessity of first determining the metabolic type before making dietary or nutritional recommendations. The two systems tend to balance out each other and Wolcott teaches that, “The net effect of pH depends on which system is dominant in the given individual.” Dr. Rowen observes that “ knowing your metabolic type is of paramount importance. If you are parasympathetic dominant and you are already alkaline, eating foods that stimulate further the parasympathetic system (vegetarian based) will only push you further into imbalance. [my comment: substitute the word “foods” for alkalizing minerals such as magnesium and potassium] If you are oxidative dominant and a ‘slow’ oxidizer, your alkalinity will be balanced by a vegetarian-based diet. It will provide the vitamins and minerals you need to speed up oxidation and generate more acids to balance out your system. This is the secret of why one diet works for some but not for others. “One branch of the ANS is generally dominant. And within the oxidative system, fast or slow oxidation tends to dominate. Similarly ‘dominance exists on a larger systemic level between the ANS and the oxidative system. Whether you are ‘autonomic dominant’ or oxidative dominant’ will determine how a food or nutrient behaves in your body – whether it is alkalizing or acidifying. In order to select an appropriate diet and effectively balance a person’s body chemistry, it is essential to first determine which system is dominant.” (p. 43) You need to read the book and determine your type – fast or slow oxidizer and autonomic or oxidative dominant. When I went back to locate this again, I decided it was time to read once again, this fascinating book. It’s hard to take it all in with just one reading. It’s a very important piece of research for everyone but especially so for afibbers. He has many comparison charts and a questionnaire so you can take determine your own type easily. One chart of interest compares characteristics associated with sympathetic and parasympathetic dominance. [I am parasympathetic but some of the traits definitely don’t fit my profile – so this is just generalities, I presume.] Sympathetic Dominance Physical Tendencies Parasympathetic Dominance Resources: (1) Second Opinion, January 2002, Second Opinion Publishing, Inc. Suite 100, 7100 Peachtree-Dunwoody Road, Taking plenty of enzymes, curcumin + quercetin (500mg of each mixed thoroughly in 1 TBS extra virgin olive oil taken 3 times a day), lots of sugarless pomegranate extract, and a very strict diet based upon metabolic typing (absolutely essential), which determines what foods are best for you as an individual, as well as addressing lifestyle and spritual aspects, including imagery are the at the core of a good treatment program. See my Cancer Protocol page (http://www.distance-healer.com/24.html) for information on metabolic typing. You can also call 888-477-3618 (College Health Stores) for Dr. Kelley's detailed metabolic typing questionnaire, and visit http://www.bloodph.com/ Keep in mind that some people incorrectly think that everyone is too acidic and needs to be more alkaline. I'm a parasympathetic dominant metabolic type and I need to be somewhat more acidic, with plenty of protein and lots of healthy fats or my triglycerides go way up and my LDL cholesterol converts to the most harmful type (small particle or "dense" LDL) and plugs up my arteries. I do best with about 30-40% of my calories from protein (white meat, organic, grass-fed free range chicken or turkey, and wild, line-caught fish -- mostly canned Alaskan salmon and sardines); 35-40% from healthy oils (4-6TBS cold-pressed EV olive oil, 4TBS purified fish oil, 3 capsules Borage, 2 capsules Evening Primrose, 1-2TBS EV coconut oil, some raw pumpkin seeds, flaxseed); and the rest from certain raw vegetables with the few carbs mentioned above). Many people, even doctors, try to treat us with "one-size-fits-all" methods, including one size fits all people with the same blood type. 45% of the population is harmed by low-fat diets, and many are harmed by vegan diets (although some do well on them) -- the trick is knowing which one is best for you as an individual. Dr. Kelley cured himself of terminal cancer primarily by a vegan diet, but then went on to almost kill his wife with the same diet. If you take a metabolic typing test, you can determine which foods are best for you and which will push you further into unbalance. You may have heard that everyone with cancer is too acidic and needs to alkalinize. This is not true! Remember: we are all individuals, and one's man's food is another's poison. Parasympathetic dominant (and fast oxidizers) metabolic types are too alkaline and need to acidify to balance, while sympathetic dominant (and slow oxidizers) are too acidic and need to alkalinize. Knowing your metabolic type is a very important part in maintaining optimum health, whether you already have cancer or other diseases or just want to significantly reduce your chances of getting them. Shattering Nutritional MYTHs With Metabolic Typing MYTH : Everyone should take calcium (or vitamin C, or anti-oxidants, etc.). Thus the old adage, "one’s food is another’s poison." This is why you should only take those supplements that are right for your Metabolic Type. Every nutrient raises or lowers up to 9 other nutrients in your body. So taking therapeutic doses of vitamin C can actually, for example, cause cancer (vitamin C lowers copper, so if you are already deficient in copper and take high therapeutic doses of vitamin C, you can seriously compromise your immune system). Taking too much calcium can actually cause osteoporosis (in order for calcium to be utilized, it needs certain synergistic nutrients and if you are already low in those synergistic nutrients, taking more calcium will only further deplete the existing deficient levels, worsening any problems relating to calcium metabolism). Eating a low-fat diet can actually raise cholesterol (if it further disturbs the body's cholesterol metabolism, e.g., certain metabolic types paradoxically need to eat a high-fat diet to promote efficient cholesterol metabolism). Of course, everyone needs all the nutrients in order to be healthy . . . but not in therapeutic doses. So before you start supplementing your diet, it’s best to know your Metabolic Type. MYTH : Nutrients are nutrients. It doesn't matter what form they are in. REALITY : The carriers of nutrients are just as powerful -- in some cases even more powerful -- in their effects on metabolism as the nutrients themselves. Depending on your Metabolic Type, any nutrient can be acidifying or alkalinizing. For example, in a Parasympathetic (alkaline) Metabolic Type, calcium is acidifying, but in a Fast Oxidizer, calcium is alkalinizing. So, it is important that an acid form of calcium (e.g., calcium chloride) be used if you’re an alkaline Parasympathetic type metabolizer, but that an alkaline form of calcium (calcium citrate) be used if you’re an acidic Fast Oxidizer. Otherwise, the nutritional supplement will at best have a neutral effect, and at worst, actually worsen your existing imbalances. You can take the best supplements money can buy, but if they are not right for your Metabolic Type -- the right nutrients and the right forms of the nutrients – they won’t produce the result you’re looking for and can end up making you worse than before. Metabolic Typing: Calcium Is Not For Everyone There is a great deal of misinformation and misunderstanding surrounding the use of calcium supplementation. For example, it is generally accepted that women over the age of 40 should be taking calcium supplementation to prevent osteoporosis. Here is yet another nutritional myth that has been shattered by metabolic typing research. Through metabolic typing we have come to understand that there is no one diet right for everyone and that there are no “good foods” or “bad foods” except those relative to each person's biochemical individuality. Similarly, although everyone needs to obtain all available nutrients in his daily diet, taking therapeutic doses of a nutrient such as calcium, for example, is another matter altogether. While supplementing the diet with calcium can help some problems in certain metabolic types, in other metabolic types it can actually worsen the same problems. The reason for this is that any problem related to calcium has to do with its utilization or metabolism in the body. When there is a disruption to calcium metabolism or a loss of calcium metabolism efficiency, it often involves a calcium deficiency. But, there are two kinds of calcium deficiency: an actual quantitative deficiency and a relative deficiency of utilization due to biounavailability. In order for calcium to be utilized, two factors are necessary: 1) calcium, and 2) calcium's synergistic nutrients (calcium requires other specific nutrients in order to be utilized). Certain metabolic types naturally require higher amounts of calcium in their diet in order to function optimally, tending to have sufficient synergistic nutrients but lack sufficient calcium. But other metabolic types have the opposite biochemical balance: these metabolic types tend to already have high calcium but are low in the synergistic nutrients, thereby doing well on diets lower in calcium and higher in the synergistic nutrients. Thus, only the metabolic types (parasympathetics, fast oxidizers or anabolic dominants) that are actually deficient in calcium benefit from calcium supplementation. But the other metabolic types (sympathetics, slow oxidizers or catabolic dominants) who already have enough or excess calcium in the body but lack the synergistic nutrients will worsen their condition by calcium supplementation by creating an even greater biounavailability through further depleting synergistic nutrient stores. Furthermore, the form of calcium used, when it should be used, is equally important. Parasympathetics, alkaline metabolic types that require calcium, should only use acid forms of calcium like calcium chloride or calcium aspartate. If other alkaline forms are used, not only will the problem not resolve but it could also even get worse than before. On the other hand, Fast Oxidizers, acid metabolic types, require an alkaline form of calcium and would actually worsen using the acid forms mentioned above. Minerals: Individualized Biochemical Considerations The kinds of foods that one should eat are a matter of nutritional individuality and can only be recommended after proper analysis of one's metabolic type (Contact Healthexcel for information about determining your own metabolic type). Food provides fuel for the body. Like the fuel for a car, if the fuel is not correct for the engine, the energy produced will be poor compared to what it can and should be. The result can be disrupted sleep patterns at best, and may prove to be a major causative factor in full-blown insomnia. Since people do have different requirements for nutrition, what may help one person to alleviate insomnia may cause it in another. Nonetheless, the following are the major areas of concern in all metabolic types: EATING BEFORE BED To eat or not to eat, that is the question....or at least part of the question. The other part concerns what to eat! In certain metabolic types (parasympathetics or fast oxidizers) there is usually a requirement to eat before going to bed. If these types don't eat, they usually will experience difficulty falling asleep, and if they do fall asleep they will invariably awaken in the middle of the night. Usually, their ideal fuel mixture is a snack that contains a good amount of protein and fat. A high carbohydrate snack may help some, but is usually not sufficient to carry them through the night. In these metabolic types, a high carbohydrate snack will actually be stimulating (by increasing the oxidation rate) and thus, prevent sleep. Other metabolic types (sympathetics and slow oxidizers) generally don't do well eating before bed. They often complain that when they eat before going to bed, food feels like a rock in their stomachs. If they do eat a bedtime snack, they do best eating food high in carbohydrate with just a little protein and fat, like a small bowl of cereal with milk or some fruit and yogurt. SALT Parasympathetics and slow oxidizers tend to do better including high sodium foods and some salt in their diets to help balance body chemistry. But, in the sympathetics and fast oxidizers, salt often has too strong of a stimulating effect on the adrenals and if eaten around bedtime may contribute to insomnia. CALCIUM In the autonomic dominant, calcium usually acts as a stimulant by innervating the sympathetic system. Thus, in the sympathetic dominant, calcium supplementation before bed is not recommended. However, in the extreme parasympathetic dominant who has problems awakening in the night with hunger pains, calcium may help diminish the appetite by restoring autonomic balance. In this type, calcium supplementation before bed may help prevent the body chemistry from going too parasympathetic during the night. In the oxidative dominant, calcium tends to have a sedating, calming effect by slowing down the rate of oxidation. When the oxidation rate gets too fast, carbohydrate is "burned" too quickly. The result is that one also runs out of fuel too quickly as well. When this occurs at night, insomnia may result. Calcium supplementation before bed for the fast oxidizer may help prevent this from occurring. (CAL-COM) MAGNESIUM In the autonomic dominant, magnesium acts as a natural tranquilizer by inhibiting the influence of the sympathetic system. In the sympathetic insomniac characterized by racing thoughts or an inability to shut the mind off when trying to sleep, magnesium has been found to be an excellent bedtime supplement. (MAGNESIUM-COM) POTASSIUM Whereas calcium is the mineral which acts as the major stimulator of the sympathetic system, potassium is considered the major innervator of the parasympathetic system. In the sympathetic dominant, magnesium and potassium work well together in producing a calming, sedating influence. On the other hand, in the fast oxidizer, potassium tends to have a stimulating effect. The result may be a strongly increased appetite. (POTASSIUM-COM) THYMUS Whereas the sympathetic system is responsible for energy, motivation, get-up-and-go, the parasympathetic system controls immune function, digestion and all repairing/rebuilding activity. Thus, it is the parasympathetic system which normally dominates during sleep. Certain glands are related to the sympathetic system while others are more related to the parasympathetic system. The thymus is considered to be the major "parasympathetisizing" gland of the endocrine system. Stimulation and support of the thymus has been observed to increase parasympathetic tone, particularly when employed along with magnesium and potassium. (THYMOTRATE) Other parasympathetic glandulars, singularly or in formulas, may be used along with thymus for a stronger parasympathetisizing influence. (SYNERGY-COM #1, IMMUNO-COM). TRYPTOPHANE This amino acid when taken before bed is known to encourage sleep, particularly when combined with some carbohydrate. It appears to be most effective for parasympathetics, but has not been found to be of much help in other metabolic types with insomnia. (TRYPTOTRATE) ADRENAL In rare instances, insomnia may be related to adrenal insufficiency. This type of insomnia is characterized by being able to fall asleep, but "jerking" awake 20-30 minutes later. It may be accompanied by feelings of panic and/or a racing heart rate. Some adrenal support along with other nutritional support of the sympathetic system may be very helpful. Often a bedtime snack including meat or poultry is also of benefit. When adrenal insufficiency is the case, an herbal blend of capsicum, Siberian ginseng root, and gotu kola--normally an energy-improving combination--may prove very helpful. (ADRENOTRATE) HERBS Herbs used in tea or capsules may be very helpful in helping to support and balance body chemistry. Herbs are almost always better when taken in combination as opposed to individually. They are available from most health food stores prepackaged blends. Valerian root, wild lettuce, blue vervain, catnip, blue violet, passion flower, and scullcap are likely best for sympathetics. Comfrey root, horsetail (shavegrass), oat straw, lobelia, chamomile and dandelion may be more suited for parasympathetics. http://www.healthexcel.com/docs/_herb1.html Using vitamin C as an example, ascorbic acid will acidify oxidative metabolic types and alkalize autonomic types, while calcium ascorbate (buffered vitamin c) does the opposite. Group I requires the ascorbic acid form because it acidfies the slow oxidizer, but alkalizes the sympathetic. Group II requires the calcium ascorbate form because it alkalizes the fast oxidizer and acidifies the parasympathetic. Among foods, brocolli is a Group I food and cauliflower is a Group II food. Again, see the book for details. (Source) Ascorbic Acid or Calcium Ascorbate Calcium ascorbate and ascorbic acid are both forms of vitamin C. Calcium ascorbate, being alkaline forming in the blood, will alkalize the blood; where ascorbic acid, being acid forming in the blood, will acidify the blood. It is absolutely necessary that the venous blood ph be maintained in the very close proximity pH of 7.46. Anything below this would be acid; anything above this would be alkaline. Why is it necessary to have your pH be around 7.46? This is the ideal pH which optimal absorption and utilization of enzymes and trace nutrients takes place. If your pH is too far off one way or another, you will not be able to properly metabolize these precious nutrients. A practical example that happens is when I do nutritional reinforcement for cancer patients. Generally cancer patients venous blood is alkaline. I find most of these patients are taking the ascorbate form of vitamin C, which is further alkalizing their blood. This means they are not able to utilize many of their enzymes or trace nutrients. Certain vitamins and minerals are either acid or alkaline forming in the blood. The scope of this report is to just focus on vitamin C. When the conversion is made to further acidify their blood, higher energy is usually observed. This is true for mostly everyone. Most people are confused about the pH systems of our body. When the urine pH is acid, the blood is generally alkaline and vice versa. Taking a pH reading of your urine after a fifteen-hour fast will give some indication of the acid alkalinity of your blood. Type A personalities, lean people, and compulsive behavior are individuals with alkaline blood. If your nature is to gain weight easily, hard to wake up in the morning, and be less disciplined, you are probably an acid blood type. Acid blood people have to snack in between meals. These are all generalities. The best way of determining your blood type is by biochemical testing which is done by a number of us. In conclusion, you should now have a good idea which Vitamin C is right for certain individuals. You should now understand why the pH is so critical for optimal health. It might even be possible now for you to figure out which Vitamin C is right for you. http://www.dreddyclinic.com/vitamins/Calcium.htm Calcium lactate on the other hand can push a person too acid. But it is ok to use if a person has a high average alkaline urine and saliva pH (7.0 or above) and you want to push it down. Calcium citrate, hydroxide, and carbonate (Tums) can push a person too alkaline. But it is ok to use if a person has low average acid urine and saliva pH (5.8 or below) and you are working to push it up. In all cases you should return to a neutral calcium when the proper pH zone is reached. Continued use of the wrong calcium in the wrong pH can lead to unbalanced conditions and potential problems. Note that Coral Calcium is full of lead and heavy metals and is overpriced, besides being dangerous. A good reference as to which carriers are acidic and which are alkaline is Biological Ionization by Dr. Alexander F. Beddoe. Acidic carriers: phosphate, sulfate, lactate, chloride, aspartate. Alkaline carriers: carbonate, oxide, citrate, hydroxide, bicarbonate, hydrate (e.g., lime water). Neutral carriers: gluconate, orotate. (Can be used with all pH's) The mineral or vitamin needed is based upon the Metabolic Type (e.g., Parasympathetics and Fast Oxidizers need Calcium), but the carrier is based upon whether the person needs to be more acidic or alkaline (e.g., Parasympathetics and Slow Oxidizers are too alkaline and need to take the acidic forms, such as Chlorides or Aspartates). Excerpts explaining that not only which mineral or vitamin is taken is important, but also which form of carrier: For example, we know that potassium stimulates the parasympathetic side of the Autonomic Nervous System, thereby producing an alkaline shift in an “autonomic dominant” person, and we know that potassium also increases Fast Oxidation, thereby producing an acidic shift in an “oxidative dominant” person. So taking potassium is good for you if you are an acid-type Sympathetic Autonomic Dominant, or an alkaline-type Slow Oxidative Dominant, but bad for you if you are an already alkaline Parasympathetic Autonomic Dominant or an already acid Fast Oxidative Dominant! But which form of potassium is good for you is also an issue specific to your Metabolic Type. A supplement containing potassium citrate, for example, has a completely different effect than one containing potassium chloride. Potassium citrate essentially produces an alkaline effect, but potassium chloride has an acid effect. To illustrate this highly significant issue, potassium is needed by Sympathetics (who are acid) and Slow Oxidizers (who are alkaline). But whereas potassium citrate is great for a Sympathetic, it’s bad for a Slow Oxidizer. The reverse is true for potassium chloride -- it’s great for a Slow Oxidizer, but disastrous for a Sympathetic. The reality is that you can neutralize or even adversely override the benefit of a nutritional supplement if you take it in a form that is wrong for your Metabolic Type. Make no mistake: Just like foods, the wrong nutritional supplements can create health problems instead of correct them. Unless you are taking supplements that are right for your metabolic type, it would be better to not take any at all! REALITY : The carriers of nutrients are just as powerful -- in some cases even more powerful -- in their effects on metabolism as the nutrients themselves. Depending on your Metabolic Type, any nutrient can be acidifying or alkalinizing. For example, in a Parasympathetic (alkaline) Metabolic Type, calcium is acidifying, but in a Fast Oxidizer, calcium is alkalinizing. So, it is important that an acid form of calcium (e.g., calcium chloride) be used if you’re an alkaline Parasympathetic type metabolizer, but that an alkaline form of calcium (calcium citrate) be used if you’re an acidic Fast Oxidizer. Otherwise, the nutritional supplement will at best have a neutral effect, and at worst, actually worsen your existing imbalances. You can take the best supplements money can buy, but if they are not right for your Metabolic Type -- the right nutrients and the right forms of the nutrients – they won’t produce the result you’re looking for and can end up making you worse than before. Furthermore, the form of calcium used, when it should be used, is equally important. Parasympathetics, alkaline metabolic types that require calcium, should only use acid forms of calcium like calcium chloride or calcium aspartate. If other alkaline forms are used, not only will the problem not resolve but it could also even get worse than before. On the other hand, Fast Oxidizers, acid metabolic types, require an alkaline form of calcium and would actually worsen using the acid forms mentioned above. If restricting the more alkaline foods does not correct excess alkalinity, you can use ammonium chloride to acidify urine pH. Ammonium chloride can be taken with or between meals as needed to offset an alkaline urine pH. If you have a history of a sensitive stomach always test any new acid supplement first at low doses and take with food instead of between meals. Excess acidity will also inhibit the immune system by blocking key metabolic pathways. If your urine pH is consistently below pH 5, review the supplements that you are currently taking and reduce or eliminate acidic supplements. A buffered form of Vitamin C in capsules or powder will help offset excess acidity. (If you are too acidic) Avoid Vitamin C formulas that are "buffered" with ascorbates as they are still quite acidic. The buffering agent must be a mineral form of bicarbonate to have the alkaline effect you need. Most forms of calcium and magnesium are alkaline and can be used as well to offset excess acidity (see "carriers" on this page for which are alkaline). (The Metabolic Balancing Workbook contains a list of alkaline foods and supplements.) In biochemistry textbooks, calcium is considered an alkalizing mineral, and is known to be one of the primary buffering agents used by the body to keep the blood pH stable. However, Metabolic Typing is based on the observation that how people metabolize food and nutrients is determined by which of two dominance systems (the Oxidative, or energy generating, and the Autonomic, or energy regulating) controls their metabolism. From this perspective, calcium is only alkalizing to the two Oxidative types (Fast and Slow Oxidizers), but is acidifying to the two Autonomic types (Sympathetics and Parasympathetics). While dietary calcium and all other nutrients are required by everybody, supplemental calcium is only desirable for one member of each dominance system: Fast Oxidizers, in whom it helps to alkalize their overly acidic blood; and Parasympathetics, in whom it helps to acidify their overly alkaline blood. (Remember that, calcium, like all nutrients, will work oppositely in members of the two dominance systems). Conversely, supplemental calcium would tend to further alkalize the already overly alkaline Slow Oxidizer, while further acidifying the overly acidic Sympathetic. Thus, too much supplemental calcium given to the wrong Metabolic Types can actually create or exacerbate a blood pH imbalance. Because the body draws on the minerals stored in bone tissue to buffer blood pH, this will often result in a net loss of bone tissue. The two most common forms of supplemental vitamin C are ascorbic acid and calcium (or other mineral) ascorbates. Ascorbic acid, being acid forming, will acidify the blood of both of the oxidative dominant types (fast oxidizers and slow oxidizers). Fast oxidizers already tend to have an overly acid venous blood pH, and so ascorbic acid, which would make them even more acidic, would not be an appropriate form of vitamin C for them to take. Conversely, slow oxidizers tend towards an overly alkaline blood pH, and so ascorbic acid, by making them more acidic, would tend to balance them out. Calcium ascorbate (and other mineral acorbates), being alkaline forming, will alkalize the blood of the oxidative dominant types. This would be a desirable effect for fast oxidizers (with their overly acid blood pH), but undesirable for slow oxidizers (with their overly alkaline blood pH) who would be pushed even further in the alkaline direction. Therefore calcium ascorbate would help balance out fast oxidizers but would exacerbate the alkaline imbalance of slow oxidizers. One practical example of this would be cancer patients who, by and large, tend to have alkaline blood pH. Giving such individuals calcium ascorbate (which is alkaline forming) would push them further into an alkaline imbalance, whereas ascorbic acid (which is acid forming) would help move them towards a more metabolically balanced condition. For autonomic dominant types these values are reversed, so that (for complex biochemical reasons) nutrients that acidify that oxidative dominant types, alkalize autonomic dominant types, and, conversely, nutrients that alkalize oxidative types acidify autonomic types. Ascorbic acid, therefore, has an alkalizing (rather than acidifying) effect on both of the autonomic dominant types (sympathetic and parasympathetic). This would be beneficial for sympathetic types, who tend to have an overly acid blood pH. However, it would not be beneficial for parasympathetics (who have an overly alkaline blood pH) who would be further alkalized by it, and pushed even more out of balance. Calcium ascorbate, however, has an acidifying effect on both of the autonomic dominant types. This would create further imbalance in the sympathetic types (whose blood pH is already too acid). However, it would help balance parasympathetics, who need acid forming nutrients to balance their overly alkaline blood pH. Thus, using vitamin C as an example, we can see how important it is to determine the individual's metabolic type. Such knowledge allows us to select the appropriate form of this vital nutrient, as well as all nutrients and foods, so that we can learn to intelligently and effectively balance out our metabolic type, thereby achieving a new level of health and harmony. http://www.drlam.com/opinion/osteoporosis.cfm Metabolically, most people can be divided into three types. Protein, carbohydrates (carbs), and mixed (a combination of carbs and protein). Certain metabolic types naturally require a higher amount of calcium in their diet in order to function at their best. They tend to have sufficient synergistic nutrients but lack sufficient amounts of calcium. Other metabolic types are the opposite. These types tend to already have high levels of calcium in their body and are low in synergistic nutrients. They do well in diets that are relatively low in calcium and high in other synergistic nutrients. By simply overloading one’s body with mega doses of calcium may make things worse. Generally speaking, protein types are fast oxidizers and are autonomically parasympathetically driven. These people require large amounts of calcium to normalize their acid-base balance. On the other end of the spectrum, those who are in the carb groups are slow oxidizers and are sympathetically driven (they respond in a different way). Therefore when the carb types receive calcium, their pH and acid-base balance gets considerably worse. This may be one reason that helps to explain the observation that calcium does not seem to be associated with reducing bone fractures in all people. 1. Diet There is little doubt that there is a strong correlation between dietary habits and osteoporosis. As far back as 1968, research has shown that the amount of minerals in the bones varies with the diet. An excessively high protein diet (particularly animal protein) leads to a negative calcium balance. In other words, there is a net loss of calcium from the body resulting in reduced calcium storage in bones. This is a serious risk for osteoporosis. When excessive amounts of meat, refined carbohydrates, and fat are consumed into our diet over a long period of time, our body becomes more acidic. The body is not used to this and prefers to be in an alkaline environment most of the time. As a compensatory mechanism, the body directs calcium and other minerals to be removed from the bones and transported to the rest of the body in an attempt to buffer and neutralize this acidic environment. Some of this calcium goes into the kidney and is excreted out. As a result, there is a net loss of calcium from the body. In addition to the loss of calcium from the bones, animal proteins, due to the high sulfur content, alter the kidney's re-absorption of calcium, so that more calcium is excreted. Those on high protein diets such as meat and dairy products can lose about 100 mg of calcium a day. In one study, individuals who consumed excessive amounts of protein were found to have a negative calcium balance of 137mg/day. This translates into approximately 50g/year and a potential skeletal mass loss of 4% per year. Milk Promotes Calcium Loss A major concern of those who have been advised to stop drinking milk is, "What will happen to my teeth and bones?" The answer is astoundingly simple, "They will improve." The majority of the world's population takes in less than half the recommended daily calcium intake of 800 mg a day and yet they have strong bones and healthy teeth. The notion that continuous ingestion of high amount of calcium is needed in order to maintain strong bones and prevent osteoporosis must be dispelled. Studies have repeatedly shown that strong bone is due more to a function of optimum amount of magnesium and a low acidic environment in the body rather than calcium from a nutrient perspective. While milk provides calcium, it is ironic that milk also promotes calcium loss in the body. This is because the consumption of the excessive proteins found in cow's milk increases the need for minerals found in the body to neutralize the acid formed from digesting the animal protein in cow’s milk. Such minerals include calcium and magnesium and 99 percent of the body's calcium and 60 percent of the body's magnesium is stored in the bone. As mentioned before, calcium is removed from the bone to the blood in order to neutralize the acid, resulting in the loss of calcium from the bone. In fact, calcium excretion and bone loss increase in proportion to the amount of animal protein consumed. In short, milk and diary products are acid forming substances. Acidic byproducts that accumulate in the body is also one of the primary reasons of accelerated aging and cancer. It is best that our body be bathed in a slightly alkaline environment. A diet high in milk, meat, and poultry means that, more protein is ingested, and the more acidic the body becomes. Vegetarians, for example, need about half as much calcium as meat eaters as they lose much less calcium from their bones. Cow's milk also contains phosphorous. When calcium and phosphorus reach the intestine at the same time, they compete for absorption. The more phosphorus there is, the less calcium will enter the body. Some phosphate compounds form insoluble calcium salts in the intestine. In addition, excess phosphorus triggers the release of parathyroid hormone, which sucks calcium out of the bones. When combined with calcium, phosphorus also competes with and prevents calcium absorption in the intestine. The higher phosphorous level found in animal food (as compared to plant food) may also interfere with calcium absorption. Phosphorous is an important component in a balanced nutritional program, but it may bind with calcium and therefore reduce the amount of calcium that is absorbed by the body. Plant based foods have protein, but contains a lower calcium –phosphorous ratio. Not all calcium in food enters the body. Many components of food such as phosphates, vitamin D, fiber, proteins, and hormones alter the absorption of calcium in our diet. For example, Cow's milk contains 1,200 milligram of calcium per quart; human milk contains only 300 milligrams. But the total calcium absorbed in breast-fed babies is higher than in babies fed cow's milk. This is because the phosphates and palmitic acid in cow's milk reduce the absorption of calcium by the body. The optimum calcium/phosphorus ratio is important for bone building. The ideal ratio is 2.5 to 1. Too much phosphorus consumed will upset the balance, and will lead to progressive bone loss in the body. The ratio in cow's milk is only 1.3 to 1. In addition, milk consumption is not helpful in improving bone density for those over 30 years old, because the milk has been pasteurized. The pasteurization process causes a severe destruction of essential nutrients. Low-carb diet As more Americans turn to the low-carb, high protein diet to lose weight quickly, some research studies are reporting that such diet can increase the risk of kidney stones as well as the risk of osteoporosis. In a six week study reported in the American Journal of Kidney Disease in 2002, ten healthy adults consumed a regular diet for two weeks, followed by a low-carb, high protein diet for two weeks, and finally followed by a moderately restricted carbohydrate diet for four weeks. It was found that while the volunteers lost nine pounds on average, most developed ketones. These ketones raise the acid level in the blood, and some volunteers had their acid level increased by 90%. There is also an increase of calcium being lost in the urine by the volunteers. Protein is a source of acid and produces an acidic environment in the body. The body simply does not like this. When exposed to a high acidic environment, the body tries to buffer or neutralize the acid by withdrawing minerals such as calcium from the bones. As such, the body’s calcium stored in the bones is therefore reduced. Vegetables The kind of vegetables that is good for osteoporosis prevention include leafy vegetables, legumes, raw nuts ( that have been pre-soaked overnight in water), and seeds. All these contain plentiful amounts of calcium. It has been shown that the average African women only consumes only 500mg of calcium a day, and mostly from plant sources. However, they have a positive calcium balance because they retain their calcium much better. The key is to control the protein level and thus maintain an environment that is not overly acidic in the body. When protein intake is reduced to a modest level, and especially if the protein can be derived from plant sources, excessive calcium intake to compensate for the calcium lost is not necessary. The level of calcium intake can further be reduced if it is combined with magnesium and strontium, both facilitators of calcium transport. Soy Soy is high in phytoestrogen, a plant estrogen precursor. The effect of soy in the body is still controversial, but many experts believe that soy blocks excessive estrogen from being absorbed and acts like estrogen when it is deficient, thus providing the best of both worlds. Interesting studies have been conducted, including one from Italy involving 90 women age 53-65. It was found that ipriflavone and calcium supplementation was able to increase bone mineral density by 2% after 6 months and 5.8% after 12 months with the added bonus of significant decrease in pain-45% in 6 months, and 62% at 12 months. However, it should be noted that soy does have a dark side. Excessive amounts of unfermented soy intake such as tofu can lead to thyroid disturbances. Women who are in post-menopausal period should therefore be careful when using soy as a supplementation for osteoporosis. Fermented soy products such as miso or tempeh do not have this problem and can be taken liberally. Fluids Avoid stimulatory drinks that contains caffeine which acidifies the body and cause calcium to be withdrawn from the bone. Avoid coffee and tea. Distilled water should also be avoided. Decaffeinated coffee and decaffeinated tea is acceptable in moderate amounts. Herbal tea is acceptable. 2. Exercise and osteoporosis Weight bearing exercises is as close as one can get when one is searching for a magic bullet in the prevention of osteoporosis. The positive effect of exercise on bone density is greatest in adults who have been sedimentary and just started exercising. Studies have shown that even elderly adults over age 80 who have done active exercise and weight bearing programs can significantly increase their bone density over a shot period of time. Weight bearing exercises such as walking, running, jogging, dancing, are especially important. While swimming is a great exercise for cardiovascular diseases, it is not as good for bone health when compared to walking and jogging. Bone is a live tissue and it responds to stress placed upon it. In a positive way when a person becomes sedimentary, the normal stress placed on the bones is removed. The bone will lose its density and become brittle over time. It comes as no surprise that a patient with spinal cord injuries will have significant loss of bone density if proactive steps are not taken. The opposite is also true; athletes have stronger bones than the average adult. Exercise is a life long activity. Its effect on bone mass will decrease when one stops to exercise. Therefore, exercise needs to be done on an ongoing basis. 30 minutes of weight bearing exercise daily will improve bone density, heart health, muscle strength, coordination, and balance. The good news is that studies have now shown that the 30 minutes of exercise can be broken down into ten-minute blocks without sacrificing results. Remember to warm up and cool down always. It is also wise to combine several different kinds of weight bearing exercises. Incorporate exercises that build strength, and increase resistance in weight to the program. Lastly, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. 3. Nutritional Supplement Considerations Fifty years ago, nutritional supplementation for bone building involves primarily around the single element calcium. Later, it was found that magnesium and vitamin D are important components as well. The latest nutritional research now points to three other important team players – strontium, vitamin K, and collagen. Bone building is no longer about any one single nutrient. The best program consists of a cocktail with all six nutrients working concurrently. A. Calcium Calcium is a basic building block of bones. The average adult has about 3 lbs of it in their bones, teeth, and blood. The use of calcium supplementation to treat post menopause osteoporosis has increased significantly since 1987, which is the year the National Institute of Health increased the recommended daily intake of calcium to 1500mg for the prevention of primary post-menopausal osteoporosis (PPMO). There is significant controversy surrounding this recommendation because working it was made despite the conflicting conclusions research by some clinical studies presented to the NIH. Some of the studies show no significant effect of calcium intake on mineral density on the trabecular bone and only a slight effect on the cortical bone. Since PPMO is predominantly a condition due to the demineralization of the trabecular bone, there is no justification for calcium mega dosing for postmenopausal women. In fact, soft tissue calcification can be a serious risk factor arising from calcium mega dosing under certain conditions. Most research and trials using calcium in the prevention of post-menopausal osteoporosis also involve the use of vitamin D and this makes it difficult to attribute the benefit to calcium alone. It is also interesting to note that the bone density increase found in the first two years of calcium supplementation may not substantially increase over a long period of time. In contrast to most clinical data, a great number of studies did not find a significant association between calcium intake and a reduced risk of bone loss fracture. It is well known that calcium at low or moderate doses is largely dependant on the action of vitamin D for active support. Sufficient amount of Vitamin D are important for the prevention of post-menopausal bone loss. Insufficient vitamin D leads to less calcium absorption, elevated blood concentration of parathyroid hormone, as well as an increased rate of bone absorption. All these can eventually lead to a bone fracture if not corrected in time. The conventional wisdom and recommendation taken for granted is that a high dose of calcium is necessary for the prevention of post menopausal osteoporosis, as well as for the building of strong bones for children and elderly. Long term studies however have not been able to confirm that calcium alone can get the job done without the help of other nutrients especially in the case of PPMO. RDA Current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 1000 mg of calcium for younger adults, and 1200 mg for people over the age of 50.These numbers reflect the total calcium needed for a diet that is high in protein and fat (typical of the young American diet). Such diet also produces a body that is acidic and as a result, calcium is drawn out of the bones to neutralize this acidic environment in order to return the body to a more alkalized state. A high calcium intake of more than 1000 mg or more is suggested for anyone who falls into this demographic group that takes in a diet high in protein. This recommendation of 1000 to 1500 mg calcium is not suitable in the case of postmenopausal osteoportic women whose di |