Anemia, Sideroblastic

Enzymes in Mental Health Cases

There's a great cartoon in Linus Pauling's How to Live Longer and Feel Better. An older woman patient, sitting across from her doctor's desk, asks, "I'd like some of that preventive medicine I've heard so much about." It would be a great joy if all our patients were asking for preventive medicine. By addressing the digestive problems of our clients, we are providing preventive healthcare by focusing on the basis of nutritional therapy, which includes diet and lifestyle. There are many different cases that present in our office. Many times a client will have seen many health care practioners and remain in poor health. The primary concern in the nutritional clinic is to understand the patient's issues and then do the detective work to determine why they are feeling poorly. Working with health is the direction we take. Most clients admit to being under a doctor's care and to taking antacids, prescription drugs or acid inhibitors. We take all the accumulated records of the client that are available and combine the results with our analysis. What had been done previously does not initially affect the work and analysis we find. We have found that many poor health conditions are due to the stresses that people are carrying plus the processed foods they are eating. Pharmaceutical drugs are depleting the body of important nutrients. Antacids and the acid inhibitors are adversely affecting the level of acid needed to digest food. Specifically, when patients are taking medications, it must be explained that they should not stop taking the drugs, but instead replace all the nutrients being eliminated by those pharmaceuticals. The need to increase the synergy in the body is a primary role of clinical nutrition. Before supplements are recommended, the client's digestive system must be improved as the first step in healing.

A specific case study involving a 25 year-old schizophrenic man, Mr. D, with a condition called pyroluria underscores the importance of enzymes and natural whole food supplements. Pyroluria is a genetically determined chemical imbalance involving abnormality in hemoglobin synthesis. A byproduct of hemoglobin synthesis called "kryptopyrrole" or "hemepyrrole" is produced and excreted in the urine since there is no known function in the body for it. This kryptopyrrole binds to B6, pyridoxine, and to zinc which makes these elements unavailable in their important co-factor roles in enzyme metabolism. Omega 6 essential fatty acids, as Arachidonic acid, are also deficient in the body. This condition is one that reduces the elements zinc and B6. Medical documentation reveals that this condition may cause schizophrenia. Melvyn Werbach, MD in Nutritional Influences on Illness states in the overview of Schizophrenia "it is well known that certain specific nutritional deficiency syndromes can produce schizophreniform psychoses or exacerbate schizophrenic symptomatology. Examples are deficiencies of folic acid (the most common vitamin deficiency), ascorbic acid, manganese and zinc." He continues with "Food sensitivities, especially to wheat and milk have been implicated as an etiologic factor." Patients with this disorder show symptoms of zinc and B6 deficiencies, which can include, but not be limited to mood swings, inner tension, episodic anger, poor short term memory, anxiety and depression. Patients have difficulty processing serotonin, since B6 is an important catalyst in the serotonin to melatonin synthesis. These patients are placed on specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) to keep the small amount of serotonin at a high level. The drugs of choice are Paxil, Zoloft and Celexa.

After reviewing the darkfield blood work, the dried blood work, urine and saliva tests and understanding Mr. D's dietary limitations, we added enzymes and modified his eating habits. Meals emphasized salads, vegetables, as desired, and small quantities of meat protein or vegetable protein. The major change was the introduction of enzymes, at a very therapeutic dosage to be taken with each meal and at bedtime. These enzymes allow the digestion and absorption of the nutrients his body was craving from the "good" foods he is now eating. The therapeutic form of the enzymes also created an alkaline level in his blood and acted as a blood cleanser. The foods recommended were all high in the nutrients missing in schizophrenic cases. After ten days on the enzyme protocol natural whole food supplements were added to his diet. When we eat whole foods, the body can select the nutrient or nutrients it needs. The goal of our approach is to enable the body to absorb the necessary nutritional elements from food and utilize them efficiently. Proper digestion and elimination are essential to good health. Energy and health fail when those systems are unable to function together. Food processing by our bodies is a complex metabolic procedure with the inclusion of many systems, enzymes, catalysts and proper pH levels. If any, or all, of these factors are not functioning well the resulting dysfunction is sometimes defined as a disease condition and is called by many names.

When digestion of food elements is faulty, we recommend that clients add natural enzymes to their diet at least until their digestive system problems are corrected. With the use of darkfield microscopy, deficiencies in the enzymes required to process food proteins, carbohydrates and fats are literally seen and can be corrected with dietary changes and enzyme supplements. During this time the client's diet should be supplemented with a highly therapeutic dose of natural enzymes, normally of plant derivation, to provide the nutrients needed for good mental and physical health from the foods eaten. Darkfield blood analysis evaluates the digestion of fat, protein and carbohydrates. If the body cannot digest fat, for example, a lipase enzyme aids in the breakdown of fat. It allows the fat-soluble vitamins to be transported to the cells. If proteins are not being digested fully, adding a protease digestive enzyme assists in the breakdown of protein to its basic elements, amino acids. The synergistic benefits of amino acids provide the essential and non-essential amino acids needed by the brain to create the numerous neurotransmitters necessary for balanced mental health. If carbohydrate complexes are not being processed properly excess blood sugar may create triglycerides or, if left to ferment, will create an alcohol level in the blood. There can be a clumping of the blood creating Sludge and/or Roleaux associated with excess carbohydrate intake. This thickening of red blood cells impairs the ability of single red blood cells to enter small capillaries to bring oxygen and nutrients to the cells and to remove carbon dioxide and waste products from the cells. Such an acidic environment can promote disease patterns. A therapeutic enzyme protocol can greatly reduce this buildup of "stuck together" red blood cells and assist them to function properly.

Through blood analysis, using the darkfield and dried microscopy, problems can be seen in liver, kidney, immune and reproductive systems. Stress and metal and/or chemical sensitivities are also apparent. Lack of vitamin and mineral absorption is also seen. In addition to the enzymes we use supplements from whole foods to aid in the repair of the above organs and body systems. Why not take real vitamins from real food instead of composite counterfeits made in the laboratory? These are the questions we pose to patients when asked for the best vitamin supplement to take. Absorption and assimilation of any supplement taken is of major importance, as well as its whole vitamin complex structure. Natural whole food vitamins are well accepted by the body. Even if the digestive process is slow and only partially active, chewing the whole food vitamin supplements benefits the body by activating absorption through the membranes in the mouth. All absorbed supplements are part of the synergism the body needs for survival. "The vitamins are part of food complexes and must be associated with their natural synergists (co-workers) to be properly utilized and be a potent nutritional factor. In other words, a minute amount of a vitamin that is left intact in its whole food form is tremendously more functional, powerful, and effective nutritionally than a large amount of a chemically-pure, vitamin fraction" according to DeCava in The Real Truth About Vitamins & Antioxidants (chapter 6, page 54). They need to work as a whole to benefit the synergistic balance of the whole body.

Together with the microscopy done in our office, we look at the laboratory blood work numbers. This patient's blood chemistry showed high HCT, low MCHC and high RDW. All of which relate to low levels of B vitamins. From "Mastering Nutrition with Blood Chemistry" the items flagged in his blood chemistry were described as follows: A low MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentrate) is indicative of iron deficiency (probably from low stomach acid), and/or vitamin B6-responsive sideroblastic anemia. The supplement recommendations include a multi-vitamin whole food product, digestive enzymes and Betaine HCl/Pepsin to effect an increase in stomach acid and increase his ability to digest protein.

A high HCT (Hematocrit) is indicative of Macrocytosis (deficiency of B6, B12, folic acid, hypothyroid), and/or Adrenal cortical hyperfunction. We recommended adding B6 to his diet/supplementation.

A high RDW (Red Cell Size Distribution Width) is indicative of iron deficiency anemia, folic acid anemia, B12 and pernicious anemia and sideroblastic anemia. Folic Acid and B12 was added to the above supplementation. Pyroluria disorder is being managed by essentially restoring vitamin B complex and zinc to the patient's body stores. Using the most absorbable form of these elements is important and our recommendation was the use of whole food supplementation. A protocol of HCl with protein meals, and therapeutic enzymes with all meals and at bedtime were required to aid digestion.

Our notes indicated that prior to treatment the patient was without energy. Interestingly, he had a craving for eating handfuls of raw beef. This led us to believe he was lacking amino acids, which could lead to an imbalance of neurotransmitters. After eight days on the protocol his energy level had increased and he was helping his mother clean out the garage. He is sleeping better and is thinking more clearly. The patient's comment to us was how "good" and "positively different" he feels. The third time we met he brought us two stories he had written, and told us how "great" he felt. I requested that he repeat the CBC blood lab work to document the changes, if any. The live and dried blood work revealed changes for the positive. When these procedures are performed, each blood workup is videotaped for reference. The patient's tape includes his three visits. A week after the last visit, his energy level is at a high point, and he is now owner of a dog.

In looking at blood chemistry or darkfield, the major issue to understand is the biochemical relationship of the vitamins, minerals and enzymes that play a major role in the body's chemical reaction. The need for catalysts, co-factors and enzymatic reactants should not be overlooked. The lack of amino acids, due to poor digestion and vitamin B6 deficiency was the reason the patient craved raw meat. It supplied the enzymes needed for his brain neurotransmitters. De Cava states in Memories ... As Time Goes By, (September/October 2000, vol. 4, No. 5) "So far about sixty different neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) have been identified as "communicator molecules" because of their ability to conduct biological information throughout the body." The thyroid function was low, as seen in the dried blood analysis. The functional dynamics of the thyroid are affected by nutritional components other than T3, T4 and TSH. Phenylalanine, oxygen, Biopterin (folate and niacin), iodine and selenium are needed to create thyroxin and T3. These affect mental health through the creation of neuro-transmitter levels, which balance brain functions. Clearly, proper diet and nutrition have a synergistic effect benefiting mental health issues. The products recommended for synergistic involvement are: Betaine HCl reduces stress and aids in the breakdown of protein, thereby assisting in the creation of amino acids, and therefore neurotransmitters for mental functions. Whole foods multi-vitamins are used for its concentration of complete multiple vitamins as a catalyst or synergist for the other supplements and to build the immune system. A natural iodine supplement was added to provide thyroid nutrition.

Schizophrenia is a condition in which the person withdraws from other people into a world of fantasies and delusions. Presently chronic schizophrenic patients occupy more than half of all psychiatric beds. Issues such as food sensitivities from neuropeptides toxins, especially glutens, have shown opioid activity and may have a place in the schizophrenic condition. Specific nutritional deficiencies, such as niacin, B-6, folate, L-Tryptophan, zinc, and essential fatty acids, such as linolenic, GLA and PGE3 are also suspect in schizophrenia cases. Systemic candidiasis is a prevalent condition in cases of schizophrenia. The use of therapeutic enzymes initially in the treatment has affected the digestion and absorption of Mr. D's foods. Many of the above conditions may have been corrected.

After the initial supplementation of enzymes the whole food supplements were added to his diet and both have contributed to a change in the patient's mental health. The synergistic complement of the vitamin, mineral and enzyme complexes has made a physical and visual change in Mr. D. By clearing the blood's "sticky" nature, we are allowing nature to increase blood flow to all the cells of the body, especially to the brain. The increased blood flow is bringing nutrition and oxygen and removing carbon dioxide and waste products, such as lactic acid, thereby providing energy to the body. There has been a marked improvement seen in this case study. Should we not take this approach with all mental health patients before prescription drugs are recommended? Shall we not take this approach with all patients, no matter what their ailments may be, before the recommendation of prescription drugs are recommended? The time frame of this exercise was short; three weeks in duration and the results were extraordinary. Referring to the darkfield and dried photographs, we can see a history of this case. Figure 1 shows the sticky red blood cells, called Rouleaux. This condition limits the ability of the RBCs to deliver oxygen and nutrients and to remove carbon dioxide and waste products such as lactic acid from the cells. Figures 2 and 3 show the fungal conditions and spicules, which indicate carbohydrate and sugar processing limitations. Figure 6 shows the inability to process proteins fully. Acidity of the blood is visualized with the dried blood picture in figure 5. This blood pH imbalance represents hypercalcemia and reflects the need for the blood to approach an alkaline state. Finally, Figure 4 represents a more healthy blood environment.

The title, Blood, Sweat and Tears, reflects the blood analysis of the darkfield and dried microscopy and the blood laboratory statistics, the sweat represents the difficulty and exhaustion the patient felt for more than twenty years, and the tears represent the frustration and inadequacy felt by the patient and his mother during all those years.

This case study illustrates the importance of treating a patient as an individual by customizing the treatments according to his current chemical and biochemical needs using darkfield, dried analysis and CBC lab results. Treatment protocol is based on the results of the above analysis regardless of the named disease. Treatments target imbalances in the individual's body rather than medicate for a named disease process. This work does not diagnosis conditions or prescribe medications; it looks at the underlying nutritional and chemical imbalances and treats accordingly. While this is not a long-term study, in this short period of time much has been learned of the importance of treating a patient as an individual and providing the highest quality natural enzymes and supplementation to activate and sustain the synergism within the body.

Bibliography

DeCava, Judith, CCN, The Real Truth About Vitamins and Antioxidants, Health Science Series #5 A Printery, 1997.

DeCava, Judith, CCN, Of Foods and Supplements, May/June 1999, Vol. 3, No. 3.

Marz, Russell B., ND, Medical Nutrition From Marz, Omni-Press, 1999.

Mastering Nutrition with Blood Chemistry, The Foundation Nutrition Series, International Foundation of Nutrition and Health, 2002.

Pauling, Linus, MD, How to Live Longer and Feel Better, Avon Books, 1986.

Werbach, Melvyn, MD, Nutritional Influences on Illness, Keats Publishing, 1988.

RELATED ARTICLE: Darkfield and Dried Analysis

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by Harold Steinberg DC, CCN, DACBN, Chiropractor & Diplomate Clinical Nutritionist and Marjana Tracy, BA, RN Candidate

Correspondence:

Harold Steinberg, DC, CCN, DACBN, Chiropractor & Diplomate

Clinical Nutritionist and Marjana Tracy, BA, RN Candidate St. Francis Chiropractic Health Center 1400 Maclovia St., Ste. 1

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505 USA 505-473-0057

Fax 505-473-7974

COPYRIGHT 2004 The Townsend Letter Group
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