Entire Wellbeing

09/10/2021

This weeks at Yes to Life Radio Show, Test Match with Mark Bennett
Functional Medicine practitioner provides some pointers towards making choices from the vast range of tests now available to those with cancer Show bit.ly/YesToLifeRadio

28/06/2021

Thank you Dr Elmar Jung for inviting me onto your Tooth Talk Podcast.

In this episode we talk about:
WHY there is no one size fits all when it comes to health
WHY biochemical individuality is key
WHY food based nutrients are superior
WHY lamb’s liver is the best multivitamin
WHAT mitochondrial health has to do with dysfunction
WHY oral health plays a major role in overall health

Why biochemical individuality is key and how consumption is different to absorption. Interview with Mark Bennett, on Elmar's Tooth Talk.

17/05/2021

Delighted to have been asked to share my thoughts on how to build/maintain 'Resilience Through Cancer Treatment' using nutritional and lifestyle approaches on the Yes To Life CANCERTALK podcast (episode 2) hosted by Dr Penny Kechagioglou & Robin Daly -

In this occasional podcast (around one per month) Penny and Robin will host a guest Practitioner from the world of Integrative Oncology – which in plain English means a broad, holistic approach to cancer care that includes support for body, mind and spirit.

13/03/2021

Delighted to be invited to talk at the Nutritional Science & Cancer online congress on the 27th and 28th March being organised by Yes to Life

'This two day Congress explores this fascinating and crucial topic from many angles. We have 14 top speakers including BBC Food Programme presenter Sheila Dillon, Naturopathic Oncologist Dr Nasha Winters, Founder of the Alliance for Natural Health Dr Rob Verkerk, Functional Medicine Practitioner Mark Bennett and Penny Brohn’s Dr Catherine Zollman. The Congress also includes a workshop-focused day delving into immunity and the microbiome, the anti-cancer diet and medicinal mushrooms.

It is wonderful to see research into the effects of nutrition in cancer accelerating, notably in countries which have embraced the concept of Integrative Medicine. As a result, our understanding is growing rapidly which in turn is leading to fresh strategies, as well as supporting some that have flourished as therapies outside of the mainstream.

https://www.yestolifeconference.org/mark-bennett-session

Book your ticket now at www.yestolifeconference.org.uk

14/02/2021

We are missing a trick.....

Recent estimates are that only 1 in 9 children with coeliac disease (fundamentally a disease of malabsorption) are being diagnosed in the UK and that those from poorer families are more likely to be missed: https://tinyurl.com/y5hpfwgy . The consequential costs to society of this 'coeliac iceberg' are enormous, as this identifiable condition of malabsorption is correlated with an increased risk of developing a large number of chronic health conditions in the future. So why are we still not actively considering the possible presence of one of the most common lifelong conditions in North America and Europe, when ever there are inexplicable signs and symptoms present in children/adolescents? After all coeliac disease satisfies the majority of the key criteria set out by the World Health Organization for mass screening - high prevalence, available treatment and difficult clinical detection.

Since 2012 the European guidelines have been clear: 'Offer CD testing in children and adolescents with the following otherwise unexplained symptoms and signs: chronic abdominal pain, cramping or distension, chronic or intermittent diarrhoea, growth failure, iron-deficiency anaemia, nausea or vomiting, chronic constipation not responding to usual treatment, weight loss, chronic fatigue, short stature, delayed puberty, amenorrhoea, recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers), dermatitis
herpetiformis–type rash, repetitive fractures/osteopenia/osteoporosis, and unexplained abnormal liver biochemistry'. https://tinyurl.com/bl10u6st

Please bear in mind that the standard coeliac test for antibodies to transglutaminase 2 on the IgA immune arm, is far from perfect and can return a high number of false negative (everything is fine) results, especially when there is only partial damage (early stages of damage) to the villi (the fingers that protrude from the wall) in the small intestine - https://tinyurl.com/5bpltlvtbut. Still, running this test is a good place to start, but a negative test should not be taken at face value, especially if there are inexplicable symptoms present. After all it is perfectly possible to be presenting with non-coeliac gluten and/or wheat sensitivities instead (which would also return a negative coeliac test) and these conditions are by no means any less serious than coeliac disease itself: https://entirewellbeing.com/grd/

Gluten related disorders (GRDs) include coeliac disease (CD) and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). The evidence base shows that GRDs (not just CD) are a serious threat to long-term health and well-being. GRDs are fundamentally caused by the inability of the body to properly digest gluten (the s...

31/01/2021

Cholesterol, Saturated Fat and Cardiovascular Disease:

* Please note that the following information is for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always consult your Dr/GP before making any health care decisions and/or adjusting prescribed medications/dosages. *

It is akin to an indisputable fact that elevated cholesterol levels are a considerable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, is this really the case? Both clinical experience in combination with recent evidence, would suggest that it is not as simple as that. Like most measurements in the body, levels should not be viewed in isolation, but instead within the context of overall metabolic health (i.e insulin resistance, blood sugar imbalances, elevated triglycerides and the HDL to LDL ratio). Stress levels are also a significant factor to take into consideration. Research suggests that cholesterol levels can be raised between 8 and 65%, free fatty acids by up to 150% and triglycerides by up to 111%, within an hour of a 'stressful event'! https://tinyurl.com/y5vrwawr

Please see the following high powered, high quality reviews along with an expert opinion that really questions the whole premise that reducing cholesterol – even LDL cholesterol (the so called ‘bad’ cholesterol) is a fundamental requirement to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events.
• LDL-C (‘bad’ cholesterol) does not cause cardiovascular disease: a comprehensive review of the current literature:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17512433.2018.1519391
• Do statins really work? Who benefits? Who has the power to cover up the side effects?
https://www.europeanscientist.com/en/features/do-statins-really-work-who-benefits-who-has-the-power-to-cover-up-the-side-effects/
• Lack of an association or an inverse association between low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and mortality in the elderly: a systematic review. This review included studies with over 68,000 participants
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/6/e010401

In respect of the so-called link between excessive saturated fat intake and cardiovascular disease, please see this recent review and expert opinion:
• Saturated fat does not clog the arteries: coronary heart disease is a chronic inflammatory condition, the risk of which can be effectively reduced from healthy lifestyle interventions:
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/51/15/1111
• Dietary saturated fat intake and risk of stroke: Systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. This review included 26 studies with over a million participants
https://www.nmcd-journal.com/article/S0939-4753(19)30380-1/fulltext

So what about the latest drugs that are now being used to drive cholesterol levels down, called PCSK9 inhibitors. Do they actually reduce the risk of having a cardiovascular event along with the risk of dying for any reason? The results of this recent meta analysis (a review of multiple studies) across both published and unpublished data would suggest otherwise: https://tinyurl.com/yxh9hh26 - with the following conclusion:

'Our meta-analysis of clinical events registered on ClinicalTrials.gov did not show that PCSK9 inhibitors improve cardiovascular health. Evolocumab/Repatha increased the risk of all-cause mortality'.

If you are presenting with/or are concerned about cardiovascular disease/risk, you do have more control that you would first be led to believe. By employing a multifactorial personalised dietary, lifestyle and functional approach, alongside working in a safe and integrated manner with your GP/Dr, it is often possible to reduce or even stop certain prescribed medications.

Please remember that you should never under any circumstances adjust/stop any prescribed medication, without first checking with your GP/Dr.

Although plasma lipid levels are assumed to reflect the individual's constitutional or nutritional status, many studies have found that plasma lipids are noticeably influenced by short-term emotional arousal. Sixty such studies are reviewed. These studies span a remarkable breadth of stressful situa...

14/11/2020

Constipation – normal but certainly not optimal

The main symptoms of constipation include having to strain to defaecate, the feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation, the passing of hard and lumpy output that is either larger or smaller than it should be and/or having less than 3 outputs per week. Other symptoms that may also be present include bloating, gas, nausea, migraines, headaches, lower back pain, anxiety and fatigue.

The reported prevalence rates of constipation in the UK vary widely between studies, with figures ranging from 4% to 20%. Constipation affects twice as many women as men and older people are five times more likely than younger adults to suffer from constipation (NICE data). Whilst being constipated maybe considered as ‘normal’ it is far from ‘optimal’, as it clearly reflects underlying functional system imbalances in the body.

There are a multitude of potential reasons as to why constipation occurs. These include poor diet, dehydration, lack of appropriate fiber (although increasing fiber with chronic functional idiopathic constipation - long term constipation with no known cause - can in fact make things worse), gluten related disorders and dairy sensitivities, other unidentified food sensitivities (will be unique to the individual), imbalances in the bacterial species of the gut (dysbiosis), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) – typically the production of too much methane, medication use – read the potential side effects of any medications that you are taking and discuss with your GP if required – opioid induced constipation is extremely common, stress, sub optimal magnesium status, thyroid dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, lack of exercise, food poisoning, accidents (damage to the vagus nerve) and even ‘long COVID’.

Often, simply adjusting diet (the general advice is to try increasing fiber), drinking more water and increased levels of exercise will improve/resolve the situation. If however these basic adjustments do not deliver the required benefits, then it is important to engage with your GP to ensure that there are no other significant underlying conditions (in rare cases chronic constipation is correlated with an increased risk of developing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and even bowel cancer). Please however note that relying long-term on the use of laxatives to achieve the desired output type and frequency, is not addressing ‘why’ you are constipated. By working with a suitably qualified practitioner and thoroughly evaluating the myriad of potential reasons as to why constipation is happening, should lead to answers and an effective solution.

18/10/2020

Gallbladder Dysfunction

The gallbladder is a small pouch/sac under the liver that releases bile into the gut in order to emulsify/disperse fats, so that digestive enzymes can break the fats down for optimal absorption. ‘Gallstones are small stones, usually made of cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder’ (NHS website).
Whilst it is estimated that between 10-15% of the UK population present with gallstones, the vast majority are symptom free (Royal College of Surgeons). If however gallstones move from the gallbladder to other areas such as the bile duct, it is possible for the stone to cause a blockage. This can stop the gallbladder emptying, as well as occasionally causing inflammation of the liver and/or pancreas. This can cause severe pain under the right rib cage, which commences suddenly and lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to many hours. Other symptoms include pain in the right shoulder and/or between the shoulder blades, nausea/vomiting and jaundice.

It has been said that ‘you do not need a gallbladder to live’. Whilst this is technically true, it is important to remember that the gallbladder is not a design flaw of the human body and has an important role to play in digestion and maintaining the optimal health and function of the digestive system. Removal of the gallbladder can lead to accumulation of bile in the liver (which can cause its own issues) along with alterations in the balance of the gut bacteria possibly contributing to the development of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Unless the underlying reasons for the production of gallstones are addressed, it is possible that stones may appear in the liver/bile ducts even without a gallbladder.

Modern medicine will either prescribe painkillers and a low fat diet (which can make the situation worse in the long term) in mild and infrequent cases or surgery. The complete removal of the gallbladder via surgery (cholecystectomy) is performed around 67,000 times per annum in the UK, costing £112 million (NICE 2014 data). Whilst surgery may be unavoidable in certain situations, the removal of the gallbladder should be avoided if at all possible.

Clinically, I have experienced a number of clients completely resolve their regular gallbladder attacks by changing diet (removing inflammatory foods), resolving imbalances in the microflora/healing ‘leaky gut’ and using if appropriate natural agents to help stimulate bile flow or supplementing with bile itself.

11/10/2020

Great to be invited to discuss 'The Potential of Medicinal mushrooms in Cancer Therapy' with Romina Melwani from the The Nutrition Collective .co.uk this morning. https://www.yourlifeandcancer.com/YourLifeandCancer2020

Two LIVE online events taking place over two weekends from 26-28 September and 10-12 October 2020 designed for anyone who is effected by cancer and interested in finding out more about Integrative Medicine, combining conventional treatments with lifestyle and complementary therapies.

16/08/2020

12/08/2020

Diverticula Disease (Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis) – Extremely Common Yet Poorly Understood

Diverticula disease includes diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches or pockets develop in the colon (the large intestine). This is a very common condition occurring in approximately 1 in 3 over the age of 60 and half of 80 year olds. The majority of individuals will have no symptoms with diverticulosis. Diverticulitis is when these pockets become inflamed. This is when symptoms can manifest, with pain in the lower left side of the abdomen being the most common. Other key symptoms include tenderness of the tummy area, cramping, bloating, constipation/diarrhoea, fever, nausea and vomiting.

Approximately 25% of individuals with diverticulitis will go onto develop potentially very serious complications including perforations of the gut wall, obstructions and inflammation of the lining of the abdomen. Medical treatments include antibiotics, pain relief and surgery.

Current mainstream dietary advice to help reduce the risks of diverticula disease is based on limited evidence. Advice includes avoiding nuts and seeds and eating more fibre. So what are the key triggers?

Chronic low-grade inflammation and imbalances in the micro ecology of the gut (dysbiosis) are the most significant triggers of diverticula disease. These are of course connected. For those of you that have been reading this column, this will be of no surprise, as the harmonious balance of bacteria in the gut is a fundamental pillar of well-being.

The evidence base and clinical experience suggest that there is a significant correlation between the presence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO – a type of dysbiosis) and diverticula disease. SIBO is where the small intestine (the part of the digestive system responsible for absorbing nutrients) is overgrown with bacteria that should not be there. This is a notoriously difficult condition to effectively treat, as unless the key factors that caused SIBO to happen in the first place are resolved, then it will typically return no matter whether Rifaxamin (a special non absorbable antibiotic) or antimicrobials are used.

Imbalances that typically trigger the presence of SIBO include poor digestive capacity (weak stomach acid/bile flow and low digestive enzyme status) and poor motility of the small intestine (the migrating motor complex) due to compromised vagus nerve health (often connected to stress). Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation have both been shown to be beneficial, as has shifting diet towards a whole foods anti-inflammatory approach, reducing stress, exercising, undertaking myofascial therapy and using targeted supplementation.

12/07/2020

Parkinson’s Disease and the Gut

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) was first described over 200 years ago and is one of the most common progressive neurodegenerative conditions. Whilst there are many different symptoms, the main ones are tremor (shaking), slowness of movement and rigidity/muscle stiffness. Symptoms are caused by the brain losing its ability to produce enough dopamine, which is key to co-ordinating movement.

The evidence base suggests that there are a number of potential factors involved in the development of PD including increased exposure to pesticides/herbicides and toxic metals, elevated levels of iron, digestive system imbalances (constipation is now considered to be a key symptom - often present up to 10 years before diagnosis), Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Helicobacter pylori infections, increased ‘leakiness’ of the gut lining, nutrient deficiencies and associated mitochondrial dysfunction, gluten related disorders and autoimmunity. One key area of research involves the observed accumulation in the brain of a misfolded protein called alpha-synuclein, which has been shown to accumulate in the gut’s own nervous system years before the diagnosis of PD.

Currently there is no cure for PD, with treatments relying on a combination of medications (which aim to increase dopamine levels – often with significant side effects), exercise and complementary therapies.

The evidence base now strongly suggests that gut health is a key factor in the development of PD. The gut/brain axis is irrefutable with the central nervous system being directly affected by the balance of bacterial species in the gut itself. Multiple studies have shown there to be significant alterations in the bacterial species (dysbiosis) of individuals with PD compared to healthy controls and it has been shown that the use of specific strains of probiotics can provide a marked reduction in key symptoms of PD when compared to placebo.

So the chain of events leading to PD might look something like this: dysbiosis (caused by poor diet/lifestyle/toxic load/stress/parasites) causes an increase in ‘leakiness’ of the gut and the expression and accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein, which is then transported from the gut to the brain directly via the vagus nerve. Chronic inflammation and ‘leakiness’ of the gut lining promote body wide inflammation, which in combination with the accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein in the brain causes damage to the dopamine producing cells of the brain and hence PD – (NPJ Parkinson’s Disease (2017) -https://www.nature.com/articles/s41531-016-0002-0).

Maybe the gut holds the keys in respect of unlocking effective preventative and therapeutic interventions for this devastating condition?