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Why Taking More Calcium Won’t Fix Your Bone Loss (And What Actually Will)

Crossing the menopause milestone can be extremely challenging for most women, given the falling hormone levels, and symptoms that can be experienced during this transition time. Often the focus is on getting through “the changes”, and conversations around bone density happen later, or not at all until many years later and a bone scan shows osteoporosis.  

Whether or not you will develop osteopenia (mild bone loss) or osteoporosis (increasing your risk of fracture), is very individual and not guaranteed. Women are often told that their bone density is all about calcium and falling estrogen levels. The reality is that the root cause of weakened bones is much more complex than the duo of needing to take more calcium and the onset of perimenopause. To understand the root cause better, let’s dive into the functional medicine understanding of Osteoporosis. 

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones have lost enough density to put you at a higher risk for having a fracture. Ultimately, fracture is the biggest concern and the end game is to prevent you from breaking any bones if you were to fall. Osteoporosis affects millions worldwide and is often referred to as a “silent disease” because it progresses without symptoms until a fracture occurs. Prevention and early detection are critical to keep your bones strong as you age.

Most people have the impression that bones are static, or fixed and never-changing. This is the opposite of the truth. 

The fact is that bones are a metabolic organ that are always breaking down, which are known as the osteoclasts. And, they are also building up, which are known as your osteoblasts. The balance between the activity of your osteoblasts and your osteoclasts are what determine whether or not your bone builds or breaks down. Our goal is to increase the blast activity and decrease the osteoclast activity to help your bones build. This is how we improve bone density using functional medicine. We lean into the dynamic nature of bone metabolism by improving this dynamic balance. 

So, if you’ve been diagnosed with a loss of bone density, there is so much more you can do than just take calcium!

Root Causes of Osteoporosis from a Functional Medicine Perspective

There are many potential reasons why osteoporosis occurs.  Your bones are a dynamic, active, metabolic organ, and uncovering your root causes is critical to creating a plan that will support bone growth.

Here are some of the most prevalent underlying issues that affect bone density:

Underlying Inflammatory Health Conditions: Autoimmune conditions, such as Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis and Celiac Disease increase the risk of osteoporosis, as does Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, and endocrine disorders such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and hyperparathyroidism. Chronic kidney and liver diseases also undermine bone health. Using Functional Medicine, we inflammation by addressing the gut microbiome, optimizing your nutrition, looking at your detox pathways and addressing stress. Yes! Stress plays a role. (There is more on nutrition, the gut, detoxification and addressing stress below – all of these are essential ingredients to autoimmune conditions, and addressing inflammation generally). 

Impaired Gut Health: An unhealthy gut can affect nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies that compromise bone health. Conditions like Leaky Gut Syndrome, Candida Overgrowth and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) are all associated with malabsorption of nutrients. If you are struggling with reflux, gas, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea, these are tell-tale signs that point to an impaired gut microbiome. We’ll take a look “under the hood” so to speak with a comprehensive stool test to help us address and heal your gut imbalances. 

Nutritional Deficiencies: While nutrient deficiencies are often associated with poor gut health, so is the Standard American Diet, which tends to be low in antioxidant-rich produce and high in packaged foods, animal proteins, too much sodium, sugar and bone-robbing alcohol and coffee. Food is medicine, afterall, and has a direct effect on your bone health. We will create a bone-healthy food plan that emphasizes alkaline-rich foods and reduces acidic foods and drinks that rob bones of their minerals, including calcium – the very mineral that you’re often told to consume in a supplement. 

Hormonal Imbalances: Contrary to popular belief, estrogen is not the only hormone that plays a role in bone density. So does testosterone (yes, for women too!) Vitamin D (which acts as a hormone in your body), thyroid hormones, cortisol (a stress hormone– more on that below), and insulin, among others. Your hormones operate in a symphony and balance is key. Hormone testing will give us the answers we need to create a personalized hormone support plan, which based on your results could include hormone-balancing nutrition, fitness and stress-reduction. And, if warranted, there’s always room for a conversation about hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Medications: There is a plethora of medications that impact bone health. Some of the most commonly used are: steroids, such as prednisone, as well as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that are often prescribed to treat acid reflux. Over-the-counter medications that fall in this category include Prilosec, Mylanta, Prevacid, Tagamet, Zantac, Maalox, Tums and Rolaids. To get off these reflux medications, we go back to addressing gut imbalances! We start with a comprehensive stool test and create a personalized plan based on your results.

Toxic Exposures: Heavy metals (such as cadmium and lead), pesticides, air pollution, environmental “forever chemicals” and cigarette smoke all negatively impact your bone health. Wondering if this applies to you? A toxin evaluation is a great place to start. You’ll learn how to reduce your exposure, open your detox pathways through food, and if warranted, utilize supplements to reduce your toxin load. 

Sedentary Lifestyle: Here’s a fact: Regular weight-bearing exercises promote bone density, and a lack of physical activity is highly correlated to bone loss. The good news is, you don’t have to spend hours and hours in the gym. We will create a plan to get you started – low and slow! – and build on it over time.  We can help you create an exercise plan as part of a comprehensive bone building strategy.

Stress and Mental Health: The mind-body connection is a marvel of human physiology, showcasing how mental well-being influences physical health. This connection extends to bone health as well. Recent studies show a direct relationship between stress, cortisol levels, and osteoblasts – bone cells that are responsible for building new bone tissue. Chronic stress inhibits osteoblast activity, which impairs the body’s ability to form new bone and repair micro-damage. Need to find ways of bringing down your stress hormones? It’s not always about medication. The trick is helping you discover modalities that you enjoy and can stick with over time. Let’s do it!

Genetics: While it’s true that some people have the genetic propensity for osteoporosis, it’s important to remember that having the genetic risk doesn’t mean it will manifest. All of the above play a role in the genes becoming expressed!

And lastly, here’s a biggie that few people talk about: 

Dieting: 

The old adage, “You can never be too thin” has created generations of bone density issues among yo-yo dieters and those following calorie-restricted, low-fat fad diets. There is even emerging research that suggests that low carb, high fat diets, such as the ketogenic diet depletes bone density. It’s time to recalibrate and adopt a bone-healthy diet full of plants, appropriate protein and healthy fats. 

Here’s your takeaway: Osteoporosis isn’t just a factor of aging or calcium deficiency.

As you can see, it’s a multifactorial condition that requires a health partner to help you determine your root causes and how to create a tailored approach to strengthening your bones in a way that’s effective and sustainable over time. 

Ready to get started? Make an appointment with Melissa Rapoport, MA, CFMC in our BoneStrong 6-month program. Walk tall knowing you are reducing your likelihood of fractures and living a vibrant, active life well into your “golden” years.

– If you are a current patient at Blum Center for Health, call the Center at 914-652-7800.

– If you are new to Blum Center, reach out to our New Patient Coordinator, Sabrina DeGregorio, at sabrina@blumcenterforhealth.com 

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A Guide to Summer Grilling

Pop quiz: What’s one of the most popular summer food-related activities? Grilling! Who doesn’t love an outdoor meal with friends and family?

Grilling, however, comes with a side dish of caution, and my goal here is to provide you with the information you need to make your summer grilling as healthy and non-toxic as possible. 

Here’s the ditty on grilling: Grilling or barbecuing meat at high temperatures leads to the production of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These two compounds are known as “mutagens,” meaning they damage your DNA and may increase the risk of developing cancer. HCAs are formed when amino acids and sugars, which are present in meat, react under high temperatures. Then the liquid fat drips into the flame of a grill and creates smoke which is filled with PAHs and coats the surface of the meat.

Yeah, I know, Ewwwww!

8 Ways to Minimize the Health consequences (and your worry) of Summer Grilling: 

Select Healthier Cuts of Meat: What you grill matters

Grass-Fed and Pasture-Raised: Opt for grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry, and wild-caught fish. These options tend to have higher omega-3 fatty acids and fewer unhealthy fats.

Lean Cuts: Choose leaner cuts of meat which produce less fat and reduce the risk of exposure to PAHs and smoke.

Skinless Poultry: Removing the skin from poultry before cooking will reduce HCA formation.

Marinate Wisely: Not only does marinating meat impart more flavor, it can also be protective again carcinogenic compounds.

Use Antioxidant-Rich Marinades: Marinades made with herbs, spices, and acidic components (like lemon juice or vinegar) can reduce the formation of harmful compounds during grilling.

Avoid Sugary Marinades: High sugar content can lead to excessive charring and the formation of harmful substances.

Add Herbs & Spices: Herbs and spices have been shown to reduce the formation of HCAs when meats are grilled. Mint, onion, turmeric, garlic, rosemary, ginger, thyme, andred chili pepper are all great choices. These herbs can be used in marinades,mixed into ground meats, or used as a dry rub.

Avoid Charring and Overcooking: The amount of time your meat cooks makes a difference. 

Monitor Cooking Times: Cook at lower temperatures and avoid overcooking or charring food, which can produce harmful HCAs and polycyclic aromatic PAHs.

Consider Smaller Cuts of Meats: like cubed (kabobs!) or quicker-cooking proteins, such as shrimp or fish.

Turn Your Meat Frequently: to cook the center without overheating the surface. 

Use a Meat Thermometer: Aim for safe internal temperatures without overcooking, which can lead to charring.

My Personal Favorite Tip: Vegetables and Fruits Are Your Friends!: Not only are they antioxidant rich, they also mitigate the activity of HCAs and reduce the DNA damage caused by those compounds.

Loads of Benefits: Grilling vegetables and fruits can add variety and health benefits. Fiber-rich, antioxidant-dense foods can help mitigate some of the adverse effects of grilled meats.

Use Skewers: This is an easy way to create meals that incorporate both veggies and protein! Thread veggies, shrimp, or lean meats onto metal skewers.

Let Your Imagination Go Wild:  Try zucchini, bell peppers, okra, sweet potatoes, asparagus, peaches, pineapple, or even watermelon for a fun addition to your meal.

Use a Grill Pan or Basket: Use a grill pan or basket for smaller items and vegetables to avoid direct exposure to flames and smoke.

Summer Grilling: The Fuel You Use Makes a Difference

If Possible, Use Natural Charcoal: Avoid lighter fluids and chemically treated briquettes. Choose high-quality natural lump charcoal or untreated hardwoods.

Consider Giving Up or Minimizing Propane: If possible, prefer natural wood or charcoal over propane, as it may contain additives.

Clean Your Grill: Clean the grill grates before and after use to minimize exposure to burnt-on residues that can harbor harmful compounds.

Finally, in my experience, many people think about grilling as being a meat-heavy experience. Think about flipping this switch: Enjoy a small amount of meat, such as the palm of your hand, and enjoy lots of vegetables and fruits. Make all your sides the big features.

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9 Telltale Signs Your Gut Needs Attention

Your gut microbiome — which includes all the beneficial bacteria, yeast and viruses that normally live in your digestive tract — keeps your immune system healthy and your intestinal lining strong.  But if you develop a condition called dysbiosis — which can be too many “bad” microbes (bacteria, yeast, or parasites), or not enough good ones — you have an increased risk of damage to your intestinal lining and increased intestinal permeability (a.k.a. Leaky Gut).  This is a problem because when the barrier function is lost, all types of good and bad bacteria, pathogens and undigested food can cross over from the gut and gain access to your body and your immune system, thus triggering a five alarm fire which we feel as inflammation. This is one way that people develop food sensitivities.

Remember, your gut (which includes your stomach, and your small and large intestines) is your first line of defense, and every day new research shows us that your gut microbiome communicates with every system and organ in your body — your cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, nervous, urinary and reproductive systems. Your gut is connected to your brain and mood. It’s even connected to your skin, hair and nails. 

I hope by now you can see why all of us at Blum Center for Health, and in the world of Functional Medicine, believe that The Number One thing you can do right now for your health….is….take care of your gut microbiome!

Here are 9 Telltale Signs Your Gut Needs Attention

  • You have gotten sick multiple times this winter
  • Have heartburn, reflux, IBS, diarrhea or constipation
  • Have fatigue or brain fog
  • Are feeling puffy or inflamed
  • Have inflammatory conditions like arthritis, autoimmune, heart disease, obesity or diabetes
  • Have food sensitivities or reactions to food
  • Have mood issues, such as depression and anxiety
  • Have difficulty losing weight

Let’s talk about the many different types of gut issues.  If you have gas or bloating after you eat, or if you experience constipation and/or loose stools, or any type of intestinal discomfort, this means that you have a problem with how your gut is functioning. If you go to a conventional doctor they will commonly diagnose you with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. But, this diagnosis doesn’t tell you why you’re having this problem, and they’ll likely prescribe medication to control the symptoms, which by the way only makes the imbalance worse in the long run. 

Here are three tips to heal your gut, which will not only treat your symptoms, but address the underlying problem.  And keep your immune system happy, too.

  • For your digestive symptoms, find out whether or not you’ve got food sensitivities, which could be causing the problem. The food you eat is the number one influencer on your gut bacteria, too. One way to figure it out is to follow a functional medicine elimination food plan.  Simply remove gluten, dairy, soy, corn and eggs for 3 weeks and then add them back one food at a time every 3 days.  Sometimes you don’t know if you feel better when the food is removed, but be very careful when reintroducing each food, usually that’s when you really find out.

  • Help balance your gut microbiome with supplements: 1) We use herbal antimicrobials to help remove or “prune” the undesirables living in your gut 2) l-glutamine to help shore up the lining of your small and large intestines and treat leaky gut and 3) probiotics (good gut bacteria as a supplement) to help influence the gut ecosystem and immune system.  Depending on the severity of your gut symptoms, you may also need digestive enzymes.

  • Reduce stress by learning resiliency techniques. Stress is the 2nd biggest influencer on the microbiome – in a bad way. It can affect the bacteria directly, impair motility and cortisol itself can directly damage the intestinal lining.  We suggest learning strategies for relaxation that work for you, as this will help heal and protect you from developing dysbiosis and leaky gut. 

We have multiple ways to support the health of your gut at Blum Center.  

  • Book a consultation with Melissa Rapoport, our Functional Medicine Health Coach, who can help get to the root of your stomach issues with testing and a lifestyle plan. 

  • Our 10-Day and 30-Day HealMyGut boxes are a great way to clear out the bad gut bugs

  • Stress plays a big role in the functioning of your gut.  Join one of our online meditation classes and learn how to regulate your stress response. 
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Beyond the Bounty: How Farmers Markets Cultivate Community, Health, and Joy

Spring Farmers Market

It’s that time … spring returns to the farmers market! Radishes, spinach, lettuce, peas, rhubarb and cherries, oh my! Bring on the spring produce!

While perusing the seasonal produce at the Farmers’ Market it occurred to me:

Farmer’s markets make people happy.

I hear an all-too-common lament at my coaching practice at Blum Center for Health: “Ever since lockdown I don’t feel as connected to people as I used to.” There’s a sense of loss and loneliness in those words. 

But, imagine shoppers meandering the stalls, slowing down to chat with other shoppers, exchanging pleasantries and conversing with the farmers who grow their food. 

Farmers Markets create connection.

It’s an easy place to strike up a conversation. “Oh, those are beautiful. Have you ever cooked with them?” If you are looking to connect with like-minded people, meet someone with whom you can be conversant, or perhaps you’re looking for a local meet-up group, give it a try. Go with the intention of starting a conversation with three people. Just practice talking with strangers. You’ll see … with each successful conversation it becomes easier and easier.

Before you know it your walk through the Farmers’ Market will be teeming with new acquaintances.

Farmers Markets create activity. 

The Farmers Market also provides the perfect setting for a fun evening with family or friends. Meet at the market, collect ingredients for your meal, take your bounty home and cook a meal together. Channel your inner designer and dress a beautifully set table. Marvel, appreciate and savor a truly farm-to-table meal prepared with the freshest ingredients and with love and care. It makes for a memorable meal, a feast for the senses.

Farmers Markets create community.

Research demonstrates repeatedly that social connection is a key to longevity, improved mental health, and a general sense of happiness. As reported in National Public Radio’s program, This Emotional Life, “…people are happier when they are with other people than when they are alone… They also are finding that happy people are more pleasant, helpful, and sociable. So being around people makes us feel happier, and when we are happier we are more fun to be around, creating an “upward spiral” of happiness.”

In essence, connecting with others is the single most important thing we can do for our happiness.

This notion of connectedness at a Farmers Market runs much deeper than solely a place to meet others. It is an interconnected system that serves to reconnect us to our rural roots, the earth, and reminds us that we have a critical responsibility to be part of the food cycle, rather than just buyers at the local supermarket.

Farmers Markets are good for the Earth.

The benefits of farmers markets are myriad. They:

– allow us to eat seasonally.

– give us the opportunity to buy food that tastes better and is picked at the peak of its flavor.

– provide the opportunity to try specialty produce. Orange tiger eggplants, anyone?

– support local farmers and aid in rural regeneration.

– give us the opportunity to talk with the person who actually grows our food!

– provide a hub of food-related community education, commerce and creativity.

– reduces our carbon footprint — the amount of fossil fuels is drastically reduced in the delivery of the food from farm to dinner table. Next time you’re at the grocery check out where your fruits and veggies come from.

– allow us to be an active, thoughtful participant in our own food production.

– create an artist tableau with color and texture and a feast for the senses.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to fall in love with the Farmers Market. Play an active role in the farm-to-table movement. Stay open, smile, speak to people. At the very least you might just walk away with a smile and a great recipe!

About Melissa Rapoport: A skilled listener, Melissa empowers her clients to achieve their goals by working together to create tools and strategies that are unique to each person that walks through her door. Her passion is to look at the whole person and, like a detective, find their keys to success, incorporating health goals with topics as diverse as dealing with stress, eating healthy while managing a busy life, increasing joy and creating powerful self-care practices.

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Is NAD+ Actually Worth the Hype?

NAD+

You’ve heard the buzz around NAD+ and its longevity and anti-aging benefits. Is it all hype or is this antioxidant cocktail really the fountain of youth? While it’s not an age reversing time machine, NAD+ does have many superior benefits for longevity.  But just because it’s good for you, do you really need it?  

So that you can decide whether to give it a try, here is exactly how NAD works:

✔ ️ Keeps mitochondria healthy: Your mitochondria are like power plants in your cells. NAD+ keeps them running smoothly by turning the food you eat into energy.  This keeps your body running, from your heart pumping to your brain thinking. As you get older, your NAD+ levels naturally go down, which can make your cells less efficient at creating energy, and potentially causing fatigue. Mitochondria are easily damaged, too, from environmental toxins and infections, causing a higher demand for more NAD in your system. 

✔ ️Repairs damaged DNA: Every day, your DNA gets damaged by things like sunlight, pollution, and even normal processes inside your body. NAD+ helps fix this damage. Keeping your DNA healthy is important for preventing aging-related problems like cancer or chronic diseases.

✔️ Supports sirtuins: Sirtuins are special proteins in your body that help protect cells and control aging. They need NAD+ to do their job. Think of sirtuins as the repair crew, and NAD+ is the fuel they need to get to work.

✔ ️ Fights inflammation: Chronic inflammation (when your body stays “on alert” for too long, causing tissue damage) can speed up aging and lead to diseases. NAD+ helps calm this inflammation by supporting the right cellular pathways.

How to know where to start and if NAD+ is right for you?

As a longevity strategy, NAD+ declines with age, therefore supplementing it with weekly or monthly infusions, will give your mitochondria a boost, help cells work better, stay healthier, and maybe even slow down the aging process! 

As treatment for fatigue, then trying a series of 4 NAD drips weekly or bi-weekly might be just what your mitochondria need.  If you’ve had Covid, Lyme, mold or other toxin- or infectious related illnesses, because they target and damage the mitochondria, NAD IV’s can be an important cornerstone of your recovery.

What can you expect?  You should notice a slight improvement each time, but you might not know for sure if it’s helping until you finish a series of a minimum of 4 drips, and perhaps 8 drips if you are recovering from a chronic illness.  Both new and current patients can come to Blum Center for NAD, but if you aren’t sure, we recommend messaging your provider, or if you are new to us, then schedule a IV consult with Marie to decide if this IV is right for you.  

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How Genetics Can Solve Your Medical Mysteries

In the past decade, genetics testing has become a huge and expanding field, filled with exciting promise for helping us understand our health challenges in a deeper way.   But it’s often hard to sort out which tests to use, how they can help you, and whether it’s worth the money they cost.  Recently, we’ve started using IntellXX Genetics testing at Blum Center, and I have been very impressed by how much the test results have helped me figure out my next steps when working with a patient who’s situation just doesn’t make sense.  

Let me give you a clinical example of how I’ve used the testing and how it’s helped me figure out what’s going on.  

Leslie (not her real name) and I had been working together for about 2 years.  Her main concerns were related to her heart disease risk, given a strong family history.  In her early 50’s, she loved going to the gym and included both strength training and aerobics most days.  Being very disciplined by nature, she was willing and able to implement all the changes we discussed that were needed:  she was eating a whole foods, low sugar, low processed food diet; was being mindful of her stress and sleep, and followed different strategies for her weight training and aerobic training routine.  But no matter what we did, she could not get her Hemoglobin A1C below 5.9.  This blood test tells us about the risk for diabetes and the health of the blood sugar system. Diabetes is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease.

After seeking and following guidance from our nutritionist Vicki Kobliner, RD, (including wearing a continuous glucose monitor), and working closely with her Cardiologist, this number still didn’t budge.  I decided to do the Intellx testing.  It was a game changer!  Leslie’s genetic code was working against her.  She had 8 different genes that gave her a high risk for diabetes, and another 7 that gave her a higher risk for all sorts of other metabolic issues like obesity, and having the ability to feel full.  After we saw these results, it was such a relief!  Just to know that we have an explanation for WHY she couldn’t get this under control, and for her, to feel vindicated that this isn’t her FAULT! 

Each personalized Intellx Genetic report provides recommendations for what interventions would work best to help improve the functioning of each gene that is identified as increasing your risk for a particular health condition.  And, they back up all their recommendations with lots of research articles.  And so, for Leslie, with all the new ideas for treatment, I was able to create an updated plan, including supplements, medication, and specific exercise and nutritional approaches tailored to her genetics.  And now she’s doing better than ever!  Game changer!

A little more info about genetics testing

Here is a brief primer about the different kinds of genes that are tested.

DNA is the molecule that contains all our genetic information, and genes are specific sections of DNA that code for particular traits or proteins. IntellxxDNA™ allows us, as your clinicians, to look at over 600 DNA sequence changes (or variants) that affect specific genes. These genetic variations make you unique and are modifiable with lifestyle changes, supplements and medication. That’s the good news.  The bad news is that left unattended, they can contribute to chronic diseases such as cognitive decline, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, gut issues, and more. Genetic testing using Intellxx also allows us to look at gene variants related to how various nutrients and hormones are transported throughout your body and into your brain and identify which nutrients and hormones you may need more or less of than others.  

More good news! Chronic illness is not due to one gene. It is the result of a combination of many small gene variants and how they interact with our diet, lifestyle, and environment.  This means your genetics doesn’t guarantee an outcome, and instead, with our guidance, you can improve the functioning of these genes and reduce your risk of chronic disease. And if you are worried about things that run in your family or want to create a plan for overall wellness and personalized prevention, this tool can be hugely beneficial. 

IntellxxDNA™ also looks at Inflammation and genes involved in repairing your body and removing harmful chemicals and mold. From our experience, we have not met anyone who did not benefit from having access to their genomic information. Genomics is a powerful tool for finding the root contributing factors of complex health issues. I have used this many times for my toughest inflammation and autoimmune patients.  

Ready to learn more about yourself?  Unravel the mystery that is you?  Schedule a consult with our Functional Medicine providers. Please call 914.652.7800 to learn more.

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Protect Yourself from Mold and Mycotoxins

You’ve likely heard the stories of people being sick for years, visiting doctor after doctor, only to learn that their symptoms (when they finally find the right healthcare provider) are the result of mold toxicity. Of course, we immediately think of the highly publicized black mold found in water damaged buildings. 

But did you know that mycotoxins found in food can be equally dangerous?

Mycotoxins are naturally-occurring compounds that are produced by fungi (molds, yeasts and mushrooms).There are over 400 different mycotoxins, and unfortunately any of them can cause health problems. Because there are so many different mycotoxins, symptoms of toxin exposure might attack one organ or be diffuse, causing many symptoms that don’t seem to be related. 

Unlike mold itself which is a living organism and susceptible to being destroyed by medications or your immune system, mycotoxins are actual toxins produced by the mold and can deposit in your body’s tissues and persist for years.  They aren’t destroyed by your immune system and in fact can wreak havoc in your body long after the exposure is gone. They need to be cleared out by your body’s detox system.  

Issues Related to Mycotoxin Exposure

  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Risk for Cancer 
  • Changes in cognition and/or mood 
  • Diseases affecting the liver and kidneys
  • Eye infections and irritation
  • Fungal infections, such as nails and vagina
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol 
  • Nasal irritation and sinusitis
  • Respiratory infections
  • Skin infections
  • Damaged immune system 

Foods that Harbor Mycotoxins

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) about 25% of the world’s agricultural products are contaminated with mycotoxins.  Several factors contribute to the presence of mycotoxins in food – climate, pests and harvesting and storage practices. 

Here at Blum Center for Health we often test for toxins and of the hundreds of mycotoxins, here are the most prevalent we find and their implication on your health: 

AFLATOXINS: Known for its carcinogenic and toxic effects, aflatoxins also affect the liver, and suppress your immune system. It has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Aflatoxins are often found in peanuts, corn, rice, coffee beans and tree nuts, particularly in warm and humid environments where mold growth is more common. 

CITRININ: This mycotoxin is primarily associated with liver and kidney damage, and impairs cell function due to mitochondrial damage. It is often found in wheat, corn, rice, apples, nuts and red yeast rice

FUMONISINS: These mycotoxins cause liver, kidney and nerve damage. Researchers have also found a link between fumonisins and esophageal cancer and birth defects. They are one of the most prevalent fungi associated with contamination of corn and other grains, including wheat, barley, oat, sorghum, rice, rye and millet.

OCHRATOXINS: Ochratoxins have been shown to be toxic to the kidneys, liver, cause cancers, weaken the immune system and are considered toxic to embryos. It has been suggested that ochratoxins are associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.  It is found in barley, oats, rye, wheat, coffee beans, and other plant products, with barley having a particularly high likelihood of contamination.  It is also frequently found in pork products. 

TRICHOTHECENES: These mycotoxins are known to induce gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting and diarrhea. They can also cause skin and neurological symptoms. They are found mainly in corn, but can also be found in other grains, such as wheat, oats, barley, rye, sorghum and rice.     

ZEARALENONES: Zearalenones are known hormone distruptors. They are a type of phytoestrogen (plant-based estrogen) which mimics estrogen in the body. They impact the reproductive system as well as damage the liver as suppress the immune system. While zearalenones are found primarily in water-damaged buildings, they are also found in corn, wheat, barely and rice. 

Your Liver is An Incredible Organ

Although the human body has an innate capacity to detoxify itself, people now are exposed to a level of consumer, agricultural, and industrial toxins that we are no longer able to handle. 

Toxins do all sorts of damage: they gradually clog the liver, block insulin-receptor sites, damage the genes, and undermine DNA repair and recovery. As noted earlier, they contribute to inflammation, blood-sugar problems, digestive problems, mitochondrial disorders, low energy, immune and a host of other problems. When toxins build up over time to overload your body, they gradually undermine your health and cause disease. 

Think of it this way: You want to keep your overall toxin load as low as possible. It could be any one that tips the scale. While it’s important to identify the main culprits so that you can reduce your exposure, it’s not necessary to know this for treatment purposes.  Therefore, we recommend  addressing toxins in the body by taking a broad spectrum approach to reduce all toxins.  

The Good News: You Can Protect Yourself from Mycotoxins

  • Buy the freshest possible food – think local!
  • Buy low residue organic coffee
  • Store nuts and seeds in the fridge and do not purchase them out of large bulk bins
  • Inspect grains, nuts, seeds before eating or cooking with them and discard anything that looks discolored, moldy or doesn’t feel good
  • Buy organic, non-GMO products
  • Minimize processed food grain products, including breads, crackers, rice and others
  • Don’t keep foods for extended periods of time before being used

The good news is … elevated mycotoxins are not only preventable, they’re also reversible. 

Ready to assess your toxin load and learn what you need to do to bring your body back into equilibrium? Join the 3-Day Toxin Reset where you will learn:

Day 1: What are toxins and how they are connected to your health

Day 2: Where in your past and in your daily life are toxins found

Day 3: What you can do about it using food as medicine, supplementation and minimizing exposure

We begin February 15th … >>>> I’m In! <<<<

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Toxins in Your Kitchen

I would argue that the kitchen is the most important room of the house. It is where you are nourished, physically, and many times, figuratively. It is often the hub of the family. Highly trafficked and with no television in the background, it’s a room of connection. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve gone to a friend’s home and we all hung out in the kitchen!

It’s also the one room in the house that’s a toxin dumping ground.

It sounds grim, I know. But, let me explain (and then we’ll explore what to do about it) …

Kitchens contain our fresh food, our drinking water, our packaged goods, our utensils, our cleansers, our dishware, our appliances. Toxins, unfortunately, lurk in all of them. 

A toxin is any substance that can poison your body, negatively impacting your health. Exposure to environmental toxins can damage your endocrine system, immune system, nervous system and your digestive tract. They are a significant concern because they can contribute to chronic diseases by disrupting the body’s natural systems at a cellular level. To learn more about toxins, in general, and how they affect your health, check out this blog post:

Let’s take a deeper dive into food. After all, it’s the one constant day in and day out. You simply can’t live without it. 

Did you know that an estimated 3,000 chemicals that have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are present in the food you eat? The food industry is able to keep information about these chemicals secret by taking advantage of a loophole in the law that allows processed food companies to decide which chemicals are safe to use. This loophole is called the “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) system, which was enacted in 1958 and has not been amended. Ninety-nine percent (yes, 99%) of all food chemicals introduced since 2000 were greenlighted for use by the food and chemical industry, through this loophole.

JUST BECAUSE A PRODUCT IS FOR SALE, DOESN’T MAKE IT SAFE!

Here’s an interesting illustration of this problem.  Here is a list of ingredients and foods that are banned in other countries. Check out these categories:

Chemicals applied directly to produce and animals that are banned in other countries: 

– Arsenic – fed to chickens to promote weight gain.

– Chlorine-washed food, cleaning foodborne bacteria and other contaminants off poultry, fruits or veggies.

– Farmed salmon – fed synthetic astaxanthin, which is made from petrochemicals, to give the flesh an artificial pinkish-red color that we see in wild salmon.

– Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs) – most soy, beets, corn, canola, cotton, and alfalfa in the United States (U.S.) are GMO, and many countries have banned or regulated them due to public safety concerns.

– Going hand-in-hand with GMOs (because they are used in very high doses on GMO crops) are Herbicides, Pesticides and Fungicides, which are widely used on crops in the U.S. to keep them free of bugs and diseases.  Of the 374 active chemicals authorized for agricultural use in the U.S. in 2016, the European Union (EU) banned 72 of them. Wow!

– Glyphosate – the primary ingredient in the weedkiller Roundup, is one highly-publicized example of a chemical banned throughout the world. Glyphosate consumption is linked to cancer.  In fact, several people have won cases that alleged glyphosate caused their cancer. 

– Atrazine – right behind glyphosate is the weed killer Atrazine. In the U.S., it is one of the most commonly reported contaminants in groundwater and public drinking water, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.  Atrazine is applied to a wide range of crops, including sugarcane, soy, sorghum, and corn. It is estimated that over 65% of corn crops are treated with Atrazine. 

– rBGH or rBST growth hormones – common in the dairy industry, many countries have banned these compounds.  

– Ractopamine – a feed additive banned in at least 160 countries, including China, Russia and several others across Europe – is not only harmful to human health but cruel to the animals it is fed to. It is estimated that 60-80% of American pigs are treated with Ractopamine. The FDA has linked ractopamine to nearly a quarter-million reported adverse events in pigs (more than half of those pigs were sickened or killed) — more than any other animal drug. These pigs became lame or unable to stand, started trembling, or suffered a host of other ailments. 

Food chemicals found as ingredients banned in other countries: 

– Azodicarbonamide (ADA) – a carcinogen, used in baked goods as a bleaching agent. You’ll find it in bread products and snacks. You’ll also find it in yoga mats, flip flops and other plastics. It’s considered a chemical foaming agent. 

– Potassium bromate – a possible carcinogen, used primarily in baked goods – think breads, tortillas, cookies.

– Brominated vegetable oil (BV) – used in soda and sports drinks and banned in more than 100 countries. 

– Carrageenan – a thickener and emulsifier, carrageenan is most commonly found in dairy items like yogurt, ice cream, and cheese, as well as processed meats. It  cannot be used in baby formulas in the EU.

– Food dyes – the following are either banned or must come with a warning label: Yellow dyes No. 5 & 6; Red dye No. 40. There are studies that show a link between food dyes and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) in children.

– Titanium dioxide – a coloring additive found in candy, baked goods, and other packaged foods.

– Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) – an additive used to prevent fats from going rancid and to preserve color, flavor and odor. They are added to breakfast cereals, butter, chewing gum and cosmetics. 

– Propylparaben – an antimicrobial preservative used to extend shelf life. It is prevalent in many products including cakes, pastries, pie crusts, icing, jams, olives, pickles to name a few and is also found in moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, cosmetics and shaving products. 

Chemicals used in food packaging banned in other countries: 

– Bisphenol-A (BPA) – This hormone-disrupting compound is toxic to human reproduction. Exposure to BPA has been linked to early-onset puberty, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). It has possible effects on the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children; effects on children’s behavior and a possible link to increased blood pressure. It is commonly found in the lining of metal food cans, plastic food and drink containers, some water bottles, baby bottles, receipts from cash registers and dental sealants. Think BPA-Free plastic is the answer? Think again. The alternative has likely never been tested and plastics, in general, are proving to be a health problem, as you will see in the next two categories. 

– Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – These chemicals are added to food packaging to make it resistant to oil and liquid. They are highly persistent, mobile, and toxic. PFAS have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, liver and kidney toxicity, and harm to the immune system. They are found in non-stick cookware, grease-resistant food packaging like pizza boxes and take-out containers. They are also found in water-resistant fabrics and personal care products like dental floss and shampoo.

– Phthalates – a group of chemicals used to make plastic products softer and more flexible. They are used in food packaging and food preparation. They are linked to reproduction problems, birth defects, cancer, miscarriage and diabetes. Name a food and it is likely that phthalates are present. 

These are just the chemicals banned in other companies. There are a host of other toxins found in our food, unfortunately. From other pesticides besides glyphosate and atrazine to mycotoxins such as ochratoxins, aflatoxins, zearalenone, fumonisins and trichothecenes to heavy metals, such as mercury, arsenic, barium, uranium, nickel, aluminum and cadmium.  But now that you have this information, you can start the process of cleaning up your world!

IN THE MEANTIME, HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT TOXINS IN YOUR KITCHEN

-– Read nutrition labels – Can you identify every ingredient? Another way to ascertain this is: Would your grandmother have each ingredient in her kitchen cabinet?

— Avoid animal products such as milk or meat in which GMO foods were used to feed the animals. Organic or grass fed meat and milk is the best choice. Look for labels that explicitly say, “grass finished” or “100% grass fed.” The term “grass fed” can also include grains and soy.

— Fiber is your friend! It helps bind toxins. 

— Consume sulfur-rich cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower.  They are great for your detox system!

— Avoid eating Genetically Modified (GMO) foods, which are directly contaminated with glyphosate, as well as other herbicides and pesticides

— Consider water filters or a filtration system  that can remove or reduce pesticides and herbicides, including glyphosate from your drinking water. The more effective water filters are the “under the counter” models that use reverse osmosis

– Don’t use glyphosate (Roundup) or other pesticides in your yard. And go organic as much as (financially) possible in the produce you buy!

— Protect any food you are growing outdoors when chemicals are sprayed by neighbors.

Ready to turn your kitchen and your body into the sanctuary it deserves to be?

Join the 3-Day Toxin Reset where you will learn:

  • Day 1: What are toxins and how they are connected to your health
  • Day 2: Where in your past and in your daily life toxins are found
  • Day 3: What you can do about it using food as medicine, supplementation and minimizing exposure

We begin Feb 25th! >>>> I’m In! <<<<

Resources: 

https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/reports/2013/11/07/fixing-the-oversight-of-chemicals-added-to-our-food

https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/monsantos-gmo-herbicide-doubles-cancer-risk

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/consumer-healthcare/quarter-pesticides-used-us-are-banned-eu

https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/monsantos-gmo-herbicide-doubles-cancer-risk

https://web.archive.org/web/20120316130312/https://www.epa.gov/teach/chem_summ/Atrazine_summary.pdf

https://www.livescience.com/47032-time-for-us-to-ban-ractopamine.html

https://www.verywellhealth.com/red-dye-40-adhd-5220957

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Toxins. Toxins. Toxins. What are they and should you be concerned?

When you hear about “toxins” you likely think of wildfire smoke, oil spills and other high profile events, such as the lead crisis in Flint, Michigan’s municipal water. Those are obvious and highly publicized, but the hard reality is that you are likely exposed to thousands of toxins every single day without giving it a second thought. 

A toxin is any substance that can poison your body, negatively impacting your health. Exposure to environmental toxins can damage your endocrine, immune, and nervous systems, and your digestive tract. They are a significant concern because they can contribute to chronic diseases by disrupting the body at a cellular level, wreaking havoc by creating ongoing and runaway inflammation and oxidative stress (free radicals causing damage at the cellular level).

ACUTE VS CHRONIC TOXIN EXPOSURE

Unlike acute toxicity, such as the smoke from wildfires, chronic exposure to environmental toxins  is when you have low-dose exposure over a long period of time, which allows the toxins to gradually build up in your body.  

Going through a regular day, you encounter a constant stream of toxins, from chemical-laden food, paint, pizza boxes, household cleaners, thermal receipts, plastic bottles, cosmetics, the air you breathe, the water you drink, the dust in your home and even through prescription drugs. 

Chronic exposure often presents with subtle, often misdiagnosed health disorders, such as chronic fatigue, thyroid disorders, gut symptoms, hormonal imbalances, metabolic and weight issues, skin ailments and psychiatric problems. Symptoms typically build slowly over time, and as time goes on you can accumulate symptoms that affect different parts of the body.  Sometimes there is a “last straw” event, making your symptoms much worse and sending you to the doctor.

In fact, it might feel like there’s an avalanche brewing in your body that no one can seem to figure out. 

Here are some of the more often reported symptoms: 

  • Muscle cramps, tics, twitches
  • Numbness
  • Tingling or tremors
  • Chronic sinus problems
  • Eye irritation/tearing
  • Brain fog, difficulty finding words
  • Memory loss, impaired language skills, and confusion
  • Depression/anxiety
  • Mood swings
  • Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing
  • Headaches or Migraines
  • Metallic taste in the mouth
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain or whole-body aches
  • Skin rashes
  • Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain
  • Loss of coordination
  • Dizziness
  • Night sweats
  • Unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Insomnia
  • Low body temperature
  • Infertility and miscarriage

The easiest way to think about toxins is to put them in broad categories. Here are the main categories of toxins: 

Environmental Toxins

Each year more than 4 billion pounds of chemical compounds are released into the environment. Examples include the pesticides, herbicides, fungicides used in agriculture and landscaping, chemicals found in cosmetics, fragrances, personal care and cleaning products, home building materials, mattresses, furniture and even clothing. This would also include industrial toxins, such as toxic emissions of methane, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, benzene, toluene and sulfur. And the scary thing is many of the toxic ingredients are either lawful or hidden in “proprietary formulations” where the toxins evade identification. 

Some of the biggest offenders that we see in toxin testing? Glyphosate, the pesticide known as Round-Up; atrazine, an herbicide sprayed on 80% of corn crops in the United States; plastics (all, not just BPA); and all varieties of parabens found in cosmetics and personal care products.  A toxin soup, indeed. 

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals are elements that are found in the earth.  They’re used in agriculture, medicine and in industry. The most common elevated heavy metals are mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic. There are others that we are seeing more and more often in the toxin screenings we offer at Blum Center for Health, including Barium, Gadolinium, Uranium and Nickel.

These metals can enter your body through various sources, including contaminated food and water, industrial exposure, food container linings and even pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Mercury is found in big fish, including tuna, as well as dental fillings and lead pipes. Arsenic is found in water, chocolate, rice and pesticides, while cadmium is found in cigarette smoke, batteries, chocolate and contaminated food. 

Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced naturally by molds and fungi as a result of environmental conditions. You’ve likely heard of black mold found in damp and water-damaged buildings and the health havoc it can create. But, did you know that about  25 percent of crops are affected by mold and fungal contamination, making mycotoxins some of the most common natural contaminants in both human and animal food. Poor harvesting methods, improper storage, and suboptimal conditions during processing and transportation can also promote their growth.

The most commonly contaminated foods are also some of the most regularly used foods, unfortunately: 

  • Grains, and all products made from grains, such as oatmeal, bread, crackers and cereals
  • Cocoa/chocolate
  • Coffee
  • Fruit juices
  • Milk and dairy products
  • Vegetable oils
  • Ethanol and Beer
  • Dried fruits, nuts, and spices

Although the human body has an innate capacity to detoxify itself, people now are exposed to a level of consumer, agricultural, and industrial toxins that we are no longer able to handle. 

Toxins do all sorts of damage: they gradually clog the liver, block insulin-receptor sites, damage the genes, and undermine DNA repair and recovery. As noted earlier, they contribute to inflammation, blood-sugar problems, digestive problems, mitochondrial disorders, low energy, immune and a host of other problems. When toxins build up over time and overload your body, they gradually undermine your health and cause disease. 

The good news is … this is not only preventable, it’s reversible. 

Ready to reduce your toxin load and feel more vital and energetic?

Join the 3-Day Toxin Reset where you will learn:

Day 1: What are toxins and how they are connected to your health

Day 2: Where in your past and in your daily life are toxins found

Day 3: What you can do about it using food as medicine, supplementation and minimizing exposure

We begin February 25th! JOIN US

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A YEAR IN REVIEW – MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS WITH GLP-1’s 

Do you often wonder if weight loss medication is the right fit for you?  There is so much confusing information in the news that it’s hard to know what is true and what isn’t.  Read on for the answers you are looking for on GLP-1’s.

WHAT WE’VE LEARNED THIS YEAR

It has been over a year since we launched the Medical Weight Loss Program at Blum Center for Health, and over five years since Ozempic first hit the market and changed the weight loss landscape.  As a Functional Medicine provider managing medical weight loss, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have had on patients.

Not only are people reporting weight loss, but we have also observed that the medication dramatically reduces cravings, and “food noise” – that incessant voice in the back of your mind, often driving your food choices. This quieting of the mind provides the “space” needed to change ingrained behaviors. As an example, once night eating is no longer irresistible, you have the space to work on new strategies that will keep you out of the cookie jar once you wean off medication. New tools, new life!

Herein lies the power of weight loss with us at Blum Center. The reality is that while these medications represent a major breakthrough in weight management, and they feel like a magic bullet in the short run, we think of these medications as just one piece of the puzzle.  For your weight loss journey to be successful in the long run (and the key to keeping the weight off), is to spend equal time on the other puzzle pieces – lifestyle, nutrition, body composition, stress management, hormone balance, gut health. 

In other words, discovering the root cause of your metabolic imbalance, and treating that, will give you the tools you need to maintain it.

IN ADDITION TO WEIGHT LOSS…

What do we witness with this multi-pronged approach? People who are more confident, stepping into their power, feeling good in their bodies, and healthier as evidenced by their blood labs and functional medicine testing before and after.

And just to thread the needle, it appears there are other benefits besides weight loss and reduced cravings, which are currently being explored by researchers.  And we’ve been seeing these improvements, too, in our office: 

  • Reducing sleep apnea
  • Dementia prevention/neuroprotective (Evoke and EVOKE+ trials) 
  • Treating addiction and addictive behaviors (helps with cravings, reduces food “noise”) 
  • Boosting immune function (The Select Trial) 
  • Reducing cardiovascular risk including lowering blood pressure (Select trial) 

Pretty cool, right?

Here are some of the most common questions we receive about GLP-1’s:

What if I’m not obese or diabetic – can I still use these medications? 

Many of the patients we see feel stuck in a rut with weight loss despite trying their usual diet and exercise tricks. Using a GLP-1 agonist as a tool to kick start weight loss for even a few weeks or months can often be beneficial to jumpstart the process while also investigating the root causes of the possible metabolic issues.  

Will I just gain the weight back? 

Well, here’s the truth bomb that you’re likely not hearing: the data across America shows that if no lifestyle changes are made, patients who discontinue GLP-1 agonists will regain about 2/3rd of their lost weight after stopping. This illustrates why root cause and lifestyle medicine is critical to sustained weight loss!

At Blum Center our patients successfully use GLP-1 Agonists and are able to maintain weight loss  after they discontinue the medication.  Why is that? 

  • Our Functional Medicine Approach:  We look at the whole patient and do extensive testing including blood work and often gut testing. So, while we use the medications to jump start the process, we simultaneously shine the light on root cause medicine: gut health, hormone health, toxins, stress, nutrition and exercise, to name a few. 
  • Health Coaching: All our patients on GLP-1’s meet with our Health Coach Melissa Rapoport who walks patients through every step of the process and helps you create a plan for sustainable long-term changes. 

This is indeed personalized weight loss!

Will I lose all my muscle? 

This is a big fear of many patients — understandably! And, one that we take seriously. With all weight loss (even with diet alone) there is some lean muscle mass lost but there are several key ways we can ensure you maximize the weight loss coming from fat and not muscle. This can be completely avoided with proper nutrition and exercise. 

In fact we have an awesome tool – the InBody scanner – that tracks your body composition and shows us exactly what you’re losing. Are you losing visceral fat (yes!) and maintaining and maybe gaining muscle mass (yes!). Your lean muscle mass will maintain your metabolism during and after using these medications – muscle is your biggest friend in weight loss maintenance! 

Do I have to stay on this medication forever or can I use it short term? 

While these medications are completely safe to stay on long term (they are designed for that) – the vast majority of our patients are just using these for short term use. Again,we don’t think of Wegovy or Monjouro as the solution – they are just a tool — the solution is to get to the root cause of why you are “stuck” or gaining weight. 

Are there side effects?

The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea and constipation, though they are usually short-lived and avoided by sticking to the “start low and go slow” strategy – starting at a low dose and slowly titrating up.

Less common but still on our radar – gallbladder issues (as with any rapid weight loss), thyroid concerns and pancreatitis – while rare, these can be serious and we always monitor for these. 

How do supplements fit into the plan? ? 

We will recommend a personalized supplement plan for any health issues or imbalances we discover, if needed, based on your test results.  

Ready to take the next steps in your weight loss journey? Request a Consultation

Resources: