“All viruses are alike in that they have protein coats containing nucleic acid...Enzymes fight viruses by breaking up this protein” (Anthony J Cichoke, D.C.)
Protease is a classification of a group of enzymes which act on protein molecules and assist in catalyzing reactions. These reactions, in effect help to change the molecular structure, or break down the protein molecules. Based on clinical studies, it is known that proteases are able to dissolve almost all proteins as long as they are not components of living cells. Normal living cells are protected against lysis by the inhibitor mechanism. Viruses, parasites, fungal forms, and bacteria are either protein or protected by protein. The introduction of oral proteases presents the ability of those enzymes to act upon the protein coating of viruses or any protein that is harmful to the body or does not belong. Enzymes can also break down undigested food protein, cellular debris, and toxins in the blood, sparing the immune system this task. The immune system can then concentrate its full action on the bacterial or parasitic invasion. It should be noted that protease when taken on an empty stomach are readily taken up into the mucosa cells of the intestine and passed into the blood circulation. Clinical observations have noted that upon high intake of oral protease, heavy metal concentrations have been significantly decreased in the blood. While in the blood, proteases are taken up byalpha II-macroglobulin which ensures its survival in the body. This same alpha II macroglobulin escorts the protease throughout the body and appears to have the same ability that white blood cells have for determining what does not belong. Once identified the Alpha II macroglobulin exposes the protease to the protein invader and digestion of that protein begins.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
A Host Lipase Detoxifies Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides in the Liver and Spleen*
Baomei Shao, Mingfang Lu, Steven C. Katz, Alan W. Varley, John Hardwick, Thomas E. Rogers, Noredia Ojogun, Donald C. Rockey, Ronald P. DeMatteo, and Robert S. Munford
From the Departments of Internal Medicine, Microbiology and Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390-9113 and the Hepatobiliary Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021
Much of the inflammatory response of the body to blood borne Gram-negative bacteria occurs in the liver and spleen, the major organs that remove these bacteria and their lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) from the bloodstream. We show here that Lipopolysaccharide undergoes deacylation in the liver and spleen by acyloxyacyl hydrolase (AOAH), an endogenous lipase that selectively removes the secondary fatty acyl chains that are required for Lipopolysaccharide recognition by its mammalian signaling receptor, MD-2-TLR4. We further show that Kupffer cells produce AOAH and are required for hepatic Lipopolysaccharide deacylation in vivo. AOAH-deficient mice did not deacylate Lipopolysaccharide and, whereas their inflammatory responses to low doses of Lipopolysaccharide were similar to those of wild type mice for 3 days after Lipopolysaccharide challenge, they subsequently developed pronounced hepatosplenomegaly. Providing recombinant AOAH restored Lipopolysaccharide deacylating ability to Aoah-/- mice and prevented Lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatomegaly. AOAH-mediated deacylation is a previously unappreciated mechanism that prevents prolonged inflammatory reactions to Gram-negative bacteria and Lipopolysaccharide in the liver and spleen.
From the Departments of Internal Medicine, Microbiology and Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390-9113 and the Hepatobiliary Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021
Much of the inflammatory response of the body to blood borne Gram-negative bacteria occurs in the liver and spleen, the major organs that remove these bacteria and their lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) from the bloodstream. We show here that Lipopolysaccharide undergoes deacylation in the liver and spleen by acyloxyacyl hydrolase (AOAH), an endogenous lipase that selectively removes the secondary fatty acyl chains that are required for Lipopolysaccharide recognition by its mammalian signaling receptor, MD-2-TLR4. We further show that Kupffer cells produce AOAH and are required for hepatic Lipopolysaccharide deacylation in vivo. AOAH-deficient mice did not deacylate Lipopolysaccharide and, whereas their inflammatory responses to low doses of Lipopolysaccharide were similar to those of wild type mice for 3 days after Lipopolysaccharide challenge, they subsequently developed pronounced hepatosplenomegaly. Providing recombinant AOAH restored Lipopolysaccharide deacylating ability to Aoah-/- mice and prevented Lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatomegaly. AOAH-mediated deacylation is a previously unappreciated mechanism that prevents prolonged inflammatory reactions to Gram-negative bacteria and Lipopolysaccharide in the liver and spleen.
Monday, March 10, 2008
GCF
Gluten/Casein Free, a diet that many of us have heard of but never really wanted to conform to. Many people have sensitivities and/or allergies to these proteins that are found in dairy and gluten products. Unfortunately these are probably two of the most common foods in the standard American diet and are very difficult to eliminate.
GCF is a formula from Theramedix that has a protease called DPPIV in it that is specific to gluten and casein. GCF also has our Amylase Therablend in it to assist in breaking down the carbohydrate portion of the food ingested.
Of course, we don't suggest that someone with celiac disease go on and eat a loaf of bread and take some GCF. What we do suggest is that anyone who has a sensitivity or allergy to these foods take GCF prophylactically when dining out to support the gut in case of any cross-contamination. There is also some hope that DPPIV, taken on an empty stomach over time may help the damaged villi to regenerate in some celiac cases but this is yet to be conclusive in preliminary studies.
GCF is a formula from Theramedix that has a protease called DPPIV in it that is specific to gluten and casein. GCF also has our Amylase Therablend in it to assist in breaking down the carbohydrate portion of the food ingested.
Of course, we don't suggest that someone with celiac disease go on and eat a loaf of bread and take some GCF. What we do suggest is that anyone who has a sensitivity or allergy to these foods take GCF prophylactically when dining out to support the gut in case of any cross-contamination. There is also some hope that DPPIV, taken on an empty stomach over time may help the damaged villi to regenerate in some celiac cases but this is yet to be conclusive in preliminary studies.
Monday, January 28, 2008
PRX
In a continuation from last week's Candida entry I would like to discuss PRX and it's role in detox. I briefly talked about the role of protease in a Candida cleasnse. In addition to breaking up the toxins released from the candida cell and assisting to clear them out of the bloodstream PRX also works in other ways.
PRX, which contains 8 different proteases is a very potent product. The 8 different proteases can all potentially breakdown different proteins (pathogens and toxins). Some of the proteases are also excellent at seeking out and breaking up inflammation. This is very helpful during detox because often when there is a build-up of toxins, there is also a great deal of inflammation. In order for the body to rid itself of the toxins it must first have access to them and protease can help to clear the pathway.
There have also been many cases when the protease in CDX is not enough because the person has a lot of inflammation and/or toxins. These people tend to get a die-off reaction when they are doing a candida cleanse even if they are taking CDX. These people in particular can benefit from adding PRX into their candida protocol. The extra protease may give them the kick that they need to get over the initial 'hump' of a detox program.
Taking protease is a very safe and effective way to support your body's own ability to clear itself of and breakdown toxins. The general recommendation is 1 to 2 PRX with each dose of CDX, 3 times a day away from meals. More can be added if necessary to relieve the 'die-off' symptoms. One issue that should considered in taking protease is that too much catabolic activity in the body at one time can cause the body to become acidic. That should always be monitored with a litmus paper urine test first thing in the morning. Theramedix's pH product pHB is also a wonderful support.
PRX, which contains 8 different proteases is a very potent product. The 8 different proteases can all potentially breakdown different proteins (pathogens and toxins). Some of the proteases are also excellent at seeking out and breaking up inflammation. This is very helpful during detox because often when there is a build-up of toxins, there is also a great deal of inflammation. In order for the body to rid itself of the toxins it must first have access to them and protease can help to clear the pathway.
There have also been many cases when the protease in CDX is not enough because the person has a lot of inflammation and/or toxins. These people tend to get a die-off reaction when they are doing a candida cleanse even if they are taking CDX. These people in particular can benefit from adding PRX into their candida protocol. The extra protease may give them the kick that they need to get over the initial 'hump' of a detox program.
Taking protease is a very safe and effective way to support your body's own ability to clear itself of and breakdown toxins. The general recommendation is 1 to 2 PRX with each dose of CDX, 3 times a day away from meals. More can be added if necessary to relieve the 'die-off' symptoms. One issue that should considered in taking protease is that too much catabolic activity in the body at one time can cause the body to become acidic. That should always be monitored with a litmus paper urine test first thing in the morning. Theramedix's pH product pHB is also a wonderful support.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Sugar
Well the time of year for indulgences is officially over. No more left-overs, no more cocktail parties.... no more excuses. The fact is that many of us ate and drank our ways into trouble in the last 6 weeks and now we are feeling the pain.
I have often noticed that after the holiday season I suffer from a withdrawal from all things sweet. The only difference between me and many other people is that I can't hide from my nutritionist, I can't fool myself. I, as is the same for many of you, know too much about this to pretend. Yes, I am talking about Candidiasis. That nasty little overgrowth in the gut that has that obnoxious voice that begs for sugar. "Feed me, Feed me" .
Luckily I have some probiotics and my good friend CDX. This is a combination that I have used many times in the past and have heard numerous testimonials to it's effect. CDX is Theramedix's product specifically designed for over-growth of Candida. It contains Amylases and Cellulases to breakdown the cell wall of the candida called 'chitan', that impossible cocnut shell-like Polysaccaride. The best thing about CDX, also what makes it better than others is that it also contains proteases. Proteases are crucial to the process of cleansing Candida. Protease actually assists in breaking down and clearing out all of the toxins and bacteria that thrive inside of the cell wall of Candida. Protease will help you get past that 'flu-like' feeling that you can get when doing a cleanse whether it be Candida or any other detox.
Probiotics such as PBC that contain stable bacteria like Bascillus Subtillus and L. Paracasie also assist the gut in replenishing healthy gut flora. This is the key to preventing Candida and re-establishing good health.
Try this combination for two weeks and STAY AWAY FROM THE SUGAR. A pretty reasonable resolution, especially if you only need to stick to it for a couple of weeks, right?
I have often noticed that after the holiday season I suffer from a withdrawal from all things sweet. The only difference between me and many other people is that I can't hide from my nutritionist, I can't fool myself. I, as is the same for many of you, know too much about this to pretend. Yes, I am talking about Candidiasis. That nasty little overgrowth in the gut that has that obnoxious voice that begs for sugar. "Feed me, Feed me" .
Luckily I have some probiotics and my good friend CDX. This is a combination that I have used many times in the past and have heard numerous testimonials to it's effect. CDX is Theramedix's product specifically designed for over-growth of Candida. It contains Amylases and Cellulases to breakdown the cell wall of the candida called 'chitan', that impossible cocnut shell-like Polysaccaride. The best thing about CDX, also what makes it better than others is that it also contains proteases. Proteases are crucial to the process of cleansing Candida. Protease actually assists in breaking down and clearing out all of the toxins and bacteria that thrive inside of the cell wall of Candida. Protease will help you get past that 'flu-like' feeling that you can get when doing a cleanse whether it be Candida or any other detox.
Probiotics such as PBC that contain stable bacteria like Bascillus Subtillus and L. Paracasie also assist the gut in replenishing healthy gut flora. This is the key to preventing Candida and re-establishing good health.
Try this combination for two weeks and STAY AWAY FROM THE SUGAR. A pretty reasonable resolution, especially if you only need to stick to it for a couple of weeks, right?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Power of Change
It is fundamental that we change our environment inside our body to make it less hospitable to a disease state. The fastest way to change our environment is through the use of probiotics and pH modulators. Theramedix has two great products which go together for such an occasion. First is our PBC which is a very comprehensive probiotic that you can carry with you. It has 5 billion resilient bacteria that survive outside the refrigerator. The two main strains of bacteria represented are: L Paracasei F19 and Bacillus Subtilis.
The second product is pHB which has the unique ability to change a person's pH in the colon. pHB is formulated to a pH of 7 and enteric coated. This product also does not need refrigeration.
Change your internal environment today and make your body inhospitable to the wrong kinds of bacteria.
The second product is pHB which has the unique ability to change a person's pH in the colon. pHB is formulated to a pH of 7 and enteric coated. This product also does not need refrigeration.
Change your internal environment today and make your body inhospitable to the wrong kinds of bacteria.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Cold/Stuffy nose?
Cold/Stuffy nose?
It is that time of year again. Stuffy nose head and throat. It seems like everyone has a cold and they are spreading those germs around. Yuck!
If you are one of those people that tends to get a lot of colds, maybe you are asthmatic or you just seem to have sensitive sinuses then you could really benefit from SPS30. SPS30 is a fantastic seasonal cleanse or an amazing rescue to an acute mucus problem. Either way, if you need to help your body break-up and flush out some icky-sticky mucus, then the mucolase (mucolytic enzyme) in SPS is just what you need.
Mucus is a sticky sugar coated protein. Mucolase is a protelytic-mucolytic enzyme that breaks it up. The great thing about using enzymes to deal with this situation instead of a decongestant is that you aren't left with a dry uncomfortable nose. The other thing is that mucus has a purpose: flushing out germs and bacteria from you body. So, if you just dry up the mucus then you aren't helping to get all of those germs out of your system. Flushing them out by breaking them up and moving them out is a much healthier way to assist your body in doing what it knows best to do.
My husband has been an asthmatic all of his life. Since adulthood he generally only used his inhaler a bit in the winter and when he experienced intense changes in air temperature and air moisture. Now that he regularly (about 4 times a year) takes a course of SPS30, he almost never needs his inhaler anymore. The regular cleansing of his sinuses and lungs of the hard sticky mucus that used to hang around has really benefited him.
It is that time of year again. Stuffy nose head and throat. It seems like everyone has a cold and they are spreading those germs around. Yuck!
If you are one of those people that tends to get a lot of colds, maybe you are asthmatic or you just seem to have sensitive sinuses then you could really benefit from SPS30. SPS30 is a fantastic seasonal cleanse or an amazing rescue to an acute mucus problem. Either way, if you need to help your body break-up and flush out some icky-sticky mucus, then the mucolase (mucolytic enzyme) in SPS is just what you need.
Mucus is a sticky sugar coated protein. Mucolase is a protelytic-mucolytic enzyme that breaks it up. The great thing about using enzymes to deal with this situation instead of a decongestant is that you aren't left with a dry uncomfortable nose. The other thing is that mucus has a purpose: flushing out germs and bacteria from you body. So, if you just dry up the mucus then you aren't helping to get all of those germs out of your system. Flushing them out by breaking them up and moving them out is a much healthier way to assist your body in doing what it knows best to do.
My husband has been an asthmatic all of his life. Since adulthood he generally only used his inhaler a bit in the winter and when he experienced intense changes in air temperature and air moisture. Now that he regularly (about 4 times a year) takes a course of SPS30, he almost never needs his inhaler anymore. The regular cleansing of his sinuses and lungs of the hard sticky mucus that used to hang around has really benefited him.
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