Tuesday, February 26, 2013

2013 More Than Just Weight Completion

Congratulations to everyone for the diligent focus over the past 6 weeks! I bet there were times you wondered if the 6 weeks would ever be over. Now that you are living the results, I trust that you are very happy that you stuck it out.

As the rest of the completion assessments come in, I will put the average weight loss, inches lost and symptom changes for you soon.

Once again, congratulations on your success!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Inflammation, Cancer & Liver Challenges

by Glen Depke

Chronic Inflammation is a huge issue in our culture and for many people reading this article today. While this is the case so few would think about inflammation when faced with a diagnosis of cancer or liver dysfunction. Well, think again...

I have mentioned chronic inflammation many times in the past and for those that are not aware, I refer to this as a NF-kB state. Often clients in my office ask me what NF-kB stands for and honestly, my response generally does not help much, but here we go. NF-kB stands for nuclear factor kappa beta. I know, it sounds like a fraternity at a university. 

Here's something that will make sense though. This NF-kB is defined as a complex group of proteins that controls the transciption of DNA. You may already be seeing the tie into cancer.

NF-kB controls the expression of genes encoding the proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines adhesion molecules, inducible enzymes and growth factors. It is found in all cell types and is involved in cellular responses to stress, cytokines, free radicals and antigens. In short, the chronically activated NF-kB state has been linked to cancer, liver dysfunction, inflammatory conditions as well as autoimmunity.

This NF-kB state is triggered by stress, food intolerance, infection, obesity, addiction and chemotherapy. Interesting that the most common form of cancer treatment actually creates a state that is a significant risk factor for cancer. The frustrating part of this for so many, is that even if you remove all the triggers, the NF-kB state will likely continue to be an issue for you. I cannot tell you how often I have clients in my clinic that feel hopeless and frustrated because they have done so much to be healthy, yet cannot reach their goals. This is often due to the NF-kB self amplifying feedback loops.

One of these feedback loops is tied into liver function.

Understand that the NF-kB state will often inhibit phase I and phase II liver detoxification pathways. This occurs due to the fact that the NF-kB state can create a suppression of cytochrome P450. This suppression leads to a compound hepatic biotransformation, thus activating hepatic end products. It helps to understand that biotransformation is the process of rendering fat-soluble compounds to water soluble compounds so they can be excreted via the urine, feces and sweat. Hormones, toxins and drugs undergo hepatic transformation by phase I and phase II pathways in the liver and are eventually eliminated by a phase III pathway. A significant key though to this biotransformation, phase I, phase II and phase III pathways is the initial release of cytochrome P450. As noted above, the NF-kB state suppresses this cytochrome P450 thus inhibiting the entire liver clearance pathways.

When this occurs a further NF-kB state is initiated and round and round you go. Simply put, the chronic inflammatory state known as NF-kB leads to a multiple challenges within the liver, thus leading to more inflammation. Now you can see why this would be so frustrating for so many.

There are multiple ties of the NF-kB state to cancer, so let's understand this further. 

It is very important to understand the we all have cancer cells. The key for must of us is that we have strong immune systems that keep the body in harmony with these cancer cells. The challenge then is with immune function low the body is no longer in harmony, DNA is not replicating properly and cancer is now a very serious risk.

Remember earlier when I mentioned that the NF-kB is the complex group of proteins that control the transcription of DNA? Making sense now?

The NF-kB state leads to immune system dysregulation which in turn leads to the loss of cellular apoptosis (program cellular death) with the all too often end product being cancer. Understand that apoptosis is the process of eliminating DNA-damaged, superfluous, or unwanted cells and when halted may result in uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. Simply put, the NF-kB state leads to cancer.

One other factor to understand with the NF-kB state is the fact that many of the feedback loops lead to immune system challenges, thus increasing risk of cancer. This may be tied into an increase in cytokine production, leaky gut and more.

The most important point to make in this article is the fact that you can address the NF-kB state. I have listed the steps used with success at Depke Wellness to address this properly. 

*I do not recommend addressing this on your own, so please work with a natural health practitioner that would be considered and expert in the NF-kB state.
  • Address food intolerance and nutritional challenges
  • Learn healthy ways of addressing stress
  • Address any chronic infections (generally gut related)
  • Balance adrenal function
  • Increase peripheral circulation
  • Balance immune function with glutathione and vitamin D
  • Address phase I & phase II liver detoxification pathways
  • Take the correct dosage of curcumin and resveratrol (the dosing and form of both is of utmost importance)
I have seen this work with consistency over the years with not only the clients in my clinic but with myself personally. If you want to significantly reduce your risk of cancer and chronic liver challenges, address your NF-kB state.

If you have any comments or questions in regard to this article, leave a post below for me to address personally.



 

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

2013 More Than Just Weight Loss Week 6

Here we are moving into the last week with overall excellent results almost across the board. There are still a few that are challenged with weight loss, so let's make a big push during this last week for results.

Here are the supplement recommendations for the last week.

Hepato Synergy
  • One packet prior to breakfast and dinner
ClearVite
  • Days 15 thru 17
    • 1 scoop prior to breakfast and dinner
  • Days 18 thur completion
    • 1 scoop prior to breakfast
 Tumero and Resvero
  • Continue with 1 teaspoon prior to breakfast and dinner
Ultra D
  • Continue with 2 teaspoons prior to breakfast and dinner

Let's all go out with a bang during the last week!


Sunday, February 17, 2013

Oxypower

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECT OF OXYPOWER

A new rat study shows that OxyPower has anti-inflammatory effects on the coronary artery and heart muscle tissue. 

The introduction of a pathogen the body can induce C-reactive proten (CRP) production, which will attack endothelial cells of blood vessels, among others. This causes blood vessels to become inflamed, restricting blood flow. The inflammation can lead endothelial cells to break, causing scars and plaque. A similar mechanism occurs in heart muscle tissue when inflammation is present. This new study compares the effects of OxyPower and CoQ10 on inflammation in the coronary artery adn heart muscle tissue.
In the study, rats were divided into three groups: (A) Control group, (B) CoQ10 group, and (C) OxyPower group. The rats were injected with the pneumonia pathogen (bacteria) to induce inflammation. Groups B and C were given CoQ10 and OxyPower, respectively, for 7 consecutive days. Their effect on inflammation in the coronary artery (Figure 1) and heart muscle tissue (Figure 2) were then observed.












Inflammation was clearly evident in the control groups. Figure 1A shows the thickening in the coronary artery while the white sections in Figure 2A indicate inflammation. After 7 days of CoQ10 and OxyPower administration, inflammation in both the coronary artery and heart muscle is visibly reduced. Figures 1B and 2B show the anti-inflammatory effect of CoQ10. OxyPower has even more potent anti-inflammatory effect than CoQ10, clearly seen in the reduced thickness of the coronary artery (Figure 1C) as well as in the fewer white areas in the heart muscle (Figure 2C).

Featured Stories 

An 84-year-old man from California had 100% blockage on his left carotid artery due to stenosis. From March to April 2012, he had 8 fainting spells despite taking Coumadin. Then he started taking OxyPower and he never had a fainting spell again.

P.C., a 64-year-old man from Arizona, had COPD. For months, he has been using an oxygen tank to breathe easier. He also uses a CPAP machine for sleep apnea. Then he started taking OxyPower. After only a day, his breathing has significantly improved. Two days later, he did not have to use the oxygen tank at all during the day and did not need the CPAP machine at night. He now feels much more energized.

For more information on Oxypower, call Depke Wellness as (949)954-6226.
 

***These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any diseases. Individual results may vary.****



The URGENCY of Circulation...

by Glen Depke

What type of urgency do you place on optimal circulation? For most this is likely none of at best very little.

Often circulation does not become a topic until somebody is diagnosed with heart disease, nerve damage or other significant health challenges. One of the reasons we do not have and urgency is simply due to the fact that we take circulation for granted. This due to the fact that our parasympathetic nervous system has a supervising position over proper circulation without us having any conscious focus in this area. With this said, circulation is often an "out of sight out of mind" story. Another reason circulation does not receive any urgency is the fact that many of us are not aware of all the factors that are dependent on proper circulation. Often if we understood what was occurring (or not occurring) in our body with optimal vs. challenged circulation, we would then have a completely different focus. One last factor that is so important, is that most do not understand that circulation is an issue until there is a significant health challenge. If we had easier ways to understand our own personal level of circulatory success or failure, we would likely create and urgency before the breakdown. 

If you have been reading the Depke Wellness newsletter long enough, you already understand our focus on addressing health challenges long before they are "in your face" issues.

Everything mentioned above will be discussed in today's article.  

First off, do not take circulation for granted!

Yes, your blood will be flowing until you die but that does not mean it is flowing well. To be completely candid, a lack of blood flow is a regular challenge that I see with clients on a daily basis. Take this for granted while your blood flow is actually challenged, is a recipe for disaster. Understand that you won't see lack of proper blood flow on a death certificate but this is an underlying challenge tied into any and all chronic illness. Be sure to find your urgency in regard to proper circulation and the circulation will take care of you.

So why is proper blood flow so important?

It carries nutrients, circulates oxygen, assist the immune function in attacking infection, transports hormones and transports waste, just to name the most important factors. Let's look at separately. 

Since oxygen is the number one fundamental of health, we'll start here. The air that enters your lungs is exposed to approximately one quart of your blood as you inhale. As that one quart of blood soaks up the oxygen in that breath, this is then dispursed throughout your body to oxygenate the cells in your body. If circulation is an issue, this may hinder your body's ability to deliver oxygen to all the cells in your body.

When we are talking about nutrients, it is important to recognize that as nutrients are absorbed and assimilated via the small intestines, these nutrients then move through the body via proper circulation, thus feeding your cells. Again, poor circulation means poor cellular nutritional uptake.

As far as the immune system and hormonal systems are concerned, how do you think the immune system cells and proteins as well as hormones are transported throughout your body? Yes, absolutely via proper circulation.

And do not forget your body's ability to detoxify. Proper circulation is needed for you body to move toxins to the proper channels of detoxification and elimination. 

By this time, I am sure you get the picture. Proper circulation is of utmost urgency for all of us.

So how can you tell if circulation is an issue for you and what would you recognize in this case? 

There are a few easy way to tell is circulation is an issue.

One easy way to recognize poor circulation is to be aware of cold hands or feet or even a numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. If you are one of the individuals that is generally complaining about how cold your extremeties are with regularity, you likely have poor circulation. This occurs because due to the fact that poor circulation is generally leading to poor periphial circulation, which means you do not push the blood into the smaller capillaries in the extremeties of the body. This leads to the mentioned cold hands and feet, sometimes even a numbness or tingling but also another challenge. 

Think about is, what is the other extremity of the body?  

This is your brain and when your circulation is lacking this hinders brain function leading to poor mental clarity, moodiness, and/or poor memory in the early stages. You know, exactly as most think of as normal aging. Think again!

Lunulae on Thumb
Another tell tale sign of poor circulation can be seen via the tool of fingernail assessment. At the base of every nail, except the pinky finger, you should have a half moon or professionally referred to as lunulae. Your largest lunulae should be on your thumb and gradually going down in size to the index, middle and lastly ring finger. Remember, none on the pinky finger. If you are missing any lunulae or if they are smaller than need be, this is a tell tale sign that your circulation is less than optimal. The picture on the right show a healthy lunulae on the thumb and remember, these should be slightly smaller on the index, middle and finally ring finger.

So what do you do if your circulation is less than optimal? 

Well fix it of course. One of the things to do is start moving your body. The amount of time we spend sitting in this culture is such a challenge for circulation. I do want to make a strong point though. I have many clients, even including myself, that have a quality exercise regiment, yet they still show up with challenged circulation. In these cases, which is most, I have recommended many different supplements over the years. A homeopathic liquid called Aesculus, a liquid supplement called Nitric Balance, a capsulated product called Neuro2 but my favorites that I use with my clients as well as myself personally is a combination of Chinese herbs in Vein Lite along with another supplement called Oxypower. The Vein Lite has been shown to have and amazing effectiveness in increasing circulation and I recommend the Oxypower because of the benefits list below
  • It increases the oxygen-carrying power of red blood cells 
  • It reduces serum lactic acid for better oxygen delivery to organs and tissues and better mitochondrial function 
  • It increases nitric oxide, making the blood vessels more flexible 
  • It increases superoxide dismutase (SOD) in red blood cells to prevent oxidative stress
The Vein Lite and Oxypower is the one two punch that I always recommend. I take both of these myself due to the fact that the lunulae are very small on my index fingers as well as preventive based on a history of demetia in my family.

Hopefully I have created and urgency for you to at least create and awareness of proper circulation. If you have the signs of poor circulation, do something about it. It is your life and you can chose to live it to its fullest!   

If you have any questions or comment, please post these below and I will address them personally.


 

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

2013 More Than Just Weight Loss Week 5

Congratulations everyone, only 2 more weeks to go!

Here are the recommendations for week five.

Nutritionally:
  • Eliminate as many animal products as possible during this time
  • For Protein Types, you may need to eat a small amount of animal product once or twice per day
  • Be sure it is of the highest quality
  • Mixed Types may add an animal product as needed but no more than once per day
  • Veggie Types should have no issue due to the protein content of the ClearVite
Supplements:
  • Turmero Active - 5 ml (approx. 1 teaspoon) twice a day
  • Resvero Active - 5 ml (approx. 1 teaspoon) twice a day
  • Ultra-D Complex - 2 teaspoons twice a day
  • Hepato-Synergy – 1 packet twice daily
  • ClearVite - Days 8 thru 14
  • 1 serving daily before breakfast, lunch and dinner 
Use your Nutritional ID meal plan as best as possible during this phase.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

These Proteins are KILLING Me...Literally

by Glen Depke

I know the title sounds a bit dramatic, but this is so true. I have very recently discovered proteins that are creating inflammation, gut/brain issues, adrenal dysfunction as well as immune challenges. If I did not have this new found awareness, this would have been the single biggest factor leading to my personal health demise. Who says ignorance is bliss, it can actually kill you.

I have to say that I love when I have a challenge that everyone else can learn from. This not only allows me to find new levels of health and happiness for myself but also for all that I am able to reach out to. 

So what are these proteins, what are they about and what damage do they do?

First of all, let me discuss how I found this out. 

About three weeks ago, I went in for a blood drawn to complete a cross reactive food test. To refresh your memory, a cross reaction test will assess your potential intolerance to proteins that are similar to the proteins in gluten. This  potential intolerance is to the foods listed below.
  • Rye, Barley, Spelt, Polish Wheat
  • Cow's Milk
  • Casein
  • Casomorphin
  • Milk Butyrophilin
  • Whey Protein
  • Milk Chocolate
  • Oats
  • Yeast
  • Coffee
  • Sesame
  • Buckwheat
  • Sorghum
  • Millet
  • Hemp
  • Amaranth
  • Quinoa
  • Tapioca
  • Teff
  • Soy
  • Egg
  • Corn
  • Rice
  • Potato
Well, out of this list I am personally intolerant to the foods listed below.
  • Casomorphin
  • Milk Butyrophilin
  • Whey Protein
  • Yeast
  • Coffee
  • Sorghum
  • Millet
  • Hemp
  • Amaranth
  • Tapioca
  • Teff
  • Soy
  • Egg
  • Corn
  • Rice
If it seems as though I was repeating the list, that is because out of a possible 24 different cross reactive foods, I am personally intolerant to 15 of these. The interesting fact is that I eat many of these on a regular basis. With that said, what is happening to my body when I consume these?

The first challenge is that chronic inflammation will occur in my gut. This in itself leads to poor digestion, poor immune function and adrenal challenges. The challenges in my gut will then lead to brain issues over time. With a history of dementia in my family, anything that would create brain dysfunction is much less than welcomed. The immune challenges over time would lead to an autoimmune reaction and long term, autoimmune disease. The adrenal issues lead to challenges with all the areas listed below.
  • Thyroid
  • Pancreas
  • Ovaries (Obviously, not for me)
  • Metabolism of fat and protein
  • Poor regulation of body weight and fat
  • Mucosal membrane breakdown
  • Detoxification issues
  • Poor immune regulation
  • Challenges with pro or anti inflammatory processes
  • Poor blood sugar balance
  • Fatigue
  • Issues with the muscular/skeletal health
  • Poor memory and mental clarity
  • Insomnia
  • Poor neurological pathway function
As you can see this is a HUGE issue!

Over time, if these cross reactions were not found and addressed, this would eventually kill me and it would likely be a slow agonizing death. I know, dramatic again, but so true!

To understand the mechanisms here, you have to first understand gluten intolerance. When someone is gluten intolerant and they consume gluten, this lead to the same factors listed above. When gluten has been a long standing issue and the gluten has not been removed from your diet, which is the case for most, your body will begin to recognize other proteins similar to gluten as gluten and the whole cascade of health challenges can be caused by these other foods.

So yes, you can be eating and egg with cheese and hashbrowns, all while leading to chronic health issues and the slow agonizing death. 

Not fun, right?

So you may be thinking that I am quite upset. Actually, quite the opposite. I am thrilled!

Understand that my goal is to live a life of amazing health and happiness, so to find out that I am consuming food that is actually creating quite the opposite for me is very welcome. With this information, I recognize that simply being gluten free is not enough for me. It is now time to buckle down and move forward in life with some of old regulars as far as food choices are concerned, as non existent foods in my mind.

What is funny about this is that I have been gluten free for a number of years. Actually about 6.5 years. With this I would have the occasional gluten free beer, which is made with sorghum, that I am intolerant to. Many of the non gluten grains that I have consumed over these years, you guessed it, I am also intolerant to. The fried eggs with cheese that I would often enjoy in morning, yes, intolerant too. Any bread, gluten free or not has also been an issue, due to the yeast intolerance. Heck, even the corn tortilla on a taco and the rice on the bottom of my sushi are all intolerant foods.

So now you know why I can say that ignorance is not bliss, it can actually kill you!

Please use my learn to understand more about your personal level of gluten intolerance and cross reactivity. I just may save your life as it has mine!

To learn the likelihood of gluten intolerance for yourself, click here.

If you would like to learn more about a cross reactive test, call my office or have your health professional order an array #4 from Cyrex Labs. You can reach me on my direct line at (949)954.6226.

I would also suggest that you forward this article to anyone that you know if gluten intolerant or you suspect is gluten intolerant. For anyone in question, let them know about the complimentary gluten assessment at Depke Wellness.com. 

Help spread the word, you may actually save the life of a friend or loved one!

If you have any questions or comments, please leave this below for me to personally address.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

2013 More Than Just Weight Loss Week 4

Congratulations everyone for making it to the half way point of the More Than Just Weight Loss program! It is all down hill from here.

To review, we have all been focusing on reducing inflammation and supporting the immune function through the entire program, improved brain function in week one and weeks two and three we also address the gut. While we will of course continue with the inflammatory and immune support, we will not be moving into the phase I and II liver detoxification phase. 

Here are your supplemental recommendations for week four.
Hepato-Synergy – 1 packet twice daily
ClearVite
Days 1 thru 4
1 serving daily before breakfast
Days 5 thru 7
1 serving before breakfast and dinner


You can also add the following food choices into your plan:
Green teas
Fresh fruits
Beans (navy, white, red kidney, etc.)
Peas (fresh, split, snap)
Low to moderate amounts of meat, fowl and seafood per your Nutritional ID
Flaxseed oil in moderation
 






 

Monday, February 4, 2013

Astounding Results

by Glen Depke

First of all, to everyone that was able to make it to this past weekend's lecture by Dr Chi on fingernail and tongue diagnosis thank you for playing such an important role in the huge success of this weekend. I also want to congratulate those that were able to get in to see Dr Chi for personal consultations, because you truly are a part of the astounding results.

So what am I referring to when I am talking about astounding results?

The results, which were astounding, is the awareness that was created for almost 70 people this weekend with their one on one consultations as well as so many more that attended the lecture. That awareness was to uncover hidden health challenges before they manifest into a significant health issue. Of course I had a personal one on one session and discovered that I have likelihood of stroke, less than optimal circulation, estrogen dominance as well as some liver, prostrate and GI issues. Now while some would think this would be negative, I am so excited to know about this prior to it ever being a symptomatic and honestly life altering issue. This way I can address this right now, so this is not an issue for me later in life. That is exciting!

I sat down with Dr Chi on Sunday morning before the second day of consultations to discuss the most common challenges that were uncovered by the fingernail and tongue diagnosis. So let's discuss these common challenges and provide you the tools needed to achieve your own astounding results.

One of the biggest issues was with estrogen dominance. This truly is a significant issue for both men and women these days. I see this with regularity when I am testing hormone panels with my clients. One of the biggest issues with estrogen dominance is that many or maybe most of you reading this article are actually overproducing an enzyme called aromatase. This enzyme actually converts testosterone into estrogen type hormones which can lead to many challenges but specifically breast or prostate cancers if not addressed. 

So how can you use the fingernail, tongue and body assessment to recognize the estrogen dominance.

Cherry Angioma
First look at your nails. Do you have white specs on your nails? While many have heard that this is a zinc or other mineral deficiencies, this can mean so much more. If you have these white specs in your nails along with cherry angiomas on the trunk of your body, this is the tell tale sign of estrogen dominance. If you have these signs and this has not been address as a part of your health journey, get some attention ASAP for yourself. As a side note, if you have these cherry angiomas anywhere on your head this is a sign for a likelihood of stroke. This would be addressed also along with circulation that we will discuss later in this article.

I can also share that Dr Chi has used a product for years to successfully assist the body in creating a balanced estrogen levels called Myomin. This is something that I am using personally to address my imbalances and have seen this provide significant results for so many of my clients. I had a couple of clients recently that were toxic in estradiol and in about 3 months on the Myomin they are no longer toxic in this hormone. Yes, ONLY 3 months!

I believe in the Myomin so strongly that I have made this the featured supplement on my newsletter this week at a discount of $5.00 off per bottle and as always with Depke Wellness, shipping and handling is free. If you have these markings, be sure to get back to the newsletter and order your Myomin today.

The next big issue is circulation. So many individuals simply do not have good circulation and this is a huge issue. Understand that if your circulation is challenged, your body will have a very difficult time getting blood to the extremities and especially the smaller capillaries in the feet, hands and the head. You may notice this by cold hands or feet, maybe a numbness or tingling of the hands or feet or a lack of clarity, mental function or mood swings. Any of these would be symptoms of poor circulation.

This may sound like a silly question but why is circulation so important? 
  • Circulation allow for nutrient uptake to your cells
  • Allows for waste removal from your cells
  • Brings oxygen to your cells
  • Removal of carbon dioxide
  • This is the system of travel for your immune system 
  • Also the system of travel for all your hormones
  • And so much more, but you get the picture...
So how can you tell if circulation is lacking based on fingernail and tongue assessments?

Take a look at your nails specifically and look for the "moons." In fingernail and tongue assessment these would actually be referred to as your laluna. This are the small half moons at the base of the nail that you should see on your thumb, index finger, middle finger and ring finger. The largest should be on your thumb and go down in size until the smallest is on the ring finger. Note that there should not be a laluna on your pinkie finger.

If you do not have these laluna, understand that circulation is an issue for you and this will significantly hinder any progress for you in your journey to health and happiness. There are many ways to address based on lifestyle and supplemental regiments. If this is already an issue for you, I recommend both lifestyle and supplement use. You will want to shift this as quickly as possible and lifestyle alone is too slow of a process. Regardless of who you address this with, address it. This is so important!

The other common challenge is with the pancreas and insulin resistance. These challenges are recognized by teeth marks on the side of the tongue. If your teeth marks are mild to moderate, this would be a sign of insulin resistance and/or challenges with the pancreas but if these markings are very deep this could also be a sign of kidney issues. This is an important sign to recognize, because it is a definite advantage to address insulin resistance before this develops into type II diabetes and deeper issues.

Fingernail, tongue and body assessment is a way to understand what your body is telling you. This will allow you to make the necessary lifestyle and supplemental choices to ward off significant health issues currently and down the line. When discussing chronic illness, it is always better to address this before you are living with the pain and suffering of symptom challenges. 

Don't wait...address your health now!

If you are interested in fingernail, tongue and body assessment, contact Depke Wellness at (949)954-6226. We offer a complimentary 20 minute session for all new clients.

If you have any comments or questions in regard to this article, please post this below for me to address personally.