*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

**CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME/LONG COVID**

I see patients with this diagnosis or collection of symptoms often. This is a debilitating condition that causes loss of employment, relationships, and quality of life. Patients that have these symptoms often are told that it is “all in your head,” even by medical professionals at times. I have included my thoughts about this condition below.

Root causes: Chronic viral infection, toxic overload, limbic trauma, hormonal imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction

Diagnostic criteria: History: Impairment in function with profound fatigue, post-exertional malaise, orthostatic intolerance, unrefreshing sleep, cognitive impairment, recurrent infectious symptoms.

Suggested preliminary lab work-up to identify a potential cause of chronic fatigue: CBC, CMP, thyroid, vitamin B12, C-reactive protein, sed rate, ferritin, vitamin D, urine, cortisol level, rheumatoid factor, ANA.

Differential diagnosis: Adrenal insufficiency, thyroid disease, diabetes, rheumatologic disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, myasthenia gravis, traumatic brain injury, seizures, Chiari malformation, psychiatric disorders, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, periodic limb movement disorder, Lyme's disease, hepatitis, tuberculosis, Giardia, Q fever, coccidiodomycosis, syphilis, Epstein-Barr virus infection, Parvovirus B19 infection, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, food intolerance, anemia, iron overload, heavy metal toxicity, mold infection, substance abuse disorder, cancer, obesity, and COPD.

Treatment: Pacing with activity, physical therapy, occupational therapy, compression hose, salt loading, fluid loading, fludrocortisone, alpha-adrenergic agonists, meditation, antidepressants, Topamax, modafinil, IV immunoglobulin, noise canceling headphones, sunglasses, sleep hygiene, dietary trials.
Interconnection between "leaky gut" and leaky brain. Increased histamine release causes brain fog. The small intestine has an extremely large amount of immune system cells.

Antiviral medications have limited effects.

For patients that have significant post-exertional malaise consider supplementation with resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, and lipoic acid. If this helps, suspect mitochondrial dysfunction. If not improved with this trial, consider heavy metal toxicity or mold infection as a rare but possible cause. If using urine mycotoxin testing, this should clear within 4 months of treatment.

Other considerations: Quercetin and resveratrol for mast cell down-regulation. Probiotics for intestinal immune function regulation. Oregano for antimicrobial effect. Limbic retraining to improve neuroplasticity due to maladapted stress response with chronic illness.

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Chronic fatigue syndrome/COVID. Diagnosis and possible treatments.


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

**CARBOHYDRATE ADDICTION**

I feel that carbohydrate addiction is very real and quite prevalent. I inform my patients regarding this, often not recognized, disorder and discuss treatment of this condition. Much of the information below is from Dr. Robert Cywes, bariatric surgeon, also known as “the carbohydrate addiction doc.”

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is caused by a psychological disorder or misinformation, in the case of performance athletes.

Some medications slow down the progression of diabetes mellitus type 2, but do not treat the cause.  Medications alter the handling of sugar (glucose) that his present.

Carbohydrates have psychoactive effects. (See PET scan discussion below). Abstinence of less than 30 g of carbohydrates per day is preferred and even required in order to have remission.  Carbohydrates are not necessary for survival.  Gluconeogenesis and glucagon help you to maintain an appropriate blood glucose level.  Carbohydrates are endorphin-releasing drugs not hunger satisfying food.
Carbohydrate consumption then, is an emotional consumption, not triggered by hunger or thirst.

Misinformation in athletes also can result in insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus type 2. Carbohydrate intake and loading has been a tenet of feeding athletes for many years.  Athletes that switch to low-carb eating are now able to fuel their body with fat consumption. (See Caryn Zinn, nutritionist discussion below).

In Dr. Cywes's practice, he has noticed that patient with diabetes mellitus type 2 often consume 75 to 90% of their total daily calories in the form of carbohydrates.  He states that diabetics could have 15-20 consumptive events per day, usually in the form of carbohydrate snacks or drinks.  This will match up with daily endorphin activation requirements.  When people use carbohydrates as an endorphin activator the unfortunate thing is it does not allow for emotional processing and provide appropriate therapy.

Patients need to replace carbohydrate endorphin stimulation with other endorphin stimulation habits such as exercise, art, music, to name a few.

Unfortunately, relapse like any addiction does occur and needs to be planned for.

**Tenets of treatment:**

Complete abstinence from carbohydrates (as little as possible)

No calories in drinks

Vegetables are okay, except: potatoes

Avoid rice and grains

Fruit not okay, except: Avocado, olive, tomato, nuts, and seeds

Sequential eating (eating food slowly, sitting down at a table, drinking water) allows leptin (hunger-regulating hormone) to work to prevent overeating

Fast if not hungry

No calorie counting, your body will know what you need

Your body may take 60 to 90 days to become fat adapted. Your body may improve insulin sensitivity during this time, even if you are on insulin and have diabetes mellitus type 1.

To prevent side effects such as rash, kidney stones, gout, and joint inflammation, gradual reduction in carbohydrates over 1 to 3 months.  Start with elimination of sugary drinks, then snacks, then grains, then fruits.  Increase fat content to protect protein intake.

*PET scan discussion*

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans measure metabolic activity in the tissue studied. PET scans have been used to reflect brain activity after cocaine use. Interestingly, the same area of the brain stimulated with cocaine use is stimulated with carbohydrate ingestion. This happens to be the dopamine-producing area of the brain. Dopamine is the "feel good" neurotransmitter that we all crave. Dopamine is important in shaping the neural circuitry in the brain. Strong objective evidence for the addictive nature of carbohydrates.

*Caryn Zinn, nutritionist discussion*

Caryn Zinn has been a nutritionist for 25 years. She has worked with high-performing endurance elite athletes as well. I was introduced to her practice through my educational journey. She is a strong believer in the value of whole foods and low-carb, high-fat eating for all of her clients. She quickly dispels the myth that carbohydrates are necessary for athletic performance. In very lengthy endurance events, she may recommend small amounts of carbohydrates, but not nearly what I expected. The performance of these athletes is inspiring!

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Carbohydrate addiction unveiled and treatment recommendations listed.


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

INTERESTING ENDORPHIN DISCUSSION

The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus produce endorphins. Endorphin production is partly regulated by circadian rhythms. Endorphins are "feel good" neurotransmitters that can decrease pain and anxiety by activating opioid receptors.

Effects of endorphins

Cancer patients had 30% of expected endorphin production. Patients with autoimmune diseases also have lower than expected endorphin production.

Low dose naltrexone can increase production of endorphins markedly. Ninety percent of endorphins are made between 2 and 4 AM, according to studies.  Beta endorphins have a half-life of about 20 hours.  If  a small dose of naltrexone is administered in the evening, endorphin production can be boosted as much as 300%.  The naltrexone disappears in about 3 hours, but the endorphins remain elevated all next day.

Dr. Bihari is a Harvard physician that used low-dose naltrexone in treating HIV/AIDS patients in the 1980's.  At the time, heroin addiction was prevalent. Naltrexone was an available option to treat both opioid and alcohol addiction. When Dr. Bihari treated AIDS patients that were also addicted to substances, he used naltrexone. He observed that many of these patients treated with naltrexone did better with regards to their course of AIDS. AIDS patients had significantly lower measured endorphin levels than control patients.  He also noticed that endorphins strongly influenced immune function. and wanted to help improve immune function for these patients.  In a 9-month randomized control trial, those treated with low-dose naltrexone had fewer deaths, fewer opportunistic infections, and their T helper cells seemed to be more functional than those that received placebo.

Low-dose naltrexone has been used for cancer treatment.  Endorphin levels in cancer patients are generally less than 30% of normal.  Endorphins can activate opioid receptors and produce cancer cell apoptosis (programmed cell death).  Lack of endorphins could increase risk for cancer.  Numerous studies show that cancers frequently arise after periods of intense grief, also a time when endorphin production could be lower.  Greatest risk of cancer is 1 year after the death of a spouse.  Consider the possibility of low endorphin levels contributing to an increased risk for cancer.

Studies have also linked aerobic exercise to increased endorphin release. See my stress-reduction posts.

***Increased endorphin levels could offer benefit for cancer, autoimmune disease, pain, and anxiety.***

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

A discussion of endorphins, low dose naltrexone, cancer, and autoimmune disease.


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

Atherosclerosis is the number 1 killer in the U.S.A. In order to prevent atherosclerosis, it is wise to understand why and how it occurs. One link in this puzzle is the endothelial glycocalyx.

**Endothelial Glycocalyx**
The endothelium is a layer of single overlapping cells that line the interior of your arteries, veins, and capillaries.  It functions to:

-Deliver oxygen, nutrients, hormones to organs and systems

-control passage of endocrine hormones, white blood cells, plasma proteins

-Regulate coagulation

-Modulate inflammatory response and antioxidants

-Promote angiogenesis

-Modulate blood pressure

Endothelial dysfunction results in: Cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease, diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction.
The endothelial glycocalyx is a chemical and mechanical signaling transducer.  It is comprised of a selective permeable barrier.  It has anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antiadhesive, and antioxidant activity.  It regulates vasodilation by nitric oxide.  It acts as a barrier against LDL, leukocyte, and platelet adherence.

Glycocalyx is damaged by hyperglycemia.  ***Avoid hyperglycemia.***

***Arterosil product***, 1 cap twice daily can help to restore and protect the endothelial glycocalyx.  It is made of seaweed. Seems to have very little downside to try this product.

***Avoid hypervolemia (excess fluids)*** that induces vessel stretch and places more shear forces on the blood vessel wall. These increased shear forces create damage, but also change the regulation of the endothelial glycocalyx.

***Minimize mast cell degranulation*** that results in cytokine, chemokine, matrix degrading proteases, and tumor necrosis factor release that damages the glycocalyx. The result is microvessel leakiness and rupture leading to intraplaque hemorrhage.  Mast cells play a role in atherosclerosis.  Inflammatory cells become activated and respond to tissue injury.  Activated mast cells release tryptase and chymase which are proteases at the site of plaque rupture.  Increased numbers of mast cells are seen during the progression of atherosclerosis.  Mast cell activation during plaque development leads to progression and increased leukocyte infiltration and lipid accumulation.  Leakiness of microvessels occurs and unstable lesions that can hemorrhage and cause a rupture of fibrous cap.  This can result in acute cardiovascular thrombosis and events.  Consider oral cromolyn q 6 hours, histamine antagonist, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers to block mast cells.

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

In order to know how to treat a process, it is important to understand the process. This post discusses the endothelial glycocalyx and how it functions in atherosclerosis.


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

## Adaptogens

Stress is a ubiquitous problem in our society.  When I counsel patients about their health, I consider stress management one of the pillars of optimal health.  Many tools are available for stress reduction.  One potential tool that some patients investigate is the use of adaptogens.  Adaptogens are natural substances that assist the body in adapting to stress.  I have a list of some of the available options.

***Rhodiola rosea***; names include: Golden root, rose root, Hong Jing Tian, Rose root extract, Rosenroot.  Herb from Eastern Europe, North America, and Asia.  Possible mechanism of action including interaction with the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis and its effect on nitric oxide production and defense mechanism proteins.  Possibly, also increases beta endorphins.  Potential benefits include: Managing stress, fatigue, improving endurance, and treating depression.  Side effects include dizziness and dry mouth.
Drug interactions: Cytochrome P3 and P2 medications, antidepressants, antihypertensives.  Dosing: 100 to 600 mg daily with a common dosing of 200 mg twice daily.

***Phosphatidylserine*** is a phospholipid found in cell membranes.  This agent has been shown to support cognitive function and memory, as well as, improve motor reactions and reflexes.  With supplementation, has been shown to reduce the typical rise in ACTH and cortisol when under chronic stress.  The physical response to exercise has been assessed and increased time to exhaustion has been observed in studies involving cycling.  Dosing: 100 to 200 mg daily.

***Ashwagandha*** (Withania somnifera).  Herb native to India and Nepal.  Seems to work on increasing GABA levels in the brain, which can result in decreased stress.  Also, has been shown in a 2014 double-blind placebo-controlled trial to benefit cognition and psychomotor function.  Seems to inhibit oxidative stress.  Dosing: 250 mg twice daily.

***Holy Basil*** (Ocimum sanctum).  Other names include: tulsi and liquid yoga.  This plant grows in Australia and Asia.  Has been shown to improve attention, stress, and nervousness in a 35 person clinical trial.  Seems to work by affecting glucose metabolism, cortisol level, and creatine kinase levels.  Reports of decreased risk of infection, skin disease, liver disorders, and antidote for snakebite and scorpion sting.  Suggested dosing: 500 mg daily.

***Ginseng*** (Panax ginseng) Ginseng is a plant root found in North America. Ginseng blocks the ACTH action in the adrenal gland, thereby blocking production of glucocorticoid steroid hormones.  It is felt to possess significant anti-stress properties, decrease risk of ulcers, decrease blood glucose, triglycerides, and creatine kinase levels.  Suggested dosing: 200 to 400 mg twice daily.

***Turmeric*** (Curcuma longa). Source: underground stems of the turmeric plant that grows in tropical Asia and India. Spice, curcumin. May be effective in reducing depression due to interaction with brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory benefit and decreases pain.  Suggested dosing: 500 to 2000 mg daily.

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Adaptogens, agents to reduce stress. Introductory list of common adaptogens with a brief description of mechanism of action.


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

Stress Reduction Techniques

***Low-carbohydrate, high fat diet.*** This diet can result in production of ketone bodies to use for fuel.
-Ketones are more efficient energy than glucose. Ketones increase mitochondrial efficiency and production. This increase in mitochondrial efficiency improves nerve cell functioning.
-Ketones increase GABAergic tone and decrease Glutamate tone. Increasing GABAergic tone results in inhibition of neurotransmission, improves sleep, improves anxiety, “calming effect”. Glutamate can damage or kill nerve cells if overactive.  Excessive glutamate has also been associated with the following conditions: ALS, MS, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, stroke, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.  Mental health conditions associated with a glutamate disorder include: Anxiety, autism, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia.
-Ketones increase the release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), promotes survival and maintenance of nerve cells.

***Stimulate the endocannabinoid system***-role to regulate GABA neurotransmission (relaxing neurotransmitter)
Foods that function as endocannabinoids: Truffles, dark chocolate, coffee, oregano, curcumin, cinnamon, Chia seeds, hemp, walnuts, sardines, anchovies, eggs.
Omega-3 fatty acids help to synthesize endogenous cannabinoids.
Medium and high intensity exercise also stimulates the endocannabinoid system.
Stress lowering activities such as meditation and yoga stimulates the endocannabinoid system.
CBD oil also stimulates the endocannabinoid receptor system.

***Gut micro biome health*** appears to be linked to neurologic functioning.  Research has shown that there are more neurotransmitters produced in the intestines than in the brain.  You can use Prebiotics to improve the beneficial bacteria in your gut.  Some examples include: Artichoke, garlic, onions, leeks, and asparagus. Probiotics help to restore gut bacteria with fermented foods.  Some examples include: Yogurt, Kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, apple cider vinegar, and certain cheeses.  Keep in mind that if these products are not refrigerated, then they are likely preserved and not as beneficial for your health.  It is important to prevent these products from being light exposed for extended time periods.

***Consider adaptogens***. Adaptogens seem to be effective by modifying the release of cortisol, endorphins, and even brain derived neurotrophic factors.  Some examples include: Rhodiola, phosphatidylserine, ashwagandha, holy basal, ginseng, turmeric.

***Modify your autonomic nervous system***
Stress reduction techniques including: Gargling, loud singing, cold exposure, TENS unit with left ear lead, and abdominal belly breathing can all help to enhance your parasympathetic nervous system function (promotes rest, relaxation, and digestion), balancing out hyperactive sympathetic nervous system.

***Reset your sleep-wake cycles***
Expose yourself to sun early in the morning, within 1 hour of waking if possible.  If you are able, exposure to evening sunlight at sunset.
Caffeine exposure 2 hours after waking, can prevent afternoon crashes.  Limit total caffeine. No caffeine after 2 PM.
Exercise early in the morning increases body temperature and improves waking.
In your home in the evening, avoid overhead lighting, use more dimly lit rooms, table lamps.  Consider red light.

***Helpful habits***
Warm shower before bed.
Meditation techniques.  Space time bridging focused technique with eyes focused on brain, hands, 15 feet away, then long distance away.  Non-sleep deep rest decreases cortisol and improves dopamine levels.
Deep breathing practices decreases stress hormone release.
Avoid screen time/news/TV within hours before bedtime.

***NSDR (nonsleep deep rest), hypnosis***. Improves neuroplasticity, decreases stress, improved cognitive function, improves memory, improved focus and mental clarity, feel more energized, can allow you to have better sleep at night.

***Live in community***-less quality of life and longevity in those that live alone
Connection with family, faith-based body, hobby groups, etc.

***Acts of service and expressions of gratitude***
Activity that takes the focus off yourself and your problems while serving others can be very useful.  Journaling can help to remind you of the good things that have happened to you when reflected upon later.

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Discussion of multiple stress-reducing strategies with brief description of mechanism of action.


Vlada,
Here is a link to my newest post regarding creatine.

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Lowcarbdoctor


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

As a physician, if you are not guarded, it is very easy to be influenced by information, develop a framework of thinking, then develop an entrenched dogma without considering the details deeply. This risk is especially pervasive in medical training. You are developing a foundation of knowledge that you call upon to make decisions. In training, you have limited time to investigate the veracity of this dogma, as concepts are thrown at you quickly (steep learning curve). Unfortunately, as you complete training and enter a phase of your life when you have a busy medical practice, your time is again limited. In order to learn and question, you have to cut into your family time or recreation time to allow yourself to expand your thinking. These time limitations are ever-present. My hat goes off to fellow physicians that have taken the time to truly question and learn. This long-winded introduction leads me to my thoughts about creatine. As a physician in training, I was taught that creatine was dangerous, something body-builders use, and something that will cause kidney injury and medical problems. In recent years, I took another look at creatine and I have included some of my observations below. One of, what I consider the pillars of optimal health, sleep, can be greatly affected by the use of creatine. Since poor sleep is a risk factor for chronic disease, and sleeping problems are pervasive in our society, I would like to have treatment options to improve sleep for my patients. I would also desire to reduce the effects of poor sleep when it occurs. Of course, exercise is one of my pillars of health, and as you will note, creatine improves athletic performance also.

Creatine

Creatine is an amino acid found in the muscles and brain.
Sources of creatine: Red meat, poultry, seafood, and supplements.
Common supplement dosage 1 to 3 g daily.
Effects of creatine: Increasing muscle mass and improving strength by increasing the amount of phosphocreatine in muscles which is necessary for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

Creatine and sleep

Creatine supplementation has a similar effect as caffeine in improvement of athletic performance.
Creatine supplementation may reduce the amount of sleep needed to feel rested.
Creatine supplementation may improve thinking after a poor night's sleep.

Refresher on sleep

Circadian rhythm is driven by light exposure, movement, food timing, and caffeine intake.
Extracellular adenosine accumulates in the brain, as the day goes on, by the breakdown of ATP to adenosine monophosphate.  Adenosine activates GABA neural pathways which inhibits wake-promoting neurons in the brain.  Incidentally, caffeine can prevent you from getting sleepy by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain.
Creatine can increase ATP stores and counteract the breakdown of ATP into adenosine, resulting in increasing energy production. After poor sleep, you often feel foggy and your concentration is generally impaired. Creatine can improve your response to poor sleep, in a sense, allow you to function well with not enough sleep. When a patient tells me that they get by with 4 hours of sleep, I do my best to help them get more. Creatine can serve as a support while I am trying to correct their sleep problem. Shift-workers have special challenges with proper sleep and may do well to supplement with creatine.

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Discussion of creatine for health with regards to sleep and athletic performance.


In the below referenced video, I review and distill Jason Fung, MD's book, The Obesity Code. I summarize his recommendations for treatment of obesity. I discuss common recommendations for weight loss. I point out that newborns, children, and the impoverished are all affected by obesity. I outline some of the carbohydrate cutting recommendations from years past for successful weight loss. I remark about how our recommendations changed when we became focused on fat and cholesterol in the 1950's. I review the US Dietary Guidelines and how the include large amounts of carbohydrates and less fat in the diet. I discuss the short-comings of the "calories in, calories out" recommendations. I discuss the hormonal model of obesity. I discuss the impacts of leptin, insulin, and cortisol on obesity. I discuss fructose. I review insulin resistance and how obesity causes insulin resistance, higher insulin levels, and the vicious cycle. I review how protein also stimulates insulin, even though less than carbohydrates. I discuss some of the protective factors for obesity including fiber and vinegar. I also discuss how intermittent fasting paired with lowering sugar and carbohydrate content can be very powerful in treating obesity. I list some alternate names of sugar on labels.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/eT4EOBXQKBE.

I hope this helps you or your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.


In the referenced video, I review the connection between loneliness and social disconnection with metabolic disease. I was inspired by an article review regarding metabolic disease and social isolation. Chris Palmer, M.D. is a psychiatrist who is active in treating many mental health disorders with ketogenic diet intervention. He and others propose that mitochondrial dysfunction may be at the root of these disorders. Mitochondrial dysfunction is also implicated in metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. In the video, I review the physiology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. I discuss cortisol, insulin, and oxytocin. I also elude to the endocannabinoid system and its influence. I discuss some reasonable treatments for social isolation and loneliness. I list a multitude of health problems that seem to all be related to a base root cause.

Here is the link:  https://youtu.be/zZAwg6CVHKc.

I hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Mental Health can be affected by metabolic disease. Improving metabolic disease often improves many mental health disorders.


In the referenced video, I discuss some basics of the intestinal barrier. I present the interplay with the immune system, the intestines, and chronic disease. I discuss some of the triggers of an impaired intestinal barrier and gut dysbiosis that can contribute to disease. I list some of the chronic inflammatory health conditions that seem to be linked to immune activation. I discuss advanced-glycation end products, both exogenously ingested and endogenously produced. I discuss food additives. I discuss the similarity to some food additives to the antibodies found in celiac disease. I note that countries that have been the quickest to adopt food additives, are measured to have the fastest rise in autoimmune disease rates. I review the categories of chronic health diseases that occur with increasing use of food additives, with the incidence of neurologic diseases increasing the most. I discuss vitamin deficiencies that can occur with impaired absorption, specifically the commonality of vitamin D deficiency and some of its health consequences. I recommend avoiding ingestion of glucose, fructose, carbohydrates in general, and gluten due to these findings.

Here is the link:  https://youtu.be/G6MCHFzZ-SY

I hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

I discuss the theory of causation of some autoimmune disease. I discuss the interplay between intestines and inflammation. I discuss food additives. I discuss celiac disease.


In the below referenced video, I discuss celiac disease. I review how you might develop this condition under the influence of genetics and gluten ingestion. I discuss the common sources of gluten. I discuss methods of making the diagnosis of celiac disease. I report that this condition is very common, underrecognized, and increasing in incidence. I review common symptoms that children and adults experience when they have celiac disease. I review a list of some of the additional medical conditions that are seen in conjunction with celiac disease. I review the similarity between diabetes mellitus type 1 and celiac disease. I discuss the fact that celiac disease significantly worsens the microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus type 1. I discuss how gluten elimination can improve diabetes mellitus type 1 control. I discuss new areas of research in CD8 T cells and mast cells with relation to celiac disease. I also discuss the way celiac disease can result in many symptoms that can delay diagnosis and treatment.

Here is the link:  https://youtu.be/UFcOJI6NenE

I hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

I discuss celiac disease diagnosis, incidence, symptomatology, and connection with other health conditions. I discuss treatment of celiac disease.


In the below-referenced video, I discuss fructose. Fructose can be ingested and is also produced endogenously in your body. I review the absorption of fructose and how excess fructose is processed. I discuss how your body produces fructose. I discuss how fructose affects multiple body systems. I discuss the potential survival benefit of fructose in times of scarcity, but how most of us don't live in scarcity. I discuss how fructose leads to obesity, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, dementia, and even gout. I discuss how salt affects hunger, basal metabolic rate, and works synergistically with fructose to cause health derangement. I reviewed uric acid and gout. I discuss sources of high fructose corn syrup. I review sources of purines and umami, foods that can worsen gout.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/0qULpQ7CUaQ

I hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

I discuss fructose sources, metabolism, connection with hunger, obesity, and many other chronic health problems.


In this referenced video, I discuss apolipoproteins and what they are. Apolipoprotein testing allows for more precise cardiovascular lipid risk stratification. I discuss the short-comings of LDL-C mass testing. I discuss the advantage of apolipoprotein testing in determining the number of atherogenic particles. I review the theory of atherosclerosis. I talk about some of the factors that result in increased inflammation. I discuss the impact of an unfavorable Apo B/ApoA ratio and how lifestyle intervention can improve this ratio. I discuss the use of cholesterol-lowering medications in the event that lifestyle intervention is unsuccessful in improving this ratio. I discuss the current statin treatment guidelines. I reviewed some articles that discuss pro's and con's of statin therapy.  In preparation for this video, I reviewed about 50 journal articles dated between 1997 and present day.

Here is the link:  https://youtu.be/Z_FeqC1YxbE

Hope this helps you or your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Discussion of lipids, apolipoproteins, and statin medications.


In this referenced video, I discuss a recent article that implicated Erythritol in cardiac risk. I discuss what erythritol is. I discuss endogenous production of erythritol through the pentose phosphate pathway. I discuss how erythritol can be affected by various health conditions and can be a marker for poor health. I discuss the article author's assertion that erythritol consumption can increase cardiovascular risk. I discuss my skepticism of the validity of the conclusions. I discuss the difference between causation and correlation.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/uC2kTx2VsUQ

Hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.


In this referenced video, I review a recent headline article-Keto diet causes heart disease. This information was presented at a recent American College of Cardiology conference. No published journal article exists. I discuss the authors definition of keto diet, 25% of calories from carbohydrate. I calculated the actual grams of carbohydrate that this would equate to, 125 g/day. I discuss how this is not likely to be a diet that causes ketosis. I also discuss the particular experts that were interviewed in the CNN article. Both of these experts appear to be plant-based diet advocates, unlikely to have a favorable opinion regarding a low-carbohydrate diet. I caution you to consider that these articles may not have accurate information. I also discuss how more information is needed to answer this question.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/Pf4QhXGJmuY

Hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.


In this referenced video, I introduce sauna and some of its physiologic alterations in the body. I discuss how sauna mimics the benefits of exercise. I review a few studies that show decreased risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease. I discuss sauna use benefit with regards to heart rate variability, parasympathetic tone, growth hormone, and heat shock proteins, to name a few. Sauna offers a potential anti-aging benefit. I discuss safety concerns with certain medical conditions and medications.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/7tynI2KqjK0

Hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Sauna feels good, also, anti-aging benefits!


In this referenced video below, I discuss flow states. I define flow states. Flow states occur while participating in an activity that you really love or are skilled at, that is also challenging. This activity requires intense focus and the outside world does not seem to matter while you are in a flow state. I review a couple of areas of the brain involved in flow states. I discuss the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and their actions. I discuss mindful meditation as a preparation to enter a flow state. I discuss the need for appropriate timing; when you personally will be most likely to enter a flow state. I discuss some tricks to avoid leaving the flow state. I talk about the overall health benefits from entering flow states.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/Ha4MihB8NxQ

Hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

What is a flow state? How to get to flow state and stay there.


In this below referenced video I discuss shoulder pain and some of the potential diagnoses that one might receive if they have shoulder pain including: subacromial impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tear, and frozen shoulder syndrome. I briefly discuss imaging. I discuss traditional treatments of shoulder pain including: physical therapy, joint injection, and surgery. I discuss my accidental discovery of John Kirsch, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon through a loosely related online search. Dr. Kirsch wrote a book titled shoulder pain?  The solution and prevention: Fourth edition.  In this book, Dr. Kirsch discusses what happens with the acromiohumeral articulation while hanging from an overhead bar by the hands.  The theory is that this hanging activity results in the humerus slightly bending the acromion process of the scapula, improving the subacromial space, allowing the tendons to run beneath the acromion process more smoothly.  His technique involves progressive bar hangs until you can hang for greater than 1 minute between multiple sequences.  After the bar hangs, he recommends shoulder physical therapy type exercises with gravity or with light dumbbell weights.  He cautions people not to implement this treatment if they have severe osteoporosis or have a history of frequent shoulder dislocations.  In the case of home application, you also must be safe in your application of the bar so that you are not injured if the bar cannot support you and you fall.  Dr. Kirsch attests that many people have avoided surgery by applying his treatment plan.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/R_QK6eoRn40

Hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Can bar hangs eliminate your shoulder pain and need for surgery?


In this referenced video, I discuss mast cell activation syndrome. I give a brief description of mast cells-immune cells that release chemicals that modify immune responses and inflammation. I discuss some properties of mast cells and how quickly they can be activated. I discuss some of the symptoms that occur with mast cell activation. I discuss how to diagnose this disorder. I am interested in mast cells to help patients with their symptoms. I am also interested in the connection of mast cells and atherosclerosis. I review the endothelial glycocalyx and its importance in regulating the function of the blood vessel. I discuss medication and natural methods that can improve mast cell function.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/JtJkYAI46SU

Hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Discussion of mast cell activation syndrome


In the below-referenced video, I discuss hormone replacement therapy and the Women's Health Initiative Study. This study was intended to define risks of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, coronary heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis with hormone replacement. The study was terminated early due to concern over unacceptable adverse outcomes. This study was pivotal in directing patients and prescribing physicians to limit hormone replacement therapy. This study has been reevaluated. The data has been analyzed again and again. The initial conclusions of the study that resulted in early termination, increased breast cancer risk and increased coronary heart disease events, have been overturned. It is very hard to reverse our habits and thoughts, however. Women have suffered with menopausal symptoms for years due to hesitancy to recommend and prescribe hormone replacement therapy.  I discuss some of the many benefits that women can experience with hormone replacement therapy.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/KmrAWvl28NU

Hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Women's health initiative hormone replacement study critique

Hormone treatment is generally safe and helpful for women. The video discusses critique of the Women's Health Initiative study.


In the below-referenced video, I discuss the topic of heart rate variability. Heart rate variability refers to how often your heart rate varies. Within reason, the more heart rate variability you have the better your overall health. Poor heart rate variability has been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and inflammation. I discuss the autonomic nervous system. I specifically discuss the impact of the parasympathetic nervous system and the vagus nerve in immune function. I discuss the effect of age on heart rate variability. I discuss some of the behaviors that influence heart rate variability including: alcohol, sleep, diet, exercise, and cold exposure to name a few. I also discuss a few of the heart rate variability monitoring devices that can be used for personal tracking.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/eW1bkzprU4k

I hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Heart rate variability and what it means for your health. Strategies to optimize health are discussed in the video.


In the referenced video, I give a rudimentary overview of B and T cells and their function in immune health. I give my recommendations for improved immune function. Immune function speaks of acute illness, but also cancer and chronic autoimmune processes. I discuss the pillars of treatment including: sleep, diet, exercise, living in community, gut microbiome health, vitamin D, the endorphin system, and the endocannabinoid system. I speak about each of these items. I discuss the effects on T regulatory cells and immune function. I also speak about the direct effects of (glucose) sugar on immunity.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/16sJSKSGs1w

Hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Video that discusses techniques to improve your immune system function. Employing these techniques may result in less illness.


In this video, I introduce the topic of the endothelial glycocalyx. I give a definition and localize this to the relevant anatomy. I discuss the myriad functions of the endothelial glycocalyx. I discuss how the glycocalyx is effected by glucose (sugar).  I pose the thought that vascular disease may just be a presentation of diabetes. I discuss atherosclerosis and how inflammation and the immune system contributes to this process. I briefly discuss mast cells and their role in atherosclerosis. I discuss interventions to improve endothelial glycocalyx function and hopefully delay hypertension and cardiovascular disease onset.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/HfXBjQ26Y9I

I hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Reduce cardiovascular risk with improving inflammation and immune function, as well as improving endothelial glycocalyx function.


In this video, I discuss the problem of osteoporosis, but do not dwell on diagnostic criteria, bone mineral density testing, and DEXA scans. I list the common causes of osteoporosis. I highlight the impact of inflammation on osteoporosis and how this may be relevant for many people. The recent increased incidence of osteoporosis suggests that something external may be driving this condition. I briefly speak about the autonomic nervous system and its role in inflammation. I also discuss mast cells and histamine, emphasizing a possible role in osteoporosis. I discuss ways to diminish mast cell activation with diet, stress reduction, and even medications. I also discuss proton pump inhibitor medications and how these medications can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/DVTJ7to71h0

I hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Discussion of inflammation and how it affects osteoporosis.


This video can help to answer the question for some, "do I need a statin?" In this video, I briefly discuss the CAC score and coronary artery CT scan. I review this test as a screening tool for risk stratification in a patient with intermediate cardiovascular risk. I talk about how progression of CAC score can be more predictive of 6 year cardiac events than a static CAC score. I also touch on how to reduce your risk of progression of cardiovascular risk with lifestyle intervention.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/HmNYHAgXV4I

I hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

This video may answer the question about whether you need to take a statin. Also, the video discusses CAC scoring as a measure of cardiovascular risk.


The referenced video discusses our need for sleep for optimal health. I review sleep stages, neurotransmitters, and hormones that are involved in sleep. I list many of the possible causes of poor sleep. I review sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome in greater detail. I discuss some traditional and nontraditional treatments for sleep disorders.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/61w_cL6qwDI

I hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Video discussing sleep importance and some treatment options to improve sleep.


The referenced-below video discusses the endocannabinoid system. Endocannabinoids and their receptors interact to regulate many vital body processes.  Endocannabinoids strongly influence the immune system, as well. Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body. Using THC to influence the endocannabinoid system can result in cannabis hyperemesis and/or psychosis. I briefly discuss CBD and its possible benefit in mood and sense of well-being, as well as FDA warnings. In this video, I discuss stress and the myriad disease processes that have been linked to stress. The endocannabinoid system function can be leveraged with healthy choices. The endocannabinoid system function seems to be enhanced by omega 3 fatty acids, exercise, stress reduction, and meditation.  A link exists between inflammation, stress, exercise, and metabolic health. Make good choices and LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/q9GXS5_1F00

I hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

You make your own cannabinoids. You can enhance production of cannabinoids with lifestyle changes.


The below-referenced video discusses amplified pain syndrome. My son and I tell the story of how this condition personally affected him and our family. We discuss symptoms and the need for extensive workup to rule out other conditions. We discuss the theorized pathophysiology of this condition and its likeness with complex regional pain syndrome. We discuss the recommended treatment of this disorder, including cognitive retraining that the pain is not harmful, intense exercise, psychology, creativity, and positive reframing. I offer a warning to health care providers regarding labeling patients that have complaints without clear objective findings. I give hope and encouragement to patients to keep looking if they don't have adequate answers.

Here is the link:  https://youtu.be/7t0gQva_bh0

Hope this helps you or your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Discussion of amplified pain syndrome. Discussion of treatment for amplified pain syndrome.


The below-referenced video introduces the challenge of treating patients with chronic diseases. I reveal the treatment option of low dose naltrexone. Many health conditions have been improved and effectively treated with low dose naltrexone and are listed in the video. Brief discussion of side effects, special circumstances, and reasonable expectations for timing of improvement. I discuss the proposed mechanisms of action of low dose naltrexone. I discuss evidence-based medicine and the power of anecdotal evidence.

Here is the link:  https://youtu.be/0WUXNar7at8

Hope this helps you or your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Low dose naltrexone is a potential treatment for many chronic diseases. I give an overview of the treatment option.


I am Jason Williams, D.O. I am a family physician in the midwest.  I am interested in making my patients healthier and helping them LIVE THEIR BEST LIVES!  I am interested in learning and would like to educate my patients as well.  Time constraints prevent me from sharing all of the information that I would like my patients to receive.  I decided to make a YouTube channel and post videos to this channel that my patients can use as supplemental information.  Other people may view my videos, but these videos cannot serve as medical advice, they should see their personal physician for their healthcare needs.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/SWvljyoShs4

Hope this helps you or your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Premiere of the Williams Family Medicine channel

Overview of my journey and discussion of why I started my Youtube channel.


Discussion of fasting. This video answers the following questions: What is fasting? Who should not fast? Who benefit the most from fasting? How does fasting improve your health? What are the types of fasting? Is it easier to fast if already implementing a low carbohydrate, high fat diet? What fluids should I take in while fasting?

Here is the link:  https://youtu.be/y1gGAimxEbA

Hope this helps you or your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.


In the referenced video, I present a short summary regarding my common treatment recommendations for diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity. I briefly discuss the theory that insulin drives the development of these conditions. The premise of my recommendations then is to lower insulin levels. I discuss avoiding sugar, artificial sweeteners, carbohydrates, and processed grains. I discuss what happens to grains with processing. I review a couple of protective factors including fiber and vinegar. I recommend moderate protein intake. I recommend fat intake. I discuss behavioral modification with timing of eating, avoiding snacks, and implementing intermittent fasting. I discuss how poor sleep and stress can lead to increased insulin levels. I point out that those that implement more of these recommendations have a greater likelihood of success.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/N6cen1-inU8

I hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Eliminate Diabetes, Fatty liver disease, and Obesity

Simple discussion of effective tricks to eliminate diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity.


In the below-referenced short video, I define metabolic syndrome. I discuss the increased incidence of metabolic syndrome. I discuss the association of metabolic syndrome to many common medical conditions today. I discuss lifestyle modification to treat/prevent the health conditions associated with metabolic syndrome.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/3nmvi8pFxxw

Hope this helps you or your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.


The below-referenced video discusses the current health crisis with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.  I mention Ancel Keys and his contribution to dietary guidelines.  I discuss the departure of the 1977 dietary guidelines from our prior way of eating.  I discuss Dr. Osler and his treatment of diabetes with carbohydrate dietary restriction.  I discuss the invention of insulin and how this changed the practice of the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.  I admit that we may have access to limited study in the nutritional area, but the recent Virta Health study has shown promise in treating patients with metabolic disease with low carbohydrate, high-fat diet.

Here is the link:  https://youtu.be/0dBbXw7wFWE

Hope this helps you or your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

History of dietary guideline development. Discussion of obesity and diabetes mellitus health crisis. Newer research refuting old paradigms of eating recommendations.


The below-referenced video introduces low carbohydrate high fat diet.  In this video I cover who stands to benefit from such intervention.  I briefly discuss how a high carbohydrate diet is a departure from normal eating patterns from the past.  I discuss the major macronutrients and how carbohydrate intake is not necessary for survival. I discuss some of the symptoms that can occur when initiating this way of eating.  I discuss some average carbohydrate diet intake recommendations. I discuss symptom mitigation techniques.  I discuss low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet in athletes and special concerns regarding athletic performance.

Here is the link:  https://youtu.be/jF4CiHBlJ7A

Hope this helps you or your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Comprehensive discussion of low-carb diet


Discussion of the underlying mechanism of stress. Brief discussion of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system. Importance of the mind, body, spirit connection. Deeper discussion of the power of the mind in stress mitigation. Patient-centered stress reduction techniques without medications.

Here is the link:  https://youtu.be/PGYjMeRAWCA

Hope this helps you or your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Discussion of stress reduction techniques.


The below-referenced video introduces the hormone testosterone.  I include discussion of the importance of this hormone for both men and women.  I discuss some of the symptoms related to low testosterone level.  I review some of the medical conditions that are impacted by testosterone level.  I include some of the common treatments to replace testosterone.  I discuss the safety of testosterone replacement.  I briefly discuss testosterone pellet therapy.

Here is the link:  https://youtu.be/YUDse2GztCc

Hope this helps you or your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Discussion of testosterone supplementation for men and women.


Discuss theoretical causes of autism and the rapidly growing incidence of this disorder. Revelation that women with PCOS have a high incidence of birthing a child that will be diagnosed with Autism. PCOS is a condition that is commonly associated with high carbohydrate diet and hyperinsulinemia. Discuss possible use of low carbohydrate high fat diet for autism prevention and treatment.

Here is the link:  https://youtu.be/TZ815nTL1Mw

Hope this helps you or your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

A theory about a trigger for autism with explanation of prevention and treatment.


*This does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment* For your thought and reflection, here is a list of tricks that can help some patients to prevent or treat diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, and obesity. These tricks work because they decrease insulin levels.

No added sugar
Severely limit artificial sweeteners
Avoid fructose
No sugar-containing drinks
No processed grains
Limit carbohydrate intake (avoid bread, pasta, cereal, potatoes, rice)
Moderate protein intake
Add fiber and vinegar
Increase fat intake
No snacks
Okay to skip breakfast if not hungry
Intermittent fasting
Decrease stress
Get plenty of sleep

I hope this helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Save your life by lowering your insulin level! One liners that can lead you to health


****None of this constitutes medical advice. See your own doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
****

Most sane people will agree that if you want to be healthy you should avoid sugar. The food industry, "BIG FOOD", would love to continue to sell their products. Of course, if BIG FOOD can disguise the ingredients in their products, then it is easier to sell their products. One technique that the food industry uses is cloaking sugar by giving it an alternate name on food labels. I have a list below taken from the Virta Health website that can help you cut through their "sugar mind tricks" FYI.

Alternate names for SUGAR on nutritional labels

Dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, lactose, maltose, sucrose, beet sugar, brown sugar, cane sugar, castor sugar, coconut sugar, confectioner’s sugar, powdered sugar, corn syrup solids, crystalline fructose, date sugar, demerara sugar, dextran, diastatic malt, ethyl maltol, Florida crystals, golden sugar, glucose syrup solids, grape sugar, icing sugar, maltodextran, muscovado sugar, panela sugar, raw sugar, Sucanat, turbinado sugar, yellow sugar, agave nectar, barley malt, blackstrap molasses, brown rice cereal, blood syrup, Carmel, carob syrup, corn syrup, evaporated cane juice, fruit juice, fruit juice concentrate, golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, honey, inverted sugar, malt syrup, maple syrup, rice syrup, refiner’s syrup, sorghum syrup, treacle

Source: Virta Health Website

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

Ashwagandha

Important herb in alternative medicine that comes from an African or Middle eastern shrub. Many of our common medications originated from herbs, plants, and barks.

Benefits: Decrease stress, increase athletic performance, decrease mental health conditions, increased testosterone, increase fertility, decrease blood sugar levels, decrease inflammation, improve memory and mental functioning, improve sleep.
Side effects: Upper GI discomfort, diarrhea, drowsiness

Dosing 250 to 1250 mg/day

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

Asthma
Asthma affects tons of people. Difficulty breathing can interfere with school and work. Asthma can result in emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Severe asthma can result in death. The use of steroid inhaled medications, while commonly used, can also unfortunately cause side effects such as oral yeast infections and even early onset cataracts. The incidence of asthma is rising rapidly. This increased incidence is not related to improved detection. It would be very difficult to connect this increased asthma incidence with pollution or other environmental factors also. Asthma is often seen in poor metabolic health. Since, metabolic health disorders such as obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2 are on the rise, it is not surprising that asthma is also increasing.

Link between metabolic disease and asthma.
Obesity does increase risk for asthma.
Obesity increases inflammation, airway hyperreactivity, and the mechanical load of adiposity also contributes to asthma.
Irrespective of obesity, metabolic syndrome increases incidence of asthma by 50%.
Insulin resistance results in increased inflammation, airway remodeling, and airway hyperreactivity which are all components of asthma.
Metabolic disease results in energy deficits.  This can contribute to skeletal muscle weakness, including the respiratory musculature.
Oxidative stress seems to have a significant role in asthma pathophysiology and lung damage.  The influence of the micro biome on asthma pathogenesis is very interesting, especially considering the role of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Treatment:
Inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-2 agonists, leukotriene inhibitors, antiimmunoglobulin E antibodies

Low-carb high-fat lifestyle, metformin, exercise, and weight loss can all improve asthma severity, while improving metabolic health.  Treatment of gut micro biome health with probiotics, decreased stress, adequate sleep, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics also offers promise for improved asthma.

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Asthma and metabolic health. Discussion of pathophysiology of asthma. Discussion of how attention to metabolic health and gut microbiome health can improve asthma.


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

Attention deficit disorder has been increasing in incidence. The Standard American Diet was drastically changed when the US government published the 1977 Nutritional Guidelines that recommended an excessive amount of carbohydrates in our diet (grains were stressed as an important component of this plan). Since this change, attention deficit disorder diagnoses have skyrocketed. I would argue strongly that this is not due to increased detection and diagnosis.

Attention Deficit Disorder Intervention
Omega 3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA): mackerel, salmon, sardines, anchovies, cod liver oil, herring, eggs, walnuts, chia seed, brussels sprout.  Supports nerve cell function.
Low-carbohydrate, high fat diet. This diet can result in production of ketone bodies to use for fuel.
-Ketones are more efficient energy than glucose. Ketones increase mitochondrial efficiency and production.
-Ketones increase GABAergic tone and decrease Glutamateric tone. Increasing GABAergic tone results in inhibition of neurotransmission, improves sleep, improves anxiety, “calming effect”. Glutamate can damage or kill nerve cells if overactive.  Excessive glutamate has also been associated with the following conditions: ALS, MS, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, stroke, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.  Mental health conditions associated with a glutamate disorder include: Anxiety, autism, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia.
-Ketones increase the release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), promotes survival and maintenance of nerve cells.
-Ketones have been shown to improve mitochondrial dysfunction which affects energy production and nerve cell functioning.  Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Gut micro biome health appears to be linked to neurologic functioning, including attention deficit disorder.  Research has shown that there are more neurotransmitters present in the intestines than in the brain.  You can use Prebiotics to improve the beneficial bacteria in your gut.  Some examples include: Artichoke, garlic, onions, leeks, and asparagus. Probiotics help to restore gut bacteria with fermented foods.  Some examples include: Yogurt, Kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, apple cider vinegar, and certain cheeses.  Keep in mind that if these products are not refrigerated, then they are likely preserved and not as beneficial for your health.  It is important to prevent these products from being light exposed for extended time periods.
Ensure adequate sleep-adequate sleep is not present, attention will be very challenging.
Attention to congestion, oral health, and mouth breathing-deficiencies in these areas leads to poor sleep and children often compensate with attention and concentration disorders.

Focus technique-use focus refocusing technique for 13 minutes.  Focus on spot 1 cm behind your forehead above your nose with her eyes closed.  If you start to drift, come back and refocus to this area.  Do not perform this near bedtime as it improves focus and wakefulness for some period

Binaural 40 Hz beats-use free app the generates these beats to help improve focus before and activity that requires concentration.

White and pink noise-use of free apps that generates this noise to help improve focus before an activity that requires concentration.

NSDR (nonsleep deep rest), hypnosis. Andrew Huberman has spoken of the importance of these techniques on the Huberman Podcast. Improves neuroplasticity, decreases stress, improved cognitive function, improves memory, improved focus and mental clarity, feel more energized, can allow you to have better sleep at night.

Supplements to consider (adults)-phenylethylamine, alpha GPC, creatine, L-Tyrosine
Mental health provider can help with behavior and organizational tools and at times medications

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Attention Deficit Disorder and Metabolic Health

Attention deficit disorder. Metabolic health has likely resulted in increased incidence of this condition.


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

Autism
Definition: A developmental disorder that includes difficulty with social interaction, communication and restricted repetitive patterns of thought and behavior.
Incidence: Per the CDC in 2021, 1 and 44 children in the US is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.  To break this down, 1 and 27 boys and 1 in 116 girls are affected.  Some of the first autism prevalence studies conducted in the 1960s and 70s in Europe and United States reported 2-4 cases per 10,000 children.  Incidence has markedly increased.  One might argue that recognition of the disorder is responsible for the increased incidence, however, other environmental factors such as diet, nutrition, and toxins likely are responsible for the increased incidence, especially noting the link with PCOS in mothers.

Cause: GABAergic purkinje neuron death, mitochondrial dysfunction-excessive glutamate, massive action potentials, hormonal modulation(4x more prevalent in boys, ?protection with estrogen), link between mother’s with PCOS and autistic boys (35% increased incidence), possible role of apoptosis**An area of ongoing continued research**

No clinical evidence that vaccinations cause autism.

Treatments:
Omega 3 fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)): mackerel, salmon, sardines, anchovies, cod liver oil, herring, eggs, walnuts, chia seed, brussels sprout.  Mechanism of action is unknown.  Neural tissue contains high concentrations of DHA.  Studies suggest this helps to assist with growth and development of the brain and neuron signaling by improving membrane stability.  Omega-3 fatty acids also exert an anti-inflammatory effect.
Low-carbohydrate, high fat diet. This diet can result in production of ketone bodies to use for fuel.
-Ketones are more efficient energy than glucose. Ketones increase mitochondrial efficiency and production.
-Ketones increase GABAergic (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) tone and decrease Glutamateric tone. Increasing GABAergic tone results in inhibition of neurotransmission, improves sleep, improves anxiety, “calming effect”. Glutamate can damage or kill nerve cells if overactive.  Excessive glutamate has also been associated with the following conditions: ALS, MS, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, stroke, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.  Mental health conditions associated with a glutamate disorder include: Anxiety, autism, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia.
-Ketones increase the release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), promotes survival and maintenance of nerve cells.
Gut micro biome health appears to be linked to neurologic functioning. You can use Prebiotics to improve the beneficial bacteria in your gut.  Some examples include: Artichoke, garlic, onions, leeks, and asparagus. Probiotics help to restore gut bacteria with fermented foods.  Some examples include: Yogurt, Kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, apple cider vinegar, and certain cheeses (Swiss, provolone, Gouda, cheddar, cottage cheese).  Keep in mind that if these products are not refrigerated, then they are likely preserved and not as beneficial for your health.  It is important to prevent these products from being light exposed for extended time periods.

Vitamin and mineral deficiency correction-possible deficiencies include: zinc, iron, magnesium, and iodine.
Folic acid-conflicting study results, higher than normal levels double autism risk
Vitamin B12-higher than normal levels triples the autism risk

Mental health provider can help with behavior and organizational tools and at times medications

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Autism has significantly increased in incidence. Discussion of some possible causes. Discussion of metabolic health and influence on development of autism.


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

B Vitamins
Consider methylation defects. Methylation is a biochemical reaction where CH3 is transferred from one substance to another. Methylation is important for hormone metabolism, cardiovascular risk, cancer risk, cognitive function, neurotransmitter production, and bone health.  Methylation can involve 100s of biochemical reactions in the body.  Consider conversion of food to ATP (energy production), oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial function, DNA production, genetic expression, neurotransmitter production, detoxification, and blood vessel health.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Iron absorption, prevents oxidative stress, prevents cataracts, lowers homocysteine levels, supports methylation, decreases blood pressure, improved energy during exercise, improves migraines.
Sources of riboflavin include: Eggs, organ meats, lean meats, milks, some vegetables, fortified grains.
Notable factors: Losing weight increases need for riboflavin by 60%.  20 to 50 minutes of cardio exercise 6 days a week increases need for riboflavin by 60%.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxamine)
Converts, amino acids into neurotransmitters balances the number of amino acids, converts amino acids and glucose, helps release stored carbohydrate, helps to produce hemoglobin, regulates homocysteine levels, decreases levels of circulating histamine, helps present excessive levels of oxalates.
Sources of B6 include: Fish, beef liver, organ meats, potatoes, starchy vegetables, some non-citrus fruit.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Niacin is also known as nicotinic acid, nicotinamide.  Tissues in the body convert niacin into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD).  NAD and NADP are required in metabolic redox processes in which cells are oxidized or reduced.  This can involve potential energy transfer in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to form ATP.  NAD is required for gene expression, cellular communication, and cellular function.  NADP is also important in the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids.  ***Signs of deficiency might include: Indigestion, fatigue, canker sores, glossitis, vomiting, poor circulation, and depression.  Severe deficiency can cause pellagra.  Pellagra is characterized by: Cracked scaly skin, dementia, and diarrhea.***
Dietary sources: Beets, Brewer’s yeast, beef liver, beef kidney, fish, sunflower seeds, peanuts

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 is needed to form red blood cells and synthesize DNA.  It is important in functioning nerve cells.  Lab work often does not reflect clinical level of deficiency accurately.
***Vague symptoms of deficiency can include: Anxiety, nausea, headaches, paresthesia, memory deficit, depression, weight loss, sore mouth, and fatigue.***
Medications that contribute to low vitamin B12 level: Metformin, proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, and oral contraceptives.
Sources of vitamin B-12 in diet: Animal food products, fortified foods, and supplements.
Normal vitamin B12 level greater than 550
Deficient vitamin B12 level less than 550
Effective vitamin B12 level 4 elderly greater than 1000
Diagnoses associated with low vitamin B12 level: Pernicious anemia, alcohol use disorder, gastritis, dementia, neuropathy, vegan diet, post gastric bypass surgery, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease.
Vitamin B12 injections: 1 mg, often given monthly.
*Evidence suggests that 1 mg can be given daily for severe conditions such as: Pernicious anemia and dementia
Vitamin B12 oral dosage 500 mcg daily.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
***Deficiency can cause weight loss, anorexia, confusion, muscle weakness, and cardiomegaly.***  Beriberi is characterized by peripheral neuropathy and wasting with congestive heart failure.  Developing countries can experience this condition due to poor nutrition.  Alcoholism can cause Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome.  This involves neuropathy that can progress to psychosis, disorientation.
Sources include: Whole grains, meat, fish

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
***Deficiency can cause thinning hair, hair loss, red rash, conjunctivitis, seizures, skin infection, brittle nails, depression, hallucinations, neuropathy, and developmental delay.***
Sources include: Beef liver, eggs, salmon, avocados, pork, sweet potato, nuts, seeds.

Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
Folic acid functions as a coenzyme in the synthesis of DNA and RNA.  This is important in the metabolism of amino acids.  Also, folic acid assists in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.
******Deficiency can cause anemia, weakness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, palpitations, shortness of breath.  Also, deficiency can cause changes in the tongue, oral mucosa, hair, skin, and gastrointestinal symptoms. *** Women with insufficient folate intake or increased risk for giving birth to infants with neural tube defects. *** Recommend 400-800 mcg daily folic acid. People who drink alcohol commonly have low folic acid levels.  People that have the MTHFR genetic change can have elevated homocysteine levels if they do not have proper folic acid intake.
Sources include dark green leafy vegetables, fruits and fruit juices, nuts, beans, peas, seafood, eggs, dairy, meat, grains.

Vitamin B 5 (pantothenic acid)
Pantothenic acid is a precursor in the synthesis of CoA.  CoA has a role in 100s of biochemical reactions that affects cell growth, metabolism, and neurotransmitter synthesis.
Sources include: Eggs, milk, vegetables, beef, whole grains.

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Review of B vitamins and details about specific symptoms related to B vitamin deficiencies.


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

Brown adipose tissue (Brown Fat)

Brown adipose tissue (brown fat) looks different than other fat because it is dense with mitochondria.  Beige adipose tissue is not as dense.  White adipose tissue has very few mitochondria in comparison. Mitochondria are the energy-producing organelles in your cells.

Activation of brown adipose tissue increases thermogenesis, increasing energy expenditure, consuming triglycerides, and decreasing overall fat tissue.

Brown adipose tissue interacts with secretin to manage satiety (control hunger).

Brown adipose tissue is generated by irisin, a hormone that is triggered by exercise.

The more brown adipose tissue you have, the more metabolically healthy you are.

There is research ongoing to see if brown adipose tissue can be triggered by beta adrenergic activation through medication such as mirabegron.

Foods that might stimulate brown adipose tissue include: Coffee, curcumin, resveratrol (blueberries, cranberries, dark chocolate, pistachios, grapes, red wine), omega-3 fatty acids, capsaicin (poblano, cayenne, and jalapeno pepper), green tea, menthol, exercise, and cold temperatures.

Healthy lifestyle such as proper diet and exercise not only makes you feel better due to endorphin release, but also improves your metabolic health, longevity, and quality of life.

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

What is brown fat? Implications of brown fat. How to stimulate brown fat production.


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol)

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a substance synthesized in the body that serves as a cofactor for mitochondrial enzyme complexes and oxidative phosphorylation and the production of ATP that helps convert food into energy.

CoQ10 functions as an antioxidant, something that protects your cells against damage that can lead to inflammation, atherosclerosis, and even cancer.

CoQ10 can be used after heart attack, and congestive heart failure, with hypertension, with hyperlipidemia, with statin treatment, with diabetes, with periodontal disease.

CoQ10 may also help with Parkinson's disease, prevent migraines, improve male fertility, and improve immune function in people with HIV.

Sources of CoQ10: Oily fish, organ meats, and whole grains.
Supplement: 30 to 200 mg BID.
CoQ10 medication Interactions: Can enhance antihypertensive effect, may make warfarin and clopidogrel less effective.
Medications that lower CoQ10 levels in the body include: Statins, gemfibrozil, beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants to name a few.

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Brief discussion of CoQ10, what it does in your body, and dietary sources of this substance.


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

COLD THERAPY

Deliberate safe cold exposure has health benefits. Think cold shower, cold pool plunge, cold ocean swim.

Varied cold therapy protocols exist. General recommendations are to gradually expose yourself to cold temperatures for longer time durations. If you can submerge yourself in water at least to the neck, you benefit more. Covering your head for warmth will often assist in increasing exposure time.

Brown fat is increased with deliberate cold exposure. Brown fat refers to fat that is very dense with mitochondria. Mitochondria are responsible for cellular energy production. Activation of brown fat increases thermogenesis, energy expenditure, consumes triglycerides, and decreases overall fat.

Other benefits of cold therapy might include: increased metabolism, improved insulin sensitivity, decreased heart rate, improved blood pressure, decreased inflammation, increased release of norepinephrine and dopamine (feel good substances).

Think dress down when winter is approaching. In fact, in Scandinavian countries, they let their children sleep in the cold to help improve brown fat production and derive immune system benefits.

To review studies and particular cold therapy protocol recommendations, see Dr. Susanna Soberg-University of Copenhagen.

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Summary of cold therapy and health benefits associated with cold therapy.


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

Concussion
Head injury with changes in mental functioning. The consequences of concussion can be life-changing.

Post-concussion syndrome: Symptoms that persist past 3 months after traumatic brain injury.

Some symptoms after concussion: Depression, photophobia, headache, fatigue, disequilibrium, confusion, insomnia, anxiety, difficulty concentrating.

Pathophysiology: Metabolic, physiologic, and micro structural injury to the brain.  Autonomic nervous system dysregulation occurs.  The autonomic nervous system regulates cerebral blood flow, blood pressure, and heart rate.  Heart rate variability post injury due to damage in the vagal nerve tracks can result in early fatigue, and inappropriate increases in blood pressure and heart rate during activity.

Concussion treatments that address the pathophysiology derangements:

Limited rest, then low level activity as tolerated.

Preventing blood sugar and insulin excursions with low carb, high fat diet and intermittent fasting.

Stimulate the endocannabinoid system with gradually increasing exercise, meditation, and foods such as: Truffles, dark chocolate, coffee, oregano, curcumin, cinnamon, Chia seeds, hemp, walnuts, sardines, eggs, anchovies.  Some evidence that CBD oil is helpful also.

Meditation and non-sleep deep rest protocols.

Cold Thermogenesis therapy.  Stimulates dopamine and adrenaline.

Stress reduction techniques including: Singing, cold exposure, and abdominal belly breathing increase parasympathetic tone.

Low-dose naltrexone decreases inflammation, increases endorphins, and improves immune function.

Other medications to stimulate serotonin, dopamine, etc. such as amitriptyline and SSRIs.

Use a red light and low light conditions at home.  When red light is used within 3 hours of wakening, you have decreased free radicals in the mitochondria, improved cellular ATP production, and improved cell function.

Use blue blocker glasses or other sunglasses to decrease glare and headache.

Consider greater occipital nerve block for headache pain.

Propranolol and indomethacin medications offer benefit to some.

Optimize vitamin D levels.

Optimize sleep.  Address mouth breathing, allergies, sleep apnea, sleep hygiene, and use white noise.

Elevate heels by 12 degrees when sleeping.  Improves glymphatic system washout-processing of cellular debris from the brain.

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Concussion treatments-thinking outside of the box

Concussion pathophysiology and treatments addressed to improve the injury that many patients and physicians are not aware of.


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

If you are reading this and personally feel unsafe or out of control, seek medical help immediately!!

Connections between metabolic disease and mental health DEEP DIVE.

Social disconnection and loneliness lead to increased hypothalamic adrenal axis activity.  This results in increased corticotropin releasing hormone that affects the pituitary gland to increase ACTH which in turn increases glucocorticoid levels.  As glucocorticoid levels go up, cortisol levels go up.  Cortisol directly causes damage to mitochondria and decreases their function.  Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to increased risk for major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, and schizophrenia.  Mitochondrial function has a central role in cellular metabolism.  Chronic elevated blood glucose is also associated with accumulation of mitochondrial damage.

Cortisol also unfortunately will elevate insulin level which leads to worsening metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Loneliness also leads to decreased oxytocin signaling.  Normally, oxytocin is released within the hypothalamus during positive social interactions.  Oxytocin acts as a neurotransmitter and a hormone.  Oxytocin usually suppresses hypothalamic adrenal axis activity by inhibiting the release of corticotropin releasing hormone.  When social interactions are absent, oxytocin levels will be decreased, and the hypothalamic adrenal axis activity will be increased, resulting in increased cortisol levels.  Oxytocin also has direct cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects with decreased inflammation and decreased oxidation.

Loneliness is not only a cause, but a consequence of mental health and metabolic disorders.  This creates a vicious cycle.  Efforts to break the cycle might include identifying social disconnection, building mental resilience, employing emotional regulation techniques, and even journaling.  Cohabitation with others, sex, pets, massage all have found to have benefit with increasing oxytocin release.  Practicing your faith in a community of other believers also helps establish connections. Exercise and stretching induce positive changes in mitochondria, as well as increase the release of beneficial neurotransmitters.  Of course, avoiding glucose, fructose, and overfeeding can also help to prevent mitochondrial damage.

Citation: Ahmed M, Cerda I and Maloof M (2023) Breaking the vicious cycle: The interplay between loneliness, metabolic illness, and mental health. Front. Psychiatry 14:1134865. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1134865
Received: 31 December 2022; Accepted: 24 February 2023;
Published: 08 March 2023.

Previously, I have discussed the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a widespread neuro-modulatory system that plays important roles in central nervous system development, synaptic plasticity, and response to endogenous and environmental insults.  The endocannabinoid system is intimately linked to neurotransmitter release.  It appears that a properly functioning endocannabinoid system also has anti-inflammatory effects.  Please reference my Williams Family Medicine Channel YouTube video for more detailed review of the system and how it functions.  In that video, I mention how a dysfunctional endocannabinoid system can result in mitochondrial dysfunction as well.

Stress can promote (i) inflammatory diseases such as asthma, eczema or urticaria, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and sickness syndrome; (ii) pain disorders such as headaches and abdominal, pelvic, and lower back pain; (iii) gastrointestinal dysfunction such as diarrhea, constipation, and peptic ulcers; (iv) mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, cognitive dysfunction, and insomnia; (v) metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, visceral obesity, and sarcopenia; (vi) ischemic heart disease; (vii) neurodegenerative diseases; and (viii) osteopenia and osteoporosis. Please be aware of the intimate connection with these health problems and mental health disorders.

Please reference Chris Palmer, MD and his videos.  He is a psychiatrist from Harvard who strongly believes in the link with metabolic health, nutrition, and possible mitochondrial dysfunction and mental health disorders.  He is very active in promoting ketogenic diet for the treatment of many mental health disorders.  He has had countless dramatic success stories with his patients that he has treated in this fashion.

When I consider root cause thinking as an approach to medicine, I know that medications, while may be necessary, should be implemented with intent to correct underlying cause instead of treat blindly as a band-aid. Medications are only a part of this treatment. As you can see from above, many other lifestyle enhancements offer promise for recovery from mental health disorders.

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Mental Health and Metabolic Disease Deep Dive

Deep dive into mental health and lifestyle. Discussion of cortisol, oxytocin, and endocannabinoids. Discussion of Chris Palmer, MD.


*While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment*

The traditional model of medical treatment does not account for many factors. I am not opposed to traditional medicine. I do believe in add-on treatments (complementary medicine) that have convincing evidence of physiologic benefit. Naysayers will argue that the evidence is not strong enough to support some of these treatments. Often, these naysayers will request proof in the form of large randomized controlled trial studies (RCT’s) to support complementary medicine treatment approaches. Large RCT’s are expensive and must be somehow funded. If such studies do not provide a patentable reward for an industry (such as big profits), they will likely never happen. This does not mean that a particular intervention is not successful, only that you are forced to rely on observational or even anecdotal evidence in decision-making. If you are reading this and are blessed with abundant financial resources and have an interest in furthering research in this area of medicine, your contribution would certainly be appreciated.

I am deeply interested in metabolic health and wellness. I read and learn from many different sources to further my education. During my investigation, I stumbled across the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health. I perused their website. This is a non-profit organization that seeks to improve cancer care. This organization strongly supports the use of complementary medicine in cancer treatment. They also communicate that many patients using this treatment approach are doing better than expected with regards to longevity and quality of life. Below are some of their recommendations for cancer.

COMPREHENSIVE CANCER TREATMENT APPROACH

Terrain Ten
1. Genetic, epigenetic, and nutrigenomic modifications
2. Blood sugar balance
3. Toxic burden management
4. Repopulating and balancing the microbiome
5. Immune system maximization
6. Modulating inflammation and oxidative stress
7. Enhancing blood circulation while inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis
8. Establishing hormone balance
9. Recalibrating stress levels and biorhythms
10. Enhancing mental and emotional well-being

Chronic metabolic diseases need to be addressed and treated. Some of these diseases include:  nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and inflammation, polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypertension, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer.

Testing
Lab work, metabolic markers, tissue biopsy, epigenetic markers, metabolomics, pharmacogenomics, heart rate variability, functional testing, nutritional analysis, and toxic burden evaluation.

Some additional treatments used in specific cases include: IV therapy, metronomic and chronobiology focused chemotherapy, radiation with hyperthermia, hyperthermia stand-alone, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, therapeutic diet, restricted feeding windows, mistletoe and other supplements, herbal therapies, pulsed electromagnetic frequency therapy, hydrotherapy, and cryotherapy.

Warburg theory. If you are interested, read about Otto Warburg. Here is his theory: cancer growth is caused by tumor cells generating energy mainly by anaerobic breakdown of glucose, bypassing the mitochondria for energy production.  In contrast, healthy cells generate energy from the oxidative breakdown of pyruvate and utilize mitochondria for energy production.  Therefore, cancer should be interpreted as a mitochondrial dysfunction.  The prime cause of cancer is the replacement of the respiration of oxygen and normal body cells by fermentation of sugar. If you eliminate sugar from the system, cancer cells cannot easily grow and thrive.

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Cancer treatment with complementary medicine

Discussion of complementary medicine approaches to cancer treatment. Reference to the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health


I agree, testosterone is vital! I am a physician who treats men and women with bioidentical hormones. Investigate BioTe if you are interested. I am a BioTe provider. I replace hormones with pellet insertions under the skin. This treatment can literally recover lost years of quality of life for my patients!


Great overview of exercise!


Very helpful list of items that can allow for success in life!


Solid recommendations!


Great advice!


Insan,

Thank you for this information! I am a physician also interested in immune function. I have enclosed NOSTR links to some of my posts regarding immune function. Enjoy!

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Vlada,
Nice nutritional review! If you are interested, watch my Williams Family Medicine YouTube channel video on fructose.


This diet works for most people!


Vlada,
Nice article! I have printed metabolic syndrome pages in my exam rooms. I circle how many of the 5 criteria that they have when I am with a patient in the room. This starts the process of helping the patients think through where they are headed if they don't make a change. I use this opportunity to give them a vision for a different life and healthy choices.


Agree! I rank DM as the highest risk for ASCVD! If we can lower triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol with low-carb diet, then we theoretically decrease the possibility of the VLDL becoming small dense LDL, decrease risk of damage (oxidation) of the LDL particle and likely invading the blood vessel wall in an inflammatory way preventing badness. After I switched to low-carb, high-fat, my total and LDL cholesterol jumped up massively, but my triglycerides and VLDL are quite low. I had a coronary calcium score for my own information and it is zero and I am 53 years old. Suffice it to say, I will not be taking a statin medication. You will find this humorous, my 2nd labwork was performed at a different lab than my first. At the bottom of my lab printout it stated, consider workup for familial hypercholesterolemia.


Vlada,
Some other books to consider if you have not read them in no particular order: Jason Fung: The Diabetes Code, The Obesity Code, The Complete Guide to Fasting; Gary Taubes: Good Calories, Bad Calories (one of my favorites-similar to Teicholz); Ivor Cummins: Eat Rich, Live Long; Tim Noakes: The Real Meal Revolution; Eric Westman: End Your Carb Confusion. The more I read, the more I am convinced that this is the correct prescription for our patients.


Vlada,
I like your content! I am a physician that agrees with you! Here are some of my posts!
Lowcarbdoctor

Diet and low-carbohydrate links

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I am a physician and interested in complementary medicine. See my NOSTR link below:

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Rowe,
I am a family physician who is quite interested in stress. I like your article! Please see my NOSTR links to articles that I have written related to stress and let me know what you think.
Lowcarbdr

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****None of this constitutes medical advice. See your own doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
****

Most sane people will agree that if you want to be healthy you should avoid sugar. The food industry, "BIG FOOD", would love to continue to sell their products. Of course, if BIG FOOD can disguise the ingredients in their products, then it is easier to sell their products. One technique that the food industry uses is cloaking sugar by giving it an alternate name on food labels. I have a list below taken from the Virta Health website that can help you cut through their "sugar mind tricks" FYI.

Alternate names for SUGAR on nutritional labels

Dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, lactose, maltose, sucrose, beet sugar, brown sugar, cane sugar, castor sugar, coconut sugar, confectioner’s sugar, powdered sugar, corn syrup solids, crystalline fructose, date sugar, demerara sugar, dextran, diastatic malt, ethyl maltol, Florida crystals, golden sugar, glucose syrup solids, grape sugar, icing sugar, maltodextran, muscovado sugar, panela sugar, raw sugar, Sucanat, turbinado sugar, yellow sugar, agave nectar, barley malt, blackstrap molasses, brown rice cereal, blood syrup, Carmel, carob syrup, corn syrup, evaporated cane juice, fruit juice, fruit juice concentrate, golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, honey, inverted sugar, malt syrup, maple syrup, rice syrup, refiner’s syrup, sorghum syrup, treacle

Source: Virta Health Website

I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!

Jason Williams, D.O.

Article that uncloaks hidden sugar in common foods


lowcarbdoctor

in development; will be released as lowcarbdr.com

I would like people to LIVE THEIR BEST LIFE! I am Dr. Jason Williams, D.O., a mid-west family medicine physician. I have been searching for answers to common medical conditions. I have noticed some recurring patterns with these conditions. Often, people don't have time or know where to look for information. I am creating a website to share information with my patients, with other people, and healthcare providers that would like to benefit from my educational journey. You don't have to settle for poor health. My desire is to help you make positive changes and help YOU LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!