Tag Archives: Nutrition

Healthy organic nutritious foods

Could a Lack of Nutrients Be The Cause of Neuro-Diseases?

ALS, Nutrition, Parkinson's, , , , ,

Most of us have asked ourselves… how did we (or a loved one) wind up struggling with a neurological disorder like Parkinsons, ALS or Alzheimer’s?

While there’s no clear single cause identified, we do know that environmental toxins, genetics and even diet play a role in the risk. 

Could Nutrition Help Prevent and Reduce Severity?

Researchers who’ve studied Parkinson’s and ALS agree that nutrient deficiencies play a role. Much like how a car won’t run without gasoline, the body needs certain nutrients (mostly from food) to operate properly. 

Some research suggests that people with Parkinson’s disease (for example) often have certain nutrient deficiencies, including deficiencies in iron, vitamin B1, vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D.

These nutrients are important for various functions of the body and brain.

Couple eating healthy foods

Eat Healthy Food? It’s Not Always Enough.

What’s frustrating is that as we age, we absorb and produce far less of the enzymes, nutrients, minerals and vitamins we desperately need! That puts anyone who’s already at risk of disease, or battling one in a tough spot.

Taking a multivitamin that contains these nutrients may help improve some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or prevent them from getting worse. 

What’s So Great About Nutrients & Vitamins?

They all serve a specific purpose that helps prevent, support or improve a function in the body! Here’s some great examples of nutrients, and what they do:

  • Vitamin B1 helps convert glucose into energy for the brain cells.
  • N-Acetylcysteine is an amino acid that helps the body detox
  • Vitamin B12 helps the body make red blood cells
  • Vitamin B6 is used to maintain the health of nerves
  • Vitamin B7 helps support adrenal function and maintain a healthy nervous system
  • Magnesium Lactate is a mineral that supports the nervous and digestive system
  • Vitamin E protects your cells from oxidative damage
  • α-Lipoic Acid restores vitamin levels such as vitamin E and vitamin C
  • Phosphatidylserine plays an important role in keeping your mind and memory sharp
  • Glutathione is capable of reducing cellular damage
  • L-Carnitine helps brain function and muscle movement

We know that’s a LOT of information to take in, but it also gives a lot of hope!

Just boosting the levels of any number of these daily – in concentrated natural supplements could definitely help!

However, not all multivitamins are equal. Many low quality products on the market use synthetic or low quality ingredients. Some simply don’t provide you with enough of each nutrient or vitamin to see any real benefit.

This powder contains all the nutrients listed above and many more

The National Institute of Health has established a list of nutrients that are strongly recommended for people with neurodegenerative and motor neuron concerns such as ALS, Parkinson’s, PLS, PMA, Kennedy’s Disease, Dystonia, and many others.

Total Health AM & PM Powder Blends are based on the NIH’s standards. They contain 20 different nutrients that are vital for neurological and cellular health.

The AM & PM Blends work by providing your body with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and other compounds that support your brain and nervous system function. They also help protect your cells from oxidative stress and inflammation that can cause damage and disease.

They are easy to use and mix well with any beverage. They even taste good and no artificial flavors or colors!

Neuro-Health Protocol: Why Some Don’t Get Results

Blog, Nutrition, Supplements, , , , , , , ,

Caring for someone who’s managing a neurological condition is a difficult road. Sometimes it can feel like you’re doing all the right things and still not seeing a change in their symptoms.

While everyone’s body, genetics and situation are different, we wanted to take a moment and cover some of the aspects of Neuro-Health Protocol.

#1. Consistency

Taking the protocol on a consistent schedule helps ensure a consistent supply of the amino acids, nutrients and minerals that help relieve symptoms. That’s why our system is broken up into a morning, afternoon and evening dosage plan.

#2. Dosage

The amount of each supplement needed is different for everyone. Some are only moderately deficient of the amino acids and nutrients and will need less. You can increase the dosage of AAKG daily by two grams per day every day to a maximum level of 18 grams.

Our protocol for following the recommended dose schedule is on this page.

#3. Activity

It’s a good idea to encourage exercise to help stimulate and maintain the muscles. It’s not a good idea for those on the protocol to overdo it though… Even light resistance exercises and stretches are beneficial.

#4. Diet

Some research shows a mediterranean diet can boost energy and help deal with symptoms of neuro-health disorders. The main thing is to avoid foods high in saturated fats, processed foods or those high in sugar. It’s also best to avoid large amounts of alcohol or foods that require a lot of chewing energy.

#5. Supplements

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has put together a list of recommended nutritional supplements for Parkinson’s (and similar neuro-health diseases) for daily use. Most of these vitamins and minerals and in the appropriate dosages for healthy adults are available in Total Health AM. 

While none of these are a cure, they’re often enough to help slow the progression and put you back in control.

The best thing we can do is increase the number of amazing memories and moments with our loved ones and increase quality of life.

See Our Recommended Vitamin Supplement Here

Why Many Doctors Are Still DiscoveringThe Incredible Benefits of AKG and AAKG

Blog, Nutrition, , , , ,

In the 17th century, Captains sailed from port to port trying to outrun Scurvy. The British Navy alone lost 133,000 sailors to it. It wasn’t until the 1960’s when clinical trials clearly demonstrated it was curable by access to fresh fruit or Vitamin C.

Modern antibiotics were available in ancient Egypt, but modern doctors didn’t discover and administer them until the 1950’s. 

L-arginine, AAKG and AKG like this one are still ‘new’

When you consider how fast scientific research is funded, conducted and released to the public, these supplements are a very recent discovery.

The unfortunate thing is… not every substance and application that deserves testing and study is actually funded each year. 

The big question is… Should you trust that AKG could actually help?

Our bodies already produce high levels of Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG)… but after age 40, levels of AKG drop dramatically. Everyone’s body needs it, but it would be unrealistic to eat enough of the foods that could replace it.

AKG is responsible for at least 600 enzymatic reactions in our body. For instance, AKG is the primary enzyme group we use to make glutathione for our red blood cells.

New studies proving its benefits are released all the time. 

Here’s just some of them:

  • Alpha-ketoglutarate increases life span, reduces frailty and reduces inflammation in middle-aged mice (1)
  • AKG has been shown to have a protective effect against osteoporosis (2)
  • Dietary AKG may improve protein metabolism and synthesis in older adults (3)
  • When combined with Vitamin B, AKG may be essential in long-term nerve strength, memory, and neurotransmission (4,5)
  • In mice, AKG inhibited liver disease progression (5)
  • AKG has been shown to improve kidney function in patients with chronic renal failure (5)
  • Topical AKG reduces skin wrinkle formation by increasing collagen production (6)
  • AKG prevents skeletal muscle degradation and muscle atrophy (7)
  • AKG can prevent the brain from oxidative damage by increasing neuronal concentrations of antioxidative enzymes (8)

There’s no doubt that Alpha-Ketoglutarate has a lot of potential benefits… but the real question is… 

Does it matter where you buy it?

We think it does. You don’t always know where or how some brands source their ingredients. We’ve fought hard to find the most pure, easily absorbed and naturally sourced ingredients produced right here in the USA. 

Potency is important. That’s why you may not need as much of our AKG supplement as other brands.

You’ll also notice our AAKG+ Core Blend includes Vitamin B (niacin) which helps nerve strength as mentioned above. It also includes an easily absorbed CoQ10 supplement for brain & muscle health. 

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a brain, neurological or age-related condition, it’s worth trying a month’s supply (one container with 90 servings).

See our high potency AAKG+ Core Blend on this page.

Our AAKG+ formula has helped hundreds of ALS patients get results since 2014.

It’s also received over 590, 4.5+ Star Reviews from our customers!

There’s no better investment than health and quality of life.

References:
 
https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(20)30417-4
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17896582/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32877690/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22846967/
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tem.2021.11.003
https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.30.1395
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28939592/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27491897/

B12 the Powerhouse Energy Vitamin – Try Simplesa Liposomal

Blog, Nutrition, Resources, , , , , , , , ,

Simplesa B12Even when you eat well and have a healthy diet you may still not be getting enough vitamin B12. When you are deficient there are symptoms, health risks, but you can easily address the deficiency with a quality B12 supplement.[1]

What is B12?
One form of Vitamin B12 is Methylcobalamin. It is one of the many B vitamins. Your body needs B12 to facilitate the healthy function of nerve tissue, brain function, and red blood cells.

Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse. Your metabolism wouldn’t run smoothly without it. But B12 isn’t like other vitamins. It’s only found in animal products like eggs, meat, shellfish and dairy. Up to 15% of people don’t get enough B12, and they’re more likely to be vegetarians, have celiac disease or other digestion problems, or be an adult over 50. The signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include exhaustion, rapid heartbeat, brain fog, and other symptoms, says Maggie Moon, RD, a Los Angeles–based nutritionist and owner of Everyday Healthy Eating.[2]

Like all B vitamins, vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. The human body does not store it. Any excess or unwanted amounts are excreted through urine. Structurally, vitamin B12 is the most complicated vitamin. It is also the largest.[3]

Why is Vitamin B12 so Important to our body?
Our bodies need vitamin B12 but do not make it and have to acquire it via proper nutrition and/or supplementation. Vitamin B12 is critical in the production of DNA, nerves, red blood cells, and to carry out other metabolic functions.  An average healthy adult requires approximately 2.4 micrograms a day, which can be an issue if you’re not consuming enough to meet your bodily needs. Some people may have an adequate intake of the appropriate nutrition, but malabsorption prevents them from utilizing it no matter how much they consume.

As a result, vitamin B12 deficiency is relatively common, especially among older people. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimated that 3.2% of adults over age 50 have a seriously low B12 level, and up to 20% may have a borderline deficiency.[4]

Do I have a B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be slow to develop, causing symptoms to appear gradually and intensify over time. It can also come on relatively quickly. Given the array of symptoms it can cause; the condition can be overlooked or confused with something else. Symptoms may include:

·         strange sensations, numbness, or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet

·         difficulty walking (staggering, balance problems)

·         anemia

·         a swollen, inflamed tongue

·         yellowed skin (jaundice)

·         difficulty thinking and reasoning (cognitive difficulties), or memory loss

·         paranoia or hallucinations

·         weakness

·         fatigue

While an experienced physician may be able to detect a vitamin B12 deficiency with a good interview and physical exam, a blood test is needed to confirm the condition. Early detection and treatment is important. “If left untreated, the deficiency can cause severe neurologic problems and blood diseases,” says Dr. Bruce Bistrian, chief of clinical nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.[5]

How can I avoid B12 Deficiency?
Simplesa® has just introduced its newest powerhouse supplement and high quality Liposomal Vitamin B12! Not all B12 vitamins are the same, Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 boasts Methylcobalamin, the active form of vitamin B12 that supports brain and nerve health. With other forms of B12 your liver has to convert cyanocobalamin, another form of B12, into methylcobalamin.  Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 is formulated for maximum and rapid absorption.

Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 supports brain and nerve health with increased energy levels by providing methylcobalamin, the only form of vitamin B12 found in the brain.  Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12   does NOT contain soy ingredients, and the flavors are completely natural and delicious. The liposomes are gluten-free, alcohol-free, vegan, and tested non-GMO.

Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 Benefit vs. Injectable B12
While injectable B12 is a commonly prescribed treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency, it does have some notable drawbacks. Because vitamin B12 injections are intramuscular, they can be difficult to administer to thin patients. Injections are also known to be painful, which may cause some patients to abandon treatment. Moreover, elderly or disabled patients may have difficulties traveling to a physician’s office for injection administration or affording the treatment if they don’t have insurance to cover it. [6] Additionally, the ease and cost savings is substantial via Simplesa Vitamin B12 as it can be easily self-administered at home and has a pleasant taste. One bottle will provide approximately 60 servings at ½ ml (approx. 3 pumps into the mouth) or 1000 mcg per serving.

Some of the many benefits of Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12:

·         Contributes to normal red blood cell formation

·         Supports the nervous system and mental functions

·         Contributes to a normal, healthy metabolism

·         Is essential for a healthy heart

Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 uses natural non-hydrogenated sunflower phosphatidylcholine, derived from non-GMO certified oil.  It undergoes a several-step solvent-free purification and filtration process to ensure the utmost purity. The manufacturing facility is cGMP certified, following the same standards of sanitation and documentation as pharmaceutical companies. Each ingredient has been carefully sourced and tested in-house and by a third-party certified lab. The water is classified as Ultrapure Water, exceeding pharmaceutical grade standards.

For more information or to try our new Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 click here.

[1] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
[2] http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20924065,00.html
[3] http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219822.php
[4]  http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-be-sneaky-harmful-201301105780
[5] http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-be-sneaky-harmful-201301105780
[6] http://www.livestrong.com/article/289321-sublingual-vitamin-b12-vs-injectable-b12/

Simplesa Liposomal B12 the Powerhouse Energy Vitamin

Blog, Nutrition, Resources, , , , , , , , ,

Simplesa B12Even when you eat well and have a healthy diet you may still not be getting enough vitamin B12. When you are deficient there are symptoms, health risks, but you can easily address the deficiency with a quality B12 supplement.[1]

What is B12?
One form of Vitamin B12 is Methylcobalamin. It is one of the many B vitamins. Your body needs B12 to facilitate the healthy function of nerve tissue, brain function, and red blood cells.

Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse. Your metabolism wouldn’t run smoothly without it. But B12 isn’t like other vitamins. It’s only found in animal products like eggs, meat, shellfish and dairy. Up to 15% of people don’t get enough B12, and they’re more likely to be vegetarians, have celiac disease or other digestion problems, or be an adult over 50. The signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include exhaustion, rapid heartbeat, brain fog, and other symptoms, says Maggie Moon, RD, a Los Angeles–based nutritionist and owner of Everyday Healthy Eating.[2]

Like all B vitamins, vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. The human body does not store it. Any excess or unwanted amounts are excreted through urine. Structurally, vitamin B12 is the most complicated vitamin. It is also the largest.[3]

Why is Vitamin B12 so Important to our body?
Our bodies need vitamin B12 but do not make it and have to acquire it via proper nutrition and/or supplementation. Vitamin B12 is critical in the production of DNA, nerves, red blood cells, and to carry out other metabolic functions.  An average healthy adult requires approximately 2.4 micrograms a day, which can be an issue if you’re not consuming enough to meet your bodily needs. Some people may have an adequate intake of the appropriate nutrition, but malabsorption prevents them from utilizing it no matter how much they consume.

As a result, vitamin B12 deficiency is relatively common, especially among older people. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimated that 3.2% of adults over age 50 have a seriously low B12 level, and up to 20% may have a borderline deficiency.[4]

Do I have a B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be slow to develop, causing symptoms to appear gradually and intensify over time. It can also come on relatively quickly. Given the array of symptoms it can cause; the condition can be overlooked or confused with something else. Symptoms may include:

·         strange sensations, numbness, or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet

·         difficulty walking (staggering, balance problems)

·         anemia

·         a swollen, inflamed tongue

·         yellowed skin (jaundice)

·         difficulty thinking and reasoning (cognitive difficulties), or memory loss

·         paranoia or hallucinations

·         weakness

·         fatigue

While an experienced physician may be able to detect a vitamin B12 deficiency with a good interview and physical exam, a blood test is needed to confirm the condition. Early detection and treatment is important. “If left untreated, the deficiency can cause severe neurologic problems and blood diseases,” says Dr. Bruce Bistrian, chief of clinical nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.[5]

How can I avoid B12 Deficiency?
Simplesa® has just introduced its newest powerhouse supplement and high quality Liposomal Vitamin B12! Not all B12 vitamins are the same, Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 boasts Methylcobalamin, the active form of vitamin B12 that supports brain and nerve health. With other forms of B12 your liver has to convert cyanocobalamin, another form of B12, into methylcobalamin.  Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 is formulated for maximum and rapid absorption.

Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 supports brain and nerve health with increased energy levels by providing methylcobalamin, the only form of vitamin B12 found in the brain.  Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12   does NOT contain soy ingredients, and the flavors are completely natural and delicious. The liposomes are gluten-free, alcohol-free, vegan, and tested non-GMO.

Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 Benefit vs. Injectable B12
While injectable B12 is a commonly prescribed treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency, it does have some notable drawbacks. Because vitamin B12 injections are intramuscular, they can be difficult to administer to thin patients. Injections are also known to be painful, which may cause some patients to abandon treatment. Moreover, elderly or disabled patients may have difficulties traveling to a physician’s office for injection administration or affording the treatment if they don’t have insurance to cover it. [6] Additionally, the ease and cost savings is substantial via Simplesa Vitamin B12 as it can be easily self-administered at home and has a pleasant taste. One bottle will provide approximately 60 servings at ½ ml (approx. 3 pumps into the mouth) or 1000 mcg per serving.

Some of the many benefits of Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12:

·         Contributes to normal red blood cell formation

·         Supports the nervous system and mental functions

·         Contributes to a normal, healthy metabolism

·         Is essential for a healthy heart

Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 uses natural non-hydrogenated sunflower phosphatidylcholine, derived from non-GMO certified oil.  It undergoes a several-step solvent-free purification and filtration process to ensure the utmost purity. The manufacturing facility is cGMP certified, following the same standards of sanitation and documentation as pharmaceutical companies. Each ingredient has been carefully sourced and tested in-house and by a third-party certified lab. The water is classified as Ultrapure Water, exceeding pharmaceutical grade standards.

For more information or to try our new Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 click here.

[1] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
[2] http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20924065,00.html
[3] http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219822.php
[4]  http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-be-sneaky-harmful-201301105780
[5] http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-be-sneaky-harmful-201301105780
[6] http://www.livestrong.com/article/289321-sublingual-vitamin-b12-vs-injectable-b12/

Metabolic Support and ALS

Blog, Deanna Protocol, malnutrition, Nutrition, Supplements, weight management, , , , , ,

As children we grew up with our parents and teachers telling us how important eating well was to our health.  Our bodies are delicately balanced between nutrition and energy. When we are ill, our body often requires additional energy or that metabolic relationship may become damaged.  Some diseases or their symptoms can cause or contribute to the metabolic imbalance.  In ALS, as the disease progresses, this imbalance can lead to “malnutrition, common with progression of disease, muscle strength and breathing capacity due to weakening as well as increase the relative risk of death.”[1]

A recent study was released in June 2016 which examined the relationship between nutrition status and the progression of ALS.  The study was “Association between estimated total daily energy expenditure and stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in ALS patients” and it wanted to “investigate the relationship between total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and progression of disease in ALS patients and sex differences in TDEE.”[2]   The highlights of the study were:

●Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) decreased with progression of ALS.
●Energy intake of ALS patients was not sufficient as compared with TDEE.
●Nutrition support should be started before stage 3 of ALS.

370 ALS patients’ TDEE were evaluated and followed in regard to resting energy expenditure (REE) and physical activity.  The results were that the TDEE decreased as the ALS progressed.  The study suggests:

that TDEE decreases with progression of ALS, and patients consume insufficient energy compared with required intake at all stages, particularly at stage 3, suggesting that nutrition support should be started at least prior to stage 3. Additionally, among the five equations for TDEE, TDEE 2 could be the best for evaluating the nutritional status of ALS patients.[3]

Previous studies and articles have examined the relationship between energy intake (nutrition) and ALS before.  In 2014 the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition released the article “Estimating daily energy expenditure in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.”  Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience progressive limb weakness, muscle atrophy, and dysphagia, making them vulnerable to insufficient energy intake. [4]

As with any chronic illness, nutritional support is critical.  The challenge is that the physical symptoms of ALS make energy intake difficult. Proactive and ongoing nutritional support and metabolic balance is important in the overall progression and well-being of the patient.

The study published online “Hypercaloric enteral nutrition in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial” emphasizes the need for a dietary and/or nutritional intervention to offset the metabolic dysfunction PALS experience.

In summary, we believe that our study results provide preliminary evidence for a novel, simple, low-cost, low-risk treatment for this devastating disease. The results of this study also support growing interest in the use of dietary interventions to treat neurological diseases. Our results also support the concept that ALS is a multi-organ systemic disease, characterized by metabolic dysfunction.3   We believe that given the promising results of this pilot study and lack of treatment options for ALS, nutritional interventions should be studied in larger randomized controlled trials at earlier stages of the disease.[5]

Simplesa® offers the metabolic plan called the Deanna Protocol for PALS.  This protocol has been found by many ALS patients to help quality of life and slow progression of the disease.  Additionally, other nutritional supplements are available to offset the metabolic balance and gain or maintain weight in PALS or others with health concerns where adequate nutritional intake is compromised or inadequate.

[1] http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0004-282X2014000200157

[2] http://www.nutritionjrnl.com/article/S0899-9007(16)30096-X/fulltext

[3] http://www.nutritionjrnl.com/article/S0899-9007(16)30096-X/fulltext

[4]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262046313_Estimating_daily_energy_expenditure_in_individuals_with_amyotrophic_lateral_sclerosis

[5] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4176708/

Nutritional Challenges for PALS

Blog, Deanna Protocol, weight management, , ,

May is ALS Awareness month, and during this time of raising awareness it is also important to discuss some things that can help PALS with maintaining their quality of life. Nutritional concerns are an issue for anyone facing any disabling disease. Every type of illness impacts people differently and maintenance of nutritional and key vitamin balance is critical for well-being.  The ALS Association wrote an article called “Maintaining Adequate Nutrition: A Continuing Challenge in ALS,” which provides some helpful information on the challenges of getting and maintaining appropriate nutrition and the impact on quality of life for PALS.  Getting adequate nutrition can be hard for even a healthy individual, but for someone with a disabling disease like ALS, who will face the additional issues of difficulty or loss of the ability to swallow, it is life threatening.

Supplements are often recommended by medical providers to help ALS/MND patients get the appropriate nutrition they need. This means getting adequate calories, vitamins and minerals. This is in addition to the ingredients in the Deanna Protocol (DP™ Plan), which have been shown in studies, and reported by many PALS, to improve quality of life.

The DP™ Plan is a natural, drug-free, and inexpensive metabolic program developed for ALS. Scientific studies have proven that the DP™ Plan significantly slows the progression of ALS and extends life span.[1]  The goal of the DP™ Plan is to provide energy to the nerve and muscle cells to prevent them from dying. To do this, the DP™ Plan includes a list of several supplements that are taken in doses throughout the day.   These supplements may be found online by doing an internet search for each supplement individually, or Simplesa® makes products in powder or liquid form and combines several of the supplements into single products. The Winning the Fight website provides very detailed information on how the DP Plan is helping not only ALS patients but is also now being tested and used on others with Neurodegenerative diseases.  Some of the key points in regard to metabolic and nutritional importance of the DP Plan are explained by Winning the Fight®:

Glutamate, ALS, and Cell Death
To understand the basis for the Deanna Protocol® Metabolic Plan, one must first consider the pathology in neurodegenerative conditions in general and ALS specifically. Death of motor neurons spreads throughout the body in individuals with ALS due to glutamate. When cells die, they burst and release intracellular glutamate into the extracellular space. This increase in extracellular glutamate causes neighboring healthy motor neurons to die, to burst, and to release more glutamate into extracellular space, which will kill even more neighboring cells. This so-called storm of glutamate in ALS causes cell death to happen at an exponential rate. (The spread of cell death via excess extracellular glutamate has already been proven in other neurodegenerative conditions, such as traumatic brain injury. It has not yet been proven in ALS research. However, we know that all cells release glutamate when they die and that excess extracellular glutamate kills neighboring cells, regardless of the disease/condition.)

​Dr. Tedone, Winning the Fight’s Medical Liaison, hypothesizes that somehow, the exposure to excess extracellular glutamate in ALS kills neighboring healthy neurons by interrupting the Krebs Cycle in each of them. Dr. Tedone’s hypothesis holds that this Krebs Cycle interruption is a chief cause of cell death. After all, when cells cannot produce energy efficiently, they die.

How the Deanna Protocol® Metabolic Plan Stops Cell Death Caused by Extracellular Glutamate in ALS 
Does the Deanna Protocol® Metabolic Plan (DP™ Plan) neutralize the excess extracellular glutamate in ALS? No. the DP™ Plan focuses on cell metabolism. The DP™ Plan delivers Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) to the Krebs Cycle in the neurons. The increase in AKG enables their mitochondria to produce enough energy to keep cells alive, despite their exposure to an unhealthy amount of extracellular glutamate.  AKG usually does not pass through the cell membranes in normal healthy cells.  Based on our experience, we found that the permeability of the cell membrane in diseased or damaged cells changes and allows AKG to permeate the cells. Due to the fact that AKG only enters diseased cells, the substance only goes where it is needed. [2]

The needs of anyone who has a disabling disease when it comes to nutrition is complex and varies from individual and disease. One common factor is the importance to maintain weight, nutritional balance, and allow the person enough energy to fight the disease and also maintain quality of life. For more information on the Deanna Protocol, please feel free to contact is for additional information.

[1] http://www.winningthefight.org/deanna-protocolreg-metabolic-plan-for-als.html

[2] http://www.winningthefight.org/why-the-deanna-protocolreg-plan-works.html

PALS and Nutrition

Blog, Guest Blog, , , , , , ,

Guest Post by Sarah Martin

SarahMartinMy name is Sarah Martin. I am a junior neuroscience major at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. When I was 14 years old and a sophomore at the Illinois Mathematics
and Science Academy, my principal and close friend, Dr. Eric McLaren, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that
affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Since his diagnosis, I have been
passionate about fighting ALS. I conduct research at universities in the Midwest, attend support groups in the Chicagoland area to meet pALS and their families, blog about my journey to a cure for the disease, speak at schools about ALS and so much more! Dr.
McLaren passed away from ALS in June of 2014, but I have made it my life’s mission to
put an end to this disease. My future plans include earning a doctorate degree,
becoming an ALS researcher, and helping develop an effective treatment for ALS.
The most important part of my ALS work is the people with ALS (pALS). During my time
at ALS support groups, I have learned that because the disease is characterized by
muscle weakness and atrophy, there are a handful of challenges pALS may face in
regards to eating. Difficulties with upper body coordination may make it difficult to
prepare meals. Weakness of tongue and facial muscles may not only make it tough to
safely chew and swallow food, but can also prolong mealtimes. In addition, aspiration of
solids or liquids into the lungs can result in aspiration pneumonia. pALS may experience
a loss of appetite and fatigue which can make eating a difficult task. As ALS progresses
in a person, the amount of calories consumed typically decreases.
Proper nutrition is vital. The human body requires various nutrients to function. Due to
decreased food intake in ALS, it can be difficult to maintain nutritional needs, but there
are nutritionists, dietitians and other experts working to improve the nutritional status of
pALS. In order to maintain the nutritional needs of pALS, tips for safer chewing and
swallowing techniques can be utilized, such as taking smaller bites, eating slowly and
sitting in an upright position while eating. Healthcare professionals can also assist in
making decisions regarding alternate feeding options, such as a feeding tube.
Maintaining the nutritional needs of pALS is important as it can help slow down the
muscle breakdown process and prevent a decrease in weight loss (nutrition-related). It
can also help keep the immune system strong and improve the quality of life for those
with ALS!

For More Information about Sarah Martin contact:

Sarah’s Mission
A woman on a mission to end ALS/MND/Lou Gehrig’s disease
Follow my journey at www.sarahmartinals.com
missionsarahs@gmail.com