Celiac Disease and Elusive Gluten Sensitivity
According to statistics from the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, an average of one out of 133 otherwise healthy people in the United States suffer from celiac disease (CD). The trouble with that statistic though is that there are only two requirements set forth by the mainstream medical establishment which qualify a person for a Celiac Disease diagnosis. Those requirements are 1) a positive alpha-Gliadin antibody (Gliadin is a small portion of the gluten molecule) and 2) a complete atrophy of the intestinal micro-villi (very small fingerlike structures on the lining of our intestines) found via an intestinal biopsy.
The important thing to realize here is that Celiac Disease, being a gluten sensitivity condition, means that people with this condition can not have gluten in their diet whatsoever! Doing so will lead to very poor health indeed. But what about all those people who do not qualify for either of the two findings above? What if someone comes back with a negative alpha-Gliadin antibody and a moderate atrophy of intestinal villi? This person would be passed over and disregarded and told that they could continue eating gluten! (Which is what we all want to hear anyway… Or is it?)
Now what if I told you that besides the alpha-Gliadin antibodies that can be found that there were also:
• Beta-Gliadin
• Gamma-Gliadin
• Omega-Gliadin
• Deaminated Gliadins (15, 17, and/or 33) – These are found in processed foods.
• Glutenin
• Wheat Germ Agglutinin
• Gluteomorphin
Any one of these findings is enough to warrant a Celiac Disease diagnosis or at least gluten sensitivity. Now I am not telling you all this to sound really smart by using big words, nor do I expect you to understand what these things all are. But what I want you to take home from this is the fact that there are a lot of indicators for gluten sensitivity that are not being screened for out there. So when we hear that one in 133 people have Celiac Disease based upon only the two parameters tested for, you have to ask yourself what would that number be if ALL of the parameters were screened for? It is a staggering concept to say the least! And scary too when you consider all of the health problems out there which are linked to gluten sensitivity like thyroid problems, neurological decline, ADD/ADHD, autism, auto-immune disorders of all kinds, gastro-intestinal problems, muscular problems, skeletal problems, liver problems, skin problems. In fact there is not one part of the body that does not have a direct link to gluten sensitivity in those individuals with gluten sensitivity problems. Simply put for those people affected, gluten can and will be the fuel for the fire that will work to destroy one’s health.
Only recently has it been possible to screen for all of these parameters I mentioned and really start improving the lives of a great many people. In fact there is a new laboratory with cutting edge technology to finally screen for conditions like these who I am happy to be working with this starting in January of 2011. If you have any difficult medical conditions, auto-immune disorders, or just want to know if you are indeed Gluten intolerant get in touch and we can get you tested. I hope to hear from you real soon.
The important thing to realize here is that Celiac Disease, being a gluten sensitivity condition, means that people with this condition can not have gluten in their diet whatsoever! Doing so will lead to very poor health indeed. But what about all those people who do not qualify for either of the two findings above? What if someone comes back with a negative alpha-Gliadin antibody and a moderate atrophy of intestinal villi? This person would be passed over and disregarded and told that they could continue eating gluten! (Which is what we all want to hear anyway… Or is it?)
Now what if I told you that besides the alpha-Gliadin antibodies that can be found that there were also:
• Beta-Gliadin
• Gamma-Gliadin
• Omega-Gliadin
• Deaminated Gliadins (15, 17, and/or 33) – These are found in processed foods.
• Glutenin
• Wheat Germ Agglutinin
• Gluteomorphin
Any one of these findings is enough to warrant a Celiac Disease diagnosis or at least gluten sensitivity. Now I am not telling you all this to sound really smart by using big words, nor do I expect you to understand what these things all are. But what I want you to take home from this is the fact that there are a lot of indicators for gluten sensitivity that are not being screened for out there. So when we hear that one in 133 people have Celiac Disease based upon only the two parameters tested for, you have to ask yourself what would that number be if ALL of the parameters were screened for? It is a staggering concept to say the least! And scary too when you consider all of the health problems out there which are linked to gluten sensitivity like thyroid problems, neurological decline, ADD/ADHD, autism, auto-immune disorders of all kinds, gastro-intestinal problems, muscular problems, skeletal problems, liver problems, skin problems. In fact there is not one part of the body that does not have a direct link to gluten sensitivity in those individuals with gluten sensitivity problems. Simply put for those people affected, gluten can and will be the fuel for the fire that will work to destroy one’s health.
Only recently has it been possible to screen for all of these parameters I mentioned and really start improving the lives of a great many people. In fact there is a new laboratory with cutting edge technology to finally screen for conditions like these who I am happy to be working with this starting in January of 2011. If you have any difficult medical conditions, auto-immune disorders, or just want to know if you are indeed Gluten intolerant get in touch and we can get you tested. I hope to hear from you real soon.
I Have Low Andro What Now?
Quite often I get male patients that come in complaining of things like low libido, or trouble in bed, etc. and they are desperately trying to find out solutions for their problem. More times than not they have already gone to their primary doctor only to be told that all their hormones look normal and it gets easily brushed off as, “Well it is probably just stress.” So they might be offered a combination of Viagra and/or some anti-depressants or anti-anxiety drugs as a remedy. There is only one problem… The sexual dysfunction still does not come back. So what is going wrong for these men that is apparently getting missed?
Well it just so happens that when it comes to hormones like Testosterone there are actually several different forms in a class of hormones called Adnrogens. Testosterone is right in the middle as far as potency and what we think of in cases like this, DHT is the strongest of the three, and then there is a little known hormone called Androstenedione which is the weakest of the bunch. A very common thing to occur in men, particularly in men who have blood sugar imbalances, or high levels of inflammation, is that the Androstenedione levels begin to rise. They rise so high in fact that they begin to outcompete Testosterone and DHT for the binding sites on the cells. Androstenedione being a weak cousin to Testosterone will then only offer a very weak Testosterone like experience vs. what a man is used to with the other more potent forms of the hormones. So for all intensive purposes this man will present with “low testosterone” symptoms. But if you recall, his testosterone was normal. So how then do you figure out his problem?
Well the answer is simple… You test for all of the sex hormones! An easy solution that unfortunately is not being done in the typical doctor’s office. If you run a complete hormone panel and find that the Androstenedione is high then you have to fix the Androstenedione. If you find that Testosterone is low then you find out why and fix that. If you find that Estrogen is high then you go after the Estrogen. All of these scenarios will make for a “low Testosterone” experience. And all may be given replacement hormones or erection producing pills without ever really understanding the mechanisms at hand. Is that good care? Let me just warn you now that if you take replacement Testosterone when your have otherwise normal levels of Testosterone then you are harming yourself! And coming off of the hormone will be really uncomfortable to say the least.
So this is what I do. I help people figure out the exact mechanism of what is going on in their bodies. I then offer step by step plans to get back on track without the use of heavy medications. Give me a call today, and don’t let where you live stop you. I do this kind of work all over the country by phone and email consultations. But until then, be happy, and be healthy. And don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Well it just so happens that when it comes to hormones like Testosterone there are actually several different forms in a class of hormones called Adnrogens. Testosterone is right in the middle as far as potency and what we think of in cases like this, DHT is the strongest of the three, and then there is a little known hormone called Androstenedione which is the weakest of the bunch. A very common thing to occur in men, particularly in men who have blood sugar imbalances, or high levels of inflammation, is that the Androstenedione levels begin to rise. They rise so high in fact that they begin to outcompete Testosterone and DHT for the binding sites on the cells. Androstenedione being a weak cousin to Testosterone will then only offer a very weak Testosterone like experience vs. what a man is used to with the other more potent forms of the hormones. So for all intensive purposes this man will present with “low testosterone” symptoms. But if you recall, his testosterone was normal. So how then do you figure out his problem?
Well the answer is simple… You test for all of the sex hormones! An easy solution that unfortunately is not being done in the typical doctor’s office. If you run a complete hormone panel and find that the Androstenedione is high then you have to fix the Androstenedione. If you find that Testosterone is low then you find out why and fix that. If you find that Estrogen is high then you go after the Estrogen. All of these scenarios will make for a “low Testosterone” experience. And all may be given replacement hormones or erection producing pills without ever really understanding the mechanisms at hand. Is that good care? Let me just warn you now that if you take replacement Testosterone when your have otherwise normal levels of Testosterone then you are harming yourself! And coming off of the hormone will be really uncomfortable to say the least.
So this is what I do. I help people figure out the exact mechanism of what is going on in their bodies. I then offer step by step plans to get back on track without the use of heavy medications. Give me a call today, and don’t let where you live stop you. I do this kind of work all over the country by phone and email consultations. But until then, be happy, and be healthy. And don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Acupuncture
How Does Acupuncture Work?
In order to understand how acupuncture works one must first acknowledge the existence of Qi – or energy which flows in our bodies. This energy travels along paths called meridians. Each of the twelve major organs has its own meridian. Along these meridians are points where the Qi gathers more densely than in other areas of the body. It is at these points where acupuncture is usually administered. Stimulation at these points can have different effects on the body.
The object of acupuncture is to restore balance within the body. There can be either excess, deficiency, or stagnation of Qi, and acupuncture can help to return this flow to an optimum level for continued health and well being.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Contrary to what many people think, acupuncture is surprisingly painless. The needles used are very thin, and are not hollow like their cousin the hypodermic. Commonly, these treatments will create a sense of extreme relaxation, and the notion of the actual needle completely goes away.
If you are new to Acupuncture, this short video will give you a look into the clinic and a typical treatment.
In order to understand how acupuncture works one must first acknowledge the existence of Qi – or energy which flows in our bodies. This energy travels along paths called meridians. Each of the twelve major organs has its own meridian. Along these meridians are points where the Qi gathers more densely than in other areas of the body. It is at these points where acupuncture is usually administered. Stimulation at these points can have different effects on the body.
The object of acupuncture is to restore balance within the body. There can be either excess, deficiency, or stagnation of Qi, and acupuncture can help to return this flow to an optimum level for continued health and well being.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Contrary to what many people think, acupuncture is surprisingly painless. The needles used are very thin, and are not hollow like their cousin the hypodermic. Commonly, these treatments will create a sense of extreme relaxation, and the notion of the actual needle completely goes away.
If you are new to Acupuncture, this short video will give you a look into the clinic and a typical treatment.
Functional Medicine
San Diego Functional Medicine
Functional medicine is a form of preventative medicine that focuses on helping the body remain ”functional” without the use of surgeries and medications.
Too often we fall into states of chronic illness where heavy medication or surgeries are the only offered solutions. The object of functional medicine is to help the patient avoid these problems.
Functional medicine offers us a sensible and logical glimpse into the future. Through the use of blood chemistry panels, salivary hormone panels, nutrient panels, and Traditional Chinese diagnostic methods, I am able to help my patients avoid many of the all too commonly used medical procedures that leave people dependant upon heavy medications and subsequently unhealthy lifestyles. Functional medicine offers a hands-on approach to wellbeing that is fully tracked and explained at every step in the process.
Functional medicine is a form of preventative medicine that focuses on helping the body remain ”functional” without the use of surgeries and medications.
Too often we fall into states of chronic illness where heavy medication or surgeries are the only offered solutions. The object of functional medicine is to help the patient avoid these problems.
Functional medicine offers us a sensible and logical glimpse into the future. Through the use of blood chemistry panels, salivary hormone panels, nutrient panels, and Traditional Chinese diagnostic methods, I am able to help my patients avoid many of the all too commonly used medical procedures that leave people dependant upon heavy medications and subsequently unhealthy lifestyles. Functional medicine offers a hands-on approach to wellbeing that is fully tracked and explained at every step in the process.
About Me
San Diego Acupuncturist - Jim Chialtas L. Ac.
Jim Chialtas is a San Diego native, graduating from Serra High School in 1993. He went on to attend the University of California at Santa Cruz to achieve his Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology in 1997. There, he began his instruction in Quantum Ju-Jitsu, a martial art that encompasses Ju-Jitsu, Yoga and Restoration Massage Therapy training. After volunteering for a period of time at Quan Yin Healing Center in San Francisco, he decided to pursue a career in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Jim went on to attend Five Branches Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine. After three and a half years, and over 1500 hours of training, he received his Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MTCM).
As well as being licensed by the state of California in Acupuncture, Jim is certified in Restoration Massage Therapy – a unique form of massage which he incorporates into many of his treatments. Jim is also an apprentice instructor in Quantum Ju-Jitsu and Warrior Yoga.
Since beginning private practice Jim has trained extensively in Functional Blood Chemistry and Hormone analysis. This cutting edge way of looking at the body allows for a unique understanding and a melding of Eastern and Western methodologies. These diagnostic methods allow the patient to see first hand the progress of their therapy. Jim also works with a nutraceutical company and teaches other local practitioners how to work with Functional Blood Chemistry and Endocrinology related concepts.
When Jim isn’t seeing patients, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children, playing his banjo, and getting into nature as much as possible.
Jim Chialtas is a San Diego native, graduating from Serra High School in 1993. He went on to attend the University of California at Santa Cruz to achieve his Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology in 1997. There, he began his instruction in Quantum Ju-Jitsu, a martial art that encompasses Ju-Jitsu, Yoga and Restoration Massage Therapy training. After volunteering for a period of time at Quan Yin Healing Center in San Francisco, he decided to pursue a career in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Jim went on to attend Five Branches Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine. After three and a half years, and over 1500 hours of training, he received his Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MTCM).
As well as being licensed by the state of California in Acupuncture, Jim is certified in Restoration Massage Therapy – a unique form of massage which he incorporates into many of his treatments. Jim is also an apprentice instructor in Quantum Ju-Jitsu and Warrior Yoga.
Since beginning private practice Jim has trained extensively in Functional Blood Chemistry and Hormone analysis. This cutting edge way of looking at the body allows for a unique understanding and a melding of Eastern and Western methodologies. These diagnostic methods allow the patient to see first hand the progress of their therapy. Jim also works with a nutraceutical company and teaches other local practitioners how to work with Functional Blood Chemistry and Endocrinology related concepts.
When Jim isn’t seeing patients, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children, playing his banjo, and getting into nature as much as possible.