5 Strategies for Restoring Health of Even Your Toughest Patients by Jayashree, Mani, MS, CCN, Clinical Nutritionist, PERQUE Integrative Health and ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies For better or for worse, everything we eat, drink, think, and do impact on almost all facets of our health. In fact, 92% of our overall health comes from our choices not chance. Ironically, patients with lifestyle-related health conditions are often those who believe they have little or no control over their health. Fortunately, success is empowering. It does not take long for individuals to realize they have much more control than they think, and everyone has the ability to change. What is needed is a realistic, approach that clients can implement step-by-step. You can help patients make simple, yet profoundly powerful changes that will impact them for the rest of their lives. This paper provides you with effective strategies for guiding your patients toward restored immune tolerance, neurohormonal balance, digestive competence, and improved detox functions. Instead of merely treating symptoms, these strategies will help your patients reverse the deficiencies that contribute to many chronic diseases in
the first place. The recommendations I present here are based on the science and solutions developed by Russell Jaffe, MD, PhD, CCN, founder and director of PERQUE Integrative Health and ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies. Dr. Jaffe has spent over 30 years rethinking issues of health and wellness and developing evidence-based approaches to evoke the human healing response. The 5 simple steps I present in this document reflect the principles of The Alkaline Way, Dr. Jaffe s clinically proven personalized approach to health restoration. Following these 5 strategies will help you transform patients lives. They will help you provide a systematic approach to help your patients create balance through five key interventions: 1. Establish a health baseline and identify health concerns and nutritional deficiencies. 2. Identify and eliminate delayed food allergies and inflammatory triggers 3. Detoxification to remove excess and damaging toxins. 4. Personalized supplementation to reverse repair deficits to restore and rebuild vital systems.5. Facilitate healthful, supportive changes in eating patterns, healthy nutrition, optimal hydration, low-impact exercise, and mind-body practices as suggested by the Alkaline Way. STRATEGY #1 START AT THE BEGINNING: THE HEALTH ASSESSMENT A critical first step in getting better outcomes is carefully evaluating the extent of damage caused by digestive irritation, poor immune health, stress and
inflammation and pinpointing the nutrient deficiencies that must be addressed. A thorough assessment covering all systems can be done one-on-one as part of the initial consultation or through the use of a validated tool, such as the Health Assessment Questionnaire (H.A.Q.) developed by Dr. Jaffe. Using an established core set of observed symptoms, this initial assessment should illuminate nutrient deficiencies and guide patient-specific supplement recommendations. Your assessment should include the following systems: Gastrointestinal competence Heart, lungs, nerves, blood vessels Metabolism Fluid and balance Skin and immune systems Reactions to food and environment Enzymes and hormones STRATEGY #2: IDENTIFY AND ELIMINATE HIDDEN INFLAMMATORY TRIGGERS The immune system has two functions: defense and repair. If either the defense or repair function become overburdened or overstressed, immune dysfunction and disease may result. When important defense elements such as lymphocytes are mobilized against the effects of foreign antigens, the immune system can become overwhelmed and depleted. As a result, vital repair processes suffer and a state of inflammation ensues. repair deficit is the result of prolonged unhealthy conditions that force the body to focus on defending rather than repairing. Dr. Jaffe has thus rethought inflammation and explains it as repair deficit.
Inflammation is often presented as a fire to be fought or a symptom to be suppressed. Chronic inflammation, or a continued state of disrepair, increases the probability of metabolic imbalance, weight management issues, and insulin resistance. This is reflected across the continuum between prediabetes, diabetes, and a myriad of consequences to the heart and blood vessels. Additionally, inflammation so imbalances immune responses that delayed allergies develop. Delayed or late-phase food reactions and other chemical sensitivities further contribute to chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and play a role in causing or amplifying autoimmune, chronic, and degenerative illnesses. A Window into the Immune System The most common assaults that pose the greatest burden to our immune systems on a daily basis are remnants of incomplete digestion, diabetes, and environmental antigens that cause allergies or sensitivities. By identifying these antigens and eliminating these exposures, the immune burden can be reduced or eliminated, allowing the defense and repair systems to return to optimal function. Lymphocyte Response Assays using the advanced cell culture method developed by Dr. Jaffe at ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies are the preferred tests for identifying hidden immune burdens. The LRA by ELISA/ACT tests are functional ex-vivo procedures for directly measuring lymphocyte responses to all three delayed hypersensitivity pathways. These LRA tests make it possible to examine your patient s general immune system health by monitoring delayed
hypersensitivity responses to as many as 491 common substances. In addition to identifying immunologically reactive items, the LRA tests offered through ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies include an optional treatment plan that provides patients with nutrient and lifestyle recommendations to reverse repair deficit by restoring key nutrient levels needed to effectively rebuild, rehabilitate, and thrive. This approach has been clinically substantiated. In a study published in Diabetic Medicine, after 6 months of implementing the nutritional recommendations following their LRA tests, diabetic participants showed: 46% improvement in Type 1 diabetes 18% reduction of insulin levels in Type 2 diabetes 13% reduction of HbA1C levels in Type 2 conditions In another study, published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain, patients suffering from fibromyalgia showed significant improvement in just 6 months following the nutritional recommendations based on their LRA test results. Participants reported 70% less depression 50% less pain 50% more energy 30% less stiffness STRATEGY #3: GET THE BAD STUFF OUT AND THE GOOD STUFF IN: DETOXIFICATION Over the past 50 years, more than 100,000 chemicals have been introduced into
our environment. To remain healthy and vital in our toxic world, detoxification must occur. A multi-system program supporting detoxification should be considered for all patients as a good way to jump start their health restoration program. A comprehensive program ideally includes: Amino acids, minerals, and other nutrients that effectively clear toxins while neutralizing excess cellular acid and protecting cells against deterioration. Liver protection through cell renewal, free radical removal, natural detoxifiers, and nutrients proven to support liver function. High potency, pure, un-oxidized omega 3s to aid in removal of toxins from fat cells and replenish with healthy fats. STRATEGY #4: SUPPLEMENTATION SHOULD BE AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOUR PATIENT Resetting the immune system and restoring immune competence requires more than simply avoiding immunologically reactive items or targeted detoxification. In addition to an immuno-tolerant diet, patients must supplement the nutrients needed to reverse the repair deficits identified in the initial assessment. When developing a patient s supplement program, consider how he/she will be evaluating the value of the treatment you provide. Supplements that deliver better results faster are, in fact, the best value for the patient and instill a confidence in the healthcare practitioner that only successful outcomes can produce. Ensure that supplements in your protocol:
Use biologically preferred forms of nutrients, as found in nature and in food Include co-factors and transporters to facilitate uptake Include ONLY active ingredients with no fillers or binders to interfere with bioavailability Disclose all ingredients no proprietary blends or other ingredients that could block uptake, cause allergic reactions, or increase the amount of product that needs to be taken. Do not mix oxidants with anti-oxidants in the same formulation as doing so can destroy active, delicate antioxidant ingredients The goal is to understanding the unique nutrient needs of each patient, and to support compliance through a highly targeted supplement plan. Several simple and inexpensive self-tests that can be used to augment the information derived during the assessment and guide your nutrient recommendations. Visit http://www.perque.com/lifestyle/self-tests/ for detailed self-test protocols. Individualized Ascorbate Need As the central antioxidant molecule responsible for regeneration, recycling, and cell detox, the amount of ascorbate needed by any given individual varies more widely than that of any other essential nutrient. The C calibration protocol developed by Dr. Jaffe makes it possible for patients to determine how much ascorbate they need, at any given point, in order to stimulate repair and respond to oxidative stress. For the C Cleanse/Calibration Protocol visit http://www.perque.com/lifestyle/self-tests/ascorbate-cleanse/ Digestive Health In addition to symptoms raised in the initial assessment, a simple and inexpensive transit time self-test can be a useful measure of digestive health,
guiding your selection of gut-restorative nutrients. Transit times longer than 18 hours predispose patients toward or amplify many chronic intestinal or systemic illnesses and indicate a need for increased fiber as well as probiotics. - For a detailed protocol visit http://www.perque.com/lifestyle/self-tests/transit-time/. Healthy Acid-Alkaline Balance In the body, an alkaline state represents a healthy balance between acidic and alkaline forming properties, leaving the internal environment of the body at a ph between 6.5 7.5. Unfortunately, the standard American diet results in excess acid production. When we metabolize fats, proteins, and simple sugars, acid products remain. Excess acid production also occurs when the body is constantly exposed to foreign elements by way of infection, pollution, or improper digestion. When the acidic burden exceeds the body s reserves, a continuous state of distress can emerge. As a consequence, the chemical messengers of distress (such as cortisol, adrenaline, and insulin) increase. The physiological response to these distress messengers is acid enhancing, further increasing the total acid load the body has to handle. To reduce this acidic burden, the body links the excess acids with alkaline minerals (such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and other minerals) and excretes them. Over time, this can deplete the body of needed minerals and lead to a build-up of excess acids on a cellular level. First morning urine ph, if measured after at least 6 hours of rest, reveals
mineral reserves and an acid/alkaline state. Routine 1 st AM urine ph of less than 6.5 indicates a need for mineral supplementation, especially magnesium (one of the most alkalinizing of all minerals). Today, blocked magnesium uptake is quite common; consequently, the most rapid response in ph will be seen with the supplementation of multiple forms of bioavailable magnesium combined with choline citrate, and an alkaline-forming diet. For a 1 st AM Urine ph protocol visit http://www.perque.com/lifestyle/self-tests/first-morning-ph/ STRATEGY #5: SUPPORT HEALTHY CHOICES FOR MIND AND BODY. Exercise provides the quintessential example. Lack of regular exercise promotes repair deficit (inflammation) while regular exercise reduces inflammation. Exercise should be a pleasure, with a goal of adequate activity that is achievable rather than excessive activity that becomes a burden. The mind and body are always connected and interactive and movement is essential for physical health and mental peace. The Alkaline Way recognizes this intimate link between mind and body and this is why we become the result of what we eat, think, drink and do. Unhealthy thoughts or attitudes cost us metabolically yet can be relearned in ways that promote rather than impair health. Chronic stress is another cause of chronic inflammation. Stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, abdominal breathing, salt and soda baths, and photobiology are crucial, efficacious and cost-effective elements of health restoration.
Particularly recommended are the systems that combine breath and movement with a priority given to core strength and musculoskeletal resilience. For example, traditional free form hatha and prana yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Trager system, Feldenkrais method, and Alexander technique are all meaningful and restorative ways of combining breath and movement. Permaculture gardening is another creative and rewarding activity that supports natural patterns of movement and builds core strength. As a trusted healthcare guide, you are in the best position to help your patients implement healthful lifestyle choices. Prescribe, inspire, and support your patients in developing their own personalized programs. CONCLUSION Optimal health and happiness occur by choice, not chance. Incorporating these five strategies into your treatment protocols you will be guiding and empowering your patients to make exceptionally healthy choices to restore optimal health. Take the Next Step All of the tools listed in this paper are available individually or as a complete program through PERQUE Integrative Health (PIH). Contact us today to access PIH solutions for your patients and your practice. Call 1-800-553-5472 (Eastern Standard Time) or email us at: ClientServices@PERQUE.com. About Jayashree Mani
Jayashree Mani MS, CCN is a Clinical Nutritionist with over 20 years experience in providing nutritional counseling and education to patients and physicians in various medical environments. After an early focus on diet and meal planning in the hospital setting, over the past 10 years she has specialized in the functional use of lymphocyte cell response assays in clinical management of autoimmune conditions including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, IBS, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Her work also includes developing nutritional protocols involving the Alkaline Way and specific nutritional supplementation, She has coauthored text book chapters on related nutrition topics and published scientific articles focused on these comprehensive approaches. ABOUT PERQUE INTEGRATIVE HEALTH PERQUE Integrative Health (PIH) has spent the last 30 years rethinking healthcare as we know it. PIH founder and director, Dr. Russell Jaffe, a physician, biochemist, NIH-trained clinical pathologist, and immunologist initiated this process in 1984 when he developed the LRA by ELISA/ACT, the world s first single-step amplified (ELISA) procedure for use in delayed allergy testing. Dr. Jaffe s innovations in applying the biological systems that restore the body to the fullest measure of attainable health for each individual led to the formulation of the PERQUE line of safer more effective, novel dietary supplements and supplement delivery systems. Today, PIH works with healthcare practitioners to offer patients integrated systems of personalized care that combine validated assessment protocols and
tools, the most advanced autoimmune testing, and the PERQUE brand of scientifically superior and more effective nutraceuticals. Clinical outcome studies of these systems have confirmed the results achieved in better managing such common conditions as diabetes, fibromyalgia muscle pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFIDS). For more information on PIH or Dr. Jaffe, please visit http://www.perque.com/about-pih/