The Secret of the Universe

A long time ago, in a galaxy not far away…

About 400,000 years ago, humans appeared on this planet as a result of genetic engineering, creation, and evolution.  Our species' ancestor was suddenly different from a Homonid (bipedal primate) and functionally designed to reproduce, with a life expectancy between 20 and 40 years.  This person gathered its food from the ground, feasting on complex carbohydrates and nuts.  Eventually, animal protein was added to the diet, but the original genetic engineering and design were supported by a plant-based diet.  All the minerals, vitamins and nutritional components were complete.  As we progressed through the centuries, man learned to grow grains and domesticate animals.  As the composition of the diet incorporated less complex carbohydrates, various diseases appeared, including inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndromes, and cardiovascular disease.  By 1600, wool and animal clothing was replaced by cotton and this alone reduced the incidence of skin diseases and various infections, increasing our life span.

A history of hormone depletion

By the 1800's, life expectancy was 40, but that was about the same time that hormone depletion was the most pronounced.  Reproduction was over, the pituitary and the adrenals shut down, man died and the cycle of life resumed as a new being capable of reproduction.  By 1900, life expectancy had climbed to 60, but hormone depletion was still complete by age 40.  Twenty years of aging until eventual death and disease.  By 2000, life expectancy had risen to 80 years, but hormone depletion is still evident at age 40.  So the patient dies at 40 and isn't buried til 80.  What does one do about that?  Aging is a result of hormone decline, not the opposite.  We do not have declining hormone levels because we age.  Aging and premature aging could be slowed by replenishing the declining hormones, adhering to a plant-based diet, avoiding processed foods, and getting more exercise.

It's not just how long you live, it's how you live

Today's functional medicine and interventional endocrinology "can keep you alive until you die."  There is no need for long-term health care insurance.  You do not have to die in a stupor, lying in a wet spot.  If one stays off pharmaceutical drugs, the years between 40 and 120 would be of better quality, full of energy and free of disease.  If we ate fresh organic, mineral- and nutrient-rich foods as a rule, breathed cleaner air, drank pure water, slept nine hours a night, exercised every day, and avoided pharmaceutical drugs, all would benefit.  As one goes down this path, both the chronic diseases of the body and brain disappear.  Eliminating wheat products and dairy, sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated fats, and artificial sweeteners, we would enjoy additional health benefits.  A healthy diet includes abundant fresh vegetables and fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts and lean protein.  Nutritional supplements are mandatory and effective in treating conditions like ADD and depression.

Most doctors know little or nothing about proper nutrition and we hope that will change.  Pinpointing complex carbohydrates as the most important food for long term health and brain function will demand access to fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices.  Lean animal protein delivers the adequate amino acids necessary for proper brain function as well.

The fountain of youth is a balancing act

To remain young your entire life, balancing hormones is a strategic part in knowing the Secret of the Universe.  Death hormones are excess cortisol, excess estrogen, and excess insulin.  Most of the symptoms of aging are really symptoms of imbalances in our core body systems.  Used intelligently, bio-identical hormones can save lives.  The future of medicine is a personalized treatment and must be adjusted in each individual.  Training physicians for the future will be a significant challenge and the goal in medicine is to find the right medication for each person, including targeted supplements and hormone optimization.  This is a revolutionary way of treating both brain and body disorders.  We are reminded on a daily basis that a new concept is often slow to take hold, but we remain encouraged.  Bio-identical hormone replacement, sensible diet, and ample supplements can impact everyone's life beyond anything imagined.

Treat the source of ailment, not just symptoms

Functional medicine is a rapidly emerging field of science and incorporates interventional endocrinology, nutrition and replacement of missing vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.  It treats the underlying cause of disease, not just the symptoms.  The problems of the brain such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disease, attention deficit disorder (ADD), Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and mood swings can be prevented, improved or even cured by changes in diet, nutritional supplements, exercise, meditation and lifestyle.  Traditional psychiatric medication could become obsolete or rarely necessary.  Functional medicine is a model for addressing a chronic disease epidemic, which affects over half of Americans.  Conventional medicine may be able to effectively treat an acute illness, but does not adequately treat a chronic disease.

Eliminating disesase, one step at a time

This new medicine can ignite primary care medicine and provide more success.  Chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disease, digestive problems, and brain and mood disorders could be managed without pharmaceutical intervention.  This type of medicine also focuses on finding the root of an individual's health problem, as opposed to focusing on prescribing conventional pharmaceutical medications.  There are only a few common underlying mechanisms responsible for all diseases.  Our diet is becoming increasinly toxic and our environment is too.  We have significant nutritional imbalances and deficiencies and we are under constant stress.  When patients eat properly, take supplements, and occasionally have detox from heavy metals, their mental health problems disappear and their mood gets better and their depression is lifted.