The Proactive Doctor

Optimism Is The Medicine We All Need Right Now After almost a year of chaos, with a lot of uncertainty still to come, it can be hard to look ahead and feel anyt...hing but worry (or even straight-up pessimism). A divisive election, a pandemic, social unrest, and an endless news cycle can do that to a person. So if you’re in an uncharacteristic funk, you’re certainly not alone. To understand what’s at play, consider this: Human brainscomposed of left and right hemispheresare a little like the yin and yang symbol, which embodies the idea that opposite forces may actually be complementary, at least when they’re in balance. But in highly difficult times like these, one side can predominate and cause problems. The left brain is more of the black and white, yes and no, analytical side that tends to be activated under stress. It leads to instinctual, hypervigilant, reactive thinking that will get you out of danger, but it’s not the part of the brain that allows you to find the hope or deeper strength to see the bigger picture. Our current society sometimes pushes us into that one-sidedness. As if that weren’t enough, this pessimism, worry, and dread that you may be experiencing right now aren’t just making you feel bummed and disconnectedits toxic effects can legitimately mess with your physical health (ramping up inflammation, for example) and exacerbate the sense that you’re just not in control. So what’s the fix? Research suggests that optimism can act as somewhat of a healing, protective balm for physical and mental health during troubling times. The tricky part: Learning how to tap into a positive mindset when everything in life is pulling you in the other direction. Here, we’ll first dive into the many science-backed benefits of a hopeful, optimistic outlook, then outline a few strategic ways to help you flip your perspective and reap the mind-body rewards. The very real physical and mental health benefits of optimism. Research on the health benefits of optimism, hope, and a positive mindset is fairly robust. Perhaps the most startling example: A UCLA study in which researchers studied the effects of resilience on child soldiers of Nepal, who were recruited to fight in a civil war often against their will. They ran tests on these children before and after the war and found that the ones who could see further down the path, the ones who had this sense of ‘I’m stronger than this’ or ‘this too shall pass,’ actually turned on genes for longevity, anti-inflammation, and the immune system, which allowed the body to fight off disease and have better energy. It’s almost like the body was listening to the thoughts and saying, ‘I hear ya, I’ll help you get through this. Here are several more ways of tapping into a positive mindset and healthier thought patterns can improve your health and wellbeing: Improved heart health A 2019 meta-analysis of 15 studies published in JAMA Cardiology found that a person’s likelihood of thinking positively or optimistically about the future was associated with up to a 35 percent decreased risk of heart disease, and a decreased risk of death. Increased longevity Findings of a 2019 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggest that optimism was related to an 11-15 percent longer lifespan, on average. It was also associated with greater odds of attaining exceptional longevity, or living to 85 years or older. Interestingly, the optimism-lifespan link was strong even when researchers accounted for factors like socioeconomic status and health behaviors like alcohol use. Enhanced immune health A 2018 research review in The American Psychologist notes several studies in which optimism has been linked to enhanced immunity, including a type of adaptive immunity called cellular-mediated immunity. More studies are needed in this area, but early results are promising. Reduced inflammation In the same 2018 review, researchers noted links between pessimism and elevated inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, both of which play a role in painful inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Researchers believe decreased inflammation may be one-way optimism positively influences immune health. Better decision making regarding one’s health Interestingly, research has found that optimists tend to have greater knowledge about their own health, and as a result, they make better decisions about their health such as getting more exercise and sleep, drinking less alcohol, and consuming more fruits and vegetables. This, in turn, can lead to an ongoing positive cycle of healthy behaviors, driving healthy outcomes. 4 ways to feel more empowered and optimistic during hard times. The good news is that optimism is not fixed. Meaning, even if you’ve been in a pessimistic rut for a while now, you can enhance itbut it might take some practice. 1. First step: You have to break the stress spiral. Remember what we said about the left brain? It tends to be dominant in times of stress. One reason is that stressful experiences and news can drive our sympathetic (fight-or-flight) nervous system response, which shifts us into a left-brain dominant reactive mode. Your right brain, on the other hand, open, relational, intuitive mind that allows you to see the bigger picture in lifeis more active when your parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous system is dominant. So, taking steps to curb the effects of stress on your body can be a great first step in shifting into a more optimistic mindset. Breaking this stress cycle can be achieved with regular practices like meditationand their effects are significant. Consider this: When we’re stressed out, whether it’s from watching too much news or not being able to pay bills, your brain waves literally collapse to about 8 to 10 Hertz, which, if that was wifi bandwidth in a coffee shop, you wouldn’t even be able to check your email Meditation and mindfulness, on the other hand, can create these restful states that basically illuminate and expand thought processes where you’re looking at 40-60 Hertz. So if we’re tapped into that parasympathetic, right-sided brain, you’re actually able to rise above because of the longer bandwidth and see connections and strategies and more solutions to your problems. Deep breathing, yoga, or even taking a 10-minute walk (oh, and not scrolling the news on your phone every 10 minutes!) can all be great ways to hit the reset button on your nervous systempriming you for a more balanced, positive outlook. 2. Seek out experiences (and relationships) where time seems to standstill. This may sound woo-woo, but it’s not. The right brain tends to kick into high gear when you’re involved in something bigger than yourself or connected with other people. Someplace or experience where time stands still, where you almost forget your worries, and where you can be your true self. Anytime we’re tapped into something more than the little nugget between our ears, it’s easier to actually feel optimism. In Chinese Medicine, they believe that when you’re experiencing feelings of awe, inspiration, wonder, or being part of something bigger than yourself, you’re connected to your spirit or higher self. And for everyone, the trigger for those feelings may be different. It could be connecting with nature, being charitable with your time or money, or spending time (physically or virtually) with people who get you and make you feel supported. There’s really no ‘one’ answer, and it often requires some exploration. It’s often a practice of seeking out what is not in front of you. 3. Prioritize your health and wellbeing (schedule some appointments!). Knowing what’s going on with your health can be a surprisingly effective strategy for feeling more in control and optimistic about the future, and that might just have a ripple effect on your overall mindset. As mentioned above, optimistic people tend to know more about what’s going on with their health and take steps to improve it. But studies aren’t clear as to whether this health knowledge is what drives optimism or vice versathere’s a good chance it’s a bit of both. Research also shows that optimists tend to tackle problems directly and use fewer disengagement coping methodsi.e. sweeping problems (like troubling health symptoms) under the rug because they’re uncomfortable. So, if you’re dealing with an issue that’s scary or uncomfortable or has been feeling out of sorts for a while, don’t avoid scheduling those tests. Consider slotting 30 minutes this week to schedule all the visits you’ve been putting off. Often, you’ll feel better and more in control of your life immediately after making an appointment. Your specific doctor can play a huge role in your positive (or negative) mindset, too. Often, health practitioners have limited time and are hard-pressed to offer much guidance beyond which medication to take. But holistic and functional medicine practitioners, like those at New Life Integrative Health Centre, can provide more actionable advice on lifestyle and dietary practices that will support your overall wellbeing and the specific condition you’re dealing with. Plus, a lot of us doctors have actually used functional integrative medicine to turn our own life around, says Dr. Dupuis. So by just sharing what we know from an authentic place of having experienced it, it becomes much more powerful and visceral. 4. Reframe those doomsday thoughts. Finally, it’s important to understand that thoughts feed like thoughts. So a practical, in-the-moment strategy for dealing with a pessimistic, fear-based mindset is changing the language with which you talk to yourself, and moving your attention from everything that’s wrong to at least a few things that are going right. We have to remind ourselves that our thoughts are like friends, and we’re going to attract more of the same, So if we can discipline our thoughts to feed us and take care of us, rather than take from us, that’s going to support more optimistic viewpoints. Part of this means knowing how valuable your attention is and mindfully shifting it from more negative thoughts and worries that aren’t serving you, or that you cannot realistically control, and towards things you can. It’s kind of like being a gardener, you have to take out the weeds and keep the flowers. See more

Zinc Deficiency, Immune Function and Other Aspects of Zinc in Human Health The importance of the mineral zinc in human health, including its role in optimizing ...immune function, is very much underappreciated by the average person, as well as by many health care professionals. Some people take zinc lozenges if they feel a sore throat coming on or experience the initial signs of cold symptoms. Some evidence suggests this may have some benefit but ensuring adequate zinc intake on a daily basis for the prevention of health problems, including respiratory infections, is the strategy that we should pay more attention to, according to nutrition and immunity studies. Without getting into too many details it is well established that optimal zinc intake is required for optimal function of our immune system, as it works to protect us against respiratory tract and other infections. So, it’s interesting to note that North American population studies show that at least 55% of adults do not ingest the amount of zinc per day that is recommended by government agencies. In many underdeveloped countries where daily nutrition is poor or the high intake of phytic acid fiber in cereal grains leads to more severe zinc deficiency, zinc deficiency is a leading cause of death. According to the WHO, zinc deficiency is currently the fifth leading cause of mortality and morbidity in developing countries, affecting one-third of the world’s population. Worldwide, zinc deficiency accounts for approximately 16% of lower respiratory tract infections, 18% of malaria, and 10% of diarrheal diseases. While severe zinc deficiency is rare in developed countries mild to moderate deficiency is more common. Unlike the mineral iron, the body has no way of storing zinc to any appreciable degree, and thus, optimal daily intake is the required to maintain optimal tissue and circulating levels of zinc. In North America and in many developed countries 30% of elderly individuals are shown to have mild to moderate zinc deficiency. Other groups where marginal zinc deficiency is more common include Black Americans and Mexican Americans, premenopausal women of childbearing age, including females 12-19 years of age, who are very prone to zinc deficiency. It is recommended that adult males and non-pregnant adult females consume 15 mg of zinc per day. Studies show that adult males and females in North America average about 11 mg of zinc intake per day from food. Elderly individuals (over 71 yrs. of age) average about 8 mg. This chronic suboptimal intake can lead to signs and symptoms of mild to moderate zinc deficiency, which is not uncommon in our society. Signs and symptoms of marginal zinc deficiency include any combination of the following: Decreased immune function or compromised immune function (decreased natural killer cell lytic activity), decreased interleukin-2 activity of T-helper cells, decreased serum thymulin activity -required for maturation of T-lymphocytes) Decreased taste acuity Decreased dark adaptation Decreased lean mass Decreased wound healing Think about what happens as people age, they complain of not being able to taste their food to the same degree as when they were younger (and may also lose their appetite as a result), they lose their lean mass and strength, they are more prone to infections (and the infections can become more severe) and wounds to their skin and bruises heal much more slowly and sometimes not at all. These signs and symptoms, which are often attributed to the normal aging process, are often indicators of an underlying zinc deficiency that can be corrected through proper nutrition and/or supplementation. By the way treating those skin wounds that often heal slowly, or not at all, with a topical zinc ointment has been shown to solve the problem in many cases. But the real problem was an internal zinc deficiency in the first place. However, I must caution you that taking high doses of zinc supplements can be dangerous leading to impaired immunity, copper deficiency, anemia and other serious problems, so the idea here is not to run out and purchase high dose zinc supplements, unless instructed to by your medical doctor. What seems to be a reasonable solution to ensure adequate zinc intake each day, along with other nutrients that are often lacking in the diet from day to day, is to consider taking a simple multiple vitamin and mineral supplement each day. I say this because the 2017 NHANES report showed that 31% of the U.S. population is at risk for at least one vitamin deficiency or anemia, most commonly vitamin A, B6, folic acid and vitamin B12. These studies also showed the high prevalence of sub-optimal intake for the minerals, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, and in older individuals, sub-optimal intake of zinc and selenium were very prevalent and highly noteworthy. So, adequate zinc nutritional status is something to pay attention to each day to help keep your immune system firing on all cylinders. Consuming a well-balanced diet is the starting place. Beyond that, you may want to consider the merits of using a multiple vitamin and mineral each day (or 5 times a week) as a safeguard measure to ensure adequate zinc intake, along with other vitamins and minerals of importance. As a final note, you should have your zinc blood levels tested on a regular basis. We do this on a regular basis at New Life Integrative Health Centre. Stay tuned for more on ZINC. I’ve included the references for this information in the text below. References: Gammoh NZ et al. Zinc in infection and inflammation. Nutrients 2017 (June). 9(6):624 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5490603/ Prasad A. Zinc is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent: it’s role in human health. Frontiers of Nutrition (Review Article) 2014. https://www.frontiersin.org/ar/10.3389/fnut.2014.00014/full Briefel RR et al. Zinc intake of the U.S. population: Findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994. The Journal of Nutrition 2000. 130(5):1367s-1373s https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/130/5/1367S/4686375 Bird JK et al. Risk of deficiency in multiple concurrent micronutrients in children and adults in the United States. Nutrients 2017 (June). 9(7):655 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537775/ Micronutrient Inadequacies in the U.S. population: an overview. Oregon State University https://lpi.oregonstate.edu//micronutrient-inadeq/overview See more

If people don't get well this is often why.

Lower Your Cholesterol You May or may not have heard me talk about a natural substance with a funny name gum guggul that lowers cholesterol without statins' side effects. Don't be shocked if you haven't heard of it. Your doctor probably hasn't, either. But don’t you hate it when you’re told only half a story?... Like the one about the study of young men in the armed forces with mild or moderately high cholesterol who began taking statins and lowered their risk of a heart attack by 30%. That *sounds* pretty impressive, right? So drug companies began telling doctors that the earlier they started managing cholesterol with statins, the better their patients’ outcomes would be. Statin prescriptions skyrocketed Here’s the untold other half of that story. That study failed to test a "control group" of young men who were put on a better diet and lifestyle program to see if their cholesterol also decreased. Other studies have proved this, but those results are suppressed by the drug companies. I’m sharing it with you because... a) I've followed this research for many years, and b) You deserve to know 100% of the story before you make a life-changing decision about your health. You'll find supplements and lifestyle modifications at our office. If you would like more information or review articles on my cholesterol-lowering treatment plan contact New Life Integrative Health Centre. To a Long, Functional Life, Dr. Michel Dupuis

Lmao ... Leave it to Cheers to do something almost 30 years ago that is funny and spot on in today’s world !!!! LMAO