LECTINS AND RESISTANT STARCH

I will give it to you straight: the concepts of lectins and resistant starches in our diets are new to me. I ran across them and their effects on our health at Bulletproof Coffee. I think overall, Dave Asprey's dietary recommendations are worthy but the diet itself is impossible to follow for any length of time. The following are my explanations of the two terms and my own recommendations.

1. Lectins

Lectins are proteins that are found in most edible plants and even some animal-based foods. Plants produce them as natural insecticides and fungicides. In fact, they are such powerful "antibiotics" that agricultural scientists have found ways to increase lectin levels in some GMO foods by inserting certain genes. Which is another reason to question genetically engineered foods since lectins are not good for human health.

Lectins bind to certain cells in the body such as the lining of our intestines and joint cartilage, effectively destroying them and/or their ability to communicate with other cells. In joints, they cause inflammation and many people find pain relief on a low-lectin diet. Yes, there is such a thing.

Most grains are high in lectins. Whole grains are the worst offenders. Which is one reason I try to follow the Wheat Belly Diet since I really don't have a problem with gluten. Dr. William Davis doesn't address lectins in his book which is why you will find differences between the Wheat Belly and Bulletproof diets. I have been sorting through these (and Tim Ferriss' 4-Hour Body) and trying to devise my own tasty, nutritious, grain-free, low-lectin eating guidelines. And low-cost too, since I empathize with those on limited budgets.

2. Resistant Starchess
All plants contain starches, whether "simple" like sugars, "complex" as in low glycemic index food, or "resistant." It is difficult to find fruits and veggies that have naturally occurring resistant starches but they can be produced at home and there is even a flour called "Hi-Maize" which you can buy at Amazon.

There are several advantages to consuming resistant starches. As the name implies, they are resistant to breakdown in the upper gastrointestinal tract and essentially arrive in the small intestine intact where they act as probiotics. The good bacteria in our guts use these starches as a source of fuel and metabolic products of this action include beneficial acids such as butyric acid.

They are also good for diabetics and pre-diabetics since they don't elevate blood sugar levels. And they act as a natural fiber, so much so that some scientists consider resistant starches as another type of fiber, besides soluble and insoluble.

Six "miracle drugs" with major side-effects

This is an interesting article on six medications that have major side-effects. Although the side-effects differ, all six have one thing in common: they were all heavily promoted by the pharmaceutical industry. The article headline calls them "miracle drugs" which is partly true. For example, I would die without my beta blocker. It is as simple as that. I have a heart arrhythmia which left uncontrolled by metoprolol would be fatal. Therefore, I have chosen to live with the side-effects in favor of life.

But some of the other medications may not be miraculous. Tylenol for example. The proton pump inhibitors (PPI's) like Nexium have reduced mortality from peptic ulcer disease but they were marketed for gastroesophogeal reflux disease, too. Simple heartburn. I did instruct my patients to take them only as needed, not chronically.

Always learn as much as you can about your medications and discuss any concerns with your physician. Research ways you can achieve the same results with non-medical interventions such as behavior modifications and supplements. Before stopping any medication you are currently taking, discuss it with your doc first.

SOCIETY'S PERSONALITY DISORDERS

I want to talk about politics. Yes, I know, this site is about health and well-being not politics but it is exactly the current political climate that got me thinking how health (in this case mental health) and our society are connected.

What prompts me to consider this connection was the ground-breaking book People of the Lie by M. Scott Peck, M.D. In a nutshell, he attempts to scientifically analyze evil by advocating for making it a psychiatric illness. He links evil with Narcissistic Personality Disorder but fails to make finer distinctions, such as listing the other personality disorders that contain elements of narcissism. The following

Cluster B (dramatic, emotional or erratic disorders)

• Antisocial personality disorder: a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, lack of empathy, bloated self-image, manipulative and impulsive behavior.
• Borderline personality disorder: pervasive pattern of instability in relationships, self-image, identity, behavior and affects often leading to self-harm and impulsivity.
• Histrionic personality disorder: pervasive pattern of attention-seeking behavior and excessive emotions.
• Narcissistic personality disorder: a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.

From Wikipedia