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functional medicine and nutritional genomics - American Association ...

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AAPI’S NUTRITION GUIDE TO OPTIMAL HEALTH: USING PRINCIPLES OF FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE AND NUTRITIONAL GENOMICS<br />

their blood had a dramatically higher risk of<br />

diabetes. Studies of Air Force veterans of the<br />

Vietnam War found that those who had been<br />

exposed to Agent Orange (dioxin) had a much<br />

higher risk of diabetes. lxxx<br />

Environmental toxins alter normal thermodynamics<br />

making weight regulation simply a matter of<br />

calories in/calories out obsolete. New evidence<br />

shows that weight gain can occur in the absence<br />

of excess calorie intake. Rats given toxic<br />

chemicals gained weight <strong>and</strong> increased their fat<br />

storage without increased caloric intake or<br />

decreased exercise. In six months, these rats were<br />

20 percent heavier <strong>and</strong> had 36 percent more<br />

body fat than rats unexposed to those<br />

chemicals. lxxxi<br />

A large population study published in<br />

Environmental Health found higher levels of<br />

organochlorine pesticides in diabetics. lxxxii<br />

Heavy<br />

metals such as mercury, lead, <strong>and</strong> arsenic also<br />

cause diabesity. Arsenic exposure increases the<br />

risk of diabetes. lxxxiii<br />

Toxins promote obesity through multiple welldocumented<br />

mechanisms. lxxxiv<br />

Toxins are PPARs<br />

(peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors)<br />

antagonists, receptors which regulate insulin<br />

sensitivity, inflammation <strong>and</strong> mitochondrial<br />

energetics. lxxxv Using new techniques of genetic <strong>and</strong><br />

metabolic analysis, scientists have shown how<br />

toxins cause increases in glucose, cholesterol, <strong>and</strong><br />

fatty liver. lxxxvi<br />

This opens a whole new area of potential<br />

treatment for diabetes <strong>and</strong> obesity. A<br />

comprehensive detoxification program for<br />

petrochemical <strong>and</strong> heavy metal toxins can be an<br />

effective addition to the treatment of diabesity.<br />

Mitochondrial <strong>and</strong> Redox Dysfunction<br />

Obesity <strong>and</strong> diabetes is linked to defects in<br />

mitochondrial function lxxxvii<br />

<strong>and</strong> oxidative stress. lxxxviii<br />

Even thin otherwise healthy first-degree relatives<br />

of diabetics have mitochondria that are 50 percent<br />

less active than those of people without a family<br />

history of diabetes. lxxxix<br />

Impaired mitochondrial function <strong>and</strong> oxidative stress<br />

results from calorie-rich, high-sugar, nutrient- <strong>and</strong><br />

antioxidant-poor foods. Toxins, infections, <strong>and</strong> any<br />

49<br />

inflammatory trigger further damage mitochondria<br />

through increasing oxidative stress, which alters<br />

gene expression that drives insulin resistance.<br />

A plant based, low glycemic load, phytonutrient<br />

rich, nutrient dense diet enhances mitochondrial<br />

function <strong>and</strong> reduces oxidative stress. HIT or highintensity<br />

interval training also significantly improves<br />

mitochondrial function <strong>and</strong> leads to enhanced<br />

weight loss <strong>and</strong> improved cellular metabolism. xc<br />

Newer treatments are also being developed to<br />

address mitochondrial dysfunction, including one<br />

based on resveratrol, the antioxidant compound in<br />

red grapes.<br />

Resveratrol affects mitochondrial health through its<br />

impact on a master class of genes called sirtuins<br />

that regulate insulin sensitivity <strong>and</strong> mitochondrial<br />

function <strong>and</strong> helps reverse diabetes <strong>and</strong> increase<br />

longevity. xci<br />

Calorie restriction also helps improve mitochondrial<br />

function. xcii<br />

However, modifying lifestyle, engaging in<br />

interval training <strong>and</strong> exercise, eating a nutrientdense<br />

diet, <strong>and</strong> appropriate use of dietary<br />

supplements can enhance mitochondrial function<br />

<strong>and</strong> reduce oxidative stress. xciii<br />

Psychosocial/Spiritual Imbalances<br />

Stress promotes central obesity, xciv<br />

insulin resistance<br />

<strong>and</strong> diabetes through elevations of cortisol, insulin<br />

<strong>and</strong> cytokines. Mice bred to be obese <strong>and</strong><br />

diabetic had improved metabolic function <strong>and</strong> lost<br />

weight through adrenalectomy, not an optimum<br />

strategy for weight loss. xcv However stress<br />

management including relaxation therapies,<br />

meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, xcvi<br />

group<br />

support, biofeedback, massage, exercise, saunas,<br />

dancing <strong>and</strong> laughing reduce the stress response<br />

<strong>and</strong> help normalize adrenal function <strong>and</strong><br />

neuroendocrine signaling. Depression <strong>and</strong> diabetes<br />

are linked xcvii<br />

<strong>and</strong> may be interactive. A<br />

comprehensive psycho-spiritual approach to obesity<br />

is necessary.<br />

Obesity <strong>and</strong> diabesity is a complex, multi-factorial,<br />

multi-gene disorder embedded within a complex<br />

psycho-social-cultural fabric. Systematic attention,<br />

review <strong>and</strong> treatment of each factor <strong>and</strong><br />

2012

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