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A Low Calorie Diet is Not a ...
A healthy diet is not one that is low in calories but one that is high in nutrients, minerals and vitamins. The problem with low calorie diets is that they conflate...
Owen Davis | 28 Oct '21
Age 26
Gender Male
Weight 72.6 kg
Height 184 cm
Before coming to us, he had visited many other health practitioners who were perplexed as to why his symptoms were not improving through
medication, supplements, herbal supplementation, aromatherapy and other protocols. By the time he came to our clinic, he had invested a
significant amount of money and effort without achieving any real, measurable results. As you can imagine, he had practically lost faith in
orthodox medicine and even natural therapies by this point.
So why was nothing working? The reality was that everyone he saw - be they orthodox or holistic practitioners - treated him under the ‘disease
model’,
and therefore failed to identify the links between his conditions and symptoms. Through ‘health
model thinking',
we were able to strategically analyse the client's blood pathology, health and lifestyle history. Our conclusion was that he was suffering
from five of the six
subclinical defects
that underpin all disease; acid stress, anaerobic metabolism, oxidative stress, connective tissue breakdown and chronic inflammation.
Acid stress is contextualised as an imbalanced pH - where the body is more acidic than it is alkaline. Acidity is the byproduct of a cell
not receiving enough oxygen for energy production. Acid stress sets the stage for infection and underlies 80% of all disease. Acid stress is
also the catalyst for anaerobic metabolism and subsequently, oxidative stress.
The client also presented with a low mean cell volume (MCV). A low MCV indicates poor vehicle sizing (Red Blood Cell) that will affect how
many seats are available for the transportation of oxygen which is necessary for cellular energy. In the instance of low MCV, the body
overcompensates with an increase of Red Blood Cells (vehicles). This process provides the body with borrowed time for a quick burst of
energy. Unfortunately, it is a futile endeavour, and as the body cannot keep up with demand, Red Blood Cell integrity and function becomes
compromised. This process ultimately leads to chronic fatigue. This explains why the client’s energy would go up and down throughout
the day and as soon as he exercised or exerted himself he would then need to rest for the next 3 days.
So in summary, due to inadequate oxygen transfer needed for the combustion of fat, for mitochondrial fuel, the client struggled to produce energy and the build up of acid stress had a domino effect - creating another of the six subclinical defects; anaerobic metabolism.
In health, the body derives energy from a mix of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism but favours high energy aerobic metabolism over low energy
anaerobic metabolism. As the energy pendulum swings towards the anaerobic state (which generally coincides with acidity), fatigue, disease
and infection begin to set in. A near total switch to anaerobic metabolism accompanied by severe acid stress results in cell death and
disease. Acid stress and anaerobic metabolism bring about the ideal environment for infection, chronic inflammation and fatigue.
It is worth noting that the client was not consuming enough haeme iron in his diet, which resulted in a low iron state and further
contributed to anaerobic metabolism. This is commonly seen in those who follow vegan and vegetarian diets. Anaerobic metabolism coupled with
acid stress sets the stage for a third of the six subclinical defects; oxidative stress.
Poor oxygen transfer as a result of acid stress and anaerobic metabolism tends to lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs where
free radicals outnumber antioxidants. Free radicals come from heavy metals, pollution, poor iron status and microbial infection. An excess
amount of free radicals relative to antioxidant capacity leads to uncontrolled oxidation that destroys cell components and destabilises
healthy cell function, laying the groundwork for disease, infection, and disability from ageing, and toxicity.
Typically, antioxidants are used to control oxidative stress. It is worth noting though, that antioxidants cannot be utilised efficiently unless iron stores are corrected. This crucial point is either misunderstood or neglected by most health professionals, which prohibits them from getting clients well.
Connective tissue breakdown occurs when the body is unable to make repairs or build new tissue, and often manifests itself in
musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis. Failure to use proteins or a deficiency of proteins is often fundamental to
this problem, which is characteristic of ageing and all chronic diseases. Connective tissue breakdown is symbolic of this client suffering
from joint clicking, aching muscles and sore joints.
The client’s blood chemistry showed elevated creatine kinase - which is an enzyme that is released when connective tissue becomes
damaged and breaks down. As the client also had inadequate total protein and white blood cell count, his blood chemistry indicated he was
high on the inflammation index. When total body inflammation exceeds the body's ability to obtain protein to build connective tissue,
connective tissue breakdown is inevitable.
It is also worth noting the client’s mercury
exposure - interpreted by looking at the elevated toxic footprint called ‘Urine Porphyrins’ - had the ability to disrupt/active matrix
metalloproteinases (MMPs), which can also cause connective tissue breakdown.
How to Build Connective Tissue
Inflammation, when acute, is a healthy event; helping the body to repair itself, fight infections, deal with cancer and handle toxic
exposures. Chronic or prolonged inflammation begins to fail its intended purposes, thereby raising the risk of infection, toxicity, and all
disease conditions, especially heart disease, arthritis and cancer.
Inadequate protein intake and improper protein absorption lead to connective tissue breakdown, which is symbolic of improper healing. When
the body is unable to heal and make repairs, it leads to a state of chronic inflammation (often contextualised in the body as pain).
As a result of fatigue, the clients sleeping patterns were disrupted, which affected his cortisol cycles. When combined with stress and anxiety, cortisol can hinder healing and contribute to connective tissue breakdown - ultimately leading to chronic inflammation.
As always, our strategy was to balance the client's body chemistry by bringing key biomarkers into optimum ranges. Where the client's
biomarkers are within these ranges, it is likely the subclinical defects they are suffering will subside, and their health will dramatically
improve as a result. This approach is very different to the one taken by other health practitioners. The primary difference is that it
doesn’t focus on the symptoms (as other practitioners had done previously with this client), but rather focuses on the underlying
causes of poor health. Our approach is to correct the cause of poor health, not simply treat the symptoms.,
While it may sound simple in theory, moving biomarkers to balance blood chemistry can be incredibly difficult, as you cannot look at markers
in isolation - but must analyse each marker with respect to other markers. What can cause one marker to correct can also cause another
marker to move in the wrong direction. Thus, it is a balancing act.
In order to move key biomarkers, our general objectives were to:
To achieve these objectives, we tailored a program to suit the client's individual health challenges. It encompassed three key areas:
The client's diet plan was designed to raise his iron and protein status whilst controlling carbohydrates to lower glucose levels. An uptake
in dietary haem iron, twice per day, was intended to raise iron and protein - thus strengthening red blood cells, reducing chronic
inflammation and aiding in the building of connective tissue. The client was advised to avoid gluten, sugar, coffee, alcohol, fruits and
seafood initially until chemistries were balanced.
The client's diet was high in fat and low in carbohydrates - especially those derived from wheat, grains, nuts and fruits. This is because
fat is critical in escorting toxins through the bowel, whereas carbohydrates are ultimately converted to glucose (sugar) and do little
towards balancing chemistry.
We used body chemistry and anthropometrics to calculate the exact macronutrient needs for this client; his optimal calorie intake, his
protein efficiency rate and his utilisable protein amount. These calculations were used to create a diet that met the exact needs of the
client. A typical daily diet is outlined below.
Keep in mind, every individual is biochemically unique - we all have different body measurements, goals, motivations, digestive function
and toxic loads. The food plan, meal timing, quantity and types of food will vary based on body chemistry requirements for a completely
tailored approach.
The prescribed supplements were based on the client's unique needs and were designed to bring key biomarkers into balance and to provide increased energy to combat chronic fatigue. We prescribed the client the following supplements.
Our Bio Vitamin C is especially important in this case as it is designed to provide energy and bolster the immune system. When taken in the
form of our energy drink - which is made with water, lemon juice, lime juice and apple cider vinegar - it supports a host of bodily
functions, provides antiviral support and helps to decrease acidity (balancing the body's pH and relieving acid stress).
Vitamin C also supports the production of collagen, as does lysine (also found in our Bio Vitamin C powder), which helps to build connective
tissue and alleviate the connective tissue breakdown the client was experiencing. Vitamin C, lysine, proline and glycine are also powerful
antioxidants and aid the body in ridding itself of harmful free radicals. This helps to reduce chronic inflammation and also aids in
detoxification.
The client presented with poor gut health, and part of his nutritional plan was to consume more protein. Because of this, we prescribed him
Bio-Zyme. Bio-Zyme is a digestive support formula made from plant-based enzymes, bromelain, papain, gentian, ginger, cinnamon and globe
artichoke. It aids the body in producing protease enzymes which help in breaking down protein into amino acids. This stimulates digestion
and improves bowel function, but most importantly, it reduces inflammation and acid stress and allows the body to better use proteins which
help to build connective tissue.
Containing chromium, manganese, magnesium, potassium and zinc, Formula 1 is a multi-mineral supplement that aids cellular processing and
signalling which supports the immune system. Detoxification can only occur where the body has a 'pathway' through which it can escort
toxins, and Formula 1 also helps to activate these detox pathways. Controlling blood glucose (sugar) was also important in this instance,
and the chromium found in Formula 1 helps to regulate blood glucose levels in the body.
Cellular fatigue is a major catalyst for acid stress, and as Formula 1 aids in cell signalling and processing, it also helps to alleviate
acid stress.
Made from B vitamins, iodine, zinc, manganese, copper and selenium, Formula 2 is a multi-mineral supplement that supports the integrity of
cells and aids detoxification. Manganese supports the growth and maintenance of connective tissue and cartilage, as well as protecting the
body from the damaging effects of free radicals. Copper is necessary for the production of red blood cells, connective tissue formation and
also supports the immune system. Vitamin B1 is needed for the production of energy, which is especially important in this case.
The mitochondria is essentially the 'engine' of the cell - the part that produces its energy. Without adequate energy, cellular function is compromised, which hinders the detoxification process. One of the best ways to fuel the mitochondria is with iron. Containing copper, folic acid, vitamin b12, vitamin B5 and iron, Formula 3 has been specifically designed to strengthen the blood and provide the correct platform for detoxification. By supporting the formation of haemoglobin, Formula 3 aids in transporting oxygen throughout the body - thus reducing acid stress.
Vitamin B6 assists with hormone modulation and the synthesis of several neurotransmitters including serotonin, GABA and dopamine, all of which elevate mood. It also helps with fluid retention - thus alleviating nocturia and the frequent need to urinate during the night, which was disrupting the clients sleep patterns.
When the client first came to us, he was always tired. He struggled to get out of bed in the morning and was constantly exhausted in the
evening. If he did not get between 9 and 10 hours of sleep per night, he was even more fatigued than usual. To make matters worse, he was
suffering from nocturia - having to urinate frequently throughout the night, which was disturbing his sleep. Similarly, he reported that
doing any exercise fatigued him, and his body would suffer for a week after.
The client reported he was going to bed at about 11:30 pm and waking at 9 am. We suggested he go to bed at 10 pm and would wake between 6:30
am and 7 am. The body secretes different hormones at different times of the day. From about 6pm onwards, the body naturally releases high
amounts of growth hormone which aids the body in healing and repair while you sleep. The majority of growth hormone is released during sleep
according to circadian rhythms. Thus, it is best to adhere to the body’s natural circadian rhythms and get to bed earlier rather than
later. Improving the client’s sleep pattern encouraged healing, assisted connective tissue building and assisted in energy production.
Additionally, we suggested that he adhere to regular meal timings. Previously, the client was eating at sporadic intervals - often skipping
breakfast - which was leaving his body deprived of nutrients and energy. In this sense, the body is like a car - if you don’t put fuel
in the car, it won’t work. By maintaining regular meal timings, the client’s body was never depleted of nutrients or fuel. As a
result, he had more energy, better bowel movements and was better able to build connective tissue.
Finally, we suggested that the client - after some time - undertake more physical exercise with the aim of improving his body composition.
At 184cm and 72.6kg, he had low muscle mass. As mentioned earlier, the mitochondria is essentially the 'engine' of the cell - the part that
produces its energy. Without adequate energy, cellular function is compromised, which leads to a host of health problems. Building muscle is
important as there are more mitochondria found in the muscle than in other tissue. By building the client’s muscle mass, he was able
to create more energy. This helped in alleviating chronic fatigue.
The success of our health programs is largely contingent upon client compliance. If the client follows our nutritional, supplement and
lifestyle plans, they are typically able to balance their chemistries and bring their biomarkers within optimal ranges. This was true of
this client, and he was able to achieve the following results through measuring and in return provide long term motivation:
The balancing of body chemistry was reflected in symptoms subsiding and improved wellbeing. The client reported the following upon
completion of his program:
The diets and habits developed throughout Nutrition
Diagnostics programs
are designed not only to be adhered to throughout the program but to serve as a lifelong guide for living - making health sustainable and
enjoyable.
DISCLAIMER
This
case study is for educational purposes only of studying patterns between health and disease. These case studies are real clients presenting
with real challenges. Results are dependent on the client following advice. This case study does not provide medical treatment and is not
designed to treat or diagnose any specific illness and should not be used for this purpose. It also does not interfere with or replace
standard medical treatment and it is assumed that a full medical evaluation has been undertaken.
Owen Davis is the eldest son of Dr Eric Davis and Sue Davis, and is the co-manager at Nutrition Diagnostics. Owen studied food science and nutrition in 2003 at the University of Queensland, and later graduated with a bachelor of Health Science and Nutrition from Endeavour College. Owen has travelled to the USA on numerous occasions to attend courses and seminars run by Dr Hal Huggins and conferences run by Sam Queen.
Owen has been health coaching and consulting for over a decade now, and throughout this time, has worked with hundreds of patients to balance their body chemistry and restore their health.
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