May 20-22, 2011 IfHI Conference by
Martha Mosko D'Adamo, IfHI Executive Director
Greetings!
The IfHI 2011 Conference was a great success. We are working diligently on forming an operating structure for IfHI, and I will be reaching out to you later this fall with an update and more information. For now, I hope you will enjoy this newsletter which includes some of the conference highlights as well as other great information.
Peter's audio clip on Hormesis & Epigenetics raises the interesting concept
that much of the work done on environmental toxins is simplistic and possibly
dangerous. Andrea Cayea, RN, MFHI, gives her personal highlights of the weekend.
We have included a synopsis of both Ginger Nash's fascinating lecture on Life
Enrichment Strategies as well as Dina Khader's interesting lecture on Patient
Counseling and Patient Outcomes. The winner of the Brett Saks Scholarship, Maria
Zangara, recieved her scholarship at the conference, and you will have an opportunity
to read her paper in this newsletter. There is an abundance of resources for
you to pour over and lots of beautiful photographs of the event.
I would like
to extend a special thank you to all of you who attended the conference and send
warm wishes to all of our readers from all of us at IfHI.
Martha Mosko D'Adamo
Executive Director
IfHI
Conference Audio Clip
Dr. D'Adamo's 2011 IfHI lectures were packed full of scientific information
that is both interesting and useful in practice. Here is a short
excerpt from one of his lectures, Hormesis & Epigenetics. The
full audio from the conference will be available for purchase soon.
(9:53)
IfHI Conference Highlights by Andrea Cayea, RN, MIfHI
Eager for the start of this year's IfHI conference I entered a Dolce Center conference room equipped with tea and snacks. This sustenance was essential not just for my comfort but to enable me to concentrate on what I knew was to come—a wealth of information.
Dr. D'Adamo was at the podium beginning his first lecture, "The Two Fold
Aspect of Everything." In this lecture he explained the biological phenomenon
known as hormesis, whereby a beneficial effect (improved health, growth,
longevity...etc.)
results from exposure to low doses of an agent that is otherwise toxic or
lethal when given at higher doses; hence the two fold aspect.
Hormesis can be looked at as a biphasic dose response, the two phases of a drug's action are dose dependent. One widely recognized example is the doses of atropine. Atropine is a drug commonly used in hospitals, when given at a high doses blocks the parasympathetic nerves causing mucous membranes to dry up, while exceedingly small doses of atropine cause increased secretions of mucous membranes. Thus, there are two responses from the same drug at two different doses. Other examples of hormesis are:
High doses of sunlight induce cancer, while low doses are best to generate natural vitamin D in the body.
Anti-tumor drugs can be effective at destroying tumor cells at high dosages, but low dosages can cause tumor cell proliferation.
Though conventional medicine has been effective at killing cancer cells with high dosages of chemotherapy it has failed in the area of post biphasic response. This is where complementary medicine can be beneficial in keeping the low dosages of tapering chemotherapy from inducing cancer cell growth. Unfortunately, while the medical world continues to study the phenomena of hormesis, an accurate method for determining the dose response for an individual has yet to be developed.
Dr. D'Adamo went on to explain the two fold aspects of stress.
We typically think of stress as a negative factor, but if we break down stress
into two types, eustress and distress, we find that eustress is a healthy
form of stress. Eustress can help provide positive gains in the human condition.
Eustress can be in the form of exercise, calorie restriction, radiation and
micronutrients. The eustress needs to be sporadic and intermittent and just
enough to "perturb" the body. This is seen in the use of infared saunas or hot
tubs, which heat the body's cells. The cells are stressed or heat shocked (thermal
hormesis), and then the body repairs the stressed cells. Often some cells
are aberrant and need the eustress to encourage them to repair themselves.
The instability from the heat leads to increased stability and health. The old
adage "too much
of a good thing" can apply here, or in other words, do not put gasoline on a
twig. This can be seen in blood type A's who over exercise and end up with excessive
cortisol levels, or in people who practice extreme caloric restriction experiencing
high rates of cancer. Too much of something may not be such a good thing.
Balance is the key.
In addition Dr. D'Adamo discussed epigenetics. He explained that 30% of
our genes are considered 'household' genes that are fixed, but 70% are 'luxury'
genes that have volume controls we can turn up and down. As evidenced here,
Genetic Determinism is dead and your genes are not your destiny. This fallacy
was put to rest with the completion of the human genome project. The project
failed to identify any 'smoking guns' for diabetes, heart disease and a
host of other diseases. Disease is multifactorial (effecting multiple genes).
These effects can be conveyed inter-generationally, so some families have
their luxury genes twisted toward one disease or another. The wonderful news
is that this can be altered and is not pre-determined; you can restyle the
genes.
One interesting point was how a single dose of sprouted cruciferous
vegetables (live cell) can protect a person against the chemical inducers
of colon cancer; the sprouts restyle the genes. Green tea is another food
that re-methylates genes. It contains very unique properties. This remethyaltion
process is why green tea is so anti-carcinogenic. Dr. D'Adamo has always
used food like medicine to reinvigorate the body, but with this new information,
this idea becomes more profound effecting generations where cancer or diabetes
can be literally bred out of a family.
I consider Dr. D'Adamo a mentor so whomever he is interested in, I am also. Mitch Stargrove's lecture conveyed a wonderful framework of the practitioner-patient relationship.
While in nursing school much of the focus was on understanding and treating
the individual. However, once my career started I found that the parameters
of conventional medicine don't allow for this. The medical treatment that
I have been exposed to treats diagnostic categories; the treatment is static.
The patient goes on a pharmaceutical drug and stays on it with no end in
sight. Patients are treated by doctors and not seen as partners in care.
Dr. Stargrove expressed the concept of individualized care as a vital process,
a give and take between the patient and the practitioner.
Natural medicine relies upon an implicit trust that nature knows more than
doctors ever will, and that the human body as a living system exhibits systemic
coherence, self-regulatory functions and a self-healing capacity. Individualized
care inherently approaches each patient as a dynamic living system with an
interior dimension, contextual relationships and a somatic experience. Working
with the vitality of the patient provides the best outcomes for care. This
is where the phrase, "Patient heal thyself," is
affirmed. The vital process is what heals the patient. As practitioners we
are merely facilitators of healing, the patient is the one that is responsible
for healing themselves. Our responsibility is to better know our clients
belief system and meet them at that place to support them.
Dr. Stargrove described his office as having three rooms—one for each of his patients belief systems. All his first time patients are seen in his diploma room, a place immersed in traditional décor complete with doctor's awards, certificates and diplomas. Once he understands their belief system he may move them to one of his two other rooms, the California/New Age/Hippy/Psychologists room or the Shamanic Deity room. People's belief systems affect their health and his goal is to bring the patient to a place where they see that they are responsible for their own health.
As practitioners we cannot follow people around, controlling what they put in their mouths, or monitor how they manage their lives. We can however encourage them to take responsibility for themselves and rely on their belief system for support. Our job is to inspire them to have a more refined perception of who they are and how to heal. These are clinical tactics that will help define your individual practice.
Once we understand that the patient has the ultimate responsibility to heal themselves, it makes caring for them much easier. We are also able to see that every patient that does not heal is some how our responsibility.
IfHI continues to challenge me months later as I look through my binder of notes. I look forward to purchasing the conference tapes so I can listen again. It is difficult for me to keep up with the information overload that arrives via email everyday. It is good to know that Dr. D'Adamo maintains a watchful eye for the most current information and presents it in such a concise and dynamic manner.
Life Enrichment Strategies: Synopsis of IfHI lecture by Ginger Nash, ND, MIfHI
This lecture addresses what it means to have a full life and how best to achieve a lifestyle that will support true health. The ideas of expression, engagement and finding meaning in one's life are central to this pursuit.
Stress is a central feature of our modern lives and is also central to managing health and disease. Each of us responds to stress differently depending on our biochemical individuality. There are characteristics of each blood group that help determine the way we each respond to stress and the kinds of interventions that will best address an overly-stressed system. For example, supporting normal cortisol levels is more important in Type As and Bs, whereas the catecholamine stress hormones are more important to address in Type Os.
The mind-body connection is also essential to consider when it comes to true health. One must consider temperamental differences, issues of motivation and compliance and ways to address an internal sense of well-being. In other words, how will any given individual get well and stay well.
For many people meditation, acupuncture and craniosacral therapy are all excellent ways to relieve pain, release stress and calm the mind. These therapies are often used in conjunction with the diet and nutritional support we recommend for patients at the Center for Personalized Medicine.
The benefits of dry skin brushing and infrared sauna were also discussed to treat
overall immune function, circulation and treatment for certain conditions like
diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and tick-borne illness as well as many
cancers.
Last but certainly not least is the importance of exercise in terms of health and balance of stress hormones. Again, biochemical individuality is important to assess when recommending different exercise programs and the kinds of things that are best for each genotype.
Success
Strategies in Patient Counseling and Patient Outcomes: Synopsis of IfHI lecture
by Dina Khader, MS, RD, CDN, MIfHI
For us to truly help our patients improve the quality of their lives, several strategies should be implemented. As practitioners, we need to practice what we preach. Are we following the Genotype Diet? When recommending a detox program have we followed one ourselves? We cannot recommend a detox program if we haven't experienced it for ourselves.
You must know your patient. So often we counsel patients and really do not take the time to find out who referred them, or we do not have the patient's comfort level in mind. What is your patient's level of commitment? Some patients are willing to go all the way while others are not willing to give up their coffee!
When possible get a diagnosis for your patient. This encourages better food compliance and allows a more targeted approach in meal planning. Always focus on the patient's stated needs not what you want for the patient. Once you accomplish their goals you can move on to target other issues. Always make incremental changes to their food plan. It can be overwhelming to make drastic diet modifications all at once.
Check-in with your new patients for 5 minutes within a week of their initial consult. Patients love this level of personal concern and it's a great motivator. When checking in ask your patients questions. For example: So what bread did you buy? Are you buying organic produce? etc. Patients expect us to be good listeners and listen to what is happening in their lives. Build comfort by being receptive to family issues, job loss, work related stress, etc. They can not only affect the patient's immediate mood, but also compliance and long-term success.
We need to keep our patients motivated by staying in touch with alerts, newsletters, articles of interest, etc. Share healthy, appetizing recipes and offer to modify their favorite recipes. Success takes time. Be clear with your patients that major lifestyle changes take time and require a lasting commitment! Enjoy being a practitioner. Your passion is reflected in your enthusiasm to help your patients. Changing the world happens one life at a time!
Brett Saks
Scholarship Announcement and Publication of Winning Paper
Dr. Brett Saks
Maria Zangara, a third year doctoral candidate at the
University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, was awarded
the first Brett Sacks Scholarship from the Institute for Human Individuality
(IfHI).
Zangara, who will graduate from UBCNM in 2012 with a doctorate degree
in Naturopathic Medicine and a complimentary degree in Acupuncture, was
provided with an all-expense-paid seat at the Institute for Human Individuality's
5th bi-annual conference and certification held at the Dolce Center in
Norwalk on May 20-22nd.
Students from accredited medical colleges were eligible to apply and
required to submit a 2,000 word article detailing polymorphic influence
on digestive function. Zangara's essay, The Digestion and Absorption
of Fats, was selected from several applicants based on the depth of her
research and clear understanding of the subject matter.
Click here to read Maria Zangara's Essay.
The Brett Saks Scholarship was established to honor IfHI founding member,
Dr. Brett Sacks, a Naturopathic physician whose life was cut short while
training for a 600 mile charity bike ride from San Francisco to San Diego,
California.
Peter J. D'Adamo, ND, MIfHI, Maria Zangara, Paul
Mittman,ND, and Martha D'Adamo
(from left to right)
The prime goal of The Institute for Human Individuality (IfHI), founded
by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo, is fostering education and research in the expanding
area of human nutrigenomics and epigenetics. These emerging sciences
seek to provide a molecular understanding of the effects of common dietary
chemicals on health by altering the expression, or structure, of an individual's
genetic makeup.
Hailed by the renowned glycobiologist Gerhard Uhlenbruck as "one
of the most creative scientists in the Western World," Peter D'Adamo
is a true polymath: physician, author, researcher, educator, composer,
and software developer. He is widely considered an authority on human
polymorphisms and their use in the individualization of nutritional and
pharmacologic therapy.
One
Day Post Graduate Seminar with Dr. D'Adamo offered at Bridgeport University
in Connecticut
Sunday, October 23 from 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
You will learn how protein-carbohydrate interactivity drives phenotype, modulates gene expression, controls nutrient assimilation, influences cell and tissue repair and imparts personalization.
Much of our understanding of traditional genomics is based on a 'top-down' paradigm
driven almost exclusively by gene-protein or protein-protein relationships. However,
environmental and developmental influences on post-genomic gene expression are
increasingly seen as major determinants of phenotypic expression, controlling
cellular functions at the network level and imparting a significantly individualized
aspect to these responses in both health and disease. These downstream functions
rely on the structural carbohydrates of the glycome to provide a 'second tier
of information' that helps to guide morphogenesis, tissue localization, molecular
chaperoning, and other pivotal cell processes. Thus it should not be surprising
that breakdowns in the glycobiology pathways inform almost all forms of chronic
disease, including dementia, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and cancer.
Dr. D'Adamo Recommends:
Educational
Resources for the Healthcare Professional and ProActive Patient
IBIS: Integrative BodyMind Information
System
IBIS is an electronic encyclopedia of professional caliber, a vast compilation
of nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy and much more.
Written with the professional clinician in mind, IBIS is just as accessible
and immediately useful to anyone in education, the healthcare field or
natural products industry. Why try to sort out thousands of references
and an endless variety of treatment possibilities when it's already been
done... and time-tested by thousands of users for almost twenty years.
Interview
with Marie Bouvier-Newman, First Time IfHI Attendee
Health coach and wellness practitioner
Marie Bouvier-Newman attended the IfHI conference for the first time
and obtained her Fellow certification. Below she shares her experience
and gives us an insider's view of the conference.
Tell us a little about yourself and your professional training.
I've taken some herb classes, homeopathic classes, and some natural health classes
but nothing formal. I own and operate a wellness center. This experience alone
has provided me with a lot of knowledge.
This your first time at IfHI - Was it what you expected? Why or why not?
This was my first time at IfHI. It was great. Listening to the growing field
of genetics was incredible and talking with various practitioners was enlightening.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Why did you decide to certify as an IfHI Fellow? How do you think this will
help you in practice?
I've been teaching the ER4YT class for 6-7 months now and
have been following it myself for a couple of years. The new information and
the credential will help me with my students.
What was the most enriching lecture that you attended? Why?
It is difficult to choose. The short lectures only whet your appetite for more.
I enjoyed all the lectures I attended.
How are you planning to take the information that you learned and apply it to
your work?
I will use the information as I teach the basic class and expand into
the SWAMI consultations.
Describe your networking experience at IfHI.
Being my first time, I didn't know anyone when I arrived. Through
meals and lecture times, I met a number of interesting people and learned how
they use the Blood Type Diet and the GenoType diet in their practices. It provided
me with some great ideas.
Did you have an opportunity to speak to Dr. D'Adamo or any of the other speakers?
I did not get to speak with Dr. D'Adamo but I did speak with the other speakers.
Anything else you'd like to add?
The location for the conference was very nice and comfortable. The staff was
very gracious and the food was good.
May
20-22, 2011 IfHI Conference Pictures Slideshow
Fundamentals of Generative Medicine - Volume I: Concepts, Systems, and Pathways by Peter J. D'Adamo, ND, MIfHI
"The Fundamentals of Generative
Medicine is the most profound exploration of biochemical individuality
ever written."
- Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, Editor, Integrative Medicine, A Clinician's Journal
Knowing the biology of the polymorphisms defining the metabolic and signaling pathways associated with an intervention, and the imbalance or pathology it treats, is potentially an immediate benefit to the patient.
Integrative pharmacogenomics studies the true diversity of responders and therefore
leads to personalized treatment regimens that ensure the administration of the
right treatment, for the right person, at the right time.
Fundamentals of Generative Medicine, Volume I is the reference guide
for the didactic education modules of the new Center of Excellence in Generative
Medicine Studies at the University of Bridgeport. Topics include:
Developmental Origins of Disease
Network Medicine and Living Systems Analysis
Historical Basis of Variation
Morphometrics and Dermatoglyphics
Glycomics, Lectins and Glycobiology
Archeogenetics
Polymorphisms and Individuation
Nutrient Control of Gene Expression
Self-organization and Emergence as Vitalism
Envisioned as part of a three-volume series, Fundamentals of Generative
Medicine, Volume I, with over 800 pages of text, 100 unique illustrations,
and extensive references, provides the basis and guidance for the true
practice of personalized medicine.
A wealth of vital information is contained on these CD's - from the first IfHI conference in 2003, the groundbreaking "Four Masters" conference of 2005, Dr. D'Adamo's introduction of his work in epigenetics in 2007, to the cutting-edge science that Dr. D'Adamo presented in 2009. These CD's are a great addition to your informational library.
A CD-quality audio recording and slide presentation of the 2009 Institute for
Human Individuality conference. Dr. Peter D'Adamo shares his work in these lectures
covering a range of topics from new pharmacology and therapeutics to an in depth
overview of the latest clinical techniques including a discussion of his SWAMI
Genotype software program. Whether you are a professional or a layperson interested
in your own personal health or that of your family, you'll find much to benefit
from this audio-visual box set.
IfHI 2007 includes the complete recorded transcripts of the Third International
Blood Type Science Conference, "Upstream, Downstream: Metabolically Profiling
the Individual." Through
absorbing this lecture and workshop series, health professionals can expect to:
Learn real-world tips from colleagues who already successfully offer Blood Type consulting in their practices.
Learn cutting edge applications in nutrigenomics and detoxification from acknowledged masters.
Delve deep into blood type science: Physiology; molecular basis of blood groups; subtypes and genetics; blood banking techniques; blood groups and diseases, and more.
Get an overview of Dr. D'Adamo's exciting new work in the the field of Epigenetics and the ability to actually activate and silence genes through diet and supplementation.
The complete recorded transcripts of the Second International Blood Type Science
Conference, "The Four Masters," features a faculty of acknowledged
masters in the fields of naturopathic medicine and a "who's who" in cutting-edge
Nutrigenomics. Featured speakers include The Four Masters: Peter J. D'Adamo,
ND, Jeffrey Bland, PhD FACN, Walter Crinnion, ND, and Joseph Pizzorno, ND.
The landmark First International IfHI Conference was entitled "A
Century of Blood Type Science: The Blood Type Diet in Practice and in
Life,"
and this title only begins to represent the sheer volume of knowledge
to be gained from the faculty of seven esteemed health pioneers, blood
type scientists, and educators.
This audio series includes four invaluable master classes taught by Dr. Peter
D'Adamo, and also features plenty of invaluable information for both
health professionals and students of health.
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