Download In recognition that we are working in a holistic model, one that looks

As Bruce Lipton states about the function of RNA and DNA, they are the gonads of our
cellular system. All they do is reproduce. The true brain of our cells, the true
intelligence center according to Lipton, is the cell mem-brane (brain).
Author of “The Biology of Belief”
Why focus on fats!
Over the last few decades we have been fed a lot of misinformation about fats in our diet.
We were lead to believe that all “fats” would kill us by giving us clogging our arteries to
give us heart disease, cause cancer and more. Nothing could be further from the truth. The
distinction between good fats and bad fats has until recently been blurred. Good fats in the
diet are some of the most protective molecules in our body. It is the bad fats that are
harmful to us. Our first line of defense in any disease process is the proper functioning of
the cell membrane and how well it functions depends not only on the fats that we eat but
also on the fats that are manufactured in the body, both healthy ones and problematic ones
that are manufactured by viruses or in other disease processes. Half of every cell
membrane is fats and without healthy or good ones in the membrane and/or too many bad
ones, any illness/disease is possible.
There is also a lot of confusion about the word fat itself. Body fat, which is of much concern
to many of us in our culture, is very different than the fats or oils that we consume in our
diet. Body fat is a storage molecule that is made from simple carbohydrates. This fat is
made from sugary foods such as ice cream and cake as well as carbohydrates like pasta and
potatoes. Body fat is stored in the body for future use as fuel.
Fats that are found in nuts, seeds, animal products and their oils do not get stored as fat in
the body for future use, but have many other functions in the body ranging from having
anti fungal, antiviral properties, to providing lubrication for all of our tissues and orifices.
They are also available for immediate fuel as in an athletic event. These fats are essential
for our capacity to heal, regulate hormones and fight inflammation. These good fats are
stored in the cell membrane for use when needed. They create stability in the cell
membrane by allowing in needed nutrients, passing out toxins, and preventing molecules
such as free radicals from getting into the cell which can result in damage to RNA and DNA.
Any of these dysfunctions can lead to many different disease processes.
Overview of general benefits of different oils
Anti fungal
Coconut oil
Anti viral
Sunflower, safflower, sesame, coconut oils
Fuel
Coconut oil, other oils
Initiate healing process Arachidonic acid, (beef, eggs, butter, shrimp, cream)
Regulate hormones
Evening primrose oil, flax oil
Fight inflammation
Evening primrose oil, sunflower, safflower, sesame oils
*It is important to note that all of the benefits above overlap into all of the different
categories. This is a very basic conceptual overview.
These good fats or, fatty acids that have a slightly more scientific name for them, are also
known as lipids. The cell membrane is often referred to as a bilipid membrane. In other
words the lipids line themselves up in two layers in order to create a barrier that controls
what goes through the membrane. Each of these lipids has an end that is water soluble and
one end that is fat soluble, in other words water loving (hydrophilic) and fat loving
(hydrophobic or water fearing). It is this bilipid chemical property that creates the
membrane. The fat end of the lipid as we have now observed, repels water and the acid or
water-soluble end repels fat. Water and oil do not mix. The water/acid end (hydrophilic) of
the lipid, or the tail is attracted to another tail. On both the outside edge and the inside edge
of the membrane are the fat-soluble molecules (hydrophobic). The fat side of the
membrane repels water; therefore the water on the inside of the cell stays inside and the
water on the outside stays outside. In a healthy membrane these fat-soluble molecules
create a barrier that water cannot penetrate without help.
The water or acid end of the lipid is created through a carbon chain also known as the tail.
The number of double bonds, where they are located and the length of the chain determine
how the fatty acid functions. These carbon chains fit together similar to puzzle pieces. What
makes them different from a puzzle is that they are constantly moving around like water
molecules in an ocean. If the chains are not good fats, the ones that we need to stay healthy
and have a healthy membrane, or are unhealthy fats like the ones that are found in trans
fats, or are manufactured by viruses or other sources, they will disrupt the important
structural function of the membrane itself. One consequence of having unhealthy fats in the
membrane is that the membrane becomes fragile and can leak out much needed nutrient
from the inside of the cell or it can let toxins into the cell.
Not only do fats or fatty acids have a unique role to play in the structure of every cell
membrane in the body, they also have unique roles in communication on the cellular level
that impacts how we heal, experience pain, fight inflammation, regulate hormones as well
as how we experience our emotions, our sense of self and much more. For instance, when
an injury occurs, there is a chemical response that will cause the release of some of the fats
in the membrane in order to signal a healing response. It is known as the inflammatory
cascade. It is essential for this to happen initially. This results in an immune system
response to create inflammation in order signal white blood cells known as macrophages
for one) to start to clean up the injury site. Without this, we cannot heal.
If these mechanisms get out of control as can be seen in illnesses like diabetes or the fats
are not properly balanced within the cell membrane for any other reason, inflammation
occurs in otherwise normally healthy tissues resulting in pain and dysfunction. This is often
the case in autoimmune disorders. Drugs like NSAIDS, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, are
often used to stop the inflammation. The problem is that this stops all inflammation, even
the inflammation that we need in order to send the signal that we need to heal and get rid
of unhealthy tissues. An alternative to NSAIDS would be to control the inflammatory
cascade. The fats stored in the cell membrane control this complex process and the
influences on the membrane are many, yet manageable.
We can intervene on behalf of many patients through our understanding of fatty acids and
the function of the cell membrane. We can also apply this information to healthy
individuals who are interested in the prevention of disease and in aging well. It is not
however as simple as telling someone who is ill to eat more fats or even the right ones.
What is important in consideration of an intervention that focuses on our understanding of
fats includes a deep understanding of the many influences that affect the digestion and
metabolism of fats as well as how they get into the cell membrane through infective
sources, like lyme disease, viruses and more as well as possible genetic influences.
The real benefit of this way of working is in the recreation of balance. Just as we recognize
the need for a variety of fruits, vegetables and protein sources, a variety of good fats are
optimal. It is not enough to simply supplement with flax oil or fish oil. This will inevitably
result in imbalances that over time will cause dis-ease.
Omega 3s and 6s
In more technical terms, when we are speaking about the balance of fats, we are talking
about the many kinds of fats that are found in the membrane. The ones that we can
influence the most through our consumption of them in the ordinary diet are grouped as
omega 3s and 6s. We have been lead to believe that all 3s work the same way and that all 6s
work the same way. We have been told that 6s(beef) are bad and cause inflammation that
3s(flax and fish oils) are good and decrease inflammation. Again, nothing could be further
from the truth. There are different 3s and different 6s. Some increase inflammation, some
decrease it, but all play an important role in overall health. The misunderstanding about
beef and eggs is that in the presence of high insulin, or sugar intake, the 6s that are in beef
called arachidonic acid, are released from the membrane, causing inflammation in
susceptible yet otherwise healthy tissues. The bad guy is sugar, not beef!
Good fats are primarily found in foods like nuts and seeds, fish as well as other meats and
dairy. The most important thing to remember is that when these fats or oils are fresh they
can be wonderful and healing for you. When they are rancid from improper storage like on
the store shelf in clear plastic bottles, processing with heat or chemicals or they are
intentionally altered as in the case of margarine, they are the poison. They must be stored
in dark bottles, preferably glass and refrigerated. They are often dated with pressing date
as well as expiration date. It is noteworthy that flax seed oil goes rancid once opened even
in the refrigeration within weeks. With the exception of olive oil, coconut oil and butter, oils
must not be heated or you will be making bad fats. If you see the oil smoking as you are
cooking, you are making a bad fat.
Good fats and oils can be lifesaving and quality of life saving and may hold an important
tool for a non-invasive, restorative intervention that anyone can benefit from.
In the event of illness, unhealthy or problematic fats are manufactured in the body taking
the place of healthy ones or there may be a decreased capacity to burn off bad fats within
the cell membrane. In either case, healthy fats are less available. There is only so much
room in the cell membrane, and there is competition for those limited number of places.
We can use this competition for space in the membrane to our benefit with the intention of
restoring health.
By changing the diet to include essential fats as well as other supportive nutrients, we can
affect multiple functions in the body since they are all interrelated. There are many
nutrients or building blocks that are important for optimal function, and many of them are
included in the process of rebalancing the body. For instance, neurotransmitters are
extremely important to our overall health and in a healthy body they are made from amino
acids, again building blocks that are found in protein. Imbalances in the gut caused by poor
diet, or biotoxins such as viruses, bacteria, parasites to name a few, interferes with the
healthy functioning of the gut resulting in a dysfunction in the manufacturing of
neurotransmitters as well as interference in fatty acid metabolism.
Research on neurotransmitters has given us information that looks at much of what takes
place in our emotional, behavioral, intellectual and feeling world. This information is
invaluable, however, fatty acids also play a significant role not only in how we feel but how
we respond and process feelings. I have seen many cases of long term, chronic and at times
disabling depression that respond to this intervention. One extremely bright, barely three
year old girl reported to my office with severe eczema. I gave her upon leaving the first visit
some evening primrose oil to start. It was reported to me that within two weeks that she
called them her happy pills. This result is not the reaction created by giving her
neurotransmitters or anti depressants, but one of another nature all together.
Often patients report a sense of well being when doing a fatty acid intervention. The fats
are like the cushion in which we land after we fall. This cushion is either it hard or soft and
can be influenced by which fatty acids are in the cell membrane. Neurotransmitters are
chemicals that are activated with different emotional states and experiences. They are then
reactivated with similar experiences that serve as reminders; but how we then respond to
this neurotransmitter is the landing. The capacity to hold the feeling/experience in the
body/cell depends on the capacity of the cell membrane or more importantly the fats that
are there.
It is also essential to recognize the role that is played by our emotional history and life
experiences that also make us who we are. Just as we might be able to alter the chemistry
in order to support emotional stability and growth, it is often equally important to address
the underlying feelings and emotions with emotional or energetic work. There is a close
relationship between how we feel and what is taking place metabolically. Our chemistry
influences how we feel and how we feel affects our chemistry. If the chemistry is in place
and the opportunity is there therapeutically to transform painful and hurtful experiences
and emotions, then healing is possible on a very deep level.
It has been well accepted in the last decades that how we feel will affect our health; our
emotions affect our health. It is equally true yet not as well accepted or studied that our
physical body and health can affect how we feel. One example of this is the way that we
used to think about ulcers before the discovery of helicobacter pylori. Originally it was
thought that stress caused ulcers. Once the bacterium was found, it was accepted that the
infection caused emotional distress, not the other way around. And to go into more depth
would be to look at the underlying environment that allowed the ulcer to form, such as a
decrease in stomach acid possibly resulting from the emotional holding pattern that did not
allow the acid to form freely. It is in this way that deep healing takes place.
An intervention that addresses what is happening both energetically/emotionally and
chemically, allowing the body to do its job, has great potential. The intelligence of the body
is expressed in its own capacity to recreate balance when given the right food and input.
In the recent past there has been a lot of focus and excitement about the discovery and role
of RNA and DNA. There is good reason for this as it has unveiled information about how our
genetic material is passed on to our offspring. What is also true is that our health and
whether or not we manifest any given disease, is much more complicated than what is in
our genetic material. There are many avenues where we can have dysfunction affecting our
capacity to manifest wellness or reach our full potential, which we call, dis-ease. As Bruce
Lipton states about the function of RNA and DNA, they are the gonads of our cellular
system. All they do is reproduce. The true brain of our cells, the true intelligence center
according to Lipton, is the cell mem-brane (brain).
It is the cell membrane that determines what gets into and out of the cell. The fluidity or
rigidity of the cell membrane is a key factor that determines our capacity to detoxify on the
cellular level or let in nutrients. The fatty acids in the cell membrane determine how we
function, in other words our capacity to repair tissue, control inflammation, send messages
to other cells, how we feel in our bodies and much more. The structure of the cell
membrane is extremely important and is dependent on fatty acids.
This is not to say that other cell membrane components are not important. Amino acids
making up neurotransmitters have been researched in the past decades, to the near
exclusion of fatty acids. Fortunately, this is changing. One thought is that neurotransmitters
are large, water-soluble molecules, which make them much easier to study than fatty acids.
An important factor for fatty acids is that they function in large numbers. Their quantity
determines how effective they are. They are small molecules, yet powerful in mass, and
have up until now been underexplored and overlooked. This is not to minimize the impact
or importance of neurotransmitters as they certainly have a major role to play, but without
the support of fatty acids, neurotransmitters will be less effective partly due to their
decreased availability.
By approaching an intervention that addresses the function of the body from the cell
membrane, the question of the different roles of fatty acids and neurotransmitters must be
understood, not whether one is more important than the other. A healthy functioning body
will make neurotransmitters from the amino acids or proteins that are consumed. If
neurotransmitters are not functioning well, it is essential to discover where the dysfunction
is and make the necessary adjustments preferably by working with the body, as opposed to
bypassing this step. Ideally, intervening with fatty acids can regulate and treat dysfunction
at its most fundamental level. In this way we are treating the cause, not the symptom.
What is not produced in the body and must be addressed by providing the molecules
directly in the diet are essential fatty acids. Over the last century we have altered the fats in
our diet in ways that are damaging our health through the alteration of good fats or
essential fats. We can address the deeper functioning of the cell membrane and thus the
cellular function by eating fats that restore the membrane, which can address most
diseases and many of the underlying problems with neurotransmitters. Even when amino
acids and neurotransmitters are available, if the fats in the cell membrane are deficient or
not healthy ones, i.e. trans fats, the neurotransmitters won't be able to bind themselves to
the fats that are needed in order for them to stay in the membrane, they must be the right
fats in the right ratios. It is like a jig saw puzzle. The pieces must all fit together well in
order to create a cohesive, solid picture. In other words, the amino
acids/neurotransmitters are dependent on having good fats in the membrane, and the
inverse is not true. The neurotransmitters in the cell membrane will not determine or affect
the fats in the membrane. In fact, the opposite is true; the fats in the cell membrane will
determine what neurotransmitters will be in the membrane.
There is only so much room in any given membrane for fats and if unhealthy fats are being
consumed as can be found in the diet or they are being manufactured in the body due to
illness, they will take up room in the membrane and there will not be room for the good
fats. On the road to recovery, we can set up a competition in the membrane that allows the
good fats to replace the bad ones and for the bad fats to be removed or “burnt out” of the
membrane.
In recognition that we are working in a holistic model, one that looks at multiple factors
and how they affect one another, it is not quite as easy as just adding fats to re-establishing
a healthy membrane. Minerals, protein, digestive support as well as other specified
nutrients are necessary in order to recreate balance. We need to address pH, viruses as
well as other infections that create biotoxins, neurotoxicity and we must address organ
functions and so on....
There are many reasons that the fats might not be in the membrane, or might have been
pushed out of the membrane. All of this need to be addressed and most of it can be with the
proper testing and treatment. It is not an exaggeration to say that the results of this kind of
intervention can be extraordinary.
A focus on fatty acid metabolism provides a magnificent tool in the treatment of almost any
disease and condition that presents itself. It also gives us the opportunity to intervene on
behalf of our patients with a preventive mindset. In many cases it allows me to address
underlying preexisting factors such as strong family history for certain illnesses and
genetic predispositions in a way that gives the best potential outcome. This is a powerful
way to support each individual to reach their fullest potential starting from a physical
viewpoint; and from there support them in reaching their highest potential in every other
way emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.
One of the opportunities that I have found where prevention holds great promise is in
prenatal nutrition, not to mention the patients who have had difficulty getting pregnant. It
is most optimal to begin before a pregnancy is established. The prevention of ADD, ADHD,
developmental delays and maybe even some cases of autism will occur at this time.
The problem with prevention is that we do not know what or whether we have been
successful. It is within the definition of prevention itself. Instead it reflects a shift in
paradigm and depends on knowledge based not only in science but also on intuition
and common sense.
In this ideal example of prenatal intervention/prevention, consider that the molecules that
are in the process of creating a life form and the need for the molecular building blocks to
be available to do this monumental task. There is a profound need for complete amino
acids (protein) in order to create muscle as well as other tissues and molecules such as
organs and neurotransmitters. There is the need for energy in the form of carbohydrates
and fats. And importantly for the function of every cell and for the proper development of
the brain, essential fats in enough volume cannot be underestimated.
Upon deeper investigation of the empirical science that we have and a safe intervention
that is rooted in common sense, we have resources and knowledge that can be helpful in
creating this optimal outcome. It is with this common sense approach that we can optimize
the human potential in our children, grandchildren, our loved ones and ourselves. By the
time that any disorder, illness or disease is diagnosed or has presenting symptoms,
prevention is no longer applicable, instead we must then treat the dis-ease which we can
also do by evaluating the cell membrane and addressing what we find, and it is likely in this
event that lifetime management will be necessary.
The problem with prevention is that it is difficult to prove. Unfortunately, in this way we
must rely on common sense, as scientific proof as we know it today will be hard to find and
far behind. Fortunately, this type of intervention is safe.
Not only with the new understanding that we have of the functioning of the cell, it's
membrane and the information and intervention that this provides, it is likely that we will
be able to prevent some of the most devastating diseases that afflict this new generation.
We can also provide relief and healing for many individuals who are given little hope in the
current medical climate. By looking at the function of the cell membrane, which means
examining the fatty acid components, we are able to have a window into a much deeper
function of the organism as a whole. We can see where the system has lost control and has
become imbalanced. With this information available, it is no longer enough to simply state
that if this child has this disorder, and then treat them this way. Not every child with autism
needs the same intervention. On the contrary, what works for one child might make
another one worse. For example, fish oil may be beneficial for one child and not another,
and it may only be beneficial for a period of time and than can be overdosed at times having
devastating consequences.
The key in looking at a living system on the molecular level is that it is dynamic: it is alive
and therefore ever changing. In order for successful long term results it is important to be
looking at treatment in this way, especially for those in our society that are the most fragile,
such as autistic children or those with autoimmune disease. The key is in the balance.
Balance is the operative word with this intervention. How to recreate balance so that the
optimal function can be achieved for any given individual at any given time would be ideal.
There are a number of different parameters and tools that are helpful in this endeavor; the
blood biopsy and red blood cell fatty acid test from Body Bio is a highly effective tool.
Included in this intervention is also an evaluation of the patient’s diet and a complete
medical history. Armed with these three pieces it is often possible to come to deeply
understand what is happening to this patient, chemically, physiologically, emotionally and
functionally. We are able to get a glimpse into what is happening throughout the body
including the brain.
One analogy that can be helpful in understanding the role of fatty acids is that of the ocean.
Think of the water, and if that water is not healthy, is polluted or in some way not
functioning properly, is too hot, or the wrong pH, what would happen to the life forms? The
animal life, the whales, fish, amoebas and plant life all depend on an environment that is
conducive to life. It may be compromised and still allow life to exist, but now what has
happened to its vitality, capacity to function optimally, reproduce and thrive? Fatty acids
are like water molecules, they work in mass. They are tiny molecules that all work together
to create an environment from which all other life must depend. A shark won't stay in
unhealthy water and if he does his health will be compromised. These are like the amino
acids that are in the membrane. They cannot fit into the membrane without the proper
configuration of the fats.
Remember the puzzle pieces. They all need to fit together to create cohesion. Without this
the membrane becomes fragile and dysfunctional. In the presence of fats that do not belong
in the membrane such as trans fats, the membrane cannot do what it needs to do and
becomes dysfunctional too many ways to describe here. Just as one cannot force pieces of a
puzzle together that do not fit together, the cell membrane cannot be forced into a cohesive
whole and the relationship that exists between different life forms is altered.
The implications of this are huge, not only for our physical health but also for our
emotional health. These fatty acids could be a practical link to vibrational medicine
partially due to the nature of individual fats, their double bonds and the electromagnetic
properties that they have, how they influence one another and how they must all fit
together in this vibrational pattern. This will influence our capacity to move on a cellular
level as well as move in space. It will result in a pulsation, which connects to our sense of
well-being. The implications are huge, not only from the point of view of pain management
and illness but also our state of mind, our mental health and sense of self.
Neurotransmitters have a specific role to play in how we feel things as well as specific
emotions like sadness, pleasure and so on... These are as much chemical events as they are
experiential and there is much new research around how they become patterned in our
organism. In many cases metabolic interventions can help or eradicate some of the
emotional pain that is experienced especially certain kinds of depression. Often it is
necessary to look at the underlying emotional/energetic issues that in some cases are
major contributing factors. What the fatty acids do along with possibly having a direct
impact on emotional states is that they can create a vibration within the overall body that is
now stabilized and generated on the cellular level. It is in the fine vibrational pattern that is
set that one can support the experience of being grounded, in other words a sense of well
being that says, it's good to be here. From this place any emotional work can be supported
and enhanced. Once again, this is a model that recognizes that there are many influences on
how we function and feel, and in looking at all of them together, an opportunity exists that
is not limited.
The implementation of all of this information can be the biggest challenge. In most cases
when the patient is compliant, we see improvement, some with complete resolution, and
others with significant changes in the quality of their lives and rarely some patients where
improvement is minimal. In a statement made by Patricia Kane that I have found to be true,
"there is almost always improvement, the question is how much." Creating a successful
outcome is the art of the practice. Watching for the cues that determine how fast or slow
that we need to go, or how to intervene in a way that takes into account the overall
psychological makeup is crucial.