Perhaps one of the most common, recurrentailments suffered by Americans is allergies. Thesymptoms of allergic rhinitis (red, itchy eyes andnose, sneezing, sinus headache and congestion)can be both seasonal, in the case of “hay fever” orperennial. Regardless of the particular allergen,the discomfort is experienced by nearly 20% ofAmericans (1). While rarely life-threatening,allergic rhinitis leads to periods of generalmisery, sleep loss, and lack of productivity inindustry as well as education. We will look here atsome of the common causes, treatments, andnatural ingredients that help alleviate the manysymptoms associated with allergic rhinitis.

What triggers an allergic response? An allergic reaction can be best thought of as acascading set of inflammatory reactions, started bythe immune system, in response to environmentalantigens which are usually considered harmless.In essence, an allergic response is anovercompensation of the immune system againstrelatively harmless airborne substances. Once anallergen is inhaled it is processed by the immunecells and stimulates a B-cell mediated IgE response.IgE is one of 5 types of immunoglobulin (antibody)produced by B-cells; IgA, IgD, IgM, and IgG are theothers. Each type of antibody can bind to antigensor allergens, but differ in the type of responses theyproduce once they are bound to antigen. Thetypical allergic response is mediated by IgEantibodies when they bind the allergen with oneend, and the IgE receptor of the mast cells orbasophils with the other end. This cross-linking onthe surface of the mast cell triggers a multi-stepprocess leading to degranulation of the mast celland release of histamine and other inflammatorymediators. Once the cascade starts, a whole host ofsecondary responses are triggered.

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Edited By: Thomas G. Guilliams Ph.D.

ALLERGIES: THE NATURAL APPROACH

A CONCISE UPDATE OF IMPORTANT ISSUES CONCERNING NATURAL HEALTH INGREDIENTS

“A sight that brings sore eyesto allergy sufferers”

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Two phases of responses are triggered by anIgE/allergen cross-linking event. The first isthe release of preformed mediators such ashistamine, interleukins, serotonin andHageman factor from mast cells andbasophils. These chemical mediators arefound in preformed vesicles, released by acalcium dependent process induced by thecross-linking of two or more IgE receptors.This calcium dependent process may be themost important trigger, as well as a major keyin preventing the cascading allergic response.Once these chemicals are released, they areresponsible for allergic (inflammatory)processes like vasodilatation, increasedvascular permeability, and increasedchemotaxis of otherinflammatory cells.The second phaseof the responsebegins at the sametime, as the cellbegins to synthesizel i p i d - d e r i v e dmediators. Thesemediators are derivedby the conversionof phospholipidsinto arachadonic acid via phospholipase A;followed by the subsequent conversion ofarachodonic acid into leukotrienes, plateletactivating factor (PAF) and prostaglandins(2,5). This is the identical process involvedin a majority of acute and chronicinflammatory processes. Most of thesymptoms associated with allergic rhinitisare a direct result of both the preformed andlipid derived mediators on the lining of theupper respiratory tract, and not a property ofthe allergen itself. Why some people react tosome allergens and other people do not hasa lot to do with genetics, geography andexposure levels.

The Allergens: Allergens can beclassified as perennial or seasonal. Perennialallergens would include those things such asinternal mold spores, dust and dust mites,animal dander, and specific chemicals(cleaning agents, certain powders). If a

patient has allergic rhinitis symptoms lastingmore than 2 hours per day for more than 9months, this would be classified as aperennial allergic rhinitis. The allergen ismost likely something in their home orworkplace. Seasonal allergies follow a predictablepattern based on the growing season. Figure2 shows the typical pattern in theMidwestern United States. The first allergenof the season begins when trees begin torelease pollen. Trees with little or no visibleflowers have a higher pollen count since theyrely on the wind rather than insects forpollination. The summer months are

typically the time forgrass pollen allergies.These can come fromcommercial cropssuch as corn pollen,and are often less of aproblem in urbanareas where grasspollinates lessfrequently (if mowedoften enough). Thefall is the mostintense allergy

season in the central U.S. due to the largeamount of weed pollen that becomesairborne. Ragweed and goldenrod are amongthe most common offenders. Interestingly,the common term “hayfever” is actually amisnomer since neither hay (alfalfa) norfevers are typically associated with allergies.Finally, there is the issue of fungal spores. Asone can notice from figure 2, fungal sporesare high at all times except during times ofsnow cover (typically late Nov through Feb).Fungal spores can be kicked up any time aperson is walking through grass or leaves,cutting or stacking wood, or just being in adamp outside location. Fungal spores are soubiquitous and long lasting it may bedifficult to determine what the offendingsource is. In these cases, skin testing wouldbe warranted to determine that indeed thepatient is suffering from an allergen and isnot experiencing infectious sinusitis.

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Airborne Seasonal Allergens

Jan Feb Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecMar

Fungl

TreeGrass

Weeds

Fig. 2

TREATMENTOPTIONS:Seasonal allergies are one of the mostself-diagnosed and self-treatedconditions. Many people know whatwill trigger an allergic response andhow and when to avoid exposure.Over the counter antihistamines anddecongestants are advertised andpurchased widely during thecommon allergy seasons. Here aresome of the typical treatment options:

Avoidance: The most obvious andbeneficial thing that a person can do is toavoid the allergen all together. Spendingtime in air-conditioned areas, especially cars,will filter out many of the offendingallergens. It is now possible to purchase arelatively cheap air-purifier that will recyclethe air as it filters it, without changing thetemperature of the air. Keeping the humiditylow in their homes is another way a patientcan reduce some of the common offenderssuch as mold and dust mites.

Drugs: Antihistamines are usually the firstdrugs that most people try when seasonalallergies come around. One of the mostpopular (and typical) is diphenhydramine(Benadryl), which works by blockinghistamine H1 receptors. By blocking thehistamine receptors, antihistamines areexcellent at reducing sneezing, itchy eyes andnose, and slowing the pace of a runny nose.Antihistamines have little effect oncongestion or associated asthmaticconditions. Of course, one of the major sideeffects of antihistamines is drowsiness. Infact, it is because of this side effect that manyof the antihistamines are used as sedativesand hypnotics. Newer antihistamines, whichdo not cross the blood-brain barrier, havelittle to no sedating side effects. Claritin,Seldane, and Hismanal have similarantihistaminic effects as Benadryl with fewer

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side effects, but at a much greater cost.Seldane has just been pulled from themarket by the FDA for its complicationswith the heart. While Hismanal has some ofthe same problems as Seldane, the majorwarning of all of these newer drugs is acontraindication with the concomitant useof erythromycin (a common antibiotic) andketoconazol (a common antifungal).While antihistamines block many of theeffects of histamine, they are unable to stopthe mast cell from releasing histamine orany of the other preformed or lipid-derivedmediators. This means that some of thesecondary problems associated withallergies are unaffected or masked byantihistamines. Such problems as nasalcongestion and asthma must be addressedby other means.Bronchodilators and decongestants are alsoavailable by prescription or over-the-counter. The most common would beephedrine or pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)containing products. They work primarily asα-adrenergic agonists. They reversecongestion by vasoconstricting the nasalmucosal blood vessels, reducing swollenmembranes, which allows sinus drainageand improved air conduction. Since bothephedrine and pseudoephedrine also effectthe ß-adrenergic receptor, they are capable ofacting as bronchodilators. Care should betaken when patients with heart conditions,high blood pressure, or on MAO inhibitorstake these drugs.Another option is steroid drugs. Topicalpreparations of glucocorticosteroids aresupplied by nasal sprays. The mechanism isprobably very similar to the anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroids. Theyare mainly indicated in long-term allergicconditions that are not responding toantihistamines.

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NEWSPERSPECTIVES

Adverse Drug Reactions:A Leading Cause of Death In The USThe April 15th issue of JAMA includes a meta-analysis witha startling conclusion. It reported that the number of fataladverse drug reactions in the United States in 1994 wasestimated at 106,000. This average makes adverse drugreactions the fourth leading cause of death in the UnitedStates; behind heart disease (743,460), cancer (529,904),and stroke (150,108). These results were not onlyunexpected, but also quite alarming.

The criteria for inclusion in this study were toinclude only those adverse reactions of drugs that wereprescribed, dosed and dispensed correctly. They did notinclude intentional or accidental poisonings, overdoses,drug abuse, incorrect dosing or non-compliance. Thisbasically means that these deaths were due to the inherentnature of the FDA approved dose of a variety of drugs on thehuman population. It is interesting that this is not includedin the “leading causes of death” lists published by the CDCor FDA. If we included the accidents, overdoses, and chroniceffects of years of compliance; FDA approved drugs mayeven constitute the third leading cause of death in theUnited States.

We, of course, do not mean to imply that many ofthese drugs have not played a role in saving lives, they have.These data are just a glimpse into the effects of potent drugswhich block receptors, stop enzymatic reactions, and altermembrane potentials. These activities have the ability to

alter disease conditions, but come with some powerfulconsequences. When we analyze the ability of naturalingredients to effect similar conditions, we find that similaractivities are implicated, but with fewer (and less severe)side-effects.

As we pursue a natural approach to one of the mostubiquitous ailments in the United States, allergies,antihistamines are the first line of defense. As is well known,they cause drowsiness in a large majority of users. Two ofthe three anti-histamines that were designed to eliminatethis side effect (by not crossing the blood-brain barrier)have been pulled off the market for other, more seriousside-effects. While botanical products may not have thepotency of many of the pharmaceutical ingredients, theycontain a variety of phytochemicals that allow them tostimulate the same outcome as many of thepharmaceuticals, with fewer side effects.

Finally, we must mention that adverse supplementreactions are almost unheard of. That is, when correctnatural products are taken correctly and with the properdose, severe adverse reactions are extremely rare. Mostadverse reactions come from allergic reactions, incorrectdosing, or accidental mix-up of poisonous botanical (aswith the recent incidence of digitalis/plantain). We arequite proud of the safety record of natural medicines, andfeel that it is in keeping with the primary oath of physicians:“First, do no harm.”

Jason Lazarou, Bruce H. Pomeranz, and Paul N. Corey. Incidence of Adverse Drug Reactionsin Hospitalized Patients. JAMA , 1998; 279 (15): 1200-1205.

Immunotherapy: Allergen immuno-therapy is the subcutaneous injection of theoffending allergen in increasing doses overseveral months. Essentially what one isdoing is to try to stimulate production ofother types of antibodies (IgG especially)which will proliferate and can bind to theallergen in the place of IgE. Since IgG do nothave receptors on mast cells, they will notstimulate an allergic response. It is notuncommon for many people to take “allergyshots” at regular intervals throughout theyear.

THE NATURAL APPROACHBecause allergies are such a commonrecurrent condition, many people areconcerned about the perennial high dose ofallergy drug use. The research into naturalingredients has yielded some excellentresults in the alleviation of allergicsymptoms.

Antioxidants: One of the majorsecondary products of inflammatoryresponses is the formation of a whole host offree radicals. The formation of thesepotentially harmful products is normal, andeven helpful at the time and location of theirsynthesis; after which they are neutralized byantioxidants. One of the leading water-soluble antioxidants is ascorbic acid(ascorbate) or vitamin C. The use of vitaminC, flavonoids, and other natural agents aspotent antioxidants is beyond the scope ofthis article, but their role in allergic as well asother inflammatory processes have beenstudied for years. The role of supplementalantioxidants in preventative health will be atopic of a future article.

Quercetin: Among the flavonoids,quercetin is possibly the most biologicallyactive. Quercetin is the aglycone (non-carbohydrate portion) of rutin, quercetrinand other glycoside flavonoids. It is widelydistributed in the plant kingdom includingoak trees (Quercus spp.), onions (Alliumcepa) and tea (Camellia sinensis). It haseffects on many different enzymatic systemsin the body, most of them via its interactionwith the calcium-regulating enzymecalmodulin (3).

Quercetin’s effect on allergies isunmatched by other natural substances. Itinhibits phospholipase A (responsible forconverting phospholipids into arachidonicacid), lipoxygenase (responsible forconverting arachidonic acid intoleukotrienes)(4), platelet aggregation, andmast cell and basophil degranulation (6,7).Quercetin has been shown to bind tocalcium/calmodulin complexes, preventingthe influx of calcium into mast cells andbasophils (6,11). This inhibition preventsthe mast cells from destabilizing anddegranulating, keeping histamine and otherpreformed mediators from being released(13). In fact, quercetin so consistently blockscalcium induced mast cells destabilization

that researchers often use it in experiments asa control substance for such activity (7,8,12).

The activity of quercetin has been wellknown for years, leading to the synthesis ofsimilar compounds by pharmaceuticalcompanies. One such compound, cromyln(the active ingredient in Intal), has been usedas a mast cell stabilizer for years (10). Theonly problem is that cromyln cannot beabsorbed orally and must me delivered as apowder through spinhalers or an aerosolinhaler. Even then, only 8% is absorbed inthe respiratory tract (9) leading to the needto take 2 metered dosages four times per day.

Like most biologically activeflavonoids, quercetin’s pharmacology isquite interesting. The absorption ofquercetin is about 20-52% depending on theform (14,15). While this may seem quitelow, the elimination of quercetin and itsderivatives is very low, and high plasmalevels are easily maintained with a regularsupply of quercetin in the diet (16). Studiesconducted in rats showed that more than25% of the absorbed quercetin was localizedin the lung tissue, an added benefit tocombat allergy and associated asthma (17).While these radioactive studies have notbeen repeated in man, it is likely that similarresults would be found. It has been knownfor some time that the concomitantadministration of bromelain, an enzymederived from the stem of the pineappleplant, can enhance the absorption ofquercetin as well as other flavonoids such asrutin. An added benefit included withbromelain is its ability to blockinflammatory pathways (fibrin and kinin)and decrease the viscosity of mucus in thelungs.

Patients should begin to takequercetin upon the first signs of allergenexposure. Since quercetin is prophylactic(stabilizing mast cells rather than blockinghistamine) and will stay in the blood stream,initial doses should be 400-600 mg, three

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times per day, for the first 5-7 days. Symptomrelief may begin in the first several hours.Once plasma levels are up, 200-400 mg perday should be sufficient through the rest ofthe allergy season. Quercetin is extremelysafe, and has so many other benefits(antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, capillarystability etc.) it should make it thefoundation of any natural approach toallergic rhinitis therapy.

Stinging Nettle: Among the manyplants one would propose to be helpful inthe treatment of allergic rhinitis, the stingingnettle (Urtica dioica L.) would probably notbe among them. This common plant, oftencalled “itch weed”, is known to cause hives orurticaria (hence the Latin name) due to thehistamine located in needles under each leaf.For years, the dried leaves of stinging nettleswere used for the symptoms associated withallergic rhinitis. Finally in 1990 a double-blind, placebo-controlled study was done toassess the use of stinging nettle leaf forallergic rhinitis (18). After one week, stingingnettle was rated higher than placebo.Unfortunately this study was based on diaryentries of symptoms and overall patientratings. These studies should be expanded toinclude more patients, longer intervals, andmore objective measurements.

A recent article studying the use ofstinging nettle leaf extracts in the treatmentof rheumatoid arthritis (anotherinflammatory process) may explain themechanism. An extract of stinging nettleleaves was shown to inhibit bothlipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase activity(19). These two enzymes are responsible forconverting arachidonic acid into theinflammatory prostaglandins andleukotrienes. This and possibly a negativefeedback effect from oral histamine (fromthe nettle leaf) contribute to the overallactivity of nettle leaf in allergic symptomrelief.

While other botanical products havebeen used for allergic rhinitis over the years,most of these work as anti-allergic agents dueto the high amount of quercetin in them.Among them, garlic, onion, and green tea arethe most popular.

Asthma: Asthma is one of the mostcommon allergy associated ailments. It canbe triggered by the same events as allergies(IgE-allergen interaction) and results in theconstriction of the bronchioles and increasedproduction of bronchial mucus. Whileseveral of the mast cell preformed mediatorsplay significant roles in asthma, increasingresearch has been targeted at leukotriene andPAF-induced asthma (20,21,22). These lipid-derived mediators are responsible fordrawing eosinophils (by chemotaxis) to thelungs, which perpetuate the response byreleasing more PAF.

Several botanical constituents,including quercetin (23) and bilobide Bfrom Ginkgo biloba (24), have been shownto inhibit the synthesis or effect of PAF. Thereis continued research to find other botanicalingredients that will address this area ofallergy and asthma.

Ephedra: Ephedra (Ephedra sinica Stapt.)or Ma Huang has been used in Chinesemedicine for thousands of years (29). Theephedra plant contains 2 to 3% alkaloids,mostly ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.These alkaloids were discovered andsynthetically produced in the late 1920’s andtheir use has been wide in over-the-counterand prescription medications for asthma,hay fever and related conditions. See thediscussion under “Treatment Options:Drugs” above for mechanisms.

Ephedra has come under scrutiny oflate by the FDA, primarily due to itsformulation with caffeine-containingproducts and its promotion as a stimulantweight-loss product. Restrictions will be

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recommended, and possibly mandated onthe use, dose, and combination use ofephedra in the near future. Extracts ofephedra (Ma Huang) is safe in short-termuse (1-2 weeks) as a bronchodilator. Longeruse of ephedra should be monitored closelyand should be accompanied by adrenalstimulating herbs like licorice (Glycyrrizaglabra L.), Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcussenticosus Maxim.), and Dandelion Root(Taraxacum officinalle Wiggers). Ephedraextracts contain 6-8% ephedrine and shouldbe dosed at 200-400 mg 2 or 3 times daily.Each individual reacts differently to ephedraand smaller and less frequent doses shouldbe attempted prior to increasing dosing.

NAC: N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) may be oneof the best expectorant/mucolytic agents,although it has been forgotten in recentyears. NAC is gaining interest as anantioxidant that acts by itself and as a“recharger” of the body’s own glutathione

(25). As disulfide reducing agents, both NACand glutathione can decrease the viscosity ofmucus, which is increased by disulfidebridging of sulfur proteins in mucus.Recently, the mucolytic mechanism is beingreassessed by research suggesting a“mucoregulating” action for NAC (27,28).NAC has been used quite frequently in anassortment of lung conditions includingCOPD, bronchitis, and asthma (26).

CONCLUSION:As we finish editing this article, we arelooking at one of the worst allergy seasons indecades. Just one more El Niño effect, we aretold. As the seasons approach, patients willbegin stocking up on prescription, over-the-counter, and natural products to combat theinevitable symptoms they will face. Thisinformation should help you direct yourpatients to the best natural treatmentoptions for the coming season.

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REFERENCES1. Naclerio, R. and W. Solomon. Rhinitis and Inhalant Allergens. JAMA, 1997; 278:1842-1848.2. Negro, J.M. et.al. Leukotrienes and their antagonists in allergic disorders. AllergolImmunopathol (Madr) 1997; 25(2): 104-112.3. Nishino, H. et.al. Quercetin interacts with Calmodulin, a calcium regulatory protein.Experientia 1984; 40:184-5.4.Yoshimoto, T. et.al. Flavonoids: Potent inhibitors of arachindonate 5-lipoxygenase. BiochemBiophys Res Com, 1983; 116:612-6185.Yoshida, K. and M. Suko. [The potential role and mechanism of leukotriene and platelet-activating factor in allergic disease]. Abstract (Article in Japanese). Nippon Rinsho, 1993;51(3) 631-637.6. Middleton, E. et.al. Quercetin: An inhibitor of antigen-induced human basophil histaminerelease. Journal of Immunology, 1981; 127(2):546-550.7. Otsuka, H. et.al. Histochemical and functional characteristics of metachromatic cells in thenasal epithelium in allergic rhinitis: studies of nasal scrapings and their dispersed cells. J.Allergy Clin Immunol, 1995; 96(4):538-536.8. Szabo, A. et.al. Mucosal permeability changes during intestinal reperfusion injury. The roleof mast cells. Acta Chir Hung, 1997; 36(1-4): 334-336.9. Physician’s Desk Reference. 1994; page 930. Medical Economics Data ProductionCompany. Montvale NJ.10. Martin, M.W. et.al. Inhibition by cromoglycate and some flavonoids of nucleosidediphosphate kinase and of exocytosis from permeabilized mast cells. Br J Pharmacol, 1995;115(6): 1080-1086.11. Fewtrell, C.M. and B.D. Gomperts. Quercetin: a novel inhibitor of Ca2+ influx andexocytosis in rat peritoneal mast cells. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1977; 469(1): 52-60.12. Barrett, K.E. and D.D. Metcalfe. The histologic and functional characterization ofenzymatically dispersed intestinal mast cells of nonhuman primates: effects ofsecretagogues and anti-allergic drugs on histamine secretion. J Immunol, 1985; 135(3):2020-2026.13. Leung, K.B., et.al. Differential effects of anti-allergic compounds on peritoneal mast cellsof the rat, mouse and hamster. Agents Actions, 1984;14(3-4): 461-467.

14. Hollman, P.C., et.al. Bioavailability of the dietary antioxidant flavonol quercetin in man.Cancer Lett, 1997;114(1-2): 139-140.15. Hollman, P.C. and M.B. Katan. Bioavailability and health effects of dietary flavonols inman. Arch Toxicol Suppl, 1998;20: 237-248.16. Manach, C. et.al. Bioavalability of rutin and quercetin in rats. FEBS Lett. 1997; 409(1): 12-16.17. Petrakis, P.L. et.al. Metabolic studies of quercetin labeled with 14C. Arch. Biochem Biophys.1959; 85:264-71.18. Mittman, P. Randomized, double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in thetreatment of allergic rhinitis. Planta Med. 1990; 56(1): 44-47.19. Obertreis, B. et.al. Anti-inflammatory effect of Urtica dioica folia extract in comparison tocaffeic malic acid. Arzneimittelforschung, 1996; 46(1): 52-56.20. Smith, L.J. The role of platelet-activating factor in asthma. Am Rev Respir Dis, 1991; 143(5Pt 2): S100-S102.21. Chung, K.F. and P.J. Barnes. Role for platelet-activating factor in asthma. Lipids, 1991; 26(12): 1277-1279.22. Sagara, H. et.al. [PAF receptor antagonist in asthma therapy]. Abstract [Article inJapanese] Nippon Rinsho, 1996; 54(11): 3056-3061.23.Yanoshita, R. et.al. Inhibition of lysoPAF Acetyltransferase activity by flavonoids. InflammRes, 1996; 45(11): 546-549.24. Kurihara, K. et.al. Inhibition of platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced chemotaxis andPAF binding to human eosinophils and neutrophils by the specific ginkgolide-derived PAFantagonist, BN 52021. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1989; 83(1): 83-90.25.Yim, C.Y. et.al. Use of N-acetyl cysteine to increase intracellular glutathione during theinduction of antitumor responses by IL-2. J. Immul. 1994; 152: 5796-5805.26. Ziment, I. Acetyl cysteine: a drug that is much more than a mucokinetic. BiomedPharmacother. 1988; 42(8): 513-519.27. Richardson, P. Oral N-acetyl cysteine: how does it act? Eur. J. Respir. Dis. 1987; 70:71-72.28. Millar, A.B. et.al. Effect of oral N-Acetyl Cysteine on mucus clearing. 1985; 79: 262-266.29. Chan, E.L. et.al. History of medicine and nephrology in Asia. 1994; 14(4-6): 295-301.

IN MY OPINIONFinally someone is saying what many of us have known for sometime: that most people are unlikely to getenough vitamins from food and should take either supplements or eat specially fortified foods. This statementwas just released by the U.S. Institute of Medicine on April 7, 1998. According to Dr. Robert Russell at theTufts University “this is the first time a recommendation has been made for intake other than from naturalfoods for a significant portion of the population”. The first by them, but certainly not the first.

The concept of supplementation seems to hinder many traditional camps. Let us discuss this for amoment. Supplementation is simply the adding of components not found in the available material, in this case,diet. The majority of the world’s plants are not native to Central Wisconsin where I live. My wife and I chooseto supplement our diet with Florida oranges, Georgia peaches, California grapes and a host of ingredients fromaround the world to gain the vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients we want to complete our diet.Unfortunately, many of the most biologically active phytonutrients are very unstable in the original plantmaterial (must be eaten fresh), are too bulky to be transported efficiently (need to be concentrated), or arefound in a part of the plant that most people would choose not to ingest (root, skin, bark etc.). Supplementationis taking these ingredients to a population that cannot legitimately add them to their normal diet.

This is certainly not an endorsement for taking supplements instead of fresh fruits and vegetables, butwith them. The best advice (I don’t recall from whom) I have heard concerning the diet is “Eat things thatwould spoil, but eat them before they do!” Our modern culture has spent billions of dollars extracting out theactive components of foods to increase shelf-life, improve texture, and improve shelf appeal. This, and the factthat much of the soil has been depleted of vital trace minerals in the past 100 years, has led to the need forsupplementation of vitamins and minerals, as well as various phytonutrients. From the looks of it, what wehave known for decades has become a novel finding by our federal government.

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