Mark Schauss is a world leader in health research and laboratory analysis of health. I attended his lectures on the “Art and Science of Biochemical Individuality” based on hearing him talk about his book “Achieving victory over a toxic world,” and the recommendations of one of the best coaches I’ve come across Joseph Coyne.
Achieving victory over a toxic world. – Mark Schauss
The course had a special significance for me because I was once given an ultrasound on my liver and eventually a nuclear isotope scan to look at my kidneys based on a poor interpretation of a blood test. As a kid doing a lot of sport the high reading was simply a result of high cell turnover. On my journey back to robust health from chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia I have done numerous blood tests and other tests which have helped light the path on my journey.
The Art and Science of Biochemical Indivuality – Keegan Smith
If your health and performance are less than optimal you should think about functional testing methods such as comprehensive blood testing, organic acid testing, amino acid profiling and environmental pollutant profiling.
Do maintenance – don’t wait for a breakdown.
Here are some of the key points from the 3 days.
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1. Magnesium is associated with longevity – at least 400-800mg per day are needed according to Dr Mark Houston (who has apparently NEVER! had a patient die of heart attack). 250-400mg are recommended by Mark Schauss. Interestingly if you have a history of kidney stones then magnesium citrate is recommended to dissolve any crystals. Magnesium glycinate is great for detoxification.
2. Taurine – is great for improving mental function and cardiovascular function. It can be taken up to 5g / day for athletes with the caveat of passing the test on number 10. It helps relax the body/brain and detoxification.
3. Average glycine levels are dropping – The once omnipresent bone-soups are no longer common place. Glycine converts to serine a pre-cursor for many neurotransmitters, essential for short term memory function. It also plays a key role in detoxifying environmental pollutants such as toluene and benzoate. 55% of collagen is glycine.
4. BCAA’s can cause brain fog and blood sugar deregulation when taken without the necessary co-factors and training volume. Individual needs will vary.
5. High volume endurance athletes run the risk of permanent damage – They should pay extremely careful attention to mineral balance and amino acid levels if they want to continue with their sports.
6. Parabens – found in many personal care products have been found in high concentrations around breast cancers.
7. Phthalates – were developed during the Vietnam war with the aim of decreasing the north Vietnamese birth-rates. The chemicals were so successful that they were effecting US and other invading soldiers and use was stopped. Since then there have been used in air-fresheners, perfumes and deodorants and many other personal care products. There are studies linking it to infertility in males. Sauna (make sure the Sauna doesn’t use glues or wood from mercury) is one of the best proven ways to remove phthalates – use anti-oxidants and electrolytes when you use the sauna.
8. Everyone should performance a comprehensive blood test at least once a year – Cholesterol should never be low. Low cholesterol is associated with higher risk of accident (not necessarily death), suicide and depression.
9. Don’t drink water – Water should come predominantly from food or with electrolytes. Interestingly mark tasted the original Gatorade and says it has nothing to do with the product sold to the masses today. I believe Ionised water makes sense from this point of view.BONUS: Mark showed us a method by which Hydration levels can be measured by simple test involving raising your arm and watching when the veins disappear.
Electrolyte PX 2.0 – developed by Mark Schauss and Charles Poliquin.
10. Blood pressure – is a very important gauge as to your electrolyte reserve, sodium and potassium status and even if you are in need of more sulphates or should avoid them.
11. Everyone is exposed to mercury and lead – There is no acceptable level of lead for babies. Mercury is 100 times more toxic than lead. Mercury is used in many vaccines given to babies. Hepatitis B is almost impossible for people under 13 to contract yet many newborns are subjected to it. Athletes blood streams are often high in toxins because of high cell turnover spilling them out of the tissues.
12. Achilles tendon problems can be related to a manganese deficiency – Manganese can be easily tested for in solution. Interestingly Mn will lower the heart rate if over-consumed.
In the 21’st century we’re no longer in an age of survival of the fittest, today it’s survival of the best detoxifiers. This information when applied can help to meet this challenge.
For all you science and functional medicine nerds check http://keegansh.com/2012/06/03/why-neuro-immune-disorders-matter/ for more on where health meets performance.
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