Udo Erasmus, Ph.D.

Presentation + Questions & Answers
For ADD-Holistic Discussion Group
http://www.HolisticMed.Com/add/


To: add-holistic@mLists.net
From: Mark Gold
Subject: ADD Introduction of Visiting Expert
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 00:57:18 -0500 (EST)

Hi!

I said that we would be having a Visiting Expert on essential fatty acids (EFAs) since it is both a popular and important topic when it comes to add/adhd and to health in general. I feel very fortunate that we will be visited by one of the world's foremost authorities on EFAs, Udo Erasmus. Mr. Erasmus is the author of the book, "Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill." The bio below is the 1-1/2 page "About the Author" section of the above-mentioned book. (The "About the Author" section was probably written by the publisher.)


Udo Erasmus was born in Poland during the second world war to parents from Latvia and Estonia escaping from communists. His family fled to West Germany at the end of the war, and emigrated to Canada when he was 10 years old.

His parents, having endured the first world war and the bolshevik revolution during their childhood, and having lived through the depression during adulthood only to be caught in the middle of the second world war, moved to northern Canada where Udo and his four siblings grew up on 112 acres of bush land. Without television, telephone, or radio, nature was both his teacher and entertainer.

At 16, Udo began university studies in the sciences -- math, physics, chemistry, and biology. Eventually, he settled on zoology and psychology as his field of study, and specialized in genetics (under Canadian geneticist, educator, and environmentalist Dr. David Suzuki) and biochemistry. His papers in genetics were published in the peer review journal "Mutation Research."

At 25, Udo found the direction science was taking unacceptable -- it was increasingly used to control people rather than to help or free them, and geneticists talked about cloning super-races. Udo left the University of British Columbia and went in search of his mission. "I traveled, looked around for several years, and did all sorts of different jobs to get to know more about my society and the world. Eventually, I was poisoned by pesticides and, in search of self-help, re-discovered a childhood passion for health and healing."

He resumed studies, now focused on nutrition, health, and human nature. The first edition of this book ("Fats and Oils") was his PhD thesis in nutrition. His M.A. thesis in counseling psychology, entitled "The Nature of Human Nature," will also be published in book form, "when I'm satisfied with my understanding of the details. I want to let my experience of this topic mature a little longer."

Udo pioneered our understanding of the effects of fats, oils, and cholesterol on human health at a time when other writers were quoting wrong information from outdated sources. The result of his painstaking assembly of relevant research resulted in this landmark book, seminal in the field.

His technological innovations include: development of custom-made parts for existing oil presses to protect the oils being pressed from damage caused by light, oxygen, and heat; use of opaque containers for fresh oils to protect them from light; refrigeration or freezing of oils during transport to slow deterioration and shelf-dating of oils to warn consumers about old oils. The use of the name "flax" oil (to distinguish the fresh, unrefined oil made with human health in mind from "linseed" oil, which comes from the same seed but is a paint-grade, refined, rancid, industrial product previously offered for human consumption) was Udo's suggestion. He also helped to pioneer the fresh, unrefined hemp oil that has recently appeared on the market.

Udo has worked with professionals (doctors, pharmacists, dieticians, osteopaths, naturopaths, nutritionists, chiropractors, massage therapists, other healing professionals, educators, veterinarians, and researchers); consumer health organizations; individuals who want to become more educated in nutrition and health; manufacturers who want help formulating high quality products; and developers of machinery and processes for making products with health in mind.

As an authority on fats, oils, cholesterol, essential fatty acids, technology for pressing healthy oils, complete nutrient programs for human health, and other health topics, Udo has been invited to tour throughout North America and Europe. Since 1987, he has reached an estimated five million viewers, listeners, and readers. He is particularly appreciated for his detailed, precise, clear, and non-technical style.


Please join my in welcoming Mr. Erasmus to the ADD-Holistic discussion group! [clap, clap, clap!!!]

[NOTE: Mr. Erasmus won't actually join us until Friday.]

Best Wishes,
- Mark
mgold@tiac.net
Home of ADD/ADHD Holistic Mailing List
http://www.HolisticMed.com/add/
Send the message: subscribe
to add-holistic-request@mLists.net


To: add-holistic@mLists.net
From: udoerasmus@aol.com [NOTE: THIS IS A TEMPORARY EMAIL ADDRESS WHICH IS NO LONGER BEING USED]
Udo Erasmus Web Page: http://www.udoerasmus.com/
Subject: ADD Opening Post (Udo Erasmus)

Table of Contents


Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

EFAs are the fats that heal. These are substances that every cell must have, cannot make, and must therefore get from foods. No-fat diets eventually kill. Low-fat diets can make us sick. We cannot live without EFAs.

Our fear of the fats that kill has made us fat-phobic, and is depriving millions of EFAs.

Two EFAs exist. One, the omega 3 (w3) EFA, is alpha-linolenic acid (LNA). The other, the omega 6 (w6) EFA, is linoleic acid (LA). If we get enough of both, and the ratio between them is right, the body makes several derivatives with important functions from each. From some of these derivatives, the body makes hormone-like substances that regulate biochemical activities in all cells and tissues on a moment-to-moment basis. (see page 20 of FATS THAT HEAL FATS THAT KILL for a comprehensive diagram of EFAs, their derivatives, and hormones made from them).

Processing

Processing determines whether fats (and especially EFAs) are beneficial or detrimental to health. EFAs are chemically active, and are sensitive to destruction by light, oxygen, and high (frying) heat. These can turn the healing EFAs into killing toxic fats. To retain their healing properties, EFAs must be treated with care. The w3 EFA is 5 times more rapidly destroyed than the w6 EFA.

A quick stability comparison. Sugar, starch, amino acids, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and fiber can be dried, powdered, and stored for years with little deterioration. Oils rich in EFAs, on the other hand, begin to spoil by light-enhanced oxidation (rancidity) within hours of exposure, and their rancidity can be smelled and tasted within a week or two of exposure at room temperature.

EFAs are a manufacturer's nightmare. The easiest way to create products with long shelf life is to remove EFAs. It is a main force that drives the low-fat food craze. The other main force that drives fat phobia and low-fat diets is 'experts' who know about the fats that kill, but are not clear about the fats that heal. They have not understood that most health problems that we blame on fats are actually due to destructive processing methods. Remember: Damage due to processing.

Our w3 intake has decreased to 1/6th its level in 1850. Our intake of the less sensitive w6 EFA has doubled in the last 100 years, mainly due to increased use of corn and safflower, oils very rich in w6, but containing no w3.

Sources of EFAs

Flax is the richest food source of the w3 EFA. High fat, cold water fish (albacore tuna, mackerel, trout, salmon, sardines) are good sources of w3 derivatives. We prefer fish (raw as sushi; or poached rather than fried) over encapsulated fish oils because of processing damage, rancidity (fish oils are 5 times more sensitive to destruction than LNA), and oil-soluble toxins in fish (liver) oils.

Sunflower and sesame seeds are good sources of w6 EFA. Almonds, peanuts, and olives also contain w6 EFAs but no W3s. Soybeans and walnuts contain lots of w6, and a small amount of w3. Most other seeds and nuts, such as pecans, macadamia nuts, and cashews, are poor sources of EFAs. One also gets w3 and w6 EFAs in fresh oils pressed from organically grown seeds, using special machinery for making oils with health in mind that was developed in 1987. Such oils are found in amber glass bottles, in the fridge, in natural food stores.

A blend developed by the writer for use in his work, contains 9 ingredients: flax, sunflower, sesame, rice germ, oat germ, unrefined evening primrose, medium chain triglycerides, lecithin, and vitamin E. It is protected from light by a box surrounding the amber glass bottle. Fresh EFA-rich oils have a 6-month shelf life under refrigeration, should be used within 4 to 8 weeks of opening, and must be frozen solid to attain a 3 to 5 year shelf life (oils shrink when they freeze, so the glass bottles will not break). Warning: Frying can make EFA-rich oils quite toxic.

W3:W6 Ratio

W3 and w6 EFAs compete for space on the enzymes that convert them into derivatives. If we get too much w6, we become deficient in w3; and vice versa.
A wide range of ratios keeps healthy people healthy. Inuit (Eskimos) had 2.5 times more w3 than w6 in their traditional diet. Italians had 4 times more w6 than w3. Neither suffered from fat-related conditions. Present-day diets a ratio about 20 times richer in w6.

In our work, we use a ratio twice as rich in w3 as w6. We arrived at this ratio by experimentation. We found that a ratio of 3.5 times more w3 (flax oil), makes people w6-deficient. The Inuit ratio, 2.5 times more w3, does not. Our 2:1 ratio gives superior therapeutic results, because many people are EFA-deficient because of low-fat diets, and almost everyone is w3-deficient because of absence of w3s from most commonly eaten foods.

Supplements


EFAs and their derivatives can be obtained in 3 main ways:

Amounts

Because we could not live if glands and organs were deprived of EFAs, but dry skin is survivable, Nature's wisdom dictates that skin gets EFAs last. We use this fact as an indicator of optimum EFA intake.

Dry skin, or the need for moisturizers, creams, and lotions are indicators of less than optimum EFA intake. Optimum amount and ratio of EFAs leads to soft, velvety skin. Then we know that the rest of the body has the EFAs it needs. Optimizing EFA intake makes cosmetics unnecessary. I don't use any. At 56, people tell me that my skin is remarkably youthful looking.

Most adults need 2 to 5 tablespoons each day to reach optimum. Body builders use up to 7 or 8 tbsp/day. People with degenerative conditions go up to 10 tbsp/day. They lose weight, reduce joint pain, and experience improved energy levels using this much. I use 3 tbsp in summer, about 4 in winter. When the weather gets colder in fall, many people notice their skin gets dry. That's nature telling you: You need more oil.

Children should get EFA-rich oils proportional to weight. For example, if the parent needs 3 tbsp/day for soft, velvety skin and the child weighs one tenth of the parent's weight, the child should get one tenth of 3 tbsp/day.

How to Use EFA-rich Oils

EFA-rich oils made with health in mind are compatible with all foods: vegetables, proteins, starches, and fruit.

Use them in salad dressings; on steamed vegetables; in soups; in mashed potatoes or on corn instead of butter; mix in yogurt or protein shakes (athletes get their EFAs this way); mix 50:50 with butter or extra virgin olive oil to enhance the EFA profile of these two good but EFA-poor oils; on pasta; in cereals, in veggie juices; and layered on fruit juices (we call this an oil shooter: EFAs enhance the juice flavor, the juice gets more body, and the oil flavor disappears).

EFA Health Functions

NOTE: w3 EFAs do a better job than w6 EFAs on most of the above points. However, w6 deficiency from over-emphasis on w3s must be avoided, because w6 deficiency leads to deterioration of every cell, tissue, gland, organ, and system in the body. That is why getting the w3 to w6 ratio right is so important for health.

EFAs and ADD/ADHD

Three related areas of EFA functions are particularly important with respect to ADD/ADHD. These are: brain, women's health, and pregnancy. Most children with ADD/ADHD do not require Ritalin. In a fat-phobic world filled with junk foods, most kids do not get the EFAs they need for optimum brain function. Clearly, children should be given the essential nutrients required for brain function before drugs are even contemplated. Of these nutrients, w3 EFAs are the most likely to be lacking. Deficiency of either w3 or w6 EFAs is known to lead to changes in behavior. This has been known for years.

In addition to EFAs, the brain also requires several vitamins and minerals, as well as proteins. If the brain ain't made right, behavior cannot be expected to be normal.

Resources

EFA Supplements:

Reading:
Erasmus, Udo. Fats That Heal Fats That Kill.

Further Information:
1-800-446-2110

[ Web Page: http://www.udoerasmus.com/ ]


Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 08:35:08 -0700 (MST)
From: mgold@tiac.met
Subject: ADD Responses From Dr. Erasmus

Hi!

I will be forwarding the responses from Dr. Erasmus to the list. He is been very busy with various requests and wasn't able to get to the responses until last night. He will be travelling to Europe, so we cannot ask him any more followup questions for now.

Because Dr. Erasmus gets so many questions (often the same questions), he asks that people interested in issues related to EFAs read his book, "Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill" first, because many of the common questions (e.g., cooking with oils, etc.) are answered in the book in detail.

One other thing, there is a slight backlog of posts that need to be sent to the list. I will forward most of those to the list tonight and tomorrow morning. Sorry for the delay!

Best Wishes, - Mark
mgold@tiac.net
Home of ADD/ADHD Holistic Mailing List
http://www.HolisticMed.com/add/


Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1999 09:01:04 -0700 (MST)
From: Dean Mouscher
Subject: RE: ADD Opening Post (Udo Erasmus)

Date: Tue, 16 Mar 1999 09:56:14 -0600

Dear Dr. Erasmus:

I find that when I take 240-300 mg daily of GLA (from borage seed oil) my concentration and memory improves. Yet I worry that such a high intake of GLA is not natural and may throw something out of balance, which is why I go off the GLA frequently for extended periods. Please comment.

Also, I've seen research indicating that nutritional status at conception is more important than diet during pregnancy. We're planning a second child. How long, in your opinion, should my wife take Udo's Choice oil in order to rebuild fatty acid stores before conceiving for the second time (she's still breastfeeding number 1)?

Thanks,
Dean


Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 08:36:13 -0700 (MST)
From: udoerasmus@aol.com
Subject: RE: ADD Opening Post (Udo Erasmus)

Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 00:45:03 -0800

Dear Dean:

David Horrobin, the developer of Efamol evening primrose, who inspired most of the work on evening primrose and GLA, recommended a maximum of about 60 mg of GLA, from 12-500 mg capsules of that oil. I do not use borage oil, but doubt that the amount you take would cause you great harm, since it would only involve about 1500 mg of oil. I say that because GLA (the w6 derivative) and LNA (the w3 essential fatty acid) are quite similar in their chemical activity, and I use about 25,000 mg of LNA per day.

Some researchers doubt our need for GLA, based on studies that indicate that the body does the conversion of LA to w6 derivatives from infancy to old age.

The key is that the ratio of w3:w6 should be between 2:1 and 1:5 for healthy people. More towards 2:1 if w3s have been neglected in the diet. Other than that, it is good to keep anti-oxidant levels high, by eating lots of green foods; taking the usual pill ones: A, C, E, selenium, and zinc; and taking herbs like ginkgo, milk thistle, lipoic acid, etc. You don't need them all, but should have both water-soluble and oil-soluble anti-oxidants in your diet.

If your intake of essential fats keeps up with its loss to the unborn child and to the infant through breast milk, then the timing of pregnancies is not dependent on essential fat intake. We have seen this consistently in animal work.

The key is to get optimums, which we measure by skin feel. Dry skin means you're not getting enough. The need for moisturizers, creams, and lotions is another indicator.

For adults, 2 to 5 tablespoons/day is usually right to get this done. For the brain, the w3 essential fatty acid must be converted into DHA. This should not be a problem at the 2 to 5 tablespoon level if the oil is 2:1 in favor of w3. Alternatively, fish provides DHA without the need for conversion.

Alcohol depletes DHA dramatically, one reason why drinkers should eat fish, and pregnant women should avoid alcohol.

Two years or more between children is an accepted standard. This time gives the mother time to get rested after the hectic time of having a new-born, and gives the new-born enough of her attention for long enough to feel comfortable in the world.

Hope this helps.


Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1999 09:04:23 -0700 (MST)
From: randy1@ibm.net
Subject: ADD For Dr. Erasmus

Date: Tue, 16 Mar 1999 23:28:30 -0600

Sir: I'm a Biochemistry student at Kansas State University, and I started studying biochemistry formally at age 33; my love for "alterna- tive" medicine came from my Grandfather, who used to traipse the hills of Virginia in search of herbs and roots for sale to the local physi- cians and healers. I add these facts because if I don't, you might miss something of my character. Please be warned that I am quite the rambler!

My concern is that very little is taught about the importance of EFA's, even in a biochemistry curriculum. Of course they are mentioned; their conversion to other molecules is stressed; however, most of the discus- sion centers around arachidonic acid (also known as eicosapentenoic acid or EPA)and its derivatives. Linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) are considered in more detail; gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is mentioned mainly in terms of a "structure to memorize," and as an in- termediate.

I know (through a little detective work outside of class) that LA (w-6) can be converted into GLA (still w-6 but with 3 unsaturations versus 2 for LA) but that neither of them can be converted into alpha-linolenic acid (LNA; w-3). I also know that GLA (and thus LA) is a precursor of EPA (w-3 with 5 unsat.) and thus of series-3 prostaglandins (PG3), as well as of PG1 and PG2, HPETE, series-4 and series-5 leukotrienes (LKT-4 & LKT-5), thromboxanes (THX) and prostacyclins (PCyc).

Since LNA cannot be converted back to GLA, it can feed only (directly) into PG3 and EPA, which we could make starting with simply LA.

Why do we even need large amounts of LNA, since we truly need only the small amount required directly for membranes? (I can't seem to find much information on LKT-1, 2 or 3; do we also need LNA for their syn- theses?) One would guess, as well, that LA can be converted to doco- sahexenoic acid (DHA; w-3 with 6 unsaturations).

It would seem to me that larger amounts of linoleic acid, with small amounts of LNA, would be sufficient for older children and adults.

I myself use flax/borage oil as a source of LA, LNA, and GLA as well as some oleic acid (w-9). I also use olive oil as a flavoring (after the cooking is done or over a cold salad), and fish oil as a direct source for EPA (which biases leukotrienes toward LKT-5 and prostaglan- dins toward PG3's which are less inflammatory than LKT-4's and PG1 and PG2; and which can inhibit THX-2 formation leading to some reductions in hypertension, serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides - i.e., LDL - and neutrophil - white blood cell type - aggregation) and DHA (whose precursors in the human body, functions and physiological effects I am only beginning to unearth).

Do you have any insight on DHA and the human [especially AD(H)D] con- dition? Several in our group have mentioned the high levels of DHA found in human breast milk and the "recently" available microalgae pre- parations. Do you have an opinion on using microalgae for DHA and some preparation besides fish oil or sushi for EPA?

CAN I RAMBLE or WHAT! Thanks for your time, and thanks for joining our group! (and if you need a research assistant in the next five years or so, I'd REALLY like to know!)

Randy Fields


Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 08:36:42 -0700 (MST)
From: udoerasmus@aol.com
Subject: Re: ADD For Dr. Erasmus

Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 00:45:03 -0800

Dear rambing Randy:

If you look on page 20 of my book, you will find an overview of the w3 and w6 essntial fatty acid families. You will see that your understanding of the story is slightly mixed up. You convert w6s into w3 derivatives, and that is not done in nature.

There's good research showing that DHA is helpful in ADD/ADHD. We also get good feedback on the benefits of LNA in ADD/ADHD, although there's little published research on LNA. Red-brown algae do provide DHA. My concern is always the processing damage done to oils when they are steam distilled to clean them up.

Regarding other sources of EPA, you can find EPA in Chinese water snake (20% of the oil is EPA), and rattlesnake (which is about 8% EPA). I'm not sure it is the alternative you're looking for. If you obtain enough LNA, the body will make EPA from it.

Good luck hunting rattlesnakes.

Regards

Udo


Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1999 21:38:12 -0700 (MST)
From: mgold@tiac.net
Subject: ADD Questions for Dr. Erasmus

Dr. Erasmus,

Thank you very much for your detailed opening post. You have provided an enormous amount of useful information! I have a few questions I was hoping that you could answer.

  1. You mentioned the essential fatty acid (EFA) supplement, Udo's Choice Perfected Oil Blend which has been manufactured, packaged, and stored to protect the EFAs and has a balance of w3 and w6 EFAs to avoid deficiences. If a reader cannot find this product at their local health food store, what is the best way to order the product?

  2. From what I understand, there are certain key nutrients which play a significant part in converting w3 and w6 EFAs into derivatives used by the body to promote health. Which of those nutrients do you think might be important for supplementation by persons with ADD/ADHD? Does Udo's Choice Perfected Oil Blend provide some of these nutrients?

  3. A growing number of people are avoiding certain carbohydrates (because of insulin response) and using a higher [saturated] fat, low-carb diet to lose weight, control ADD/ADHD, control diabetes, etc. While I have seen some people have successes in certain areas using this tact, but I still have some major concerns.

    In your experience, can a nutrition plan which stays away from foods high in saturated fats, but adds EFAs in food and EFA supplements produce some (or all) of the same positive effects as far as weight loss, diabetes control, ADD/ADHD improvement, etc. as seen in some of the low carb diets? Or perhaps some reduction of certain carbs and addition of EFAs might be warrented for some people.

  4. I am seeing a large increase in popularity of smoked fish products at large health food stores such as Whole Foods Market. Would a 4 oz package of smoked salmon have the same benefit from the DHA fatty acid as a similar amount of cooked salmon? Does cooking or smoking destroy some or most of the DHA?
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your knowledge with our ADD/ADHD Internet Discussion Group!

Best Wishes,
- Mark
mgold@tiac.net
Holistic Healing Web Page
http://www.HolisticMed.com/


Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 08:37:33 -0700 (MST)
From: udoerasmus@aol.com
Subject: Re: ADD Questions for Dr. Erasmus

Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 00:45:03 -0800

Dear Mark:

  1. Order Perfected Oil Blend directly by calling Flora, Inc., the company that makes it. Their number is 1-800-446-2110. They can also provide the book if you cannot find it.

  2. The minerals and vitamins needed to convert essential fats into their derivatives include vitamins B3, B6, and C, and the minerals calcium, magnesium, and zinc. All these, and the others that we should get for other reasons can be obtained by using a good multi-mineral, multi-vitamin. I use high dose ones. There are several good brands, including Nature's Plus, Twin Labs, and several others.

  3. You get even better results in ADD/ADHD and weight management using oils rich in essential fats than you do with saturated fats. This is because essential fats are required for brain development and brain function, and they increase metabolic rate and energy level (make you feel more like being physically active); lift depression (so you're less likely to overeat); decrease inflammation (so your tissues release water which is then dumped by your kidneys); suppress hunger, appetite, and cravings (by giving you essential nutrients that most people with weight problems avoid); and more.

    Most overweight people are fat-phobic carbohydrate junkies. They need to understand that fats do not make you fat, but sugars, carbohydrates, and sweet fruit do.

    They need to increase their intake of green foods, make sure they get good proteins and good fats, both of which provide essential nutrients that the body cannot make, and need to lower their carb intake.

    Doing this, we get 30 to 50 pounds weight reduction consistently in a year on 3 to 5 tablespoons per day, and have had as much as 80 pounds in 6 months on 3 tablespoons.

    Also, carbs interfere with insulin function, and essential fats are required for insulin function.

  4. Raw (sushi) is better than poached, is better than fried or smoked. One reason for smoking fish is that smoke flavor hides rancidity that occurs as fish is kept for longer periods of time.

    Fresh fish is always best. That's why the saying: Eat things that spoil. Just eat them before they do.
Thanks for the introduction to the net way of doing things.

Regards

Udo


Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1999 21:44:31 -0700 (MST)
From: PARRJL@aol.com
Subject: Re: ADD Opening Post (Udo Erasmus)

Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1999 12:46:47 EST

Dear Dr. Erasmus:

I currently give my 2 y/o and 7 y/o 1 tbsp. of Flax Seed Oil per day. I also have a 4 month old and was wondering if it was too early to start her on Flax oil? If not, at what dosage? My son has psoriasis and since I started giving him the Flax oil, it is almost completely gone.

Thank you for any information you can provide.

Lisa


Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 08:38:35 -0700 (MST)
From: udoerasmus@aol.com
Subject: Re: ADD Opening Post (Udo Erasmus)

Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 00:45:03 -0800

Dear Lisa:

If you breast feed and are taking essential fats, your child will get them through your breast milk.

If you feed solid foods, you can add a capsule or a few grams of oil to it. Formulas are always short on essential fats, enzymes, and good bowel bacteria. All three should be added to the formula.

You did not say that you are taking flax oil. It was the first oil I developed, in 1987, after I learned the story of fats. I found that flax oil made me w6-deficient after several months of exclusive use. I get quite a few reports: Flax oil made my skin really nice at first, but now it doesn't work anymore.

If that happens, it is because the skin has become w6-deficient. That is why I developed the blend in which the w3:w6 ratio is 2:1 instead of flax's ratio of 3.5:1.

So, if flax oil loses its effectiveness, get the balance between w3 and w6 back by using more w6 oil, which sunflower and seasme oils supply.

Regards

Udo


Date: Thu, 18 Mar 1999 20:13:51 -0700 (MST)
From: Diana Algarin-diaz
Subject: Re: ADD Opening Post (Udo Erasmus)

Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1999 23:05:55 -0500 (EST)

Greetings
Great information. Thanks!
Always, Diana


Date: Fri, 19 Mar 1999 10:23:20 -0700 (MST)
From: Sharon Morrissey
Subject: Re: ADD Visiting Expert query

Date: Thu, 18 Mar 1999 21:55:52 -0200

I have a question for our visiting oils expert----one that's driving me crazy.

for many years I've had the symptoms of efa deficiency, as described in the introdustory post, as well as ADD. every time I try to increase my efa intake, whether it be pure flaxoil or Udo's blend, which I have stocked in my freezer----my metabolic rate slows to a crawl. I am usually a slow oxidizer and any fats slow me down even further.

If you've got any ideas toward resolving this dilemma they will be greatly appreciated!

thanks in advance,

Sharon


Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 08:38:01 -0700 (MST)
From: udoerasmus@aol.com
Subject: Re: ADD Visiting Expert query

Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 00:45:03 -0800

Dear Sharon:

I cannot answer your question without more information about your case. W3 fatty acids usually increase metabolic rate rather than decreasing it. They do so by improving circulation (make red blood cells more flexible so they sneak through our cappillaries more easily, improving delivery of nutrients and oxygen to our tissues). They also increase oxygen metabolism, metabolic rate, energy levels, and stamina. They speed recovery after fatigue.

If you want, we could pursue your question more deeply by phone when I return from Europe end of May.

Regards

Udo


Date: Sat, 20 Mar 1999 19:30:00 -0700 (MST)
From: "John V DOMmisse, MD"
Subject: Re: ADD Visiting Expert query

Date: Sat, 20 Mar 1999 11:18:34 -0700

Sharon,
It seems that Udo Erasmus is no longer on this List, so I thought I would jump in with my 2c-worth: Since essential oils are not known to slow metabolism, I wonder whether you have a significant metabolism problem, unrelated to oils but possibly just made slightly worse by them. The commonest low-metabolism problem in the US is undiagnosed and under-treated hypothyroidism, in my opinion (I have treaed probably 1000 hypothyroid patuients by now, over the past 11 years).

The testing that MUST be done, and virtually never is done, is a sensitive TSH, a FREE-T4, and a FREE-T3 serum level. There are other T4 and T3 levels but these are the only accurate ones. Then there is also the matter of interpretation. If you would like to pursue this avenue and let me know what the meaning of these levels would be in your case, I will respond (with my opinion) again.

John DOMmisse, MD, FRCPC


Date: Sat, 20 Mar 1999 19:28:07 -0700 (MST)
From: Diana Algarin-diaz
Subject: Re: ADD Questions for Dr. Erasmus

Date: Thu, 18 Mar 1999 01:07:38 -0500 (EST)

Greetings
I owned a store, Tierra'Dentro, years ago and used to carry all of the Udo's product. Ask the owner of any store if they don't have his products. I knew about it because a customer requested it.
Always, Diana


Date: Sat, 20 Mar 1999 19:29:38 -0700 (MST)
From: PARRJL@aol.com
Subject: Re: ADD

Date: Fri, 19 Mar 1999 23:28:46 EST

I cook in Olive oil. Does heating olive oil turn it into a toxic substance? What oils are safe to heat? Lisa


Date: Sun, 21 Mar 1999 15:28:03 -0700 (MST)
From: mgold@tiac.net
Subject: Re: ADD

> I cook in Olive oil. Does heating olive oil turn it into a toxic
> substance? What oils are safe to heat? Lisa

Lisa,

I forward this to Dr. Erasmus to answer. Hopefully he'll get to it soon. Dr. Erasmus' book ("Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill") has an excellent section on cooking with oils, including which oils are safest to use and cooking techniques that prevent toxic changes to oils.

Best Wishes,
- Mark
mgold@tiac.net
Holistic Healing Web Page
http://www.HolisticMed.com/


Date: Sun, 21 Mar 1999 15:30:07 -0700 (MST)
From: srjarv@webcntrl.com
Subject: Re: ADD

Date: Sun, 21 Mar 1999 09:51:47 +0000

>I cook in Olive oil. Does heating olive oil turn it into a toxic
>substance? What oils are safe to heat? Lisa

I just came from a adhd conference, a large part of which was devoted to nutrition. The vote there is olive oil is good, but sesame oil is best because it can reach higher temps then other oils before it changes its structure, making it toxic. Rachel


Date: Sun, 21 Mar 1999 15:30:47 -0700 (MST)
From: George von Hilsheimer
Subject: Re: ADD

Date: Sun, 21 Mar 1999 12:48:26 -0500

No oils are safe to overheat! As a matter of fact, raw or sparely and gently cooked is always better than overcooked. Olive oil is ok for cooking, just don't deep fry in anything, and use less rather than more. GvH, Fellow Int College Applied Nutrition (1973)

At 07:29 PM 3/20/99 -0700, you wrote:
>I cook in Olive oil. Does heating olive oil turn it into a toxic
>substance? What oils are safe to heat? Lisa


Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 08:39:02 -0700 (MST)
From: udoerasmus@aol.com
Subject: Re: ADD

Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 00:45:03 -0800

Dear Lisa:

There's research that indicates that when olive oil is fried, it loses all of its breast cancer protective properties. Frying correlates with more cancer and more cardiovascular disease, and I believe it also increases inflammation and makes irritable bowel problems worse.

That's why I recommend frying in water. In other words, steam, poach, boil, pressure cook. Then add good oils made with health in mind after the food is on the plate. That we you're not playing Russian roulette with health. Russian roulette is not safe just because 5 chambers are empty.

Regards

Udo

At 09:32 PM 3/20/99 -0500, you wrote:
>From: PARRJL@aol.com
>Subject: Re: ADD
>Date: Fri, 19 Mar 1999 23:28:46 EST
>I cook in Olive oil. Does heating olive oil turn it into a toxic
>substance? What oils are safe to heat? Lisa


Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 12:48:35 -0700 (MST)
From: 1lls0081 <1lls0081@unixstew.tstc.edu>
Subject: Re: ADD Canola

Date: Sun, 21 Mar 1999 23:47:23 -0600

oils "Oils Vegetable and Animal - Health Risks from Processed
Foods and Trans. Fats: Enig, Ph.D."
#http://www.healthy.net/library/articles/passwater/enig01.htm#

oils coconut oil and aids
#http://www.execpc.com/~keephope/report14.html#

Mary Enig is someone that I wish we could get as a visiting expert. I would love to host some of her articles on my web site as well!
Laura
aka The Pied Piper

Lee Hunter wrote:

> Date: Sun, 21 Mar 1999 12:22:48 -0500
> >Considering the fact that there does not seem to be any kind of non animal
> >based oil that is as good as the animal based oils, I am not interested in
> any
> >other type of oil except possibly olive.


Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 12:47:01 -0700 (MST)
From: mgold@tiac.met
Subject: ADD Canola (Rape Seed) Oil

Dr. Erasmus,

It is my understanding that canola oil is being used more and more frequently due to its low cost. I see it frequently in packaged and prepared foods at my local Whole Foods Market.

There has been quite a bit of concern about the health effects of canola oil, particularly the genetically-engineered (GE) varieties. The GE varieties grown in North America are grown with highly toxic, teratogenic herbicides glufosinate and Bromoxynl (just approved in Canada). The European Union has been trying to avoid the unlabelled GE canola oil from the U.S. and Canada and has been purchasing their canola oil largely from Australia. Australia can certify that their oil is not genetically-engineered. I have enclosed one statement from an expert after my signature line.

Question: Do you know whether the major North American health food store chains that use canola oil (e.g., Whole Foods Market, Wild Oats Markets) source their canola oil from non-genetically-engineered varieties. Are their sources for organic canola oil in the U.S. or at least sources for non-organic canola oil growth without the use of the above-mentioned herbicides. Any thoughts that you have on the canola oil issue would be greatly appreciated!

- Mark
mgold@tiac.net
Home of ADD/ADHD Holistic Mailing List
http://www.HolisticMed.com/add/


BEGIN ENCLOSURE

Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1999 16:34:10 -0500
From: joe cummins
Subject: B-GE: birth defects in GM canola in Canada

March 17, 1999
Prof. Joe Cummins
738 Wilkins Street
London, Ontario, N6C4Z9 Canada
e-mail: jcummins@julian.uwo.ca

Canada Approved Genetically Modified Canola Tolerant to an Herbicide Causing Birth Defects

Canada has approved genetically engineered canola patented by the multinational chemical company Rhone Poulenc for their herbicides Bromoxynl and Ioxynil. The herbicide Bromoxynil has a history of controversy in its use after it was found that it caused birth defects in rats and mice. Its use on cotton in the United States was a source of controversy while in Canada (where government departments of Agriculture and Health take multimillion dollar payments from chemical companies) the herbicide was quietly approved and used extensively to control weeds in grain crops that are innately tolerant to the herbicide. Bromoxynl tolerant canola can be rotated with grain on land treated with the herbicide which is very persistent in treated soil.

Residues of the teratogenic herbicide are likely to accumulate in the harvested canola oil and in the cattle and pig food from the residues recovered from pressing canola seed to recover oil. Such pressing residues have also been used as fertilizer on organic farms a procedure that should be reviewed on the basis of transferring genetic modifications and teratogenic herbicides. Biotechnology noted that there was a very high likelihood that the herbicide tolerant gene would be transferred to unpatented canola and to at least seven wild plant species but the transfer to wild plant was a minimal threat as the resistant species could be controlled by other herbicides as they became weeds. The impact of use of the genetically modified crop on biodiversity was given brief discussion with no data and no fundamental knowledge of biodiversity.

Another genetically modified canola, Liberty Ready, also employs a highly teratogenic herbicide glufosinate. Importers of canola oil or animal feed from pressed seed should be made aware of these developments and that the products are not labeled. Clearly the Canadian approval process bears the stamp of the millions of dollars from chemical companies.

The information on approval of Bromoxynil resistant canola was from Plant Biotechnology Canada August 19,1998

END ENCLOSURE


Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 08:40:53 -0700 (MST)
From: udoerasmus@aol.com
Subject: Re: ADD Canola (Rape Seed) Oil

Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 00:45:03 -0800

Dear Mark:

If the genetically engineered canola has just been approved, then it is not likely to be in canola oil used in health food stores. Yet.

Canola has an interesting situation. If it is made with health in mind, it tastes puky. Oil plus mustard taste from glucosinolates that are part of the seed. If it is refined and deodorized, it has sustained some damage. Most of the canola used in prepared foods in all markets is refined and deodorized. It has been treated with sodium hydroxide, phosphoric acid, bleach, and high temperature. That's enough for me to avoid it. So I don't even get to the other, more modern way to screw up the food supply. I avoid canola altogether.

I use the organically grown oils only. I use some extra virgin olive oil. I eat sushi. I like my food fresh, as little processed as possible. That way I avoid a lot of stuff.

The development of genetically engineered plants is a zoo of unknowns. I do my best to avoid it. In Eurpoe, the health food trade will not use North American lecithin, because Lucas Meyer will not guarantee it to be made from GMO-free soybeans. The lecithin we use in the blend comes from Europe, the only source of GMO-free soybeans we could find.

I don't know much more than that about this. It's looking to become a bigger and bigger issue on environment and health. "You can shit in your nest for only so long before you're nesting in your shit." That for me, sums up the environment issue. If we poison our environment, we automatically poison ourselves, because we keep eating the environment. It's our food. If nothing else, Mark, if we make the best possible food choices, we'll outlive them.

Regards

Udo


Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 15:28:37 -0700 (MST)
From: mgold@tiac.met
Subject: ADD Dr. Erasmus

Hi!

I want to thank Dr. Erasmus for taking the time to answer the questions put forth by members of the ADD-Holistic discussion group! I had been completely unaware of the problems with even non-genetically-engineered canola oil. I will stick with unrefined oils for EFAs.

I usually do not repeat a plug for books by Visiting Experts, but I do want to say that Dr. Erasmus' ("Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill") book has allowed me to not only help myself, but to help others who were clearly suffering from EFA deficiencies. It is a great resource to have on hand as it answers most of the common questions. Also, I have noticed positive effects from "Udo's Choice Perfected Oil Blend" (www.florahealth.com / 1-800-446-2110).

I will have the archives of the visit up in a couple of days at:

http://www.holisticmed.com/add/#experts

Take care!

Best Wishes,
- Mark
mgold@tiac.net
Home of ADD/ADHD Holistic Mailing List
http://www.HolisticMed.com/add/