The G.A.R.D Made Simple

By Dogtor J.

İ2005 DogtorJ.com

Many of you have expressed the need to have this work simplified, especially
health professionals trying to make sense of my recommendations. I do understand
and will vary from my stated philosophy, that being that I do not believe in
fast-food medicine and that the more you understand, the better you will be able
to apply these principles. We do live in a world with the fast-food mentality
and this has reduced our time, patience, and the mental energy needed to really
deal with the vital issues that face us. Sad but true.

So, here are the nuts and bolts of "the G.A.R.D"....the glutamate/aspartate
restricted diet...that has helped so many pets and people with epilepsy, ADHD,
insomnia, fibromyalgia (pain syndromes), chronic fatigue/depression,
IBS/heartburn, and much more. It should make perfectly good sense. If not, once
again, I have not done my job....yet.

1) There are 4 known "foods" that can induce villous atrophy of the duodenum*:
gluten, casein, soy, and corn. The gluten comes from the gluten grains: wheat,
barley, and rye. Casein comes from cow's milk products and is mostly absent in
goat's milk. The absence of casein in goat's milk is what makes it the
"universal foster milk".(*The duodenum is the first section of small intestine
after the stomach. The villi are the tiny, finger-like projections that absorb
nutrients. Atrophy is the wasting away/destruction of these villi.)

2) Adhesives are made from these four foods. Powerful, industrial-strength glues
are made from gluten, casein, and soy. Corn is also used to make adhesives but
those made from this food are weaker, used for paper/cardboard products whereas
those made from the other three can be used to make glues capable of holding
metal together. The glycoproteins from these foods are clearly VERY adherent.

3) Simple-stomached animals (non-ruminants) are incapable of completely breaking
down these "glues". Celiacs are the proof. These troublesome glycoproteins DO
adhere to the duodenal villi after passing from the stomach, surviving the acid
designed in part to break it down. This is the known pathophysiology of celiac
disease. This adherence and the ensuing immune response causes serious damage to
the duodenal and even jejunal villi.

4) The duodenum is responsible for the absorption of calcium, iron, iodine, B
complex, vitamin C, and many trace elements (zinc, boron, manganese, lithium,
magnesium, and more). In fact, 95% of the intestine's vitamin D activity
(involved in calcium absorption) takes place in the proximal (first) one third
of the duodenum. (Here's the rub: I have yet to meet a doctor...veterinary or
human...that knows or remembers this simple truth concerning the absorption of
nutrients taking place in the duodenum. In fact, I have had a number of doctors
look me in the eye and tell me that it absorbs "nothing". This is unfathomable
to me, although I did not know this either, until I began my research.
Therefore, I am NOT throwing stones here. But I am very disappointed in the
educational process that we as health care providers go through if basic truths
like these are lost.

5) The official number now being published by the medical profession (Johns
Hopkins University and Mayo Clinic) is that 1:122 Americans have celiac disease
(gluten intolerance). This is a staggering number and a vast change from "a rare
disorder affecting less than 1:5000 people" that was being purported at the time
of my diagnosis 5 years ago. BUT remember: wheat is only one of the four
gut-damaging foods and is only the number two human, dog and cat allergen. Cow
milk is number one. Casein intolerance is bound to be even more prevalent.

6) The allergies to these four foods (gluten grains, cow's milk, soy, and corn)
are formed at the time the damage to the gut is taking place. These four foods
are the top human, dog, and cat allergens for a reason. They are the PRIMARY
allergens- those that do harm to the gut and elicit an immune response in the
process. All other foods allergens are SECONDARY to this damage, drawing an
immune response as they pass through the damaged gut. This is called the "leaky
gut syndrome" and this is the accepted pathophysiology of adulthood food
allergens in celiac disease, not a theory.

7) There are antibody-sized glycoproteins that we derive from foods that are now
termed "lectins". It is crucial that we understand these dietary proteins and
the potential harm they can do. There are good and bad lectins in our food
components, with the most damaging being from the same four foods listed above.
For a great paper on this subject and a good discussion of their involvement in
immune-mediated diseases, click on this link
(http://www.krispin.com/lectin.html).

8) Glutamic acid (glutamate) and aspartic acid (aspartate) are two NON-essential
amino acids. Our bodies manufacture all of the required amounts of these two
amino acids from other proteins. Glutamate is one of the principle
neurotransmitters in our brain. The amount of glutamate at the synapse is
regulated by the adjacent glial cell (astrocyte), which removes excess glutamate
from the synapse to prevent over-excitation of the impulse-receiving neuron.
Glutamate is not only neurostimulating, it is potentially neuro-lethal.
Excessive glutamate at the synapse is the described pathomechanism in Lou
Gehrig's Disease (ALS), with that excess leading to the death of that neuron.
Similarly, the "glutamate cascade" is the known cause of brain death regardless
of the cause of our bodily death. Therefore, it is clearly very important for
the synapse to have the proper level of glutamic acid present at any given
moment. Excessive glutamate can lead to overstimulation of neurons (e.g.
seizures, reduced pain threshold, sleep disorders, and emotional disturbances)
or neuronal death (e.g. ALS).

9) Glutamic acid is the parent protein in MSG (mono sodium glutamate). MSG is
used as a neurostimulator, acting to sensitize the open-ended nerves in our
taste buds so that food will taste better. MSG is a KNOWN trigger of seizures,
as is its sister amino acid, aspartic acid- the parent protein in artificial
sweetener in aspartame (Nutrisweet). Both are neurostimulators (and
"excitotoxins", as Dr. Russell Blaylock terms them) and the very proof lies in
the purpose for their use in the food industry.

10) It has been commonly held that blood sources of these two neurostimulating
amino acids do not cross the "normal" blood brain barrier, that layer of cells
that protect the brain by limiting the passage of certain blood components into
the brain. This contention is only partly true, as there are areas of the brain
that are not protected by the normal blood brain barrier. Also, the key word in
the above contention is "normal". The question is whether we have normal
barriers any longer. Air pollution, hydrogenated oils, and normal
immune/allergic responses are known to alter the permeability of the blood brain
barrier. Therefore, with 90% of prepared foods containing trans fats, with most
of us living in highly polluted environments, and with huge populations of us
experiencing significant allergies, it is reasonable to question the integrity
of our "normal" blood brain barrier.

11) Wheat gluten is 25% glutamic acid by weight. Casein from cow's milk is 20%
glutamic acid by composition. Soy protein has much more glutamate than either of
these two. Corn contains the least amount of these two non-essential amino acids
but it DOES potentially do harm to the intestinal villi and IS a very common
food allergen. This has become even more of a problem as we have genetically
modified corn, the evidence of which came in the recent news concerning Starlink
corn (CRY9C), the culprit in the "Taco Bell shell" fiasco a few years back. The
reader should really search out the complete story.

12) 70% plus of the calories of the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) come from
dairy and wheat alone, the number one and number two food allergens in humans,
dogs, and cats. Remember: The damage they do to the gut is the root cause of the
allergies. These foods are loaded with glutamate. Allergic reactions affect the
blood brain barrier. The products made from these foods are often very high in
refined sugar and hydrogenated oils.

13) Cow milk products, wheat, and soy are the leading sources of dietary
estrogens. Dairy products have been related to breast cancer, prostate cancer,
endometriosis, and polycystic ovaries. Dairy and soy have been both incriminated
in altering the onset of first menses in our children, with dairy first bringing
that age down from 15 to 12.5 years and soy bringing it further down to 8 years
of age (in 16.7% of our little girls). Estrogens are both inflammatory and
immune suppressive. Their role in breast cancer is well documented, setting the
stage for the viruses that cause breast cancer. (Put "virus, breast cancer in
your search engine.) Estrogens play a role in catamenial seizures
(inflammatory), PMS (obvious), and in the immune suppression that helps unleash
the opportunistic viruses that we have acquired over our lifetime, including
Epstein Barr and others that occupy our brain. Put "virus, seizure" or "virus,
epilepsy" in your search engine and read about the viral agents known to be
involved in seizures.

14) The damage to the duodenal villi results in a chronic, progressive
malabsorption of the nutrients it normally absorbs. Again, those nutrients
include calcium, iron, iodine, B complex, and vitamin C along with numerous
trace minerals. Evidence of this malabsorption is everywhere you look in this
country- osteoporosis, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid diseases, folate
deficiencies, and immune incompetence. Celiacs represent the worst of the worst,
acting as a "who's who" of what goes wrong with humans, dogs, and cats. Growth
abnormalities, juvenile bone diseases, dental issues (cavities) , and iron
deficiencies are obvious evidence of the malfunction taking place in the
duodenum. In veterinary medicine, the most food allergic breeds have the worst
juvenile bone disorders and suffer the worst cartilage failure as adults
(intervertebral discs, heart valves, and supportive ligaments such as anterior
cruciate ligaments). The evidence of the chronic malabsorption of calcium and
vitamin C...the building blocks for our skeletal system (collagen) is EVERYWHERE
once we see this KNOWN process is taking place. What we can't readily see is how
normal enzyme systems (e.g. those in the liver, kidney and brain) that control
blood and neuronal glutamate levels suffer from the deficiency in those vitamins
critical to the function of that enzyme. What we DO see is the consequences- the
effects of the excess glutamate in the brain in the form of seizures, pain
syndromes, insomnia, and neurodegenerative diseases. Another element that is
difficult to accurately measure is the competence of the immune system. But you
do not have to be a doctor to know that an individual that is not getting
adequate levels of vitamins and minerals would have a less than perfect immune
system. Celiacs stand out here once again, leading the pack in immune
incompetence (e.g. fighting mono, shingles, and herpes), immune-mediated
diseases (lupus, rheumatoid disease, etc), and cancer (e.g. a 50 fold increase
in colon cancer). Put "cancer, virus" in your search engine.

NOTE: In April of 2006, I came to understand something very important about
viruses, their role in nature, and their place in what we call diseases. I
encourage the reader to examine my newest section, Viruses-Friend or Foe. I am
now thoroughly convinced that much of what we call "disease" is simply the
reaction of viruses that are in situ (some of which are known to be embedded in
our very DNA) to noxious stimuli, some of which we term "carcinogens" when they
are powerful enough to cause these viruses to form tumors, their ultimate
adaptation. As in cancer, I believe the virus(es) involved in epilepsy cause
seizures because it is the right thing for them to do in order to protect the
neuron. Excessive glutamate is not only neurotoxic but potentially neurolethal,
as illustrated by Lou Gehrig's Disease and by the glutamate cascade that causes
the death of our brain regardless of the cause of our bodily death. I believe
that seizures help prevent neuronal death in the epileptic by disposing of
excessive glutamate. AND, I believe that the viruses that take up residence in
the glial cells "know" exactly what they are doing by making this occur in that
it is a form of adaptation to the conditions (malnutrition) and insults
(lectins, excitotoxins, chemicals) with which they are faced, just as other
viruses form tumors to protect themselves and the cells they were designed to
protect from the carcinogens we keep throwing at them. Adaptation...which is
what viruses were designed and created to do.

15) The G.A.R.D. is primarily an elimination diet. It is "simple" but not
necessarily easy. It is certainly much more easily accomplished in our pets tat
in our own lives. In the dogs and cats, it can be a simple as changing from pet
food "A" to pet food "B" after checking the ingredients. However, eliminating
snacks and treats seems to be just as hard for some pet owners to do as it is
for them to do in their own lives. What to eliminate becomes quite obvious,
dictated by the condition being treated and degree of affliction. The "worst of
the worst" require the strictest elimination, often showing marginal recovery
without doing so but demonstrating significant improvements when enough is done
right. Once the molecular nature of the immune system is understood, the reason
for the variation is response is very clear.

16) The first to eliminate are the "big 4" (or the four horsemen of the
apocalypse, as I like to refer to them)- gluten, casein, soy, and corn. This
shuts off the damage being done to the duodenal villi, a step of paramount
importance in the full recovery from any condition imaginable. Logic should
dictate this to be true...and it does. This also eliminates the top four primary
food allergens and main sources of glutamate, estrogens, and lectins. Could this
step be any more important???

17) The next step is to eliminate the "crack cocaine" versions of these
non-essential amino acids...MSG and aspartame. This can be difficult in the
human diet and often requires intense research for the hidden sources of MSG.
There are MSG and migraine support Websites that deal specifically with this
issue. Diet drinks must be eliminated immediately. Put "aspartame syndrome" in
your search engine and believe the testimonies that you read.

18) Eliminate the other sources (listed in the following article) of glutamate.
Peanuts, for example, are VERY high in this non-essential amino acid, being
soy's closest cousin. All legumes are rich in glutamate as are the bean family
(not green beans), which include garbanzo, lima, black, kidney, and navy.
Lentils are also rich in glutamate. Certainly, these foods are nutritious in
other regards, but for those battling excitotoxin-related disorders, they should
be limited until full recovery is attained. Then, perhaps as the body functions
(enzyme systems, blood brain barrier, neuronal sensitivity, and tissue health)
return to normal, these can be eaten again. Perhaps not.

19) RUN from hydrogenated oils. For an incredible read, click here for David
Dewey's Hydrogenated oils- The Silent Killers
(http://www.dldewey.com/hydroil.htm). You will see how these trans fats- one of
man's worst creations- play a vital role in atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes,
and in neurodegenerative and immune-mediated conditions. Learn how they kill an
American every 3.5 seconds. In the context of our discussion, they damage the
blood brain barrier, disrupting enzyme systems, and allowing excess glutamate
levels to build in the brain by preventing their exclusion. Thankfully, pet
foods do not contain appreciable amounts of these deadly fats. But after reading
David's article, you may have a clue why pet's do not suffer from clinical
atherosclerosis...yet.

20) In summary: The G.A.R.D. allows the gut to heal, thereby reversing the
malasorption of nutrients that are vital to the health of all tissues and
systems, including the brain and immune system. It is also naturally
hypoallergenic, which relieves symptoms and improves the function of the blood
brain barrier. It is low in dietary estrogens, which in turn reduces
inflammation and improves immune function. And mainly, the G.A.R.D. is low in
the non-essential amino acids glutamate and aspartate, which clearly ARE
crossing into the brain in the same fashion as their concentrated forms (MSG and
aspartame), causing over-excitation of neurons. The elimination of the offending
foods has resulted in phenomenal improvements in seizures, pain syndromes,
insomnia, ADHD, bipolar disease, and even MS and ALS. Because these foods are
also the primary food allergens, their restriction also relieves numerous
symptoms such as nasal congestion, asthma, heartburn, IBS, skin allergies, ear
problems, and more. And when the immune system recovers from the malnutrition
and over-stimulation from which it has been suffering (being over-worked and
under-paid, as I stated in The Answer), it can better handle the viruses,
bacteria, mycoplasms, and air pollution it faces everyday. As we learn more and
more about the role of viruses in cancer, immune-mediated diseases, and
neurodegenerative diseases, we will easily see how our food choices have
contributed so greatly to our downfall. Imagine an immune system capable of not
only fighting off these opportunistic organisms but also even being capable of
eliminating many of the ones that we have harbored for years.

Sound too good to be true? The bottom line is that this elimination diet works!
And, it should make sense.... perfectly good, common, everyday horse sense. If
it doesn't, then........yep........I haven't done my job.........yet.

Dogtor J.


-- In raw_goatmilk@yahoogroups.com, Amber Hadley <thestinker78@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks for your advice. I'm in Flagler county. Yes, it would be wheat I'm most
concerned with. Gluten and soy I'm trying to avoid as well. We use dye free
detergent and soap when necessary for the baby. Are you truly IgE allergic to
the protein in cow milk or just intolerant to it? What are the symptoms you
experience? You have none with the goat's milk? Thanks!
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: jojo <ranchgal@...>
> To: "raw_goatmilk@yahoogroups.com" <raw_goatmilk@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2009 9:27:24 PM
> Subject: Re: [raw_goatmilk] new member
>
>
>
>
>
> Try goats milk. Its closer to our natural PH ...
> Iım allergic to milk. But not goats milk.
>
> And where in florida are you.
> I have an aunt with ecsema pretty bad and she says that the goats milk soap
> I gave her did help. But I figure its not soley the MILK soap its the fact
> that its just plain ole all naturally made. Detergents are just awful on our
> skin.
>
> I would think not so much ³grass only² but animals not fed wheat and gluten
> materials. Beet pulp is good/blackoil sunflower seeds is good. Corns good
> Though you should see if they feed local and even if non GMO corns. What
> else? Also alfalfa pellets would be ok. etc... Just have them tell you what
> they are feeding. If you were in the area I would probably try to help with
> getting rid of grain to see if that helps... As I do feed grain. Have to on
> such a small plot of land.
>
> I live in Florida if you tell me where you are located I can help find you a
> farm.
>
> jo
>
> --
> www.goodnessgraciou sacres.com
>
> From: "thestinker78@ ymail.com" <thestinker78@ ymail.com>
> Reply-To: "raw_goatmilk@ yahoogroups. com" <raw_goatmilk@ yahoogroups. com>
> Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:00:03 -0000
> To: "raw_goatmilk@ yahoogroups. com" <raw_goatmilk@ yahoogroups. com>
> Subject: [raw_goatmilk] new member
>
> I'm new here and have been searching the internet and learning about the
> benefits of raw milk. My daughter is a year and has eczema and allergies.
> I've nursed her solely since birth. Anyway, I'm trying to find goats that
> are fed only grass in Florida. The grains in the diet will probably be a
> problem. Has anyone had experience with allergies or eczema improving on
> this milk? Any advice you have would be welcome. I have found 100 percent
> grass fed raw cow milk locally so I 'm trying to decide what at all to try.
> Thanks!
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

>