Blog

Are Vaccines Morally Objectionable for Christians?

Are Vaccines Morally Objectionable for Christians?

To compel another person to participate in a dangerous experiment is a mockery of any code of ethics.

Covid-19 natural remedies – Where is the evidence?

Covid-19 natural remedies – Where is the evidence?

Disclaimer: Nothing contained here is medical advice. Viruses are all around us, and we constantly interact with them. We are all carrying around countless microbes, most of which are beneficial. Staying healthy isn’t about avoiding germs, but rather in being well nourished, and supporting the 

What Causes IBS?

What Causes IBS?

Irritible bowel syndrome is not a disease. It’s just a name given to symptoms. So if you go to doctor complaining that your bowel is irritable, they’ll give you a diagnosis of Irritable bowel Syndrome. It’s just a name for the symptoms. 

Although, that’s not entirely true. There’s a test called IBSChek that can differentiate IBS. IBSChek was developed by Dr. Mark Pimmentel (a professor of Naturopathic Medicine), and looks for antibodies to Vinculin. 

What is Vinculin you may ask?  Vinculin is part of the Migrating Motor Complex of the small intestines. In other words, it’s part of the nerves in the intestines. So what happens is this: someone gets food Vinculinpoisioning (gastroenteritis). Certain bacteria produce a toxin called Cytolethal distending Toxin. (CtDT).  The immune system reacts to this CtDT toxin, and the antibodies cross react with Vinculin, which is a structure in your small intestines. So this could also be called “Post Infectious IBS”. If there’s not proper motility of the cells lining the small intestine, this will often lead to SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. That could lead to bloating, diarrhea, etc. 

So, ask your doctor to test you for Vinculin antibodies. If you have vinculin antibodies, then your IBS should be treated like an autoimmune condition. This would change the treatment protocol somewhat.

Food allergies can play a role in IBS. I don’t put a lot of faith in food allergy testing because the results can be very unreliable. If you’re allergic to a lot of different foods, then it just means that you have a lot of intestinal inflammation, and you might need to be on a gut-healing protocol for a while.

One of the things that’s changed dramatically in our diet in the last 150 years is the types of fats we’re consuming. Modern seed oils create imbalances in omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, and do not provide arachadonic acid in adaquate quantities. Arachadonic acid is a precursor to prostaglandins, which regulate the inflammatory process. Although most prostaglandins are considered to be “pro-inflammatory”, it’s more correct to say that prostaglandins regulate inflammation.

A diet that’s low in Arachadonic acid can cause disregulated gut inflammation, especially if there are other inflammatory triggers present. This is also why I encourage people NOT to take anti-inflammatory medicines such as Ibuprofen. NSAIDS, and most other pain medications block inflammation by blocking these prostaglandins, but can interfere with prostaglandin signaling, prevent the resolution of inflamation. This is likely one reason for the increase in food allergies.

There are a lot more chemicals in our environment than ever before. From GMO grains, herbicides, thickeners, plastics, medications, and poor quality foods. Chemicals cause imbalances in hormones, and disrupt gut bacteria.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is very common in IBS. And a stool test is not going to tell you whether or not you have SIBO. If you have IBS, you can assume you have SIBO. SIBO is a form of disbiosis; and treating disbiosis will help the symptoms of IBS. A stool test such as the CDSA can also rule out other possible causes for your IBS such as parasites, enzyme insufficiency, poor gallaladder function.

Are you chewing your food completely before swallowing? Do you eat too quickly? Addressing the stomach should be #1 on the list, because if your stomach can’t do its job well, it will affect everything below it. Eat slowly, and chew your food well. Take a bi-phasic digestive enzyme. Use digestive bitters. When we’re under stress, digestion takes a back-seat to the stress response. This results in the stomach not producing enough acid. With insufficient stomach acid, proteins are not properly digested, and these un-digested proteins are fermented in the lower intestinal track, resulting in bloating, discomfort, and inflammation. Make sure you stay well hydrated, with water and electrolytes. You need plenty of salt to make stomach acid.

intestinal party

Consider the low-FODMAP diet. FODMAPS are starches that are healthy, but can feed pathogenic bacteria. This will eliminate a lot of healthy foods, but it might be necessary in the short term until symptoms improve.

Eliminate foods that make you feel worse! If you have an allergy to a food, you’ll have to remove it, at least in the short term. When you get some resolution of symptoms, re-do the allergy test, and the results will be more accurate. Grains contain lectins which are hard to digest. If you react to starches in general, consider testing for SIBO.

Fungal infections can cause IBS. If the stool test shows zero yeast, it likely means that the immune system is reacting to yeast. You might need to be on a low starch diet, and take a probiotic containing S. boulardii. Low dose immunotherpy (LDI) can be very helpful at removing food allergies. That’s not the same as the “allergy shots”. LDI uses homeopathic preparations of allegenic substances. For example, if your IBS is caused by an allergy to yeast, you could be given a homeopathic dose of yeast. It takes a long time and much trial and error to get the right dose, but it can be very effective. “Allergy shots” are a primitive, outdated therapy that works similar to vaccination. Unfortunately I’m not aware of any doctors here in the South that use LDI, but there are many on the West coast that consult remotely, and it’s common in many other countries.

Consider nervous system imbalance. Someone who is chronically stressed or anxious will unconciously suppress their digestive function. Magnesium and potassium are helpful in the short term for promoting calm. Nervine herbs, such as passionflower or skullcap extract can work wonders. In extreme cases, I’ve used Kava to relieve anxiety. Stress can deplete other minerals and vitamins, such as vitamin B5. If anxiety is a problem, consider a good quality b-complex vitamin, and minerals. Bone broth is a good source of minerals and collagen.

The Elemental Diet is an easy-to-digest protein powder designed to be anti-inflammatory. It’s expensive, but possibly helpful in the short term, especially if you’re having trouble getting enough calories.

Herbal Antibiotics: I like to cook with garlic, oregono, rosemary, or any of the other aromatic herbs. These herbs have oils that have strong anti-bacterial properties. I also use a plethora of other herbal products such as berberine that have gentle antibiotic and anti-parasitic properties. These herbs will change the balance of the gut flora slowly over time. Use a small amount of baking soda when cooking. Baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties for the gut.

Probiotics might be a good short-term treatment. They could also make symptoms worse. But in the long term, I prefer to use prebiotic fibers, such as FOS, GOS, glucomannan, or inulin to promote the growth of healthy gut flora. If you have taken antibiotics recently, you’ll need to work extra hard on gut health.

Hyperimmune egg protein is often helpful for IBS. I’ve never tried it, but let me know if you do. It contains antibodies against certain bacteria.

Any inflammation in the gut can cause a slow gallbladder function, since the gallbladder is triggered by endogenous peptides produced in the border of the upper small intestine. If you have gallbladder symptoms, you can take supplements to ease symptoms. Cooked beets are easy to digest, and have nutrients for supporting bile flow.

Did your symptoms start after an injury, or abdominal surgery? Accupuncture, abdominal massage, or vagal nerve stimulation can help to remove adhesions in the intestines that can affect motility. Singing, and other deep-breating exercizes stimulate the vagus nerve.

Image: Non-channel mechanosensors working at focal adhesion-stress fiber complex – Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/A-model-for-force-dependent-regulation-of-the-talin-vinculin-binding-at-FAs-and-anchoring_fig2_263433124 [accessed 22 Jun, 2023]

The Best Tasting Canned Fish

The Best Tasting Canned Fish

Fish are one of the best tasting, and nutritious snack foods. Canned fish are a convenient snack. It’s filling, and doesn’t feel heavy on your stomach. Many types of fish have been unfairly slandered by government agencies because of their supposedly high levels of mercury. 

Resume

Resume

Robert StephensTest and Balance Professional5003 Walzem Rd #207San Antonio, TX 78218rg_stephens@nutrition101.org 1 916 877 6670An experienced and reliable technician.Clean driving record. No criminal record.Proficient with commercial TAB, technical writing, equipment repair and maintenance. Background in electronics and engineering.Six Sigma Green BeltBilingual (English, Spanish) Work Experience 

Muscle Tension

Muscle Tension

What can you do for tight muscles, especially in the shoulders and back?

Poor posture can be a cause (forward head posture)

  • Use better sitting posture
  • Consult a PT (Moench method)
  • Pettibon Chiropractor for exersizes and therapies to improve posture
  • Personal trainer can give you exercises to strengthen weak muscles, which will maintain good posture and stabilize joints. Joint instability can cause spasams.

Poor metabolism, or circulation

  • Tens unit to activate weaker muscles
  • Aerobic exercise to improve circulation
  • Massage (Thai or deep tissue) to

Supplements to improve mitochondrial function

  • Creatine
  • Magnesium
  • Thiamine, and other B-vitamins
  • Carnitine, if needed
  • Red/NIR light therapy
High Blood Pressure – Does it have a nutritional cause?

High Blood Pressure – Does it have a nutritional cause?

Dr Mark Houston: Neo40 nitric oxide booster, arterocil is a glycocalix builder, whey protein, and CoQ10, mag chelates. In the last few years, I’ve talked to a few people who had elevated blood pressure, with an unknown cause. Typically, we think of high blood pressure 

Aceite Vegetal: ¿Es Saludable?

Aceite Vegetal: ¿Es Saludable?

Los expertos dicen que la grasa más saludable es el aceite vegetal, por ejemplo, aceite de maíz, canola, safflower. Estos expertos también dicen, que lo peor que uno puede comer, es la comida frita. Pero, ¿qué aceite usamos para freir las papas, tortillas, y comida 

How to convert a 2010-2014 Subaru Outback to FWD. (AWD to FWD conversion, 6MT transmission, with pictures.)

How to convert a 2010-2014 Subaru Outback to FWD. (AWD to FWD conversion, 6MT transmission, with pictures.)

Why would someone choose to ruin a perfectly good Subaru by eliminating the AWD system? In my case, I had a defective center differential, which caused binding on turns. By converting to FWD, you’ll get better gas mileage, and eliminate the need to have all the tires the same size. However, this modification will greatly decrease traction and drivability! Do this at your own risk! Subaru has a 50/50 weight distribution, and is not designed to be a front-wheel drive vehicle. This project was done with a 2014 Outback, with 6 speed TY751 standard transmission. If you have a 5 speed transmission (Forester, etc), the procedure is slightly different. I used parts from Bremar Automotive. I had to wait several weeks for parts to arrive, since Bremar is in Australia, and I am in Texas.

It’s not necessary to remove the transmission! Nor is it necessary to remove any roll pins or shifter cables (except with the 5 speed transmission). The only difficult part is removing the 27 millimeter bolt on the transmission output shaft. It’s not possible to get an ordinary wrench or socket on the nut. I used a Crowfoot wrench. Let me know if you figure out an easier way. Also, removing the rear cover of the transfer case requires a soft hammer, pry bars, and patience.

Before you begin, here are some special tools you will need to complete this project:

  1. A sleeve for locking the transmission output shaft to the front gearset. There are videos on how to do this by welding and cutting parts, but the sleeve makes it much easier. https://www.bremar3dscanstore.com/
  2. 27mm jumbo crowfoot wrench, 1/2″ drive. I used the Sunex 97327A https://ebay.us/PjMwL0
  3. 1/2″ drive air impact wrench.
  4. T-70 Torx (to remove the drain plug)
  5. Mosquito repellent (if you live in Texas)

To begin, you must drain the fluid from the transmission. The transmission and transfer case share the same fluid. I will capture the fluid in a clean pan to reuse later. You’ll need a T70 Torx wrench or socket.

SAFETY FIRST! Make sure you’re supporting the vehicle with jackstands, or an appropriate floor jack that’s not going to fall. Remove the section of exhaust pipe that’s directly below the transmission. The anterior part (below the engine) has three 14mm bolts. The rear part has two bolts, 14mm and 12mm. In the center, there’s a single bolt.

With the exhaust pipe removed, remove the brace supporting the transmission. The brace can stay in one piece, no need to separate it. Two 17mm bolts, and four 14mm bolts. Also remove the two nuts between the brace and transmission mount. This brace is connected to the shield between the exhaust pipe and driveshaft. This can all be removed together.

You may now remove the rear driveshaft. After this procedure is complete, the rear driveshaft is no longer necessary. The rear differential will also not be needed, however, I will leave it in for now.

Now you may remove the nine bolts on the transfer case cover. Also move the clip holding the shift cables and move the cables out of the way. With the 6 speed tranmission, it’s NOT necessary to disconnect the shifter mechanism, or remove any roll pins. If you have a Forester with the 5 speed transmission, you’ll need to remove the roll pin and remove the shifter linkage.

After removing all the 14mm bolts, you’ll need to use a mallet, or maybe a pry-bar or slide hammer to coax the rear cover off. There are two pins in opposite corners. Some oil will drain out when the cover comes loose. Once it starts coming apart you can use a screwdriver or pry bar, and work on the corners closest to the pins. I’ve left the shift lever in place, so you’ll need to work around it.

Centering pin in the lower left. Another pin is on the upper right (not shown).

After removing the case, you will see the output shaft going to the rear axle (top right) and center differential (bottom). You’ll need to remove both of these. They should slide out easily. These will no longer be needed.

Bremar Automotive sells a custom backing plate. Without it, you’ll need to figure out a way to seal the opening where the rear driveshaft was, so that oil doesn’t leak from this hole. I removed the oil seal and found a plastic cap that was the same size, and sealed it with silicone.

The next challenge is removing the 27mm nut on the transmission output shaft. I’m doing this with a Crowfoot wrench and a short extension. Also need a 1/2 inch air impact wrench to overcome the torque retention feature. If you have the front wheels of the car on the ground, the shaft will not be able to move. If the transmission is out of the vehicle, you’ll have to find another way to immobilize the driveshaft. Bremar recommends making a Drive Shaft Restraint.

With the nut loose, remove the washers and spline adapter until you only have the transmission output spline, and the smaller spline. Insert the Bremer sleeve over these. You may need to turn the front wheels until the spline goes completely into place. Re-install the nut and a washer over the sleeve, and tighten well, using the torque retention tab. Loc Tite might be a good idea.

After removing the 27mm nut, remove this spline, and the washers.

And now this is the finished product! The sleeve sends power from the transmission to the front wheels. The transfer drive gear will be left in place, but the center differential and rear shaft have been removed. We will now use oil-resistant RTV silicone to seal the rear of the transfer case.

Now you’ll need to reinstall the rear cover. The bolts should be torqued to 30 ft-lb. You can see the plastic cap I’ve used to seal the rear output shaft.

Now don’t forget to fill the transmission with fluid, and top off if necessary. Remove the air intake for easier access to the dipstick. The 2010 to 2014 manual transmission uses GL-5 limited slip gear oil, as recommended by Subaru. I’m using 75W90 fully synthetic. Make sure to use gear oil designed for hypoid gears.

Now re-install the transmission support and exhaust pipe. The following parts aren’t needed. Isn’t it nice to get rid of the extra parts that were adding unnecessary weight to your car? You can also remove the rear differential and CV axles, but leave the end of the CV axles in place to keep tension on the wheel bearings.

When you’re done, make sure to check the fluid levels.

¿Plaquenol protege contra Covid-19?

¿Plaquenol protege contra Covid-19?

El presidente Trump promovió un protocolo que involucra sulfato de zinc, azitromicina e hidrocloroquina (Plaquenol) basado en la recomendación del Dr. Zelenko, un profesional que utilizó este protocolo con pacientes con Covid-19 en Nueva York. El Dr. Zelenko desarrolló este protocolo basado en el hecho