Hi, Dr. Sears,
Q: I've been eating Zone for a couple of years now. Recently, I've been more diligent about purchasing as much organic foods as I possibly can. I have had autoimmune hepatitis for four years and only recently (November 2008) went off the medication for it to see how I would do. My blood tests from last week show elevated enzymes (SGOT=38 and SGPT=60). These are not alarming numbers, but they're higher than they've been in two years. I want to avoid going back on medication and am researching ways to manage this condition with diet. I read on a couple of Web sites about people's autoimmune hepatitis being managed and even reversed with glyconutrients. I would love to know more about what you know about managing autoimmune diseases with diet, as well as anything you know about glyconutrients. Is there any new research you trust that is more recent than what's in your Zone book? (I am also a Crossfitter.)
With great respect, Beth F.
Dear Beth,
Glycoproteins and glycolipids are important in cellular communication. Although the body is theoretically capable of making all the necessary glyco components (rare sugars like fucose, etc.), there may be potential deficiencies in their synthesis. This is the reason that glyconutrient supplements containing a wide variety of glyco components are recommended. They can’t hurt, and they can potentially be useful. However, the key to your hepatitis is keeping the inflammation under control. The first step is to decrease the production of arachidonic acid by reducing insulin and restricting intake of omega-6 fatty acids as I describe in my newest book, “Toxic Fat.” The second step is to significantly increase the intake of omega-3 fatty acids to dilute out the remaining arachidonic acid. Finally, you want to increase the consumption of polyphenols that have additional anti-inflammatory properties.