Sick and Tired:
Using Functional Medicine to Reverse
Chronic Disease and Restore Vitality
By Pamela Johnson, BS, HHP, AADP,
Wellness Champion, Healthy U at Work
Imagine.. . . . .
Awaking with energy and clear mind.
Being energized without caffeine or sugar
Being free from aches and pains
Being centered and able to navigate stress in a healthy
way
Being free of chronic conditions and medications
Being free from addictions
Why do I Feel Sick
and Tired?
• Energy drain from toxic thoughts and emotions
• Blocked energy body
• Hidden toxins contribute to weight gain, fatigue,
chronic illness, allergies and depression
• Lack of nutrients
• Lack of fitness/muscle imbalances
• Medications
How Poor Health
Impacts Safety
.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: the median days
away from work—a key measure of severity of injuries and
illnesses—was 9 days In 2012.
Sprains, strains, and tears was the leading nature of injury and
illness and accounted for 38 percent of the total injury and illness
cases requiring days away from work.
Work-Related Stress Emerging as Major Global
Occupational Health Hazard:
Stress Creating Workplace Hazard as Damaging as
Chemical and Biological Hazards –National Safety Council
Growing Need for Risk Assessment, Prevention Strategies
Work-related stress has only recently been recognized as one of
the major causes of some of the most costly, time-robbing
health problems for business: of 40.2 million working days lost
by illness and injury, 13.4 million are from stress, anxiety, and
depression
--The 17th World Congress on Health and Safety at Work.
Depression and Workplace Safety
It is among the leading causes of disability worldwide
Depressed workers are more accident-prone because of
depression's interference with concentration and focus.
Depression showed impairments in functioning that were
comparable to or worse than those of patients with medical
disorders.
High-hazard occupations are of particular concern
-- "Depression in the Workplace: Costs and Barriers to Treatment," R.J. Goldberg and
S. Steury
Chronic Disease and Injury
in INDIANA
--2012—Indiana State Department of Health
In 2010, almost 50% of Indiana adults reported
having a history of chronic disease
The decrease in acute traumatic injuries from
work and the increase in chronic conditions
such as depression and anxiety reinforce the
need to improve the availability of wellness
programs
The relationship between chronic
conditions and work-related injuries and
repetitive strain injuries
OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships between arthritis,
hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and back problems, and
the risk of work-related injuries (WRIs) and work-related
repetitive strain injuries (RSIs).
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the
increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, in particular
arthritis, back problems, and diabetes, will have important
implications for the prevention of workplace injuries.
J Occup Environ Med. 2012 Jul;54(7):841-6. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e31824e11f7
What Causes Chronic Disease?
• Functional medicine is about finding the
root cause, not treating symptoms
• A “disease” is the result of the body being out of
balance:
– Nutrient deficiency
– Infection
– Food Sensitivity
– Toxicity
Functional Medicine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkxk7n
od33o
Creating Optimal Health
• Transformation requires addressing energy in the
form of mindset, stress, fitness and an
understanding of nutrition.
• These elements work together to enable lasting
behavior change, impact chronic disease and
maximize energy.
Managing
Stress
and
the
Energy
Body
Food as Energy
Functional Medicine: The
Holistic Nutrition Model
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Know Your Primary Food
Eat Whole Foods
Reduce Toxins
Identify Nutrient Deficiencies
Identify Food Sensitivities
Understand Energy Metabolism
Regulate Hormones
Change your DNA –Epigenetics
Food Matters
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=food
+matters+trailer&gws_rd=ssl
Overfed and
Starving
• Food vs. Food-like
Products
• Preservatives
• Additives
• Mutated and Genetically
Modified Organisms
• Hydrogenated Oils
• High Fructose Corn Syrup
The Fallout
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Obesity, Heart Disease
Hypertension
Depression
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease
Cancer
Fatigue
Hormone Damage
The Safety of Chemicals
• More than 80,000 chemicals permitted in the US
have never been fully assessed for toxic impacts
on human health and the environment.
• Food Manufacturers, not the FDA, have selfapproved thousands of food chemicals in use
today.
-Natural Resources Defense Council
Synthetic
Chemicals
• Since 1940 75,000 synthetic chemicals have been released into the
food chain.
• These chemicals are in us and found in the breast milk of new moms
• Body protects us by producing mucus to buffer and by
generating/retaining more fat. Chemicals are lipophilic and attach to
fat.
• Chemical structure of food is manipulated by identifying what appeals
to us and then creating more of it.
Avoid Food Additives
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Aspartame
HFCS
MSG/E621
Trans Fat
Food Dyes
Sodium Sulphite
Sodium Nitrate
BHA and BHT
Sulphur Dioxide
Potassium Bromate
Food Dyes
• Approximately 60%-70% of all dyes used in food and
textile manufacturing are what are called azo dyes,
processed from industrial waste.
• The ingredient responsible for the yellow color in many
commercial pickles is the azo dye tartrazine, made
from coal-tar derivatives.
• Many azo dyes are known to be mutagenic, meaning
they cause mutations (changes in cell DNA).
• The National Cancer Institute has stated that mutagenic
substances are carcinogens.
Monosodium Glutamate:
A chemical flavor enhancer found in 80% of all
flavored foods.
• Ingredients that often contain MSG or MSG is created
during processing are: Maltodextrin, malt extract, soy
protein isolate, natural pork flavoring, citric acid, barley
malt, soy protein, bouillon, natural chicken flavoring, etc.
• MSG may cause headaches, nausea, and sleep
disturbances. Glutamines excite the brain and activate
the “fat program.”
• MSG is addictive and may result in depression, eye
damage, headaches, fatigue and disorientation.
Artificial Sweeteners May Cause:
• Frontal lobe inflammation
and potential cancers
• Aberrations in vision
• Hormonal imbalances
• Chemical craving for more
• Carbohydrate craving
Are My Medications
Making
me
Sick?
The Nutrient Depletion
Effect of Drugs
• There is no debate
• Hundreds of published studies regarding
depletion by drugs
• This information is not widely disseminated
Fall out
• Drugs are advertised to fix one problem, but
often manage to disrupt other aspects of cellular
function.
• Side effects many not show up right away.
• Some occur months to years after taking
medications.
• Result: “Diseases” related to deficiencies caused
by medications.
Depression, Osteoporosis,
Irregular Heartbeat
• Deficiency: Magnesium
• Cause
– Female Hormones
– Diuretics
– Raloxifene (Evista)
– Anti-Inflammatories
– Aspirin
Leg Cramps, Muscle Spasms,
Memory Loss, Fatigue
• Deficiency: CoQ10 (Life- Sustaining Antioxidant)
• Cause
– Statin Cholesterol Drugs
– Metformin
– Anti-Depressants
– Beta-Blockers
– Diuretics
Blood Pressure Medications-Ace
Inhibitors
• Replace: Zinc, Magnesium, potassium,
calcium
• Complications: Loss of sex drive, prostate
problems, loss of smell or taste, hair loss,
slow healing, frequent infections,
increased risk of cancer, leg cramps, high
blood pressure, weight gain and bone loss
Blood Pressure Medication: BetaBlockers
• Replace: CoQ10, melatonin
• Complications: Heart disease,
irregular heart beat, memory loss,
muscle cramps, insomnia, increased
risk of cancer, autoimmune disorders
Acid Blockers
• Replace: All Nutrients needed because
these drugs alter the pH of the gut
• Complications: Heart disease, high
homoscysteine, fatigue, candida, IBS,
cancer, vision loss, high BP, anemia, brittle
nails, hair loss, tooth decay, risk of gluten
sensitivity, hearing loss
Antibiotics
• Replace: B vitamins, calcium, magnesium,
iron, probiotics
• Complications: Heart disease, high
homocysteine, fatigue, candida, cancer
risk, IBS, leg cramps, High BP, fatigue, low
thyroid, bone loss, weight gain
Salicylates: Aspirin
• Replace: vitamin C, calcium, iron, folic
acid, protein
• Complications: Fatigue, depression,
osteoporosis, brittle nails, hair loss,
edema, high cholesterol, high
homocysteine, heart disease and high blood
pressure
Statins
• Replace: CoQ10
• Complications: Fatigue, weakness, muscle
cramps, memory loss, shortness of breath,
increased risk of cancer, frequent
infections, liver damage, heart disease.
Magnesium Deficiency (HRT)
Involved in 300 metabolic pathways
Needed to make serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine
Causes depression, anxiety and panic attacks
Brain releases chemicals that cause cravings for sweets
and carbohydrates
• Rise in blood pressure
• Fibromyalgia or aches, spasms and tenderness in body
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Zinc Deficiency (HRT)
• Weight Gain
• Hypothyroidism (low thyroid)
• Zinc activates T4, which is a precursor to Active T3 (hair
loss, dry skin and brittle hair, weakness, heart
palpitations, insomnia, feeling cold, depression)
• Lose T-helper cells and impaired immune function
• Causes women to stop producing testosterone
High Fructose Corn Syrup
• Not processed the same way as cane sugar and is major cause of liver
damage in this country.
• Spikes insulin and is the direct cause of metabolic disturbances,
diabetes, heart disease, cancer, dementia, leaky gut and
inflammation.
• Contains contaminants including mercury not regulated by FDA.
• HFCS in foods from 55 major manufactures contained mercury
• An individual consumes 140 pounds per year.
• Marker for nutrient deficient, processed foods.
HFCS Products with Mercury
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Quaker Oatmeal TO GO Bars
Jack Daniels Barbecue Sauce
Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
Kraft Original Barbecue Sauce
Nutri Grain Strawberry Cereal bars
Manwich Gold Sloppy Joe
Smucker Strawberry Jelly
Pop Tarts Frosted Blueberry
Hunts Tomato Ketchup
Yoplait Strawberry Yogurt
Minute Maid Berry Punch
Naquin Chocolate Milk
The White foods:
Dangers of Isolated Nutrients
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High Fructose Corn Syrup
Soy isolate
White flour
White sugar
Processed salt vs. sea salt
Synthetic vitamins (isolates)
Diabetes and Diet
Recommendations
• ConAgra’s petition proposed that the following two model health claims be allowed on
the labels or in the labeling of whole grains and food containing whole grains:
• (1) Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that diets low in saturated fat
and cholesterol that include three servings (48 grams) of whole grains per day may reduce
the risk of diabetes mellitus type 2.
• (2) Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that whole grains (three
servings or 48 grams per day), as part of a low saturated fat, low cholesterol diet, may
reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus type 2.
• FDA concluded that the proposed model claims must be further qualified to prevent
them from misleading consumers. The agency revised the claims to state as follows:
• (1) Whole grains may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, although the FDA has
concluded that there is very limited scientific evidence for this claim.
• (2)
Whole grains may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. FDA has concluded that
there is very limited scientific evidence for this claim.
Gluten Sensitivity
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Allergies
Autism
Ulcerative Colitis
Depression
Constipation
IBS
Fibromyalgia
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Diabetes
Obesity
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Premature aging
Heart Disease
Dementia
What is not listed on your Food
Labels
Genetically Modified Foods
Genetically Modified Foods
The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM)
reported that “Several animal studies indicate serious health
risks associated with GM food:
Infertility,
Immune problems,
Accelerated aging,
Faulty insulin regulation
Changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system.
The AAEM asked physicians to advise patients to avoid GM
foods.
Genetically Modified Foods
FDA scientists had repeatedly warned that GM foods
can create unpredictable, hard-to-detect side effects,
including allergies, toxins, new diseases, and
nutritional problems.
There is evidence that reveals GMOs have a role in
Gastrointestinal problems, gluten sensitivity, autism
and more.
Factory Farming
What’s This?
Inflammation and
Chronic Disease
• Sugar, processed foods, inflammatory fats, toxins,
food allergens, overgrowth of bad gut bacteria all
cause inflammation.
• Significant medical discovery: Inflammation is the
cause of both autoimmune/allergic diseases, and
also heart disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia
and depression.
Understanding Thyroid
Dysfunction
• Controls metabolism
• Sensitive to environmental toxins and
nutritional deficiencies: iodine, selenium
and zinc
• Worsens insulin resistance
• 50 Percent are undiagnosed
Energy Metabolism
• Energy is made from Mitochondria.
• Cellular energy factories are easily damaged
by sugar, toxins, processed foods and anything
causing inflammation.
• Damage is from oxidative stress.
• Damaged mitochondria causes fatigue, weight
gain, memory loss, pain and rapid aging.
Stress Hormone: Increased Cortisol
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High blood sugar, cholesterol,
Depression
Belly fat, muscles loss,
Thyroid dysfunction, muscle loss,
Sleep loss
Sugar cravings, increased appetite,
Gut Bacteria and body fat
• The gut is an ecosystem
• Microbial cells control
digestion, metabolism,
inflammation, depression
and cancer.
• Junk food creates harmful
gut bacteria that damages
lining in intestine, triggers
immune response, damages
metabolism, and creates
insulin resistance.
How to Create A Safe
Workforce with Wellness
Provide education that addresses the root cause
of illness and injury.
Create culture change to support this
information
Build incentives to reward for safe and healthy
behaviors
Combine safety and wellness initiatives
Eat as Nature Intended
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More “living food” and less “dead food.”
Seasonal, colorful vegetable and fruits,
Herbs, mushrooms, spouted nuts and seeds
Living yogurts and cultured vegetables
Free range eggs
Wild fish and game
Eat Good Fats for Anti-Aging
• Fat and cholesterol are essential for the absorption of
most nutrients and the production of hormones.
• Healthy saturated fats: coconut oil, wild caught fish,
organic dairy and grass fed meats
• Mon saturated: olive oil, nuts, avocados
Cholesterol is not the Enemy
• Needed for almost every metabolic function in the body
• With too little, the following can happen:
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Lower testosterone
Cell function
CoQ10 deficiency
Neurologic issues
Parkinson's symptoms.
Fermented Foods
Rich in B vitamins
Easy to prepare and store
A good way to store abundant produce
Nourish internal ecosystem
The inside lining of the small intestine is the same space
as a tennis court.
• Damage to this cell lining prevents absorption of
nutrients, damages endocrine system, prevents release of
toxins
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Juicing: The Smartest Fast Food
Cellular nutrition
Cleansing
Instant energy
Easy way to get the greens
you don’t eat into your body
• Filling
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Add in Nutrient Dense Super Foods
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Raw Honey
Fruit and Nut
Spirulina
Leafy Greens
Green Juices
Grasses
Seaweed
Greens: The Energy Powerhouse
• Nutritionally, greens are very high in calcium,
magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc and
vitamins A, C, E and K.
• They are dense with fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll and
many other micronutrients and phytochemicals.
• Whenever possible, choose organic. But eating nonorganic greens is much better than not eating any
greens at all!
Benefits of Greens
• Blood purification
• Cancer prevention
• Improved circulation -Strengthened immune system -Promotion of
healthy intestinal flora
• Promotion of subtle, light and flexible energy
• Lifted spirit and elimination of depression -Improved liver, gall
bladder and kidney function -Cleared congestion, especially in lungs
by reducing mucus
Cleansing Foods that
Detoxify
• Chia seeds and alovera absorb bile salts and fat
soluble toxins and pass through
• Chlorophyll is internal deodorant
• Seaweeds
• Cilantro and parsley bind with heavy metals to
detoxify
• Celery, kale, cucumbers, collard greens
Super foods: What are they?
Super foods are a class of the most potent, superconcentrated, and nutrient-rich foods on the planet
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Extremely tasty and satisfying
Tremendously increase the vital force and energy of one's body
Optimum choice for improving over-all health,
Boost the immune system,
Elevating serotonin production,
Cleansing
Reduce inflammation
Alkalize the body
Nourish at the deepest level possible
Additional Resources
• Responsibletechnology.org (Download your nonGMO shopping guide)
• Hungryforchangetv.com (Order cookbook)
• Fooducate (free application for phone: scan
barcode and learn what is in your food).
• Rawforthirty: Look up YouTube trailer and dvd to
learn how to reverse diabetes with this program.
Anything is Possible