In recent years, there has been increasing interest in glutathione (GSH) and the role it plays in the progression and treatment of a wide variety of illnesses and conditions.
Glutathione is the most abundant, and arguably the most important, antioxidant in the body. Several biological processes rely on it to perform optimally, but levels diminish as we age, opening the door to premature cell death, aging, and age-associated diseases and conditions.
Low glutathione compromises liver function, which works to flush the body of damaging free radicals. Free radicals, like reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), are naturally occurring, toxic compounds that are formed when the body converts food to energy. They roam freely, targeting and altering different types of molecules in the body through an exchange of electrons. In ideal circumstances, free radicals are kept in check by antioxidants that prevent them from causing damage.
However, when the scales tip in their favor free radicals can cause significant damage to our cells and our DNA. The result is oxidative stress (OS) which is linked to numerous disease processes including cognitive decline (Alzheimer’s disease) and other age-related conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Studies confirm the link between low GSH and cognitive impairment:
Closely tied to this is glutathione’s role in mitochondrial survival.
Mitochondria are responsible for creating cellular energy and they are directly linked to the pathways of cellular death. Without adequate levels of glutathione cellular health and longevity are compromised.
Over time, toxins, poor diet, medications, infections, and stress all contribute to depleting levels of glutathione.
Without enough of it in our cells we become “unbalanced” in terms of inflammation and anti-inflammation. When the body’s normal cycle of destruction and repair tips more towards destruction and moves away from repair we see disruptions in the proper functioning of the immune system, we see an increase in inflammation, and we see an increase in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, ME/CFS, and fibromyalgia.
Vitamin and mineral IVs are a wonderful way to deliver and replenish vital nutrients to the body. By bypassing the digestive system, you get maximum absorption into the bloodstream and maximum bioavailability. Glutathione has shown it can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and can, therefore, be an important tool in preventing and treating neurodegenerative conditions.
Improves cognitive function (clarity, focus, executive function)
Improves muscle repair and muscle development
Improves muscle endurance and energy
Bottom line: Increasing glutathione is one more way to slow down the aging process, encourage recovery, prevent disease, and maintain optimal health.
We are here for you, and we want to help.
Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2
References:
Ballatori N, Krance SM, Notenboom S, Shi S, Tieu K, Hammond CL. Glutathione dysregulation and the etiology and progression of human diseases. Biol Chem. 2009;390(3):191–214. doi:10.1515/BC.2009.033
Aoyama K1, Nakaki T. Impaired glutathione synthesis in neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci. 2013 Oct 18;14(10):21021-44. doi: 10.3390/ijms141021021.
Hirrlinger J1, Gutterer JM, Kussmaul L, Hamprecht B, Dringen R. Microglial cells in culture express a prominent glutathione system for the defense against reactive oxygen species. Dev Neurosci. 2000 Sep-Dec;22(5-6):384-92.
Kannan R, Kuhlenkamp JF, Jeandidier E, Trinh H, Ookhtens M, Kaplowitz N. Evidence for carrier-mediated transport of glutathione across the blood-brain barrier in the rat. J Clin Invest. 1990;85(6):2009–2013. doi:10.1172/JCI114666
Dear Patients,
October through December is typically open season for choosing an insurance plan for the upcoming year. When selecting a plan with an eye to going out of the plan network (e.g. The Kaplan Center) there are important pieces of information to know in order to make an informed decision. Here are 5 questions to ask an insurance provider before selecting your plan.
What is the out-of-network deductible?
Is the out-of-network deductible separate from my in-network deductible?
What is the coinsurance?
What is the maximum amount of out-of-pocket expenses I will be required to pay annually?
How does the plan determine the out-of-network allowed amount? Many use the Medicare fee schedule which is not always to the patient’s advantage. For Federal employees this information can be found in each of the offered Health Plan Overview documents.
Also, please think back to your experience this year with your current insurance company and ask yourself a few more questions:
Were my claims paid fully and without delay?
Did I have to work too hard to get the benefits of the plan that I paid for? For example, did my insurance company delay payment on claims while they requested medical records?
Did they ask on one claim or for many claims?
Did I have to appeal any denials?
Dealing with your insurance company should not be your part time job, though for some that’s what it has become.
The way insurance companies operate these days is not as cut and dry as it was a decade ago, and it is likely to get worse. Frankly, some carriers are more difficult to deal with than others and if you have a choice, please make a smart, informed choice. This decision should be based on:
1) the information you gather about what the plans offer (including prescription coverage for medications that you take) from available documents describing the plan – or better yet, the plan contract,
2) talking to co-worker experiences, and
3) any direct inquires you make to the insurance company.
If your employer offers FSA (flexible spending account) you should consider taking advantage of your FSA options. It is a terrific, easy way to save on taxes and spread out that portion of your healthcare cost over the year if you are able to estimate your out of pocket liability for the year.
If you have any questions, please feel free to talk to me. I can be reached by phone at 703-532-4892, ext. 603.
Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is often confused with naltrexone, which is a pharmaceutical medication used in doses of 50 mg or more to treat alcohol and narcotic pain pill addiction or other opiate abuse. Low-dose naltrexone is a specially compounded capsule of 1.5 to 4.5 mg of naltrexone to help the body combat chronic illness states. It must be specially made by a reliable compounding pharmacist.
LDN acts by reducing inflammation in the brain caused by over-active microglia.
Microglia are a type of glial cell of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and an important line of defense. When there is an assault on the CNS, the microglia are activated and release inflammatory substances to destroy the foreign invaders. When the assault is over, the microglia go back to their normal resting state. However, when they react too often – from repeated injury, infection, toxins, traumas, or emotional blows – they can sometimes remain hyper-active keeping the brain in a chronic state of inflammation. Research on LDN suggests that it’s able to suppress the inflammatory response of the microglia.
You can read more about inflammation of the brain and central nervous system as a major component of pain and illness in Dr. Gary Kaplan’s book Total Recovery.
LDN also improves the body’s immune system by blocking opioid receptors.
You can read more about low-dose naltrexone for auto-immune disorders, and other illnesses at www.lowdosenaltrexone.org.
Because low-dose naltrexone interferes with opiates you cannot continue on narcotic pain medication.
Otherwise, it has virtually no side effects and is very well tolerated by most patients. Most people notice an increase in dreaming, and some people notice a bit of sleep disruption during the initial few days of treatment but this improves over time.
Questions about LDN? Call and speak with a nurse today. Call 703-532-4892, ext. 2.
Patient Q&A on Low Dose Naltrexone:
Q: Does the Kaplan Center offer low-dose naltrexone treatment for fibromyalgia patients? I know of a number of patients with fibromyalgia, MS, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis who claim to have seen improvement with LDN.
A: Yes, Low-dose naltrexone is a prescribed therapy for a variety of conditions that we treat here at The Kaplan Center. If you would like to learn more about low-dose naltrexone, call the office and schedule an appointment to discuss the possible benefits for your health condition.
Q: I am allergic to NSAIDS, so would I be allergic to this?
A: Low-dose naltrexone is not an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory), therefore any allergy to such would not apply. The higher doses of naltrexone can rarely cause liver toxicity, depression, and somnolence, but the low dose naltrexone or LDN has fewer if any side effects in our experience.
Q: The standard dose appears to be 4.5 mg in almost all the information I can find. There are a few chronic pain MDs in the U.S. that seem to be using higher doses with success — a couple say to go up as high as 10 mg while another one is using it up to 4.5 mg 3xday with great success for those who do not respond to one dose of 4.5 mg. Do you have any thoughts on this? What I’ve read is that one should not give up on this medication if not getting benefits at 4.5 mg.
A: At a low dose, the side effects are minimal. Higher doses can cause sleep disturbances and may cause elevation of liver enzymes. Although I don’t usually go higher than 4.5 mg, most likely the doses you are talking about – 10-14 mg – are far from the 50 mg or higher dose that is used to block opioid overdose, and are therefore probably safe. I don’t see any research on the efficacy of using higher doses, however.
Q: I have read that Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) should not be taken by people who have had organ transplants. Does this include an artificial aortic heart valve? Also, does it affect INR levels? And should Warfarin dosage need to be readjusted?
A: The short answer is that low-dose naltrexone should not be taken by someone on immunosuppressant drugs because it boosts the immune system by stimulating the body’s own endorphins. There are no known interactions with Coumadin but it is always a good idea to check the INR more often when starting a new medication. Therefore if someone has a valve replacement, yet is not on an immunosuppressant, LDN should be safe.
We are here for you, and we want to help.
Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2
Glutathione: Master Antioxidant, Detoxifier, and Immune Booster
/in Mental Health, Nutrition, Treatments/by Kaplan CenterIn recent years, there has been increasing interest in glutathione (GSH) and the role it plays in the progression and treatment of a wide variety of illnesses and conditions.
Glutathione is the most abundant, and arguably the most important, antioxidant in the body. Several biological processes rely on it to perform optimally, but levels diminish as we age, opening the door to premature cell death, aging, and age-associated diseases and conditions.
Glutathione is critical for the detoxification process.
Low glutathione compromises liver function, which works to flush the body of damaging free radicals. Free radicals, like reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), are naturally occurring, toxic compounds that are formed when the body converts food to energy. They roam freely, targeting and altering different types of molecules in the body through an exchange of electrons. In ideal circumstances, free radicals are kept in check by antioxidants that prevent them from causing damage.
However, when the scales tip in their favor free radicals can cause significant damage to our cells and our DNA. The result is oxidative stress (OS) which is linked to numerous disease processes including cognitive decline (Alzheimer’s disease) and other age-related conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Closely tied to this is glutathione’s role in mitochondrial survival.
Mitochondria are responsible for creating cellular energy and they are directly linked to the pathways of cellular death. Without adequate levels of glutathione cellular health and longevity are compromised.
Over time, toxins, poor diet, medications, infections, and stress all contribute to depleting levels of glutathione.
Without enough of it in our cells we become “unbalanced” in terms of inflammation and anti-inflammation. When the body’s normal cycle of destruction and repair tips more towards destruction and moves away from repair we see disruptions in the proper functioning of the immune system, we see an increase in inflammation, and we see an increase in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, ME/CFS, and fibromyalgia.
Questions? Give Us a Call!
703-532-4892 x2
Optimize Glutathione Levels With IV Therapy
Vitamin and mineral IVs are a wonderful way to deliver and replenish vital nutrients to the body. By bypassing the digestive system, you get maximum absorption into the bloodstream and maximum bioavailability. Glutathione has shown it can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and can, therefore, be an important tool in preventing and treating neurodegenerative conditions.
Some of the benefits of glutathione IV supplementation include:
Bottom line: Increasing glutathione is one more way to slow down the aging process, encourage recovery, prevent disease, and maintain optimal health.
We are here for you, and we want to help.
Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2
References:
Ballatori N, Krance SM, Notenboom S, Shi S, Tieu K, Hammond CL. Glutathione dysregulation and the etiology and progression of human diseases. Biol Chem. 2009;390(3):191–214. doi:10.1515/BC.2009.033
Mol Neurobiol. 2014 Dec;50(3):1059-84. doi: 10.1007/s12035-014-8705-x.
Forman HJ1, Zhang H, Rinna A. Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Mol Aspects Med. 2009 Feb-Apr;30(1-2):1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.mam.2008.08.006.
Ribas V, García-Ruiz C, Fernández-Checa JC. Glutathione and mitochondria. Front Pharmacol. 2014;5:151. Published 2014 Jul 1. doi:10.3389/fphar.2014.00151
Mytilineou C1, Kramer BC, Yabut JA. Glutathione depletion and oxidative stress. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2002 Sep;8(6):385-7.
Aoyama K1, Nakaki T. Impaired glutathione synthesis in neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci. 2013 Oct 18;14(10):21021-44. doi: 10.3390/ijms141021021.
Hirrlinger J1, Gutterer JM, Kussmaul L, Hamprecht B, Dringen R. Microglial cells in culture express a prominent glutathione system for the defense against reactive oxygen species. Dev Neurosci. 2000 Sep-Dec;22(5-6):384-92.
Kannan R, Kuhlenkamp JF, Jeandidier E, Trinh H, Ookhtens M, Kaplowitz N. Evidence for carrier-mediated transport of glutathione across the blood-brain barrier in the rat. J Clin Invest. 1990;85(6):2009–2013. doi:10.1172/JCI114666
5 Questions to Ask Before Selecting Your Insurance Plan
/in News/by Kaplan CenterDear Patients,
October through December is typically open season for choosing an insurance plan for the upcoming year. When selecting a plan with an eye to going out of the plan network (e.g. The Kaplan Center) there are important pieces of information to know in order to make an informed decision.
Here are 5 questions to ask an insurance provider before selecting your plan.
Also, please think back to your experience this year with your current insurance company and ask yourself a few more questions:
Dealing with your insurance company should not be your part time job, though for some that’s what it has become.
The way insurance companies operate these days is not as cut and dry as it was a decade ago, and it is likely to get worse. Frankly, some carriers are more difficult to deal with than others and if you have a choice, please make a smart, informed choice. This decision should be based on:
1) the information you gather about what the plans offer (including prescription coverage for medications that you take) from available documents describing the plan – or better yet, the plan contract,
2) talking to co-worker experiences, and
3) any direct inquires you make to the insurance company.
If your employer offers FSA (flexible spending account) you should consider taking advantage of your FSA options. It is a terrific, easy way to save on taxes and spread out that portion of your healthcare cost over the year if you are able to estimate your out of pocket liability for the year.
If you have any questions, please feel free to talk to me. I can be reached by phone at 703-532-4892, ext. 603.
June Guzdowski
Billing Director, Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine
Low-Dose Naltrexone: A Little Known, But Effective Treatment For Chronic Pain
/in Treatments/by Kaplan CenterLow-dose naltrexone (LDN) is often confused with naltrexone, which is a pharmaceutical medication used in doses of 50 mg or more to treat alcohol and narcotic pain pill addiction or other opiate abuse. Low-dose naltrexone is a specially compounded capsule of 1.5 to 4.5 mg of naltrexone to help the body combat chronic illness states. It must be specially made by a reliable compounding pharmacist.
LDN acts by reducing inflammation in the brain caused by over-active microglia.
Microglia are a type of glial cell of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and an important line of defense. When there is an assault on the CNS, the microglia are activated and release inflammatory substances to destroy the foreign invaders. When the assault is over, the microglia go back to their normal resting state. However, when they react too often – from repeated injury, infection, toxins, traumas, or emotional blows – they can sometimes remain hyper-active keeping the brain in a chronic state of inflammation. Research on LDN suggests that it’s able to suppress the inflammatory response of the microglia.
Some of the inflammatory conditions that have shown to benefit from LDN include fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, complex regional pain syndrome, and cancer.
You can read more about inflammation of the brain and central nervous system as a major component of pain and illness in Dr. Gary Kaplan’s book Total Recovery.
LDN also improves the body’s immune system by blocking opioid receptors.
This, in turn, boosts the body’s endogenous endorphins, our natural painkillers, and important regulators of cell growth.
You can read more about low-dose naltrexone for auto-immune disorders, and other illnesses at www.lowdosenaltrexone.org.
Because low-dose naltrexone interferes with opiates you cannot continue on narcotic pain medication.
Otherwise, it has virtually no side effects and is very well tolerated by most patients. Most people notice an increase in dreaming, and some people notice a bit of sleep disruption during the initial few days of treatment but this improves over time.
Questions? Give Us a Call!
703-532-4892 x2
Questions about LDN? Call and speak with a nurse today. Call 703-532-4892, ext. 2.
Patient Q&A on Low Dose Naltrexone:
Q: Does the Kaplan Center offer low-dose naltrexone treatment for fibromyalgia patients? I know of a number of patients with fibromyalgia, MS, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis who claim to have seen improvement with LDN.
A: Yes, Low-dose naltrexone is a prescribed therapy for a variety of conditions that we treat here at The Kaplan Center. If you would like to learn more about low-dose naltrexone, call the office and schedule an appointment to discuss the possible benefits for your health condition.
Q: I am allergic to NSAIDS, so would I be allergic to this?
A: Low-dose naltrexone is not an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory), therefore any allergy to such would not apply. The higher doses of naltrexone can rarely cause liver toxicity, depression, and somnolence, but the low dose naltrexone or LDN has fewer if any side effects in our experience.
Q: The standard dose appears to be 4.5 mg in almost all the information I can find. There are a few chronic pain MDs in the U.S. that seem to be using higher doses with success — a couple say to go up as high as 10 mg while another one is using it up to 4.5 mg 3xday with great success for those who do not respond to one dose of 4.5 mg. Do you have any thoughts on this? What I’ve read is that one should not give up on this medication if not getting benefits at 4.5 mg.
A: At a low dose, the side effects are minimal. Higher doses can cause sleep disturbances and may cause elevation of liver enzymes. Although I don’t usually go higher than 4.5 mg, most likely the doses you are talking about – 10-14 mg – are far from the 50 mg or higher dose that is used to block opioid overdose, and are therefore probably safe. I don’t see any research on the efficacy of using higher doses, however.
Q: I have read that Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) should not be taken by people who have had organ transplants. Does this include an artificial aortic heart valve? Also, does it affect INR levels? And should Warfarin dosage need to be readjusted?
A: The short answer is that low-dose naltrexone should not be taken by someone on immunosuppressant drugs because it boosts the immune system by stimulating the body’s own endorphins. There are no known interactions with Coumadin but it is always a good idea to check the INR more often when starting a new medication. Therefore if someone has a valve replacement, yet is not on an immunosuppressant, LDN should be safe.
We are here for you, and we want to help.
Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2