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Copyright © 1999 Betty Kamen by Nutrition Encounter, Novato, CA 94948
All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means or for any reason without the consent of the publisher. The information contained is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this newsletter. Please consult your health professional for any matter relating to your health. Readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The information and opinions provided are believed to be accurate and sound, based on our best judgment. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Statements made in this issue have not necessarily been evaluated by the FDA. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

A Pocket Full of Rye

Phytoestrogens. Genistein. Beta-1,3 glucan. CoenzymeQ10. Squalene. You're no doubt familiar with all these good things. Well, guess what?

They're Coming Through the Rye.

More accurately, they're coming through in the rye.

Cereals have been a basic food source since Neolithic times, the era that gave birth to agriculture. But it wasn't until the Romans began cultivating and harvesting rye that it was used widely. For several hundred years, rye was the major bread grain throughout Europe. In its frontier days, Americans used rye as a pancake grain.

Rye Today

In the last few decades, rye has gained favor because of its low gluten content. (Gluten is the protein found in high quantities in wheat, the culprit that encumbers digestion for so many of us.)

Currently, rye is the grain used in Russian pumpernickel, Norwegian crisp bread, Swedish spicy black bread, Austrian peasant-style brick-oven breads, Yiddish bagels (rye produces heavier bagels than wheat), Pennsylvania Dutch dumplings, Finnish yeast-raised stuffed bread -- to say nothing of rye whisky.

Herman Aldercreutz, renown professor of clinical chemistry at Helsinki University, asserts that mortality rates from bowel and breast cancer in Finland fell significantly during periods of high rye consumption.

Rye Extract

We all know that young plants contain many important phytonutrients. After

We all know that young plants contain many important phytonutrients. After discovering the nutritional virtues of the young rye grass, two clever researchers developed a rye extract. Oh, it didn't happen just like that. For fourteen years they purified, refined, stored, and stabilized until the extract maintained the integrity of their quest -- a product with the nutritional value of original rye grass. At long last, the researchers believed they had tweaked the extract to its full potential, ready for testing.

The final result is a nontoxic, all-natural product especially helpful for anyone who is run down or fatigued. But the benefits of rye extract don't stop there. Reports indicate how helpful this supplement can be for AIDS, asthma, flu, sore throats, insomnia, hay fever, sinusitis, and more!

Impressed? Here are some of the documented stories.

~ The treatment officer of a health center in Australia (Victorian AIDS Council, Inc.) reported that he had given rye extract to some of the center's HIV clients. Two, who had chronic hepatitis C, took the extract for about six weeks. Much to everyone's surprise, the patients' liver enzymes returned to normal, after being elevated for many months!

~ Based on this success, the treatment officer gave the supplement to his mother, who had severe emphysema. She took the extract at the first sign of a cough or cold, and found that her symptoms disappeared within two days -- a far cry from previous experiences.

~ Another report comes from Atlanta, Georgia, which is a well-known allergy-asthma center of the world. (The damp tropical climate of that part of the country initiates a plethora of allergens.) A medical facility reported that even their worst patients responded well to rye extract, with the victims suffering a minimum of fifty percent less than the previous spring.

~ In Cape Town, South Africa, a man afflicted with asthma for thirty years showed marked improvement in four weeks.

~ A patient in Italy reported glaucoma relief in record time.

~ A naturopath in Australia states that, based on his clinical observations, the extract of the young rye plant shows promise as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilator. There is evidence, he says, that it could be useful in stroke and other degenerative brain pathologies. He has seen significant improvement in patients with diabetes, hepatitis C, chronic lymphatic leukemia, and even basal cell carcinoma.

Why Rye Extract Works

Let's look at why this extract is proving to be so helpful by defining the substances it contains. Again -- rye extract is endowed with beta-1,3 glucan, phytoestrogens, genistein, coenzyme Q10, and squalene. Here's the "skinny" on these substances.

Beta-1,3 Glucan

Beta-1,3 glucan is a molecule that bonds to receptor sites on macrophages. The following definitions help to clarify the medical jargon:

~ Molecules are the tiniest possible pieces of a substance that can still be identified as that substance.

~ Macrophages are important immune cells. be identified as that substance.

~ Macrophages are important immune cells.

~ Receptor sites have only recently been identified. They are molecules made up of proteins. Receptors gather together at the cell membrane, waiting for the right substance to come along. When it does, it transmits this substance or its message to the interior of the cell, thus "firing up" the cell into various kinds of action.

Beta-1,3 glucan has been shown to increase nonspecific immunity against all infectious diseases, including cancer. One physician reported that nodules of malignant melanoma injected with beta-glucan resolved within a few days.

As confirmed by the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute in Bethesda, MD, beta-1,3 glucan also protects against the adverse effects of radiation.

The resulting cascading events that occur with beta-1,3 glucan can stimulate immune function in several areas. It can increase production of:

(1) Cytokines. These are potent molecules discovered in the last half of this century, made up of protein that has an effect on immune responses or regulatory peptides. Cytokines are released from one cell, but affect the growth or activity of another cell. They are known to give signals to other cells, like a neighborhood alert -- a civil defense siren at the cellular level.

In stress and inflammation, cytokines act on targets relatively distant from the site of their production and are transported through your circulation, just like hormones.

(2) Interleukins. Once the amino acid sequence of a cytokine is determined, the cytokine may be given a numbered interleukin designation. So, interleukins are a group of cytokines whose amino acid sequence is known. Many interleukins are released by one type of white blood cell and act on another.

Interleukin-1. These are macrophage, or immune cells, that are hormone-like messengers. Among a long list of benefits, they stimulate other special immune cells to reproduce. They can mediate the inflammatory reactions caused by injury, trauma, or an activated immune system. They can put the body in a generally healing state of being, allowing it to mobilize its energy reserves to fight pathogenic intruders with maximum efficiency.

Interleukin-2. These cells help to recognize enemy cells. They also govern the expansion of cells, both good and bad, and they reactivate certain lymphocytes. It is believed that exercise enhances immunity because it increases interleukin-2.

(3) Interferons. These cells have antiviral activity. Virus-infected cells secrete interferons, which then bind to noninfected cells, triggering the production of enzymes to break down the viral RNA, making the cells viral-resistant. In other words, interferon "interferes" with viral replication, helping to prevent viral spread. Interferons also increase the ability of the cells in the immune system to recognize and destroy viruses, and possibly, tumor-cell growth

Interferons have been used since the early 1990s to treat multiple sclerosis. Researchers predict that beta-glucan may prove to be a potent tool in slowing the progression or reducing the severity of relapse in multiple sclerosis because it increases interferons. In this country, however, doses of interferon have proved to be too low to prevent disease progression in many multiple sclerosis patients, according to a Canadian study. (Canada has demonstrated success with this therapy.)

It's interesting to note that when these immune-enhancing substances are injected in isolated form into sick people, improvement may occur, but rarely without side effects.

When, however, we take products containing these substances in a more natural context (as in rye extract), the results can be just as positive, but minus the side effects.

Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens represent a family of plant compounds that have been shown to have both estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties. They contain isoflavones, which are weak estrogen-like constituents that act as adaptogens.

Here's how an adaptogen works: If you have an excessive amount of estrogen, these substances help block the estrogen from entering estrogen receptor sites. If there is not enough estrogen, they fill the gap. This is what is meant by the adaptogenic phenomenon. (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 1998;Jul;83(7):2223-35)

Just to make the adaptogenic concept clear, note that a good chromium supplement is adaptogenic because it is helpful for those with high blood sugar (diabetics), and for those with low blood sugar (hypoglycemics).

Accumulating evidence from molecular and cellular biology experiments, animal studies, and, to a limited extent, human clinical trials, suggests that phytoestrogens may potentially confer health benefits related to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, osteoporosis, and menopausal symptoms.

These potential health benefits are consistent with the epidemiological evidence that rates of these disease states are more favorable among populations that consume plant-based diets.

Most people in today's world are overloaded when it comes to estrogen. And that pertains to men as well as women. Estrogen is emitted from herbicides and pesticides, disposable diapers, plastics, gasoline exhaust -- in fact, from all manner of high-tech applications. These estrogens disturb hormone balances, among other detrimental debilitating health effects.

Phytoestrogens provide a safe "rescue." They help to protect us against the ravages of our environment.

Genistein

Genistein is a phytoestrogen. Endless studies have appeared in our peer-reviewed prestigious medical journals extolling its benefits. Here are just a few:

~ Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology 1998;Jun;28(6):360-3:

Genistein might primarily influence human prostate cancer development by reducing tumor growth.

~ Nutritional Reviews 1998;Aug;56(8):231-5:

Isoflavones [genistein] may improve endothelial functioning and attenuate events leading to both lesion and thrombus formation.

~ Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, & Vascular Biology 1997;Dec;17:3392-8:

Heightened cardiovascular risk associated with menopause can be reduced with isoflavones.

~ Nutrition & Cancer 1997;29(1):77-82:

Isoflavones may contribute to the chemopreventive potentials against human cancers.

~ Journal of Nutrition 1998;Jun;128(6):954-9:

Dietary isoflavones such as genistein reduce plasma cholesterol and atherosclerosis in test animals. Potential mechanisms include cholesterol lowering, inhibition of lipoprotein oxidation, and inhibition of cell proliferation.

CoenzymeQ10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an energy promoting agent and antioxidant, is a substance made by our bodies and obtained in the diet, mainly in oily fish, organ meats, and whole grains. It works along with certain enzymes in your best health interest. Here are a few journal reports on CoQ10:

Europea Journal of Nuclear Medicine 1997;Jun;24(6):629-34:

It has been reported that myocardial function can be improved by the administration of CoQ10.

Fetal Diagnose Therapy 1996;Jul-Aug;11(4):264-70:

The objectives of this study were to assess the CoQ10 levels in women experiencing a normal pregnancy, in those women experiencing spontaneous abortion, and in those women with threatened abortion. The researchers found a statistically significant difference between the CoQ10 values in those with normal pregnancies and those women who had problems.

Molecular Aspects of Medicine 1997;18 Suppl:S105-12:

CoQ10 can exert a potent antioxidant effect at concentrations considerably lower than that of vitamin E.

Neuromuscular Disorders 1996;Jan;6(1):49-53:

Normal total serum calcium concentration was obtained in patients with hypercalcemia (too much calcium) with CoQ10 therapy, while the replacement of CoQ10 with placebo led to hypocalcemia (too little calcium). The mechanism of action of CoQ10 is difficult to explain. The researchers speculate that the capacity of producing an active form of vitamin D in certain cells was restored by CoQ10 therapy. (Effective calcium metabolism is dependent on vitamin D.)

Cardiovascular Pharmacology 1996;Aug;28(2):175-81:

Improved cardiovascular morbidity and mortality have been observed in several clinical studies of dietary supplementation with CoQ10.

Molecular Aspects of Medicine 1997;18 Suppl():S213-9: In sperm cells, the majority of CoQ10 is concentrated in the part of the sperm that provides the energy for movement and all other energy-dependent processes of the sperm. In fact, these processes are dependent on the availability of CoQ10. Based on these facts, the researchers conclude that the administration of CoQ10 may result in improvement in sperm functions in selective patients.

Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology 1997;Jan;29(1):16-22:

Improved cardiovascular morbidity and mortality have been observed in several clinical studies of dietary supplementation with CoQ10.

Journal of Bioenergy 1997;Jun;29(3):251-7:

CoQ10 helps to stabilize vitamin C, both within and without the cell.

Diabetologia 1998;May;41(5):584-8:

This is the first report demonstrating the therapeutic usefulness of CoQ10 on certain cases of diabetes.

Squalene

Squalene is found in oils, including olive oil, and also in some plants, but if you want significant quantities, it's shark oil. Squalene is heart protective in its fresh unoxidized state. It is removed, however, when oils are refined. Squalene plays an important role in the body's production of cholesterol, and therefore in heart health. Here are a few of the studies:

Carcinogenesis 1998;Apr;19(4):703-6:

A squalene diet significantly decreased lung cancer by 70 percent in test animals. In those fed a diet containing 2 percent squalene for only 3 weeks, it was shown that the squalene could effectively inhibit substances leading to lung cancer.

Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers Prevention 1997;Dec;6(12):1101-3:

It is proposed that the high squalene content of olive oil, as compared to other human foods, is a major factor in the cancer risk-reducing effect of olive oil. Experiments suggest a tumor-inhibiting role for squalene.

Journal of Lipid Research 1997;Aug;38(8):1639-48:

The present findings suggest the safe use of squalene in lipid-lowering therapy.

Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 1996;May;36(5):422-7:

Combination therapy of a cholesterol-lowering drug with squalene significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol to a greater extent than the drug.

Packaging of Rye Extract

Impressed with all this? I know I am!

Liquid Application

The rye extract is available in liquid form, to be taken sublingually (under the tongue). Applied this way, it is rapidly absorbed in seconds, bypassing digestive acids, allowing for its healing mastery to go to work in the shortest possible time.

Unlike so many prescription drugs, rye extract does not require close medical and laboratory supervision during and after administration.

Consider rye extract

~ an immunomodulator
~ effective
~ nontoxic
~ inexpensive
~ easily administered
~ freely available non-prescription
~ can be used alone
~ can be used as complementary therapy to standard pharmaceutical agents

(example, certain kinds of pneumonia will respond more rapidly to a combination of rye extract and antibiotics than to antibiotics alone) Caveat: Because of its alcohol content, you may not want to give the liquid to children under three for ingestion. The small amount of alcohol in a three-drop serving, however, is dozens of times less than the alcohol content of a typical ripe banana. Use discretion.

The product is actually being marketed as "an herbal extract for the temporary relief of the symptoms of coughs, colds, flu, and sore throats."

But YOU know the REST OF THE STORY.

Topical Application

Rye extract is also available in cream form, to be applied topically. The cream has proved to be effective for young and old. For me, the most exciting aspect is the fact that it has been shown to alleviate eczema in children -- a currently prevalent problem.

Among other stories reported by physicians is its success for menopausal symptoms, for shingles, and for leg ulcers. It has even been used on lesions of AIDS patients, with remarkable curative results. Each application resulted in quick, positive benefits. It is obvious that this extract can be effective for most any kind of wound healing, ulcers, lesions, rashes, and minor burns.

A finger pump spray applicator helps the delivery of the extract in measured doses.

So there it is folks. Another new and effective therapy developed from a historic natural food -- rye extract.

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