Michael McLean joins Cell Science Systems as new laboratory supervisor

Creation of new position signals continued growth for the leader in food sensitivity testing


Michael McLean, formerly of Signet Diagnostics, has joined Cell Science Systems Corp. (CSS), manufacturer of the ALCAT Test, as Laboratory Supervisor.  Mr. McLean comes to CSS with over 24 years of supervisory experience in the food sensitivity and laboratory industry.  In his new role, Mr. McLean will focus on Research & Development and laboratory supervision.  


“I’m happy to be at a company on the cutting edge of testing for immune aberrations associated with dietary factors,” said McLean.  


CSS Corp, an ISO 13485, U.S. FDA Registered Devise Manufacturer, and CLIA Licensed laboratory provides testing services in the areas of food and chemical sensitivity and nutrition; and sells CE certified products to laboratories worldwide.


“It is gratifying to me as a laboratory scientist to be working within a company that is so concerned with quality management and uses that strength as a base for innovative research, especially in the current regulatory environment,” continued McLean.  “I’m proud to be working for a company that fosters a higher standard of quality management and scientific excellence.”


“We are extremely pleased to have Michael join our company,” said Roger Deutsch, President and CEO of CSS and author the book Your Hidden Food Allergies Are Making You Fat.


Mr. Mclean graduated from Florida International University in 1989 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and Chemistry and a Master’s of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics in 1994.  He is on track to earn a doctorate in Dietetics and Nutrition in 2011 and has second authorship on several publications.


Continued Deutsch, “People should be watching our laboratory for some very new diagnostic inventions related to chronic inflammatory conditions such as cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes, as well as innovative technologies for determination of individual nutritional needs.  Mr. McLean is going to play a large part in that.”


Cell Science Systems (CSS), located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, is a life sciences company and the worldwide market leader in food sensitivity testing as the manufacturer of the ALCAT Test.  ALCAT identifies cellular reactions to over 350 foods, chemicals and herbs. These inflammatory reactions are linked to chronic health problems like obesity and diabetes, as well as skin, heart, joint, and digestive disorders. 

Leaky Gut

Leaky Gut is one of the major tenets of the ALCAT Test and a primary contributor to many of the inflammatory conditions that we face every day.  The Institute for Functional Medicine posted online an excerpt on the The Gut-Liver Axis:  Genetic and Environmental Influences on Detoxification from its Textbook of Functional Medicine.  


We highly recommend every practitioner read both the IFM textbook and excerpt on healing the gut.  

Upcoming ALCAT Events

Cell Science Systems - The ALCAT Laboratory - just attended the A4M and Illinois Dietetic Association conferences this past weekend.  We had a great time meeting with hundreds of ALCAT users and thank everyone for their time.  


We have some great events coming in the next month or so.  ALCAT will be attending the American Chiropractic Association Council on Nutrition, Maryland Dietetic Association conference, Georgia Dietetic Association conference, Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association conference and National Basketball Association Strength and Conditioning Association coaches convention.  


The NBASCA is especially exciting for us as we'll get to meet with all 32 NBA teams and discuss incorporating ALCAT into their nutrition programs.  Several Orlando Magic players and countless professional athletes have had great success conquering their chronic inflammatory conditions, improving energy levels and reducing recovery time.


Stay tuned for updates!

A few keys to wellness...

Whether or not you decide to take the ALCAT Test is a personal decision that is the beginning of an overall lifestyle change.  There are, however, a few things you can do to take those first steps to wellness if an ALCAT Test is not in your immediate plans.  Below are some tips and links from the Mayo Clinic.

1. Avoid gluten.  There are TONS of resources and literature that explain the detrimental effects of consuming gluten.  A simple Google search 
2. Rotate your foods.  Varying your diet will prevent a cumulative 'loading' effect and development of new food sensitivities.  If you consume too much of one thing your body may become sensitive to it.
3. Eat your veggies.  Your mother was right when she told you to do this.  Maybe have a vegetarian meal now and then instead of that steak. (Yes, steak is delicious.  We know.)
4. Get some exercise.  Get your blood flowing, sweat a little and improve your metabolism.
5. Drink water.  Put down the soda, EVEN DIET SODA, and drink water.  High fructose corn syrup is awful for you as are artificial sweeteners.  Have water instead and save those calories.
6. Take a probiotic.  Over 60% of your immune system resides in the gut.  Doesn't it make sense to take care of the flora and fauna in there?  Be sure to take one from a reputable manufacturer and know if it contains the proper strains.  
7. Get some fiber in your diet.  Get it from natural foods, grains and veggies.  Trust us, you'll feel a lot better if you follow this one.  

Follow these simple tips and you'll be on your way to wellness.  For more information on these tips or the ALCAT Test, call 800-872-5228 or visit the ALCAT Website.  

A4M Orlando

Cell Science Systems - The ALCAT Lab - will be attending the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) from April 15-17, 2010.  If you're in Orlando and want to see some great speakers we highly recommend you stop by.  


Dr. Mitchell Ghen, Associate Medical Director and Scientific Advisory Board member of the ALCAT Lab, is scheduled to speak on Friday the 16th about Bioactive Silver Hydrosol in Anti-Aging Practice.  Be sure to check it out!

Surfers for Autism

For those of you in South Florida this weekend there will be a GREAT event by Surfers For Autism on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at the Deerfield Beach pier.  There will be food, vendors, and a stage set up for local bands.  When you see these kids catch a wave it will bring a tear to your eyes. It’s AWESOME!!! 


Here are a few links:


http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/florida-surfers-give-autistic-children-something-to-splash-about-healing-waters_14659/


http://www.surfersforautism.org/

To make a donation to Autism Speaks, go here:  https://secure.autismspeaks.org/page/contribute/donate1

Gluten Free Grocery Guide

ALCAT came across the Triumph Dining  last year and we think their publications, Gluten Free Grocery Guide and Gluten Free Restaurant Guide, are great to help make a gluten free lifestyle much easier.  

The booklets are updated yearly and they include an easy to read reference table of contents for quick searches. 

We live our lives so fast and it can be very difficult to stick with dietary limitations.  Why not make it a little easier?

You can find Triumph Dining on Twitter! Click the image below to go to their page.

Why Many Chiropractors Offer Herbs

Great article about herbs and the opportunity they present for healthcare practitioners.  This article was originally published in Dynamic Chiropractic Insights.



By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher
According to a previous survey, approximately one-third of chiropractors in the United States recommend herbs to their patients.1 While more recent studies differ, it appears that this number has grown to approximately 40 percent of the profession.


Herbs are typically not part of practice for most doctors of chiropractic. Whereas nutrition is a component of most chiropractic curriculum, herbs are not. The results of this study demonstrate that almost all (96 percent) of DCs who utilize herbs in their practice are comfortable with the philosophy behind the herbal products they offer their patients. Approximately half recommend herbs based upon a condition type, with more than 40 percent offering herbs from three or more different companies. These doctors also see herbs as having broad applications as more than 40 percent offer herbs to at least half of their patients. The following results give greater understanding to why these chiropractors are recommending and offering herbs.


Herbs for Specific Types of Conditions


Doctors who recommend and sell herbs to their patients do so to address a variety of condition types: immune system, stress/anxiety/sleep, musculoskeletal health, women's health and functional support for specific organs. The recommendation percentages for each condition type break down surprisingly even, with between 46 percent and 55 percent recommending herbs for each condition type. Likewise, the sales percentages hover right around one-third of chiropractors selling herbs for each condition type.


It is interesting to note that doctors are most likely to recommend herbs to a patient to support their immune system and least likely to recommend herbs for musculoskeletal health. 


Conversely, more doctors sell herbs for musculoskeletal health than for any other condition type. A future study should be considered to examine the preferences between nutrition and herbs when addressing musculoskeletal health as well as other condition types.


Choices


As is the case with many products offered to patients, 42 percent of DCs purchase from "three or more" herb companies, with only 19 percent purchasing from a single vendor. This is likely one of the reason why there are so many herbal products companies serving the profession. A total of 18 herbal companies were identified as having chiropractic clients who offer their products.


Recommendation and Sales


Of those DCs who recommend herbal products to their patients, 41 percent recommend them to at least half of their patient population, with 11 percent recommending herbs to "almost all" of their patients. A similar question in a previous survey found that approximately 65 percent of DCs recommend nutritional products to at least half of their patients, with 35 percent recommending them to almost all.2


When asked what percentage of their patients purchased herbal products from them, 21 percent of DCs stated that at least half had purchased herbs from them, with 5 percent stating that purchases were made by "almost all" of their patients. By comparison, a previous survey revealed that 40 percent of DCs sold nutritional products to at least half of their patients, with 12 percent selling to almost all of their patients.


While the percentages of chiropractors recommending and selling herbal products lags behind those recommending and selling nutritional products, some of the same relationships exist between the percentages. Clearly, the percentage of DCs that sell nutritional products to half or almost all of their patients is approximately twice the percentages that sell herbal products.
DCs are less likely to want to recommend herbs to "almost all" of their patients, but confident in recommending herbs to at least half of them. It will be interesting to see if how these percentages change as more herbal studies are published.






















While the percentages of chiropractors recommending and selling herbal products lags behind those recommending and selling nutritional products, some of the same relationships exist between the percentages. Clearly, the percentage of DCs that sell nutritional products to half or almost all of their patients is approximately twice the percentages that sell herbal products.


DCs are less likely to want to recommend herbs to "almost all" of their patients, but confident in recommending herbs to at least half of them. It will be interesting to see if how these percentages change as more herbal studies are published.

Quality and Philosophy


Seventy-nine percent of DCs "totally agree" that they are confident in the quality of the herbal products offered to the profession, with another 18 percent who partially agree. This leaves only 4 percent who might be considered skeptical. This reflects a level of confidence that is on par with that shown for nutritional supplements.


A total of 96 percent of DCs (64 percent totally agree and 32 percent somewhat agree) believe in the philosophy of the vendors who supply their herbal products. Again, this is very similar to the agreement in the nutritional philosophy that is shared by the U.S. chiropractic profession with its many vendors. These results suggest that herbal products and nutritional products may be viewed very similarly by doctors. A future study should examine how doctors view their nutritional philosophy and their herbal philosophy as they address patient needs.


Summary


Doctors of chiropractic in the United States have a significant number of vendors providing numerous choices of herbal products for their patients. A little less than half (42 percent) of chiropractors are purchasing herbal products from three or more companies. The confidence in product quality combined with an appreciation for the herbal philosophy seems to have resulted in an environment where DCs can effectively utilize herbs in their practice. The variety of condition types that DCs are addressing with herbal recommendations and sales are similar to those that could be addressed with nutritional supplementation.


While more doctors are recommending and selling nutritional products to more of their patients, the percentage that are offering herbal products appears to be substantial. DCs that are not currently offering herbal products may want to look at these as another service to their patients, especially as new studies are published.


References


Product Recommendation Survey. MPA Media, completed June 2006.
Nutritional Supplement Survey. MPA Media, completed Sept. 16, 2009.

The ALCAT Test on WBAI Radio - NYC

On Tuesday, April 2, 2010 Lee Rolnick, Director of Sales and Marketing, and James Blum, Director of Nutritional Services, of Cell Science Systems - The ALCAT Laboratory - were invited to Take Charge of Your Health on WBAI Radio New York.  They discussed the basis of the ALCAT Test and how food sensitivity can impact your every day life.  


Thank you to Corinne Furnari, host of the show and owner of Furnari Health for this great opportunity.

Click here to listen to the program

The difference between allergy and intolerance

A few months ago we wrote on ALCAT.com about the difference between food intolerance and food allergy.  We wanted to re-post that information here because it's important to distinguish between the two.  So, here you go...

What is food sensitivity?

The inability to tolerate foods and environmental factors, also known as sensitivity or intolerance, induces chronic activation of the innate immune system and gives rise to inflammatory processes, which includes excess production of reactive oxygen species and the release of preformed and newly synthesized mediators of inflammation.


This inflammation has been linked to countless chronic conditions, including:  digestive disorders, migraines, obesity, chronic fatigue, ADD, aching joints, skin disorders, arthritis and many more.


How does food sensitivity differ from classic food allergies?  


True food allergies refer to foods that trigger the immune system to acutely produce massive amounts of the chemical histamine that leads to anaphylaxis.  This potentially fatal condition causes the throat and esophagus to swell, cutting off air from the lungs, or may simply cause hives, skin rashes, and other non-life-threatening reactions.


This type of reaction is called a type I hypersensitivity reaction, caused by the degranulation of mast cells or basophils that is mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE).

Did you know?

Here are some figures about the ALCAT Laboratory that you may not have known.

• In December 2008 the laboratory moved to a new, larger location, essentially doubling in size.
• In March 2010 the laboratory doubled in size again by moving into an adjacent unit.  
• ALCAT is located in over 20 countries worldwide on six continents.
• ALCAT has thousands of doctors who actively use the test on their patients.
• ALCAT has tested hundreds of athletes, from high school to professional, to amateurs to Olympians.
• ALCAT is FDA inspected and registered, ISO certified and CLIA licensed.
• ALCAT has four nutritionists and an epidemiologist on staff to assist with any questions you may have.

How to grow old gracefully

Here's a great article written by Rachael Rettner at LiveScience.com. We believe a lot of these principles can be applied to the ALCAT Test, as inflammation is one of the major causes of age-related diseases like diabetes, obesity and heart disease.


Click HERE to read the original article.


Exercise, optimism and preventive care can cut risk of chronic diseases


U.S. residents might be living longer these days, but more and more Americans have chronic diseases, such as diabetes, which decrease their lifespan and boost medical costs. Some 133 million adults — almost half the adult population — have some type of chronic health condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With such staggering statistics, you might think illness and impairment are synonymous with aging.


But experts say old age need not be marked by disease and disability. Older adults can take action, even well into their 60s and 70s, to reduce the risk of developing chronic disease and avoid injury.


"I think the old myth was somehow after age 60, 65, there's just nothing you can do anymore," said Margaret Moore, a public health advisor for the CDC's Healthy Aging Program. But really, "there are lots of things you can do to improve your function [and] your health well into older age," she said.


Among the beneficial behaviors: Exercise, stretching, preventative measures such as flu shots and disease screening, and even a generally optimistic outlook on life.


"There's certainly going to be some changes that occur with getting older," Moore said, "but it doesn’t have to mean disability, it doesn’t have to mean disease."


Staggering stats


The number of U.S. adults aged 65 and over living with certain chronic conditions has increased in recent years.


The percentage of older adults living with diabetes has doubled, from 9.9 percent in 1984 to 18.4 percent in 2006-2008, according to statistics provided by the CDC. The number living with heart disease has risen in that same time period from 16.4 percent to 31.6 percent (although this increase could partly be due to better detection methods).


Rising rates of chronic disease have been mirrored by rising rates in obesity, which is known to be a major risk factor for heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Since the 1960s, the number of overweight men aged 65 to 74 has increased from 10.4 percent to 33.0 percent in 2003-2006. And the number of overweight women has gone up from 23.2 percent to 36.4 percent in that period.


Our nation as a whole is suffering from an obesity epidemic, with about two-thirds of the population being overweight or obese, according to the CDC.


Foremost: exercise


If there's one step you could take to improve your health and help you steer clear of chronic disease, it's exercise, experts say. And it really is never too late to start.


"I have known patients who have started exercising in their 70s and reaped great benefits from it," said Carmel B. Dyer, a geriatrician and director of the Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston.


Exercise helps control your weight, lower your blood pressure, and strengthen your muscles, which in turn make you less likely to fall. And more muscle mass helps you metabolize drugs more like a young person, Dyer said, which means the drugs will be cleared from the body more effectively.


Physical activity has also been linked to a decreased risk of dementia, she said.


If you can keep your weight down, you'll decrease your risk of diabetes, which affects about 23.3 million Americans, as well as certain types of arthritis, which hinders activity for about 19 million Americans, according to the CDC.


As a nation, we could do better when it comes to exercise — in 2006-2007, about one-third of adults over 65 said they had no leisure time physical activity in the past month, according to CDC statistics.


But older adults need not join a gym, or suffer through rigorous workouts. Instead, more mild activities, such as walking, gardening, or anything to keep moving would be sufficient, CDC's Moore said.


And a "healthy weight" doesn't necessarily have to be what you weighed when you were in your 20's, according to Dyer.


"You want to exercise enough so that you're not obese, but not too thin, so you have reserve. But you don't have to become so fanatical about it that you have to get down to your college weight," she said.


Stretching is also important, Dyer said. Your muscles tend to shorten and stiffen if you aren't as active, and stretching activities such as yoga, will help improve your flexibility.


"You wouldn’t think that five minutes of stretching in the morning would be all that helpful to you in old age, but it's extremely helpful," she said.


Another key: prevention


Preventive measures, such as getting a yearly flu shot, and screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers are also important for growing old gracefully.


Judging from statistics, Americans don't have a stellar record when it comes to getting these services. Only about one-quarter of adults aged 50 to 65, and less than 40 percent of those over 65 are up to date with them, the CDC says.


Keeping an eye on other disease indicators, such as high blood pressure and the early stages of diabetes, can also make a difference in terms of the degree of disability people experience later in life, Moore said.


"While you might not actually prevent the disease, you can prevent the disability that would come from not treating the disease promptly enough," she said.


There are even steps you can take to reduce the severity of arthritis, the nation's most common disability affecting about 46 million U.S. adults, about 50 percent of which are over the age of 65.


Staying educated about the disease, avoiding further joint injury, and keeping physically active are among the tips for managing arthritis.


"Once you have arthritis, staying physically active can help reduce the pain you get, and the symptoms; that's counterintuitive, but well documented that it does help," said Charles Helmick, who helps lead the CDC's Arthritis Program.


Optimism


Churchgoing and a generally sunny outlook on life have also been linked to longer, healthier lives.


For instance, one 2006 study found that regular church attendance can add 1.8 to 3.1 years to your life. However, scientists are still unsure about why churchgoing extends life, or if other factors could be at play.


Decreased stress levels, from spiritual activities such as meditation, may be partly responsible for the religious benefits, Dyer said.


A slew of studies also suggest that optimistic people live longer, and are less likely to develop certain chronic conditions, such as heart disease.


For example, a 2004 study including about 1,000 men and women found that those who described themselves as optimistic had a 55 percent lower risk of death overall, and a 23 percent lower risk of death from heart failure than pessimists.


A more recent study on some 97,000 postmenopausal women had similar findings. Optimistic women in the study had a 14 percent lower risk of dying from any cause, and a 9 percent lower risk of developing heart disease.


Dyer said she has seen powerful effects of optimism in her practice.


"I've been practicing geriatric medicine for almost 20 years, and I've notice that my patients who sort of make the best of everything, when there's lemons they make lemonade…they seem to live longer and happier lives," Dyer said. "I think if you're more optimistic, you're more positive, you're going to do better, you're going to feel better."