Blog | Stages of Life

David S. Klein, MD FACA FACPM

Apr 183 min read

Stud Mix is back! Safe and inexpensive supplement for E.D.

Orlando Florida Longwood Florida Functional Medicine Hormone Replacement Pain Medicine — David S. Klein, MD Functional Medicine Physician

Yes, it took an eternity to get it back, in stock. We can blame the 'supply chain,' but in the end, it really doesn't matter. The more complex the mixture, the more likely that one of the components will be in short supply, or not make it through assay-quarantine. Not all manufacturers assay products, this way, and that is what is of importance to you. An all natural alternative to Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, Stud Mix does not have the cardiac risks attached to the prescription products.

Stud Mix: Think of it as 'poor man's Viagra'

I put together this mixture over 15 years ago. It is unlike anything on the market in that it deals with 3 problems that plague most men that are fortunate enough to make it over the age of 40.

As men age, the prostate starts to enlarge. It is not due to testosterone levels, as testosterone levels decrease around 2% per year after the age of 25, or so. The sad truth is that estradiol levels INCREASE year by year until the estradiol level exceeds that of an average woman, and this occurs, oddly, around the age of 40. No surprise that men tend to become a bit more emotional, cry while watching the Hallmark Channel, and cheer the Viagra car while watching NASCAR.

About this time, erectile issues begin, not necessarily from the testosterone decrease, although if you believe the advertisements, you might believe this to be true. More so, ED actually results from age related increase in male estradiol. Acting in some ways as an 'anti-testosterone,' the ratio of Testosterone to estradiol decreases, and along with the elevation in estradiol, erectile dysfunction develops, and libido suffers. A man's estradiol level will exceed that of his wife's level around the age of 45, or younger.

The Quick Fix

This is where Stud Mix comes in. E.D. Treatment without the need for a prescription, and without the heart-risks. Designed to decrease the degradation of testosterone to estradiol, the T/E ratio improves, and so does intimate performance. On top of that, the L-Arginine is helpful as a vasodilator. Well, sometimes a little extra help is a welcome event when a man is under pressure to perform. When combined with phosphodiesterase inhibitors, Stud Mix acts as an enhancer.

Generally, I ask my patients to take 3 capsules an hour or so before bed time. This give the arginine a chance to work, but the balance of the product works overnight to block the conversion of testosterone to estradiol through enzymatic inhibition of Aromatase. The net effect here is restoration of the 'morning erection.' One easy and effective approach to the treatment of E.D.

It takes 4 to 6 weeks, on average, to see the effects most consistently.

PRO-tips

If you use you use Viagra, Cialis or Levitra, the Stud Mix may make the 'pill' work better.
If you add Huperzine-A 200-mcg twice daily, the need for the prescription ED meds will decrease. We have pharmaceutical grade Huperzine, and it is very inexpensive.
Take the Stud Mix (3 capsules every evening) regularly. If you keep the estradiol level down, performance follows.

Three month supply Stud Mix (Best Value)

This is a 3 month supply — Stud Mix LARGE bottle of #270 (Three month supply)

One Month supply Stud Mix

Stud Mix for E.D. — Stud Mix #90 (One Month Supply)

Take 1 tablet twice daily, increase to three, then four per day in divided doses — Huperzine A 200 mcg 'Poor Man's Viagra'

David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM

1917 Boothe Circle

Longwood, Florida 32750

Tel: 407-679-3337

Fax: 407-678-7246

David S. Klein, MD FACA FACPM

Apr 165 min read

Natural Approach to diagnosing and treating Low Thyroid function, Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a state of low metabolism resulting from low thyroid hormone levels, anti-body issues with thyroid hormone itself, the receptor or cellular transport mechanisms.

Many people of symptoms of hypothyroidism. It is one of the most common of all clinical problems encountered in primary care. It can also be one of the most challenging. Why is that?

Diagnosing hypothyroidism

There is no single blood test that is useful to diagnose or treat the majority of patients. In spite of what we were taught, TSH alone is not even close to being a 'gold standard.' Fools gold is more like it. A normal TSH only suggests that your pituitary thinks that things are 'normal.' Euthyroid Sick is the medical diagnosis for clinical hypothyroidism given a 'normal TSH level.
Conversion of T-4 to T-3 is necessary for secreted thyroid (and orally ingested thyroid hormone, like levothyroxine, to become the active form of the hormone. Sixteen percent (16%) of the population has some difficulty making this conversion. One person in 6 is thereby metabolically challenged, consistent with a normal TSH.
Presence of thyroid peroxidase antibody, anti-thyroglobulin or thyroid receptor antibody will also give you a 'normal' TSH with a very different clinical picture.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism evaluation should include TPA and ATG titers, Cortisol levels, and gonadotropin (sex hormone) levels. There are many ways to become hypothyroid.

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body's needs. It's typically treated with synthetic thyroid hormone medication, such as levothyroxine (Synthroid), to replace the missing hormones and restore normal thyroid function. This medication is usually effective and well-tolerated when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. Levothyroxine is cheap, available and works MOST of the time. What if it does not help you?

Natural Approach to Treating Hypothyroidism

If you do not respond to the typical prescription of levothyroxine, you likely need something else. My preferred approach is to use a natural thyroid hormone preparation, containing T-4 as well as T-3, with T-2 and T-1, as well. It is what your body produces and it is likely what you need to regain your health.

Natural Non prescription alternative to prescription thyroid medicine — Thyro Complete Nutritional Frontiers

Complementary actions that may provide some clinical benefit

However, some people may be interested in complementary or natural treatments to support their thyroid health alongside conventional medical treatment.

I have found an interesting product available without a prescription. It contains the glandular thyroid hormone, but it is not assayed as a traditional prescription medicine. It could be used as an adjunct to or in addition to prescription thyroid medications in situations where a prescription for natural thyroid hormone is otherwise unavailable.

It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. Here are some natural approaches that may complement hypothyroidism treatment:

Diet:

Iodine: Ensure you have sufficient but not excessive iodine intake, as iodine is a crucial component of thyroid hormones. Common dietary sources of iodine include iodized salt, seaweed, fish, and dairy products. Iodine deficiency is very rare in the Western Diet. Ingestion of Iodine in excess of dietary needs can adversely affect the immune system, resulting in worsening of autoimmune issues.
Selenium: Selenium is important for the conversion of T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) to T3 (active thyroid hormone). Good dietary sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, fish, and organ meats. Supplements are useful, but excessive selenium is toxic.
Balanced diet: Maintain a well-balanced diet with a variety of nutrients to support overall health.

Lifestyle changes:

Stress management: Chronic stress can affect thyroid function, so stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises may be beneficial.
Regular exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve metabolism and overall health.

Herbal supplements:

Some herbs may have potential benefits for thyroid health. Ashwagandha and guggul are examples of herbs that have been studied for their potential thyroid-supporting properties. However, the use of herbal supplements should be discussed with a healthcare provider, as they can interact with medications and may not be suitable for everyone.

Gluten-free diet:

Some individuals with hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis may benefit from a gluten-free diet, as gluten may trigger inflammation in these cases. Consult with a healthcare provider before making dietary changes.

Nutritional supplements useful in the natural approach to treating hypothyroidism:

Some people with hypothyroidism may have deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and B12, magnesium, zinc and ot6hers. Your healthcare provider can assess your nutrient levels and recommend appropriate supplements if necessary. Often, a little attention to the nutritional deficiencies that can cause hypothyroidism will pay off in control, weight loss and improvement of your general physical condition.

Chelated mineral complex free of gluten and free of soy — Magic Minerals by Stages of Life 2 capsules twice daily

First and foremost, you must get adequate zinc and selenium into your supplement regimen. This product, 2 capsule twice daily, provides enough zinc and selenium to satisfy most clinical situations. Additionally, it contains other mineral micronutrients providing an excellent, rounded approach.

Remember, too much zinc and too much selenium can be dangerous. Do not frivolously add more minerals on top of this. Too much of any good thing can rapidly become a bad thing.

If you need a rounded multi-vitamin and mineral regimen, you can use MAGIC MINERALS in a reduced daily dosage of one capsule twice daily. A good choice, and great value is our DOWN to BASICS product, which is taken two capsules twice daily. (Add 1 magic mineral capsule to it, twice daily, and you have done it.

Nearly perfect multivitamin & mineral supplement — Down to Basics w/o Iron by Stages of Life

Unless you are anemic or a heavily menstruating female, use the 'without iron' selection. Iron, ingested in amounts exceeding your metabolic needs can make you constipated.

Both of these products are gluten and soy-free. Both of them are manufactured to the highest industry standards. Assayed to be within tight tolerances and free of heavy metals and toxins, the are remarkably inexpensive.

They are stronger than most things you may have tried. Take them with meals, or your tummy might get a little upset.

Limit goitrogenic foods:

Goitrogens are compounds that can interfere with thyroid function. Common goitrogenic foods include cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, kale) and soy. Cooking these foods can reduce their goitrogenic effects.

Note Well: Avoid all soy-containing products, food and otherwise. It is best to avoid peanut, peanut butter and garbanzo beans. See my post on 'Death by Soy.'

Remember that natural treatments should not replace prescribed thyroid hormone medication if you have hypothyroidism. These natural approaches are meant to complement conventional treatment and support overall thyroid health. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate and safe approach for your specific condition. Regular monitoring of thyroid function is essential to adjust treatment as needed.

David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM

1917 Boothe Circle

Longwood, Florida 32750

Tel: 407-679-3337

Fax: 407-678-7246

David S. Klein, MD FACA FACPM

Mar 78 min read

Nutritional Factors in Treatment of Osteoporosis. Strontium, Calcium, Vitamin K-2 and Vitamin D-3

Updated: Nov 8

Stages of Life Vitamins — Stages of Life Functional Medicine

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis increases risk of hip fracture — Osteoporosis of the Hip

The incidence of osteoporosis increases with age, and develops at an earlier age in woman than in men. About 55 % of Americans, women more so than men, are at risk of developing osteoporosis. This disease is characterized by a demineralization of the bones, which become porous and fragile, this causing a higher susceptibility to fractures.(5)

Background to Medical Intervention, Nutritional Factors in the Treatment of Osteoporosis

Bone is largely calcium in nature, and if demineralization were the issue than common sense would dictate that increasing dietary intake of calcium would arrest, reverse or at least minimize the ravages of this illness. For years, physicians recommended increase in dietary calcium as the principal intervention in this illness.(3) It is only now becoming more obvious that calcium intake is but one of many nutritional concerns that must be addressed in order to effectively treat osteoporosis. Many factors, including age, menopausal status, total calcium, vitamin K2 and vitamin D intake,(7) as well as consumption of cigarettes, saturated fats, alcohol, and cola proved to be linked to a lower bone mineral density.

FACT #1: The human adult requires approximately 200 mg of elemental calcium per day, and if absorption is between 20% and 40%, the nutritional allowance is approximately 1,000 mg per day. Too much calcium causes more immediate problems involving muscle and nerve. These regulatory mechanisms modulate the absorption of calcium. That is, calcium in excess of 1,200 mg or so will cause the body to reduce the percentage absorbed. While this would appear to be ‘wasteful’ of an inexpensive nutrient, the real cost is that the excess calcium competes with absorption of other micronutrients, resulting in poor absorption of these. Too much of a good thing is, in fact, a very bad thing. Calcium ingestion in excess of the requisite amount reduces rates of absorption of calcium thereby limiting the calcium burden in the vascular system, but dietary cations, including calcium compete for absorption. That is, increasing dietary calcium past a fairly modest level actually inhibits the absorption of other cations, including magnesium and strontium, both essential for development and maintenance of bone.(1)

FACT #2: Taking a properly balanced mineral supplement minimizes the danger of ‘overdoing it.’

FACT #3: Most commercially available vitamin/mineral supplements are worthless because they present the minerals in a poorly absorbed, inorganic form. This is done so that the manufacturer can provide a ‘1-tablet solution’ to all of your needs. It is better that you should keep your money in your pocket than to purchase this junk.

Vitamin D-3

Osteoporosis Prevention — Vitamin D-3 5000 IU Take 1 per day

Insufficient ingestion and/or absorption of vitamin D-3 (cholecalciferol) can lead to the development of osteoporosis and damage to the joints. Cholecalciferol is necessary for the absorption of calcium from the gut as well as for deposition of calcium in the bone. Adequate Vitamin D-3 is necessary to ensure that the bones remain strong and are less prone to being brittle or fractured. Vitamin D-3 can also delay the effects of arthritis and reduce back pain.

Vitamin D-3 deficiency leads to Osteoporosis. In so far as Cholecalciferol is absorbed in the small intestine, disease states that involve the liver, intestines and gall bladder can hamper the proper absorption and result in Vitamin D-3 and other vitamin/nutrient deficiencies. Vitamin D-3 is unlike any other vitamin. In fact, it really is not a vitamin, at all, but it is a hormone. Its metabolic product, calcitriol, is a secosteroid hormone that has genetic receptors in over 200 genes in the human body. Research studies have implicated vitamin D deficiency as a major factor in the pathology of at least 17 varieties of cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, and periodontal disease.

In addition to Vitamin D-3 being important for bone metabolism, sufficient supplementary cholecalciferol has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of breast cancer, prostate and colon cancers as well as reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS).(12), (13)

Strontium

Strontium is an element necessary for the maintenance of calcium matrix. It has been assessed in patients with post-menopausal osteoporosis where it was demonstrated to decrease the risk of vertebral fractures, by 41% over 3 yrs, and by 49% within the first year of treatment.

Further, this risk of non-vertebral fractures is decreased by 16% and, in patients at high risk for such a fracture, the risk of hip fracture is decreased by 36% over 3 yrs. (10),(11)

Dietary Phosphoric Acid Accelerates Osteoporosis

Dietary influences that increases bone demineralization are becoming more and more problematic. Intake of phosphoric acid, as an example, can dramatically accelerate the development of osteoporosis. Cola beverages are the greatest risk in this regard. Phosphoric acid is present in high concentration in cola beverages, and with intake of these soft-drinks, excretion of the phosphate moiety takes place in the form of calcium phosphate. With intake of excessive amounts of phosphoric acid, drinking cola beverages may hasten the development of osteoporosis by worsening calcium deficiency in the bone itself, which in turn causes weakening of the teeth and weak bone density (osteoporosis). (2)

FACT: Phosphoric acid intake, in the form of carbonated soft-drinks can hasten the development of osteoporosis.

Vitamin K-2

Vitamin K is a lesser known vitamin group, composed of three major chemicals, structurally similar, fat-soluble, 2-methyl-l,4-naphthoquinones, including phylloquinone (K1), menaquinones (K2 ), and menadione (K3).

Vitamin K2 (menaquinone), stimulates bone formation by way of hormone-regulation. This is thought to consist of gamma-carboxylation of osteocalcin and/or steroid and xenobiotic receptors (SXRs). This modulation reduces the incidence of vertebral fractures, despite having only modest direct effects on the bone mineral density (BMD). (4)

The most common form of vitamin K2 in animals is menaquinone 4 (menatetrenone; MK-4), produced by the processing of exogenous and bacterial naphthoquinones Vitamin K is a coenzyme for glutamate carboxylase, an enzyme which mediates the conversion of the amino acid glutamate to gamma-carboxyglutamate (Gla). The gamma-carboxylation of the these proteins is essential for the proteins to attract calcium, and to incorporate calcium into the hydroxyapatite crystals that form bone.(6)

Vitamin K-2 is found in certain vegetables, but it is absorbed best if ingested simultaneously with butter. Further, the production of Vitamin K-2 is accomplished through ‘normal’ gastro-intestinal bacteria.

NOTE WELL: Supplementation of vitamin K-2 can prevent the development of osteoporosis and reduce the risk of lumbar compression fractures from osteoporosis.(8)

FACT #1: Marjorine is not butter, and marjorine is consumed in far greater amounts than butter, thereby reducing available Vitamin K-2 in our diet.

FACT #2: Gastrointestinal flora are important to the production of Vitamin K2. Anti-biotics kill off the ‘good bacteria’ right along with the pathogenic bacteria. Patients demand anti-biotics for all manners of problems that would best be treated without anti-biotics. By altering gastrointestinal bacterial flora, we are crippling our ability to get K-2, thereby worsening our skeletal strength.

FACT #3: Taking the wrong form or formulation of Vitamin K, or Vitamin K-2 is worthless in therapeutic benefit. You’ve got to know your chemistry, here.

Other Important Micronutrients Nutrients, vitamins and minerals

However, there are several other vitamins and minerals needed for metabolic processes related to bone, including manganese, copper, boron, iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, and the B vitamins.(9)

The diet must be sufficient in balanced protein as well as balanced with the appropriate fats and oils.

Nutritional Intervention

As the complexity of a treatment regimen increases, the likelihood of patient compliance decreases. This is nothing new, certainly not a dramatic revelation. Unfortunately, there is no uncomplicated way to accomplish the task of disease prevention. The American diet, as it is true in most of the developed world, has become increasingly deficient in basic nutrient assay. As a result of soil depletion of micronutrients, deficiencies in micronutrients is becoming commonplace.

Deficiencies in zinc, magnesium, manganese, strontium, vanadium and chromium, result in many disease states ranging from obesity and diabetes to Alzheimer’s Disease and cancer.

To this end, I find it easiest to start my patients on a balanced mineral supplement, separate and distinct from the vitamin and hormonal supplement requirements. This permits adjustment for age, gender, and disease state.

To this, I add Strontium Citrate, Vitamin D-3 and Vitamin K-2. The dosage requirement of strontium increases with advancing age, while the dosage of Vitamin D-3 and Vitamin K-2 remains relatively static.

Administering the B-complex separately permits for upward adjustment for the peculiar needs of diabetics. Administering Vitamin E separately permits adjustment of other nutrients without increasing risks of Vitamin E overdose and treatment induced pathology.

Patients that suffer from gastro-intestinal disorders require higher dosages of the chelated minerals, due to hampered absorption. Patients with a family history of breast or prostate cancer receive higher doses of Vitamin D-3.

If these products were presented in one capsule or packet formulation, customization would be difficult if not impossible.

Summary

Nutritional Treatment of Osteoporosis: Bone is a dynamic organ system. As the sand on the beach is forever changing, so is the matrix of bone. Physiologic forces promote bone deposition and production, while others promote resorption and destruction.

Nutritional influences are extremely important, both in positive and negative terms. It takes a wide variety of essential substances, mineral, vitamin, protein, and hormonal to maintain the health and integrity of each and every organ system, including the musculoskeletal system. It is important to realize that there is no simple, easy way to ensure adequate nutritional support of bone.

There is no simple or single product that provides all of the nutritional needs of bone. It takes a combination of products, tailored to the unique medical condition, age and gender of an individual to properly provide for basic metabolic need, disease prevention and improved performance.

Unfortunately, few medical practitioners understand the complexity of bone metabolism, and this leads to reflex-prescription writing to slow the progression of this illness, when nutritional prevention is cost-effective and easily implemented.

NOTE WELL: The most important nutrient in the treatment or prevention of any disease state is the one that is missing from the diet.

References

1. Hendrix JZ , Alcock NW, and Archibald RM: Competition Between Calcium, Strontium, and Magnesium for Absorption in the Isolated Rat Intestine . Clin Chem: 9: 734-744, 1963.

2. Tucker KL, Morita K, et al: Colas, but not other carbonated beverages, are associated with low bone mineral density in older women: The Framingham Osteoporosis Study. Amer J Clin Nutr: 84(4), 936-942, 2006.

3. Suzuki Y, Whiting SJ, et al: Total calcium intake is associated with cortical bone mineral density in a cohort of postmenopausal women not taking estrogen. J Nutr Health Aging: 7(5):296-9, 2003.

4. Iwamoto J, Takeda T & Sato Y: Role of vitamin K2 in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Curr Drug Saf:1(1):87-97, 2006.

5. Lanham-New SA: Importance of calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K for osteoporosis prevention and treatment. Proc Nutr Soc 67(2): 163-176, 2008.

6. Bugel S: Vitamin K and bone health in adult humans. Vitam Horm: 78:393-416, 2008.

7. Yaegashi Y, Onado T et al: Association of hip fracture incidence and intake of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Eur J Epidemol. 23(3):219-225, 2008.

8. Shiraki M, Shiraki Y, et al: Vitamin K2 (menatetrenone) effectively prevents fractures and sustains lumbar bone mineral density in osteoporosis. J Bone Miner Res:16(4):794-5, 2001.

9. Palacios C: the role of nutrients in bone health, from A to Z. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 46(8):621-8, 2006.

10. Roux C: Strontium ranelate: short- and long-term benefits for post-menopausal women with osteoporosis. Rheumatology (Oxford). Jul;47 Suppl 4:iv20-22, 2008.

11. Roux C, Reginster JY, et al: Vertebral fracture risk reduction with strontium ranelate in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis is independent of baseline risk factors. J Bone Miner Res 21(4):536-42, 2006.

12. Geller JL & Adams JS: Vitamin D therapy. Curr osteoporos Rep. Mar;6(11):5-11, 2008.

13. Gigante A, Torcianti M, et al: Vitamin K and D association stimulates in vitro osteoblast differentiation of fracture site derived human mesenchymal stem cells. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. Jan-Mar;22(1):35-44, 2008.