It always takes a couple of years for data to start filtering through, but in 2018, a survey of veterinary professionals believed that rates of obesity are increasing year on year. It is thought that 51% of dogs and 44% of cats in the UK are overweight. That is just over half of the population of dogs and nearly half of the population of cats. These numbers are up on the last data sourced in 2015. 100% of veterinary professionals are concerned about the prevalence of obesity and the health issues it can lead to. In the words of James Smith PT, we’d love to tell you it’s as simple as a calorie deficit, but here at My Pet Nutritionist, we know that obesity is in fact a multifactorial condition, which can make it a hard nut to crack. But we also know that the health of your pet depends on it. So, we’re not about to grab a hammer, instead we’re going to take a look around the cookware store and find the right nutcracker to do the job. Fancy a trip? The Health Issues Associated with Obesity: Being overweight increases the risk factors for developing: Cancer Diabetes Heart disease Osteoarthritis and degeneration of joints Urinary bladder stones Surgery complications Respiratory difficulties Kidney disease All things considered, its easy to see why obesity significantly reduces lifespan and why it is something that really needs to be addressed. What is obesity? Obesity is defined as an accumulation of excessive amounts of adipose tissue. It is generally a state of positive energy balance. When food is ingested, it is digested and metabolised. The body uses the nutrients it needs and converts the main macronutrients to energy. All energy in the body is produced by the breakdown of ATP, adenosine triphosphate. ATP is found in all cells in all the body, but as it is a large molecule, not so much can be stored. In nearly every living thing, this energy comes from the metabolism of glucose. There are three relevant energy systems. 1. ATP-P This is where the body uses all the ATP it has stored in its cells. This is the simplest energy production process; and if we were to consider it in human terms, this is the system that your 100m sprint would utilise. 2. Glycolytic System This system runs on glycogen, which is stored glucose. In human terms, this system provides moderate power and moderate duration. Both the ATP-PC and Glycolytic system are anaerobic, meaning they don’t require oxygen to produce ATP. 3. Oxidative Syste This system, as its name suggests does involve the use of oxygen to product ATP. This system cannot produce energy as quickly as the other two, but it can produce it continually and for a longer duration. This system can use stored carbohydrates and fats for fuel. In human terms, this would be the system that the marathon runner would access! So, in short, glucose is used as energy, but unused glucose can be converted to glycogen to be stored in the liver and muscles. If there is still leftover, then it is converted into fatty acids and stored in adipose tissue. This makes evolutionary sense; there would be a reserve during periods of low food availability. However, as you have noticed, fat too can be used as an energy source, and protein can be broken down into amino acids and then converted to glucose in a process known as gluconeogenesis. This is where the calorie in, calorie out idea comes from. An overabundance of any of the three macronutrients, can be converted into fat for later use. And the idea that obesity comes from reduced activity comes from the reasoning that those reserves aren’t actually used. On a simplistic level, this makes absolute sense and for the pet who is starting to look a little more round than usual, a simple reduction to their daily intake or a longer walk, may just tuck that waist in a little more. But there are many more factors at play here. Fat is the New Norm Do you know your pet is overweight? In an 8000-household study, 68% of surveyed owners report thinking their pet is the perfect weight. 67% of surveyed owners did not see obesity as a concern. Interestingly, a recent report from the NHS in the UK identified that 67% of men and 60% women were overweight or obese. 20% of Year 6 children were also classified as obese. Findings here Whilst we acknowledge there are faults in BMI scores, it still highlights a valid point. Sadly, pet obesity has many parallels with human obesity and according to the NHS, fat is the new norm for humans. As we know, we learn from experience and so, if we are consistently exposed to something, it becomes accepted. If we are consistently exposed to round pets, without a waistline, do we accept it? But, our pets need a waistline. They should tuck-in behind their ribs, and underneath. Whilst you shouldn’t be able to see their ribs, you should be able to feel them. They should not look rectangular from any angle, side or above. What treats are you offering your pet? Whilst for us humans, a decadent chocolate pot may be a weekend treat, dog treats have somewhat lost their novelty. Treats can be a useful resource during training, and in some cases, high value are necessary, but for some, treats are used as a way to prevent feelings of guilt when pets are being left home alone. Depending on how many times you leave the house, these can soon add up! 1. Table scrap We’ve all been there, those eyes looking up at you whilst you’re eating. Whilst that cubic inch of cheese only warrants 68 calories of your daily 2500 (call it 3%), for your 9kg Scottie Dog, that’s nearly 20% of their daily calorie allowance. If begging at the table is an issue, it is possible to remove the pets to
You’re in the middle of your daily grooming session and you notice a thinning patch of hair on your canine companion. Without any obvious recent trauma to result in scar tissue and no replacement hair, your mind starts going to all the places it shouldn’t. A quick google search likely doesn’t help but well here at My Pet Nutritionist, we hope to give you possible solutions. There are in fact a number of reasons why your dog may start losing his hair, or having thinning areas, so let’s look at them in a little more detail. Hair growth occurs in stages: – Anagen – the growing phase – Catagen – the transition phase – Telogen – the resting phase – Exogen – the shedding phase An intact hair coat is maintained by the lifelong cycling of these phases. When a hair follicle has passed the telogen stage and shed it, if it remains empty for a period of time it is deemed kenogen. The anagen phase is restarted when epithelial stem cells are in good form. Stem cell activity is dependent on many complex interactions including: Immune cell function Nerve fibres Hormones Genetics Daylight Nutrition Circadian rhythm And stress 1. Hormones So much of a factor, there is a condition deemed hormonal alopecia in dogs. This can be linked to neutering with many owners reporting hair loss or thinning post neutering. But when we say hormones we are also considering thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland is in fact active in the initiation of hair growth and replacement. Located in the neck near the trachea or windpipe, this gland produces hormones which regulate metabolism. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can result in hair loss in the dog although hypothyroidism is likely the more commonly occurring form of hormonal alopecia in dogs. Initially hair loss is patchy, the coat is dry, the hair is brittle and easily pulled out. Quite often hyper pigmentation occurs. In some cases, secondary pyoderma and seborrheic dermatitis may follow. The hair that remains is often stuck in the telogen or resting phase, hence it’s poor condition. Other signs of hypothyroidism includes: Weight gain Lethargy Increased susceptibility to infections Slow heart rate Abnormal nerve functioning which presents as non-painful lameness or lack of coordination Keratoconjunctivitis or dry eye Fat deposits in the corneas of the eyes Thyroid function is easily assessed through screening and if it isn’t running all on cylinders, then it can often be managed. 2. Nutrition It wouldn’t be a My Pet Nutritionist blog without mentioning nutrition now would it. Nutritional status affects hair growth and maintenance. Every cell in every body, including our dog’s, needs basic components to carry out their function. This includes immune cells, stem cells and hair follicles. The root of a hair is made up of protein cells and nourished by nearby blood vessels. As it grows, sebaceous glands near the hair follicles produce sebum which is made up of triglycerides, wax esters and cholesterol. Sebum lubricates the skin and hair to protect it from friction and therefore makes it impervious to moisture and/or pathogens. The hair moves through its phases, but new data is suggesting that even though telogen is defined as the resting phase, hair follicles aren’t doing that much resting. In fact, much cellular activity occurs during this phase so that tissues can regenerate and grow new hair. This means there is a demand for nutrients. Time and time again there has been a link made between nutritional status and hair health and growth. Low vitamin D status has been implicated in cases of alopecia Over-supplementation of Vitamin A is associated with alopecia In a Biotin deficiency signs include hair loss, Folate deficiency can result in hair, skin and nail changes Vitamin C is known to aid iron absorption, the latter being implicated in hair loss Hair loss is a common sign of zinc deficiency Hair loss can be seen in Iodine deficiency, also a mineral that aids thyroid function All things considered we would advocate afresh food diet which includes: Meat protein (haem iron is found in meat, chicken and fish and is more easily absorbed that non-haem iron found in plant foods). Oily fish (source of Vitamin D) Organ meats (good source of biotin) Leafy greens (folate came from the latin folium because it was first found in leaves!) Berries (source of Vitamin C) Meat and shellfish (source of zinc) Be mindful if you are tackling any other health concern which requires the elimination of any of these foods, we can always help you find alternative nutrient sources. 3. Stress Stress, we can confidently say is the bane of everyone’s life, including our pet’s. But what is particularly interesting is that in some cases, hair loss follows months after a traumatic event often making it difficult to connect the dots. As we have mentioned, hair cycles through different phases and all follicles can be at different stages at any onetime. Many will be in the growth phase or anagen phase before hitting telogen and ultimately shedding. But high levels of stress can cause a blanket shift in the phases and bump many of the follicles to telogen, all at the same time. The result? Bald patches or thinning. It makes sense evolutionarily. When facing a threat, what is more important? Brain and muscle function or hair growth? Stress triggers a sort of redistribution of resources, which in the short term is manageable. The issue is when faced with chronic stress. Hair loss as a result of trauma may not appear until the initial stressor has passed, the growth phase has been prematurely stopped, hitting telogen sooner, but then we still have to wait for the shedding to occur. We then need the growth phase to start again, which may or may not happen depending on the recovery from the stressor or in fact whether the host is still experiencing it. Stress also depletes nutritional resources along with impeding the digestion and absorption of them and as
Whilst every diet under the sun has been touted for its weight loss properties, keto has been liked for its benefit incases of epilepsy and cancer. A ketogenic diet consists of high fat, with moderate to low protein and very low carbohydrate. This in a nutshell, forces the body to use fat instead of glucose for energy. There are two reasons this poses food for thought for the canine with cancer. Firstly, we’ll head back to the early 1900’s and pop into the lab with some sea urchins. Otto Warburg was massively interested in the chromosomes of sea urchin eggs. He wanted to understand how they fuelled their growth. Warburg found that they increased their oxygen consumption significantly as they grew. Turning his attention to a rat tumour, he expected the same. But he was wrong. Instead, the cancer cells fuelled their growth by glucose and broke it down without oxygen. To Warburg, this made no sense, but this effect as he found, is estimated to occur in many cancers. High concentrations of glucose are seen to significantly increase the proliferation of cancer cells. Findings here Not only that, but glucose has been noted to disappear from the urine of patients with diabetes after they have been diagnosed with cancer, suggesting it is recruited to cancerous areas and consumed in high amounts. Findings here Diets low in carbohydrate were thought to starve cancer cells, in essence. Glucose normally stimulates pancreatic cells to release insulin which allows glucose to enter cells and provide energy. When glucose is scarce, the body senses the need to make an alternative form of energy for cells. The liver then produces ketones and fatty acids, which provide for normal cells, but do not benefit cancer cells. It also pays to mention at this point, not only is the keto diet low in carbohydrate but it is also moderate in protein. Where low protein is no friend to anyone, protein can still be converted to glucose if consumed in high amounts through the process of gluconeogenesis, so it should be monitored. Being in a state of ketosis has seen a decrease in glucose uptake at tumour sites and also demonstrated no evidence of progression. Findings here In short, there are many studies which have demonstrated benefits of a ketogenic diet in cancer, whether as an adjuvant to traditional therapy or stand alone. Findings here The other reason why the ketogenic diet is such an interesting concept for the canine is due to their greater capacity for fat oxidation. Compared to humans, high fat diets for the dog have been seen to increase stamina and maximise energy production in healthy controls. Relative to metabolic body size, dogs metabolise free fatty acids at twice the rate of humans. It is thought that dog albumin (a protein made by the liver, whose main role is transport of various substances) can bind more fatty acids. This is deemed an endurance-adaptation in the species. Findings here So not only are dogs adept at using fat for energy, in the canine with cancer, low carbohydrate diets have demonstrated clear benefits. That said, the ketogenic diet has been seen to cause some potential side effects. The acute side effects of high fat intake are typically lethargy, nausea and vomiting, but this can be seen in many dietary changes. There are also reports of some deficiencies in trace minerals like selenium, copper and zinc, but conclusions merely indicate the potential need for supplementation if considering this diet. There are reports of elevated LDL cholesterol and kidney stones in humans consuming a ketogenic diet long term, but it is unclear how this translates to the canine. Findings here Despite this, literature reviews still conclude that the ketogenic diet has a protective role against tumorigenesis (the production or formation of a tumour or tumours) and that it does indicate a prolonged survival, reducing the risk of experiencing the pre-defined endpoint. Findings here The issue in commercial pet food is, on average, more than 45% is carbohydrate. The ketogenic diet for the canine shifts this to less than 10%. It is observed that dogs routinely enter a state of ketosis using 82% fat, 17% protein and 1% carbohydrate. After around 120 days, they may be able to maintain ketosis on a lower formulation like 69% fat, 30% protein and 1%carbohydrate. But as we know, all dogs are different and regular monitoring will inform the appropriate formulation. Findings here Due to the high content of carbohydrate found in commercial food, a switch to fresh food is essential. Whilst fruits are, for example, are still carb rich, the inclusion of low carb fibrous veggies can still provide certain micronutrients. There is also evidence that fasting alongside keto can be of benefit in cancer cases. It is argued to bring about the state of ketosis sooner. There is also evidence that fasting has been seen to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. However, there is a concern that when fat stores are exhausted, muscle breakdown will begin in order to fuel gluconeogenesis, resulting in muscle atrophy. It is concluded that this pairing may not be suitable for all patients, especially in underweight cases. It should also not be attempted without the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Findings here The other thing to be mindful of is using the ketogenic in liver cancer. Whilst ketosis is well tolerated by a normal, healthy and functioning liver, it is essential to seek the advice of a qualified practitioner when increasing the demands on an already compromised body system. Individual case studies have highlighted that a ketogenic has been utilised in cases of liver cancer to some efficacy, but this was under close monitoring. Findings here As highlighted by many professionals, if using keto in a medical condition, it becomes a medical diet. It should therefore be treated as such. To avoid many of the noted side effects, supplementation can be useful, but this is specific to the individual dog. Ketosis is also a
Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over 10 years of age, with over 50% of older dogs developing the disease. Eventually, 1 in 4 dogs die of cancer. Whilst understanding of the disease is still developing, we can’t help but want to explore functional ingredients that may be adjunct to therapy, useful in prevention or demonstrate benefits when diagnosed. We still have a long way to go, but there is increasing evidence that certain compounds can demonstrate anti-tumour and anti-cancer properties. We’ve included some of our favourites. Bitter Melon Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd or Momordica charantia (which is why we stick to bitter melon) is a tropical vine belonging to the gourd family. It is closely related to zucchini, squash, pumpkin and cucumber. It is most widely used in Asian cuisine but is cultivated around the world. It has pointed ends with spikes on the rind. Its distinctive appearance is matched with it’s sharp taste. It’s called bitter melon for a reason. Bitter melon packs a few punches in terms of nutrient content, one cup provides 93% of a human’s daily reference intake of vitamin C, 44% of a human’s vitamin A intake, 17% folate, 8% potassium, 5% zinc and 4% iron. Bitter melon is also a good source of catechin, gallic acid, epicatechin and chlorogenic acid which are all antioxidant compounds. Bitter melon has been seen to control blood sugar and decrease cholesterol, but it is also deemed to have cancer-fighting properties. In studies of concentrated use, bitter melon was seen to effectively kill cancer cells. It has been seen to modulate cell genes, promote apoptosis and reduce proliferation. Findings here Not only that, but bitter melon also contains phytol and lutein which suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines. Studies have demonstrated anti-tumour activity in cases of breast, colon, pancreatic, prostate, skin and cervical cancer. There has also been inhibition of cancer cells in leukaemia and other miscellaneous cancers like adreno cortical, lung adenocarcinoma, nasopharyngeal and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Findings here That said, bitter melon has been associated with diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pain so like with any new additions to any diet, it should be eaten in moderation. If using therapeutically, seek the advice of a qualified professional. Findings here Turmeric Is there anything this spice can’t do? Curcumin in the active ingredient in turmeric has received much attention for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral properties. We are looking at it for its anticancer potential. It has been reported to modulate growth factors, enzymes, transcription factors, kinase, inflammatory cytokines and pro apoptotic and anti apoptotic proteins. In short, this compound, alone or combined, could be of benefit in cancer therapy. Curcumin has down regulated human lung cancer lines and also inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in lung cancer. It has also been seen to suppress and modulate leukemic cells. In cases of lymphomas, curcumin was seen as an adjunct to radiation therapy. Curcumin has demonstrated suppression, inhibition, and apoptosis in cases of gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic,hepatic, prostate, brain tumours and squamous cell carcinomas. Findings here The biggest concern in using curcumin is its scarce bioavailability. For this reason, much attention is being paid to liposomal curcumin. Findings here Liposomal formulation is thought to have greater growth inhibitory and pro-apoptotic effects on cancer cells. Not only that but liposomal formulations often contain additional supports like vitamin A, folic acid, and hyaluronic acid. Ginger Ginger is loved for its anti-inflammatory properties in cancer therapy. Inflammation, or rather pro-inflammatory cytokines contribute to carcinogenesis by influencing the survival, growth, mutation, proliferation, differentiation and movement of tumour cells. It is proposed that ginger has anti-inflammatory and therefore anti-cancer potential. Ginger contains active phenolic compounds such as gingerol, paradol and shogoall that have antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenesis properties. Ginger has demonstrated significant reductions in inflammatory signalling in cancer cases. Findings here Not only that but in cases of liver cancer, it has induced apoptosis, inhibited formation, decreased expression and suppressed cell proliferation. In cases of pancreatic cancer it has down regulated signalling and cell survival indicators, inhibited expression, decreases metastasis, inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Ginger has decreased incidence of colon tumours and it has been reported that intragastric treatment of ginger increases survival time. Findings here Adjunct to other therapy, ginger has been seen to improve cellular immunity and decrease fatigue, pain and stress in cancer patients. It is also noted to reduce nausea. Ginger is widely used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, it is thought to stimulate digestion, absorption, relieve constipation and flatulence. In Chinese medicine it is thought to improve the flow of bodily fluids and is therefore used to stimulate blood circulation. The active compounds found reduce the formation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and thromboxane therefore lowering the clotting ability of the blood, it should therefore be used with caution alongside blood thinning medication. Mushrooms Not just the divine starter found in your local restaurant, there is an overwhelming interest in the medicinal properties of mushrooms. The chief properties include anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, hypercholesteraemic, anti-tumour, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, anti-allergic, nephroprotective and anti-microbial. Those genus credited with success against cancer include: Phellinus, Pleurotus, Agaricus, Ganoderma, Clitocybe, Antrodia, Trametes, Cordyceps, Xerocomus, Calvatia, Schizophyllum, Flammulina, Suillus, Inonotus, Inocybe, Funlia, Lactarius, Albatrellus, Russula, and Fomes. These medicinal mushrooms have demonstrated cell inhibition, significant reduction in tumour sizes, inhibited proliferation and reduced metastasis. Shiitake mushrooms for example have been seen to suppress leukaemia cell proliferation and maitake mushrooms have induced cell apoptosis. Reishi mushrooms exhibit anti-cancer effects alone and in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Lions mane mushrooms are seen to significantly reduce tumour weights and cordyceps displays potent growth inhibition, tumour shrinkage and increased lifespan. Findings here In a study carried out on dogs, a compound derived from the coriolus versicolor, turkey tail mushroom, demonstrated the longest survival times reported for hemangiosarcoma. Findings here Mushrooms are renowned for their immune boosting effects, if you’d like to learn more about them, then check out our blog here. Foraging mushrooms is seemingly on the rise, so it pays to note that mushroom poisoning can occur due to
Around 75% of dogs are believed to have a vitamin D deficiency! Findings here Rickets! Unlike bands from decades gone by, its comeback isn’t appreciated. In human health, cases of rickets are dramatically increasing. Sadly, there are also new cases appearing in the pet world. Take the 6-month old female giant schnauzer who was presented to a veterinary college with a 1-month history of lameness and difficulty walking. She would also have episodes of yelping in pain with unknown triggers. The diagnosis? A vitamin D deficiency (with secondary hyperparathyroidism). Findings here Vitamin D is often classed as one of the essential vitamins (or hormones) to overall health, so let’s take a look at it in a little more detail. So, what is Vitamin D? Despite its name, Vitamin D is actually a hormone that promotes calcium absorption. In human health, you will have heard it referenced as the sunshine vitamin as it is produced in the skin in response to sunlight (UV) exposure. In studies of hip fractures in humans, there appears to be a seasonal variation; more occur during winter months and fracture patients often have low vitamin D status. When supplemented with Vitamin D and calcium, incidences of fractures often reduce. Findings here So, vitamin D is particularly important in bone health. This is no different for our pets. However, unlike herbivores and omnivores,cats and dogs are unable to synthesise Vitamin D adequately in the skin. There is no seasonal change in concentrations and studies have shown that when fed a diet deficient in Vitamin D, puppies develop rickets which could not be prevented by exposure to UVB light. Findings here This means that cats and dogs are dependent on dietary sources of Vitamin D. There are two forms of Vitamin D. Vitamin D2 is also known as ergocalciferol that occurs in plants and Vitamin D3, known as cholecalciferol, is created in the skin during exposure to UV light and occurs in animals. Cholecalciferol (D3) is of greatest nutritional importance to both cats and dogs and luckily it can be obtained from the consumption of animal products that contain it. It is defined as a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it can be stored in the body’s fatty tissue. It’s true what they say, you are what you eat, or in this case, your pet. Once vitamin D3 is formed in the skin (of animals who can do so), it binds and is then either stored or transported to the liver. Both D2 and D3 are biologically inactive and must undergo two more steps to be activated. This involves both the liver and the kidneys. Vitamin D3 is first absorbed through the intestines, then converted in the liver to 25- Hydroxyvitamin D (or 25VitD). The active form of vitamin D that the body uses is 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, also called calcitriol. Vitamin D plays an indirect role in bone health by managing calcium levels in the body. It controls absorption of calcium in the intestine and the amount of calcium excreted by the kidneys. If Vitamin D levels are low, then the intestines struggle to absorb calcium. Calcium is key to bone mineralisation(hardening), without calcium, bones are unable to form correctly. Not only that, but due to the lack of circulating calcium, the body mobilises it from the bones by way of increased parathyroid hormone. This not only weakens the bones, but it also creates a new issue, namely secondary hyperparathyroidism. High levels of parathyroid hormone and low levels of calcitriol (the active form of Vitamin D) often lead to myopathy (muscle fibre weakness). Interestingly, biopsies have shown that vitamin D deficiency often results in predominantly type II muscle fibre atrophy. This maybe particularly relevant to those breeds who have more type II than type I fibres (speedy dogs vs. sled dogs). Findings here In humans, vitamin D deficiency manifests as back-pain, muscle atrophy, weakness and bone tenderness. Most dogs are stoic – they are great at hiding pain; they can’t tell you that they have back-ache. It takes an observant owner to notice the more subtle symptoms of this deficiency, but the more obvious symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include: Simultaneous deficiency/imbalance in calcium/phosphorus Rickets (soft and weak bones in young dogs) Osteomalacia (soft and weak bones in adult dogs) Osteoporosis (weak bones leading to fractures) Neurological abnormalities Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) Elevated parathyroid hormone (symptoms include bone pain, depression, kidney stones, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and kidney failure) Posterior paralysis Ataxia (neurological issues including gait abnormality, difficulty walking, tremors) Quadriparesis (weakness in all four limbs) Whilst Vitamin D is usually associated with skeletal issues, low levels are often associated with autoimmunity, infectious disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, neuromuscular disorders and cancer. It must be noted that kidney disease can affect the conversion and metabolism of Vitamin D and so should be cautiously supplemented in kidney disease and status should be checked if kidney disease has been diagnosed. Vitamin D and Autoimmunity Increasing evidence is demonstrating a strong association between vitamin D signalling and biological processes that regulate immune responses. Vitamin D has been found to inhibit pro-inflammatory activity and cytokine production. It is thought to promote TH2 responses which may be protective in autoimmune disease. Vitamin D is also required for the production of natural killer cells which are known for killing virally infecting cells. Findings here Infectious Disease Much like with autoimmune disease, calcitriol is thought to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines and up regulate anti-inflammatory cytokines. Since the inflammatory response associated with many infectious diseases often increases severity and mortality, the ability to reduce inflammation may improve outcomes. Studies have shown that incases of infectious disease, Vitamin D concentrations were lower than anon-infected control. Findings here Diabetes There is growing evidence that Vitamin D deficiency could be a contributing factor in the development of both type 1 and 2 diabetes. It is thought that cells found in the pancreas that secrete insulin contain vitamin D receptors. Studies have also shown that when treated with a therapeutic dose, vitamin
Zinc is a nutrient that all humans and pets need to stay healthy – it is involved in many functions in the body. Zinc helps fight disease and aids wound healing. It assists a range of hormones in their roles like insulin, growth hormone, and those produced by the thymus. It is also essential for healthy skin, eye, and brain function. Whilst still relatively unclear, there also seems to be an increased risk of certain cancers with low circulating levels. In case you hadn’t noticed, zinc is involved in many processes in the body and when deficient, can cause a whole host of issues; perhaps some you never would have considered. So, let’s look at its function in a little more detail and what happens when things go a little awry. Functions in the body Immunity The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that defend the body. All cells depend on a regular supply of zinc to function and none more so than immune cells with their high rates of proliferation and differentiation. One of the mechanisms that zinc helps protect the body is by stabilising cell membranes. Deficiency can cause damage to epidermal cells and to the linings of the gastrointestinal and pulmonary tracts. Consequently, this facilitates the entrance of potential pathogens into the body. It has been repeatedly proven that low levels of circulating zinc results in suppressed immune responses and increased susceptibility to infectious agents. In short, zinc brings the army rather than a brigade. Inflammation It is well established that zinc mediates inflammatory response, it reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines. Whilst inflammation is a natural process that serves to protect, constantly increased pro-inflammatory cytokines are associated with a range of chronic disease, so modulation of inflammation can be a useful preventative agent for pet health. Findings here Zinc as an antioxidant It’s easy to disregard the purpose of antioxidants when we are bombarded with superfoods containing them everywhere we turn, but they are a crucial component to a healthy system. When cells generate energy, free radicals are produced as a consequence. Think of them like the exhaust fumes of work. These fumes then need to be neutralised by antioxidant defence mechanisms. If there is an imbalance, oxidative stress results which can lead to cell and tissue damage. Overproduction of free radicals is linked with cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, metabolic disorder, inflammation, and advanced ageing. Zinc performs as an antioxidant, through a range of functions. On one hand, it is key in stabilising membrane structures, likely from its capacity to prevent lipid peroxidation. This is where free radicals steal electrons from cell membranes, resulting in cell damage. Studies have shown that zinc supplementation can decrease lipid peroxides. Its relationship with metallothionein and copper is also of interest. Metallothioneins are a family of proteins which detox heavy metals, scavenge free radicals and have anti-inflammatory processes; zinc causes an increase in metallothionein. Findings here What is particularly interesting is that metallothioneins (MTs) play a pivotal role in tumour formation, progression, and drug resistance. MT expression varies from tumour to tumour, but there are promising markers when we are looking at cancer outcomes. Findings here Copper is also critical in processes to remove free radicals. They key is in the balance of zinc to copper for this process to work efficiently as excess copper levels can actually result in oxidative damage and interfere with cellular function. Findings here Hormonal regulation Zinc has a key influence on the endocrine system. Comprised of a number of glands in the body, it includes the ovaries, testes, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pineal and pituitary glands. The effect of low zinc levels on the endocrine system includes: – Reduced conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine (these hormones play an important role in weight regulation, energy levels, internal temperature, skin and hair health and nail growth.) Findings here – Reduced activity of thymulin (induces differentiation and function of T cells, which are crucial to immune function). – Lowered insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels (important during growth periods). – Affected synthesis, storage and secretion of insulin (zinc deficiency is linked to insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease). Findings here Hypothyroidism is a common cause of hair loss in pets – what is often forgotten is that zinc and other trace elements, like copper and selenium are required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Deficiency in these elements can result in hypothyroidism. Likewise,thyroid hormones are essential for the absorption of zinc, which is why hypothyroidism can result in acquired zinc deficiency. At MPN, if your dog presents with allergies and itchy skin, we always recommend checking thyroid function. Brain Function Zinc is essential for brain development and physiology. Low zinc has been associated with alterations to behaviour, abnormal central nervous system development and neurological disease. There is demonstrated decreased nerve conduction, neuro-sensory disorders and obvious mental lethargy. Zinc is known to affect neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Findings here In practice, low zinc is associated with increased anxiety, aggression, and depression like behaviour, along with an impaired sense of smell and taste. This poses food for thought in cases of dog reactivity and working dog performance. Eye Health Zinc is found in ocular tissue, particularly in the retina which is why zinc supplementation is often used to aid retinal health. Studies have shown that supplementation can reduce the progression of macular degeneration (eye disease). It has also been linked to reduction in vision loss. Findings here Skin Health The skin has the third highest abundance of zinc in the body. Its concentration being higher in the epidermis than the dermis. As we have already established, zinc stabilises membrane structure which is key to skin health. Zinc has regularly been used in a range of skin conditions including infections, inflammatory dermatoses, pigmentary disorders and neoplasias. What is particularly interesting is its role in allergic and inflammatory responses. Mast cells play an important part in adaptive immunity, they are found in the skin and many other places including
Here we are, part 3 of the cancer series (no Home Alone analogies this time). Part 3 is just as important as understanding the pathogenesis, diet and supplementation segments. This is about minimising exposure to external factors that affect the immune system. Whether that be mental well being, stress, how they exercise, monthly chemical treatments and yearly boosters etc, they are all points that must be considered and addressed. Reducing stress in your pet’s life We know anxiety is a silent killer. It reeks havoc on your body and creates immense inflammation that can led to much disease. Dog’s in particular experience a lot of stress living in a 21st century home. Stress can lead to a TH2 dominant immune system, this is also the dominant state your body is in during cancer. Helping to reduce, modulate the stress response is key in supporting this disease state. This can be done in a manner of ways and we always suggest looking into what we call ‘life load’ in functional medicine. How much is your cat or dog taking on? Are they happy being an only pet, do they love their companion, do they get overwhelmed easily, excited easily, do they have a safe space just for them, are they attached to you, are they left home alone a lot. We are not suggesting any one thing is responsible for cancer but taking into account the entire picture and looking at the mental state of mind correlates and can impact physical health greatly. If you feel there are some behavioural constraints, then consulting with a behaviourist is a good idea. If money is too tight to mention, look at some subscription sites or groups on Facebook to help with general tips. Always be careful how you select your support. We once had a family greyhound and she was very nervous of life generally. We made her a den, got her another friend for play dates and played classic FM A LOT and used natural essential oils to induce a more relaxed environment. She had plenty of walks, chewed certain bones under supervision (this has shown to help with stress, exercise and mental stimulation, as well as cleaning teeth) and numerous other things. Please always consider if your pet’s needs are being met. We know how important it is to reduce stress and to feel happy in our own lives, our pets are no different. Exercise Exercise is always important but there is research out on certain types of exercise being cancer respondent. HIIT type exercising, where there’s intense short, sharp bursts of exercise with intermittent periods of rest (basically how most dogs tend to play), may help support cancer patients in a positive way. This has not yet been ‘exercised’ in dogs but research shows some promise as part of a healthy and supportive regime. Not to mention that exercise for dogs is part of a healthy lifestyle where they get to explore, socialise and keep active. Reducing Toxic overload in your dog’s life Toxic daily metabolic overload challenges the immune system every day. This not only includes radiation and environmental pollutants but grooming products, flea and worming products, vaccinations, household items, garden items and the impurity of the water in your pet’s life. Ok so lets’ touch on grooming If you need to wash your dog, then we recommend a gentle and natural shampoo like Helios for itching pets and general applications: Helio shampoo To moisturise, help heal wounds, help itchy dry and flaky skin, I like leucillin as a natural option: Leucillin If you dog has a wound or hotspot that isn’t healing, I recommend green clay as something to have in your emergency cupboard, no chemicals for us: Green clay Flea products and Vaccinations Flea products and tick products are incredibly toxic and overload the body when the immune system is already under challenge. Fleas aren’t a great concern but ticks are so make sure after every walk you check your dog thoroughly and invest in a tick removal kit if you are in a zone for ticks. They can be dangerous to your dog as they carry disease such as Lymes. There are lots of natural products out there. Rotate them as fleas and ticks are adaptable and you need to make sure your pets are not desirable hosts. If your dog is sensitive to oils try diatomaceous earth, it’s a great option and effective. If we aren’t meant to handle topical flea treatments, how can this safely be used on your pet? A lovely spray with beautiful essentials before you go on a walk can be helpful: Flea and Tick repellant Flea & Tick Spray for Pets + Home with Natural Essential Oils A natural flea collar or amber collar can be deterrents and non-toxic: Flea collar Amber Collar If you wish to avoid worming due to toxicity you can buy worm egg count kits. Advised to do every 6 months. Greens also offer a heart worm count. Egg worm count Vaccinations can be over stimulating to the immune system. With yearly boosters and exposure to toxicity on a regular basis, this will only challenge your sick pet further. Vaccinating responsibly is important. There is a movement of vets who are starting to titer test rather than vaccinate yearly.This is a blood test and chargeable by the vet to check antibodies in the blood to see what your pet is currently inoculated against. It’s much safer and less challenging for your dog’s immune system and 9.5/10 your pet won’t need another booster in their lifetime after their initial vaccinations. Titer is not required after 9 years of age. Talk to your vet about it, it’s a supply and demand thing. We recommend looking into Vaccicheck. They have a lot of data and scientific research on titers regardless of what some sceptics may say. Household items Washing up detergents, dish washer detergents, clothes detergents, floor cleaning, general cleaning products can all be hazardous and some dogs
Oh yeah baby Cancer in Pets Part 2! Are you excited (maybe not the right question)? Just a word to the wise, if you haven’t yet read part 1, it would be helpful to get a grasp on immunity and what to consider diet wise first. It won’t ruin part 2 (a bit like watching Home Alone 2 before Home Alone), it’s not a deal breaker but kinda nice to get some back story and structure. Cancer in Pets Part 1 So we now know what type of diet to consider in cancer but we need to compliment this route by looking at immunity and supplement choices, to help support the body and rid the body of as many toxins as possible. After all, Dr Thomas Seyfried did demonstrate that cancer is triggered by toxic overload. When looking at every client, once we have considered genetics, history and presenting symptoms, we then look at the 8 systems in functional medicine. This allows us to approach it with a framework, piecing things together like a jigsaw. Functional medicine isn’t diagnostic, it looks at the what, why and the how. In our consultations we look at the pathophysiology’s in great depth and consider a number of other processes not even mentioned here (we want you to read on). The 8 systems Stress; we know this to be a trigger for cancer. Stress releases cortisol, this tends to shut down the digestive system somewhat. We know this leads to leaky gut and mass inflammation in the body if extended periods of stress are experienced. This type of inflammation is TH2 dominant and cancer is a TH2 dominant disease. If we know there is a lot of stress, we would address this to try and help mediate this response and reduce some inflammation. Immunity; Immunity is effected by absolutely everything and when your pet has cancer this is an immune malfunction and must be treated as such. This is where we look at TH1 and TH2 and help support it with mushrooms, herbs, probiotics and so forth. Stress, detoxification, digestion and pretty much every system greatly impacts immunity so we need to look at everything closely and support all processes. Detoxification; detoxification encompasses the lymphatics, digestion, kidneys, liver and gallbladder. We would look and have particular questions for each system within detoxification. If these systems aren’t in check and in particular the liver, cancer can become a monster. The liver is the powerhouse. It breaks down and filters pretty much everything in the body including toxins and if this isn’t working well, we need to address it. We would definitely look at phase 1 and phase 2 of detoxification pathways in the liver to ensure support during this difficult time. Digestive health; microbiotia is very important to help immune signalling and detoxification. If this isn’t in good balance and your pet is exposed to a lot of allergens, pathogens, toxins and so forth, this can trigger leaky gut and inflammation. Making sure bacteria, acid levels, enzyme production and the integrity of the gut are all in balance is essential for a robust environment to ensure well-being and support in cancer. Reproductive health; this is often an issue as most animals have been desexed and so this has a knock on effect regarding the hormonal system, the immune system and the neurological system. This is very particular to each and every pet but is definitely closely correlated to immunity and in some cases can be the driving factor of certain cancer. Cardiovascular health; heart and kidney function are closely correlated. Strong heart and kidney health is essential in cancer. Methylation is a process that is considered here. We know poor methylation can lead to high homocysteine which appears to be a health marker in heart disease and cancer. Hormones; we tend to just think of sexual hormones but actually hormones come under the endocrine system. These are responsible for a number of things such as growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction and mood. Serotonin (your feel good hormone), Gaba (the relaxing hormone), Insulin (blood sugar regulation), Cortisol (the stress hormone) and Thyroid (for metabolism) are just to name a few. Hormones such as insulin are inflammatory and high blood levels of insulin indicate a higher risk of cancer which is why we don’t advocate much sugar in your pet’s diet (PERIOD). Structure; making sure connective tissue and the skeletal system are strong is also an essential part of the health matrix. In cancer there is a lot of free radical damage and connective tissue can easily become damaged. This is why antioxidants (in the right form) are essential. Reducing inflammation is key. So lets look at some supplements that may help support your pet. Supplements As a generic approach we would look at the stress, digestion, immune support and detoxification in cancer support. Supplements are an important consideration in cancer but seeking advice from a health care professional is ALWAYS advised. Here are my top 6 supplements Ashwaganda; we love me a bit of Ashwaganda. Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing that has been used for over 3,000 years. It’s a beautiful adaptogenic herb that supports the stress response and immunity in your pet. It’s classically known as a nervine tonic but this beauty has many strings to its bow. The clinical studies and research so far is very promising.The more I formulate with and research this herb, the more I am in awe (and in love). Some research here on Ashwaganda! Probiotics; your dogs microbiome is as individual as they are. Microbiome is a community of thousands of different diverse bacteria, fungi and virus, all working together to fuel health and immunity. Gut microbiotia is essential in health and driven/affected by diet, stress, environmental conditions and so on. Probably the most important bacteria phylum in your dog is Bacteroidetes. These bacteroidetes produce short chain fatty acids that
Cancer is the second most common reason clients consult with MPN. Cancer is an epidemic! It’s estimated that almost 50% of cats and dogs will die from some form of cancer. When considering the full picture of health, at MPN we look at genetics, breeding, health of pregnancy, birthing, weening, environment, nutrition and the functionality of all 8 body systems (neurological, digestive, cardiovascular etc). In order to truly understand your pet’s needs, all these factors must be taken into consideration to obtain the best plan. Particular breeds or certain breeding will transcript coding that makes cancer more likely in certain cats and dogs, however this isn’t exclusive to genes and breeding. This is prevalent and likely in pets who experience chronic inflammation and experience an immune malfunction due to a number of factors. What is cancer Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancer develops when the body’s normal control mechanisms cease to work. Old cells do not die and form new, abnormal cells that can grow at a fast rate. These extra cells may form amass of tissue, called a tumour. The Immune system In 2013, Dr Thomas Seyfried demonstrated that cancer is a metabolic dysfunction of the mitochondria (energy producing organelles in cells), triggered by toxin overload. That is the very nature of cancer but how we end up there is very much to do with the immune system. In order to support cancer one of the major contributing factors is the immune systems functionality and how it responds to invading cancer cells. Cancer is an inflammatory disease. I see Cancer as an ‘immune malfunction’ where a consistent imbalance in the immune system, tips into inflammation. In more than basic terms, the immune system is split into 2 phases, Th1 and Th2. In a healthy pet, Th1 and Th2 cells are maintained in a carefully regulated balance. If a bacterium enters the body, it activates Th2 cells that dominate the network to begin a cascade of immune events leading to an antibody response that clears the infection. If a virus enters cells in the body, it activates Th1 cells which dominate and instruct the killer cell response to clear infected cells. Once the infection is cleared, suppressor cells are activated to shut down the dominate response and bring the network back into a resting state. If the suppressor cells do not act to bring the network back to a resting state, a pathological Th1 or Th2 dominated immune system results. A Th2-dominated immune system is characteristic of cancer patients where the killer cell response in TH1 is suppressed (recognising defective cells). Patients with advanced cancer often have impaired cell-mediated immunity associated with a switch from Th1 to Th2. Research shows that cancer patients, exist in a state of Th2-mediated “chronic inflammation”. Findings suggest that Th2 dominance status encourages carcinogenesis (the initiation of cancer formation). There’s a lot we know about immunity but still so much we don’t. It’s a complex issue but understanding the very basics can help us look at things differently and can help to support your pet. Cancer diet Nutrition is obviously a key factor in supporting cancer. We find the fresher the food the better. Natural, fresh, homemade, and perhaps raw are best (it depends on the immune function: I often suggest lightly cooked dependent on the individual). Intense processed food is definitely not the best choice for optimum health. We know dry food can lead to more inflammation from independent research. Most dry food contains around 35-50% sugars, due to the starch content that binds it all together. Cancer LOVES sugar, this was documented years ago but has never been much of a focus with regards to cancer care until more recent years. We also know from recent research from Dog Risk at the University of Helsinki, that a controlled study of dry fed and raw fed dogs, raised disease markers when fed dry food. The study demonstrated clear data of increased plasma homocysteine in the variations of the dry fed dogs as opposed to raw. We know that homocysteine is a marker for disease and closely linked to cardiovascular complications and other disease states. Recent advances have shown that increased plasma homocysteine could be correlated to cancer also. We are not necessarily advocating raw, in fact in some cases we actively recommend lightly cooked but the above demonstrates differences in metabolites, in dry verses fresh. Fresh always seems to prevail with the best results. It is important to know that not all foods will suit your pet and looking into this is an imperative part of the process. Immune mediated responses can arise from food sensitivities, food allergens, environmental allergens and toxins on a daily basis and sometimes owners aren’t aware of this. This can lead to a permanent state of inflammation. An allergic response is a TH2 response so consistently being exposed to allergens can put your pet in a permanent state of TH2. See above to know that this isn’t groovy for cancer patients or general well-being. Allergies and cancer can by hyperlinked. In fact, histamine (a compound often released in response to an allergy) is commonly known to induce tumour proliferation and immune suppression in certain cases. Ketogenic Diet The ancient Greek practitioners were well known for using ketogenic diets and although it seems more of a new concept and revelation, it’s been around for donkey’s years, so we can’t lay claim to creation. That said, there is a lot of information and research regarding the benefits of keto diets and cancer amongst other disease. In fact, there’s thousands of research papers, many based on animals. There is even a wonderful centre in America called Keto Pets Sanctuary who specialise in keto research. A ketogenic diet is based on moderate protein, high fat and very low carbohydrate. The ratio usually required to induce ketones is fat to protein 2:1. That is a very high fat diet and should be fed with caution. If a diet provides a high fat content, glycogen
