The Nutrition Solution book by Haig and Kristal ?

[robwhite]

Haig and Kristal's book, The Nutrition Solution: A Personalized Metabolic Approach to Optimal Health www.amazon.com/Nutrition-Solution-Guide-Your-Metabolic/dp/1556434375.

Has anyone read it? Is it any good for background reasing on metabolic typing. I was looking at the Contents page online and it seems to be quite comprehensive in its scope - dare i say more comprehensive than William Wolcotts book, which kinda left me in the lurch in alot of areas.

From the odd pages i read online, Kristal is quite complementary of Wolcott, and thanks him for getting him to see that Autonomic as well as Oxidative imbalances should be investigated. I understand Kristal and Wolcott worked together for a number of years and although they have slightly different approaches they are still good friends.

[erictalmant]

Jul 8, 2009 12:33:08 GMT -5 robwhite said:

Haig and Kristal's book, The Nutrition Solution: A Personalized Metabolic Approach to Optimal Health www.amazon.com/Nutrition-Solution-Guide-Your-Metabolic/dp/1556434375.

Has anyone read it? Is it any good for background reasing on metabolic typing. I was looking at the Contents page online and it seems to be quite comprehensive in its scope - dare i say more comprehensive than William Wolcotts book, which kinda left me in the lurch in alot of areas.

From the odd pages i read online, Kristal is quite complementary of Wolcott, and thanks him for getting him to see that Autonomic as well as Oxidative imbalances should be investigated. I understand Kristal and Wolcott worked together for a number of years and although they have slightly different approaches they are still good friends.

Rob:

I am getting a broken link???

I have not read the book, but I can tell you that Bill's book is an outline of the basics. As advisors, we continue to learn so much-even on a weekly basis-about balancing body chemistry and addressing blocking factors that it would be *easy* for Bill to update and add volumes and volumes to his original work.

When you get time, post a new link and I will give it a look.

[robwhite]

Hi Eric try this www.amazon.com/gp/product/1556434375/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0CXMP5PT5FE27NG67Z0T&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938131&pf_rd_i=507846

I understand that because Metabolic Typing covers a helluva lot of areas, including a lengthy historical background, explanations of the various imbalances in all the FHC's, numerous testing methods and their evolution, interactions of macro and micronutrients with different metabolic types, etc. it would probably take a hefty tome to include it all in a book. Its just that Mr Kristal's book seems to contain a few more specifics (such as on Comprehensive testing) than Mr Wolcotts book does.

I already have Mr Wolcotts book, and i saw Mr Kristal's book second hand for about £7 so i am going to pick up a copy. My hunch is they will complement each other quite well in gaining a broader understanding of MT.

[erictalmant]

Jul 9, 2009 4:57:32 GMT -5 robwhite said:

Hi Eric try this www.amazon.com/gp/product/1556434375/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0CXMP5PT5FE27NG67Z0T&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938131&pf_rd_i=507846

I understand that because Metabolic Typing covers a helluva lot of areas, including a lengthy historical background, explanations of the various imbalances in all the FHC's, numerous testing methods and their evolution, interactions of macro and micronutrients with different metabolic types, etc. it would probably take a hefty tome to include it all in a book. Its just that Mr Kristal's book seems to contain a few more specifics (such as on Comprehensive testing) than Mr Wolcotts book does.

I already have Mr Wolcotts book, and i saw Mr Kristal's book second hand for about £7 so i am going to pick up a copy. My hunch is they will complement each other quite well in gaining a broader understanding of MT.

Rob:

Tell you what. I am putting you in charge of passing along things that you learn in Kristal's book. Every time that something comes up that is new to you, I want you to post it on this thread.

I will then respond to that post to see if we, as MT advisors, have anything to add, etc. I think that creates a healthy environment for information to be exchanged; and that we will all benefit!

[robwhite]

Will do. I should be getting it next week. I'm currently finishing off Starting Strength 2nd Ed. by Kilgore and Rippetoe, and then i'll get to it.

[Deleted]

I loved that book. Rippetoe's writing style and personality are great. Check out Strong Enough....basically a long rant on anything and everything with the strength world. Very entertaining.

[erictalmant]

I have not read a strength training book in some time now. I am too busy collecting data with Dave so that he can write his own regarding powerlifting and powerlifters!

We were hoping for the fall, but that has been pushed back in light of something that popped up for me here recently. If it develops into something, then I will be sure to share some details with you guys here on the forum. However, for right now it is a "Black Op".

[robwhite]

Sounds great! Looking forward to getting my hands on that book. Will hopefully shed some more light on the Sheiko system as well ,as i had a real hard time trying to read the 'translated' bits from Boris Sheiko's writings scattered around online.

Rippetoes Starting Strength is one of the most 'to-the-point' books i have read in strength training. Its short, easy to read, and has no BS fillers anywhere in it. Its also got quite a dry humour in small parts of it. It well worth putting aside a few days to read it.

[erictalmant]

The difference between a powerlifting book and a strength book is a big one. For example, there are many great strength-building theories in "Supertraining". In fact, that book is so conclusive that it really boggles the mind.

However, in working with hundreds of people now in powerlifting I can confidently say that only a select few of those philosophies in "Supertraining" really apply to the sport of powerlifting.

This point is the disconnect, and where you lose me with such books as "Starting Strength", or whatever the latest and greatest is that other web sites push off.

Always look to the sport first. If you want to become stronger in the 3 lifts (powerlifting), then it is my opinion that someone that is tied into competitive powerlifting is the best place to start.

Examples would be Sheiko, Mike Tuchscherer, etc.

[robwhite]

Starting Strength is more about showing good coaching points for technique in the squat, bench, deadlift, and power clean, as well as essential biomechanical understanding of the lifts that are illustrated for laypersons. He repeatedly states its not really aimed at powerlifters, but more athletes that need to work on power and strength development, although he was a powerlifter himself in his early days. It actually doesnt go into setting up a training program that much (Rippetoe attempts to cover that in his own perspective in his other book 'Practical Rpgramming for Strength Training').

BTW, i have now got Kristals book and began reading it yesterday. So far i like it.

[Deleted]

Eric,
Rob is right on with his last post. Starting Strength is NOT a powerlifting book. It looks like it is an entry level book on teaching/learning basic exercises, but it is MUCH more than that. I think any strength athlete/coach could pick up a thing or two from it. It is one of the better books I've read on strength trainig the last few years. On a side note, I'm not a powerlifter or really interested in it for that matter. But I do look to the sport for ideas to make my athletes better.

[erictalmant]

Got it, Jared.

Rob-keep us posted on anything that you find that needs to be discussed in "The Nutrition Solution".

[robwhite]

OK,i really liked Kristal's book, so it is worthy of a lengthy review and summary of key points IMO. Some things i picked up from it:

The introduction is quite insightful, discussing how Kristal's earliest exposures to MT principles was through George Watson's and Rudolph Wiley's work on oxidation imbalances (and their correlation with pH imbalances), and then Bill Wolcott read an article he put in the journal 'Townsend Letter to Doctors' which intrigued Mr Wolcott and prompted him to contact Kristal directly. They then made telephone contact and spent many, many hours swapping notes on their different clinical cases, with Wolcott throwing William Kelley's work on ANS imbalances into the fray, and ultimately discussing an integrated MT approach and the 'Dominance Factor'.

- Interestingly, whilst Kristal seems to sing the praises of Wolcott repeatedly, and implication that they did a reasonable amount of good MT research together, in Wolcotts book there is not the slightest mention of Kristal ANYWHERE. Wolcott states that it was he, and he alone that clinically researched the Dominance factor. However, in Kristals book he says that it was a combination of Wolcott, Kristal, and Gabriel Cousins (someone that at least gets a brief mention in the Acknowledgements in Wolcotts book) that did the clinical work an demonstrated the Dominance factor to a big Complimentary Health Seminar in San Fransisco back in the early 90's.

Kristal seems to view systemic pH imbalance as The foremost issue in metabolic typing (probably due to the influence Watson and Wiley 's work had on him), and implies that a primary reason for following a Metabolic Typing protocol is to correct pH, which will in turn correct all other imbalances (oxidation, ANS, electrolyte, anabolic / catabolic, etc. and of course acidosis / alkalosis). Interestingly, he feels that if a person can correct their pH imbalances, they often revert to a 'Mixed Type'. This kinda conflicts with Bill Wolcotts idea that our genotype may put some persons permanently as Slow Oxidisers / Sympathetics or Fast Oxidisers / Parasympathetics.

Slightly better elaboration of specific nutrients for different Types and situations than Wolcotts book, especially amino acids (for whic there is a whole section). For example, he lists several amino acids that are good for weight control and mood enhancement, subcategorising them for either Slow Oxidisers / Sympathetics, Fast Oxidisers / Parasympathetics, or neutral for everyone to use. Kristal states that Slow Oxidisers / Sympathetics should use vitamin D, but in Wolcotts book he suggests its Fast Oxidisers / Parasympathetics that should use it. Kristal also states that Slow Oxidisers / Sympathetics can use tyrosine (for weight control), but in Wolcotts book he suggests its Fast Oxidisers / Parasympathetics that can use it. A few contradictions there.

Metabolic type - specific supplements should not be used indefinately that push metabolism one way or the other, and eventually after a number of months of all out effort to rebalance your metabolism with supplements and diet you should switch to using a 'Balanced' type formula.

Kristal makes a few mistakes in describing cellular metabolism. E.g.:

- Ketone formation is NOT the primary form of fat metabolism for energy. Ketosis primarily only occurs in the absence of carbs.

- Lactate is not a 'dirty' substrate. It is actually very important in an energy system called the Lactate Shuttle.

He also lists specific supplement protocols for diabetes and cancer, as well as slight modifications on the basic MT diet for each type for those suffering these conditions.

Vitamin C is good to supplement for everyone - its the form that matters. Asdcorbic Acid is fine for Slow Oxidisers / Sympathetics, and mineral ascorbates for Mixed and Fast Oxidisers / Parasympathetics. Everyone should take extra vitamin C.

Kristals system seems to completely ignore a few of the FHCs in the HealthExcel system, such as Endocrine Type, and Constitutional type.

There are some minor inconsistencies between the Healthexcel food recommendations and Kristal's for different imbalances. E.g. Kristal suggests:

- Tomato's, grapes, onions, garlic, beets, and broccoli are not ok for fast oxidisers / Parasympathetics

- Under ripe bananas are good for fast oxidisers / Parasympathetics

Metabolic type can dynamically change with menstrual cycles, time of day (circadian rhythm), and, in athletes, during times of high-stress training.

- A good example Kristal gives is a client of his who was a bike racer becomes fast oxidiser during the competitive season, but is a mixed / balanced type other times of the year.

Metabolic type needs to be tested frequently (inc. using challenge tests) - the greater the imbalance a person has, the more strict the diet and supplements need to be and the more frequent the re-testing should be to make sure the approach is improving their condition (by looking at the physiological challenge test markers), not worsening it.

Some good modification to MT diet are given for persons with high risk factors for CVD or Metabolic Syndrome X

Good info on the prevalence of trends of illness among different metabolic types. Alot more research into this area would be great.

Some good info of first observations of 'The Reverse Effect' by eminent researchers back in the mid 19th century - where the same nutrients in one person can promote health that can worsen others

Good discussion the importance of salivary hormone testing, and subsequent replacement therapy if needed, esp. as you get older. Separate sections for each hormone considered. Very good section of the book, with an excellent diagram of the hormonal pathways, natural vs synthetic hormones (with some great examples of the severe consequences of some of the marketed HRT products), and some really interesting facts about what the different estrogens do and what kind of ratios to look for between them, and why adequate testosterone in men is very important, esp. for the heart (apparently the heart has the most testosterone receptors in the entire body) and by consequence, why high estrogen in men is bad for the heart. Also provides some staged protocols for self-HRT in men and women at different ages.

Brief, but decent, overview of the importance of enzymes, for both nutrition and health-promotion. Explains why plant-based enzymes maybe more useful specifically for digestion (they are more resistant to a variety of pH's throughout the GI tract), whilst animal-based ones could be better for disease fighting.

A intriguing mention of the fact that slow oxidisers / sympathetics can handle more raw foods than fast oxidisers / parasympathetics.

Some nice little sections about how eggs are great the best way to buy and prepare them, and have been wrongly vilified, and the pros and cons of soy.

The explanation of how the FHC's for Electrolyte Balance, Anabolic / Catabolic Balance, and Acidosis / Alkalosis are tested is done very well, with a nice flow chart of how to combine all of the scores from supine and standing pulse changes, breath hold capacity, urine and saliva pH, urine surface tension etc. to determine these imbalances. Interestingly, Kristal doesn’t seem to recognise the different forms of acidosis / alkalosis that Guy Schenker does (i.e. respiratory, metabolic, or potassium depletion) - in fact, despite using almost the same system for determining these FHC's, Kristal fails to mention Schenker throughout the entire book! It also discusses the potassium- glucose challenge test and protein challenge test to clinically evaluate oxidation imbalances (rather than just relying on the MT questionnaire).

Using a questionnaire alone is inadequate for accurately determining ANS and oxidative imbalances, and some physiological challenge tests are necessary for accurate analysis. In fact, he suggests where challenge test results clash with questionnaire results, go with the challenge test results.

Misc. interesting stuff like sesame oil has a unique chemical structure and is antioxidant enough to make it about the only polyunsaturated vegetable oil that can be used in cooking. Also, burnt oil is so toxic, that even just inhaling the fumes from it is damaging.

Kristal seems to be a strong proponent of Food Allergy testing to further refine recommended foods for a given Metabolic Type. In absence of that, he suggests at least considering lectins in certain foods that typically cause problems for specific ABO blood types (seem to be in line with Laura Power's findings, although he never mentions her name).

Good discussion on the role of MT in diabetes, cancer (with an emphasis on prostate cancer and misunderstandings about the role of DHT in it), and cardiovascular disease. Separate sections for each. Kristal himself suffered cancer many years ago, and used MT on himself with some of Dr Kelley's supplement protocols to put himself completely into remission. Kristal explains the protocol he used, and also about the kind of mental attitude needed to beat cancer. Quite inspiring. Also goes into why Kelley's pancreatic enzyme protocol may have been so effective in destroying tumours. Gives examples of cancer patients he had treated into remission.

Good section about the link between oral health and total health (something Weston Price repeatedly stated), and how some long-standing modern dentistry methods can cause severe long term health problems.

In the appendix, there is some mention of advanced testing for 'indican', 'sediment', and dysbiosis' in the gut, for special cases. Such testing seems to be in line with the Metabolic Profile test from BioHealth Diagnostics

Kristal states several times that alternative and mainstream doctors need to work together, and it is just as plausible that mainstream medicine is not going to work by itself as it is that alternative (MT) medicine will not deal with major issues by itself. Integration is key. In the appendix is a fascinating account of a mainstream UK doctor who praises and uses MT along with other alternative protocols (e.g. Kelley protocols, Insulin Potentiation, etc.) to great effect in treating cancer.

The book is well referenced (something i found lacking in Wolcotts), although alot of the references are still largely from holistic books and journals, rather than mainstream.

Overall, i would definately recommend this book to anyone interested in Metabolic Typing, and it is, IMO, quite a large 'enhancement' to Bill Wolcott's book in terms of the detail and scope it provides. Although there are some differences between Kristal and Wolcotts interpretation of MT mechanisms, they seem to largely agree on a number of key points, and their different takes on them is good for building a more well-rounded picture of MT. This book also goes beyond MT into other areas of alternative medicine, and looks at other factors in greater detail like the importance of HRT.

[erictalmant]

Fantastic review, Rob!

Many of the things you point out I wound up learning in one of my Metabolic Typing® courses, in reading the many Healthexcel documents that are available to Metabolic Typing® advisors, in conversations with Bill, or in my own research.

You should really consider enrolling in a Metabolic Typing® course sometime soon...