Paul Frankel - The Methylation Miracle: Unleashing Your Bodys Natural Source of SAM-e

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CONTENTS

W HAT IF A NATURAL PROGRAM OF SIMPLE LIFESTYLE CHANGES COULD:

Increase your energy level

Boost your mood

Enhance your heart health

Reduce cancer risk

And possibly slow the aging process

It can!

Find out how inside!

NOTE TO READER

This book is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of medical advice from a trained medical professional. Readers are advised to consult a physician or other qualified health professional regarding treatment of all of their health problems or before acting on any of the information or advice in this book.

To the memories of those whose absence is a continual reminder of the fleeting and precious qualities of life.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book did not just appear overnight. It started over five years ago when I realized that practically nobody knew about the health implications of excess homocysteine and inadequate methylation. I sat down with a freind and leader in the field, Dr. Craig Cooney, and we designed a booklet from scratch. With the help of my parents, Larry and Emily Frankel, my sister, Janet Frankel, Carrie Kim, Alex, Dr. Herminio Reyes, and Dr. Kilmer McCully, the booklet finally took form. After a few editions of that early booklet, I received a call from a certain Dr. Fred Madsen. One of the leaders in animal nutrition, he is probably the most experienced researcher in the practical application of methylation and diet in general. He was delighted to see a booklet on this topic finally show up in relation to human health. Many conversations later, we decided to work together, and produced an update of the booklet. I was constantly learning from Dr. Madsen, Dr. Cooney and many other authors of peer-reviewed literature, and eventually our small booklet grew into a book. From there, I found my editor, Barry Neville, at St. Martins Press, who immediately realized the importance of this material. Barry has been with me through thick and thin, and helped me find Nancy Bruning, a true professional. It was an absolute pleasure working with Ms. Bruning, and we proceeded to write the book you hold in your hands, using old and new research alike. Altogether then, you are looking at a work that encompassed more than half a decade, and involved Craig, Janet, Larry, Emily, Alex, Carrie, Herm, Kilmer, Fred, Nancy, Ned, and Barry, the artists Richard Montoya, Dino and others. I am also thankful to Dr. Julian Whitaker, Dr. Ron Lawrence, Dr. Chuck Cochran, Dr. Michael Munzar, and Dr. James Peter for their support of my work. Finally, throughout this journey, I have had much emotional support. Thanks Tracy, Larry, Emily, Iz, Flo, Bernice, Bill, Fred and Donna, Craig, Bob, Patrick, John, Kevin, the late Andy and Amos and my other dear friends who know me better than I know my-self. Every smile along the way makes the journey better. Thanks.

AUTHORS NOTE

Practically everything in this book is based on peer-reviewed scientific and medical research. Yet, as the book is now complete, I look back in the line at the hospital cafeteria and what I see astounds me. I see a physician pulling up his tray with deep fried fish, french fries and ketchup. I go to see the movie The Matrix with a NASA space scientist and a medical doctor, and they gravitate toward the largest container of soda Ive ever seen. For at least one of them, I know it is not a special occasion. I look around at other biostatisticians, and every day a good proportion make junk food runs.

For those who are in the health or science fields, they either already know or dont want to know the importance of nutrition. Similar to my hobby of recreational rock climbing, many know the risks and decide to take their chances. Whether through a conscious decision to take on extra risk or simply denial, it would make me about as popular as Dr. C. E. Koop at a cigar convention to try to speak up in their midst. However, for those that dont routinely look at medical statistics, science, or the medical journals, this book, I hope gives a good practical look into one of the most important aspects of health and nutrition: methylation. Ultimately, the decisions are up to you.

I know I have had some effect already, as I finally caught John, the NASA scientist, popping a vitamin supplement. It wasnt much, but it was more than he did before I asked him to proofread my material.

PREFACE

By Dr. Craig Cooney
Author of Methyl Magic: Maximum Health Through Methylation

There are tens of thousands of journal articles, each produced by a team of talented researchers pouring their lifes blood into a project. Which is more important? Who is on the right track? My lifes work is methylation, but somebody elses is hormones, anothers is telomeres, etc. We are all convinced that we have a glimpse of a hidden and overlooked aspect of biology and health. We are all too wrapped up in our own work to be objective. Is what we are doing really that important?

I met Dr. Paul Frankel at a research retreat more than six years ago. He had one of the most impressive scientific backgrounds, and after all the talks, he decided to sit and hear more about methylation. Hed cock his head to one side and listen skeptically.

For me to have watched Dr. Frankel change his own course, diverge from his own research, and lock onto methylation as a key overlooked aspect of human health has been one of the most validating experiences in my career. This book then is the culmination of many years of his efforts to remedy the situation. For methylation today, much of what you see and hear is directly or indirectly related to his effort. It is with great pleasure that I write this preface to his book.

In this book Dr. Frankel uses the latest information to get to the core issues in diet, nutritional supplements and health. He uses his expertise in biostatistics, methylation and health issues to produce a balanced and well-researched account of the serious science that tells us how to choose the right foods and nutritional supplements to protect our health. Likewise, Nancy Bruning brings her extensive experience in making important health issues accessible to the general reader. Together they make this book not just useful and informative but entertaining!

Many scientists have known for years that most of us dont get all the vitamins we need from our food and that the RDA levels of many vitamins are absurdly low. We also know that the levels of folate and SAMe in the blood of many people are too low for their optimum heathmental and physical. Likewise, we know that homocysteine levels in the upper half of the normal range are a risk factor for heart disease. Unfortunately today its still normal to have a heart attack in your 60s or 70s and, if youre a man, even younger. As you may have suspected, being normal isnt all its cracked up to be. The great news is that many, if not most, heart attacks and strokes are almost entirely preventable! In fact, the basic process of vascular diseasearteriosclerosis and atherosclerosisis largely preventable. This news has yet to reach all of the medical community. Chances are, your doctor didnt learn this in medical school and may still not know it. Next time your doctor tells you Oh, thats normal try asking But Doc, is it optimal? Using the latest information this book tells about the levels of nutrients we should be getting and how to get them.