Todd Moody wrote:
>
> On Sun, 18 May 1997, Ray Audette wrote:
>
>         Scientists in many fields have run into this problem in
>         trying to use thermodynamics to predict results in
>         complex chaotic systems.
>
> Thank you for this message.  Definitely a keeper.
>
>         Part of the explaination lies in the increased metabolic
>         energy experenced by those eating a "Natural" diet.  This
>         metabolic rate is determined in large part by the
>         endocrine system (hormones such as
>         insulin,estrogen,testosterone,etc.) but is also
>         influenced by the immune system.
>
> And if Ray Peat is right, the metabolic rate is also influenced
> by the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fats in one's body, with
> a higher ratio being conducive to a higher metabolic rate.
>
>         Most immune system responces slow the body's metobolic
>         rate as it takes extra energy to produce an immune
>         response. Thus even a minor cold makes you feel a lack of
>         energy as the body reserves more energy to fight the
>         infection.
>
> Good point.  This is a good way to think of the drag that the
> immune system places on one's subjective sense of energy.

Hmmm, I am very interested in this immune diet connection.  I have not
found very much on the energy demands of the immune system per se.
However, there is a large and convincing data base which suggests the
following:

1)  Once immune cells are "activated" they release low weight soluble
factors called cytokines.  Of particular interest is the cytokine known
as interleukin-1 (Il-1) which was originally identified as endogenous
pyrogen.  Il-1 is known to cross the blood brain barrier to exert its
effect on the central nervous system.  These effects are somnolence,
anorexia, and fever.  Il-1 literally slows down the system.

2)  In the brain Il-1 is known to result in the release of CRH and ACTH
which ultimately cause an increased release of adrenal glucocorticoids;
the one of interest is cortisol.  Cortisol is known to prevent the
conversion of T4 (the inactive form of thyroid hormone) to T3 the active
form of thyroid hormone).  This translates into a lower metabolism.
There is also evidence available which indicates that Il-1 may exert a
direct effect on both the thyroid and adrenal glands with a similar
reduction in the de novo production of energy.

There are convincing arguments on how these are evolutionary "defense"
mechanisms.  Loosely stated, if the organism is injured or experiencing
an acute inflammatory episode (for whatever reason) metabolic processes
are slowed to reduce the food needs of the injured/ill animal in an
effort to reduce the likelihood of the animal incurring additional
injuries.  Digest:  injured paw, if hungrey must run on injured paw,
therefore injured paw gets worse ... if not hungrey but particularly
tired, won't run on paw, therefore paw heals provided there are good
metabolic researves.

I guess I'm saying that there is some serious support in the areas of
immunology and endocrinology for this phenomenon/diet.  Although it is
nice to model the phenomenon of tiredness as done in Neanderthin so that
it is simplified.  I simply couldn't allow ...
>         it takes extra energy to produce an immune
>         response. Thus even a minor cold makes you feel a lack of
>         energy as the body reserves more energy to fight the
>         infection.

to pass without critique.  But hey, that's my neurosis =$-) ... I think
I'll call my therapist (TIC).

Andrew
--
Andrew S. Bonci, BA, DC, DAAPM
Assistant Professor, Department of Diagnosis
Cleveland Chiropractic College
6401 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, Missouri   64131
(816) 333-7436 ex39