Podcasts about nutrition examination survey

BUFFALO, NY — March 5, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Aging (Aging-US) on February 11, 2025, Volume 17, Issue 2, titled “Exposome-wide association study of environmental chemical exposures and epigenetic aging in the national health and nutrition examination survey.” First author Dennis Khodasevich and corresponding author Andres Cardenas from Stanford University, and colleagues from other U.S. institutions, studied how exposure to harmful chemicals in the environment affects aging. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), they discovered that cadmium, lead, and cotinine are linked to faster biological aging, a process that can increase the risk of age-related diseases. The study analyzed data from 2,346 U.S. adults aged 50 to 84 who participated in a national health survey. Researchers tested their blood and urine for 64 different chemicals, including metals, pesticides, and industrial pollutants. They assessed how these exposures influenced eight different epigenetic aging markers—biological clocks that measure how fast a person's body is aging at the DNA level. "We harnessed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 cycles to examine exposome-wide associations between environmental exposures and epigenetic aging." The strongest effects were linked to cadmium, a toxic metal found in cigarette smoke and some foods. People with higher levels of cadmium in their blood showed signs of accelerated aging. Higher levels of cotinine, a chemical related to tobacco exposure, were also linked to increased biological age, reinforcing the harmful effects of smoking. Additionally, lead exposure, a heavy metal found in old paint and contaminated water, was also associated with faster aging. The researchers also found that some pollutants, including a type of PCB (PCB118) and a type of dioxin (HpCDD), were linked to slower biological aging. However, it is unclear if this fact is beneficial, as past research shows that slower aging in some cases can still be linked to health risks. This study is one of the largest to investigate how pollution affects the aging process. Unlike previous research that focused on only a few chemicals, it examined a wide range of pollutants in a diverse group of people. The findings suggest that everyday exposure to toxic substances can speed up aging at the cellular level, increasing the risk of age-related diseases. In summary, these findings raise concerns about how widespread environmental contaminants may accelerate aging and contribute to chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline. Reducing exposure to toxic substances like cadmium and lead—found in cigarettes, polluted air, and contaminated food—could help slow biological aging and improve long-term health. These insights highlight the need for stronger environmental health policies to protect individuals from premature aging and disease. DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206201 Corresponding author - Andres Cardenas - andresca@stanford.edu Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcL-K399a7M Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts About Aging-US The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population. Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/ X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgingJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/ Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

How can we make sense of conflicting studies? One paper suggests a ketogenic diet reduces all-cause mortality, while another claims it raises blood pressure. Are large-scale survey tools like NHANES—the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey—really the best way to answer these complex questions? In this insightful interview, Dr. Adrian Soto-Mota, an internal medicine clinician, educator, and data enthusiast, explains how to critically evaluate research findings. He highlights the strengths and limitations of different types of studies, using engaging analogies to help you better understand when and how to apply research conclusions. In this video you'll learn: The importance of choosing the right tool (study) for the task Strengths and weaknesses of large population studies like NHANES Practical advice for interpreting conflicting health and nutrition research If you're passionate about understanding health research and making evidence-based decisions, this interview is a must-watch! Expert Featured: Dr. Adrian Soto-Mota X: @AdrianSotoMota Studies Mentioned Ketogenic diets are associated with an elevated risk of hypertension: Insights from a cross-sectional analysis of the NHANES 2007–2018 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcrp.2024.200342 Comparing Very Low-Carbohydrate vs DASH Diets for Overweight or Obese Adults With Hypertension and Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Trial https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.2968 The ketogenic diet has the potential to decrease all-cause mortality without a concomitant increase in cardiovascular-related mortality https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-73384-x CMEs Mentioned Managing Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hope https://www.mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616 Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illness https://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615 Follow our channel for more insights and education from Dr. Bret Scher, including interviews with leading experts in metabolic psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/. About us Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

A new year and a new beginning. Special guest co-host Pedro Mendes joins Dr. Chris Labos to answer a viewer question about menopause. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com. Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Editor: Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause- cancer Obviously, I'm not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: Geographic variability of menopausal symptoms 1) Nappi RE et al. Global cross-sectional survey of women with vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause: prevalence and quality of life burden. Menopause. 2021 May 24;28(8):875-882. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001793. 2) Nappi RE, et al. Prevalence and quality-of-life burden of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause: A European cross-sectional survey. Maturitas. 2023 Jan;167:66-74. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2022.09.006. What's the normal duration of symptoms 3) Avis NE, et al. Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Duration of menopausal vasomotor symptoms over the menopause transition. JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Apr;175(4):531-9. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8063. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) studies Rossouw JE et al. Risks and benefits of estrogen plus progestin in healthy postmenopausal women: principal results From the Women's Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2002 Jul 17;288(3):321-33. doi: 10.1001/jama.288.3.321. Anderson GL et al. Effects of conjugated equine estrogen in postmenopausal women with hysterectomy: the Women's Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2004 Apr 14;291(14):1701-12. doi: 10.1001/jama.291.14.1701. Decline in HRT after WHI studies Sprague BL, Trentham-Dietz A, Cronin KA. A sustained decline in postmenopausal hormone use: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2010. Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Sep;120(3):595-603. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e318265df42. Danish Osteoporosis Prevention Study Schierbeck LL metal. Effect of hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular events in recently postmenopausal women: randomised trial. BMJ. 2012 Oct 9;345:e6409. doi: 10.1136/bmj.e6409. Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) Harman SM, et al. Arterial imaging outcomes and cardiovascular risk factors in recently menopausal women: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2014 Aug 19;161(4):249-60. doi: 10.7326/M14-0353. Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) Hodis HN et al. Vascular Effects of Early versus Late Postmenopausal Treatment with Estradiol. N Engl J Med. 2016 Mar 31;374(13):1221-31. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1505241. Stopping hormonal therapy Berman RS et al. Risk factors associated with women's compliance with estrogen replacement therapy. J Womens Health. 1997 Apr;6(2):219-26. doi: 10.1089/jwh.1997.6.219. Grady D, Sawaya GF. Discontinuation of postmenopausal hormone therapy. Am J Med. 2005 Dec 19;118 Suppl 12B:163-5. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2005.09.051. Tapering vs. abrupt stop or hormonal therapy Haimov-Kochman R et al. Gradual discontinuation of hormone therapy does not prevent the reappearance of climacteric symptoms: a randomized prospective study. Menopause. 2006 May-Jun;13(3):370-6. doi: 10.1097/01.gme.0000186663.36211.c0. PMID: 16735933.

What do Americans eat? What do we know about their overall health? Answering questions like those requires measurement on a national scale. For decades, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has continuously fielded its National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. On this episode, we talk with Tony Nguyen, Chief Medical Officer for the project.

In this episode, Melanie breaks down traditional Mexican food (yum!) and how it can fit in any kidney stone friendly diet. Chen W, Hong Y, Man S, Xu T. Association between dietary fiber intake and kidney stones: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2018). Nutr Res Pract. 2024;18(4):534-543.   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

This episode discusses the often-overlooked overactive bladder (OAB) condition and its associations with other health conditions. The discussion is centered around two key studies based on survey data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The first study examines the significant correlation between OAB and depression, highlighting the importance of recognizing mental health issues in patients with OAB. The second study investigates the relationship between cardiovascular health and stress urinary incontinence, emphasizing how better overall health can reduce the likelihood of incontinence. Due to its broader health implications, these findings underscore the importance of taking incontinence seriously.For more information on these studies:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38642902/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39169591/Timeline:00:00 Introduction to Overactive Bladder00:32 Study 1: Overactive Bladder and Depression02:25 Study 1: Findings and Implications05:19 Study 2: Overactive Bladder and Cardiovascular Health07:14 Study 2: Findings and Implications08:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Cardiologists Bob Harrington and Dhruv Kazi discuss the projected burden of cardiovascular disease in 2050, why it's not sustainable, and what can be done to prevent it. This podcast is intended for healthcare professionals only. To read a transcript or to comment, visit https://www.medscape.com/author/bob-harrington INCLUDE URLS and full titles for some of the pertinent studies cited. Forecasting the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in the United States Through 2050 https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001256 Forecasting the Economic Burden of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in the United States Through 2050 https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001258 Calculating the 30-day Survival Rate in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Should we Use the Treatment Chain or the Hospital Catchment Model? https://doi.org/10.5301/heartint.5000238 Life's Essential 8: Updating and Enhancing the American Heart Association's Construct of Cardiovascular Health https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001078 Current Trends in Hypertension Identification and Management: Insights from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.123.034322 Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: The Epidemiology of an Awakening Epidemic https://doi.org/10.2337/dci22-0046 US Trends in Cholesterol Screening, Lipid Levels, and Lipid‐Lowering Medication Use in US Adults, 1999 to 2018 https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.122.028205 GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Discontinuation Among Patients With Obesity and/or Type 2 Diabetes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38787563 Health Care by Food https://healthcarexfood.org/ You may also like: Hear John Mandrola, MD's summary and perspective on the top cardiology news each week, on This Week in Cardiology https://www.medscape.com/twic Questions or feedback, please contact news@medscape.net

For the first time in decades, obesity rates in the U.S. are not on the rise.The adult obesity rate fell to about 40 percent in 2023, down from 41.9 percent in 2020, according to the latest National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from the CDC.While the study doesn't pinpoint one sole reason for the change, the timing coincides with the rise of a new class of drugs targeting diabetes and weight loss, like Ozempic and Wegovy.As part of our series In Good Health, we discuss these new medications and the falling rate of obesity.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Is breakfast essential for hormonal health, or just another diet myth? Does it help or mess with blood sugars and insulin? Will it trigger daily bloat or cure it? When it comes to managing hormone and gut dysfunction, breakfast may be more important than you think. In this episode, you will be able to: Explore the impact of intermittent fasting on males vs. females. Understand how breakfast can influence insulin and cortisol levels, impacting hormone balance and gut health. Learn how to build a hormone-friendly breakfast to support hormone and gut health. Uncover effective strategies for managing hormone and gut health through diet. Episode notes: Blog how to build a balanced breakfast for balanced hormones Meal plans 1-on-1 nutrition coaching References Giménez-Legarre, N., Miguel-Berges, M. L., Flores-Barrantes, P., Santaliestra-Pasías, A. M., & Moreno, L. A. (2020). Breakfast Characteristics and Its Association with Daily Micronutrients Intake in Children and Adolescents-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 12(10), 3201.https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12103201 Franz M. J. (1997). Protein: metabolism and effect on blood glucose levels. The Diabetes educator, 23(6), 643–651.https://doi.org/10.1177/014572179702300603 Joo, H. J., Kim, G. R., Park, E. C., & Jang, S. I. (2020). Association between Frequency of Breakfast Consumption and Insulin Resistance Using Triglyceride-Glucose Index: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018). International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(9), 3322. Levitt, N. S., Vinik, A. I., Sive, A. A., Child, P. T., & Jackson, W. P. (1980). The effect of dietary fiber on glucose and hormone responses to a mixed meal in normal subjects and in diabetic subjects with and without autonomic neuropathy. Diabetes care, 3(4), 515–519. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6475723/ Hiller-Sturmhöfel, S., & Bartke, A. (1998). The endocrine system: an overview. Alcohol health and research world, 22(3), 153–164. Witbracht, M., Keim, N. L., Forester, S., Widaman, A., & Laugero, K. (2015). Female breakfast skippers display a disrupted cortisol rhythm and elevated blood pressure. Physiology & behavior, 140, 215–221.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.12.044 Zaplatosch, M. E., & Adams, W. M. (2020). The Effect of Acute Hypohydration on Indicators of Glycemic Regulation, Appetite, Metabolism and Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 12(9), 2526.https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092526

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey shows the American diet – once given a grade of ‘F' – has improved to a ‘D' but there is still a lot of work to do to improve our diet. K-State Research and Extension nutrition and wellness educator, Priscilla Brenes, says we need to increase our consumption of fruits and vegetables and reduce the amount of processed meats and sugary drinks we're consuming. She discusses the study's findings and what we can do to improve our diet. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to ksrenews@ksu.edu. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.

Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are a class of popular drugs that reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. They are often the first-line treatment for conditions related to acid, such as esophagitis, non-erosive reflux disease, and peptic ulcer disease. We talk about PPIs and dementia with Misha Kogan, MD, ABIOM, RCST, medical director of the GW Center of Integrative Medicine and associate professor of Medicine here at GW. Studies show that people who take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for more than four years and are 45 or older have a 33% higher risk of developing dementia than those who have never taken PPIs. An expert on neurodegenerative diseases, Dr. Kogan completed the Geriatric Fellowship at GW. He is the chief editor of the first definitive textbook on Integrative Medicine and aging, “Integrative Geriatric Medicine,” part of Andrew Weil Integrative Medicine Library series. Dr. Kogan is also on the faculty of the GW Institute for Brain Health and Dementias; associate director of the Geriatrics Fellowship Program at GW; and founder and director othe George Washington University Integrative Geriatrics Fellowship Track. ◘ Related Content Institute for Brain Health and Dementia https://brainhealth.gwu.edu/ Choudhury A, Jena A, Jearth V, et al. Vitamin B12 deficiency and use of proton pump inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023;17(5):479-487. doi:10.1080/17474124.2023.2204229 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37060552/ Gommers LMM, Hoenderop JGJ, de Baaij JHF. Mechanisms of proton pump inhibitor-induced hypomagnesemia. Acta Physiol (Oxf). 2022;235(4):e13846. doi:10.1111/apha.13846 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35652564/ Geng T, Chen JX, Zhou YF, et al. Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Risks of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023;108(6):e216-e222. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgac750 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36573284/ Liu W, Wang J, Wang M, Wang M, Liu M. Association of proton pump inhibitor use with risk of kidney stones: an analysis of cross-sectional data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2018). BMJ Open. 2023;13(10):e075136. Published 2023 Oct 16. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075136 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37844987/ Gao S, Song W, Lin T, et al. Prolonged Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors, but Not Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonists, Is Associated With Lower Bone Mineral Density in Males Aged Over 70. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021;8:725359. Published 2021 Aug 23. doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.725359 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34497815/ ◘ Transcript https://bit.ly/3V1BoJT ◘ This podcast features the song “Follow Your Dreams” (freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Ho…ur_Dreams_1918) by Scott Holmes, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial (01https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) license. ◘ Disclaimer: The content and information shared in GW Integrative Medicine is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in GW Integrative Medicine represent the opinions of the host(s) and their guest(s). For medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment, please consult a medical professional.

Diese Woche mit Julia Nestlen und Aeneas Rooch. Ihre Themen sind: - Wer viel daddelt, muss nachts öfter pinkeln. Hä?! (00:35) - Beschlagnahmtes Koks wird zu Beton verarbeitet. Kann man das da auch wieder rausholen? (06:58) - Eine Rakete soll demnächst als Lieferdienst fungieren. Wie heiß wird da bitte die Pizza? (15:08) - Von wegen kleine grüne Männchen – Aliens sind lila! (21:16) Weitere Infos und Studien gibt's hier: Association between TV and/or video time and nocturia in adults: An analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/nau.25406 Anmerkung der Redaktion: Beachtet den Titel der Fachzeitschrift…. Perú reducirá impacto ambiental con nuevo método de destrucción de drogas https://www.gob.pe/institucion/mininter/noticias/940215-peru-reducira-impacto-ambiental-con-nuevo-metodo-de-destruccion-de-drogas Purple is the new green: biopigments and spectra of Earth-like purple worlds: https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/530/2/1363/7645230?login=false Unser Podcast-Tipp der Woche: PlusMinus. Mehr als nur Wirtschaft. Alle Themen, die auf den ersten oder auch den zweiten was mit Wirtschaft zu tun haben. https://1.ard.de/plusminus Habt ihr auch Nerd-Facts und schlechte Witze für uns? Schreibt uns bei WhatsApp oder schickt eine Sprachnachricht: 0174/4321508 Oder per E-Mail: faktab@swr2.de Oder direkt auf http://swr.li/faktab Instagram: @charlotte.grieser @julianistin @sinologin @aeneasrooch Redaktion: Charlotte Grieser und Chris Eckardt Idee: Christoph König

"There's something beautiful, almost magical about the realization that what you are doing is participating in a procreative action. That is something that same sex intercourse cannot do. The point of this episode isn't to say that people with same-sex attraction should be demonized, hated, or unjustly treated. Rather, the point is that awareness needs to be raised of the health risks, both psychologically and biologically, that are associated with homosexual and bisexual lifestyles. There are people who are born with same-sex attraction and can live holy and healthy lives. If we love them, then we ought to help them, not by forcing them to do anything, but by providing resources and information that they could willingly choose to accept or reject." Studies Mentioned: Sara Reardon, “Massive Study Finds No Single Genetic Cause of Same-Sex Sexual Behavior,” https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/massive-study-finds-no-single-genetic-cause-of-same-sex-sexual-behavior/ Andrea L. Roberts, M. Maria Glymour, and Karestan Koenen, “Does Maltreatment in Childhood Affect Sexual Orientation in Adulthood?” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3535560/ Richard Fitzgibbons, Phillip Sutton, Dale O'Leary, “The Psycopathology of ‘Sex Reassignment Surgery: Assessing its Medical, Psychological, and Ethical Appropriateness,” http://www.laityfamilylife.va/content/dam/laityfamilylife/Documenti/donna/culturasocieta/english/psychopathology-of-sex-reassignment-surgery.pdf Ron de Graaf, Theo Sandfort, Magreet ten Have, “Suicidality and Sexual Orientation: Differences between Mena and Women in a General Population Based Sample from the Netherlands,” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16799841/ Kevin Heslin, Johanna Alfier, “Sexual Orientation Differences in Access to Care and Health Status, Behaviors, and Beliefs: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, National Survey of Family Growth, and National Health Interview Survey,” https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr171.pdf Stephen Russell, Jessica Fish, “Mental Health in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth,” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4887282/ Kevin Heslin, Johanna Alfier, “Sexual Orientation Differences in Access to Care and Health Status, Behaviors, and Beliefs: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, National Survey of Family Growth, and National Health Interview Survey,” https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr171.pdf Jeffrey Parsons, T. Starks, K. Gamaarel, C. Grov, “Non-monogamy and Sexual Relationship Quality among Same-Sex Male Couples,” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22906124/ Center for Disease Control, “Sexually Transmitted Diseases,” https://www.cdc.gov/msmhealth/STD.htm#:~:text=the%20United%20States.-,Gay%2C%20bisexual%2C%20and%20other%20men%20who%20have%20sex%20with%20men,who%20have%20sex%20with%20men.

Hier zeg ik meteen even bij: dit onderzoek heeft zo zijn beperkingen. Daar zo meer over, eerst even wat ze denken te hebben gevonden: mensen die lang achter elkaar televisiekijken, moeten er 's nachts vaker uit om te plassen.  Dit onderzoek gedaan door Chinese wetenschappers kijkt naar data uit de National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey van de VS. Specifiek naar vragenlijsten die zijn ingevuld tussen 2011 en 2016, door iets meer dan 13.000 mensen boven de 20.   Van die groep gaf 32 procent aan twee keer of meer uit bed te moeten tijdens de nacht om naar de wc te gaan. Nadat werd gecorrigeerd voor dingen als leeftijd, geslacht, afkomst, BMI en het wel of niet hebben van diabetes, zagen ze dat mensen die minstens vijf uur achter elkaar naar een scherm keken een bijna 50 procent grotere kans hadden om er 's nachts veel uit te moeten. Ten opzichte van mensen die minder dan een uur achter elkaar keken.   Nou gaat het hier om vragenlijsten die mensen zelf hebben ingevuld, dus helemaal zeker weten dat de informatie klopt doe je niet. Ook kunnen ze hiermee nog geen oorzaak-gevolg aantonen.  Toch hebben ze wel ideeën over hoe het één het ander zou kunnen beïnvloeden. Misschien drinken mensen meer tijdens het binge watchen, of heeft het lang naar een scherm kijken invloed op de kwaliteit van hun slaap, of leidt het vele zitten tot het vasthouden van meer vocht, of zelfs tot verstoorde signaleringen tussen hersenen en blaas.  Zoals je hoort: een heleboel onzekerheden. Maar interessant om verder uit te zoeken is het wel.   Lees hier meer: Binge watchers more likely to need multiple night-time loo breaksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host: Ashley Baker, MSN, PMHNP Guest: Chi D. Chu, MD, MAS The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that kidney disease awareness among patients in the U.S. is very low. And alarmingly, the proportion of awareness has not changed much over the 15-year period of this study. To uncover more of the findings and how to improve CKD awareness, tune into this discussion with Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Ashley Baker as she takes a deep dive with Dr. Chi D. Chu, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology at the University of California San Francisco and coauthor of the article published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, titled “CKD Awareness Among US Adults by Future Risk of Kidney Failure.

Wondering what the thyroid levels from your thyroid lab test mean? I'll break down what the different thyroid hormones indicate and dispel some misconceptions about which levels actually require medication.  If you have any additional questions you would like answered in the future, let me know in the comments! Watch/Read Next… Optimal Thyroid Levels: https://drruscio.com/optimal-thyroid-levels  Hyperthyroidism vs Hypothyroidism: https://drruscio.com/hyperthyroidism-vs-hypothyroidism/  Early Signs of Thyroid Problems: https://drruscio.com/what-are-early-warning-signs-of-thyroid-problems/  How to Get Off Thyroid Medication Naturally: https://drruscio.com/how-to-get-off-thyroid-medication/  Thyroid & Hair Loss: https://drruscio.com/thyroid-hair-loss/  Why Your Thyroid Diagnosis Might Be a MISDiagnosis: https://drruscio.com/thyroid-diagnosis/    Timestamps 00:00 Intro to the thyroid   03:57 TSH 05:02 Free T4  05:59 Free T3  07:07 TPO (thyroid antibodies)  08:13 Hashimoto's  10:00 TG (thyroglobulin)  12:58 Defining hypothyroidism 13:27 Defining hyperthyroidism  13:48 The grey area “Sluggish thyroid” 18:07 Treatments  20:20 Where symptoms can come from 24:25 Thyroid lab interpretation guide   Featured Studies  Physiology, Thyroid: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30137850/  Serum TSH, T(4), and thyroid antibodies in the United States population (1988 to 1994): National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11836274/  Serum thyrotrophin and circulating thyroglobulin and thyroid microsomal antibodies in a Finnish population: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/760358/  The prevalence of undiagnosed thyroid disorders in a previously iodine-deficient area: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14558922/  Hypothyroidism Prevalence in the United States: A Retrospective Study Combining National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Claims Data, 2009-2019: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36466005/  Correlation between sonography and antibody activity in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24154902/  Laboratory Testing in Thyroid Conditions - Pitfalls and Clinical Utility: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30215224/  Hashimoto thyroiditis: an evidence-based guide to etiology, diagnosis and treatment: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35243857/  Anti-Thyroperoxidase Antibody Levels >500 IU/ml Indicate a Moderately Increased Risk for Developing Hypothyroidism in Autoimmune Thyroiditis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27607246/  Hyperthyroidism: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32206604/  Subclinical Hypothyroidism: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30725655/  Transient high thyroid stimulating hormone and hypothyroidism incidence during follow up of subclinical hypothyroidism: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34879182/  Association of Thyroid Hormone Therapy With Quality of Life and Thyroid-Related Symptoms in Patients With Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30285179/  Treating hypothyroidism is not always easy: When to treat subclinical hypothyroidism, TSH goals in the elderly, and alternatives to levothyroxine monotherapy: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34766382/  Symptoms Originally Attributed to Thyroid Dysfunction Were Instead Caused by Suboptimal Gastrointestinal Health: A Case Series and Literature Review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35999903/  The Relationship between Gastrointestinal Health, Micronutrient Concentrations, and Autoimmunity: A Focus on the Thyroid: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36079838/  Combined treatment with Myo-inositol and selenium ensures euthyroidism in subclinical hypothyroidism patients with autoimmune thyroiditis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24224112/  Effects of vitamin D on thyroid autoimmunity markers in Hashimoto's thyroiditis: systematic review and meta-analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34871506/  Probiotics Ingestion Does Not Directly Affect Thyroid Hormonal Parameters in Hypothyroid Patients on Levothyroxine Treatment: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29184537/    Get the Latest Updates Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DrRusciodc Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drrusciodc/ Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/drmichaelrusciodc    DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Music featured in this video: "Modern Technology" by Andrew G, https://audiojungle.net/user/andrew_g  *Full transcript available on YouTube by clicking the “Show transcript” button on the bottom right of the video.

There's a silent health crisis affecting millions of people—and you may be one of them. Chances are, you don't even know it.    What's this stealth threat? Poor metabolic health. And in this episode, I'm joined by nurse practitioner and intermittent fasting expert Cynthia Thurlow to get clear on what's causing this epidemic and what we can do to turn it around.    You'll learn why women are more likely to struggle, the two most pressing changes to make, when fasting might not be right for you, and how you can be proactive about reducing your risk of long-term disease.    Even if you're metabolically well, someone in your life likely isn't—and this episode could be the beginning of a journey to better health.    FULL show notes: jjvirgin.com/everydaywellness   Get my FREE Ultimate Health Roadmap: http://jjvirgin.com/ultimatehealth   Subscribe to my podcast: http://subscribetojj.com   Read my book, The Sugar Impact Diet: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/books/products/sugar-impact-diet-paperback-book   Learn more about Cynthia Thurlow: http://cynthiathurlow.com   Read Intermittent Fasting Transformation: https://amzn.to/46et3oC   Listen to Everyday Wellness: https://cynthiathurlow.com/podcast/   Study: Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: Prevalence of Optimal Metabolic Health in American Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2016: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/met.2018.0105   Monitor your metabolic health with YourLabWork: https://yourlabwork.com/jj-virgin/   Own Your Labs: https://ownyourlabs.com/ YourLabwork: jjvirgin.com/yourlabwork    Read The Ultimate Weight Solution by Dr. Phil McGraw: https://amzn.to/3QOmHa2   Study: Cell Metabolism: A Smartphone App Reveals Erratic Diurnal Eating Patterns in Humans that Can Be Modulated for Health Benefits: https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/pdf/S1550-4131(15)00462-3.pdf   Reignite Wellness™ All-In-One Shakes: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/shakes   Dr. Joe Dispenza meditations: https://drjoedispenza.com/?rfsn=6914154.37386a&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6914154.37386a   Designs for Health Inositol Capsules: https://amzn.to/46m9U4a   Reignite Wellness™ Clean Creatine Powder: https://store.jjvirgin.com/products/clean-creatine-powder   Designs for Health CatecholaCalm adaptogenic herbs: https://amzn.to/40KhunZ   Oura Ring: https://ouraring.com/   Whoop: https://www.whoop.com/us/en/   More episodes with Cynthia Thurlow: https://jjvirgin.com/?s=Cynthia+Thurlow   Check out Cynthia Thurlow's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/cynthiathurlow   Follow Cynthia Thurlow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_   Follow Cynthia Thurlow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/_cynthiathurlow?lang=en   Join the Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle/Cynthia Thurlow Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1004505663061383/ Get Cynthia's FREE Intermittent Fasting Guide: https://cynthiathurlow.activehosted.com/f/27  

You can also listen to this episode on Spotify!The new weight loss drugs such as Ozempic are stunningly effective at helping patients lose weight and improve their metabolic health. Their existence also seems to have intensified polarizing rhetoric around weight, health and BMI. On one end of the ideological spectrum, there is the “Healthy at Every Size” (HAES) movement that aims to decouple weight from worthiness—and argues that doctors who recommend weight loss to their patients with obesity do more harm by enabling body shaming without evidence to support the benefits of weight loss on health. On the other end of the spectrum is the camp that believes obesity is a result of poor health and life choices—and that patients with obesity should simply eat better and exercise more rather than succumb to the pharmaceutical industry's latest fad. is a Professor at Brown University, a best-selling author, and a leading voice in health economics. In her wildly popular newsletter, , she tackles pressing health issues of the day, helping people frame risk in order to make everyday decisions. Dr. Oster joins Dr. McBride on this week's episode of Beyond the Prescription to discuss the data on BMI and health, and how to empower readers and listeners with nuanced information to be healthy, inside and out. They review the data on the health benefits of exercise, independent of weight loss; the arbitrariness of BMI cut-offs; and the importance of focusing on health habits over a specific target weight. They agree that doctors do harm when they narrowly define health as a number on a scale—and the metabolic health involves addressing the medical, nutritional, behavioral or social-emotional elements of people's health. As Dr. McBride says, “Sometimes that includes weight loss medication. Sometimes it's a prescription to stop dieting and start eating lunch.”The transcript of our conversation is here![00:00:00] Dr. Lucy McBride: Hello, and welcome to my office. I'm Dr. Lucy McBride, and this is Beyond the Prescription, the show where I talk with my guests like I do my patients, pulling the curtain back on what it means to be healthy, redefining health as more than the absence of disease. As a primary care doctor, I've realized that patients are more than their cholesterol and their weight.[00:00:31] We are the integrated sum of complex parts. Our stories live in our bodies. I'm here to help people tell their story and for you to imagine and potentially get healthier from the inside out. You can subscribe to my free weekly newsletter at lucymcbride.substack.com and to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.[00:00:57] So let's get into it and go Beyond the Prescription. Today we have an amazing guest joining us, my friend Dr. Emily Oster. Emily is a renowned economist, a bestselling author, and a professor at Brown University. Emily is one of the leading voices in health economics. Her superpower is applying data to some of society's thorniest health questions, including why people don't always make rational health decisions.[00:01:30] In her wildly popular newsletter called Parent Data, Emily tackles pressing issues about pregnancy and parenting, helping decisions. I grabbed Emily today because I wanted to talk with her about her recent piece on body weight and health: What is the relationship between BMI and health? She pulled together a lot of data, and because weight is something I talk about with my patients every day, I thought I'd grab her for a chat. Emily, thank you so much for joining me today.[00:02:03] Emily Oster: Thank you so much for having me. It is a delight as always to see you. It's such a treat.[00:02:09] LM: Emily, you are no stranger to controversy. In fact, I was with you in the proverbial bunker during COVID, hiding from the haters who didn't like that you and I were trying to help message about risk. We were trying to help people better calibrate their degree of anxiety around COVID to their level of actual risk.[00:02:31] By the way, I stand by everything I said and wrote. I hope you do too. And it was so fun to work with you then as it is now. So when I think about sensitive subjects, I think also about weight. And so, why did you want to write about weight? Is it just that you like putting your finger in the electrical socket? Or, did you have something to say?[00:02:49] EO: So I've actually written about weight a bunch of times. So it is a topic that I work on in my academic work. So as a professor in economics, the work that I do is about health economics and statistical methods. And I actually work a lot on diet and dietary choices and why people make the dietary choices they do.[00:03:07] And so it's not specifically about weight, but it really is about food. And so this is a kind of source of data that I think about a lot. And as a result, I've written about a lot in many different ways. And every time I come at this and I've come at it from all of the angles. So I wrote a piece once called what's the best diet? [00:03:31] And it was just like the diet that you can stick to which is a sort of standard finding. But the frame was, you know, a lot of people are interested in diet. And when I write that, many people are very angry. They're sort of like, no diet works, we should never talk about dieting, is kind of what comes back.[00:03:48] I did an interview with Virginia Sol Smith, who I really like, and we don't always agree but is just one of my favorite people to talk to. She always makes me think about her book Fat Talk, which is very much in the other direction, sort of very much in the space of, we should definitely not be talking about BMI, we should throw away our scales, all foods are neutral.[00:04:10] And when I published that interview, I got it from the other side. I got the, you know, how could you possibly say this, cake and apple are not the same, like this is, this is insane. And I've written about Ozempic, so just anything, I mean, you know this—anytime you write about it in this space, there's really, really strong feelings from both sides.[00:04:26] So this piece was trying, as I always do, more or less, sometimes more successfully than others, is to try to thread the needle and say, look, let's look at the data and see between the view of BMI is completely meaningless and correlated with nothing, and the view that your BMI is completely deterministic of your health and that is the only information we should use.[00:04:49] Where is the truth? And how can we use the data to get to that?[00:04:52] LM: It is such a crucial question because everybody who's paying attention reads the headlines and understands from their doctor even that weight and weight management is good for your health. We have diet culture seeping into our pores. I mean, it's sort of in the air we breathe, everything you look at on the covers of magazines, on Instagram, and in doctor's offices is about weight, or it feels like it's about weight.[00:05:20] I see people all the time who have avoided coming to see me, even if I've known them for decades, because they thought they would feel better about themselves, and I would feel more proud of them if they had just lost weight before they came in. And as I say to patients all the time, weight is one piece of a larger puzzle.[00:05:36] It is not a reflection of your value, your worth. And it certainly doesn't tell us everything about your health. So I'd love to hear about your findings about the relationship between BMI and actual health. [00:05:50] EO: In my mind, the most, the sort of most important thing to note here is that something can be correlated and can have some explanatory power and not be all of the explanatory power. So one version of this question is to say, on average, if your weight is higher, are you more likely to have other health conditions?[00:06:13] And I should say, that's actually different from the question of whether weight causes other health conditions. But purely taking this from like a correlational standpoint, if you saw one piece of data about someone, you saw their BMI, would you learn anything about their health? And the answer is, yes. On average, there is a relationship, particularly at the upper end of BMI, between increasing BMI and worse health.[00:06:41] And in particular, worse metabolic health. So things like, there's a strong correlation between high weight and diabetes. That's just true in the data. Now, those relationships... are there, but they're actually not as big, I think, as many people think. And that's sort of the other thing that comes out of this.[00:06:58] And that, that has two parts. So one is actually, even to the extent that there's a positive relationship there, it doesn't show up until you start getting to sort of higher levels of BMI. So sometimes we talk, we talk about overweight being 25 BMI versus 24. Actually, the health differences between people with a BMI in the 25 to 30 versus 20 to 25, if anything, probably favor the 25 to 30, but you're certainly not seeing much in that range.[00:07:30] As you get into a BMI of 35-40 you do see some of those, some of those correlations. But it's also true that in almost any health outcome you look at there is variation within a group and that's the thing I was sort of trying to illustrate in the piece is you look at something like diabetes or the distribution of blood pressure, like the distribution of blood pressure, it's shifted up for people who are higher BMI, but there's a lot of overlaps.[00:07:56] Plenty of people with high blood pressure whose BMI is 19 and plenty of people with low blood pressure whose BMI is 38. And so that's the sense in which like this number Tells you maybe a little bit, but really not that much.[00:08:12] LM: let's talk about what BMI is. BMI, I mean, you define it for us here, Emily.[00:08:17] EO: BMI is a weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared. It's just a number.[00:08:22] LM: So what you pointed out so beautifully in your piece is that medicine does this weird thing where we say that a normal BMI, body mass index, is between 20 and 24.9, and overweight is 25-29. 9 [00:08:37] EO: You guys love a sharp cutoff. It's your, it's your favorite. You love it.[00:08:42] LM: I don't, but fine. The medical establishment loves these arbitrary cutoffs. There's nothing magical or particularly different between somebody who has a BMI of 24.9 and 25 and moreover, there are so many different elements that go into this whole person's health. That to call it a diagnosis point X and not a diagnosis at X minus .1 is ridiculous. So, you know, herein lies why we're here to talk about pulling back the curtain on what this actually means.[00:09:18] EO: Right. And, and so I should say, like, you might wonder why have any cutoffs in this at all? I think the answer to that is that when people are describing, not even doctors, when population health scientists are describing characteristics of populations, it can sometimes be useful to define categories.[00:09:40] So, you see this in weight, you also see it in something like low birth weight is another good example which has some cut-offs, right? So when we talk about baby weight, there's a number, 2,500 grams. And if a baby is below 2,500 grams, they're classified as low birth weight, and if they're above 2,500 grams, they're not.[00:09:56] There's nothing special about 2,500 grams, obviously, but it's helpful when we sort of describe a population. You want to say, does this, you know, is the low birth weight share in this population bigger than this population? We want to have a common language. And so saying, like, that's the cutoff we're going to use, so we have some number to compare, is helpful, it can be helpful. The same thing happens here. You want to describe characteristics of a population. I think the problem, and it actually shows up in the birth weight also, but the problem comes when we start, we take that, which is just away to use a number to make some descriptive statements about some population.[00:10:35] When we take that number and we decide it's meaningful. It's like a somehow a meaningful number that we would, that would tell us something if you were on either side of it. Of course it's not. And when you're using it for populations, for individuals and populations on which it was not based, I mean, this is a much deeper issue, but when we talk about BMI in particular, this is something, these are sort of cutoffs that were developed with reference to like a white European population, they may have very different meanings and relationships with health for different populations off of which they are not based. So there's a sort of whole other can of worms there.[00:11:14] LM: Totally. It's, I mean, to make an analogy briefly that you and I are familiar with is, you know, COVID risk, right? It's not that a 65-year-old, every 65 year old is at so much higher risk for outcomes. Then every 64-year-old, but there is truth to the fact that older people tend to get sicker on a population level when I'm talking to a patient who has just turned 65 and who is generally very healthy and active. I'm not going to counsel them in the same way. I'm going to talk to a 64 year old who's technically not at higher risk, who has myriad health problems. So population level data is one thing and then individual risk calibration and counseling.[00:11:58] EO: Yeah, and I think the piece of this that my senses provoke so much anxiety and discomfort in people is that it is true that, and I don't think you do this, but it is, I think, an experience people either have or fear having in their doctors. They'll be weighed, their BMI will be calculated, and then they'll be told, you know, well, you just, you edged up above, you know, 20, now you're 25.1, and like this is how we're going to define you, and that becomes such an important, like, number in the conversation, and so salient, and the words, I mean, the words we use, overweight versus normal weight, obese, those take on an attention and a meaning, and they didn't just label them BMI category one, BMI category two, which, Maybe would have been more helpful.[00:12:46] You're really using words that suggest that there's a way to be, which is normal, and then other ways to be. And that, that's, it's just not helpful. It's not, I don't think it's a helpful part of counseling. It starts people off on, on a bad, on a bad foot.[00:13:00] LM: Yeah, I mean, I think people, for better or worse, look at doctors as authority figures and people who, whose judgment matters. And if you have a doctor who is doing a little tsk, tsk, tsk, ooh, you're getting up there, that has real power in many ways. And so I think that has real power and can do real harm.[00:13:20] Which is not to say that doctors shouldn't be honest about the data in that patient's situation and what they could do and help to arm them with tools and information to be healthier. It's to say that shame is not appropriate or meaningful in any space, not to mention[00:13:37] EO: Yeah, and I think the other, the other piece that I sort of spent some time on in, in this, and is actually quite closely related to stuff I work on, is that it's actually, It's very hard for most people to lose weight. Like, we know, I mean, we can sort of put Ozempic, Wegovy aside, but for people just changing diet, changing habits, consistent long term weight loss happens for a very small share of the population.[00:14:04] And so, when we sort of start with the advice, you should lose weight, which people get, you know, in these situations, often that's just not possible. So it's like giving people a set of advice that they just... They're just going to fail on and then giving it as if, well, if only you could have this kind of willpower, if only you could achieve this, like that would be so important.[00:14:24] I think the whole dynamic ends up in a place where you're giving people advice they can't follow based on a number that may or may not be that meaningful and isn't very nuanced, and you can easily see why that generates frustration, sadness, discomfort, lack of productive conversation with your doctor.[00:14:43] And then by the way, turns off your ability to have a productive conversation because now we're like in defensive. Now you're like, well, you know, screw you, don't tell me what to do. What do you know?[00:14:54] LM: Right? If we learned nothing else during the pandemic, that trust is precious. And when you don't have trust between the doctor or patient, and there's a moralization of human behavior, we're just at a standstill. And so how do you see the data that you've pulled together in this piece and before this piece helping people, individuals who are reading your stuff and then going to the doctor's office, understand better what their weight.[00:15:21] EO: The piece I pulled out at the end that I thought was really meaningful was, in this piece I'm actually pulling data from the NHANES, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which is a very big survey of, of people, it weighs them, it measures them, collects a lot of biomarkers, which is why we can say all this stuff about, about health.[00:15:39] They also collect information about their exercise. And so if you look at people, if you sort of take a, a second, uh, almost a second metric of health and you ask like, okay, does this person do like some, some moderate amount of exercise a week and it's like some cutoff and you look at that relationship.[00:15:57] One of the things I show in the piece is that doing more exercise is correlated with better metabolic outcomes, better kind of health outcomes in various ways. And it's quit informative on top of BMI, and so people who are doing sort of exercise who have a BMI of like 40 actually have sort of similar metabolic health to people who like aren't doing any exercise and have a BMI that we would consider, you know, normal or, or thin.[00:16:26] And so I think for me that has sort of two pieces of it. One is that it just again emphasizes like this is one other thing you could like if you said like you can only learn two things about people It's like well, how much more could I add with a second thing? Well, actually like quite a lot the characteristic knowing somebody's BMI and whether they have exercised rigorously or moderately in the last week that tells you a lot more about their health than knowing their BMI alone You could add on top of that smoking… it's just one simple illustration of like how much more you could learn if you ask some more questions The other thing, and here I'm going to reveal what my husband is always saying, it's just like, just because you like to exercise, fine.[00:17:08] But like, actually, I think we should tell people to exercise. I think that we spend too much time telling people to lose weight with their diet, which is something we know is really difficult, and I think we should spend more time telling people, like, you should go take a walk after, like, try to walk for ten minutes every day.[00:17:27] You know, actually, it's not saying, like, you need to go run a marathon. But just some aerobic exercise. I think we have a lot of evidence from a lot of different places that that's associated with better health. And I think if we started telling people that and talking about that, we would then get to the questions like, well, how can we make it possible for everyone to do that?[00:17:45] How can we make there be safe places for people to do that? How can we increase access to sports? How can we be in a position where everybody is welcome to... to go running no matter what, you know, their race or body size or anything? And I think that's, you know, for me, that's something that's pretty, that's pretty important. And I think we're kind of missing with this focus on food.[00:18:08] LM: I totally agree. And what I love about the NHANES data is what you earlier said, which is that there's an incredibly tight correlation between the amount of exercise and health outcomes, even more than BMI and health outcomes. So when I'm talking to a patient who wants to lose weight or, you know, Needs to lose weight, perhaps I often tell them, let's not think about the number.[00:18:35] In fact, I commonly say, let's not think about the number. That's not our end point. And, and I'm not saying that to be politically correct, to pussyfoot around hard conversations is because the number on the scale is immaterial. When we were talking about this whole person, we are the complex sum of these integrated parts.[00:18:57] And you can, as you said have a BMI of 40, which is technically obese. But if you are exercising on a regular basis, first of all, your mood is better, your sleep is going to be more efficient, your blood sugar control is going to be better, your blood pressure is going to be better, most likely. And so, I focus, with my patients, less on the number and more on the behaviors.[00:19:21] The relationship with food, not just what you're eating. The cadence of how you're eating. Sometimes you don't need a fancy diet, you just need to have lunch. I just wrote a piece about that. Lunch is an underrated food group, like eat lunch. Honestly, that is huge. Sometimes we don't need to, you know, go to the doctor and be told that our weight is technically higher than it should be.[00:19:43] We need to be given materials and information on the benefits of exercise. Not just on our weight, but on our mental health, our metabolic health, our cognition, and not just... Are you told to exercise, but to help people figure out where to put it and how to incorporate it in their everyday life. Because as you know, telling someone to exercise is one thing, helping them figure out what to do is another.[00:20:10] So I think you're absolutely right, Emily. We need to treat people, not just as a set of metrics and data, but as people. And as you know, from your research, human behavior is complicated. We do things that don't serve us all day long. Even doctors do, which is again, ridiculous, why I would shame anybody for a behavior that's part of the human nature.[00:20:30] So to do a lot of shooting with patients or to say you should do this is less productive than to say like, how do you think you could incorporate a little more movement because of the data on the benefits of regular movement into your whole health?[00:20:44] EO: I actually think, you know, when we do this kind of counseling and when people hear this counseling and they hear, they sort of hear the phrase diet and exercise, like you should improve your diet and exercise. They think of that as improve your diet and exercise so you'll weigh less. And that's the link we should sever.[00:20:59] It would be, I think there's a place to say, improve your, let's think about are there changes you could make to your diet that would make you feel better? Are there ways for you that you could incorporate exercise, which by the way, like 10 minutes of walking slightly faster than you would otherwise, that's exercise.[00:21:16] That's an exercise activity, so just like making it clear that these things are possible. But also without saying, and if you did that then the number will look better on the, no, if you did that maybe some of these elements of health, metabolic health, maybe some of this would improve, your sleep might improve, your mood might improve, that's what we're aiming for. We're not aiming for some number.[00:21:37] LM: That's right. And by the way, when you're sleeping better and your mood is better and your dopamine hormone axis is being triggered by the lights of being outside and feeling more fit and getting the endorphins going that is good for our metabolic, metabolic health too. But I also want to be clear that I don't shy away from talking about a number when it is relevant.[00:22:00] So if somebody has bilateral knee osteoarthritis, bone on bone, and their BMI is 40, and they're resistant to, you know, getting a knee replacement, we have to talk about weight. So it would be irresponsible for me to say, oh, weight loss isn't going to matter to this gravity-dependent set of joints. And so that is where it gets really hard, but it is where I actually like for me it's my like superpower is never to have judgment about it because by the way when you have bone-on-bone arthritis in your knees As a result of age and genetics and weight all together you can't exercise and You gain weight more easily.[00:22:43] And so this is what happens. So there's no shame about it. It's just, let's figure out what to do. But we have to talk about the number, not just the number, but we have to talk about what weight might make sense to that offset pressure on the knee.[00:22:56] EO: Yeah, I mean, that's such an interesting, like, it's, this conversation is so hard because it takes, like, it's so hard to have that conversation. And I bet you are really good at this, but I think for me, it's very hard to have that conversation without it feeling like shame because of the, as opposed to just saying, look, there are a bunch of things, like, there is a physical reason why this, this number matters, not because this number has to do with whether you're a good person or not a good person or have willpower or whatever, it's just like, this is putting pressure on your knees.[00:23:23] LM: Well, and that's why I'd really like to reinvent the healthcare system to have doctors incentivized to have more time with their patients to understand their story and to build trust and rapport and for patients to feel comfortable and then to train doctors on sensitivity on these subjects. Which, by the way, doctors went into medicine, the field of medicine to do that, but it's just people don't have time and then people don't trust and then there's diet culture and then it's just lose weight, exercise more, see you next year.[00:23:50] EO: This is totally off topic. I mean, it's a little bit off topic, but, but one of the things that's been pretty effective in, you know, obstetrics is these group prenatal care. People have exactly this sort of same complaint about, like, there isn't enough time to talk about all the issues that have come up, da, da, da.[00:24:05] And so they do these things where it's like six people, but you get two hours, you know, and we do, like, there's this sort of examination component that happens, like, that's short for each person, but then we all, they, people all talk together, and it turns out to actually be, some good evidence on the relationship between that and preterm birth, particularly for black women.[00:24:20] So I wonder if there's like, I almost think there's like a parallel care model, where it's like, we have a group of people here for counseling about, you know, whatever it is, improving their heart disease metrics or something.[00:24:33] LM: Yeah, stay tuned for some courses I'm going to be offering in 2024. One of my little kind of mantras is that health is about more than BMI. It is about having awareness of our health ecosystem, which includes ur story, it includes our data, it includes understanding our genetics, and then sort of a laddering up to acceptance of the things we can't control.[00:25:01] Maybe we are predestined to have a higher-than-ideal body mass index because of our genetics. And we have to accept that. We have to accept that we are predisposed to diabetes. And then agency over the things we can control. So, arming yourself with tools and information to carve out space in your life to work on the things you have control over, which are a lot.[00:25:26] But if you're stuck in the acceptance bucket where you're not accepting hard parts of your genetics or your story that you can't control and you're then listening to a lot of kind of wellness gurus who are telling you that, you know, thin is better or whatever, even just all this messaging. And then you're spending a lot of brain space trying to accept things you really need, or trying to control things you can't control, that's where people run into trouble, and that's where shame is born, and that's where people, frankly, binge on things like food and alcohol, and that's where we land in trouble. And so if we could just help people understand they're not alone, they're human, and that we all have our challenges. One of them, for a lot of Americans, is weight.[00:26:12] And that they're not alone, and that there are things they can do to be a lot better off. So... What was the takeaway from this piece you wrote? Like, what was the reaction? Because, as you said, like, there's sort of two camps. It's like health at every size, there's a movement, which I agree with in many ways, except that there are certain medical realities we have to acknowledge.[00:26:32] And then there's the sort of, weight is genetic, and there's nothing you can do about it. And, I mean, there's just, there's just these false dichotomies. [00:26:39] EO: So I think like with most things, most people are in the center. And so this kind of like, I think that many people found this interesting. You know, I'm not sure everybody thinks about this data quite the same way, and sort of seeing some graphs about it, it made some people think. A bunch of the comments were like, yes, like I started exercising, and I felt like this is very validating, because like, that, you know, that totally changed, but then my weight didn't change, but still I feel better, and I was trying to understand that.[00:27:08] So there was like some good stuff there. And then I did get, certainly, some people who said, you know, talking about BMI at all is very fatphobic and I am, like, I will say, like, I'm a relatively thin person and so I think, you know, I don't know, I guess that's part of, part of it. And then certainly there were people on the other side who said, you know, this whole thing is like, you know, anybody who's overweight is just, you know, is just lazy and I don't agree with that at all. But some of those people fought with each other and, you know, that's what comments are for.[00:27:39] LM: That's what's comments are for. And that is why Emily Oster is here. Emily is here to help us get to these story issues, and ask the questions that... People are wrestling with every day, like, can you have a glass of wine when you're pregnant? Can you have bluebean cheese when you're pregnant? Can you jettison some of the shame about parenting and the parenting industrial complex?[00:28:01] And thank God for you because I think you're doing so much good, Emily, and you're reassuring people based on evidence. You're not reassuring people for the sake of reassuring them for you to look good. You're reassuring them because you have the data to show. How to calibrate risk to, or sort of how to calibrate anxiety to the actual[00:28:21] EO: Yeah, I mean, I see a lot of what I try to do is sort of help people see what those risks are and make the choices that work for them, which [are] going to reflect our own risk tolerances and preferences and, and what's important to us.[00:28:33] LM: Yeah. I mean, at the end of the day, as we talked about during COVID quite a lot, it's about framing risk. It's not about telling people how to feel or telling people how to choose. It's about framing risk. And then it's like, you do you, and that's fine. And if you do something that's not healthy for you, that is fine too. As long as you're armed with the data, then that, that, that is, that is great. Emily, thanks for joining me. And by the way, how can people sign up for parent data?[00:28:56] EO: So, parentdata.org, you can find me there, we have a newsletter that goes out, we have an enormous volume of writing for pregnant people and parents and, and some things for people who are not parents, and we have like a little search AI, so parentdata.org is the best place, or you can find me on Instagram at profemilyaster.[00:29:20] LM: Thank you all for listening to Beyond the Prescription. Please don't forget to subscribe, like, download, and share the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you catch your podcasts. I'd be thrilled if you liked this episode to rate and review it. And if you have a comment or question, please drop us a line at info@lucymcbride.com. The views expressed on this show are entirely my own and do not constitute medical advice for individuals. That should be obtained from your personal physician. Get full access to Are You Okay? at lucymcbride.substack.com/subscribe

Genetic Testing and Stone Disease Co-host: Kyle Wood, MD Population analysis demonstrated that genetic conditions resulting in stone disease are magnitudes higher than those seen in clinical cohorts, suggesting underdiagnosis. Urologist play a unique role as we often times have many touch points with these patient given their presentation for stone disease. With the advancement of treatments, specifically in primary hyperoxaluria, it is essential that urologist play a more active role in the earlier diagnosis of patients. Genetic testing has become readily available at lower cost and much of the perceived barriers to genetic testing are addressed by current available programs. Outline: 1. The contribution of genetics to kidney stone disease 2. Specific studies using genetic testing 3. Primary Hyperoxaluria as an example 4. Current Genetic Testing and Ease 5. The role of the Urologist References: - Hill AJ, Basourakos SP, Lewicki P, et al. Incidence of kidney stones in the United States: The Continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. J Urol. 2022;207(4):851-856. - Singh P, Harris PC, Sas DJ, Lieske JC. The genetics of kidney stone disease and nephrocalcinosis. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2022;18(4):224-240. - Goldfarb DS, Fischer ME, Keich Y, Goldberg J. A twin study of genetic and dietary influences on nephrolithiasis: a report from the Vietnam Era Twin (VET) Registry. Kidney Int. 2005;67(3):1053-1061. - Daga A, Majmundar AJ, Braun DA, et al. Whole exome sequencing frequently detects a monogenic cause in early onset nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis. Kidney Int. 2018;93(1):204-213. - Braun DA, Lawson JA, Gee HY, et al. Prevalence of monogenic causes in pediatric patients with nephrolithiasis or nephrocalcinosis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2016;11(4):664-672. - Halbritter J, Baum M, Hynes AM, et al. Fourteen monogenic genes account for 15% of nephrolithiasis/nephrocalcinosis. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2015;26(3):543-551. - Knoers N, Antignac C, Bergmann C, et al. Genetic testing in the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease: recommendations for clinical practice. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2022;37(2):239-254. - Groothoff JW, Metry E, Deesker L, et al. Clinical practice recommendations for primary hyperoxaluria: an expert consensus statement from ERKNet and OxalEurope. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2023;19(3):194-211. - van der Hoeven SM, van Woerden CS, Groothoff JW. Primary hyperoxaluria type 1, a too often missed diagnosis and potentially treatable cause of end-stage renal disease in adults: results of the Dutch cohort. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2012;27(10):3855-3862. - Hopp K, Cogal AG, Bergstralh EJ, et al. Phenotype-genotype correlations and estimated carrier frequencies of primary hyperoxaluria. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2015;26(10):2559-2570. - Garrelfs SF, Frishberg Y, Hulton SA, et al. Lumasiran, an RNAi therapeutic for primary hyperoxaluria type 1. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(13):1216-1226. - Baum MA, Langman C, Cochat P, et al. PHYOX2: a pivotal randomized study of nedosiran in primary hyperoxaluria type 1 or 2. Kidney Int. 2023;103(1):207-217. - Soliman NA, Nabhan MM, Abdelrahman SM, et al. Clinical spectrum of primary hyperoxaluria type 1: Experience of a tertiary center. Nephrol Ther. 2017;13(3):176-182. - Schonauer R, Scherer L, Nemitz-Kliemchen M, et al. Systematic assessment of monogenic etiology in adult-onset kidney stone formers undergoing urological intervention-evidence for genetic pretest probability. Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet. 2022;190(3):279-288.

Dr. Katie Young, co-director of the cardioobstetrics clinic here at Mayo Clinic sits down to talk about peripartum cardiomyopathy. This is something we will likely consider many times in our careers for patients with shortness of breath in and around late pregnancy. Find out what interventions are key, what patients are most likely to suffer a bad outcome and more. CONTACTS X - @AlwaysOnEM; @VenkBellamkonda YouTube - @AlwaysOnEM; @VenkBellamkonda Instagram – @AlwaysOnEM; @Venk_like_vancomycin; @ASFinch Email - AlwaysOnEM@gmail.com REFERENCES & LINKS Gierula J, et al. Prospective evaluation and long-term follow up of patients referred to secondary care based upon natriuretic peptide levels in primary care. European Heart Journal – Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes. 2019. 5, 218-224 Bay M, et al. NT-proBNP: A new diagnostic screening tool to differentiate between patients with normal and reduced left ventricular systolic function. Heart. 2003. 89,150-154 Dockree S, et al. Pregnancy reference intervals for BNP and NT-pro BNP – changes in natriuretic peptides related to pregnancy. Journal of Endocrine society. 2021. 5(7)1-9 Mueller C, et al. Heart failure association of the European society of cardiology practical guidance on the use of natriuretic peptide concentrations. European Journal of Heart Failure. 2019. 21, 715-731 Ravichandran J, et al. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I levels in normal and hypertensive pregnany. American J of Medicine. 2019. 132,362-366 High sensitivity troponin T and I among pregnant women in the US – the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. JAMA Cardiology. 2023. 8(4)406-408 Tweet MS, et al. Spontenaoues Cardic Artey Dissection associated with pregnancy. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2017. 70,426-435 Baggish AL, et al. The differential diagnosis of an elevated amino-terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide level. Am J Cardiol. 2008. 101,43A-48A Lichtenstein DA, Meziere GA. Relevance of lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute Respiratory Failure – the Blue Protocol. Chest. 2008. 134,117-125 Smit MR, et al. Comparison of linear and sector array probe for handheld lung ultrasound in invasively ventilated ICU patients. Ultrasound in Med & Biol. 2020. 46(12)3249-3256 Haller EP, Nestler DM, Campbell RL, Bellamkond VA. Point-of-care ultrasound findings of acute pulmonary embolism: McConnell sign in the emergency medicine. JEM. 2014. 47(1)e19-e24 Halpern DG, et al. Use of medication for cardiovascular disease during pregnancy:JACC State of the Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2019. Feb, 73(4)457-476 Loyanga-Rendon RY, et al. Outcomes of patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy who received mechanical circulatory support. 2014. Circ Heart Failure. 7,300-309 Adedinsewo DA, et al. Detecting cardiomyopathies in pregnancy and the postpartum period with an electrocardiogram-based deep learning model. European Heart Journal – Digital Health. 2021. 2,586-596 Zieleskiewicz L., et al. Lung ultrasound-guided management of acute breathlessness during pregnancy. Anesthesia. 2013. 68,97-101 Balaceanu A. B-type natriuretic peptides in pregnant women with normal heart or cardiac disorders. Medical Hypotheses. 2018. 121,149-151

Muscle loss is a common yet preventable part of the aging process. As we age, muscle mass naturally decreases due to a decrease in physical activity and slowed metabolism. This process is known as sarcopenia, and it can have long-term health implications if not addressed. In this article, we'll discuss the importance of muscle, why it's so difficult to build in the first place, and how to prevent age-related muscle loss. The Importance of Muscle Preservation Higher levels of muscle mass offer myriad health benefits. One significant advantage is that muscles act as metabolic powerhouses. They burn calories even when we're at rest, helping to maintain optimal body weight and prevent obesity.Wolfe, RR. "The underappreciated role of muscle in health and disease." The American journal of clinical nutrition 84.3 (2006): 475-482. Muscle tissue also plays a pivotal role in improving insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.Srikanthan, Preethi, and Arun S. Karlamangla. "Relative muscle mass is inversely associated with insulin resistance and prediabetes. Findings from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey." The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 96.9 (2011): 2898-2903. The greater the muscle mass, the more glucose our bodies utilize, reducing the chance of diabetes development. For mobility, muscle mass contributes to better balance and stability, which becomes crucial as we age.Landi, Francesco, et al. "Sarcopenia as the biological substrate of physical frailty." Clinics in geriatric medicine 31.3 (2015): 367-374. This enhanced stability reduces the likelihood of falls and injuries, contributing to a longer and healthier life. Muscles also regulate our body's response to inflammation and infection. A study by Johns Hopkins University found that individuals with solid muscle mass had a stronger immune response.Fiuza-Luces, Carmen, et al. "Exercise is the real polypill." Physiology 28.5 (2013): 330-358. Moreover, preserving muscle mass aids in maintaining mental well-being. Research reveals a strong correlation between muscle strength and improved mood, reduced anxiety, and decreased instances of depression.Gordon, Brett R., et al. "Association of efficacy of resistance exercise training with depressive symptoms meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis of randomized clinical trials." JAMA psychiatry 75.6 (2018): 566-576. So, muscle mass is not just about physical strength and aesthetics but a keystone of our overall health and longevity. Why Is It So Difficult to Build Muscle? Muscle hypertrophy, or the increase in muscle mass, is a complex process that becomes increasingly difficult as we age. This phenomenon is orchestrated by several factors, including hormones, proteins, and our bodies' connective tissues. Testosterone and growth hormone are two crucial players in muscle building. These hormones function like biochemical foremen, directing the construction and repair of muscle tissue. Testosterone promotes protein synthesis, the process by which the body uses dietary protein to build new muscle fibers.West, D. W., & Phillips, S. M. (2012). Associations of exercise-induced hormone profiles and gains in strength and hypertrophy in a large cohort after weight training. European journal of applied physiology, 112(7), 2693-2702. On the other hand, growth hormone stimulates cell growth and regeneration, playing an integral part in muscle repair and recovery.Devesa, J., Almengló, C., & Devesa, P. (2016). Multiple effects of growth hormone in the body: Is it really the hormone for growth?. Clinical medicine insights. Endocrinology and diabetes, 9, Cmed-88159. However, with advancing age, our bodies naturally produce less of these hormones. This reduction results in slower muscle growth and recovery, making muscle building more challenging.Pritzlaff, C. J., Wideman, L., Weltman, J. Y., Abbott, R. D., Gutgesell, M. E., Hartman, M. L., ... & Weltman, A.

Approximately 93% of the population is affected by an issue that predicts heart disease about 10 years before you have elevated cholesterol—and very few people realize they have it.  This same condition is the precursor to several common chronic illnesses, and your doctor probably isn't testing for it.  The good news is, this condition is almost 100% treatable, preventable, and reversible if you know what to do.  In today's episode, you're going to learn what this epidemic is, why it's critical to your health, and what you can do to avoid being another statistic. Join me and weight loss, metabolism, and anti-aging specialist and board-certified nutritionist Jonny Bowden for an eye-opening conversation about how to safeguard your health, now and for years to come.  Full show notes: https://jjvirgin.com/jonny Learn more about Jonny Bowden: https://www.jonnybowden.com Subscribe to my podcast: http://subscribetojj.com Read my book, The Sugar Impact Diet: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/books/products/sugar-impact-diet-paperback-book Read The Great Cholesterol Myth: https://amzn.to/43XsVJa Read The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: https://amzn.to/3OOZogt Study: Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, Prevalence of Optimal Metabolic Health in American Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2016: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30484738/ HOMA-IR calculator: https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/3120/homa-ir-homeostatic-model-assessment-insulin-resistance DEXA scan: https://dexascan.com/ YourLabWork advanced lipid panel: https://yourlabwork.com/jj-virgin/ Find it under cholesterol tests/heart health YourLabWork fasting insulin test: https://yourlabwork.com/jj-virgin/ Find it under sugar metabolism & diabetes screening Study: Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care: Sleep and Obesity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3632337/ American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/ Reignite WellnessTM All-in-One Shakes: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/shakes Catalina Crunch Keto Protein Cereal: https://amzn.to/47jLv0X Rockport Test calculator: https://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/rockport-test-calculator.html Learn more about Blue Zones: https://www.bluezones.com/ Podcast: What Causes Obesity? with Dr. Richard Johnson: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/what-causes-obesity-with-dr-richard-johnson-ep-490/ Get Jonny's 7 Uncommon Daily Habits to Turbocharge Weight Loss & Energy: https://rockwell-health.com/7habits

This week, host Andy Bellavia is joined by two researchers from the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. Nicholas Reed, AuD, and Kening Jiang, MHS, discuss their research into the complex relationships between hearing loss, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive decline. Kening Jiang discusses her study on the connection between hearing loss and self-reported fatigue, exploring future research possibilities including the impact of addressing hearing loss on fatigue. The pair emphasize the need to understand individual factors and interactions contributing to cognitive health in the complex relationship between hearing loss and fatigue. References: * Sleep Characteristics and Hearing Loss in Older Adults: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006 https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/77/3/632/6327644) *Associations of sleep characteristics in late midlife with late-life hearing loss in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities-Sleep Heart Health Study (ARIC-SHHS) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S235272182300133X) * Hearing Loss and Fatigue in Middle-Aged and Older Adults https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/article-abstract/2806828) More information about the research taking place at the Cochlear Center can be found here: https://jhucochlearcenter.org/ Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and Twitter. - https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing - https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearing - https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

This week, Brian Taylor welcomes Professor Christina Roup from The Ohio State University to discuss adults with normal audiograms and self-reported hearing difficulty. The prevalence of this condition is estimated to be around 12-15% in younger and middle-aged adults, with a higher prevalence in older age groups and those with a history of traumatic brain injury. Dr. Rouf reviews some of the latest research on this topic and how it can inform clinicians who work with this population. She also presents insights from her research, where she found that amplification with mild gain hearing aids significantly improved speech-in-noise performance for adults with normal audiograms and self-reported hearing difficulties. She encourages clinicians to listen to their patients' complaints and take them seriously, using speech-in-noise tests as a routine part of their clinical battery to provide appropriate treatment options. Studies mentioned in this interview: Beck, D, & Danhauer, J.L. (2019). Amplification for adults with hearing difficulty, speech in noise problems – and normal thresholds. Journal of Otolaryngology-ENT Research, 22(1), 84-88. Cameron, S. & Dillon, H. (2007). Development of the Listening in Spatialized Noise- Sentences test (LiSN-S). Ear and Hearing, 28(2), 196-211. Helfer, K. S., & Jesse, A. (2021). Hearing and speech processing in midlife. Hearing Research, 402, 108097. Helfer, K.S., & Vargo, M. (2009). Speech recognition and temporal processing in middle-aged women. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 20, 264-271. DOI: 10.3766/jaaa.20.4.6 Roup, C.M., Custer, A., & Powell, J. (2021). The relationship between, self-perceived hearing ability and binaural speech-in-noise performance in adults with normal pure-tone hearing. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 1-12. Roup, C.M., Post, E., & Lewis, J. (2018). Mild-gain hearing aids as a treatment for adults with self-reported hearing difficulties. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 29, 477-94. Spankovich, C., Gonzalez, V. B., Su, D., & Bishop, C. E. (2018). Self reported hearing difficulty, tinnitus, and normal audiometric thresholds, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002. Hearing Research, 358, 30-36. DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2017.12.001 Tremblay, K., Pinto, A., Fischer, M.E., Klein, B. E. K., Klein, R., Levy, S. . . . Cruickshanks, K. J. (2015). Self-reported hearing difficulties among adults with normal audiograms: The Beaver Dam Offspring Study. Ear and Hearing, 36(6), e290-e299. DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000000195 Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and Twitter. - https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing - https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearing - https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

Trends in hair, skin, and nail supplement use: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2020. Trepanowski N, Moore KJ, Kim DY, Hartman RI. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2023 Jul 1;89(1):161-3.Median canaliform nail dystrophy in a 2-year-old boy: Case report and review of the literature. Wilson A, Tariq Khan M, Murrell DF. Pediatric Dermatology. 2022 Nov 13.The use of marigold therapy for podiatric skin conditions. Hadfield RA, Vlahovic T, Khan MT. Foot and Ankle Online Journal. 2008 Jul 1.

There is an obesity epidemic in the United States. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, more than two in five American adults are obese and nearly one in five American children are obese. So is a drug used to help decrease blood sugar levels in type two diabetics the answer to weight loss?

It's In the News, a look at the top stories and headlines from the diabetes community happening now. Top stories this week: Lilly becomes the first of the big three insulin makers to settle a class action lawsuit over pricing, the FDA approved Beta Bionics' iLet system, oral meds trialed for T2D seem to work as well as Ozempic injectable, Lego adds a T1D "friend" to their line and a big win for an American Ninja Warrior competitor with T1D. Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Take Control with Afrezza  Omnipod - Simplify Life Learn about Dexcom  Check out VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures Learn more about AG1 from Athletic Greens  Drive research that matters through the T1D Exchange The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Twitter Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com  Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.com Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I'm Stacey Simms and these are the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now XX In the news is brought to you by VIVI Cap Keeps your insulin at the exact right temperature, even in extreme heat or cold. XX Our top story, Eli Lilly has agreed to pay $13.5 million to end a six-year, class-action lawsuit accusing the company of overpriced its insulin. As part of the settlement, Lilly has agreed to cap out-of-pocket costs for its insulin at $35 per month for four years. That's three months after Lilly said it would cut insulin prices to that level. The lawsuit was filed in 2017, against insulin makers Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi. Plaintiffs claimed the companies joined in an “arms race” to raise list prices of their meds while the “real” price to pharmacy benefit managers remained constant or in some cases dipped. Price increases of insulins that previously cost $25 per prescription were pushed up to $450, the suit said. The increases, taken in “lockstep,” were “astounding and inexplicable,” according to the class action lawsuit. Novo and Sanofi have yet to settle this case. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/eli-lilly-inks-settlement-long-running-insulin-pricing-lawsuit XX The FDA is changing its draft guidance for industry regarding Antidiabetic Drugs and Biological Products. It's been 15 years since an update. Topics covered in the draft guidance include: Hemoglobin A1c (A1C), a measure of average blood sugar, remaining an acceptable primary efficacy endpoint The FDA now considering a reduction in the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) to be a clinically relevant outcome measure for diabetes drug clinical trials, when accompanied by either a reduction or maintenance of an acceptable A1C. The use of data collected by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, which allow for nonstop, passive glucose monitoring, in clinical trials to potentially support hypoglycemia labeling claims. Recent advancements in CGM technology have led the agency to recognize the advantages of data collected from these systems in clinical drug development. The FDA will be accepting comments on the guidance until August 24, 2023. https://www.appliedclinicaltrialsonline.com/view/fda-on-track-to-updates-diabetes-efficacy-endpoints-guidance XX The iLet bionic pancreas from Beta Bionics gets FDA approval for people with type 1 age 6 and up. This is a unique system in that it starts with only the user's weight and requires meal announcements – no carb counting – to automate blood sugar. It will launch with the Dexcom G6 CGM. You'll hear from the company CEO this Tuesday in our next episode where we do a deep dive into the system. https://www.medicaldevice-network.com/news/beta-bionics-fda-insulin-pump/ XX Researchers had observed an increased incidence of type-1 diabetes cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, a new study has confirmed the link and established a temporal association between the development of type-1 diabetes in children and infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The new study published in Jama Network was the first research that used data, which indicated if the type-1 diagnosed children previously had COVID-19 infection. The researchers found the likelihood to develop type-1 diabetes increased by 57% in children who had a confirmed COVID-19 infection, compared to those who did not have the infection. https://www.medicaldaily.com/covid-19-infection-increases-incidence-type-1-diabetes-children-study-469854 XX New oral medication from Pfizer seems to stack up well next to Ozempic for weight loss. New study looked at people with type 2 found danuglipron when given twice a day, lowered blood sugar in patients at all doses and reduced body weight at the highest dose after 16 weeks. The weight loss with danuglipron is of a similar magnitude to that observed in the mid-stage data for Novo Nordisk's semaglutide, known as Ozempic when used for diabetes and Wegovy for obesity. The treatments, including Pfizer's danuglipron, belong to a class of drugs that mimic the gut hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which works by suppressing appetite and were initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Pfizer is also testing another oral diabetes drug, lotiglipron, which is given once daily and has said it plans to initiate late-stage development of only one of the two candidates. The company believes an oral therapy could appeal to patients who want to avoid injections. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/pfizer-diabetes-drug-reduces-weight-similar-novos-ozempic-2023-05-22/ XX Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms used to screen for and predict type 2 diabetes may be racially biased, which could perpetuate health disparities, according to a study published last week in PLOS Global Public Health. Risk prediction models for type 2 diabetes have shown promise in bolstering early detection and clinical decision-making, but the researchers pointed out that these models can bias the decision-making process if risk is miscalibrated across patient populations. The research team found that the Framingham Offspring Risk Score underestimated type 2 diabetes risk for non-Hispanic Black patients, but overestimated risk for their white counterparts. The ARIC Model and PRT overestimated risk for both groups, but to a greater extent for white patients. Research like this highlights that while data analytics and AI approaches may help find gaps in chronic disease management and care, racial disparities are still a major obstacle to achieving health equity for diabetes patients. A 2021 study of city-level data revealed significant disparities in diabetes mortality rates across the United States. The analysis sourced data from the 30 largest cities in the US and demonstrated that mortality rates were higher for Black individuals than for white individuals. Disparities were also found to be up to four times larger in some cities compared to others, with Washington, DC experiencing the highest rates of diabetes mortality inequities. https://healthitanalytics.com/news/potential-racial-bias-found-in-type-2-diabetes-risk-prediction-models XX 1 in 3 adults with Type 2 diabetes may have undetected cardiovascular disease. Elevated levels However, mildly elevated concentrations of of two protein biomarkers that indicate heart damage may be an early warning sign of changes in the structure and function of the heart, which may increase the risk for future heart failure, coronary heart disease or death. Researchers analyzed health information and blood samples for more than 10,300 adults collected as part of the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2004. Study participants had reported no history of cardiovascular disease when they enrolled in the study. One-third (33.4%) of adults with Type 2 diabetes had signs of undetected cardiovascular disease, as indicated by elevated levels of the two protein markers, compared to only 16.1% of those without diabetes. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-05-adults-diabetes-undetected-cardiovascular-disease.html XX VIVI CAP XX MTV Documentary Films has acquired worldwide rights to Pay or Die, a film about Americans living with diabetes who face a cruel choice: pay the “extortionate” cost of insulin charged by pharmaceutical companies or risk death. Scott Alexander Ruderman and Rachael Dyer directed and produced the documentary, which premiered in March at SXSW. MTV Documentary Films plans a theatrical release later this year, followed by a debut on streaming platform Paramount+. Those personal stories in the film stretch across the country. “From a mother-and-daughter struggling to rebuild their lives after spending their rent money on insulin, to a young adult diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic, to a Minnesota family thrust into the national spotlight when their 26-year-old son dies from rationing his insulin, Pay or Die highlights this devastating struggle to survive while living with diabetes.” https://deadline.com/2023/05/pay-or-die-mtv-documentary-films-acquisition-directors-scott-alexander-ruderman-rachael-dyer-news-1235382566/ XX Katie Bone win the “American Ninja Warrior Women's Championship” — not only claiming the title but a cash prize of $50,000. She donated $5,000 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Pumped NM. Bone has not only appeared on three iterations of the competition series, but is also a nationally-ranked rock climber. While not the youngest competitor anymore, she was the shortest standing at 5 foot, 2 inches. She's been making waves since competing in “American Ninja Warrior Jr.” in 2020. To train for the event during the pandemic, her father built a ninja course in their backyard. During that competition, Bone, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 11 years old, competed with both her insulin pump and glucose monitor on her arms. Being on the show also presents Bone with the opportunity to be an ambassador for Type 1 diabetes awareness and representation. Bone says Type 1 diabetes didn't end her life, it just changed it. “I hope I inspire a little kid to wear their pump on their arm,” Bone said. “It makes everything that you do that more amazing.” In February, Bone competed at the USA National Women's Team Climbing trials in Austin, Texas. During her fourth climb, she fell. “Katie heard four pops,” Tammy Bone said. “She tore her ACL and both sides of her meniscus. This was a moment she was preparing for all her life and it got put on pause.” Bone had surgery and has been getting physical therapy in Colorado. The family returned Monday night to New Mexico after being away for three months. Bone still has her eyes on the Olympics, though the road to recovery may take some more time. “I don't need easy, I just need possible,” she said. https://www.abqjournal.com/2602750/17-year-old-new-mexico-ninja-warrior-katie-bone-takes-the-title-in-womens-championship-competition.html XX Today LEGO has revealed the first wave of Friends sets for 2023, bringing in a new cast of characters and an update to the branding with a new logo. A new LEGO Friends television series will also accompany the new sets. LEGO's annual Play Well study revealed that 3 out of 4 children felt there were not enough toys with characters that represent them, so LEGO is aiming to bring more diverse representation to Heartlake City that's inclusive of not just various ethnicities and genders, but also disabilities and neurodivergence. LEGO says the 2023 sets and series will feature characters with limb difference, Downs Syndrome, anxiety, vitiligo, and even pets with disabilities, including a blind dog and a dog with a wheelchair. She has a CGM printed on her arm and even has a printed phone tile showing her blood sugar. Her name is Hannah and she's in 41744 Sports Center https://www.brothers-brick.com/2022/10/27/lego-friends-reveals-5-sets-for-2023-with-diverse-characters-to-better-represent-children-news/ XX XX On the podcast next week.. Beta Bionics CEO Sean Saint. Last week I MedT 780G That's In the News for this week.. if you like it, please share it! Thanks for joining me! See you back here soon.  

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https://ratethispodcast.com/man    Do you want to know what you can do to enhance your testosterone levels and elevate yourself to peak performance?   In today's episode, we unravel the raw power of testosterone—the ultimate hormone that fuels men's physical performance and mental fortitude. We'll explore the ins and outs of testosterone, from its muscle-building and energy-boosting capabilities to the alarming decline in testosterone levels among men over the past decade. Find out how you can naturally raise your testosterone levels along with the pros and cons of supplements, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and the remarkable ways testosterone can unleash your inner beast. “When our testosterone is primed up, it really is like a super power” - J Dragon   You're going to leave this episode with…   A breakdown of what testosterone does and how it is your superpower   What factors in your life might be affecting your testosterone levels   The pros and cons of testosterone supplementation for peak performance   How hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help you balance your testosterone levels   Inspiration from J Dragon's personal journey overcoming low testosterone and transforming his physique   Strategies for building your muscle, enhancing your libido, and reclaiming your vitality     How your testosterone changes with age   What you can do to increase your testosterone naturally prior to consulting about hormone replacement therapy   Understanding how early testosterone usage can affect you long term   What having more sex does to your testosterone levels   The importance of finding out your free testosterone levels    The Manhood Experiment of the week that will help you increase your testosterone levels     ----- 

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   It's a weekly podcast where we give you one experiment to level up your mind, career, business, health, relationships and more!   -----   For more tips and behind the scenes, follow us on:   
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   Submit your questions @ www.manhoodexperiment.com -----   Resources Mentioned:   Patel P, Fantus R, Lokeshwar S, et al. Trends in Serum Testosteron Levels Among Adolescent and Young Adults Men in the United State. Presented at: 2020 AUA Virtual Experience; May 15, 2020. Abstract MP78-01.   Impaired sleep is associated with low testosterone in US adult males: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.   Sleeping five instead of eight hours a night for a week lowered testosterone by around 15%   Study on 531 Chinese men also found a link between sleep and testosterone.   The more fat you carry, the lower your testosterone tends to be Study 1 Study 2   One study found that testosterone levels rise on days couples have sex and decline on days without it   Another study found that sex increased testosterone by 72%    A study by Amy Cuddy and her colleagues at Harvard University assessed how making postural changes impacts levels of stress hormones and testosterone. High power poses were able to increase testosterone meanwhile low power poses lowered testosterone   This study moved subjects from a diet containing 40% of calories from fat to a diet containing 25% of calories from fat and then back to a 40% fat diet. Results showed that the low fat diet decreased testosterone levels significantly   This study had 20 male university students with no previous resistance training experience follow a weight lifting plan three times per week. Thanks to this the students boosted their testosterone levels by 40% in four weeks, and they also lowered their resting cortisol levels by 24%   Resistance training up-regulates testosterone receptors. This means your body can use testosterone more effectively   BPA lowers testosterone and can cause erectile dysfunction Study 1 Study 2   In a study involving 2,299 men found that those with a sufficient vitamin D level had much higher testosterone than those who were deficient in this vitamin    An eight-week study with 46-men with infertility problems found that 675-gram ashwagandha root extract increased serum testosterone levels by 17% compared to a placebo   A study found that five grams of ashwagandha a day for 90 days increased testosterone by 16% to 40% in infertile men and by an average of 15% in fertile ones   One group of “moderately stressed” participants increased their testosterone by 37% and lowered their cortisol by 16% as a result of consuming 200 mg of a tongkat ali extract for four weeks   Tongkat Ali  - suggested as influencing the release rate of “free” testosterone from its binding hormone, sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG) 

As a society, we are eating and drinking low-calorie sweeteners more and more. Researchers are working to understand the long-term impact of such sweeteners for adults and, of course, for children. This interview is part of a series on the impact of sweeteners. Our guest today is Dr. Allison Sylvetsky, Associate Professor in the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at the George Washington University - Milken Institute School of Public Health. Interview Summary   Boy, these sweeteners are in the news all the time, and that's been the case for many years. And people are really interested in whether they're safe, whether they help people control their weight and the like. You have a vast knowledge on this, and I'd like to begin with kind of a fundamental question. So, how has the consumption of these sweeteners changed over time? How much are they being used and who is using them?   What's really interesting is that these sweeteners have been around, at least some of them, for quite a while. But what we've seen is that as there's been more and more emphasis on reducing the consumption of added sugars and sugar sweetened beverages, there's been a widespread increase in the use of various low-calorie sweeteners in the food supply, which of course has been followed by increases of consumption. So, across all different population subgroups, we're seeing increases in the intake of low-calorie artificial sweeteners.   So, how much are they used and who are the people who are using them the most?   So, in terms of how much they're used, that depends to some extent on how we look at this, because it's very hard to actually quantify the intake given that manufacturers are not required to disclose the amount of different artificial or low-calorie sweeteners in food and beverage products. So, most of the data that we have to rely on either comes from household purchasing data or comes from self-reported dietary intake data from large surveys, for example, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. But, what we've seen in these data are that low-calorie sweeteners are being used across the population, though the highest consumption or highest prevalence of consumption is seen in females, in individuals with diabetes and obesity, individuals from higher-income households, and also older adults and older individuals. However, more and more, we are also seeing consumption of low-calorie sweeteners among children, and consumption in products that people wouldn't necessarily expect would contain these artificial or low-calorie sweeteners.   Let's talk about that. So, where do the low-calorie sweeteners show up in the food supply? Has this changed over time?   This has definitely changed over time. Several decades ago, you would think of low-calorie sweeteners as being in diet beverages, which of course they still are. Or in sweetener packets that you find on the tabletop. For example, Sweet'n Low that contains saccharin or Equal that contains aspartame. But now we're seeing these sweeteners showing up across product categories. So, in products including light yogurts, artificially sweetened yogurts, dairy desserts such as ice cream, snack foods such as microwave popcorn, cereals, ready-to-heat oatmeals, all sorts of different products, protein bars, protein shakes, really, you name it. I've actually even seen low-calorie sweeteners show up in pickled ginger that usually is used along with sushi. So, again, places where people just wouldn't expect to find them. We see these sweeteners popping up, and this is more and more the case as there's been more and more emphasis on reducing the intake of added sugars.   Low-calorie sweeteners in microwave popcorn, who would've thought? I mean, that's just one example and you gave other ones about where these things are showing up. So, big time exposure to these, isn't there?   Exactly. Also, something like microwave popcorn typically wouldn't be thought of as a diet food, and that's part of what is very confusing to consumers. It's one thing if the product is labeled as "diet" or "no sugar added" even. Not that everybody would recognize that as perhaps being suggestive of having a low-calorie sweetener, but in products like microwave popcorn or certain English muffins, for example, people typically aren't using these products as a way to manage their weight or as some sort of a diet or reduced calorie food, because they're not diet or low-calorie foods.   Let's get right to one of the most fundamental questions of all. What are your thoughts on how these low-calorie sweeteners affect health?   So, that is the big question, and there's a lot of uncertainty and there's been more and more research on the topic, which has been exciting and informative. But there still are a lot of questions with regard to how these sweeteners affect health. One thing that is important to clarify right from the start is that, at least the work that I do and the work that a lot of people are focused on to understand their health effects, is different from more of a traditional toxicological safety assessment. So, when I'm talking about their effects on health, I'm really referring to their metabolic and health effects, their role in weight management and chronic disease prevention as opposed to more traditional safety outcomes. Because of course, these low-calorie sweeteners have been reviewed and approved for use in food by the Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies worldwide. But, in terms of weight management and chronic disease prevention, what's really interesting is, it depends on the type of evidence that you look at. There have been quite a number of randomized control trials primarily in adults that have shown that when added sugars or sugar-sweetened beverages are replaced with low-calorie sweeteners on a one-to-one basis, there typically is either a neutral effect or a modest benefit. Where we do see some modest reductions in energy intake as well as a modest reduction in body weight. But that doesn't necessarily tell the whole story because that doesn't necessarily reflect how they're used, especially given what we've just discussed about the use of low-calorie sweeteners in the food supply. What's interesting is when we look at observational evidence from large perspective cohort studies, typically the vast majority of these studies show positive associations between consumption of diet beverages and low-calorie sweeteners with a variety of adverse health outcomes. This includes higher risk of obesity, higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, and some recent studies also showing an increased risk of certain types of cancer.   So that then leads to the question of: well, what explains this discrepancy? There are several explanations. One is that there are flaws to any type of study, including that a lot of these studies that look at associations may be subject to reverse causality or sort of a chicken and egg situation - which is what's happening first. But they're also very plausible biological and behavioral mechanisms that have been put forth to explain how low-calorie sweetener intake may be causally related to some of these outcomes. And that's really where a lot of the research is focused right now, is trying to understand, what do these low calorie sweeteners actually do metabolically in the body and how does that impact health?   That whole range of metabolic consequences is a very interesting one. You led off this discussion by mentioning toxicology, and I realize that you're not a toxicologist, nor am I, but I do have a question in that arena. Whatever standards of the FDA uses to assess safety for these things, I'm assuming it's a range of standard toxicological tests, do you think there's still a chance that these things, even though they're considered safe, will have long-term consequences that people don't know about yet? Just because some of the newer ones, for example, haven't been on the market long enough for people to have 20 or 30 years of exposure? Is there a reason to be concerned on that front, do you think?   I would say there's a reason to be concerned in terms of while the levels that they're consumed are believed to be safe in terms of, as you said, these thresholds that are set forth based on toxicological data - we don't know what the threshold of exposure is that would be required to have these metabolic effects. When we're talking about metabolic and health effects, as you've alluded to, these are long-term processes, right? We don't develop diabetes or cancer overnight, but it takes months, years, decades of exposure to see some of these outcomes. So, it is very possible that even though these are safe from a toxicological standpoint, the repeated exposure in the ways that we consume them, in addition to the fact that we don't consume these in isolation, we consume low-calorie sweeteners in combination with each other, other low-calorie sweeteners, as well as other food additives, other ingredients in various forms. So we don't fully understand yet what that means for long-term human health.   Thank you for that explanation. Thus far, we've been talking about these low-calorie sweeteners as a group, but of course there are different compounds that have different biological effects. What do you think about the different effects of the different versions of low-calorie sweeteners?   That's become an extremely important question, especially because over time there's been changes in not just the use of low-calorie sweeteners as a group, but in certain low-calorie sweeteners. As you mentioned, these sweeteners are different compounds. Of course, they're grouped together because they contain characteristics, such as low-calories that have high potency sweetness and are palatable replacements for added sugars in food. But they are of course, different compounds. And therefore, while they may have some overlapping effects due to their sweetness, they also may have different effects due to their specific chemistry and their way that they are absorbed, metabolized, processed in the body. That's something that we're really, as a field, just beginning to understand. In a lot of the research to date, low-calorie sweeteners have been referred to as a group. And that's in part because, especially in observational studies, it's very difficult to tease out which ones are being consumed. And that's in part due to limitations of dietary assessment approaches, and in part due to constantly changing formulations of these products by food and beverage manufacturers.   So, it's difficult in a lot of the existing research to actually tease apart what specific low-calorie sweeteners we're talking about. That said, there is more and more of an emphasis on trying to understand these as individual compounds and then hopefully be able to make more tailored and nuanced dietary recommendations for or against their consumption. There's been some recent studies looking at, for example, comparing different low-calorie sweeteners on outcomes such as body weight over 12 weeks. What that study showed (that was a study out of Purdue University), is that while saccharin consumption actually led to weight gain that was similar to real sugar, sucralose consumption in this particular study led to reductions in body weight. So, while this is just one example, clearly it's possible and likely that these sweeteners may actually have some different effects, which really reiterates the need to look at them separately and compare their effects on different outcomes.   It's interesting that you mentioned the research at Purdue, and I'd like to remind our listeners that we reported a podcast with Dr. Richard Mattes, who's a professor at Purdue, who's done a good bit of work on this topic. So, let's turn our attention to children. And I know many parents are very concerned about consumption of these products by their children. So, is their worry warranted? What do you think about use of these things in children?   Yes, I would say their worry is warranted. That said, it's also not conclusive that these are harmful, but at the same time, it's not conclusive that these are actually beneficial for their intended benefits of helping to reduce sugar intake and help with weight management. Really when it comes to kids, it's a question of how you look at the data, because what is obvious is that there is a lack of data in kids. In some cases, kids could be thought of as small adults. But kids also are very different than just being small adults, not just because they're smaller, but because they're developing. And we know that early life exposure makes the difference in terms of future dietary patterns. Given that there are many questions about the metabolic and health effects of low-calorie sweeteners in adults that have yet to be answered, to start in a widespread manner, providing these to children is concerning until we have a better handle on how these actually work in the body. As mentioned, there is very limited evidence in children, but at the same time, we've seen an explosion of low-calorie sweeteners in products, including products that are directly marketed to children. For example, fruit drinks that have often added sugar in addition to low-calorie sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium. We've done some work talking to parents as have others, and trying to understand, "Well, what do parents think about this?" And most parents will tell us that they do not want to provide these to their children. Meanwhile, other research has shown that parents cannot identify or recognize products that contain them. What's happening is that given a lot of different factors, but particularly the fact that more and more of these sweeteners are showing up in children's products, children are being exposed to low-calorie sweeteners from a very young age. And it's unclear what that means for their health. There is reason to be concerned, both based on data in adults as well as some of the more mechanistic evidence that's come out recently related to how these sweeteners may adversely impact glucose homeostasis or insulin resistance, or alter the composition of the gut microbiome. There are a lot of questions when it comes to this topic in general, but particularly for children, it would seem that we may want to take a more cautious approach before widely incorporating these into products that are going to be consumed by youth.   What are some of the key questions that people in this field are addressing now?   So, some of the key questions, and there are many of them, but one is really just to understand the mechanisms through which these sweeteners work, both as a group and individually. That will provide really much needed insight to explain these epidemiologic findings and also to understand some of the discrepancies between the randomized control trial literature and the observational data. That's one big area of focus. Another is to understand early life exposure. Both exposure among children as well as intergenerational exposure. What happens when a pregnant mother or breastfeeding mother consumes these every day or multiple times a day? We know that they are transferred to the baby. In the case of breastfeeding, for example, we've done some work in that area. What we don't know is what that actually means for the child in terms of their taste preferences, their appetite, their weight trajectory, and their future health. Understanding that early life exposure and intergenerational transmission, as well as focusing on cardiometabolic outcomes beyond body weight. So, we know that when these are used in a certain way, very judiciously, these may... Low-calorie sweeteners, and I'm generalizing the term here, but may be useful for helping with weight management. But we need to study these in a way that better reflects how they're actually consumed in real life. And then also, as we've already discussed, really start to understand the effects of these different compounds as individual sweeteners in addition to as a group of compounds that have some similar sensory property, that being that they're sweet. I think those are some of the main areas in addition to continuing to translate some of the more mechanistic work that's been done in rodent models into the context of human consumption.   The whole idea behind these artificial sweeteners in the first place is that people enjoy sweet taste in things. And so, why not go ahead and provide that? And it better to have it in some form that's not creating the same health problems that sugar has. But what about just changing that assumption and saying that people should get accustomed to less sweetness in things overall, which would then lower intake of both artificial sweeteners and sugar. And I'm wondering if you think that might be possible? Let's just say that the food industry agreed to or was required to reduce the sweetness in its food by 5% each year for the next 15 years or whatever it would be, so that people wouldn't notice it from year to year, but generally you would get accustomed to lower levels of sweetness in things. Do you think that would be possible for people to become accustomed to?   I would think it would be possible, certainly that we know that repeated exposure to different levels of sweetness will affect sweetness preference and dietary choices. What you're describing is very similar to what's been done with sodium in terms of gradual voluntary reduction of sodium. And I am aware, and as I'm sure you are, of efforts through, for example, the National Salt and Sugar Reduction Initiative (NSSRI), to do exactly that, which is to set targets for lowering the sugar content and therefore lowering the sweetness, assuming that there's not replacement with low-calorie sweeteners of different products across different product categories. I think there is a lot of promise in that concept, but I do think we would need to obviously see how that actually affects various outcomes before knowing whether it was effective or not. But I think that concept of it's not just sugar, but also we need to think about the sweetness and how that pertains to other dietary choices and longer term dietary patterns, is really important.   Bio Dr. Allison Sylvetsky is an Associate Professor in the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and is Director of the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition program at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. Dr. Sylvetsky joined the GW faculty in 2014, prior to which, she was a post-doctoral fellow in the Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch of NIDDK in the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She received a doctorate in Nutrition and Health Science from Emory University. Dr. Sylvetsky's research focuses broadly on obesity and diabetes in youth. Her primary research interests are in studying the consumption and health effects of sugar-sweetened beverages and low-calorie (artificial) sweeteners, with a key focus on their consumption during childhood.  

A client reports she's about to lose a kidney due to a kidney stone. That seems . . . extreme, doesn't it? What's probably happening is that she has a staghorn calculus: a stone that takes up all the space in her kidney. If it's not removed it will continue to grow, which could lead to all kinds of problems. What is a staghorn calculus? And what accommodations do we need to make for a person who has lost an entire vital organ? These questions and more on this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .”   Sponsors:       Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com       Advanced-Trainings: www.advanced-trainings.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP's partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner's books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her is available at www.ruthwerner.com.                                      Recent Articles by Ruth:          “Working with Invisible Pain,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, November/December 2022, page 36, http://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1481961-november-december-2022/38   “Unpacking the Long Haul,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, January/February 2022, page 35, www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1439667-january-february-2022/36.   “Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Massage Therapy,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, September/October 2021, page 33, http://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1402696-september-october-2021/34.           “Pharmacology Basics for Massage Therapists,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, July/August 2021, page 32, www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1384577-july-august-2021/34.           Resources:    Pocket Pathology: https://www.abmp.com/abmp-pocket-pathology-app   Hill, A.J. et al. (2022) ‘Incidence of Kidney Stones in the United States: The Continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey', Journal of Urology, 207(4), pp. 851–856. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002331.   Staghorn Calculus: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (no date) Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22509-staghorn-calculus (Accessed: 22 February 2023).   ‘Struvite and Staghorn Calculi: Practice Essentials, History of the Procedure, Problem' (2021a). Available at: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/439127-overview (Accessed: 23 February 2023).   Struvite Stones (2021b) National Kidney Foundation. Available at: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/struvite-stone (Accessed: 23 February 2023).   Struvite Stones: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Diet (no date). Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-health/struvite-stones (Accessed: 23 February 2023).   Torricelli, F.C.M. and Monga, M. (2020) ‘Staghorn renal stones: what the urologist needs to know', International Brazilian Journal of Urology : official journal of the Brazilian Society of Urology, 46(6), pp. 927–933. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2020.99.07.   About our Sponsor:   Massage Mentor Institute In 2019, Diane Matkowski, aka the Massage Mentor, began a closed Facebook page for hosting discussions with industry leaders. These interviews gave her an idea for The Massage Mentor Institute and Jam Series workshops. The goal was to create various continuing education classes offered in one spot. The Institute is a space for massage therapists to learn different approaches and philosophies of bodywork and business classes. It's also home to the Shoulder, Hip, Neck, and Back Jam workshops. We believe that no one technique works for every human being. Our goal is to help you find your path. We have selected teachers we trust, admire, and believe will help you grow as a licensed massage therapist.   Website: themassagementorinstitute.com   Facebook Group: facebook.com/themassagementor   Instagram: @massagementorinstitute  

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.02.10.528042v1?rss=1 Authors: Cohn, E. F., Clayton, B. L. L., Madhavan, M., Yacoub, S., Federov, Y., Paul-Friedman, K., Shafer, T. J., Tesar, P. Abstract: Exposure to environmental chemicals can impair neurodevelopment. Oligodendrocytes that wrap around axons to boost neurotransmission may be particularly vulnerable to chemical toxicity as they develop throughout fetal development and into adulthood. However, few environmental chemicals have been assessed for potential risks to oligodendrocyte development. Here, we utilized a high-throughput developmental screen and human cortical brain organoids, which revealed environmental chemicals in two classes that disrupt oligodendrocyte development through distinct mechanisms. Quaternary compounds, ubiquitous in disinfecting agents, hair conditioners, and fabric softeners, were potently and selectively cytotoxic to developing oligodendrocytes through activation of the integrated stress response. Organophosphate flame retardants, commonly found in household items such as furniture and electronics, were non-cytotoxic but prematurely arrested oligodendrocyte maturation. Chemicals from each class impaired human oligodendrocyte development in a 3D organoid model of prenatal cortical development. In analysis of epidemiological data from the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes were associated with childhood exposure to the top organophosphate flame retardant identified by our oligodendrocyte toxicity platform. Collectively, our work identifies toxicological vulnerabilities specific to oligodendrocyte development and highlights common household chemicals with high exposure risk to children that warrant deeper scrutiny for their impact on human health. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Videos : Those who speak out are shouted down until they are proved right, says Neil Oliver – 10:06 Gad Saad: Why Rational People Fall for ‘Parasitic' Ideas | American Thought Leaders CLIP – 9:11 Scientist Carl Sagan testifying to the U.S. Senate in 1985 on the greenhouse effect: – 2:44 Parent Eviscerates School Board Over Censorship– 4:59 Vitamin C supplementation associated with improved lung function in COPD Medical College of Lanzhou University (China), September 23 2022. The International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease published a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials that found improvement in lung function among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients who received vitamin C. The disease is characterized by airflow limitation and persistent respiratory symptoms. Ting Lei of Medical College of Lanzhou University in Lanzhou, China and associates identified 10 randomized, controlled trials that included a total of 487 adults with COPD for the meta-analysis. The trials compared lung function and/or antioxidant enzyme or nutrient levels of COPD patients who received vitamin C to a placebo or control group. The meta-analysis found improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second as a percentage (FEV1%, a measure of lung function) in association with vitamin C supplementation. When dosage was analyzed, it was determined that consuming more than 400 milligrams vitamin C per day was needed experience a significant benefit. The ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (another lung function assessment), and levels of vitamin C and glutathione, both of which are antioxidants, also improved among participants who received vitamin C supplements. The authors remarked that oxidative stress, which is a disturbance of the oxidant to antioxidant balance, has been suggested as playing a role in the development of COPD. The current investigation is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of vitamin C supplementation in people with COPD. “We found that supplementing vitamin C to patients with COPD demonstrated vital clinical significance,” Lei and associates concluded. “Vitamin C supplementation could increase the levels of antioxidation in serum (vitamin C and glutathione) and improve lung function (FEV1% and FEV1/FVC), especially in patients treated with vitamin C supplementation greater than 400 mg/day.” Single Flavanoid (Found in 6 Foods) Reduces Cognitive Impairment Drastically Fourth Military Medical University (China), September 19, 2022 A singular flavanoid can protect the brain against cognitive deficit and other cellular damage, according to studies from the Fourth Military Medical University. The news comes from Xi'an, People's Republic of China, and shows great promise for those suffering from mental impairment due to Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and other debilitating cognitive conditions. The study abstract concludes: “Our results provide new insights into the pharmacological actions of rutin and suggest that rutin has multi-targeted therapeutical potential on cognitive deficits associated with conditions with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion such as vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.” Rutin is a biologically active flavonoid found in the following foods:  Buckwheat – Possibly the best source of rutin, and much better than boiled oats, uncooked buckwheat leaf flower offers about 675 mg in a 1.1 cup serving. Uncooked buckwheat groats contain 230 mg of rutin per 1 kg, dark buckwheat flour has 218 mg per 1 kg and buckwheat noodles provide 78 mg. Elderflower Tea – When dried, the white flowers of the elderflower make a delicious and rutin-filled tea. According to the Czech Journal of Food Science, elderflower tea contains approximately 10.9g/kg of rutin per brewed cup. Amaranth Leaves – In Western cultures, most people are familiar with the edible seeds of amaranth, though in Chinese and Southeast Asian cooking the leaves are also gaining traction, partly due to their high rutin content. You can expect around 24.5g/kg from the dried leaves. Seeds only contain trace amounts of the important nutrient. Unpeeled Apples – Keep the peel on your apples to enjoy lots of rutin. Just be sure that they are organic, since apple peels are especially prone to pesticide build-up. Apple skins are 6x as powerful as the flesh at preventing high blood pressure due to this flavanoid, too. • Unfermented Rooibos Tea – While rooibos tea contains fewer antioxidants than black or green teas, it is a good source of rutin, providing around 1.69 mg/g. • Figs – These little gems contain about the same amount of rutin as apples, so be sure to add them to your diet. The scientists found that rutin works primarily through anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and reducing hypofusion in the brain. Resistance-breathing training found to lower blood pressure University of Colorado and University of Arizona, September 23, 2022 A team of researchers with members from the University of Colorado, the University of Arizona and Alma College, has found that resistance-breathing training can lower blood pressure as much as some medicines and/or exercises. The study is published in the Journal of Applied Physiology. Hypertension, also known as chronic high blood pressure, can lead to a wide variety of health problems, from loss of vision to strokes and heart attacks. For that reason, doctors take it seriously. Typically, patients are directed to modify their diet and to exercise more. If that does not fix the problem, medications are prescribed. In this new effort, the researchers looked into a new type of therapy to reduce blood pressure levels—resistance-breathing training. Resistance-breathing training involves breathing in and out of a small device, called, quite naturally, a POWERbreathe, every day for several minutes. The device forces the patient to use their breathing muscles to push and pull air through it, making them stronger. And that, the researchers found, also reduces blood pressure. The device has been in use for several years as a means to assist athletes, singers and people with weak lung muscles. Several groups of healthy volunteers practiced the training for a few minutes every day for six weeks. Each was breathed in and out with the device 30 times each session. Each of the volunteers had their blood pressure measured before and after the training. The researchers found a sustained average drop of 9 mmHg in systolic blood pressure (the top number in blood pressure readings)—normal pressure is defined as 120/80. They describe the change as significant, as much as some patients see with medication. They also note that it is similar to changes in many patients who begin an aerobic exercise regimen, such as walking, cycling or running. They suggest such training could be used by patients of all ages who are unable to exercise to lower their blood pressure. How To Maintain Peak Brain Health: Scientists Say It Comes Down To These 3 Factors Norwegian University of Science and Technology, September 23, 2022 What's the best way to maintain peak brain health as we age? There are countless studies detailing ways to prevent cognitive decline, so scientists in Norway sought to simplify the science of managing strong brain health to three recommendations. This report is something of a summation covering modern science's current understanding of how best to cultivate robust brain health. The team at NTNU cite 101 references to prior articles in this latest theoretical perspective paper. “Three factors stand out if you want to keep your brain at its best,” Prof. Sigmundsson adds. The three identified keys to strong brain health are: Physical exercise Social activity Strong, passionate interests and hobbies It's common knowledge that spending all day on the couch isn't healthy for the body, but physical activity is also key to brain health. “An active lifestyle helps to develop the central nervous system and to counteract the aging of the brain,” according to study authors. Researchers add that consistency is essential. Do your best to get in at least a little movement each and every day. Even if you work a sedentary job that requires lots of sitting, get moving every hour or so for just a few minutes at the very least. Some people are naturally more social than others, but researchers stress that no one is an island. Even if you prefer a quiet night in to attending a party, make an effort to stay in touch with the people who matter to you. Our brains thrive on social interactions and connections. “Relationships with other people, and interacting with them, contribute to a number of complex biological factors that can prevent the brain from slowing down,” Prof. Sigmundsson explains. Just like bicep curls help us build muscle, keeping the brain active promotes strong lifelong cognition. Consider taking up a new hobby, or learning a new skill. Perhaps most importantly, though, don't force it; find something you're actually passionate about. It's never too late in life to learn something new! “Passion, or having a strong interest in something, can be the decisive, driving factor that leads us to learn new things. Over time, this impacts the development and maintenance of our neural networks,” Prof. Sigmundsson says. “Brain development is closely linked to lifestyle. Physical exercise, relationships and passion help to develop and maintain the basic structures of our brain as we get older,” Prof. Sigmundsson concludes. Calcium supplements may support a healthy colon: Harvard study Harvard School of Public Health, September 18, 2022 Supplements of calcium or non-dairy products fortified with the mineral may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, according to meta-analysis of prospective observational studies by researchers at Harvard School of Public Health. For every 300 mg increase in calcium from supplements was associated with a 9% reduction in risk, wrote NaNa Keum and her co-authors in the International Journal of Cancer . Every 300 mg increase in total calcium was associated with a similar reduction in risk (8%), they added. “Our findings have several important clinical and public health implications,” they explained. “First, according to the 2003 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey in the U.S., median total calcium intake of adults aged over 50 years was approximately 650 mg/day for no calcium-supplement users and 1,000 mg/day for calcium-supplement users. “As the benefit of calcium intake on CRC is expected to continue beyond 1,000 mg/day, not only non-supplement users but also supplement users may further reduce their CRC risk through additional calcium intake.” “Second, while dairy products, especially milk, are the major sources of calcium in many countries, they are a substantial source of calories and contain potentially harmful factors such as saturated fat, hormones, and casein proteins. Since our analyses provide evidence for an equivalent benefit of dietary and supplementary calcium, the benefit of calcium on CRC risk may be obtained through supplements and non-dairy products fortified with calcium.” The Boston-based scientists conducted dose-response meta-analyses of 15 studies involving 12,305 cases of colorectal cancer and calcium intakes ranging from 250-1,900 mg/day. The studies varied in duration from 3.3 to 16 years. The data indicated that both total and supplemental calcium were associated with reductions in the risk of colorectal cancer. “In conclusion, both dietary and supplementary calcium intake may continue to decrease colorectal cancer risk beyond 1,000 mg/day,” wrote Keum and her co-authors. Yoga's Age-Defying Effects Confirmed by Science Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (India), September 21st 2022 While yoga's longevity promoting effects have been the subject of legend for millennia, increasingly modern science is confirming this ancient technology for spiritual and physical well-being actually can slow aging and stimulate our regenerative potential. One particularly powerful study published lin the journal Age titled, “Age-related changes in cardiovascular system, autonomic functions, and levels of BDNF of healthy active males: role of yogic practice”, found that a brief yoga intervention (3 months) resulted in widespread improvements in cardiovascular and neurological function. Indian researchers studied healthy active males of three age groups (20-29, 30-39, and 40-49 years) by randomly assigning them to practice one hour of yoga daily for 3 months. The observed significant differences between the younger and older participants in the study, specifically: “Significantly higher values of heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), load in heart (DoP), myocardial oxygen consumption (RPP), and total cholesterol (TC) were noted in senior age group.” The yogic practice resulted in significant reductions in all of these parameters (HR, BP, DoP, RPP and TC). Also observed in the older participants were decreases in high frequency (HF), total power (TP), all time domain variables of heart rate variability (HRV), and skin conductance (SC) — all of which increased following yogic practice. Higher levels of catecholamines (“stress hormones”) and low frequency (LF) power of HRV were noted in advancement of age, both of which decreased following yogic practice. Additionally, the senior age group had highest levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), both of which decreased following yogic practice. Finally, brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), serotonin, and dopamine were low in higher age group, but these increased following yogic practice; an indication of improved brain function and cognition. The researchers concluded: ‘This study revealed that yogic practices might help in the prevention of age-related degeneration by changing cardiometabolic risk factors, autonomic function, and BDNF in healthy male.” There are a number of promising studies revealing the age-defying potential of this ancient practice. Here are some additional benefits confirmed in 2014 alone: Age-Related Respiratory Problems: A 2014 study from the journal of Human Kinetics found that a 3 month yoga intervention in 36 elderly women (average age 63.1) significantly improved pulmonary (respiratory) function. Age-Related Brain Cognitive Decline: A review in the Journals of Gerontology, involving a two month Hatha yoga intervention in the elderly (average age 62.0) resulted in significant improvements in “executive function measures of working memory capacity and efficiency of mental set shifting and flexibility compared with their stretching-strengthening counterparts.” Age-Related Hormone Insufficiency: A study published in Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that a 3 month yogic intervention in men (average age 42.8) and women (average age 44.75) resulted in improvements in the level of growth hormone and DHEAS, two essential hormones that drop off precipitously as we age. Age-Related Sleep Problems: Astudy published in Alternatives Therapies in Health and Medicine found a 12 week yogic intervention (yoga 2x a week) resulted in significant improvements in the quality of sleep in older individuals (average age 60). Age-Related Depression: From the Chinese Journal of Nursing found that not only did yoga improve sleep as found in the study above but also significantly reduced the depressive symptoms of elderly participants…after 6 months. “ This is just a small sampling of the literature. There is older research revealing that yoga has even more benefits for aging populations.

Should I take a multivitamin? That's a great question. And it's one that scientists have researched and debated for years and years. In today's episode, we take a no-nonsense look at multivitamins. You'll discover . . . Who should take a multivitamin Can multivitamins be bad for you Are extra B-vitamins good for you Can you get everything you need from food Do multivitamins work Do multivitamins have side effects Can multivitamins make you hungry Do I take a multivitamin The best and worst multivitamins And everything is backed by science from the National Institute of Health, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and others. If you want the truth about multivitamins, then this episode is for you! Rise Nutritional Supplements Website: https://challenge2rise.com/ (https://challenge2rise.com/) Rise Essential Nutrients Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09D9ZN66P (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09D9ZN66P) Rise Elite Nutrients Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GKZMFF5 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GKZMFF5)

Strawberries could help reduce harmful inflammation in the colon University of Massachusetts, August 20, 202 Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a set of painful conditions that can cause severe diarrhea and fatigue. Treatments can include medications and surgery. But now researchers report that a simple dietary intervention could mitigate colonic inflammation and improve gut health. In this case, a strawberry—or rather, less than a cupful of strawberries—a day could help keep the doctor away. The dietary consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated with a lowered risk of IBD. To establish an effective and practical approach to decrease colonic inflammation in both IBD patients and the general population, Xiao and his team at the University of Massachusetts Amherst focused on strawberries due to their wide consumption.  The researchers found that dietary consumption of whole strawberries at a dose equivalent to as low as three-quarters of a cup of strawberries per day in humans significantly suppressed symptoms like body weight loss and bloody diarrhea in mice with IBD. Strawberry treatments also diminished inflammatory responses in the mice's colonic tissue. But decreased inflammation wasn't the strawberry's only conferred benefit during this study.  Following the dietary treatments of whole strawberries, the researchers observed a reversal of that unhealthy microbiota composition in the IBD mice. Xiao's team also obtained experimental data that indicated strawberries might impact abnormal metabolic pathways in the IBD mice, which in turn could lead to the decreased colonic inflammation they observed. Higher diet quality relates to decelerated epigenetic aging  Tufts University, August 1, 2022 DNA methylation–based epigenetic age measures have been used as biological aging markers and are associated with a healthy lifespan. Few population-based studies have examined the relation between diet and epigenetic age acceleration. We aimed to investigate the relation between diet quality and epigenetic age acceleration. We analyzed data from 1995 participants (mean age, 67 years; 55% women) of the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort. Cross-sectional associations between the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score and 3 whole-blood DNA methylation–derived epigenetic age acceleration measures—Dunedin Pace of Aging Methylation (DunedinPoAm), GrimAge acceleration (GrimAA), and PhenoAge acceleration (PhenoAA)—were examined. Conclusions:  Higher diet quality is associated with slower epigenetic age acceleration, which partially explains the beneficial effect of diet quality on the lifespan. Our findings emphasize that adopting a healthy diet is crucial for maintaining healthy aging. Feeling anxious or blue? Ultra-processed foods may be to blame Florida Atlantic University, August 25, 2022 Do you love those sugary-sweet beverages, reconstituted meat products and packaged snacks? You may want to reconsider based on a new study that explored whether individuals who consume higher amounts of ultra-processed food have more adverse mental health symptoms. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Schmidt College of Medicine and collaborators explored a nationally representative sample of the United States population to determine if individuals who consume high amounts of ultra-processed foods report significantly more adverse mental health symptoms including depression, anxiety and mentally unhealthy days.  They measured mild depression, number of mental unhealthy days and number of anxious days in 10,359 adults 18 and older from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results of the study, published in the journal Public Health Nutrition, showed that individuals who consumed the most ultra-processed foods as compared with those who consumed the least amount had statistically significant increases in the adverse mental health symptoms of mild depression, "mentally unhealthy days" and "anxious days." They also had significantly lower rates of reporting zero "mentally unhealthy days" and zero "anxious days." Findings from this study are generalizable to the entire U.S. as well as other Western countries with similar ultra-processed food intakes.   Many types of leisure time activities may lower risk of death for older adults National Cancer Institute, August 25, 2022 Older adults who participate weekly in many different types of leisure time activities, such as walking for exercise, jogging, swimming laps, or playing tennis, may have a lower risk of death from any cause, as well as death from cardiovascular disease and cancer, according to a new study led by researchers at the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. The findings suggest that it's important for older adults to engage in leisure time activities that they enjoy and can sustain, because many types of these activities may lower the risk of death, the authors wrote. Using data from 272,550 adults between the ages of 59 and 82 who had completed questionnaires about their leisure-time activities as part of the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, the researchers looked at whether participating in equivalent amounts of seven different exercise and recreational activities—including running, cycling, swimming, other aerobic exercise, racquet sports, golf, and walking for exercise—was associated with lowered risk of death. The researchers found that achieving the recommended amount of physical activity per week through any combination of these activities was associated with a 13% lower risk of death from any cause compared with no participation in these activities. When they looked at the role of each activity individually, playing racquet sports was associated with a 16% reduction in risk and running with a 15% reduction. However, all the activities investigated were similarly associated with lower risks of death. The levels of activity by the most active individuals (those who exceeded the recommended levels of physical activity) were associated with even greater reductions in the risk of death, but there were diminishing returns as activity levels increased. Even people who did some recreational activity, though less than the recommended amount, had a 5% reduction in risk of death than those who did not participate in any of the activities studied. These activities were also associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. Playing racquet sports was associated with the greatest reduction in risk of cardiovascular deaths (27% reduction), while running was associated with the greatest reduction in risk of cancer deaths (19% reduction).   Avocado may resist the effects of leukemia University of Waterloo (Canada), August 19, 2022 One of the many health benefits avocados offer is their ability to ward off cancer. Avocados contain avocatin B, which is a compound found to fight against a type of leukemia called acute myeloid leukemia (AML), according to a study carried out by a researcher from the University of Waterloo, Canada. AML is known by many names, like acute myelocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, and acute non-lymphocytic leukemia. AML is a type of blood cancer that is most common in older people. Approximately 90 percent of people with this type of cancer die within five years of diagnosis. In the in vitro study, Canadian researcher Paul Spagnuolo found that avocatin B fights AML by targeting leukemia stem cells – which are the root of the disease – without harming healthy, non-cancerous cells. This indicated that the compound is both effective against AML and not toxic to the body. Avocados can also fight against prostate and oral cancer cells. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles conducted a review of studies on the potential health benefits of avocados and looked at evidence that specific avocado extracts can inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells and oral cancer cells. They found that the active compounds in avocados make them potentially beneficial for preventing cancer.   News addiction is linked to not only poor mental well-being but physical health too, new study Texas Tech University, August 25, 2022 People with an obsessive urge to constantly check the news are more likely to suffer from stress, anxiety, and physical ill health, finds a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Health Communication. For many people, reading bad news can make us feel temporarily powerless and distressed. For others, being exposed to a 24-hour news cycle of continually evolving events can have serious impacts on mental and physical well-being—as these new findings, out today, show, with those who have a high-levels of news addiction reporting "significantly greater physical ill-being." "Witnessing these events unfold in the news can bring about a constant state of high alert in some people, kicking their surveillance motives into overdrive and making the world seem like a dark and dangerous place," says Bryan McLaughlin, associate professor of advertising at the College of Media and Communication at Texas Tech University. "For these individuals, a vicious cycle can develop, in which rather than tuning out, they become drawn further in, obsessing over the news and checking for updates around the clock to alleviate their emotional distress. But it doesn't help, and the more they check the news, the more it begins to interfere with other aspects of their lives." To study this phenomenon, McLaughlin and his colleagues,  analyzed data from an online survey of 1,100 US adults. The results revealed that 16.5% of people surveyed showed signs of "severely problematic" news consumption. Such individuals frequently became so immersed and personally invested in news stories that the stories dominated the individual's waking thoughts, disrupted time with family and friends, made it difficult to focus on school or work, and contributed to restlessness and an inability to sleep. 73.6% of those recognized to have severe levels of problematic news consumption reported experiencing mental ill-being "quite a bit" or "very much"—while frequent symptoms were only reported by 8% of all other study participants. 61% of those with severe levels of problematic news reported experiencing physical ill-being "quite a bit" or "very much" compared to only 6.1% for all other study participants. According to McLaughlin, the findings show that there is a need for focused media literacy campaigns to help people develop a healthier relationship with the news.

video: 1. 87% of Clinical Trial Data Hidden from Medical Journals; Fmr FDA Director: Not Our Job to Correct Faulty Drug Data in Articles – Roman Balmakov from Matter of Fact  (10:00) 2. Sotomayor Voices Strong Defense Of Clarence Thomas (4:17) 3. Lara Logan Rapid Fires Truth Bombs On Ukraine Propaganda & The Democrat Narratives Of The Day (2:57) 4. There was an unexpected 40% increase in ‘all cause deaths' in 2021 (8:28) 5. New Rule: I Want My Lawyer! | Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO) ( 8:27)   Resveratrol may turn white fat into ‘healthier' brown-like fat Washington State University, June 26, 2022 Resveratrol, a polyphenol from grapes and red wine, may convert excess white fat into calorie-burning brown-like fat, suggests a new study from Washington State University. According to data from lab mice, supplementing a high fat diet with resveratrol reduced weight gain by about 40% compared with control mice fed the high fat diet only. Professor Min Du and his co-workers demonstrated that mice fed a diet containing 0.1% resveratrol were able to change their excess white fat into the active, energy-burning ‘beige' fat. The researchers also showed that an enzyme called AMPK, which regulates the body's energy metabolism, stimulates this transition of white fat into the brown-like fat.  “We provide evidence that resveratrol induces the formation of brown-like adipocytes in mouse [white adipose tissue in the groin] by increasing the expression of genes specific to brown adipocytes and stimulating fatty acid oxidation, which appeared to be primarily mediated by AMPK-alpha1,” wrote the researchers in the International Journal of Obesity   “These data demonstrate, in addition to the inhibition of adipogenesis and stimulation of lipolysis, a novel browning role of resveratrol in white adipose tissue, which contributes to the beneficial effects of resveratrol in metabolism. Higher serum antioxidant vitamins predict lower risk of respiratory illness and mortality National Institutes of Health, July 1 2022.  A pooled analysis published in Respiratory Research concluded that having lower serum levels of vitamins C and E was associated with a greater risk of suffering from wheeze or respiratory diseases, and that lower vitamin A, C and D were associated with an increased risk of dying from respiratory diseases. Paivi M. Salo and colleagues analyzed data from 16,218 men and women who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III), and 17,838 adults who were continuous NHANES participants who had information available concerning at least one serum antioxidant vitamin level.  Forty-two percent of the participants reported using vitamin supplements.  Lower vitamin C levels were associated with a greater risk of wheeze. Among smokers, lower levels of the alpha-tocopherol form of vitamin E were associated with increased wheeze and chronic bronchitis/emphysema.  A higher risk of death from chronic lower respiratory disease was associated with lower levels of vitamin C. Among smokers with lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, chronic lower respiratory disease and influenza/pneumonia deaths were increased. Greater influenza and pneumonia mortality was also associated with lower vitamin A levels. In pooled analysis of NHANES III and continuous NHANEs participants, vitamin C deficiency doubled the risk of dying from influenza or pneumonia in comparison with sufficiency.  Eat dark chocolate to beat the midday slump? Northern Arizona University, July 1, 2022 Larry Stevens eats a piece of high-cacao content chocolate every afternoon, which is in part because he has developed a taste for the unsweetened dark chocolate. Research shows that eating a piece of high-cacao content chocolate every afternoon lowers blood pressure and his new study reveals that it improves attention, which is especially important when hitting that midday slump. The study, published in the journal NeuroRegulation, examines the acute effects of chocolate on attentional characteristics of the brain and the first-ever study of chocolate consumption performed using electroencephalography, or EEG technology. EEG studies take images of the brain while it is performing a cognitive task and measure the brain activity. Stevens and his colleagues in the Department of Psychological Sciences performed the EEG study with 122 participants between the ages of 18 and 25 years old. The researchers examined the EEG levels and blood pressure effects of consuming a 60 percent cacao confection compared with five control conditions. The results for the participants who consumed the 60 percent cacao chocolate showed that the brain was more alert and attentive after consumption. Their blood pressure also increased for a short time. The most interesting results came from one of the control conditions, a 60 percent cacao chocolate which included L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea that acts as a relaxant. This combination hasn't been introduced to the market yet, so you won't find it on the candy aisle. But it is of interest to Hershey and the researchers. “L-theanine is a really fascinating product that lowers blood pressure and produces what we call alpha waves in the brain that are very calm and peaceful,” Stevens said. “We thought that if chocolate acutely elevates blood pressure, and L-theanine lowers blood pressure, then maybe the L-theanine would counteract the short-term hypertensive effects of chocolate.” For participants who consumed the high-cacao content chocolate with L-theanine, researchers recorded an immediate drop in blood pressure. “It's remarkable. The potential here is for a heart healthy chocolate confection that contains a high level of cacao with L-theanine that is good for your heart, lowers blood pressure and helps you pay attention,” Stevens said. Only seven percent of adults have good cardiometabolic health Tufts University, July 1, 2022 Less than 7 percent of the U.S. adult population has good cardiometabolic health, a devastating health crisis requiring urgent action, according to research led by a team from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University in a pioneering perspective on cardiometabolic health trends and disparities published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.  Researchers evaluated Americans across five components of health: levels of blood pressure, blood sugar, blood cholesterol, adiposity (overweight and obesity), and presence or absence of cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke, etc.). They found that only 6.8 percent of U.S. adults had optimal levels of all five components as of 2017-2018. Among these five components, trends between 1999 and 2018 also worsened significantly for adiposity and blood glucose. In 1999, 1 out of 3 adults had optimal levels for adiposity (no overweight or obesity); that number decreased to 1 out of 4 by 2018. Likewise, while 3 out of 5 adults didn't have diabetes or prediabetes in 1999, fewer than 4 out of 10 adults were free of these conditions in 2018. The study looked at a nationally representative sample of about 55,000 people aged 20 years or older from the 10 most recent cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.  Generations Were Raised To Believe Processed Fruit Juice Was Health Food When It's Actually Junk Food Prevent Disease, June 30, 2022 There was a time when fruit juices were marketed as the ultimate health drink. A glass of sunshine packed with vitamins and energy. However, one of the great scams of the industrial food cartel is the so-called “fresh” juices sold in supermarkets. Many of these “fresh” juices can be stored for a year, so how fresh are they? The idea goes back to the 1920s, when American nutritionist Elmer McCollum blamed a condition called acidosis, an excess of acid in the blood, on diets rich in bread and meat. His solution was lots of lettuce and — paradoxically — citrus fruits. At the time orange juice was not hugely popular, but juice got an even bigger boost thanks to World War II when the U.S. Government wanted a new way to get a product rich in vitamin C to troops overseas. It poured money into research.  In 1947 — just in time for the post-war consumer boom — scientists invented a way to remove water from juice and freeze the concentrate into a palatable product.  The blocks of this concentrate could be sold to the new fridge-owning U.S. consumers or stored by manufacturers for months at a time, and sales exploded.  Turns out there's a lot more to making juice than simply squeezing some citrus. As part of the mass-production process, big-name brands like Tropicana, Minute Maid, Simply Orange, and Florida's Natural add artificial flavouring in order to make sure your juice tastes consistent from carton to carton–and to make sure it tastes like oranges. Pasteurized, not-from-concentrate orange juice takes up a lot of storage space. In order to keep it from spoiling without adding chemical preservatives, the companies “deaerate” (or strip the oxygen out of) the juice. (Another surprise: During production, deaerated juice often sit in million-gallon tanks for as long as a year before it hits supermarket shelves.) The process strips the juice of flavour, which has to be added afterwards.  Findings of a Consumer Reports investigation about arsenic and lead levels in apple juice and grape juice have prompted the organization to call for government standards to limit consumers' exposure to these toxins. Mediterranean diet plus olive oil or nuts associated with improved cognitive function Institute of Biomedical Investigations (Spain), July 2, 2022 Supplementing the plant-based Mediterranean diet with antioxidant-rich extra virgin olive oil or mixed nuts was associated with improved cognitive function in a study of older adults in Spain but the authors warn more investigation is needed, according to an article published by JAMA Internal Medicine. Previous research suggests following a Mediterranean diet may relate to better cognitive function and a lower risk of dementia. However, the observational studies that have examined these associations have limitations, according to the study background. Emilio Ros, M.D., Ph.D., of the Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques and coauthors compared a Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil or nuts with a low-fat control diet. The randomized clinical trial included 447 cognitively healthy volunteers (223 were women; average age was nearly 67 years) who were at high cardiovascular risk and were enrolled in the Prevencion con Dieta Mediterranea nutrition intervention. Of the participants, 155 individuals were assigned to supplement a Mediterranean diet with one liter of extra virgin olive oil per week; 147 were assigned to supplement a Mediterranean diet with 30 grams per day of a mix of walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds; and 145 individuals were assigned to follow a low-fat control diet. The study found that individuals assigned to the low-fat control diet had a significant decrease from baseline in all composites of cognitive function. Compared with the control group, the memory composite improved significantly in the Mediterranean diet plus nuts, while the frontal and global cognition composites improved in the Mediterranean diet plus olive oil group. The authors note the changes for the two Mediterranean diet arms in each composite were more like each other than when comparing the individual Mediterranean diet groups with the low-fat diet control group. “Our results suggest that in an older population a Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil or nuts may counter-act age-related cognitive decline. 

Are health equity and better outcomes within reach for all patients with type 2 diabetes? Drs Enrique Caballero and Silvio Inzucchi discuss how we can change the status quo. Relevant disclosures can be found with the episode show notes on Medscape.com (https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/963277). The topics and discussions are planned, produced, and reviewed independently of advertisers. This podcast is intended only for US healthcare professionals. Resources National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/factsheets/factsheet_nhanes.htm Prevalence of Diabetes by Race and Ethnicity in the United States, 2011-2016 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2757817 Diabetes mellitus in the Pima Indians: Genetic and evolutionary considerations https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6624895/ HbA1c Performance in African Descent Populations in the United States With Normal Glucose Tolerance, Prediabetes, or Diabetes: A Scoping Review https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2021/20_0365.htm

Welcome back to the Hunger Hunt Feast Podcast! In today's episode, Zane talks with electrical engineer and author Tristan Scott!  Tristan is an electrical engineer whose passion for health developed from his struggle to recover from Post Concussive Syndrome and he found that an animal-based diet helped him reduce inflammation, but Tristan has taken his expertise even further. Listen in as Tristan talks about his book "Bitcoin and Beef" which he wrote to address the current problems with the increasing wealth gap and decreasing health stemming from an over-centralized system. In his book, he addresses the fallacies about a negative environmental impact of both the raising of beef and bitcoin mining. For more resources, or to get in touch, check out the links below!  -- Episode Specific Links:  Ritchie, Hannah, and Max Roser. 2020. "CO2 and Greenhouse Gas Emissions." Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/emissions-by-sector  Energy Mix https://ourworldindata.org/energy-mix#:~:text=Despite%20producing%20more%20and%20more,in%20the%20last%2010%20years The United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2014. 2014 NATA: Assessment Results.  https://www.epa.gov/national-air-toxics-assessment/2014-nata-assessment-results 2021. Overview of Greenhouse Gases. November 19.  https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases#methane. 2021. Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. July 27.  https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions. 2021. Understanding Global Warming Potentials. October 18. https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/understanding-global-warming-potentials. Buis, Alan. 2019. "The Atmosphere: Getting a Handle on Carbon Dioxide." Global Climate Change. October 9. https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2915/the-atmosphere-getting-a-handle-on-carbon-dioxide/ Oxford Martin Programme on Climate Pollutants. 2017. Climate metrics under ambitious mitigation. Oxford: Oxford Martin School. https://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/downloads/academic/Climate_Metrics_%20Under_%20Ambitious%20_Mitigation.pdf Bigelow, Daniel P., and Allison Borchers. 2017. Major Uses of Land in the United States, 2012. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/84880/eib-178_summary.pdf?v=6159.2 Matlock, Terry. 2021. Corn planted acreage up 2% from 2020: Soybean acreage up 5% from last year. June 30. Accessed November 10, 2021. https://www.nass.usda.gov/Newsroom/2021/06-30-2021.php U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015. USDA Coexistence Fact Sheets Soybeans. Washington D.C.: U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/coexistence-soybeans-factsheet.pdf Mottet, Anne, Cees de Haan, Alessandra Falucci, Giuseppe Tempio, Carolyn Opio, and Pierre Gerber. 2017. "Livestock: On our plates or eating at our table? A new analysis of the feed/food debate." Global Food Security 1-8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211912416300013.  Araujo, Joana, Jianwen Cai, and June Stevens. 2019. "Prevalence of Optimal Metabolic Health in American Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2016." Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders 46-52. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/met.2018.0105. OECD. 2019. State of Health in the EU Germany Country Health Profile 2019. OECD. https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/419459/Country-Health-Profile-2019-Germany.pdf Open Secrets. 2018. Client Profile: Bayer AG. https://www.opensecrets.org/federal-lobbying/clients/summary?cycle=2018&id=D000042363 2021. Client Profile: PepsiCo Inc. https://www.opensecrets.org/federal-lobbying/clients/summary?cycle=2020&id=D000000200. 2020. Commercial Banks: Top Contributors to Federal Candidates, Parties, and Outside Groups. https://www.opensecrets.org/industries/contrib.php?cycle=2020&ind=F03 Good Jobs First. 2021. Violation Tracker 100 Most Penalized Parent Companies. https://violationtracker.goodjobsfirst.org/parent-totals 2021. Violation Tracker Industry Summary Page. https://violationtracker.goodjobsfirst.org/industry/financial%20services. Office of Public Affairs. 2020. "Goldman Sachs Charged in Foreign Bribery Case and Agrees to Pay Over $2.9 Billion." The United States Department of Justice. October 22. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/goldman-sachs-charged-foreign-bribery-case-and-agrees-pay-over-29-billion Jones, Katie. 2020. "How Total Spend by U.S. Advertisers Has Changed, Over 20 Years." Visual Capitalist. October 16. https://www.visualcapitalist.com/us-advertisers-spend-20-years/ Bank of America. 2021. Annual Report. Bank of America Corporation. https://about.bankofamerica.com/annualmeeting/static/media/BAC_2020_AnnualReport.9130a6d8.pdf  Carter, Nic. 2021. "How Much Energy Does Bitcoin Actually Consume?" Harvard Business Review. May 5. https://hbr.org/2021/05/how-much-energy-does-bitcoin-actually-consume Connect with Tristan: IG: @tristan_health  or @bitcoinandbeef Twitter: @bitcoinand_beef Connect with Zane: ReLyte Electrolytes by Redmond Real Salt: https://shop.redmond.life?afmc=Zane Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zanegriggsfitness Follow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ZaneGriggs QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY Get to know Tristan Scott What led Tristan to an Animal-based diet When Tristan became passionate about Bitcoin Why everyone should be paying attention to Blockchain A look into the environmental impact of beef and Bitcoin The importance of regenerative farming The real hurdle we face in the agriculture world The business side of junk food  How much energy should a monetary system take? What you need to control a population

Research shows hemp compounds prevent coronavirus from entering human cells   Oregon State University, January 11, 2022 Hemp compounds identified by Oregon State University research via a chemical screening technique invented at OSU show the ability to prevent the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering human cells. Van Breemen and collaborators, including scientists at Oregon Health & Science University, found that a pair of cannabinoid acids bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, blocking a critical step in the process the virus uses to infect people. The compounds are cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, CBDA, and the spike protein is the same drug target used in COVID-19 vaccines and antibody therapy. A drug target is any molecule critical to the process a disease follows, meaning its disruption can thwart infection or disease progression.   Tomato concentrate could help reduce chronic intestinal inflammation associated with HIV   University of California Los Angeles, January 11, 2021 New UCLA-led research in mice suggests that adding a certain type of tomato concentrate to the diet can reduce the intestinal inflammation that is associated with HIV. Left untreated, intestinal inflammation can accelerate arterial disease, which in turn can lead to heart attack and stroke. The findings provide clues to how the altered intestinal tract affects disease-causing inflammation in people with chronic HIV infection, suggesting that targeting the inflamed intestinal wall may be a novel way to prevent the systemic inflammation that persists even when antiviral therapy is effective in controlling a person's HIV.     Too much sitting could mean worse outcomes for cancer survivors   Cancer Care Alberta (Canada), January 11, 2022 A new study shows those who sit too much and are not physically active are much more likely to die early from cancer or any other cause than those who are more active. Data on cancer survivors who took part in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2014 showed that inactive survivors who reported sitting more than eight hours a day were at the highest risk of dying. "Cancer survivors who did not meet the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans [150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous intensity leisure-time physical activity] and sit longer than eight hours per day had more than a fivefold increase in the risk of death from all causes—cancer and non-cancer," said lead researcher Lin Yang. The link was particularly troubling because the researchers found that as many as one-third of cancer survivors didn't exercise and sat more than six hours a day. Only about one-third got the recommended 150 hours of exercise a week, Yang said.     Running could improve brain function in people with Gulf War illness   Texas A&M University, January 10, 2022 It has now been three decades since 700,000 American troops responded to the invasion of Kuwait in the first Gulf War, and more than a third of those troops still suffer from the same condition: Gulf War Illness (GWI). Previously labeled Gulf War syndrome, GWI is characterized by persistent reduced cognitive function, memory problems, mood and sleep disturbances, chronic pain and fatigue. The exact cause of GWI is not known, though it is suggested that some combination of the prophylactic drug pyridostigmine bromide (PB), the mosquito repellant N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET), insecticide permethrin (PER), multiple pesticides, low doses of Sarin, and chronic war-related stress are to blame. Positive findings notwithstanding, the impracticalities of a drug that is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) led Shetty to explore more accessible means. With perhaps the most simple of interventions that could be asked (certainly one familiar to our veterans), he found that running a few times each week could be powerful in the relief of GWI-related symptoms.     Why high-dose vitamin C kills cancer cells   Low levels of catalase enzyme make cancer cells vulnerable to high-dose vitamin C University of Iowa, January 9, 2022 Vitamin C has a patchy history as a cancer therapy, but researchers at the University of Iowa believe that is because it has often been used in a way that guarantees failure. Most vitamin C therapies involve taking the substance orally. However, the UI scientists have shown that giving vitamin C intravenously--and bypassing normal gut metabolism and excretion pathways--creates blood levels that are 100 - 500 times higher than levels seen with oral ingestion. It is this super-high concentration in the blood that is crucial to vitamin C's ability to attack cancer cells. Earlier work by UI redox biology expert Garry Buettner found that at these extremely high levels (in the millimolar range), vitamin C selectively kills cancer cells but not normal cells in the test tube and in mice. Physicians at UI Hospitals and Clinics are now testing the approach in clinical trials for pancreatic cancer and lung cancer that combine high-dose, intravenous vitamin C with standard chemotherapy or radiation. Earlier phase 1 trials indicated this treatment is safe and well-tolerated and hinted that the therapy improves patient outcomes. The current, larger trials aim to determine if the treatment improves survival. In a new study, published recently in the December issue of the journal Redox Biology, Buettner and his colleagues have homed in on the biological details of how high-dose vitamin C (also known as ascorbate) kills cancer cells.   People with early-onset Parkinson's disease may benefit from boosting niacin in diet   University of Leicester (UK), January 10, 2022 •    Team studied fruit flies with a mutation that mimics the human disease •    Niacin/Vitamin B3 is found in a variety of foods including meats and nuts •    Research suggests niacin boosts levels of NAD compound in body for energy generation and DNA repair, which is critical for keeping mitochondria in shape and Parkinson's at bay •    Drugs that block NAD-consuming DNA repair already exist to treat cancer - therefore these drugs could be repurposed to protect faulty mitochondria in Parkinson's disease "This study strengthens the therapeutic potential for Vitamin B3/niacin-based dietary interventions in the treatment of Parkinson's disease" - Dr Miguel Martins, MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Leicester People with certain forms of early-onset Parkinson's disease may benefit from boosting the amount of niacin in their diet, according to new research from the University of Leicester. Niacin, or Vitamin B3, is found in a variety of foods, including nuts and meat. The team from the MRC Toxicology Unit at the University of Leicester studied fruit flies with a mutation that mimics the human disease.     America's Crisis of Cultural Moral Panic   Richard Gale and Gary Null PhD Progressive Radio Network, January 12, 2022 It is one thing to show a man that he is in error and another to put him in touch with truth… No man's knowledge can go beyond his experience” – John Locke (Essays Concerning Human Understanding) Locke was not alone in questioning what we believe to be true knowledge, and pointing out the consequences of failing to discern falsehoods from reality. Locke was in excellent company.  Due to the scientific revolution, which inspired several generations of deep thinkers, naturalists and philosophers, including Rousseau, Kant, Spinoza, Darwin, Bacon and Voltaire, the Age of Enlightenment or the Age of Reason has dominated the intellectual world of ideas for nearly two centuries. Locke's statements remain pertinent because today there is a new generation that has been indoctrinated by the shortcomings of scientific materialism. It was intended to bring forth a new purity, an idyllic perfectionism of thought and beliefs founded alone upon objective inquiry. But now this higher ideal has degenerated into a juvenile revolution fuelling identity politics, the cancel culture of wokeness, and a passionate micro-aggression that derives hedonist pleasure in ridicule and insult. One of its more lofty goals is to end free speech as we know it – except for those who are woke. Other goals are to institute a faux collectivism and to abolish meritocracy or social rewards earned through effort and achievement. For many years, important voices of critical thought – Noam Chomsky, Henry Giroux, Jordan Peterson, to name a few, have been warning us that this day was rapidly approaching. However, since there are no dynamic leaders in the youth's woke moment of Maoist-style cleansing and purging of wrong-views, wrong attitudes and wrong beliefs, most of us in the older generations wrongly assume it would be a passing phase. But it wasn't. In fact, the consequences of this unleashed furor, evidenced by an absence of self-reflection and critical thought, has been channeled into a mob rule of dissent and abuse.  In the virtual world gatherings of protest across social media, it is nearly unstoppable. No one is challenging them, neither the mainstream media nor the majority of academia. Rather, corporate leaders and persuasive forces within the ranks of liberal democratic institutions are coming to their aid. Therefore, it proceeds under the cover of a silent political power to sustain its energy. On the other hand, today's youth have every reason to feel disenchanted and to suffer rampant existential angst, the emptiness of not feeling a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in the world at large.  American neoliberalism's and our educational system's single-minded attention on science and technology -- which in themselves are amoral disciplines -- and rote memorization and testing has resulted in two decades of our youth becoming increasingly illiterate in the humanities, critical evaluation and reflective inquiry.  It is also the most irreligious generation in American history. Without the skills of introspective thought to develop a sense of genuine well-being and true happiness, or what Plato called eudomonia as opposed to hedonia, (the pursuit of temporary or transient pleasures), our nation has tossed its youth to the rabid dogs of the social Darwinian rat race for survival. Therefore, it is not surprising that suicides among today's teens and twenty-somethings have risen 47 percentduring the past two decades.  Sadly the casualty rate is higher after we consider there are 36 percent more people living in their 20s today than there were at the turn of the century. Thirty-two percent of youth through their 20s have clinical anxiety disorders, 1 in 9 suffer from depression and almost 14 percent have ADHD.  Although the medical community would like us to believe these are either inherited or biological conditions attributable to brain chemical imbalances, there is absolutely no scientific consensus proving there is a direct, observable causal relationship between brain function and mental states.  Certainly there are correlated relationships; but correlation is not causation.  The latter is solely a belief, an assumption, without any conclusive and confirming data. The causes are elsewhere and perhaps to be found in our dysfunctional society and the complete breakdown of traditional ethical structures and universal values. In 1972, South African sociologist Stanley Cohen proposed the Moral Panic Theory, an irrational widespread fear that threatens one's sense of values, safety and cohesion to one's “tribal” identity.  This moral panic, Cohen observes, is bolstered by the injustices of the ruling elite and its mouthpieces in the media. It also centers aroundthose who society marginalizes and is based upon “ethnicity, class, sexuality, nationality and religion.” Ashley Grossman, writing for ThoughtCo, makes the point that those in power will ultimately most benefit from moral panics “since they lead to increased control of the population and the reinforcement of the authority of those in charge.” The panic aroused grassroots movements provides the government or state “to enact legislation and laws that would seem illegitimate without the perceived threat at the center of the moral panic.” The popular fear of the Covid-19 virus and the unvaccinated created by our federal health officials and their news media allies is another recent example of Moral Panic Theory. Unfortunately, most of the country has entered a Moral Panic phase: the vitriolic propaganda in both parties, the greed and opportunism of the oligarchic and corporate elite, QAnon and the Alt-Right, and the Woke-Left. Repeatedly woke students are demanding their schools and colleges make assurances that they are emotionally safe from ideas and philosophies that challenge their fragile comfort zones. Teachers and professors who challenge their students' illusions about knowledge and their fragile self-identity are being ostracized with calls for administrative dismissal. How many academicians are forced to remain silent to avoid the consequences of the new woke Inquisition? Such student actions are indicative of their weak sense of self-worth and existential angst; yet we must look at modern parental upbringing and our culture's leading elders, as noted by Jonathan Haidt, to diagnose the causal factors for this psychological catastrophe of two entire generations. Consequently, when collective panic reaches a threshold, Cohen's theory might explain the sudden eruption of irrational behavior entangled in the rise of a cancel culture built upon an intellectual anarchy that is frighteningly irrational. And it is equally endemic to the reactionary maleficence of white supremacists and militias. So when a new book emerges, White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, and becomes the holy grail of woke truths, we are lectured that what will not be tolerated is any deviation or heresy its espoused twisted emerging social norm. The author's central theme is that if you have the misfortune of being born with the wrong genes into the wrong family a with the wrong skin color, you are a racist and will be such for the remainder of your days.  Hence every White person is condemned with a defective moniker blazed across the forehead. And since meritocracy likewise is damned, all achievements are reduced to an inherited privilege of having been born Caucasian.  Your attempt to defend yourself and profess your free speech is a testament of your heresy. No apology or act of humility can save you. It is a life sentence without parole for good behavior. White Fragility is already being taught in many schools, with the full cooperation of teacher unions and school administrators. Resistance will be a subversive act and an admission of your racism. It is critical to observe this may be heading towards a new paradigm of Orwellian social control. Yet there is barely a shred of credible scientific evidence to support DiAngelo's hypotheses.  It is a flawed opinion, and a dangerous one at that.  Worse, its long-reaching conclusions could advocate for a repressive regime of a future scientism dictatorship that Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell warned.  Russell noted that “collective passions” have a penchant to inflame “hatred and rivalry directed towards other groups.” He was acutely aware that “science is no substitute for virtue; the heart is as necessary for the good life as the head.” And DiAngelo's screed falls into the dark abysmal waters of genetic determinism that gave rise to racist fascism. Russell further cautioned that this distorted over-reliance on faux science could be “a curse to mankind.” Perhaps, during its Icarus moment, wokeness will self-destruct under its own rashness and the internal fire of its undiscerning ardor.  What carnage it leaves in its wake remains to be seen. Yet there is nothing new or original in the cultural rebellion we are witnessing. This game has been played out before in previous acts that strived for an adolescent and unreachable social perfection.  It will have its blowback.  In his Principia Mathematica, Isaac Newton observed that for every action there is an equally opposing reaction. However, we have yet to witness how it will boomerang. But we will.  In the meantime, a new class of wannabe priests is emerging within the woke movement, a priesthood David Hume warned about in his Essays, Moral, Political and Literary, which will in turn be an adversary to liberty. Consider the backlash after Harpers magazine published a Letter on Justice and Open Debate to warn about “a new set of moral attitudes and political commitments that tend to weaken our norms of open debate and toleration of differences in favor of ideological conformity.”  Signed by over 160 brilliant minds, academicians and authors – liberal and conservative -- including Noam Chomsky, Jonathan Haidt, Susannah Heschel, Steven Pinker, Gloria Steinem, etc, the letter gives a stark warning of the unwelcomed consequences of the new culture of censorship that the demonstration's leaders are ushering into the nation at large. The woke now demand retribution against its signers, in effect shutting down the nation's 200-plus years of free speech, the right to disagree and public discourse. Have those who are most rabidly eager to condemn and cancel the wide diversity of voices who disagree with their beliefs considered earlier precedents for their actions? It was the Spanish Inquisition.  In principle, how many today are in effect labeled heretics and “witches” because they have spoken publicly in favor of free speech and oppose censorship? May not the woke movement in turn become the harbinger of a new Inquisition, a new platform of economic and social persecution by the powerful and wealthy waiting in the corridors after the cult of woke loses its steam? The causal problems to our terrified culture is of course far deeper and has been identified and analyzed repeatedly in the writings of Chris Hedges and Henry Giroux.  Our nation thrives on victimizing others.  Now the once disenfranchised victims of the liberal woke generation, erupting from its simmering angst and meaninglessness, are determined to be the new victimizers. What is the end game when a populist uprising of disillusioned and psychologically traumatized youth at the mercy of capitalism's parasitical march to claim more victims gets the upper hand. The movement has now evolved beyond its original demands of racial justice for the Black and other minority communities who have been discriminated against by our institutions, particularly law enforcement and the private prison system. Now it is rapidly morphing into a massive autonomous cult of divisiveness and self-righteousness without a moral backbone that recognizes the essential values of forgiveness, reconciliation, and cooperative engagement for preserving a sane and productive culture that benefits all.     Insurance companies should ‘penalize' the unvaxxed, ethicist at New York University recommends   Professor Arthur Caplan said that people who have chosen not to get jabbed should pay higher insurance premiums and be barred from getting life insurance LifeSite News, Jan 6, 2022 An ethicist at New York University said that people who have not gotten jabbed should be punished by insurance companies. “By and large, if you're vaccinated and boosted, even if you get infected, you're going to be fine. You're going to be fine here. It's the unvaccinated who are going to be hurt, so why should anyone who is boosted bother at this point to do anything that makes the unvaccinated more safe?” CNN's John Berman asked Professor Arthur Caplan, the director of the medical ethics division at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Professor Caplan agreed that the unvaccinated should be shamed and treated poorly by society, though he said he hopes he can change their minds. “I'll condemn them. I'll shame them. I'll blame them,” Professor Caplan said. “We can penalize them more, say you will have to pay more on your hospital bill. You can't get life insurance, disability insurance at affordable rates if you aren't vaccinated.”     NO DEATHS FROM VITAMINS - Safety Confirmed by America's Largest Database   Orthomolecular News Service, January 7th 2022 The 38th annual report from the American Association of Poison Control Centers shows zero deaths from vitamins. It is interesting that it is so quietly placed way back there where nary a news reporter is likely to see it. The AAPCC reports zero deaths from multiple vitamins. And, there were no deaths whatsoever from vitamin A, niacin, pyridoxine (B-6) any other B-vitamin. There were no deaths from vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, or from any vitamin at all. On page 1477 there is an allegation of a single death attributed to an unspecified, unknown "Miscellaneous Vitamin." The obvious uncertainly of such a listing diminishes any claim of validity. There were no fatalities from amino acids, creatine, blue-green algae, glucosamine, or chondroitin. There were no deaths from any homeopathic remedy, Asian medicine, Hispanic medicine, or Ayurvedic medicine. None.   (NEXT)   40% of Israel could be infected with Covid-19 in current wave, says PM   France24, January 10, 2022 Israel could see up to nearly 40 percent of the population infected by coronavirus during the current wave, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Sunday, as testing facilities nationwide buckled Data presented at the cabinet meeting indicates that here, in Israel, between two to four million citizens in total will be infected during this current wave. A country of just 9.4 million, Israel has seen infections nearly quadruple over the past week compared to the previous one. The health ministry reported 17,518 new infections on Saturday. Health ministry data showed that more than 4.3 million Israelis were fully vaccinated with three shots, while 204 people are hospitalised in serious condition as a result of Covid-19 illness on Sunday. More than 1.5 million Covid cases, including 8,269 deaths, have been officially recorded in Israel.   (NEXT)   4th COVID Booster Shot Could Cause ‘Immune System Fatigue,' Scientists Say   As Israel moves ahead with fourth COVID shot, scientists told the New York Times the additional booster may cause more harm than good. Childrens Health Defense, January 7, 2022 COVID-19 booster shots could do more harm than good, according to scientists interviewed late last month by The New York Times. The scientists warned “that too many shots might actually harm the body's ability to fight COVID” and “might cause a sort of immune system fatigue.” On Monday, Israeli authorities began offering anyone over age 60 a chance to get a fourth shot, or second booster of the COVID vaccine. But scientists told The Times, before Israel confirmed it would offer the fourth shot, the science is not yet settled on using an additional booster shot to combat the new Omicron variant. There is one official report of an Israeli dying from Omicron. However, according to The Times of Israel, it is unclear that Omicron caused the death of the individual — a man in his 60s hospitalized weeks earlier from a pre-existing condition. A new report from the UK Health Security Agency showed booster doses are less effective against Omicron than previous variants, and their effectiveness wears off in only 10 weeks. Professor Hagai Levine, an epidemiologist and chairman of Israel's Association of Public Health Physicians, told The New York Times there's no published scientific evidence a fourth shot is needed to prevent severe illness from Omicron. “Before giving a fourth shot, it is preferable to wait for the science,” Levine said.   (NEXT)   145-Country Study Shows Increase Of Transmission And Death After Introduction Of Covid Vaccines   Truth Press, January 11, 2022 Instead of bringing an end to this pandemic as promised, the widespread rollout of the experimental vaccines has actually caused a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases and deaths across the world, according to a recently published preprint study that looked at data from the 145 of the most vaccinated countries in the world. The 99-page study titled “Worldwide Bayesian Causal Impact Analysis of Vaccine Administration on Deaths and Cases Associated with COVID-19: A BigData Analysis of 145 Countries” found that in the US specifically, the jab has caused a whopping 38% more Covid cases per million – and an even more astonishing 31% increase in deaths per million. In total, researchers found that almost 90% (89.84%) of the 145 countries experienced this negative effect from the vaccines after they were made available. From the study: “Results indicate that the treatment (vaccine administration) has a strong and statistically significant propensity to causally increase the values in either y1 [variable chosen for deaths per million] or y2 [variable chosen for cases per million] over and above what would have been expected with no treatment. y1 showed an increase/decrease ratio of (+115/-13), which means 89.84% of statistically significant countries showed an increase in total deaths per million associated with COVID-19 due directly to the causal impact of treatment initiation [vaccines]. y2 showed an increase/decrease ratio of (+105/-16) which means 86.78% of statistically significant countries showed an increase in total cases per millionof COVID-19 due directly to the causal impact of treatment initiation.” Perhaps the most telling part of the study's results is that the countries which recorded the fewest Covid deaths in 2020 were the ones to experience the largest increases in cases and deaths once the vaccine was introduced, with some of them seeing increases as high as over a thousand percent. In the study's conclusion, researchers warned that the substantial increase in deaths and cases should be “highly worrisome” for the policymakers around the world who have been promoting the experimental vaccines as the “key to gain back our freedoms.”   (NEXT)   Covid Vaccine-Injuries: "An Avalanche", says Attorney Aaron Siri   In November 2021, attorney Aaron Siri explained to an expert panel at Congress that his firm was seeing "an avalanche of submissions" from people seeking help to sue after covid vaccine-injuries.         Here we are in early January 2022, and:        ~ The CDC's data released December 31, 2021 contains 1,017,001 covid vaccine-injury records.        ~ The WHO's global database (VigiAccess) has collected 2,933,902 covid vaccine-injury records.        Even young children are being vaccine-injured.       From CDC's own publication, MMWR Dec. 31, 2021:        ~ "5,277 VAERS reports received for children aged 5–11 years" [1,028 (19.5%) were excluded from this analysis]        ~ "Approximately 5.1% of parents reported that their child was unable to perform normal daily activities on the day after receipt of dose 1, and 7.4% after receipt of dose 2. Approximately 1% of parents reported seeking medical care in the week after vaccination"       ~ "Two reports of death during the analytic period [November 3 - December 19, 2021]

The percentage of young adults with obesity has skyrocketed over the last four decades, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers at Johns Hopkins collected data from over 8,000 adults aged 18 to 25 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They found that the prevalence […] The post 91. The percentage of young adults with obesity has skyrocketed appeared first on Dr. David Geier - Feel and Perform Better Than Ever.

Please join author Jonathan Newman and Associate Editor Sandeep Das as they discuss the article "Outcomes of Participants With Diabetes in the ISCHEMIA Trials." Dr. Carolyn Lam: Welcome to circulation on the run, your weekly podcast, summary, and backstage pass to the journal and its editors. We're your co-hosts; I'm Dr. Carolyn Lam, Associate Editor from the National Heart Center and Duke National University of Singapore. Dr. Greg Hundley: And I'm Dr. Greg Hundley, Associate Editor, Director of the Pauley Heart Center at VCU health in Richmond, Virginia. Well, Carolyn, this week's feature, a couple of weeks ago, we had that feature forum on the ischemia trial. Now we're going to explore some of the outcomes in patients with diabetes, from the ischemia trial in the feature discussion today. But, before we get to that, let's grab a cup of coffee and start in on some of the other articles in this issue. So, how about if I go first, this time? This particular paper, Carolyn, we're going to start on one of your topics. I know you're a fan of diet related interventions. So high intake of added sugar is linked to weight gain and cardio-metabolic risk. And in 2018, the U S National Salt and Sugar Reduction Initiative proposed government supported voluntary national sugar reduction targets. Dr. Greg Hundley: This intervention's potential health and equity impacts and cost effectiveness are unclear. And so Carolyn, these authors, led by Dr. Renata Micha from Tufts University, incorporated a validated micro-simulation model - CVD Predict coded in C++, and used it to estimate incremental changes in type two diabetes, cardiovascular disease, quality adjusted life years, cost and cost effectiveness of this national policy. The model was run at the individual level and the model incorporated national demographic and dietary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey across three cycles spanning from 2011 to 2016, added sugar related diseases from meta-analysis and policy costs and health-related costs from established sources and a simulated nationally representative us population was created and followed until age 100 years or death with 2019 as the year of intervention start and findings were evaluated over 10 years and a lifetime from healthcare and societal perspectives. Dr. Carolyn Lam: Ooooh, You so got my attention, Greg, a very important topic and so, what did they find? Dr. Greg Hundley: Right, Carolyn. So achieving the NSRI sugar reduction targets could prevent 2.48 million cardiovascular death related events, 0.5 million cardiovascular disease deaths, and three quarters of a million diabetes cases, gain 6.7 million quality adjusted life years, and save $160.8 billion in net cost from a societal perspective over a lifetime. The policy became cost-effective, defined as less than $150,000 for quality adjusted life years at six years and highly cost-effective at seven years with a cost savings noted at nine years. And therefore, Carolyn, implementing and achieving the NSSRI sugar reformation targets could generate substantial health gains, equity gains, and cost savings. Dr. Carolyn Lam: Wow, thanks Greg. So, moving from a very publicly health focused paper to this paper that really focuses on hypoplastic left heart syndrome with very, very scientifically significant findings. Now, first, we know hypoplastic left heart syndrome is the most common and severe manifestation within the spectrum of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction defects occurring in association with ventricular hypoplasia. The pathogenesis is unknown, but hemodynamic disturbances are assumed to play a prominent role. Authors led by Doctors Moretti and Laugwitz from Technical University of Munich in Germany, as well as Dr. Gruber from Yale University School of Medicine, and their colleagues combined whole exome sequencing of parent offspring, trios, transcriptome profiling of cardiomyocytes from ventricular biopsies and immuno-pluripotent stem cell derived cardiac progenator or cardiomyocyte models of 2D and 3D cardiogenesis, as well as single cell gene expression analysis to decode the cellular and molecular principles of hypoplastic left heart syndrome phenotypes. Dr. Greg Hundley: Wow, Carolyn, there is a lot of data, very complex preclinical science here. So what did they find? Dr. Carolyn Lam: Indeed, Greg. As I said, scientifically incredible and rigorous, and they found that initial aberrations in the cell cycle unfolded protein response, autophagy hub led to disrupted cardiac progenator lineage commitment, consequently, impaired maturation of ventricular cardiomyocytes limited their ability to respond to growth cues. Resulting in premature cell cycle exit and increase apoptosis under biomechanical stress in 3D heart structures. Together, these studies provide evidence that the hypoplastic left heart syndrome pathogenesis is not exclusively of hemodynamic origin, and they revealed novel potential nodes for rational design of therapeutic intervention. Dr. Greg Hundley: Wow, Carolyn, we really need research in this topic and this is great preclinical science that we're getting here in our journal. Congratulations to the authors and what a great presentation of that by you. Well, Carolyn and my next paper there remain major uncertainties regarding disease activity within the Retain Native Aortic Valve, as well as bioprosthetic valve durability, following transcatheter aortic valve implantation. And these authors led by Doctor Jacek Kwiecinski, from the Institute of Cardiology, aimed in a multi-center cross-sectional observational cohort study to assess native aortic valve disease activity and bioprosthetic valve durability in patients with TAVI in comparison to subjects with bioprosthetic surgical aortic valve replacement or SAVR. Dr. Carolyn Lam: Oh, very interesting. And what were the results? Dr. Greg Hundley: An interesting comparison, Carolyn. So in patients with TAVI, native aortic valves demonstrated 18 F sodium fluoride uptake around the outside of the bioprosthesis that showed a modest correlation with the time from TAVI. Next, 18 sodium fluoride uptake in the bias prosthetic leaflets was comparable between SAVR and TAVI groups. Next, the frequencies of imaging evidence of bioprosthetic valve degeneration at baseline were similar on echo cardiography 6 and 8% respectively, CT, 15 and 14% respectively, and with PET scanning. Next, baseline 18 F sodium fluoride uptake was associated with subsequent change in peak aortic velocity for both TAVI and SAVR. And on multi-variable analysis, the 18 F sodium fluoride uptake was the only predictor of peak velocity progression. And so Carolyn, therefore, in patients with TAVI, native aortic valves demonstrate evidence of ongoing active disease and across imaging modalities, TAVI degeneration is of similar magnitude to bioprosthetic SAVR suggesting comparable midterm durability. Dr. Carolyn Lam: Very nice, important stuff. Dr. Carolyn Lam: Well, thanks, Greg. Let's tell everyone about the other papers in today's issue. There's an exchange of letters between Doctors Baillon and Blaha regarding the article very high coronary artery, calcium and association with cardiovascular disease events, non-cardiovascular outcomes and mortality from MESA. There's an ECG challenge from Dr. Bell Belhassen on a left bundle branch block, tachycardia following transcatheter aortic valve replacement. And On My Mind paper by Dr. Neeland on cardiovascular outcomes trials for weight loss interventions, another tool for cardiovascular prevention, another Research Letter by Dr. Nakamura on clinical outcomes of Rivaroxaban Mono therapy in heart failure, patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease. So insights from the AFIRE trial, and finally, a Research Letter from Dr. Kumoro three-dimensional visualization of hypoxia induced, pulmonary vascular remodeling in mice. Dr. Greg Hundley: Great, Carolyn, and I've got an in-depth piece from Professor Jia Sani entitled breadth of life, heart disease, linked to developmental hypoxia. Dr. Greg Hundley: Well, Carolyn, how about we get onto that feature discussion and learn more about results from the ischemia trial? Dr. Carolyn Lam: Let's go Greg. Dr. Carolyn Lam: Well, we all know how important diabetes is as a risk factor for atherosclerotic coronary disease. And we know it's a very common comorbidity among patients with chronic coronary disease, but the question is do patients with diabetes and chronic coronary disease on top of guideline directed medical therapy and lifestyle interventions, of course, do they derive incremental benefit from an invasive management strategy of their coronary disease? Well, we are going to try to answer that question today in our feature discussion. Thank you so much for joining us today. The first author and corresponding author of today's feature paper, which tells us about results from the ischemia trials. And that's Dr. Jonathan Newman from New York university Grossman School of Medicine. We also have associate editor Sandeep Das from UT Southwestern. So welcome both of you. And if I could please start with Jonathan reminding us, perhaps, what were the ischemia trials and then what you tried to answer and do in today's paper, Dr. Jonathan Newman: Of course, Carolyn, and thank you so much for having me and for the discussion with Sandeep. It's a pleasure to be here. So sure has a little bit of background, as you indicated, the ischemia trials basically enrolled and for the purposes of this discussion and this analysis, I'm referring to both the main ischemia trial and the ischemia chronic kidney disease trials. So ischemia CKD under the umbrella of the ischemia trials. Ischemia stands for the international study of comparative health effectiveness with medical and invasive approaches. And the purpose of the trial was to test to see whether a routine invasive approach on a background of intensive guideline directed medical therapy for high risk patients with chronic coronary disease and at least moderate ischemia and obstructive coronary disease documented on a blinded CCTA or computed coronary tomography angiography prior to randomization was associated with benefits for a cardiovascular composite. And we looked in this analysis at whether or not there was appreciable heterogeneity of treatment effect or a difference in treatment effect for patients compared without diabetes in the ischemia trials, in ischemia and ischemia CKD. Dr. Carolyn Lam: Great, thanks for lining that up so nicely. So what, Dr. Jonathan Newman: So the results of our analysis really highlighted a couple of things that I think you touched upon initially, the first thing that I would highlight is that diabetes was very common in this high risk cohort with chronic coronary disease, over 40% of participants in the ischemia trials, 43% with obstructive coronary disease and moderate to severe, you may have had diabetes. Perhaps not surprisingly patients with diabetes had higher rates of death or MI than those without diabetes. And the rates were highest among those patients that required insulin, had insulin treated diabetes, but using really robust methods to assess for heterogeneity using a Bassen assessment of heterogeneity of treatment effect accounting for violation of proportional hazards. The fact that there was an upfront hazard and a late benefit, we really saw no difference in death or MI, between the invasive or conservative strategies for patients with, or without diabetes over about three years of follow-up. Dr. Jonathan Newman: And the results importantly were consistent for ischemia and ischemia CKD and provided the rationale for us when we started by looking to see if the distribution of risk and characteristics allowed the trials to be combined. The study really confirms this higher risk of death or a MI for chronic coronary disease patients who have diabetes extends these findings for those patients with moderate or severe ischemia. And I think really notably also adds information about chronic coronary disease patients with diabetes and CKD. That's sort of the overall findings. And I'm happy to talk in more detail about that. Dr. Carolyn Lam: I love the way you explain that Jonathan and especially, going into detail on what was so different about the paper and the really important statistical methods that made these findings robust, very important and impactful findings. If I could ask Sandeep to share your thoughts. Dr. Sandeep Das: Thanks, Carolyn. You know, I am just a big fan of everything that's come out of the ischemia group. One of the things that I really most enjoy as a consumer of the literature is when well done studies give me results that are unexpected. And I know it's become fashionable now to say that everybody knew that all along that this is what going to be the result. But honestly, I think we all sort of are many of us thought that there's going to be a subgroup somewhere that's really going to benefit from an invasive approach in terms of preventing heart outcomes. I think the key here that really jumped out at me was that this is identifying what we typically think of is a very high risk subgroup. You know, patients with diabetes patients with multi-vessel coronary disease patients with insulin dependent diabetes. Dr. Sandeep Das: And we did see the association with mortality across the increased disease severity and the increased severity of diabetes as expected. But really we didn't see a signal that revascularization, routinely revascularizing patients, even the higher risk patients led to clinically relevant heart outcome benefits. So I thought that that was a really interesting top line finding and really that's kind of. I mean, it would have been interesting if it was the other way too, but it was, it really was kind of the hook that got me into the paper. Dr. Sandeep Das: I actually have a question for Jonathan, one of the things that I think we spend a lot of time as an editorial group thinking about and talking about, and we bounce back and forth with the authors a few times was the idea that relatively few of these patients with multi-vessel CAD ended up having CABG. So, you would typically think of diabetes multi-vessel CAD as being a pretty strong signal for patients that may benefit in terms of mortality from having bypass surgery. And here it was a relatively small group about a third, or maybe even less than a third. And I realized up front, they excluded the left main and the patients that had angina had a CTA, et cetera. But what I'd be curious as to your thoughts about, the benefits of bypass surgery and diabetes, which have been established in other trials. Dr. Jonathan Newman: It's a great question. And I think we really appreciated the questions from you and from the editors to try and get at some of the nuance with this issue. As you indicated in the ischemia and ischemia CKD trials overall, and the patients in the invasive treatment arm, it was about 25% or so 26% and 15% were revascularized with CABG. Part of the issue here is that it gets a little tricky with the use of CCTA of pre randomization CTA to define coronary artery severity, which was not required in the CKD population due to impaired renal function. But what we can say is among the patients with diabetes and multi-vessel coronary disease, 29% were revascularized surgically in their combined analysis, which is comparable to the 30% in Bery 2d that were revascularized via bypass surgery, as we've discussed. And as you know, the decision for surgical versus percutaneous revascularization in ischemia, as in Barry 2d was non-randomized though we might want to, we really tried to be very, very cautious in terms of comparing revascularization strategies on outcomes for patients with diabetes and multi-vessel CAD, which has you suggested. Dr. Jonathan Newman: And as we pointed out, the proportion with multi-vessel CAD was more common amongst in patients with diabetes compared with those patients without diabetes. The other thing I would sort of say in the framework of, the revascularization and strategies for revascularization, comparing, let's say ischemia to Barry 2d or to freedom. Basically we have very little data about revascularization approaches for those patients with creatinine with impaired renal function and, patients with the crediting greater than two were excluded from Barry 2d. So while we had about 15% or so that had severe CKD. So in the GFR, less than 30 are on dialysis. And we know that's an extremely high risk group of patients with diabetes and chronic coronary disease. And we don't have great evidence on which strategy for revascularization if at all provides additional benefit. So I think it's a really a tough question to answer, and we tried to be as judicious as possible in our comments about revascularization approaches, given the nature of the trial design. Dr. Carolyn Lam: Gee, thanks so much, Jonathan, for explaining that. So, well, I actually have a related question now, referring to the medical therapy. Can I, sort of ask you about the fact that, these days that the rage is all about GLP one receptor agonist, for example, that are known to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and diabetes. So these ischemic trials, I assume, did not have a high usage of these medications. And what do you think would be the impact, if anything, I suppose even more for guideline directed medical therapy. Huh? Dr. Jonathan Newman: Yeah. So it's a great question, Carolyn. As you know, in strategy trials and clinical trials in general, that take a while it's always a real challenge to keep the trial contemporary with current clinical practice, whether it's revascularization strategies or changes in medical therapy. And as you indicated, the real revolution and glucose lowering therapies with profound cardiovascular benefit for patients with diabetes, we worked hard to try and stay up to date and encourage sites around the world with the use of best SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP ones. The rates were very, very low and we don't actually given the fact that the ischemia trials were conducted a real multinational and is really an international trial is over 330 sites worldwide. So we really had to balance the data that we could get from sites with the reality of collecting and running this trial across the whole world. Dr. Jonathan Newman: So we don't actually know. We know insulin use or non-use or oral medication use or non-use or no medication use or non-use, but not much more than that. From what, as, you know, unfortunately, even after now, six going on seven years of impressive data for the benefit of these agents, uptake remains low for patients with diabetes, whether it's with coronary disease or heart failure. And there was certainly the case with the trial, which started back in 2015, or sorry, before 2015, even before the results of EMPA-REG. So the rates of those agents were low. I would expect as you indicated that if we did have greater use of these beneficial therapies. Medical therapy may have performed even better and potentially given an added boost potentially for our high risk, even higher risk subgroups that we'd looked at that were available in these trials. Dr. Carolyn Lam: Oh, thanks again. I wish we could go on forever, but we've got just a little bit of time left. So I'd like to ask you both for your quick take home messages for the audience. Could I start with Sandeep and then Jonathan? Dr. Sandeep Das: Yeah. You know, I think a key take home from this is that, although it may be naively intuitive that a very aggressive invasive strategy would be superior, especially in high risk patients. You know, the data are very, very convincing that it's not. And so therefore I think in an absolute minimum, you have plenty of time and ability to think about these patients carefully, to select who, if anybody would be a great candidate for revascularization, more aggressive therapy and more invasive therapy, but the most patients will do well with conservative management. Dr. Sandeep Das: And I think that that's the, that's a real key take home here. And I think that the points that Jonathan raised about, you know, poor uptake of GLP one RAs and SGLT 2 inhibitors in the community as they're so far are key, right? So we have great medicines that we just under used, and that to me is the other sort of clarion call here is that if in the context of a nice trial, that you can see similar result for invasive conservative approaches, then lets, let's get our medical therapy where it needs to be to provide our patients the best outcomes we can Speaker 3: Love it, Jonathan. Dr. Jonathan Newman: Yeah. So I'm really glad that Sandeep brought up the issue of medical therapy in the trial. And maybe I can take a minute to sort of frame what San kind of build off of what Sandeep just said, you know, we, in the context of this clinical trial, you know, Dr. Judy Hawkman, the study chair and Dr. David Marin, the co-chair and I, we worked very hard with optimizing medical therapy across the trials, for all participants. So really getting patients on the maximum tolerated doses of high-intensity statins, lowering patient's LDL as aggressively as possible evolving our systolic blood pressure targets. And it was extremely challenging. And at the end of the day, we see that patients with diabetes were more likely than those without to get to our LDL goal. We used a threshold problematic concept that that still may be to some extent, but they were less likely to achieve their systolic blood pressure goals. Dr. Jonathan Newman: And I think Sandeep was exactly right. We have a way to go with implementing existing therapies, existing medical therapy. There may be a benefit for as demonstrated in Dr. S. for patients that remain highly symptomatic to derive symptom benefit with revascularization. The other context I would sort of add with the medical therapy issue is that despite really aggressive medical therapy, and we really did as much as we could, patients with diabetes still had, a 40, 50% greater risk of death or MI than those without diabetes. So there's still this idea of kind of residual risk. And these were patients with diabetes that were very well managed from a medical and glycemic control perspective. So we still have a lot of work to do. And I think understanding ways we can benefit our patients is really that challenge. Speaker 3: Thanks so much, Jonathan, and thank you Sandeep for joining us today. Speaker 3: And thank you audience for listening from Greg and I. This has been "Circulation On The Run", please tune in again. Next week. Dr. Greg Hundley: This program is copyright of the American Heart Association, 2021. The opinions expressed by speakers in this podcast are their own and not necessarily those of the editors or of the American Heart Association for more visit AHJjournals.org.

A new study shows kids today are eating more ultra-processed foods than ever before. Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers collected data from over 33,000 responses to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey about the foods consumed by children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 19. Today, two-thirds […] The post 7. Kids today eat more ultra-processed foods than ever appeared first on Dr. David Geier - Feel and Perform Better Than Ever.

"About 19 percent of children and adolescents in the U.S. are obese — a record high, according to the latest data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey."https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/public-health/childhood-obesity-rates-hit-all-time-high-survey-finds.htmlhttps://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.htmlHow can we change this?  It can start right in your kitchen!This month is all about ways to incorporate cooking, healthy snacking, and gathering at the table together.  Whatever your family dynamic is - make it a priority this month to sit at the table together more often.  Make it a priority to make a new recipe together…even if it's chaotic and messy because it really isn't the end product, but rather the experiences they are having with YOU.Mark Your Calendars:  "National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day is on September 13th. We will be chatting all month about fun ways to cook with your kids, fun and healthy recipes to make at home, ways to incorporate learning in the kitchen, and the importance of gathering at the table together. If possible (and time allows), let your kids help with packing their lunches.   This teaches them responsibility and different ways to make healthy eating choices.  Make the presentation colorful and fun!  Check out kid-safe skewers on Amazon.Use unique containers like bento boxes and special containers for dips like hummus and peanut butter.To carry on the tradition from my childhood, I write a quick note or draw a quick picture to let my kids know that we love them and are thinking about them while at school.  If you homeschool – you can still write a cute note!5 Healthy Lunch Ideas:1. Naan cheese pizza (make ahead – put small amount of sauce and cheese and bake) + sliced peppers/carrots + fruit salad2.  Mini ants on a log + pretzels (regular or gluten-free) + cheese and meat skewers + watermelon cubes3.  Burger skewers with meat/cheese/lettuce + melon cubes + gluten-free pretzels/veggie straws4.  Ham and cheese roll-ups + applesauce + veggie straws5.  Peanut butter mini pancakes + berry mix/jam + hardboiled eggsSome days it's a lunchable….I mean…let's be honest….we're doing our best!Resources:https://wholefully.com/healthy-school-lunch-ideas/https://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/peanut-butter-pancakes/ (we make these all the time)Links to Skewers and Bento Boxes (I am an Amazon Affiliate):Bento Boxes:  https://amzn.to/3zLUAycLunch Skewers for Kids:  https://amzn.to/3jH4c87Snag your FREE copy of the Whole Mama Survival Guide:  http://iamthewholemama.com/index.php/sign-up-for-the-whole-mama/Join the Whole Mama Mastermind:http://iamthewholemama.com/index.php/the-whole-mama-mastermind/Be a guest on my podcast!!  Email me at jenna@iamthewholemama.com to request a spot or to offer topic suggestions for the podcast. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thewholemama)

SummaryWe have been taught to not skip meals, make carbohydrates the most abundant macronutrient we consume, and to snack throughout the day. Sadly, this all appears to be wrong. Fasting exists in many forms and growing evidence suggests it is essential to health. We are all spending way too much time fed and not enough time fasting. Want to stimulate autophagy? Then eat less, exercise more, and feel better! Morbidity and MortalityObesity rates have more than tripled worldwide since 1975. Over 50% of people in the United States are now obese and 30% or more have metabolic syndrome. Houston, we have a problem! StoryJesus fed for 40 days in the desert during what we now call Lent. Islamic peoples celebrate Ramadan, a remembrance of Mohamad's 1st revelation. During this holy month, Islamic people do not eat during the daylight hours. Buddhist monks fast during religious retreats and the Buddha did not eat food after lunch. For a time fasting fell out of favor, but it is coming back, and just in time. Key Points1. Autophagy is biological process that allows cells to recycle nutrients and get rid of harmful waste. It is essential for health and best stimulated through fasting.2. By fasting and/or limiting carbohydrate intake, mammals enter ketosis. Ketosis is marked by the mobilization of stored fat for nutrition, the synthesis of glucose from glycerol and amino acids, as well as the usage of ketones for nutrition. Maintaining the body in a state of ketosis is beneficial for the treatment of metabolic syndrome.3. Metabolic syndrome is marked by obesity, hypertension, high bad cholesterols, low good cholesterols, high blood sugar, and high insulin levels. It predisposes individual to heart disease, cancer, and numerous other health problems. It is the great killer of our time.4. Fasting and sleep are the best way to stimulate autophagy. Autophagy is essential to health, and we are increasingly understanding the link between autophagy and longevity. References-       Yoshinori Ohsumi. What is Autophagy. Lecture. Molecular Frontiers Symposium, Tokyo. 2017.-       Chung KW, Chung HY. The Effects of Calorie Restriction on Autophagy: Role on Aging Intervention. Nutrients. 2019;-       Hwangbo DS, Lee HY, Abozaid LS, Min KJ. Mechanisms of Lifespan Regulation by Calorie Restriction and Intermittent Fasting in Model Organisms. Nutrients. 2020-       Ros M, Carrascosa JM. Current nutritional and pharmacological anti-aging interventions. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis. 2020-       Wikipedia, Autophagy, Intermittant Fasting, ketosis-       Colman RJ, Anderson RM. Nonhuman primate calorie restriction. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2011-       Gershuni VM, Yan SL, Medici V. Nutritional Ketosis for Weight Management and Reversal of Metabolic Syndrome. Curr Nutr Rep. 2018-       Moore JX, Chaudhary N, Akinyemiju T. Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence by Race/Ethnicity and Sex in the United States, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988–2012. Prev Chronic Dis 2017

 Dr. Christopher Cifelli Ph.D. is Vice President of Nutrition Research at National Dairy Council where he oversees the Dairy and Public Health research platform, the goal of which is to provide scientific evidence that can be used to protect and promote dairy in public policy. Dr. Cifelli is responsible for the strategic planning, development, and management of dairy-centric research on chronic disease risk, childhood nutrition, CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey related research, and nutrition and sustainability. Dr. Cifelli obtained both his B.S. degree in Biology and his Ph.D. degree in Nutritional Sciences from Penn State University, where his graduate work focused on understanding how vitamin A status and inflammation affected retinoic acid metabolism, including mathematical modeling to study the effects of retinoic acid supplementation on whole-body vitamin A kinetics. During his post-doctorate work at Penn State, he examined vitamin A kinetics, storage and disposal rates in adults from different ethnic backgrounds. In his current role at the Dairy Research Institute, Dr. Cifelli is involved in the development, design, initiation, management and communication of research projects on the health benefits associated with adequate dairy consumption, including those studies examining the effects of vitamins and minerals found in dairy on bone density, weight maintenance, and metabolic health. Dr. Cifelli is active in several professional organizations. He currently serves as the chair of the Science and Translation Committee for the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics and is on the Board of Directors for the Yogurt in Nutrition Initiative. In addition he has authored or co-authored more than 20 peer-reviewed research manuscripts, reviews and abstracts. 

Welcome back! When it comes to dieting, we have all heard the saying "everything is okay in moderation," right?  In today's episode, Zane reveals the truth about alcohol in modern and how it relates to your weight loss journey.   LINKS: Overview: How Is Alcohol Metabolized by the Body? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6527027/ Binge drinking increases risk of type 2 diabetes by causing insulin resistance https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130130184027.htm Binge Drinking Induces Whole-Body Insulin Resistance by Impairing Hypothalamic Insulin Action https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3740748/ Beer, liquor, and wine consumption and serum uric acid level: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15593346/ What You Need to Know About Alcohol and Gout https://www.healthline.com/health/gout-and-alcohol   Zane's Links: https://elitehrv.com/normal-heart-rate-variability-age-gender Get organic keto meals delivered to your door!! https://trifectanutrition.llbyf9.net/zane ReLyte Electrolytes by Redmond Real Salt https://shop.redmond.life?afmc=Zane Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zanegriggsfitness   Questions? You can email your questions to zane@zanegriggs.com. Connect with me at zanegriggs.com   QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY The effect of alcohol on weight loss Calories are not just calories Alcohol's effects on insulin resistance Zane discuss' decreasing alcohol intake and multiplier effect of weight loss The effects of binge drinking Similarities between the effects of alcohol and fructose The link between uric acid and alcohol Which alcohol was the worst for uric acid levels? Alcohol in the diet and the rate of weight loss The oxidation of cells and the effect of alcohol on overall health  

กัญชา สมุนไพรที่อยู่คู่กับมนุษย์มาอย่างช้านาน ทั้งในเรื่องของการใช้เพื่อสันทนาการ และการนำประโยชน์มาใช้ในทางการแพทย์ แล้วกัญชานั้นแบ่งออกเป็นกี่สายพันธุ์ มีข้อดี ข้อเสีย หรือข้อควรระวังในการใช้อย่างไรบ้าง มาติดตามได้ในรายการ Dr.Amp Podcast เรื่องเล่าสุขภาพดี กับ หมอแอมป์ ตอน "กัญชา คุณค่าสมุนไพรจากธรรมชาติ" โดย นพ. ตนุพล วิรุฬหการุญ -ประธานเจ้าหน้าที่ปฏิบัติการ และ ผู้อำนวยการ BDMS Welness Clinic -ผู้อำนวยการ RoyalLife โรงพยาบาลกรุงเทพ -นายกสมาคมแพทย์ฟื้นฟูสุขภาพและส่งเสริมการศึกษาโรคอ้วน กรุงเทพ (BARSO) สามารถค้นหารายชื่อแพทย์ที่ผ่านการอบรมหลักสูตรการใช้กัญชาที่กรมการแพทย์ หรือ กรมการแพทย์แผนไทยและการแพทย์ทางเลือกให้การรับรองได้ที่: http://hemp.fda.moph.go.th/FDA_MARIJUANA/SAS/VISIT_DOCTOR

VIDEOS   1. Sen. Johnson and Dr. Pierre Kory on the impact of censorship in fight against COVID-19   2. New Rule: Getting It in the Nuts | Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)   3.  Black father destroys critical race theory at school board meeting   4.  Wuhan 15,00 bat samples and their virus databases all wiped from the internet   5. Fauci, Gain-of-Function Research, and Wuhan Lab Funding. Joe Rogan with Krystal Ball & Saagar Enjeti   Krystal Ball and Sagaar Enjeti are political commentators and hosts of the YouTube show and podcast "Breaking Points".   CoQ10 supplementation associated with lower pro-inflammatory factors in randomized trial Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences (Iran), June 8 2021    A double-blind trial reported in the International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research found a reduction in markers ofinflammation in mildly hypertensive patients given coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for twelve weeks. Participants who received CoQ10 also experienced an increase in adiponectin: a protein secreted by adipose tissue that has an anti-inflammatory effect and which has been found to be reduced in high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.   "Considering that coenzyme Q10 has attracted noticeable attention in recent years for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension in regard to its effect on inflammatory factors such as cytokines, it is therefore hypothesized that supplementation with coenzyme Q10 reduces the proinflammatory factors," write Nasim Bagheri Nesami of Iran's Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and colleagues. "This study was conducted in order to determine the effects of coenzyme Q10 on proinflammatory factors as well as on adiponectin in patients with mild hypertension." Sixty men and women were randomized to receive 100 milligrams CoQ10 or a placebo for a twelve week period. Plasma adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP, a marker of inflammation) and the cytokines interleukin 2, interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were measured before and after treatment. At the end of the study, participants who received CoQ10 had significant declines in interleukin-6 and hs-CRP compared with levels measured upon enrollment. They also experienced an increase in adiponectin, while levels in the placebo group slightly declined. The authors suggest that CoQ10 could be prescribed as a supplement along with antihypertensive medication for patients with mildly elevated blood pressure, and recommend that further research be conducted to validate the current findings.     Exposure to nature during COVID-19 lockdown was beneficial for mental health A study by the ICTA-UAB and the University of Porto analyses the effects of exposure to green spaces during the first months of the COVID19 pandemic in Spain and Portugal Universitat Autònoma of Barcelona (Spain), June 18, 2021 A study carried out by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB) and the Instituto de Saúde Pública of the University of Porto (ISPUP), concludes that exposure to natural spaces during the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 was beneficial for the mental health of Spanish and Portuguese citizens. The research shows that, in Portugal, during the first confinement, people who maintained or increased contact with natural public spaces, such as parks and coastal areas, or who could contemplate these spaces from their homes, presented lower levels of stress, psychological distress and psychosomatic symptoms. In Spain, those who maintained or increased contact with private natural spaces, such as indoor plants or community green areas, presented lower levels of stress and psychosomatic symptoms. This could be due to the fact that Spain adopted more restrictive measures for foreign circulation during the period analysed. The research Exposure to nature and mental health outcomes during COVID-19 lockdown. A comparison between Portugal and Spain, published in the journal Environment International, was conducted between March and May 2020. Dr Ana Isabel Ribeiro, researcher at the ISPUP and first author of the work together with Margarita Triguero-Mas from the ICTA-UAB says that "we decided to study whether natural, public and private spaces had a beneficial effect on the mental health of Portuguese and Spanish citizens, helping them to better cope with the negative effects of lockdown". For her part, Margarita Triguero-Mas adds that "people around us and ourselves talked about how we missed the park we crossed when we went to the office or the walk on the beach with our dogs, so we wanted to check to what extent contact with natural spaces was an important factor during confinement". Several previous articles have also shown the positive impact of exposure to natural spaces on mental health, that is, in reducing stress, anxiety and improving psychological well-being as a whole. "Taking into account what is described in the literature, we wanted to evaluate whether people who enjoyed greater exposure to natural spaces during the first COVID-19 lockdown had better mental health indicators than those who had no contact with natural areas", explains Dr Ribeiro. At the same time, they wanted to investigate whether exposure to private natural spaces, such as gardens, orchards or plants, was more beneficial among Spanish citizens than among Portuguese, given that Spain applied stricter measures to restrict mobility than Portugal. To carry out the research, the authors applied an online questionnaire, between March 27 and May 6, 2020, aimed at all citizens aged 18 years old or older, residing in Spain or Portugal. The survey covered aspects related to the frequency and type of exposure people had to natural spaces (public and private), before and during the first confinement; mental health questions to assess levels of stress, mental disorders and somatization symptoms, and sociodemographic issues. Of the more than 3,000 citizens (n = 3,157) who answered the questionnaire, 1,638 were Portuguese and 1,519 Spanish. In both countries, during the confinement, there was a significant reduction in the use of public natural spaces, such as beaches, parks and gardens, and an increase in contact with private natural spaces, such as community gardens, urban gardens and plants, especially in Spain. People living in single-family houses (detached house) and flats located in cities were the ones who least maintained or increased their exposure to public natural spaces in both countries. In Spain, where the measures during the period analysed were much more restrictive and it was forbidden to leave the house and public outdoor spaces were closed, the benefits of exposure to public natural spaces were not as relevant as in Portugal, but it was clear the importance of private natural elements. Among the Spanish citizens who participated in the study, 66% decreased the frequency of exposure to public natural spaces (compared to 54% in Portugal). In Spain, people who had the opportunity to continue dedicating or increasing the time dedicated to caring for their plants had lower stress levels, while those who were able to continue enjoying or increasing the time of use of community green spaces had lower rates of somatization.  In Spain, it is remarkable that the people who least maintained or increased the care of indoor plants were people over 65 years of age, those who lived with several people at home or those who were in a second residence during confinement. In contrast, the people who maintained or increased the care of indoor plants the most were those with children, but without dependent adults. In Portugal, those who were confined the longest and those who commuted to work were those who least maintained or increased their contact with the natural public spaces. In turn, those who practiced physical exercise indicated greater exposure to these places. Portuguese citizens who managed to maintain or increase their exposure to natural public spaces showed lower levels of stress compared to those who did not. Likewise, those who contemplated natural spaces from their homes obtained improvements in all the mental health outcomes analysed: stress, mental disorders and somatization. "This study clearly demonstrates the benefit of natural spaces for the mental health of the population in a context of public health crisis," says Ana Isabel Ribeiro. "Public authorities and decision-makers could implement measures that facilitate access to natural public spaces, in a safe and controlled manner, in the context of a pandemic. This is particularly important for the most socially and economically vulnerable population groups, and for those who have little access to these spaces in their private context", she emphasizes. In addition, Dr Triguero-Mas adds that "our study is especially important for cities like Barcelona, where new buildings rarely have balconies or community spaces with vegetation. It is important to revalue how building remodelling or new homes can be healthier spaces that promote and prevent deterioration in the health of the people who inhabit them". Flame retardants and pesticides overtake heavy metals as biggest contributors to IQ loss New York University, June 2, 2021   Adverse outcomes from childhood exposures to lead and mercury are on the decline in the United States, likely due to decades of restrictions on the use of heavy metals, a new study finds. Despite decreasing levels, exposure to these and other toxic chemicals, especially flame retardants and pesticides, still resulted in more than a million cases of intellectual disability in the United States between 2001 and 2016. Furthermore, as the target of significantly fewer restrictions, experts say, flame retardants and pesticides now represent the bulk of that cognitive loss. NYU Grossman School of Medicine researchers found that IQ loss from the toxic chemicals analyzed in their study dropped from 27 million IQ points in 2001 and 2002 to 9 million IQ points in 2015 and 2016. While this overall decline is promising, the researchers say, their findings also identify a concerning shift in which chemicals represent the greatest risk. Among toxin-exposed children, the researchers found that the proportion of cognitive loss that results from exposure to chemicals used in flame retardants, called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PDBEs), and organophosphate pesticides increased from 67 percent to 81 percent during the same study period. "Our findings suggest that our efforts to reduce exposure to heavy metals are paying off, but that toxic exposures in general continue to represent a formidable risk to Americans' physical, mental, and economic health," says lead study investigator Abigail Gaylord, MPH, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Population Health at NYU Langone. "Unfortunately, the minimal policies in place to eliminate pesticides and flame retardants are clearly not enough." The substances analyzed are found in household products from furniture upholstery to tuna fish, and can build up in the body to damage organs, researchers say. Heavy metals, lead and mercury in particular, are known to disrupt brain and kidney function. In addition, they, along with flame retardants and pesticides, can interfere with the thyroid, which secretes brain-developing hormones. Experts say exposure at a young age to any of these toxins can cause learning disabilities, autism, and behavioral issues. In their investigation, the researchers found that everyday contact with these substances during the 16-year study period resulted in roughly 1,190,230 children affected with some form of intellectual disability. Overall childhood exposures cost the nation $7.5 trillion in lost economic productivity and other societal costs. "Although people argue against costly regulations, unrestricted use of these chemicals is far more expensive in the long run, with American children bearing the largest burden," says senior study author Leonardo Trasande, MD, MPP, the Jim G. Hendrick, MD Professor at NYU Langone Health. Publishing online Jan. 14 in the journal Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, the new study is the only long-term neurological and economic investigation of its kind, the authors say. The investigators analyzed PBDE, organophosphate, lead, and methylmercury exposures in blood samples from women of childbearing age and 5-year-olds. Data on women and children was obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The researchers used results from several previous environmental health studies to estimate the annual number of IQ points lost per unit of exposure to each of the four main chemicals in the study. Then, they estimated the lost productivity and medical costs over the course of the children's lives linked to long-term intellectual disability using a second algorithm, which valued each lost IQ point at $22,268 and each case of intellectual disability at $1,272,470. While exposure to these chemicals persists despite tightened regulations, experts say Americans can help limit some of the effects by avoiding the use of household products or foods that contain them. "Frequently opening windows to let persistent chemicals found in furniture, electronics, and carpeting escape, and eating certified organic produce can reduce exposure to these toxins," says Trasande, who also serves as chief of environmental pediatrics in the Department of Pediatrics at NYU Langone. Trasande notes that the impact of these chemicals may be worse than their study can capture since there are far more hazards that affect brain development than the four highlighted in the investigation, and other potential consequences beyond IQ loss. "All the more reason we need closer federal monitoring of these substances," she says. The study authors say they plan to explore the cost of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in other countries. Red meat consumption may promote DNA damage-assoc. mutation in colorectal cancer patients Study provides mechanistic link between red meat consumption and colorectal cancer development Harvard Medical School, June 17, 2021 Bottom Line: Genetic mutations indicative of DNA damage were associated with high red meat consumption and increased cancer-related mortality in patients with colorectal cancer. Journal in Which the Study was Published: Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research Author: Marios Giannakis, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Background: "We have known for some time that consumption of processed meat and red meat is a risk factor for colorectal cancer," said Giannakis. The International Agency for Research on Cancer declared that processed meat was carcinogenic and that red meat was probably carcinogenic to humans in 2015.  Experiments in preclinical models have suggested that red meat consumption may promote the formation of carcinogenic compounds in the colon, but a direct molecular link to colorectal cancer development in patients has not been shown, Giannakis explained. "What is missing is a demonstration that colorectal cancers from patients have a specific pattern of mutations that can be attributed to red meat," he said. "Identifying these molecular changes in colon cells that can cause cancer would not only support the role of red meat in colorectal cancer development but would also provide novel avenues for cancer prevention and treatment." How the Study was Conducted: To identify genetic changes associated with red meat intake, Giannakis and colleagues sequenced DNA from matched normal and colorectal tumor tissues from 900 patients with colorectal cancer who had participated in one of three nationwide prospective cohort studies, namely the Nurses' Health Studies and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. All patients had previously provided information on their diets, lifestyles, and other factors over the course of several years prior to their colorectal cancer diagnoses.  Results: Analysis of DNA sequencing data revealed the presence of several mutational signatures in normal and cancerous colon tissue, including a signature indicative of alkylation, a form of DNA damage. The alkylating signature was significantly associated with pre-diagnosis intake of processed or unprocessed red meat, but not with pre-diagnosis intake of poultry or fish or with other lifestyle factors. Red meat consumption was not associated with any of the other mutational signatures identified in this study. In line with prior studies linking red meat consumption with cancer incidence in the distal colon, Giannakis and colleagues found that normal and cancerous tissue from the distal colon had significantly higher alkylating damage than tissue from the proximal colon.  Using a predictive model, the researchers identified the KRAS and PIK3CA genes as potential targets of alkylation-induced mutation. Consistent with this prediction, they found that colorectal tumors harboring KRAS G12D, KRAS G13D, or PIK3CA E545K driver mutations, which are commonly observed in colorectal cancer, had greater enrichment of the alkylating signature compared to tumors without these mutations. The alkylating signature was also associated with patient survival: Patients whose tumors had the highest levels of alkylating damage had a 47 percent greater risk of colorectal cancer-specific death compared to patients with lower levels of damage. Author's Comments: "Our study identified for the first time an alkylating mutational signature in colon cells and linked it to red meat consumption and cancer driver mutations," said Giannakis. "These findings suggest that red meat consumption may cause alkylating damage that leads to cancer-causing mutations in KRAS and PIK3CA, thereby promoting colorectal cancer development. Our data further support red meat intake as a risk factor for colorectal cancer and also provide opportunities to prevent, detect, and treat this disease."  Giannakis explained that if physicians could identify individuals who are genetically predisposed to accumulating alkylating damage, these individuals could be counseled to limit red meat intake as a form of precision prevention. In addition, the alkylating mutational signature could be used as a biomarker to identify patients at greater risk of developing colorectal cancer or to detect cancer at an early stage. Because of its association with patient survival, the alkylating signature may also have potential as a prognostic biomarker. However, future studies are needed to explore these possibilities, Giannakis noted. Study Limitations: A limitation of the study is the potential selection bias of study participants, as tissue specimens could not be retrieved from all incident colorectal cancer cases in the cohort studies. Current studies from Giannakis and his colleagues are exploring the potential role of red meat intake and alkylating damage in diverse groups of patients. Funding & Disclosures: The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Stand Up To Cancer Colorectal Cancer Dream Team Translational Research Grant (co-administered by the AACR), the Project P Fund, the Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge Award, the Nodal Award from the Dana-Farber Harvard Cancer Center, the Friends of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Bennett Family Fund, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation through the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance and Stand Up To Cancer.  Giannakis has received research funding from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck, Servier, and Janssen unrelated to this study. Association of higher average daily polyphenol intake with Mediterranean diet adherence and decreased waist to hip circumference University of the Aegean (Greece), June 14, 2021 According to news reporting originating from the University of the Aegean research stated, “Research data indicate the possible effect of both polyphenols consumption and Mediterranean diet adherence on metabolic diseases' prevalence. The present retrospective study investigated the possible association of polyphenols mean daily intake with Mediterranean diet adherence and anthropometric indices in a sample of the Greek population.” Our news reporters obtained a quote from the research from University of the Aegean: “A total of 250 healthy volunteers, aged between 18 and 65 years, were randomly recruited from central and northern Greece. Total daily polyphenols intake was estimated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) based on the NHANES study, while Med Diet Score was used for the degree of Mediterranean diet adoption. Daily polyphenols intake was identified by the Phenol Explorer database, and anthropometric measurements (BMI, waist-to-hip circumference, and body composition) were performed. The mean daily polyphenols intake was determined to be 1905 mg, while most of the participants had moderate or high mean consumption last year (67.5% of the sample were consuming more than 1000 mg/d). Moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet (higher Med Diet Score) was associated with increased mean daily polyphenols intake (* * p* * = 0.016). Increased polyphenols intake and higher Med Diet Score were associated with decreased waist-to-hip circumference (* * p* * = 0.027, 0.004, respectively).” According to the news editors, the research concluded: “Specific functional foods rich in polyphenols, such as sour cherry, tomatoes, black tea, and cocoa were associated with improved body composition indices. Larger epidemiological studies need to be performed for safer conclusions about whole population polyphenols intake and its association with metabolic disease biomarkers.” Whole, natural fiber works best to protect gut mucosal layer, researcher says University of Michigan, June 12, 2021 Dietary fiber plays an important role in protecting the gut's mucosal layer, according to research presented at the recent Probiota Americas event. It has long been known that the gut stays healthier and performs better with adequate fiber. But why? This is one of the questions that informed the research conducted by Dr Eric Martens, assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Michigan. Martens presented his research at the  IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas event, which was hosted by William Reed in Chicago last week. The event brought together 280 regulators, probiotics and prebiotics researchers and product developers.  Protecting the mucosal layer Martens said that his research showed that without adequate fiber in the gut, some organisms that might be nourished by that food source will look to alternative sources, one of which is the gut's mucosal layer. That layer is a critical component of the gut wall, and when it is eroded or absent harmful bacteria have an opportunity to latch onto the cells of the wall itself. “The core of our research is we are interested in the physiology of the many bacteria that live in the gut and defining at the functional and mechanistic level how they work with goal of understanding how the community works,” Martens said. The study he presented used 14 different bacteria with defined characteristics in a mouse model. The study had three groups, a group fed a fiber free diet, one with a whole grain diet rich in natural fibers, and a third that had fiber added back in in the form of purified, prebiotic fibers.  His research found that the whole grain, natural fibers fostered a microbial community in which the muscosa-eroding organisms were suppressed the best. He postulated that this could be because the large, whole food particles typical of the natural fiber diet were best able to reach the distal regions of the gut and affect the microbial community makeup there, whereas the purified fibers may have been mostly digested by that point. What Is the Liver Powerhouse Silymarin? GreenMedInfo  June 17th 2021   Here's what science has found most beneficial about silymarin, extracted from milk thistle and known to be a friend of your liver mainly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties When it comes to treating liver and gallbladder disorders, there is one name that stands out: silymarin. As a group of flavonolignans extracted from milk thistle, silymarin has been traditionally used for various protective benefits, from reinvigorating liver function to promoting breast milk production. The milk thistle plant, scientifically known as Silybum marianum, is a prickly plant with purple flowers and milky white veins present on the leaves, thus its name. Silymarin is the group of plant compounds that act as its active ingredient.[i] Silymarin is the main bioactive component of this medicinal plant. It is a mix of various flavonolignans, includings silybinin A and B, isosilybinin A and B, silychristin and silydianin.[ii] Milk thistle extract has a high silymarin content of approximately 65% to 80%. Silymarin is famed for its antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory components,[iii] as well as its traditional use or treating the liver and restoring its health. In addition, milk thistle itself is generally considered safe to take. Side effects are rare, and in an oral form standardized to contain 70% to 80% silymarin, it appears to be safe for up to 41 months of use.[iv] Silymarin's Liver-Protective Effects Fights liver inflammation and liver damage. Mounting evidence shows improvements in liver function among people with liver diseases who have taken a milk thistle supplement.[v] This suggests protection against flavanone silibinin liver inflammation and liver damage through use of the natural -- silymarin's primary active component -- which was combined with phosphatidylcholine in a specific study to enhance its solubility and bioavailability. Protects from toxins such as amatoxin, produced by Amanita mushroom, which can cause death if ingested. Two cases in the U.S. were treated with N-acetylcysteine, high-dose penicillin, cimetidine and silibinin.[vi] Uncontrolled trials and case reports cited successful treatment with intravenous silibinin, a flavonolignan isolated from milk thistle extracts, in nearly 1,500 cases.[vii] Overall mortality in those treated with the formula was less than 10%, compared to more than 20%when using penicillin, or a mix of silibinin and penicillin. Reduces liver fibrosis. In a randomized trial of 99 patients, the team administered silymarin in 700-milligram (mg) doses, or a placebo, given three times daily for 48 weeks.[viii] Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score was reduced by 32.7% in the silymarin group compared to 26% in the placebo group. Among the secondary outcomes were reductions in inflammation and fibrosis score in the silymarin group, leading the researchers to conclude that silymarin may decrease liver fibrosis, to be confirmed in larger trials. Fibrosis is the formation of abnormally large amounts of scar tissue in the liver. Helps prevent liver cancer. Studies have concluded that the long-term use of silymarin significantly increases survival time among patients with alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis, a risk factor for liver cancer. Silymarin can also significantly reduce tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis or new blood vessel formation, as well as insulin resistance.[ix] The chemopreventive effects "have been established in several studies using in vitro and in vivo methods," according to the researchers, and combine well with anti-inflammatory and inhibitory effects on the metastasis or spread of cancer. Contributes to liver regeneration. An animal study suggested that silymarin played a crucial role in accelerating liver regeneration after liver resection, a kind of surgery designed to remove cancerous tumors from the liver.[x] Liver regeneration is thought to evolve to protect animals from loss of liver due to toxins or tissue injury. Silymarin for Breastfeeding, Neurological Support Not to be ignored is silymarin's formidable list of other health benefits, such as boosting milk production in lactating mothers. A randomized trial found that mothers taking 420 mg of silymarin for 63 days produced more breast milk than subjects who took a placebo.[xi] Silymarin combined with phosphatidylserine and galega also increased milk production in moms of preterm infants, without any significant side effects.[xii] Milk thistle is also a traditional remedy for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer'sand Parkinson's diseases. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action mean it may be neuroprotective and help prevent the brain decline experienced with aging.

In Episode #133 I sit down with Dr Matthew Nagra to tackle the almighty protein topic! You know, the nutrient we are all fascinated by. What is protein? How much do we need? What's the difference between animal and plant protein? The best types of protein for good health? How do we optimise protein intake for promoting lean muscle and strength? We cover all of this and more - all through an evidence-based lens. Not what random folks are saying at the gym or online in the comments section. But what the highest quality science says. Specifically we cover: What protein is How much protein we need How much protein the average omnivore and vegetarian/vegan consumes Incomplete versus complete protein - how people are incorrectly using these terms Protein quality - how scoring systems work The difference between animal and plant protein when it comes to quality - and what this means for your food selection Animal versus plant protein and health outcomes Is soy protein safe? (e.g tempeh, tofu and soy milk) Best protein swaps you could consider making today Animal versus plant protein and performance outcomes (e.g lean muscle and strength) Optimising protein intake for performance Take home messages Resources: Follow Matt and Simon on Instagram Current Protein Intake Protein intake trends and conformity with the Dietary Reference Intakes in the United States: analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2014 Protein Intake in Western living Vegetarian and Vegans Nutrient Profiles of Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian Dietary Patterns Christopher Gardner's 2019 paper on protein Maximizing the intersection of human health and the health of the environment with regard to the amount and type of protein produced and consumed in the United States Plant's contain all amino acids Dietary Protein and Amino Acids in Vegetarian Diets—A Review Maximizing the intersection of human health and the health of the environment with regard to the amount and type of protein produced and consumed in the United States Joel Craddock's paper on scoring systems used to calculate protein quality Limitations with the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) with Special Attention to Plant-Based Diets: a Review The study that Dr Nagra mentions where they fed cooked plant protein to pigs (rather than raw)True ileal amino acid digestibility and digestible indispensable amino acid scores (DIAASs) of plant-based protein foods Animal versus plant protein and health outcomes (risk of cardiovascular disease, mortality etc)

In Episode #133 I sit down with Dr Matthew Nagra to tackle the almighty protein topic! You know, the nutrient we are all fascinated by.What is protein? How much do we need? What's the difference between animal and plant protein? The best types of protein for good health? How do we optimise protein intake for promoting lean muscle and strength?We cover all of this and more - all through an evidence-based lens. Not what random folks are saying at the gym or online in the comments section. But what the highest quality science says.Specifically we cover:What protein isHow much protein we needHow much protein the average omnivore and vegetarian/vegan consumesIncomplete versus complete protein - how people are incorrectly using these termsProtein quality - how scoring systems workThe difference between animal and plant protein when it comes to quality - and what this means for your food selectionAnimal versus plant protein and health outcomesIs soy protein safe? (e.g tempeh, tofu and soy milk)Best protein swaps you could consider making todayAnimal versus plant protein and performance outcomes (e.g lean muscle and strength)Optimising protein intake for performanceTake home messagesResources:Follow Matt and Simon on InstagramCurrent Protein Intake Protein intake trends and conformity with the Dietary Reference Intakes in the United States: analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2014Protein Intake in Western living Vegetarian and Vegans Nutrient Profiles of Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian Dietary PatternsChristopher Gardner's 2019 paper on protein Maximizing the intersection of human health and the health of the environment with regard to the amount and type of protein produced and consumed in the United StatesPlant's contain all amino acids Dietary Protein and Amino Acids in Vegetarian Diets—A Review Maximizing the intersection of human health and the health of the environment with regard to the amount and type of protein produced and consumed in the United StatesJoel Craddock's paper on scoring systems used to calculate protein quality Limitations with the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) with Special Attention to Plant-Based Diets: a ReviewThe study that Dr Nagra mentions where they fed cooked plant protein to pigs (rather than raw)True ileal amino acid digestibility and digestible indispensable amino acid scores (DIAASs) of plant-based protein foodsAnimal versus plant protein and health outcomes (risk of cardiovascular disease, mortality etc) Association Between Plant and Animal Protein Intake and Overall and Cause-Specific Mortality Dietary intake of total, animal, and plant proteins and risk of all cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies Protein foods from animal sources, incident cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality: a substitution analysisSoy protein and health outcomes Neither soy nor isoflavone intake affects male reproductive hormones: An expanded and updated meta-analysis of clinical studies Soy and Isoflavone Consumption and Multiple Health Outcomes: Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies and Randomized Trials in HumansProtein source and performance outcomes The Effects of Whey vs. Pea Protein on Physical Adaptations Following 8-Weeks of High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT): A Pilot Study High-Protein Plant-Based Diet Versus a Protein-Matched Omnivorous Diet to Support Resistance Training Adaptations: A Comparison Between Habitual Vegans and Omnivores No Difference Between the Effects of Supplementing With Soy Protein Versus Animal Protein on Gains in Muscle Mass and Strength in Response to Resistance ExercisePlant-based meat alternatives Dr Nagra's recent article on My Nutrition Science The SWAP-MEAT trial (Conducted by Christopher Gardner and his team at Stanford University)Support the show?If you are enjoying the Plant Proof podcast a great way to support the show is by leaving a review on the Apple podcast app. It only takes a few minutes and helps more people find the episodes.Simon Hill, Nutritionist, Sports PhysiotherapistCreator of Plantproof.com and host of the Plant Proof PodcastAuthor of The Proof is in the PlantsConnect with me on Instagram and TwitterDownload my two week meal plan

Elevated blood glucose is one of the earliest and most common indicators of worsening metabolic health, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. For our clients, fasting blood glucose and triglycerides are amongst the first things we test to get a snapshot view of metabolic health. We've now added HbA1C - a marker that offers a broader look at glycemic history - to our baseline blood panel, to better evaluate our clients. On this podcast, NBT Scientific Director Megan Hall talks about the HbA1C blood test: what it is, who needs it, and why you should care. Megan talks about the optimal reference range for this test, and when to become concerned about your result (hint: it's sooner than your doctor would have you believe). She also talks about exactly what to do if your A1C is out of range, and how a continuous glucose monitor can help you evaluate your body's response to different foods and other environmental factors. Here's the outline of this interview with Megan Hall: [00:00:48] HbA1C (aka glycated haemoglobin): a marker of your glycemic history. [00:02:27] Glucose to A1C conversion chart. [00:02:52] Megan's outline for this podcast. [00:03:04] Why you should care about HbA1C. [00:03:48] Optimal ranges for HbA1C: 5.0% to 5.4%. [00:04:33] Studies supporting optimal reference range: 1. Zhong, Guo-Chao, et al. "HbA 1c and Risks of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Death in Subjects without Known Diabetes: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies." Scientific reports 6.1 (2016): 1-11; 2. Schöttker, Ben, et al. "HbA 1c levels in non-diabetic older adults–No J-shaped associations with primary cardiovascular events, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality after adjustment for confounders in a meta-analysis of individual participant data from six cohort studies." BMC medicine 14.1 (2016): 1-17; 3. Li, Fu-Rong, et al. "Glycated hemoglobin and all-cause and cause-specific mortality among adults with and without diabetes." The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 104.8 (2019): 3345-3354; 4. Pai, Jennifer K., et al. "Hemoglobin a1c is associated with increased risk of incident coronary heart disease among apparently healthy, nondiabetic men and women." Journal of the American Heart Association 2.2 (2013): e000077. [00:06:12] Prediabetes range: 5.7% to 6.4% (above 6.4% is diabetes). [00:07:06] Only 12% of the population is metabolically healthy; Study: Araújo, Joana, Jianwen Cai, and June Stevens. "Prevalence of Optimal Metabolic Health in American Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2016." Metabolic syndrome and related disorders 17.1 (2019): 46-52. [00:07:31] Limitations and caveats of the A1C blood marker. [00:08:05] Partial marker of mean glycemic exposure; Article: Bloomgarden, Zachary. "Beyond HbA1c." Journal of diabetes 9.12 (2017): 1052-1053. [00:08:53] Things that cause HbA1C to be falsely low or high. [00:10:14] Study: Virtue, Mark A., et al. "Relationship between GHb concentration and erythrocyte survival determined from breath carbon monoxide concentration." Diabetes Care 27.4 (2004): 931-935. [00:12:36] Racial and ethnic differences: Herman, William H., and Robert M. Cohen. "Racial and ethnic differences in the relationship between HbA1c and blood glucose: implications for the diagnosis of diabetes." The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 97.4 (2012): 1067-1072. [00:12:42] Other markers of glycemic regulation. [00:12:55] Drawbacks of Glycomark. [00:14:08] Reticulocytes - helpful to calculate RBC lifespan. [00:14:40] Equation: RBC survival (days) = ~ 100 / [Retics (%) / RLS (days)] [00:15:44] Sign up for our group program to get a blood test + bloodsmart.ai report + 4 group coaching sessions + help videos. [00:16:44] Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). [00:17:26] Podcast: Continuous Glucose Monitoring to Prevent Disease and Increase Healthspan, with Kara Collier, RDN. [00:17:46] Get $50 off your Nutrisense membership when you support NBT on Patreon. [00:18:26] Studies demonstrating that HbA1C is not the perfect marker: 1. Cohen, Robert M., et al. "Red cell life span heterogeneity in hematologically normal people is sufficient to alter HbA1c." Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology 112.10 (2008): 4284-4291; 2. Wright, Lorena Alarcon-Casas, and Irl B. Hirsch. "The challenge of the use of glycemic biomarkers in diabetes: reflecting on hemoglobin A1C, 1, 5-Anhydroglucitol, and the glycated proteins fructosamine and glycated albumin." Diabetes spectrum 25.3 (2012): 141-148; 3. Dubowitz, N., et al. "Aging is associated with increased HbA1c levels, independently of glucose levels and insulin resistance, and also with decreased HbA1c diagnostic specificity." Diabetic Medicine 31.8 (2014): 927-935. [00:18:58] What to do if your A1C is out of range: Diet, lifestyle, measure other markers, monitor blood glucose. [00:19:35] Cellular vs. acellular carbs. [00:22:25] Simon Marshall, PhD. on stress management: How to Manage Stress. [00:24:19] 4-quadrant model. [00:26:07] Retest after 2-3 months. [00:27:58] Join our group program.

Vitamin D deficiency screening recommendations by USPSTF and other organizations is discussed. CDC announces “no masks required” for vaccinated people. Question of the month about fever and cough answered.Introduction: Mask use no longer required for vaccinated peopleBy Hector Arreaza, MDToday is May 17, 2021.Did you receive your COVID-19 vaccine? If you did, we have good news for you, well, this may not be news for you anymore by the time you listen to this episode.The CDC director, Rochelle Walensky, announced a few minutes ago that vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks indoors or outdoors and no longer need to keep social distance[1]. A person is considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after one dose of J&J vaccine or two weeks after second dose of Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.Fully vaccinated people are required to wear masks in airplanes, trains, buses, other public transportation, health-care settings, and where required by local authorities or businesses. These mask and social distancing guidelines may change in the future because we have seen the behavior of the coronavirus is unpredictable. These guidelines are dynamic.   This announcement came one day after CDC endorsed administration of the Pfizer vaccine to persons between 12 and 15 years old. We do not know if this is the beginning of the end, but for sure we are starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. As of today, about 117 million Americans are fully vaccinated (35% of the population). The effectivity of vaccination has been remarkable. The rate of breakthrough infections (it means infection after full vaccination) is rare, and severity of disease is mild after vaccination. For the record, the federal government has set a goal of vaccinating 70% of Americans by July 4th, 2021. This is Rio Bravo qWeek, your weekly dose of knowledge brought to you by the Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program from Bakersfield, California. Our program is affiliated with UCLA, and it’s sponsored by Clinica Sierra Vista, Let Us Be Your Healthcare Home.Question of the Month: Fever and CoughWritten by Hector Arreaza, MDThis is a 69-year-old male patient, who comes to clinic for acute onset of fever (102 F), cough, and shortness of breath which has progressively worsened over the last 3 days. He does NOT smoke tobacco. He takes benazepril 10 mg daily. His immunizations are not up to date. Physical exam: Tachycardia of 110 bpm and fever of 101.5 F (38.6 C). He has bibasilar crackles, White count is elevated 13.5, and chest x-ray shows a right lower lobe consolidation. He has a negative rapid COVID-19 test. What are your top 3 differential diagnoses and what is the acute management of this patient’s condition?First, we want to announce the winner. I am the winner [applause].The top 3 differential diagnosis are: 1. Community acquired pneumonia, viral or bacterial (no surprises there, the symptoms are typical of CAP); 2. COVID-19 pneumonia (the rapid COVID-19 test was NEGATIVE, but the confirmatory test is pending, this patient may have COVID-19 until proven otherwise); and 3. My third DDX is pulmonary coccidio-idomycosis (also known as Valley Fever in California, or simply cocci). If you are not familiar with the diseases in the Central Valley of California, you may think this is a very unusual differential, but for us is not that uncommon. One day we will talk more about that disease.Acute management:The first decision you must make is where to treat this patient. Will you treat him at home or in the hospital? If sent to the hospital, can he be treated on the floor or requires ICU admission?You have to determine is the patient is experiencing septic shock or respiratory failure. If septic shock and respiratory failure are not likely, and CURB-65 score is zero, then no hospital admission is needed. This patient meets SIRS criteria (systemic inflammatory response syndrome): temperature >38 C, HR > 90, and WBC >12,000. BP was not provided so it is not possible to determine if he has septic shock (BP 20 mg/dL (>7 mmol/L), Respiratory rate ≥30 breaths/minute, Blood pressure (systolic Cholecalciferol (D3) -> LIVER -> 25-hydroxyvitamin-D -> KIDNEY -> 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (most active form of vitamin D)Diet/Supplement: Vitamin D2 and D3 -> LIVER -> 25-hydroxyvitamin-D -> KIDNEY -> 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (most active form of vitamin D)Screening for Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults.Screening means to run tests before there is clinical evidence of a disease. 41% of the adult US population has Vitamin D levels below 20, classified as subclinical Vitamin D deficiency, which may contribute to osteoporosis and traumatic fractures in older adults. Clinical vitamin D deficiency (hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia and rickets and Osteomalacia) is uncommon in the US. The goal of screening for vitamin D deficiency would be to identify and treat it before any symptoms are present.The best marker for detection of deficiency. Total 25 hydroxyvitamin D level is currently considered the best marker of vitamin D status. This is the result of the activation by the liver. However, precise measurement of levels is difficult because Vitamin D requirements may vary by individual, by testing method, and between laboratories.According to the National Academy of Medicine: 97.5% of the population will have their vitamin D at a serum level of 20 ng/mL (49.9 nmol/L) and risk for deficiency. Bone health concerns start at levels less than 12 to 20 ng/mL (29.9- 49.9 nmol/L).The 2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that: 5% of the population 1 year or older had very low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels

Study presents evidence supporting the use of curcumin as alternative treatment for kidney fibrosis Zhejiang University (China), May 7, 2021 In a recent study, Chinese researchers explored the anti-fibrotic effects of curcumin, the active component of turmeric. Specifically, they looked at how curcumin affects epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. EMT refers to epithelial cells undergoing molecular changes and gaining new characteristics, such as an enhanced ability to produce ECM components. Meanwhile, the PI3K/Akt pathway is one of the major cell signaling pathways that regulate fibrosis. The researchers reported their findings in an article published in the journal Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. Curcumin is an effective alternative treatment for renal fibrosis According to several animal studies, curcumin can protect the kidneys by preventing the development of renal fibrosis. However, the mechanisms underlying this activity are still unknown. To explore these mechanisms and the anti-fibrotic activities of curcumin, the researchers treated human kidney tubular epithelial cells (HKCs) with transforming growth factor-B1 (TGF-B1), curcumin and a combination of both. TGF-B1 is a protein that’s involved in many cellular functions, including cell growth, proliferation, differentiation and death, as well as the induction of EMT. The researchers used 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to assess the effect of curcumin on cell proliferation. They also used immunocytochemistry, real-time PCR and Western blot to analyze the expression of epithelial cell markers (E-cadherin and cytokeratin), mesenchymal cell markers (vimentin, alpha smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) and fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1)) and key proteins involved in the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. The researchers found that low-dose curcumin (3.125 and 25?micromol/L) effectively promoted HKC proliferation. After 72 hours of incubating HKCs with TGF-B1 and curcumin, curcumin caused the cells to maintain epithelial morphology in a dose-dependent manner. It also decreased the expression of EMT-related proteins, such as vimentin, a-SMA and FSP1, and increased the expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin. In addition, the researchers noted that curcumin reduced Akt, mTOR and P70S6K phosphorylation, which effectively suppressed the activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway in HKCs. Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that curcumin is an effective alternative treatment for renal fibrosis because it can promote HKC proliferation and stop EMT by inhibiting the activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway activity.     Research reveals new approach to understanding our wellbeing Swansea University, May 12, 2021 The ability to connect and feel a sense of belonging are basic human needs but new Swansea University research has examined how these are determined by more than just our personal relationships. Research led by psychologist Professor Andrew Kemp, of the College of Human and Health Sciences, highlights the importance of taking a wider approach to wellbeing and how it can be influenced by issues such as inequality and anthropogenic climate change. Professor Kemp worked with Ph.D. student Jess Mead and consultant clinical psychologist Dr. Zoe Fisher, of the University's Health and Wellbeing Academy, on the study which presents a transdisciplinary framework to help understand and improve wellbeing. Professor Kemp said: "We define wellbeing as positive psychological experience, promoted by connections to self, community and environment, supported by healthy vagal function, all of which are impacted by socio-contextual factors that lie beyond the control of the individual." The researchers say their latest findings, which have just been published in Frontiers in Psychology, are particularly topical as society looks to recover and learn from COVID-19. He said: "Our framework has already contributed to a better understanding of how to protect wellbeing during the pandemic and has led to the development of an innovative wellbeing science intervention, targeting university students and people living with acquired brain injury." Professor Kemp added: "We feel our invited paper is timely as it not only aligns with a post-pandemic future that requires societal transformation, but it also picks up on global efforts to promote planetary wellbeing. "Globalization, urbanization and technological advancements have meant that humans have become increasingly disconnected from nature. This continues despite research showing that contact with nature improves wellbeing." The research reveals the advantages to health and wellbeing derived from connecting to oneself, others and nature and emphasizes a need for focused efforts to tackle major societal issues that affect our capacity for connection. He added: "The poorest are disproportionally impacted by major societal challenges including increasing burden of chronic disease, societal loneliness and anthropogenic climate change. "Economic inequality has adverse impacts on the entire population, not just the poor, so improving economic inequality is fundamental to improving population wellbeing." Taking a transdisciplinary approach to the topic of wellbeing is something currently reflected across Swansea University, particularly since the opening of the Morgan Advanced Studies Institute (MASI) which is dedicated to supporting transformative interdisciplinary research.   Taurine’s neuroprotective effect on cells under oxidative stress   University of Vale do Paraiba (Brazil), May 10, 2021 According to news reporting based on a preprint abstract, our journalists obtained the following quote sourced from biorxiv.org: “Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a type of dementia that affects millions of people. Although there is no cure, several study strategies seek to elucidate the mechanisms of the disease. Recent studies address the benefits of taurine. Thus, the present study aims to analyze the neuroprotective effect of taurine on human neuroblastoma, using an in vitro experimental model of oxidative stress induced by hydrocortisone in the SH-SY5Y cell line as a characteristic model of AD. “The violet crystal assay was used for cell viability and the evaluation of cell morphology was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After pretreatment with taurine, the SH-SY5Y cell showed an improvement in cell viability in the face of oxidative stress and improved cell morphology. Thus, the treatment presented a neuroprotective effect.” This preprint has not been peer-reviewed.     Efficacy of magnesium oxide and sodium valproate in prevention of migraine headache: a randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover study Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (Iran), May 4, 2021 According to news originating from Sari, Iran, by NewsRx correspondents, research stated, “Migraine is a disabling disorder that affects the quality of life of patients. Different medications have been used in prevention of migraine headache.” Our news journalists obtained a quote from the research from the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, “In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of magnesium oxide in comparison with valproate sodium in preventing migraine headache attacks. This is a single-center, randomized, controlled, crossover trial which is double-blind, 24-week, 2-sequence, 2-period, 2-treatment. After patient randomization into two sequences, the intervention group received magnesium oxide 500 mg and the control group received valproate sodium 400 mg two tablets each day (every 12 h) for 8 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was reduction in the number of migraine attacks and number of days with moderate or severe headache and hours with headache (duration) per month in the final of 8 weeks in comparison with baseline. Seventy patients were randomized and seven dropped out, leaving 63 for analysis. In an intention-to-treat analysis, 31 patients were in group 1 (magnesium oxide-valproate) and 32 patients were in group 2 (valproate-magnesium oxide). The mean number of migraine attacks and days per month was 1.72 +/- 1.18 and 2.09 +/- 1.70, with a mean duration of 15.50 +/- 21.80 h in magnesium group and 1.27 +/- 1.27 and 2.22 +/- 1.96, with a mean duration 13.38 +/- 14.10 in valproate group.” According to the news editors, the research concluded: “This study has shown that 500 mg magnesium oxide appears to be effective in migraine prophylaxis similar to valproate sodium without significant adverse effect.” This research has been peer-reviewed       Vitamin D and calcium from food is associated with lower risk of early menopause University of Massachusetts, May 10, 2021 A new study led by epidemiologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst's School of Public Health and Health Sciences suggests that high intake of dietary vitamin D and calcium may be modestly associated with lower risk of early menopause, the cessation of ovarian function before age 45. Early menopause affects about 10 percent of women and is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and early cognitive decline. Epidemiology doctoral candidate Alexandra Purdue-Smithe and her advisor Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson, with colleagues at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, and Harvard Medical School, evaluated how vitamin D and calcium intake is associated with incidence of early menopause in the prospective Nurses' Health Study II. The study population includes 116,430 female U.S. registered nurses who were 25-42 years old when they responded to a baseline questionnaire. Diet was assessed five times over the 20-year study, allowing the researchers to capture changes in food and nutrient intake over time, Purdue-Smithe notes. Participants in the study contributed more than 1 million person-years of follow-up, during which 2,041 women experienced early menopause. The authors report the hazard ratio for early menopause comparing the highest vs. lowest dietary vitamin D intake groups was 0.83 (95% confidence interval = 0.72-0.95) and for dietary calcium 0.87 (95% CI=0.76-1.00). Details of the study, supported by the National Institutes of Health, appear in the current early online edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Purdue-Smithe says, "Laboratory evidence relating vitamin D to some of the hormonal mechanisms involved in ovarian aging provided the foundation for our hypothesis. However, to our knowledge, no prior epidemiologic studies have explicitly evaluated how vitamin D and calcium intake may be related to risk of early menopause. We found that after adjusting for a variety of different factors, vitamin D from food sources, such as fortified dairy and fatty fish, was associated with a 17 percent lower risk of early menopause when comparing the highest intake group to the lowest intake group." Because higher intake of vitamin D and calcium from foods may simply act as a marker for better nutrition and overall health, Purdue-Smithe says, the researchers took into account other factors such as intake of vegetable protein and alcohol, as well as body mass index and smoking. She adds, "The large size of this study allowed us to consider a variety of potential correlates of a healthy lifestyle that might explain our findings; however, adjusting for these factors made almost no difference in our estimates." The nutritional and reproductive epidemiologist notes that "in addition to placing women at higher risk of adverse future health outcomes, early menopause is also problematic as women are increasingly delaying childbearing into their later reproductive years. Fertility declines drastically during the 10 years leading up to menopause, so early menopause can have profound psychological and financial implications for couples who are unable to conceive as they wish. As such, it is important to identify modifiable risk factors for early menopause, such as diet." Because associations were stronger for vitamin D and calcium from dairy sources than from non-dairy food sources in the study, and Purdue-Smithe plans further analyses investigating individual dairy foods and other components of dairy and how they may be associated with early menopause.     High levels of exercise linked to 9 years of less aging at the cellular level Brigham Young University, May 10, 2021 Despite their best efforts, no scientist has ever come close to stopping humans from aging. Even anti-aging creams can't stop Old Father Time. But new research from Brigham Young University reveals you may be able to slow one type of aging--the kind that happens inside your cells. As long as you're willing to sweat. "Just because you're 40, doesn't mean you're 40 years old biologically," Tucker said. "We all know people that seem younger than their actual age. The more physically active we are, the less biological aging takes place in our bodies." The study, published in the medical journal Preventive Medicine, finds that people who have consistently high levels of physical activity have significantly longer telomeres than those who have sedentary lifestyles, as well as those who are moderately active. Telomeres are the protein endcaps of our chromosomes. They're like our biological clock and they're extremely correlated with age; each time a cell replicates, we lose a tiny bit of the endcaps. Therefore, the older we get, the shorter our telomeres. Exercise science professor Larry Tucker found adults with high physical activity levels have telomeres with a biological aging advantage of nine years over those who are sedentary, and a seven-year advantage compared to those who are moderately active. To be highly active, women had to engage in 30 minutes of jogging per day (40 minutes for men), five days a week. "If you want to see a real difference in slowing your biological aging, it appears that a little exercise won't cut it," Tucker said. "You have to work out regularly at high levels." Tucker analyzed data from 5,823 adults who participated in the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, one of the few indexes that includes telomere length values for study subjects. The index also includes data for 62 activities participants might have engaged in over a 30-day window, which Tucker analyzed to calculate levels of physical activity. His study found the shortest telomeres came from sedentary people--they had 140 base pairs of DNA less at the end of their telomeres than highly active folks. Surprisingly, he also found there was no significant difference in telomere length between those with low or moderate physical activity and the sedentary people. Although the exact mechanism for how exercise preserves telomeres is unknown, Tucker said it may be tied to inflammation and oxidative stress. Previous studies have shown telomere length is closely related to those two factors and it is known that exercise can suppress inflammation and oxidative stress over time. "We know that regular physical activity helps to reduce mortality and prolong life, and now we know part of that advantage may be due to the preservation of telomeres," Tucker said.       How isolation affects memory and thinking skills Harvard University, May 2021 We've all been isolated from many family members and friends during the pandemic. If you've been having a harder time remembering things or processing information since the pandemic began, it could be an isolation side effect. "It's something I'm seeing clinically. Some people were okay before the pandemic and now they're having faster cognitive decline," says Dr. Joel Salinas, a behavioral neurologist and faculty member of the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies. Dr. Salinas says we don't have a lot of evidence yet to back up a clear association between pandemic lockdowns and a change in memory or thinking skills. One small 2020 study found that 60% of people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease experienced worsening cognition and delirium during the lockdown. But the link between isolation and cognitive decline is more than speculation. Isolation risks Isolation (being cut off from social contact) was a problem for older adults long before the pandemic began. Life circumstances — such as living far from friends and family, losing a partner, or being unable to drive — often create unanticipated situations in which we find ourselves isolated. That sometimes puts health in jeopardy. "In studies of people, isolation is associated with an increased risk for dementia, although it's unclear how high the risk is," Dr. Salinas says. "In lab animals, isolation has been shown to cause brain shrinkage and the kind of brain changes you'd see in Alzheimer's disease — reduced brain cell connections and reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is important for the formation, connection, and repair of brain cells." Isolation is also associated with elevated risks for heart attack, stroke, chronic inflammation, depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and loneliness. People who feel lonely (disconnected from others) have been shown to have faster rates of cognitive decline than people who don't feel lonely. Loneliness is also tied to risks of losing the ability to take care of yourself and early death. What's the link? We don't exactly know why being isolated sometimes leads to cognitive decline. Possibilities include a lack of access to crucial resources or help with daily needs a decrease in stimulating mental activity that can come from social interaction a reduction in social support. "Having access to others for emotional support or listening to you seems to have a protective brain health effect — increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and reduced risks for dementia or stroke," Dr. Salinas says. In the pandemic, you may also be experiencing high stress levels, which can affect your brain's processing skills. "We're not good at being focused when there's danger," Dr. Salinas says. "It's the 'fight or flight' mode all the time." If family members are noticing that you seem to be experiencing cognitive changes, Dr. Salinas says it could be a new problem — or it could be that you're spending more time together and they're picking up on changes that were already occurring before the pandemic.

3. The Ivermectin Story    4. Who Suppressed Ivermectin     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vj3xGT6izE   Exchange between Sen. Rand Paul and Dr. Anthony Fauci     Vegetarians have healthier levels of disease markers than meat-eaters University of Glasgow (Scotland), May 10. 2021 Vegetarians appear to have a healthier biomarker profile than meat-eaters, and this applies to adults of any age and weight, and is also unaffected by smoking and alcohol consumption, according to a new study in over 166,000 UK adults, being presented at this week's European Congress on Obesity (ECO), held online this year.  Biomarkers can have bad and good health effects, promoting or preventing cancer, cardiovascular and age-related diseases, and other chronic conditions, and have been widely used to assess the effect of diets on health. However, evidence of the metabolic benefits associated with being vegetarian is unclear.  To understand whether dietary choice can make a difference to the levels of disease markers in blood and urine, researchers from the University of Glasgow did a cross-sectional study analysing data from 177,723 healthy participants (aged 37-73 years) in the UK Biobank study, who reported no major changes in diet over the last five years.  Participants were categorised as either vegetarian (do not eat red meat, poultry or fish; 4,111 participants) or meat-eaters (166,516 participants) according to their self-reported diet. The researchers examined the association with 19 blood and urine biomarkers related to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, liver, bone and joint health, and kidney function.  Even after accounting for potentially influential factors including age, sex, education, ethnicity, obesity, smoking, and alcohol intake, the analysis found that compared to meat-eaters, vegetarians had significantly lower levels of 13 biomarkers, including: total cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol--the so-called 'bad cholesterol; apolipoprotein A (linked to cardiovascular disease), apolipoprotein B (linked to cardiovascular disease); gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (AST)--liver function markers indicating inflammation or damage to cells; insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1; a hormone that encourages the growth and proliferation of cancer cells); urate; total protein; and creatinine (marker of worsening kidney function). However, vegetarians also had lower levels of beneficial biomarkers including high-density lipoprotein 'good' (HDL) cholesterol, and vitamin D and calcium (linked to bone and joint health). In addition, they had significantly higher level of fats (triglycerides) in the blood and cystatin-C (suggesting a poorer kidney condition).  No link was found for blood sugar levels (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure, aspartate aminotransferase (AST; a marker of damage to liver cells) or C-reactive protein (CRP; inflammatory marker).  "Our findings offer real food for thought", says Dr Carlos Celis-Morales from the University of Glasgow, UK, who led the research. "As well as not eating red and processed meat which have been linked to heart diseases and some cancers, people who follow a vegetarian diet tend to consume more vegetables, fruits, and nuts which contain more nutrients, fibre, and other potentially beneficial compounds. These nutritional differences may help explain why vegetarians appear to have lower levels of disease biomarkers that can lead to cell damage and chronic disease." The authors point out that although their study was large, it was observational, so no conclusions can be drawn about direct cause and effect. They also note several limitations including that they only tested biomarker samples once for each participant, and it is possible that biomarkers might fluctuate depending on factors unrelated to diet, such as existing diseases and unmeasured lifestyle factors. They also note that were reliant on participants to report their dietary intake using food frequency questionnaires, which is not always reliable.     Alzheimer's study: A Mediterranean diet might protect against memory loss and dementia German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, May 6, 2021 In Alzheimer's disease, neurons in the brain die. Largely responsible for the death of neurons are certain protein deposits in the brains of affected individuals: So-called beta-amyloid proteins, which form clumps (plaques) between neurons, and tau proteins, which stick together the inside of neurons. The causes of these deposits are as yet unclear. In addition, a rapidly progressive atrophy, i.e. a shrinking of the brain volume, can be observed in affected persons. Alzheimer's symptoms such as memory loss, disorientation, agitation and challenging behavior are the consequences. Scientists at the DZNE led by Prof. Michael Wagner, head of a research group at the DZNE and senior psychologist at the memory clinic of the University Hospital Bonn, have now found in a study that a regular Mediterranean-like dietary pattern with relatively more intake of vegetables, legumes, fruit, cereals, fish and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as from olive oil, may protect against protein deposits in the brain and brain atrophy. This diet has a low intake of dairy products, red meat and saturated fatty acids. A nationwide study A total of 512 subjects with an average age of around seventy years took part in the study. 169 of them were cognitively healthy, while 343 were identified as having a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease - due to subjective memory impairment, mild cognitive impairment that is the precursor to dementia, or first-degree relationship with patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The nutrition study was funded by the Diet-Body-Brain competence cluster of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and took place as part of the so-called DELCODE study of the DZNE, which does nationwide research on the early phase of Alzheimer's disease - that period before pronounced symptoms appear. "People in the second half of life have constant eating habits. We analyzed whether the study participants regularly eat a Mediterranean diet - and whether this might have an impact on brain health ", said Prof. Michael Wagner. The participants first filled out a questionnaire in which they indicated which portions of 148 different foods they had eaten in the past months. Those who frequently ate healthy foods typical of the Mediterranean diet, such as fish, vegetables and fruit, and only occasionally consumed foods such as red meat, scored highly on a scale. An extensive test series The scientists then investigated brain atrophy: they performed brain scans with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to determine brain volume. In addition, all subjects underwent various neuropsychological tests in which cognitive abilities such as memory functions were examined. The research team also looked at biomarker levels (measured values) for amyloid beta proteins and tau proteins in the so-called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 226 subjects. The researchers, led by Michael Wagner, found that those who ate an unhealthy diet had more pathological levels of these biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid than those who regularly ate a Mediterranean-like diet. In the memory tests, the participants who did not adhere to the Mediterranean diet also performed worse than those who regularly ate fish and vegetables. "There was also a significant positive correlation between a closer adherence to a Mediterranean-like diet and a higher volume of the hippocampus. The hippocampus is an area of the brain that is considered the control center of memory. It shrinks early and severely in Alzheimer's disease," explained Tommaso Ballarini, PhD, postdoctoral fellow in Michael Wagner's research group and lead author of the study. Continuation of nutrition study is planned "It is possible that the Mediterranean diet protects the brain from protein deposits and brain atrophy that can cause memory loss and dementia. Our study hints at this," Ballarini said. "But the biological mechanism underlying this will have to be clarified in future studies." As a next step, Ballarini and Wagner now plan to re-examine the same study participants in four to five years to explore how their nutrition - Mediterranean-like or unhealthy - affects brain aging over time.       Social isolation has a profound and increasingly negative impact on physical functioning in older adults         University of Southern Denmark, May 11, 2021 Social isolation among older adults is associated with poor health and premature mortality, but the connection between social isolation and physical functioning is poorly understood. New research generates more robust evidence about the associations between social isolation and physical functioning and how this accelerates over time, reports the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, published by Elsevier. It also highlights the importance of incorporating strategies to reduce social isolation and promote successful aging. "Physical functioning is understood to influence the health of individuals. And social isolation is prevalent among older adults," explained lead investigator Borja del Pozo Cruz, PhD, Centre for Active and Healthy Ageing, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. "However, the true extent of the relationship between social isolation and physical functioning was not fully understood. We needed to shed some more light on this relationship, as it plays an important role in individual aging." As individuals age, physical functioning declines, which can result in a loss of functional independence, onset of disability, and increased mortality, with significant personal, community, and economic costs. Older adults who are socially integrated may be more likely to engage in physical activity, which would in turn elicit improvements in their physical functioning. Social isolation is a significant problem facing the health and well-being of individuals across the life course. Individuals who are socially isolated are more likely to experience mental health problems, develop dementia, and have increased risk of premature mortality. Social isolation is particularly worrisome among older adults, with data from the United States indicating that one in four older adults is isolated or severely isolated. Given the worldwide trends in population aging, social isolation among older adults is likely to become an increasing burden in years to come. To examine the longitudinal associations between social isolation and physical functioning, investigators used nine waves of panel data from 2011 to 2019 from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a large US-representative sample of adults 65 or older. This means that the results can be generalized to the US population of older adults. The study analyzed observations from 12,427 NHATS participants to measure how individual changes in social isolation were associated with individual changes in objectively assessed physical functioning. Social isolation was captured through the Social Isolation Index (SII). Physical functioning was assessed using the NHATS version of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The analytic sample encompassed 54,860 observations, meaning that respondents were observed 4.41 times on average. These findings add to a growing evidence base demonstrating the negative consequences of social isolation, specifically the acceleration of aging decline trajectories in physical functioning. Investigators were able to identify with a high degree of granularity how the association between social isolation and physical functioning shifts over old age and exacerbates the decline in physical functioning associated with aging. The results showed that the older individuals are, the greater the extent to which social isolation impacts their health. A small but growing number of observational studies in the UK, Japan, and China have identified negative associations between social isolation and physical functioning in samples of older adults. The current study resonates with and complements those results. However, the robust data generated by this national rather than community-based study enable findings to be generalized to a national population. "Physical functioning is a well-established marker of general health and it has been previously correlated with morbidity and mortality," noted Dr. del Pozo Cruz. "We demonstrate in this study that social isolation has a profound impact on the physical functioning in older adults. Mandated social contact restrictions and lockdowns due to COVID-19, coupled with more severe consequences of contagion among older adults, have likely exacerbated this trend. Study findings suggest that public health interventions should turn their attention to the social environments in which older people are embedded, in particular for those at risk of isolation. "Social isolation is one of the biggest challenges that societies face in the 21st century. We have to start thinking about this issue now to avoid more serious consequences down the track," added Dr. del Pozo Cruz.       How bullying and obesity can affect girls' and boys' mental health Uppsala University (Sweden), May 7, 2021 Depressive symptoms are more common in teenage girls than in their male peers. However, boys' mental health appears to be affected more if they suffer from obesity. Irrespective of gender, bullying is a considerably greater risk factor than being overweight for developing depressive symptoms. These conclusions are drawn by researchers at Uppsala University who monitored adolescents for six years in a questionnaire study, now published in the Journal of Public Health. "The purpose of our study was to investigate the connection between body mass index (BMI) and depressive symptoms, and to take a close look at whether being subjected to bullying affects this relationship over time. We also wanted to investigate whether any gender differences existed," says Sofia Kanders, a Ph.D. student at Uppsala University's Department of Neuroscience. In the study, young people born in Västmanland County, replied to questions about their height, weight and depressive symptoms on three separate occasions (2012, 2015 and 2018). The respondents' mean age was 14.4 years on the first occasion and 19.9 years on the last. Based on BMI, the adolescents were divided into three groups: Those with normal weight, those who were overweight and those with obesity respectively. They were also grouped according to the extent of their depressive symptoms. Overall, regardless of their weight, the girls stated more frequently that they had depressive symptoms. In 2012, 17 percent of the girls and 6 percent of the boys did so. By 2015, the proportions of adolescents with these symptoms had risen to 32 percent for the girls and 13 percent for the boys. The corresponding figures for 2018 were 34 and 19 percent respectively. A higher BMI did not, as far as the researchers could see, affect the girls' mental well-being to any great extent. Among the boys, however, the pattern observed was entirely different. "When we analyzed girls and boys separately, we saw that for boys with obesity in 2012, the risk for having depressive symptoms in 2015 was, statistically, five times higher than for normal-weight boys. In the girls we found no such connection," Kanders says. The study has been unable to answer the question of what causes this gender difference, and the researchers think more research is needed in this area. The young respondents were also asked about bullying—for example, to state whether, in the past year, they had been physically exposed to blows and kicks, teased or excluded, subjected to cyberbullying (abusive texting or other electronic or web bullying), or bullied by an adult at school. In every analysis, exposure to bullying was associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms. This connection was also evident six years later, especially in overweight boys. The researchers believe that these results seem to indicate a gender difference in how BMI and bullying together drive development of future depressive symptoms. "One key conclusion and take-home message from our study is that bullying can affect mental illness for a long time to come, which therefore makes preventive measures against bullying in schools extremely important," Kanders says.     Efficacy of magnesium oxide and sodium valproate in prevention of migraine headache: a randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover study Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (Iran), May 4, 2021 According to news originating from Sari, Iran, by NewsRx correspondents, research stated, “Migraine is a disabling disorder that affects the quality of life of patients. Different medications have been used in prevention of migraine headache.” Our news journalists obtained a quote from the research from the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, “In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of magnesium oxide in comparison with valproate sodium in preventing migraine headache attacks. This is a single-center, randomized, controlled, crossover trial which is double-blind, 24-week, 2-sequence, 2-period, 2-treatment. After patient randomization into two sequences, the intervention group received magnesium oxide 500 mg and the control group received valproate sodium 400 mg two tablets each day (every 12 h) for 8 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was reduction in the number of migraine attacks and number of days with moderate or severe headache and hours with headache (duration) per month in the final of 8 weeks in comparison with baseline. Seventy patients were randomized and seven dropped out, leaving 63 for analysis. In an intention-to-treat analysis, 31 patients were in group 1 (magnesium oxide-valproate) and 32 patients were in group 2 (valproate-magnesium oxide). The mean number of migraine attacks and days per month was 1.72 +/- 1.18 and 2.09 +/- 1.70, with a mean duration of 15.50 +/- 21.80 h in magnesium group and 1.27 +/- 1.27 and 2.22 +/- 1.96, with a mean duration 13.38 +/- 14.10 in valproate group.” According to the news editors, the research concluded: “This study has shown that 500 mg magnesium oxide appears to be effective in migraine prophylaxis similar to valproate sodium without significant adverse effect.” This research has been peer-reviewed       Vitamin D and calcium from food is associated with lower risk of early menopause University of Massachusetts, May 10, 2021 A new study led by epidemiologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst's School of Public Health and Health Sciences suggests that high intake of dietary vitamin D and calcium may be modestly associated with lower risk of early menopause, the cessation of ovarian function before age 45. Early menopause affects about 10 percent of women and is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and early cognitive decline. Epidemiology doctoral candidate Alexandra Purdue-Smithe and her advisor Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson, with colleagues at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, and Harvard Medical School, evaluated how vitamin D and calcium intake is associated with incidence of early menopause in the prospective Nurses' Health Study II. The study population includes 116,430 female U.S. registered nurses who were 25-42 years old when they responded to a baseline questionnaire. Diet was assessed five times over the 20-year study, allowing the researchers to capture changes in food and nutrient intake over time, Purdue-Smithe notes. Participants in the study contributed more than 1 million person-years of follow-up, during which 2,041 women experienced early menopause. The authors report the hazard ratio for early menopause comparing the highest vs. lowest dietary vitamin D intake groups was 0.83 (95% confidence interval = 0.72-0.95) and for dietary calcium 0.87 (95% CI=0.76-1.00). Details of the study, supported by the National Institutes of Health, appear in the current early online edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Purdue-Smithe says, "Laboratory evidence relating vitamin D to some of the hormonal mechanisms involved in ovarian aging provided the foundation for our hypothesis. However, to our knowledge, no prior epidemiologic studies have explicitly evaluated how vitamin D and calcium intake may be related to risk of early menopause. We found that after adjusting for a variety of different factors, vitamin D from food sources, such as fortified dairy and fatty fish, was associated with a 17 percent lower risk of early menopause when comparing the highest intake group to the lowest intake group." Because higher intake of vitamin D and calcium from foods may simply act as a marker for better nutrition and overall health, Purdue-Smithe says, the researchers took into account other factors such as intake of vegetable protein and alcohol, as well as body mass index and smoking. She adds, "The large size of this study allowed us to consider a variety of potential correlates of a healthy lifestyle that might explain our findings; however, adjusting for these factors made almost no difference in our estimates." The nutritional and reproductive epidemiologist notes that "in addition to placing women at higher risk of adverse future health outcomes, early menopause is also problematic as women are increasingly delaying childbearing into their later reproductive years. Fertility declines drastically during the 10 years leading up to menopause, so early menopause can have profound psychological and financial implications for couples who are unable to conceive as they wish. As such, it is important to identify modifiable risk factors for early menopause, such as diet." Because associations were stronger for vitamin D and calcium from dairy sources than from non-dairy food sources in the study, and Purdue-Smithe plans further analyses investigating individual dairy foods and other components of dairy and how they may be associated with early menopause.     High levels of exercise linked to 9 years of less aging at the cellular level Brigham Young University, May 10, 2021 Despite their best efforts, no scientist has ever come close to stopping humans from aging. Even anti-aging creams can't stop Old Father Time. But new research from Brigham Young University reveals you may be able to slow one type of aging--the kind that happens inside your cells. As long as you're willing to sweat. "Just because you're 40, doesn't mean you're 40 years old biologically," Tucker said. "We all know people that seem younger than their actual age. The more physically active we are, the less biological aging takes place in our bodies." The study, published in the medical journal Preventive Medicine, finds that people who have consistently high levels of physical activity have significantly longer telomeres than those who have sedentary lifestyles, as well as those who are moderately active. Telomeres are the protein endcaps of our chromosomes. They're like our biological clock and they're extremely correlated with age; each time a cell replicates, we lose a tiny bit of the endcaps. Therefore, the older we get, the shorter our telomeres. Exercise science professor Larry Tucker found adults with high physical activity levels have telomeres with a biological aging advantage of nine years over those who are sedentary, and a seven-year advantage compared to those who are moderately active. To be highly active, women had to engage in 30 minutes of jogging per day (40 minutes for men), five days a week. "If you want to see a real difference in slowing your biological aging, it appears that a little exercise won't cut it," Tucker said. "You have to work out regularly at high levels." Tucker analyzed data from 5,823 adults who participated in the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, one of the few indexes that includes telomere length values for study subjects. The index also includes data for 62 activities participants might have engaged in over a 30-day window, which Tucker analyzed to calculate levels of physical activity. His study found the shortest telomeres came from sedentary people--they had 140 base pairs of DNA less at the end of their telomeres than highly active folks. Surprisingly, he also found there was no significant difference in telomere length between those with low or moderate physical activity and the sedentary people. Although the exact mechanism for how exercise preserves telomeres is unknown, Tucker said it may be tied to inflammation and oxidative stress. Previous studies have shown telomere length is closely related to those two factors and it is known that exercise can suppress inflammation and oxidative stress over time. "We know that regular physical activity helps to reduce mortality and prolong life, and now we know part of that advantage may be due to the preservation of telomeres," Tucker said.

In our first podcast I asked Joel to provide any interventional studies showing harm from red meat, or any unprocessed meat. He was unable to provide these studies at that time, or in the 2 weeks that followed before I released our podcast debate. After that time he wrote a blog post with his thoughts in response to many of the points I raised during the podcast, providing what he believed to be studies corroborating his points. This podcast is a solo-cast in which I respond to his blog post points to show some counter points and point out that I still do not believe his case for plant-based diets is able to be substantiated. I’ve reached out to Joel to see if he will come back on the podcast for a part two, but he has not yet responded. Will keep you posted! #theremembering Time stamps: 0:10:07 Did Dr. Joel Furhman ever send me those studies that demonstrated red meat has a damaging affect on humans? 0:12:42 Reviewing Dr. Joel Fuhrman's blog post regarding plant foods vs animal foods 0:18:27 Association of animal and plant protein intake with all-cause and cause-specific mortality 0:23:17 Meat intake and cause-specific mortality: a pooled analysis of asian prospective cohort studies 0:24:27 Mortality in british vegetarians 0:28:07 Physical activity patterns and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk in hunter-gatherers 0:29:25 Increased lean red meat intake does not elevate markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in humans 0:29:47 Isocaloric diets high in animal or plant protein reduce liver fat and inflammation in individuals with type 2 diabetes 0:30:08 Effects of plant and animal high protein diets on immune-inflammatory biomarkers: a 6-week intervention trial 0:30:37 Changes in Dietary Fat Intake Alter Plasma Levels of Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein and Lipoprotein(a) 0:34:47 Cancer incidence in vegetarians: results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC-Oxford) 0:37:14 Mortality in vegetarians and comparable nonvegetarians in the United Kingdom 0:38:47 Beef tallow increases apoptosis and decreases aberrant crypt foci formation relative to soybean oil in rat colon 0:41:12 Potential effects of reduced red meat compared with increased fiber intake on glucose metabolism and liver fat content: a randomized and controlled dietary intervention study 0:44:27 Validity of U.S. nutritional surveillance:National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey caloric energy intake data, 1971-2010 0:47:47 Effect of Legumes as Part of a Low Glycemic Index Diet on Glycemic Control and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - A Randomized Controlled Trial 0:50:37 Bean Consumption Is Associated with Greater Nutrient Intake, Reduced Systolic Blood Pressure, Lower Body Weight, and a Smaller Waist Circumference in Adults: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002 0:57:52 The actions of exogenous leucine on mTOR signalling and amino acid transporters in human myotubes 1:01:37 Low Protein Intake Is Associated with a Major Reduction in IGF-1, Cancer, and Overall Mortality in the 65 and Younger but Not Older Population 1:05:27 Nutrition for the Japanese elderly 1:07:07 The capacity of foodstuffs to induce innate immune activation of human monocytes in vitro is dependent on food content of stimulants of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 1:12:52 Fish oil attenuates omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid-induced dysbiosis and infectious colitis but impairs LPS dephosphorylation activity causing sepsis 1:16:07 Red meat and colon cancer: A review of mechanistic evidence for heme in the context of risk assessment methodology 1:19:32 Red meat enhances the colonic formation of the DNA adduct O6-carboxymethyl guanine: implications for colorectal cancer risk 1:24:07 Assessment of Causal Direction Between Gut Microbiota-Dependent Metabolites and Cardiometabolic Health: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Analysis 1:25:27 Diabetes is Associated with Higher Trimethylamine N-oxide Plasma Levels 1:26:22 Trimethylamine and Trimethylamine N-Oxide, a Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase 3 (FMO3)-Mediated Host-Microbiome Metabolic Axis Implicated in Health and Disease 1:35:37 Obesity is associated with hypothalamic injury in rodents and humans 1:36:07 Dysregulation of Hypothalamic Gene Expression and the Oxytocinergic System by Soybean Oil Diets in Male Mice 1:36:37 Animal source foods: Sustainability problem or malnutrition and sustainability solution? Perspective matters Sponsors: Heart & Soil: www.heartandsoil.co White Oak Pastures: www.Whiteoakpastures.com, use code: CarnivoreMD for 10% off your first order Belcampo: www.belcampo.com use code: CarnivoreMD for 20% off your order BluBlox: Blublox.com, use CarnivoreMD for 15% your order The Cold Plunge: TheColdPlunge.com, use code CarnivoreMD for $111 off your cold plunge

The Whole View, Episode 453: Should We Eat Breakfast Before 8:30am? Welcome back to episode 453! (0:28) Stacy reminds listeners that science is an evolutionary process and, like life, things are constantly changing and growing. The Whole View has years of shows that may contain outdated science. Both Stacy and Sarah feel it's important to bring some of these episodes back to the forefront and re-examine how science has changed. So in honor of revisiting some of our favorite shows with the updated science, Sarah decided to start with re-examining the science behind eating (or not eating) breakfast before 8:30am. See Episode 381: Is Breakfast the Most Important Meal of the Day? for more notes from the last episode! Updates Stacy reminds listeners that when you go through long periods of not eating (intermittently fasting), it signals to your body that it's time to rest. This can mess with your circadian rhythm. (58:26)  Studies link eating breakfast can lower stress levels, help manage mental health, and improve physical health. Stacy also reminds listeners that coffee doesn't count as breakfast and can actually inflame stomach issues. You can also spread out breakfast throughout the morning "breakfast" window by eating a series of small things. Endocrinology Conference: Breakfast Before 8:30am The study was designed to look at restricted feeding, comparing shorter windows to loger windows. (1:04:20) Previous studies have found that time-restricted eating, which consolidates eating to a shortened time frame each day, has consistently demonstrated improved metabolic health.  But research shows that an early time-restricted feeding window is better:  TPV Podcast Episode 386: Intermittent Fasting  Intermittent Fasting: Secret to Weight Loss or Dangerous Fad? Researchers analyzed data from 10,575 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.  They divided participants into three groups depending on the total duration of food intake: less than 10 hours, 10-13 hours, and more than 13 hours per day.  Then, they created six subgroups based on eating duration start time (before or after 8:30 am). They analyzed this data to determine if eating duration and timing were associated with fasting blood sugar levels and estimated insulin resistance.  Fasting blood sugar levels did not differ significantly among eating interval groups.  Insulin resistance was higher with shorter eating interval duration but lower across all groups with an eating start time before 8:30am. What they discovered instead was that eating breakfast early reduced insulin resistance, and feeding window didn't matter. Is Breakfast the Most Important Meal of the Day? Is Breakfast The Most Important Meal of the Day? New Science Has Answers! People who start eating before 8:30 am had lower blood sugar levels and less insulin resistance. This could reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Sarah surmises that it makes sense from a cortisol vs. insulin perspective! Breakfast & Cortisol Stress, breakfast cereal consumption, and cortisol: recent research has shown that regular breakfast cereal consumption is associated with lower stress levels and reports of better physical and mental health.   The present study examined this issue using an objective indicator of stress, salivary cortisol.  Results showed that stress was associated with higher cortisol levels, and daily consumption of breakfast cereal was associated with lower cortisol levels.  Meal Timing Regulates the Human Circadian System and affects glucose tolerance, substrate oxidation and circadian-related variables: A randomized, crossover trial. Another study showed female breakfast-skippers display a disrupted cortisol rhythm and elevated blood pressure. Not to mention, chronic stress is associated with indicators of diet quality in habitual breakfast skippers. New Science About Breakfast Before 8:30am Skipping breakfast is also associated with cancer-related and all-cause mortality in a national cohort of United States adults.  Data associates habitual nightly fasting duration, eating timing, and eating frequency with cardiometabolic risk in women.  Association between Breakfast Consumption and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese College Students: A Cross-Sectional and Prospective Cohort Study. The ORs (95% CI) for depressive symptoms with decreasing breakfast consumption frequency were 1.00 (reference) for ≥6 times/week, 2.045 (1.198, 3.491) for 2-5 times/week, and 2.722 (0.941, 7.872) for ≤1 time/week (p for trend: 0.005). Final Thoughts Changing any sort of habit can be difficult, and Stacy reminds the audience that it won't be the easiest fix if you're not a breakfast person. (1:13:50) She tries planning ahead by hard boiling eggs to grab and go in the morning. Stacy also makes a lot of smoothies in the morning using whole fruit. If you haven't joined Patreon yet, now is a great time! It supports this show and gives you behind-the-scenes content, including how Sarah and Stacy really feel about these revisiting episodes. Thanks so much for listening, and we will see you next week!  

In the February 2020 online issue of the Journal of Urology, a study – "The Association Between Popular Diets and Serum Testosterone Among Men in the United States" – concluded that, “men adhering to low fat diets had lower serum testosterone levels, even when controlling for comorbidities, age, body mass index, and activity levels.” It was further noted that, “as differences in serum testosterone between the diets were modest, the avoidance of fat restrictive diets should be weighed against the potential benefits on an individual basis.” This conclusion reached by the Illinois medical researchers came, as a result of a review of the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) from 2000, 2003, 2011, and 2012 - involving 3128 men, age 18 to 80, who completed a 2-day dietary history and testosterone testing. Inclusion criteria included following the American Heart Association low fat and Mediterranean diet.The AHA low fat diet limits the daily saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of calories, trans fat to less than 1 percent of total calories, and sodium to 1500 mg a day. It encourages balancing the food intake over three meals, which are consumed at regular intervals The Mediterranean diet is composed of extra virgin olive oil, seafood, legumes, like lentils or chickpeas, nuts and seeds, leafy greens, a moderate amount of red wine, and herbs and spices, such as oregano. “Multivariable analysis controlling for age, body mass index, activity level, diabetes, comorbidities and prostate cancer showed that men with a nonrestrictive diet had higher serum testosterone than those adhering to a low-fat diet,” noted the study. It’s important to point out that a proposition of the men in the study group were at an age, where serum testosterone may have been declining. Urologyhealth.org says that, “overall about 2.1% (about 2 men in every 100) may have TD (testosterone deficiency). As few as 1% of younger men may have TD, while, as many as, 50% of men over 80 years old may have TD.”The symptoms of TD include low sex drive, fatigue, reduced lean muscle mass, irritability, erectile dysfunction, and depression. Should you suspect that low T is a factor in your lifestyle, then check with personal physician for guidance. For more information, go to maxwellnutrition.com

1. Tucker: Does Fauci believe the vaccine is ineffective?  3. Perspectives on the Pandemic Leemon McHenry   4. Dr. Ryan Cole Blows The Whole COVID-19 Propaganda Away   Study identifies specific antioxidants that may reduce oncogenic HPV infection in women Louisiana State University, April 12, 2021 A study led by Hui-Yi Lin, Ph.D., Professor of Biostatistics, and a team of researchers at LSU Health New Orleans Schools of Public Health and Medicine has found that adequate levels of five antioxidants may reduce infection with the strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) associated with cervical cancer development. Findings are published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. Although previous studies have suggested that the onset of HPV-related cancer development may be activated by oxidative stress, the association had not been clearly understood. This study evaluated associations between 15 antioxidants and vaginal HPV infection status -- no, low-risk, and oncogenic/high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) -- in 11,070 women aged 18-59 who participated in the 2003-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.  Study results showed that lower levels of serum albumin and four dietary antioxidants - vitamins A, B2, E, and folate -- were associated with a higher risk of HR-HPV infection. Albumin is the most bountiful circulating protein in plasma, and decreased serum albumin was found to be associated with increased systemic inflammation and impaired immune response. Based on the four dietary antioxidants, the researchers developed a nutritional antioxidant score.  "Our results showed that the women with the lowest quartile of the nutritional antioxidant score had a higher chance of both high-risk and low-risk HPV infection compared with the women with the highest quartile score after adjusting for other factors such as age, race, smoking, alcohol, and the number of sexual partners in past 12 months," notes the paper's lead author Hui-Yi Lin, PhD, Professor of Biostatistics at LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health.  Human Papillomavirus is a well-known risk factor for cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common female cancer and contributed to 7.5% of cancer deaths for women worldwide in 2018. Certain HPV strains are more likely to trigger precursor events leading to cancer development. These strains are called oncogenic or high-risk [HR] HPV strains. Almost all cervical cancers are directly linked to previous infection with one or more HR-HPV infections. "Currently, there is no effective antiviral therapy to clear genital HPV infection," adds Dr. Lin. "It is important to identify modifiable factors, such as antioxidants, associated with oncogenic HPV infection in order to prevent HPV carcinogenesis onset."     Exercise benefit in breast cancer linked to improved immune responses Tumors grew more slowly and responded better to immunotherapy in mice that exercised compared with sedentary mice. Massachusetts General Hospital, April 12, 2021 Exercise training may slow tumor growth and improve outcomes for females with breast cancer - especially those treated with immunotherapy drugs - by stimulating naturally occurring immune mechanisms, researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS) have found. Tumors in mouse models of human breast cancer grew more slowly in mice put through their paces in a structured aerobic exercise program than in sedentary mice, and the tumors in exercised mice exhibited an increased anti-tumor immune response.  "The most exciting finding was that exercise training brought into tumors immune cells capable of killing cancer cells known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells) and activated them. With more of these cells, tumors grew more slowly in mice that performed exercise training," says co-corresponding author Dai Fukumura, MD, PhD, deputy director of the Edwin L. Steele Laboratories in the Department of Radiation Oncology at MGH. As Fukumura and colleagues report in the journal Cancer Immunology Research , the beneficial effects of exercise training are dependent on CD8+ T cells; when the researchers depleted these cells in mice, tumors in mice that exercised no longer grew at a slower rate. They also found evidence that recruitment of CD8+ T cells to tumors was dependent on two chemical recruiters (chemokines) labeled CXCL9 and CXCL11. Levels of these chemokines were increased in mice that exercised, and mice that were genetically engineered to lack the receptor (docking site) for these chemokines did not recruit CD8+ T cells and did not have an anti-tumor benefit. "Humans whose tumors have higher levels of CD8+ T cells tend to have a better prognosis, respond better to treatment, and have reduced risk of cancer recurrence compared with patients whose tumors have lower levels of the immune cells, effects that were echoed by a reduced incidence of metastasis, or spread, of the cancers in mice that exercised," says co-corresponding author Rakesh K. Jain, PhD, director of the Steele Labs at MGH and Andrew Werk Cook Professor of Radiation Oncology at HMS. CD8+ T cells are also essential for the success of drugs known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab), Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab), which have revolutionized therapy for many types of cancer, but have to date had only limited success in breast cancer. The researchers found that exercise-trained mice displayed a much better response to immune checkpoint blockade, while the drugs did not work at all in sedentary mice.  "We showed that daily sessions of a moderate-to-vigorous intensity, continuous aerobic exercise training, lasting 30-45 minutes per session, induces a profound reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment that rewires tumor immunity, recruiting and activating CD8+ T cells to an unprecedented level with a non-pharmacological approach. Similar exercise training could be prescribed to a patient referred to an exercise oncology program," says Igor L. Gomes-Santos, PhD, lead author and exercise physiologist and post-doctoral fellow in the Steele Labs. He notes that current clinical guidelines focus on general wellness, improved fitness levels and quality of life, but not necessarily on improved cancer treatment, especially immunotherapy, and that this lack of evidence limits its application in clinical practice. More convincing, mechanism-based data are needed to motivate oncologists to discuss exercise training with their patients, to motivate patients to become more active and to expand implementation of outpatient exercise oncology programs, the investigators say.     Higher dietary total antioxidant capacity associated with lower risk of cognitive impairment National University of Singapore, April 12 2021.    The results of a study reported on April 7, 2021 in The Journals of Gerontology® Series A revealed a lower risk of cognitive impairment among older individuals who consumed more antioxidants. The study included 16,703 participants in the Singapore Chinese Health Study, which enrolled men and women aged 45 to 74 years between April 1993 and December 1998. Questionnaires completed upon enrollment provided information concerning dietary and supplement intake that was evaluated for antioxidant content using the Comprehensive Dietary Antioxidant Index and the Vitamin C Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity. Disease status and lifestyle factors were updated during follow-up visits conducted every five to six years. Cognitive function was evaluated 20.2 years after the beginning of the study. Cognitive impairment was detected among 14.3% of the participants. Among those whose Comprehensive Dietary Antioxidant Index Scores placed them among the top 25% of participants, the risk of having developed cognitive impairment was 16% lower than that of participants among the lowest 25%. Those whose Vitamin C Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity was among the top 25% experienced a risk that was 25% lower. When antioxidant nutrients were individually analyzed, greater daily intake of vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids and flavonoids was associated with a reduction in the risk of cognitive impairment. Among carotenoids, alpha carotene and beta cryptoxanthin were found to be protective and among flavonoids, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, flavones and flavonols were associated with lower risk. “These findings suggested that higher total antioxidant capacity of midlife diet was associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment in later life,” authors Li-Ting Sheng and colleagues concluded. “The generalizability of results to other populations remains to be confirmed, and future studies with repeated measures of dietary variables and cognitive functions are still needed.     Beneficial effect of quercetin on ovalbumin-induced rhinitis Xian Jiao-tong University (China), April 8, 2021 According to news reporting originating in Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China, research stated, “Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease, characterized by reversible goblet cells, smooth muscle hyperplasia, airflow obstruction, hyperactivity enhanced, ultra-structural remodeling, and airway mucus production. The current experimental study was aimed at scrutinizing quercetin’s inhibitory effect on airway inflammation in mice and its possible mechanism of action.” The news reporters obtained a quote from the research from Xi’an Jiaotong University, “The mice received varying doses of quercetin from 22-30 days (1, 10 and 50 mg / kg, p.o.) and montelukast (10 mg / kg, p.o.). Intranasal OVA has been instilled on the 21 days. Biochemical parameters, spleen weight, physiological parameters, interleukin (IL-113 and IL-6) parameters and immunoglobin-E (IgE) were calculated at the end of the experimental study. To investigate the potential mechanism of action, Paw edema and mast cell de granulation are estimated. Used to measure immune and inflammatory mediators, qRT-PCR technique. Quercetin significantly (P

Videos from Show  1. Scarborough 3 mins   2. COVID SHOTS EXPLAINED BY DR TENPENNY   3. Steve Deace on Twitter: "Pour one out for poor Bridgette from Washington, D.C     Anti-cancer and antidiabetic properties of maqui berry Nova Southeastern University (US), April 2, 2021 Researchers at NOVA Southeastern University in Florida reviewed the potential use of Aristotelia chilensis, also known as maqui berry, as a nutritional supplement to combat hyperinsulinemia and related diseases. Their report was published in the journal Food Science and Human Wellness. The scientific community has long considered nutritional supplementation to be a possible alternative medicine or adjunct treatment to conventional therapies for common ailments and diseases. Recent studies show that A. chilensis can reduce postprandial insulin levels by as much as 50 percent and is just as effective as metformin at increasing insulin sensitivity and stabilizing blood glucose levels. The berry’s mechanism of action involves inhibiting sodium-dependent glucose transporters in the small intestine and slowing glucose’s rate of entry in the bloodstream, which effectively reduces the likelihood of blood sugar spikes and the corresponding rise in insulin levels. At the same time, the A. chilensis contributes to cancer prevention since chronically high blood glucose levels are linked to the development of cancers. Studies have shown that diabetics and prediabetics have an elevated risk of developing cancerous growths. Based on the findings of previous studies, the researchers believe that consistent supplementation with A. chilensis could indirectly reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases that are promoted by hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia.   New research on vitamin D and respiratory infections important for risk groups   Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), April 1, 2021 Studies have shown that supplementary vitamin D seems to provide a certain degree of protection against respiratory infections. A new study involving researchers from Karolinska Institutet has now made the most comprehensive synthesis to date of this connection. The study, which is published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, confirms that vitamin D protects against respiratory infections, a result that can have significance for the healthcare services. Whether vitamin D can reduce the risk of infection is a still an open issue. Four years ago, a synthesis of current research was published that showed that vitamin D supplementation can provide a certain degree of protection against respiratory infections. Now, the same researchers from, amongst other institutes, Karolinska Institutet, Harvard Medical School and Queen Mary University of London, have expanded the earlier material with an additional 18 studies and carried out new analyses. Their results are based on 43 randomized and placebo-controlled studies on the possible relationship between vitamin D and respiratory infections involving almost 49,000 participants. The material the researchers have drawn on comprised published as well as registered but as yet unpublished studies, and is the most comprehensive such compilation to date. The new study adds further information about vitamin D as a protection against respiratory infections, but does not cover the question of whether vitamin D can protect against COVID-19. Daily dose most effective While the total protective effect against respiratory infections was 8%, the researchers found, for example, that a daily dose of vitamin D is much more effective than one given every week or month. There is no reason, either, to exceed the recommended dose. "A particularly high dose doesn't seem necessary," says study co-author Peter Bergman, associate professor at the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet. "Those who received 400-1000 IU/day had the best response, as the group that received such a dose demonstrated a reduction in infection risk of 42%. I want to stress that there were no signals in the study that normal doses of vitamin D were dangerous or caused adverse reactions." Lower risk in vulnerable groups One conclusion that Dr. Bergman says can be drawn from the study is that the healthcare services should be more alert to groups that have a known risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as people with dark skin, overweight people and the elderly. "A daily dose of vitamin D can protect the bones and perhaps also reduce the risk of respiratory infections in vulnerable groups," he continues. "The wider population will probably not benefit as much from the supplement, though. Vitamin D doesn't make healthy people healthier." The researchers are now interrogating the mechanisms behind the protective effect of vitamin D against respiratory infections—for instance, what genetic factors determine why people respond differently to vitamin D supplements. One weakness of the compilation procedure is the possible influence of "publication bias," in that studies that do not demonstrate an effect are never published, which can create a false impression of how effective vitamin D is. To compensate for this, data from registered but as yet unpublished studies were also included. The study received no external funding. Some of the co-authors have declared the receipt of grants from pharmaceutical companies and/or vitamin supplement manufacturers, although outside of this study. See the scientific paper for a full list of potential conflicts of interest.   Role of inflammatory diet and vitamin D in link between periodontitis and cognitive function Instituto Universitario Egas Moniz (Portugal), March 25, 2021   According to news reporting originating from Almada, Portugal, research stated, “Patients suffering from periodontitis are at a higher risk of developing cognitive dysfunction. However, the mediation effect of an inflammatory diet and serum vitamin D levels in this link is unclear.” The news reporters obtained a quote from the research from Periodontology Department: “In total, 2062 participants aged 60 years or older with complete periodontal diagnosis and cognitive tests from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 were enrolled. The Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s disease (CERAD) word learning subtest (WLT) and CERAD delayed recall test (DRT), the animal fluency test (AFT) and the digit symbol substitution test (DSST) was used. Dietary inflammatory index (DII) was computed via nutrition datasets. Mediation analysis tested the effects of DII and vitamin D levels in the association of mean probing depth (PD) and attachment loss (AL) in all four cognitive tests. Periodontitis patients obtained worse cognitive test scores than periodontally healthy individuals. DII was negatively associated with CERAD-WLT, CERAD-DRT, AFT and DSST, and was estimated to mediate between 9.2% and 36.4% of the total association between periodontitis with cognitive dysfunction (* * p* * < 0.05). Vitamin D showed a weak association between CERAD-DRT, AFT and DSST and was estimated to between 8.1% and 73.2% of the association between periodontitis and cognitive dysfunction (* * p* * < 0.05).” According to the news editors, the research concluded: “The association between periodontitis and impaired cognitive function seems to be mediated both by a proinflammatory dietary load and vitamin D deficiency. Future studies should further explore these mediators in the periodontitis-cognitive decline link.”     More protein doesn't mean more strength in resistance-trained middle-aged adults University of Illinois at Urbana, March 25, 2021 A 10-week muscle-building and dietary program involving 50 middle-aged adults found no evidence that eating a high-protein diet increased strength or muscle mass more than consuming a moderate amount of protein while training. The intervention involved a standard strength-training protocol with sessions three times per week. None of the participants had previous weightlifting experience. Published in the American Journal of Physiology: Endocrinology and Metabolism, the study is one of the most comprehensive investigations of the health effects of diet and resistance training in middle-aged adults, the researchers say. Participants were 40-64 years of age. The team assessed participants' strength, lean-body mass, blood pressure, glucose tolerance and several other health measures before and after the program. They randomized participants into moderate- and high-protein diet groups. To standardize protein intake, the researchers fed each person a freshly cooked, minced beef steak and carbohydrate beverage after every training session. They also sent participants home with an isolated-protein drink to be consumed every evening throughout the 10 weeks of the study. "The moderate-protein group consumed about 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, and the high-protein group consumed roughly 1.6 grams per kilogram per day," said Colleen McKenna, a graduate student in the division of nutritional sciences and registered dietician at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who led the study with U. of I. kinesiology and community health professor Nicholas Burd. The team kept calories equivalent in the meals provided to the two groups with additions of beef tallow and dextrose. The study subjects kept food diaries and McKenna counseled them every other week about their eating habits and protein intake. In an effort led by U. of I. food science and human nutrition professor Hannah Holscher, the team also analyzed gut microbes in fecal samples collected at the beginning of the intervention, after the first week - during which participants adjusted to the new diet but did not engage in physical training - and at the end of the 10 weeks. Previous studies have found that diet alone or endurance exercise alone can alter the composition of microbes in the digestive tract. "The public health messaging has been that Americans need more protein in their diet, and this extra protein is supposed to help our muscles grow bigger and stronger," Burd said. "Middle age is a bit unique in that as we get older, we lose muscle and, by default, we lose strength. We want to learn how to maximize strength so that as we get older, we're better protected and can ultimately remain active in family and community life." The American Food and Nutrition Board recommends that adults get 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day to avoid developing a protein deficiency. The team tried to limit protein consumption in the moderate-protein group to the Recommended Daily Allowance, but their food diaries revealed those participants were consuming, on average, 1.1 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Those in the high-protein group ate about 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram per day - twice the recommended amount. Burd and his colleagues hypothesized that getting one's protein from a high-quality source like beef and consuming significantly more protein than the RDA would aid in muscle growth and strength in middle-aged adults engaged in resistance training. But at the end of the 10 weeks, the team saw no significant differences between the groups. Their gains in strength, their body fat, lean body mass, glucose tolerance, kidney function, bone density and other "biomarkers" of health were roughly the same. The only potentially negative change researchers recorded between the groups involved alterations to the population of microbes that inhabit the gut. After one week on the diet, those in the high-protein group saw changes in the abundance of some gut microbes that previous studies have linked to negative health outcomes. Burd and his colleagues found that their strength-training intervention reversed some of these changes, increasing beneficial microbes and reducing the abundance of potentially harmful ones. "We found that high protein intake does not further increase gains in strength or affect body composition," Burd said. "It didn't increase lean mass more than eating a moderate amount of protein. We didn't see more fat loss, and body composition was the same between the groups. They got the gain in weight, but that weight gain was namely from lean-body-mass gain." Burd said the finding makes him question the push to increase protein intake beyond 0.8-1.1 grams per kilogram of body weight, at least in middle-aged weightlifters consuming high-quality animal-based protein on a regular basis. McKenna said the team's multidisciplinary approach and in-depth tracking of participants' dietary habits outside the laboratory makes it easier to understand the findings and apply them to daily life. "We have recommendations for healthy eating and we have recommendations for how you should exercise, but very little research looks at how the two together impact our health," she said. The study team included exercise physiologists, registered dietitians and experts on gut microbiology. "This allowed us to address every aspect of the intervention in the way it should be addressed," McKenna said. "We're honoring the complexity of human health with the complexity of our research."   Higher serum carotenoid levels linked with less visceral fat in women Hirosaki University & Kagome Ltd (Japan), March 24 2021.    Visceral fat resides within the abdomen, where it surrounds the internal organs. Visceral fat is not only challenging to lose but is associated with an increase in inflammation and disorders such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In fact, high visceral fat area is a greater predictor of cardiovascular disease than waist circumference and body mass index (BMI).  A study reported on March 11, 2021 in Nutrients revealed an association between higher levels of carotenoids and a reduction in visceral fat area. The investigation included 310 men and 495 women who received an annual health examination as part of the Iwaki Health Promotion Project in Japan. Blood samples were analyzed for the carotenoids alpha carotene, beta carotene, beta cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Visceral fat area was measured using an abdominal bioimpedance method and BMI was calculated from anthropometric data. Diet history questionnaire responses provided information concerning food intake. Total carotenoid levels were associated with the intake of leafy green vegetables, carrots and pumpkins, root vegetables and juice. Women’s carotenoid levels were significantly higher than those of men. Higher total carotenoid levels were associated with decreased visceral fat area and BMI in women, independent of fiber intake. Increased beta carotene, beta cryptoxanthin and lutein levels in women were also significantly associated with having a lower visceral fat area. The differences found between men and women in the study led the researchers to suggest that a threshold level of carotenoids might be necessary to influence visceral fat. “This is the first study to evaluate the association between serum carotenoids levels and visceral fat area in healthy individuals,” Mai Matsumoto and associates announced. “Ingestion of carotenoid-rich vegetables (particularly lutein and beta carotene) may be associated with lower visceral fat area, a good predictor of cardiovascular disease, especially in women.”       Research suggests optimal time of day to consume longevity-supporting supplements University of Waterloo (Ontario), March 24, 2021   Aging is a disease that can be fought with the appropriate combinations of supplements and behaviours, according to new research from the University of Waterloo. Using a comprehensive mathematical model, the researchers also found that the best time of day for someone to take these supplements depends on their age. Some anti-aging supplements should be taken by young people at night, while older people should take it midday for the greatest effectiveness. The two classes of drugs the researchers modelled are nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and Resveratrol, which have been the subject of increased interest in recent years after reports emerged on their benefits on metabolism and increased lifespan of various organisms. A debate over whether to classify aging as a disease has been ongoing for decades, with the vast majority in the field of aging research now classifying it as such. As recently as 2015, a team of international scientists authored a paper calling it "time to classify biological aging as a disease"--and the World Health Organization has made moves that bring it closer to that definition. "It's really important to try and change this wrong paradigm that aging is not treatable," said Mehrshad Sadria, a PhD student in Waterloo'sDepartment of Applied Mathematics. "We shouldn't think like 30 years ago when we thought that once a person gets into their 70s or 80s, they must be lethargic and ailing.  The clear association of aging with various serious diseases is a stronger motivator for better understanding aging, Sadria said. Recognizing aging as a disease can encourage investment and promote research efforts in identifying therapies that can delay the aging process.  "We can take these drugs that can extend our lifespan and improve our health. This study is the first step in understanding when is the best time for young people and older folks to take these supplements." Sadria and Anita Layton, professor of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Pharmacy and Biology at Waterloo, developed a mathematical model that simulates the circadian clock and metabolism in the mouse liver. The model is age-specific and can simulate liver function in a young mouse or an aged mouse. They found that a young person, for example, should take NMN six hours after they wake up to achieve the highest efficiency. On the other hand, young individuals should take Resveratrol at night while older people should take it midday for the greatest effectiveness.  "The time you eat, what you eat, the time you sleep and the time you exercise are all factors that can affect your body, how you age and how you live," Layton said. "People should be mindful of when they eat and ensure that it coincides with other things in their environment that impact their sleep/wake cycle or body clock, such as exposure to light because if not, it could cause conflict within the body."  The study, Modeling the Effect of Ageing on the Circadian Clock and Metabolism: Implications on Timing of Medication, was recently published in the journal iScience.     Sugar not so nice for your child's brain development New research shows how high consumption affects learning, memory University of Georgia, April 1, 2021 Sugar practically screams from the shelves of your grocery store, especially those products marketed to kids. Children are the highest consumers of added sugar, even as high-sugar diets have been linked to health effects like obesity and heart disease and even impaired memory function.  However, less is known about how high sugar consumption during childhood affects the development of the brain, specifically a region known to be critically important for learning and memory called the hippocampus. New research led by a University of Georgia faculty member in collaboration with a University of Southern California research group has shown in a rodent model that daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages during adolescence impairs performance on a learning and memory task during adulthood. The group further showed that changes in the bacteria in the gut may be the key to the sugar-induced memory impairment. Supporting this possibility, they found that similar memory deficits were observed even when the bacteria, called Parabacteroides, were experimentally enriched in the guts of animals that had never consumed sugar. "Early life sugar increased Parabacteroides levels, and the higher the levels of Parabacteroides, the worse the animals did in the task," said Emily Noble, assistant professor in the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences who served as first author on the paper. "We found that the bacteria alone was sufficient to impair memory in the same way as sugar, but it also impaired other types of memory functions as well." Guidelines recommend limiting sugar The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a joint publication of the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and of Health and Human Services, recommends limiting added sugars to less than 10 percent of calories per day. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show Americans between the ages 9-18 exceed that recommendation, the bulk of the calories coming from sugar-sweetened beverages. Considering the role the hippocampus plays in a variety of cognitive functions and the fact the area is still developing into late adolescence, researchers sought to understand more about its vulnerability to a high-sugar diet via gut microbiota. Juvenile rats were given their normal chow and an 11% sugar solution, which is comparable to commercially available sugar-sweetened beverages.  Researchers then had the rats perform a hippocampus-dependent memory task designed to measure episodic contextual memory, or remembering the context where they had seen a familiar object before. "We found that rats that consumed sugar in early life had an impaired capacity to discriminate that an object was novel to a specific context, a task the rats that were not given sugar were able to do," Noble said. A second memory task measured basic recognition memory, a hippocampal-independent memory function that involves the animals' ability to recognize something they had seen previously. In this task, sugar had no effect on the animals' recognition memory. "Early life sugar consumption seems to selectively impair their hippocampal learning and memory," Noble said. Additional analyses determined that high sugar consumption led to elevated levels of Parabacteroides in the gut microbiome, the more than 100 trillion microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract that play a role in human health and disease. To better identify the mechanism by which the bacteria impacted memory and learning, researchers experimentally increased levels of Parabacteroides in the microbiome of rats that had never consumed sugar. Those animals showed impairments in both hippocampal dependent and hippocampal-independent memory tasks. "(The bacteria) induced some cognitive deficits on its own," Noble said. Noble said future research is needed to better identify specific pathways by which this gut-brain signaling operates.  "The question now is how do these populations of bacteria in the gut alter the development of the brain?" Noble said. "Identifying how the bacteria in the gut are impacting brain development will tell us about what sort of internal environment the brain needs in order to grow in a healthy way."

Dr. Corey covers his top 5 items to eliminate from your diet for optimal health.Dr. Corey's Website: http://www.drcoreysondrupdc.comFacebook: Corey  Sondrup, DCInstagram: @coreysondrupdcTikTok: @drcoreychiroEmail: dr.corey.ohd@hotmail.comPrevalence of Optimal Metabolic Health in American Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2016. Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, 2018. 10.1089/met.2018.0105

Chaga mushrooms, a natural way to regrow hair?  Tokushima University (Japan), February 28 2021 Alopecia areata is a condition characterized by hair falling out in patches. Research suggests it is caused by the immune system attacking the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and slow down hair production. Because of this, alopecia is called an autoimmune disorder. According to statistics, alopecia is a common autoimmune disorder that affects about 6.8 million people in the U.S. alone. One in five people who suffer from alopecia has a family member with the same condition. Hair loss, however, can vary from nothing more than a few patches to complete loss of hair on the scalp or the entire body. There are currently no mainstream cures for alopecia, and the reason why the immune system attacks hair follicles is still unknown. But in a recent study, researchers at Tokushima University in Japan reported a natural medicine that can potentially reverse the effects of alopecia. Inonotus obliquus, commonly known as chaga, is a parasitic fungus that grows on birch and other trees. It is traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal diseases as well as to maintain healthy hair in many countries in Asia. The researchers screened chaga mushrooms for useful phytochemicals and found that it contains plenty of potential anti-alopecia agents. They discussed their findings in detail in an article published in the Journal of Natural Medicines. Compounds in chaga mushroom promote proliferation of hair follicles Chaga mushrooms refer to the resting body, or sclerotium, of I. obliquus. In countries like China, Korea, Japan and Russia, these mushrooms are known for their favorable effects on lipid metabolism and cardiac function. Research has also found that they possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor properties, and even exhibit antiviral properties against the hepatitis C virus and the human immunodeficiency virus. On the other hand, phytochemical analysis of chaga mushrooms reveal that they are rich in polysaccharides, triterpenes and polyphenols. They also contain two components commonly derived from birch trees, namely, betulin (or betulinol) and betulinic acid. Studies show that betulin can help lower cholesterol levels and increase insulin sensitivityin mice, while betulinic acid can activate signaling pathways that lead to cancer cell death. According to Japanese researchers, chaga mushrooms are used in Mongolia to make shampoo that helps with the maintenance of strong, healthy hair. This prompted them to investigate whether chaga mushrooms can be used for the treatment of alopecia. Bioassay-guided fractionation of chaga mushroom extracts allowed them to identify five lanostane-type triterpenes whose structures they confirmed using spectroscopy. The researchers then conducted proliferation assays using human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and found that four of the five triterpenes can promote the proliferation of HFDPCs. The compounds were identified as lanosterol, inotodiol, lanost-8,24-diene-3B,21-diol and trametenolic acid. The researchers also reported that these lanostane-type triterpenes were more potent than minoxidil, a conventional treatment for male-pattern baldness that’s used to promote hair growth. Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that the lanostane-type triterpenes in chaga mushrooms are potent anti-alopecia agents that can be used to stimulate hair growth naturally.      Association of serum folate, vitamin A and vitamin C levels with greater bone mineral density Tiajin Fifth Central Hospital (China), February 22, 20221 According to news originating from the Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital research stated, “The conclusions on the associations of specific vitamin levels with bone mineral density (BMD) were controversial. Therefore, the aims of this study were to examine the associations of serum vitamins levels with BMD and the modified effect of race/ ethnicity on these associations in the US adults.” The news editors obtained a quote from the research from Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital: “This study was from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. All participants aged 18 years with complete data were eligible. Serum vitamins A, B9, B12, C, and E levels were assayed using the Quantaphase II Radioassay Kit (Bio-Rad). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was employed to measure BMD, including femur neck and the total hip. There were 6023 participants included in the final analysis. Serum folate, vitamins A and C levels were positively associated with BMD. No significant associations of serum vitamins B12 and E levels with BMD were observed. There were positive associations of serum folate level (b = 0.00027 and 0.00032; and 95% CI: 0.00002-0.00057 and 0.00002-0.00063, respectively), vitamin A level (b = 0.01132 and 0.01115; and 95% CI: 0.00478-0.01787 and 0.00430-0.01799, respectively), and vitamin C level (b = 0.00027 and 0.00029; and 95% CI: 0.00012-0.00042 and 0.00013-0.00045, respectively) with BMD at femur neck and the total hip only in the Not Hispanic participants.” According to the news editors, the research concluded: “Elevated serum folate, vitamins A and C levels were associated with a higher BMD. Furthermore, sex and race/ ethnicity modified the associations of serum vitamins levels with BMD.”     Study shows mother's diet may boost immune systems of premature infants Johns Hopkins University, February 25, 2021 Medical researchers have long understood that a pregnant mother's diet has a profound impact on her developing fetus's immune system and that babies -- especially those born prematurely -- who are fed breast milk have a more robust ability to fight disease, suggesting that even after childbirth, a mother's diet matters. However, the biological mechanisms underlying these connections have remained unclear. Now, in a study published Feb. 15, 2021, in the journal Nature Communications, a Johns Hopkins Medicine research team reports that pregnant mice fed a diet rich in a molecule found abundantly in cruciferous vegetables -- such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower -- gave birth to pups with stronger protection against necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is a dangerous inflammatory condition that destroys a newborn's intestinal lining, making it one of the leading causes of mortality in premature infants. The team also found that breast milk from these mothers continued to confer immunity against NEC in their offspring.  Seen in as many as 12% of newborn babies weighing less than 3.5 pounds at birth, NEC is a rapidly progressing gastrointestinal emergency in which normally harmless gut bacteria invade the underdeveloped wall of the premature infant's colon, causing inflammation that can ultimately destroy healthy tissue at the site. If enough cells become necrotic (die) so that a hole is created in the intestinal wall, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause life-threatening sepsis. In earlier mouse studies, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine showed that NEC results when the underdeveloped intestinal lining in premature infants produces higher-than-normal amounts of a protein called toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). TLR4 in full-term babies binds with bacteria in the gut and helps keep the microbes in check. However, in premature infants, TLR4 can act like an immune system switch, with excess amounts of the protein mistakenly directing the body's defense mechanism against disease to attack the intestinal wall instead. "Based on this understanding, we designed our latest study to see if indole-3-carbinole, or I3C for short, a chemical compound common in green leafy vegetables and known to switch off the production of TLR4, could be fed to pregnant mice, get passed to their unborn children and then protect them against NEC after birth," says study senior author David Hackam, M.D., Ph.D., surgeon-in-chief at Johns Hopkins Children's Center and professor of surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "We also wanted to determine if I3C in breast milk could maintain that protection as the infants grow."  In the first of three experiments, Hackam and his colleagues sought to induce NEC in 7-day old mice, half of which were born from mothers fed I3C derived from broccoli during their pregnancies and half from mothers fed a diet without I3C. They found that those born from mothers given I3C throughout gestation were 50% less likely to develop NEC, even with their immune systems still immature at one week after birth. The second experiment examined whether breast milk with I3C could continue to provide infant mice with protection against NEC. To do this, the researchers used mice genetically bred without the binding site on intestinal cells for I3C known as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). When AHR-lacking pups were given breast milk from mice fed a diet containing I3C, they could not process the compound. Therefore, they developed severe NEC 50% more frequently than infant mice that had the I3C receptor.  The researchers say this shows in mice -- and suggests in humans -- that AHR must be activated to protect babies from NEC and that what a mother eats during breastfeeding -- in this case, I3C -- can impact the ability of her milk to bolster an infant's developing immune system.  In confirmatory studies, Hackam and his colleagues looked at the amounts of AHR in human tissue obtained from infants undergoing surgery for severe NEC. They found significantly lower than normal levels of the receptor, suggesting that reduced AHR predisposes infants to the disease. Finally, the researchers searched for a novel drug that could be given to pregnant women to optimize AHR's positive effect and reduce the risk of NEC in the event of premature birth. After screening in pregnant mice a variety of compounds already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other clinical uses, the researchers observed that one, which they called A18 (clinically known as lansoprazole, a drug approved for the treatment of gastrointestinal hyperacidity), activates the I3C receptor, limits TLR4 signaling and prevents gut bacteria from infiltrating the intestinal wall.  To show the relevance of what they saw in mice, the researchers tested A18 in the laboratory on human intestinal tissue removed from patients with NEC and found the drug produced similar protective results. "These findings enable us to imagine the possibility of developing a maternal diet that can not only boost an infant's overall growth, but also enhance the immune system of a developing fetus and, in turn, reduce the risk of NEC if the baby is born prematurely," says Hackam.   Plant-based diets improve cardiac function, cognitive health Boston University Medical School, February 25, 2021 What if you could improve your heart health and brain function by changing your diet? Boston University School of Medicine researchers have found that by eating more plant-based food such as berries and green leafy vegetables while limiting consumption of foods high in saturated fat and animal products, you can slow down heart failure (HF) and ultimately lower your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Heart failure (HF) affects over 6.5 million adults in the U.S. In addition to its detrimental effects on several organ systems, presence of HF is associated with higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Similarly, changes in cardiac structure and function (cardiac remodeling) that precede the appearance of HF are associated with poor cognitive function and cerebral health.  The adoption of diets, such as the Mediterranean diet (MIND) and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), which are characterized by high intakes of plant-based foods are among lifestyle recommendations for the prevention of HF. However, whether a dietary pattern that emphasizes foods thought to promote the maintenance of neurocognitive health also mitigates changes in cardiac structure and function (cardiac remodeling) has been unclear until now. The researchers found the MIND diet, which emphasizes consumption of berries and green leafy vegetables while limiting intakes of foods high in saturated fat and animal products, positively benefited the hearts' left ventricular function which is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body. The researchers evaluated the dietary and echocardiographic data of 2,512 participants of the Framingham Heart Study (Offspring Cohort), compared their MIND diet score to measures of cardiac structure and function and observed that a dietary pattern that emphasizes foods thought to promote the maintenance of neurocognitive health also mitigates cardiac remodeling. According to the researchers previous studies have highlighted the importance of diet as a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. "Our findings highlight the importance of adherence to the MIND diet for a better cardiovascular health and further reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in the community," explained corresponding author Vanessa Xanthakis, PhD, assistant professor of medicine and biostatistics at BUSM and an Investigator for the Framingham Heart Study. Although Xanthakis acknowledges that following a healthy diet may not always be easy or fit with today's busy schedules, people should make a concerted effort to adhere to healthy eating to help lower risk of disease and achieve better quality of life.         Fear of memory loss impacts well-being and quality of life Trinity College Dublin, February 23, 2021 Research from the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) at Trinity College suggests that experiencing high levels of fear about dementia can have harmful effects on older adults' beliefs about their memory and general well-being. To date, few studies have measured the impact of dementia-related fear on daily functioning, despite its clinical relevance. In this new study, published in the journal Aging and Mental Health, researchers investigated if fear of memory decline predicted increased memory failures and poorer quality of life in older adults. Dr. Francesca Farina, Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at GBHI, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Cambridge, University of Maastricht and Northwestern University developed a novel scale—known as the Fear of Memory Loss (FAM) scale—to capture different components of fear related to memory loss. Using the scale, healthy older adults aged 55+ were assessed with respect to the different dimensions of fear. Questions probed specific fears like becoming dependent on others, being treated differently by friends or colleagues, and loss of identity, as well as coping strategies like avoiding social situations for fear of embarrassment. Findings from the study showed that having higher levels of fear about dementia was associated with reporting more memory lapses and a lower quality of life. Notably, these results were independent of performance on memory tests and the level of reported anxiety. That is, fears about dementia had a negative influence on peoples' beliefs regardless of how they performed on an objective lab-based memory test, or how they rated their anxiety levels. Key findings: Heightened fear of memory loss significantly predicted lower quality of life and increased self-reported memory failures, after controlling for objective memory performance and general anxiety. There was no difference in the level of fear expressed between those with and without a family history of dementia. Though surprising, this result is consistent with evidence of widespread fear of dementia among the general population. Over half of respondents (57%) said they worried about losing their memory and feared how people would treat them if this happened. The novel FAM scale highlights the important role played by avoidance behaviors in maintaining fear, along with subjective experiences and cognitions. Findings also have important healthcare implications. Fear of dementia is a psychological process that can be modified using interventions such as psycho-education and psychotherapy. The researchers propose a preliminary fear-avoidance model, where perceived changes in memory result in fear, which over time, creates avoidance and social withdrawal. This combination of fear and avoidance has a negative impact on everyday functioning, which then impairs mood and sense of self. Identifying effective ways to challenge fears about dementia could prove beneficial to individuals and society. On the individual level, reducing fear could lead to improvements in how people view their memory function and quality of life. At the societal level, acknowledging and addressing fears about dementia would help to eliminate stigma associated with the condition. Dr. Francesca Farina, Atlantic Fellow at GBHI, and lead author said: "Almost 80% of the general public are concerned about developing dementia, according to the World Alzheimer Report 2019. Evidence also suggests that these fears increase with age. Given global population aging and the increased visibility of dementia, it is crucial that we find ways to address peoples' fears. Understanding and tackling these fears will serve to promote brain health and well-being, and reduce societal stigma for people living with disease and their carers." Tackling Fear and Stigma Through Art Data from the study inspired "Remembering What I Have Forgotten': a fictional diary written from the perspective of someone experiencing symptoms of dementia. Created by Irish artist Aoibheann Brady, student at the National College of Art and Design, the diary aims to capture the feelings and perspectives of people experiencing memory loss. Through the medium of a diary, "Remembering What I Have Forgotten' offers a realistic insight into the experience of dementia, with entries such as "I feel more withdrawn and am not going out or connecting" and "I am anxious that I will make mistakes." This diary, however, was not written by a person—but by a software application known as a chatbot, which had been trained on anonymous interviews with healthcare professionals and carers of people living with dementia. Aoibheann Brady, creator of "Remembering What I Have Forgotten' said: "With this project, I aimed to create work that is a crossover between art and science. I hope it helps demonstrate, to younger generations and members of the art world, that dementia is something that should be considered more in artistic practices."     Diet of fish and olive oils beneficially modifies membrane properties in striatal rat synaptosomes National Institute of Neurology & Neurosurgery (Mexico), February 25, 2021 According to news reporting originating in Mexico City, Mexico, research stated, “Essential fatty acids (EFAs) and non-essential fatty acids (nEFAs) exert experimental and clinical neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases. The main EFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), nEFAs, and oleic acid (OA) contained in olive and fish oils are inserted into the cell membranes, but the exact mechanism through which they exert neuroprotection is still unknown.” The news reporters obtained a quote from the research from the National Institute of Neurology & Neurosurgery, “In this study, we assessed the fatty acids content and membrane fluidity in striatal rat synaptosomes after fatty acid-rich diets (olive- or a fish-oil diet, 15% w/w). Then, we evaluated the effect of enriching striatum synaptosomes with fatty acids on the oxidative damage produced by the prooxidants ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) or quinolinic acid (QUIN). Lipid profile analysis in striatal synaptosomes showed that EPA content increased in the fish oil group in comparison with control and olive groups. Furthermore, we found that synaptosomes enriched with fatty acids and incubated with QUIN or FeSO4 showed a significant oxidative damage reduction.” According to the news reporters, the research concluded: “Results suggest that EFAs, particularly EPA, improve membrane fluidity and confer antioxidant effect.” This research has been peer-reviewed.     Soy intake is associated with lowering blood pressure in adults: A meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Iran), February 24, 2021 Soy has several beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, results of clinical trial studies are equivocal. Thus, the present study sought to discern the efficacy of soy intake on blood pressure. Methods The search process was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, to ascertain studies investigating the efficacy of soy intake on blood pressure in adults, published up to June 2020. A random-effects model was applied to pool mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Meta-regression analysis was performed to discern potential sources of heterogeneity. Begg’s and Egger’s methods were conducted to assess publication bias. Results Pooled effects from 17 studies revealed a significant improvement in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (-1.64; -3.25 to -0.04 mmHg; I2 = 50.5 %) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (-1.21; -2.29 to -0.12 mmHg, I2 = 50.7 %) following soy consumption, in comparison with controls. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a reduction in both SBP and DBP in younger participants with lower baseline blood pressure and intervention durations of

Grapes could protect against sun damage, say dermatologists University of Alabama, February 3, 2021 Grapes may help protect against damage to the skin caused by the sun's ultraviolet radiation in healthy adults, according to a new study by researchers in the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Department of Dermatology. In research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, a 74.8 percent increase in natural protection of the skin was shown when 19 healthy human subjects orally ingested a powder of freeze-dried grapes for 14 days. The study found that a group of natural compounds—polyphenols, found in grapes as well as other fruits and vegetables—can reduce acute UV radiation damage in healthy adults, which was previously demonstrated in mouse models. Additionally, it can decrease proteins in the body that promote inflammation. This is the first study showing that oral ingestion of table grapes has a photoprotective effect on the sunburn response in humans. "Study results indicate that oral consumption of grapes has systemic beneficial effects in healthy adults," said Allen Oak, M.D., a dermatologist in the UAB School of Medicine and a lead author of the study. "These benefits include inhibition of inflammation and repair of DNA damage."  In addition to consumption of the powder, the study also showed that the application of a topical extract made from a grape seed polyphenol, proanthocyanidin, can reduce sunburn cell formation. Furthermore, preliminary results suggest that grapes may help to prevent skin cancers as well, although more studies need to be conducted in this area before drawing conclusions. "Grape consumption may act as an 'edible sunscreen,'" Oak said. "This does not mean that grapes should be used in lieu of sunscreen, but they may offer additional protection which we are eager to continue learning more about. This research is exciting because our current findings provide building blocks for additional studies that may eventuate in an oral photoprotective product from a natural source."   Meta-analysis links higher magnesium levels with lower risk of premature mortality from all causes among kidney disease patients Vrije University (Netherlands), January 26, 2021 A systematic review and meta-analysis published on December 26, 2020 in Clinical Nutrition found an association between higher plasma or serum magnesium levels and a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality and events and all-cause mortality during follow-up among men and women with chronic kidney disease. Researchers at Vrije University in Amsterdam selected 33 studies that included 348,059 patients for the analysis. Subjects’ plasma or serum magnesium concentrations were obtained at the beginning of the studies and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular events, and/or other outcomes were documented during follow-up periods that varied from an average of 11.7 months to 278 months. Each 0.1 millimole per liter increase in magnesium was associated with a 15% lower risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event or dying from cardiovascular disease, and a 10% lower risk of dying from any cause during follow-up. “This review and meta-analysis demonstrate that plasma magnesium concentration is inversely associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality and events in patients with CKD including those on dialysis,” Nicoline J. J. Leenders and colleagues wrote. “The inverse association between magnesium and all-cause mortality not only exists for normal compared to low magnesium, but also for magnesium above the reference range compared to normal magnesium.” The authors suggest the initiation of clinical trials to determine if plasma magnesium concentrations can be safely increased and to confirm the mineral’s effect on cardiovascular events and mortality and all-cause mortality. “In these trials, the intervention should ideally consist of an increase of dialysate magnesium in patients on dialysis, and dietary intervention or oral magnesium…in patients with CKD not on dialysis,” they recommended.     Bleeding gums may be a sign you need more vitamin C in your diet University of Washington, February 1, 2021 Current advice from the America Dental Association tells you that if your gums bleed, make sure you are brushing and flossing twice a day because it could be a sign of gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease. And that might be true. So if you are concerned, see your dentist. However, a new University of Washington study suggests you should also check your intake of vitamin C.  "When you see your gums bleed, the first thing you should think about is not, I should brush more. You should try to figure out why your gums are bleeding. And vitamin C deficiency is one possible reason," said the study's lead author Philippe Hujoel, a practicing dentist and professor of oral health sciences in the UW School of Dentistry. Hujoel's study, published Feb. 1 in Nutrition Reviews, analyzed published studies of 15 clinical trials in six countries, involving 1,140 predominantly healthy participants, and data from 8,210 U.S. residents surveyed in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The results showed that bleeding of the gums on gentle probing, or gingival bleeding tendency, and also bleeding in the eye, or retinal hemorrhaging, were associated with low vitamin C levels in the bloodstream. And, the researchers found that increasing daily intake of vitamin C in those people with low vitamin C plasma levels helped to reverse these bleeding issues. Of potential relevance, says Hujoel, who is also an adjunct professor of epidemiology in the UW School of Public Health, both a gum bleeding tendency and retinal bleeding could be a sign of general trouble in one's microvascular system, of a microvascular bleeding tendency in the brain, heart and kidneys. The study does not imply that successful reversing of an increased gingival bleeding tendency with vitamin C will prevent strokes or other serious health outcomes, Hujoel stresses. However, the results do suggest that vitamin C recommendations designed primarily to protect against scurvy -- a deadly disease caused by extremely low vitamin C levels -- are too low, and that such a low vitamin C intake can lead to a bleeding tendency, which should not be treated with dental floss. Consequently, Hujoel does recommend people attempt to keep an eye on their vitamin C intake through incorporation of non-processed foods such as kale, peppers or kiwis into your diet, and if you can't find palatable foods rich in vitamin C to consider a supplement of about 100 to 200 milligrams a day.  If someone is on a specialized diet, such as a paleo diet, it's important that they take a look at their vitamin C intake, Hujoel said. "Vitamin C-rich fruits such as kiwis or oranges are rich in sugar and thus typically eliminated from a low-carb diet."  This avoidance may lead to a vitamin C intake that is too low and is associated with an increased bleeding tendency. People who exclusively eat lean meats and avoid offal, the vitamin-rich organ meats, may be at a particularly high risk for a low vitamin C intake. The association between gum bleeding and vitamin C levels was recognized more than 30 years ago. In fact, two studies co-authored by former dean of the UW School of Dentistry Paul Robertson (published in 1986 and 1991) identified gum bleeding as a biological marker for vitamin C levels.  However, this connection somehow got lost in dental conversations around bleeding gums. "There was a time in the past when gingival bleeding was more generally considered to be a potential marker for a lack of vitamin C. But over time, that's been drowned out or marginalized by this overattention to treating the symptom of bleeding with brushing or flossing, rather than treating the cause," Hujoel said.  Hujoel's literature review also determined that "retinal hemorrhaging and cerebral strokes are associated with increased gingival bleeding tendency, and that (vitamin C) supplementation reverses the retinal bleeding associated with low (vitamin C) plasma levels." So, missing the possible connection between gum bleeding and low levels of vitamin C has the potential to have serious health consequences. The study authors write: "A default prescription of oral hygiene and other periodontal interventions to 'treat' microvascular pathologies, even if partially effective in reversing gingival bleeding as suggested in this meta-analysis, is risky because it does not address any potential morbidity and mortality associated with the systemic microvascular-related pathologies."     Neonatal antibiotic use associated with reduced growth in boys Bar-Illan University (Israel), January 26, 2021 Exposure to antibiotics in the first days of life is thought to affect various physiological aspects of neonatal development. A new study, led by Bar-Ilan University's Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, reveals that antibiotic treatment within 14 days of birth is associated with reduced weight and height in boys - but not girls -- up to the age of six.  By contrast, the study showed significantly higher body mass index (BMI) in both boys and girls following antibiotic use after the neonatal period, and within the first six years of life.  The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications on January 26, 2021, may be the result of changes in the development of the gut microbiome. The impact of neonatal antibiotic exposure was investigated in a cohort of 12,422 children born between 2008-2010 at the Turku University Hospital in Turku, Finland. The babies had no genetic abnormalities or significant chronic disorders affecting growth and did not need long-term antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics had been administered within the first 14 days of life to 1,151 (9.3%) of the neonates in the study. The authors found that boys exposed to antibiotic treatment exhibited significantly lower weight as compared to non-exposed children throughout the first six years. They also exhibited significantly lower height and BMI between the ages of two and six. This observation was replicated in a German cohort. Further, antibiotic exposure during the first days of life was found to be associated with disturbances in the gut microbiome up until the age of two. Infants exposed to neonatal antibiotics exhibited significantly lower gut microbiome richness as compared to non-exposed infants at the age of one month. Interestingly, at the age of six months, the infants treated with antibiotics reached the bacterial richness level of a control group of infants, and at the ages of 12 and 24 months, the antibiotic-treated subjects gained significantly higher levels of bacterial richness as compared to the control subjects. In additional experiments led by PhD student Atara Uzan, the researchers demonstrated that germ-free male mice who were given the gut microbiome of antibiotic-exposed infants also displayed growth failure. These findings suggest a potential link between neonatal antibiotic exposure and impaired childhood growth, which may be a result of alterations caused by antibiotics in the composition of the gut microbiome.  "Antibiotics are vitally important and life-saving medications in newborn infants. Our results suggest that their use may also have unwanted long-term consequences which need to be considered," said Prof. Omry Koren, of the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine of Bar-Ilan University, who led the study together with Prof. Samuli Rautava, of the University of Turku and University of Helsinki.  Follow up research will aim to investigate other potential adverse outcomes related to neonatal antibiotic exposure.     Ten Days of Curcumin Supplementation Attenuates Subjective Soreness and Maintains Muscular Power Following Plyometric Exercise Ohio University, February 1, 2021   Curcumin has become a popular product used to decrease inflammation and enhance recovery from exercise. Purpose: To determine the effects of curcumin supplementation on delayed onset muscle soreness and muscle power following plyometric exercise. Methods: Participants (n = 22; five females, 17 males) consumed either curcumin (500 mg) or placebo twice daily for 10 days (6 days pre, day of and 3 days post exercise). Participants completed 5 x 20 drop jumps on day 7. Blood sampling and recovery tests were assessed at pre-supplementation, 24-hours and immediately pre-exercise, and immediately post-, 24, 48 and 72-hours post-exercise. Blood markers included serum creatine kinase (CK) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), while soreness was measured during a squat and post vertical jump. Results: Both groups experienced muscle damage post-exercise with elevated CK (403 ± 390 ul; p 

Podcast: Common Diagnosis and Treatments in Women's Health  Evaluation and Credit:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MedChat22   Target Audience             This activity is targeted toward primary care specialists.   Statement of Need Often times, when female patients seek medical attention it is either for a specific complaint or their annual wellness exam. It is recognized that there are key issues affecting women's health that can be overlooked if practitioners do not evaluate or address at this time; including heart disease, mental/emotional distress, etc. Objectives At the conclusion of this offering, the participant will be able to: Discuss the role of the Women's Wellchart in the annual exam. Describe common causes of pelvic pain, evaluation and management of pelvic pain; e.g. endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids. Discuss the latest recommendations for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.   Moderator Carmel Person, M.D. Geriatric Medicine Norton Healthcare   Speaker Tamara Callahan, M.D. Gynecologist Norton Medical Group   Moderator, Speaker and Planner Disclosures  The moderator, speaker and planners for this activity have no potential or actual conflicts of interest to disclose.   Commercial Support  There was no commercial support for this activity.   Physician Credits American Medical Association Accreditation Norton Healthcare is accredited by the Kentucky Medical Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians.   Designation Norton Healthcare designates this enduring material for a maximum of .75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.   Date of Original Release |December 2020 Course Termination Date | December 2021 Contact Information | Center for Continuing Medical Education; (502) 446-5955 or cme@nortonhealthcare.org     Resources for Additional Study   Is urinary incontinence associated with sedentary behaviour in older women? Analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32017767/   Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARCs) methods https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32014434/   Effect of hormone replacement therapy on atherogenic lipid profile in postmenopausal women https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31677448/ 

A recently published Serial cross-sectional analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data has been published suggesting that overall blood pressure control in adults with hypertension over the last 4 years has declined. Why is this? What tips can the pharmacist and prescriber use to improve control? Can these professionals work together to improve BP control? Can we survive under pressure? Additional Resources/References: Muntner P, Hardy ST, Fine LJ, et al. Trends in Blood Pressure Control Among US Adults With Hypertension, 1999-2000 to 2017-2018. JAMA. 2020;324(12):1190–1200. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.14545 This episode is accredited for CPE. Subscribe at CEimpact (https://www.ceimpact.com/pharmacist) and claim your CE today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A recently published Serial cross-sectional analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data has been published suggesting that overall blood pressure control in adults with hypertension over the last 4 years has declined. Why is this? What tips can the pharmacist and prescriber use to improve control? Can these professionals work together to improve BP control? Can we survive under pressure? Additional Resources/References: Muntner P, Hardy ST, Fine LJ, et al. Trends in Blood Pressure Control Among US Adults With Hypertension, 1999-2000 to 2017-2018. JAMA. 2020;324(12):1190–1200. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.14545 This episode is accredited for CPE. Subscribe at CEimpact (https://www.ceimpact.com/pharmacist) and claim your CE today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recently published Serial cross-sectional analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data has been published suggesting that overall blood pressure control in adults with hypertension over the last 4 years has declined.Why is this? What tips can the pharmacist and prescriber use to improve control? Can these professionals work together to improve BP control? Can we survive under pressure?Additional Resources/References: Muntner P, Hardy ST, Fine LJ, et al. Trends in Blood Pressure Control Among US Adults With Hypertension, 1999-2000 to 2017-2018. JAMA. 2020;324(12):1190–1200. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.14545This episode is accredited for CPE. Subscribe at CEimpact (https://www.ceimpact.com/pharmacist) and claim your CE today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.