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World’s Most Popular Diet Boosts Brain Power

The AHA! Team — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:36:52 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – A ketogenic diet can preserve your brain power and even reverse memory loss in old age, according to an exciting new study. The high-fat keto diet, which encourages your body to burn fat instead of carbs, is the world’s most popular meal plan. Users report shedding excess pounds quickly and getting a “second wind” with more energy. I’ve been recommending my fat-based, zero-carb “Primal Power Meal Plan” to patients for more than two decades. And while the impact of this diet on balanced blood sugar and weight loss is clear, there’s more to it… When you eat this way, you’ll immediately notice that your brain is firing on all cylinders. So, I wasn’t surprised to see studies that reveal what this diet can do for your memory. Memory Loss Reversed The latest study is a follow-up to a previous study that revealed the ketogenic diet can improve cognitive performance in older male mice. This time, the research team uncovered the specific mechanism that makes it possible. Scientists put 19 male mice aged between 20 and 23 months – which counts as “old age” for the animals – on either a cycled keto diet or a standard, control diet. Mice in the experimental group switched between a ketogenic diet and a standard diet every other week. Researchers measured metabolic changes for the first 12 weeks. For five weeks after that, the team examined differences in behavior. That’s when they found out what was really happening… Upon further testing, the scientists found that ketone bodies – which are produced by the liver when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose – boosted the connection between the synapses in the brain.1 This has incredible implications for your brain and memory. As you may know, synapses make up the space between nerve cells. This is how chemicals are passed along between neurotransmitters. A better connection between the synapses in your brain helps neurons send signals more effectively – increasing your capacity to recall old memories and enhance your ability to store new ones.2 An earlier study noted that ketone bodies “decrease oxidative stress, increase antioxidants, and scavenge free radicals.” These processes are essential for promoting the healing of the brain.3 The researchers say this is what restored cognitive function in the mice. And they have every reason to believe it would have the same effect on humans. Ketones can be used by most cells of the brain to make energy. When insulin resistance blocks glucose from brain cells, this energy source for the brain can help restore function. Your body produces ketones when you eat a diet high in fat and very low in carbs. Your body enters a state called “ketosis.” Because your body doesn’t have carbs to burn for energy, you burn ketones instead. And ketones burn clean. They make fewer waste products, keeping the stress off the damaged brain cells. Studies show a ketogenic diet can slow and even help reverse dementia symptoms. In a recent study, 23 people with mild cognitive impairment were put on a high- or low-carb ketogenic diet. After just six weeks, the low-carb group showed improved memory compared to the high-carb group.4 Ketogenic diets have also been linked to reduced risk of type-2 diabetes,5 Alzheimer’s,6 Parkinson’s disease,7 autism,8 multiple sclerosis,9 and certain cancers, especially brain cancer.10 As I mentioned, I’ve been recommending a high-fat, low-carb meal plan for many years. In fact, I have a catered keto-friendly lunch for my staff every other week. Unlike other diet fads that have come and gone, a ketogenic meal plan doesn’t ask you to give up much — some of your favorite foods may already be on the menu. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: Acuna-Catalan D, et al. “Ketogenic diet administration later in life improves memory by modifying the synaptic cortical proteome via the PKA signaling pathway in aging mice.” Cell Reports Med. 2024;5(6):101593. Kennedy M. “Synaptic signaling in learning and memory.” Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2016;8(2):a016824. Greco T, et al. “Ketogenic diet decreases oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial respiratory complex activity.” J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2016 Sep; 36(9): 1603–1613. Krikorian R, et al. “Dietary ketosis enhances memory in mild cognitive impairment.” Neurobiology Aging. 012;33(2):425.e19-425.e27. University of Michigan. “Liquid low-calorie or low-carb keto diet can reverse type 2 diabetes, research shows.” (https://news.umich.edu/liquid-low-calorie-or-low-carb-keto-diet-can-reverse-type-2-diabetes-research-shows.) Accessed on July 17, 2024 Dillmore A, et al. “Effects of a ketogenic and low-fat diet on the human metabolome, microbiome, and foodome in adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.” Alzheimers Dement. 2023 Nov;19(11):4805-4816. Grochowska K and Przeliorz P. “The effect of the ketogenic diet on the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases and its impact on improving cognitive functions.” Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra. 2022 May-Aug; 12(2): 100–106. Evangeliou A, et al. “Application of a ketogenic diet in children with autistic behavior: pilot study.” J Child Neurol. 2003 Feb;18(2):113-8. Bock M, et al. “Ketogenic diet and prolonged fasting improve health-related quality of life and lipid profiles in multiple sclerosis – A randomized controlled trial.” 2015. Varshneya K, et al. “The efficacy of ketogenic diet and associated hypoglycemia as an adjuvant therapy for high-grade gliomas: a review of the literature.” Cureus. 2015 Feb 27;7(2):e251. To read the original article click here.

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The Chronic Effects of Low-Dose Mercury Exposure

The AHA! Team — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 05:12:24 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Although mercury can enter the body through contaminated seafood, vaccines, and emissions from factories and coal power plants, the main source of exposure is dental amalgams. Natural health experts are sounding the alarm on chronic (low-level) mercury exposure, calling it a “biochemical train wreck” and an “under-recognized epidemic.” Mercury, a known neurotoxin, binds to molecules, tissues, and cells in the body and sets the stage for a host of serious chronic diseases – although both the American Dental Association and the FDA continue to minimize and deny its toxic effects. Yet, there are millions and millions of people suffering from mercury poisoning, and neurodevelopmental disorders have surged by over 30 percent in the last decade. What you need to know about mercury exposure Although mercury can enter the body through contaminated seafood, vaccines, and emissions from factories and coal power plants, the main source of exposure is dental amalgams. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that the typical absorbed dose from amalgams is 100 micrograms a day. One of the most disturbing facts about mercury exposure is its association with neurological disorders, behavioral problems, autism spectrum disorder, and mental illness. Many experts point to the soaring rates of neurodevelopmental disorders in this country as a testament to the toxic effects of mercury. Mercury, which can destroy the protective myelin sheath that covers the nerves, is highly damaging to the neurological system. In fact, researchers report that autism is often accompanied by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased inflammation – all of which are consistent with mercury poisoning. In addition, mercury exposure can cause deficiencies and imbalances of essential minerals such as zinc and copper, a condition associated with ADHD. Mercury exposure also interferes with the production and function of various neurotransmitters, including the “calming” body chemical GABA – thereby promoting the development of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Mercury interferes with antioxidant defenses Chronic mercury exposure also depletes nutrients in the body, promoting oxidative stress and interfering with antioxidant defenses. Mercury’s ability to bind to sulfur and selenium severely limits the beneficial oxidation-fighting and cancer-fighting effects of these antioxidant minerals. This interferes with the immune system’s ability to identify cancerous cells and causes it to attack normal, healthy cells, triggering the development of autoimmune disease and cancer. Mercury also binds to glutathione, the body’s premier antioxidant, which is designed to detoxify mercury and other heavy metals. In addition, mercury attacks the disulfide bonds in collagen, triggering arthritis and connective tissue disorders while also damaging the cell mitochondria that synthesize energy. Mercury exposure promotes cardiovascular and digestive diseases Mercury exposure contributes to heart disease by causing the oxidation of blood vessels and creating endothelial dysfunction. In one study of patients with heart failure, mercury levels in the myocardium, or middle layer of the heart wall, were found to be 22,000 times higher than normal. Mercury alters intestinal flora, increasing the presence of undesirable bacteria and pathogens such as candida. Digestion is impaired because of mitochondrial dysfunction. Mercury also increases the risk of food sensitivities, especially gluten and casein, and contributes to a “leaky gut.” As if this weren’t damaging enough, chronic exposure to mercury is linked with insulin resistance, hypoglycemic symptoms, and metabolic syndrome – a constellation of unhealthy conditions that include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and excess levels of LDL cholesterol. Susceptibility to mercury varies with the individual Vulnerability to mercury depends on a variety of factors, including exposure, nutrient status, lifestyle, and genetics. Over the last ten years, however, researchers have documented over a dozen common genetic variations that cause increased vulnerability to mercury toxicity – and many more are likely in existence. It can be difficult to diagnose mercury toxicity, as mercury can accumulate throughout the body without showing up in blood, urine, or hair. In addition, symptoms of mercury toxicity are common to many other illnesses and may appear long after exposure. Following a nutrient-dense diet and taking supplements advised by a knowledgeable holistic physician can help modulate the effects of mercury exposure. But, the bottom line is: if you have mercury-based, “silver” fillings in your mouth … get them removed (as soon as possible) by a qualified (holistic) dentist and begin the process of mercury detoxification – slowly and consistently. You can search for a holistic dentist at this web site: IAOMT.org. In addition, in terms of good food, high-quality fats, organ meats such as liver, organic olive oil, and bone broth can help replace depleted minerals and amino acids, while probiotic foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi can help restore the balance of friendly bacteria in the intestine. Foods high in vitamin C can provide antioxidant benefits and rebuild damaged collagen, with Brazil nut, sesame, and pine nuts helping to replace magnesium, zinc, and selenium. Obviously, if you’ve been poisoned with mercury, the process of detoxification will take some time and effort. But, remember, your future health depends on you taking action today. Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to remove toxic mercury from the mouth and correct other dental problems, own the Holistic Oral Health Summit created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Townsendletter.com To read the original article click here.

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Gut Flora Disruption in Infancy Linked to Autism & ADHD

The AHA! Team — Thu, 09 May 2024 20:05:19 +0000

Linköping University via News-Medical – Disturbed gut flora during the first years of life is associated with diagnoses such as autism and ADHD later in life. This is according to a study led by researchers at the University of Florida and Linköping University and published in the journal Cell. The study is the first forward-looking, or prospective, study to examine gut flora composition and a large variety of other factors in infants, in relation to the development of the children’s nervous system. The researchers have found many biological markers that seem to be associated with future neurological development disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, communication disorder and intellectual disability. “The remarkable aspect of the work is that these biomarkers are found at birth in cord blood or in the child’s stool at one year of age over a decade prior to the diagnosis,” says Eric W Triplett, professor at the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida, USA, one of the researchers who led the study. 16,000 children born in 1997-1999, representing the general population, have been followed from birth into their twenties The study is part of the ABIS (All Babies in Southeast Sweden) study led by Johnny Ludvigsson at Linköping University. More than 16,000 children born in 1997-1999, representing the general population, have been followed from birth into their twenties. Of these, 1,197 children, corresponding to 7.3 percent, have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, communication disorder or intellectual disability. A large number of lifestyle and environmental factors have been identified through surveys conducted on several occasions during the children’s upbringing. For some of the children, the researchers have analysed substances in umbilical cord blood and bacteria in their stool at the age of one. “We can see in the study that there are clear differences in the intestinal flora already during the first year of life between those who develop autism or ADHD and those who don’t. We’ve found associations with some factors that affect gut bacteria, such as antibiotic treatment during the child’s first year, which is linked to an increased risk of these diseases,” says Johnny Ludvigsson, senior professor at the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences at Linköping University, who led the study together with Eric W. Triplett. Children who had repeated ear infections during their first year of life had an increased risk of being diagnosed with a developmental neurological disorder later in life. It is probably not the infection itself that is the culprit, but the researchers suspect a link to antibiotic treatment. They found that the presence of Citrobacter bacteria or the absence of Coprococcus bacteria increased the risk of future diagnosis. One possible explanation may be that antibiotic treatment has disturbed the composition of the gut flora One possible explanation may be that antibiotic treatment has disturbed the composition of the gut flora in a way that contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders. The risk of antibiotic treatment damaging the gut flora and increasing the risk of diseases linked to the immune system, such as type 1 diabetes and childhood rheumatism, has been shown in previous studies. “Coprococcus and Akkermansia muciniphila have potential protective effects. These bacteria were correlated with important substances in the stool, such as vitamin B and precursors to neurotransmitters which play vital roles orchestrating signaling in the brain. Overall, we saw deficits in these bacteria in children who later received a developmental neurological diagnosis.” -Angelica Ahrens, Assistant Scientist in Eric Triplett’s research group at the University of Florida and first author of the study The present study also confirms that the risk of developmental neurological diagnosis in the child increases if the parents smoke. Conversely, breastfeeding has a protective effect, according to the study. In cord blood taken at the birth of children, the researchers analysed the amounts of various substances from the body’s metabolism, such as fatty acids and amino acids. They also measured some harmful substances that come from outside, such as nicotine and environmental toxins. They compared substances in the umbilical cord blood of 27 children diagnosed with autism with the same number of children without a diagnosis. Children who were later diagnosed had low levels of several important fats in the umbilical cord blood It turned out that children who were later diagnosed had low levels of several important fats in the umbilical cord blood. One of these was linolenic acid, which is needed for the formation of omega 3 fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory and have several other effects in the brain. The same group also had higher levels than the control group of a PFAS substance, a group of substances used as flame retardants and shown to negatively affect the immune system in several different ways. PFAS substances can enter the body via drinking water, food and the air we breathe. It is not certain that the relationships that the research team found in the Swedish children can be generalised to other populations, but these issues need to be studied in other groups as well. Another question is whether gut flora imbalance is a triggering factor or whether it has occurred as a result of underlying factors, such as diet or antibiotics. However, even when the researchers accounted for risk factors that might affect the gut flora, they found that the link between future diagnosis remained for many of the bacteria. This indicates that some of the differences in gut flora between children with and without future diagnosis are not explained by such risk factors. The research is at an early stage and more studies are needed, but the discovery that many biomarkers for future developmental neurological disorders can be observed at an early age opens up the possibility of developing screening protocols and preventive measures in the long term. The study has been funded with support from, among others, JDRF, Horizon Europe, Barndiabetesfonden (the Swedish Child Diabetes Foundation), Forte and the Swedish Research Council. Source: Linköping University Journal reference: Ahrens, A. P., et al. (2024). Infant microbes and metabolites point to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. Cell. doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.035. To read the original article click here.

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A Wet Nose and a Wagging Tail Opens Up a New World for Autistic Kids

AHA Publisher — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000

University of South Australia via Newswise – A new Australian study looking at the impact of an autism assistance dog for children and their parents has made an unexpected discovery: the dog has expanded their world, literally. The presence of a specially trained therapy dog for autistic children is giving families the confidence to venture further afield and to many more locations, according to researchers from the University of South Australia. UniSA researcher and qualified occupational therapist Dr Shelley Wright, who supervised the study, says the freedom to explore new places is something most of us take for granted, but for children with autism and their parents, this is normally fraught with sensory challenges. “Impulsive and unpredictable behaviour is a feature of autism and taking children out of their usual environment is often too stressful for both child and parent,” Dr Wright says. Honours student Rebecca Appleby conducted interviews with eight families paired with an autism assistance dog (AAD) as a support for their child. The study revealed: On average, families visited 8.5 more places and travelled 20 kilometres further from their home after having the dog for more than a year. Parents reported greater freedom for young children with severe autism who were normally strapped in a pram for safety when leaving home. An AAD replaced the pram but still acted as a natural restraint. Prior to receiving an autism assistance dog, parents were reluctant to leave the family home because of the stress involved, leading to feeling trapped and isolated. The dog allowed them to venture out because their child was calmer and safer in its presence. Parents reported fewer meltdowns among their children who sought out the dog when feeling overwhelmed Children on the autism spectrum often get lonely as they find social interaction and communication difficult. The dog gave them much needed companionship. “In summary, many parents were not sure how they managed without the dog,” Dr Wright says. “The parents we interviewed were much happier and more at ease leaving their home with their child after getting an autism assistance dog. “A new finding from this study was the sense of freedom and peace of mind stemming from the dog sleeping with the child, improving sleep for the family as a whole and alerting the parents when the dog woke up and, in one case, was having a seizure.” The only frustration reported by parents was a lack of public understanding about access rights in relation to an assistance dog, with some places not understanding the law and refusing them entry. Mt Gambier resident Chantel King, whose 13-year-old son James is autistic, vouches for the positive impact of Winter, a black Labrador who was assigned to the family in 2011. “James was just a baby when we got Winter but the difference that he has made over the years has been breathtaking,” Chantel says. “We were able to go on outings as a whole family, rather than being split up and someone having to stay home to watch James. James was given a whole new world of freedom he never had access to before, thanks to Winter.” Now retired from full time assistance dog duties, Winter is no longer legally able to accompany James in indoor settings, but he has more than fulfilled his role. “Over the past 10 years Winter has expanded James’ world in countless ways, including giving him the confidence to perform in an eisteddfod, graduate in front of his peers, travel interstate and venture into public places. He has transformed our lives as a family,” Chantel says. The study is published in the journal Health and Social Care. To read the original article click here.

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Cannabis Oil Effective in Treating Autism, Lab Trials Show

AHA Publisher — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 08:00:44 +0000

Naama Barak via Israel21c – In unique lab trials, researchers from Tel Aviv University alleviated symptoms of autism in animal models with medical cannabis oil, improving both behavioral and biochemical parameters of autism. Their novel research fills a notable gap in preclinical research. Medicinal cannabis is often administered to children and adolescents in clinical trials without knowing how cannabis affects biochemical processes or whether different types of cannabis oil can benefit different people. As described in Translational Psychiatry, the researchers administered cannabis oil to animals with a mutation in the Shank3 gene that is associated with about 1 percent of autism cases. “We saw that cannabis oil has a favorable effect on compulsive and anxious behaviors in model animals,” says Shani Poleg, the PhD student who led the research. “According to the prevailing theory, autism involves overarousal of the brain, which causes compulsive behavior. In the lab, in addition to the behavioral results, we saw a significant decrease in the concentration of the arousing neurotransmitter glutamate in the spinal fluid – which can explain the reduction in behavioral symptoms.” Which component of cannabis oil most effectively alleviated the symptoms of autism? Surprisingly, it was THC, which is responsible for the euphoric “high” associated with the use of cannabis. “Clinical trials testing cannabis treatments for autism usually involve strains containing very large amounts of CBD – due to this substance’s anti-inflammatory properties, and because it does not produce a sense of euphoria,” Poleg noted. “Moreover, the strains used for treating autism usually contain very little THC, due to apprehension regarding both the euphoria and possible long-term effects.” However, CBD alone had no impact on the behavior of the model animals. Treatment with cannabis oil containing THC but not CBD “produces equal or even better behavioral and biochemical effects.” “We observed significant improvement in behavioral tests following treatments with cannabis oil containing small amounts of THC and observed no long-term effects in cognitive or emotional tests conducted a month and a half after the treatment began,” Poleg concluded. To read the original article click here.

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Cochlear Implant in Deaf Children with Autism Can Improve Language Skills and Social Engagement

AHA Publisher — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 08:00:14 +0000

Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago via Newswise – Restoring hearing through cochlear implantation for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can help them understand spoken language and enhance social interactions, according to a study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The study reported long-term outcomes of the largest number of children with ASD who received a cochlear implant, with mean follow-up of 10.5 years. Findings were published in the journal Otology & Neurotology. “Our results add to the growing body of evidence that cochlear implantation clearly benefits deaf children with autism spectrum disorder,” said senior author Nancy Young, MD, Medical Director of Audiology and Cochlear Implant Programs at Lurie Children’s and a Professor of Pediatric Otolaryngology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Improved hearing provides access to spoken language that may enhance their cognitive and communication potential, as well as help these children engage more with their families.” The majority (73 percent) of children in the study consistently used their cochlear implant throughout the day, of whom 45 percent developed some understanding of spoken words with hearing alone (no visual cues). Forty five percent also used spoken language to some degree as part of their overall communication. Eighty six percent were reported by parents to have improved social engagement after implantation. Responding to a survey, one parent reported: “Without his implant, he was stuck in his own little world, no sound, no eye contact with others. The implant brought his personality out to us.” According to recent estimates, one in 88 children in the US have ASD, a complex developmental disorder characterized by impaired communication and social interaction. Twenty-five to 30 percent of normal hearing children with ASD do not develop spoken language as a means of communication. Therefore, children with ASD in combination with profound hearing loss have two conditions that may limit development of spoken language. Not surprisingly, the children in this study usually developed understanding and use of spoken language more slowly than implanted children without ASD. Children with ASD have been reported to have a higher prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) than children without ASD. Conversely, children with SNHL have been reported to have a higher rate of ASD than those with normal hearing. Dr. Young noted that “the relationship between these two diagnoses for some of these children may be due to congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), an infection that begins in the developing fetus that often is unrecognized after birth. It may cause hearing loss and is associated with increased incidence of ASD.” Most children in the study were diagnosed with ASD after cochlear implantation. Diagnosis after implantation is likely related to the young age at which most received their implant, and to increased difficulty diagnosing ASD when significant hearing loss is present. “Understanding the range of outcomes in this population is important for counseling parents and educators to ensure that these children receive appropriate support and services,” said Beth Tournis, AuD, an audiologist at Lurie Children’s and co-author of the study. To read the original article click here.

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Virtual Reality Boosts Brain Rhythms Crucial for Neuroplasticity, Learning and Memory

AHA Publisher — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 00:50:23 +0000

University of California – Los Angeles Health Sciences via EurekAlert – A new discovery in rats shows that the brain responds differently in immersive virtual reality environments versus the real world. The finding could help scientists understand how the brain brings together sensory information from different sources to create a cohesive picture of the world around us. It could also pave the way for “virtual reality therapy” for learning and memory-related disorders ranging including ADHD, Autism, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and depression. Mayank Mehta, PhD, is the head of W. M. Keck Center for Neurophysics and a professor in the departments of physics, neurology, and electrical and computer engineering at UCLA. His laboratory studies a brain region called the hippocampus, which is a primary driver of learning and memory, including spatial navigation. To understand its role in learning and memory, the hippocampus has been extensively studied in rats as they perform spatial navigation tasks. When rats walk around, neurons in this part of the brain synchronize their electrical activity at a rate of 8 pulses per second, or 8 Hz. This is a type of brain wave known as the “theta rhythm,” and it was discovered more than six decades ago. Disruptions to the theta rhythm also impair the rat’s learning and memory, including the ability to learn and remember a route through a maze. Conversely, a stronger theta rhythm seems to improve the brain’s ability to learn and retain sensory information. Therefore, researchers have speculated that boosting theta waves could improve or restore learning and memory functions. But until now, nobody has been able to strengthen these brain waves. “If that rhythm is so important, can we use a novel approach to make it stronger?” asks Dr. Mehta. “Can we retune it?” Damage to neurons in the hippocampus can interfere with people’s perception of space – “why Alzheimer’s disease patients tend to get lost,” says Dr. Mehta. He says he suspected that the theta rhythm might play a role in this perception. To test that hypothesis, Dr. Mehta and his colleagues invented an immersive virtual reality environment for the rats that was far more immersive than commercially available VR for humans. The VR allows the rats to see their own limbs and shadows, and eliminates certain unsettling sensations such as the delays between head movement and scene changes that can make people dizzy. “Our VR is so compelling,” Dr. Mehta says, “that the rats love to jump in and happily play games.” To measure the rats’ brain rhythms, the researchers placed tiny electrodes, thinner than a human hair, into the brain among the neurons. “It turns out that amazing things happen when the rat is in virtual reality,” says Dr. Mehta. “He goes to the virtual fountain and drinks water, takes a nap there, looks around and explores the space as if it is real.” Remarkably, Dr. Mehta says, the theta rhythm becomes considerably stronger when the rats run in the virtual space in comparison to their natural environment “We were blown away when we saw this huge effect of VR experience on theta rhythm enhancement,” he says. This discovery suggests that the unique rhythm is an indicator of how the brain discerns whether an experience is real or simulated. For instance, as you walk toward a doorway, the input from your eyes will show the doorway getting larger. “How do I know I took a step and it’s not the wall coming at me?” Dr. Mehta says. Answer: The brain uses other information, such as the shift of balance from one foot to the other, the acceleration of your head through space, the relative changes in the positions of other stationary objects around you, and even the feeling of air moving against your face to decide that you are moving, not the wall. On the other hand, a person “moving” through a virtual reality world would experience a very different set of stimuli. “Our brain is constantly doing this, it’s checking all kinds of things,” Dr. Mehta says. The different theta rhythms, he says, may represent different ways that brain regions communicate with each other in the process of gathering all this information. When they looked closer, Dr. Mehta’s team also discovered something else surprising. Neurons consist of a compact cell body and long tendrils, called dendrites, that snake out and form connections with other neurons. When the researchers measured activity in the cell body of a rat brain experiencing virtual reality, they found a different electrical rhythm compared with the rhythm in the dendrites. “That was really mind blowing,” Dr. Mehta said. “Two different parts of the neuron are going in their own rhythm.” The researchers dubbed this never-before-seen rhythm “eta.” It turned out this rhythm was not limited to the virtual reality environment: with extremely precise electrode placement, the researchers were then able to detect the new rhythm in rats walking around a real environment. Being in VR, however, strengthened the eta rhythm – something no other study in the past sixty years has been able to do so strongly, either using pharmacological tools or otherwise, according to Dr. Mehta. Previous studies have shown that the precise frequency of the rhythm makes a big difference to neuroplasticity, he says, just as the precise pitch of a musical instrument is critical for creating the right melody. This opens up an unprecedented opportunity to design VR therapy that can retune and boost brain rhythms and as a way to treat learning and memory disorders. “This is a new technology that has tremendous potential,” he says. “We have entered a new territory.” To read the original article click here.

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A Diagnostic Tool That Treats Autism Like Cancer

AHA Publisher — Tue, 25 May 2021 07:00:01 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – An Israeli pediatric hematologist-oncologist believes immunology is the key to diagnosing and treating many cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Dr. Benjamin Gesundheit readily admits it sounds crazy to treat a neurodevelopmental condition the way one might treat cancer. But international reports from as early as 1962 reveal that children with autism may have autoimmune diseases in their family. Moreover, treating ASD children for autoimmune diseases, such as asthma, sometimes results in improvement of their ASD symptoms as well – typically, impaired social and communication skills and unusual repetitive behavior. Intrigued by this anecdotal evidence, Gesundheit left his practice in 2011 to research the connection between autism and immune dysfunction. “I sat for one year in the library to review the literature on autism and consulted people including a pediatrician who has a son with autism and asthma and when the asthma was treated the autism lessened,” he tells ISRAEL21c. “It became obvious to me there was a connection. Many important insights in the literature and from people I knew pointed in exactly the same direction.” His discoveries led to the 2014 founding of his startup, Cell-El Therapeutics. Gone Fishing Animal studies he did in Israel confirmed that autoimmune antibodies present in some mothers of children with ASD bind to fetal brain proteins and may be a marker or risk factor for ASD. In 2013, Gesundheit was lead author of a multinational review of epidemiological, serological, and epigenetic evidence for the relationship between the immune system and many cases of ASD, published in the Journal of Autoimmunity. One coauthor was immunologist David Naor from Hebrew University. Gesundheit got Health Ministry approval to “go on a fishing expedition” for immunological biomarkers of triple-A (autoimmune antibody associated) autism in the blood of 360 ASD children, with typically developed children as a control, aged 3 to 11. “I asked each parent if they have an autoimmune disease, and many of them told me nobody asked them that before, but we have actually many autoimmune conditions in our family,” he tells ISRAEL21c. RayBiotech lab in Atlanta confirmed that out of 1,000 markers studied, about 30 showed significant statistical differences between ASD and non-ASD children. Israeli biostatisticians found that in 88% of the more than 200 blood samples, ASD could be diagnosed objectively by the immune profile they identified as diagnostic markers. “Accuracy of 88% is not perfect medically,” says Gesundheit. “I think the other 12% was not proven to have a connection because there is some other cause or because we didn’t identify all the markers.” First Objective Diagnostic Tool for ASD Still, he found the results encouraging enough to embark on developing what could be the world’s first objective medical diagnostic tool for ASD. Today, ASD is diagnosed by observational behavioral tests conducted by neurologists, psychologists and psychiatrists. Since these tests assess communication, they cannot be performed until a child is two or three. “Autism was first described in 1943 and since then there hasn’t been anything significantly new to understand the disease mechanism as a basis for diagnosis and treatment,”,” says Gesundheit. “The word ‘spectrum’ doesn’t tell me biologically why something in the synapses between neurons is not signaling. We have no clue and it’s a disaster. A lot of divorce, depressive disorders, unemployment and suicide surrounds families with an autistic child.” Gesundheit will now take “the five best markers from the 30” and develop them into a diagnostic blood test over the next few years. This test could be given to babies with typical early signs of ASD — like not smiling or poor eye contact by six months old — to offer biological proof for observational tests done in toddlerhood. The blood tests could also be a basis for early intervention. “If we can sort out immunological markers in the blood sample, we will enable an objective diagnosis and that is the basis of many therapeutic approaches. The diagnostic tool might be used to monitor the success of any treatment as well. This is an exciting new chapter for the world for autism.” Immunotherapy Cell-El Therapeutics’ other purpose is to develop an immunotherapy protocol for triple-A autism. Currently there are no FDA-approved treatments for the core symptoms of ASD. One promising possibility is infusing autologous stem cells (from the patient’s own cells) with mesenchymal stem cells, which restore normal immune function. Gesundheit published a study on this and is working with medical experts in Europe who have observed remarkable improvements in ASD children following stem-cell transplants. “I’m not sure we can target treatments to specific social or communication symptoms, but we can open an interesting avenue for future research,” he says. “Optimal dosage, ideal age for treatment, and number and timing of treatments remain open questions for our clinical research. We do know that younger children are more responsive to immuno-modulation.” It may also be possible to look for immunological biomarkers in the blood of mothers of autistic children and treat the mother before further pregnancies. “If we can do prevention that would be totally incredible,” says Gesundheit. According to the World Health Organization, one in 160 children is on the autism spectrum and the numbers are growing each year. The Team Cell-El’s team includes two seasoned PhDs: Chief Scientific Officer Ronald Ellis, who has helped bring several major vaccines and therapeutics to the market over the past 35 years (and was one of ISRAEL21c’s experts in our webinar about the Covid-19 vaccine) and Fred Samuels, head of diagnostics, who has 35 years of senior management experience in commercializing diagnostic products. The Swiss-born Gesundheit (whose name is a German for “health”) previously worked at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and at Soroka and Hadassah medical centers in Israel. Gesundheit also heads a startup called Rapo Yerapeh that’s investigating the use of oncolytic viruses to treat metastatic tumors, and he is researching an existing antiviral as a treatment for Covid-19. For information on Cell-El’s diagnostic studies, click here. For information on another subset of autism discovered at the Israel Center for Autism Research, click here. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

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Eliminate Toxic Debris From Your Body with THIS Incredibly Effective Therapy

AHA Publisher — Thu, 20 May 2021 07:00:26 +0000

Sima Ash via NaturalHealth365 – Far-infrared (FIR) radiation is a subdivision of the electromagnetic spectrum that has been investigated for biological effects with very encouraging results. I have clients who have added this modality as part of their overall treatment plan for everything ranging from autism to heart conditions. How does FIR work? The body experiences FIR wavelength energy as a gentle radiant heat that can penetrate up to 1.5 inches beneath the skin. An article published in Photonics & Lasers in Medicine states that FIR energy is sufficient to exert rotational and vibrational modes of motion in bonds forming the molecules (including water molecules) and resonate with our cells. FIR Saunas Improve MULTIPLE Cardiovascular Conditions FIR saunas are frequently used in Japan and Korea, where it is referred to as Waon therapy. Studies have shown that FIR saunas are particularly beneficial for chronic heart failure and peripheral arterial disease and have been shown to improve cardiac and vascular function and reduce oxidative stress in patients with chronic heart failure. In addition, German medical researchers concluded that just 1 one-hour session of FIR could significantly reduce blood pressure due to persistent peripheral vessel dilation. They also noted that blood viscosity was improved. That’s Not All! People With Arthritis and Type 2 Diabetes Can Also Benefit A study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed a reduction in pain, stiffness, and fatigue during infrared sauna therapy. In addition, far-infrared sauna was associated with improved quality of life in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The author concluded that the uptake in the use of infrared saunas is greater than the uptake of other lifestyle interventions. FIR Saunas Can Even Help Children With Autism, According to Study Many parents report that their children with autism seem to improve when they have a fever. An article published in Medical Hypothesis states that the release of the amino acid glutamine could be the reason for the improvement in autism symptoms. In people with autism, glutamine in the blood and brain is low, but during a fever, glutamine is released from skeletal muscles as provisional fuel, and the glutamine is metabolized by the intestines – just as if the amino acid had been ingested. The International Journal of Hypothermia derived the same conclusion. They found that a fever or hyperthermia may alter glutamate levels in the brain and therefore be able to impact the symptoms of autism. Working with this information, many physicians have incorporated FIR into their practice to help children with autism. Here Is How FIR Therapy Helps Reduce Toxic Burden and Achieve Optimum Health Our skin is a major elimination organ, but many of us do not sweat regularly. This could be due to insufficient physical activity, sun exposure, or wearing synthetic or tight-fitting clothing. Simply put, sweating is natural (and essential) for optimal health. Using FIR saunas helps restore skin elimination by helping the body eliminate toxic debris. In fact, FIR therapy was used as part of the protocol to help September 11th firefighters recover – after being exposed to toxic chemicals as part of the World Trade Center rescue and clean-up efforts. Exposure to solvents and other chemicals has been linked to psychiatric disorders, including depression, mood disorders, anxiety, and detoxification has helped many people recover. In my practice, we use CEASE therapy, a detoxification protocol that has been assisting children with autism and other disorders for many years. Far-infrared sauna therapy could be a wonderful adjunct for many who have trouble with detoxification and need help assisting their bodies to remove toxic debris. As a precaution, please check with your healthcare practitioner before starting FIR – as there are protocols that need to be followed, including specific vitamins and minerals before and after sauna sessions and, of course, assuring that enough water is consumed during the session. It is also important not to bring in reading materials or plastic containers, for your water, into the sauna as those can contain the exact chemicals you are attempting to detox. About the author: Sima Ash of Healing 4 Soul is a clinical and classical homeopath and certified clinical nutritionist who utilizes a unique approach pioneered by Tinus Smits, M.D. called CEASE therapy. CEASE treatment aims to systematically detoxify the causes of illness, leading to step-by-step improvement and restoration of health in the individual. For additional information, please visit – Healing4Soul.com. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov TownsendLetter.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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