autoimmune disease Archives - Amazing Health Advances

4 Surprising Ways You May Not Know Could Help Beat Autoimmune Disease

The AHA! Team — Wed, 14 May 2025 05:24:34 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Autoimmune diseases affect millions of people worldwide, manifesting as conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and more. Despite their increasing prevalence, the root causes often remain elusive. From Dr. Don Colbert’s integrative perspective, several hidden triggers play a crucial role in setting the stage for autoimmune issues. These triggers include genetically modified (GMO) foods, compromised gut health, chronic stress, and a deeper spiritual dimension. By examining each factor and incorporating both scientific research and personal insights, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and enhance overall well-being. 1. GMO Foods and Gut Health GMO Concerns Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are plants or animals whose DNA has been altered in ways that do not occur naturally. While many organizations deem GMOs safe for consumption, concerns linger about their long-term impact—particularly on gut health and inflammation. Certain GMO crops are engineered to withstand large amounts of herbicides (like glyphosate), which can end up in our food supply. Gut Health Implications Gut health is intimately tied to immune function; around 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. When the delicate balance of gut bacteria (the microbiome) is disrupted—through factors like antibiotics, poor diet, and potential pesticide residue—this can lead to increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”). Toxins and undigested food particles may then enter the bloodstream, triggering immune responses. One study published in Frontiers in Environmental Science suggests that glyphosate-based herbicides, commonly used on GMO crops, may alter gut microbiota and contribute to dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria).1 From Dr. Colbert’s perspective, limiting exposure to GMO foods and opting for organic, non-GMO options can be a proactive step toward protecting gut integrity and overall immune health. Identifying GMO Foods As of January 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduced new bioengineered food labeling requirements, replacing the term “GMO” with “bioengineered” or “BE.” Foods that contain detectable modified genetic material must display the new label. However, not all products are required to disclose this information, making it challenging to avoid GMOs entirely. Look for the “Non-GMO Project Verified” label. This independent verification is a reliable indicator that products meet strict standards for GMO avoidance. Choose organic when possible. Organic certification prohibits the use of GMOs, offering an additional layer of assurance. Stay informed. Checking brand websites or calling manufacturers can help you determine if a product uses GMO ingredients. 2. Stress and Autoimmune Disease Chronic stress is another key factor in the development and exacerbation of autoimmune conditions. Emotional or mental stress can lead to immune dysregulation, triggering flare-ups or even the onset of new autoimmune disorders. A 2018 study in Frontiers in Immunology explains how chronic stress can alter immune cell distribution and function, contributing to systemic inflammation.2 How Stress Impacts the Body Hormonal Imbalance: High levels of cortisol (the “stress hormone”) over time can weaken the immune system’s ability to respond appropriately. Inflammation: Chronic stress fosters a pro-inflammatory environment, a driving factor behind many autoimmune conditions. Sleep Disruption: Stress often affects sleep quality, and poor sleep is directly linked to compromised immune function. Practical Ways to Reduce Stress Mind-Body Practices: Techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or prayer can calm the mind and lower stress hormone levels. Physical Activity: Regular, moderate exercise supports immune function and helps manage stress. Adequate Rest: Prioritizing seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night is essential for immune resilience. 3. A Spiritual Perspective In addition to addressing physical triggers like diet and stress, Dr. Colbert emphasizes the importance of nurturing the mind and spirit. Gratitude is a cornerstone of the Christian faith and is closely tied to healing. The Bible reminds us: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV) Scientific research also supports the healing power of gratitude. In a 2003 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, participants who practiced regular gratitude exercises (such as writing down things they were thankful for) reported higher levels of well-being, fewer physical symptoms, and increased optimism compared to those who did not.3 By engaging in prayer, meditation, or other spiritual disciplines that cultivate thankfulness, you can reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and foster a sense of purpose—all of which positively influence the immune system. 4. Taking an Integrative Approach Dr. Colbert’s perspective on autoimmune disease is rooted in an integrative approach—one that combines cutting-edge medical research with nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and spiritual well-being. By targeting the potential triggers of autoimmune disease, you create a multi-layered defense against inflammation and dysregulation: Dietary Modifications: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods and limit exposure to GMOs, pesticides, and other toxins. Gut Health Support: Incorporate probiotics, fermented foods, and fiber to nurture a balanced microbiome. Stress Management: Implement regular stress-reducing practices like prayer, meditation, and exercise. Spiritual Growth: Embrace faith-based practices—especially those emphasizing gratitude—to promote peace, gratitude, and emotional resilience. Learn More from Dr. Colbert If you’re ready to dive deeper into this integrative approach, be sure to watch Dr. Colbert’s three-part series on autoimmune disease. In Part 1 of the series, Dr. Colbert and Kyle discuss early detection, root causes, and practical steps to begin the healing process. Subsequent episodes expand on dietary strategies, lifestyle interventions, and the spiritual aspects of well-being—offering a comprehensive roadmap for overcoming autoimmune challenges. References: > Cuhra M, Bøhn T, Cuhra P. Glyphosate: Too Much of a Good Thing? Front. Environ. Sci. 2016. Dhabhar FS. The Short-Term Stress Response – Mother Nature’s Mechanism for Enhancing Protection and Performance Under Conditions of Threat, Challenge, and Opportunity. Front. Immunol. 2018. Link Emmons RA, McCullough ME. Counting Blessings Versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being in Daily Life. J Pers Soc Psychol. 2003;84(2):377-389. To read the original article click here.

The post 4 Surprising Ways You May Not Know Could Help Beat Autoimmune Disease appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Does Fasting Help Autoimmune Diseases?

The AHA! Team — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:25:27 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Fasting has shown potential benefits for various autoimmune diseases, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, and mixed connective-tissue disease, though most evidence is based on individual case reports rather than large-scale studies. Various fasting regimens have been attempted for inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, chronic urticaria, mixed connective-tissue disease, glomerulonephritis, and multiple sclerosis, as well as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. The strongest evidence of the benefits of fasting surrounds the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis The strongest evidence of the benefits of fasting surrounds the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune joint disease, as I detailed in my previous blog post. A German study suggested benefits for osteoarthritis, too, and reported improvements in pain and joint function, but we’d really need randomized controlled studies to know for sure. The researchers despaired they only had 30 patients, but that’s 30 times more than many reports on fasting in the medical literature, which may detail only single cases. So, does fasting work for mixed connective tissue disease? One woman, for example, with a rare autoimmune disease known as mixed connective-tissue disease, which can cause all sorts of painful and distressing symptoms, was treated with steroids in an attempt to suppress her immune system. After 21 days of fasting, and off her medications, “she had no further complaints.” More importantly, her symptoms seemed to stay away, and “she remained free of medication.” So, does fasting work for mixed connective tissue disease? All we can say is that it worked at least once. A similar success story was reported with fibromyalgia. A woman with pain throughout her body, who couldn’t sustain activity and was on a lot of drugs, became “symptom-free” after a 24-day fast and remained that way at her “follow-up visit 1 month later.” However, when a modified fasting regimen was tried on dozens of individuals, the benefits seen at week 2 largely disappeared by week 12, as shown below and at 1:32 in my video Fasting for Autoimmune Diseases. What about lupus? A 45-year-old woman who had remained in pain despite taking immunosuppressive drugs was pain-free by day four of fasting and remained symptom-free for one year when her symptoms began to recur, but she wiped them out again with a second seven-day fast, “after which she had no symptoms.” Note, though, that she didn’t only fast. She water-only fasted, then followed it with a plant-based diet in an attempt to solidify the gains. On its own, a strictly plant-based diet without any animal protein has been shown to control symptoms in at least some cases. The same with sacroiliitis, a common manifestation of ankylosing spondylitis, an autoimmune arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing back pain that can last for years. In the case of a 33-year-old man, all sorts of conventional therapies and drugs were tried, but the pain wouldn’t go away. So, the complete avoidance of animal foods was recommended, and “the complaints improved distinctly and persistently” within days—until the patient ate meat again. Once again, back on plant-based nutrition, he was off most of his drugs and almost completely free of symptoms. So, at least in this case, inflammatory pain refractory to other treatments was abolished by eating more healthfully. At least it’s worth a try! Autoimmune glomerulonephritis, where your body attacks your own kidneys, is a common manifestation of lupus. In a case series, 29 patients were fasted for 60 hours, then had only fruits and vegetables until they got better. They described such remarkable recoveries that fasting, in their opinion, “should be an essential part of treatment.” What about multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune nerve disease? Individuals with MS were randomized to a “fasting-mimicking diet”—in this case, a modified fast that started out with an 800-calorie-a-day diet of fruit, rice, or potatoes, followed by a week sipping a few hundred calories of flaxseed oil and vegetable broth, then transitioning to a plant-based Mediterranean diet. Over the next three months, they experienced a significant improvement in overall quality of life. They also tried a ketogenic diet, but that failed to offer clinically or statistically significant overall benefit, as you can see below and at 3:34 in my video. And, finally, let’s look at chronic urticaria (hives), where you get a rash of itchy weals and welts, as seen here and at 3:40 in my video. Individuals started to improve on day 3 of the fast Individuals started to improve on day 3 of the fast, and their hives completely disappeared by day 11. This is consistent with studies from Germany and Japan that evidently showed around 75 percent effectiveness for such patients with what looks like some sort of tea with sugar diet. It’s certainly worth giving fasting therapy a try, but, of course, fasting should only be done under trained medical supervision. Otherwise, you’d never know if you have some hidden underlying kidney issue that could land you in a coma, then maybe in the morgue. You have to have your kidney function and electrolytes monitored to make sure your body is up for the challenge. Water-only fasting is not a cure or treatment in the traditional sense “Despite the possible good outcomes, water-only fasting is not a cure or treatment in the traditional sense; it is simply intended to promote the body’s self-healing mechanisms.” Since fasting is unsustainable, by definition, “to maintain the results obtained by water-only fasting, it is necessary to adhere to a health-promoting lifestyle that includes a diet of minimally processed plant foods, adequate sleep, and robust physical exercise.” If you haven’t seen it yet, check out my related video Fasting for Rheumatoid Arthritis. I’ve held three webinars on fasting. All of the videos are available for free on NutritionFacts.org, but you can also get them in a digital download—as a bundle or separately. See: Intermittent Fasting Fasting for Disease Reversal Fasting and Cancer To see all of the fasting videos currently on the site, please visit our fasting topic page. Interested in more on using diet to prevent and treat autoimmune diseases? Check out the related posts below. Key Takeaways Fasting has shown potential benefits for various autoimmune diseases, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, and mixed connective-tissue disease, though most evidence is based on individual case reports rather than large-scale studies. Fasting has the strongest evidence for treating rheumatoid arthritis, with some suggestive benefits for osteoarthritis, but more robust, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings. After fasting, many individuals maintained their symptom-free state by adopting a strictly plant-based diet, suggesting the importance of long-term dietary changes in sustaining the benefits of fasting. Conditions like fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, and chronic urticaria have also shown improvement with fasting, but the effects may not be long-lasting without continued dietary management. Fasting should be done under medical supervision to monitor kidney function and electrolytes, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the regimen, as fasting is not a traditional cure but a way to activate the body’s self-healing mechanisms. To read the original article click here.

The post Does Fasting Help Autoimmune Diseases? appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Eating an Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Lupus

The AHA! Team — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 06:12:20 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Green smoothies are put to the test for the autoimmune disease lupus. There are dozens and dozens of journals I try to stay on top of every month, and one I always anticipate is The International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention, a peer-reviewed medical “journal created to document the science of nutrition and lifestyle to prevent, suspend and reverse disease,” with an editor-in-chief no less prestigious than Dr. Kim Williams, past president of the American College of Cardiology. I was honored to join its editorial advisory board, along with so many of my heroes. The best part? It’s free. Go to IJDRP.org and put in your email to subscribe at no cost, and you’ll be alerted when new issues are out, which you can download in full in PDF form. (Did I mention it’s free?) When it comes to chronic lifestyle diseases, wrote Dr. Williams, “Instead of preventing chronic lifestyle diseases, we [doctors] manage. Never cure, just mitigate. Why? Because of ﬁnance, culture, habit, and tradition.” There are many of us, though, who “envision a world where trillions of dollars are not spent on medical care that should never have been necessary, but rather on infrastructure, environment, education, and advancing science. For this reason, comes The International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention (IJDRP).” After all, wrote the journal’s co-founder, “Without data, you’re just another person with an opinion.” To give you a taste of the journal: How about pitting plants against one of the most inflammatory diseases out there—lupus, an autoimmune disease in which your body can start attacking your DNA? Kidney inflammation is a common consequence, and even with our armamentarium of immunosuppressant drugs and steroids, lupus-induced kidney inflammation can lead to end-stage renal disease, which means dialysis, and even death. That is, unless you pack your diet with some of the most anti-inflammatory foods out there and your kidney function improves so much you no longer need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Another similar case was presented with a resolution in symptoms and normal kidney function, unless the patient deviated from the diet and his symptoms then reappeared. As I discuss in my video Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Lupus, even just cutting out animal products can make a difference. Researchers randomized people to remove meat, eggs, and dairy from their diets without significantly increasing fruit and vegetable intake and found that doing just that can lower C-reactive protein levels by nearly a third within eight weeks, as you can see below and at 2:21 in my video. (Our C-reactive protein level is a sensitive indicator of whole-body inflammation.) But with lupus, the researchers didn’t mess around. Each day, the study subjects were to eat a pound of leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables like kale, fruits like berries, and lots of chia or flax, and drink a gallon of water. We’re talking about a green smoothie diet to extinguish lupus flares. (Note, though, that if your kidneys are already compromised, this should be done under physician supervision so they can monitor your electrolytes like potassium and make sure you don’t get overloaded with fluid.) Bottom line? With such remarkable improvements due to dietary changes alone, the hope is that researchers will take up the mantle and formally put it to the test. Reversals of autoimmune inflammatory skin disease can be particularly striking visually. A woman with a 35-year history of psoriasis that had been unsuccessfully managed for 19 years with drugs suffered from other autoimmune conditions, including Sjogren’s syndrome. She was put on an extraordinarily healthy diet packed with greens and other vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, avocados, and some whole grains, and boom! Within one year, she went from 40 percent of her entire body surface area inflamed and affected down to 0 percent, completely clear, and, as a bonus, her Sjogren’s symptoms resolved, too, while helping to normalize her weight and cholesterol. You can see before and after photos below and at 3:39 in my video. I think I only have one other video on lupus: Fighting Lupus with Turmeric: Good as Gold. It’s not for lack of trying, though. There just hasn’t been much research out there. I talk about another autoimmune disease, type 1 diabetes, in Type 1 Diabetes Treatment: A Plant-Based Diet. To read and subscribe—for free—to The International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention, visit www.IJDRP.org. Key Takeaways The International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention (IJDRP), a peer-reviewed medical journal, focuses on documenting nutrition and lifestyle science to prevent, suspend, and reverse chronic diseases, and its editor-in-chief is Dr. Kim Williams. Research highlights the potential of anti-inflammatory diets, rich in plant-based foods, to significantly improve kidney function in lupus patients, potentially avoiding dialysis and transplants. Cutting out animal products reduces inflammation markers like C-reactive protein, offering substantial health benefits in managing autoimmune conditions such as lupus. A comprehensive plant-based diet effectively cleared severe psoriasis and associated autoimmune symptoms in a patient, showcasing dramatic visual and health improvements within a year. To read the original article click here.

The post Eating an Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Lupus appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Hammer Toe Treatment Gets People on Their Feet Faster

The AHA! Team — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 06:26:43 +0000

Duke Health – If your toes are crooked or stiff, you may have a hammer toe. They may be caused by a sudden injury, chronic instability, an autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis), or tight or improperly sized shoes. Here, Andrew Hanselman, MD, a Duke Health foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon, explains treatment options. How is hammer toe treated? Hammer toes can be treated with stretching exercises, comfortable wide-toe-box shoes, and over-the-counter toe spacers and metatarsal pads, which help keep the toes separated and cushioned, so they don’t rub against each other. If your toe is also rubbing up against the underside of your shoe, you can use small pads, found in most drugstores, to cover and protect the toe. Will I need surgery for hammer toe? Surgery for hammer toes may be recommended to remove some bone and straighten the toe. A foot and ankle surgeon may also manipulate the soft tissue and move the insertion point of the tendon muscle to make the correction even better. Once the toe is straight, they use a variety of techniques, such as a pin, which stays in the toe for several weeks, to hold the toe straight while it heals. These pins are then removed by the surgeon in clinic with little to no discomfort. The pin technique allows the toe to remain straight with no residual metal left inside your body. Another technique uses a small metal implant to hold the toe together while it fuses. This is usually permanent but does not require removal afterwards. Our foot and ankle specialists will recommend the procedure that is right for you after discussing your preference, and the bone quality of your foot. Is surgery for hammer toe painful? Surgery for hammer toes is an outpatient procedure; it does not require a hospital stay. Although every situation may be different, the majority of these procedures are performed under a regional nerve block along with anesthesia administered through an IV to help you relax. This allows for a pain-free process while being safer than traditional regional anesthesia. Often, people are able to walk afterwards using a supportive specialized post-surgical shoe or sandal that is provided at the hospital or surgery center. How long does it take to wear regular shoes and walk normally after surgery? Most people return to wearing regular shoes around six to eight weeks following surgery. Low-impact activities, such as walking for exercise, may begin at that time. Depending on how quickly you heal, you can typically return to higher impact activities, such as riding a bike or using an elliptical machine, around three months and running/jumping activities around four to six months. To read the original article click here.

The post Hammer Toe Treatment Gets People on Their Feet Faster appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Increase Magnesium to Fight Modern-Day Diseases

The AHA! Team — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 04:46:04 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – It troubles me deeply that conventional doctors don’t pay any attention to your magnesium levels… Especially these days when new research reveals that this miracle mineral can help you fight our modern-day infections.1,2 I’ve been advising my patients at the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine for decades about magnesium’s critical role in keeping them free of disease. This miracle mineral can help you fight our modern-day infections You see, magnesium is needed for more than 600 biochemical reactions in your body – and that’s just for starters.3 There’s not enough room in this letter to give you a complete list of magnesium’s health benefits, but here are just a few…4,5,6 Magnesium can prevent – and reverse – insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. It’s vital for muscle function and increases energy metabolism. It lowers blood pressure more effectively than any drug and keeps your heart healthy. It improves sleep quality and duration. It’s essential for warding off depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. It keeps your bones strong. Vitamin D cannot be activated in your body without magnesium. Magnesium extends lifespan by activating telomerase to increase telomere length. And now scientists have discovered that magnesium plays a crucial role in keeping your immune system strong by fighting infections, including Covid. The researchers found that a powerful type of immune cell called a cytotoxic or “killer” T cell can only eliminate infected cells with magnesium.7 Killer T cells are vital if your body is fighting Covid and your immune system produces an army of them to target viral proteins like those found in the coronavirus. But without magnesium, they aren’t able to function efficiently. You see, while Killer T cells don’t prevent infection, they spring into action after the virus has already infiltrated your body. They’re critical for clearing Covid once the infection has started – and crucial for stopping its spread and reducing its severity.8 It’s no coincidence that multiple studies now reveal that patients with Covid – especially those with severe cases – are woefully deficient in magnesium.9 Sadly, up to 80% of older Americans are deficient in magnesium10 – thanks to Big Agra’s industrial farming methods – and don’t have strong enough Killer T cells to fight the infection. Many vegetables have lost 80% of their magnesium content A few years ago, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition published a study comparing the nutrient content of crops in 1999 with 1950 levels. Researchers were shocked to find that many vegetables had lost 80% of their magnesium content.11 The good news is that it’s easy to boost your magnesium levels and get them back to where nature intended. You should always start with diet. You boost your magnesium levels by eating nuts, seeds, and dark green, leafy vegetables. But given the depleted state of Big Agra soil, you’ll need to find additional sources. Here’s what I recommend to my patients… Be aware of foods that deplete magnesium from your body. Processed foods and refined sugar are the worst offenders and deplete magnesium content by nearly 85%. I tell my patients to avoid these Frankenfoods completely.But excess alcohol, caffeine, and even dairy can also deplete your body’s magnesium levels. Use these items in moderation, especially if your levels are low. Eat more of the right kind of salt: Modern medicine has declared war on salt and told you to stop eating it altogether. But salt is good for almost every part of your body, and you can’t live without it. In fact, we evolved to naturally crave salty foods.Unfortunately, the salt you find in most foods is bleached, refined, and full of residual chemicals left over from processing. Look for sea salt instead. It’s unrefined and has all the minerals and co-factors nature meant salt to have, like magnesium. Include a supplement: It’s almost impossible to get what you need from your food. Supplementing can fill in the gaps. Magnesium citrate and glycinate taurate are the most absorbable forms. I recommend between 600 mg and 1,000 mg a day.Be sure to confirm the source and quality of the mineral supplement. And make sure there are no extra fillers. These can cause more harm than good. And always take your magnesium supplement with vitamin B6, which increases the amount of magnesium that accumulates in your cells. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Tan CW, et al. Cohort study to evaluate the effect of vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin B12 in combination on progression to severe outcomes in older patients with coronavirus (COVID-19). Nutrition. 2020 Nov-Dec;79-80:111017. 2. O’Keefe JH and DiNicolantonio JJ. “Magnesium and vitamin D Deficiency as a potential cause of immune dysfunction, cytokine storm and disseminated intravascular coagulation in Covid-19 patients.” Mo Med. 2021 Jan-Feb;118(1):68-73. 3. Caspi R, et al. “The MetaCyc database of metabolic pathways and enzymes—A 2019 update.” Nucleic Acids Res. 2020;48:D445–D453. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkz862. 4. Rowe WJ. “Correcting magnesium deficiencies may prolong life.” Clin Interv Aging. 2012;7:51-4. 5. Richards J, Valdes AM, et al. “Homocysteine levels and leukocyte telomere length.” Atherosclerosis. 2008;200(2):271-7. 6. Barbagallo M, Ligia J. Dominguez. “Magnesium and Type 2 Diabetes: An Update.” Int J Diabetes Clin Res .2015, 2:1 7. Lötsche J, et al. “Magnesium sensing via LFA-1 regulates CD8+ T cell effector function. Cell. 2022 8. Tarke A, et al. “Comprehensive analysis of T cell immunodominance and immunoprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 epitopes in COVID-19 cases.” Cell Rep Med. 2021 Feb 16;2(2):100204. 9. O’Keefe JH and DiNicolantonio JJ. “Magnesium and vitamin D deficiency as a potential cause of immune dysfunction, cytokine storm and disseminated intravascular coagulation in Covid-19 patients.” Mo Med. 2021 Jan-Feb;118(1):68-73. 10. “Magnesium is essential to your health but many people don’t get enough of it.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/magnesium-is-essential-to-your-health-but-many-people-dont-get-enough-of-it/2017/06/09/77bc35b4-2515-11e7-bb9d-8cd6118e1409_story.html. Accessed on February 7, 2023. 11. King DE, et al. “Dietary magnesium and C-reactive protein levels.” J Am Coll Nutr. 2005 Jun;24(3):166-71. To read the original article click here.

The post Increase Magnesium to Fight Modern-Day Diseases appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

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.

The post The Chronic Effects of Low-Dose Mercury Exposure appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Down on Vitamin D? It Could Be the Cause of Chronic Inflammation

AHA Publisher — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 07:00:23 +0000

University of South Australia via Newswise – Inflammation is an essential part of the body’s healing process. But when it persists, it can contribute to a wide range of complex diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases. Now, world-first genetic research from the University of South Australia shows a direct link between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of inflammation, providing an important biomarker to identify people at higher risk of or severity of chronic illnesses with an inflammatory component. The study examined the genetic data of 294 ,970 participants in the UK Biobank, using Mendelian randomization to show the association between vitamin D and C-reactive protein levels, an indicator of inflammation. Lead researcher, UniSA’s Dr Ang Zhou, says the findings suggest that boosting vitamin D in people with a deficiency may reduce chronic inflammation. “Inflammation is your body’s way of protecting your tissues if you’ve been injured or have an infection,” Dr Zhou says. “High levels of C-reactive protein are generated by the liver in response to inflammation, so when your body is experiencing chronic inflammation, it also shows higher levels of C-reactive protein. “This study examined vitamin D and C-reactive proteins and found a one-way relationship between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of C-reactive protein, expressed as inflammation. “Boosting vitamin D in people with deficiencies may reduce chronic inflammation, helping them avoid a number of related diseases.” Supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council and published in the International Journal of Epidemiology the study also raises the possibility that having adequate vitamin D concentrations may mitigate complications arising from obesity and reduce the risk or severity of chronic illnesses with an inflammatory component, such as CVDs, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Senior investigator and Director of UniSA’s Australian Centre for Precision Health, Professor Elina Hyppönen, says these results are important and provide an explanation for some of the controversies in reported associations with vitamin D. “We have repeatedly seen evidence for health benefits for increasing vitamin D concentrations in individuals with very low levels, while for others, there appears to be little to no benefit.” Prof Hyppönen says. “These findings highlight the importance of avoiding clinical vitamin D deficiency, and provide further evidence for the wide-ranging effects of hormonal vitamin D.” To read the original article click here.

The post Down on Vitamin D? It Could Be the Cause of Chronic Inflammation appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

This Chemical in Our Food ‘Will Actually Perforate the Wall of the Gut’: Doc Reveals Secrets to Living Longer, Healthier

AHA Publisher — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 07:00:11 +0000

Lorie Johnson via CBN News – A disturbing new study reveals that a dangerous chemical has been found in the urine of a vast majority of Americans. Glyphosate is the pesticide found in Roundup, and it’s so prevalent in the U.S. food supply that it’s now in the urine samples of more than 80 percent of Americans tested in the study, including 87 percent of children. Experts say the chemical has been linked to cancer and other health concerns, and while it has now infiltrated much of the processed foods we buy at grocery stores, many people don’t even know about the dangers it poses. It’s just one of many concerns affecting our health and longevity, but there are ways to limit the risk and live longer. People Are Still Living Longer Living past the age of 100 used to be a rarity. These days, however, people over 100 comprise a fast-growing segment of the population. Just a few years ago, there were about 500,000 centenarians worldwide. The United States has the most: 72,000. Studies from the United Nations predict the world will have more than three million centenarians by 2050. That’s good news unless that population suffers from declining health. In fact, many people say they don’t want to live that long if it means their last decade is spent in a nursing home not being able to do anything or remember anyone. Rethink What It Means to be Old However, needing a home without stairs and taking lots of medications don’t need to go hand-in-hand with aging. One of the world’s leading experts on aging says far too many people equate getting old with poor health and plan accordingly. “We base a lot of our behaviors thinking that this is what’s going to happen to us, but in fact, that doesn’t have to happen,” Dr. Steven Gundry told CBN News. In his book, The Longevity Paradox: How to Die Young at a Ripe Old Age, Dr. Gundry lists the habits of healthy centenarians. “What we know about super old people who are thriving is that they don’t become infirm, they don’t get cancer, they don’t get Alzheimer’s,” Dr. Gundry said. “These people actually have the physiology, have the workings, of a 50-year-old individual.” Build a Better Gut A number of things separate healthy centenarians apart from their sicker counterparts. However, topping the list of what it takes to live a vibrant, disease-free life well into old age is a healthy gut. That means an intestinal tract brimming with good bacteria. “It’s amazing,” he said, “When we look at 105-year-old people around the world, they carry the diverse gut microbiome of 30-year-old people.” Having enough of the right bacteria can prevent just about every type of disease, including inherited ones. “Whether we turn genes on or off with information, and that’s called epigenetics or epigenomics, and it’s that interplay with actually a lot of material that comes from our microbiome telling our genes what to do,” he said. Glyphosate: Avoid Processed Foods for a Healthier Gut Dr. Gundry said the key to a healthy gut microbiome is avoiding processed foods, because of chemical ingredients, especially the pesticide glyphosate. “It’s probably the biggest health problem that people are unaware of,” he warned, “It’s in all of our products, all of our cereals. all of our breads, all of our crackers. A recent study of 35 oat products in the United States found glyphosate, including some very dangerous levels, in every one of the oat products including many of our kids’ cereals including our granola.” Dr. Gundry says in addition to cancer and other health concerns, glyphosate can wipe out good bacteria and even cause a ‘leaky gut.’ “You will actually make perforations in the wall of the gut, and bacterial particles and plant compounds and toxins will get right through the wall of your gut,” he said. A leaky gut can cause migraines, chronic fatigue, and autoimmune diseases like Celiac, according to Gundry. Intermittent Fasting In addition to eating right, robust old-timers go without food altogether for long periods of time. Regularly fasting a minimum of twelve hours within a 24-hour period can trigger the body to eliminate whatever hinders survival. “Fasting, or intermittent fasting, gives us an opportunity to really get all the best cells all the time and that’s what we all want,” said Dr. Gundry. Studies show intermittent fasting helps prevent atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and possibly cancer, all while boosting the immune system. The Problem with Pills Another common characteristic of healthy centenarians is they take few drugs or none at all. While many people, such as diabetics, take specific medication, Dr. Gundry maintains healthier choices can even reverse that need. “I have yet to meet a type two who I can’t get off all medications by teaching them how to eat,” he said. “I haven’t met a person who takes a statin drug to lower cholesterol that I can’t get off a statin once I teach them how to eat.” Dr. Gundry says antibiotics and common painkillers can harm the gut microbiome, with even something like an antacid leading to other problems. “And so I see so many people with dementia and congestive heart failure who’ve been taking these drugs chronically,” he said. “In fact, the FDA has a warning on these products that you should never take them longer than two weeks because they’re that dangerous.” Dust Off Those Sneakers Dr. Gundry says exercise keeps the body working well no matter what the calendar says. It improves blood flow, particularly to the brain. Women who exercise routinely during their lifespan have a 90-percent reduction in Alzheimer’s compared to women who don’t. Muscles strengthen bones, thus preventing injury. It turns out that walking against gravity, whether going up or down, is an especially good exercise because it works the area of the body between the knees and the hips, which contains most of our muscle mass. In fact, the five cities worldwide with the highest concentration of centenarians are all very hilly. Those cities are in what’s known as Blue Zones. The only one in the US is Loma Linda, which means ‘beautiful hill’ in Spanish. This California city is not only home to the largest concentration of centenarians in America, but also the largest concentration of Seventh-Day Adventists. That denomination avoids processed foods and drugs while embracing fasting and exercise. Years ago, Dr. Gundry practiced heart surgery in Loma Linda and was inspired by the people and their healthy lifestyle. Not long after that, he shifted the focus of his medical practice to teaching the world how to live strong to a ripe old age. To read the original article click here.

The post This Chemical in Our Food ‘Will Actually Perforate the Wall of the Gut’: Doc Reveals Secrets to Living Longer, Healthier appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Study Shows Adequate Sunlight Exposure May Protect Against Autoimmune Disease

AHA Publisher — Mon, 23 May 2022 07:00:23 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – According to a recent study done at the University of California – San Francisco, exposure to the sun can protect youngsters and young adults against multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases. The scientists found that exposure to the sun’s UV rays increases vitamin D and might help prevent autoimmune diseases. Though parents have certainly been warned about subjecting their little ones to too much sun, the truth is the sun has its benefits. Not to mention that slathering on commercial sunscreens with potentially harmful chemicals poses a danger, now there is even more reason to let kids, tweens, teens, and adults enjoy the sun without excessive worry. Sunlight May Reduce Risk of MS, Research Suggests MS, short for multiple sclerosis, might be less likely to develop in individuals subjected to sunlight in considerable amounts at a relatively young age. The study referenced above indicates an association between heightened exposure to ultraviolet light and a reduction in the chances of developing MS. However, it must also be noted that significant exposure to sunlight without protection has the potential to heighten the chances of skin cancer. The study pertained to slightly more than 330 individuals between the ages of 3 and 22. The study participants had MS for an average period of seven months. As revealed in the web-based issue of Neurology, the result of the study was officially made available to the public in December of 2021. Responses to study inquiries showed that about 20% spent less than half an hour outdoors one summer ago. Only 6% of those without MS spent less than half an hour outside during the summer. The study showed that those who averaged half an hour to a full hour outside had a 52% less risk for developing MS when compared to individuals who spent less than half an hour outdoors on summer days. Sun Exposure Is More Important Than Most Think The key takeaway from the study is that the sun has meaningful benefits. Exposure to sunlight enhances vitamin levels, stimulates the skin’s immune cells that help protect against MS, and possibly even alters the functionality of immune cells to help guard against autoimmune diseases and maintain optimum health. It is interesting to note that some MS patients show symptoms during their childhood though the disease usually doesn’t fully manifest until the adult years of 20 to 50. Here Is Why Geography Is Important in the Context of MS The researchers also pointed out that those involved in the study who live in Florida were more than 20% less likely to develop MS than those living in New York state. The reduced chance of developing MS is likely the result of the heightened sunlight intensity in Florida. The study also revealed that exposure to the sun provides benefits dependent on the dose. In other words, the more time that one spends exposed to the sun, the lower the risk is for MS and other autoimmune disorders. It is also interesting to note that the study reveals exposure to the sun’s rays in the initial year of life also played an important role in protecting against the development of MS. One final warning, if you’re concerned about MS, do everything you can to avoid the consumption of artificial sweeteners. Click here for more information about the dangers of artificial sweeteners. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com

The post Study Shows Adequate Sunlight Exposure May Protect Against Autoimmune Disease appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.