chronic inflammation Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Black Cumin Seed Oil: Powerful Ally Against Breast Cancer & Chronic Inflammation

The AHA! Team — Wed, 07 May 2025 05:28:18 +0000

Lance D Johnson via Natural News – Long before Big Pharma dominated healthcare, ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Ayurvedic physicians prescribed black cumin seeds for ailments ranging from digestive disorders to infections. • Black cumin seed oil contains thymoquinone, a potent bioactive compound with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. • Research shows thymoquinone induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in breast cancer cells while protecting healthy cells. • Combining black cumin seed oil with conventional chemotherapy may enhance treatment efficacy and reduce drug resistance. • Historical use of Nigella sativa dates back thousands of years, but modern science is now validating its medicinal power. • Systemic inflammation drives chronic disease, and black cumin seed oil helps restore immune balance naturally. The science behind black cumin’s healing power For centuries, traditional healers have revered black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) as a cure-all, dubbing it “the remedy for everything but death.” Today, cutting-edge research confirms its extraordinary potential—particularly in combating breast cancer and taming the destructive inflammation underlying chronic disease. Unlike toxic chemotherapy drugs that ravage the body, black cumin seed oil offers a natural, scientifically backed alternative that targets cancer cells while fortifying overall health. Black cumin seeds are a treasure trove of bioactive compounds, with thymoquinone standing out as the most potent. Constituting 30–48% of the seed’s essential oil, thymoquinone has been shown in numerous studies to: • Trigger apoptosis in breast cancer cells (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, T-47D) by up-regulating tumor suppressor genes like p53 and Bax while suppressing survival signals like Bcl-2. • Inhibit metastasis by blocking CXCR4, a protein that aids cancer spread, and reducing the activity of TWIST1, a gene linked to tumor progression. • Enhance chemotherapy by reversing drug resistance in doxorubicin- and tamoxifen-resistant cancer cells. A historical remedy validated by modern medicine Long before Big Pharma dominated healthcare, ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Ayurvedic physicians prescribed black cumin seeds for ailments ranging from digestive disorders to infections. The Prophet Muhammad reportedly called it “a cure for every disease except death.” Today, science is catching up: • A 2020 study found that Nigella sativa reduced tumor volume in mice by 67% and blocked liver metastasis. • When combined with paclitaxel (a common chemo drug), thymoquinone boosted apoptosis rates in triple-negative breast cancer cells. • Human trials show black cumin gel reduces radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients, proving its protective effects. Yet, despite these breakthroughs, mainstream medicine continues to ignore natural solutions in favor of expensive, patentable drugs. Why inflammation is the silent killer — and how black cumin stops it Chronic inflammation is the root of nearly all modern diseases—cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. As we age, the immune system loses its ability to regulate inflammation, leading to a dangerous imbalance. Black cumin seed oil restores equilibrium by: • Suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-?. • Boosting antioxidant defenses to neutralize free radicals. • Enhancing immune surveillance against cancerous cells. Chronic inflammation is the silent engine driving many degenerative diseases, from cancer to heart failure. While acute inflammation helps the body heal, unchecked systemic inflammation ravages tissues, accelerates aging, and primes the body for illness. Black cumin seed oil, rich in the bioactive compound thymoquinone, acts as a natural regulator, suppressing destructive inflammation while enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight infections and malignancies. Landmark study A landmark study published in Phytotherapy Research found that rheumatoid arthritis patients taking black cumin seed oil experienced dramatic relief—42.5% reported reduced joint swelling and stiffness. Another study in Experimental Biology and Medicine revealed thymoquinone’s ability to slow osteoarthritis progression by blocking enzymes that destroy joint tissue. Even more striking, research in the Egyptian Journal of Immunology showed the oil matched the anti-inflammatory effects of dexamethasone, a powerful steroid, without the harmful side effects. A natural cancer fighter hiding in plain sight Conventional oncology relies on toxic chemotherapy, but black cumin seed oil offers a gentler, yet equally aggressive, alternative. Studies demonstrate its ability to mobilize the immune system’s front line defenses: • Macrophages—cells that engulf and destroy cancerous invaders—become more active. • CD-8 T-cells, the body’s assassins of malignant cells, survive longer and attack more efficiently. • Natural killer cell function increases by 30%, while helper T-cells surge by 55%, orchestrating a stronger immune response. Beyond cancer, black cumin seed oil shows promise in cardiovascular care. By lowering LDL cholesterol and raising HDL, it may prevent artery-clogging plaque. It also appears to protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury—the tissue damage following heart attacks or strokes—offering hope for recovery where conventional medicine falls short. Allergy and asthma sufferers For allergy and asthma sufferers, the oil’s immune-modulating effects bring relief without the drowsiness or dependency of antihistamines. Patients report fewer nasal symptoms and easier breathing, thanks to its ability to calm hyperactive immune responses. With breast cancer rates climbing and conventional treatments often failing, the question isn’t whether natural therapies like black cumin seed oil work—it’s why they aren’t being embraced. If a drug demonstrated thymoquinone’s safety and efficacy, it would be fast-tracked by the FDA. Instead, patients are left to navigate the murky waters of Big Pharma’s profit-driven system. Sources include: NaturalHealth365.com MDPI.com Pubmed.gov Pubmed.gov To read the original article, click here

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Researchers Crack a Key Celiac Mystery

The AHA! Team — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 08:18:59 +0000

McMaster University via Newswise – Where in the body does the gluten reaction begin? People with celiac disease must navigate everyday life by avoiding gluten, a protein in wheat, rye and barley which can trigger painful symptoms in the gut, impede the absorption of nutrients and raise the risk of other serious long-term issues. The autoimmune disorder affects about 1 per cent of the population Its rate of occurrence has roughly doubled in the past 25 years, but there is no treatment available. An interdisciplinary team of medical and engineering researchers centered at Canada’s McMaster University and including colleagues from the US, Australia, and Argentina, has spent the last six years working to unlock a significant piece of the puzzle in the search for a cure: how and where the gluten response begins. It had previously been thought that the inflammatory response to gluten occurred inside the gut wall and exclusively involved immune cells, but In a new paper published today in the journal Gastroenterology, the team has shown there is more to the story. They found that the inner lining of the upper intestine, called the “epithelium” –composed of a variety of cells that are not classically part of the immune system – also plays an active role in directing the inflammatory response to gluten. Using microscopic biomaterials in the laboratory, the team created a biologically functioning model of the intestinal epithelium which allowed the researchers to isolate the effects of specific molecules in the epithelial cells of people with celiac disease. The model allowed the researchers to generate and observe the reactions under controlled conditions, an option that is simply not available in extremely complex gut environments of living beings. They were able to observe how the molecules alert immune cells to the presence of gluten, and to conclude definitively that the epithelium plays a crucial role in activating the immune system in celiac disease. Such a mechanism had been postulated before but was never proven. Answering this controversial question is expected to advance the development of new drugs. “The only way we can treat celiac disease today is by fully eliminating gluten from the diet. This is difficult to do, and experts agree that a gluten-free diet is insufficient,” says Elena Verdu, a corresponding author on the paper who is a professor of gastroenterology and director of McMaster’s Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute. Precisely locating the spark of the immune response could stimulate research into drug delivery to inhibit this newly found role of the epithelium, using drugs already in clinical trials, Verdu says. “This allowed us to narrow down the specific cause and effect and prove exactly whether and how the reaction takes place,” says Tohid Didar, a corresponding author on the paper and an associate professor at McMaster’s School of Biomedical Engineering who holds the Canada Research Chair in Nano-biomaterials. Another significant finding from the study is that after detecting gluten, the epithelium sends stronger signals to immune cells if pathogens are also present. This means that in the future it may be possible to detect the pathogen in a person at risk of developing the disease and inhibit the interactions with gluten and the gut epithelium to prevent the disease, says the paper’s lead author, Sara Rahmani, a PhD candidate in Verdu and Didar labs. To read the original article click here.

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10 Shocking Facts About Cholesterol You Don’t Know

The AHA! Team — Mon, 27 May 2024 08:05:28 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Do you really know what you need to know about cholesterol? Do you know the truth about how diet does and does not affect it? How about how body weight affects it? Do you really know what you need to know about cholesterol? Surprisingly, even though cholesterol has been discussed for many decades, the facts about cholesterol are still lost on most. Why? Misinformation abounds. New studies shed new light on the subject. As our population has become increasingly overweight, people’s bodies (all the way down to their cells) change in how they synthesize and deal with cholesterol. To know the facts about cholesterol, you really have to dig in. It’s simple and yet complex in some ways. If you’re ready for the complete low-down on cholesterol, listen to the Divine Health Podcast! Dr. Colbert and Mary Colbert will take you on an in-depth journey to know all you need to know about cholesterol and how to obtain your best heart health! Check out all 3 cholesterol episodes here: Divine Health with Dr. Don Colbert Podcast. And for now, here are 10 shocking facts about cholesterol you probably don’t know. 10 Shocking Facts About Cholesterol You Don’t Know A heart healthy diet is imperative for overall heart health. But when it comes to cholesterol itself in the bloodstream, most is made by the body, not consumed in the diet. In fact, only about 20% of the cholesterol in your body comes from your diet. The rest is synthesized in your liver and intestines (1). How does diet play a role? Many ways! First, your diet affects how much, and what types of cholesterol are synthesized. In fact, the types of fats you eat play a bigger role than the cholesterol you eat. Next, eating a diet high in antioxidants is paramount, since antioxidants reduce the amount of oxidized cholesterol (which forms plaques) in the arteries. Vegetable oils do not contain cholesterol, however, many are still inflammatory and detrimental to heart health. Oils derived from vegetables and grains, including avocado oil, olive oil, corn oil, and others have zero milligrams of cholesterol. Foods derived from plants do not contain cholesterol because cholesterol is synthesized in an animal’s liver. However, vegetable oils with high omega-6 content increase inflammatory pathways in our bodies because they negatively affect our ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s. This means they fight against the anti-inflammatory omega-6s in our bodies. The most commonly used high-omega-6 oil in processed foods is soybean oil. Consuming this oil negatively affects metabolic health, cardiovascular health, and inflammation in the body (2, 3, 4). Avoid: Safflower oil (10.1 gm Omega-6 per tablespoon), grapeseed oil (9.5 gm), vegetable Oil (7.9 gm), wheat germ oil (7.5 gm), corn oil (7.3 gm), walnut oil (7.3 gm), cottonseed oil (7.0 gm), soybean (7.0 gm), sunflower Oil (5.4 gm), canola Oil (3.0 gm). Include: Extra-virgin olive oil (1.3 gm), avocado oil (1.8 gm) and occasionally organic coconut oil (0.4 gm), high-oleic sunflower (0.5), and high-oleic safflower oils (2.0). To learn more about this ratio and the dangers of a high omega-6 diet, click here. Weight Loss, Diet, and Exercise are your best options to ALTER unhealthy cholesterol numbers. While your absolute cholesterol number is highly influenced by your familial history, age, sex, and ethnicity (5), CHANGES in total cholesterol are primarily achieved by weight loss (if overweight), diet, and exercise (6, 7). Your Body Needs Cholesterol for Crucial Tasks Such as Synthesizing Vitamin D. Cholesterol is a waxy, whitish-yellow fat. Cholesterol is needed to make vitamin D, hormones (including testosterone and estrogen), and fat-dissolving bile acids. It is a vital building block in cell membranes. Cholesterol can be found in every cell in the body. What’s more, cholesterol is important for the formation of myelin sheath, the protective membrane around the nerves, especially in early years of life. Healthy cholesterol has its place in human health. Cholesterol does NOT dissolve in the blood to make it thick. Cholesterol doesn’t dissolve in the blood, kind of like how fat won’t dissolve in water. Instead, cholesterol bonds to carriers called lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are made up of cholesterol on the inside with a layer of protein on the outside. These carriers transport cholesterol between cells to be used for various biological functions. When cholesterol is oxidized, it can embed into the artery wall which can lead to plaques and blockages. Not all LDL cholesterol (aka bad cholesterol) creates plaques in arteries. As most people know, there are two primary types of cholesterol, Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and High-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is taught as “bad,” and HDL as “good.” But there’s more to it than that. There are actually two sub-groups of LDL particles. LDL subtype A is a large fluffy cholesterol particle that is less prone to oxidation and less likely to stick to arterial walls. LDL subtype B is a smaller and denser particle that is easily oxidized and more likely to build up in the arteries. Subtype A LDL cholesterol is not necessarily a threat, and only oxidized LDL cholesterol forms plaques (8). Triglyceride numbers and cholesterol numbers should be looked at together when assessing cardiovascular risk. Interestingly, more and more practitioners are looking at the ratio of triglycerides (TG) to HDL. In fact, when you calculate this ratio, you can infer your health risk of cardiovascular issues, blood sugar issues, inflammation and more. Divide your triglycerides by your HDL cholesterol levels. Studies have found that a number of 1.0 or less is likely indicative of lower risk, and a number of 3.0 or more of highest risk. Interestingly, a lower ratio is also linked to healthier LDL subset particle size (less subset B) (9, 10). People who suffer heart attacks don’t always have high cholesterol. Conversely, those with high cholesterol don’t always suffer heart attacks. While high LDL cholesterol (specifically, high LDL subset B) is one of many risk factors of heart conditions and heart attacks, many people who have heart attacks have “normal” cholesterol levels (11). When assessing risk, we should look at our heart illness risk overall, including weight, blood glucose, lifestyle, inflammation markers, blood pressure, triglycerides, and specifically LDL Subset B cholesterol numbers. It is not the primary risk factor. Inflammation is a primary factor in cardiovascular risk. Cholesterol is an active compound in the body. It reacts to oxidative stress and inflammation. Here’s how: As free radicals move throughout the body and damage cells, cumulative oxidative stress rises. Next, the body mounts an inflammatory response and cholesterol comes in to patch things up. When cholesterol can also become damaged and oxidized by free radicals. Oxidized cholesterol is sticky. It can embed into artery walls and potentially form plaques and blockages (12). Statins may be useful in some, but they are not completely safe and effective. While statins may be right for some patients, no medication is completely safe, and no medication is completely effective. While it is true that statins typically lower overall cholesterol, there are some harmful side effects of which you should be aware. First, statins may lower total cholesterol too much. This can lead to inadequate cholesterol levels for proper brain function (25% of cholesterol is in the brain). It can also interfere with and inhibit the benefits of omega-3 fats. Statins metabolize omega-6 fatty acids which work against omega-3s and can promote resistance to insulin, and elevated blood glucose levels. Like most medications, statins include a risk of damage to organs and systems in the body (13). Lastly, chronic use of statins has also been shown to interfere with the body’s production of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is critical for immune and nervous system health, and also bolsters heart health, proper muscle function, and healthy blood pressure, among much else. If you are on statins, it is very important to supplement with CoQ10. Ready to Do All You Can to Support Healthy Cholesterol Numbers and Heart Health? Dr. Colbert has devised an amazing guide to help you obtain a healthy weight, healthy cholesterol, and overall great health for life: Beyond Keto. When you follow this plan that marries the best of the Mediterranean Diet with the best of Keto Zone, you can optimize your health efficiently and effectively. Try Beyond Keto and get started today. Then, listen to the podcast and learn even more facts about cholesterol! Bottom Line After decades of confusing information, new studies, changes in lifestyles and societal health, and more, it’s important to learn the facts about cholesterol. Learn all you can. Listen to Dr. Colbert’s Podcast, it’s a wealth of free information to keep you up to date on what you can do to support your heart health and cholesterol numbers, every day. To read the original article click here.

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“Magic” Milk Protects You From Chronic Disease

AHA Publisher — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 08:00:10 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – A groundbreaking new study out of Stanford University may finally compel the so-called “experts” to admit they’ve been wrong about what’s causing the shocking rise in diabetes.1 The FDA and Big Pharma want to blame it on family history and high blood sugar. They still don’t understand what’s REALLY going on… The crisis, which I call Syndrome Zero, is a direct result of chronic inflammation caused by an industrial, grain-based diet. Our bodies simply weren’t designed for all the carbohydrates modern humans eat. This carb overload wipes out beneficial bacteria in your gut microbiome. Before long, disease-causing bacteria begin to bloom unchecked inside your body. Soon, fissures and gaps in your intestinal lining expose you to toxic-gut syndrome. And that sends your immune response into overdrive. What follows is a runaway train to diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune illnesses – and even more inflammation. And as you know, inflammation is the root cause of chronic disease. Fortunately, some treatments can stop – and even reverse – this progression. Stanford University researchers wondered if a specific type of food could reduce biomarkers of chronic disease by feeding the beneficial bacteria that serve as your frontline defense. I’m talking about fermented foods like kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and sauerkraut. Stanford researchers put patients on a 10-week meal plan featuring fermented foods. Throughout the study, they measured changes in 19 key proteins linked to inflammation. They described their results as “stunning.” Individuals who ate fermented foods developed far more diverse, resilient microbiomes. Even more important… All 19 inflammatory protein markers dropped significantly in those patients eating fermented foods. Plus, their immune cell responses became calmer, better modulated, and less hyperactive.2 Unfortunately, you can’t just go to the local supermarket and buy fermented foods. Not only are they stuffed with extra sugars you need to avoid, but the pasteurization process kills off the good bacteria. Take kefir, for example. For my money, this fermented, “magic” milk gives you the biggest health benefits. It’s packed with up to six times more varieties of good bacteria than your typical probiotic yogurt. The most beneficial kefir contains healthy yeast, but store-bought brands don’t. Manufacturers stop the yeast process before packaging. If they didn’t, the fermentation process would continue… and the sealed containers could burst. Nourish Your Gut And Lower Inflammation With Healthy Homemade Kefir I get my homemade kefir from a local farmer. But you can make your own – it’s surprisingly simple. Begin by obtaining “kefir grains” – the yeast and bacterial clumps that resemble cauliflower florets. You’ll find them online, and some kefir-lovers just give them away. Here’s my recipe: Ingredients: 1 quart of organic, grass-fed whole milk (If you want to use raw milk, make sure it comes from a safe and reputable dairy) Kefir grains Large glass bowl or pitcher One-quart mason jar with lid Colander Directions: Put 2-3 heaping tablespoons of kefir grains into the mason jar. Shake the milk, then pour it into the jar as well. Place the lid atop the jar, but do not twist and seal it. Place it in a cupboard, and keep the room temperature between 72 and 78 degrees. The warmer it is, the faster it ferments. Store it for about 24 hours. Upon opening the jar you’ll notice the curd-like grains have risen to the top, and the milk is a thicker consistency, like buttermilk. You should detect a slightly sour, fermented smell. To strain, place the colander over the glass bowl or pitcher. Pour the contents of the mason jar into the colander. Next, you’ll want to stir the colander for a few minutes to aid the separation of the kefir grains that remain behind in the colander. (Save the left-over kefir grains, you can use them again to repeat the process!) Pour the kefir into a mason jar and store it in the refrigerator. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Wastky H, et al. “Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modulate human immune status.” Cell. 2021 Aug 5;184(16):4137-4153. 2. Ibid. To read the original article click here.

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5 Best & Worst Habits for Brain Health

AHA Publisher — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 07:00:47 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Today, you will make choices that affect your brain health. You can choose to establish good habits for brain health, or ones that degrade it. What are the habits? Which will you choose? We have a list of ten: 5 Best and 5 Worst Habits for Brain Health. How are you going to treat your brain today? 5 Best Habits for Brain Health 1. KETO ZONE® KETONES When you enter the Keto Zone® and take the sugars and most carbs out of your diet, your brain will begin to burn ketones instead of carbs as fuel. Astonishingly, ketones have been used to support healthy neurological function for decades. In fact, a ketogenic diet is one key recommendations used to help children with epilepsy vastly reduce seizures (without medications) (1). Now, there is promising research on ketosis and degenerative brain conditions (2). What’s more, many people in ketosis report greater brain clarity, focus, and function than before. 2. OMEGA-3 FATS DAILY Adding omega-3 fats is a crucial step in reducing inflammation and maintaining healthy brain function. To truly make a difference, it takes two steps: reducing inflammatory foods while increasing anti-inflammatory ones. One of the most potent anti-inflammatory foods is omega-3 fats from seafood, and to a lesser extent, plant foods. Add fatty fish as much as possible plus hempseeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and nuts daily. Then, vastly reduced processed foods. Focus specifically on removing all soybean oil from you diet which is a very common ingredient commercial foods (see more about this below). Studies show that inflammation biomarkers improve as the relationship of omega-3s to omega-6s improves (3). 3. ANTIOXIDATIVE AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SPICES AND VEGETABLES AT EVERY MEAL Brains age and become impaired with increased oxidative stress. And, while this has been long-accepted with the development of degenerative diseases, now researchers believe oxidative stress may play a role with a host of brain issues and low moods (4). Oxidative stress is the accumulation and damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are created by many biochemical reactions in our bodies. They occur from daily living, processed foods, alcohol, nicotine, and more. They are “quenched,” or neutralized by antioxidants made by our cells (such as glutathione) and from foods. Foods and drinks that are high in antioxidant include bright and deeply colored vegetables, spices, raw cacao, green tea, nuts, seeds, and more. These brain-helpers work at the cellular level. Their antioxidants are so potent at the cellular level they go beyond the normal reduction in oxidative stress to promote longevity and health in the body. What’s more, ginger and turmeric are also strong anti-inflammatory foods that reduce joint and muscle pain (5). 4. GOOD HYDRATION Your brain is affected by your long-term and short-term hydration status. In fact, mood, fatigue, and alertness are all impaired with dehydration (5). Hydration also affects your digestive tract, skin, kidney function, and more (all tissues depend on it). What should you drink? Water: Purified water is your best choice for hydration. It offers all the benefits without any extra ingredients to bog the body down. Green and Black Tea: Green and black tea are youthful drinks! They can reduce age-expediting stress and cortisol, have antibacterial properties for oral health, support eye health contain brain-boosting compounds, and can even promote healthy weights (6). What about coffee? Coffee is a healthful drink, and a great way to start the day. But its high caffeine level can act as a gentle diuretic, so don’t count it towards your hydration totals. How Much? Aim for a minimum of 48-64 oz. fluid per day for most women, and 64-80 oz. per day for most men. But, many people feel great on more. Also, add more hydration if you exercise. Try to get in all fluids before 7 pm or so, so that it doesn’t disrupt your sleep. On the other hand, avoid over-consuming alcohol for your best brain health! 5. INTERMITTENT FASTING Many people fast for spiritual reasons, and this is great. But fasting also has benefits that manifest physically and mentally. In fact, there are numerous scientific studies that show its benefits. It can increase insulin sensitivity, promote a healthy weight, decrease inflammation, increase mental clarity, normalize levels of the “hunger hormone” ghrelin, support brain function and mitochondria health and even regenerate the immune system (12). All of this is good for the body and brain. To add an easy intermittent fasting schedule, either choose to fast one 24-hour period per week, or try fasting 15-16 hours per day, from 7 pm to 10 am. You can drink water, tea, and coffee during the fast. 5 Worst Habits for Brain Health 1. SITTING INDOORS ALL DAY If you sit indoors all of your day, or even the majority of your day, it’s time to make some changes for the sake of your brain. You don’t have to run a marathon. But, there are many benefits to getting outside, sitting less, and improving flexibility! Here’s how each helps: Get Outside for Activity: Cortisol levels naturally decrease when we spend time outdoors. What’s more, getting natural sunlight in the morning helps our bodies stay on track with wake/sleep hormones, promoting better sleep. All of this is good for the brain. Stay Active: A brisk walk, hike, or other activity that increase your heart rate is brain-healthy! The more you do to increase blood flow to the brain, the better for brain health. Work on Flexibility: Every year we age, our bodies become less flexible at the spine and trunk…unless you do something about it. Use stretching, yoga, or other flexibility exercises each day. Believe it or not, your trunk flexibility is directly correlated with blood pressure, and healthy blood pressure levels are good for the brain! 2. ULTRA-PROCESSED DIETS AND INFLAMMATORY FOODS Chronic inflammation is one of our brains’ biggest enemies. And, the fuel that enemy? Modern, processed foods. Most of the packaged foods in our supermarkets are full of ingredients that promote inflammation in our bodies. These ingredients are cheap fats like soybean oil that compete with anti-inflammatory fats and hormones in the body. Some of the worst offenders include: Commercial Dressings and Condiments with Soybean Oil Margarine TV Dinners with unhealthy fats Sugary Energy Drinks Fast-Food Deep-Fried Options Many experts who have studied our current intake of inflammatory fats vs. anti-inflammatory ones are convinced that this dietary promotion of inflammation is a central cause to most of our chronic ailments. These conditions include degenerative brain issues. During the last decade, a new cause of neurodegeneration has been identified: sustained immune reactions in the brain caused by chronic inflammation (7). To reduce the risk of this disease and the deterioration of our brains, we must reduce inflammation. 3. BUSY BEE LIFE & STRESS There’s little doubt that chronic, mental stress is unhealthy for your brain. In fact, according to a 2018 study, researchers found that increased blood cortisol levels are correlated with impaired memory and lower brain volume in mid-life (8). What’s more, after studying 2231 human participants, they found the effects were more pronounced in women participants than men. Much of our modern-day stress is caused by our over-scheduled busy bee lives. But, there’s good news. You can take steps to reduce some stress and choose a slower life. Try to: Clear Out Your Schedule. Start by simply looking at your calendar. Are there any activities you could do without? Are there any you could streamline? Do what you can to simplify your schedule. If you can’t remove anything, commit to not adding anything new that is not edifying or vital to your wellbeing! Make time for laughter every day. First, identify your most stressful time. Is it the morning? The commute? The first hour back home? If you’re able, work in laughter during these times. Listen to comedy on the commute. Make time for a friend. Enjoy a funny book. Laughter has the opposite hormonal effect of stress. Pray and practice gratitude. At the end of each day, take time to practice gratitude and pray. Put down the screens and write 3-5 specific things for which you are grateful. Even when you don’t feel like it. Believe it or not, studies show lower cortisol circulation immediately when subjects focus on things for which they are grateful. Eat foods and drinks that may reduce cortisol naturally (see above). Try fatty fish like salmon, dark chocolate (70% or higher cocoa), fruits and vegetables, or superfood fruit and vegetable powders. You can also drink cortisol-busting green tea and black tea to lower cortisol levels. Great for hot summer days! For more ways to cut cortisol naturally, read our full list here. 4. TOO LITTLE SLEEP For a sharp, youthful, healthy brain, aim to consistently get at least 7-8 hours of good sleep per night. It’s truly one of the most potent brain healers. In fact, lack of sleep is associated with increased anxiety, slow brain performance, increased blood sugars, hormone disturbances, metabolic issues, memory impairment, knowledge retention, and more (9, 10, 11). If you suffer from snoring, sleep apnea, or anything else that disturbs sleep, it’s worthwhile to speak with your doctor and explore treatments. 5. IGNORING GUT HEALTH If you want a healthy brain, you cannot ignore gut health. In fact, your digestive health has direct implications for your brain health. Amazingly, it’s now known that (13): Gut inflammation promotes brain inflammation and declining function An unhealthy digestive tract promotes illness in other parts of the body Healing your gut can reduce brain fog, increase alertness, support youthful memory, and energize the body and brain Immune function is dependent on a healthy digestive tract Healthy digestion is first responsible for nourishing your body, from your hair to your toes. Beyond the nourishment, there is an incredible gut-brain connection that impacts your brain health directly. To learn more about keeping your gut health and Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone, click here. Bottom Line Our habits matter. Each day, you can choose to support your brain health, or you can choose to tear it down. This is actually very encouraging, because the choice for your daily habits is yours. Decide which make most sense for you. Then, start to form great habits for your great brain health today! To read the original article click here.

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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.

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Amazing! New Research Links Chili Peppers to a LOWER Risk of Disease

AHA Publisher — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 08:00:15 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – [A] report from the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics contained exciting findings about the ability of capsaicin in chili peppers to fight deadly diseases and reduce the odds of premature death. One would think that the reveal of a potentially lifesaving dietary intervention would have made more of a “splash” in the mainstream scientific community … According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cancer – second only to heart disease as a cause of death – claimed close to 600,000 lives in 2019 alone, leading researchers to search for new and effective treatments. Recent studies have raised hopes that capsaicin could be among them. Let’s see what the research reveals. Capsaicin in Chili Peppers Linked to Lower Risk of Heart Disease, Cancer, and Death From All Causes The scientific review, which involved 570,000 people in four different countries and three different continents, was conducted by researchers at the renowned Cleveland Clinic. The team found that people who regularly ate capsaicin-rich chili peppers enjoyed a significant 23 percent lower risk of dying from cancer. Dietary intake of chili peppers also lowered the risk of heart disease by an eye-opening 26 percent – and was associated with a 25 percent reduction in risk of dying from any cause. The findings appeared to startle the scientists. “We were surprised to find that … regular consumption of chili pepper was associated with an overall risk reduction of all-cause, cardiovascular disease, and cancer mortality,” reported lead author Bo Xu, M.D., a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute. Dr. Xu called for further research to confirm these promising preliminary findings. Researchers already credit chili peppers with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antiobesity, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects. Natural healers have long endorsed these spicy delicacies for their impressive list of benefits, which may include easing migraines, inhibiting fungal infections, fighting viruses, improving cognitive function, reducingjoint pain, improving vision, and alleviating ulcers. While other valuable micronutrients and antioxidants in spicy chili peppers may contribute to their therapeutic benefits, most scientists believe that capsaicin holds the key. Cause for Hope: Capsaicin in Chili Peppers Suppresses the Spread and Survival of Cancer Cells and Tumors In a 2019 review, “Application of capsaicin as a potential new therapeutic drug in human cancers,” published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, researchers examined the anticancer effects of capsaicin. They reported that it acts against the proliferation of cancer cells, while also limiting angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels to nourish tumors. In addition, capsaicin fights chronic inflammation, which has been closely linked to the development of cancer. Studies have also supported capsaicin’s ability to promote the effects of chemotherapy drugs, reduce chemotherapy side effects and enhance the tolerance of patients to cancer treatment – spurring hopes that it could be developed into a new auxiliary treatment for cancer. Because capsaicin has a short half-life in the body, scientists are currently working with capsaicin-laden nanoparticles to deliver the compound to cells more safely and effectively. Lung Cancer Cell Study: Capsaicin Stopped Cancer Cells in Their Tracks Other preliminary research has been encouraging as well. A new test-tube study shows that capsaicin interferes with lung cancer metastasis (the ability of cancer to spread). This is welcome news to oncological researchers – as one of the reasons lung cancer is so difficult to treat is that it moves to secondary locations such as the brain, liver, and bones. When scientists tested capsaicin in human non-small cell lung cancer cells, they discovered that the compound stopped cancer cell invasion, the first stage of metastasis. The team reported that capsaicin blocks a specific protein needed to regulate the proliferation survival and mobility of cancer cells. In addition, the scientists found that mice fed a capsaicin-enriched diet displayed far lower amounts of metastatic cancer cells in their lungs (after being fed a cancer-promoting diet) than mice that had not received capsaicin. From “Nippy” to “Nuclear” – Spicy Capsaicin in Chili Peppers Varies Wildly With Type Of course, capsaicin content – and the associated “heat”- varies from pepper to pepper. In fact, the spiciness of peppers is measured on the Scoville scale, with sweet red peppers scoring 0 units, pepperoncini clocking in at a modest 100 units, and poblano peppers at 1,000 units. Compare that to serrano peppers – at a zippy 10,000 units – or habaneros, which ring in at a scorching 100,000! Meanwhile, the notorious “ghost peppers” contain a blistering one million Scoville units. The hazards of excessive red chili pepper consumption can include painful irritation of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines – along with vomiting and diarrhea. If you want to partake of hot chili peppers, natural health experts advise proceeding cautiously and incorporating them slowly into the diet. In addition to capsaicin, spicy chili peppers contain high levels of antioxidant vitamin C – along with B complex vitamins, vitamin K, and vitamin A. So – if you are not sensitive to chili peppers – go ahead and make them a part of your healthy diet. That “heat” you feel when eating chili peppers just might be the “glow” of improved heart health, less cancer risk, and longer life Sources for this article include: MedicalNewsToday.com AmericanHeartAssociation.org Healthline.com ConserveEnergyFuture.com CDC.gov To read the original article click here.

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Novel Therapeutic Strategies May Finally Bring Relief to Those Suffering from Asthma and Allergies

AHA Publisher — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 07:00:48 +0000

Rutgers University’s Office for Research via Newswise – Asthma and allergies are chronic health conditions that continue to adversely impact the quality of life for many around the world. Thanks to exciting breakthroughs by Mark Siracusa, a researcher at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, there may be early signs of light at the end of the tunnel. According to Siracusa, many allergies are difficult to diagnose and even harder to treat, and doctors prescribe numerous medications that merely mitigate some of the symptoms without preventing the disease. Siracusa focused his attention and research on mast cells, a type of white blood cell that is part of the first line of defense in the body’s immune system but also the primary driver for asthma and allergies. “Although we’ve known about mast cells for over 100 years, they have remained very challenging to study,” said Siracusa, director of the Research Support Core and associate professor of medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “By taking advantage of emerging technologies, we have been able to generate tools that, for the first time, allow us to study these cells at a very granular level. These advances have allowed us to uncover new and exciting therapeutic targets that can bring significant relief to patients.” Mast cells live between the external and internal tissues, detecting foreign bodies and releasing chemicals to alert the immune system. However, allergies and asthma can occur if the mast cells overreact to non-threatening stimulants, thereby causing the immune system to kick in even when no threat exists. With funding from the Foundation Venture Capital Group (FVCG), an affiliate of the New Jersey Health Foundation (NJHF), and support from Rutgers Office for Research, Siracusa founded NemaGen Discoveries, Inc., a biotech startup aimed at advancing therapies for patients suffering from mast cell-related diseases and chronic inflammation. “The missions of NJHF and NemaGen are fully aligned – to improve the quality of life for suffering patients. We are excited that our funding will help to advance NemaGen’s research, which can potentially lead to the solution that these patients need,” said George F. Heinrich, MD, vice chair and CEO of NJHF and FVCG. “We look forward to working with Dr. Siracusa and Rutgers University to successfully commercialize NemaGen’s technology.” The Rutgers startup was established to identify novel approaches to disrupt and combat mast cells, which up until now have had the upper hand over medicine’s treatment of the two diseases. Examples of allergies include hay fever, food allergies, and eczema, as well as more dangerous diseases such as mastocytosis and mast cell activation syndrome. “Dr. Siracusa’s groundbreaking research in allergic inflammation and mast cell-mediated diseases could prove to be critical in the treatment of allergies and asthma,” said Tatiana Litvin-Vechnyak, PhD, associate vice president of Innovation Ventures in the Rutgers Office for Research. “His work epitomizes Rutgers’ ‘Jersey Roots, Global Reach’ philosophy, and his continuing research has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people all over the world.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hundreds of millions of people around the world suffer from allergies or asthma, including nearly 300 million with asthma alone. In the United States, the annual cost from these two diseases is over $18 billion. Siracusa described NemaGen’s next steps and what FVCG’s funding allows the company to accomplish. “The NJHF has been a long-time collaborator in advancing research at Rutgers. They immediately recognized the clinical relevance of our work at a very early stage, and provided us with business-minded guidance and seed funding to progress our drug discovery programs. With the support of both institutions, we can further advance our novel chemical compounds that possess exciting therapeutic potential.” To read the original article click here.

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Understanding Gut Inflammation May Hold Clues to Mitigating Parkinson’s Onset

AHA Publisher — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 07:00:31 +0000

Van Andel Research Institute via EurekAlert – GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (JUNE 8, 2021) — Chronic inflammation in the gut may propel processes in the body that give rise to Parkinson’s disease, according to a study by scientists at Van Andel Institute and Roche. The study, published in Free Neuropathology, is the latest in a growing list that links the gut and the immune system to Parkinson’s. The researchers’ findings in an experimental mouse model of gut inflammation track with several large-scale epidemiological studies that show an association between Parkinson’s and inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Epidemiological evidence from other groups indicates the risk of developing Parkinson’s fades in certain people whose inflammatory bowel disease is treated with anti-TNF, a standard-of-care anti-inflammatory therapy, which suggests that reducing gut inflammation may have promise for mitigating Parkinson’s onset. “There is increasing evidence that changes in the gut can affect a variety of neurological and psychiatric brain disorders,” said Patrik Brundin, M.D., Ph.D., VAI deputy chief scientific officer and co-corresponding author of the study. “Parkinson’s is a complex disease with a wide range of factors that work in concert to spark its onset and progression. We need to understand the gut’s likely influence on Parkinson’s development better. This study provides novel insights, and this new knowledge can facilitate the development of improved treatment approaches.” In their disease models, the team found that chronic gut inflammation triggers a protein called alpha-synuclein to clump together in walls of the colon, as well as in local immune cells called macrophages. A similar process may play out in the colons of some people — such as those with inflammatory bowel diseases — thereby increasing their risk to develop Parkinson’s as shown in studies by other groups. Similarly, in the brains of people with Parkinson’s, “sticky” alpha-synuclein aggregates also develop. For reasons that still are unclear, these aggregates can clog the molecular machinery that keep neurons alive. The resulting loss of some of these critical cells — and the chemical messenger they produce called dopamine — causes Parkinson’s hallmark movement-related symptoms, such as freezing and loss of voluntary movement. The additional wide-spread development of alpha-synuclein aggregates throughout the brain also may be associated with the disease’s non-motor symptoms and may fuel its progression, which cannot be slowed or stopped with existing treatments. The study also revealed that chronic inflammation in the gut early in life can exacerbate alpha-synuclein clumping throughout the brain in older mice. While it isn’t clear exactly how this happens, the team has two theories: first, they suggest inflammatory chemicals may travel from the gut to the brain via the bloodstream, triggering a runaway inflammatory immune response that leads to protein aggregation. Another idea is that alpha-synuclein aggregates may travel to the brain via the vagus nerve, one of the longest nerves in the body and a “superhighway” between the gut and the brain. Once there, the proteins may then execute their toxic activity in the brain. “We now know that systems throughout the body contribute to Parkinson’s,” said Emmanuel Quansah, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in Brundin’s lab and a key contributor and co-author of the study. “It was striking to see protein aggregation pathology in the brain that mirrored pathology in the colon brought on by inflammation. A particularly intriguing observation was the loss dopamine-producing nerve cells — which play a major role in Parkinson’s onset — in our models that had gut inflammation a year-and-a-half earlier.” Notably, the team also found that modulating immune activation in the colitis mouse model by genetic or therapeutic means tuned the level of alpha-synuclein clumps in the colon up or down. “Our results in mice, together with the genetic and epidemiological data by others in humans, make a strong case for further exploring systemic immune pathways for future therapies and biomarkers for Parkinson’s,” said Markus Britschgi, Ph.D., Senior Principal Scientist and Section Head in the Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Research Department at the Roche Innovation Center Basel and co-corresponding author of the study. Authors include first author Stefan Grathwohl, Ph.D. (previously a Roche postdoctoral fellow), Nazia Maroof, Ph.D. (previously a Roche postdoctoral fellow), Liz Spycher, Krisztina Oroszlan-Szovik, M.S., Helga Remy, Markus Haenggi M.S., and Marc Stawiski of Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel; Jennifer A. Steiner, Ph.D., Zachary Madaj, M.S., and Martha L. Escobar Galvis, Ph.D., of VAI; Fethallah Benmansour, Ph.D., of Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, pREDi, Roche Innovation Center Basel; Gonzalo Duran-Pacheco, Ph.D., Juliane Siebourg-Polster, Ph.D., Matthias Selhausen, Pierre Maliver, EVCP, Arel Su, DVM, and Annika Herrmann, DECVP, of Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel; Andreas Wolfert and Thomas Emrich, Ph.D., of Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Munich; and Christoph Mueller, Ph.D., of Institute of Pathology, University of Bern. To read the original article click here.

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