diet change Archives - Amazing Health Advances

The Decision to Eat May Come Down to These Three Neurons

The AHA! Team — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 06:38:18 +0000

Rockefeller University via Newswise – Speaking, singing, coughing, laughing, yelling, yawning, chewing—we use our jaws for many purposes. Each action requires a complex coordination of muscles whose activity is managed by neurons in the brain. But it turns out that the neural circuit behind the jaw movement most essential to survival—eating—is surprisingly simple, as researchers from Rockefeller University recently described in a new paper in Nature. Christin Kosse and other scientists from the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, headed by Jeffrey M. Friedman, have identified a three-neuron circuit that connects a hunger-signaling hormone to the jaw movements of chewing. The intermediary between these two is a cluster of neurons in a specific area of the hypothalamus that, when damaged, has long been known to cause obesity. Strikingly, inhibiting these so-called BDNF neurons not only leads animals to consume more food but also triggers the jaw to make chewing motions even in the absence of food or other sensory input that would indicate it was time to eat. And stimulating them has the opposite effect, reducing food intake and putting a halt to the chewing motions, resulting in an effective curb against hunger. The simple architecture of this circuit suggests that the impulse to eat may be more similar to a reflex than has been considered—and may provide a new clue about how the initiation of feeding is controlled. “It’s surprising that these neurons are so keyed to motor control,” says study first author Christin Kosse, a research associate in the lab. “We didn’t expect that limiting physical jaw motion could act as a kind of appetite suppressant.” More than a feeling? The impulse to eat is driven not just by hunger but by many factors. We also eat for pleasure, community, ritual, and habit; and smell, taste, and emotions can impact whether we eat too. In humans, eating can also be regulated by the conscious desire to consume more or less. The causes of obesity are equally complex, the result of a dynamic interplay of diet, environment, and genes. For example, mutations in several genes—including those coding for the hunger-controlling hormone leptin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—lead to gross overeating, metabolic changes, and extreme obesity, suggesting that both factors normally suppress appetite. When Friedman’s team began this study, they sought to pinpoint the location of the BDNF neurons that curtail overeating. That’s eluded scientists for years, because BDNF neurons, which are also primary regulators of neuronal development, differentiation, and survival, are widespread in the brain. In the current study, they homed in on the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), a deep-brain region linked to glucose regulation and appetite. It’s well-documented that damage in the VMH can lead to overeating and eventually obesity in animals and people, just as mutated BDNF proteins do. Perhaps the VMH played a regulatory role in feeding behavior. They hoped that by documenting BDNF’s impact on eating behavior, they could find the neural circuit underpinning the process of transforming sensory signals into jaw motions. They subsequently found that BDNF neurons in the VMH—but not elsewhere—are activated when animals become obese, suggesting that they are activated when weight is gained in order to suppress food intake. Thus, when these neurons are missing, or there is a mutation in BDNF, animals become obese. Chewing without food In a series of experiments, the researchers then used optogenetics to either express or inhibit the BDNF neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus of mice. When the neurons were activated, the mice completely stopped feeding, even when they were known to be hungry. Silencing them had the opposite effect: the mice began to eat—and eat and eat and eat, wolfing down nearly 1200% more food than they normally would in a short period of time. “When we saw these results, we initially thought that perhaps BDNF neurons encode valence,” Kosse says. “We wondered if when we regulated these neurons, the mice were experiencing the negative feeling of hunger or maybe the positive feeling of eating food that’s delicious.” But subsequent experiments disproved that idea. Regardless of the food given to the mice—either their standard chow or food packed with fat and sugar, like the mouse equivalent of a chocolate mousse cake—they found that activating the BDNF neurons suppressed food intake. And because hunger is not the only motivation to eat—as anyone unable to skip dessert can attest—they also offered high-palatable food to mice that were already well fed. The animals chowed down until the researchers inhibited the BDNF neurons, at which point they promptly stopped eating. “This was initially a perplexing finding, because prior studies have suggested that this ‘hedonic’ drive to eat for pleasure is quite different from the hunger drive, which is an attempt to suppress the negative feeling, or negative valence, associated with hunger by eating,” Kosse notes. “We demonstrated that activating BDNF neurons can suppress both drives.” Equally striking was that BDNF inhibition caused the mice to make chewing motions with their jaw, directed at any object in their vicinity even when food was not available. This compulsion to chew and bite was so strong that the mice gnawed on anything around them—the metal spout of a water feeder, a block of wood, even the wires monitoring their neural activity. The circuit But how does this motor-control switch connect to the body’s need or desire for food? By mapping the inputs and outputs of the BDNF neurons, the researchers discovered that BDNF neurons are the linchpin of a three-part neural circuit linking hormonal signals that regulate appetite to the movements required to consume it. At one end of the circuit are special neurons in the arcuate nucleus (Arc) region of the hypothalamus that pick up hunger signals such as the hormone leptin, which is produced by fat cells. (A high amount of leptin means the energy tank is full, while a low leptin level indicates it’s time to eat. Animals with no leptin become obese.) The Arc neurons project to the ventromedial hypothalamus, where their signals are picked up by the BDNF neurons, which then project directly to a brainstem center called Me5 that controls the movement of jaw muscles. “Other studies have shown that when you kill Me5 neurons in mice during development, the animals will starve because they’re unable to chew solid foods,” says Kosse. “So it makes sense that when we manipulate the BDNF neurons projecting there, we see jaw movements.” It also explains why damage in the VMH causes obesity, Friedman says. “The evidence presented in our paper shows that the obesity associated with these lesions is a result of a loss of these BDNF neurons, and the findings unify the known mutations that cause obesity into a relatively coherent circuit.” The findings suggest something deeper about the connection between sensation and behavior, he adds. “The architecture of the feeding circuit is not very different from the architecture of a reflex,” says Friedman. “That’s surprising, because eating is a complex behavior—one in which many factors influence whether you’ll initiate the behavior, but none of them guarantee it. On the other hand, a reflex is simple: a defined stimulus and an invariant response. In a sense, what this paper shows is that the line between behavior and reflex is probably more blurred than we thought. We hypothesize that the neurons in this circuit are the target of other neurons in the brain that convey other signals that regulate appetite.” This hypothesis is consistent with the work of early 20th century neurophysiologist Charles Sherrington, who pointed out that while cough is regulated by a typical reflex, it can be modulated by conscious factors, such as the desire to suppress it in a crowded theater. Kosse adds, “Because feeding is so essential to basic survival, this circuit regulating food intake may be ancient. Perhaps it was a substrate for ever-more complex processing that occurred as the brain evolved.” To that end, in the future the researchers want to explore the brainstem area known as Me5 with the idea that the jaw’s motor controls might be a useful model for understanding other behaviors, including compulsive, stress-related mouth actions such as gnawing on a pencil eraser or strands of one’s hair. “By examining these premotor neurons in the Me5, we might be able to understand whether there are other centers that project into the region and influence other innate behaviors, like BDNF neurons do for eating,” she says. “Are there stress-activated or other neurons that project into there as well?” Journal Link: Nature To read the original article click here.

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3 Most Common Diet Myths That Could Be Hurting You

The AHA! Team — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 08:31:01 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – In the ever-evolving world of nutrition and wellness, myths and misconceptions abound, often clouding the truth about healthy eating. With the constant influx of new diets and health fads, it’s easy to get swept away by promises of quick results and miraculous transformations. However, not all popular advice is beneficial, and some commonly accepted diet myths could actually be detrimental to your health. Dr. Don Colbert, an expert in nutrition and the creator of the Keto Zone Diet, addresses these misconceptions by offering a scientifically-backed, holistic approach to eating that stands out from misleading diet trends. Here, we debunk three pervasive diet myths and explore how the Keto Zone provides a safer and more effective alternative. Myth 1: More Meals, Smaller Portions Boost Metabolism One of the most prevalent diet myths is that eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day will boost your metabolism. The theory suggests that by constantly feeding your body, you’ll burn more calories overall. However, recent studies suggest that meal frequency has little to no effect on fat burning or weight loss. What matters more is the total caloric intake and the quality of the food consumed. The Keto Zone diet takes a different approach through intermittent fasting (IF), which involves eating all your meals within a specific window of time each day. This method has been shown to improve metabolic health more significantly than the traditional small, frequent meals approach. IF helps to regulate the body’s insulin levels, reduce inflammation, and improve brain health, all while supporting sustainable weight loss. By focusing on when to eat rather than constantly grazing, the Keto Zone diet aligns more closely with our bodies’ natural circadian rhythms, promoting a deeper state of ketosis and enhanced fat burning. Myth 2: Fat Makes You Fat The belief that eating fat makes you fat is deeply ingrained in our dietary culture, stemming from outdated studies that have long been debunked. This myth led to the rise of low-fat and fat-free diets that dominated the market for decades. However, fats are essential to the body, playing a critical role in hormone production, cell structure, and nutrient absorption. More importantly, not all fats are created equal. The Keto Zone diet emphasizes the importance of consuming healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. These fats are not only heart-healthy but are also vital for maintaining energy levels and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. In contrast to the myth, incorporating healthy fats into your diet can actually help you lose weight by keeping you fuller longer and stabilizing blood sugar levels, thus reducing cravings and overeating. Myth 3: All Calories Are Created Equal The calorie-counting model of weight loss is another diet myth that simplifies nutrition down to a mere numbers game. This approach neglects the nutritional value of foods, implying that a calorie from a candy bar is the same as a calorie from broccoli. Such thinking overlooks the metabolic processes influenced by different types of food and can lead to unhealthy eating habits. The Keto Zone diet advocates for a low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein, and high-fat diet, focusing on the quality and source of calories rather than the quantity alone. By reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing healthy fats, the body enters a state of ketosis where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. This shift not only aids in significant weight loss but also improves overall health by reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Embracing the Keto Zone Switching to the Keto Zone diet can seem daunting at first, especially if you’re accustomed to the myths that pervade our dietary mindset. However, the transition can be simplified with a few practical steps: Educate Yourself: Understanding the science behind the Keto Zone is crucial. Read books, watch documentaries, and consult resources that explain how and why it works. Plan Your Meals: Prep your meals ahead of time to ensure you have healthy options that adhere to the Keto Zone principles. Start Slow: Gradually reduce your carbohydrate intake and increase your fat consumption to ease your body into ketosis. Monitor Your Progress: Keep track of how your body responds to the diet. Adjustments might be necessary based on your specific health needs. Seek Support: Joining a community of like-minded individuals can provide encouragement and accountability. Conclusion The Keto Zone diet offers a scientifically validated, nutritionally balanced approach that counters widespread diet myths with facts and results. By focusing on healthy fats, proper meal timing, and the quality of calories, Dr. Don Colbert’s Keto Zone not only facilitates weight loss but also enhances overall health. If you’re looking to escape the confusion and misinformation prevalent in the diet industry, the Keto Zone diet offers a refreshing and scientifically supported path. By debunking common myths and focusing on a balanced approach to nutrition, Dr. Don Colbert’s Keto Zone diet not only facilitates significant health improvements but also fosters a sustainable lifestyle change. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, enhance your energy levels, or improve your overall health, the Keto Zone provides a credible and effective framework. Embrace the clarity and confidence that come with informed dietary choices and take your first step into a healthier, more vibrant life with the Keto Zone diet. You can sign up for Dr. Colbert’s Free 21 Day Keto Zone Challenge by going to ketozone.com/challenge To read the original article click here.

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Plant-Based Diet Rich in Soy Reduces Troubling Menopause Symptoms by 84%

AHA Publisher — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 07:00:49 +0000

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine via News-Medical – A new study, published by the North American Menopause Society in the journal Menopause, found a plant-based diet rich in soy reduces moderate-to-severe hot flashes by 84%, from nearly five per day to fewer than one per day. During the 12-week study, nearly 60% of women became totally free of moderate-to-severe hot flashes. Overall hot flashes (including mild ones) decreased by 79%. The study, called the WAVS trial–the Women’s Study for the Alleviation of Vasomotor Symptoms-shows that diet changes can be much more powerful for treating hot flashes than scientists had thought. Vasomotor symptoms refer to night sweats, hot flashes, and flushes. The study used no hormone medications or extracts. Instead, the research team tested a combination of a low-fat plant-based diet plus 1/2 cup of ordinary soybeans added to a salad or soup each day. “This is a game changer for women aged 45 and over, most of whom we now know can get prompt relief from the most severe and troubling menopause symptoms without drugs,” says lead researcher Neal Barnard, MD, president of the Physicians Committee and adjunct professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine. As many as 80% of postmenopausal women suffer from hot flashes. Heat wells up from the chest, causing flushing, sweating, and chills. At night, hot flashes interfere with sleep. Estrogen-based medications were once routinely used to treat hot flashes but have been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer and other serious problems. Isoflavoneextracts from soybeans work only modestly, leaving women and their doctors with few effective options. Study Details Postmenopausal women reporting two or more hot flashes per day were randomly assigned to either an intervention group–consisting of a low-fat, vegan diet, including half a cup of cooked soybeans daily–or to a control group that made no diet changes for 12 weeks. Frequency and severity of hot flashes were recorded using a mobile application, and vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual symptoms were assessed using the Menopause Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). Each participant was given a digital self-calibrating scale to track body weight day by day, a mobile app to track hot flashes in real time, and an Instant Pot to prepare soybeans at home. Each week, the group got together with the research team via Zoom. “Previous studies have shown that soy could be beneficial, so we decided to put a diet change to the test. We believe that the combination is what is important. By the end of the study, the majority of women on a plant-based diet rich in soy reported that they no longer experienced moderate-to-extreme hot flashes at all and that they experienced significant improvements in their quality of life.” Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD, study author, director of clinical research for the Physicians Committee Key Findings Total hot flashes decreased by 79% and moderate-to-severe hot flashes decreased by 84% in the intervention group. At the study’s conclusion, 59% of intervention-group participants reported becoming free of moderate and severe hot flashes. There was no change in this variable in the control group. In previous randomized trials, soy products have been shown to modestly reduce the frequency of hot flashes. The researchers theorize that the effect may be a result of soy products containing isoflavones, which can be metabolized by gut bacteria into equol–a nonsteroidal compound that has been shown in some studies to reduce the incidence and severity of hot flashes. Previous studies have also shown that those following vegetarian or vegan diets produce higher levels of equol. The new study showed a more robust response, using the combination of a plant-based diet plus soy. Many study participants also reported improvements in sexual symptoms, mood, and overall energy. “This was basically a lifesaver for me,” said one study participant. “I’ve got my quality of life back.” Another said, “I am sleeping better, and my hot flashes diminished tremendously.” Several participants also noticed significant weight loss and better digestion. “Before you jump to any kind of medication, I would try this route, because it’s easy,” a study participant said. “Anybody can do it.” The study was based on the new approach to menopausal symptoms described by Dr. Barnard in his book Your Body in Balance. After the book was released in 2020, a reader contacted Dr. Barnard to let him know that his method eliminated her hot flashes within five days. Rather than using isoflavone extracts or soy foods such as soy milk or tofu, she used whole soybeans. To read the original article click here.

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Switching to a Balanced Diet Restores Gut Health and Suppresses Skin Inflammation

AHA Publisher — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 07:00:28 +0000

University of California – Davis Health via News-Medical – The secret to healthier skin and joints may reside in gut microorganisms. A study led by UC Davis Health researchers has found that a diet rich in sugar and fat leads to an imbalance in the gut’s microbial culture and may contribute to inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis. The study, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, suggests that switching to a more balanced diet restores the gut’s health and suppresses skin inflammation. “Earlier studies have shown that Western diet, characterized by its high sugar and fat content, can lead to significant skin inflammation and psoriasis flares. Despite having powerful anti-inflammatory drugs for the skin condition, our study indicates that simple changes in diet may also have significant effects on psoriasis.” Sam T. Hwang, professor and chair of dermatology at UC Davis Health and senior author on the study What Is Psoriasis? Psoriasis is a stubborn skin condition linked to the body’s immune system. When immune cells mistakenly attack healthy skin cells, they cause skin inflammation and the formation of scales and itchy red patches. Up to 30% of patients with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis with symptoms such as morning stiffness and fatigue, swollen fingers and toes, pain in joints and changes to nails. Diet Affects the Microbial Balance in the Intestines and Skin Inflammation Food is one of the major modifiable factors regulating the gut microbiota, the community of microorganisms living in the intestines. Eating a Western diet can cause rapid change to the gut’s microbial community and its functions. This disruption in microbial balance – known as dysbiosis- contributes to gut inflammation. Since bacteria in the gut may play key roles in shaping inflammation, the researchers wanted to test whether intestinal dysbiosis affects skin and joint inflammation. They used a mouse model to study the effect of diet on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. They injected mice with Interleukin-23 (IL-23) minicircle DNA to induce a response mimicking psoriasis-like skin and joint diseases. IL-23 is a protein generated by the immune cells responsible for many inflammatory autoimmune reactions, including psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Hwang and his colleagues found that a short-term Western diet appears sufficient to cause microbial imbalance and to enhance susceptibility to IL-23?mediated psoriasis-like skin inflammation. “There is a clear link between skin inflammation and changes in the gut microbiome due to food intake,” Hwang said. “The bacterial balance in the gut disrupted shortly after starting a Western diet, and worsened psoriatic skin and joint inflammation.” One critical finding of their work was identifying the intestinal microbiota as a pathogenic link between diet and the displays of psoriatic inflammation. The study also found that antibiotics block the effects of the Western diet, reducing skin and joint inflammation. Is the Damage Caused by an Unhealthy Diet Reversible? The researchers wanted to test if switching to a balanced diet can restore the gut microbiota, despite the presence of IL-23 inflammatory proteins. They fed mice a Western diet for six weeks before giving them an IL-23-inducing agent to trigger psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis features. Then, they randomly divided the mice into two groups: a group that continued the Western diet for another four weeks and a group that switched to a balanced diet for the same duration. Their study showed that eating a diet high in sugar and fat for 10 weeks predisposed mice to skin and joint inflammation. Mice that were switched to a balanced diet had less scaling of the skin and reduced ear thickness than mice on a Western diet. The improvement in skin inflammation for mice taken off the Western diet indicates a short-term impact of the Western diet on skin inflammation. This suggests that changes in diet could partially reverse the proinflammatory effects and alteration of gut microbiota caused by the Western diet. “It was quite surprising that a simple diet modification of less sugar and fat may have significant effects on psoriasis,” said Zhenrui Shi, visiting assistant researcher in the UC Davis Department of Dermatology and lead author on the study. “These findings reveal that patients with psoriatic skin and joint disease should consider changing to a healthier dietary pattern.” “This work reflects a successful collaboration among researchers, especially with Professor Satya Dandekar and her team at the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and Professor Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan at the Department of Medical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine,” Hwang said. To read the original article click here.

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