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NEW Research Links 3 More Pesticides to Parkinson’s Disease

The AHA! Team — Mon, 06 May 2024 18:41:51 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – The call to restrict or ban pesticide use is not mere alarmism; it’s grounded in substantial evidence and urgent necessity. Paraquat – a highly toxic herbicide – has long been linked to Parkinson’s disease. Now, a recent report has shed alarming light on the dire consequences associated with the use of three more pesticides. This latest analysis unequivocally demonstrates that these harmful chemicals, when applied to crops, are directly linked to the onset of Parkinson’s disease – a debilitating neurological disorder that robs individuals of their quality of life and independence. Pesticides used throughout the United States are now in the crosshairs The three pesticides currently under scrutiny are widely utilized in crop cultivation across the United States despite their potential to cause Parkinson’s disease. Despite being relatively unnoticed by many, there has been a concerning surge in the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease, mirroring the upward trend observed in several other neurological conditions. Research indicates that these toxic pesticides pose significant harm to brain neurons. While 14 pesticides have been associated with an elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease, the connection appears most pronounced with three specific pesticides. Parkinson’s disease manifests as the progressive loss of neurons in the brain, leading to debilitating immobility among patients. These neurons play a pivotal role in producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for transmitting signals throughout the brain. The decline or loss of such signaling capability profoundly compromises an individual’s motor control. Accumulation of the alpha-synuclein peptide within the neurons of Parkinson’s patients exacerbates neuron damage and impedes dopamine production, which is essential for signal transmission. Living in areas of high pesticide use increases risk of Parkinson’s disease Though the idea that chemicals might damage neurons in the brain was floated as early as the 1980s, it hasn’t been proven until recently. The research linked above will be formally presented this April at Denver’s American Academy of Neurology’s 76th annual meeting. Though the study has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal, it is only a matter of time until it reaches academic circles and mainstream society. The research, conducted by scholars from Washington University and Amherst College, sheds light on how the risk of Parkinson’s disease is closely tied to the extent of exposure to pesticides. These researchers delved into data concerning 21,549,400 individuals living in the USA and mapped the usage of pesticides across counties from 1992 to 2008. The findings showed that 14 pesticides were associated with a greater risk of Parkinson’s disease in the wide open spaces of America’s Great Plains and the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains. In particular, the pesticides atrazine, lindane, and simazine had the strongest link to heightened Parkinson’s risk. Simazine is an herbicide primarily used to control broadleaf weeds and grasses in various crops such as corn, sugarcane, citrus fruits, and ornamental plants. It can also be used to control weeds in non-crop areas such as highways, railways, and industrial sites. Lindane is an organochlorine insecticide – used to control pests in agriculture, forestry, and veterinary medicine. Lindane has also been used to treat lice and scabies infestations in humans and animals and to treat wood and seeds. Atrazine is a widely used herbicide primarily applied to control weeds in crops such as corn, sugarcane, sorghum, and other crops. It is also used in non-agricultural settings such as golf courses and residential lawns for weed control. The results of the study are deeply concerning: Those in areas with the highest atrazine use were 31% more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Those in areas with the highest lindane use were 25% more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Those in areas with the highest simazine use were 36% more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Though these three pesticides have been restricted in other countries, they are allowed in the United States. Strategies to reduce your exposure to toxic pesticides It’s crucial for every American to recognize that Parkinson’s disease has doubled in prevalence over the past 25 years. This condition is now the fastest-growing brain disorder worldwide, but you have the power to prevent yourself from becoming a statistic. Avoid fruits and vegetables that have been treated with pesticides. Instead of patronizing Big Box stores and corporate supermarkets that stock produce grown with pesticides, opt to shop locally at farmers’ markets, locally owned stores, and roadside stands that sell organic produce. Simply put, our food choices have the power to make this world less toxic and better for all of us. Sources for this article include: Aanfiles.bob.core.windows.net Medicalnewstoday.com Medpagetoday.com To read the original article click here.

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New Research May Yield Treatment to Halt Parkinson’s

AHA Publisher — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 07:24:21 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – Scientists from the University of Haifa reported in the journal NJP Parkinson’s Disease a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to treatments stopping the spread of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s patients suffer from massive loss of nerve cells in a brain region that’s normally packed with dopaminergic neurons. Dopamine allows brain cells to transfer messages and orchestrate motor actions. One of the problems in developing drugs for the disease is that only 15 percent of Parkinson’s cases are caused by known genetic factors. The other 85% are defined as “sporadic” and it is not possible to create a model for sporadic Parkinson’s in animals. The international research team, led by Prof. Shani Stern of the university’s Sagol Department of Neurobiology, used an innovative cell reprogramming technique to identify malfunctioning neural processes common to both types of the progressive brain disease. “We managed to show for the first time the presence of impaired neural and cellular mechanisms in a similar manner across all the types of disease we examined,” explained Stern. She explained that these changes exist in Parkinson’s patients long before they are aware of a problem. “If we perform this sequencing in a young person and find a similar picture to that found among people who have developed Parkinson’s disease, we can assume that this individual will develop the disease at a later stage,” she said. “Currently, most of the treatments are intended to prevent the exacerbation of the disease rather than to prevent it. If we can identify the potential to develop Parkinson’s disease at an early stage and develop treatments that can halt the advancement of the disease, we will be able to start preventative treatment at a stage when the nerve cell mortality is limited. This will allow us to significantly slow down the progression of the disease,” she concluded. Stern’s team included Prof. Fred Gage from the Salk Institute; Prof. Alexis Brice from ICM, Paris; Prof. Juergen Winkler from FAU, Germany; and Prof. Irit Sagi from the Weizmann Institute of Science. To read the original article click here.

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6 Strategies to Deescalate Intense Emotions In the Moment

AHA Publisher — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 07:00:57 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – Stress is a normal part of life. We cannot escape it, but we can learn to manage and live with it. In this podcast (episode #407) and blog, I give you 6 tips to help deescalate turbulent emotional situations, reduce stress in the moment and build up your cognitive resilience: 1. Touch: The burgeoning field of research on healthy and appropriate touch highlights its scientific importance. Many studies have shown how touch promotes bonding, attachment, mental wellbeing and even physical health! How? Through research by neuroscientists like Edmund Rolls, we know that touch activates the orbitofrontal cortex, which is linked to feelings of reward and compassion. Dr. David Linden, professor of neuroscience at John Hopkins, says touch communicates “I am on your side”, while Dr. Dacher Keltner from Berkeley notes how appropriate touch is our primary language of compassion and primary means of spreading compassion. He argues that we are actually better at reading touch than we are at reading facial expressions! In another study by Jim Coan and Richard Davidson, participants laying in an fMRI brain scanner anticipating a painful blast of white noise showed heightened brain activity in regions associated with threat and stress. But participants whose romantic partner stroked their arm while they waited didn’t show this reaction at all. In this study, touch had essentially turned off the threat switch! The moral of the story? Lend a helping hand (or hug!), literally. 2. Express affection: Telling someone that you love them and letting them know how much they mean to you is powerful. It activates mirror neurons from nonverbal communication cues, while the words stimulate auditory cues of safety and reward, highlighting the recipient’s sense that “I am needed” and “I am important”. All this calms down the neurochemical chaos from toxic stress—love really is a kind of drug! In fact, when you express affection, it triggers dopamine in the other person as they hear your voice or see you, which also helps balance energy in the brain and helps that person feel calmer, enhancing their reward/incentive/bonus circuitry. Affection also releases oxytocin, which promotes bonding (those “warm, fuzzy feelings” we get when we are around someone we love), while activating the vagus nerve (which fires up the brain and body in a positive direction), and lowering cortisol (the stress hormone). So, never hesitate to tell someone you love and care for them, especially when they are stressed out! 3. Pet an animal: Animals are just the best! A number of studies have shown that a pet’s presence can lower blood pressure, relieve depression and anxiety, and moderate stress in the elderly largely by providing needed companionship. But the benefits of having a pet are not limited to a particular age group. Petting or stroking an animal activates the anterior cingulate cortex, the area responsible for emotional processing. This means that when we hug a dog, for example, the sensations stimulate positive feelings across the cingulate cortex and amygdala, which helps reduce toxic stress, lower our heart rate, reduce blood pressure, balance energy in the brain, and release surges of dopamine and serotonin, all of which help us feel better mentally and physically and manage stress in the moment. Even if you don’t have a pet, if you are in challenging place, try visiting a friend or family member that does have a pet, or even a petting zoo or farm! 4. Warm up: When you are very stressed, soak in a hot tub/Jacuzzi, take a long, hot shower, use a sauna or steam room, or drink a cup of hot tea, cocoa or coffee. Doing this can help: Relax your muscles Improve your circulation Stimulate the release of endorphins Lower cortisol Improve immune function Improve lung capacity Reduce anxiety and depression by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain Increase BDNF, a hormone necessary for memory formation and cognitive health Reduce inflammation and calm the nervous system Balance hormones like ACTH and cortisol Increase “feel good” neurotransmitters like serotonin 5. Prepare and share a meal with others: Sharing a meal with your loved ones helps maintain connection and bonding through a shared, fun and meaningful experience. No wonder Dr. Jeffrey Cummings from Cleveland has made it one of his three pillars of brain health! The familiar activity of eating together can calm down the stress response, boost mood, nourish the body and promote social connectedness, all of which are essential to a healthy brain and body. Shared meals also activate executive functions in the brain, exercising the mind and brain and making us better thinkers! Since it is a goal-directed activity that is fun, it can help develop organizational skills, problem-solving, and memory retrieval, all of which activate different regions in the brain and help increase overall cognitive health and resilience. 6. Help someone: We have all heard the phrase, “helping others helps yourself”. But this is more than just a popular saying. Research has shown how helping others, whether with our time, a physical gift or a monetary donation, improves overall mental and physical health and resilience. In one study, helping others was related to a 30% reduction of mortality in participants. This data, along with data from previous studies, actually suggests that “help given to others is a better predictor of health and well-being than indicators of social engagement or received social support”. When you reach out to the people in your community and lend a helping hand in any way you can, you not only make the external world a better place for everyone, but you also make your internal world a better place for you. Helping others can improve your overall health and longevity, your mood, your sense of purpose, your social connectedness and your sense of self, all of which contribute to a life worth living. To read the original article click here.

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The Medical Minute: Doing for Others Lifts Your Mood and Improves Your Health

AHA Publisher — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 08:00:03 +0000

Penn State Health via Newswise – In the early days of the pandemic, Dr. Angel Schuster kept herself mostly isolated from friends and family. Although the situation has improved, the continued spread of COVID-19 means her long shifts as a pediatric emergency physician for Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center are often the closest she gets to a major outing. That started to change when, as the department’s vice chair for diversity, equity and inclusion, she decided to coordinate a community health fair for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national day of service celebrated on the third Monday in January each year. Planning for a community-building event turned out to be the perfect release. “One of the many reasons why community involvement is part of our mission is because we know that when you are doing for others it really lifts your mood,” Schuster said. “As a physician, when I have a chance to participate in something like a health fair, it helps me remember that I’m here to take care of people and make their lives better when I can. It is one of the things that I find very uplifting.” Those good feelings you get from helping others are universal no matter what your occupation, says Brooke Hertzler, a clinical psych specialist and licensed clinical social worker with Penn State Health Behavioral Health Services at Holy Spirit Medical Center. And, they are good for your body too. “Biologically, giving or doing an act of service can positively activate chemicals in our brain that release positive hormones,” Hertzler said. Studies show serving others is linked to increasing serotonin in the brain, a key hormone that stabilizes mood, provides feelings of well-being and happiness, she said. “It also can activate a dopamine neurotransmitter, which helps us feel pleasure and satisfaction. In addition, that same act of service or kindness releases oxytocin, a hormone often linked to empathy and trust,” Hertzler said. She believes so strongly in these positive effects that she often encourages her patients to volunteer or find a way to take time out of their day to help others. “It is something we talk about frequently. I try to find out what they like to do, what their strengths are and how they can use those strengths to help others,” she said. A big part of reaping the rewards is taking the time to reflect on how serving others makes you feel. Ninety-nine percent of Hertzler’s patients say it uplifted them and helped their mood. “Sometimes doing the act of kindness can be an awakening as well that allows you to reflect and tune into the things in your life that you are grateful for,” she said. “I believe that the positivity of doing acts of service or kindness promotes a positive energy in the world that is much needed right now.” To read the original article click here.

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Drinking THIS Popular Beverage Slashes Depression and Suicide Risk by Half, According to Study

AHA Publisher — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 07:00:30 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – In the song “9 to 5,” from the 1980 movie of the same name, singer Dolly Parton refers to coffee as a “cup of ambition.” Now, emerging research indicates that coffee’s potential benefits extend far beyond increasing motivation; according to one study, coffee may even help prevent suicide. Other recent studies show that coffee can help protect against dementia, Parkinson’s disease, as well as a host of other serious conditions. The research is quite interesting. Coffee Consumption Cuts Risk of Suicide Almost in Half Although the results may sound like a coffee advertising executive’s dream come true, the research on coffee and suicide was conducted by professors of epidemiology and nutrition at the highly credible Harvard School of Public Health, and published in July 2013 in The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry. The study, which took over two decades to complete and involved nearly a quarter of a million participants, showed that people who drank two to three cups of coffee a day are at much lower risk of killing themselves than drinkers of decaffeinated coffee and non-coffee drinkers. In fact, daily, moderate coffee consumption slashed suicide rates by almost 50 percent – a truly astounding figure. One can’t help but think that if a pharmaceutical antidepressant achieved this type of dramatic benefit, manufacturers would be shouting it from the rooftops. Of course, it almost goes without saying, we are not suggesting that people drink any of the popular brands – sold in coffee shops – loaded with horrible (added) sweeteners and other junk ingredients. As with anything you choose to consume, it should be of the highest quality sources to reduce the risk of toxicity from chemicals. Back to the study: the results, although surprising, didn’t come out of the blue; past epidemiological studies have shown lower rates of depression among coffee drinkers. Researchers believe that coffee’s mood-lifting effects stem from the way it increases the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. WARNING: Ingesting Excessive Caffeine Can Still Be Problematic The researchers stopped short of advising that people suffering from depression increase their coffee intake. Noting that most people naturally adjust their caffeine levels to an amount that is optimal for them, the team added that drinking more than three cups of coffee a day – or ingesting over 400 milligrams of caffeine – carries no additional benefit, and can cause unpleasant side effects. In fact, a Finnish study showed that individuals who drank large quantities of coffee – eight and nine cups a day – actually had a higher suicide risk than moderate coffee drinkers. According to just-released research, caffeine in coffee can actually help to prevent Parkinson’s disease According to a Swedish study published in July 2014 in the scientific journal PLoS One, coffee – along with the presence of a certain genetic mutation – can help prevent Parkinson’s disease. While both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of the neurodegenerative condition, researchers have found that variations in one specific gene – a glutamate receptor gene known as GRIN2A – can help to protect against it. Caffeine, which integrates with the dopamine receptor, works in conjunction with the genetic mutation to lower Parkinson’s risk. Organic Coffee Has More to Offer Than Just Its Caffeine Content Coffee has extremely high levels of potent antioxidants, including trigonelline, catechol, and N-methylpyrinidium. In fact, researchers say that an ordinary cup of coffee contains 1,000 different compounds. Further study is needed to explore the full effects of these beneficial substances. Meanwhile, evidence of the link between coffee and longer life continues to accumulate. In a study of 400,000 participants conducted by the National Cancer Institute and the American Association of Retired People and published in 2012 in New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that older adults who drank multiple cups of coffee (every day) – whether decaf or “high-test” – had lower risks of death overall than non-coffee drinkers. Participants were less likely to die from heart and respiratory disease, stroke, infection, and diabetes, as well as less likely to suffer fatal injuries and accidents. Other studies have linked coffee drinking to better blood vessel health and to reduced risk of certain cancers, including oral cancer, liver cancer, and a lethal form of prostate cancer. Coffee May Not Be Appropriate for Everyone According to Mayo Clinic, up to 400 milligrams of caffeine, a day is safe for most healthy adults. However, children should not ingest caffeine at all, and teens should not consume more than 100 milligrams a day. Caffeine, which is classified as a stimulant, can cause adverse effects in some individuals, including anxiety, insomnia, irritability, stomach upset, and muscle tremors. Taking certain medications or herbs along with coffee can intensify the effects of caffeine. And, of course, people with anxiety disorders should avoid caffeinated coffee. If you are in doubt about safe caffeine consumption, talk to a trusted integrative physician. Finally, again, for maximum health benefit – look for fair trade, organic coffee that is free of pesticides and chemicals. Then, enjoy your cup of “joe.” From what the latest research tells us, a cup of fresh-brewed, flavorful organic coffee really is good to the last drop. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov ScienceDaily.com ScienceDaily.com NIH.gov MayoClinic.org To read the original article click here.

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What Is Acetylcholine? Function, Benefits + Dosage of This Neurotransmitter

AHA Publisher — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 07:00:36 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – If you’re familiar with nootropics supplements — supplements that are capable of helping increase alertness, attention, learning and memory — then you may have come across the compound called acetylcholine (or ACh). What is acetylcholine exactly? As one of the most abundant and important neurotransmitters (or chemical messengers) in the body, acetylcholine plays a role in helping us focus, learn and memorize information. It’s also needed to support muscle contractions, help with arousal and sleep, and facilitate the release of other important chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin. While acetylcholine supplements are not available (similarly to how you can’t take dopamine supplements), there are certain nutrients you can take in supplement form to boost synthesis of ACh, as well as foods to include more of in your diet. What Is Acetylcholine? Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. This means it works by sending signals between nerves. It’s made up of acetic acid and choline and is a part of the cholinergic system. ACh is most well-known for supporting cognitive function, especially memory and attention. It was actually one of the first neurotransmitter scientists discovered. Where is acetylcholine found? In humans it’s found in the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which is the network of nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord. Like other neurotransmitters (or chemicals that are released by neurons to send signals to other neurons), ACh is specifically found between nerve synapses (gaps between nerve cells). Acetylcholine is synthesized in nerve terminals from acetyl coenzyme A (which comes from a form of glucose) and choline. Choline is a compound that you consume when you eat eggs, beef liver, poultry and some beans and nuts. The more you consume of it, the easier it is for you body to produce enough acetylcholine. How It Functions in the Body What is the main role of acetylcholine? As a key neurotransmitter, it helps send signals to other cells, including neurons, muscle cells and gland cells. It also modulates the release of other neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. The network of nerve cells that use the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is referred to as the cholinergic system. Some of the functions that acetylcholine has include: Stimulating skeletal muscles to contract. Inhibiting activation of the cholinergic system. Supporting neuroplasticity, specifically in the hippocampal and cortical regions. Neuroplasticity is defined as “the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections in response to learning or experience.” Protecting against age-related declines in memory, including decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Supporting “executive functions,” which are considered higher-order cognitive processes. These processes are related to impulse control, planning, attention, decision-making and so on. Helping to guide vision-related attention. Regulating motivation, arousal and certain stages of sleep. Health Benefits 1. Helps with Learning and Attention Studies show that ACh is important for alertness, sustaining attention and mediating changes in the brain (including in the hippocampus and forebrain) that lead to learning and memory formation. One way it does this is by affecting the way that synapses send and receive feedback, enhancingdifferent types of “encoding” in different cortical structures of the brain. 2. Supports Memory Emerging evidence also links cholinergic signaling with improved memory and even anti-inflammatory effects that impact how the brain creates and stores memories. Research suggests that in people with Alzheimer’s disease, cholinesterase breaks down and destroys acetylcholine, leading to ACh dysfunction, which negatively impacts cognitive function in a number of ways. According to Harvard Health Publishing: the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease have lower levels of acetylcholine than people without the disease, and the medications used to treat the early stages of the disease — donepezil (Aricept), galantamine (Reminyl), and rivastigmine (Exelon) — work by blocking an enzyme, cholinesterase, that dismantles acetylcholine. 3. Facilitates Muscle Contractions ACh acts as a chemical that motor neurons in the nervous system release in order to activate muscles. At neuromuscular junctions, it allows for skeletal muscle contractions, which is essential for many functions, such as movement and coordination. It can help promote contractions of smooth muscles, dilation of blood vessels, increased body secretions and a slower heart rate. 4. Helps Control Arousal and Sleep Because it functions as a neuromodulator and impacts release of other calming and stimulating neurotransmitters, ACh is known to impact motivation, arousal, attention and energy levels. ACh is believed to be involved in promoting REM sleep (rapid eye movement sleep cycles, which are necessary for restoration and learning and memory formation). And because it impacts our sleep cycles, it’s important for helping us feel alert when waking up. Acetylcholine Dysfunction “Anticholinergics” refers to substances that interfere with normal acetylcholine activity. When ACh pathways are deteriorated and start dysfunctioning, problems can arise that affect memory, motor control, moods and more. This happens because certain nerves no longer receive signals like they are supposed to. Symptoms and complications that can result from acetylcholine dysfunction include: Muscle weakness Poor memory and increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease Trouble controlling voluntary movements, including of the eyes and face In severe cases (typically caused by use of drugs), paralysis and convulsions, trouble breathing, and heart failure What causes someone to have too little ACh? There are a number of toxins and drugs, and even poison from plants and insects, that can interfere with ACh synthesis. Drugs and substances that interrupt acetylcholine function can have negative effects on the body since they affect the heart, nerves, brain and muscles. In severe cases, symptoms and complications can even be deadly. These drugs are capable of altering ACh levels and leading to symptoms as a result: Certain antibiotics (clindamycin, polymyxin) Magnesium Anticonvulsants Diuretics (furosemide) Calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, diltiazem) Some health conditions can also disturb normal ACh synthesis, such as Eaton-Lambert syndrome and botulinum toxicity. Sources and Dosage What foods contain acetylcholine? Foods do not actually contain ACh, but some do provide you with choline — which your body uses to make ACh. Acetylcholine supplements are also not available, but just like with choline foods, choline-containing supplements can provide you with extra choline and other nutrients in an effort to support ACh production, cognitive processes and more. Most often, choline supplements are taken for their potential positive effects on attention, learning and memory. You’ll find choline in some nootropics and anti-aging supplements, as well as in some multivitamins and most prenatal supplements. A diet that’s high in choline has been suggested in some studies to help protect brain health in older age. For example, data from the Framingham Heart Study suggests there is a correlation between choline intake and brain health, as assessed by tests of memory and other cognitive abilities and MRI scans of the brain. In this particular study, people whose diets included a lot of choline were more likely to do well on the memory and cognitive ability tests and to have healthier looking brain tissue. Foods high in choline that can help support synthesis of acetylcholine include: Beef liver and grass-fed beef Eggs Turkey and chicken Chickpeas Goat milk Navy beans, split peas and some other types of legumes Other fish, such as cod Some vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower If you choose to take choline supplements to boost ACh levels, the standard dose is 250 to 550 milligrams (mg) per day. Adult men need about 550 mg/day on average, while adult women need about 425 mg/day. However, most people get at least some from their diets, and sometimes even more than they require, so supplementation isn’t always needed. Other “nootropics” and supplements that may help your body create more ACh include: Alpha GPC (or alpha glycerylphosphoryl choline, a fatty acid that serves as a source of choline) CDP-choline and choline bitartrate Ginkgo biloba Bacopa monnieri Huperzine A Alpha GPC, which is also referred to as choline alfoscerate, is especially valued for its ability to deliver choline to the brain and help the body produce acetylcholine. Drugs that Affect Acetylcholine: Aside from over-the-counter supplements, there are also a number of prescription drugs that are used clinically to interact with the cholinergic system and to alter ACh levels. Some of these drugs work by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. Examples of such drugs include neostigmine, physostigmine or primarily pyridostigmine, which are effective in treating the disease called myasthenia gravis, characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue. Other drugs that affect acetylcholine levels are taken because they can have these effects: Relaxing muscles in the eyes, causing the pupils to dilate. Used when the eye is inflamed, to help treat glaucoma and during some eye examinations. Slowing activity of the stomach and intestinal track and reduces acid secretion. Can help decrease stomach cramps, diarrhea, diverticulitis, pancreatitis and bed wetting. May help to treat or prevent dizziness, nausea and other aspects of motion sickness. May be used to help treat Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Helping treat urinary retention and stimulate movement of intestinal tract. Risks and Side Effects What happens if you have too much acetylcholine? As explained above, you can’t actually take ACh directly, but you can take too much choline from supplements. The safe upper limit of choline is considered to be 3,500 mg/day, so make sure to stay below this level to avoid side effects. Taking high doses of choline may lead to production of too much acetylcholine. In large amounts, supplements can cause low blood pressure, sweating, a fishy body odor and too much saliva. Conclusion What is acetylcholine? It’s a neurotransmitter that carries signals among brain cells and is important for memory and other brain functions. Other benefits/functions of ACh include supporting muscle movement, attention span, learning, arousal, motivation and REM sleep. ACh dysfunction and low levels have been linked to cognitive decline, memory impairment and certain brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. While acetylcholine supplements are not actually available, you can help your body produce more by taking certain dietary supplements, including those that supply you with choline, and by eating choline-rich foods and carbohydrates. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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Component Derived from Turmeric Essential Oil Exhibits Neuroprotective Effects

AHA Publisher — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 07:00:47 +0000

Kumamoto University via News-Medical – Researchers from Kumamoto University, Japan have found that a component derived from turmeric essential oil, aromatic turmerone (ar-turmerone), and its derivatives act directly on dopaminergic nerves to create a neuroprotective effect on tissue cultures of a Parkinson’s disease model. This appears to be due to enhanced cellular antioxidant potency from the activation of Nrf2. The researchers believe that the ar-turmerone derivatives identified in this study can be used as new therapeutic agents for Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the selective death of dopaminergic neurons that transmit information from the substantia nigra of the midbrain to the striatum which results in decreased dopamine production. Symptoms include limb tremors, immobility, muscle rigidity, and other movement disorders. Treatments, such as dopamine supplements, are currently available but there still no way to inhibit dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Previous studies have reported that the inflammatory response caused by the activation of microglia (cells responsible for immune function in the brain) is observed in the substantia nigra of the midbrain of Parkinson’s disease patients. Further experiments designed to mimic the in vivo state of the midbrain (midbrain slice culture) revealed that microglial activation triggers the selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, and that nitric oxide (NO) derived from activated microglia was involved in the neurodegeneration. These findings suggest that compounds with anti-inflammatory effects on microglia may suppress dopaminergic degeneration. Thus, researchers analyzed aromatic tumerone (ar-turmerone), a major component of turmeric essential oil that has been reported to exhibit anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects on microglia. They used the BV2 microglial cell line and midbrain slice cultures to 1) determine if ar-turmerone suppresses dopaminergic neurodegeneration through its anti-inflammatory effects, and 2) identify structurally similar compounds (derivatives) that might have stronger anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Ar-turmerone has an asymmetric carbon (S-Tur) so researchers prepared eight analogues and attempted to identify those with stronger anti-inflammatory effects. They used the inhibitory effects on the inflammatory response as induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated activation of BV2 cells as an indicator. The analogues with stronger anti-inflammatory effects than S-Tur were (R)-ar-turmerone (R-Tur), ar-atlantone (Atl), and analog 2 (A2). To examine whether these compounds, including S-Tur, have an inhibitory effect on dopaminergic degeneration, researchers then observed midbrain slice cultures in which microglial activation was induced by interferon-γ and LPS stimulation (IFN-γ/LPS). All four compounds significantly suppressed a decrease in the number of dopaminergic neurons as induced by IFN-γ/LPS. However, the production of NO, which is released from activated microglia and is involved in dopaminergic neurodegeneration, was not inhibited at all. In addition, three compounds, S-Tur, Atl and A2, inhibited dopaminergic degeneration that is induced by MPP+, a toxin that selectively damages dopaminergic neurons independent of microglial activity. These results indicate that S-Tur and its derivatives, Atl and A2, have a direct effect on dopaminergic neurons and exhibit neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, analysis using dopaminergic progenitor cell lines and midbrain slice cultures revealed that the neuroprotective effects of Atl and A2 are mediated by activation of Nrf2, a transcription factor that enhances the antioxidant potency of cells. “Our study elucidated a new mechanism by which ar-turmerone and its derivatives directly protect mesencephalic slice dopaminergic neurons, independent of their previously reported anti-inflammatory effects on microglia. We showed that two derivatives, Atl and A2, exhibit neuroprotective effects by increasing the expression of antioxidant proteins through the activation of Nrf2. In particular, the analog A2 identified in this study is a potent activator of Nrf2 and is assumed to have a strong antioxidant effect. We think it is possible that this compound may be a new dopaminergic neuroprotective agent for Parkinson’s disease treatment, and it could also be used to treat other diseases caused by oxidative stress, such as liver and kidney diseases.” (Takahiro Seki, Associate Professor, Kumamoto University) This research was posted online in Cells on 3 May 2021. To read the original article click here.

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The Secret Ingredient to Better Mental Health + How Kindness Changes Your Brain

AHA Publisher — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 07:00:20 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – In this podcast (episode #268) and blog, I talk about the neuroscience of kindness, the impact kindness has on our mind, brain and body and how to use mind management to be more kind! Kindness is a powerful weapon. Not only does it make the world a better and safer place for everyone, it also is a great way to improve intelligence and brain health! As renowned author Henry James once said, “three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” The brain functions best with a flexible, dynamic balance between specialized, locally segregated activity, and more generalized global integration. Too much segregation and excessive integration can lead to suboptimal functioning. What does all this science mean? Research has shown that training yourself to be more kind (to both yourself and others!) can increase your positive emotions, sense of social connectedness and pro-social behaviors, while decreasing your negative feelings, stress and social biases, all of which improve your brain integration, balance and health. The reality is that our brains love it when we are kind! Kindness has several really great effects in the brain and body, including: Activating reward systems in the brain and body. Kindness can make us happy and give us a sense of purposefulness! “Switching on” our mirror neurons, which help improve our ability to relate to and communicate with others by helping us become more understanding and perceptive. Activating our perceptual, affective and cognitive capacities, which increases integration among different networks in the brain, leading to a better use of the brain’s abilities, as well as an increased processing efficiency. In short, being kind can help us think faster and more intelligently! Boosting serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters in the brainthat make us feel safe and at peace. They can cause the pleasure/reward centers in our brain to light up. Endorphins (the body’s natural pain killer) may also be released when we are kind! Positively impacting brain chemistry. Acts of kindness can release hormones that contribute to our mood and overall wellbeing, as well as our ability to connect with others (for example, by releasing the “love hormone” oxytocin). Reducing stress. Kindness to ourselves can prevent shame from corroding our sense of identity, reduce our stress and anxiety levels, and help boost self-esteem. Kindness can even improve feelings of confidence and optimism! Improving our overall health. Compassion has been shown to improve our overall wellbeing and how we age!

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Why You Should “Trust Your Gut” — Your Second Brain

AHA Publisher — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 08:00:40 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Have you ever had a “gut feeling” about something? Well, it turns out you may want to pay attention to that feeling because researchers now consider the gut to be the “second brain” of the human body! It turns out there are more than 100 million neurons in your intestinal system. Referred to as the “enteric nervous system,” this brain in the gut acts very similarly to the brain in the head. The gut can receive impulses, record experiences, and respond to emotions. The Micro-Biome and Neurotransmitters The 100 million neurons in the gut interact with chemicals that control their function called neurotransmitters. It turns out that a large portion of the neurotransmitters in the body are produced by bacteria in the gut! These bacteria make up what is called the micro-biome. This refers to the ecosystem of bacteria in your gut. The micro-biome is responsible for creating up to 90% of the body’s serotonin and about 50% of the body’s dopamine. Moreover, the intestines produce and co-regulate 30 other neurotransmitters that are utilized by the central nervous system to regulate mood, stress levels, sleep patterns, mental functioning and a number of other essential body processes. Obviously, the second brain is responsible for much more than just digestion. So maybe those gut feelings actually are giving you some valuable information! However, the true nature of this incredibly complex system is still under research. Your Gut Affects Your Mind A study published in Gastroenterology showed that women who were given probiotic yogurt twice a day for 4 weeks had a calmer and more controlled reaction when shown images of various facial expressions. The bacteria in the yogurt included Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains which are found in Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Biotics Ultra Blend Probiotics formula. Other research in mice has correlated certain strains of gut bacteria with anxiety. Mice specifically raised to have no bacteria in their gut were inoculated with bacteria from the guts of anxious mice. The inoculated mice then proceeded to exhibit anxious behavior. This has huge implications in how powerfully the bacteria in our gut can affect how we feel. Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Mind If you or your loved ones suffer from mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, then this research is incredibly promising. By taking steps to balance and improve the health of your gut you can make positive changes in how you feel on a day-to-day basis. Here are a few tips to help you heal your gut: Reduce Your Added Sugar Intake – Pathogenic bacteria thrive on high sugar diets Eat More Fermented Foods – This includes sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, kimchi, kvass, and raw cheese. Use a High Quality Probiotic – Living Probiotic, Living Chia, and Fermented Green Supremefood are all good options. Eat More Healthy Fats – Coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and Maximum MCT Oil all help subdue pathogenic bacteria. Eat your fats away from your probiotics so that you do not kill off the good guys! Implementing these simple changes will help balance the bacterial diversity in your gut making you more mentally and physically resilient so that the next time you get a “gut feeling” you will know that you can trust it! More and more, science is proving that a healthy digestive system is the key to a healthy brain and body—and the power to keep your gut healthy lies directly with you! Get Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone book today to help you understand the connection between your gut and your health. You will learn that whatever inflames your gut will eventually inflame your brain and the rest of your body. Making the right food choices will become the medicine in which you will walk and live in divine health. References https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/06/gut-bacteria-on-the-brain/395918/ http://www.psyking.net/id36.htm https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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