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Healthy Omega-3 Fats May Slow Deadly Pulmonary Fibrosis, Research Suggests

The AHA! Team — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 03:47:30 +0000

University of Virginia Health System via EurekAlert! – Cheap, available drug could help reduce impact of snakebites worldwide Could healthy fats found in nuts and fish slow the progression of potentially deadly lung scarring known as pulmonary fibrosis and delay the need for lung transplants? UVA pulmonary researchers looked at the association between blood-plasma levels of omega-3 fatty acids – the heart-healthy fats found in foods such as salmon and flaxseeds – and the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, as well as how long patients could go without needing a transplant. The researchers found that higher levels of omega-3 were associated with better lung function and longer transplant-free survival. While more research is needed, the researchers say their findings warrant clinical trials to determine if interventions that raise omega-3 levels could be a useful tool to improve outcomes for patients with pulmonary fibrosis and other chronic lung diseases. “We found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood, which reflects several weeks of dietary intake, were linked to better lung function and longer survival,” said researcher John Kim, MD, a pulmonary and critical care expert at UVA Health and the University of Virginia School of Medicine. “Our findings suggest omega-3 fatty acids might be a targetable risk factor in pulmonary fibrosis.” Omega-3 and Pulmonary Fibrosis Omega-3 fatty acids have already been linked to a host of health benefits. Studies have suggested, for example, that they may lower the risk of heart disease, stroke-causing blood clots, breast cancer and other cancers, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Kim and his colleagues wanted to determine if omega-3s could play a protective role in interstitial lung disease, a group of chronic lung diseases that can lead to pulmonary fibrosis. A growing problem around the world, pulmonary fibrosis is an irreversible condition that leaves the lungs unable to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide properly. This can cause patients to become short of breath, weak, unable to exercise and a host of other symptoms. Smoking is a major risk factor. The researchers looked at anonymized data on patients with interstitial lung disease collected in the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Registry, as well as information volunteered by patients at UVA Health and the University of Chicago. In total, the scientists reviewed information on more than 300 people with interstitial lung disease. Most were men (pulmonary fibrosis is more common in men than women), and most suffered from “idiopathic” pulmonary fibrosis, one of the conditions that fall under the banner of interstitial lung disease. The researchers found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood plasma were associated with better ability to exchange carbon dioxide and longer survival without the need for a lung transplant. This did not vary much regardless of smoking history or whether the patients had cardiovascular disease. “Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids were predictive of better clinical outcomes in pulmonary fibrosis,” Kim said. “These findings were consistent whether you had a history of cardiovascular disease, which suggests this may be specific to pulmonary fibrosis.” The doctors say additional research is needed to understand just how omega-3s could be having this protective benefit. They are calling for clinical trials and more mechanistic studies to obtain additional insights and determine if omega-3 fatty acid drugs or dietary changes could improve patient outcomes. “We need further research to determine if there are specific omega-3 fatty acids that may be beneficial and, if so, what are their underlying mechanisms,” Kim said. “Similar to other chronic diseases, we hope to determine whether nutrition related interventions can have a positive impact on pulmonary fibrosis.” Findings Published The researchers have published their findings in the scientific journal Chest. The research team consisted of Kim, Shwu-Fan Ma, Jennie Z. Ma, Yong Huang, Catherine A. Bonham, Justin M. Oldham, Ayodeji Adegunsoye, Mary E. Strek, Kevin R. Flaherty, Emma Strickland, Inemesit Udofia, Joshua J. Mooney, Shrestha Ghosh, Krishnarao Maddipati and Imre Noth. Noth has received personal fees from Boehringer Ingelheim, Genentech and Confo unrelated to the work. He is also seeking to patent transcriptomic prognostics in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A full list of the authors’ disclosures is included in the paper. Kim’s work was supported by a Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Scholars Award and grant K23-HL-150301 from the National Institutes of Health’s National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The research was also supported in part by the National Center for Research Resources, grant S10RR027926. To keep up with the latest medical research news from UVA, subscribe to the Making of Medicine blog at http://makingofmedicine.virginia.edu. Journal CHEST Journal DOI 10.1016/j.chest.2023.09.035 To read the original article click here.

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Let Your Food Be Your Medicine – Beyond Keto Pesto

AHA Publisher — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 07:00:41 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Are you looking for a dinner that everyone will love? A dinner that’s quick and easy to make? And most of all, one with foods that go beyond macronutrients, and work to promote health throughout your body? Tonight is your night: let your food be your medicine. Today, for “National Let Your Food Be Your Medicine Day,” we are highlighting one of our most healthful recipes. This delicious recipe uses many of the key components of Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Keto book, including ingredients that support brain, heart, and digestive health. On the other hand, there are no damaging ingredients. No processed foods or soybean oil. No added sugars, no chemical flavorings, and no refined starches or carbohydrates. Are you ready to let your food be your medicine tonight? Beyond Keto Pesto Salmon Over Asparagus Ingredients: 4 wild-caught salmon filets, 4-6 ounces each 1 lb. asparagus, washed and tough ends chopped off 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil ½ cup Keto Zone Pesto (click link for recipe) 10 Cherry or grape tomatoes OR whole peppercorns (omit tomatoes if avoiding nightshades) salt and pepper, to taste Instructions: Place asparagus in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Drizzle olive oil, salt and pepper, and “roll” to coat. Place salmon over asparagus, skin-side down. Top each filet with about 2 Tablespoons pesto. Add optional tomatoes, whole peppercorns, and sprinkle on salt and pepper. Cover with foil tightly and bake at 400 deg F for 30-35 minutes or until salmon is no longer translucent and flakes with the fork. If you’ve made extra Pesto, use it over cooked chicken for another easy dinner, or as a delicious fat bomb. Serves 4. Nutrition Information per serving: 294 calories, 24 gm fat, 9 gm carbs, 5 gm fiber, 15 gm protein How Does Beyond Keto Let Your Food Be Your Medicine? It’s simple. Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Keto is not a diet. It’s an eating lifestyle that aims to ditch unhealthy processed foods, overflow the body with real, living, low-sugar, whole foods based on the Mediterranean Diet, and promote a healthy weight. In fact, Beyond Keto combines the best of the Keto Zone® diet with the Mediterranean Diet. Together, its food and lifestyle supports health from head to toe. Here’s how Beyond Keto and recipes like Beyond Keto Pesto Salmon work as your medicine. Beyond Keto and Food as Medicine Through scientific study, experience, and decades of research, Dr. Colbert has formulated this eating plan and recipes to promote overall health, healthy weights, and reduced inflammation. Beyond Keto aims to: PROMOTE A HEALTHY WEIGHT Almost all current negative health conditions are linked to, or exacerbated by, obesity (1). By utilizing healthy ketogenic diet principles, Beyond Keto promotes healthy changes and outcomes as soon as the first two weeks (2)! In addition, the Mediterranean diet component continues to support healthy weight and healthy body composition. Its focus on lean proteins, seafoods, healthy oils, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and vegetables provide a wonderful well-balanced, satisfying dietary lifestyle to maintain a healthy weight (3). FIGHT INFLAMMATION IN THE BRAIN VIA BETTER GUT HEALTH Are you familiar with neuroinflammation resulting from degradation of gut health? While this may have seemed far-fetched 50 years ago, experts now know there is a bi-directional signaling between the gut and the brain. And, when one is inflamed and unhealthy, the other one follows suit. Unfortunately, neuroinflammation is linked with brain impairment and dysfunction. In fact, many experts implicate the modern Western diet in the development of many health and brain issues including memory impairments, neurodegenerative issues, and depressed moods. What’s more, many believe the consumption of ultra-processed foods and excessive energy intake (4) is at the root of gut inflammation leading to neuroinflammation. The communication system and link between gut-brain health is called the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis (5). Fortunately, Beyond Keto can help! First, it promotes a healthy digestive system with many nourishing foods and no processed ones. Then, it fights inflammation at every turn with the most potent anti-inflammatory combination of foods possible: omega-3 fats and monounsaturated fatty acids from foods like extra-virgin olive oil. ENCOURAGE HEALTHY CHOLESTEROL, TRIGLYCERIDE, AND BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS Both the Keto Zone and Mediterranean diet aspects of Beyond Keto support heart health. First, Beyond Keto promotes a healthy weight, which can help optimize heart health. Next, by choosing the incredibly heart-healthy foods in the Mediterranean diet, you can continue to encourage great heart health In fact, the foods in the Mediterranean diet and Beyond Keto work to support heart health, healthy cholesterol, and achieve whole-body health (6). OPTIMIZE BLOOD SUGARS AND METABOLISM An amazing aspect of both the ketogenic diet and the Mediterranean diet normalized blood sugars. By using both eating styles in Beyond Keto, you’ll remove harmful refined starches while focusing on healthy fats, high fiber beans, peas, lentils, vegetables, lean protein and low glycemic fruits such as berries. Part of the improvement comes from weight loss. The other part comes from a diet that supports healthy metabolism and hormones (7). PROMOTE A HEALTHY GUT MICROBIOTA Amazingly, Beyond Keto combines Keto Zone and Mediterranean foods to support gut health! This is great news for the millions of people who suffer from less-than-optimal gut function. In fact, studies have found the Mediterranean diet specifically improves gut microbiota and its associated metabolism functions. The diet’s prebiotics from healthy fibers along with healthy fats and polyphenols support gut health, hormone balance, and metabolism (8). FLOOD THE BODY WITH ANTIOXIDANTS AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY COMPOUNDS One of the worst dietary habits plaguing humans worldwide is the consumption of ultra-processed foods. In fact, researchers have found that ultra-processed foods are linked to most modern health conditions and even overall risk of death (9)! Thankfully, you’ll eat healthy, high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods rather than ultra-processed ones (10). This means less oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body. INCREASE ENERGY, VITALITY, AND MENTAL FOCUS One of the greatest benefits of the ketogenic diet is the production of ketones. Ketones are natural energizing compounds that support healthy mental focus and vitality. The Mediterranean diet also encourages great energy and vitality with the abundant variety of healthy foods. Rather than experiencing the ups and downs of a high-sugar diet, you will enjoy steady, youthful energy from delicious, colorful whole foods. Want More Beyond Keto? There’s more! Get your copy of Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Keto and let your food be your medicine every night! You’ll find an easy-to-follow eating lifestyle plan with recipes, tips, and clear guidance. Get your hands on this book today! Bottom Line It’s easier than ever to Let Your Food Be Your Medicine with Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Keto. However, it won’t make much difference if we only use it one day per year! Instead, make Beyond Keto your everyday plan to eat a healthy, unprocessed, brain-empowering, diet! To read the original article click here.

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Supercharge Your Brain with THESE Powerful Nutrients

AHA Publisher — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 07:00:36 +0000

Wendy Miller via NaturalHealth365 – Your brain is the most complex organ in your body. It is responsible for not only your physical health but your mental and emotional health as well. When it comes to diet, most people think of the nutrients they need to build muscles, support the immune system, and boost their energy levels. The fact is if we don’t provide our brains with the “supernutrients” they need to manage all of the systems within the body, one or more of those systems may eventually fail. Looking closer at the main components that make up most diets, you will be able to identify nutrients that target the brain and boost its performance. Protein Is One of the Best “Supernutrients” for Your Brain and Here Is Why Neurotransmitters in the brain are made up of proteins. Each protein connects to another like a wall of bricks allowing messages to be sent throughout the body. Different protein sources offer a wide range of nutrients vital to brain health and function. THESE Protein Sources Offer Unique Brain-Supportive Benefits Meat While red meat is getting a bad rap for cholesterol, its saving grace is B12. Red meats are one of the primary sources of B12 in our diet. Along with the other B vitamins and amino acids, the entire network works together to keep the brain functioning efficiently and improve memory. Dairy and eggs Both dairy and eggs are good sources of protein. In addition, vitamin D – normally associated with healthy bones and teeth – also supports healthy brain function. It is one of the main nutrients the brain relies on to prevent cognitive impairment. Be sure, of course, to consume pasture-raised, organic eggs and organic dairy products whenever possible. Fish Fish is a superfood in itself. It contains many vitamins, minerals, and natural oils that support efficient brain function and support memory, both short and long-term. However, be mindful of the types of fish you choose to eat, as some contain significantly higher levels of heavy metals than others. Give Your Body and Brain the Fuel it Needs by Including Plenty of High-Quality Carbs in Your Diet Proteins are often thought of as the building material for the body. While proteins help to make up the structure, carbohydrates provide the fuel. The majority of the body uses carbohydrates to burn calories. In the brain, however, it’s the nutrients within the carbs that make all the difference. Eggs Eggs are full of nutrients, including choline. Choline is related to the B-vitamins and is the precursor to acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is necessary for cognitive function and is known to boost memory and improved focus. Tryptophan is also found in eggs which has been shown to elevate mood. Fruits Many fruits like the “berries” (cherries, blueberries, acai berries, etc.) contain high levels of antioxidants. By destroying free radicals that make their way into our bodies through the environment, processed foods, and excessive amounts of stress, antioxidants help the body to function more efficiently. Berries are also known to have high levels of both vitamin C and vitamin A. Vegetables Vegetables, especially the green leafy kind, contain vital nutrients like lutein, beta carotene, and vitamin K that the brain must have to function. In addition, without vegetables in our diet, we would also lack vital minerals like selenium, zinc, and magnesium. These minerals are essential for cognitive brain health. Here Are the Best Dietary Sources of Healthy Fats There are healthy fats out there that play a role in healthy brain function. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) collect the bad fat cells as they flow through the bloodstream. MUFAs can be found in many different types of foods, including a few you may really look forward to. Fatty Acids Fatty acids, most commonly known as Omega 3, 6, and 9, are found in a variety of foods, including salmon, fish, tuna, avocados, and nuts. Dark chocolate also falls into this category and, when eaten in moderation, offers a tasty ingredient for many of your favorite dishes. Olive Oil Olive oil is one of nature’s superfoods. It’s not only a MUFA; it is also known as a powerful antiviral. It also contains large amounts of antioxidants and Vitamins K and E. Combined, these nutrients can supercharge the brain, supporting memory and cognitive function. Breaking down the foods in your diet will allow you to include more foods that support brain health on every level. From cognitive function to improving memory, brain-healthy foods can elevate mood, prevent depression, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. The key is finding ways to incorporate each one into your diet. Sources for this article include: Harvard.edu WexnerMedical.osu.edu MayoClinic.org NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Small Fish, Big Health Benefits: Is It Time to Rethink Anchovies?

AHA Publisher — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 07:00:27 +0000

Damon Hines via NaturalHealth365 – Why is it that most of the world’s anchovies aren’t destined for the dinner plate but processed into fishmeal and oil for use in animal feeds, food additives, and fertilizers? At best, anchovies have a mixed reputation in the U.S., where most consumers rather eat a tender filet of salmon, cod, or haddock, even if – as is the case with salmon – four-fifths of the fish consumed in the U.S. is farm-raised. But here’s the thing about anchovies: the small, bite-sized fish are a superfood that can greatly impact human health and cognitive development. According to Shakuntala Thilsted, winner of the 2021 World Food Prize, anchovies can fight malnutrition, prevent stunting, and promote cognitive development in children. They are good for pregnant women, as small fish have a shorter lifespan than large fish and have less chance of concentrating heavy metal contaminants. Moreover, a 100g serving of anchovies can provide us with 19 grams of protein, 77 grams of calcium, 3 milligrams of iron, and plenty of omega-3s. Anchovies are also a rich source of the B vitamins niacin, riboflavin, and vitamin B-12. Don’t Be Fishy About the Anchovy: It’s Time to Reconsider It as a Tiny Powerhouse of Nutrition Ask most Americans what they think of anchovies, and chances are they’ll wrinkle their noses. Maybe … maybe they’ll consent to have some scattered on a Caesar Salad or atop a pizza. Still, most hungry consumers have the same opinion as Ninja Turtle Michelangelo: “Oh, and I want no anchovies. And I mean, no anchovies. You put anchovies on this thing, and you’re in big trouble, okay?!” Still, while the little fish are mostly maligned in the U.S., they’ve been happily devoured around the world for centuries. The ancient Greeks prized the little fish, the Romans turned them into garum, and almost every Asian country has its own unique anchovy sauce. The Health Benefits Aren’t the Only Reason to Reconsider Anchovies Consuming less fish at the top of the food chain helps re-balance the marine ecosystem. According to a study by Villy Christensen of the University Of British Columbia’s Fisheries Center, populations of predator fish at the top of the food chain, such as cod, tuna, and groupers, have suffered huge declines, shrinking by around two-thirds in the past 100 years. However, populations of “forage fish,” such as anchovy, sardines, and capelin, have more than doubled over the past century. Anchovy has a short life span and reproduces quickly and is, therefore, a more sustainable option than other fish. What’s the Most Nutritious Way to Eat Anchovies? Cooking and eating the fish whole is the easiest way to prepare anchovies. However, according to Shakuntala Thilsted, converting the fish into a fish powder with mortar and pestle is “extremely powerful because you are removing the moisture content and concentrating the nutrients by a factor of four.” Making a fish chutney is also an option. Good anchovies are soft, creamy, sweet, and savory – a perfect expression of the fifth taste: unami. It’s a small fish with big health benefits, and American consumers should reconsider adding it to their diet. Sources for this article include: NPR.org To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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