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Why Does Fasting Reduce Seizures?

AHA Publisher — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 07:00:03 +0000

Boston Children’s Hospital via Newswise – Calorie restriction has long been associated with reduced seizures in epilepsy. New research from Boston Children’s Hospital helps explain how fasting affects neurons in the brain and could lead the way to new approaches that would avoid the need for fasting or restrictive diets. The findings were published August 30 in the journal Cell Reports. “This study is the first step in understanding how dietary therapies for epilepsy work,” says first author Christopher J. Yuskaitis, MD, PhD, a neurologist with the Epilepsy Center and Epilepsy Genetics Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. “The mechanisms have until now been completely unknown.” DEPDC5, mTOR, and Fasting To connect the dots between diet and seizures, the researchers began with existing knowledge. They knew that the well-known mTOR cellular pathway is involved in many neurological disorders and had shown previously that over-activation of this pathway in neurons increases susceptibility to seizures. Studies by others had shown that mTORC activity is inhibited by acute fasting, though these studies didn’t look at the brain. Finally, Yuskaitis and colleagues knew that signaling by a protein called DEPDC5 acts as a brake on the mTOR pathway. That was intriguing, since mutations in the DEPDC5 gene have recently been found in many people with epilepsy. DEPDC5 mutations have been linked to focal epilepsy, infantile spasms, and sudden death in children. “When we used an animal model that knocks out DEPDC5 specifically in the brain, we found that we could reduce seizures by using an mTOR inhibitor,” says Yuskaitis. “That gave us the idea to explore the connection between DEPDC5, mTOR, and fasting.” Amino Acid Sensing In the new study, they showed in a mouse seizure model that mTOR signaling was reduced in the brain after fasting. Additional studies of cultured rat neurons in a dish suggest that this fasting effect is primarily driven by the lack of three amino acids (leucine, arginine, and glutamine). Going further, the team demonstrated that the presence of these nutrients is sensed by the DEPDC5 protein. When they knocked out DEPDC5 in the brain, mTOR activity was not reduced and fasting no longer protected the mice against seizures. “Amino acid sensing seems to be critical for the beneficial effects of fasting on seizures,” says Yuskaitis. “This suggests that patients with DEPDC5 mutations can’t sense the loss of amino acids and may not benefit from dietary manipulation. But patients who don’t have DEPDC5 mutations may benefit from a targeted dietary strategy.” This could take the form of diets with lower levels of the three amino acids, or medications or supplements that block absorption of those amino acids, he adds. Next Step: Ketogenic Diet This study is only a first step. Yuskaitis and colleagues now want to try diets in animal models that eliminate specific amino acids and observe the effects on seizures. They also want to explore how the ketogenic diet, a popular approach to treating epilepsy, helps curb seizures. No one currently knows why this low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet works. “We’re hoping this will hope us uncover additional dietary-based therapies other than ketogenic diet, which is sometimes difficult to follow long term due to side effects,” says Yuskaitis. Such work may also provide a new lens on neurologic disorders overall. “Using these rare genetic disorders, we are starting to gain fundamental insights into the role of nutrients in brain function,” says senior investigator Mustafa Sahin, MD, PhD, managing director of the Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center at Boston Children’s. “Findings from these rare disorders may open doors for better treatments of epilepsy in general.” To read the original article click here.

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How to Get Rid of Cellulite — 6 Natural Treatments

AHA Publisher — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 07:00:20 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Cellulite removal treatments are growing in popularity as more and more people struggle to maintain a healthy weight and look for ways on how to get rid of cellulite. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2019 over 2.6 million cosmetic surgery procedures were carried out in the U.S. alone — including over 265,000 liposuction procedures, many of which were performed to remove cellulite. Although they might sound like the perfect quick fixes, liposuction and laser cellulite treatments are not simple means of going from a size 16 to size 6 overnight. The ASPS itself even states, “Liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite — the dimpled skin that typically appears on the thighs, hips, and buttocks — or loose saggy skin.” How can you get rid of cellulite? Nothing can substitute for eating an anti-inflammatory diet and getting enough exercise. Just as with other signs of aging, if you want to reduce cellulite, first and foremost focus on maintaining a healthy weight throughout your adult life. Then, certain topical treatments may help dimply skin become less noticeable and improve skin’s overall appearance. What Is Cellulite? Cellulite is the appearance of lumpy or dimpled “cottage cheese skin,” which predominantly develops on the legs (especially the thighs), butt, stomach and the back of the arms. Some also refer to it as “orange peel skin” because it looks like the tiny bumps that form on the outside of citrus fruits. Basically, cellulite forms when globules of fat develop under the skin and push up against the connective tissue, forming an uneven, “mottled” look to the skin. There are three types cellulite with different severities, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the factors that contribute to this condition are a lack of exercise (a sedentary lifestyle), hormone changes and — you guessed it — a poor-quality diet. It’s possible to develop cellulite at any age, but it tends to get worse as someone gets older due to increased fatty deposits (and often a higher body weight). This condition is more common in women than men, with about 90% of women having some measure of cellulite, particularly as they age and the skin loses its elasticity. However, even teenagers dealing with weight and hormonal changes can deal with this skin concern. Cellulite is not serious or harmful, and therefore many choose to just simply leave it alone. Meanwhile, others become very bothered by unsightly cellulite, especially following life circumstances such as weight gain/loss or pregnancy — or in the summer when it’s common to reveal more skin. Causes What is the main cause of cellulite? Several primary factors contribute to the developmentof cellulite, including: Weak collagen structure of the skin, which leads to skin thinning and loss of elasticity Genetic factors Poor diet Fluid retention Dehydration Lack of circulation (blood flow) Being overweight Hormonal changes, including in estrogen and cortisol Lack of physical activity Some other factors that can cause skin changes, such as cellulite, sagginess, wrinkles and formation of dark spots, include: hormonal imbalances high amounts of stress existing medical conditions, like autoimmune disease or diabetes allergies smoking too much sun exposure other causes of toxicity While the connection between dealing with stress and developing cellulite may seem far-fetched, science has shown that all of the factors above increase inflammation and contribute to signs of aging. For example, according to a research study published in the Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, cellulite can be caused by increased levels of catecholamines due to high stress and raised cortisol levels. Things like stress and a poor diet also cause your body to slow down production of collagen, which is crucial to keep skin looking young. In fact, it’s now believed that collagen (a type of structural protein that forms skin’s layers) plays a big role in regulating cellulite. Dysfunction of collagen-rich fibers called fibrous septae seem to form cellulite dimples, so these are now the target of most professional cellulite treatments. How to Get Rid of Cellulite Can you get rid of cellulite once you have it? Unfortunately, it seems that the answer is not completely. As one 2019 review explains, “Despite multiple therapeutic approaches that attempt to treat cellulite, no procedures have been proven successful long term.” Considering all the lifestyle factors that affect the appearance and health of your skin, it’s understandable why intensive cellulite treatments — including noninvasive devices, such as massage or radio/acoustic frequency, laser and light-based treatments, liposuction, topical creams, injections, and carboxy therapy — are popular options. Unfortunately, these are not long-term solutions for keeping skin looking healthy. In order for some of these cellulite treatments to work — such as submission, vibrational therapy, wave therapy or lasers — ongoing treatments might be needed for many months on end or else results can diminish within six months to one year. How should you tackle cellulite then? As one study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science puts it, “Reducing adipogenesis (fat storage) and increasing thermogenesis (burning fat through body heat) appear to be primary routes, while also improving the microcirculation and collagen synthesis.” Here are the top six all-natural ways to help reduce the appearance of cellulite: 1. Eat a Healthy Diet Can cellulite on your legs go away? Losing weight and then maintaining a healthy body fat percentage may help reduce the appearance of cellulite on your legs or elsewhere. Some of the top foods for decreasing or preventing cellulite are: Flaxseeds — Flax is great for skin health and general health as it modulates estrogen levels and may also increase collagen production. You can sprinkle flaxseed on your breakfast, in your smoothies or simply eat the seeds by themselves. Hydrating foods — Because dehydration can lead to bloating and dry skin, try to eat more naturally hydrating foods. These include fresh veggies and fruit, especially melon, berries, cucumber, celery, citrus fruits and fresh herbs. Making Cellulite Slim Down Juice at home is a great way to consume a bunch of these at once. High-fiber foods — These include vegetables, nuts, seeds and berries. Fiber helps cleanse the colon, curb hunger, support your metabolism and balance hormones. High-fiber foods containing lots of antioxidants, such as leafy greens or berries, are also beneficial because of their ability to decrease free radical damage (which ages skin). Clean protein sources — High-quality protein foods, like grass-fed beef, free-range poultry, pastured eggs, wild-caught fish and organic protein powder, can support a healthy metabolism and aid in cellulite reduction. Ideally, aim to consume at least three to four ounces with every meal. Potassium-rich foods — Flushing excess fluids and waste out of cells can help reduce cellulite. Green leafy vegetables, avocados, bananas, coconut water and cultured dairy are all high in potassium. Healthy fats — Coconut and wild-caught fish contain fatty acids that promote healthy tissue. Consume one tablespoon daily of extra virgin coconut oil and one serving of wild-caught fish (or 1,000 milligrams of fish oil) daily for the best results. Kelp — Kelp contains a compound called “fucoxanthin,” which is found in chlorophyll-bearing green plants and supports metabolic and skin health. Try sprinkling a small amount onto your savory meals. Water — Wondering if drinking lots of water is really that important for reducing cellulite? Yes! Water keeps skin hydrated and helps flush out toxic compounds. Aim to drink eight to 10 glasses of fresh water daily. Well-hydrated skin looks more even, with less of a lumpy, dry or aged look. Try to avoid or reduce these foods, which may cause or worsen cellulite: Sugar and salt — If you think your diet has no effect on cellulite, think again! Here’s why: Sugar causes fluid retention, inflammation and storage of body fat — all of which can increase the appearance of cellulite. Read labels, and aim to reduce or remove added sugar. Limit your sodium intake as well, because salt is one of the main causes of water retention. Stick to a healing diet for best results, which is low in both sugar and salt. Refined flour and refined grain products — These break down quickly into sugar and are high in calories. Food allergens — Foods like gluten, A1 casein found in most dairy, shellfish and peanuts can cause allergies or inflammation in some. These have negative effects on skin health, like potentially decreasing circulation and interfering with normal nutrient absorption. Trans and hydrogenated fats — These are generally unhealthy and found in processed foods. 2. Consume More Collagen Connective tissue – including the layers of the skin – is composed of collagen. When the skin is strong, cellulite appearance is diminished. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and needed for skin’s elasticity, youthful texture and strength. One of the best ways to get more collagen is from consuming bone broth, which also has amino acids like glutamine. Bone broth contains the amino acids called proline and glycine that make up collagen, along with important trace minerals and even antioxidant compounds. The collagen in bone broth can strengthen skin tissue and help reverse the underlying the causes of cellulite. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that patients taking 2.5 grams of bioactive collagen peptides (BCP) experienced “significant decrease in the degree of cellulite and a reduced skin waviness on thighs … regular ingestion of BCP over a period of 6 months led to a clear improvement of the skin appearance in women suffering from moderate cellulite.” As expected, the results were most impressive in women who were overweight. 3. Take Anti-Cellulite Supplements Certain supplements and nutrients can help keep your skin in tip-top shape: Bromelain and proteolytic enzymes — These systemic enzymes have been used with great success to fight inflammation and dissolve gatherings of cellular tissue. According to findings published in Biotech Research Journal, “studies demonstrate that bromelain exhibits various fibrinolytic, antiedematous, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory activities.” Uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, gallstones and cellulite may all be broken down more easily and eliminated with help from enzymes. Enzymes such as bromelain, serrapeptase and nattokwinase all have the ability to dissolve fibrinogen (the tissue that holds these unwanted formations together). Kola — This extract has been the subject of many cellulite studies and has shown some positive results. This is a caffeine-free herb that has relaxing properties and can be taken before bedtime. It works by helping improve the elasticity of the skin, while also making it thicker. Green coffee extract (which contains caffeine), African mango and fucoxanthin are additional supplements that offer similar benefits as those above. Caffeine has been shown to stimulate circulation and potentially help with fat-burning, so sources of caffeine are found in many cellulite supplements. 4. Exercise Regularly Can exercises get rid of cellulite? Although long-distance cardio can be of value in boosting your metabolism and helping prevent obesity, doing interval training (also known as burst training) will likely be much more effective. That’s because intervals are more effective at adding muscle to your frame and helping tone you all over. In 2011, a report published in the Journal of Obesity stated, “Emerging research examining high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) indicates that it may be more effective at reducing subcutaneous and abdominal body fat than other types.” Here are some quick facts and tips to keep in mind so you get the most benefits from your workouts: Look for a program that ideally combines burst cardio and resistance training. Aim for workouts that last between about 20 to 40 minutes a day. Interval or burst training is known to increase metabolism and burn calories long after (24–48 hours) your workout is over (known as the afterburn effect). Interval training incorporates short, intense exercises, such as sprinting, and then returns you to a cool-down period briefly. (This concept is also called high-intensity interval training, or HIIT.) If you’re targeting cellulite on your thighs and butt, try to incorporate moves like squats, lunges, donkey kicks and step backs. Two more effective strategies are weight training and isometric training – such as Barre, BarreAmped and Pilates. BarreAmped...

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Eliminate Toxic Debris From Your Body with THIS Incredibly Effective Therapy

AHA Publisher — Thu, 20 May 2021 07:00:26 +0000

Sima Ash via NaturalHealth365 – Far-infrared (FIR) radiation is a subdivision of the electromagnetic spectrum that has been investigated for biological effects with very encouraging results. I have clients who have added this modality as part of their overall treatment plan for everything ranging from autism to heart conditions. How does FIR work? The body experiences FIR wavelength energy as a gentle radiant heat that can penetrate up to 1.5 inches beneath the skin. An article published in Photonics & Lasers in Medicine states that FIR energy is sufficient to exert rotational and vibrational modes of motion in bonds forming the molecules (including water molecules) and resonate with our cells. FIR Saunas Improve MULTIPLE Cardiovascular Conditions FIR saunas are frequently used in Japan and Korea, where it is referred to as Waon therapy. Studies have shown that FIR saunas are particularly beneficial for chronic heart failure and peripheral arterial disease and have been shown to improve cardiac and vascular function and reduce oxidative stress in patients with chronic heart failure. In addition, German medical researchers concluded that just 1 one-hour session of FIR could significantly reduce blood pressure due to persistent peripheral vessel dilation. They also noted that blood viscosity was improved. That’s Not All! People With Arthritis and Type 2 Diabetes Can Also Benefit A study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed a reduction in pain, stiffness, and fatigue during infrared sauna therapy. In addition, far-infrared sauna was associated with improved quality of life in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The author concluded that the uptake in the use of infrared saunas is greater than the uptake of other lifestyle interventions. FIR Saunas Can Even Help Children With Autism, According to Study Many parents report that their children with autism seem to improve when they have a fever. An article published in Medical Hypothesis states that the release of the amino acid glutamine could be the reason for the improvement in autism symptoms. In people with autism, glutamine in the blood and brain is low, but during a fever, glutamine is released from skeletal muscles as provisional fuel, and the glutamine is metabolized by the intestines – just as if the amino acid had been ingested. The International Journal of Hypothermia derived the same conclusion. They found that a fever or hyperthermia may alter glutamate levels in the brain and therefore be able to impact the symptoms of autism. Working with this information, many physicians have incorporated FIR into their practice to help children with autism. Here Is How FIR Therapy Helps Reduce Toxic Burden and Achieve Optimum Health Our skin is a major elimination organ, but many of us do not sweat regularly. This could be due to insufficient physical activity, sun exposure, or wearing synthetic or tight-fitting clothing. Simply put, sweating is natural (and essential) for optimal health. Using FIR saunas helps restore skin elimination by helping the body eliminate toxic debris. In fact, FIR therapy was used as part of the protocol to help September 11th firefighters recover – after being exposed to toxic chemicals as part of the World Trade Center rescue and clean-up efforts. Exposure to solvents and other chemicals has been linked to psychiatric disorders, including depression, mood disorders, anxiety, and detoxification has helped many people recover. In my practice, we use CEASE therapy, a detoxification protocol that has been assisting children with autism and other disorders for many years. Far-infrared sauna therapy could be a wonderful adjunct for many who have trouble with detoxification and need help assisting their bodies to remove toxic debris. As a precaution, please check with your healthcare practitioner before starting FIR – as there are protocols that need to be followed, including specific vitamins and minerals before and after sauna sessions and, of course, assuring that enough water is consumed during the session. It is also important not to bring in reading materials or plastic containers, for your water, into the sauna as those can contain the exact chemicals you are attempting to detox. About the author: Sima Ash of Healing 4 Soul is a clinical and classical homeopath and certified clinical nutritionist who utilizes a unique approach pioneered by Tinus Smits, M.D. called CEASE therapy. CEASE treatment aims to systematically detoxify the causes of illness, leading to step-by-step improvement and restoration of health in the individual. For additional information, please visit – Healing4Soul.com. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov TownsendLetter.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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New Drug Slows Tumor Growth and Strengthens Anti-Tumor Response

AHA Publisher — Sat, 23 Nov 2019 08:00:35 +0000

Johns Hopkins Medicin via EurekAlert – A compound developed by Johns Hopkins researchers that blocks glutamine metabolism can slow tumor growth, alter the tumor microenvironment and promote the production of durable and highly active anti-tumor T cells. The drug, a “prodrug” version of the glutamine antagonist DON, was designed so that the active form of the drug is functional within the tumor. In theory, this compound could be used across a wide spectrum of cancer types, says Jonathan Powell, M.D., Ph.D., associate director of the Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, and colleagues due to the critical role of glutamine in promoting the metabolism necessary for prodigious tumor growth. Their study, published online Nov. 7 in Science, reveals surprising differences in the metabolic pathways fueling cancer cells and effector T cells, pathways that were thought previously to be very similar. These differences could be exploited as a “metabolic checkpoint” in treating cancer, Powell says. “By targeting glutamine metabolism, we were not only able to inhibit tumor growth and change the tumor microenvironment, but also alter the T cells in a way that we markedly enhanced immunotherapy for cancer,” he says. Although glutamine metabolism is a component of all cells of the body, the DON prodrug selectively targeted tumor cells because they are the “hungriest” for glutamine, said Powell. “What’s emerging in metabolic therapy — and to me this is why it’s incredibly exciting — is that a treatment like ours becomes selective because it preferentially affects the cells that have the greatest demand.” Powell and colleagues tested the DON prodrug, dubbed JHU083, in mice models of colon cancer, lymphoma and melanoma. “In the beginning, our thought was that if we could target tumor metabolism, we could achieve two goals: slow tumor growth and alter the tumor microenvironment,” says Powell. The tumor microenvironment — the cells, blood vessels and nutrients in the vicinity of tumors — is very hostile to the immune response because it is usually acidic, hypoxic and nutrient-depleted. “This immune shield that the tumor creates around itself is in a sense a direct result of tumor metabolism,” he says. In mice, treatment with JHU083 led to a significant decrease in tumor growth and improved survival in many different cancer models, by derailing tumor cell metabolism and its effects on the tumor microenvironment, the research team found. In a number of the mice, treatment with JHU083 alone led to durable cures. These cures were facilitated because the metabolic therapy unleashed the natural anti-tumor immune response. When the researchers reinjected these cancer-free mice with new tumors, they found that almost all the mice rejected the new tumor, suggesting that the JHU083 treatment had produced a powerful immune memory to recognize and attack the new cancer. They also treated the mice with JHU083 and an anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor, a type of immunotherapy drug that removes restraints cancer cells place on immune cells. “Initially, we thought we would need to use the two therapies sequentially in order to avoid any potential impact of the metabolic therapy on the immunotherapy,” says Powell. “Remarkably, however, it turned out that the combined treatment worked best when we gave them simultaneously.” Concurrent treatment with the drugs produced improved anti-tumor effects compared with anti-PD-1 therapy alone. “We found that JHU083 was having a very positive, very direct effect on the immune cells, and we had to investigate why,” Powell said. After analyzing and comparing gene expression in the treated tumor cells and a type of immune cell called effector T cells, Powell and colleagues noted differences in gene expression related to metabolism, which allowed them to guess at how the T cell was fueling itself compared with the tumor. They found some similarities, but fundamentally the metabolic programming of tumor cells and the effector T immune cells was quite different, and it is those differences the researchers exploited by giving the glutamine-blocking drug. The differences allowed the effector T cells to respond to the glutamine blockage by producing long-lasting, highly effective tumor-infiltrating T cells that seemed to be invigorated rather than exhausted in the tumor microenvironment. “By blocking glutamine metabolism, we were making these cells more persistent, more like an immune memory cell,” Powell noted. The group also demonstrated that treating the tumors with JHU083 enhanced the efficacy of adoptive cellular therapy, a type of immunotherapy in which immune T cells are collected and grown in large numbers in the laboratory before being given to patients to boost the immune response against cancer. These findings suggest that this new approach may also be used to enhance a promising type of adoptive cell therapy called CAR-T. In future studies, Powell and colleagues want to examine how JHU083 combines with different types of immunotherapy to explore whether certain tumors can overcome the metabolic trap laid by JHU083. Potentially, tumors that develop metabolic pathways to avoid the impacts of JHU083 could find themselves in a “blind alley,” said Powell. “By adding an additional metabolic antagonist, you could potentially get rid of the resistant tumors as well.” To read the original article click here.

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