insulin resistance Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Increase Magnesium to Fight Modern-Day Diseases

The AHA! Team — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 04:46:04 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – It troubles me deeply that conventional doctors don’t pay any attention to your magnesium levels… Especially these days when new research reveals that this miracle mineral can help you fight our modern-day infections.1,2 I’ve been advising my patients at the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine for decades about magnesium’s critical role in keeping them free of disease. This miracle mineral can help you fight our modern-day infections You see, magnesium is needed for more than 600 biochemical reactions in your body – and that’s just for starters.3 There’s not enough room in this letter to give you a complete list of magnesium’s health benefits, but here are just a few…4,5,6 Magnesium can prevent – and reverse – insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. It’s vital for muscle function and increases energy metabolism. It lowers blood pressure more effectively than any drug and keeps your heart healthy. It improves sleep quality and duration. It’s essential for warding off depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. It keeps your bones strong. Vitamin D cannot be activated in your body without magnesium. Magnesium extends lifespan by activating telomerase to increase telomere length. And now scientists have discovered that magnesium plays a crucial role in keeping your immune system strong by fighting infections, including Covid. The researchers found that a powerful type of immune cell called a cytotoxic or “killer” T cell can only eliminate infected cells with magnesium.7 Killer T cells are vital if your body is fighting Covid and your immune system produces an army of them to target viral proteins like those found in the coronavirus. But without magnesium, they aren’t able to function efficiently. You see, while Killer T cells don’t prevent infection, they spring into action after the virus has already infiltrated your body. They’re critical for clearing Covid once the infection has started – and crucial for stopping its spread and reducing its severity.8 It’s no coincidence that multiple studies now reveal that patients with Covid – especially those with severe cases – are woefully deficient in magnesium.9 Sadly, up to 80% of older Americans are deficient in magnesium10 – thanks to Big Agra’s industrial farming methods – and don’t have strong enough Killer T cells to fight the infection. Many vegetables have lost 80% of their magnesium content A few years ago, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition published a study comparing the nutrient content of crops in 1999 with 1950 levels. Researchers were shocked to find that many vegetables had lost 80% of their magnesium content.11 The good news is that it’s easy to boost your magnesium levels and get them back to where nature intended. You should always start with diet. You boost your magnesium levels by eating nuts, seeds, and dark green, leafy vegetables. But given the depleted state of Big Agra soil, you’ll need to find additional sources. Here’s what I recommend to my patients… Be aware of foods that deplete magnesium from your body. Processed foods and refined sugar are the worst offenders and deplete magnesium content by nearly 85%. I tell my patients to avoid these Frankenfoods completely.But excess alcohol, caffeine, and even dairy can also deplete your body’s magnesium levels. Use these items in moderation, especially if your levels are low. Eat more of the right kind of salt: Modern medicine has declared war on salt and told you to stop eating it altogether. But salt is good for almost every part of your body, and you can’t live without it. In fact, we evolved to naturally crave salty foods.Unfortunately, the salt you find in most foods is bleached, refined, and full of residual chemicals left over from processing. Look for sea salt instead. It’s unrefined and has all the minerals and co-factors nature meant salt to have, like magnesium. Include a supplement: It’s almost impossible to get what you need from your food. Supplementing can fill in the gaps. Magnesium citrate and glycinate taurate are the most absorbable forms. I recommend between 600 mg and 1,000 mg a day.Be sure to confirm the source and quality of the mineral supplement. And make sure there are no extra fillers. These can cause more harm than good. And always take your magnesium supplement with vitamin B6, which increases the amount of magnesium that accumulates in your cells. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Tan CW, et al. Cohort study to evaluate the effect of vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin B12 in combination on progression to severe outcomes in older patients with coronavirus (COVID-19). Nutrition. 2020 Nov-Dec;79-80:111017. 2. O’Keefe JH and DiNicolantonio JJ. “Magnesium and vitamin D Deficiency as a potential cause of immune dysfunction, cytokine storm and disseminated intravascular coagulation in Covid-19 patients.” Mo Med. 2021 Jan-Feb;118(1):68-73. 3. Caspi R, et al. “The MetaCyc database of metabolic pathways and enzymes—A 2019 update.” Nucleic Acids Res. 2020;48:D445–D453. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkz862. 4. Rowe WJ. “Correcting magnesium deficiencies may prolong life.” Clin Interv Aging. 2012;7:51-4. 5. Richards J, Valdes AM, et al. “Homocysteine levels and leukocyte telomere length.” Atherosclerosis. 2008;200(2):271-7. 6. Barbagallo M, Ligia J. Dominguez. “Magnesium and Type 2 Diabetes: An Update.” Int J Diabetes Clin Res .2015, 2:1 7. Lötsche J, et al. “Magnesium sensing via LFA-1 regulates CD8+ T cell effector function. Cell. 2022 8. Tarke A, et al. “Comprehensive analysis of T cell immunodominance and immunoprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 epitopes in COVID-19 cases.” Cell Rep Med. 2021 Feb 16;2(2):100204. 9. O’Keefe JH and DiNicolantonio JJ. “Magnesium and vitamin D deficiency as a potential cause of immune dysfunction, cytokine storm and disseminated intravascular coagulation in Covid-19 patients.” Mo Med. 2021 Jan-Feb;118(1):68-73. 10. “Magnesium is essential to your health but many people don’t get enough of it.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/magnesium-is-essential-to-your-health-but-many-people-dont-get-enough-of-it/2017/06/09/77bc35b4-2515-11e7-bb9d-8cd6118e1409_story.html. Accessed on February 7, 2023. 11. King DE, et al. “Dietary magnesium and C-reactive protein levels.” J Am Coll Nutr. 2005 Jun;24(3):166-71. To read the original article click here.

The post Increase Magnesium to Fight Modern-Day Diseases appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Does a Macrobiotic Diet Help with Diabetes?

AHA Publisher — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 08:00:31 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – What happens when you add massive amounts of carbohydrates in the form of whole grains to the daily diet of people with type 2 diabetes? Why are macrobiotic diets apparently so effective at reducing blood sugar levels in diabetics within just a few weeks’ time? The diet is centered around whole grains—brown rice, barley, and millet—so might the high fiber intake improve the gut microbiome, the friendly flora in our colon, which then leads to a reduction in insulin resistance? Or, perhaps it’s because the diet is also rich in vegetables, so that corrects some kind of low-grade acidosis from the high levels of animal protein in their regular (non-macrobiotic) diets. Regardless of the reason, researchers found a significant difference after just 21 days. Can macrobiotic diets also help with longer term blood sugar control? I examine this in my video Flashback Friday: Benefits of a Macrobiotic Diet for Diabetes. How about a six-month dietary intervention with wildly out-of-control blood sugars? As you can see at 0:51 in my video, hemoglobin A1c offers a sense of one’s average blood sugars over the previous few months. An A1c level of 5, for example, would mean that your blood sugars have been in the double digits most of the time over the last few months, indicating that your sugars have been at a normal, healthy, non diabetic level. But, an A1c of 6 is prediabetes territory and 6.5 can be a sign of full-blown diabetes; an A1c under 7 is considered controlled diabetes—what diabetics are striving towards with pills and insulin injections—and a level over 7 is considered out-of-control diabetes. In the macrobiotic diet study, the average A1c level started out off-the-charts at 12.6. The subjects had been averaging blood sugars in the 300s for months, despite all having been on insulin injections. What happened when the study participants were placed on the so-called Ma-Pi 2 diet, a strictly plant-based macrobiotic-style diet centered around whole grains, vegetables, and beans, with some sesame seeds and green tea? After just six months on the diet, their A1c levels dropped from a wildly out-of-control diabetic 12.6 to averaging a non diabetic 5.7. What’s more, although the subjects were getting daily insulin injections when their A1c was an astronomical 12.6, they achieved non diabetic 5.7 on the diet after they had all been able to eliminate their insulin. Within only six months, 100 percent of the study participants started out on insulin with out-of-control diabetes and ended with 0 percent on insulin and averaging non diabetic blood sugars. That’s the power of plants. Also within those six months, three-quarters were off all of their diabetes medications completely. Any side effects? Their bad LDL cholesterol dropped by 20 percent and their triglycerides dropped by nearly 40 percent. (And, of course, let’s not forget that anyone starting a strictly plant-based diet must ensure a regular, reliable source of vitamin B12.) All we needed was a randomized, controlled trial, and we got one: Type 2 diabetics were randomized to the macrobiotic diet versus the recommended American Diabetes Association-type diet. You can see an example of a typical day on the macrobiotic diet below and at 2:59 in my video, which includes a savory whole-grain cake for breakfast; brown rice sesame balls for a snack; a vegetable millet soup with a brown rice salad, a lot of vegetable sides, and adzuki beans for lunch; more whole grain snacks; and, similar to lunch, a dinner of vegetable barley soup with a lot of vegetables and chickpeas; and green tea throughout the day. On the more standard diabetic diet, participants might have low-fat milk and whole-wheat bread for breakfast; a Mediterranean lunch with vegetables and beans; fruit for a snack; and a bean and vegetable soup, whole-grain bread, agretti (a green leafy vegetable), and baked fish for dinner. I have to say, that’s a pretty healthy control diet. The researchers could have compared the macrobiotic diet to a trashy one, but they wanted to stack it up against the diet diabetes groups recommend. So, what happened? The macrobiotic diet won out on every measure of blood sugar control. You can view the numbers in the graph below and at 4:00 in my video. At the start of the study, participants had fasting blood sugars in the 120s. That’s bad, but they were diabetics, after all. Normal fasting blood sugars, like when you wake up in the morning before having breakfast, should be at least in the double digits and under 100. When subjects were put on the relatively healthy, more standard diabetic diet, their blood sugars got better over the three-week study, dropping from the 120s down into the 110s. (That’s the best the American Diabetes Association-type diet can do.) Compare that to an isocaloric macrobiotic diet, meaning with the same number of calories. On the macrobiotic diet, subjects improved within days and achieved normal fasting blood sugars within a week. A full 100 percent of those on the macrobiotic diet got their fasting blood sugars under 110, whereas less than half of those on the diabetes diet did. And, that was achieved while on fewer drugs. In the control group, one participant was able to reduce their oral hypoglycemic medications, whereas five of the seven on such drugs in the macrobiotic group had to stop taking them. Otherwise, if they had continued taking the drugs, their blood sugars would have fallen toolow. So, the macrobiotic diet gave better results on fewer drugs. That’s the power of a reallyhealthy diet. As an aside, what a poke in the eye with a sharp stick this study was to the low-carb crowd! Researchers took diabetics and put them on a 73 percent carbohydrate diet, adding 100 grams of carbs—in the form of grains, no less—to their daily diet. And what happened? Did their blood sugars skyrocket out of control? No, they got significantly better in a matter of days, with average fasting blood sugars starting out at 129 and falling to 95. And, in just three weeks, their bad LDL cholesterol plummeted down to 62, a nearly 48 percent drop. Is the macrobiotic diet perfect? No, but I offer some suggestions for improving it in my video Flashback Friday: Pros and Cons of a Macrobiotic Diet. Key Takeaways Macrobiotic diets have been shown to effectively reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics in just three weeks, perhaps due to its high fiber content or being rich in vegetables. A six-month dietary intervention showed that participants placed on the so-called Ma-Pi 2 diet, a strictly plant-based macrobiotic-style eating regimen with green tea, experienced significant improvements in their A1c levels, dropping from a wildly out-of-control diabetic 12.6 to averaging a non diabetic 5.7. As well, the subjects achieved non diabetic 5.7 on the diet after they had eliminated their insulin. Additionally, their bad LDL cholesterol dropped by 20 percent and their triglycerides dropped by nearly 40 percent. When type 2 diabetics were randomized to the macrobiotic diet versus the recommended American Diabetes Association-type diet, the macrobiotic diet won out on every measure of blood sugar control. And, although only one subject in the control group was able to reduce their oral hypoglycemic medications, five of the seven on such drugs in the macrobiotic group had to stop taking them lest their blood sugars fall too low. The study was likely very eye-opening to low-carb followers since the diabetics were put on a 73 percent carbohydrate diet, adding 100 g of carbs to their daily diet, and not only did their blood sugars improve, but their bad LDL cholesterol also plummeted. To read the original article click here.

The post Does a Macrobiotic Diet Help with Diabetes? appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Apple Cider Vinegar Diet: Does It Work for Weight Loss?

AHA Publisher — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 07:00:57 +0000

Rachael Link, MS, RD via Dr. Axe – The apple cider vinegar diet — an eating plan that involves simply adding a few spoonfuls of apple cider vinegar to your daily diet — may sound right on par with other fad diets that have long faded into obscurity. However, it’s actually a powerful ingredient that has been revered for its medicinal properties for centuries, and research shows that it may help boost metabolism, enhance fat-burning and support satiety to promote long-lasting weight loss. So how do you use apple cider vinegar for weight loss, and what exactly is the apple cider vinegar diet? Here’s what you need to know. What Is the Apple Cider Vinegar Diet? With the multitude of positive apple cider vinegar diet reviews and before-and-after shots out there, you may be wondering what this popular diet plan entails and how it can impact your health. As the name suggests, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a key component of the ACV diet plan. This food is a type of vinegar made from apple cider that has undergone fermentation, resulting in a final product that is lower in calories and sugar, plus packed with gut-boosting probiotics and healthy enzymes. There are several different versions of the organic apple cider vinegar diet, but it’s typically a very simple concept that involves consuming one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before or with each meal. Not only can this keep you feeling fuller for longer, but some also claim that it can boost metabolism, ramp up fat-burning and keep blood sugar levels steady to minimize hunger. Other variations also exist, many of which pair it with other ingredients used for weight loss. For example, some suggest consuming it with garcinia cambogia, a tropical species of plant that has been well-studied for its ability to reduce appetite and prevent weight gain. Eating apple cider vinegar and garcinia cambogia together is done in an effort to amplify results and speed up the metabolism. A combination of ACV and honey, or ACV and olive oil, can also be consumed before meals, often with other ingredients like spices or fruit juice added into the mix. Why Apple Cider Vinegar Works for Weight Loss: 6 Benefits 1. Enhances Satiety People often use ACV for weight loss thanks to its powerful impact on satiety and appetite. In fact, one study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that consuming apple cider vinegar with white bread not only decreased blood sugar levels, but it also increased feelings of satiety. This is a benefit that may be helpful for people with type 2 diabetes. Another study conducted by Arizona State University found that drinking vinegar with meals reduced caloric intake by 200–275 calories over the entire day, which could be incredibly beneficial for weight loss. You may find that consuming ACV with meals keeps you feeling full faster, and for a longer period of time, so add it to your diet if you’re trying to reduce calorie intake. 2. Boosts Fat-Burning When paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise, there’s no doubt that ACV helps with weight loss and fat-burning. Animal models show that acetic acid, one of the main compounds found in apple cider vinegar, can help block body fat accumulation by altering several specific genes and proteins involved in fat storage. Similarly, a small study out of Aichi, Japan found that drinking 15–30 milliliters of vinegar each day led to significant reductions in belly fat, body weight and waist circumference compared to a control group. 3. Stabilizes Blood Sugar One of the hallmark signs of low blood sugar is increased hunger and cravings. As blood sugar levels start to dip, hypoglycemia symptoms such as hunger, fatigue and weakness can start to set in. Fortunately, adding an apple cider vinegar weight loss drink to your daily routine can help stabilize blood sugar levels to prevent sudden spikes and crashes. One study actually found that drinking ACV helped reduce blood sugar levels after a meal by 31 percent. It’s also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which allows your body to use insulin more efficiently to optimize blood sugar control. 4. Increases Metabolism In addition to decreasing appetite and food intake, apple cider vinegar may also support weight loss by increasing your metabolism and bumping up the number of calories that your body burns each day. For example, an animal study conducted by the Central Research Institute actually suggeststhat certain compounds in apple cider vinegar, especially acetic acid, were effective at activating AMPK, a type of enzyme involved in metabolism and energy levels. Researchers noted that acetic acid has beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetes and supports healthy metabolism. 5. Improves Insulin Resistance Research indicates that ACV may improve insulin sensitivity to high-carbohydrate meals among adults with type 2 diabetes. A 2020 animal study published in the Journal of Diabetes Research found that daily consumption of apple cider vinegar can reduce the rise in blood sugar and lipid profile in rats with a high-calorie diet. A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis including nine studies shows that there are significant favorable effects of ACV consumption on fasting plasma glucose and blood lipid profiles. 6. Improves Cholesterol Levels A 2014 study published in the Journal of Membrane Biology found that ACV is able to lower cholesterol levels in mice fed high-cholesterol diets. Researchers suggest that the food possesses oxidative stress scavenging effects, increases antioxidant enzyme and vitamin levels, and inhibits the free radical chain reaction that causes bad cholesterol. The Apple Cider Vinegar Diet Plan Although there are several ways to add ACV into your daily health routine, it’s most common to drink a small amount before each meal. How much should you drink for weight loss? Drinking one to two tablespoons diluted with water before each meal is most often recommended. However, it’s best to start with a lower dose and gradually increase to ensure you’re able to tolerate it. Apple Cider Vinegar Diet Drink Recipe If you’re not a fan of drinking apple cider vinegar as is, there are many different apple cider vinegar diet recipe options out there that you can try out instead. Typically, these involve mixing ACV with some water, juice and a mix of herbs and spices to boost both the flavor and health benefits of the final product. For those just getting started, try Dr. Axe’s Secret Detox Drink, which is made from apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and hot water, along with some ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and raw honey. All of these compounds contain powerful medicinal properties that work together to support better health. Other Ways to Use ACV In addition to drinking your ACV, there are plenty of other possible apple cider vinegar uses to consider as well. For example, it can be used to make sauces, marinades and salad dressings, all of which can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, well-rounded apple cider vinegar diet. Apple cider vinegar pills are also available as a quick and convenient option for getting in your fix of ACV. However, research is limited on the effects of apple cider vinegar capsules, and it’s unclear whether or not they may boast the same health benefits. Besides weight loss, apple cider vinegar may even work to: Whiten teeth Kill bugs and fleas Treat poison ivy Enhance circulation Heal warts Promote skin health Relieve sunburns Risks and Side Effects What are the side effects of drinking apple cider vinegar, and can you drink it every day? Because of its acidity, some of the most common apple cider vinegar diet side effects include erosion of tooth enamel and burning of the throat or skin, especially if large amounts are consumed. To reduce the risk of adverse side effects, it’s important to keep intake in moderation and always dilute apple cider vinegar with water prior to consumption. As a general rule of thumb, each tablespoon should be mixed with about one cup of water. For some people, drinking it can cause negative symptoms like nausea or digestive issues, especially when first starting out. Be sure to start with a low dose and work your way up gradually to assess your tolerance. It may also not be advisable for those taking medications for diabetes, as it can lower blood sugar levels and interfere with your medications. If you notice any negative side effects or have any concerns, it’s best to consult with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you. Finally, keep in mind that the diet plan is unlikely to be effective unless paired with a nutritious, well-rounded diet and healthy lifestyle. Although ACV can help amplify results, it shouldn’t be viewed as a quick-fix for weight loss all on its own. Final Thoughts The apple cider vinegar diet involves consuming one to two tablespoons of ACV before each meal. In some cases, it may also be combined with other ingredients. Garcinia cambogia and apple cider vinegar diet, for example, is another popular variation, and many people also use honey and apple cider vinegar for weight loss as well. ACV can help promote weight loss by increasing metabolism, supporting satiety, boosting fat-burning and stabilizing blood sugar levels. There are plenty of detox drinks and ACV recipes ideas out there, making it easy to squeeze in a few servings throughout your day. In order to maximize apple cider vinegar diet plan weight loss results, be sure to combine ACV with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. To read the original article click here.

The post Apple Cider Vinegar Diet: Does It Work for Weight Loss? appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

How Your Uric Acid Levels Could Hold the Key to Optimizing Your Mental & Physical Health

AHA Publisher — Wed, 25 May 2022 07:00:15 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – In this podcast (episode #381) and blog, I talk to best-selling author Dr. David Perlmutter about his new book Drop Acid: The Surprising New Science of Uric Acid-The Key to Losing Weight, Controlling Blood Sugar, and Achieving Extraordinary Health, strategies to control uric acid levels in your diet and improve your health, and so much more! As Dr. David points out, uric acid, a byproduct of foods and drinks that are high in fructose or contain a lot of purines, is something we do not often think about when it comes to our health. Yet it actually plays an important role in our metabolism and overall mental and physical wellbeing. Even though people have been researching uric acid for decades, it has not gotten the attention it deserved until recently. Many recent studies have shown how uric acid levels are an important signal for food scarcity. It is a primitive mechanism that lets our body know that it needs to make fat, raise blood pressure and blood sugar to prevent death. This was a powerful survival mechanism for much of our evolutionary history; however, in our world today, it can be dangerous. For the first time in recent history, our life expectancy levels are declining (even pre-COVID). In part, this may be due to high uric acid levels and the effect they have on our metabolic health. When we disrupt our metabolism, we set the stage for acute and chronic health issues, insulin resistance, diabetes, depression, anxiety, coronary artery disease, stroke, cancer, dementias, and more, which are some of the leading causes of distress, disease and death in our world today. Thankfully, controlling uric acid levels is a lot easier than controlling things like blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is easy to check uric acid levels through a blood test online, and our bodies are incredibly responsive to the changes we make to reduce uric acid levels and reach optimal health, including: Changing our diet. Studies have shown how just changing the way we eat can improve our overall health and increase our lifespan, including reducing our uric acid levels. One great way to do this is to by reducing the fructose levels in our diet. This doesn’t mean avoiding all fruit or foods that contain fructose. It just means managing how much fruit you eat, and what kinds of fruit you eat. For example, it is much better to eat an apple with its fiber and other components than drinking lots of apple juice, which is very high in concentrated fructose and impacts our uric acid levels directly. It is also helpful to consume more foods and drinks that help reduce uric acid levels, such as coffee (even decaf!) and tart cherries. Supplements like quercetin can also help reduce uric acid levels. Improving your lifestyle, including getting better quality sleep and moving more. Identifying common pharmaceuticals that threaten to increase uric acid, and working with a medical professional to find alternatives if you are worried about your uric acid levels. To read the original article click here.

The post How Your Uric Acid Levels Could Hold the Key to Optimizing Your Mental & Physical Health appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Tissue Engineering Could Provide Diabetes Cure

AHA Publisher — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 07:00:03 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – A novel approach to treating type 2 diabetes under development at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology uses tissue engineering to create muscle cells that absorb sugar at increased rates. Diabetic mice treated in this manner displayed normal blood sugar levels for months after a single autograft procedure using their own enhanced muscle cells. The tissue-engineering treatment is part of a research study led by Prof. Shulamit Levenberg and PhD Student Rita Beckerman from the Technion’s Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory. “By taking cells from the patient and treating them, we eliminate the risk of rejection,” Levenberg explained. Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance and cells’ reduced inability to absorb sugar, leading to increased blood-sugar levels. Its long-term complications include heart disease, strokes, retina damage, kidney failure and poor blood flow in the limbs. Although this chronic and common disease can be treated by a combination of lifestyle changes, medication and insulin injections, ultimately it is associated with a 10-year reduction in life expectancy. Currently around 34 million Americans suffer from diabetes, mostly type 2. An effective treatment could significantly improve both quality of life and life expectancy. The same method could also be used to treat various enzyme deficiency disorders. Researchers observed that the engineered muscle cells not only absorbed sugar correctly, improving blood-sugar levels, but also induced improved absorption in the mice’s other muscle cells. ‘ After the procedure, the mice remained diabetes-free for four months – the entire period they remained under observation. Their blood-sugar levels remained lower, and they had reduced levels of fatty liver normally seen in type 2 diabetes. Findings from the study, funded by Rina and Avner Schneur as part of the Rina and Avner Schneur Center for Diabetes Research, were recently published in Science Advances. Other scientists participating in the study are from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev; The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto; and Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City. To read the original article click here.

The post Tissue Engineering Could Provide Diabetes Cure appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

A Cure for Diabetes?

AHA Publisher — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 07:00:03 +0000

American Technion Society via Newswise – A novel approach to treating type 2 diabetes is being developed at the Technion. The disease, caused by insulin resistance and reduction of cells’ ability to absorb sugar, is characterised by increased blood sugar levels. Its long-term complications include heart disease, strokes, damage to the retina that can result in blindness, kidney failure, and poor blood flow in the limbs that may lead to amputations. It is currently treated by a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and insulin injections, but ultimately is associated with a 10-year reduction in life expectancy. Led by Professor Shulamit Levenberg, Ph.D. student Rita Beckerman from the Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory in the Technion’s Faculty of Biomedical Engineering presents a novel treatment approach, using an autograft of muscle cells engineered to take in sugar at increased rates. Mice treated in this manner displayed normal blood sugar levels for months after a single procedure. The group’s findings were recently published in Science Advances. Muscle cells are among the main targets of insulin, and they are supposed to absorb sugar from the blood. In their study, Prof. Levenberg’s group isolated muscle cells from mice and engineered these cells to present more insulin-activated sugar transporters (GLUT4). These cells were then grown to form an engineered muscle tissue, and finally transported back into the abdomen of diabetic mice. The engineered cells not only proceeded to absorb sugar correctly, improving blood sugar levels, but also induced improved absorption in the mice’s other muscle cells, by means of signals sent between them. After this one treatment, the mice remained cured of diabetes for four months – the entire period they remained under observation. Their blood sugar levels remained lower, and they had reduced levels of fatty liver normally displayed in type 2 diabetes. “By taking cells from the patient and treating them, we eliminate the risk of rejection,” Prof. Levenberg explained. These cells can easily integrate back into being part of the body and respond to the body’s signalling activity. Currently around 34 million Americans, just over 1 in 10, suffer from diabetes, 90% of them from type 2 diabetes. An effective treatment – and one that is a one-time treatment rather than daily medication – could significantly improve both quality of life and life expectancy of those who have diabetes. The same method could also be used to treat various enzyme deficiency disorders. To read the original article click here.

The post A Cure for Diabetes? appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Keto Smoothie Recipe with Avocado, Chia Seeds & Cacao

AHA Publisher — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 07:00:45 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Have you heard about the keto diet? It’s possibly the best diet for weight loss, and it can even reverse insulin resistance and reduce cardiovascular risk factors, according to recent research. No wonder more and more people are starting to go “keto.” My keto smoothie is an easy way to get started. It includes protein foods and healthy fats, while being very low in carbohydrates. All of the ingredients in this smoothie are nutritious, heart healthy and keto-friendly — plus, they’re delicious! What Does “Going Keto” Mean? “Going keto” means putting your body into a state of ketosis, which is a metabolic state that occurs when most of the body’s energy comes from ketone bodies in the blood, rather than from glucose (or sugar). On the keto diet, you are tricking your body into thinking it’s fasting by eliminating glucose that is found in carbohydrate foods. Your body begins burning fat for energy rather than carbohydrates, so after going keto, most people lose excess body fat rapidly, even when consuming lots of fats and adequate calories through their diet. The ketogenic diet, like any other low-carb diet, works through the elimination of glucose. Our bodies normally run on glucose for energy, but once glucose is no longer available from food sources, we begin to burn stored fat for energy instead. This process will not only help you to shed those extra pounds, but it also helps to control the release of hormones like insulin, which plays a role in the development of diabetes and other health problems. Nutrition Facts One serving of this keto smoothie recipe using cacao powder and without toppings contains the following, including only 6.1 net carbs (total carb grams minus fiber grams): 394.5 calories 40.1 grams fat 11.64 grams carbohydrates 5.5 grams fiber 3.68 grams protein 2.52 grams sugar 22 milligrams sodium 189.5 milligrams magnesium (45.1 percent DV) 6.85 milligrams iron (38.1 percent DV) 328.5 milligrams phosphorus (26.3 percent DV) 2.45 milligrams vitamin E (16.3 percent DV) 2.49 milligrams niacin (15.5 percent DV) 0.17 milligrams thiamin (14.2 percent DV) 0.16 milligrams riboflavin (12.3 percent DV) 36 micrograms folate (9 percent DV) 96 milligrams calcium (7.4 percent DV) 0.73 milligrams zinc (6.6 percent DV) 229 milligrams potassium (4.9 percent DV) 0.073 milligrams vitamin B6 (4.3 percent DV) 2.5 milligrams vitamin C (2.8 percent DV) How to Make A Keto Smoothie A keto smoothie is made up of healthy fats and protein, all foods that are naturally low in carbohydrates. Using a high-powered blender, add in these heart-healthy, keto diet–friendly foods. My keto smoothie recipe starts with 1 to 1¼ cups of full-fat coconut milk as the base. Coconut milk contains a beneficial fat called lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that’s easily absorbed and used by the body for energy. It serves as a great keto diet food. Next add in 1 tablespoon of chia seeds (soaked in 3 tablespoons of water for 10 minutes), which contain essential fatty acids, plus vitamins A, B, E and D and minerals including iron, magnesium, niacin and thiamine. And then add 1 tablespoons of your favorite nut butter to the mix, whether it’s almond butter or even sunflower seed butter. (I recommend that you avoid peanut butter.) For the next ingredient for this keto smoothie, you have a choice of either 2 teaspoons of cacao nibs, cacao powder or cocoa powder, or 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder. Protein powder made from bone broth is packed with protein, low in carbs and low in sugar. You can get the benefits of bone broth easily by adding it to your keto smoothie. Cacao nibs or powder is also healthful and packed with nutrients that fuel the body. The last two ingredients for my keto smoothie are ½ frozen avocado and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Adding avocado to this smoothie will give it a delicious creamy texture and its an excellent source of healthy fats, which is especially important when you’re going keto. Now all you have to do is blend the ingredients until they are well-combined, adding water if necessary, and you’re done! If you want to add some bulk to the texture of your keto smoothie, or if you don’t have a frozen avocado on hand, add in some ice, too. Top your keto smoothie with cacao nibs and cinnamon, and enjoy! Keto Smoothie Recipe with Avocado, Chia Seeds & Cacao DESCRIPTION My keto smoothie is an easy way to get started on the keto diet, or just as a great breakfast. It includes protein foods and healthy fats, while being very low in carbohydrates. All of the ingredients in this smoothie are nutritious, heart healthy and keto-friendly — plus, they’re delicious! INGREDIENTS 1–1¼ cups full-fat coconut milk ½ frozen avocado 1 tablespoon nut butter of choice 1 tablespoon chia seeds, soaked in 3 tablespoons of water for 10minutes 2 teaspoons cacao nibs, cacao powder or cocoa powder OR 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder made from bone broth 1 tablespoon coconut oil ice (optional*) for topping: cacao nibs and cinnamon ¼ cup water, if needed INSTRUCTIONS Add contents into a high-powered blender, blending until well-combined. Top with cacao nibs and cinnamon. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

The post Keto Smoothie Recipe with Avocado, Chia Seeds & Cacao appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

This Protein Boosts Mice Life Expectancy by an Average 30%

AHA Publisher — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 07:00:53 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – Life expectancy was increased by an average of 30 percent in male and female mice engineered to have high levels of a protein called SIRT6, a team of international scientists reported in the journal Nature Communications. The mice also were better able to overcome age-related diseases such as cancer and blood disorders, and remained vigorous as they aged rather than becoming frail. The study was led by Prof. Haim Cohen, director of the Sagol Healthy Human Longevity Center at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. Cohen’s research has long focused on how SIRT6 is involved in regulating biological processes such as aging, obesity and insulin resistance. The team used biochemical methods and metabolic analyses to uncover the mechanism through which SIRT6 acts as a type of “fountain of youth.” Whereas older animals generally experience a decline in energy, the bodies of mice with extra SIRT6 broke down fats and lactic acid to create sugar utilized for energy in their muscles and brain. “This discovery, combined with our previous findings, shows that SIRT6 controls the rate of healthy aging,” said Cohen. “If we can determine how to activate it in humans, we will be able to prolong life, and this could have enormous health and economic implications.” Cohen did the study with his PhD student Asael Roichman; Prof. Eyal Gottlieb from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology; Prof. Rafael de Cabo of the National Institute on Aging at the US National Institutes of Health; and Prof. Manuel Serrani of the Institute for Research in Biomedicine in Barcelona. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

The post This Protein Boosts Mice Life Expectancy by an Average 30% appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Green Mediterranean Diet Cuts Liver Disease by Half

AHA Publisher — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 08:00:59 +0000

Naama Barak via Israel21c – A green Mediterranean diet – the regular vegetable-loaded one, only with the addition of walnuts and green shakes – reduces the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by half, Israeli researchers recently showed. NAFLD affects 25 to 30 percent of people in the United States and Europe. While some fat is normal in the liver, excessive fat leads to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk. Since no drug is available to treat fatty liver, the only intervention is weight loss and curtailing of alcohol consumption. In an 18-month trial conducted at the Negev Nuclear Research Center in Israel, researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and international colleagues divided 294 workers in their fifties suffering from abdominal obesity into three dietary groups: a healthy dietary regimen, a Mediterranean diet and a green Mediterranean diet. They also gave them all a free gym membership. The workers underwent MRI scans to quantify their excess fat content before and after the trial. While results showed that all the diets led to liver fat reduction, NAFLD prevalence dropped from 62% at baseline to 31.5% in the green Mediterranean diet group, to 47.9% in the Mediterranean group and to 54.8% in the healthy dietary regimen group. The results were recently published in the Gut journal. The green Mediterranean diet prescribed to the nuclear research workers was rich in vegetables and included less processed and red meat. It also included a daily intake of 28 grams of walnuts and was enriched with green components including three to four cups of green tea every day and 100 grams of frozen cubes per day of a Mankai green shake. Mankai, also known as duckweed, is an aquatic green plant that is high in iron, B12, vitamins and minerals. A similar study at BGU last summer looked at the effect of a green Mediterranean diet on weight loss. “Addressing this common liver disease by targeted lifestyle intervention might promote a more effective nutritional strategy,” says Ben-Gurion’s Anat Yaskolka-Meir. “This clinical trial demonstrates an effective nutritional tool for NAFLD beyond weight loss.” To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

The post Green Mediterranean Diet Cuts Liver Disease by Half appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.