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Research Links Excessive Oxalates to Breast Cancer

The AHA! Team — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:46:57 +0000

Dr. Veronique Desaulniers via NaturalHealth365 – A study conducted by the National University of Cordova in Argentina compared the oxalate levels of breast cancer tumor tissue and regular breast tissue. They found that “all tested breast tumor tissues contain a higher concentration of oxalates than their counterpart non-pathological breast tissue.” Information about little-known compounds called oxalates can be confusing and conflicting. They are often equated with the “bad” substances in foods, but, in reality, oxalates are neither good nor bad. They can become problematic, however, when too many of them accumulate in the body. When there are too many oxalates – they can overwhelm the kidneys and lead to kidney stones and immune deficiency. Furthermore, research indicates that high levels of oxalate in the mammary area have been linked to breast cancer tumor growth as well. The body itself forms most oxalates Oxalates (COOH), or oxalic acid, are strongly acidic substances that help plants and animals metabolize. The body’s functions form about 60% to 80% of oxalates. The other 20 to 40% of oxalates come from food. Most fruits and vegetables contain a small amount of oxalic acid, and they are found in the leaves of plants as opposed to the roots, stalks, and stems. The following foods contain a high amount of oxalates overall: Rhubarb Chocolate Spinach Beet greens Swiss chard Some nuts, especially almonds, cashews, and peanuts Some berries, especially gooseberries Lemon and lime peel Some grains and pasta (except brown rice) Some legumes, especially navy beans, black beans, and soybeans Okra Parsley How are oxalates linked to breast cancer? Oxalates are oxidizing substances. As such, they are extremely volatile and can damage tissue in large amounts. Oxalate crystals cause the formation of kidney stones, which can block the flow of urine and lead to kidney infection and bladder cancer. These crystals are also razor sharp and can cause direct damage and long-lasting inflammation to whatever internal tissues they come into contact with. Oxalate-iron crystals can lead to iron depletion. When calcium-oxalate crystals form, they can lodge in internal organs and bone. As they grow, they crowd out bone marrow, leading to immune deficiency and anemia. Excess oxalates also can chelate heavy metals. However, oxalates trap metals like mercury and lead in tissues, unlike other chelators. Excess oxalate has been linked to fibromyalgia, vulvodynia (vulvar pain), digestive disorders, and autism. The most startling new connection between excess oxalates and disease has to do with breast cancer, however. A study conducted by the National University of Cordova in Argentina compared the oxalate levels of breast cancer tumor tissue and regular breast tissue. They found that “all tested breast tumor tissues contain a higher concentration of oxalates than their counterpart non-pathological breast tissue.” The researchers also discovered that oxalic acid caused tumor proliferation and stimulated the expression of pro-tumor genes. Surprisingly, proliferation did not happen when oxalate was injected into the backs of laboratory mice. This indicates that high oxalate levels do not induce cancer tumor growth in all types of tissue. Three ways to reduce your oxalate levels Obtain calcium from natural foods, not calcium supplements. Calcium has an interesting relationship with oxalates. Approximately 5-15% of the world population will develop some form of kidney stone. Of those, 80% will be calcium-oxalate stones. When calcium is combined with foods that are high in oxalates within the intestines, the two together form an oxalate-calcium crystal that the body cannot absorb. When this happens, a “stone” is formed that will make its way to the kidneys to eventually be eliminated in the urine. The presence of oxalate-calcium crystals, which can block urine flow and cause kidney infection, can also lead to a higher risk of renal, pelvis, and bladder cancers. These same kinds of crystals can also form in the lungs, nerves, brain, bones, blood vessels, and joints. Does this mean you should limit calcium intake if you are prone to kidney stones? Not necessarily. Research conducted on vegetarians found that they did not have higher-than-normal rates of calcium deficiency or osteoporosis caused by oxalate interference. In fact, according to a study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology, vegetarians had a lower rate of kidney stones than meat eaters did. Those who consumed calcium supplements regularly, however, have shown time and again to have higher rates of kidney stones. Calcium supplementation has also been linked to both prostate and breast cancer. Stick to natural and preferably vegetable and fruit-based calcium sources to avoid kidney stones and cancer. Be aware of your protein intake. Be cautious about protein, especially if it is derived from meat and dairy. Oxalates are produced from amino acids in the liver. Amino acids are the building blocks on which proteins are made so some researchers make the connection between total protein amounts and total oxalates formed. For meat-eating women, the general recommendation is around 5 ounces a day. This is equivalent to a small hamburger patty or four eggs. The USDA states that, on average, Americans eat 30% more meat protein than the recommended allowance. Maintain good intestinal flora. According to research, some individuals have a physiology prone to higher levels of oxalate uptake in the digestive tract (thus, a higher risk of kidney stones). Although there is evidence to suggest that hereditary disposition plays a role for some people, there is also a strong link between kidney stone formation and disorders of the digestive system, such as inflammatory bowel disease, leaky gut, and Crohn’s. Could oxalate hyper-absorption have more to do with extreme gut flora imbalance than genetics? The jury is still out on that one. What is known, however, is that it is the job of specific flora, in particular, certain species of Oxalobacter formigenes, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacteria, to process oxalic acid and prepare it for absorption. Currently, there are several studies underway which focus on the role of oral probiotics in this process. Let food work for you to keep oxalate levels in balance Remember that problems only emerge when there is an excess of oxalates in the system. The standard American diet contributes to oxalate overload, but you can also keep it in check by being proactive with prevention. Eating antioxidant-rich food, consuming citrate-rich lemon and lime juice (which experts say can help prevent calcium-oxalate kidney stones), staying hydrated, and watching your salt intake are other ways to keep kidney stones in check. Also, don’t let the fear of kidney stones prevent you from getting adequate amounts of vitamin C and D. One of the ways that oxalates are formed is through conversion from vitamin C. However, studies thus far have been inclusive as to whether high vitamin C intake actually leads to increased oxalate production. In regards to vitamin D, deficiency of this vital substance has reached pandemic proportions in the developed world, including among those who have experienced kidney stones. Be sure to get your levels checked the next time you get blood work done. Maintaining a healthy balance of all substances in the body, including oxalates, is the only way to achieve and experience true health naturally. Editor’s note: For the finest quality vitamin C and D plus many other supplements, shop LuvByNature today. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov Oxfordjournals.org MDPI.com NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov Sciencedaily.com Scientificamerican.com Nutrition.org To read the original article click here.

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ALERT: How Drinking Soda Can Damage Your Kidney Function, Study Warns

AHA Publisher — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 07:00:21 +0000

News Staff via NaturalHealth365 – We’ve all seen advertisements of people guzzling ice-cold soft drinks on a hot summer day. But, while drinking a cold soda on a hot day may sound appealing to some people, a recent study published in the American Journal of Physiology warns that it may damage your kidneys. In fact, the study warns that drinking soda in the heat can have a particularly adverse effect on your kidney function. What Happens to Your Body When You Exercise in the Heat? When it’s hot, your body reacts by sweating more to cool off. If you exercise in hot weather, your body reduces blood flow to your kidneys so it can conserve water and regulate blood pressure. When blood flow to your kidneys is sharply reduced, your kidneys get less oxygen, and consequently, acute kidney injury can occur. Research shows exertion in high temperatures causes an increase in biomarkers of kidney injury. So exercising on a hot summer day already puts your kidneys at risk of dehydration and harm, even before adding soft drinks into the mix. But if you do reach for that cold soda, the risk to your kidneys is even more profound. Why Drinking Soda Is Damaging to Your Kidneys According to the study, drinking soda after laboring or exercising in hot weather increases dehydration, putting your kidneys in danger. In the study, volunteers performed manual labor in 95-degree Fahrenheit weather. Biomarkers for kidney function were measured before and after exercise. Some participants drank water immediately after exertion, and some drank soda. Researchers saw a jump in dehydration and markers for kidney injury in the participants who drank soda, including higher levels of uric acid and vasopressin. Researchers concluded that drinking soda during and immediately after exercise in heat does not rehydrate the body. Instead, soda induces acute kidney injury. In addition, because soda contains high amounts of fructose and often caffeine, it does much more harm than good. These findings are startling. Many people consume much higher amounts of fructose than what is safe and more protein than necessary, which can also imperil kidney function. Additionally, processed foods, in general, are detrimental to our health and children’s health. How to Protect Your Kidneys So how can you keep your kidneys safe and healthy in the summer heat and beyond? A few simple dietary habits can ensure you’re taking care of your kidneys as well as possible. Drinking plenty of clean, pure water is essential. When you choose water over high-fructose drinks, you’ll help keep your kidneys hydrated and functioning smoothly. Eating a diet rich in organic fresh fruits and vegetables has many health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, which is good news for your kidneys. Several super foods are especially good for your kidneys, including cherries, red bell peppers, watermelon, and kale. To support optimal kidney function, you might also want to add these great foods into your diet: ginger, turmeric, nettle, and yarrow. Your kidneys are vital for good health. They work hard daily to filter your blood and flush out impurities through urination. Opting for a tall glass of cold filtered water over highly processed sugar-filled soft drinks will help prevent kidney injury and keep these precious organs working well. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org Journals.physiology.org To read the original article click here.

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Discover 3 Powerful Herbs that Improve Liver Health

AHA Publisher — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 07:00:04 +0000

Natalie Robins via NaturalHealth365 – Along with the skin, kidneys, and intestinal tract, the liver is one of the body’s main organs for removing poisons from your body. The liver does a lot to keep toxins from building up inside your body and causing you harm, but you still need to take care of it so it can keep looking after you. You can help with detoxification or by taking natural remedies to help improve liver health. Many natural health experts recommend three powerful herbs: burdock, dandelion greens, and milk thistle. In fact, convincing research supports the role these herbs have in promoting liver health, and you can easily add them into your daily routine. Learn How to Improve Liver Health Quickly and Naturally The liver helps remove toxins from your body, allows metabolism to occur, and helps regulate hormone production. Common liver diseases include cirrhosis, hepatitis A, B, and C, plus fatty liver disease. You can help protect your liver by eating organic food, proper hygiene, and cleaning up your immediate living space by avoiding personal care products loaded with toxic chemicals, plus purifying your air and water supply daily. But, in some cases, herbal remedies may be helpful. Which Herbs Are Best to Help Detoxify the Body and Improve Liver Health? Burdock, or Arctium lappa, is an herb whose roots can be eaten as a vegetable like it is commonly done in Asia. It has a diuretic effect, and the excess urination it produces can help lower your blood pressure. It is also known as a diaphoretic – which means it increases sweating. Remember, one of the best ways to detoxify the body is through sweat. Another important benefit of burdock root is its high antioxidant content. The antioxidants in burdock root can help protect the liver against poisonous substances. In addition, burdock can cleanse the liver, allowing it to do a better job of detoxifying the blood. Dr. de Souza Predes from the Department of Biological Sciences at the Universidade Estadual do Paraná in Brazil and colleagues recently published research investigating the ability of burdock to improve liver health. The authors found that “the liver function indicators showed that A. lappa [burdock] protected the liver against cadmium toxicity damage.” You can eat burdock root like a vegetable by cooking it. You can steam or roast it or make a stir fry dish, as Asian cultures might do, with toasted sesame oil, non-GMO soy sauce, and organic chili flakes. Dandelion roots and leaves can help improve liver health, especially in the case of hepatitis C. Taraxin, the active compound in dandelion, is a choleretic, which means that it stimulates bile production by the liver. This aids in fat absorption and digestion, and another benefit is to fight constipation. You can cook dandelion greens with other greens or on their own with onions and garlic. You can also use dandelion root to make tea. Just keep in mind, these greens are bitter to taste. Milk thistle is another herb known for its liver health benefits. It has been used to help treat chronic liver disease and hepatitis B and C. Its active component is a compound called silymarin, and like, dandelion, it is a choleretic. Milk thistle seeds are most potent, but you can also eat the rest of the plant. For example, you can stew the stems and seeds after removing the prickles and roast or boil the roots. It’s always best to remove any known toxic agents, from your life, before starting any supplemental routine. Of course, when dealing with a severe health condition, it’s best to work with an experienced healthcare provider to develop a plan of action. By taking better care of yourself, you can put your liver in a better position to take care of yourself. Depending on your situation, plant remedies usually will provide a powerful yet safe way to improve overall health without harmful side effects. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Brain Detox: Is It Time for a Cleanse? (Plus How to Do It)

AHA Publisher — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 08:00:58 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Your liver and kidneys might normally get all the credit when it comes to detoxification, but did you know that your body also has another extensive system in place that helps detoxify your brain? If you’re wondering what a “brain detox” is all about — or “how can I clean my brain?” — you’ve come to the right place. Below we cover what exactly a brain detox entails, whether or not you really require one to maintain normal brain activity, and tips for boosting your mental health even if you don’t want to actually do a “cleanse.” What Is the Glymphatic System? The glymphatic system refers to the system of blood vessels in the body that removes waste products from the brain and central nervous system. The glymphatic system is most active while you sleep, which is why getting a good night’s rest is imperative for feeling mentally sharp. How does the glymphatic system work? This system depends on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which enters spaces next to smaller blood vessels that lead to the brain. CSF interchanges with interstitial fluid, the fluid surrounding the brain cells. This helps form a glymphatic vasculature that “detoxifies” the brain by collecting waste, such as proteins (including the protein called beta-amyloid, which may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease), metabolites, toxins, etc. This system then carries this waste away from your brain and through your body so it can be dispelled. While we’re sleeping, there is increased glymphatic activity due to greater availability of space between interstitial and cerebrospinal fluid. Exercise can also boost glymphatic activity, according to some studies. When the glymphatic system becomes disrupted, it’s thought that this can contribute to some diseases of the brain, as well as symptoms like brain fog and poor memory. Researchers now believe that a well-functioning “clearance system” in the nervous system is critical for prevention of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease and ALS. Many experts believe that your brain’s glymphatic system may need to work harder if you’re exposed to many toxins, especially over a long period of time. Toxin exposure that affects the brain can be caused by: Eating a highly processed diet with inflammatory foods High intake of alcohol Drug and tobacco use Use of some medications Exposure to foreign substances, such as heavy metals and environmental pollutants While not a toxin, sleep deprivation is also linked to impaired mental capabilities. Aging also disrupts glymphatic function, such as by decreasing CSF and blood flow to the brain/pulsing of the arteries, although healthy habits can help slow this down. What Is a Brain Detox/Brain Cleanse? A brain detox, or brain cleanse, is intended to help protect against neurodegenerative diseases and decrease symptoms related to poor brain function. Why do people try brain cleanses? Usually to help manage symptoms such as: Fatigue Brain fog Anxiety Depression Memory loss Brain injury and stroke Addictions This type of cleanse usually involves steps such as prioritizing sleep, taking certain supplements that may help support brain function, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, exercising and fasting if appropriate. While all of these habits can be beneficial for overall mental and physical well-being, most experts don’t believe that a strict “brain cleanse” is actually necessary to support healthy cognitive function. Instead, consistently leading a healthy lifestyle seems to offer the most benefits and protection against mental/cognitive health issues. How to Detox Your Brain How do you do a mental detox? Here’s how to detox your brain according to research regarding mental health: 1. Get Enough Sleep Getting enough sleep each night is one of the best ways to support your brain’s natural detoxification processes. Most adults need about seven to nine hours of sleep per night to operate at their best. Here are tips for helping you get the best sleep you can: Go to bed and wake up at approximately the same time every day, including on the weekends/your days off. This helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which controls your energy, motivation, appetite and more. Sleep in a very dark and cool room. Try white noise to help drown out disturbances. Read something relaxing to calm your mind. If racing thoughts keep you up, try journaling before bed. Establish a bedtime routine that is calming, such as by taking a warm shower, stretching, lighting candles, etc. Exercise during the day to help you sleep better at night. Close to bedtime, try gentler activities that won’t keep you awake, such as light yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises. Spend time outdoors each day in the sun and in nature, which is beneficial for boosting vitamin D levels, relaxation and controlling stress. Consider trying supplements, such as melatonin (which should be used short term), 5HTP, and herbs like valerian root, kava and ashwagandha. 2. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet Due to the gut-brain connection, your diet plays a pivotal role in managing your cognitive health. Gut-related and intestinal problems, such as leaky gut syndrome, can increase inflammation, which can alter how well your organs work, including the brain, and can contribute to issues such as depression, fatigue, anxiety and lack of concentration/focus. Your brain needs a steady supply of nutrients — including protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals — for you to feel your best. Emphasize these “brain foods” in your diet in order to fight free radical damage and boost your nutrient intake: Vegetables, such as leafy greens, beets, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, etc. (fruits and veggies are both high in bioflavonoids, carotenes, polyphenols, thiols, anthocyanins, and other vitamins and minerals that fight free radical damage) Fresh fruits, including berries, oranges, etc. Herbs and spices, such as ginger, turmeric, garlic, rosemary, etc. Fermented, probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut Nuts and seeds Legumes and beans Complex carbs like whole grains and sweet potatoes Grass-fed meats Wild-caught fish, including salmon, sardines and mackerel Pastured poultry and free-range eggs Foods high in copper, vitamin C and manganese, which are all important for their roles in detoxification, such as citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, mushrooms, organ meats, spirulina and algae Healthy fats, such as avocados, olive oil, coconut oil and grass-fed butter You also want to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, which is important for supporting your lymphatic system and keeping your energy up, in addition to green tea, herbal tea and and coffee In addition to eating a diet that includes lots of foods with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic effects, you want to avoid foods that can aggravate inflammation, autoimmune reactions and oxidative stress. These include processed meats, foods with processed vegetable oils and trans fats, added sugar, and highly processed foods in general. You may want to consider trying an elimination diet if you deal with digestive issues, brain fog or acid reflux/heartburn. If this sounds like you, it may help to avoid these aggravating foods: Large and heavy meals, especially close to bedtime Spicy and acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, vinegars and peppers Caffeine from coffee and chocolate Alcohol Mint 3. Exercise There’s some evidence suggesting that exercise may increase glymphatic activity and also improve brain plasticity, which plays a role in learning and memory. Additionally, exercise can help you cope with stress, sleep more deeply and have more energy in general. Most adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, which can be divided into shorter sessions. High intensity exercise (HIIT workouts) can also benefit brain health in various ways, such as by increasing blood flow to the brain, supporting mitochondrial function and potentially staving off dementia. Ideally try mixing up your workouts to keep things interesting and to challenge your body, such as by running, lighting weights, walking, hiking, cycling, doing tai chi or yoga, dancing, etc. 4. Intermittent Fast Fasting seems to help protect the brain against neurological diseases by influencing certain proteins involved in brain aging and by decreasing oxidative stress/inflammation. According to BrainFacts.org: In lab animals, fasting, as well as exercise, stimulates the production of a protein in nerve cells called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. This protein plays critical roles in learning, memory, and the generation of new nerve cells in the hippocampus. Its effect on mitochondrial activity also positively affects the brain. Some research, mostly from animal studies, has demonstrated that fasting may help boost working memory, alertness, learning, and can also improve physical performance and energy. 5. Minimize Toxin Exposure While avoiding all chemicals and toxins may not realistic, try to reduce exposure as much as your can, such as by avoiding smoking, drug use and unnecessary medications. Cut back on exposure to contaminants by choosing natural/organic beauty and household products and buying organic food whenever possible. This limits the amount of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals you ingest. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to heavy metals (such as due to eating farmed fish, contaminated water, dental fillings and household products), consider visiting a naturopathic doctor for testing and possible chelation therapy. Your doctor may also recommend detoxifying treatments, such as infrared sauna sessions. 6. Consider Supplements You can help support your body’s natural ability to detox by taking certain nootropics, adaptogenic herbs and supplements that nourish the liver, kidneys, gut and brain. Consider some of the following, based on your goals and current health: Milk thistle for liver support Medicinal mushrooms for general immune support NAD+ for mitochondrial support L-glutamine for gastrointestinal support Vitamin C for antioxidant support Green tea extract for a boost in energy and antioxidant effects Probiotics for gut support and maintaining a healthy microbiome Risks and Side Effects If most of the interventions above are new to you, take things slowly to prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed. Too much too soon may even wind up making you feel worse before you start feeling better. What are the signs of your body detoxing? While these side effects may not necessarily be caused by a brain detox, generally speaking when you start a new diet, supplement routine or exercise program, you may temporarily deal with side effects such as: Headaches Fatigue and poor sleep Frequent urination Loose stools and digestive upset Cravings for sugary foods and carbs Nausea Muscle aches Irritability These should go away within one to two weeks — however, if they worsen or persist, it’s a good idea to scale back and speak with a doctor. You should also seek your doctor’s advice before beginning a brain detox/cleanse if you have existing health issues, such as liver or kidney disease, diabetes, or Alzheimer’s disease. Conclusion A brain detox, or brain cleanse, is intended to help protect against neurodegenerative diseases and decrease symptoms such as fatigue, moodiness and lack of concentration/focus. A brain detox can help support the glymphatic system, which refers to the system of blood vessels in the body that removes waste products from the brain and central nervous system. Getting enough sleep each night is one of the best ways to support your brain’s natural detoxification process. Other interventions that are included in a brain cleanse/brain detox include eating an anti-inflammatory diet, exercising, fasting, sauna therapy, and taking nootropic and herbal supplements. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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The 6 Systems that Detox the Body and What You Can Do to Aid the Body’s Natural Detox

AHA Publisher — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 07:00:39 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – What does it mean to detox the body? It means helping the body’s systems that identify, filter and eliminate harmful substances and invaders. These toxins have made their way into the body through digestion, breathing, and cellular functions. And, it’s never been more needed. No other generations have been exposed to as many man-made chemicals, toxins, and compounds as the current ones. We breathe toxic air, we drink water with toxic substances and heavy metals, we eat highly processed foods with harmful additives and chemicals, we use medications and antibiotics to fight many conditions and microbes, and many of us have unhealthy bodies from sedentary lifestyles. It can seem a bit dismal. However, you can help detox the body. Your body has incredible, high-functions systems made to detoxify itself. And, you can do your part by giving these systems nutrients that fortify them while avoiding ones. Do you know which systems could use your help? The 6 systems that detox the body? Here’s which ones they are, and what you can do to help them. The 6 Systems That Detox and Cleanse the Body 1. THE LIVER The liver is an extremely important organ and is involved in digestion, hormonal balance, and overall functioning of the body. What’s more, it’s at the center of the main detox system for the body (1). You can think of the liver as the “mailroom” of the body. It takes in packages from digestion, sorts them, delivers usable compounds to the blood, and works to eliminate harmful ones. The liver helps detox the body by: Removing and/or inactivated toxin substances that make their way into the body via digestion. These include toxic components of foods, medications, etc. Extracting toxic byproducts found in the blood. These are often the result of cellular breakdown. The liver transforms that for excretion by the kidneys and/or intestines. Providing Kupffer’s cells to filter and destroy harmful foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and more. Eliminating toxic metabolites that result from intestinal fermentation and putrefaction. Producing bile that aids detox in the intestines And, you can help your liver! Work to reduce the toxic load on this organ by being mindful of what you consume. 2. THE KIDNEYS Next, the kidneys are a vital part of detoxifying the body. They purify the blood from harmful substances. These substances include toxic compounds from medications and chemicals. The kidneys filter these substances and deliver them to the urine for excretion. To do this important work, the kidneys must be in good working order. They should not be damaged or dehydrated. They work best when not bogged down with too high a concentration of toxins, especially synthetic ones. What’s more, high (or low) blood pressure can stand in the way of healthy kidney function. A healthy weight, hydration, and a good diet all support kidney health to detox the body. 3. THE INTESTINES The intestines are a cornerstone of human body function. They deliver nutrients to the entire body. In addition, they have the important task of eliminating toxins. How? Digestion starts at the mouth. From there, substances we ingest go to the stomach and intestines. Incredibly, entire foods are broken down and transformed into simple molecules that our cells can absorb. Once digested, nutrient molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the liver. Remember, it’s the body’s mailroom, and it sorts the nutrients it receives. The liver sends out the goods to the rest of the body and dumps the toxins into the bile. The bile transports the toxins back to the small intestine to continue through the colon and out in the stool. The colon works with bile to further detox the body (2). It utilizes digested and fermented fiber to promote health, uses mucous membranes as finer filters, and forms stools to get rid of the rest. Yes, the intestines are extremely important to human health and cleansing the body. You can support digestive health by consuming prebiotics, probiotics, soluble and insoluble fibers, fluids, and more. You must also avoid foods that can destroy intestinal health, including some ultra-processed foods, inappropriate antibiotics, and more. 4. THE RESPIRATORY TRACT Believe it or not, your lungs also detox the body. In fact, they rid the body of carbon dioxide, toxins in the airways and blood, and phlegm. Healthy alveoli (tissues involved in oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange at the ends of bronchi in the lungs) do not let filter solids wastes from gaseous ones, and work as an emergency exit for toxins when forced out by the body. These toxic substances, such as microbes and their byproducts, can be found in the phlegm pushed out by the alveoli. 5. THE SKIN Amazingly, the human body has a fifth way of getting rid of toxins. The skin. The body’s largest organ is a powerhouse for protection and defense. How? It evacuates toxic waste products through sweat. The toxins are soluble in water and form crystals in the body. They can be pushed out through sweat or uric acid. In fact, many skin problems may be the result of waste products and toxins being cleansed through the skin or an allergic reaction to the toxins (3). If you suffer from skin irritations, rashes, or more, you may find relief when you detox the body. While the skin may suffer through the process, it may become much healthier thereafter. 6. THE LYMPH SYSTEM Don’t forget the lymph system. It plays a huge part in detoxifying and cleansing. In fact, approximately two liters of lymph fluid circulate the lymphatic vessels throughout the body. This fluid is constantly created from the interstitial fluid found between the body’s cells. It penetrates the capillaries and carries away waste products from the cells to the bloodstream for evacuation by other systems. In fact, the lymph system is responsible for the removal of waste products in the brain during sleep to further detox the body. The lymph system filters the toxic substances and produces white blood cells to fight invaders. When the lymph system is unhealthy, and the production of lymphocytes is insufficient, it becomes very difficult for the body to fight invaders and toxins. What Can You Do to Detox the Body? You can help your body detox and cleanse itself. It was created with these amazing systems, but our current foods, environment, and lifestyles make it difficult. To help detox the body, eat a healthy diet high in antioxidants, fluids, healthy fats, and greens. You can help your body defend itself! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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COVID-19 Tip Sheet: Story Ideas From Johns Hopkins

AHA Publisher — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 07:00:47 +0000

Johns Hopkins Medicine via Newswise – When SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, attacks the body, the kidneys are among the earliest organs to be affected. Viral damage to kidney cells can lead to fluid imbalance, electrolyte loss, lack of blood pressure regulation and many other negative consequences that can make recovery more difficult to achieve. However, for the thousands of Americans with kidney disease, the hazards of COVID-19 are even greater. Newswise — In a viewpoint article in the April 6, 2020 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Johns Hopkins Medicine nephrologist Hamid Rabb, M.D., examines the major challenges that kidney patients face when dealing with COVID-19 and suggests ways to address them. For example, Rabb notes that the 500,000 hemodialysis patients in the United States are at high risk for contracting COVID-19 because they are immunocompromised and have to “visit densely populated outpatient units three times per week” for treatment. He says that increasing the use of home dialysis — a goal of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services even before the pandemic — “should be hastened to reduce incidence of COVID-19 infections.” Patients who have undergone kidney transplants are another group vulnerable to COVID-19 and its complications because they often take immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection of the received organ. Rabb, who is available for interviews, also urges physicians to look for signs of acute kidney injury in patients being treated for COVID-19, especially the elderly. The condition can be a consequence of the virus, he warns, and it increases the risk of death during hospitalization. MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES IN RECOVERY FROM SEVERE COVID-19 INFECTION Up to 20% of patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU) experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may include fear, anxiety, agitation and isolation when subjected to a triggering memory of the event. Early reports from China suggest that rates of PTSD may be particularly high in patients recovering from COVID-19. Psychiatrist O. Joseph Bienvenu, M.D., Ph.D., says that particular circumstances surrounding the pandemic may be contributing to this increase. Patients being treated for COVID infections are in quarantine situations with visitor restrictions in place on hospitals and physical separation from loved ones when they return home. People who have recovered COVID may also face a stigma related to their physical illness as well as their mental health, and there may be a lack of access to social support. Bienvenu is available to speak about the unique mental health challenges that COVID patients face during their recovery and ways that we can address these challenges. CORONAVIRUS DRUG DEVELOPMENT Current drug development efforts for COVID-19 mostly focus on repurposing existing drugs to prevent the virus from making more copies of itself. However, these available drugs may not be as effective as drugs targeting coronaviruses more specifically. In addition, different approaches may be needed in the event of drug resistance. Cocktail therapy with multiple drugs targeting different viral proteins will likely increase efficiency and thwart resistance, as is the case for HIV treatment. Molecular biologist Anthony Leung, Ph.D., and virologist Diane Griffin, M.D., Ph.D., are applying their research on a class of viral enzymes to potentially develop coronavirus treatments. They have shown that a class of enzymes are critical for virus replication and may play a role in disease development. In collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery and ChemCore groups, the research team will screen a library of 100,000 compounds to identify ones that block the activities of these enzymes. This library will consist of FDA-approved drugs, clinical trial drug candidates and natural products. They will then test the drug leads in cell culture and animal models for their effectiveness against coronaviruses. The specific viral enzymes under investigation remove the chemical ADP-ribose — a combination of an energy molecule and a sugar — off of proteins known as ADP-ribosylation hydrolases. Added when a protein is made, these chemical ADP-riboses give the proteins a function in the cell, and then the ADP-ribose-remover enzymes take off the chemicals so they can be recycled when the protein has finished its job. Leung and Griffin are available to discuss this very early-stage project. TREATMENT FOR OPIOID USE DISORDER DURING THE PANDEMIC People with opioid use disorder are one of the populations that shouldn’t be overlooked during the pandemic. Patients with substance use disorders face multiple challenges aside from being able to gain access to medications necessary for their treatment, including poverty, a lack of access to affordable housing and difficulties from other chronic health conditions. Kenneth Stoller, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Broadway Center for Addiction, is available for comment on clinical and provider measures being used to care for substance use disorder patients during the coronavirus crisis. He says that accessing care for new individuals seeking treatment may be more challenging at this time, as fewer treatment programs are accepting new patients, and those that are may be limiting numbers due to logistics involved with distancing precautions and conservation of personal protective equipment. Opioid treatment programs that are accepting new patients may be less likely to offer methadone as opposed to buprenorphine due to the requirement for an in-person exam. In-person meetings are being avoided, and alternatives may include consultations via phone or audiovisual technologies. More take-home doses of medication are being offered to minimize travel to and from programs. This also results in less patient contact. With the hope of decreasing risk for drug relapse, overdose and social isolation due to the limited face-to-face patient/provider interaction and altered medication regimen, health care providers such as Stoller recommend patients connect with family and friends who contribute to positive behaviors and can encourage them during their drug recovery process. Patients are also encouraged to connect with mutual support groups virtually, as well as with peer recovery specialists, spiritual communities, and other people or groups that can support their efforts to create a strong recovery in these challenging circumstances. Brendan Saloner, Ph.D., is available to discuss policy and systems regarding opioid use disorder treatment during the coronavirus crisis. Newly updated federal guidelines implemented during the crisis allow patients facing opioid use disorder to take advantage of benefits and flexible services offered virtually by Medicaid and private insurance programs. In addition to the new telemedicine options for virtual health care visits, some of the public policies enacted for treating people facing opioid use disorder include safer delivery of treatments for patients and staff and waiving required in-person urine drug testing to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Based on recommendations from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, some patients who are on a stable medication regimen can receive up to 28 days of medication for at-home use, including being prescribed naloxone to reverse potential drug overdoses. Saloner says that additional funding and incentives for telehealth visits, phone outreach and access to other services such as food and housing would lift a heavy burden from patients facing substance use disorder amid the coronavirus crisis. REHABILITATION AT A DISTANCE AFTER STROKE DURING A PANDEMIC After suffering from a stroke or another brain injury, patients require targeted physical rehabilitation to aid their recovery, which can include physical, occupational, speech and psychological therapy. The coronavirus pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the way care is provided to these patients as well as how and when they are discharged home to the care of their loved ones. When a patient is discharged from the hospital, it is just the beginning of their journey toward recovery. They are usually still frail and vulnerable to medical complications. In addition, there are often safety concerns due to new disability. Doctors including Preeti Raghavan, M.B.B.S., director of the Center of Excellence in Stroke Treatment, Recovery and Rehabilitation at the Sheikh Khalifa Stroke Institute, and her team are working diligently to provide care for their patients within the hospital setting while determining how patients can receive adequate rehab at a distance once the patient has been discharged from the hospital. The teams have set up a stroke interdisciplinary telemedicine clinic to ensure that patients are evaluated in a timely fashion. Patients are seen by the stroke neurology team and physical therapist in a telemedicine visit within a week after discharge to address any safety concerns — these may be medical, pharmaceutical or physical needs. Within two weeks after discharge, patients are seen by the physical medicine and rehabilitation physician and an occupational therapist to assess function and determine a plan of action. Individuals with language and/or swallowing deficits may also be seen by a speech therapist. These collaborative physician-therapy visits help therapist familiar with the patient’s medical issues ensure the patient receives the rehabilitation they need. Physical, occupational and speech therapists plan the patient’s telerehabilitation visits and assemble kits to facilitate telerehabilitation at home to aid patients during their path to recovery. Raghavan is available to discuss how rehabilitation experts are addressing the challenges of social and physical distancing when rehabilitation care is needed. She is also able to comment on how — during a pandemic — experts might still provide the needed continuum of care for non-COVID-19 healthcare needs, such as stroke recovery. PAIN MANAGEMENT DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC As our medical systems are strained by COVID-19, health care providers find themselves weighing the risk of exposure for front-line care workers against the benefits of patients receiving treatment in the clinic. This is especially salient for an estimated 50 million Americans with chronic pain. A panel of experts in pain treatment convened to create guidelines for best practices in pain management during times of public health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Johns Hopkins Medicine pain expert Steven P. Cohen, M.D., chaired the panel and is available to speak about the proposed guidelines and moral and ethical conundrums pain management physicians are facing each day. This article has been modified. To read the original article click here.

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Could New Israeli Technique Spell the End of Dialysis?

AHA Publisher — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 08:00:06 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – Study shows it is possible to rejuvenate kidneys and improve their function by using the patient’s own stem cells. A treatment using a patient’s own stem cells could rejuvenate ailing kidneys without dialysis, transplantation or immune rejection. That is the conclusion of a groundbreaking Israeli study recently published in Cell Reports by researchers from Sheba Medical Center and Bar-Ilan University in Israel. “This treatment is aimed at the millions of patients who have yet to require dialysis treatment, and focuses on improving and stabilizing their renal function in order to avoid the need for dialysis,” said lead author Dr. Benjamin Dekel, chief of pediatric nephrology and the Pediatric Stem Cell Research Institute in the Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital at Sheba. The newly developed technology, so far tested on mice, generated new tissue to replace damaged kidney tissue. The mice’s kidney function improved as a result. The researchers wrote that chronic kidney disease is reaching epidemic proportions in the Western world. In the United States alone, chronic kidney disease affects more than 45 million individuals. “Harvesting tissue from failing kidneys and autotransplantation of tissue progenitors could theoretically delay the need for dialysis,” they concluded. Further studies will be done in patients with kidney failure by KidneyCure Bio, a Tel Aviv company that commercialized the technology and supported the study. Dekel is KidneyCure Bio’s chief scientific and medical adviser. Other grants for the study came from Sheba Medical Center, the Israel Science Foundation, the Israel Ministry of Health and the European Union Seventh Framework Programme. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

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