Metabolism Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Regular Exercise May Help Prevent Fatty Liver Disease Through Bile Acid Metabolism

The AHA! Team — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:30:05 +0000

American Physiological Society (APS) via Newswise – Aerobic exercise and a high capacity for exercise may protect against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), also known as fatty liver disease, by increasing the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids, according to a new study published in Function. The paper has been selected as an APSselect article for July by the American Physiological Society (APS). MASLD is a chronic condition in which excessive fat is stored in the liver. It is tied to high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and insulin resistance. It can also lead to liver disease and increases the risk of heart disease. While exercise is known to prevent and treat fatty liver, researchers don’t yet understand exactly how this happens. This new study offers insights: Researchers propose that exercise prevents or reduces fatty liver, in part, by improving bile acid metabolism. The most prominent way cholesterol is removed from the body is by its conversion to bile acids, which aid the digestion of fat and trigger signals that improve how the body uses sugar and fat. By stimulating bile acid metabolism, exercise increases the disposal of cholesterol and activates signals that improve how the body processes food. In the study, rats bred to have genetically high- or low-exercise capacity were provided a high-fat diet, which normally causes fatty liver. This design was chosen because exercise capacity has been independently linked to lower risk for fatty liver disease in people. In addition, genetically identical mice were fed a high-fat diet, and half were allowed access to voluntary running wheels to simulate daily exercise in humans. A separate group of mice that lacked the ability to make bile acids were studied to test whether bile acid metabolism is necessary for the protective effects of exercise. Key findings included: High-exercise capacity rats had higher liver bile acid production, more bile acids in their feces, and lower blood levels of bile acids compared to the low-exercise capacity group. Daily exercise also increased bile acid synthesis, fecal bile acid loss and protected against fatty liver in the genetically identical mice. This demonstrates that daily exercise provides the same benefit as high exercise capacity due to genetic differences. Mice with an impaired ability to produce bile acids experienced no benefit of exercise in preventing fatty liver. Aerobic exercise increased bile acid production, and this process was required to prevent fatty liver. “Importantly, our results identify bile acid synthesis as a key mediator between aerobic capacity, exercise and hepatic energy metabolism that may also be linked to whole-body metabolism and long-term risk for Type 2 diabetes and MASLD,” the researchers wrote. “[B]ile acid synthesis plays a critical role in aerobic capacity and exercise ability in combating MASLD.” Read the full article, “Aerobic Capacity and Exercise Mediate Protection Against Hepatic Steatosis via Enhanced Bile Acid Metabolism.” It is highlighted as one of this month’s “best of the best” as part of the American Physiological Society’s APSselect program. Read this month’s selected research articles.   To read the original article click here.

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Sip Your Way to Better Health: The Secret Drink that Could Transform Your Metabolism

The AHA! Team — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 05:56:45 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – Think your metabolism is just about the genes you inherited? New research suggests otherwise. Scientists at Washington State University recently published findings in Nutrients that challenge this common belief. Their study points to something interesting: elderberry juice might help rev up your metabolism. While it might sound surprising, this dark purple juice does more than just taste good – it seems to boost your metabolism and could even help you maintain a healthy body weight. The research behind the surprising benefits of elderberry juice This wasn’t just any quick study – researchers at Washington State University conducted a carefully controlled, 5-week crossover trial to understand what elderberry juice could do. The findings are particularly interesting because obesity affects over 70% of adults in the United States, and we’re always looking for natural ways to help. Here’s how they did it: They gathered 18 adults with higher BMIs (over 25 kg/m²) who were otherwise healthy and had them drink either elderberry juice or a matching placebo for a week, took a break, and then switched drinks. What makes this study solid is that they controlled participants’ diets (40% fat diet) for 4 days during each test period to ensure accurate comparisons. Each participant drank about 12 ounces (177.5 grams) of elderberry juice daily, which delivered about 720 mg of beneficial compounds called cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents. How elderberry juice improves your metabolism The study revealed some fascinating changes in participants’ bodies. At the most basic level, the juice shifted their gut bacteria, increasing helpful bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium while reducing less beneficial types. This matters because gut bacteria are crucial in how the body processes nutrients. Most notably, the elderberry juice improved how participants’ bodies handled sugar and fat. When testing blood sugar levels after meals, researchers saw significant improvements in glucose control. Participants’ insulin levels dropped by nearly 10%, suggesting their bodies were becoming more efficient at processing sugar. Perhaps most impressively, the juice enhanced participants’ ability to burn fat – a process called fat oxidation after meals and during exercise. The data showed a remarkable 27% increase in fat burning among those drinking elderberry juice. Tips to implement elderberry juice into your daily meals While elderberry juice, native to Europe, might not be available at your local store, you can likely find it at a nearby health food store. You can also purchase it online. Many enjoy elderberry juice “straight” in a glass or mixed with water, seltzer, or tonic. It also works well blended into smoothies for a metabolic boost. Sources for this article include: MDPI.com Medicalxpress.com To read the original article click here.

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Are Morning Workouts Best for Burning Fat? Study Provides Answers

The AHA! Team — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:21:36 +0000

Joe Boland via Dr. Axe – If you’re like a lot of people out there, you probably wonder what the optimal time of day for exercise is. The answer depends on many factors, but if you’re looking to burn fat, new research suggests morning workouts may be your best bet. Study: Workout Time and Burning Fat Researchers from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark sought to determine how working out at different times of day affected post-exercise metabolism and fat-burning (aka the afterburn effect). They did this by examining physical activity in mice at various times of day. Why mice? Because, as described in an accompanying press release on the study, “mice and humans share many basic physiological functions, and mice are a well-established model for human physiology and metabolism.” Ultimately, researchers wanted to find out the optimal time of day to exercise in order to amp up fat-burning. They did this by studying the adipose tissue in the mice after two sessions of high-intensity exercise — one performed at an early active phase (equivalent of late morning in humans) and one at early rest phases (equivalent of late evening in humans). They found that “physical activity at an early active phase increased the expression of genes involved in the breakdown of adipose tissue, thermogenesis (heat production) and mitochondria in the adipose tissue, indicating a higher metabolic rate. These effects were observed only in mice that exercised in the early active phase and were independent of food intake.” A higher metabolic rate, of course, helps burn fat more than lower a metabolic rate, meaning morning workouts may help amp up your ability to burn fat. ”Our results suggest that late-morning exercise could be more effective than late evening exercise in terms of boosting the metabolism and the burning of fat, and if this is the case, they could prove of value to people who are overweight,” said professor Juleen R. Zierath from the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery and the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the Karolinska Institutet in the release. Zierath added: “The right timing seems to be important to the body’s energy balance and to improving the health benefits of exercise, but more studies are needed to draw any reliable conclusions about the relevance of our findings to humans.” Other Fat-Burning Tips While this is promising research and could encourage people to exercise early in the day, the truth is exercise at any time of day is beneficial. In fact, starting a fitness routine that works for you and your schedule is important. If that means working out in the afternoon, evening or night fits into your life better than morning, you should get your workouts in then instead. If burning fat is your ultimate goal, here are some ways to enhance your ability to lose belly fat and fat in other areas: Take advantage of natural metabolism boosters, such as getting plenty of sleep and rest, trying high-intensity interval training (HIIT), lifting weights, and avoiding inflammatory foods. Work out on an empty stomach. Add natural fat burners to your routine, such as conjugated linoleic acid, green coffee beans, grapefruit essential oil, green tea and other herbal teas, protein supplements and foods, and probiotic foods and supplements. Consume more fat-burning foods, such as high-fiber foods, apple cider vinegar, bone broth and many more. Incorporate more fat-burning workouts, including Tabata, HIIT, barre, CrossFit, spinning/cycling, cross-country skiing, sprinting, elliptical exercises, burst training, rowing and swimming. Playing sports like football, basketball, soccer and volleyball also is great for burning fat. Eat a healthy diet, and avoid unhealthy, processed foods. To read the original article click here.

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Ultra-Processed Foods are Silently Altering Your Metabolism, Scientists Warn

The AHA! Team — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 06:33:17 +0000

Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta, Ph.D. via News-Medical – Study identifies metabolic changes caused by ultra-processed foods, raising concerns about their role in obesity, cardiovascular disease, and gut health disruption. Study: Association of ultra-processed foods intake with untargeted metabolomics profiles in adolescents and young adults in the DONALD cohort study. Scientists in France and Germany have conducted a study to identify urine and plasma metabolic biomarkers associated with ultra-processed food intake in adolescents and young adults. The study is currently available as a pre-proof in The Journal of Nutrition. Background Ultra-processed foods refer to industrially processed food products containing food-derived or reconstituted ingredients and other industrially isolated components. These components are typically used to increase the shelf-life and sensory properties of the products. The intake of ultra-processed foods is increasing exponentially worldwide, especially in developed countries. Epidemiological studies have consistently linked high intake of ultra-processed foods, particularly animal-based food products and sweetened beverages, to increased risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. Excessive intake of ultra-processed foods is also associated with chronic kidney disease, cancer, and neuropsychiatric complications. Ultra-processed foods contain excessive amounts of added sugars, salts, saturated fats, energy-dense components, and lower amounts of proteins and dietary fibers. Such poor nutrient profiles are believed to be responsible for negative health consequences. In this study, scientists have determined the associations between ultra-processed food intake both plasma and urine metabolite levels in adolescents and young adults. They applied untargeted metabolomics analysis to capture a wide array of metabolic changes linked to ultra-processed food intake. Over 40 metabolites linked to ultra-processed food consumption were identified, with key markers like indoxyl glucuronide signaling potential metabolic disruptions. The scientists selected these two biological matrices because short-term changes in metabolite levels related to dietary intake are more reliably reflected in urine samples, and plasma samples provide a more stable overview of long-term diet-responsive metabolic states. Study design The scientists analyzed data from the Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed (DONALD) study, an ongoing study designed to regularly assess and follow healthy infants until adulthood. The DONALD study has been recruiting healthy infants annually since 1985 and regularly assesses their dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, urine sample collection, blood sample collection, medical parameters, lifestyle factors, and other sociodemographic data. Data from adolescents who provided 3-day dietary records and 24-hour urine samples was analyzed to determine the association between ultra-processed food intake and urinary metabolic profile. For young adults, the association between ultra-processed food intake and blood metabolic profile was determined by analyzing 3 or more 3-day dietary records within the 5-year period preceding a single blood measurement. Important observations A total of 339 adolescent urine samples and 195 young adult blood samples were analyzed in this study. There was an overlap of 139 participants between the two groups. The proportions of ultra-processed food intake relative to total food intake in adolescents and young adults were 22% and 23%, respectively. The most commonly consumed ultra-processed foods in both groups were sweetened beverages and ready-to-heat or ready-to-eat food products. Sweets, chocolates, ice cream, cereals, industrial breads, and processed meats and sausages contributed the most to energy intake. Mean energy contributions of various foods groups to the total UPF energy intake (%) in (A) Adolescent urine. Impact of ultra-processed food intake on urinary metabolic profile A total of 42 ultra-processed food-responsive metabolites were identified in adolescent urine samples. Of these metabolites, 21 showed positive associations with ultra-processed food intake. Among known metabolites identified in urine samples, ultra-processed food intake showed a significant positive association with indoxyl glucuronide and other partially characterized glucuronides. These glucuronides are involved in detoxification processes, notably the elimination of dietary substances through glucuronidation pathways. Impact of ultra-processed food intake on plasma metabolic profile A total of six ultra-processed food-responsive metabolites were identified in young adult plasma samples. Of these metabolites, 4-hydroxyglutamate and two structurally unknown metabolites showed positive associations with ultra-processed food intake. 4-hydroxyglutamate has previously been linked to metabolic syndrome and may be an indicator of metabolic stress. Impact of ultra-processed food intake on urine and plasma metabolite patterns A total of 25 metabolite patterns, identified using robust sparse principal component analysis (PCA), explained 61.7% of the variance in ultra-processed food-mediated metabolic changes in adolescent urine samples. A significant positive association of ultra-processed food intake was observed with one urinary metabolite pattern (‘xenobiotics and amino acids’) and one plasma metabolite pattern (‘lipids, xenobiotics, and amino acids’). Both metabolite patterns shared 29 metabolites that were primarily associated with xenobiotic metabolism, which involves the breakdown and elimination of foreign substances like food additives. Study significance The study finds that ultra-processed foods can induce changes in urine and plasma metabolite levels in adolescents and young adults through various pathways, including xenobiotic metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid pathways. The study identifies indoxyl glucuronide and other partially characterized glucuronides as major urinary metabolites positively associated with ultra-processed food intake. Glucuronides are produced during glucuronidation, a key biological detoxification pathway. Regarding diet-related glucuronidation, evidence suggests that gut microbiome plays a key role in modulating microbial transformation of dietary substrates and glucuronide levels and biosynthesis of microbial metabolites. It is also well-established in the literature that ultra-processed foods can induce gut microbiota dysbiosis, which in turn is associated with a range of health adversities, including immunological and neuropsychological disorders. Overall, the study findings provide useful information on the complex biological mechanisms through which ultra-processed foods may affect metabolism and health. The findings also raise concerns about how the displacement of minimally processed foods by ultra-processed options can lead to both nutritional deficiencies and disruptions in gut health. Journal reference: Muli S. 2024. Association of ultra-processed foods intake with untargeted metabolomics profiles in adolescents and young adults in the DONALD cohort study. The Journal of Nutrition. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002231662401040X To read the original article click here.

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3 Most Common Diet Myths That Could Be Hurting You

The AHA! Team — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 08:31:01 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – In the ever-evolving world of nutrition and wellness, myths and misconceptions abound, often clouding the truth about healthy eating. With the constant influx of new diets and health fads, it’s easy to get swept away by promises of quick results and miraculous transformations. However, not all popular advice is beneficial, and some commonly accepted diet myths could actually be detrimental to your health. Dr. Don Colbert, an expert in nutrition and the creator of the Keto Zone Diet, addresses these misconceptions by offering a scientifically-backed, holistic approach to eating that stands out from misleading diet trends. Here, we debunk three pervasive diet myths and explore how the Keto Zone provides a safer and more effective alternative. Myth 1: More Meals, Smaller Portions Boost Metabolism One of the most prevalent diet myths is that eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day will boost your metabolism. The theory suggests that by constantly feeding your body, you’ll burn more calories overall. However, recent studies suggest that meal frequency has little to no effect on fat burning or weight loss. What matters more is the total caloric intake and the quality of the food consumed. The Keto Zone diet takes a different approach through intermittent fasting (IF), which involves eating all your meals within a specific window of time each day. This method has been shown to improve metabolic health more significantly than the traditional small, frequent meals approach. IF helps to regulate the body’s insulin levels, reduce inflammation, and improve brain health, all while supporting sustainable weight loss. By focusing on when to eat rather than constantly grazing, the Keto Zone diet aligns more closely with our bodies’ natural circadian rhythms, promoting a deeper state of ketosis and enhanced fat burning. Myth 2: Fat Makes You Fat The belief that eating fat makes you fat is deeply ingrained in our dietary culture, stemming from outdated studies that have long been debunked. This myth led to the rise of low-fat and fat-free diets that dominated the market for decades. However, fats are essential to the body, playing a critical role in hormone production, cell structure, and nutrient absorption. More importantly, not all fats are created equal. The Keto Zone diet emphasizes the importance of consuming healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. These fats are not only heart-healthy but are also vital for maintaining energy levels and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. In contrast to the myth, incorporating healthy fats into your diet can actually help you lose weight by keeping you fuller longer and stabilizing blood sugar levels, thus reducing cravings and overeating. Myth 3: All Calories Are Created Equal The calorie-counting model of weight loss is another diet myth that simplifies nutrition down to a mere numbers game. This approach neglects the nutritional value of foods, implying that a calorie from a candy bar is the same as a calorie from broccoli. Such thinking overlooks the metabolic processes influenced by different types of food and can lead to unhealthy eating habits. The Keto Zone diet advocates for a low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein, and high-fat diet, focusing on the quality and source of calories rather than the quantity alone. By reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing healthy fats, the body enters a state of ketosis where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. This shift not only aids in significant weight loss but also improves overall health by reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Embracing the Keto Zone Switching to the Keto Zone diet can seem daunting at first, especially if you’re accustomed to the myths that pervade our dietary mindset. However, the transition can be simplified with a few practical steps: Educate Yourself: Understanding the science behind the Keto Zone is crucial. Read books, watch documentaries, and consult resources that explain how and why it works. Plan Your Meals: Prep your meals ahead of time to ensure you have healthy options that adhere to the Keto Zone principles. Start Slow: Gradually reduce your carbohydrate intake and increase your fat consumption to ease your body into ketosis. Monitor Your Progress: Keep track of how your body responds to the diet. Adjustments might be necessary based on your specific health needs. Seek Support: Joining a community of like-minded individuals can provide encouragement and accountability. Conclusion The Keto Zone diet offers a scientifically validated, nutritionally balanced approach that counters widespread diet myths with facts and results. By focusing on healthy fats, proper meal timing, and the quality of calories, Dr. Don Colbert’s Keto Zone not only facilitates weight loss but also enhances overall health. If you’re looking to escape the confusion and misinformation prevalent in the diet industry, the Keto Zone diet offers a refreshing and scientifically supported path. By debunking common myths and focusing on a balanced approach to nutrition, Dr. Don Colbert’s Keto Zone diet not only facilitates significant health improvements but also fosters a sustainable lifestyle change. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, enhance your energy levels, or improve your overall health, the Keto Zone provides a credible and effective framework. Embrace the clarity and confidence that come with informed dietary choices and take your first step into a healthier, more vibrant life with the Keto Zone diet. You can sign up for Dr. Colbert’s Free 21 Day Keto Zone Challenge by going to ketozone.com/challenge To read the original article click here.

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How Might Ginger Help with Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease?

AHA Publisher — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 07:00:52 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Ground ginger powder is put to the test for weight loss and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Ginger has been used in India and China for thousands of years to treat illnesses, but so has mercury, so that doesn’t really tell you much. That’s what we have science for. But, when you see article titles in the medical literature like “Beneficial Effects of Ginger…on Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: A Review,” for example, you may not be aware the researchers are talking about the beneficial effects of ginger on fat rats. Why don’t they just conduct human clinical studies? That may be attributed to “ethical issues” and “limited commercial support,” for instance. Limited commercial support I can see: Ginger is dirt cheap, so who’s going to pay for the study? But ethical issues? We’re just talking about giving people some ginger. Cross-sectional studies in which you take a snapshot in time of ginger consumption and body weight are relatively inexpensive and easy to do. Researchers have found that people who are obese tend to eat significantly less ginger, so they suggest this “demonstrated that the use of ginger could have relevance for weight management.” You can see a chart below illustrating this and at 0:59 in my video Benefits of Ginger for Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease. But, maybe ginger consumption is just a marker of more traditional, less Westernized junk-food diets. You don’t know…until you put it to the test. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effects of a hot ginger beverage made with two grams of ginger powder in one cup of hot water, so about one teaspoon of ground ginger stirred into a teacup of hot water. That’s about five cents’ worth of ginger. The findings? After drinking the ginger beverage, the participants reported feeling significantly less hungry and, in response to the question “How much do you think you could eat?” described lower prospective food intake. Since the control was just plain hot water, the participants knew when they were getting the ginger so there could have been a placebo effect. The researchers considered putting the ginger into capsules to do a double-blinded study, but they thought part of the ginger’s effect may actually be through taste receptors on the tongue, so they didn’t want to interfere with that with a capsule. Not all of the effects were just subjective, though. Four hours after drinking the hot beverage, the metabolic rate in the ginger group was elevated compared to control, as you can see in the graph below and at 2:12 in my video. Though, in a previous study, when fresh ginger was added to a meal, there was no bump in metabolic rate. The researchers of the hot ginger beverage study suggest this discrepancy is “likely due to the different method of ginger administration,” giving participants fresh ginger instead of dried ginger powder, and there are dehydration products that form when ginger is dried that may have unique properties. “Although satiety and fullness were greater with ginger compared to control, [the researchers] have no objective measure of food intake.” They didn’t then go on to follow the participants to see if they actually ate less for lunch. The problem is there’s never been a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of that much ginger and weight loss…until now. After 12 weeks of that same teaspoon of ginger powder a day, but this time hidden in capsules, consumption of ginger “significantly reduced BMI,” that is, body mass index. As you can see in the graphs at 3:12 in my video, there was no change in the placebo group, but there was a drop in the ginger group. Body fat estimates didn’t really change, though, but that was kind of the whole point. What about using ginger to pull fat out of specific organs, like the liver? Evidently, “treatment with ginger ameliorates fructose-induced fatty liver…in rats.” You know what else would have worked? Not feeding them so much sugar in the first place. We aren’t rats, though. We didn’t have this type of study on humans…until now: “Ginger Supplementation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study” in which participants were given a teaspoon of ginger a day or placebo for 12 weeks. All of the subjects were told to get more fiber and exercise, and to limit their dietary cholesterol intake. (My video How to Prevent Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease discusses why this is important.) So, even the placebo group should improve. And how did the ginger group do? Any better? Yes. Daily consumption of just one teaspoon of ground ginger a day “resulted in a significant decrease in inflammatory marker levels,” improvements in liver function tests, and a drop in liver fat. All for five cents’ worth of ginger powder a day. And what are the side effects? A few gingery burps? I searched for downsides and didn’t find any other than ginger paralysis. What? Indeed, “in 1930, thousands of Americans were poisoned by an illicit extract.” Hold on. Who drinks ginger extract? The year 1930 was during the Prohibition, so some people bought ginger extract as a legal way to get their hands on alcohol. “It was the poor man’s way of getting a drink of liquor.” But, “bootleggers had taken advantage of the demand for this old household remedy as an alcoholic beverage” and swapped in a cheaper ginger substitute—a varnish compound—”in order to make greater money profits.” The moral of the story: Don’t drink varnish. The video about the dietary cholesterol effect that I referred to is How to Prevent Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Oats might help, too, as you can see in Can Oatmeal Help Fatty Liver Disease?. And, for even more on fatty liver disease, check out The Best Diet for Fatty Liver Disease Treatment and How to Avoid Fatty Liver Disease. Key Takeaways Ginger has been used for thousands of years to treat illnesses in China and India Cross-sectional studies (snapshots in time) have found that ginger may be useful for weight management, but its consumption may simply be a marker of less Westernized junk-food diets. A randomized controlled trial found that a hot ginger beverage (with about five cents’ worth of the spice) was more satisfying to participants so they felt significantly less hungry and thought they could eat less afterwards, compared with the control of just plain hot water, but that still leaves the possibility of placebo effect. The researchers didn’t put the ginger into capsules to do a double-blinded study because they thought some of ginger’s effect may be through our tongue’s taste receptors. Dehydration products form when ginger is dried, and they may have unique properties that fresh ginger doesn’t. This may explain why the study using dried ginger caused a bump in metabolic rate while the trial with fresh ginger didn’t. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ginger and weight loss that followed participants to see if they actually ate less in a subsequent meal, researchers found that consumption of ginger (hidden in capsules) significantly reduced BMI. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ginger study for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in which participants were given a daily teaspoon of ginger or placebo for three months, the ginger group achieved significant decreases in their inflammatory marker levels, a drop in liver fat, and improvements in liver function tests. To read the original article click here.

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How to Hack Your Metabolism and Improve Your Health

AHA Publisher — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 07:00:27 +0000

Diana Bletter via Israel21c – Israeli startup Lumen offers a handheld breath analysis device that allows users to “hack their metabolism,” as cofounder Michal Mor explains. “If you have information about how your metabolism is working, you can improve your own health,” Mor tells ISRAEL21c. Mor and her twin sister, Merav, didn’t set out to start a high-tech company. The sisters, who were born in California and moved to Israel at age two with their parents, originally wanted to be physicians. Instead, they studied medical laboratory sciences at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. They each received a master’s degree and a PhD in physiology — Merav specializing in heart arrhythmia and Michal in cardiac science. The sisters, each a mother of three children, live near each other in Tel Aviv. In their spare time, they are Ironman athletes, and Merav is a divemaster while Michal does competitive pole acrobatics. They first became curious about metabolism when they were training for an Ironman triathlon. The event is grueling. First, a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, then a 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride, followed by a marathon of 26.22 miles (42.20 km). The one-day event usually takes about 16 hours to complete. “Many competitors crash and don’t have the energy to finish,” Mor said. It became clear to them that “we had to be able to efficiently use fats and carbohydrates to be able to do the race.” Metabolic Flexibility The Mor sisters started searching for “metabolic flexibility,” a common term in the scientific community, “but nobody spoke about what exactly you can do to make it happen.” “We wanted to understand what was the best way to fuel our bodies,” Mor said. She and her sister became their own guinea pigs and began experimenting with nutritional methods — on themselves. “After a long swim in the sea in the morning, we’d eat meatballs and pasta,” Mor said. The method they devised for what they ate and when was so successful that they both finished the race with so much energy, they immediately registered for the next one. After that race, the sisters decided to investigate how to better measure their metabolism to get the information they needed. Tests in hospitals would have required “lying down for at least 45 minutes dressed like an astronaut and then you need a doctor to analyze the data an hour later,” is how Mor describes it. At first, they wanted only to find a home-based way to measure their own respiratory exchange ratio (RER), which indicates whether the body is getting its energy from fat or carbohydrates. A Family Business After four years of research and development, they created Lumen with three others: Avi Smila, who is chief information officer; Dror Ceder, chief growth officer; and Daniel Tal Mor, who is the CEO (and Michal’s husband). Michal Mor is head of science for products, a task in which she studies the “complicated metric of metabolic flexibility to make it accessible to everyone.” Merav Mor is the company’s chief scientist. In 2016, beta trials for the Lumen device began; Lumen was officially launched via an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign in 2018. The device and app can connect with programs like Google Fit as well as Bluetooth to integrate users’ data. In addition to giving people a window on their metabolic health, the Lumen app – available by subscription — offers ideas for meals, including alternative suggestions if people “don’t like what’s on the menu.” There are selections for vegetarians and vegans as well as for those with food allergies, helping people understand what makes up a balanced meal. Translating Bodies Today, the company has 115 employees with offices in Israel as well as New York. Its yearly sales figures are not disclosed. One of Lumen’s breakthrough research findings is tracking how women’s metabolism changes according to each phase of their menstrual cycle. “There is a lot of research about men’s physiology,” Mor said, “and we’re using our knowledge to meet the specific needs of women.” While athletes use Lumen for their training regimen, others use the device and app to manage their health by measuring how their body is burning calories and learning what they can do to “reach their health and fitness goals.” Mor says that Lumen has helped users lose weight when used on a consistent basis, but most importantly increases metabolic flexibility by 66%. She said there is no other company that offers people the chance to measure their metabolism at home. “What we want to do is translate people’s bodies for them,” Mor said. “We’re helping people look inside and get the information they need.” For more information, click here To read the original article click here.

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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.

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New UCI-Led Study Finds Links Between Circadian Rhythms, Metabolism and Addiction

AHA Publisher — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 07:00:58 +0000

University of California, Irvine via Newswise – Irvine, Calif., March 11, 2022 — A new University of California, Irvine-led study establishes important conceptual connections between the fields of circadian rhythms, metabolism, and addiction. Going beyond current studies on substance use disorders, which focus on the impact of addictive drugs on the brain, this new research highlights an existing connection between specific neurons and peripheral organs. The study, titled “Dopamine D2 receptor signaling in the brain modulates circadian liver metabolomic profiles,” was published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. “Our findings provide a link to substance use disorders and metabolic dysfunctions,” explained Emiliana Borrelli, PhD, professor of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics at UCI School of Medicine who, for this study, collaborated with the late Paolo Sassone-Corsi, PhD, professor of Biological Chemistry at UCI. “Through our research we explored how the disruption of normal neuronal functions affects metabolic activity and may move the body to an altered state away from homeostasis, which could contribute to the drug seeking behaviors exhibited by people with substance use disorders.” By analyzing the liver metabolome of mice deficient in the expression of the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) in striatal medium spiny neurons, the researchers found profound changes in the liver circadian metabolome compared to control mice. In addition, they found that activation of dopaminergic circuits by acute cocaine administration reprograms the circadian liver metabolome. “D2R signaling in medium spiny neurons is key for striatal output and is essential for regulating the first response to the cellular and rewarding effects of cocaine,” said Borrelli. “Thus, our results suggest that changes in dopamine signaling in specific striatal neurons evoke major changes in liver physiology. Dysregulation of liver metabolism could contribute to an altered allostatic state and therefore be involved in continued use of drugs.” The circadian clock is tightly intertwined with metabolism and relies heavily on multifaceted interactions between organ systems to maintain proper timing. Genetic and/or environmental causes can disrupt communication between organs and alter rhythmic activities. Substance use leads to altered dopamine signaling followed by reprogramming of circadian gene expression and metabolism in the reward system. This study shows that dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) in striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) play a key role in regulating diurnal liver metabolic activities. In addition, drugs that increase dopamine levels, such as cocaine, disrupt circadian metabolic profiles in the liver, which is exacerbated by loss of D2R signaling in MSNs. These results uncover a strict communication between neurons/brain areas and liver metabolism as well as the association between substance use and systemic deficits,” said Borrelli. Substance use disorders affect millions of people worldwide. The rewarding properties of substances, such as alcohol, nicotine, opioids, and psychostimulants, are linked to their ability to increase dopamine levels in brain areas that control emotions and induce pleasure. Drug intake modifies neuronal plasticity and is at the start of the process of addiction, which leads vulnerable individuals to continually seek and abuse these substances despite the adverse consequences on their lives. This study was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health under Award Number DA035600 and by the French Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM). Future studies will examine whether the alterations in the specific metabolites identified in this study contribute to susceptibility to drug use. To read the original article click here.

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