Oral Glutamine Increases Circulating GLP-1, Glucagon and Insulin Levels in Lean, Obese and Type 2 Diabetic Subjects

Glutamine effectively increases circulating GLP-1, GIP and insulin levels in vivo and may represent a novel therapeutic approach to stimulating insulin secretion in obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: GLP-1, GIP, glucagon, insulin secretion, glutamine

Source: Oral Glutamine Increases Circulating GLP-1, Glucagon and Insulin Levels in Lean, Obese and Type 2 Diabetic Subjects

Adequate Vitamin B12 and low Homocysteine Levels may slow  progression of PD

Source: Vitamin B12 and Homocysteine Levels Predict Different Outcomes in Early Parkinson’s Disease

Background: In moderately advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD), low serum vitamin B12 levels are common and are associated with neuropathy and cognitive impairment. However, little is known about B12 in early PD.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of low vitamin B12 status in early PD and whether it is associated with clinical progression.

Methods: We measured vitamin B12 and other B12 status determinants (methylmalonic acid, , and holotranscobalamin) in 680 baseline and 456 follow-up serum samples collected from DATATOP participants with early, untreated PD. Borderline low B12 status was defined as serum B12 <184 pmol/L (250 pg/mL), and elevated homocysteine was defined as >15 µmol/L. Outcomes included the UPDRS, ambulatory capacity score (sum of UPDRS items 13-15, 29&30), and MMSE, calculated as annualized rates of change.

Results: At baseline, 13% had borderline low B12 levels, 7% had elevated homocysteine, whereas 2% had both. Elevated homocysteine at baseline was associated with worse scores on the baseline MMSE. Analysis of study outcomes showed that compared with the other tertiles, participants in the low B12 tertile (<234 pmol/L; 317 pg/mL) developed greater morbidity as assessed by greater annualized worsening of the ambulatory capacity score. Elevated homocysteine was associated with greater annualized decline in MMSE (−1.96 vs. 0.06; P = 0001). Blood count indices were not associated with B12 or homocysteine status. Conclusions: In this study of early PD, low B12 status was common. Low B12 at baseline predicted greater worsening of mobility whereas elevated homocysteine predicted greater cognitive decline. Given that low B12 and elevated homocysteine can improve with vitamin supplementation, future studies should test whether prevention or early correction of these nutritionally modifiable conditions slows development of disability. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society Supporting Informatio

Edema, legs

list up legs, at least once a day

low sodium diet, diuretics, sweating, moderate fluid consumption

elastic compression socks, knee sleeve
flat belly so as not to obstruct lymph flow

no rubber top or belt for pants, so as not to obstruct lymph flow, use suspenders

lift legs during sleep

avoid longstanding

exercise

cold water – swimming

Anxiety and Depression Among People Under the Nationwide Partial Lockdown in Vietnam

This study aimed to evaluate the psychological effects of the partial lockdown on the people in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online questionnaire regarding attitudes toward COVID-19 along with psychological parameters, including the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was conducted. From a total of 1,382 questionnaires, the respondents reported low prevalence of depression (4.9%), anxiety (7.0%), and stress (3.4%). The mean DASS-21 scores recorded were also markedly lower compared to similar studies conducted in China, Italy, and Iran. Respondents who reported severe PTSD had significantly higher depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Factors that were associated with an increased level of depression, stress, and anxiety were being single, separated, or widowed, a higher education level, a larger family size, loss of jobs and being in contact with potential COVID-19 patients. Contrary to expectations, the level of depression, stress, and anxiety observed has been low. Our findings can aid in future research on the impact of a partial lockdown and guide mental health professionals in Vietnam and other countries in the preparation of better care for populations under such circumstances.

Source: Anxiety and Depression Among People Under the Nationwide Partial Lockdown in Vietnam

Mycoplasma (and bacteria in general) as a Cause of Narrowing of the Cardiovascular Valves

Cause of Cardiovascular Calcification

Research shows a connection between the level of valve calcification and the presence of mycoplasma pneumoniae and chlamydia pneumoniae in the affected tissue. The study speculates that the calcification is not an age-related degenerative phenomenon, but rather a reaction to the presence of bacteria.

Culture-negative Endocarditis: Mycoplasma hominis Infection

Presence of mycoplasma and viruses in damaged heart tissue and arteries (but also in normal tissue)

Bacteria in Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis

Rehabilitation of Mitochondria by Lipid Replacement

According to Dr. Garth Nicholson, with prolonged mycoplasma viral infections, the pathogen penetrates cells and causes mitochondrial damage. The phenomenon is typical in a number of chronic diseases (for the infection as a cause of chronic diseases go here), as a result of cancer treatments, and as a result of aging. Declined mitochondrial function causes fatigue and other damage.

For the role of mitochondria in idiopathic Parkinson’s go here, and here.

The above treatment was originally developed for anti-aging.

LRT – Lipid Replacement Therapy

Treatment is by capsules containing lipids needed to repair the mitochondria. Capsules contain a higher concentration of lipids than found in food. The capsules preserve their integrity as they travel through the digestive system. In essence, it is a nutritional supplement.

A short explanation of LRT:

As discussed in the video, it can be assumed that a diet based on unprocessed and uncooked organic food will have good results.

Here is a study showing a significant improvement in mitochondrial function after taking an NT Factor supplement pack for 12 weeks.

NT Factor Contents:

NTFactor® is a nutrient complex that is extracted and prepared using a proprietary process that protects lipids from oxidation. In addition, nutrients, vitamins and probiotic microorganisms are added to the preparation. It contains the following ingredients: Glycophospholipids: polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine, other polyunsaturated phosphatidyl lipids, glycolipids and other lipids such as cardiolipin and sterol lipids. Probiotics: Bifido bacterium, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bacillus in a freeze-dried, microencapsulated form with appropriate growth nutrients. Food Supplements, Vitamins and Growth Media: bacterial growth factors to support probiotic growth, including defatted rice bran, arginine, beet root fiber extract, black strap molasses, glycine, magnesium sulfate, para-amino-benzoate, leek extract, pantethine (bifidus growth factor), taurine, garlic extract, calcium borogluconate, artichoke extract, potassium citrate, calcium sulfate, spirulina, bromelain, natural vitamin E, calcium ascorbate, alpha-lipoic acid, oligosaccharides, vitamin B-6, niacinamide, riboflavin, inositol, niacin, calcium pantothenate, thiamin, vitamin B-12, folic acid, chromium picolinate.

Additional Information and Purchase:

Dietary intervention in acne: mTORC1 signaling promoted by Western diet

..emerging whole network of exaggerated mTORC1 signaling mediated by Western diet. The most important task of preventive dermatology will be the reduction of mTORC1. All three major stimulatory pathways of mTORC1 activation have to be attenuated. Dietary intervention in acne should thus (1) decrease total energy, glucose and fat intake, (2) diminish insulin/IGF-1 signaling predominantly mediated by high dairy protein consumption, and (3) should limit the total leucine uptake predominantly provided by increased animal protein intake including meat and dairy proteins. This comprehensive dietary strategy can only be achieved by higher consumption of vegetables and fruit and reduction of animal-derived food. Indeed, diets enriched in vegetables and fruits, vegan diet as wells as Paleolithic diet (excluding sugar, hyperglycemic grains and dairy) have all been demonstrated to improve insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome and showed preventive effects in the development of Alzheimer disease.,,– According to the recent Korean acne diet study, the frequency of vegetables and fish intake was significantly higher in the acne-free control group than in the acne group consuming more hyperglycemic carbohydrates, processed meat and dairy products. Paleolithic diet regimens come close to the goal of attenuated mTORC1 signaling but have to consider that unlimited total protein intake may overstimulate leucine-mediated mTORC1 activation. Vegetable-accentuated diets provide less mTORC1 activating signals and additionally contain natural plant-derived mTORC1-inhibitors like resveratrol, EGCG, curcumin, genestein, and indole-3-carbinol monomers, precursors of 3,3′-diindolylmethane.

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Dietary intervention in acne: Attenuation of increased mTORC1 signaling promoted by Western diet

Overactive mTORC1 Signaling, Acne, the Western Diet, and More Serious Diseases

In industrialized countries over 85% of teenagers suffer from acne vulgaris. It is considered a disease of western civilization and thus not a physiological phenomenon of puberty but rather a visible risk indicator pointing to aberrant nutrient signaling promoting chronic epidemic diseases of civilization. Dairy, junk foods, meat, and egg proteins conspire to raise the activity of the enzyme mTORC1 contributing to obesity and acne. There is now evidence of the connection between dairy and the over-stimulation of mTORC1. This implies that the majority of the western population is living with overactivated mTORC1 signaling which is a major pathogenic factor leading to other serious diseases. Cow milk naturally stimulants mTORC1 appropriately for calves but for humans, it leads to over-stimulation. This means that using diet to cure acne by suppressing mTORC1 may also prevent more serious mTORC1-driven diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.

 

 

What do Studies Say about Probiotics and Digestion?

An article on the Strauss Group website describes probiotic yogurts developed to help regulate digestion and improve symptoms of IBS. The yogurts contain Bifidus Actiregularis bacteria and bio-bacteria. Studies focused on the survival of the bacterium in the gastrointestinal tract and its functionality cover “digestive comfort” a term used to define a well-functioning digestive system without gas, bloating, constipation, etc. The studies specifically relate to the elderly and to women. Probiotics have been shown to help improve brain activity and may be helpful for the nervous system and PD patients. Studies suggest that probiotics may help PD patients by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and potentially pathogenic bacterial overgrowth.

Source: Probiotics – Clinical Studies (HE)

Interview with Dale E. Bredesen, md on Reversing Cognitive Decline

In 2015 Dale E. Bredesen md was interviewed by IMCJ about reversing cognitive decline. Dr. Bredesen is an expert in mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. About the monotherapeutic approach to degenerative diseases, the doctor said that a cocktail of therapies can be more successful. We now are recognizing multiple subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Bredesen sees the underlying molecular mechanistics of what we refer to as Alzheimer’s disease, as 3 subtypes, two of which are not illnesses. If you look at the molecular mechanistics, what you see is that this is actually a well-orchestrated, non-disease, strategic downsizing based on many different inputs and a mismatch of those with what is actually required to maintain those synapses and to continue with the remodeling that goes on throughout life. Bredesen approaches this with a systematic protocol of lifestyle and nutritional interventions which was published in 2014 in the journal Aging. Dr. Bredesen: “You need to look at a number of critical features such as things like metal homeostasis and proteostasis and insulin resistance, which have been the subject of a tremendous amount of research and, of course, specific inflammatory pathways.”

Source: Dale E. Bredesen, md: Reversing Cognitive Decline

Fact Sheet: Dietary Supplements for Primary Mitochodrial Disorders

NIH publishes a fact sheet for health professionals on dietary supplements for primary mitochondrial disorders. The fact sheet summarizes published scientific trials, other studies, and reports on the use of dietary supplements to treat primary mitochondrial disorders. The most common ingredients in dietary supplements used in PMD therapy include vitamin C, vitamin E, and alpha-lipoic acid; electron donors and acceptors, such as CoQ10and riboflavin; compounds that can be used as alternative energy sources, such as creatine; and compounds that can conjugate or bind mitochondrial toxins, such as carnitine. A combination of these products is commonly called a mitochondrial cocktail. However, there are many combinations and dosages so the term is nonspecific and nondescriptive. Drug interaction needs to be taken into consideration as well as the level of evidence of efficiency, quality of ingredients, and dosage.

Source: Dietary Supplements for Primary Mitochondrial Disorders – Health Professional Fact Sheet

Use of Ayurveda Herb in PD Treatment

In 2018 the Deccan Chronicle published an article entitled: Kottayam: Neuroscientist Sees Ayurveda Cure. The article featured an interview with Dr. Ramachandran, director of the Center for Brain and Cognition in Tamil Nadu, India, and also a distinguished professor with the neuroscience program and department of psychology at the University of California, San Diago. Dr. Ramachandran was impressed by clinical trials conducted with regard to the ayurvedic drug “macuna pruriensis” which is a variety of bean rich L-dopa. Macuna pruriensis was shown in trials to be more effective than allopathic drug placebo and synthetic L- dopa used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Ramachandran is now planning to collaborate with other Indian doctors (including Dr. A.V. Sreenivasan of Chennai) in popularizing ayurvedic drugs that are effective and have fewer side effects. Dr. Ramachanran said that the disease (PD) must have been known to ancient Indian physicians who treated it with the ayurvedic herb.

Source: Kottayam: Neuroscientist sees Ayurveda cure

Benefits of Xylitol

Healthline published an article by Kris Gunnars, BSc. covering all aspects of xylitol. Xylitol looks and tastes like sugar but has fewer calories and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels. Several studies suggest that it has various important benefits. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, found in small amounts in many fruits and vegetables and is therefore considered natural. Humans even produce small quantities of it via normal metabolism.  it doesn’t contain any vitamins, minerals, or protein. Unlike sugar, xylitol has negligible effects on blood sugar and insulin levels. Animal studies indicate impressive benefits for metabolic health. Xylitol can improve dental health, reduce ear and yeast infections, and has other potential health benefits. Some studies suggest xylitol may be able to protect against the effects of aging by increasing collagen production; protect against osteoporosis and feed the friendly bacteria in the gut acting as a soluble fiber and improving digestive health. Xylitol is toxic for dogs but for humans, it may cause digestive upset but is otherwise well tolerated.

Source: Xylitol: Everything You Need to Know