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Gary Null’s Show Notes 05 05 23

If you listen to Gary’s show, you know that he begins with the latest findings in natural approaches to health and nutrition. Starting this week, we will make some of those findings available each weekday to subscribers to the Gary Null Newsletter.

Eating peanuts could have a beneficial impact on vascular health in young and healthy people

When performers are in the zone, it's spiritual, researcher finds

Bacteria from meat likely to cause more than a half-million urinary tract infections in the US every yearShare

Eating peanuts could have a beneficial impact on vascular health in young and healthy people

University of Barcelona (Spain), March 27, 2023

Eating peanuts and peanut butter could have a beneficial impact on vascular health in young and healthy people, according to a study published in the journal Antioxidants. The paper is led by Rosa M. Lamuela, professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences of the University of Barcelona.

Peanuts, which are obtained from the leguminous plant Arachis hypogaea, are considered nuts in terms of nutritional composition and are the most widely consumed nuts worldwide. High in fatty acids, protein, fibre and polyphenols, they represent a convenient, accessible and nutrient-rich snack that contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

This study included the participation of 63 healthy young people —aged between 18 and 33— who included a daily portion of peanut products in their regular diet for a period of six months. “In this study group, it is more difficult to see any effect of dietary changes on health”, says Professor Rosa M. Lamuel.

This study is the first nutritional intervention to confirm an improvement in vascular markers related to the antithrombotic and vasodilator effects in healthy young people after eating peanuts. "The results reveal a significant increase in urinary levels of phenolic metabolites in those young people who had eaten a daily dose of peanuts and peanut butter compared to the control group, which had eaten a cream without fibre or polyphenols", says Rosa M. Lamuela.

"Similarly, participants who ate peanuts or peanut butter also showed improved levels of prostacyclin I2 and the ratio between thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin I2, lipid molecules (eicosanoids) which are considered markers of vascular health”, the researcher notes.

"Interestingly, some phenolic metabolites that increased significantly after the consumption of peanut products —especially hydroxycinnamic acids— also correlated with the improvement in both markers", says researcher Isabella Parilli-Moser (INSA-UB-CIBERobn), first author of the article.

The new study reinforces the hypothesis defended in the scientific literature and in previous studies by this research group on the protective effect of polyphenols —the main antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in the diet— on cardiovascular diseases in adults, as well as their antithrombotic and vasodilator effects. Also, the consumption of nuts and peanuts has been linked to a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, especially due to the protective effect of the polyphenols found in these foods.

When performers are in the zone, it's spiritual, researcher finds

University of Queensland (Australia), March 14, 2023

Prima ballerinas Anna Pavlova and Margot Fonteyn reported entering altered states of consciousness and having "spiritual" experiences during performance, a University of Queensland researcher says.

Lynda Flower said her research aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of "peak performance lived experiences" and the meaning people made of them.

"Greater understanding is increasingly important with the current trend of applying knowledge gained about peak performance – particularly in sport – to other high-performance areas such as the legal profession, business, education, medicine and the military," Ms Flower said.

"Although there is a considerable amount of research into 'peak performance lived experiences', there is a distinct lack of clarity surrounding frequently used terms and the spiritual aspect.

"Terms such as mystical, spiritual and peak experiences, 'in the zone' and 'states of flow' are used interchangeably in literature, but participants have rarely been asked about their spiritual understanding of these experiences."

Ms Flower interviewed seven former professional ballet dancers for her research.

"What I wanted to find out is whether they had spiritual experiences during moments of peak performance and if so, what they made of them and how they interpreted them.

"I was fascinated to find in my preliminary research that many renowned ballet dancers – including Vaslav Nijinsky, Anna Pavlova and Margot Fonteyn – all reported experiencing spiritual states of consciousness during performance.

"Margot Fonteyn said that when she danced to the best of her ability, her soul was released and her spirit could shine forth."

Ms Flower said the study confirmed previous research and all the ballerinas she interviewed said the experience was extraordinary, "that is, it was different from the ordinary and the everyday".

"They all said that when they reach such a high state, it continued in a post-performance high," Ms Flower said.

"They felt it for hours afterwards, some even felt it for days. Being so uplifted during performance – it lasted for quite some time afterwards.

"They also all described the experience as spiritual. For some it was a religious spiritual experience, for others it was a more general spiritual experience – but certainly spiritual was the word they used and what they confirmed."

Bacteria from meat likely to cause more than a half-million urinary tract infections in the US every year

Northern Arizona University & George Washington University, March 24, 2023

A new study suggests that E. coli from meat products may be responsible for hundreds of thousands of urinary tract infections in the U.S. each year.

A team of scientists, led by Lance Price and Cindy Liu from the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, developed a new genomic approach for tracking the origins of E. coli infections. Using this method, the team estimated that between 480,000 and 640,000 urinary tract infections in the United States each year may be caused by foodborne E. coli strains.

"We're used to the idea that foodborne E. coli can cause outbreaks of diarrhea, but the concept of foodborne E. coli causing urinary tract infections seems strange—that is, until you recognize that raw meat is often riddled with the E. coli strains that cause these infections," said Price, a professor of environmental and occupational health and director of the GW Antibiotic Resistance Action Center . "Our study provides compelling evidence that dangerous E. coli strains are making their way from food animals to people through the food supply and making people sick—sometimes really sick."

E. coli is far and away the most common cause of urinary tract infections, causing upward of 85% of cases each year. Women are at greater risk of developing UTIs, which can range from simple bladder infections to life-threatening bloodstream infections.

E. coli can live in and infect people and animals, including animals raised for meat in the U.S. When food animals are slaughtered, the bacteria that inhabit their guts—including E. coli—can contaminate the meat products and put people at risk for exposure.

Data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that a majority of raw meat products are contaminated with E. coli. Currently, only specific types of diarrhea-causing E. coli, such as E. coli O157:H7, are monitored with any seriousness in the U.S., but this new research suggests that other strains may also pose serious health risks.

In this study, the researchers collected raw chicken, turkey and pork purchased from major grocery store chains in Flagstaff and isolated E. coli from these meat samples. By analyzing the genomes of E. coli from meat and those from people, the research team identified segments of E. coli DNA unique to strains that colonize food animals versus humans, then developed a new predictive model to differentiate E. coli from the two sources.

The foodborne E. coli strains identified in the current study were not only associated with urinary tract infections but were also capable of causing serious kidney and bloodstream infections. Left unchecked, E. coli bloodstream infections can be deadly. It is estimated that between 36,000 and 40,000 people die from E. coli bloodstream infections in the U.S. each year, but it is currently not known what portion of these originate from foodborne exposures.

The study suggests producers and the FDA could do a better job of monitoring potentially dangerous pathogens in food, most notably raw meat sold in grocery stores throughout the country. At the same time, consumers can take steps to limit their exposure to contaminated food. For example, home cooks should wash their hands carefully when preparing or handling raw meat and use separate surfaces to prepare raw and cooked foods, the authors say.

About Gary Null

An internationally renowned expert in the field of health and nutrition, Gary Null, Ph.D is the author of over 70 best-selling books on healthy living and the director of over 100 critically acclaimed full-feature documentary films on natural health, self-empowerment and the environment. He is the host of ‘The Progressive Commentary Hour” and “The Gary Null Show”, the country’s longest running nationally syndicated health radio talk show which can be heard daily on here on the Progressive Radio Network.

Throughout his career, Gary Null has made hundreds of radio and television broadcasts throughout the country as an environmentalist, consumer advocate, investigative reporter and nutrition educator. More than 28 different Gary Null television specials have appeared on PBS stations throughout the nation, inspiring and motivating millions of viewers. He originated and completed more than one hundred major investigations on health issues resulting in the use of material by 20/20 and 60 Minutes. Dr. Null started this network to provide his followers with a media outlet for health and advocacy. For more of Dr. Null’s Work visit the Gary Null’s Work Section or Blog.GaryNull.com In addition to the Progressive Radio Network, Dr. Null has a full line of all-natural home and healthcare products that can be purchased at his Online Store.

Find articles, videos, back radio broadcasts, books, and more at GaryNull.com.

https://garynull.com

Find Gary's vitamins and other supplements at Gary's Vitamin Closet.

https://www.garysvitamincloset.com

Hear Gary's radio show weekdays at noon Eastern Time on PRN.live

Disclaimer

While we have thoroughly researched the information we provide, and indicate its sources, information in this Gary Null Newsletter, and all Gary Null Newsletters, is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or other condition. Consult your medical professional before choosing any treatment or course of action. Gary Null Newsletters are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information it provides.

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Gary Null’s Show Notes 05 03 23

Social media and the self-perpetuating cycle of risk for body image and eating disorders

Can you really die of a broken heart?

The Link Between Nightshades, Chronic Pain And Inflammation

Social media and the self-perpetuating cycle of risk for body image and eating disorders

University College London, March 23, 2023

With recent reports finding that 91% of U.K. and U.S. adolescents use social media and that over 50% check their accounts at least once per hour, researchers decided to have a look into the influence of so much social media use on body image concerns and eating pathology in young people.

Alexandra Dane, and Komal Bhatia from the Institute for Global Health, University College London, compiled and analyzed data from 50 studies in 17 countries involving young people ages 10 to 24. The papers centered around comparisons of social media exposure to physical and mental health outcomes.

Eating disorders can often be fatal illnesses. With such an overwhelming percentage of modern childhood interacting with social media, the risks could have generational consequences if ignored. Understanding factors contributing to pathology allows researchers, parents, educators, policymakers, and health care professionals to use resources proactively and preventatively.

The report suggests that social media usage leads to body image concerns, eating disorders, disordered eating and poor mental health.

Specific time and frequency exposures to social media trends, pro-eating disorder content, appearance-focused platforms and investment in appearance-related activities were found to strengthen the relationship with pathology. High BMI, being female, and pre-existing body image concerns also increased this relationship, while high social media literacy and body appreciation were protective factors.

Links between social media usage and body image dissatisfaction, including body shame, low self-esteem and body-related anxiety, were demonstrated in 33 studies. Five of these studies suggested that body image dissatisfaction preceded a subsequent eating disorder pathology.

Appearance-related activities such as "selfie" avoidance, photo manipulation, and posting edited photos were consistently associated with body image dissatisfaction and risk of eating disorder pathology in 17 studies.

Significant associations between social media usage and disordered eating behaviors, including binging, purging, use of laxatives and extreme dieting were seen in 11 studies.

Seven studies investigated the relationship between social media screen time and body image or eating disorder-related outcomes. High frequency of social media usage and body image dissatisfaction was supported in another two studies. Five cross-sectional studies connected social media usage to various clinical eating disorders.

Can you really die of a broken heart?

St. George's University of London, March 21, 2023

Losing a loved one can be heartbreaking. But a new study shows that this can be more than just symbolic, as the chances of experiencing a stroke or heart attack after a partner's death doubles within the first 30 days.

The researchers note that, sometimes, grief can lead to extra physical stress and can also make people lose interest or forget to take their medication.To investigate bereavement as a risk factor for cardiovascular problems, the team assessed the rate of stroke or heart attack in patients over the age of 60 whose partner died. They then compared that with individuals whose partners were still alive.

In total, there were 3,0447 individuals in the study whose partner died and 83,588 controls whose partners did not.

The researchers found that 16 per 10,000 people whose partners died experienced heart attacks or strokes within 30 days of their partner dying, compared with only 8 per 10,000 from the control population. After 30 days, however, this increased risk began to fall in individuals who lost a loved one.

Dr. Sunil Shah, co-author and senior lecturer at St. George's University of London, says: "We often use the term a 'broken heart' to signify the pain of losing a loved one and our study shows that bereavement can have a direct effect on the health of the heart."

There has been evidence from other previous studies that partner loss and grief can lead to changes in blood clotting, blood pressure and heart rate control, Dr. Shah says.

"In addition, we have found, in another study, that in the first few months after bereavement, individuals may not consistently take their regular preventive medication, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs or aspirin," he adds.

The Link Between Nightshades, Chronic Pain And Inflammation

Few people are familiar with the term nightshades, and many will be surprised to learn that consuming foods from this plant group may be contributing to their pain and inflammation.

GreenMedInfo, March 21, 2023

Nightshades belong to the Solanaceae family which includes over 2,000 species. They also include some of the most popular foods consumed today; such as tomatoes, potatoes, all types of peppers, and eggplant. Although not truly nightshades, blueberries, huckleberries, goji berries and ashwaganda all share the same alkaloids which may have inflammation-inducing properties.

The Solanaceae family contains cholinesterase inhibiting glycoalkaloids and steroid alkaloids including, among others, solanine in potato and eggplant, tomatine in tomato, nicotine in tobacco, and capsaicin in garden peppers. The glycoalkaloids in potatoes are known to contribute to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and negatively affect intestinal permeability. According to Dr. Marvin Childers, “When these inhibitors accumulate in the body, alone or with other cholinesterase inhibitors such as caffeine or food impurities containing systemic cholinesterase inhibiting pesticides, the result may be a paralytic-like muscle spasm, aches, pains, tenderness, inflammation, and stiff body movements.” These symptoms may dissipate in a few hours or days if ingestion is stopped, based on the sensitivity of the individual, the amount of nightshades consumed on a regular basis and their level of inflammation. However for some heavy consumers of nightshades the process of inflammation and pain reduction can take up to 3 months.

After reading the symptoms associated with nightshade consumption, it is easy to understand why one of the major problems attributed to nightshade is arthritis. Arthritis has no boundaries to gender, race or age, it affects young and old alike. In fact it may be surprising to some that an estimated 294,000 children (age 18 and under), have some form of arthritis.

Three-month challenge

If you want to know if nightshades negatively affect you, take the three month challenge. Avoid all nightshades for three months. Be careful to note the nightshade list, and become a label reader as some homeopathics, prescriptions, over the counter medications as well as numerous processed foods contain nightshades. Prescriptions and over the counter medicines may require a discussion with your pharmacist or a phone call to the manufacturer of your over the counter medicines to determine ingredients.

After three months, begin to reintroduce one nightshade at a time. Take note of any aches, pains, stiffness, and loss of energy, headaches, respiratory problems or any other symptoms. You may find as many others have, that the quality of your daily health will dramatically improve after eliminating nightshades from your diet.

The nightshade list

· tomatoes (all varieties, including tomatillos)

· potatoes (all varieties, NOT sweet potatoes or yams)

· eggplant (aubergine)

· okra

· peppers (all varieties such as bell pepper, wax pepper, green & red peppers, chili peppers, cayenne, paprika, etc.)

· goji berries

· tomarillos (a plum-like fruit from Peru)

· sorrel

· garden huckleberry & blueberries (contain the alkaloids that induce inflammation)

· gooseberries

· ground cherries

· pepino Melon

· the homeopathic “Belladonna” [note: this is highly precautionary as homeopathics contain virtually no measurable “active” chemical]

· tobacco

· paprika

· cayenne pepper

Soy sauce made in the U.S. is generally made with genetically modified (GMO) soy beans, which are cut with the nightshade plant Petunia.

The condiments black/white pepper and pepper corns are not nightshades

Other ingredients and products to avoid

· Homeopathic remedies containing Belladonna [note: this is highly precautionary as homeopathics contain virtually no measurable “active” chemical]

· Prescription and over-the-counter medications containing potato starch as a filler (especially prevalent in sleeping and muscle relaxing medications)

· Edible flowers: petunia, chalice vine, day jasmine, angel and devil’s trumpets

· Atropine and Scopolamine, used in sleeping pills

· Topical medications for pain and inflammation containing capsicum (in cayenne pepper).

· Many baking powders contain potato starch

· Don’t lick envelopes, many adhesives contain potato starch

· Vodka (potatoes used in production)

About Gary Null

Find articles, videos, back radio broadcasts, books, and more at GaryNull.com.

https://garynull.com

Find Gary's vitamins and other supplements at Gary's Vitamin Closet.

https://www.garysvitamincloset.com

Hear Gary's radio show weekdays at noon Eastern Time on PRN.live

Disclaimer

Let us know what you would like to see in Gary's newsletter. Email us at [email protected]

If you are not subscribed, go to: https://garynull.substack.com to subscribe.

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Gary Null’s Show Notes 05 02 23

The Higher The Magnesium Level, The Healthier Our Arteries

Black Seed May Treat Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's Disease), Clinical Trial Reveals

Twice weekly yoga classes plus home practice effective in reducing symptoms of depressionShare

The Higher The Magnesium Level, The Healthier Our Arteries

National Institute of Cardiology (Mexico), March 15, 2023

Higher serum levels of magnesium may reduce the risk of hypertension by almost 50% and the risk of coronary artery calcification by 42%, says a new study.

More than 70 percent of the population have an unhealthy balance of 10 calcium to 1 magnesium in our many trillions of cells. A previous study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicated that for every 50 mg per day increase in intake of the mineral, the risk of cancer was modestly reduced by 7%. Another notable study of more than 4,600 Americans found the risk of developing metabolic syndrome over the next 15 years was 31 percent lower for those with the highest intake of magnesium. Data from 1,276 Mexican subjects also indicated that for every 0.17 mg/dL increase in serum magnesium level was associated with a 16% reduction in coronary artery calcification.

The new cross-sectional study, which was published in the Nutrition Journal , assessed magnesium levels in almost 1,300 Mexican participants aged between 30 and 75. None of the participants had any symptoms of cardiovascular disease.

The results indicated that people with the highest average serum levels magnesium (greater than 2.18 mg/dl) had 48% lower odds of high blood pressure (hypertension), 69 % lower odds of type 2 diabetes, and 42% lower odds of coronary artery calcification, compared with people with lowest average levels (less than 1.97 mg/dl).

"The results of this study strongly suggest that lower serum magnesium levels are associated with coronary artery calcification in Mexican subjects free of clinically apparent cardiovascular disease," wrote the researchers. "Confirmation of these results in other populations is required. Additional prospective studies are also needed to determine if hypomagnesaemia predicts the development and progression of coronary atherosclerosis."

While the data indicates correlation and not causation, scientists from the National Institute of Cardiology - Ignacio ChÃ¡vez in Mexico City said that there is biological plausibility for the potential cardiovascular benefits, adding that the mechanism(s) may be linked to enhancing endothelial function and reducing inflammation.

The results add to an ever growing body of science supporting the potential health benefits of the mineral.

Black Seed May Treat Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's Disease), Clinical Trial Reveals

Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (Iran), March 22, 2023

A powerful randomized clinical trial reveals that the ancient healing food known as nigella sativa (aka “black seed”), once known as the “remedy for everything but death,” may provide an ideal treatment for the autoimmune thyroid condition known as Hashimoto’s disease, which is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

The study, published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, evaluated the effects of nigella sativa on thyroid function, serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) - 1, Nesfatin -1 and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

The study took 40 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, aged between 22 and 50 years old, and randomized them into one group receiving two grams of powdered encapsulated Nigella sativa and the other 2 grams starch placebo daily for 8 weeks.. Changes in anthropometric variables, dietary intakes, thyroid status, serum VEGF and Nesfatin-1 concentrations were measured.

The positive results were reported as follows:

"Treatment with Nigella sativa significantly reduced body weight and body mass index (BMI). Serum concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies decreased while serum T3 concentrations increased in Nigella sativa-treated group after 8 weeks. There was a significant reduction in serum VEGF concentrations in intervention group. None of these changes had been observed in placebo treated group. In stepwise multiple regression model, changes in waist to hip ratio (WHR) and thyroid hormones were significant predictors of changes in serum VEGF and Nesgfatin-1 values in Nigella sativa treated group."

The researchers concluded:

"Our data showed a potent beneficial effect of powdered Nigella sativa in improving thyroid status and anthropometric variables in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Moreover, Nigella sativa significantly reduced serum VEGF concentrations in these patients. Considering observed health- promoting effect of this medicinal plant in ameliorating the disease severity, it can be regarded as a useful therapeutic approach in management of Hashimoto's thyroiditis."

Twice weekly yoga classes plus home practice effective in reducing symptoms of depression

Boston University School of Medicine, March 13, 2023

People who suffer from depression should participate in yoga and deep (coherent) breathing classes at least twice weekly plus practice at home to receive a significant reduction in their symptoms.

The findings, which appear in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, provide preliminary support for the use of yoga-based interventions as an alternative or supplement to pharmacologic treatments for depression.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is common, recurrent, chronic and disabling. Due in part to its prevalence, depression is globally responsible for more years lost to disability than any other disease. Up to 40 percent of individuals treated with antidepressant medications for MDD do not achieve full remission. This study used lyengar yoga that has an emphasis on detail, precision and alignment in the performance of posture and breath control.

Individuals with MDD were randomized to the high dose group, three 90-minute classes a week along with home practice, or the low dose group, two 90-minute classes a week, plus home practice. Both groups had significant decreases in their depressive symptoms and no significant differences in compliance. Although a greater number of subjects in the high dose group had less depressive symptoms, the researchers believe attending twice weekly classes (plus home practice) may constitute a less burdensome but still effective way to gain the mood benefits from the intervention.

"This study supports the use of a yoga and coherent breathing intervention in major depressive disorder in people who are not on antidepressants and in those who have been on a stable dose of antidepressants and have not achieved a resolution of their symptoms," explained corresponding author Chris Streeter, MD, associate professor of psychiatry and neurology at Boston University School of Medicine and a psychiatrist at Boston Medical Center.

According to Streeter compared with mood altering medications, this intervention has the advantages of avoiding additional drug side effects and drug interactions. "While most pharmacologic treatment for depression target monoamine systems, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, this intervention targets the parasympathetic and gamma aminobutyric acid system and provides a new avenue for treatment."

About Gary Null

Find articles, videos, back radio broadcasts, books, and more at GaryNull.com.

https://garynull.com

Find Gary's vitamins and other supplements at Gary's Vitamin Closet.

https://www.garysvitamincloset.com

Hear Gary's radio show weekdays at noon Eastern Time on PRN.live

Disclaimer

Let us know what you would like to see in Gary's newsletter. Email us at [email protected]

If you are not subscribed, go to: https://garynull.substack.com to subscribe.

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Gary Null’s Show Notes 05 01 23

Brain decline comes later than thought? Scientists now say it starts in our thirties

Use of melatonin linked to decreased self-harm in young people

Vitamin C 10 Times More Effective Killing Cancer Stem Cells Than Pharmaceuticals

Monday Recipe

Brain decline comes later than thought? Scientists now say it starts in our thirties

University Medical Center Utrecht (Netherlands), March 22, 2023

Some people report a decline in their memory before any drop in cognition is large enough to show up on tests. This and other factors have prompted scientists to think brain decline starts really early. But new research from University Medical Center Utrecht shows the opposite. Instead of it happening after turning 25, it turns out that it does between the ages of 30 and 40.

The finding is welcome news for those who fear all those brain farts and forgetful moments are a sign they’re doomed to early onset of dementia.

“Our brain continues to develop a lot longer than we thought,” says clinical technologist Dorien van Blooijs from UMC Utrecht, in a university release.

The Dutch team discovered that our brain connections actually become faster with time. In 4-year-olds, connections move two meters per second while between 30 and 40, they move four meters per second. In other words, they doubled with age, and it’s only until sometime between 30 and 40 that things start to slow down.

The researchers also noted differences between brain regions. For example, the frontal lobe, the largest part of the brain important for thinking and task performance, takes a longer time to develop than an area responsible for movement. “We already knew this thanks to previous research, but now we have concrete data,” says Van Blooijs.

Scientists findings offer noteworthy information on the central nervous system and concrete numbers representing the speed of our brain connections. These are things scientists have been trying to map and understand for years. Now, field experts can look ahead to making more advanced and realistic computer models of the brain.

Use of melatonin linked to decreased self-harm in young people

Karolinska Institutet (Sweden)

Medical sleep treatment may reduce self-harm in young people with anxiety and depression, an observational study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden suggests. The risk of self-harm increased in the months preceding melatonin prescription and decreased thereafter, especially in girls. The study is published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

Melatonin is a hormone that controls the sleep-wake cycle and is the most commonly prescribed drug for sleep disturbances in children and adolescents in Sweden. Melatonin use has dramatically increased in recent years, and it is available over the counter in Sweden since 2020.

"Given the established link between sleep problems, depression, and self-harm, we wanted to explore whether medical sleep treatment is associated with a lower rate of intentional self-harm in young people," says Dr. Sarah Bergen, docent at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, who led the study.

The study identified over 25,500 children and teenagers between the ages of 6 and 18 who were prescribed melatonin in Sweden. Over 87 percent had at least one psychiatric disorder, mainly attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, depression, or autism spectrum disorder. Self-harm was about five times more common in girls than in boys.

The risk of self-harm increased shortly before melatonin was prescribed and decreased by about half in the months following the initiation of treatment. Risk reduction was particularly evident among adolescent girls with depression and/or anxiety disorders.

As it was an observational study, it cannot establish a causal relationship between melatonin and reduced self-harm rates. To check whether the use of other medications might have affected the findings, analyses were also carried out which excluded antidepressant users. The results were similar.

"This suggests that melatonin might be responsible for the reduced self-harm rates, but we cannot rule out that the use of other psychiatric medications or psychotherapy may have influenced the findings," says Dr. Marica Leone, first author of the study and former Ph.D. student in Sarah Bergen's research group.

Vitamin C 10 Times More Effective Killing Cancer Stem Cells Than Pharmaceuticals

University of Manchester (UK), March 17, 2023

A study by UK scientists openly claims that vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is more potent than some pharma drugs at killing cancer stem cells – the pervasive cells that “seed” new cancer cells, feed fatal tumors and often evade treatment.

The study, published in Oncotarget, is the first evidence that supports that vitamin C be used to target and kill cancer stem cells (CSCs).

In order to find out which substances might target stem cells, researchers needed to find a way to disrupt cancer cell metabolism.

Focusing on energy-transfer, they measured the impact on cell lines in a laboratory of seven substances:

• The clinically approved cancer drug, stiripentol

• Three experimental pharmaceuticals: actinonin, FK866 and 2-DG.

• Three natural substances: caffeic acid phenyl ester (CAPE), silibinin and ascorbic acid

While they found that natural antibiotic actinonin and the compound FK866 were the most potent, the natural products also inhibited cancer stem cell (CSC) formation, with vitamin C, outperforming 2-DG by tenfold in terms of potency.

Dr Michael P. Lisanti, Professor of Translational Medicine at the University of Salford, said: We have been looking at how to target cancer stem cells with a range of natural substances including silibinin (milk thistle) and CAPE, a honey-bee derivative, but by far the most exciting are the results with Vitamin C.

This is further evidence that Vitamin C and other non-toxic compounds may have a role to play in the fight against cancer.

Monday Recipe

About Gary Null

Find articles, videos, back radio broadcasts, books, and more at GaryNull.com.

https://garynull.com

Find Gary's vitamins and other supplements at Gary's Vitamin Closet.

https://www.garysvitamincloset.com

Hear Gary's radio show weekdays at noon Eastern Time on PRN.live

Disclaimer

Let us know what you would like to see in Gary's newsletter. Email us at [email protected]

If you are not subscribed, go to: https://garynull.substack.com to subscribe.

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prnlive · 1 year

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Gary Null’s Newsletter Issue 067

In this week’s Gary Null’s Newsletter:

Therapeutic Massage

Recipe for Cold Strawberry Soup

Therapeutic Massage

By Gary Null, PhD

The history of massage can be traced back to ancient civilizations, including China, India, Greece, and Egypt. In China, massage was known as anmo and was practiced as early as 2700 BCE. Chinese massage techniques later Chinese Buddhist monks brought Chinese massage techniques to Japan where it later developed into "shiatsu." In India, Ayurvedic massage has been practiced for thousands of years and is still widely used today.

Massage has also been widely practiced in the West. The early Greeks and Romans performed massages often in conjunction with bathing in hot springs or pools. The father of modern medicine Hippocrates is credited with developing a form of massage known as "anatripsis," which involved rubbing the body with oils and then using a scraper to remove dead skin.

In the Western world, massage fell out of favor during the Middle Ages, but was revived during the Renaissance along with a renewed interest in the healing arts. Physicians and naturalists of the time began to explore the benefits of massage for its potential therapeutic benefits. One of the most notable figures in the history of massage during the Renaissance was Ambroise Paré, a French physician who is often considered the father of modern surgery. Paré believed that massage could be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including pain, inflammation, and swelling. In his writings, Paré described how massage could be used to promote circulation, increase flexibility, and stimulate the body's natural healing processes. He also believed that massage could be used to help the body eliminate waste products and improve overall health and wellbeing.

A contemporary of Paré who discovered massage’s benefits was the Flemish physician and anatomist Andreas Vesalius, who advocated for its use to treat muscle and joint pain. While Vesalius is primarily known for his work in anatomy, he also recognized massage’s therapeutic benefits in medical treatment. Vesalius believed that massage was particularly effective for treating conditions that were caused by an excess of phlegm, a substance that was thought to be responsible for a variety of health problems at the time. He believed that massage could help to break up and eliminate excess phlegm, thereby improving overall health. Paré ‘s and Vesalius's views on the therapeutic benefits of massage were widely influential during the Renaissance and helped to establish the practice as a legitimate medical treatment.

In the early 19th century, Swedish physician Per Henrik Ling developed the Swedish massage technique. Ling's technique incorporated elements of physiology and anatomy, and emphasized the use of effleurage (long, gliding strokes) and petrissage (kneading) to promote relaxation and relieve tension in the muscles. Swedish massage quickly became one of the most popular forms of massage in Europe and North America.

Massage therapy became increasingly popular in the 20th century, and is now widely recognized as a beneficial form of complementary and alternative medicine. Massage therapists are trained in a variety of techniques, and massage is now used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, stress, and anxiety.

Swedish Massage

This is one of the most popular types of massage and involves long, smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the topmost layers of muscles. It aims to promote relaxation and increase circulation.

The main principles of Swedish massage involve using a combination of five different techniques: effleurage (long, gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading and squeezing), friction (circular movements), tapotement (tapping and percussive movements), and vibration (fine, rapid movements). It is typically performed on a massage table with the client undressed or wearing loose clothing. The therapist will apply oil or lotion to the skin to reduce friction, and then uses a combination of the above techniques to target specific muscle groups.

The therapeutic value of Swedish massage lies in its ability to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and reduce muscle tension and pain. A large meta-analysis has shown that it can significantly relieve stress, anxiety, and depression,[1] One study in particular showed Swedish massage can decrease cortisol levels and increase serotonin and dopamine in adults.[2] It may also be used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, and insomnia.[3] Research has suggested that Swedish massage may be beneficial for people with conditions such as osteoarthritis,[4] fibromyalgia,[5] and chronic fatigue syndrome. It has been shown to improve joint flexibility, reduce muscle stiffness, and improve overall quality of life. Overall, Swedish massage is a safe and effective form of massage therapy that can provide a wide range of physical and mental health benefits. It remains one of the most popular types of massage worldwide and is widely available in spas, clinics, and wellness centers

Deep tissue massage

This type of massage uses firm pressure and slow strokes to target deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It is designed to relieve chronic tension and pain, as well as to improve mobility and range of motion. It is often used to relieve chronic muscle tension, soreness, and stiffness. One study found that deep tissue massage reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines following exercise-induced muscle damage.[6] It has also been found to significantly reduce common low-back pain.[7]

The history of deep tissue massage can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was used as a form of healing therapy. However, the modern form of deep tissue massage was developed in the mid-20th century by Canadian physician and physical therapist, Dr. Therese Pfrimmer. A deep tissue therapist may use their fingers, thumbs, elbows, or forearms to apply pressure to specific points on the body, and may also use stretching or other techniques to improve mobility and flexibility.

Deep tissue massage is generally safe and effective for most people, although it may not be appropriate for those with certain medical conditions or injuries. It is important to discuss any health concerns with a qualified massage therapist before undergoing deep tissue massage

Reflexology

Reflexology is a form of alternative medicine that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and ears, known as reflex points. This therapy is based on the theory that these reflex points correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body, and that applying pressure to these points can have a therapeutic effect. The main principles of reflexology involve the use of pressure on specific points on the feet, hands, or ears, which correspond to different parts of the body. Reflexologists believe that these reflex points are connected to energy pathways in the body, and that applying pressure to these points can help to release blockages and promote healing.

The history of reflexology can be traced back to ancient civilizations, including Egypt, China, and India, where it was used as a form of healing therapy. The modern form of reflexology was developed in the early 20th century by American physician and chiropractor, Dr. William Fitzgerald, and further refined by Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist and reflexologist.

The therapeutic value of reflexology lies in its ability to promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, improve circulation, and relieve pain and tension in various parts of the body. It may be used to treat a variety of conditions, including headaches,[8] digestive disorders,[9] and respiratory problems.[10]

Research has suggested that reflexology may be beneficial for people with conditions such as multiple sclerosis[11] and pain associated with cancer.[12] It has been shown to improve quality of life and improve overall well-being in these and other conditions.

Thai massage

Thai massage, also known as Thai yoga massage, is a traditional healing art that originated in Thailand over 2,500 years ago. Its origins can be traced back to ancient India, where it was originally developed as a form of yoga therapy. The technique was brought to Thailand by Buddhist monks and became an integral part of traditional Thai medicine.

The technique combines elements of yoga, acupressure, and meditation, and is based on the principles of energy flow and balance. The main principle of Thai massage is that the body is made up of ten energy lines, known as sen, which correspond to specific organs and body parts. The massage therapist uses their hands, feet, elbows, and knees to apply pressure to these energy lines and help to release blockages and restore balance to the body. Thai massage is performed on a mat on the floor, with the client wearing loose, comfortable clothing. The therapist uses a combination of stretching, compression, and acupressure techniques to manipulate the body and stimulate the energy lines

The therapeutic value of Thai massage lies in its ability to improve circulation,[13] reduce stress and anxiety,[14] relieve pain and tension in the muscles and joints,[15] and improve overall flexibility and range of motion.[16] It may be used to treat a variety of conditions, including back pain, headaches, arthritis, and digestive problems. Research suggests that Thai massage may be beneficial for people with conditions such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and chronic low back pain.[17] It has been shown to improve immune function, and quality of life in these and other conditions.[18] Thai massage has gained popularity around the world and is now widely practiced in many countries.

Therapeutic Touch

Properly, Therapeutic Touch is a form of energy healing that involves the use of the hands to balance and direct the energy field surrounding the body. The technique was developed in the 1970s by American nurse Dolores Krieger and physicist Dora Kunz. The main principle of Therapeutic Touch is that the body has an energy field that surrounds and permeates it, and that this field can be influenced and manipulated by the hands of a trained practitioner.

The technique involves the use of a series of hand movements and placements that are designed to balance the energy field, promote relaxation, and stimulate the body's natural healing processes. Therapeutic Touch is often used to reduce anxiety and depression,[19] relieve pain, promote relaxation, strengthen immune response, and improve overall well-being.[20] It is commonly used in hospice care, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings, as well as in private practice. Some studies suggest that it may have a beneficial effect on conditions such as anxiety, pain, and wound healing.[21] Therapeutic Touch remains a popular and widely practiced form of energy healing, with thousands of trained practitioners around the world.

Shiatsu massage

Shiatsu massage originates from Japan and involves applying pressure with fingers, thumbs, and palms to specific points on the body to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote relaxation. See separate section below for more about Shiatsu.

In summary, massage therapy has been shown to provide numerous health benefits across a variety of modalities. Physically, massage can improve circulation, increase flexibility, reduce pain, and lower blood pressure. It has also been shown to improve immune function and promote deeper and more restful sleep. Emotionally and psychologically, massage has been found to reduce anxiety and depression, promote relaxation, and increase feelings of well-being. Different modalities of massage, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, and Thai massage, have been found to provide specific benefits tailored to various health conditions. Overall, massage therapy can provide a holistic approach to improving physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.

Notes

[1] Moyer CA, Rounds J, Hannum JW. “A meta-analysis of massage therapy research.” Psychological Bull. 2004;130(1),: 3-18.

[2] Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, et al. “Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase fo.lowing massage therapy.” Internat J Neurosci., 2005;115(10): 1397-1413.

[3] Huang W, Kutner N, Bliwise DL. “A systematic review of the effects of massage therapy on sleep.” J Altern Complement Med. 2006;12(5): 475-490.

[4] Perlman AI, Sabina A, Williams AL, et al. (2006). Massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial.” Arch intern Med. 2006;166(22): 2533-2538.

[5] Jones KD, Liptan GL. “Exercise interventions in fibromyalgia: clinical applications from the evidence.” Rheuma Dis Clin NA, 2009;35(2): 373-391.

[6] Crane JD, Ogborn DI, Cupido C, et al. “Massage therapy attenuates inflammatory signaling after exercise-induced muscle damage” Sci Transl Med. 2012;4(119); 119ra13-119ra13.

[7] Preyde M. “Effectiveness of massage therapy for subacute low-back pain: a randomized controlled trial,” Canada Med Assoc J, 2003;169(12): 1063-1068.

[8] Wang Y, Luo M, Zhao X. “The effect of foot reflexology on headache: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Compl Therap Clin Practice, 2020;40: 101190.

[9] Corbin L. “The effects of reflexology on women with irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.” Altern Therap Health Med, 2020;6(6): 66-75.

[10] Wyatt G, Sikorskii A, Tamkus D, You M, Gorecki M. “The impact of foot reflexology on fatigue, pain, and anxiety in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial.” Mult Sclero J, 2012;18(11): 1584-1591.

[11] Li Q, Liang X, Li Y, et al. “The effect of foot reflexology on respiratory function: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” ComplemTher Med, 2021;58: 102748.

[12] Stephenson N L, Dalton JA, Carlson J, Burton J. “The effect of foot reflexology on pain in patients with metastatic cancer.” Appl Nursing Res. 2003;16(4): 284-286.

[13] Leelarungrayub D, Manimmanakorn N, et al. “Effect of Thai traditional massage on brachial artery blood flow and vascular endothelial function in physically active Thai men.” Compl Therap Med. 2016;27: 9-16.

[14] Worakunphanich W, Somyanonthanakul J, et al. “Thai traditional massage for cancer-related symptoms management: A randomized controlled trial.” J Pain Sympt Manage, 2016;51(4): 612-621.

[15] Lauche R, et al. “A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of Thai massage on chronic low back pain.” Comple Thera Med, 2017;33: 139-145.

[16] Kumnerddee W, Pattapong N. “Effectiveness of Thai traditional massage on flexibility in healthy adults.” J Body Move Therap, 2014;18(3): 447-453.

[17] Buttagat V, Eungpinichpong W, et al. “The immediate effects of traditional Thai massage on heart rate variability and stress-related parameters in patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points.” J Body Move Thera, 2011;15(1): 15-23.

[18] Kongkaew C, Chaiyakunapruk N, et al. “Efficacy of Thai traditional massage in decreasing chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.” J Body Move Thera, 2018;22(4): 963-968.

[19] So WKW, Cheng CKY, Wong KY. “Effects of therapeutic touch on anxiety, depression and stress in university students: A randomized controlled trial.” J Clin Nursing, 2011;20(7-8): 964-971.

[20] Rosa L, Rosa E, Sarner L, Barrett S. “A close look at therapeutic touch.” JAMA, 1998;279(13): 1005-1010.

[21] Anderson JG, Taylor AG, Voigt R. “Effects of healing touch in clinical practice: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.” J Holist Nursing, 2010;28(3): 205-214.

Recipe for Cold Strawberry Soup

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Gary Null’s Show Notes 04 28 23

Brain decline comes later than thought? Scientists now say it starts in our thirties

Use of melatonin linked to decreased self-harm in young people

Artificial sweetener found to dampen immune response to disease in mice

A higher dose of magnesium each day keeps dementia at bay

Australian National University, March 23, 2023

More magnesium in our daily diet leads to better brain health as we age, according to scientists from the Neuroimaging and Brain Lab at The Australian National University (ANU).

The researchers say increased intake of magnesium-rich foods such as spinach and nuts could also help reduce the risk of dementia, which is the second leading cause of death in Australia and the seventh biggest killer globally.

The study of more than 6,000 cognitively healthy participants in the United Kingdom aged 40 to 73 found people who consume more than 550 milligrams of magnesium each day have a brain age that is approximately one year younger by the time they reach 55 compared with someone with a normal magnesium intake of about 350 milligrams a day.

"Our study shows a 41 percent increase in magnesium intake could lead to less age-related brain shrinkage, which is associated with better cognitive function and lower risk or delayed onset of dementia in later life," lead author and Ph.D. researcher Khawlah Alateeq, from the ANU National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, said.

"This research highlights the potential benefits of a diet high in magnesium and the role it plays in promoting good brain health."

The researchers say a higher intake of magnesium in our diets from a younger age may safeguard against neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline by the time we reach our 40s.

"The study shows higher dietary magnesium intake may contribute to neuroprotection earlier in the aging process and preventative effects may begin in our 40s or even earlier," Ms Alateeq said.

"We also found the neuroprotective effects of more dietary magnesium appears to benefit women more than men and more so in post-menopausal than pre-menopausal women, although this may be due to the anti-inflammatory effect of magnesium."

Resveratrol preserves neuromuscular synapses, muscle fibers in aging mice

Virginia Tech University, March 7, 2023

Scientists have discovered that resveratrol, a compound in the skin of red grapes and red wine, have many of the neuroprotective benefits of a low-calorie diet and exercise.

In a study published in The Journals of Gerontologys, scientists from the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and colleagues show resveratrol preserves muscle fibers as we age and helps protect connections between neurons called synapses from the negative effects of aging.

"We all slow down as we get older," said Gregorio Valdez, an assistant professor. "Gait, balance issues, and impaired motor coordination contribute to health problems, accidents, lack of mobility, and a lower quality of life. We work on identifying molecular changes that slow down motor deficits that occur with aging. I believe that we are getting closer to tapping into mechanisms to slow age-induced degeneration of neuronal circuits."

Scientists studied two-year-old mice—generally considered to be "old"—that were treated with resveratrol for one year, paying particular attention to synapses called neuromuscular junctions. These synapses are essential for voluntary movement because they relay motor commands that flow from neurons in the spinal cord to muscles.

Valdez said people would not get the massive neuroprotective benefits seen in mice by drinking wine because of the relatively low resveratrol content.

Artificial sweetener found to dampen immune response to disease in mice

Francis Crick Institute, March 18, 2023

Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute have found that high consumption of a common artificial sweetener, sucralose, lowers activation of T-cells, an important component of the immune system, in mice.

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener, about 600 times sweeter than sugar, that is commonly used in drinks and food. Like many other artificial sweeteners, the effects of sucralose on the body are not yet fully understood, although recent studies have shown that sucralose can impact human health by affecting the microbiome.

In the new study, published in Nature, the researchers tested the impact of sucralose on the immune system in mice.

Mice were fed sucralose at levels equivalent to the acceptable daily intake recommended by the European and American food safety authorities. Importantly, while these doses are achievable, they would not normally be reached by people simply consuming food or drinks containing sweeteners as part of a normal diet.

The mice fed diets containing high doses of sucralose were less able to activate T cells in response to cancer or infection. No effect was seen on other types of immune cells.

By studying T cells in more detail, the researchers found that a high-dose of sucralose impacted intracellular calcium release in response to stimulation, and therefore dampened T -cell function.

Karen Vousden, senior author and principal group leader at the Crick, says, "We're hoping to piece together a bigger picture of the effects of diet on health and disease, so that one day we can advise on diets that are best suited to individual patients, or find elements of our diet that doctors can exploit for treatment.

Julianna Blagih, co-first author and former postdoctoral training fellow at the Crick (now Assistant Professor at the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal), explains, "We've shown that a commonly used sweetener, sucralose, is not a completely inert molecule and we have uncovered an unexpected effect on the immune system. We are keen to explore whether there are other cell types or processes that are similarly affected by this sweetener."

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Gary Null’s Show Notes 04 27 23

Researchers find that older adults suffering from depression age faster than their peers

Too much cholesterol speeds up formation of toxic plaques that cause Alzheimer’s disease

Study finds 'considerable uncertainty' around effectiveness and safety of analgesics for low back pain

Researchers find that older adults suffering from depression age faster than their peers

University of Connecticut, March 22, 2023

Older adults with depression are actually aging faster than their peers, UConn Center on Aging researchers report.

"These patients show evidence of accelerated biological aging, and poor physical and brain health," which are the main drivers of this association, says Breno Diniz, a UConn School of Medicine geriatric psychiatrist and author of the study, which appears in Nature Mental Health.

Diniz and colleagues from several other institutions looked at 426 people with late-in-life depression. They measured the levels of proteins associated with aging in each person's blood. When a cell gets old, it begins to function differently, less efficiently, than a "young" cell. It often produces proteins that promote inflammation or other unhealthy conditions, and those proteins can be measured in the blood. Diniz and the other researchers compared the levels of these proteins with measures of the participants' physical health, medical problems, brain function, and the severity of their depression.

To their surprise, the severity of a person's depression seemed unrelated to their level of accelerated aging. However, they did find that accelerated aging was associated with worse cardiovascular health overall. People with higher levels of aging-associated proteins were more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and multiple medical problems. The accelerated aging was also associated with worse performance on tests of brain health such as working memory and other cognitive skills.

"Those two findings open up opportunities for preventive strategies to reduce the disability associated with major depression in older adults, and to prevent their acceleration of biological aging," says Diniz, who is from the UConn Center on Aging.

Too much cholesterol speeds up formation of toxic plaques that cause Alzheimer’s disease

Texas A&M University, March 14, 2023

Poor cholesterol levels are not only dangerous for your heart, a new study finds they may also increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as well. Researchers from Texas A&M University say that cholesterol increases toxic proteins linked to the onset of the disease.

Typically, Alzheimer’s disease causes the brain to shrink and its cells to die. It’s the most common cause of dementia, a condition which makes people slowly lose their memory, thinking ability, and other skills until they ultimately are unable to function. Scientists consider amyloid beta proteins to be one of the substances most responsible for the disease’s progression. Over time, they can clump together to form harmful plaques that then lead to the brain damage.

“Amyloid peptides, including amyloid beta, are known to interact with lipids in the brain,” Kurouski explains. “These interactions can play a role in the formation of amyloid plaques and the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease.”

In this study by Kurouski’s team, three different fats — phosphatidylcholine, cardiolipin, and cholesterol — strongly accelerated the rate of plaque formation compared to the rate without them. Results also revealed that cardiolipin, a fat implicated in blood clots, caused for the quickest formation of these harmful buildups. Nonetheless, all of the fats structurally altered amyloid beta aggregates in their own way. More formations and aggregates mean more toxicity in the body.

Kuroski says that these results mean that a diet lower in cholesterol, specifically low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), can help prevent these reactions from happening.

“In the convergence of nutrition and human health, a diet that limits the amount of cholesterol, especially low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and phospholipids can be important in reducing the ability of these lipids to react with the amyloid beta peptides,” the study author says.

On the flip side, omega-3 fats, commonly found in foods like oily fish and nuts, have been shown to help protect neurons in the brain. Eating omega-3-rich foods can support cognition and limit Alzheimer’s progression, studies show. Kuroski mentions that this study only looked at a few types of fats, and that there could be others that play a role too.

Study finds 'considerable uncertainty' around effectiveness and safety of analgesics for low back pain

Brunel University London (UK), March 23, 2023

Despite nearly 60 years of research, there is still a lack of high-certainty evidence on the effectiveness and safety of commonly used painkillers (analgesics) for short bouts of low back pain, finds an analysis of the evidence published by The BMJ.

The researchers say that until higher-quality trials comparing analgesics with each other are published, "clinicians and patients are advised to take a cautious approach to manage acute non-specific low back pain with analgesic medicines."

Analgesics such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and codeine are widely used to treat acute non-specific low back pain, defined as pain lasting less than six weeks. But evidence for their comparative effectiveness is limited.

From an initial 124 relevant trials, they included 98 randomized controlled trials published between 1964 and 2021 in their analysis. These involved 15,134 participants aged 18 and over and 69 different medicines or combinations.

The trials included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol, opioids, anti-convulsant drugs, muscle relaxants and corticosteroids. The researchers assessed their risk of bias using a validated risk tool.

The researchers noted low or very low confidence in evidence for reduced pain intensity after treatment with muscle relaxant tolperisone, anti-inflammatory drug aceclofenac plus muscle relaxant tizanidine, and the anti-convulsant drug pregabalin, compared with placebo.

Very low confidence was also noted in evidence for large reductions in pain intensity (around 20 points) for four medicines, such as the muscle relaxant thiocolchicoside and anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen; moderate reductions (10-20 points) for seven medicines, including anti-inflammatory drugs aceclofenac, etoricoxib and ketorolac; and small reductions (5-10 points) for three medicines including ibuprofen and paracetamol.

Low or very low confidence evidence suggested no difference among the effects of several of these medications.

The researchers noted moderate to very low confidence evidence for increased adverse events, such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, and headache, with tramadol, paracetamol plus sustained release tramadol, baclofen, as well as paracetamol plus tramadol compared to placebo. Moderate to low confidence evidence also suggested that these medications could increase the risk of adverse events compared to other medications.

This was a comprehensive review based on a thorough literature search, but the researchers acknowledge that most included studies had concerns related to risk of bias, which alongside other limitations, may have influenced the findings.

"Our review of analgesic medicines for acute non-specific low back pain found considerable uncertainty around effects for pain intensity and safety," they write. As such, they say clinicians and patients "are advised to take a cautious approach to the use of analgesic medicines."

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Gary Null’s Show Notes 04 26 23

Meta-analysis affirms weight management benefit for chili pepper compound

Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent cancer and improve survival rates

How fit is your gut microbiome?

Meta-analysis affirms weight management benefit for chili pepper compound

Zhengzhou University (China), March 22 2023

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Nutrition supported a benefit for capsaicin, a compound derived from chili peppers, in weight management.

“Capsaicin, as the most important compound of chili pepper, is the major pungent principle in various species of capsicum fruits such as hot chili peppers and has long been globally used as an ingredient of spices, preservatives and medicines,” Wensen Zhang and colleagues at Zhengzhou University in China wrote. “Animal studies showed that dietary capsaicin may reduce the prevalence of obesity by suppressing inflammatory responses and enhancing fatty acid oxidation in adipose tissue and liver.”

The meta-analysis included 15 randomized trials that involved a total of 762 overweight or obese men and women. The trials compared the effects of encapsulated capsaicin or capsaicin as a food ingredient to a placebo.

Body mass index, body weight and waist circumference were significantly reduced among participants who were given capsaicin in comparison with the placebo groups. No significant effect for capsaicin on waist to hip ratio was determined. As possible mechanisms, Zhang and colleagues cited studies that revealed an increase in energy expenditure in association with the intake of capsaicin. Other research found that chili consumption promotes fat oxidation, lowers appetite and accelerates energy metabolism.

“This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that capsaicin intake has the potential to reduce body mass index, body weight, waist circumference, but did not affect waist to hip ratio,” the authors concluded. “The results suggest that dietary capsaicin supplementation could be considered as part of the weight management program for overweight or obese individuals.”

Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent cancer and improve survival rates

University of North Carolina, March 8, 2023

Are you getting enough omega-3 fatty acids in your diet? A recent study found that breast cancer patients had a lowered mortality rate as many as 15 years after initial testing if they increased their intake of omega-3polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Omega-3s are already linked with numerous health benefits, and this study indicates dramatically improved survival rates following a breast cancer diagnosis. Omega-3s are linked with lowered occurrences of many types of cancer and seem to play a role in preventing them.

One-way study participants increased their levels was by eating oily fish, as many types are well-known omega-3 foods. However, omega-3s are also available in supplement form.

The breast cancer study was led by the University of North Carolina’s Nikhil K. Khankari, PhD, MPH and colleagues, who looked at data from 1,463 breast cancer patients. This study tracked fish and omega-3 fatty acid intake of ALA, DPA, EPA, DHA and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (arachidonic acid and linoleic acid).

In 14.7 years, those in the group who consumed the most omega-3 foods (in this case, fish) were 25 to 29 percent more likely to survive. An analysis of the omega-3 fatty acids found that EPA and DHA in particular seemed to impact survival rates in a positive way.

Follow up study showed that reductions in mortality rates ranged from 16 to as high as 34 percent after 15 years when higher levels of the omega-3s DHA and EPA were consumed in both fish and supplement form. The research group concluded that long-chain omega-3 fatty acids were highly effective in improving survival rates following a breast cancer diagnosis.

The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are numerous, with this study adding more confirmation of their efficacy. In addition to cancer-fighting properties, these potent compounds can produce an anti-inflammatory effect, leading to lowered blood pressure, as well as healthier cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They assist in regulating heart rhythms and protecting against coronary heart disease. They have also been linked with improving mood and attention disorders, such as depression and ADHD.

How fit is your gut microbiome?

New research shows duration and not intensity of exercise is most important

University of Calgary, March 22, 2023

Exercise has many benefits - strengthening muscles and bones, preventing disease and extending lifespan. It is also known to change the composition and activity of the trillions of microbes in our guts known as the microbiome.

It is well known that the microbiomes of athletes are different from those who are sedentary. This is not overly surprising according to the author and PhD student Shrushti Shah. “Athletes are often lean and follow strict diet and training schedules - these factors alone can explain the different microbiomes of athletes,” says Shah, a Kinesiology PhD student specializing in Nutrition, Metabolism and Genetics.

To investigate how exercise shapes the gut microbiota in non-athletes, the study assessed information on the type, time and intensity of exercise in relation to microbiomes in a large cohort of middle-aged adults. Information on body weight, diet and hand-grip strength were also collected.

“Encouragingly, the study found that physical activity of moderate duration (≥150 minutes per week) increased both the richness and diversity of the gut microbiomes compared to study participants that exercised less,” says Jane Shearer, PhD, a professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and the Cumming School Medicine. “Given this, more exercise appears to be important in improving microbiome health and individuals should aim to meet the Health Canada recommended 150 min of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.”

When exercise intensity was examined, results showed that how long a person exercised was more important than how hard they exercised during each workout in improving microbes in the gut. Reasons for this are not known and are a topic of future work in the laboratory.

The study also showed that changes in the microbiome were not the same between different groups of individuals. The most beneficial changes were seen in those individuals of normal weight compared to those who were overweight. According to study investigator Dr. Chunlong Mu, PhD, a postdoctoral associate in Kinesiology, this is because “being overweight exerts its own influences on the gut microbiome independently of exercise. In this case, poor dietary habits outweigh some of the beneficial influences of exercise on the gut microbes.”

With this in mind, the best advice appears not only to exercise more, but also take steps to maintain a healthy weight to achieve a healthy and optimally functioning gut microbiome

About Gary Null

Find articles, videos, back radio broadcasts, books, and more at GaryNull.com.

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Hear Gary's radio show weekdays at noon Eastern Time on PRN.live

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prnlive · 1 year

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Gary Null’s Show Notes 04 25 23

Exposure to chemicals found in everyday products is linked to significantly reduced fertility, says study

Leafy greens may boost gut immunity: Study

Can positive thinking prolong your life? Science says yes

Exposure to chemicals found in everyday products is linked to significantly reduced fertility, says study

Mount Sinai Hospital, March 20, 2023

Exposure to chemicals commonly found in drinking water and everyday household products may result in reduced fertility in women of as much as 40%, according to a study by Mount Sinai researchers. In a paper published in Science of the Total Environment, the team reported that higher blood concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, were associated with a significant reduction in the likelihood of pregnancy and live birth among a reproductive-age cohort of women in Singapore who were trying to conceive.

"Our study strongly implies that women who are planning pregnancy should be aware of the harmful effects of PFAS and take precautions to avoid exposure to this class of chemicals, especially when they are trying to conceive," says lead author Nathan Cohen, Ph.D., at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "Our findings are important because they add to the growing body of knowledge implicating PFAS in the development of adverse health conditions, with children being especially vulnerable."

PFAS are water- and grease-resistant chemicals found in drinking water as well as in a wide range of consumer products such as nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, stain-resistant coatings on carpets and upholstery, paints, and personal care products. Numerous studies have found that virtually every American has PFAS in their blood. While other studies have demonstrated that PFAS impair reproductive functioning in female mice, the Mount Sinai investigation is one of the first to show its impact in humans.

The team found 30% to 40% lower odds of attaining a clinical pregnancy within one year of follow-up and delivering a live birth when the combined effects of seven PFAS as a mixture were considered. The biggest contributor to the PFAS mixture was perfluorodecanoic acid, which was individually linked to reduced fertility. Associations with infertility outcomes were also observed for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, and perfluoroheptanoic acid.

"PFAS can disrupt our reproductive hormones and have been linked with delayed puberty onset and increased risks for endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndromein few previous studies. What our study adds is that PFAS may also decrease fertility in women who are generally healthy and are naturally trying to conceive," notes senior author Damaskini Valvi,

"We also know that PFAS exposure begins in utero and transfers from the mother to the fetus, as many PFAS have been detected in cord blood, the placenta, and breast milk. Preventing exposure to PFAS is therefore essential to protect women's health as well as the health of their children.

Leafy greens may boost gut immunity: Study

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Australia, March 15, 2023

The new study finds that dietary factors, and in particular consumption of cruciferous leafy greens, control the activity of vital immune cells through the activation of a particular gene known as T-bet.

These immune cells, known as innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), play a vital role in protecting the body from infection by 'bad' pathogenic bacteria in our gut - and have also been suggested to play an important role in controlling food allergies, inflammatory diseases, obesity, and even bowel cancers, say the researchers writing Nature Immunology.

"In this study, we discovered that T-bet is the key gene that instructs precursor cells to develop into ILCs, which it does in response to signals in the food we eat and to bacteria in the gut," Dr Gabrielle Belz from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Australia. ILCs are essential for immune surveillance of the digestive system and this is the first time that we have identified a gene responsible for the production of ILCs."

Belz said that the proteins in cruciferous vegetables are known to interact with a cell surface receptor that switches on T-bet – and might therefore play a role in producing these critical immune cells.

"Proteins in these leafy greens could be part of the same signalling pathway that is used by T-bet to produce ILCs," she said.

Belz and her team noted that ILCs are essential for maintaining the delicate balance between tolerance, immunity and inflammation – by producing a hormone called interleukin-22 (IL-22), which can protect the body from invading bacteria.

"Our research shows that, without the gene T-bet, the body is more susceptible to bacterial infections that enter through the digestive system,” Belz added. “This suggests that boosting ILCs in the gut may aid in the treatment of these bacterial infections.”

Can positive thinking prolong your life? Science says yes

Studies show that staying optimistic about aging can be as beneficial to your health as exercising or eating well.

National Geographic, March 14, 2023

After my father died, my mother joined a community center with a pool and started swimming laps several times a week. Dorothy was nearly 80. She met people, learned about local programs and services for older folks, and discovered a senior center that remains her hangout 18 years later. It serves hot lunch for a dollar. A dee jay comes in and she dances. She has made friends, including a group of women who meet for lunch every Saturday in a restaurant that serves huge portions and free coffee refills. I often say, only half-jokingly, she has a better social life than I do.

Scientists have known for quite a while that people with strong ties to friends and family tend to live long. A team from Brigham Young University looked at results from 148 studies dating back to 1900 that investigated whether solid relationships are a lifesaver. All told, the studies included 308,849 participants and followed subjects for an average 7.5 years. At the end of that time, people with strong social connections were 50 percent more likely to be alive than those who were isolated and lonely.

According to the analysis, a satisfying social life was as beneficial for long-term survival as quitting smoking (something my mother did after a four-decade habit) and may be even more crucial than exercise and overcoming obesity.

Social connections may influence health through what the researchers call “stress buffering.” Support from others helps us adapt emotionally to illness, the death of a loved one, or other challenges that often pile up as we get older. Better coping, in turn, eases the flow of stress-induced hormones that weaken our immune system and increase susceptibility to deadly infections, heart disease, and stroke. Strong relationships also encourage us to take better care of ourselves, and can provide a sense of purpose—another factor associated with longer life.

In research like this, of course, it’s difficult to tease out cause and effect. Does social engagement keep older people healthy—or does robust health give them the zest and desire to spend time with friends? Either way, an editors’ note accompanying the Brigham Young analysis said doctors and other health professionals “should take social relationships as seriously as other risk factors that affect mortality.”

The power of beliefs

Becca Levy, a professor of epidemiology and psychology at Yale University, points to another influence on healthy longevity: our beliefs about aging. She has published scores of studies demonstrating that whether we think of old age as a time to enjoy or something to dread has a powerful influence on how well, or how badly, we do as we inch closer to that stage.

Levy became curious about the health effects of aging beliefs—and how cultural stereotypes and values about the elderly shape our personal attitudes—as a graduate student visiting Japan. That country has one of the world’s highest life expectancies. For a long time, scientists chalked it up to genes and diet, but Levy wondered if something less obvious was at play.

Her ideas about aging beliefs jelled when a national holiday, Keiro No Hi, which translates as Respect for the Aged Day, rolled around in September. Seniors packed parks and dined at restaurants for free. Schoolchildren delivered meals to shut-ins. In Japan, she observed, older people commanded respect, even reverence. They were not shunted aside or ridiculed as “geezers” or “over the hill.”

“What I actually noticed was how differently the culture seemed to treat the oldest members of the Japanese society, as opposed to some more of the ageism that I was used to seeing in the United States,” Levy recalls.

Levy has found that adults in their 30s and 40s who had positive notions about old age—they equated it with wisdom, for example, instead of decrepitude—were more likely to be in good health decades later. In another study, she showed that people 50 and older who had optimistic views of aging were much better able to perform everyday tasks over their next 18 years—activities like shoveling snow and walking a half-mile—than peers who regarded old age bleakly. Older people who had positive age beliefs at the start of one of Levy’s studies were also much more likely to fully regain function after a new disabling injury.

Levy’s research also suggests that rose-colored perceptions of aging offer protection against cognitive decline, even in adults who are genetically susceptible. Levy and her colleagues studied people who carried the APOE ε4 gene, which increases the risk of Alzheimer’s. At the start of the project, all her subjects were dementia-free. Those who had upbeat views of old age were 47 percent less likely to develop dementia than the APOE ε4 carriers who had grim notions of aging.

In another study, Levy found that relatively young, healthy, cognitively fit people who saw nothing promising about growing old were much more likely to eventually develop plaques and tangles in the brain, the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s. And their hippocampi, the curved brain structures essential for memory, shrank three times as fast.

Perhaps most striking, Levy discovered that people with the brightest view of aging lived an average seven and a half years longer than those with the gloomiest.

Positive mindsets support bodies

How do beliefs exert such power? For one thing, Levy says, people with a positive mindset about aging tend to have better self-efficacy and self-mastery, the ability to take control of their lives and regulate their impulses. They also tend to eat well, exercise, and take prescribed medications. And they have lower levels of the hormone cortisol and other biomarkers of stress.

“What’s important about age beliefs is they’re malleable,” she says.

Writing is one way to shift how we think about aging. In a study, Levy asked groups of adults to imagine a day in the life of a hypothetical older person who is physically and mentally healthy, and briefly write about it once a week. After just four weeks, negative perceptions of aging declined significantly.

She also has had study subjects keep a journal of portrayals of elders on TV. It opened people’s eyes to the condescending and ugly stereotypes that bombard us and twist our perceptions and assumptions about aging. “The idea is to make people more aware of both their own age beliefs, and the age-belief messaging they encounter in everyday life,” Levy says.

I asked Levy if our collective view of aging has improved as the elder population has ballooned and more of us hit and surpass 65. In fact, she told me, ageist biases have gotten worse.

She and her colleagues developed a computerized linguistic program and analyzed a database of more than 400 million words from books, newspapers, magazines, and academic journals going back 200 years. The team looked at adjectives that appeared most frequently with “elderly” and similar words, and at synonyms for “old people.” The language was generally positive until the late 1800s, when life expectancy for white people in America was 41 years. (Researchers at that time did not track life expectancy for other populations.) Since then, old-age-related verbiage has steadily become meaner and more dismissive. For example, the word geezer, which first appeared in 1900, became 11 times more frequent through the twentieth century.

Old people may be the last group our society feels free to mock, Levy says. She points to news reports about cruel jokes early in the COVID pandemic, when people over age 65 were dying at exceptionally high rates and the term “boomer remover” became a widely shared meme on Twitter.

Reading research by scientists trying to unravel the mysteries of aging can make it hard to feel good about growing older. The idea of “curing” aging casts it as pathology. Published studies start, relentlessly, with bad news. “Aging is a degenerative process that leads to tissue dysfunction and death,” begins a typical paper.

“I think by labeling aging as a disease, it ignores the many strengths of aging and the many ways that there can be growth in later life,” Levy says.The future of medicine

The more I learned about the science of longevity, the more excited I felt about the prospects for discoveries that will benefit all of us as we grow older. But as I approached 68, I couldn’t shake off nagging images of the tissue dysfunction and cell death occurring inside me.

Steve Horvath, developer of epigenetic clocks to measure biological age, offered to run one on me—a test with the anxiety-producing name of GrimAge. I sent him two tiny vials of my blood. A few months later I received the results: My biological age was 3.3 years lower than my chronological age.

The report offered a cheerful “congrats” and said, “You are already beating the clock!” Still, I felt let down. I certainly wasn’t in league with some of the longevity scientists I met, like David Sinclair, who exercise religiously, fast, take supplements or off-label drugs, and seem to buck the tempest of time.

Then I thought about my mother, still enjoying life in her late 90s. Becca Levy’s research convinced me that my mom’s outlook at least partly explains her vitality. I’ve never heard her grumble about her birthday or say she can’t do something because she’s too old, a complaint I’m starting to hear from friends my age.

“No,” she says, when I point this out. “I’m not too old. I might do it slower, and I might do less of it. But I’m not too old to dance or walk or do anything I like to do.”

She pauses. “Well, I wouldn’t swim anymore.”

“Because you haven’t done it in a long time?”

“Because I don’t like the way I look in a bathing suit.

About Gary Null

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Gary Null’s Newsletter Issue 066

In this week’s Gary Null’s Newsletter:

Beware the Agents of Chaos

Recipe for Vegetable Stock

Beware the Agents of Chaos

By Richard Gale and Gary Null, PhD

“It is possible to live only as long as life intoxicates us; once we are sober we cannot help seeing that it is all a delusion, a stupid delusion." Leo Tolstoy

Not a day passes without Americans witnessing another debacle in the nation’s domestic and foreign policies that further grind down the last remaining threads of a sustainable, coherent and functioning nation. Instead of actual progress, we hear competing incantations of nonsense to “make America great again” and to “build back better.” Both mantras represent opposite sides of the aisle’s affirmation that the nation is in serious disarray and degenerating rapidly. For Democrats it means throwing more money at the problems that too much money already spent has created. “Seize the opportunity,” declares Biden, “meet this moment in history and build the future we need.” Or, “we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” according to Elizabeth Warren, “to build back better and create a more equitable, inclusive and prosperous future for all Americans.” And then there are the other voices in the echo chamber to make America great again. There are Mitch McConnell’s sobs to “rebuild our military” and Ted Cruz’s “promoting American exceptionalism” around the globe. This is all lunacy because there are no longer any adults or wise elders in the room to turn this political voodoo into a functioning reality.

The German-American philosopher Hannah Arendt saw totalitarian leaders as agents of chaos who intentionally undermine the stability of society to destroy the foundations of democracy by creating fear and uncertainty. What is notably disturbing is the current administration’s obsession with deceiving themselves as a benevolent force for progress. Yet any sane person can glance at the decline in authentic, sustainable progress made in American culture for at least the past three decades and realize the nation has one foot in hospice.

So, the question is: how has all this rubbing of the Build Back Better and Make America Great Again genie lamps worked for you? Are you feeling these mantras’ magic? Has the descent of optimism and hope alighting upon the crown of your head yet? Or maybe you have that high of genuine happiness and authentic well being oozing forth from your pores? How does your bank account look? Have your savings built back better so it is great again? Are you feeling Nancy Pelosi’s fuzzy warm assurance that “as Democrats… every American has the opportunity to succeed, that every voice is heard and that our country remains a beacon of hope and progress for generations to come”? Or, was that a misquote from Republican neocon Nikki Haley to assure us that “America remains a shining beacon of freedom and democracy.” Platitudes, blue and red, all sound the same because such clichés have been repeated incessantly for decades. And putting aside the so-called progress made in easier access to anti-anxiety and depression medications, and better suicide hotlines, how is the mental health of American youth fairing? Therefore, where has any genuine progress been achieved to improve the quality of human life?

Surely paying heed to Tolstoy’s above words are long overdue. We need to wake up and realize that to continue this imbecilic ritual of rubbing counterfeit lamps of feel-good propaganda is only making the public more delusional and stupid. It is high time we realize there are no longer any adults in the Oval Office and boardrooms of Washington, Wall Street and Silicon Valley. The agents of chaos govern us. Our culture of absolutism breeds the very conditions for violence and conflict that air nightly on the news. The detractors of absolutism’s tyrannies are perceived as enemies. The firm belief in absolutes is a condition leading people to justify egregious actions in the name of a greater good without considering the consequences. Does this not accurately describe today’s cancel culture and the most militant wings of the LBGTQ community, critical theory racists, institutionalized atheist Skepticism and medical determinism? Whether it is blind faith in the absolutism of Fauci’s “science”, Marjorie Taylor Green’s messianic return of Trump, Biden’s proclamation that “Transgender Americans shape our Nation’s soul,” Janice Yellin’s incoherent gibberish before a Congressional committee to account for the country’s economic malaise, or the neocons’ hysterical obsession in the State Department and Pentagon to throw away hundreds of billions of dollars and weapons into the ever-devouring black hole of Zelensky’s Ukraine, there are no signs of a return to stability. And this list of misadventures, inept decision-making and reckless blundering can be multiplied a hundred-fold. Together, all roads now lead towards a dire picture of America’s inevitable collapse. The US continues to sink in the murky, toxic waters in the middle of the Rubicon. Sadly, America has forgotten how to swim and is no longer capable of swimming back to shore.

The hard, cold facts are that American exceptionalism only exists in the dream-like hallucinations of our politicians. The US’s global hegemonic military strength wanes daily. Reaching diversity quotas trumps talent and professional expertise. Colleges and universities have degenerated to Napoleonic era lunatic asylums that reward self-centered, hedonic individualism and manic rebellion. Remarkably, the mobs in the street are little more than bland reflections, a Jungian shadow, of the instability and disorder created by the agents of chaos who sit in the seats of power. “Just as the individual has a shadow,” wrote Jung, “so does society at large. And just as the individual must come to terms with his shadow so too must society if it is to be healthy and whole.” The rising confusion among our youth over their self-identity, gender, moral alienation and a lack of existential purpose in this technological driven materialistic society has reduced our youth to sentient robots screaming for self-expression. This is one cause for today’s groupthink of social and political unrest and its destructive outcomes. Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell warned that “collective passions” have a penchant to inflame “hatred and rivalry directed towards other groups.” He was also acutely aware that “science is no substitute for virtue; the heart is as necessary for the good life as the head.”

Most Americans have now become so desensitized, so disconnected from perceiving reality, that they are incapable of realizing how the government adversely impacts every nick and cranny in their lives. Instead of running away from crises, we do everything to the contrary to magnify the problems. So if the environmental and social crises continue to spiral out of control, understand it is because America is only exceptionally pathetic. The nation has quenched its illusions and stupor far too long on Aldous Huxley's soma. Now its intoxicating effects are giving rise to an explosion of hatred, rage and self-serving narcissism in the streets, classrooms, corporate boardrooms, and the sitcoms staged in Congressional chambers.

Unfortunately, unless we identify the defining characteristics of American culture at this historical moment and its causes, the pathway to widespread social collapse will accelerate.

Since the time of the Italian philosopher and jurist Giambattista Vico in the early 18th century, anthropologists, historians and philosophers have made efforts to discover patterns whereby nations and cultures undergo cycles of growth, decay and rebirth. Vico called these cyclic patterns in human history “ricorso” or stages of “recurrence” that are observed in histories of individual cultures and civilizations. Other important individuals who have attempted to map these historical and generational cycles and to identify their characteristics and causes include the Swiss anthropologist Johan Bachofen (d. 1887), Oswald Spenger (d. 1936), the historian Arnold Toynbee (d. 1975), Carroll Quigley (d. 1977), Strauss and Howe, Peter Turchin among others. However, perhaps most notable and long forgotten are the cyclic patterns leading to a cultural collapse articulated by Pitirim Sorokin.

Sorokin was a Russian-American intellectual and social visionary who co-founded Harvard University’s Sociology Department in 1931. Born and educated in Russia, Sorokin was arrested by the Soviet authorities for holding critical views of the Communist regime, but was released and fled to the US. Years later in 1929, he was kidnapped by Soviet agents in Paris. He was sentenced to a gulag labor camp but was again released and forced into permanent exile. Sorokin’s 1937 magnum opus Social and Cultural Dynamics was the culmination of twenty years research to identify the cycles nations and cultures undergo that eventually lead to critical crises and their ultimate collapse.

By today’s college standards, Sorokin would never land a professorship at an American college or university. His theories have been almost categorically ignored by academia and criticized for being pessimistic. He upheld values that many today would call conservative and traditional, especially on his emphasizing higher moral and spiritual values. Consequently, Sorokin is out of step with today’s neoliberal intelligentsia and Critical Theory’s wokeism. Oddly his modern admirers happen to be the left-leaning transpersonal psychologist Richard Tarnas, ecologist Wendell Berry and political philosopher Charles Taylor. What they all share in common is a deep appreciation for the pivotal importance of higher moral and spiritual values in order to sustain a functioning and life-affirming culture wherein citizens can thrive.

If we take a panoramic view of America in 2023, Sorokin’s warnings of Western societies’ inevitable collapse are in plain sight. “The current crisis,” Sorokin wrote in his The Crisis of Our Age, “has been created by a false concept of progress, which identifies material growth with true progress and overlooks the fact that there is no real progress without spiritual and moral development.” While we may pride ourselves in our culture’s technological ingenuity in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, robotics and pending transhumanism, for Sorokin, a society that only develops technologically is a “half-society” because humans are then simply reduced to “cogs in a vast machine, whose only purpose is to produce and consume goods.” For those throwing curses back and forth across the ideological political divide, both sides blindly serve more powerful interests who are eager to exploit them as a means to an end. Those who get caught up in this American charade reduce themselves to halfwits unwillingly creating a technocratic society based upon conformity and uniformity. True diversity and authentic individuality, which are motivated by higher principles, are technocratic tyranny’s obstacles that must be overcome and destroyed.

According to Sorokin, who died in 1968, the US had reached its “sensate” stage of its social cycle. Clearly we have now reached the hyper-sensate level immediately before a rapid dissolution. In The Crisis of Our Age, all the signs in the nation for what he termed the “cataclysm of the sensate culture” were rapidly being assembled to culminate in the not too distant future: rampant consumerism and materialism, domination of individualism, self-gratification and indulgence, hedonism, moral weakness, the decay of traditional social bonds, and a collective social emptiness. The sensate stage’s climax is chaos, the breakdown of social order and national institutions. Sorokin’s chaotic stage is characterized by disorder, confusion, mental disorientation, a rise in crime and social unrest, and political instability. Redeeming moral values reach rock bottom. Only after this chaotic phase reaches its nadir does a new cultural synthesis emerge as people seek new ways to reestablish order and meaning in both their personal lives and collectively within the society.

But Sorokin had another poignant insight. A predominant sensate culture is vulnerable to external threats, especially economic crises, conflicts and wars and even natural disasters. This so well describes today’s America now that its global economic and military hegemony is a growl with no bite. American foreign diplomacy is deplorable as we watch nation after nation turning their backs on the US-led West for more amicable and neighborly partners such as China, Russia and India. The reason for America’s fragility is that the nation has appallingly betrayed its moral and spiritual resources and therefore is unable to cope with adversity—internal and external—to meet and overcome its challenges. Neither is America internally resilient nor therefore it is unfit to adapt to the necessary changes underway to preserve its survival. When all the causes and conditions for a final collapse are assembled, a nation’s fate is no longer negotiable. Only the time gap can be slowed or accelerated.

Despite the original values of American liberalism, which were brought forth during the Age of Reason and the Renaissance’s flame of non-dogmatic rational inquiry, today’s liberals have perverted its own legacy and become unthinking adolescents that are every bit as intolerant and wrong-headed as the most zealous religious fundamentalist on the Right. Across woke culture – old and young – there is a plague of childish behavior to censor and ban any speech or thought that is contrary to their false illusions about themselves and their fragile self-identity. This “exclusivist humanism,” as the prominent cultural philosopher Charles Taylor has termed it, is a faux universalism. With myopic obeisance relies on the secular power structure in government that in turn acts on their behalf to marginalize and at times demonize alternative belief systems that do not embrace a secular universalism. Hence the new radical left, and even federal agencies, no longer tolerate diversity of traditional beliefs and worldviews. The FBI’s illegal surveillance activities on Twitter and the agency’s harassment of peaceful anti-abortion Catholics are just minor examples. More alarming is the murder of three children and three school staff in Nashville by mentally disturbed person with gender dysphoria who is being eulogized without a woke tear wept for the victims. Rather than read the works of history’s intellectual and literary giants, it is better to wipe away or rewrite the past altogether in order to please the neuroses of the most vocal and belligerent masses. However, Taylor offers an alternative --- “open humanism” – a more inclusive, pluralistic, values-driven dialogue and mutual respect towards the wide scope of human experiences. The debate is whether or not American society has already passed the tipping point of a fateful demise. As events worsen America’s delirium escalates, we fear it has.

And still the majority of the American citizenry willingly participates in and contributes to this Mummers’ charade in the halls of power. Our defining culture has succumbed to irrational hostility, collective emotional hysteria, or what Sorokin called “cultural schizophrenia,” which is when individuals in a grossly materialistic society cling desperately to a false sense of individuality that is completely divorced from any deeper purpose in life. The result is social fragmentation, conflict and widespread confusion. At this moment, we witness both sides of the left-right political divide screaming about their victimhood while actively participating in society’s destruction. And yet there are no massive mobilized protests against the most destructive elements in our culture as if they are unimportant. Renewable energy, access to healthy foods, banning toxic chemicals in everyday household products that are otherwise forbidden in other countries, government-sanctioned censorship, an illegal surveillance state, a justice system that indentures the poor, fifty million Americans living in poverty and a thoroughly corrupt medical system -- none of these seem important enough to warrant millions to march on Washington. Even humanity's survival is inconsequential.

Today, American media is incapable of reporting on the true state of the country's domestic culture. The media can no longer create a believable story that reflects the actual economic and social conditions of average Americans because it has been unable to move beyond the harsh social divisions fuelled by animosity and distrust. Very earlier, Sorokin observed the media’s adverse trajectory. As early as 1941, he was warning about the consequences of the media’s sensationalism and entertainment, its focus on negative news that would breed social anxiety and fear. Sorokin also shared his deep concern about the media’s emphasis on materialism and consumerism and its impact on the social and mental development of young people. It is difficult to disagree with him now that both conservative and liberal media have neutered the intellects of their most loyal viewers. The right suffers from pre-rational superstition and anti-intellectualism. The left suffers from a highbrow intellect and moral impoverishment. Neither is capable of serving as a revolutionary force to relieve suffering and fight on behalf of individual freedoms, peace and human rights outside of cultic groupthink. Moreover, our corporate media has succeeded in turning the US into a laughing stock among the vast majority of other countries. Rather a functional media would be honestly responsible for a balanced and meaningful view of the world, one that focuses on the positive as well as the negative and at the same time emphasizes constructive moral values.

Unfortunately, American media is now beyond redemption. For those who have retained a thread of philosophical and spiritual inquiry and values, there can be no support for the psychobabble of those who would drown out the voices of reason and human decency. It is left to those of us who have been cancelled and excluded from the national dialogue about our country’s deterioration to continue to probe more deeply into our own lives and build community with like-minded people.

Finally we might take to heart the words of one of Tolstoy’s great admirers. "Nothing in all the world is more dangerous," wrote Martin Luther King, "than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." It is our deep ignorance about not knowing ourselves and appreciating our intrinsic interconnection with each other and the environment that perpetuates the suffering around us. Our true enemies are irrational, dogmatic beliefs and faux liberal values, which equally keep us enslaved to a system that only serves its own interests and dehumanizes us to collateral damage to the system’s failings. All imperial civilizations ultimately collapse. Despite the US’s rapid decline, it remains within each person’s means to not be a helpless victim when it sinks completely. After the inferno completes its course, cools and simmers, we will then be most needed to rise from its ashes to return sanity, decency and the values of equanimity and selfless compassion to the severely emotionally wounded who participated or contributed to the conflagration.

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About Gary Null

Find articles, videos, back radio broadcasts, books, and more at GaryNull.com.

https://garynull.com

Hear Gary's radio show weekdays at noon Eastern Time on PRN.live

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Gary Null’s Show Notes 04 24 23

Omega-3 supplementation may benefit women with PCOS

Beating the blues! Berries may boost mood, improve memory

Certain personality traits and satisfaction linked throughout adult lifespan

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Omega-3 supplementation may benefit women with PCOS

Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, March 20 2023

Results of a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Ovarian Research revealed numerous improvements in insulin resistance and lipids in association with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal and metabolic condition that can include ovarian cysts, menstrual irregularities, infertility and other conditions.

For the meta-analysis, Jie Zhou of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine and colleagues selected 11 randomized, controlled trials that included a total of 816 women with PCOS. The trials investigated the changes in metabolic status associated with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation or withfoods that provided at least 1000 milligrams per day omega-3 for at least eight weeks.

Compared with the control participants, women who received omega-3 supplements experienced reductions in waist circumference, fasting plasma insulin, fasting glucose, insulin resistance, triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and increases in insulin sensitivity and adiponectin, a hormone involved in the regulation of glucose levels and fatty acid metabolism.

Analysis of the results according to trial duration showed improvements in body mass index, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, adiponectin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and LDL cholesterol associated with omega-3 supplementation for greater than eight weeks.

“According to results of subgroup analyses based on study duration, the source and dosage of omega-3 PUFA, omega-3 PUFA with study duration greater than 8 weeks is more conducive to improve the metabolic status in insulin resistance and lipid profiles,” Dr Zhou and colleagues wrote. “Hence, we recommend PCOS patients replenish omega-3 PUFA with duration greater than 8 weeks regardless of the source and the dosage to retard the pathogenesis of PCOS related metabolic diseases.”

Beating the blues! Berries may boost mood, improve memory

University of Reading (UK), March 13, 2023

Flavonoid-rich blueberry drinks may improve mood in both children and young adults, says a new study. The study, performed by researchers from the University of Reading, UK, looked at the effect of the blueberry beverage in 50 children and 21 young people, and assessed mood using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule.

Data showed a significant improvement in so-called positive affect (PA), but not negative affect (NA).

“Although preliminary, these results are intriguing and warrant focused investigation of the relationship between flavonoids and mood, as well as with mental health more generally,” wrote the researchers in Nutrients . “The distinctive effect of flavonoids on PA but not NA is notable,” they added. “PA and NA reflect orthogonal facets of mood. A low PA is more highly linked to depression, and high NA is more closely related to anxiety. Thus, these data suggest that the effect of flavonoid consumption on mood may be specific to depressive disorders, rather than pervasive across different mood states.”

Commenting on the potential biological plausibility of the observations, the researchers proposed two mechanism(s) of action: The first involves a potential indirect effect on blood flow in the brain, which would enhance executive functioning, and “thus helping to inhibit cognitive features (i.e., rumination) that maintain depression”.

The second involves the direct inhibition of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) by blueberry anthocyanins. “MAO is involved in the oxidation of monoamines, some of which are neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of mood (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline),” they explained. “MAO inhibitors have been used to treat mood disorders. Thus, the consumption of fruits high in flavonoids, such as blackcurrants, may significantly reduce MAO activity, thereby increasing circulating monoamines, and elevating mood.”

The researchers concluded: “Given the potential implications of these findings for preventing depression, a disabling and common mental health problem in adolescents and adults, it is important to replicate the study and assess the potential to translate these findings to practical, cost-effective and acceptable interventions.”

Certain personality traits and satisfaction linked throughout adult lifespan

Tilburg University (Germany), March 20, 2023

Certain personality traits are associated with satisfaction in life, and despite the changes people may experience in social roles and responsibilities over the course of their adult lives, that association is stable regardless of age, according to research published by the American Psychological Association in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

"Many studies have shown that people with certain personality profiles are more satisfied with their life than others. Yet, it had not been extensively studied whether this holds true across the lifespan. For example, extraverted—that is sociable, talkative—people might be particularly happy in young adulthood, when they typically are forming new social relationships," said study co-author Gabriel Olaru, Ph.D., an assistant professor at Tilburg University. "We thus wanted to examine if some personality traits are more or less relevant to life, social and work satisfaction in specific life phases."

To determine how the relationship between personality traits and life satisfaction changes over time, researchers analyzed data collected by the Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences (LISS) panel survey, a nationally representative survey of households in the Netherlands. Over 11 years, 9,110 Dutch participants ranging from 16 to 95 years old at the time of the first survey answered multiple questionnaires to assess their Big Five personality traits—openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and emotional stability/neuroticism—and their satisfaction with their social connections and their life overall. Only the 5,928 participants who were employed at the time of the survey also answered questions about their satisfaction with their work lives.

The researchers found that most of the relationships between personality traits and satisfaction remained the same across the adult lifespan, and that emotional stability was the trait most strongly associated with people's satisfaction with their life, social connections and career.

Despite a weaker correlation between openness and life satisfaction overall, the researchers found that people who increased in openness also increased in life satisfaction across the 11 years measured by the LISS survey. This relationship may be explained by indirect processes, according to the researchers.

"Emotional stability likely shows a strong link with global and domain-specific satisfaction because this trait colors people's general view of the world," Olaru said.

"A good example of how personality interacts with the environment can be found in the work context. One of our findings was that the link between emotional stability and work satisfaction increases across age. This might be explained by the fact that emotionally stable people are less scared to quit unsatisfactory jobs and more likely to apply for jobs that are more challenging and perhaps more fulfilling and enjoyable in the long run," van Scheppingen added.

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Gary Null’s Show Notes 04 21 23

Rhythm of Breathing Key to Controlling Fear and Emotional Behavior

Study finds loss of Menin helps drive the aging process, and dietary supplement (D-serine) can reverse it in mice

Common dry cleaning chemical linked to Parkinson's

Rhythm Of Breathing Key To Controlling Fear And Emotional Behavior

Northwestern University, March 2, 2023

We live in a fearful world with exposure to a deluge of stressors every day. As much as fear is a result of reacting to the actual or perceived events in our lives, it is also a biological function of the human body, and when equipped with an understanding of how the body manages the emotional system, we can easily outsmart it, tricking ourselves into emotional balance.

This perspective is scientifically validated by new research from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, which discovered how the various rhythmic patterns of breath profoundly impact memory recall and the emotional body, specifically the fear response.

The brain creates electrical impulses which link physical functions to emotional reactions, and the electrical activity of the brain is deeply affected by our breathing patterns. The outcome of this balance is determined by whether or not we are inhaling or exhaling, as well as if we are breathing through the nose or the mouth, as each variable creates a different electrical response within the brain.

In the Northwestern study, participants were shown images of human expressions, some frightful, while engaging in various patterns of breathing. Researchers observed that people more easily process fear, and more readily recall images, while inhaling through the nose.

One of the major findings in this study is that there is a dramatic difference in brain activity in the amygdala and hippocampus during inhalation compared with exhalation. When you breathe in, we discovered you are stimulating neurons in the olfactory cortex, amygdala and hippocampus, all across the limbic system.

The amygdala is decisively linked to the processing of emotions, especially those related to fear, while the hippocampus is strongly linked to memory recall, and the breath, which originates with the diaphragm, plays the critical role of regulating their function.

Breathing is modulated at the diaphragm, and it is also the location where many physical symptoms associated with fear and anxiety manifest.

The differences in brain activity which occur during unique breathing rhythms were recognized by looking at brain activity during the introduction of fearful or surprising human faces, finding distinctively heightened activity during inhaling. Knowing this can be highly advantageous when you realize that your fear reaction is working overtime.

Furthermore, this further validates the importance of meditation, which commonly centers of developing control of the breath in order to quiet the mind and normalize physiological function in the body. The long-term results of a dedicated meditation practice include more stable and optimal emotional reactions to the world around us, indicating again that breathing is a critical component of living a fearless life.

Study finds loss of Menin helps drive the aging process, and dietary supplement (D-serine) can reverse it in mice

Xiamen University (China), March 16, 2023

Decline in the hypothalamic Menin may play a key role in aging, according to a new study publishing in the open access journal PLOS Biology by Lige Leng of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China, and colleagues. The findings reveal a previously unknown driver of physiological aging, and suggest that supplementation with a simple amino acid may mitigate some age-related changes.

The hypothalamus has been recognized as a key mediator of physiological aging, through an increase in the process of neuroinflammatory signaling over time. In turn, inflammation promotes multiple age-related processes, both in the brain and the periphery.

Recently, Leng and colleagues showed that Menin, a hypothalamic protein, is a key inhibitor of hypothalamic neuroinflammation, leading them to ask what role Menin may play in aging.

To explore this decline, they created conditional knockout mice, in which Menin activity could be inhibited. They found that reduction of Menin in younger mice led to an increase in hypothalamic neuroinflammation, aging-related phenotypes including reductions in bone mass and skin thickness, cognitive decline, and modestly reduced lifespan.

Another change induced by loss of Menin was a decline in levels of the amino acid D-serine, known to be a neurotransmitter and sometimes used as a dietary supplement found in soybeans, eggs, fish and nuts. The authors showed this decline was due to loss of activity of an enzyme involved in its synthesis (which was in turn regulated by Menin).

Could reversing age-related Menin loss reverse signs of physiological aging? To test that, the authors delivered the gene for Menin into the hypothalamus of elderly (20-month-old) mice. Thirty days later, they found improved skin thickness and bone mass, along with better learning, cognition, and balance, which correlated with an increase in D-serine within the hippocampus, a central brain region important for learning and memory.

Remarkably, similar benefits on cognition, though not on the peripheral signs of aging, could be induced by three weeks of dietary supplementation with D-serine.

Leng said, "We speculate that the decline of Menin expression in the hypothalamus with age may be one of the driving factors of aging, and Menin may be the key protein connecting the genetic, inflammatory, and metabolic factors of aging. D-serine is a potentially promising therapeutic for cognitive decline."

Common dry cleaning chemical linked to Parkinson's

University of Rochester Medical Center, March 14, 2023

A common and widely used chemical may be fueling the rise of the world's fastest growing brain condition—Parkinson's disease. For the past 100 years, trichloroethylene (TCE) has been used to decaffeinate coffee, degrease metal, and dry clean clothes. It contaminates the Marine Corps base Camp Lejeune, 15 toxic Superfund sites in Silicon Valley, and up to one-third of groundwater in the U.S. TCE causes cancer, is linked to miscarriages and congenital heart disease, and is associated with a 500% increased risk of Parkinson's disease.

In a hypothesis paper in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease, an international team of researchers—including University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) neurologists Ray Dorsey, MD, Ruth Schneider, MD, and Karl Kieburtz, MD—postulate that TCE may be an invisible cause of Parkinson's. In the paper they detail the widespread use of the chemical, the evidence linking the toxicant to Parkinson's, and profile seven individuals, ranging from a former NBA basketball player to a Navy captain to a late U.S. Senator, who developed Parkinson's disease either after likely working with the chemical or being exposed to it in the environment.

TCE was a widely used solvent employed in a number of industrial, consumer, military, and medical applications, including to remove paint, correct typewriting mistakes, clean engines, and anesthetize patients. Its use in the U.S. peaked in the 1970's, when more than 600 million pounds of the chemical—or two pounds per American—were manufactured annually. Some 10 million Americans worked with the chemical or other similar industrial solvents. While domestic use has since fallen, TCE is still used for degreasing metal and spot dry cleaning in the U.S.

TCE contaminates countless sites across the country. Half of the most toxic Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund sites contain TCE. Fifteen sites are in California's Silicon Valley where the chemicals were used to clean electronics and computer chips. TCE is found in numerous military bases, including Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. From the 1950s to the 1980s a million Marines, their families, and civilians that worked or resided at the base were exposed to drinking water levels of TCE and perchloroethylene (PCE), a close chemical cousin, that were up to 280 times above what is considered safe levels.

The connection between TCE and Parkinson's was first hinted at in case studies more than 50 years ago. In the intervening years, research in mice and rats have shown that TCE readily enters the brain and body tissue and at high doses damages the energy-producing parts of cells known as mitochondria. In animal studies, TCE causes selective loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells, a hallmark of Parkinson's disease in humans.

Individuals who worked directly with TCE have an elevated risk of developing Parkinson's. However, the authors warn that "millions more encounter the chemical unknowingly through outdoor air, contaminated groundwater, and indoor air pollution."

The chemical can contaminate soil and groundwater leading to underground rivers, or plumes, that can extend over long distances and migrate over time. One such plume associated with an aerospace company on Long Island, New York, is over four miles long and two miles wide, and has contaminated the drinking water of thousands. Others are found everywhere from Shanghai, China, to Newport Beach, California.

Beyond their risks to water, the volatile TCE can readily evaporate and enter people's homes, schools, and work places, often undetected. Today, this vapor intrusion is likely exposing millions who live, learn, and work near former dry cleaning, military, and industrial sites to toxic indoor air. Vapor intrusion was first reported in the 1980s when radon was found to evaporate from soil and enter homes and increase the risk of lung cancer. Today millions of homes are tested for radon, but few are for the cancer-causing TCE.

The authors note that "for more than a century, TCE has threatened workers, polluted the air we breathe—outside and inside—and contaminated the water we drink. Global use is waxing, not waning."

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Gary Null’s Show Notes 04 20 23

A closer look at Matcha tea powder's antidepressant-like effects

Lycopene may ward off kidney cancer in older women

Understanding how exercise induces systemic metabolic benefits

A closer look at Matcha tea powder's antidepressant-like effects

Kumamoto University (Japan), March 16, 2023

Matcha, a traditional Japanese tea, has been touted for its health benefits—it can boost mood and mental performance in humans and mice alike—but more mechanistic research is required. Hence, researchers from Japan evaluated the anti-depressive effects of Matcha tea powder in mice. The powder activates dopaminergic neural circuits and improves depression in certain mice, depending on the animal's prior mental state. More studies like this could help develop better antidepressants.

Depression is currently the most prevalent mental disorder in the world and the number of people affected by it continues to grow. Although the onset of depression varies among individuals, it is believed that the disease commonly stems from a reduction in dopamine in the brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter and hormone, plays an important role in elevating one's mood and making a person feel happy, accomplished, and motivated.

Consumption of matcha has shown to improve anxiety-like behavior in mice by activating dopamine function via dopamine D1 receptor signaling. The resultant dopamine boost could improve the symptoms of depression as well.

TOrally administering a Matcha tea suspension appeared to reduce levels of depression in the stress-susceptible mice. This was indicated by their performance in tail suspension tests (TST), which are commonly used to evaluate depression in mice.

Dr. Kurauchi clarifies, "Matcha tea reduced the immobility time only in stress-susceptible mice that experienced greater stress from social isolation

An immunohistochemical analysis of the mice brains revealed activation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) in the stress-susceptible mice after they had consumed the Matcha tea suspension. These regions form an important part of the dopaminergic circuit and are crucial for controlling dopamine levels in the brain.

This was further cemented by another finding—administering a dopamine D1 receptor blocker to stress-susceptible mice negated the antidepressant-like effects of Matcha tea suspension. Dr. Kurauchi ties it all together. "These results suggest that Matcha tea powder exerts an antidepressant-like effect by activating the dopaminergic system of the brain, and this is influenced by the mental state of the individual."

Lycopene may ward off kidney cancer in older women

Wayne State University, March 12, 2023

A higher intake by postmenopausal women of the natural antioxidant lycopene, found in foods like tomatoes, watermelon and papaya, may lower the risk of renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer.

A team led by Cathryn Bock, Ph.D., M.P.H., associate professor of Oncology at Wayne State University's School of Medicine, made the conclusion after analyzing data from 96,196 women nationwide and in Detroit who enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative

"We were surprised to observe a protective effect of lycopene, as several previous studies in other populations did not detect a similar relationship," Bock said.

The investigators analyzed the risks for kidney cancer associated with intake of lycopene and other micronutrients that have antioxidant properties, including lutein and vitamins C and E. During follow-up, 240 women were diagnosed with kidney cancer. Compared with women who reported a lower intake of lycopene, those who ingested more had a 39 percent lower risk. No other micronutrient was significantly associated with the same risk.

"Kidney cancer is a relatively rare cancer, and so focusing only on reducing risk of this disease would be short-sighted," Bock said. "Rather, a diet focused on one's own personal risk factors, such as family history, would be more beneficial."

A low-salt diet is recommended for women with a risk of hypertension, a major risk factor for kidney cancer. There are other steps women can take now for their health, including eating more foods and fruits with naturally-occurring lycopene.

"Lycopene from food sources has also been associated with decreased risk of breast and prostate cancers, and a diet high in vegetables and fruits are generally well-accepted for promoting good health," she said.

Good sources of lycopene include tomatoes and tomato-based products, watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava and papaya. Dr. Bock suggests consulting a doctor before taking a lycopene supplement.

Understanding how exercise induces systemic metabolic benefits

Northwestern University, March 16, 2023

Northwestern Medicine scientists have uncovered a mechanism by which exercise activates metabolic benefits in the body, according to a new study published in Cell Metabolism.

During exercise, autophagy, the body's cellular recycling system that allows old or damaged cellular structures to be broken down, is activated in both contracting muscles and various non-contracting organs, such as the liver.

In the study, investigators performed proteomic analyses on the blood of mice before and after exercise. They identified a protein secreted from contracting muscle, FN1, which significantly increased in the plasma and serum of mice after exercise.

The scientists then analyzed how FN1 communicates with the liver. They found that FN1 signals through a5b1 integrin, a membrane receptor on the liver, inducing autophagy and eliciting the metabolic benefits of exercise. Additionally, investigators found that mice lacking the FN1 gene in the muscle developed insulin resistance despite daily exercise, according to the study.

The findings aid in understanding exercise and how it benefits metabolism, said Congcong He, Ph.D., assistant professor of Cell and Developmental Biology and senior author of the study.

"Not only does this add to our understanding of the underlying mechanism of how exercise induces metabolic benefits systemically, but also how secretions from the muscle talk to the liver. We have now identified FN1 as a mediator of exercise-induced benefits via muscle-liver communication on autophagy.

"The protein is fairly large, so we hope to chop it up into smaller peptides to see which are bioactive," He said. "Perhaps from that, we will be able to develop this as an injection for people who are unable to exercise to still get the metabolic benefits. For example, using this molecule as an insulin sensitization treatment."

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Gary Null’s Show Notes 04 19 23

Teach yourself everyday happiness with human imagery

Vitamin A may reduce pancreatitis risk during ALL treatment

New research establishes how and why diets high in sugar and fat cause liver disease

Teach yourself everyday happiness with human imagery

Smartbrain Norway, February 26, 2023

Flashbacks of scenes from traumatic events often haunt those suffering from psychiatric conditions, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). "The close relationship between the human imagery system and our emotions can cause deep emotional perturbations", says Dr Svetla Velikova of Smartbrain in Norway. "Imagery techniques are often used in cognitive psychotherapy to help patients modify disturbing mental images and overcome negative emotions." Velikova and her team set out to see if such techniques could become self-guided and developed at home, away from the therapist's chair.

Healthy people are also emotionally affected by what we see and the images we remember.

Velikova explains, "if we visually remember an image from an unpleasant interaction with our boss, this can cause an increased level of anxiety about our work and demotivation." There is great interest in ways to combat such everyday negative emotional responses through imagery training. But she warns, "this is a challenging task and requires a flexible approach. Each day we face different problems and a therapist teaches us how to identify topics and strategies for imagery exercises."

To find out if we can train ourselves to use imagery techniques and optimize our emotional state, Velikova and co-workers turned to 30 healthy volunteers. During a two-day workshop the volunteers learnt a series of imagery techniques. They learnt how to cope with negative emotions from past events through imagery transformation, how to use positive imagery for future events or goals, and techniques to improve social interactions and enhance their emotional balance in daily life. They then spent the next 12 weeks training themselves at home for 15-20 minutes a day, before attending another similar two-day workshop.

Velikova compared the results of participant psychological assessment and brain activity, or electroencephalographic (EEG), measurement, before and after the experiment. "The psychological testing showed that depressive symptoms were less prominent. The number of those with subthreshold depression, expressing depressive symptoms but not meeting the criteria for depression, was halved. Overall, volunteers were more satisfied with life and perceived themselves as more efficient" she explains.

She concludes, "this combination of EEG findingssuggests a possible increase in the activity of GABA (gamma -aminobutyric acid), well known for its anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties." Velikova and co-workers' results indicate that self-guided emotional imagery training has great potential to improve the everyday emotional wellbeing in healthy people.

Vitamin A may reduce pancreatitis risk during ALL treatment

Stanford University & Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, March 15, 2023

Consuming a diet rich in vitamin A or its analogs may help prevent children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) reduce their risk of developing painful pancreas inflammation during chemotherapy treatment.

Details about this potential dietary solution to prevent a potentially life-threatening adverse event were published in Science Translational Medicine. The research team was led by Sohail Husain, MD, chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at Stanford University and Anil Goud Jegga, DVM, MRes, a computational biologist at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

For people with ALL, treatment with the enzyme asparaginase helps starve cancer cells by reducing the amount of asparagine circulating in the blood, which the cancer cells need but cannot make themselves. The medication, often used in combination with other chemotherapies, is given via injection into a vein, muscle, or under the skin.

Jegga and colleagues developed predictive analytics using over 100 million data points encompassing gene expression data, small-molecule data, and electronic health records to understand more of the mechanisms driving asparaginase-associated pancreatitis (AAP) and identify potential interventions to prevent or mitigate AAP. They analyzed massive amounts of gene expression data to reveal that gene activity associated with asparaginase or pancreatitis might be reversed by retinoids (vitamin A and its analogs).

Ultimately, the team found that only 1.4% of patients treated with asparaginase developed pancreatitis when they were also taking vitamin A in contrast to 3.4% of patients who did not. Concomitant use of vitamin A correlated with a 60% reduction in the risk of AAP. Lower amounts of dietary vitamin A correlated with increased risk and severity of AAP.

New research establishes how and why diets high in sugar and fat cause liver disease

University of Missouri School of Medicine, March 15, 2023

New research from the University of Missouri School of Medicine has established a link between western diets high in fat and sugar and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the leading cause of chronic liver disease.

The research has identified the western diet-induced microbial and metabolic contributors to liver disease, advancing our understanding of the gut-liver axis, and in turn the development of dietary and microbial interventions for this global health threat.

"We're just beginning to understand how food and gut microbiota interact to produce metabolites that contribute to the development of liver disease," said co-principal investigator, Guangfu Li, Ph.D., DVM, associate professor in the department of surgery and Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. "However, the specific bacteria and metabolites, as well as the underlying mechanisms were not well understood until now. This research is unlocking the how and why."

The gut and liver have a close anatomical and functional connection via the portal vein. Unhealthy diets change the gut microbiota, resulting in the production of pathogenic factors that impact the liver. By feeding mice foods high in fat and sugar, the research team discovered that the mice developed a gut bacteria called Blautia producta and a lipid that caused liver inflammation and fibrosis. That, in turn, caused the mice to develop non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or fatty liver disease, with similar features to the human disease.

The study was recently published in Nature Communications. The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest related to the study.

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Gary Null’s Show Notes 04 18 23

Garlic sprouted for five days has improved antioxidant potential

Folic acid and B12 lower in men with erectile dysfunction

What’s on your plate? 60% of foods in America contain unhealthy additivesShare

Garlic sprouted for five days has improved antioxidant potential

Kyungpook National University (S Korea), March 4, 2023

"Sprouted" garlic - old garlic bulbs with bright green shoots emerging from the cloves - is considered to be past its prime and usually ends up in the garbage can. But scientists are reporting in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry that this type of garlic has even more heart-healthy antioxidant activity than its fresher counterparts.

Jong-Sang Kim and colleagues note that people have used garlic for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Today, people still celebrate its healthful benefits. Eating garlic or taking garlic supplements is touted as a natural way to reduce cholesterol levels, blood pressure and heart disease risk. It even may boost the immune system and help fight cancer. But those benefits are for fresh, raw garlic. Sprouted garlic has received much less attention. When seedlings grow into green plants, they make many new compounds, including those that protect the young plant against pathogens. Kim's group reasoned that the same thing might be happening when green shoots grow from old heads of garlic. Other studies have shown that sprouted beans and grains have increased antioxidant activity, so the team set out to see if the same is true for garlic.

They found that garlic sprouted for five days had higher antioxidant activity than fresher, younger bulbs, and it had different metabolites, suggesting that it also makes different substances. Extracts from this garlic even protected cells in a laboratory dish from certain types of damage. "Therefore, sprouting may be a useful way to improve the antioxidant potential of garlic," they conclude.

Folic acid and B12 lower in men with erectile dysfunction

First People's Hospital of Yancheng (China), March 15 2023

The new issue of Sexual Medicine reported the finding of lower levels of B vitamins folic acid and B12, greater homocysteine levels and higher indicators of infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) among men with erectile dysfunction (ED) in comparison with healthy men.

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium believed to infect about half of the world’s population and is the major cause of gastrointestinal ulcers. Because H. pylori immunoglobin G (Hp-IgG) titers have recently been found to be significantly higher in ED patients than in those without ED, the researchers involved in the current study hypothesized that infection with the bacterium could lead to malabsorption of folic acid and vitamin B12 which increases homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine promotes atherosclerosis, which is a primary cause of ED not due to psychological issues.

The study compared 84 men with ED to 42 men who did not have the condition. Blood samples were analyzed for serum levels of folic acid, vitamin B12, homocysteine, H. pylori IgG titers and other factors.

Men with ED had median Hp-IgG titers of 32.34 arbU/mL compared to a median of 20.88 arbU/mL among men without the condition. Serum folic acid levels in the ED group were less than half of those in the healthy group and vitamin B12 levels were also lower, while homocysteine levels were higher. Folic acid levels were found to be higher among men with moderate ED compared to those with severe ED, and were an independent risk factor for the condition.

“H. pylori infection might lead to decreased folic acid and B12 and then increased homocysteine, which might be a mechanism leading to ED,” the authors concluded. “H. pylori eradication or folic acid and B12 supplementation might have certain clinical value in the treatment of vascular ED.”

What’s on your plate? 60% of foods in America contain unhealthy additives

University of New South Wales & University of North Carolina, March 14, 2023

Troubling new research finds the majority of foods purchased by Americans (60%) contain any number of artificial additives such as preservatives, sweeteners, and coloring or flavoring agents. Even worse, these levels represent a 10-percent increase since 2001. The study makes a strong case that the prevalence of food additives is on the rise in a major way. For instance, the average amount of additives in food and beverage products added by manufacturers has increased significantly between 2001 (3.7) and 2019 (4.5).

Food additives are so ubiquitous in the first place thanks to their ability to extend various foods’ shelf lives and improve palatability. Despite this, the health consequences of consuming these substances are still woefully understudied and not clear. So, analyzing and better grasping the impact of food-additive exposure over time is a vital step in understanding its role in numerous negative health developments linked to their consumption, including increased bodyweight and negative changes to the gut microbiome.

“Our research clearly shows that the proportion of ultra-processed foods with additives in Americans’ shopping carts increased significantly between 2001 and 2019. We observed this trend across all food and additive categories,” notes lead investigator Elizabeth K. Dunford, PhD, from the University of New South Wales, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

By 2019, over half of all packaged food and beverage products purchased by U.S. households contained at least three or more additives. Moreover, and perhaps most concerning of all, there was a 22-percent increase in baby food purchases that researchers consider ultra-processed or contained additives.

American consumers buy over 400,000 different packaged food and beverage products annually at grocery stores. New food goods and products are constantly landing on store shelves. More ultra-processed foods means that Americans are eating more sodium, sugar, and saturated fats.

This is the first ever study to assess what U.S. consumers are purchasing, as opposed to relying on reported food and beverage intake, in order to evaluate exposure to food additives in ultra-processed foods. Researchers analyzed the proportion of products purchased by U.S. households containing four common technical food additives: colors, flavors, preservatives, and non-nutritive sweeteners.

The findings from this study could be used to inform policymakers on where American consumers are getting an increasing number of additives and how the packaged food supply is changing. The results can also set the foundation for future work in this area and provide direction for future researchers,” Dr. Dunford continues.

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Gary Null’s Newsletter Issue 066

In this week’s Gary Null’s Newsletter:

Shiatsu

Recipe for Groovy Smoothie Fruit Sunday

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Shiatsu

By Gary Null

Shiatsu massage is a form of traditional Japanese massage that is based upon both early classical Chinese and Japanese medical systems. In Japanese, the term Shiatsu comes from the words "shi" meaning finger and "atsu" meaning pressure. Shiatsu focuses on applying pressure to specific points on the body and kneading the muscles. Besides its use for relaxation and beauty purposes, it was also believed to have therapeutic value.[1] Shiatsu acknowledges that each person is a unique entity; therefore, different people with the same symptoms may respond differently to a session. Some people will experience great benefits right away while others will need several sessions in order to feel better.

The oldest records indicate that this type of massage dates back to the Naro period in the 8th century. During this time, Buddhist monks practiced a method of massage called tsubo, which was regarded as a type of spiritual healing. In the 16th century, tsubo was further developed into a comprehensive system known as Amna, which was originally practiced by blind masseuses or amna-shi.

What is today known as Shiatsu was created by an early 20th century Anma masseuse named Tokujiro Namikoshi who had also studied Western medicine. In 1925, Namikoshi opened his first clinic in Hokkaido and his Shiatsu method rapidly became popular throughout Japan and beyond. In the 1950s, the Japanese government officially recognized Shiatsu as a regulated form of medical treatment. Since then, Shiatsu has spread to other parts of the world, notably the United States and Europe. It has also evolved over time and influenced other forms of massage including acupressure and reflexology.

Shiatsu is based on the Chinese mind-body philosophy that views the body as a network of energy channels known as meridians, through which the life force energy or ki (or qi or chi in Chinese) flows to the body’s tissues and organs. Shiatsu massage is designed to balance the flow of ki throughout the body by applying pressure to specific points along the meridians. This pressure can be applied using fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, or knees, depending upon the technique being used. The practitioner works to balance the yin and yang energies in the body, which can become disrupted due to stress, illness, or injury. Shiatsu is similar to acupuncture in that it works with meridian systems; however, the main difference is the use of hands and finger pressure rather than acupuncture’s use of needles. Shiatsu is also less concerned with specific points and more involved with the entire length of a meridian.

Shiatsu is also employed as a diagnostic tool. Practitioners diagnose causal relationships behind diseases from the abdomen, where specific points or tsubo representing each of the meridians are present. The therapist identifies different tsubo where there may be congestion or either too much or too little ki energy. By means of palpitations and finger massages on the abdomen and throughout various meridians traversing the body the flow of ki improves.

Among the many health conditions Shiatsu has been shown to successfully treat are low back pain,[2]reduction of pain-causing pressure in fibromyalgia,[3] and improving muscle blood flow.[4] A 2017 Italian study found that Shiatsu may activate internal healing processes in cancer patients undergoing conventional treatment.[5] However where the medical literature indicates Shiatsu has had its greatest success is in treating musculoskeletal problems,[6] anxiety, depression and relieving stress in order to promote greater psychological well-being.[7]

[1] Robinson N, Lorenc A, Xing L. “The evidence for shiatsu: a systematic review of shiatsu and acupuncture.” BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011 Oct;7(11): 88.

[2] Kobayashi D, Shimbo T, et al. “Shiatsu for chronic lower back pain: randomized controlled study.” Complment Therap Med. 2019;46: 33-37.

[3] Yuan SLK, Berssaneti AA, Marques AP. “Effects of Shiatsu in the management of fibromyalgia symptoms: a controlled pilot study.” J Manipul, Physiol Therap. 2013 Sep;36(7): 436-443.

[4] Sato-Suzuki I, Kagitani F, Uchida S. “Somatosensory regulation of resting muscle blood flow and physical therapy.” Autonom Neurosci. 2019 Sep;220: 102557.

[5] Geremia S, Bin A, et al. “V24 –Shiatsu in oncology: a treatment of healing processes’ activation.” Annal Oncology. 2017 Oct;28(6): 110-111.

[6] Harris PE, Pooley N. “What do shiatsu practitioners treat? A nationwide survey.” Complement Therap Med. 1998 Mar;6(1): 30-35.

[7] Long A, Connolly S. “Potential contribution of shiatsu in promoting health and well-being.” Euro J Integrat Med. 2008 Nov;1(1): 38.

Recipe for Groovy Smoothie Fruit Sunday

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Gary Null’s Show Notes 04 17 23

Ozone pollution is linked with increased hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease

Depression is more than a mental disorder—it affects the whole body

Grape seed protects against damaging effects of chemo while boosting its effectiveness

Bonus Recipe

Ozone pollution is linked with increased hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease

Xi'an Jiaotong University (China), March 10, 2023

The first evidence that exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) ozone limit is associated with substantial increases in hospital admissions for heart attack, heart failure and stroke is published in European Heart Journal. Even ozone levels below the WHO maximum were linked with worsened health.

"During this three-year study, ozone was responsible for an increasing proportion of admissions for cardiovascular disease as time progressed," said study author Professor Shaowei Wu of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China.

"It is believed that climate change, by creating atmospheric conditions favoring ozone formation, will continue to raise concentrations in many parts of the world. Our results indicate that older people are particularly vulnerable to the adverse cardiovascular effects of ozone, meaning that worsening ozone pollution with climate change and the rapid aging of the global population may produce even greater risks of cardiovascular disease in the future."

This study examined the association between ambient ozone pollution and hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease.

During the study period, the two databases covered approximately 258 million people across the 70 cities, equivalent to more than 18% of China's population. The types of cardiovascular disease included coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure, plus subtypes such as angina, acute myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.

Daily eight-hour maximum average concentrations of ozone, fine particulate matter(PM2.5), inhalable particles (PM10), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide were obtained for each city from the China National Urban Air Quality Real-time Publishing Platform.

During the study period, there were 6,444,441 hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease in the 70 cities and the average daily eight-hour maximum ozone concentration was 79.2 μg/m3. Exposure to ambient ozone was associated with increased hospital admissions for all cardiovascular diseases studied except hemorrhagic stroke, independent of other air pollutants. For example, each 10 μg/m3rise in the two-day average eight-hour maximum ozone concentration was associated with a 0.40% increase in hospital admissions for stroke and 0.75% for acute myocardial infarction.

Professor Wu said, "Although these increments look modest, it should be noted that ozone levels may surge to higher than 200 μg/m3 in summer, and these increases in hospitalizations would be amplified by more than 20 times to over 8% for stroke and 15% for acute myocardial infarction."

3.42%, 3.74% and 3.02% of hospitalizations for coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke, respectively, were attributable to ozone pollution. When each year was analyzed separately, the proportions rose with time. For coronary heart disease, ozone was responsible for 109,400 of 3,194,577 admissions over three years.

Depression is more than a mental disorder—it affects the whole body

University of Granada (Spain), March 1, 2023

An international team of researchers led by the University of Granada (UGR) has scientifically proven for the first time that depression is more than a mental disorder—it causes important alterations of the oxidative stress, so it should be considered a systemic disease, since it affects the whole organism.

The results of this work, published in the renowned Journal of Clinical Psychiatry magazine, could explain the significant association that depression has with cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and why people suffering from depression die younger. At the same time, this research may help finding new therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of depression.

The lead author of this work is Sara Jiménez Fernández, Ph.D. student at the UGR and psychiatrist at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit at Jaén Medical Center (Jaén, Spain). The co-authors are the UGR Psychiatry professors Manuel Gurpegui Fernández de Legaria and Francisco Díaz Atienza, in collaboration, among others, with Christoph Correll from the Zucker Hillside Hospital (New York, USA).

This research is a meta-analysis of 29 previous studies involving 3961 people, and it's the first detailed work of its kind about what happens in the bodies of people suffering from depression. It studies the imbalance between the individual increase of various oxidative stress parameters (especially malondialdehyde, a biomarker to measure the oxidative deterioration of the cell membrane) and the decrease in antioxidant substances (such as uric acid, zinc, and the superoxide dismutase enzyme).

The researchers have proven that after receiving the usual treatment against depression, the patients' malondialdehyde levels are significantly reduced, to the point that they are indistinguishable from healthy individuals. At the same time, zinc and uric acid levels increase until reaching normal levels (something that does not occur in the case of the superoxide dismutase enzyme).

Grape seed protects against damaging effects of chemo while boosting its effectiveness

University of Adelaide (Australia), February 24 2023

The journal PLOS ONE presented the findings of researchers at the University of Adelaide in Australia of a protective benefit for grape seed extract against one of the damaging effects of chemotherapy known as mucositis. The condition is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract that particularly the affects the mouth and small intestine.

Dr Ker Yeaw Cheah and colleagues divided 64 rats to receive one of three doses of grape seed extract or water for a period of eight days, during which time the animals were injected with the chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil or saline. On the day after the end of the treatment period, the animals were examined for the presence of intestinal damage and inflammation.

In comparison with rats that received 5-fluorouracil alone, those that received grape seed had less intestinal damage and up to 55% less inflammation. When grape seed was administered with 5-fluorouracil to cultured human colon cancer cells, the drug’s ability to inhibit cancer growth was boosted by 26% in comparison to drug treatment alone.

"This is the first study showing that grape seed can enhance the potency of one of the major chemotherapy drugs in its action against colon cancer cells," announced Dr Cheah, who is a researcher at the University of Adelaide’s School of Agriculture, Food and Wine. "Our experimental studies have shown that grape seed extract reduced chemotherapy-induced inflammation and damage and helped protect healthy cells in the gastrointestinal tract. While this effect is very promising, we were initially concerned that grape seed could reduce the effectiveness of the chemotherapy . . . In contrast, we found that grape seed extract not only aided the ability of chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, but was also more potent than the chemotherapy we tested at one concentration."

“Unlike chemotherapy, grape seed appears to selectively act on cancer cells and leave healthy cells almost unaffected," she observed.

Bonus Recipe

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