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Good Bacteria and Digestive Health Determine Disease Risk

Inside your intestines live billions of bacteria and other microorganisms. These are not parasites, but rather an important part of your body and your health. New research has found that these microorganisms are integral in disease prevention, emotional health and other areas. However, we live in a world filled with antibiotics and antimicrobials that may be affecting the important functions of our digestive system’s “good” bacteria.

Are All Bacteria Bad?

While we usually associate bacteria with infections and illness, not all bacteria are bad for our health. Our digestive tract is filled with a variety of bacteria that play many roles in maintaining health. For example, there are certain vitamins that we can only absorb after they have been broken down by bacteria. In addition, maintaining ideal levels of beneficial flora in our digestive tract keeps our immune system healthy and protects us from deadly infections.

Researchers are beginning to discover more about the microorganisms that inhabit our digestive tract, which are known collectively as our microbiome. Every person has a slightly different microbiome, although there are several organisms such as Bacteroides that are common to most people. Not only does our microbiome include thousands of species of bacteria, viruses and archaeans, but these organisms are incredibly diverse even within their own species. We are only just beginning to discover the integral role that our microbiome plays in our health.

Good Bacteria and Your Health

New research suggests that the benefits of gut bacteria extend far beyond the digestive tract. The bacteria in our intestines play an important role in regulating both our brains and our immune system. Proteins made by these microscopic organisms have a variety of beneficial effects on our bodies, including releasing proteins that have been found to prevent cancer and other serious diseases. There are new studies almost every week proclaiming a new and previously unknown function of our microbiome.

What Happens When You Lose Your Microbiome?

Most people in the modern world have taken antibiotics. Although antibiotics can save lives, they also compromise our microbiome, killing off good bacteria along with the dangerous bacterial invaders. Some researchers believe that this lack of healthy good bacteria in much of the population may be one cause for the recent increase in metabolic syndrome, obesity, and certain types of cancer. In addition, the presence of good bacteria in our intestines crowds out bad bacteria and makes it hard for them to cause a true infection. Certain pathogenic bacteria, such as c. difficile, have caused deadly infections after people took broad spectrum antibiotics that killed other beneficial organisms in their microbiome that were helping to keep the pathogens at bay.

Maintaining a Healthy Microbiome

Maintaining a healthy range of good bacteria in your gut is essential to good health in a variety of ways. However, our world is so filled with antibacterial products that this can be a challenge. One way to encourage a healthy microbiome is to take a supplement that includes both prebiotics and probiotics. Probiotics are the good bacteria that provide key health benefits, while prebiotics contain the fiber and other compounds that these good bacteria need to live and thrive. Taking a combination of prebiotics and probiotics can encourage your microbiome to flourish with a variety of bacteria that support good health.

Our modern world is very different from the one that we evolved in, creating health challenges that we have never known. While we no longer live in fear of dying from infectious disease, we now face an entirely new set of diseases to fear. Taking a supplement that includes both prebiotics and probiotics is one way to keep your body healthy and strong.

Circadian Clock in the Liver Found to Regulate Hunger and Metabolism

Mar 23 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

When we talk about the circadian rhythm, most people think about the brain. However, every organ has its own internal biological clock. The liver’s innate 24-hour rhythm is especially important to your metabolism and even affects the central circadian clock in your brain. New studies suggest that the liver’s circadian clock may even regulate hunger, digestion and a variety of human behaviors.

Your Liver: A Key Part of Metabolism

The liver is the largest organ in the human body and also one of the most multifunctional ones. It plays a variety of important roles necessary for daily life. The liver is technically considered a gland due to its active secretion of a variety of important hormones that regulate metabolism. In addition, the liver detoxifies the blood, regulates glucose balance, breaks down red blood cells and produces a variety of proteins and vitamins. When the liver can no longer function properly, a person will quickly die unless they can get a transplant.

Many of the activities of the liver occur constantly or in response to environmental cues. However, some of these functions, especially metabolic activities, occur on a distinct cycle determined by a circadian clock in the liver itself. This internal clock appears to be in constant communication with pacemakers in our brains, potentially affecting a wide range of functions and behaviors.

The Role of the Circadian Clock in the Liver

When you travel more than a time zone away, you may suffer from jet lag and disrupted sleep. Many travelers notice that they are hungry at odd times as well. It may surprise you to learn that this is due to the presence of a circadian clock in the liver. This clock regulates, among other things, the times when you are hungry. The liver releases hormones that make us hungry along with important enzymes for digestion just before the times when we normally eat.

The presence of a circadian clock governing hunger and digestion was confirmed in a recent study of rats. Rats express certain genes related to circadian rhythm periodically, and this gene activity correlates with hunger and release of digestive enzymes. When fed only at certain times, the expression of these genes slowly changed to mimic the new feeding schedule. This is similar to the behavior of circadian rhythm genes that govern the sleep-wake cycle; people can gradually change their bedtimes or wake up times. Furthermore, this study found that there is a great deal of communication between the circadian clocks of the brain and those of the liver, presenting a possible mechanism for the Zeitgeber effect of food.

Liver, Brain, and Circadian Rhythm

It is exciting to find confirmation of previous studies concluding that the timing of food intake can affect the body’s circadian rhythm. In addition, these new findings are promising when it comes to finding new treatment possibilities for people who struggle with obesity, diabetes and other diseases that are affected by both liver function and the circadian rhythm. More effective treatment can result when people take their medications at the time of day when they will be most effective, or at times when the cell receptors that these medications target are most active. In addition, while there still needs to be more study in this area, the current body of evidence suggests that eating late at night may be detrimental to people who have sleep disorders.

Discovering the biochemical foundation of the circadian clock in the liver opens new avenues for study. Every organ appears to have its own internal clock, but that of the liver seems especially important in regulating metabolism and overall well-being. Understanding how our bodies work is always a first step to finding new and more effective medical treatments.

Broccoli and Cancer: The Low-Down on Why You Should Eat Your Veggies

Mar 18 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Most people remember the “good old days” when parents made kids clean their plates, which included finishing their veggies. Unfortunately, many give up these healthy habits when they grow up and can make their own dietary decisions. This can have a huge negative health impact, as vegetables are a vital part of a healthy diet. In fact, a new study has found a link between broccoli and cancer that should have us reaching for our veggies at every meal rather than pushing them around the plate.

Broccoli: An Underrated Superfood

Like all cruciferous vegetables, broccoli is full of nutrients. Chock full of vitamin K, folic acid, calcium and vitamin C, this leafy green packs a huge nutritional punch. These vitamins act as needed cofactors for the many cell reactions necessary in metabolism. In addition, broccoli has large amounts of fiber, which can prevent high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and a variety of gastrointestinal issues. In addition, broccoli is one of the more affordable healthy foods in the supermarket. There is really no reason to say no to a plate of this vegetable, but now there is even more reason to say yes… and even reach for a second helping.

Broccoli and Cancer Risk

According to a new study, broccoli may help prevent Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which is a precursor to liver cancer. In addition, mice who eat broccoli who are then exposed to carcinogens known to affect the liver have a lower rate of cancer, as well as lower stage cancer when they do get it. This suggests that broccoli may be a powerful agent in preventing liver cancer. In addition, a separate study has found that taking supplements that include compounds from broccoli sprouts can help reduce the risk of oral cancer. More research is currently underway to investigate whether it can prevent other kinds of head and neck cancer.

How Can a Vegetable Prevent Cancer?

Broccoli has a slight bitter taste due to high levels of a compound known as sulforaphane. Sulforaphane belongs to the glucosinolate class of phytonutrients and has been linked to protecting against cancers of all kinds. It is believed to be a kind of chemoprevention, which is a term for compounds that may help to prevent cancer before it even starts. While certain medications such as tamoxifen are used to prevent cancer in people who are high risk, some foods can be used to gain the same benefits. In addition, broccoli appears to kill cancer cells once they have formed, presenting potential as an adjunctive treatment to traditional medical treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.

Vegetables: An Essential Part of a Healthy Lifestyle

With cancer rates increasing every decade, many researchers are turning their eye toward the changing Western diet. We are only just beginning to discover the healthy effects of many foods. Eating a varied diet with plenty of phytonutrient-rich vegetables may be the best thing that people do to stay healthy and lower their risk of developing deadly diseases. There may be many phytonutrients and disease-preventing compounds in fruits and vegetables that have yet to be discovered. As with all disease, prevention is the best cure.

Eating more vegetables is always a healthy lifestyle choice, helping you to achieve a healthy weight and get the nutrients that you need to thrive. With new research indicating a link between broccoli and cancer prevention, there is no good reason not to eat your greens.

The Basics of Sleep From A-to-Zzz

Mar 16 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

We spend around one-third of our lives sleeping. This is not wasted time. On the contrary, our bodies have a long list of tasks that can only be completed while our mind is resting and our body is still. Getting the right amount of sleep can give you a clearer mind, more energy, and even lower your risk of developing common life-threatening illnesses.

What is the Purpose of Sleep?

Sleep is not just a time when we are unconscious to the world. When we sleep, our bodies go through five distinct phases, from the early light sleep to REM. REM is the best-known phase of sleep because it is when we dream, but it is not the only time at night when our brains are active. Different hormonal and cellular events happen during each phase of sleep in a manner tightly controlled by the brain.

Our body repeats the five-phase cycle of sleep roughly every 90 minutes. This is why people often wake up easier and with less fatigue if they sleep in increments of 90 minutes. This correlates with the time when they are transitioning to lighter sleep. During these cycles, our brains clean toxins and regenerate neurons. The brain also releases hormones that tell cells throughout the body to undergo DNA repair and replication, repairing the damage of the waking day. When people miss sleep on a regular basis, their bodies cannot complete these important housekeeping tasks. Over time, the wear-and-tear can lead to increased disease risk.

How Much Sleep Do We Need?

While not getting enough sleep can put you at higher risk of disease, getting too much sleep is not healthy. People who sleep too much have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and other deadly diseases. Most adults need around eight hours of sleep for optimal function. There is some variation, but getting between seven and nine hours is optimal for almost all people. As with food, exercise and other healthy habits, moderation in sleep is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

The Health Benefits of Sleep

What does getting adequate sleep do for your health? To name a few short-term benefits, sleeping the right amount leaves you with a better memory, higher cognitive skills and a lower risk of having accidents at work or in your car. There are long term health benefits to sleep as well. People who do not get enough sleep are at higher risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even cancer. When you get enough sleep, you are increasing your chance of a better quality of life and a longer lifespan at the same time.

A lack of quality sleep is a serious health risk. Unfortunately, it is a very common one. Around one-third of modern people are not getting the right amount. Modern life, with 24/7 light sources and high levels of stress, makes it difficult to settle down. You can have a very real impact on your health simply by deciding to turn off the phone, turn off the light and get the rest you need.

What is sleep? It is a time when your body repairs and rebuilds to prepare you for a healthier, more energetic, and more functional day. Getting the right amount of sleep will leave you more alert, functioning higher and even in better health. There are many healthy, natural ways to increase not just the time that you spend asleep, but the quality of your sleep. Sleep is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and should be a priority for everyone.

Researchers Discover a Promising Link Between 5-HTP and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Mar 11 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 1.3 million Americans. While there are treatments that can slow the joint degeneration associated with this disease, modern medicine struggles to adequately treat it. This is especially true in the preclinical, aka early phase, when a great deal of permanent damage can occur. However, a new study examining 5-HTP and rheumatoid arthritis suggests that this supplement may protect against joint damage created by inflammatory immune cells before rheumatoid arthritis develops in full.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is related to age and wear-and-tear, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune attack. The body perceives healthy joint tissue as a threat and attacks it with immune cells. This can lead to not just pain, but permanent damage to joints and permanent loss of mobility.

One of the key problems with rheumatoid arthritis is that it is difficult to diagnose. People often begin having vague symptoms that are not treated until they worsen. By the time most people get a diagnosis and treatment, their joints have already suffered irreparable damage. Doctors call this undefined phase the “preclinical phase.” Treating the preclinical phase of RA can make an immense difference in a person’s quality of life and future response to treatment.

5-HTP and Rheumatoid Arthritis

In a recent study, researchers induced an autoimmune reaction similar to rheumatoid arthritis in mouse cells. These cells were then treated with 5-HTP, a metabolite of tryptophan, an essential amino acid that must be obtained from the food we eat. When given 5-HTP, these cells exhibited decreased production of inflammatory immune cells that have been linked to the damage seen in rheumatoid arthritis. These cells also produced more serotonin and other hormones that play a key role in reducing pain.

This new link between 5-HTP and rheumatoid arthritis is especially important for people in the preclinical phase when T-cells and cytokines are actively attacking collagen and other joint tissues. Taking 5-HTP during the preclinical phase of rheumatoid arthritis may help protect against joint damage in the months before a firm diagnosis can be made and treatment can begin.

5-HTP: A Promising Supplement

This is not the first time that 5-HTP has been shown to have positive effects relating to certain conditions that involve minor pain and discomfort. It has been helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia in prior clinical trials, improving symptoms across the board. Because 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin, researchers believed that its serotonergic effects were mainly responsible for the improvement. However, the new evidence of its effects on the immune system suggests a second mechanism for 5-HTP in the treatment of certain health conditions.

5-HTP is all-natural and made by the human body, although sometimes not in the amounts that are needed to help alleviate minor discomfort. With very few side effects and drug interactions, this amino acid offers hope for people who struggle to live with painful and debilitating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Skipping Breakfast Can Increase Your Stroke Risk

Mar 08 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Who has time for breakfast? In the modern world, many people succumb to the morning rush and run out the door with empty stomachs. However, this can have a negative effect on health in a variety of ways. People who skip breakfast tend to have lower cognition and poorer memory. A new study suggests that skipping the most important meal of the day can even increase stroke risk.

Blood Pressure and Stroke Risk

Health care workers and scientists have long acknowledged the link between blood pressure and stroke risk. In fact, there is a direct relationship between the two. High blood pressure can cause clots to break free from blood vessel walls and lodge in the delicate vessels of the brain, causing a lack of blood flow to key areas and a resulting loss of function, also known as an ischemic stroke. High blood pressure can also cause a hemorrhagic stroke, also known as a brain bleed, when the high pressure causes cerebral blood vessels to rupture.

Circadian Rhythm, Blood Pressure, and Breakfast

How can skipping breakfast contribute to stroke? While a recent study has confirmed that there is a connection, it seems to be counter-intuitive at first look. However, researchers believe that high blood pressure may be the link. Skipping a meal ultimately results in a rise in blood pressure. Because blood pressure is naturally higher in the morning, people who skip breakfast ultimately may end up with dangerously high blood pressure. The result is damage to blood vessels and a 30 percent rise in stroke risk.

Circadian Rhythm, Hypertension, and Health

Understanding the circadian rhythm can help people to reduce their disease risk. Our bodies create hormones and other important cell proteins on a 24-hour cycle. Understanding this cycle and its effects on our bodies can help people to make better health decisions. While few people would think that eating breakfast affects their disease risk, it indeed appears to be the case. It is important to eat breakfast because it helps us to think better and function better throughout the day, but also because it keeps blood pressure from spiking, thus prevents stroke risk from soaring.

Living With Your Circadian Rhythm

Our bodies are designed to live according to a 24-hour rhythm. While modern life often interferes, it is important to keep healthy habits. There is a reason our ancestors believed in eating a healthy breakfast, even if they could not perform double-blind studies on every benefit. They understood on some innate level that our bodies were intended to work on a 24-hour cycle.

Research in chronobiology is constantly helping people to understand their bodies better and thus to reduce the chances of developing deadly disorders such as stroke. Your healthy breakfast is not just a great way to start a productive day, but a way of reducing your disease risk as well.