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LMU 305 – Ginger Supplementation Suppresses Dangerous Inflammation and Blood Clots in Lupus, Related Autoimmune Conditions, and Infections: Animal and Human Evidence

LMU-305

Ginger Supplementation Suppresses Dangerous Inflammation and Blood Clots in Lupus, Related Autoimmune Conditions, and Infections: Animal and Human Evidence

Source: JCI Insights (American Society for Clinical Investigation) – September 22, 2023

Lifestyle Medicine Update (September 26, 2023)

Previous studies have shown that the gingerol constituents in ginger have anti-inflammatory effects that can be helpful in reducing inflammation in various arthritic conditions. In September 2023 the journal JCI Insights published a research study showing that ginger supplementation can also contain an important part of the inflammatory reaction involved in Lupus, as shown in a mouse model of the disease. Ginger supplementation prevented the development of dangerous NETosis. Very often in Lupus and in severe infections, such as severe COVID-19 infections, white blood cells called neutrophils overreact and produce an overwhelming amount of inflammation that can lead to organ failure and dangerous blood clots (thrombosis). As such, the development of NETosis in a Lupus patient, autoimmune patient or patient with severe infection is very dangerous and often life-threatening. Researchers have been looking for drugs and natural agents that can suppress the development of NETosis in Lupus patients, other autoimmune conditions, and in cases of severe infection.

Publishing in the September issue of JCI Insights, these researchers showed that not only does ginger suppress NETosis from developing in a mice model of Lupus, but in healthy human volunteers, ginger supplementation also suppressed the development of NETosis when these subjects were exposed to disease- promoting stimuli. The research revealed that ginger suppressed NETosis in humans through the exact same molecular mechanisms seen in the Lupus mice experiment (ginger supplementation boosts neutrophil cAMP and thus decreases NETosis formation).

So, what does this mean for us? There are a number of very good natural anti-inflammatory agents that are greatly underappreciated in the conventional medical channels. Supplements such as Curcumin, Ginger, Boswellia and White willow Extract, for instance, continue to show impressive results in containing inflammation in a number arthritic and inflammatory conditions. For arthritic patients, my personal preference is to recommend a combination supplement that includes all four of these natural agents:

Curcumin

Ginger

Boswellia

White Willow Extract

The reason to combine them into one supplement is that they work synergistically to suppress inflammation and pain. What we learned from the Sept 2023 JCI Insights study is that ginger also suppresses the formation of dangerous NETosis, which is a very significant benefit in dealing with Lupus, some other autoimmune conditions, and in cases of severe infections. This is truly important breakthrough research that we have not seen before, as preventing NETosis is highly desirable in autoimmune conditions and severe infection. If you are going to use a supplement containing ginger make sure that it is standardized grade, yielding the highest amount of gingerols, which are the medicinal ingredients.  For example, a supplement providing 100 mg per day of ginger should be standardized to 5% gingerols.  The same is true for Curcumin, which should be a 95% standardized grade; and Boswellia, which should be standardized to 70% boswellic acids and White Willow Extract, which should be standardized to 15% salcin content.

Once again, the combination of Curcumin, Ginger, Boswellia and White Willow Extract can be very helpful in suppressing the inflammatory process, often helping patients reduce or eliminate the need for anti-inflammatory drugs that can be damaging to the liver, kidneys, and intestinal tract. Preventing NETosis is one more benefit available from the inclusion of ginger in a combination supplement of this type. I have included the reference for the September 2023 ginger research paper below.

Reference:

Ramadan A et al. Ginger intake suppresses neutrophil extracellular trap formation in autoimmune mice and health humans. JCI Insight. September 22, 2023. JCI Insight – Ginger intake suppresses neutrophil extracellular trap formation in autoimmune mice and healthy humans

 

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,
Dr. Meschino

Recommended Supplements

Dr. James Meschino

Dr. James Meschino

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS, ROHP, is an educator, author, and researcher having lectured to thousands of healthcare professionals across North America. He holds a Master’s Degree in Science with specialties in human nutrition and biology and is recognized as an expert in the field of nutrition, anti-aging, fitness, and wellness as well as the author of numerous books.

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LMU 304 – Snacking on Almonds Reverses Facial Wrinkles and Bad Cholesterol: True Story

LMU-304

Snacking on Almonds Reverses Facial Wrinkles and Bad Cholesterol: True Story

Source: Phytother Res J (2019)

Lifestyle Medicine Update (September 20, 2023)

Studies in recent years, including the one published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, have confirmed that eating 42.5 gm of almonds per day (about 25 almonds) lowers the bad cholesterol by 7% in patients at high-risk for heart disease. Not only that but beginning in 2019 three consecutive studies have shown that consuming almonds each day, as a daily snack replacement, also reverses facial wrinkles in postmenopausal women, improves complexion and reverses facial pigment intensity. Almond consumption also helps to protect our skin against sun-damage (photoaging).

How does it work?

According to Dr Leslie Bauman MD, almonds contain high amounts of protective phenols, polyphenols, fatty acids, and vitamin E. These factors act as protective antioxidants in the skin against UV-light damage and exert other effects that reverse skin aging and undesirable blotchy skin pigmentation. The first study of this kind was published in 2019, involving 28 postmenopausal women. The group assigned to eat the almonds as their replacement snack each day for 16-weeks, exhibited diminished facial wrinkles by the end of the study. In 2021 another study involving postmenopausal women was conducted over 24-weeks. Once again, the women assigned to the almond consumption group experienced a reversal of facial wrinkles, and facial pigment intensity was reduced by 20%. In 2021 another study by Li et al, involving 39 healthy Asian women (18-45 years of age) was conducted. The group consuming the almonds each day showed reduced skin burn reaction upon UV-light exposure, compared to the group assigned to eat pretzels each day as their snack. The antioxidants in the almonds were absorbed into the bloodstream and then picked up by developing skin cells below the surface of the skin. Inside the skin cells these antioxidants helped to quench free radicals being generated by UV-light exposure, and thus, reduced sunburn reaction (erythema) and other cellular damage linked to skin cancer development.

In her review of almond ingestion and the topical use of almond oil on the skin, Dr Leslie Baumann also cites the studies where the topical use of almond oil on the skin has been helpful in certain skin condition such as wound healing, eczema, and psoriasis. The take home message in my view is that using almonds as a daily snack, in the place of other less healthy choices, is something to strongly consider. It can help to keep your bad cholesterol (LDL) under control and the active constituents in almonds are now proven to reverse some aspects of facial aging and help protect our skin against damage for UV-light that would otherwise accelerate aging, wrinkling, and increase risk of skin cancer. About 20-25 almonds per day should be your target. By the way, drinking almond milk is not a good substitute for eating almonds when it comes to deriving the benefits I have outlined in this update.

I have included all the references for this information in the text below.

References

Lee Y et al. Effects of dark chocolate and almonds on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese individuals: A randomized controlled-feeding trial. JAHA Nov 17, 2017

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/jaha.116.005162

Foolad N et al. Prospective randomized controlled pilot study on the effects of almond consumption on skin lipids and wrinkles.

Phytother Res. 2019;33(12): 3212-3217 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6916293/

Rybak I et al. Prospective randomized controlled trial on the effects of almonds on facial wrinkles and pigmentation. Nutrients. 2021.13(3): 785 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7997170/

Li J.N. et al. Almond consumption increased UVB resistance in healthy Asian women. J Cosmetic Dermatology. 2012; 20(9): 2975-2980. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8451851/

Medscape Review: Almonds And Almond Oil: Cosmeceutical Critique. Dr Leslie S. Baumann MD. September 15, 2023

https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/996314?ecd=wnl_recnlnew2_ous_230918_MSCPEDIT_etid5864975&uac=342474MN&impID=5864975#vp_1

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,

Dr. Meschino

 

Studies in recent years, including the one published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, have confirmed that eating 42.5 gm of almonds per day (about 25 almonds) lowers the bad cholesterol by 7% in patients at high-risk for heart disease. Not only that but beginning in 2019 three consecutive studies have shown that consuming almonds each day, as a daily snack replacement, also reverses facial wrinkles in postmenopausal women, improves complexion and reverses facial pigment intensity. Almond consumption also helps to protect our skin against sun-damage (photoaging).

How does it work?

According to Dr Leslie Bauman MD, almonds contain high amounts of protective phenols, polyphenols, fatty acids, and vitamin E. These factors act as protective antioxidants in the skin against UV-light damage and exert other effects that reverse skin aging and undesirable blotchy skin pigmentation. The first study of this kind was published in 2019, involving 28 postmenopausal women. The group assigned to eat the almonds as their replacement snack each day for 16-weeks, exhibited diminished facial wrinkles by the end of the study. In 2021 another study involving postmenopausal women was conducted over 24-weeks. Once again, the women assigned to the almond consumption group experienced a reversal of facial wrinkles, and facial pigment intensity was reduced by 20%. In 2021 another study by Li et al, involving 39 healthy Asian women (18-45 years of age) was conducted. The group consuming the almonds each day showed reduced skin burn reaction upon UV-light exposure, compared to the group assigned to eat pretzels each day as their snack. The antioxidants in the almonds were absorbed into the bloodstream and then picked up by developing skin cells below the surface of the skin. Inside the skin cells these antioxidants helped to quench free radicals being generated by UV-light exposure, and thus, reduced sunburn reaction (erythema) and other cellular damage linked to skin cancer development.

In her review of almond ingestion and the topical use of almond oil on the skin, Dr Leslie Baumann also cites the studies where the topical use of almond oil on the skin has been helpful in certain skin condition such as wound healing, eczema, and psoriasis. The take home message in my view is that using almonds as a daily snack, in the place of other less healthy choices, is something to strongly consider. It can help to keep your bad cholesterol (LDL) under control and the active constituents in almonds are now proven to reverse some aspects of facial aging and help protect our skin against damage for UV-light that would otherwise accelerate aging, wrinkling, and increase risk of skin cancer. About 20-25 almonds per day should be your target. By the way, drinking almond milk is not a good substitute for eating almonds when it comes to deriving the benefits I have outlined in this update.

I have included all the references for this information in the text below.

References

Lee Y et al. Effects of dark chocolate and almonds on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese individuals: A randomized controlled-feeding trial. JAHA Nov 17, 2017

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/jaha.116.005162

Foolad N et al. Prospective randomized controlled pilot study on the effects of almond consumption on skin lipids and wrinkles.

Phytother Res. 2019;33(12): 3212-3217 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6916293/

Rybak I et al. Prospective randomized controlled trial on the effects of almonds on facial wrinkles and pigmentation. Nutrients. 2021.13(3): 785 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7997170/

Li J.N. et al. Almond consumption increased UVB resistance in healthy Asian women. J Cosmetic Dermatology. 2012; 20(9): 2975-2980. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8451851/

Medscape Review: Almonds And Almond Oil: Cosmeceutical Critique. Dr Leslie S. Baumann MD. September 15, 2023

https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/996314?ecd=wnl_recnlnew2_ous_230918_MSCPEDIT_etid5864975&uac=342474MN&impID=5864975#vp_1

 

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,
Dr. Meschino

Recommended Supplements

Dr. James Meschino

Dr. James Meschino

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS, ROHP, is an educator, author, and researcher having lectured to thousands of healthcare professionals across North America. He holds a Master’s Degree in Science with specialties in human nutrition and biology and is recognized as an expert in the field of nutrition, anti-aging, fitness, and wellness as well as the author of numerous books.

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LMU 303 – Vitamin D Supplementation Reduces Cancer Relapse and Death in High-Risk Intestinal Tract Cancer Survivors (Colo-Rectal, Stomach, Esophageal, Small Bowel Cancer Survivors)

LMU-303

Vitamin D Supplementation Reduces Cancer Relapse and Death in High-Risk Intestinal Tract Cancer Survivors (Colo-Rectal, Stomach, Esophageal, Small Bowel Cancer Survivors)

Source: Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) August 22, 2023

Lifestyle Medicine Update (September 12, 2023)

In previous Lifestyle Medicine Updates, I have cited the emerging research showing how vitamin D may help to reduce risk of certain cancers. The research paper published in JAMA in August 2023 provides further evidence of vitamin D’s protective effects in this regard. So, I wanted to share it with you. The study showed that providing patients who underwent surgery for their digestive tract cancer (colo-rectal cancerstomach canceresophageal cancer or small intestine cancer) with 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily following the surgery, resulted in reduced risk of cancer relapse or death by 73% compared with patients taking the placebo. But these positive results were limited to patients showing positivity for what is called p53 immunoreactivity. This means that in many cases of cancer the p53 tumour suppressor gene is mutated or dysfunctional. In these cases, the immune system produces antibodies against the abnormal protein produced by the faulty p53 gene. These p53 gene defects and serum antibodies against p53 proteins can be detected with our modern-day technologies. As a rule, cancers showing a high degree of p53 immunoreactivity tend to be more advanced and more life-threatening.

The good news from this study is that providing patients with 2,000 IU of vitamin D, who had p53 positive immunoreactivity (very high-risk patients) significantly reduced their risk of cancer relapse or death, once their digestive tract cancer was dealt with via surgical resection. Regarding Vitamin D’s overall effects on cancer and immunity the researchers stated, “Vitamin D was previously demonstrated to upregulate innate and adaptive immunity. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) showed that vitamin D supplementation reduced the incidence of acute respiratory tract infection compared with placebo. In addition, vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of relapse in the subgroup of patients who had sufficient infiltration of immune cells into the tumour microenvironment in our previous research. They also noted that in Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial (VITAL) study, 2000 IU of vitamin D3 administered daily reduced all cancer mortality by 25% when the first 2 years of observation were excluded. As well, a 2023 meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) found that daily vitamin D3 supplementation was associated with reduced cancer mortality in the general population and improved survival in patients with cancer, although the results are still controversial, and they stated that the beneficial effects of vitamin D have been reported for cancers at various sites in the human studies.

The present study included 392 patients with a history surgically treated colo-rectal cancer (47%), gastric or stomach cancer (43%), esophageal cancer (9%) and small bowel cancer (05%). The post hoc analysis found that, among the p53- positive immunoreactive group of 80 patients, relapse or death occurred in only nine of the 54 patients (relapse or death in only 17%) in the vitamin D supplemented group and 14 of 26 patients (54% had relapse or death) in the placebo group. The 5-year relapse free survival (RFS) was significantly higher in the vitamin D group than the placebo group (81% vs 31%). As such, in the p53-immunoreactive subgroup, daily vitamin D supplementation (2,000 IU per day after surgery) reduced the risk of relapse or death by 73%. That is a remarkable reduction. As one of the researchers stated, “The main findings of this study were that daily supplementation of 2000 IU of vitamin D reduced the risk of relapse or death compared with placebo in the p53-immunoreactive subgroup, and “suggest the importance of developing cancer immunotherapy targeting mutated p53 proteins.”

I think the take-away message is once again to ensure that your vitamin D blood level is in the ideal range, which is between 75-150 umol/L (30-60 ng/ml).

This level of vitamin D is most strongly associated with a reduced risk of severe infection and certain types of cancer. It also helps to reduce risk of osteoporosis. Most people can achieve this level by simply supplementing with 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day. I have included the JAMA research reference in the text below.

References:

Kanno K et al. Effect of vitamin D supplements on relapse or death in a p53-immunoreactive subgroup with digestive tract cancer. Post Hoc Analysis of the AMATERASU Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. August 22, 2023. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2808569

“Game Changer: Data for Vitamin D in Digestive Tract Cancers. Medscape. September 11, 2023. Megan Brooks (August 25, 2023): https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/995848?ecd=wnl_recnlnew5_ous_230828_MSCPEDIT_etid5795536&uac=342474MN&impID=5795536

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,

Dr. Meschino

In previous Lifestyle Medicine Updates, I have cited the emerging research showing how vitamin D may help to reduce risk of certain cancers. The research paper published in JAMA in August 2023 provides further evidence of vitamin D’s protective effects in this regard. So, I wanted to share it with you. The study showed that providing patients who underwent surgery for their digestive tract cancer (colo-rectal cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer or small intestine cancer) with 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily following the surgery, resulted in reduced risk of cancer relapse or death by 73% compared with patients taking the placebo. But these positive results were limited to patients showing positivity for what is called p53 immunoreactivity. This means that in many cases of cancer the p53 tumour suppressor gene is mutated or dysfunctional. In these cases, the immune system produces antibodies against the abnormal protein produced by the faulty p53 gene. These p53 gene defects and serum antibodies against p53 proteins can be detected with our modern-day technologies.  As a rule, cancers showing a high degree of p53 immunoreactivity tend to be more advanced and more life-threatening.

The good news from this study is that providing patients with 2,000 IU of vitamin D, who had p53 positive immunoreactivity (very high-risk patients) significantly reduced their risk of cancer relapse or death, once their digestive tract cancer was dealt with via surgical resection. Regarding Vitamin D’s overall effects on cancer and immunity the researchers stated, “Vitamin D was previously demonstrated to upregulate innate and adaptive immunity. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) showed that vitamin D supplementation reduced the incidence of acute respiratory tract infection compared with placebo.  In addition, vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of relapse in the subgroup of patients who had sufficient infiltration of immune cells into the tumour microenvironment in our previous research. They also noted that in Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial (VITAL) study, 2000 IU of vitamin D3 administered daily reduced all cancer mortality by 25% when the first 2 years of observation were excluded. As well, a 2023 meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) found that daily vitamin D3 supplementation was associated with reduced cancer mortality in the general population and improved survival in patients with cancer, although the results are still controversial, and they stated that the beneficial effects of vitamin D have been reported for cancers at various sites in the human studies.

The present study included 392 patients with a history surgically treated colo-rectal cancer (47%), gastric or stomach cancer (43%), esophageal cancer (9%) and small bowel cancer (05%). The post hoc analysis found that, among the p53- positive immunoreactive group of 80 patients, relapse or death occurred in only nine of the 54 patients (relapse or death in only 17%) in the vitamin D supplemented group and 14 of 26 patients (54% had relapse or death) in the placebo group. The 5-year relapse free survival (RFS) was significantly higher in the vitamin D group than the placebo group (81% vs 31%). As such, in the p53-immunoreactive subgroup, daily vitamin D supplementation (2,000 IU per day after surgery) reduced the risk of relapse or death by 73%. That is a remarkable reduction. As one of the researchers stated, “The main findings of this study were that daily supplementation of 2000 IU of vitamin D reduced the risk of relapse or death compared with placebo in the p53-immunoreactive subgroup, and “suggest the importance of developing cancer immunotherapy targeting mutated p53 proteins.”

I think the take-away message is once again to ensure that your vitamin D blood level is in the ideal range, which is between 75-150 umol/L (30-60 ng/ml).

This level of vitamin D is most strongly associated with a reduced risk of severe infection and certain types of cancer. It also helps to reduce risk of osteoporosis. Most people can achieve this level by simply supplementing with 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day. I have included the JAMA research reference in the text below.

References:

Kanno K et al. Effect of vitamin D supplements on relapse or death in a p53-immunoreactive subgroup with digestive tract cancer. Post Hoc Analysis of the AMATERASU Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. August 22, 2023. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2808569

“Game Changer: Data for Vitamin D in Digestive Tract Cancers. Medscape. September 11, 2023. Megan Brooks (August 25, 2023): https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/995848?ecd=wnl_recnlnew5_ous_230828_MSCPEDIT_etid5795536&uac=342474MN&impID=5795536

 

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,
Dr. Meschino

Recommended Supplements

Dr. James Meschino

Dr. James Meschino

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS, ROHP, is an educator, author, and researcher having lectured to thousands of healthcare professionals across North America. He holds a Master’s Degree in Science with specialties in human nutrition and biology and is recognized as an expert in the field of nutrition, anti-aging, fitness, and wellness as well as the author of numerous books.

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LMU 302 – Taking Metformin to Treat COVID-19 Infection Prevents Development of Long COVID Syndrome

Metformin

Taking Metformin to Treat COVID-19 Infection Prevents Development of Long COVID Syndrome

Source: The Lancet (March 2023)

Lifestyle Medicine Update (September 06, 2023)

A study published in April 2023 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism showed that having higher vitamin D blood levels above 58 umol/L (23.2 ng/ml) significantly reduces the risk of developing Long COVID Syndrome after the initial infection has been resolved. In March 2023 another important study involving Long COVID was published in the Lancet. This study showed that compared to taking a placebo, if a patient is treated with the diabetic drug Metformin at the onset of mild to moderate COVID-19 infection, it reduces their risk of developing Long COVID syndrome by up 64% – provided they start taking Metformin within the first four days of symptoms. The effective Metformin dose was 500 milligrams on the first day, 500 milligrams twice a day for the next 4 days, and then 500 milligrams in the morning and 1,000 milligrams in the evening for the remaining 9 days (a total of 14 days).The study was designed to test Metformin against the drug Ivermectin (an antiparasitic drug, which has become popular among some groups as a potential treatment for COVID-19), and against Fluvoxamine (an antidepressant drug, which has shown promise in COVID-19 treatment). More specifically, between January 2021 and February 2022, researchers tested three oral medications – metformin (typically, used to treat type 2 diabetes), ivermectin (an antiparasitic), and fluvoxamine (an antidepressant) – in a clinical trial across the U.S. called COVID-OUT. The people being studied, investigators, care providers, and others involved in the study were blinded to the randomized treatments. The trial was decentralized, with no in-person contact with participants.The researchers included patients who were ages 30-85 who were overweight or obese, had documentation of a confirmed COVID-19 infection, had fewer than 7 days of symptoms, had no known prior infection, and joined the study within 3 days of their positive COVID-19 test. The study included monthly follow-up for 300 days. The results showed that Metformin treatment was effective in preventing Long COVID by 42-64%. The sooner the patient starts on Metformin the better the preventive effect. On the other hand, neither Ivermectin nor Fluvoxamine showed any protective effect against the development of Long COVID. So, if you develop a COVID-19 infection, be sure that your blood vitamin D level is above 58 umol/L (23.2 ng/ml) and ask your doctor to start you the drug Metformin, using the dosing schedule I have outlined in this report. These appear to be two important ways to prevent COVID-19 infections from evolving into Long COVID syndrome, which can really be life altering in a very negative way.I have included the reference for this information in the text below.

References:

Burmante C and Buse J. Outpatient treatment of COVID-19 and the development of Long COVID over 10 months: A multi-center, quadruple-blind, parallel group randomized phase 3 trial. The Lancet. March 2023.https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4375620Breakthrough Study: Diabetes Drug Helps Prevent Long COVID. Medscape March 9, 2023. Carolyn Crust.https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/989424ecd=mkm_ret_230828_mscpmrk_covidtx_meddel_etid5784593&uac=342474MN&impID=5784593#vp_2di Fiippo et al. Low vitamin D levels are associated with long COVID Syndrome in COVID-19 survivors. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. April 13, 2023.https://academic.oup.com/jcem/advance-article/doi/10.1210/clinem/dgad207/7116659?login=falseEat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,Dr. Meschino

A study published in April 2023 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism showed that having higher vitamin D blood levels above 58 umol/L (23.2 ng/ml) significantly reduces the risk of developing Long COVID Syndrome after the initial infection has been resolved. In March 2023 another important study involving Long COVID was published in the Lancet. This study showed that compared to taking a placebo, if a patient is treated with the diabetic drug Metformin at the onset of mild to moderate COVID-19 infection, it reduces their risk of developing Long COVID syndrome by up 64% – provided they start taking Metformin within the first four days of symptoms. The effective Metformin dose was 500 milligrams on the first day, 500 milligrams twice a day for the next 4 days, and then 500 milligrams in the morning and 1,000 milligrams in the evening for the remaining 9 days (a total of 14 days).

The study was designed to test Metformin against the drug Ivermectin (an antiparasitic drug, which has become popular among some groups as a potential treatment for COVID-19), and against Fluvoxamine (an antidepressant drug, which has shown promise in COVID-19 treatment). More specifically, between January 2021 and February 2022, researchers tested three oral medications – metformin (typically, used to treat type 2 diabetes), ivermectin (an antiparasitic), and fluvoxamine (an antidepressant) – in a clinical trial across the U.S. called COVID-OUT. The people being studied, investigators, care providers, and others involved in the study were blinded to the randomized treatments. The trial was decentralized, with no in-person contact with participants.

The researchers included patients who were ages 30-85 who were overweight or obese, had documentation of a confirmed COVID-19 infection, had fewer than 7 days of symptoms, had no known prior infection, and joined the study within 3 days of their positive COVID-19 test. The study included monthly follow-up for 300 days. The results showed that Metformin treatment was effective in preventing Long COVID by 42-64%. The sooner the patient starts on Metformin the better the preventive effect. On the other hand, neither Ivermectin nor Fluvoxamine showed any protective effect against the development of Long COVID. So, if you develop a COVID-19 infection, be sure that your blood vitamin D level is above 58 umol/L (23.2 ng/ml) and ask your doctor to start you the drug Metformin, using the dosing schedule I have outlined in this report. These appear to be two important ways to prevent COVID-19 infections from evolving into Long COVID syndrome, which can really be life altering in a very negative way.

I have included the reference for this information in the text below.

References:

Burmante C and Buse J. Outpatient treatment of COVID-19 and the development of Long COVID over 10 months: A multi-center, quadruple-blind, parallel group randomized phase 3 trial. The Lancet. March 2023.
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4375620

Breakthrough Study: Diabetes Drug Helps Prevent Long COVID. Medscape March 9, 2023. Carolyn Crust.
https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/989424ecd=mkm_ret_230828_mscpmrk_covidtx_meddel_etid5784593&uac=342474MN&impID=5784593#vp_2

di Fiippo et al. Low vitamin D levels are associated with long COVID Syndrome in COVID-19 survivors. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. April 13, 2023.
https://academic.oup.com/jcem/advance-article/doi/10.1210/clinem/dgad207/7116659?login=false

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,

Dr. Meschino

Recommended Supplements

Dr. James Meschino

Dr. James Meschino

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS, ROHP, is an educator, author, and researcher having lectured to thousands of healthcare professionals across North America. He holds a Master’s Degree in Science with specialties in human nutrition and biology and is recognized as an expert in the field of nutrition, anti-aging, fitness, and wellness as well as the author of numerous books.

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LMU 301 – Low Vitamin D Blood Levels Shown to Increase Risk of Long COVID Syndrome

LMU-301

Low Vitamin D Blood Levels Shown to Increase Risk of Long COVID Syndrome

Source: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (April 2023)

Lifestyle Medicine Update (August 30, 2023)

Long COVID Syndrome affects 50-70% of all COVID-19 survivors, but doctors have been at a loss to predict who is susceptible to developing Long COVID. The study published in the April 2023 issue of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests very strongly that low vitamin D levels may be an important risk factor for the development of Long COVID syndrome. So, this is what we have learned so far about Long COVID. Up to this point some evidence has suggested that being a woman as well as having diabetespulmonary disease and/or obesity, may increase risk of developing Long COVID Syndrome. Symptoms of Long COVID can involve neurocognitive issues (like brain fog) as well as disturbances of the cardiorespiratory and gastrointestinal systems, constitutional symptoms, and musculoskeletal involvement (muscle pain or myalgia), as well as taste and smell disorders. Previous studies have shown that low vitamin D levels were associated with worse outcomes for patients who contracted COVID-19 infections. Lower vitamin D levels were associated with higher rates of death, more severe infections, increased likelihood of being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital, longer stay in the ICU, and increased likelihood of requiring mechanical ventilation.

In April 2023 researchers published a groundbreaking study showing that those with Long COVID syndrome also tend to have lower blood vitamin D levels than COVID-19 survivors who did not develop Long COVID syndrome. The study involved 50 patients with Long COVID and 50 patients who contracted COVID-19 but did not develop Long COVID. The average age of the patients was 61 years old, with a mix of men and women. After controlling for a host confounding variables, the study showed a strong correlation between low vitamin D levels at the time of the 6-month follow-up post COVID-19 infection, in the patients who developed Long COVID syndrome. More specifically, the study showed that Long COVID syndrome patients had an average vitamin D level of 20.1 ng/ml whereas COVID-19 survivors who did not develop Long COVID had an average blood vitamin D level of 23.2 ng/ml. In Canada vitamin D levels are reported in umol/L. As such, Long COVID patients in this study had an average vitamin D blood level of 50.25 umol/L and COVID-19 survivors who did not develop Long COVID had an average blood level of 58 umol/L.

As the researchers pointed out vitamin D is well-known to support and regulate many aspects of immune system function, helping us fight off infections, including viral infections. Vitamin D also supports muscle health and muscle recovery and helps to improve muscle pain and arthralgia symptoms (painful joints), and it helps to prevent age-related muscle atrophy. Vitamin D also influences neurocognitive functions and disorders, and vitamin D supplementation has been shown to promote respiratory recovery after pneumonia. The researchers made some closing comments in their research paper and during the Medscape interview afterwards. Here are some quotes:

“In this study we have observed that COVID-19 survivors who reported persistent signs and symptoms 6 months after hospital discharge consistent with long COVID syndrome were characterized by lower 25(OH) vitamin D levels than those without the syndrome, and lower 25(OH) vitamin D levels were an independent risk factor for long COVID occurrence.

“Our data suggest that vitamin D levels should be evaluated in COVID-19 patients after hospital discharge,” write the researchers from San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.

“The highly controlled nature of our study helps us better understand the role of vitamin D deficiency in long COVID and establish that there is likely a link between vitamin D deficiency and long COVID,” senior author Andrea Giustina, MD, said in a press release from the ECE.

In my view, the evidence is very convincing that for optimal immune function it is best to have a blood vitamin D level above 75 umol/L (30 ng/ml) and no higher than 150 umol/L (60 ng/ml) unless otherwise indicated by your physician (for patients with autoimmune diseases higher vitamin D levels may be more beneficial). I have provided this evidence in previous Lifestyle Medicine Updates. So, get your blood vitamin D level tested and take appropriate steps to get into the ideal range. It may help to prevent severe COVID infection and help guard against the development of Long COVID syndrome, which can really be life altering.

I have provided the references for this study in the text below.

References:

di Fiippo et al. Low vitamin D levels are associated with long COVID Syndrome in COVID-19 survivors. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. April 13, 2023. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/advance-article/doi/10.1210/clinem/dgad207/7116659?login=false

Medscape: Could vitamin D supplementation help in long COVID?

Tuesday August 29, 2023 (Marlene Busko) https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/992013?ecd=mkm_ret_230828_mscpmrk_covidtx_meddel_etid5784593&uac=342474MN&impID=5784593

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,


Dr. Meschino

Long COVID Syndrome affects 50-70% of all COVID-19 survivors, but doctors have been at a loss to predict who is susceptible to developing Long COVID.  The study published in the April 2023 issue of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests very strongly that low vitamin D levels may be an important risk factor for the development of Long COVID syndrome. So, this is what we have learned so far about Long COVID. Up to this point some evidence has suggested that being a woman as well as having diabetes, pulmonary disease and/or obesity, may increase risk of developing Long COVID Syndrome. Symptoms of Long COVID can involve neurocognitive issues (like brain fog) as well as disturbances of the cardiorespiratory and gastrointestinal systems, constitutional symptoms, and musculoskeletal involvement (muscle pain or myalgia), as well as taste and smell disorders. Previous studies have shown that low vitamin D levels were associated with worse outcomes for patients who contracted COVID-19 infections.  Lower vitamin D levels were associated with higher rates of death, more severe infections, increased likelihood of being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital, longer stay in the ICU, and increased likelihood of requiring mechanical ventilation.

In April 2023 researchers published a groundbreaking study showing that those with Long COVID syndrome also tend to have lower blood vitamin D levels than COVID-19 survivors who did not develop Long COVID syndrome. The study involved 50 patients with Long COVID and 50 patients who contracted COVID-19 but did not develop Long COVID. The average age of the patients was 61 years old, with a mix of men and women. After controlling for a host confounding variables, the study showed a strong correlation between low vitamin D levels at the time of the 6-month follow-up post COVID-19 infection, in the patients who developed Long COVID syndrome. More specifically, the study showed that Long COVID syndrome patients had an average vitamin D level of 20.1 ng/ml whereas COVID-19 survivors who did not develop Long COVID had an average blood vitamin D level of 23.2 ng/ml. In Canada vitamin D levels are reported in umol/L. As such, Long COVID patients in this study had an average vitamin D blood level of 50.25 umol/L and COVID-19 survivors who did not develop Long COVID had an average blood level of 58 umol/L.

As the researchers pointed out vitamin D is well-known to support and regulate many aspects of immune system function, helping us fight off infections, including viral infections. Vitamin D also supports muscle health and muscle recovery and helps to improve muscle pain and arthralgia symptoms (painful joints), and it helps to prevent age-related muscle atrophy. Vitamin D also influences neurocognitive functions and disorders, and vitamin D supplementation has been shown to promote respiratory recovery after pneumonia. The researchers made some closing comments in their research paper and during the Medscape interview afterwards. Here are some quotes:

“In this study we have observed that COVID-19 survivors who reported persistent signs and symptoms 6 months after hospital discharge consistent with long COVID syndrome were characterized by lower 25(OH) vitamin D levels than those without the syndrome, and lower 25(OH) vitamin D levels were an independent risk factor for long COVID occurrence.

“Our data suggest that vitamin D levels should be evaluated in COVID-19 patients after hospital discharge,” write the researchers from San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.

“The highly controlled nature of our study helps us better understand the role of vitamin D deficiency in long COVID and establish that there is likely a link between vitamin D deficiency and long COVID,” senior author Andrea Giustina, MD, said in a press release from the ECE.

In my view, the evidence is very convincing that for optimal immune function it is best to have a blood vitamin D level above 75 umol/L (30 ng/ml) and no higher than 150 umol/L (60 ng/ml) unless otherwise indicated by your physician (for patients with autoimmune diseases higher vitamin D levels may be more beneficial).  I have provided this evidence in previous Lifestyle Medicine Updates. So, get your blood vitamin D level tested and take appropriate steps to get into the ideal range. It may help to prevent severe COVID infection and help guard against the development of Long COVID syndrome, which can really be life altering.

I have provided the references for this study in the text below.

 

References:

di Fiippo et al. Low vitamin D levels are associated with long COVID Syndrome in COVID-19 survivors. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. April 13, 2023. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/advance-article/doi/10.1210/clinem/dgad207/7116659?login=false

Medscape: Could vitamin D supplementation help in long COVID?

Tuesday August 29, 2023 (Marlene Busko) https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/992013?ecd=mkm_ret_230828_mscpmrk_covidtx_meddel_etid5784593&uac=342474MN&impID=5784593

 

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,
Dr. Meschino

Recommended Supplements

Dr. James Meschino

Dr. James Meschino

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS, ROHP, is an educator, author, and researcher having lectured to thousands of healthcare professionals across North America. He holds a Master’s Degree in Science with specialties in human nutrition and biology and is recognized as an expert in the field of nutrition, anti-aging, fitness, and wellness as well as the author of numerous books.

Posted on

LMU 300 – Natural Supplement (Alpha Lipoic Acid) Improves Neuropathy and Triglycerides in Diabetic Patients

LMU-300

Natural Supplement (Alpha Lipoic Acid) Improves Neuropathy and Triglycerides in Diabetic Patients

Source: J Biomolecules (2019)

Lifestyle Medicine Update (August 22, 2023)

Alpha-lipoic acid is a natural vitamin-like substance made in plants, animals, and humans. It serves a variety of purposes in the body, acting as an antioxidant (water and fat-soluble antioxidant), a coenzyme in energy production, and it is involved in blood sugar (glucose) and fat (lipid metabolism). Experimental evidence shows that alpha-lipoic acid also has neuroprotective properties, which may help guard against Alzheimer’s disease. Alpha lipoic acid also removes heavy metals from the body (chelating agent) and is also necessary to modulate the function of stem cells in our tissues, which is a key aspect to prevent aging of our tissues and organs enabling them to renew themselves with newly formed cells that replace old, worn out cells (see 2020 reference for more details on ALA and stem cell function https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7403706/) Alpha-lipoic acid has also shown some impressive anti-cancer properties in experimental research. Unfortunately, as we age our bodies make less alpha-lipoic acid, which compromises our antioxidant status, and may make us more prone to diabetes or high blood sugar, high triglycerides, neurodegenerative diseases, and more rapid aging in general.

An important review of Alpha-lipoic acid’s therapeutic applications was published in the journal Biomolecules in 2019. In this review the researchers cited an important human clinical trial involving 72 patients with diabetic neuropathy. These patients were given 600 mg per day of alpha-lipoic acid, as an oral supplement, for 40 days. The results showed a significant decrease in diabetic neuropathy signs and symptoms and the patients also saw a meaningful decline in their blood triglyceride levels (which helps confer some protection against cardiovascular disease). As reported by these researchers, “here, it was shown that alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) intake enhanced the quality of life of patients with diabetic neuropathy, reduced major symptoms and triglycerides levels. Experimental studies and other small human studies have also shown that alpha-lipoic acid helps to repair nerve damage in diabetic neuropathy. The mechanism is most likely via its antioxidant properties and helping to improve glucose uptake and metabolism in damaged nerve cells, enabling them to repair themselves.

In my view, it is worth considering taking an alpha-lipoic acid-containing supplement after the age of 45-50, as an anti-aging intervention. I take alpha lipoic acid in a supplement that also contains N-acetyl cysteine, L-glutamine and silymarin (from Milk thistle), all of which help to raise glutathione levels in the body and each of these ingredients have been shown to provide other important anti-aging, disease-preventing functions. For patients with diabetic neuropathy, which affects about 50% of all diabetic patients, supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid may be an invaluable supplement to take as an adjunctive measure to help improve this condition. The daily dosage to consider in these cases once again is 600 mg per day.

I have included the references for this information in the text below.

References:

Main Reference:

Salehi B et al. Insights on the use of alpha-lipoic acid for therapeutic purposes. J Biomolecules. 2019; 9)8): 356 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7403706/

Diabetic Neuropathy Incidence:

Medscape: Diabetic Neuropathy:

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1170337-overview#:~:text=A%20large%20American%20study%20estimated,cases%20are%20distal%20symmetric%20polyneuropathy.

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,

Dr. Meschino

Alpha-lipoic acid is a natural vitamin-like substance made in plants, animals, and humans. It serves a variety of purposes in the body, acting as an antioxidant (water and fat-soluble antioxidant), a coenzyme in energy production, and it is involved in blood sugar (glucose) and fat (lipid metabolism). Experimental evidence shows that alpha-lipoic acid also has neuroprotective properties, which may help guard against Alzheimer’s disease. Alpha lipoic acid also removes heavy metals from the body (chelating agent) and is also necessary to modulate the function of stem cells in our tissues, which is a key aspect to prevent aging of our tissues and organs enabling them to renew themselves with newly formed cells that replace old, worn out cells (see 2020 reference for more details on ALA and stem cell function https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7403706/) Alpha-lipoic acid has also shown some impressive anti-cancer properties in experimental research. Unfortunately, as we age our bodies make less alpha-lipoic acid, which compromises our antioxidant status, and may make us more prone to diabetes or high blood sugar, high triglycerides, neurodegenerative diseases, and more rapid aging in general.

An important review of Alpha-lipoic acid’s therapeutic applications was published in the journal Biomolecules in 2019. In this review the researchers cited an important human clinical trial involving 72 patients with diabetic neuropathy. These patients were given 600 mg per day of alpha-lipoic acid, as an oral supplement, for 40 days. The results showed a significant decrease in diabetic neuropathy signs and symptoms and the patients also saw a meaningful decline in their blood triglyceride levels (which helps confer some protection against cardiovascular disease). As reported by these researchers, “here, it was shown that alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) intake enhanced the quality of life of patients with diabetic neuropathy, reduced major symptoms and triglycerides levels. Experimental studies and other small human studies have also shown that alpha-lipoic acid helps to repair nerve damage in diabetic neuropathy. The mechanism is most likely via its antioxidant properties and helping to improve glucose uptake and metabolism in damaged nerve cells, enabling them to repair themselves.

In my view, it is worth considering taking an alpha-lipoic acid-containing supplement after the age of 45-50, as an anti-aging intervention. I take alpha lipoic acid in a supplement that also contains N-acetyl cysteine, L-glutamine and silymarin (from Milk thistle), all of which help to raise glutathione levels in the body and each of these ingredients have been shown to provide other important anti-aging, disease-preventing functions. For patients with diabetic neuropathy, which affects about 50% of all diabetic patients, supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid may be an invaluable supplement to take as an adjunctive measure to help improve this condition.  The daily dosage to consider in these cases once again is 600 mg per day.

I have included the references for this information in the text below.

References:

Main Reference:

Salehi B et al. Insights on the use of alpha-lipoic acid for therapeutic purposes. J Biomolecules. 2019; 9)8): 356 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7403706/

Diabetic Neuropathy Incidence:

Medscape: Diabetic Neuropathy:

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1170337-overview#:~:text=A%20large%20American%20study%20estimated,cases%20are%20distal%20symmetric%20polyneuropathy.

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,
Dr. Meschino

Recommended Supplements

Dr. James Meschino

Dr. James Meschino

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS, ROHP, is an educator, author, and researcher having lectured to thousands of healthcare professionals across North America. He holds a Master’s Degree in Science with specialties in human nutrition and biology and is recognized as an expert in the field of nutrition, anti-aging, fitness, and wellness as well as the author of numerous books.

Posted on

LMU 299 – White Willow Extract Effective in Arthritis: 2022 Update

LMU-299

White Willow Extract Effective in Arthritis: 2022 Update

Source: Drugs.com (2022)

Lifestyle Medicine Update (August 15, 2023)

The original Aspirin or salicylic acid (salicin) was first discovered in the herbal product known as white willow bark extract (white willow extract). Once it was identified scientists manipulated this compound to form acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), which we know today as the synthetic drug, aspirin (ASA). But the original medicinal constituent in white willow extract (salicin) was used over many centuries to treat pain and inflammation in many civilizations, and some recent studies show that it is quite effective in treating various joint inflammatory conditions as well as painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). And unlike ASA and other synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs, it does not cause stomach irritation, intestinal bleeding or significantly inhibit blood clotting. Therefore, it has fewer, if any, side effects.

Many people are looking for an alternative to ASA and other non—steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs because of their damaging side effects on the stomach, intestinal tract, risk of bleeding disorders, liver, and kidney damage, as well as their documented effects on promoting high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. In 2022, Drugs.com provided an update on all relevant research related to white willow extract. They state that the medicinal use of willow dates back 6,000 years. Ancient civilizations used willow tree extracts to treat pain, inflammation, and musculoskeletal conditions. Although salicin is considered the major active constituent, there is research showing anti-cancer activity of the polyphenols and flavonoids, which are also found in white willow bark extract products. Regarding its anti-arthritic properties salicin, from white willow extract, inhibits inflammation by blocking a key enzyme involved in the inflammatory process (COX-2 enzymes, which convert arachidonic acid into inflammation-promoting PG-2). In white blood cells it also blocks the release and activity of inflammation-promoting cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]), COX-2 enzymes, and mediators (nuclear factor kappa B), which is great importance in the management of many autoimmune conditions that affect the joints (i.e., Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Experimental cancer studies have shown that salcin inhibits the growth of various human-derived cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner – meaning the higher the dosage of salicin the great the cancer growth inhibition effect. But, regarding arthritis specifically, animal models show that white willow extract slowed the development of osteoarthritis by reducing the release of important inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6) and nitric oxide. Several human clinical trials involving osteoarthritis patients has shown that white willow extract is effective in reducing pain and inflammation when tested against standard anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e., diclofenac). Not only did the arthritic patients realize the same pain relief as the group receiving standard anti-inflammatory drugs, but the white willow extract group reported fewer side effects (i.e., stomach irritation and intestinal pain). A 2013 study looked at the effectiveness of white willow extract in rheumatoid arthritis and showed reductions in mean pain intensity within the first 3 week of treatment, according to both patient and physician ratings. The pain reduction remained in effect at the 6-month mark, with a 45.6% reduction in pain intensity compared to the original baseline measurement. The researchers noted that during the 6-month treatment course the white willow extract supplement was well-tolerated, and no adverse effects were reported in this study of 436 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Another double-blind study showed that white willow extract was more effective in treating dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) than a commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (mesfenamic). Women taking the white willow extract experienced less abdominal and pelvic pain and less pain intensity overall, compared to the mesfenamic drug group. Other studies in patients who had chronic low back pain flare-ups showed that treatment with white willow extract was effective in reducing pain, inflammation, and shortened the length of the flare-up episode.

Regarding dosage, clinical studies evaluating the painkilling (analgesic) effects of white willow (e.g., for lower back paindysmenorrhea) used white willow extract supplements providing 120 to 240 mg per capsule (standardized to 15% salacin content). Patients typically take 1-3 times capsules daily. Peak blood levels of salicin typically occur about 2-hours after oral administration. As white willow extract has little or no effect on platelet clotting and does not irritate or erode the stomach or gut lining, it is considered to be safer to take than aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac (Voltaren), indomethacin, celebrix etc. However, there are some precautionary measures to heed just to be on the safe side, and they are as follows:

  • Do not take white willow extract if you are using the drug warfarin or coumadin.
  • Do not take white willow extract if you are allergic to aspirin.
  • Do not take white willow extract if you have severe asthma, a history of peptic ulcers, gouthemophilia or a bleeding disorder of any kind.
  • Children under 16 should not take white willow extract to guard against developing Reye’s syndrome, just like in the case of aspirin.
  • Do not take white willow extract during pregnancy and lactation.
In patients with joint inflammatory problems (OA, RA, etc.) I prefer for them to take a natural anti-inflammatory supplement that combines the synergistic activity of four effective natural-anti-inflammatory compounds. Namely, White Willow Extract, Curcumin, Ginger and Boswellia. These four natural compounds work synergistically to help suppress the inflammatory reactions that give rise to much of the pain seen in various arthritic conditions and joint inflammatory problems.

I have included the reference for white willow extract from the drugs.com update in the text below.

Reference:
https://www.drugs.com/npp/willow-bark.html

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,

Dr. Meschino

The original Aspirin or salicylic acid (salicin) was first discovered in the herbal product known as white willow bark extract (white willow extract). Once it was identified scientists manipulated this compound to form acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), which we know today as the synthetic drug, aspirin (ASA). But the original medicinal constituent in white willow extract (salicin) was used over many centuries to treat pain and inflammation in many civilizations, and some recent studies show that it is quite effective in treating various joint inflammatory conditions as well as painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). And unlike ASA and other synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs, it does not cause stomach irritation, intestinal bleeding or significantly inhibit blood clotting. Therefore, it has fewer, if any, side effects.

Many people are looking for an alternative to ASA and other non—steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs because of their damaging side effects on the stomach, intestinal tract, risk of bleeding disorders, liver, and kidney damage, as well as their documented effects on promoting high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. In 2022, Drugs.com provided an update on all relevant research related to white willow extract. They state that the medicinal use of willow dates back 6,000 years. Ancient civilizations used willow tree extracts to treat pain, inflammation, and musculoskeletal conditions.  Although salicin is considered the major active constituent, there is research showing anti-cancer activity of the polyphenols and flavonoids, which are also found in white willow bark extract products. Regarding its anti-arthritic properties salicin, from white willow extract, inhibits inflammation by blocking a key enzyme involved in the inflammatory process (COX-2 enzymes, which convert arachidonic acid into inflammation-promoting PG-2).  In white blood cells it also blocks the release and activity of inflammation-promoting cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]), COX-2 enzymes, and mediators (nuclear factor kappa B), which is great importance in the management of many autoimmune conditions that affect the joints (i.e., Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Experimental cancer studies have shown that salcin inhibits the growth of various human-derived cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner – meaning the higher the dosage of salicin the great the cancer growth inhibition effect. But, regarding arthritis specifically, animal models show that white willow extract slowed the development of osteoarthritis by reducing the release of important inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6) and nitric oxide. Several human clinical trials involving osteoarthritis patients has shown that white willow extract is effective in reducing pain and inflammation when tested against standard anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e., diclofenac). Not only did the arthritic patients realize the same pain relief as the group receiving standard anti-inflammatory drugs, but the white willow extract group reported fewer side effects (i.e., stomach irritation and intestinal pain). A 2013 study looked at the effectiveness of white willow extract in rheumatoid arthritis and showed reductions in mean pain intensity within the first 3 week of treatment, according to both patient and physician ratings. The pain reduction remained in effect at the 6-month mark, with a 45.6% reduction in pain intensity compared to the original baseline measurement. The researchers noted that during the 6-month treatment course the white willow extract supplement was well-tolerated, and no adverse effects were reported in this study of 436 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.  Another double-blind study showed that white willow extract was more effective in treating dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) than a commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (mesfenamic). Women taking the white willow extract experienced less abdominal and pelvic pain and less pain intensity overall, compared to the mesfenamic drug group. Other studies in patients who had chronic low back pain flare-ups showed that treatment with white willow extract was effective in reducing pain, inflammation, and shortened the length of the flare-up episode.

Regarding dosage, clinical studies evaluating the painkilling (analgesic) effects of white willow (e.g., for lower back pain, dysmenorrhea) used white willow extract supplements providing 120 to 240 mg per capsule (standardized to 15% salacin content). Patients typically take 1-3 times capsules daily.  Peak blood levels of salicin typically occur about 2-hours after oral administration. As white willow extract has little or no effect on platelet clotting and does not irritate or erode the stomach or gut lining, it is considered to be safer to take than aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac (Voltaren), indomethacin, celebrix etc. However, there are some precautionary measures to heed just to be on the safe side, and they are as follows:

  • Do not take white willow extract if you are using the drug warfarin or coumadin.
  • Do not take white willow extract if you are allergic to aspirin.
  • Do not take white willow extract if you have severe asthma, a history of peptic ulcers, gout, hemophilia or a bleeding disorder of any kind.
  • Children under 16 should not take white willow extract to guard against developing Reye’s syndrome, just like in the case of aspirin.
  • Do not take white willow extract during pregnancy and lactation.

In patients with joint inflammatory problems (OA, RA, etc.) I prefer for them to take a natural anti-inflammatory supplement that combines the synergistic activity of four effective natural-anti-inflammatory compounds. Namely, White Willow Extract, Curcumin, Ginger and Boswellia. These four natural compounds work synergistically to help suppress the inflammatory reactions that give rise to much of the pain seen in various arthritic conditions and joint inflammatory problems.

I have included the reference for white willow extract from the drugs.com update in the text below.

Reference:
https://www.drugs.com/npp/willow-bark.html

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,
Dr. Meschino

Recommended Supplements

Dr. James Meschino

Dr. James Meschino

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS, ROHP, is an educator, author, and researcher having lectured to thousands of healthcare professionals across North America. He holds a Master’s Degree in Science with specialties in human nutrition and biology and is recognized as an expert in the field of nutrition, anti-aging, fitness, and wellness as well as the author of numerous books.

Posted on

LMU 298 – Omega-3 Fats Slow Age-Related Decline in Lung Function

LMU-298

Omega-3 Fats Slow Age-Related Decline in Lung Function

Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2023)

Lifestyle Medicine Update (August 10, 2023)

Most people don’t realize that they lose lung or breathing capacity as a normal part of aging, but can that be slowed down?  The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute completed a two-part study in 2023 that showed that higher intakes and blood levels of omega-3 fats is strongly tied to preserving lung function as we age and slowing down the decline in lung function. As a backdrop to all of this consider the fact that the maximum amount your lungs can hold is about 6-liters of air – about three large soda bottles of air. Your lungs mature by the time you are about 20-25 years old. After about the age of 35, it is normal for your lung function to decline gradually as you age. Spirometry testing is what doctors use to measure lung capacity and lung function. For most people, including healthy people who have never smoked, the forced vital capacity of the lungs declines about 0.2-liters per decade, which represents the maximum amount of air you can forcibly exhale from your lungs after taking a deep breath in. Likewise, the forced expiratory volume (FEV1) declines 1-2% per year after about age 25. This may not sound like much, but it adds up over the course of your life. The forced expiratory volume is the amount of air you can exhale in one second, using maximum force. So, in this two-part study by the NIH group, they followed over 15,000 healthy non-smoking Americans, average age 56, for an average of 7-years.

The study showed that higher levels of omega-3 fats in a person’s blood were associated with a reduced rate of lung function decline. The researchers observed the strongest associations for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid that is found at high levels in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines. DHA is also included in most fish oil supplements. In the second aspect of the study researchers analysed genetic data from over 500,000 European participants, who are enrolled in the UK Biobank study. The results of this study also showed that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids — including DHA — were associated with better lung function. One of the lead researchers stated, “This large population-based study suggests that nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties may help to maintain lung health,” (James P. Kiley, Ph.D., director of the NHLBI’s Division of Lung Diseases).

Unfortunately, the study did not include patients who were suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but other studies have shown promising effects in these patients when they are supplemented with certain antioxidants (vitamin C and E), Co10, vitamin D and various medicinal mushrooms. Whether omega-3 fat supplements can help improve or stabilize COPD will be determined by future research studies. In the meantime, otherwise healthy, non-smoking individuals, should be aware that in addition to the multi-faceted benefits of omega-3 fats identified to date, we likely can also include the slowing of the age-related decline in lung capacity and lung function. This is important stuff, as getting air into the lungs and into our bloodstream is the basis of human life existence.

I personally take a supplement each day that contains fish, flaxseed, and borage seed oil to help maximize the health benefits from the essential fatty acids provided by these sources. Each 1200 mg capsule contains equal amounts of fish, flaxseed, and borage seed oil, and I have taken 2-3 capsules per day for many decades.  I have included the NIH – National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute study in the text below.

References:

Bonnie K et al. Investigating Associations of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Lung Function Decline, and Airway Obstruction. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2023. https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1164/rccm.202301-0074OC

Omega-3 fatty acids appear promising for maintaining lung health. ScienceDaily. July 20, 2023
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230720124927.htm

 

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,
Dr. Meschino

Recommended Supplements

Dr. James Meschino

Dr. James Meschino

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS, ROHP, is an educator, author, and researcher having lectured to thousands of healthcare professionals across North America. He holds a Master’s Degree in Science with specialties in human nutrition and biology and is recognized as an expert in the field of nutrition, anti-aging, fitness, and wellness as well as the author of numerous books.

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LMU 297 – Higher Life Essential Scores Translates into a Longer and Healthier Life (UK Biobank study)

LMU-297

Higher Life Essential Scores Translates into a Longer and Healthier Life (UK Biobank study)

Source: JAMA Internal Medicine (February 20230)

Lifestyle Medicine Update (August 2, 2023)

The American Heart Association published 8 Life Essential Recommendations aimed at helping people achieve a long, healthy life. The eight essentials include:

  1. Not Smoking
  2. Regular Physical Activity – 150 mins per week of moderate endurance activity/exercise
  3. Healthy Weight – at or near body mass index of 25
  4. Healthy Sleep Patterns – 7-9 hours per night
  5. Blood Pressure in healthy range – under 130/80
  6. Blood Glucose in a healthy range – close to 90 mg/dl (5 mmol/l)
  7. HbA1c around 5.1 (to prevent sugar-coating blood proteins linked to heart disease and stroke)
  8. Non-HDL cholesterol in a healthy range (especially LDL-cholesterol) – LDL-cholesterol no higher than 2 mmol/l or (76 mg/dl) or preferably below 1.5 mmol/l (57 mg/dl)

Based on these recommendations the UK Biobank Study published results of their findings in the February 2023 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine journal. The UK Biobank Study followed 135,199 adults, average age 55, who were free of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and dementia at the outset of the study. The participants were divided into three groups based on their AHA 8 Life Essentials Score – low, moderate, and high scores. High scores being the most desirable. They also gave each participant a cardiovascular health score of low, moderate, and high, with a high cardiovascular health score being the most desirable. After following these patients for many years the results showed that a high cardiovascular health score was associated with substantially longer life expectancy and remaining free of 4 major chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and dementia) in both men and women.  This was true for people of all sociodemographic backgrounds, meaning that higher education and income did not change the results. Individuals who had healthier diets and lifestyles, who naturally scored higher on measurements of cardiovascular health (blood pressure, blood sugar, LDL-cholesterol, regular exercise) had exceptionally better health overall, as the years went by, compared to those with lower cardiovascular health scores. As one of the researchers commented, “Men with high cardiovascular health scores tended to have an additional 7 years of life expectancy, free of chronic disease, compared with those who had lower scores. In women, the difference was about 9.5 years between high scores and lower scores. Also, the number of years lived with chronic disease was compressed in those with high cardiovascular health scores. They tended to have fewer years living with those chronic diseases but more years living free of chronic diseases. This is called quality of life or health span or healthy life expectancy. It all means the same thing. It translates into putting in the effort, through diet, exercise, and other lifestyle practices, to maintain a highly functioning body and mind for as long as possible.

The UK Biobank Study tells us that healthy diet matters (avoiding saturated fats, trans-fats, fried foods, super sugary foods, alcohol etc.) and that 150-minutes of moderate endurance exercise makes a difference. As does keeping your blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol in the ideal range through healthy diet, healthy weight, and regular exercise habits (and medication if necessary). In the words of Dr. Joann Manson MD Ph.D, a lead researcher and professor at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, “Overall, the findings make a compelling case for the importance of lifestyle factors in extending health span and years free of chronic disease. It can be motivating to tell our patients that a healthy lifestyle not only extends life expectancy but also extends years of health, free of chronic disease.

What’s interesting is that a few months later (July 2023) JAMA published the results of another large study showing that in patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease, the meta-analysis shows that switching to a healthy, more vegetarian diet for just 6-months reduced the bad cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), HbA1c (another important risk factor for heart disease) and body weight to a significant degree.  The healthy dietary change also reduced the need for medication. The researchers remind patients that not all vegetarian diets are healthy. For instance, deep-fried foods like French fries and potato chips are vegetarian, but they are not healthy choices. The same is true for foods with palm and coconut oil (like the Beyond Meat products). Some of the healthier, more vegetarian diets that produced good results included diets allowing egg whites, and non-fat dairy products, as well as seafood and some fish, along of course with more vegetables, legumes (beans and peas), including soy products, some nuts and fruit and whole grain products. There is now convincing evidence that switching to a healthier, more vegetarian diet can appreciably improve your cardiovascular health score, as it lowers LDL-cholesterol, blood pressure and body fat. According to the UK Biobank Study these improved health markers bode well for more years of disease-free living, a longer life span and healthy life expectancy.

Once again lifestyle medicine is good medicine. So, I would encourage you to keep the 8 Life Essentials outlined by the AHA top of mind in your quest for optimal health and longevity. I have included the references for this information in the text below.

References:

Wang X et al. Association of cardiovascular health with life expectancy free of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and dementia in UK adults. JAMA Internal Medicine. Feb 27, 2023 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2801750

Life’s Essential 8: Higher Scores Extend Health Span. Medscape, March 27. 2023. Dr JoAnn E. Manson MD DrPH. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/989752?ecd=mkm_ret_230801_mscpmrk-OUS_InFocus_etid5692664&uac=342474MN&impID=5692664

Life’s Essential 8 – American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8

Wang T et al. Vegetarian dietary patterns and cardiometabolic risk in people with or at high risk of cardiovascular disease. JAMA (July 23, 2023) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2807597

Vegetarian Diets Can Improve High-Risk Cardiovascular Disease. Nancy A. Melville. Medscape, July 23, 2023 Vegetarian Diets Can Improve High-Risk Cardiovascular Disease (medscape.com)

 

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,
Dr. Meschino

Recommended Supplements

Dr. James Meschino

Dr. James Meschino

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS, ROHP, is an educator, author, and researcher having lectured to thousands of healthcare professionals across North America. He holds a Master’s Degree in Science with specialties in human nutrition and biology and is recognized as an expert in the field of nutrition, anti-aging, fitness, and wellness as well as the author of numerous books.

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LMU 296 – Low-level Laser Therapy Effective for Tinnitus

LMU-296

Low-level Laser Therapy Effective for Tinnitus

Source: Journal of Personalized Medicine (March 2023)

Lifestyle Medicine Update (July 25, 2023)

The condition known as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) affects 14% of the adult population, with 20% of these individuals experiencing considerable distress from its severity. This translates into approximately 750 million people world-wide, who suffer from tinnitus. There are two main problems in addressing tinnitus. The first is that we are not exactly sure what causes the condition in each case, and there are no known drugs or therapies that have been highly successfully in treating this condition.

Commonly prescribed drugs for tinnitus include sedatives, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, local anesthetics, antihistamines, antipsychotics, and botulinum toxin A, all providing mixed or inconsistent benefits. So, for people who suffer from tinnitus, it can be extremely problematic and can it compromise their quality of life to a significant degree.

However, there is some very good news for tinnitus sufferers, as reported in the study published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine in March of 2023.  Building on the results of previous studies researchers affiliated with the Optics and Photonics Research Center (CEPOF) in Brazil conducted a study comparing the effectiveness of ten popular tinnitus treatments and found that low-level laser therapy was highly effective in reducing the severity of this condition compared to nine other common tinnitus therapies.The study involved 100 men and women tinnitus sufferers, aged 18-65. Patients received one of ten various treatments, twice per week, over the 4-week study period. The results showed convincingly that the best treatment to reduce the symptoms and severity of tinnitus was low-level laser therapy applied to specific acupuncture points on the ear as well direct laser therapy that penetrated through the ear drum or tympanic membrane itself. The patients were clinically assessed before treatment began, after the eighth session and two weeks later, using a “tinnitus handicap inventory questionnaire” with a total of 25 questions. A subset of the questions (11 in total) also assessed mental, social, occupational, and physical limitations due to tinnitus.

The best outcomes were observed in patients treated with laser acupuncture alone and low-power laser that penetrated the ear drum to reach the inner ear apparatus. Combinations of laser therapy with vacuum therapy or Ginkgo biloba supplementation, laser acupuncture alone, and a calcium blocker drug that improves blood flow (flunarizine dihydrochloride) alone also had some lasting therapeutic effects. The researchers stated that regarding low-level laser therapy, “The positive effects include anti-inflammatory action and relaxation. We believe laser therapy can increase peripheral irrigation, which may be the main cause of the problem in many cases, as well as stimulating inner ear cell proliferation and collagen production”. Other positive effects of low-level laser therapy for tinnitus have been attributed to its ability to increase cell proliferation, ATP energy production, secretion of growth factors, improving inner ear blood flow and activating the hair cell mitochondria that stimulates repair mechanisms.  Any combination of these positive physiological effects is bound to improve tinnitus symptoms, Meniere’s disease symptoms and may help some people regain some age-related hearing loss, naturally. So, if you or someone you know suffers from tinnitus or Meniere’s disease, you may want to ask your doctor for a referral to a practitioner who has experience using low-level laser therapy to treat this troubling and stubborn condition.

I have included the references for this information in the text below.

References:

Panocha V.H. et al. Effects of red and infrared laser in patients with tinnitus: A double-blind, clinical, randomized controlled study combining light with ultrasound, drugs, and vacuum therapy. J Personalized Medicine. 2023;13(4) https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4426/13/4/581

Low-level laser therapy effective for tinnitus treatment. NeuroscienceNews.com June 21, 2023 https://neurosciencenews.com/tinnitus-laser-therapy-23509/

Okhovat A et al. Low-level laser for treatment of tinnitus: a self-controlled clinical trial. J Res Med Sci. 2011;16(1): 33-38 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3063436/

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,
Dr. Meschino

Recommended Supplements

Dr. James Meschino

Dr. James Meschino

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS, ROHP, is an educator, author, and researcher having lectured to thousands of healthcare professionals across North America. He holds a Master’s Degree in Science with specialties in human nutrition and biology and is recognized as an expert in the field of nutrition, anti-aging, fitness, and wellness as well as the author of numerous books.