Aging Reversed / ABC News

Now researchers have found a way not just to stop, but, reverse the aging process. The key is something called a telomere. We all have them. They are the tips or caps of your chromosomes. They are long and stable in young adults, but, as we age they become shorter, damaged and frayed. When they stop working we start aging and experience things like hearing and memory loss.

In a recent study published in the peer reviewed journal Nature scientists took mice that were prematurely aged to the equivalent of 80-year-old humans, added an enzyme and essentially turned their telomeres back on. After the treatment they were the physiological equivalent of young adults. You can see the before and after pictures in the videos above. Brain function improved, their fertility was restored it was a remarkable reversal of the aging process. In the top video the untreated mouse shows bad skin, gray hair and it is balding. The mouse with it’s telomeres switched back on has a dark coat color, the hair is restored and the coat has a nice healthy sheen to it. Even more dramatic is the change in brain size. Before treatment the aged mice had 75% of a normal size brain like a patient with severe Alzheimers. After the telomeres were reactivated the brain returned to normal size. As for humans while it is just one factor scientists say the longer the telomeres the better the chances for a more graceful aging.

The formal study Telomere dysfunction induces metabolic and mitochondrial compromise was published in Nature.

Additional information published by Harvard can be found in the following articles.

Scientists Find Root Molecular Cause of Declining Health in the Old

Decoding Immortality – Smithsonian Channel Video about the Discovery of Telomerase

While scientists are not yet able to accomplish the same results in humans we believe we have developed a nutraceutical to help prolong youth and possibly extend life until age reversal therapy for humans becomes available.

Stem Cell Secret’s of 115 Year Old Woman

New evidence that adult stem cells are critical to human aging has recently been published on a study done on a super-centenarian woman that lived to be 115 years. At death, her circulating stem cell pool had declined to just two active stem cells from stem cell counts that are typically more than a thousand in younger adults. Super-centenarians have survived all the normal diseases that kill 99.9% of us before 100 years of age, so it has been a mystery as to what actually kills these hardy individuals. This recent data suggest that stem cell decline may be the main contributor to aging. If so, stabilizing stem cells may be the best thing one can do to slow your rate of aging.

There are many theories of aging that have been proposed. For example, damage to cells and tissues from oxidative stress has been one of the most popular fundamental theories of aging for more than half a century. Yet antioxidant substances or genes that code antioxidant enzymes have proven largely ineffective in slowing aging when tested in model animals. Thus, interest by scientists has shifted to other hypotheses that might provide a better explanation for the slow declines in function with age.

Stem cells provide one such promising mechanism of aging. Of course, we all know that babies are young and vigorous, independent of the age of their parents. This is because adults have embryonic stem cells that can generate young new cells needed to form a complete young baby. Indeed, these embryonic stem cells are the product of continuously evolving stem cell populations that go back to the beginning of life on earth over 3.5 billion years ago!

In adults, the mostly immortal embryonic stem cells give rise to mortal adult stem cells in all the tissues of the body. These adult stem cells can regenerate your cells and tissues as they wear out and need replacement. Unfortunate, adult stem cells also age, which leads to fewer cells and/or loss of function in cell replacement. As functional stem cells decline, skin and organs decline with age.

Blood from world’s oldest woman suggests life limit

Time Magazine: Long-Life Secrets From The 115-Year-Old Woman

Somatic mutations found in the healthy blood compartment of a 115-yr-old woman demonstrate oligoclonal hematopoiesis

Abstract
The somatic mutation burden in healthy white blood cells (WBCs) is not well known. Based on deep whole-genome sequencing, we estimate that approximately 450 somatic mutations accumulated in the nonrepetitive genome within the healthy blood compartment of a 115-yr-old woman. The detected mutations appear to have been harmless passenger mutations: They were enriched in noncoding, AT-rich regions that are not evolutionarily conserved, and they were depleted for genomic elements where mutations might have favorable or adverse effects on cellular fitness, such as regions with actively transcribed genes. The distribution of variant allele frequencies of these mutations suggests that the majority of the peripheral white blood cells were offspring of two related hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) clones. Moreover, telomere lengths of the WBCs were significantly shorter than telomere lengths from other tissues. Together, this suggests that the finite lifespan of HSCs, rather than somatic mutation effects, may lead to hematopoietic clonal evolution at extreme ages.

Boost Your Chances of a Successful Surgery

Surgeons have the crucial responsibility of ensuring that the patients entering their operating rooms are suitable candidates for the upcoming surgery. Although surgery is inherently unpredictable, certain lifestyle choices have been found to enhance outcomes.

To identify those who may respond best to surgery, some surgeons use assessment models that can predict potential risks. Additionally, many surgeons provide patients with helpful tips on how to improve their health prior to undergoing surgery. Various hospitals, naturopaths, functional doctors, and organizations offer assistance in preparing for surgery. However, the key to effectively reducing negative effects of surgery lies in patients who are committed to optimizing their health for the procedure. Imagine an operation that puts as much strain on your body as running a 5-kilometer race at full speed. Just like preparing for a race, it’s only logical for patients to prepare for surgery.

Achieving positive surgical outcomes is crucial for improving patients’ quality of life and overall functionality after their operation. While hospitals tend to prioritize cost-cutting, preoperative programs play a vital role in guiding patients towards positive changes that can significantly impact their lives. In some cases, these programs may even enable patients to delay or reconsider the need for surgery altogether.

Discoveries from 76 trials indicate that behavioral interventions prior to surgery can significantly reduce the length of hospital stay by 1.5 days. The most astonishing results were seen in smoking cessation. This review also explored interventions for alcohol use, dietary habits and physical activity. What’s even more impressive is that positive smoking outcomes were maintained even 12 months after surgery, showing the potential for long-term behavioral change. While there were no differences in pre-surgical body mass index (BMI), only four studies focused on weight loss. However, for many surgeries, having a BMI over 40 (considered morbidly obese) can lead to serious complications. In fact, for hip and knee replacement surgeries, weight loss is often a prerequisite, sometimes resulting in patients having to postpone or cancel their surgeries.

Boost your health for surgery with these top tips: improve nutrition, ditch bad habits, check your medications, see your doctor, stay active, and communicate your preferences. Plus, don’t forget to have a risk assessment and get evaluated for delirium. And for a healthy mind, keep a gratitude journal. Positive attitudes lead to better surgery outcomes.

To view the original scientific study click below:
The effect of preoperative behaviour change interventions on pre- and post-surgery health behaviours, health outcomes, and health inequalities in adults: A systematic review and meta-analyses

Optimize Blood Sugar with Afternoon Exercise

Physical activity has long been recognized as beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Now, new research suggests that the timing of exercise may play a role in optimizing blood sugar management.

By engaging in at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, individuals with diabetes can lower blood glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity. However, a comprehensive analysis of multiple studies suggests that exercising later in the day may produce even greater benefits in controlling blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.

Exercise in general has the ability to enhance the body’s insulin sensitivity, which helps in effectively managing blood sugar. It is important to note that achieving these benefits does not necessarily require weight loss, making physical activity an accessible and effective approach to regulate blood glucose levels.

Research has revealed that insulin sensitivity declines as the day progresses. Therefore, engaging in exercise during later hours may serve as a biological countermeasure, enabling the body to effectively regulate blood sugar levels that constantly fluctuate.

The group that engaged in physical activity in the afternoon experienced the most significant decrease in hemoglobin A1C, a three-month indicator of glucose control. Additionally, this same group also required fewer medications, further reinforcing the positive impact of afternoon exercise on health.

In addition to being physically active, the timing of meals plays a crucial role in managing type 2 diabetes. A recent study published in Nutrients revealed that just engaging in light exercise for 10 minutes after a meal can significantly decrease blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Think of your muscles as sponges, ready to absorb glucose from the food you consume. By exercising after a meal, you allow your muscles to efficiently absorb and utilize this glucose and effectively clear the glucose you’ve just consumed, aiding in diabetes management.

Don’t let a busy schedule discourage you from prioritizing exercise. While morning workouts may be all you have time for, rest assured that consistency is key, no matter the time of day. By fitting physical activity into your routine and making it a habit, you can reap the benefits of an active lifestyle. Plus, there might be added advantages to squeezing in an afternoon workout after a meal.

To view the original scientific study click below:
The importance of exercise for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes

The Link Between Depression and Chronic Sinusitis

Between 1 and 5 percent of Americans suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a condition where the nose and sinuses are inflamed for at least 12 consecutive weeks. Its symptoms may include a blocked nose, pain in facial areas, reduced sense of smell, or excessive mucus production. Studies reveal that up to 11.6% of adults in the United States suffer from sinusitis. Furthermore, 8% of adults and 7% of children in the United States have hay fever, which manifests as sinus inflammation.

Researchers now suggest a potential correlation between these conditions and mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies. It has been discovered that nearly one-third of patients with CRS also experience depression, independent of any other chronic illnesses associated with CRS.

The study focused on a large sample of 16,224 South Korean patients with CRS and compared them to 32,448 individuals who didn’t have the condition. Patients with CRS were found to be over 50% more likely to develop depression or anxiety over an 11-year period. Additionally, the severity of their CRS, measured by the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index, was directly related to their levels of anxiety and depression. Remarkably, patients reported that their CRS symptoms worsened as their depression deepened.

Chronic rhinosinusitis doesn’t just affect your nose – it can have a profound impact on your overall health. This condition often leads to cognitive problems, sleep disorders and diabetes. Not only can you experience facial and sinus pain, but your sense of smell may also be impaired. These symptoms can greatly impact your ability to enjoy social activities and even affect your productivity at work. It’s important to note that chronic rhinosinusitis is also associated with other serious conditions like depression, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. In fact, depression itself can have physiological effects and lead to the development of conditions like Type 2 diabetes.

Insomnia can worsen both depression and CRS (chronic rhinosinusitis), while certain decongestants can trigger hypomania or mania and worsen insomnia and anxiety in susceptible individuals. Additionally, using sinus medications in conjunction with antidepressants and ADD medications can have cumulative effects. Research also suggests that some antiallergic medications, such as systemic decongestants, antihistamines, leukotriene inhibitors, and corticosteroids, may aggravate factors associated with suicidal thoughts, including night-insomnia, daytime drowsiness, restlessness, anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment.

Studies suggest that treating chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can lead to improvements in depression. Not only does depression take a toll on individuals’ well-being, but it also comes with a hefty economic burden due to increased healthcare costs and productivity losses. Remarkably, addressing mood disorders may even relieve allergy symptoms, as researchers have found a connection between the two conditions. It’s crucial to acknowledge that feeling down and struggling with depression is often a natural response to the challenging world we live in.

This new research sheds light on the complex relationship between CRS and mental health, highlighting the need for comprehensive care that addresses both physical and emotional well-being. It serves as an urgent call to action for healthcare professionals to consider the psychological impact of CRS and to provide appropriate support and treatment to patients in order to improve their quality of life. It’s crucial to address and treat chronic rhinosinusitis to prevent these negative effects on both your physical and mental well-being.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Depression in chronic rhinosinusitis: A controlled cohort study

The Unexpected Mental Effects of Anesthesia

If you’re over 65, there’s a significant chance that surgery could have surprising effects on your mind. Research shows that anywhere from a quarter to half of this age group experience postoperative delirium, a serious condition that causes sudden shifts in thinking and behavior. Although it’s not clear whether the stress of surgery or the lasting impacts of anesthesia are the main culprits, scientists have identified several risk factors that can help predict who is more likely to develop this condition.

Delirium is the most common surgery complication, but now experts believe it can be prevented and deserves further investigation due to its connection to long-term neurological issues. It is a condition that often masquerades as other psychiatric disorders. From dementia to depression and psychosis, its elusive symptoms leave no room for mistakes. With strikingly similar symptoms, the lines can blur, making accurate diagnosis a tricky challenge. On top of that, the symptoms may vary not only from patient to patient but also fluctuate over time.

With up to 65% experiencing this condition, and 10% facing long-term cognitive decline, the consequences are severe. Prolonged hospital stays, reliance on mechanical ventilation, and functional decline are just the beginning. Even after leaving the hospital, patients may face worsened functional and psychological health, coupled with increased risks of cognitive decline, dementia, and death. In fact, a recent study found that postoperative delirium can accelerate cognitive decline by a staggering 40% among elderly patients monitored for 72 months following elective surgery.

Many patients actually have undiagnosed pre-existing cognitive impairments that can alter the outcome of surgery. Age and type of surgery also play a role, with individuals over 60 and those undergoing orthopedic or cardiac procedures being particularly vulnerable. Risk factors include poor cognition, frailty, inadequate nutrition, alcohol-use disorder, depression, unmanaged diabetes, and other medical conditions. Notably, patients who are taking multiple medications are at a higher risk, as surgeries involve anesthesia drugs and additional pain management medications, along with precautionary antibiotics.

Your body’s ability to handle surgery is highly dependent on its reserve. Reserve can be described as an “extra bandwidth” that allows you to withstand fluctuations in blood flow, tissue damage, and other trauma. By focusing on nutrition, physical fitness, and cultivating positive psychosocial traits, you can boost your reserve and enhance your surgical tolerance. It’s like giving your body an extra shield of protection.

The key is to embrace the power of reserve and take proactive steps to elevate it. By simply being open and honest about your anxieties, you can start to lower your risks. Embrace the remarkable benefits of positive affirmations and breathing exercises to bring calm to your mind and body. Moreover, adopting a positive mindset and incorporating visualization techniques can significantly reduce the reliance on pharmaceuticals. This extends beyond simply medication dosages, as it can also lead to lesser amounts of anesthesia required during procedures. Ensuring a smooth transition and a sense of familiarity, patients are encouraged to bring along personal items from home, such as hearing aids, glasses, dentures, and all necessary medications and supplements.

With a resilient reserve on your side, you can face surgery with confidence and minimize any potential post-anesthetic complications.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Cognitive Decline Associated With Anesthesia and Surgery in Older Patients

Which Brain Functions Improve with Omega-3?

Aging is associated with several changes in brain structure and a gradual decline in cognitive abilities. This decline typically begins in early adulthood, affecting various cognitive functions such as processing speed, memory encoding, working memory, and reasoning skills. In contrast, skills like vocabulary and general knowledge, usually remain stable or even improve until after the age of 60.

Fortunately, the progression of cognitive decline can be significantly influenced by lifestyle choices. Factors like physical activity, social engagement, and dietary habits play pivotal roles in maintaining cognitive health. A recent study has shown that incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into the diet, for instance, is linked to better cognitive functioning, reduced loss of neurons, and improvements in other brain-related measures.

For this study, the research subjects were selected from the Seventh-Day Adventist community, known for their generally healthy lifestyle. Characteristics typical of this group include an active lifestyle, a nutritious diet, and abstaining from smoking and alcohol consumption.

Scientists assessed the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the participants’ red blood cells, particularly focusing on EPA and DHA. They used this information to calculate the omega-3 index, a measure combining EPA and DHA, intended to reflect the omega-3 content in red blood cells. The investigation included conducting MRI scans and cognitive tests to explore the relationship between these omega-3 levels, brain volume, and cognitive performance.

In their analysis, the researchers identified varied connections between omega-3 fatty acids, cognitive functions, and the size and thickness of different brain regions. They found that both EPA and the overall omega-3 index showed positive associations with delayed memory and processing speed test scores. However, these fatty acids did not demonstrate a significant link with working memory or executive functions.

Contrary to their initial hypotheses, which anticipated a strong link between omega-3 fatty acids and hippocampal volume — crucial for learning and memory — the researchers did not find any significant correlation in this area. Intriguingly, instead of the hippocampus, EPA and the omega-3 index were correlated with the volume of the entorhinal cortex, a region integral to learning and memory that connects with the hippocampus.

Additionally, the study showed that EPA, DHA, and the omega-3 index correlated with an increased volume of total white matter in the brain. Aligning with previous findings, this relationship suggests a possible link between diets rich in omega-3 and both the microstructure of white matter and cognitive functions.

Reflecting the inherent limitations of association studies, the researchers suggest that further, more comprehensive research is needed to explore the connection between omega-3 fatty acids and cognitive abilities. This future research should involve diverse neuroimaging techniques and include a broader and more prolonged observation of participants to deepen the understanding of these relationships.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Cognition, and Brain Volume in Older Adults

The Power of Intermittent Fasting for Blood Sugar Control

A recent study reveals that time-restricted eating, also known as intermittent fasting, can be an effective strategy for individuals with type 2 diabetes to shed pounds and regulate blood sugar levels. With diabetes affecting 1 in 10 Americans and anticipated to rise to 1 in 3 if current trends persist, it is crucial to explore more preventive and intervention measures, as well as effective methods for weight and blood sugar control. The study’s participants, predominantly Black and Hispanic individuals, face a higher risk of diabetes, making the documented success of time-restricted eating particularly valuable to these communities.

In this scientific study, 75 participants were divided into three groups: a control group, a calorie reduction group, and a time-restricted eating group. Over a period of six months, the researchers recorded various health measurements such as weight, waist circumference, and blood sugar levels.

Research findings indicate that individuals in the time-restricted group, who restricted their daily eating to an 8-hour time period between 12 and 8 pm, experienced greater weight loss compared to those in the calorie-reducing group. The calorie-reducing group decreased their calorie intake by 25 percent. Surprisingly, both groups demonstrated similar improvements in long-term blood sugar levels, as determined by the hemoglobin A1C test. These results suggest that intermittent fasting may be an effective strategy for weight management.

The time-restricted group found it easier to adhere to their diet plan compared to the calorie-reducing group. Typically, individuals with diabetes are advised to limit their calorie consumption, a challenge that many find difficult to overcome and often falter. Surprisingly, the participants in the intermittent fasting group unintentionally reduced their calorie intake without being explicitly instructed to do so. They achieved this by adhering to a specific time window for their meals.

Interestingly, no serious adverse events occurred during the study, and there was no significant difference in occurrences of low or high blood sugar levels among the three groups.

This study suggests that time-restricted eating could be a viable option for individuals who are unable to adhere to traditional dieting methods or who have grown tired of them. Instead of focusing on calorie counting, this approach involves limiting the time frame in which one consumes food. In addition it may be more effective to eat during an 8 hour window that ends by 4 PM. Going to bed on an empty stomach leads to much better sleep and may also help with blood sugar control.

The findings from this small-scale study provide promising evidence that time-restricted eating can be a simpler and safer dietary strategy, particularly for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Effect of Time-Restricted Eating on Weight Loss in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Stevia Found to be a Natural Antibiotic Against Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a tough nut to crack, with its ability to shape-shift and defy conventional antibiotics. But what if there was a safer and more effective solution? Enter Stevia rebaudiana, commonly known as stevia, a natural plant that could hold the key to combatting this increasingly prevalent infection.

In 2015 a groundbreaking preclinical study discovered that whole stevia leaf extract possesses extraordinary antibiotic properties against Borrelia burgdorferi, the culprit behind Lyme disease. What’s more, this study revealed that the mighty stevia extract can take on all known morphological forms of B. burgdorferi, making it a formidable weapon in the fight against this stubborn disease.

B. burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for causing Lyme disease, possesses a fascinating and diverse life cycle. It can even exist as an L-form, which lacks a cell wall. But what makes it truly fascinating is its ability to enter a dormant state, making detection via polymerase chain reaction a challenge. And as if that wasn’t impressive enough, it also boasts high antibiotic resistance in the form of biofilms.

The recent study reveals that a significant percentage of patients suffer from adverse health effects even after receiving antibiotics for the recommended treatment duration. These effects can include debilitating fatigue, joint and muscle aches, and pain lasting over six months and present a serious challenge to medical professionals. While the destruction of beneficial gut microbes by antibiotics could contribute to these symptoms, there is also a disturbing possibility that the drugs push antibiotic-resistant forms of the disease deeper into the body, aggravating the condition. In light of the difficulties in eradicating B. burgdorferi using traditional antibiotics, researchers have turned to stevia as a potential antimicrobial.

While Stevia may not be traditionally recognized for its antimicrobial properties, all plants have natural defense systems that shield them from infection. By ingesting Stevia, you can tap into these protective attributes for your own benefit. The leaf extract of Stevia is packed with numerous phytochemicals. These compounds have been proven to combat a wide range of pathogens with their antimicrobial prowess.

The results of the study found stevia leaf extract proved to be a highly effective agent in reducing the forms of this stubborn bacteria. Unlike the individual antibiotics which actually increased the mass of the most antibiotic-resistant form of B. burgdorferi, Stevia successfully decreased the biofilm mass by an impressive 40% on both plastic and collagen surfaces. This natural product could be the key to combating B. burgdorferi effectively.

Although stevioside, a compound derived from the stevia plant, does not possess antimicrobial properties against B. burgdorferi or resistant cells, its potential as a medicinal treatment is not lost. This implies that popular stevia products made from this extract lack the medicinal benefits provided by the entire herb extract. This finding aligns with the well-established notion in natural medicine that the collective effect of a whole substance cannot be replicated by its individual components, nor is the therapeutic value of the whole equivalent to the sum of its parts.

While this study is preliminary and cannot be taken to mean that consuming whole stevia extract will yield clinical improvements comparable or superior to conventional antibiotics, it does pave the way for future research in this area. With stevia as a potential game-changer, there’s hope for a safer and more effective treatment. This groundbreaking study opens up a new avenue for Lyme disease treatment.

To view the original scientific studies click below:
Effectiveness of Stevia Rebaudiana Whole Leaf Extract Against the Various Morphological Forms of Borrelia Burgdorferi in Vitro

Is Salt or Sugar Intake More Important to Prevent Kidney Stones?

Reducing salt intake is often recommended for individuals who are at risk for or have had a kidney stone. This is because a high-salt diet leads to increased calcium loss in urine. The idea is that by lowering salt consumption, urinary calcium levels will decrease, reducing the likelihood of kidney stone formation. Interestingly, it is important to note that the potential benefits of salt reduction on kidney stone prevention have been known in animal studies for many years. Animals that consume more salt naturally increase their water consumption, resulting in diluted urine and a lower risk of kidney stone formation. The same principle applies to humans.

Salt, often criticized for its association with kidney stones, may actually be a solution to the problem. Recent research suggests that adding an additional 3,000 mg of sodium per day, totaling over 5,300 mg per day, effectively decreases the risk of forming calcium oxalate stones. In simpler terms, consuming more salt means consuming more fluids, leading to dilute urine and a lower risk of kidney stones.

However, salt’s protective effects against kidney stones are not solely based on increased water consumption. As far back as 1971, it was noted that sodium plays a vital role in inhibiting mineralization. The urinary sodium (Na)/calcium (Ca) ratio appears to be crucial, with a higher ratio correlating to a lower risk of kidney stone formation. The theory is that sodium competes with calcium and forms mineral complexes that are more soluble and less likely to precipitate in the urine. In fact, the low urinary sodium levels observed in patients with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, may explain their heightened risk of kidney stones. These individuals struggle to absorb salt from their diet, leading to decreased levels of urinary sodium.

The impact of salt on kidney stones is not as significant as previously thought. However, there is another white crystal that poses a greater risk: sugar. In fact, sugar is a more prominent factor in the development of kidney stones compared to sodium.

The presence of kidney stones in patients often coincides with higher levels of calcium in their urine, a result of increased acid excretion. Surprisingly, sugar consumption is linked to this effect, as it increases acid and calcium excretion through urine. A recent study indicates that sugar may also heighten the risk of kidney stones by affecting how the kidneys process sodium. As we know, sodium and calcium compete for reabsorption in the kidneys. However, sugar actually stimulates the reabsorption of sodium in the kidneys, leading to increased calcium excretion and decreased urine output. This ultimately results in more concentrated urine and a higher likelihood of developing kidney stones.

The link between fruit and vegetable consumption and the risk of kidney stones is significant. Consuming these foods can decrease the acidity of urine, thus lowering the likelihood of kidney stones. Surprisingly, salt can be a helpful tool in increasing vegetable consumption.

To alleviate the pain, suffering, and financial strain caused by kidney stones, it is crucial to prioritize reducing refined sugar intake and minimize concerns about salt.

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