2085 results found for: GUT HEALTH

Zinc Deficiency Linked to Hypertension

An article appearing on January 16, 2019 in the American Journal of Physiology–Renal Physiology  reported that deficient zinc levels may contribute to high blood pressure by promoting sodium re-absorption by the kidneys. Zinc deficiency is common in many chronic diseases and can worsen hypertension. However, it had not been known whether zinc deficiency alone could impact blood pressure. In the current study, the researchers fed 20 mice diets that contained adequate amounts of zinc for two weeks, after which 15 animals were given zinc deficient diets for five to six weeks. Five of these deficient animals were subsequently returned to diets that provided […]

Vitamin C Shows Promise As Brain Aging Treatment

A study reported on January 9, 2019 in the journal Nutrients revealed a protective role for supplementation with vitamin C, a well known antioxidant, in mice exposed to D-galactose, a sugar that occurs in some foods which has been shown to induce brain aging via the accumulation of oxidative stress. One hundred-eight mice were divided to receive subcutaneous D-galactose or no D-galactose for 10 weeks. Beginning in the seventh week, half of the animals in each group were given a high oral dose of vitamin C for four weeks. While mice that received D-galactose experienced a reduction in cognitive function and decreased neurogenesis in […]

Berberine: Good for Your Heart, Obesity and More

Commonly known as a natural compound that may help treat diabetes,  (see Foodtrients® article“Does Berberine Fight Diabetes” ) that’s not all berberine is known for. A bitter alkaloid compound found in several plants including barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape, it can also be important for enhancing the immune system during cold and flu season. Berberine also contains anti-bacterial properties and is often prescribed as a treatment for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).  It has a long history of medicinal use in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Medicidally, berberine is used for: Heart failure High cholesterol levels High blood pressure Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) […]

The Secret To Eating Gluten

Scientists have discovered a new way in which celiac patients may be able to digest gluten – with the help of an enzyme extracted from carnivorous plants. Pitcher plants, which have a cup-like shape

Low Dose Aspirin Could Help Treat Alzheimer’s Disease

On July 2, 2018, The Journal of Neuroscience reported the discovery of an ability of aspirin to decrease amyloid beta plaque in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. The presence in the brain of amyloid beta plaques, along with neurofibrillary tangles made up of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, are among the characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Dr Pahan and colleagues determined that aspirin upregulates transcription factor EB (TFEB), a regulator of lysosome formation. “Lysosomes play a central role in cellular homeostasis by regulating the cellular degradative machinery,” lead researcher Kalipada Pahan, PhD, and colleagues explain. “Since aberrant lysosomal function has been associated with […]

Baking Soda Improves Cancer Treatment?

Consuming baking soda may help immunotherapy drugs to fight difficult-to-treat tumors. This cheap and simple intervention may eventually improve current cancer treatments. Baking soda could help to boost immunotherapy. Within tumors, large portions are deprived of oxygen. Scientists know that these hypoxic regions tend to be the most resistant to treatment. If a cell is unable to access adequate oxygen, it slows down and enters what is known as a quiescent state. The molecular switch mTORC1 is responsible for assessing the situation before telling the cell whether or not it should divide. If mTORC1 is not present, the cell’s internal […]