Research and News July 2017

Omega-3 fatty acids and Alzheimer’s prevention 
If you have more omega-3 fatty acids in your body then you’ll have improved blood flow to regions of your brain associated with memory and learning. This, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. But omega-3 fats aren’t just for those with dementia. We can all benefit from the neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory properties they have. Where to find omega-3 fats? The ones most specific for brain health (EPA and DHA) are found in oily fish such as sardines, anchovies, mackerel and salmon. Checking fatty acid levels through advanced lab testing and using supplements to correct deficiencies is also good practice for many patients, and especially those needing additional cognitive support.

The role of gut permeability in the onset of autoimmune disease 
“In individuals with a genetic predisposition, a LEAKY GUT may allow environmental factors to enter the body and trigger the initiation and development of autoimmune disease.” A perfect storm of genes + environment. This is a great article from Frontiers in Immunology – excellent explanation of the physical, biochemical and immunological barriers of the intestines, the role of gut microbes in regulating those barriers and how the disruption of those barriers can lead to immune dysfunction including autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s, psoriasis and more. Worth a read! If you haven’t seen it, check our extensive list of factors that can affect gut permeability.

Love keep us healthier 
A Harvard psychiatrist’s latest study tells us that having someone to rely on helps our nervous system relax, keeps our brains healthier for longer and reduces both emotional and physical pain. Those of us who are lonely are more likely to experience declines in health and die younger. Words to think about when we’re next working late or engrossed in social media instead of focusing on those we love around us.

Leaky teeth? Root canal endotoxins, mental health and quality of life 
We know that bacterial imbalance in the digestive tract can have direct effects on mood and depression. In this new study, we see that root canal-associated bacterial compounds, can enter the bloodstream and travel to the central nervous system where they can cause inflammatory damage that lead to depression and, ultimately, lowered quality of life.

Parkinson’s Disease can start in the gut 
Parkinson’s Disease can be caused by the wrong kinds of bacteria in your gut. Chemicals released from these bacteria can over-activate parts of the brain, leading to inflammation and damage. In Functional Medicine, this is one of the areas we look at for any patient with a neurological disorder. I have also written about how heavy metals, such as lead, can play a role in Parkinson’s Disease.

When a gluten-free diet isn’t enough for Celiac Disease 
It’s actually common to see that patient with Celiac Disease, adhering to a strict gluten-free diet, still experience gastrointestinal symptoms. This recent scientific paper quantifies that to nearly HALF (47%) of this group. That’s huge! In Functional Medicine, we’re asking WHAT were the environmental components that, in the right genetic environment, triggered Celiac Disease in the first place, and that may still remain.

Phthalates in your mac and cheese 
Phthalates are not banned in foods. In this latest study of cheese products, they were detected in the highest concentrations (x4 that of hard cheese) in boxed mac and cheese mixes. Phthalates aren’t deliberately added, rather are present due to contact with soft plastics, solvents, adhesives and ink used in packaging. Phthalates are strong (and well-evidenced) hormone disruptors, associated with low testosterone, infertility, neurodevelopmental and behavior issues, and more.

Odd effects of Faecal Transplants 
Faecal Microbiotal Transplants (FMTs) are rising in popularity and can be incredible effective for certain conditions. However, the increase in use also gives us new data on potential side effects (good and not-so-good) and show us just how important those microscopic gut bugs are to our health. Usual side effects reported include significant weight gain and resolution of depression.

Got Interstitial Cystitis? Treat the Gut.
In this pilot study from 2008, a full 81% of individuals with interstitial cystitis (IC) had positive SIBO breath tests. Treating the SIBO using xifaxan and tegaserod resulted in improvement in SIBO AND IC for a significant number of participants! Yes, it was a very small study, but it illustrates nicely the gut/genitourinary axis. IC can be a challenging condition to successfully resolve. This study confirms yet again that we often can’t go wrong when “starting with the gut”.

Titanium dioxide in food exacerbates IBD
Titanium dioxide is present in certain foods and can exacerbate leaky gut and inflammation, especially in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis. It is labelled as E171 on food ingredients lists, and commonly found in food such as icing, chewing gum and marshmallows. Researchers at the university of Zurich have found that titanium dioxide induces a protein complex called the NLRP3 inflammasome which triggers inflammation that can lead to intestinal dysfunction and increased permeability.

Binge drinking thins your brain
Brain health is a hot topic. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease leading causes of morbidity in older individuals, and symptoms of brain-fog and attention difficulty are common throughout our population. We know that heavy drinking isn’t favorable for brain health, but this latest research elucidates that binge drinking actually thins parts of the brain involved in memory, attention, language, awareness and consciousness. Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to binge drinking episodes.

Social connection—more important than exercise? 
Social connections help you live longer and healthier – and science proves it. Social relationships have more of an influence on longevity and health, even than physical exercise and healthy weight. And they have comparable effects to non-smoking and low/no alcohol consumption. The more complex and integrated the relationships are, the more they improve your health – close, supportive relationships, for example, does more than just co-habitation. This according to a meta-analysis of 308,849 participants. What do you do to nurture social connection?

Call for the EPA to evaluate low dose effects of endocrine disruptors 
Did you know that the EPA doesn’t evaluate the health effects of LOW DOSES of exposure to chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system? This, despite the growing evidence in the scientific literature and clinical observation of the impact of small dose, chronic exposures through water, food, household items and more. Now the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine is calling for the EPA to take action, in both recognizing the impact and taking steps to communicate risks. We have lots of resources on our site to help you reduce your exposure levels: 

• Phthalates info 
• BPA info 
• Safe cookware 
• Detox healthRESET