Research and News February 2018

Connecting the dots between in utero exposure, later health conditions and methylation
The magic of methylation is that it sits at the fulcrum between input and output; that is – the environmental, lifestyle and dietary exposures we have, and the expression of our genes that either promote or inhibit disease. New analysis of those affected by the Dutch “Hunger Winter” show just that, using the latest epigenetic testing. This recent data shows that distinct epigenetic methylation patterns are found in those who were affected in utero by the famine and connect with disease states later in life. We should all be thinking about supporting healthy methylation.

Antibacterial mouthwash increases risk for diabetes, modulates nitric oxide
Is there a downside to mouthwash? In recent research, using antibacterial mouthwash twice a day or more increased the risk for prediabetes and diabetes over 3 years, likely mediated by nitric oxide modulation. Anti-bacterial agents don’t discriminate between harmful or helpful bacteria, and there are indeed helpful bacteria residing in our mouths. In fact, probiotic mouthwashes show promise for reducing gingivitis, oral bleeding and plaque. If you’re looking for some safe, homemade mouthwash options take a look at our guide.

Helpful vs Harmful Microbial Exposures—Getting The Balance Right
I recently read an article that expounded on the hidden dangers of microbes lurking on our towels. The author, writing for Science Alert, described most of our towels as ‘disgusting’, harboring bacteria, fungi, dead skin cells and more. But just how concerned should we be? The reality is that microbes are part of us, and our world, even if we can’t see them. We have more microbial cells on us and in us than we have human cells. And for the most part we live very synergistically together – for example, microbes help train our immune systems, help maintain the integrity of our skin and gut barriers, and provide nutrients and signaling molecules used by our own cells. Excessive hygiene has been linked with allergies, inflammation and autoimmunity, so I’m not of the opinion that we should be excessively worried about our towels! That said, periodic washing in chemical-free detergent is fine of course. If your towel is smelling, it is time to throw it in the washer. And for my dust mite patients I do recommend washing towels and linens more often. Just don’t take the need for hygiene too far.

Bed Bugs Release Histamine That Can Affect Reactive Patients
Bed bug histamine particles are an indoor allergen not often considered but that can add to the total immune load for our reactive patients, especially those with airway or skin reactivity. We often think of histamine as a compound produced during an allergic response, but new evidence shows that histamine particles are produced, and remain, in the air of bed bug-affected homes. Most prominently during an infestation, but remaining even after an infestation has been cleared.

A Reminder About High Fructose Sweeteners
Sugar, in all its forms, has arguably been the biggest single contributor to metabolic disease, from obesity to insulin resistance to cardiovascular disease, hormone dysregulation, and even cancer. Fructose (found in higher ratios in high fructose corn syrup and agave) is especially problematic, as excess intake can quickly overwhelm the liver, leading to fatty deposits and what we know as “fatty liver.” Fatty liver is linked with insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Follow these links to read more about how sugar trashes testosterone in men, upregulates harmful estrogens in women, and how to kick your sugar habit.

IV Vitamin C for Sepsis?
Controversial though it is, an IV vitamin C combination saved this man from fatal sepsis following a severe workplace injury in Washington’s Cascade Mountains. One of the major complications from trauma and injury is infection, which can quickly turn into septic shock and organ failure. The combination used in this case was IV vitamin C, vitamin B1, steroids, and antibiotics—not a ton of evidence behind it, but pretty minimal risk when reputably sourced and administered by a qualified physician. Within 24 hours, the septic fever and shock had cleared.

JAMA Meta-Analysis of Fish Oil for CVD; Issues Haven’t Changed in Five Years
It feels too much like deja-vu. 5 years later and here we are again, questioning the conclusions of a JAMA meta-analysis (Aung et al.) that fish oil has no statistically significant impact on the prevention of cardiovascular death. There’s a lot to say here, but I’ll try to make the key points: they included dosing that we wouldn’t consider therapeutic, several studies used olive oil as a placebo which we know has it’s own beneficial impacts on heart disease, some studies used a low bioavailability fish oil and none measured blood levels achieved through supplementation. I recommend looking at the write up I did five years ago when JAMA released a similar study (Rizos et al.) since the arguments are still the same. That study was criticized from all angles (just take a read of the comments on JAMA’s site). What isn’t widely noted is that in both studies, there was still some benefit seen with fish oil even though statistical significance wasn’t achieved. To put this into context—both of these studies looked at very high risk populations where going in with just fish oil, and a subtherapeutic dose at that, is asking a lot. It’s a HUGE ask in fact. The fact that they saw the risk reduction that they did is all the more remarkable from this vantage point.