Research and News April 2018

Risk for Having a Second Autoimmune Condition Increases with Age of Onset
We know that having one autoimmune disease predisposes you to having other autoimmune diseases. But did you know that adult onset of autoimmunity increases that risk? New data shows that those with type 1 diabetes onset after age 40 years have twice the risk for 1 or more other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease (26.5%), pernicious anemia (4.7%), vitiligo (4.5%), and gastrointestinal autoimmune conditions (4.4%) as those diagnosed in childhood. Using the Functional Medicine model, we can address the shared root causes across all autoimmune conditions.

Acrylamide in Foods and Cigarettes
Do you know about this potential cancer-causing compound? It’s called acrylamide and it’s found in cigarette smoke, French fries and potato chips, crackers, bread and cookies, as well as breakfast cereals and…. coffee (shame!). Acrylamide develops in these foods when the fat and carbohydrates they contain are exposed to high cooking temperatures. Low and slow cooking techniques avoid acrylamide formation.

Increased Risk for Atopy in Infants Given Antibiotics or Acid-Suppressants 
Giving an infant acid-suppressing medication or antibiotics significantly increases their risk of developing allergic disease later in childhood. These are the findings of a large study of nearly 800,000 children published in JAMA Pediatrics. Both these medications can alter microbiome populations in a way that compromises immune system development, maturity and tolerance.

An Easy Way to Meet Early-Allergen Introduction Guidelines for Infants
If you want to prevent allergy in your infant, this might be the answer. A handful of companies are listening to the advice to introduce potentially-allergenic foods early into an infant’s diet (as long as your baby is NOT already allergic) to prevent future allergy. Convenient ways to include all top 8 allergenic foods are now commercially available such as Spoonful One and Inspired Start. Physician-supervised introduction is advised for high-risk infants (those with severe eczema or other allergy/reactivity).

Dementia Prevention Must Include Physical Exercise
Physical fitness can reduce the risk for developing dementia by 88%. Huge! Preventing or reversing cognitive decline optimally includes a well-rounded view of dietary, metabolic, lifestyle and exposure factors, but these data tell us that the importance of exercise cannot be underestimated. Find the kind of exercise that you LOVE to do, or perhaps people that you LOVE to exercise with, or places that you LOVE to exercise in. Either way, keep it up!

2018 Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 – Useful Despite Controversy
We know that pesticides, herbicides and insecticides can negatively impact health (including fragile immune and neurological systems); scientific data show that even at levels below those associated with acute toxicity, chronic exposure to relatively small amounts of toxins can be problematic for susceptible individuals. To maintain optimal long term health, we always advise choosing organic where possible – even as we know that not all budgets stretch to organic produce. If you have to make the choice, the EWG’s Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists are a helpful way to minimize exposures while keeping your wallet happy too. The 2018 lists are now available. Controversy inevitably creeps in, but look who’s writing and at their connection with conventional agri-business!

Paradoxical Effects of Rhodiola Dosing
Rhodiola rosea is a herb long-used for balancing mood and the adrenal stress response. However, clinical responses are varied and in a way that can be paradoxical: opposite to a typical dose-response curve, rhodiola can be stimulatory at low doses and modulating at higher doses. Since its metabolism of its active constituents also involves the enzymes CYP3A4 and monoamine oxidase (MAO), variances in these genes can also change how rhodiola is cleared from the body, and therefore its potency and effect. A little reminder that the need to personalize interventions is inevitable.

Beyond Organic? Introducing Regenerative Organic
What’s better than organic? A new designation—Regenerative Organic Certification—builds on the existing (and important) USDA Organic Certification, to include support for long-term soil health, animal welfare and social fairness. We’re in! Not only because better soils and animal welfare directly affect a food’s nutrition content, but for the environmental and human ecosystem too. Thrive Market is among those starting to sell foods with this certification. Let us know where you find other sources of Regenerative Organic foods!

Surprising Potential Benefits of Rifaximin for the Gut Microbiome
Rifaximin (Xifaxan) is commonly-used to treat some cases of Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth. It’s an antibiotic that isn’t absorbed, and therefore acts only locally in the gut. Most antibiotics reduce all bacterial populations they come into contact with, without differentiating between good or bad, but Xifaxan seems to have the potential to act differently. Animal and in vitro studies indicate that it actually increases Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Lactobacillus levels.

Hot Tub Therapy for Weight Loss, Insulin Sensitivity and Reduced Inflammation
Can regular hot tub soaking help you lose weight and balance your hormones? Yes! Emerging human research suggests that so-called ‘passive hot water immersion’ can reduce fat tissue, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation. These changes alone can reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and insulin-driven hormone imbalances such as PCOS, PMS, and weight loss resistance. Sounds great to us!