Research and News November 2018

We like to stay on top of the latest news in functional medicine and nutrition. If you do too, you’ll find our monthly, easy-to-digest compilation of research and news articles right here. Check back regularly to find updates, or follow us through our newsletters and social media to ensure you don’t miss any.

Cell Phone Radiation and Cancer – When Will We Know?
Can cell phone radiation lead to cancer? New research, based on a 2-year study by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), shows that heavy cell phone use leads to increased rates of cancers in rats. Critics caution against extrapolating these data to human outcomes, but we still absolutely recommend caution. The study still found that exposed animals had significantly increased levels of damage, which we know is a mechanism for cancer initiation in humans. Previous human observational research also correlates heavy and cumulative cell phone usage with brain cancer incidence. Apple also seems to think there’s reason to cover themselves legally – they recommend using speakerphone or headphones to reduce radiation exposure. Don’t carry phones in your pocket, or (worse) in your bra ladies!

What are Microplastics and Why Are They in Your Poop?
Plastics are in our poop – every sample tested recently by a gastroenterology team at the Medical University of Vienna contained them. Scientists have shown that small plastic particles, termed ‘microplastics’, have deeply permeated our food chain – originating with the dumping of plastics into the environment, especially into oceans. Over long periods of time, the plastics do break down. But the resulting microplastics are then mobilized throughout the food chain. Animal studies show that microparticles of plastic can infiltrate the blood stream and may also collect in the intestines, causing potential harm to the digestive organs, as well as hormonal regulation.

The Important Role of TET Enzymes in Methylation Status and Gene Regulation
Did you know – de-methylation is just as important as methylation. DNA methylation changes are a critical way that we regulate our gene expression – which genes are ‘turned on’, and which are ‘silenced.’ While we often focus on active methylation, it’s important to consider de-methylation too, carried out in part by TET enzymes. In humans, excess gene methylation can lead to silencing of important tumor suppressor genes and can therefore contribute to cancer growth. Appropriate TET enzyme activity reverses inappropriate gene silencing, and TET enzymes can be activated by dietary inputs such as vitamin C. Find out more about eating and living for optimal gene expression here.

Indicators and Assessment of Increased Intestinal Permeability
Leaky gut is an important underlying mediator for many chronic conditions. There are several factors that have been scientifically associated with increased gut permeability and that should flag you to its likely presence: Dysbiosis, yeast overgrowth, use of NSAIDs and alcohol, food allergies, delayed food sensitivities, SIBO, systemic inflammation, psychological stress, some infections, and poor dietary habits. More leaky gut indicators are found in other labs that you may be running, including some you may not have thought of. You can find our gut-healing bone broth recipe in our recipe section too.

Raw Fruits and Vegetable Consumption May Reduce Depressive Symptoms in Young Adults
Consuming raw fruits and vegetables may improve symptoms of depression among those aged 18-25. A recent association study found that the top raw fruits and vegetables correlated with better mental health included carrots, bananas, apples, citrus fruits, fresh berries, kiwifruit, lettuce, dark leafy greens and cucumber. Conversely, higher soda consumption correlated with more symptoms of depression. Note that the benefits of raw vs cooked fruit and vegetable consumption may be highest in younger age groups – as we age, or if we have certain conditions, digestive capacity can decline making a higher balance of cooked plants a potentially better choice.

Paraben Exposure Increases Asthma Symptoms in Children
Exposure to parabens is associated with increased emergency department visits for respiratory distress by boys with asthma. And compared to children without asthma, higher levels of urinary parabens are found in children with current asthma. The authors of this recent research propose that exposure to parabens can exacerbate the allergic response in asthma, and their work indicates that children may be particularly vulnerable. Parabens are chemicals widely used in many personal care products, pharmaceuticals and can also be found in processed foods and beverages.

Should You be Feeding Your Kids Your Paleo Diet?
Is your therapeutic Paleo diet really suitable for your children? This is an important question given that we are increasingly observing the extension of a parent’s diet to their children. Oftentimes, as parents, we sweep our kids into our own health regimens with the best of intentions. However, toddlers and children have much higher metabolic rates than adults, making their nutritional requirements quite different. In addition, restricted therapeutic diets are intended to address certain disease states that are likely not present in a child. Of course any nutritional program that emphasizes high quality, varied, nutrient dense, and unprocessed foods is unquestionably a good idea for children, but any further dietary restrictions should be approached carefully, only with clinical need, and with close attention to nutrient requirements.