Week of: Monday Aug. 5, 2019
Courtesy of:
John H. Keefe III, D.C.
(918) 663-1111
IN THE NEWS: Allergy, Asthma Risk Are Increased by Microbial Compound in Infant Gut Research ‘Paves the Way’ for Early Interventions to Prevent Childhood Inflammatory Diseases By Nicholas Weiler A study of newborn infants has identified a compound produced by gut bacteria that appears to predispose certain infants to allergies and asthma later in life. “We have discovered a specific bacterial lipid in the neonatal gut that promotes immune dysfunction associated with allergic asthma and can be used to assess which babies are at risk of developing the disease in childhood” said study senior author Susan Lynch, PhD, a professor of medicine at UC San Francisco. “This finding paves the way for early-life gut microbiome interventions to prevent these diseases from developing.” Lynch’s lab has previously shown that one-month-old infants with unhealthy gut microbial ecosystems – more like a weedy lot than a well-functioning garden – are at increased risk of developing asthma later in childhood. They have also shown that a specific fatty molecule, or lipid, called 12,13-diHOME, found at high concentrations in the feces of these babies, reduced the number and activity of a key group of immune cells called regulatory T cells (Tregs) that normally suppress allergic inflammation. This is likely just one component of a complex microbiome-immune interaction in young infants that promotes allergy and asthma development in childhood,” Lynch said. “But it is a first step towards a more mechanistic understanding of the suite of microbial products that increase susceptibility to allergies and asthma during childhood.” Note: in order to protect the newborns gut it’s important to avoid antibiotics, certain chemicals in foods and drink and make sure a good dose of friendly bacteria is part of the normal diet.
WELLNESS: Pleasant Smells Can Curb the Urge to Smoke Your sense of smell plays a role in modulating behavior and interpersonal relationships; smokers report a reduction in cravings after smelling pleasant odors. Smells, also called olfactory clues, play a significant role in your memories and in your sense of taste. Loss of smell may be one of the initial symptoms of a degenerative neurological disease. Your sense of smell has an impact on your psychological health and how well others are treated, potentially since odors affect the amygdala involved in emotion and the hippocampal system involved in long-term memory. Smoking damages your lungs, cardiovascular system and cognition; however, while vaping is perceived to be safe, it carries additional long-term dangers affecting the same systems and, if used, should be for a short time to quit smoking. Additional strategies to help you quit smoking are getting healthy first to support your efforts, eating a nutritionally balanced diet, exercising and finding a healthy emotional outlet. NOTE: Ask at the front desk for our stop smoking handout.
CONDITION OF THE WEEK: Magic of Mushrooms – The risk of breast cancer is reduced to one third for those who eat mushroom at least thrice a week. research shows that folks who consume at least 10 grams a day were 64% less likely to develop this form of cancer than others. Belly needs berries – Which is the best relief for a troubled stomach? Strawberries. They not only eliminate the ulcers of the stomach, but also minimize the damage done by the mucous membrane. It is free of side effects as it is a fruit and is hence suggested by naturopaths for regular consumption. It is good to note that turmeric, dark green vegetables and yoghurt also pack similar benefits. Relaxing the feet to prevent headaches – Sounds strange, but very true. When you are suffering from mild headaches, try placing feet into a bucket of warm water. Better still if you add a tablespoon of salt. Best to add few drops of lavender or eucalyptus. The story behind this is that the blood vessels dilate thereby drawing blood away from head and rushing towards feet. It also cleans the skin pores and lets the oil contents get into the bloodstream.
