#how to prevent liver disease

[harmeet-saggi]

Liver Disease: How To Identify Liver Problems?

Are you aware of the vital role your liver plays in keeping your body in harmony? What is liver disease, and how can you identify potential problems early on? In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of liver health, exploring the stages, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of liver disease. Discover proactive measures to prevent liver issues and learn when it's crucial to consult a doctor, all within the comfort of your online space.

[hiims-jodhpur]

We’re discussing an incredibly important topic that affects millions of people around the world – treatment for liver disease. If you or someone you know is struggling with this condition, stick with us as we explore it. Best treatments available....

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Sandhya Jani Devi Health Resort

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[trendingarticles]

Understanding Fatty Liver: Identifying Causes, Symptoms, and Exploring Detoxification Methods

What is Fatty Liver? Fatty liver is a medical condition defined by accumulation of excess fat in the liver cells. It can be caused by various factors such as obesity, alcohol consumption, diabetes, high cholesterol, and certain medications. When the liver contains more than 5% to 10% fat, it is considered fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis. Excess fat can…

[scientia-rex]

I also spend a lot of time trying to convince people to prevent problems, because prevention still works better than cures. Don't fucking smoke! I would instantly become the best doctor who ever lived if I could just convince all my patients to quit smoking. Avoid alcohol! Don't do meth! Don't do fentanyl! Things that are poisons will poison you in ways you understand, in the short term, but also ways you can't really understand until you've watched dozens of people die from it thirty years later, struggling to breathe from their COPD or weak and nauseated beyond bearing from their end-stage liver disease. I watched a man take 3 weeks in the ICU to die from what meth did to his heart. Your heart isn't meant to beat 145 times a minute for weeks on end. Your liver isn't meant to metabolize 5 shots of gin a day. You aren't going to be able to use denial and willpower to repair the damage your own habits did.

I drink a lot less now than I did before I went into medicine. Lot of different reasons, including that I'm older and more settled. But I can't look at it the same way I used to; I can't brush off as a "fun quirk" what I know is alcohol use on a level that risks withdrawal seizures if they were to suddenly stop, like some of my family members do, nervously asking me about their loved one's drinking when we're alone because beneath the jokes they know it's a problem.

If you're having more than one, maybe two drinks a day on average, over a long period of time, you are damaging your body in ways you don't understand. You're setting up a permanent heightened inflammatory state. Your heart cells don't like alcohol; Google "alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy." Your esophagus and stomach respond to incessant bathing in poison by first developing wounds and then cancer. Your liver, of course, doesn't like it. Your liver not only converts poisons to harmless substances you can excrete, it also makes your platelets, so your blood can clot. It makes albumin, a protein that's essentially for keeping water in your blood vessels and not letting it leach into your tissues. So people who are dying of liver failure are in pain and weak and tired and sad the whole fucking time! And the only solution, a liver transplant, will come with a lifetime of medication and specialist check-ups and the knowledge that if you fuck up and kill this liver, too, no one is going to be eager to give you another try.

I don't guilt-trip my alcoholic patients with liver disease. I don't guilt-trip my smokers with COPD. They chose to cope with substances for reasons, even if I disagree with their reasons, even if those reasons are opaque to me. They will suffer the natural consequences of those actions whether I guilt-trip them or not. I want them to continue to see me, I want them to be honest with me. Other people will lay enough guilt on them. And nothing I can say or do would ever compare to the physical and mental suffering that goes with those diseases.

But if you can prevent these diseases in yourself, prevent them. Quit smoking. Do it now. Your lungs are going to look better starting almost immediately, with positive changes continuing for many years. Drink less alcohol. Sure, it's fun, sure, it's a longstanding human tradition, but it is also unfortunately a straight up poison and your body knows that no matter how persuasively you argue about the obvious failure of Prohibition. You can't argue with a cell. You can't convince your kidneys that high blood pressure shouldn't damage them. They are a system; they do what they do; they existed long before prefrontal cortex existed to justify what we want to do but know to be harmful.



[tiredwitchplant]

Everything You Need to Know About Crystals: Moonstone (White)

Moonstone (The Sacred Stone of the Moon)

Color: White, cream, yellow, blue, green

Rarity: Easy to obtain

Hardiness: 6.5

Type: Oligoclase/ Feldspar

Chakra Association: Brow, Heart, Root, Third Eye, Sacral, Solar Plexus

Deities: All Lunar Deities, Diana, Selene, Artemis, Isis, Chandra

Birthstone: June

Astrological Signs: Cancer

Element: Water

Planet: Moon

Origin: Australia, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, USA

Powers: Femininity, Calmness, Balance, Luck, Intuition, Healing, Sensual, Patience, Reproductive Health

Crystals It Works Well With: Aquamarine, garnet, pearl

How It is Created: Moonstone is a type of feldspar composed of potassium aluminum silicate. It can be found in a number of colors, but all examples demonstrate a particular sheen known as labradorescence; an effect also found in labradorite and blue moonstone. Labradorescence is a light effect caused by parallel hairlike structures laid down within the crystal matrix, which reflect light back and forth, creating different-colored effects, including blue, yellow, silvery gray, and white.

History: Moonstone is the sacred stone of India. During the earliest traditions, the gem was said to have been embedded in the forehead of Ganesh, the four-handed god of the moon, since the beginning of time. It was written in Hindu mythology that moonstone is made from moonbeams, thus its luster.

The magnificent gem is never displayed outside for sale unless placed on a yellow cloth, as yellow is a sacred color. According to other legends, Moonstone can give gifts of prophecy and clairvoyance to the wearer. It could also clear the mind for the wearer to welcome wisdom. But to unlock this ability, Moonstone must be placed in their mouths during the full moon. Since ancient Egypt it is considered as a spiritual stone as it is seen as the gem of protection for night travelers.

Since Moonstone looks a lot like the moonshine, ancient Romans believed that it was formed from moonlight. If you look at the gem closely, you’ll see a dance of light that lurks on the insides of the gem. Ancient Greeks merged the names of the goddess of love (Aphrodite) and the goddess of the moon (Selene) and christened Moonstone as “Aphroselene”. While the Romans believed that the gem exhibits the image of their moon goddess, Diana.

It is also known as an aphrodisiac and when worn by two people, they will fall passionately in love when the moon is high. Moonstone was once called the “Travelers Stone” as it is said to protect those who travel at night, especially at sea.

What It Can Do:

When worn, can attract true love and arouse passion

If you give your lover a moonstone during the full moon, there will be passion between you always

Can settle disagreements and return things to peaceful status

Sewn into garments can enhance fertility

Wearing moonstone protects sensitive emotions

Enhances divination, prophetic dreams and prevents nightmares

Great for meditation and scrying

Represents yin and attracts peaceful energy

Protects travelers at night and by sea

Considered good luck

Balances male-female energies and aids men who want to get in touch with their feminine side

Affects the female reproductive cycle and alleviates menstrual-related diseases and tensions

Helps with digestive and reproductive systems, assimilates nutrients, eliminates toxins and fluid retention, and alleviates degenerative conditions of the skin, hair, eyes and fleshy organs such as the liver and pancreas.

How to Get the Best Out Of: Wear as a ring or place on the appropriate body part, would recommend the forehead, for spiritual experiences, and solar plexus or heart for emotions. Women may need to remove Moonstone at full moon.

How to Cleanse and Charge: Moonstone is relatively soft stone, 6 on the Mohs scale, so it should be handled with care as it can be easily scratched or crushed. Moonstone should be stored separate from other jewelry in its own soft bag or lined box and should not be worn while performing strenuous tasks that could result in it getting bumped or scratched. It can be cleaned with plain water and a soft cloth. If it gets scratched, take it to a jeweler to have it polished out.

Charge your moonstone in the light of the waxing moon and keep it out of direct sunlight.

Crystal Grid: N/A Couldn't find one that wasn't too complex @_@

Sources

[dragonagitator]

House MD fans: You wake up in the PPTH ER in summer 2004. What you doing?

Scenario parameters:

All your memories of the show and the past 20 years are intact.

You are stuck there/then and cannot return to our universe/year.

You have nothing but the hospital gown on your back.

Questions:

So, what do you do?

How much would you tell House?

How would you get him to believe you?

Who else would you tell?

How much would you tell them?

Inspiration:

The author self-insert isekai fanfic "Intervention" by VivatRex (aka @acrownforaking). They've been writing it for the past 11+ years and are still updating. It's already nearly 300k words long despite only being up to the events of S02E15. I AM IN AWE.

I haven't been able to stop thinking about this scenario ever since I read that fanfic a month ago. I'd love to discuss it with other House MD fans and hear what you would do.

(Apologies to the mutuals for the abrupt blog topic change. A new brainrot has taken hold.)

My short answer:

My long answers are below the cut.

So, what do you do?

My primary objective would be to enlist House in averting the pandemic.

My reasoning: If anyone can nip it in the bud before it gets out of Wuhan, I figure that a world-renowned genius doctor who is an infectious diseases specialist, speaks Mandarin, and now has a 15-year head start would have the best chance.

Difficulty level: Babysitting a narcissistic manchild with the self-preservation instincts of a toddler until the year 2020 so that he makes it there then alive, out of prison, and with his sanity, medical license, and professional reputation intact. To quote Quantum Leap, "Ohhhhhh boooooooy."

Strategy: I'm in the "I could fix him, but whatever's wrong with him is way funnier" camp, so I wouldn't try to change him (that always backfires anyway). Instead, I'd try to change his circumstances:

A stable romantic relationship would help, so I'd seduce him if I can (I'm not his type but a gal's gotta shoot her shot), try to get him together with Dominika earlier if I can't, and tell him how horribly his relationship with Cuddy ended so he knows better than to even start it.

Avert the shooting. Moriaty was a patient so his info is in the PPTH files. I AM THE ONE WHO KNOCKS. Or for a less murdery approach, try to get him arrested in April 2006 for violating New Jersey's strict gun laws.

Warn House about Tritter so he can switch patients with another clinic doctor.

Warn House to never get on a bus with Amber.

Tell Kutner I'm from the future and he's the only one who can prevent something horrible from happening (he's a Trekkie so he'll want to believe), then unfurl my big timeline poster and point at the "Kutner suicide early 2009" stickynote and ask him "so what's up with that, dude?"

Tell Wilson everything I can remember about his cancer -- he's an oncologist and thus can work backwards from there to figure out when to start checking for it so he can cut the tumor out while it's still just a tiny baby.

I would take a harm reduction approach to House's drug use, e.g., suggest that he try microdosing psilocybin and extend his liver's lifespan by substituting cannabis for some of his Vicodin and alcohol consumption.

Methods: Even though he doesn't have one for most of the show, House mentions a few times that he's entitled to hire an assistant, and I happen to be excellent at administrative work.

I think he'd be willing to hire me because working as his executive assistant / department secretary would position me to recognize patients as they come in so that I can discreetly pass along anything I remember, e.g., the kindergarten teacher has pork worms in her brain, ask the scientist in Antarctica to show you her feet, etc.

Meanwhile, I could lurk around the hospital preventing miscellaneous shit, e.g., get the gift shop volunteer from S01E04 to go home sick, ensure that the gunman from S05E09 is promptly admitted, diagnosed, and treated before he snaps and takes hostages, etc.

Possible sidequests:

Use my foreknowlege to get rich by milking online poker bonuses until the passage of the UIGEA in 2006, use my poker money to start flipping houses until 2007, get in on the "Big Short" in 2008, and set a Google Alert for "Bitcoin" so I can start mining/buying it from day one. Unfortunately, I haven't paid enough attention to individual stocks to play the market other than knowing that Amazon would be a good long-term buy & hold.

Use my riches to change the outcome of the 2016 election and try to steer the development of the internet and society in general in a slightly less stupid direction.

Send Pete Carroll a letter postdated just before the 2013 Superbowl telling him the outcome, then suggest for the final play of the 2014 Superbowl that the Seahawks try handing the ball off to Marshawn Lynch instead of throwing it because that throw will be intercepted. PRIORITIES.

How much would you tell House? How would you get him to believe you?

Your story about being from the future of an alternate universe in which House and everyone he knows are characters on a fictional TV show is already too batshit crazy to believe even without his kneejerk "everybody lies" skepticism. How would you differentiate yourself from all the patients who pull crazy stunts to try to get him to take their case?

My answer: For the "from the future" part, I'm hoping there's some sort of test that House could run to confirm that I was indeed vaccinated with a mRNA vaccine against the COVID-19/SARS-COV-2 virus. Given that neither of those things existed in 2004, that would be physical evidence that I'm not from around here now.

If producing physical evidence isn't possible, then I know that Vegetative State Guy from S03E15 is already a patient at PPTH because he'd been there for 10 years, so I'd find him and tell House about his son. I could also tell House enough about the cases from the first few episodes that I'm pretty sure he'd believe me by Christmas. I want in on Chinese food with Wilson.

I would wait until House accepted the "from the future" part before broaching the "fictional TV show" issue. Until then, "I watched a TV show about your life and cases" is a 100% true statement and it's not my fault if he assumes that show was a documentary. :)

Once he believed me, I'd tell him everything.

Who else would you tell? How much would you tell them?

There are people out there who would literally kill for your knowledge of the future, so going public or being too open about it seems highly risky.

My answer: I'd tell House, Wilson, and Chase right away. Kutner but not before Jan 2009. Maybe eventually Cuddy and the rest of the Diagnostics team if keeping my foreknowledge of the future from them proves too difficult.

House is the only one who gets to know everything. Everyone else is on a "need to know" basis.

I might also bring Bill Arnello (the brother/lawyer of the mob informant in S01E15 "Mob Rules") into the circle of trust because he could be a very useful resource for some of my sidequests, e.g., changing the outcome of the 2016 election far far far in advance and in the most direct way possible. (Hi, Secret Service! This is a purely hypothetical discussion about time travel and not at all indicative of any real criminal intent, pls do not pay me a visit, kthxbai.)

I think the only people I would tell the "fictional TV show" part to would be House, Wilson, and Chase, because there are things I need to warn them about that definitely wouldn't have been in a documentary. Like Chase needs to know that killing Diballa is 100% the right thing to do but he seriously needs to work on his OpSec. Everyone else gets the implied documentary lie of omission.

If I get caught knowing too much by random patients, I'll just claim to be psychic. Way more people believe in that than would believe in time travel.

What would you do?

[foggyfanfic]

Bruno's Health After the Walls

This has probably been done before, in fact there's an analysis of the long term effects Bruno's terrible posture has probably had on his spine out there somewhere, that lives rent free in my head. But I wanna do it anyways!

So, let's talk about how living in the walls for ten years probably affected Bruno's health.

First and foremost, let's talk about what isolation does to a person, particularly lack of human touch. Because Bruno was probably ok listening in on his family's conversations, but he has gone a decade without a single hug. I'm sure most of us have heard of that one study where they took a couple of orphaned babies and just didn't give them any physical contact. The babies almost died. So yeah! Bruno is not ok.

Then there's lack of sunlight. It's possible that he's been sneaking out to get fresh air every once in a while, so we'll say this is minimal. But a slight vitamin D deficiency still means lethargy, insomnia, bone/muscle pain, and his OCD would be worse (sunlight helps boost serotonin). So, Bruno is not ok.

He's probably malnourished, even if he's stealing enough food from the kitchen quantity wise, his cooking limitations and reliance on scraps probably means he's not getting a balanced diet. Depending on what nutrients he's not getting this could lead to muscle loss, decrease bone density, affect his immune system, and cause heart problems. And if he's relying too much on a certain food group that could lead to all sorts of long term damage to his digestive system, think things like an overworked liver. Bruno is not ok.

Sanitation is another thing, we see that his living space is overrun with rats. They are a remarkably clean animal, but they still have to poop and stuff. Overexposure to feces of any animal exposes you to all types of disease, viruses, bacteria, mold, you name it. Combined with how dusty it is back there and Bruno is probably breathing the grossest air in human history, possibly doing permanent damage to his respiratory system. Bruno is not ok.

Finally, add in the physical activity required for him to navigate in the walls. There's that big ass hole in the floor that he's apparently been vaulting over for years now. While running is good for your cardiovascular health, it is hell on your joints, and if he already has all of the problems listed above it’s a miracle his knees haven’t given out. Some have suggested that Julieta’s food only heals people if she’s the one giving it, let’s hope for Bruno’s sake that’s not the case, because otherwise… Bruno is NOT ok.

In conclusion, Bruno is not ok after spending ten years in the walls and he is going to need some serious rehabilitation. Honestly, realistically, I would expect him to have scurvy, or be missing hair and fingernails, or something; but it’s a kid’s movie so let’s just handwave a little and say the miracle has prevented the worst of it. The good news is he seems to have held up remarkably well mentally speaking, and is only a little crazy, so with some love and support (and healing magic) he’s still able to have a happy life.

[napfordinner]

My lovely friends, this is a friendly evidence-based post pertaining to the risk reduction of a few well-known health effects of 4n4 and mia. Including: Amenorrhea (loss of regular menstrual period), anaemia, digestive upset, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, general well-being, and osteoporosis. It is quite a long post, but please let me know if there’s any other information you would like me to cover. 💕

🪐 Vitamins and Supplements:

• A-Z Multivitamin. Is beneficial for supplementation. For example, Vitamin C is a vitally important vitamin for the body’s connective tissues, including the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth, cellular formation and maturation, resistance to infection, and an increased ability to heal. Additionally, B12 contributes to an adequately functioning nervous system, bone marrow, and intestinal tract. It also acts to increase metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Finally vitamin B2 when combined with Vitamin A promotes good vision and healthy skin, as well as assists in metabolising proteins and fats at a cellular level.

• Calcium and Vitamin D. Seek a preparation which offers 1000mg of calcium and 10-20mcg (400-800 iu) of vitamin D. Vitamin D increases the bodies efficacy during the absorption, retention, and metabolising of calcium. Calcium of course being vital for bone integrity and imperative for the prevention of osteopenia/osteoporosis.

• Iron. An appropriate iron intake will restore the functionality of red blood cells, allowing the proper oxygen transportation around the body, increase focus, energy, athletic performance, and sleep. Having a sufficient iron store will alleviate some commonly experienced symptoms of low iron including fatigue, dizziness, pallor, and shortness of breath. It may also reduce the sensation of cold hands and feet.

• Potassium and Zinc. A lack of zinc impairs the ability to smell and taste. Connecting this impairment to nose blindness. For example, a lack of a sense of smell and taste may impair one’s own ability to detect their own bad breath, BO, and other unpleasant smells that others may be able to detect.

• Omega 3’s - Fish oil, Krill oil, Hemp oil, or Flaxseed oil. Improper dietary intake, or supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids will result in areas of epidermal (skin) dryness, hyperkeratosis, and hyperpigmentation. As well as the formation large scales expose underlying tissue, which are easily infected. The hair becomes sparse, dry, lusterless, and brittle, with a reddish tinge. Furthermore, nails become brittle and dull, tear production reduces, the tears are also significantly less oily leading to increased evaporation contributing to chronically dry, red, and itchy eyes.

If oil supplements are scary for you to intake due to calorie fears (there is only approx 25 calories in 2 average fish oil capsules). There are dietary sources of omega 3 that are relatively low calorie including chia seeds, edamame, and seaweed. However they provide little amounts in comparison to supplementation or traditional dietary sources such as fish, avocado, oils etc.

However this should also be considered when deciding whether to supplement omega 3’s - they stimulate the secretion of leptin, a hormone that decreases appetite and promotes the burning of fat. Through the enabling of conversion of dietary fats into body cells for burning as fuel.

🍄 Dietary Intake

•Bone broth (or vegetable broth if meat is not apart of your diet ☺️) I cannot stress how great bone broth is! Extremely low calorie, but incredibly nutrient-dense. It also acts to decrease the inflammation within the gut that many of us will experience due to our dietary habits. Including conditions such as constipation, gastroparesis, liver disease, bloating, abdominal pain, and stomach ulceration.

Bone broth also contains large amounts of protein, collagen, iron, vitamins A and K, fatty acids, selenium, zinc, and manganese. Protein being the most satiating macronutrient can decrease hunger and associated discomfort. Collagen and the variety of micronutrients within the bone broth contributes to joint and bone health. Bone broth will also contribute to hydration.

•Nutrient-dense foods including blueberries l are among the best sources of anthocyanins (antioxidants) that promote brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, red tomatoes and red capsicum (Peppers). Tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene, which is a type of carotenoid found in red fruits that has powerful antioxidant effect that may help protect against heart disease and certain types of cancer.

•Fibre is imperative for smooth gastrointestinal function, including regular bowel movements. Fibre is of course typically found in whole fruits and vegetables, beans/lentils, and whole grains. Low calorie fibre sources include: red kidney beans, carrot, and chickpeas. Psyllium, chia seeds are also good sources of fibre. Fibre supplants such as Metamucil may also aid to increase fibre intake. An adequate intake of fibre may reduce the dependence of laxative for bowel movements. Prolonged use of laxatives may create a dependency on them to even have a bowel movement.

🥥 Adequate Hydration

• The best way to ensure adequate hydration is simply by consuming enough water during the day. However, if plain water consumption is difficult, fluid intake will also suffice. Including fluid such as teas, flavoured/enhanced water, diet soft drinks, juices, etc. The optimal fluids to consume in addition to, or instead of simple water to ensure adequate hydration is mineral water, coconut water, or diet electrolyte replacements (Powerade/Gatorade, Pedialyte, Hydralyte). Correct hydration and electrolyte intake will reduce headaches, constipation, and muscle cramps/weakness.

❤️ Reproductive Health

•Amenorrhea is a common experience for those of us with a uterus. However it is imperative to understand that you are more than likely still ovulating despite the lack of a regular menstrual period. Therefore, contraception must still be used. Amenorrhea may be alleviated through dietary supplementation and small changes to the diet to include more micronutrients, but it may not be completely fixed unless there is an increase to body fat percentages.

[naturalrights-retard]

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

The delicate balance of bacteria in your mouth is as important to your health as your gut microbiome

Periodontal disease is initiated by an increase in Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacteria that also impairs your innate immune response and increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, pneumonia, autoimmune conditions and mental health disorders

When bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease enter into your circulatory system, your liver releases C-reactive proteins, which have inflammatory effects. Inflammation, in turn, is known to be a disease-causing force leading to most chronic illness

P. gingivalis has been found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, and may be a causative contributor to the condition. Failing to brush twice a day has been shown to increase the risk of dementia by as much as 65%, compared to brushing three times a day

A recent study involving 40,175 middle-aged adults with no history of stroke or dementia found that people with poor oral health had higher levels of neuroimaging markers associated with white brain matter injury. Because these markers precede and are established risk factors of stroke and dementia, the results suggest that oral health is a promising target for very early interventions focused on improving brain health

It’s unfortunate how many fail to fully appreciate the importance oral health has on their overall health. The fact of the matter is, the delicate balance of bacteria in your mouth is as important to your health as your gut microbiome.

When certain bacteria become overabundant, various problems start to develop, and not just in your mouth. Other parts of your body can also be severely affected.

For example, periodontal disease, which affects the soft tissues and bone in your mouth, is initiated by an increase in Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacteria that also impairs your innate immune response1 and increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes,2,3 heart disease,4 pneumonia,5,6 autoimmune conditions and mental health disorders.

Oral Bacteria Can Fuel Systemic Inflammation and Neurodegeneration

When bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease enter into your circulatory system, your liver releases C-reactive proteins, which have inflammatory effects. Inflammation, in turn, is known to be a disease-causing force leading to most chronic illness, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). As reported in a 2022 scientific review:7

“It has been proposed that periodontal disease can initiate or contribute to the AD pathogenesis through multiple pathways, including key periodontal pathogens.

Dysbiotic oral bacteria can release bacterial products into the bloodstream and eventually cross the brain-blood barrier; these bacteria can also cause alterations to gut microbiota that enhance inflammation and potentially affect brain function via the gut-brain axis.

The trigeminal nerve has been suggested as another route for connecting oral bacterial products to the brain ... Clinical evidence has suggested that patients with periodontitis are at a higher risk of developing PD and MS.

This nexus among the brain, periodontal disease, and systemic inflammation heralds new ways in which microglial cells, the main innate immune cells, and astrocytes, the crucial regulators of innate and adaptive immune responses in the brain, contribute to brain pathology.

Currently, the lack of understanding of the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration is hindering treatment development. However, we may prevent this pathogenesis by tackling one of its possible contributors (periodontitis) for systemic inflammation through simple preventive oral hygiene measures.”

Poor Oral Health Damages Your Brain

Indeed, many studies have linked poor oral health to an increased risk of dementia.8 A 2019 study,9 which discovered P. gingivalis in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, speculated that the bacteria, responsible for periodontal disease, may be a causative contributor to Alzheimer’s.

Toxic proteases from the bacterium called gingipains were also found, “and levels correlated with tau and ubiquitin pathology.” These gingipains were also shown to have neurotoxic effects in and of themselves, both in vivo and in vitro. Using a synthetic gingipains inhibitor, the researchers were able to reduce neuroinflammation by lowering the bacterial load of P. gingivalis.

Another study10 found that failing to brush twice a day increased the risk of dementia by as much as 65%, compared to brushing three times a day. Most recently, an observational study11 involving 40,175 middle-aged adults with no history of stroke or dementia, found that people with poor oral health had higher levels of neuroimaging markers associated with white brain matter injury.

“Because the neuroimaging markers evaluated in this study precede and are established risk factors of stroke and dementia, our results suggest that oral health ... may be a promising target for very early interventions focused on improving brain health.” ~ Neurology January 23, 2024

As noted by the authors:12

"Because the neuroimaging markers evaluated in this study precede and are established risk factors of stroke and dementia, our results suggest that oral health, an easily modifiable process, may be a promising target for very early interventions focused on improving brain health.”

Authors of an accompanying editorial also noted:13

"The fact that these imaging changes are seen in asymptomatic persons offers the hope that if the association is causal, interventions to improve oral health could pay huge dividends in subsequent brain health."

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Optimize Your Diet for Oral Health

Caries and periodontal disease are primarily induced by a poor diet combined with poor oral care, so both of these factors need to be addressed. To optimize your diet for oral health and mitochondrial function, you’ll want to:

•Radically reduce your intake of refined sugars and processed foods, as they fuel the growth of disease-causing bacteria in your mouth. Instead, focus on eating real food, meaning whole, unprocessed food.

•Optimize your vitamin D, K2, magnesium and calcium levels. These nutrients work synergistically to help protect your gums, teeth and bones. Calcium strengthens your bones but only works when it gets into the right places. Vitamin K2 directs calcium into bone and prevents it from being deposited along blood vessel walls.

Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of inflammatory diseases and is associated with a higher risk of disease. Your vitamin D3 level should ideally be above 60 ng/mL for proper bone formation. If you cannot keep your serum levels at or above 60 ng/mL using sensible sun exposure, consider using an oral vitamin D3 supplement.

•Increase your intake of vitamin C and/or CoQ10 if you’re struggling with bleeding gums, as this is a common sign of both vitamin C and CoQ10 deficiency.

Toothbrushing Do’s and Don’ts

When it comes to oral health, regular toothbrushing is first on the list. Research suggests the ideal brushing time is two minutes, and the ideal pressure is 150 grams, which is about the weight of an orange. Brushing your teeth too hard and longer than necessary may cause more harm than good, so there’s no reason to brush harder or longer.

Ideally, brush twice or three times a day — in the morning, evening, and 30 to 60 minutes after your main meal. The reason why brushing immediately after eating is not recommended is because doing so may weaken rather than strengthen your tooth enamel.

This counterintuitive finding was revealed in a 2004 study,14 which found that brushing your teeth too soon following eating or drinking, especially acidic foods and drinks such as soda, accelerates dentin erosion.

As for toothpaste, I recommend using nonfluoridated versions. Also check the ingredient list for other harmful ingredients such as triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, diethanolamine, parabens and microbeads. Your safest bet is make your own toothpaste, which is both simple and inexpensive.

For example, you could simply mix coconut oil and baking soda with a pinch of Himalayan salt. High-quality peppermint essential oil can be added for flavor and cavity prevention. Start with a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil and baking soda, and add more of one or the other until you get an agreeable consistency. (Slightly firmer consistency tends to be easier to use.) Here’s another, clay-based, recipe by MindBodyGreen:15

Ingredients

1/2 cup bentonite clay

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking soda

2/3 cup water

1/4 cup coconut oil

1 teaspoon stevia (optional)

1 to 4 drops peppermint essential oil

Preparation

Mix the clay and salt in a bowl. Add the water. Mix well. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until it forms a paste. Store it in a jar with a lid. Every time you go to use it, spoon some onto your toothbrush. Dampen the paste by putting your brush under some gently running water and brush as usual.

The Importance of Flossing

While most people brush their teeth every day, the practice of flossing is more frequently overlooked. This is unfortunate, as flossing is perhaps even more important than brushing.

It removes bacterial precursors of plaque, which eventually turns into hard tartar that cannot be removed by regular brushing or flossing. Tartar is what eventually causes the damage that leads to decay and tooth loss. I recommend using a dental floss covered in vegan wax to avoid toxic PFAS chemicals. To ensure a proper floss:

Use a piece of floss that is about 15 to 18 inches long and wrap each end around your index fingers. If you have wider spaces between your teeth, use Super Floss, which is thicker

Gently slide the floss between your teeth. Avoid snapping the floss down into your gums

At the gum line, wrap the floss around the side of the tooth in the shape of a “C,” and gently but firmly slide the floss up and down the tooth and side-to-side, making sure you get down into the gum line as well. Make sure you scrub both sides of the adjacent teeth before moving on to the next set

Repeat on the rest of your teeth, including the back side of your last tooth

If dexterity is an issue, use soft plaque removers instead of floss. Similar to toothpicks, they allow you to clean between your teeth with one hand. If brushing, flossing or using a plaque remover causes your gums to bleed, this is a warning sign that bacteria are at work, causing damage.

If left to fester, it can easily cause chronic inflammation elsewhere in your body. The answer is to gently floss and brush more often, until your gums no longer bleed from brushing or flossing. If bleeding persists longer than a week, see a dentist.

An alternative to floss is to use an oral irrigator. Here, you have the option of adding a couple of tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide to the water tank. Hydrogen peroxide was first used as a treatment for gum disease in 1913, and is still used in the treatment of both gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis.16

Rinsing or irrigating your mouth with diluted hydrogen peroxide is an effective way to kill the harmful bacteria associated with these conditions. Just be sure to dilute it with plain water and do not swallow it.

Caring for Your Teeth and Gums Beyond Brushing and Flossing

Other helpful strategies include:

Ozonated oil — Ozone gas can effectively treat dental decay and gum disease17 but must be done by a holistic dentist, as inhaling the gas can be dangerous.

For home use, ozonated oil, available on Amazon and other online retailers, is a good alternative, as it’s safe and easy to use. You can rub it into the gum line with your finger, a Q tip or toothpick, or smear some on a piece of floss to get the ozone down between your teeth.

Methylene blue — Used as a mouthwash, methylene blue, in a 0.5% to 1% concentration, has been shown to deactivate harmful microorganisms that lead to periodontitis.18,19

Xylitol — This natural sugar alcohol has been shown to reduce and even reverse early dental caries by inhibiting the proliferation of mutans streptococci (MS) in plaque and saliva, and reducing the adhesion of microorganisms to the surface of your teeth.20

You can easily find xylitol toothpastes, mouthwashes, oral tablets and chewing gum. Just make sure the products you buy do not contain fluoride or triclosan, as both are toxic. Also keep xylitol-containing products away from pets. It’s extremely toxic to dogs in particular.

Oil pulling — Oil pulling is a gentle, evidence-based way to reduce plaque, gingivitis and bad breath.21,22,23,24 According to Ayurvedic tradition, oil pulling may also improve more than 30 systemic diseases, including inflammation.25

Ideally, you’ll want to do it for 15 to 20 minutes per day, but work your way up slowly. It may take a while before you get used to working the muscles in your cheeks for that long. When done, spit the oil into a trash can or toilet (spitting it into the sink may cause your drain to clog), then rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth as usual.

While coconut oil is routinely recommended for oil pulling, MCT oil may be an even better alternative. While both have antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, compared to coconut oil, MCT oil contains more fatty acids, which makes it more effective at trapping harmful bacteria and disrupting biofilms.26 It’s also liquid, making it easier to swish around your mouth.

Peppermint essential oil — Peppermint oil extract has been shown to be significantly more effective in preventing development of biofilm that may lead to cavities and bad breath than the mouthwash chemical chlorhexidine.27

A simple homemade mouthwash by Lindsey Elmore28 can be made using half a cup of distilled water, 2 teaspoons baking soda, half a teaspoon sea salt, four drops of peppermint essential oil, three drops of clove essential oil, two drops of tea tree essential oil, and xylitol to taste. Simply mix the ingredients in a glass bottle and shake well before each use. Swish and spit out. Do not swallow.

Homeopathic tissue salts such as silica, calcarea fluorica (calcium fluoride), calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate can also help boost oral health from the inside out. (Calcium fluoride should not be confused with the chemical formulation of sodium fluoride found in toothpaste, which is toxic and carries a poison warning).

Always breathing through your nose — While this may seem out of context, how you breathe can have a big impact on your oral health. Chronic mouth breathing dries out your mouth, thereby encouraging microbial growth that leads to caries and periodontitis. To learn more, see “Top Breathing Techniques for Better Health.”

In closing, if you’ve been lax about your oral health, make this the year you grab the proverbial bull by the horn and really make an effort to address the health of your mouth. It’s a relatively simple prevention strategy that can pay big dividends by preventing serious and costly health problems.

[lazyyogi]

Matcha Health Science: An Evidence-Based Review

Recently I found a fantastic tea company called Tezumi that obtains teas from all over the world, namely Japan. I got to talking with the owner and he invited me to write a post for their blog about the scientific publications that have been done regarding matcha's health benefits. I thought you all would enjoy it too! Link.

A gurgling, clear stream from a boiling kettle tumbles into a vessel holding dried plant matter. A frenetic symphony of swirling H2O molecules draws out a host of larger, more complex molecules: catechins, epicatechin, gallocatechin, L-theanine, caffeine, and more. The steaming water, now steeped with a plant’s essence, is strained into a clean empty cup. For thousands of years this was the universal chemical process for the creation of tea. It is called infusion. 

Black tea, oolong tea, white tea, and green tea are all brewed via an infusion process. However, there is a curious exception within the world of tea: matcha. While all other teas are extracts infused into warm water, matcha is a suspension. The powdered green tea is suspended, floating within the water, and then whisked into a thick solution with a light foamy topping. 

How did this unique beverage come to be? 

The story goes that a particularly brutal Japanese winter hundreds of years ago inspired farmers to cover their tea plants with straw to shield them from the damaging frost. The plants, in response to the shade created by this covering, synthesized more chlorophyll to maintain energy metabolism. The farmers then discovered that these new, darkly pigmented plants made for an even more robust and rich brew of green tea.

When a traveling monk named Eisai returned to Japan after traveling in China, he supposedly introduced a powdered suspension method for tea brewing. Combining one tea innovation with another, the result is supposedly the matcha we know today. 

While there are various health benefits attributed to all kinds of teas, matcha enjoys a superior status because it is a suspension rather than an infusion. A simple online search yields a bevy of claims from preventing disease to curing cancer. But what does our most rigorous, evidence-based scientific research tell us about the true benefits of matcha?

Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome Benefits

Studies in both mice and humans have given evidence for several benefits matcha may provide regarding obesity and appropriate weight loss. 

A Chinese study by Wang Et al.1 created an experiment in which they divided mice into four groups. Two groups were given either a high-fat or normal diet while another two groups were given matcha supplementation along with either a high-fat or normal diet. A number of different variables were then analyzed before and after the 8-week experiment, including blood lipid levels, blood glucose levels, liver enzymes, fat and liver cell samples viewed under a microscope, gut microbiota, fecal bile acids, and more. 

When comparing the high fat diet with the high fat plus matcha diet, the study found that matcha supplementation inhibited the fat accumulation and limited the dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia caused by the high fat diet. Additionally, matcha reshaped the intestinal microbiome by promoting bacterial strains associated with healthy body weight, reducing glucose and increasing insulin levels, and reducing inflammation. There have been other well-designed studies with similar findings in humans as well.2,3

Put simply, there have been repeated experiments with findings that suggest matcha intake may benefit prevention and reversal of obesity as well as the serologic, microbiotic, and histologic markers associated with metabolic syndrome. And for those who may not be aware, metabolic syndrome significantly increases risk for heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. 

Cognitive and Systemic benefits

A South Korean study examined the effect of matcha on cognitive dysfunction and systemic inflammation in mice.4 The authors stated, “Air pollution is a complex mixture of particulate matter that contains heavy metals, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and ozone, and is known to be harmful to human health.” They further explain that the pollution “is absorbed through a variety of pathways, such as skin, nasal cavity, respiratory organs, and digestive system, and causes type 2 diabetes, respiratory infections, cardiovascular disease, and systemic inflammation.” This in turn also creates oxidative stress in the brain, leading to cognitive impairment. 

Few studies have examined the way matcha may impact individuals exposed to pollution, especially with respect to the effects on cognition. The authors set out to answer these questions by designing a sophisticated experiment with mice. Essentially, they were exposed to high levels of pollution and one group received matcha extract while the other did not. 

The results were extensive. To summarize: matcha inhibited cognitive dysfunction caused by the neurotoxic effects of pollution, downregulated systemic inflammation, reduced behavioral and memory dysfunction, promoted lung, skin, and brain anti-oxidation, improved regulation of mitochondrial function, and benefited several cholinergic and anticholinergic systems.

Several other studies in humans have found similarly encouraging results with respect to the impact of matcha on overall brain health.5 Some have even found results that suggest green tea may reduce the risk for developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.6

A systematic review7 of matcha’s health benefits created the following diagram to summarize:

Takeaways

Whether improving cognitive performance, protecting important organ systems, or reducing the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome, matcha has effects on the human body that are as complex as its own storied history. The ongoing study of this traditional beverage will continue to shine light on its potential benefits. 

While the evidence does suggest that matcha may benefit several conditions, there can be too much of a good thing. Drinking matcha in excess can lead to nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and may worsen symptoms for anyone with stomach ulcers. Furthermore, there is no evidence to suggest that matcha may treat health conditions in the absence of our current medical standards of care. 

My advice? A cup or two of matcha tea per day is a reliable lifestyle addition for experiencing the relaxed focus effect of combination caffeine and L-theanine. And in doing so, you can enjoy the added satisfaction of knowing you are likely benefiting your brain, metabolism, and intestinal microbiome.

Citations

Wang Y, Yu Y, Ding L, Xu P, Zhou J. Matcha green tea targets the gut-liver axis to alleviate obesity and metabolic disorders induced by a high-fat diet. Front Nutr. 2022 Aug 1;9:931060. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.931060. PMID: 35978960; PMCID: PMC9376390.

Paradee Auvichayapat, Montira Prapochanung, Oratai Tunkamnerdthai, Bung-orn Sripanidkulchai, Narong Auvichayapat, Bandit Thinkhamrop, Soontorn Kunhasura, Srisuda Wongpratoom, Supat Sinawat, Pranithi Hongprapas, Effectiveness of green tea on weight reduction in obese Thais: A randomized, controlled trial, Physiology & Behavior, Volume 93, Issue 3, 2008, Pages 486-491, ISSN 0031-9384

El-Elimat T, Qasem WM, Al-Sawalha NA, AbuAlSamen MM, Munaiem RT, Al-Qiam R, Al Sharie AH. A Prospective Non-Randomized Open-Label Comparative Study of The Effects of Matcha Tea on Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Pilot Observational Study. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2022 Sep;77(3):447-454. doi: 10.1007/s11130-022-00998-9. Epub 2022 Aug 3. PMID: 35921023; PMCID: PMC9362463.

Kim JM, Kang JY, Park SK, Moon JH, Kim MJ, Lee HL, Jeong HR, Kim JC, Heo HJ. Powdered Green Tea (Matcha) Attenuates the Cognitive Dysfunction via the Regulation of Systemic Inflammation in Chronic PM2.5-Exposed BALB/c Mice. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 Nov 30;10(12):1932. doi: 10.3390/antiox10121932. PMID: 34943034; PMCID: PMC8750520.

Anas Sohail A, Ortiz F, Varghese T, Fabara SP, Batth AS, Sandesara DP, Sabir A, Khurana M, Datta S, Patel UK. The Cognitive-Enhancing Outcomes of Caffeine and L-theanine: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2021 Dec 30;13(12):e20828. doi: 10.7759/cureus.20828. PMID: 35111479; PMCID: PMC8794723.

Kakutani S, Watanabe H, Murayama N. Green Tea Intake and Risks for Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2019 May 24;11(5):1165. doi: 10.3390/nu11051165. PMID: 31137655; PMCID: PMC6567241.

Kochman J, Jakubczyk K, Antoniewicz J, Mruk H, Janda K. Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review. Molecules. 2020 Dec 27;26(1):85. doi: 10.3390/molecules26010085. PMID: 33375458; PMCID: PMC7796401.

[olivermorningstar]

for pri-liver... ikeproliver? olivpri. no i don't like any of those. Ikepri Oliver, what are your favorite medical studies?

Oliver laughs a bit. "So I feel I need to draw a bit of a line, I am not a doctor, but a lot of good research on diseases and their causes come from doctors because they're the most involved with those impacted, right?"

He hums. "Well, honestly, I'm interested in the mechanics of disease. There are so many ways to pick something up, so many ways that it can manifest. I'm often curious about ways to block a disease so it cannot thrive within our systems. Basically, what does that disease need to thrive? How can I prevent them from getting it while making sure someone survives?

"Take for example, a wound. Wounds are dark, moist, and perfect breeding grounds for lots of diseases. They're the perfect entry point for something to take hold. How can I make it so they don't have that chance? What treatments could be provided? What medicine could be given? What ointments would help keep you alive and allow you to press on?" He shrugs.

"It's not a pretty field, but someone needs to do it. I think of myself as someone with a very strong stomach, so I suppose it had to be me. Another way I could have gone about this field is by looking at the dead, that is a valid option and one I strongly considered, but hey, I thought it might do some good to work with the living."

He pauses. "I'm rambling - did that answer your question?"

[eaglesnick]

“Of all forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane.” (Martin Luther King, Jr)

So, King Charles has cancer. Being someone who also had cancer he has my sympathy: I wish him and his family a happy outcome to his worrying news. Those who do not have my support are the media who have been making up all sorts of excuses for the Palace issuing this news and the seeming sudden blackout regarding UK cancer recovery rates which are some of the worst in Europe, and which were hitting the headlines only a few weeks ago.

If you believe the media, the Palace issued the statement revealing King Charles has cancer to give hope to other cancer suffers.

“Several experts have praised the King for sharing the health condition with the public saying it will encourage others to seek help for their potential cancer symptoms.”  (Daily Express: 06/02/24)

“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”  (Buckingham Palace statement: 05/02/24)

How knowing the King has cancer can “assist public understanding" of the disease is beyond my comprehension. Cancer Research UK tells us there are over 200 different types of cancer. All have their own levels of danger and all have their own specific treatment regimes.  Knowing the King has cancer tells us nothing other than the king has cancer.

The more likely explanation for  the Palace being  so unusually open about the King’s medical condition is it would have been nigh on impossible to hide the fact that something was seriously wrong with his health. He would have been seen visiting a hospital on a regular basis, his public engagements would have been cancelled and his physical appearance may well be affected by whatever treatment he has to undergo. In short, the Palace statement has more to do with “preventing speculation” (as it freely admits) than with promoting understanding of cancer, which had been the media’s spin.

King Charles is fortunate. He is rich and can afford private health care, and I doubt there are many people who would not also use their wealth and power to ensure the best medical treatment for cancer. Unfortunately, for the majority of us  in ‘Broken Britain’ that isn’t an option.

Only a few weeks ago the Guardian newspaper carried this headline:

“UK has some of worst cancer survival rates in developed world, report says. Rates for lung, liver, brain, oesophageal, pancreatic and stomach cancers worse than in most comparable nations." (11/01/24)

Britain ranked only  28th out of 33 countries with comparable wealth and income levels for cancer survival rates.  Not only does Britain diagnose cancers much later but treatment capacity is also below that of other countries. So, even if you are diagnosed early (which is unlikely) you will still have to join a long queue before treatment begins. Of course, if you are a King or are wealthy, this doesn’t apply and you can begin treatment almost immediately.

Britain’s media now has an opportunity to champion better cancer care for ordinary men and women and to insist that the “abysmal survival rates” that characterise our currant cancer care regime are reversed. However, the media reports I have heard regarding the Kings cancer have totally failed to mention that Britain has one of the worse cancer survival rates in Europe. If the media truly believe the Palace announcement concerning the King’s cancer is to “help others” or to “raise awareness” then they should start by revealing the shortfalls in the countries present cancer diagnosis and treatment regime and shortfall in NHS funding by successive Tory governments.

[manjitkaur]

What is cholesterol, and how does it affect our body?

High Cholesterol

Too many lipids, or fats, are present in the blood when you have high cholesterol. Hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia are other names for it.

For optimal functioning, your body needs a specific amount of lipids. Your body is unable to use all of the lipids in excess. In your arteries, the excess fat starts to build. Fatty deposits, or plaque, are created when they react to other chemicals in your blood. Years may pass during which this plaque doesn't create any issues, but it builds up inside your arteries without your knowledge.

 For this reason, it's risky to have high cholesterol untreated. Your blood includes excess lipids that, unknown to you, contribute to the plaque's growth. If your cholesterol is high, a blood test is the only way to find out.

There are different types of cholesterol:

Low-density lipoprotein: LDL cholesterol is often called ‘bad cholesterol’ because too much of it can clog up your arteries and lead to health problems later on, such as heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. You do need some LDL cholesterol in your blood. It’s when there’s too much that it’s a problem.

High-density lipoprotein: HDL cholesterol is often called ‘good cholesterol’ because it carries cholesterol away from your cells and back to your liver to be broken down. So, it helps prevent disease.

Reasons for cholesterol

High Cholesterol Effects on the Body

High cholesterol causes plaque to build up inside your blood vessels over time. The buildup of plaque is known as atherosclerosis. Individuals who have atherosclerosis are more at risk for a wide range of diseases. This is due to the vital functions that your blood vessels conduct throughout your body. So, there are consequences when an issue arises with one of your blood vessels.

Your blood vessels are going to build plaque if your cholesterol is high. The plaque gets larger the longer you don't get therapy. You suffer from narrowing or blockage of your blood vessels as the plaque grows.

You may have a long time to continue using your blood vessels. However, they will function better than they need to.

Depending on which blood vessels are blocked, high cholesterol increases your chance of getting more illnesses.

If you want an Ayurvedic treatment for high cholesterol, consult with Dr. Sharda Ayurveda for the best treatment for your high cholesterol problem.

https://shorturl.at/bdeKL

[jero1974]

"Mastering Portion Control: Your Key to Weight Loss Success Without Alcohol"

**The Power of Portion Control: A Holistic Approach to Weight Loss Without Alcohol**

In a world saturated with fad diets and quick fixes, the key to sustainable weight loss often lies in a simple yet powerful concept: portion control. By understanding the nature of fat, its causes, and adopting mindful eating habits, one can embark on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle without the need for alcohol.

**Understanding Fat: Beyond the Surface**

Fat, often vilified in the realm of weight loss, is an essential macronutrient vital for bodily functions such as insulation, hormone production, and energy storage. However, excessive fat accumulation can lead to health complications such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.

**Causes of Fat Accumulation**

The causes of fat accumulation are multifaceted, including genetic predisposition, sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary choices, and metabolic factors. Consuming excess calories, especially from refined sugars and saturated fats, contributes to fat storage in the body.

**Portion Control: The Art of Moderation**

Portion control involves managing the quantity of food consumed in a single sitting, thereby regulating calorie intake. It allows individuals to enjoy a variety of foods while maintaining a healthy weight. Understanding appropriate portion sizes is crucial in achieving and sustaining weight loss goals.

**How to Determine Portion Sizes**

1. **Use Visual Cues**: Visual aids such as comparing food portions to everyday objects (e.g., a fist for a serving of carbohydrates) can help gauge appropriate portion sizes.

2. **Read Food Labels**: Paying attention to serving sizes listed on food packaging provides valuable insights into portion control.

3. **Listen to Your Body**: Tuning into hunger and fullness cues helps prevent overeating. Eating slowly and mindfully allows for better recognition of satiety.

4. **Practice Balance**: A balanced diet comprising of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains ensures adequate nutrition while promoting weight loss.

**The Role of Alcohol in Weight Loss**

While moderate alcohol consumption may be compatible with a healthy lifestyle, it provides empty calories devoid of nutritional value. Excessive alcohol intake not only hampers weight loss efforts but also poses risks to overall health, including liver damage and increased appetite.

**Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle**

Achieving sustainable weight loss entails a holistic approach encompassing dietary modifications, regular physical activity, stress management, and adequate sleep. By prioritizing nutrient-dense foods, practicing portion control, and abstaining from excessive alcohol consumption, individuals can embark on a transformative journey towards optimal health and well-being.

**Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Results**

In the quest for weight loss, the adage "less is more" holds true. Adopting a mindset centered on portion control empowers individuals to make informed choices about their dietary habits, leading to long-term success in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. By embracing moderation and eschewing alcohol, one can pave the way for a vibrant, fulfilling life filled with vitality and vitality.

**"Mastering Portion Control: Your Key to Weight Loss Success Without Alcohol"**

Ready to kickstart your weight loss journey? Click the button below to download your free weight loss guide and learn how to master portion control for lasting results!

[Get Your Free Weight Loss Guide]

[scientia-rex]

Good morning! I have a question. When I look up info about vitamin D, I come across many claims that people generally don't get enough of it. In a recent episode of Maintenance Phase, however, the hosts called it a "scam" or overblown, at least (I don't remember the exact wording). So, like, what's the deal with vitamin D? Do Americans get enough of it?

Probably, mostly. At the very least, people should be tested before starting repletion. It probably has a role in osteoporosis treatment and prevention, BUT how much to take and what form and when is HOTLY debated and frequently conclusions are changing.

Just to take you on a spin through the most recent Cochrane reviews (THESE ARE NOT SINGLE STUDIES, in case any of the research-naive out there want to get pissy about them; look up what a Cochrane review actually is before trying to shit on it; also note that I did NOT say this will cover every fucking person and every hypothetical they can come up with, jesus CHRIST):

No role for vitamin D in asthma

Insufficient evidence to recommend it in sickle cell

Raising vitamin D levels in cystic fibrosis patients is not beneficial

No evidence of benefit of vitamin D in MS

Supplementing vitamin D in pregnancy may have small benefits but also risk of harms

No clinically significant benefit from vitamin D supplementation in chronic pain

Insufficient data on vitamin D in inflammatory bowel disease, but no evidence of benefit

No evidence of benefit of vitamin D supplementation in liver disease

Vitamin D does not appear to prevent cancer in general population

No evidence for benefit in supplementation of vitamin D in premenopausal women to prevent bone density loss

Possible small mortality benefit of D3, but not D2, in elderly patients, but also increased risk of kidney stones and hypercalcemia

Vitamin D alone ineffective, but combined with calcium may be effective, in preventing bone fractures in older adults

Insufficient evidence for vitamin D improving COVID-19 outcomes

Now, vitamin D plus calcium in people who have post-menopausal bone density loss does seem to prevent fractures. This is why doctors routinely recommend it. However, dosage and formulation are still debated as data are insufficient, and uncertainty still large.

So, do you need to supplement? Probably not. There is some fairly weak evidence that vitamin D supplementation may help with depression, but I would argue that it's going to be most relevant in people with pre-existing deficiencies, which Medicare is just hellbent on not letting me test for anymore. They've narrowed the coverage codes for testing so now even know vitamin D deficiency isn't considered a good enough reason to test. So Medicare has very clearly decided it's not relevant, for whatever that's worth, I spit on their graves, etc. Of course, then you get into the question of what counts as a deficiency, which we also really don't know.

And to be clear, I wasn't looking through the Cochrane review results with an angle--those are most of the first page of search results on their site, with the only one skipped being similar to another one I mentioned, and I stopped when I got bored. These should not be paywalled, as I am not logged into anything and I can read it all, so try clicking the side menu on the right if you have trouble getting into the weeds.

If anything, running through this little exercise has made me less likely to recommend vitamin D supplementation, so do with that what you will.