The foot’s impact on a hard surface during walking increases the flow of blood to the brain.
Steady walking of one metre a second produces pressure waves through the arteries, which “significantly increase” cerebral blood flow (CBF), according to researchers from the New Mexico Highlands University.
Although the impact with the ground is not as significant as that from running, it seems to e enough to improve blood flow. This mechanisms, according to biologists, had been thought to be involuntarily regulated and basically unaffected by exercise.
Researchers tested the effects of walking with a group of 12 volunteers (admittedly NOT a large group!). Volunteers were monitored as they stood still and when they walked steadily. The same researchers had earlier tested the blood flow of runners, whose foot impact measured around 4-5 G-force. Although the impact was far less when walking, it was still sufficient to improve brain function and create “an overall sense of wellbeing”, the researchers said.
References
Experimental Biology conference 2017, Chicago, April 24, 2017
“This is the first generation of kids that are not expected to outlive their parents.”
Despite all our medical advancements… despite all the money and all the research and all the science, incidents of chronic illness and disease are rising every year.
Asthma, childhood diabetes, food allergies, digestive disorders, developmental delays, ADHD, autism, eczema, epilepsy, Alzheimers, brain damage, etc… all of these rates are rising.
Simultaneously, the US government-required vaccine schedule for children has increased from 5 doses in 1960 to 24 doses in 1983 to 69 doses in 2016.
In fact, the US now gives 3X more childhood vaccines than most developed countries, yet the US have some of the highest rates of childhood issues NOT seen in other countries. And we all know that where the US go, we generally follow… (UK among the first followers, then the rest of the pack)
And so we have questions…
Are vaccines to blame? What are the risks we are not being told about? Where are the safety studies on the combined doses of all these vaccines? What are our alternatives to stay healthy and prevent disease?
The Truth About Vaccines is a documentary series that is bringing education and empowerment for folks to this heated debate.
This series aired mid-April 2017 but is still available to purchase.
Over 60 renowned doctors, health experts, researchers, and activists have contributed to make this the largest documentary of its kind ever released on the topic of vaccines.
If you missed the live streaming, you owe it to yourself (especially if you have a young family!) to invest in this series.
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) intake associated with a decreased risk of bone fractures in a 7-year follow-up (García-Gavilán et al., 2017). This new study involving 870 participants followed for several years indicates that regularly eating extra virgin olive oil reduced their risk of osteoporotic fractures by 51%.
TYPE of OLIVE OIL
The study used EVOO, NOT just regular “olive oil”. Regular olive oil is 80% refined, and its consumption was not associated with a lower risk of fractures in the same study. This difference might be explained by the fact that EVOO is much higher in polyphenols than standard olive oil, potentially translating into increased antioxidant capacity and positive epigenetic adaptations in the body.
ASSOCIATION vs CAUSATION
This study found an association between regular EVOO consumption and lower osteoporitic fracture. Of course, association does not imply causation, so it may be that the result is partly due to the fact that this population was pouring some EVOO on top of daily health-promoting fresh salads and vegetables. Therefore, pouring EVOO on top of fast-food burgers or similar would likely NOT reduce osteoporotic fractures in the manner that was found in this study.
HOW TO USE EVOO
You can add a little extra virgin olive oil to your salads or finished dishes, but avoid using the “extra virgin” version for high-heat cooking. This is because the combustible solids in EVOO can degrade into harmful oxidation products during high-heat cooking
COOKING OILS
For cooking, use coconut or macadamia oils, for instance. Butter will work too. Avoid using “vegetable” or “seed” oils, particularly long-life (i.e. hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated) ones. Unfortunately, it is this type of unsuitable oil that is generally used in food outlets in the UK. If you know of a restaurant where this is not done, do let me know!
IN SHORT:
Eat plain, whole foods, add a little extra virgin olive oil
Avoid boxed/processed, pre-made food and especially fast food!
Emanuela
Holistic Therapist, Personal Trainer, Pilates Specialist
www.pilatesfitness.co.uk
References
Extra virgin olive oil consumption reduces the risk of osteoporotic fractures in the PREDIMED trial, Garcia-Gavilan JF et al, Clin Nutr 2017 Jan 13. pii: S0261-5614(17)30006-7. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2016.12.030. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28143667
In 2016, E. Coli resistant to the “critically important” antibiotics were found in 24% of meat sold at all major 7 supermarkets, a 4-fold increase on 2015 figures.
24% of chicken in UK Supermarkets Positive for E. Coli RESISTANT to the “Critically Important” Drugs – source: Soil Association
HIGH Increase in Antibiotic Resistance since 2015 – source: Soil Association
Emma Rose of the Alliance to Save our Antibiotics said: “These findings show the level of antibiotic resistance on retail meat to be worse than expected. Supermarkets must now publicly commit to polices which prohibit the routine mass-medication of groups of healthy animals, and take immediate steps to reduce farm use of the ‘Critically Important’ drugs.”
Dr Ron Daniels BEM, CEO of the UK Sepsis Trust said: “This study highlights a worrying trend towards rising resistance in E.coli on UK retail meat. E.coli in people is the greatest cause of deaths from sepsis, and poor antimicrobial stewardship in intensive farming is undoubtedly contributing to this trend. It’s of paramount importance that we act decisively to reduce this immediate threat to human life.”
Why is this happening?
Antibiotic % given to farm animals – source: Soil Association
The overuse of antibiotics used to mass medicate livestock on British farms is likely to be undermining the treatment of E. coli urinary-tract and blood-poisoning infections in humans. Some of the antibiotics tested are used in far greater quantities in livestock farming than in human medicine.
Implications for Human Health
Antibiotics Overuse Creates Deadly Superbugs – source: Soil Association
Antibiotic Resistance and Decreased Effectiveness – source: Soil Association
E. coli is a serious problem – source: Soil Association
Back pain is one of the most common health problems, affecting around 80 per cent of the adult population at some point in their lives. Some researchers estimate this percentage to be higher, at least 90%.
People often take painkillers such as ibuprofen when they have low back pain. However, these drugs do not work and may well have unwelcome side effects. A new study has concluded that these risks outweigh the benefits.
STUDY FINDINGS:
Only one in six people who use an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) painkiller get any relief for their back pain
Earlier studies had already concluded that paracetamol and opioids were ineffective
So these drugs do not work for 5 out of 6 people, i.e. for the vast majority of people. Moreover, these drugs have considerable side effects: NSAIDS more than double the risk of gastro-intestinal problems, say researchers at the George Institute for Global Health in Sydney.
Researchers analysed 35 studies that had involved more than 6,000 people suffering from low back pain. The researchers’ conclusion was that there is hardly any benefit and, if there is, it is only very slight and not worth risking incurring the side effects these drugs can cause.
One of the researchers, Manuela Ferreira, said: “When you factor in the side effects which are very common, it becomes clear that these drugs are not the answer to providing pain relief to the many millions of people who suffer from this debilitating condition every year.”
Instead, a more effective therapy is urgently needed, and researchers need to explore just why low back pain is so prevalent. And this is the end of what this study was saying. You may be left wondering…
WHAT IS THE ANSWER?
While researchers spend more time on these topics, what should we do in the meantime?
Research has shown again and again that exercise has its place, particularly in keeping chronic back pain at bay.
General exercise (even tai chi) helps but specific exercise may be more helpful (more on this later on)
Not all types of movement helps back pain and “being fit” does not preclude back issues. In fact, athletes are at (greater ?) risk of sustaining a spine injury in the lower back, due to physical activity. In sports like skiing, basketball, football, ice skating, soccer, running, golf, or tennis, the spine undergoes a lot of stress, absorption of pressure, twisting, turning, and even bodily impact. This strenuous activity puts a strain on the back that can cause injury to even the fittest of athletes.
While “general physical activity” / movement may help this multifactorial problem that is back pain, some types of movement / exercise is better than other for a certain individual
Exercise that targets the specific issue is much more likely to be helpful than just general movement
Exercise which prioritises good posture and neuromuscular control is very likely to be helpful in preventing recurrence of back pain.
PILATES
Pilates is a great choice for back (especially lower back) issues. It targets not just the pain aspects but prevents painful incidents from (re-)occurring by improving our core function:
it helps improve core strength
it helps with flexibility
it results in better posture (no unnecessary back strain while at rest/sitting)
it allows us to move better, avoiding straining our backs unnecessarily during everyday movements
it helps improve athletic performance – and keeps us safer in doing so
HOW to CHOOSE the RIGHT PILATES CLASS for YOU
If you want to do Pilates to improve a back condition (or other injury), I recommend that you:
AVOID LARGE, GENERIC classes where no individual attention is given or no suitable adaptations are provided. Or classes given by non-suitably qualified instructors. In general, gym classes fall into the large and “generic” category.
Instead, LOOK FOR:
a small Pilates class (no more than 12 people) led by
a suitably knowledgeable instructor with years of experience in Pilates in a rehabilitative role or at least someone who is also a personal trainer & rehab trainer or sports massage therapist as well as Pilates instructor.
an instructor who will follow you properly during the class, adapting exercising to your needs
a fitness professional who has studied the Level 4 Back Pain specialist course
If you live in Leicester, please do consider my classes. I tick all the boxes in the “look for” category and have helped many people with various injuries (but especially lower back pain) over the years.
Emanuela at www.pilatesfitness.co.uk
References
(Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 2017; doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-210597)
Autoimmune diseases and the physical, chemical and emotional pain they create impacts millions around the world. The primary way doctors treat these diseases is to prescribe immune suppressing drugs. Unfortunately, this approach has failed to achieve a meaningful outcome and has created an even greater health crisis–what Dr. Peter Osborne calls “The Prescription Pain Trap”–which you will learn more about during this important event.
WHY ATTEND?
Dr. Osborne created The Autoimmune Revolution to help you prevent and reverse autoimmune pain. It’s time to achieve greater health and improved happiness so you can break the cycle of pain and start living again!
Register for FREE now at the following link: Register Here
Own all of the expert talks to watch at your own pace: Order here
During The Autoimmune Revolution, you’ll learn about:
Conquering chronic pain and autoimmune conditions
The connection between autoimmune diseases, diet and lifestyle choices
6 diet and behavior changes you need to make to radically improve health
Breaking the cycle of medications and dependency on allopathic treatmentsThe Autoimmune Revolution is online and free from January 30 – February 6, 2017! Register for FREE today
Own all of the expert talks to watch at your own pace (or watch after the event): Order here
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are drugs that are often prescribed for heartburn, peptic ulcers and “hearburn-like” disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
PPIs are among the most frequently (over)prescribed drugs overall and their use has been increasing sharply, especially among the elderly.
OVERPRESCRIBING
“Unfortunately, overprescribing of PPIs is reported frequently,” said researcher Britta Haenisch, PhD, from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases. According to some research, up to 70% of all PPI prescriptions could be inappropriate, she added. “In general, clinicians should follow guidelines for PPI prescription to avoid overprescribing PPIs and inappropriate use.”
This post highlights some of the reasons why you should avoid being on them for any considerable amount of time.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) Linked to Dementia
A new study has confirmed an association between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and increased risk for dementia in older patients.
The new study, by Willy Gomm, PhD, from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany, and colleagues and published online February 15 in JAMA Neurology. It is important because PPI use is so widespread and also because this was a large study of nearly 80,000 people aged 75 and over.
The results showed that 2950 patients were regularly using a PPI. These users had a significantly higher risk for dementia compared with those not taking this drug (hazard ratio [HR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36 – 1.52; P < .001).
Several confounding factors were significantly associated with increased dementia risk; for example, depression (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.24 – 1.32; P < .001) and stroke (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.29 – 1.46; P < .001).
Having diabetes and being prescribed five or more drugs other than the PPI (defined as polypharmacy) were also associated with significantly elevated dementia risk.
Researchers are not clear on how PPI use might raise dementia risk. Evidence suggests some PPIs may cross the blood–brain barrier and interact with brain enzymes and, in mice, may increase beta amyloid levels in the brain.
Although the current study did not include vitamin B12 levels, other research has linked PPI use to vitamin B12 deficiency, which has been shown to be associated with cognitive decline, Dr Haenisch noted.
The study can only provide a statistical association between PPI prescription and occurrence of dementia and does not prove that PPIs cause dementia: to evaluate the cause-and-effect relationships in the elderly, randomized, prospective clinical trials are needed.
However:
Lewis H. Kuller, MD, DrPH, from the Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, notes that even a relatively small increased risk for dementia could translate into many more people in the population having dementia.For example, he writes, a 1.4-fold increased risk, as suggested by the study, would increase the estimated incidence rate of dementia from 6.0% to about 8.4% per year.
There are several alternatives to PPIs to treat gastrointestinal disorders in the elderly. According to Dr Haenisch, these include histamine H2 receptor antagonists, prostaglandins, and antacids. Holistic therapists would be able to suggest other options that are safer and more effective in the long run.
Proton Pump Inhibitors Increase Risk of Vascular Dementia
A higher risk of heart attack, dementia and renal failure has been observed in chronic and long-term antacid users for some time. A recent study offers insights as to why this may be.
The recent study found that prolonged taking of antacids can lead to a much more rapid aging of these endothelial cells. The acidity levels within their lysosomes are also reduced; lysosomes are like the cells’ garbage disposals and require optimal acid levels to function properly. An accumulation of waste in endothelial cells also accelerates vascular decline.
Proton Pump Inhibitors Increase Risk of Ischaemic Stroke
2016: Researchers at the Danish Heart Foundation in Denmark add ischaemic stroke—the most common type—to the lethal roll call. It happens when clots block blood flowing to and from the brain.
The risk increased by up to 94 per cent for one PPI, Protonix (pantoprazole), and by 30 per cent for Prevacid (lansoprazole) if people were taking them at the highest dose. The average risk was 21 per cent.
No increase in ischaemic stroke risk was found for H2 blockers, which include Pepcid (famotidine) and Zantac (ranitidine). However, the researchers said this did not necessarily mean the drugs were any safer.
Proton Pump Inhibitors and Hypomagnesemia in General Population
A Prospective cohort study of 9,818 individuals from the general population (Rotterdam Study) found lower serum magnesium levels in people taking PPIs for long periods of time:
Serum magnesium level was 0.022 mEq/L lower in PPI users (n = 724; 95% CI, −0.032 to −0.014 mEq/L) versus those with no use. PPI use was associated with increased risk of hypomagnesemia (n = 36; OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.36–2.93) compared to no use.
People taking both PPIs and loop diuretics had even lower serum magnesium levels.
Effect modification was found between the use of PPIs and loop diuretics; in participants using loop diuretics (n = 270), PPI use was associated with a further increased risk of hypomagnesemia (n = 5; OR, 7.22; 95% CI, 1.69–30.83) compared to no use.
Including dietary magnesium intake into the model did not alter results (available for 2,504 participants, including 231 PPI users).
NOTE: The increased risk with PPIs was only seen after prolonged use (range, 182–2,618 days; OR, 2.99; 95% CI, 1.73–5.15).
Why should we care?
Severe hypomagnesemia may result in tetany, convulsions, or cardiac arrhythmias. Although mild hypomagnesemia is often asymptomatic, it may still be relevant because population studies have shown that even mild hypomagnesemia is associated with increased risk of diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and mortality.
You can find out more here: https://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esuom4/ifp/chapter/what-is-hypomagnesaemia
PPI usage may increase the risk of infections
PPI intake favours bacterial infections including:
spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients
pneumonia or Clostridium difficile colitis
PPIs, Liver Disease, and Mortality in Patients With Cirrhosis
Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are widely used in patients with liver diseases
Yet, this study found that PPI use is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with cirrhosis.
PPIs and Osteoporosis / Fractures
PPIs are also suspected of increasing the risk of osteoporotic fractures.
In recent years, the FDA (Food and Drug Administratio, in 2010) and the EMA (European Medicines Agency, in 2012) have issued safety warnings about the risk of fractures of the hip, wrist and spine associated with use of PPIs (see references). As is often the case, the risk was not recognised in RCTs prior to post-marketing epidemiological studies. Both regulators reported there was a possible increase in fracture risk particularly if PPIs are used in high dose and over prolonged periods (> 1 year).
The most recent meta-analysis of observational studies (mostly of postmenopausal women and older men), found the risk of hip fracture was increased in those taking PPIs by 10%- 50% while the risk for spine fractures increased 30%-80%, although heterogeneity was seen in the data leading to wide confidence intervals. The elevated risk remained when the data were stratified according to duration of use, with either short- (<1 year) or longer-term use (>1 year).
In 2014, an Australian publication for Health Professionals was recommending that health professionals regularly review prescriptions for PPIs, prescribe the lowest dose needed, and only for the period of time needed (many people do not relapse after the first course). This seems sensible advice, along with considering alternative measures (alternative medications and also lifestyle interventions, which should be the first line of defense).
If you are at increased risk of osteoporosis for any reason (genetics, comorbidities), you would be better off avoiding taking PPIs, especially for long periods of time. Talk to your doctor about alternatives to PPIs. Holistic practitioners like myself also have a whole arsenal of lifestyle interventions that can help you avoid the need for PPIs in most cases. Let me know if you are struggling with this or similar issues.
Ramsay EN, Pratt NL, Ryan P, Roughead EE. Proton pump inhibitors and the risk of pneumonia: a comparison of cohort and self-controlled case series designs. BMC Med Res Methodol 2013; 13: 82
MacLaren R, Reynolds PM, Allen RR. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists vs proton pump inhibitors on gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage and infectious complications in the intensive care unit. JAMA Intern Med 2014; 174: 564–74.
European Medicines Agency. Proton-pump inhibitors – risk of bone fracture. Pharmacovigilance Working Party (PHVWP). Monthly report on safety concerns, guidelines and general matters 2012.
