Then and now, LSD is followed by controversy. Considered mind-altering, some proponents believe it lowers brain barriers and opens consciousness.

But, it’s illegal, and not without risk. It can cause hallucinations that can persist and may be linked to schizophrenia, rapid heart rate, increased body temperature, delusions and even psychosis.

That hasn’t stopped researchers from exploring the potential health benefits of the drug. It’s been tested as a treatment for stroke-related brain damage as well as for depression, anxiety and addiction — because it can shift blood flow in the brain, reduce negative emotions and induce blissful states.

Obviously, it would be great if there were a way to get the benefits of LSD without any of the risks. One research team may be onto how — and it’s literally as easy as breathing…

Peak Vitality^™

Your adrenal glands support essential functions from metabolism to stress response. But when they become fatigued, problems with sleep quality, unwanted weight gain, moodiness, energy levels and more can take your vitality for a dive. Nutrients called “adaptogens” help restore balance and improve… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Breathwork could reduce psychological distress

Use of breathwork as a therapeutic tool for psychological distress is becoming more popular because some versions of it can lead to altered states of consciousness (ASCs) similar to those evoked by psychedelic substances like LSD.

High-ventilation breathwork (HVB), which involves gradually increasing the rate and depth of ventilation, has strong potential as a non-pharmacological alternative for treating psychological distress.

However, the neurobiological mechanisms and subjective experience underlying HVB’s impact on taking the mind to an altered state haven’t been studied extensively.

To fill this information gap, Amy Amla Kartar of Brighton and Sussex Medical School in the United Kingdom and colleagues characterized ASCs induced by HVB in experienced practitioners. They did so by analyzing self-reported data from 15 individuals who participated online, eight who participated in the lab, and 19 who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

They participated in a 20- to 30-minute session of cyclic breathing without pausing while listening to music. Then they answered a series of questionnaires within 30 minutes of finishing the breathwork session.

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The results were impressive. During all experimental sessions, participants reported reduced fear and negative emotions, with no adverse reactions. Across participants and experimental settings, HVB reliably enhanced ASCs dominated by Oceanic Boundlessness (OBN).

OBN is a term describing a set of feelings that include spiritual experiences, insightfulness, a blissful state, positively experienced depersonalization, and the experience of unity. It’s considered a defining aspect of ASCs evoked by psychedelics like psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms.”

The intensity of ASCs evoked by HVB caused a profound decrease in blood flow to parts of the brain implicated in representing the internal state of the body, including breathing, while increasing blood flow to brain regions involved in the processing of emotional memories. These blood flow changes correlated with psychedelic experiences, meaning they may be the source of the positive effects of the breathwork.

Interestingly, the intensity of HVB-induced ASCs was proportional to cardiovascular sympathetic activation, as indicated by a decrease in heart rate variability. This suggests a potential stress response, indicating that the positive changes induced by ASCs may occur even while the body’s stress response is activated.

Peak PS^™

Support Stong Cognition with One of the Most Tested Nutrients for Brain Health and Memory!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Getting started with breathwork

In short, this type of breathwork, combined with music, appears to induce altered states resembling those of psychedelics, calming negative emotions while reshaping brain activity.

The researchers caution that more research is needed. Still, the research—the first to use neuroimaging to map the neurophysiological changes caused by breathwork—indicates that breathwork may be a powerful tool in addressing psychological conditions.

You can find plenty of information online to practice breathwork. However, it’s not recommended to practice high-ventilation breathwork on your own, at least not until you have become adept at it.

It’s more intense, and without an experienced therapy guide during a session, you could experience dizziness, hyperventilation, fainting, or even become emotionally overwhelmed.

Seek a referral from a functional medicine clinic, specialist, counselor or wellness spa in your area to connect with a knowledgeable therapist  — and get ready to feel the bliss.

Sources:

Scientists reveal how breathwork unlocks psychedelic bliss in the brain — ScienceDaily

Neurobiological substrates of altered states of consciousness induced by high ventilation breathwork accompanied by music — PLOS One

LSD — Drugs.com

What is ‘breathwork’? And do I need to do it? — University of Wollongong Australia

High ventilation breathwork practices: An overview of their effects, mechanisms, and considerations for clinical applications — Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews

The post Unlock bliss to relieve anxiety, depression and more appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Naturally, I’m conscientious about salt in my diet. I don’t even own a saltshaker! And I take a daily pill that keeps my blood pressure under control.

I’m one of the lucky ones. For many people with hypertension, medication is not effective. And until now, the reason for this was a mystery.

Science has always believed that hypertension begins in the kidneys, and medications are based on this assumption.

However, new brain imaging techniques are now proving that we’ve got it all wrong…

Peak Krill Oil^™

You probably already know how important omega-3s are to support heart and brain health. But there are five reasons you may be getting yours from a less than adequate source, starting with a powerful antioxidant that delivers DHA into your brain cells… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Too much salt may inflame the brain

It’s commonly thought that hypertension begins in the kidneys, which filter blood to regulate the amount of sodium and water in the body.

When blood pressure rises, the kidneys excrete more sodium and water to reduce blood volume and lower pressure.

High blood pressure also damages the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys, triggering the release of the hormone renin, which in turn causes hypertension. Thus, a vicious cycle occurs.

But now we’re learning that when high blood pressure is resistant to treatment, it may be that the drugs are aimed at the wrong organ and the wrong hormone.

Researchers at McGill University in Montreal have discovered that cases of drug-resistant hypertension may originate not in the kidneys but in the brain.

They gave rats a solution of water and two percent salt. This is comparable to a daily diet high in fast food and processed foods like bacon.

The high-salt diet activated immune cells in a specific brain region, leading to inflammation and a surge in another hormone, vasopressin, which also increases blood pressure.

The researchers used rats instead of the more commonly studied mice because rats regulate salt and water more like humans. That makes the findings more likely to apply to people, noted lead author Prof. Masha Prager-Khoutorsky.

“This is new evidence that high blood pressure can originate in the brain, opening the door for developing treatments that act on the brain,” says Prof. Prager-Khoutorsky.

Peak Thyroid Support^™

Specially Formulated with Essential Nutrients to Support Healthy Thyroid Function!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Avoid triggers that raise blood pressure

Giving up salt can be difficult, but an alternative that most people don’t know about is potassium-enriched salt.

It looks the same as traditional salt (sodium chloride), except some of the sodium chloride has been replaced with potassium chloride.

Not only does this salt help reduce your sodium intake, but potassium also works to strengthen your heart muscles.

But in light of this new connection between the brain and inflammation, lowering inflammation should be addressed.

A safe and easy way to do that is by adding omega-3s to your diet by eating fatty fish weekly or supplementing.

An analysis published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has identified the optimal daily amount of omega-3s needed to lower blood pressure.

However, hidden sources of sodium can sabotage all of these efforts. Be sure to check labels, especially on condiments and processed foods.

Finally, another one that most people don’t know: not all hypertension triggers are edible. Other proven hypertension triggers include:

• Loneliness
• Sleep apnea
• Thyroid problems
• Antidepressants
• Holding on to a full bladder
• Cold and migraine medications

I hope the information I’ve given you here has provided some good ammunition against hypertension.

Sources:

Too much salt can hijack your brain — Science Daily

Microglia regulate neuronal activity via structural remodeling of astrocytes — Neuron

The post Resistant blood pressure linked to surprising cause of brain inflammation appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Sounds perfect, right?

Not exactly.

What good is losing weight and looking trim if your memories are slowly being erased?

Take a look at the newest research on artificial sweeteners and what they do to your cognitive abilities…

Peak Organic Superfruits^™

Blend of anthocyanin-rich, organic fermented fruits — including Aronia, Acia, Blueberry, Pomegranate and Plum — that can help clobber insulin resistance, and keep you healthy. MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Artificial sweeteners steal your brain power

A large Brazilian study has found that the most common artificial sweeteners — those found in diet sodas, flavored waters, and processed snacks — are strongly associated with a decline in memory and loss of cognitive skills.

The study looked at seven low- and no-calorie sweeteners. You’ve probably seen some of these on your soda, chewing gum, or snack labels:

• aspartame
• saccharine
• acesulfame-K
• erythritol
• xylitol
• sorbitol
• tagatose

The study followed 12,772 adults for an average of eight years. At the start, participants completed questionnaires about what they ate and drank during the past year. They were then broken up into three groups based on the total amount of artificial sweeteners they’d consumed.

All participants were given cognitive tests at the start, middle, and end of the study to track memory, language, and thinking skills over time. These tests looked at things like verbal fluency, working memory, word recall, and processing speed.

Peak Bladder Support^™

Unique Formula Helps Reduce Urgency or the Immediate Urge to “Go” and Decreases Nighttime Bathroom Visits for More Restful Sleep!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

People who consumed the highest amount of these sweeteners showed a 62 percent faster decline in overall thinking and memory skills than those who consumed the lowest amount — the equivalent of 1.6 years of extra brain aging.

Just to give you some perspective, for aspartame, a common sweetener, the highest amount was equal to drinking just one can of soda per day!

Other findings:

• People under the age of 60 who consumed the highest amounts of sweeteners showed faster declines in verbal fluency and overall cognition.
• The link to faster cognitive decline was stronger in participants with diabetes than in those without diabetes.

Peak Blood Flow^™

Supports Healthy Circulation to your Heart, Brain, Lungs, Eyes and Extremities!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Alternatives to artificial sweeteners

This isn’t the first time the alarm has sounded about the impact of artificial sweeteners on cognition.

In 2017, a study at Boston University found that people who drank diet soda daily were almost three times as likely to develop stroke and dementia when compared to those who did not.

In case you’re not already convinced to give up those diet sodas, here are some other scary things that artificial sweeteners can do to you:

• Xylitol (used in sugar-free chewing gum) and erythritol (found in sweeteners like Splenda) have been strongly associated with “sticky” blood that leads to stroke.
• The World Health Organization lists aspartame (found in everything from bread to hot cocoa to jam to vitamins) as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”

Fortunately, there are healthier alternatives to sweetening your food and drink. And if you don’t overdo it, there’s no need to worry about the calories.

• Honey – known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties
• Maple syrup – contains manganese and potassium, and has a lower glycemic index
• Coconut sugar – made from the sap of the coconut palm
• Stevia – a plant-based sweetener with no calories and no effect on blood sugar
• Monk fruit – a natural sweetener with a sweetness level 300 times higher than sugar, and no calories or carbohydrates

So if you’re looking to stay healthy by losing those extra pounds, make sure you don’t lose your mind power, too.

Sources:

Sweeteners in diet drinks may steal years from the brain — Science Daily

Association Between Consumption of Low- and No-Calorie Artificial Sweeteners and Cognitive Decline — Neurology

The post Why diet drinks can prematurely age your brain appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

The main reason it’s top of mind is that at least one-third of all American adults have it.

If you’re one of them, you face an elevated risk of stroke, kidney disease and dementia, just to name a few dangerous conditions it can lead to.

Recently, researchers have uncovered another neurological condition they believe is strongly associated with MetS — one that steals both your body and your mind.

Here’s more about that discovery, and how you can keep MetS from wrecking your life

Peak Organic Superfruits^™

Blend of anthocyanin-rich, organic fermented fruits — including Aronia, Acia, Blueberry, Pomegranate and Plum — that can help clobber insulin resistance, and keep you healthy. MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Components of MetS linked to Parkinson’s symptoms

In a large-scale study, an international group of researchers has determined that having metabolic syndrome was tied to a greater risk of Parkinson’s disease.

The study followed 467,200 subjects over a period of almost 15 years. In participants with MetS, there were 5.21 new cases of Parkinson’s per 10,000 person-years; in those without MetS, only 4.87 new cases.

While the researchers acknowledge that some of these people may have had a genetic predisposition toward Parkinson’s, they still identify several potential mechanisms by which MetS may lead to Parkinson’s.

First, the individual components of MetS, including hypertension, high blood triglycerides and high blood sugar, may each contribute to insulin resistance, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. All of these, in turn, may lead to changes in neuroinflammation, but insulin resistance especially has a long history of harming the brain.

Second, hypertension and high fat in the blood can lead to white matter lesions in the brain, which may further contribute to the development of Parkinson’s symptoms.

Peak Maximum Endurance^™

Supports Improved Oxygen Levels… Healthy Circulation… and Balanced Hormones for Better Overall Health!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

How to avoid MetS

It’s clear that MetS is a lot more than just being overweight and having high blood sugar.

But there are clues you can follow even before you measure your waist or take your blood pressure:

• You crave carbs and sweets
• You’re tired and sluggish, no matter how much sleep you get
• You put on weight easily, but have a hard time losing it
• You feel sluggish after eating
• Your blood pressure is rising steadily over time
• Your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol keeps climbing

Anything you can do to keep from developing this syndrome will lower your risk of any number of life-threatening conditions.

So where do you start?

Maintain a healthy weight through your diet and physical activity. You may want to consider a Mediterranean diet or its first cousin, the MIND diet. Both diets have been shown to delay the onset of Parkinson’s and prevent MetS.

Control blood sugar. If you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, follow your doctor’s recommendations for managing blood sugar levels.

Manage cholesterol. Maintain healthy cholesterol levels by eating a heart-healthy diet and, if needed, taking cholesterol-lowering medications.

Limit alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to metabolic syndrome.

Get regular sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Talk to your doctor. If you have a family history of MetS or any of its components, or if you are at high risk, talk to your doctor about preventive measures.

Sources:

Parkinson’s Risk Rises With Metabolic Syndrome  — Medpage Today

Metabolic Syndrome and Incidence of Parkinson Disease — Neurology

The post The surprisingly common syndrome linked to Parkinson’s appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Your heart? Your lungs?

Nope. It’s your brain.

Your brain accounts for only 2 percent of your body’s weight, but it uses 20 percent of your body’s total energy.

The energy that fuels the brain is produced by mitochondria, organelles located inside every cell in the body, commonly known as “the powerhouse of the cell.”

Unfortunately, quite a few things can mess with our mitochondria and keep them from producing the energy the brain needs, like environmental toxins, physical inactivity, poor nutrition and aging — all of which lead to oxidative stress.

When this happens, the result can be neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

These conditions have always been considered irreversible — they only get worse with time.

But for the first time, thanks to a groundbreaking study, there’s hope of reversing memory loss.

And it all comes back to that “powerhouse of the cell” — the mitochondria.

Peak BP Platinum^™

We eat right and exercise to help maintain our blood pressure levels within a normal range. Sometimes it still just isn’t enough. But there are clinically-tested nutritional ingredients that support arterial health to help keep blood pressure levels… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Boosting mitochondria can restore memory

A group of Canadian researchers has found that mitochondrial dysfunction can cause the cognitive symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

This is a really big deal. Using a new tool, these researchers have shown that not only are dysfunctional mitochondria associated with these diseases — they’ve established a “causal link,” a term you rarely hear in research.

The tool is an artificial receptor that activates specific proteins within the mitochondria, which stimulates mitochondrial activity.

In the Canadian research, the activation of these proteins in the brain cells of mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases successfully increased their mitochondrial activity.

More importantly, it restored their memory performance. In other words, the study linked impaired mitochondria to dementia symptoms and showed that boosting mitochondrial activity can restore memory in animals.

“This work is the first to establish a cause-and-effect link between mitochondrial dysfunction and symptoms related to neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that impaired mitochondrial activity could be at the origin of the onset of neuronal degeneration,” explains Dr. Giovanni Marsicano, co-senior author of the study.

And according to Dr. Étienne Hébert Chatelain, another co-senior author of the study, “Ultimately, the tool we developed could help us identify the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for dementia and facilitate the development of effective therapeutic targets.”

Peak Maximum Endurance^™

Supports Improved Oxygen Levels… Healthy Circulation… and Balanced Hormones for Better Overall Health!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

How to support your mitochondria

These findings confirm older research that links impaired mitochondrial activity with Alzheimer’s.

A 2017 study found that by stimulating the natural self-protective mechanisms of mitochondria, amyloid plaque (a hallmark of Alzheimer’s) was reduced and cognitive decline reversed in mice.

So, it’s pretty clear that we should support our mitochondria… but how do we do that?

CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is a vitamin-like compound produced by the body. PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) is a natural enzyme similar to CoQ10 and found in tofu, green tea, and spinach. Both of these have been shown to support and even replenish mitochondria, which naturally decrease in production after age 40.

It isn’t easy to get a therapeutic dose of PQQ from food. The best thing is to supplement with at least 5 to 20 mg per day of PQQ, and/or 50 to 100 mg of CoQ10.

An anti-inflammatory diet rich in probiotics goes a long way toward protecting your mitochondria. Eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt (or taking a supplement) as well as adding green leafy veggies, blueberries, salmon and avocado to your diet will help.

Aside from your diet, the usual candidates for promoting wellness will also help strengthen your mitochondria…

Avoid stress. Chronic stress leads to chronic inflammation. Meditation, massage, aromatherapy, or a hot bath… find the relaxation technique that works for you.

Get enough sleep. Getting less than six hours of restful sleep a night has been linked to markers of chronic inflammation.

Exercise. No need to join a gym. A brisk walk every day will do the trick and help you slash your risk of inflammation.

Sources:

Scientists reversed memory loss by powering the brain’s tiny engines — Science Daily

Potentiation of mitochondrial function by mitoDREADD-Gs reverses pharmacological and neurodegenerative cognitive impairment in mice — Nature Neuroscience

Healthy mitochondria could stop Alzheimer’s — Science Daily

The post Reviving the brain’s energy can reverse memory loss appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

They say that one of the most impressive of these superfoods is a common fruit that’s not only readily available at your local grocery store, but also one that most people enjoy.

And if you need an excuse to enjoy it more often, consider the 1,600 health-boosting compounds that can improve your health status — starting with these six benefits…

Peak Organic Superfruits^™

Blend of anthocyanin-rich, organic fermented fruits — including Aronia, Acia, Blueberry, Pomegranate and Plum — that can help clobber insulin resistance, and keep you healthy. MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Your body on grapes

A study review by a leading cancer researcher at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University scoured over sixty peer-reviewed studies on the health benefits of grapes.

According to those scientists, there are over 1,600 compounds fueling the health-boosting power of grapes. A significant advantage is that the compounds fall into the categories of antioxidants and polyphenols — both of which are considered bioactive compounds.

Bioactive compounds possess diverse biological activities and can interact with biological membranes, receptors and enzymes to influence cellular processes. According to the National Institutes of Health, bioactive compounds are strong enough to exert “changes in health status,” and help prevent myriad diseases.

Those 1,600 reasons make eating grapes a simple and effective way to support head-to-toe health, starting with these six health issues…

#1 – Improved heart health

The research revealed that the benefits grapes bring to cardiovascular health are well established. Grapes are known for promoting relaxation of blood vessels and healthy circulation (which supports blood pressure in the normal range), as well as modulating cholesterol levels.

#2 – Cognitive support

Beyond the heart, clinical trials have shown that grapes deliver powerful support for better brain health, promoting brain metabolism (energy production) and improving cognition. One study found that taking a small dose of resveratrol (found in the skin of grapes) regularly not only improves cognitive function but can also improve blood flow and brain health.

#3 – Beautiful skin

Compounds found in the skin of grapes enhance skin health by increasing resistance to UV radiation and DNA damage at the cellular level. Researchers believe polyphenols, natural antioxidant components found in grapes, are responsible for these beneficial effects.

#4 – Balanced gut microbiome

Grape compounds boost and support overall gut health. Eating grapes has been shown to increase the levels of a type of probiotic bacteria, an enzyme that promotes metabolic detoxification, and enhance the overall diversity of the gut microbiome.

#5 – Eye health

If that weren’t already enough, grapes also contain potent support for your eyes. Beneficial compounds promote retinal health by increasing the optical density of macular pigment (MPOD), a crucial factor in protecting the eyes from harmful blue light and oxidative stress.

#6 – Youthful muscles

Do you worry that family genes can set you up for sickness or early death? Grape consumption has been shown to alter gene expression in relevant body systems. According to leading resveratrol and cancer researcher John M. Pezzuto, Ph.D., D.Sc., Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University, it’s this ability to affect activities at the genetic level that is likely the driving force behind the health-boosting power of grapes.

For example, studies have shown that eating grapes can positively alter gene expression in muscle health. By promoting genes linked to lean muscle mass and reducing those associated with muscle degeneration, adding grapes to your diet could help counteract age-related muscle loss. This effect is especially pronounced in women.

Peak Vision Support^™

Unique Dual Nutrient Formula Supports Healthy, Clear Vision and Protects Eyes from Blue Light!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Great compounds in grapes

So what specific compounds fuel the incredible benefits attributed to grapes? Here are just a few of the special compounds you can fill your body with by eating grapes regularly — and how they promote health…

• Flavonoids – Responsible for the rainbow of colors found in fruits and veggies, these compounds boost the brain’s blood supply and slow its aging and offer blood pressure benefits to boot. Just be sure to diversify your flavonoids to ditch disease and live longer.
• Anthocyanidins – These pigments are known for their antioxidant properties and health benefits, like reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
• Catechins – Another type of antioxidant, catechins are also famously found in green tea. They’re known for their role in reducing inflammation, improving heart health and enhancing brain function. They may also aid in weight management.
• Phenolic acids – These acids are best known for their antioxidant properties and potent support for reducing inflammation, improving gut health and guarding against chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.
• Resveratrol – A potent antioxidant from the skin of red grapes, resveratrol is a health-promoting powerhouse. It reduces brain aging and protects the brain’s barrier, fights muscle loss, promotes heart health and even combats the effects of a high-fat diet and Alzheimer’s.

Enjoy grapes daily to support your best health!

Sources:

This common fruit has over 1,600 compounds that boost brain, heart, and gut health — ScienceDaily

Scientists Discover Surprising New Benefits of Eating Grapes — SciTechDaily

WNE Research Finds Grape Consumption Enhances Muscle Health — WNE

The secret to lower blood pressure with flavonoid – Easy Health Options

Foods that slow brain aging by boosting its blood supply – Easy Health Options

Health benefits of anthocyanins against age-related diseases — Frontiers

Beneficial Properties of Green Tea Catechins — NIH

Phenolic Acids: Sources, Definition, and Health Benefits — Biology Insights

How resveratrol helps fight muscle loss and fatigue — Easy Health Options

Resveratrol fights effects of a high-fat diet and Alzheimer’s — Easy Health Options

The post 1,600 reasons to eat this underappreciated superfruit appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Women often face dramatically higher risks for certain health dangers, and even very different symptoms for conditions that men may also suffer from, leading to confusion over diagnoses and treatment, and poorer outcomes.

It’s a phenomenon that has been most recognized in women’s heart health. However, the female brain also faces unique risks…

For decades, researchers have been trying to identify the exact reasons why two-thirds of people who develop Alzheimer’s are women.

Along the way, they’ve found that…

• Changes in a female hormone, known as follicle-stimulating hormone (or FSH), during menopause contribute to brain changes associated with memory loss and other Alzheimer’s symptoms.
• The loss of estrogen with age reduces energy to the brain and can cause it to age more quickly, leading to the formation of amyloid plaques, the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Women with increased numbers of large particle HDL (even though it’s known as ‘good cholesterol’) run a higher risk of developing dementia.

But there’s more…

According to scientists from King’s College London and Queen Mary University London, a startling omega-3 deficiency may explain women’s Alzheimer’s risk — another risk factor that men do not share.

Peak Vitality^™

Your adrenal glands support essential functions from metabolism to stress response. But when they become fatigued, problems with sleep quality, unwanted weight gain, moodiness, energy levels and more can take your vitality for a dive. Nutrients called “adaptogens” help restore balance and improve… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

A noticeable loss of essential fatty acids

For their research, the scientists analyzed blood samples and measured brain inflammation and brain damage in 841 participants, divided into three groups: those with Alzheimer’s disease, those with mild cognitive impairment, and cognitively healthy individuals.

They then focused on the lipid (fat) content in the blood to determine the balance of unhealthy, saturated fats to healthy, unsaturated lipids (omega-3 essential fatty acids).

According to senior study author Dr. Cristina Legido-Quigley, “Women are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and are more often diagnosed with the disease than men after the age of 80. One of the most surprising things we saw when looking at the different sexes was that there was no difference in these lipids in healthy and cognitively impaired men, but for women, this picture was completely different.”

In fact, the scientists say that not only did women with Alzheimer’s show a steep increase in harmful lipids, they also experienced a sharp loss of healthy omega fatty acids.

The researchers believe this marked drop in protective omega fats found in female patients could explain why women are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia more often than men.

Peak Krill Oil^™

Supports Heart Health, Immunity and Moods, Naturally!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Feed your brain what it needs

The good news is that, despite the increased risks women face regarding cognitive decline, this provides a good starting point for reducing those risks…

As Dr. Legido-Quigley points out, “Our study suggests that women should make sure they are getting omega fatty acids in their diet — through fatty fish or via supplements.”

The Mediterranean-style diet focuses on fatty fish, olive oil, lean meats and plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. This type of diet has been shown to reduce cognitive decline.

But for brain-saving omega-3 benefits, past research has shown that dosage matters. That’s because only a small percentage of the omega-3s, specifically DHA and EPA, reach your brain from the bloodstream. And if you’re a carrier of the Alzheimer’s gene APOE4, even less makes it to the brain.

Aim for at least 2 grams daily, and that can be as a combination of fish oil supplements and fish in the diet a couple of times a week. The FDA says that you can safely take up to 3 grams of omega-3 supplements containing EPA and DHA per day. 

However, many people who start supplementing with fish oil stop for reasons that include indigestion and fish burps. I found a way around that by taking krill oil supplements instead. It’s a cleaner source of omega-3s and sits much better on your stomach.

Krill is also rich in astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that challenges aging by protecting against oxidative stress and the inflammation that’s considered the root of disease, from Alzheimer’s to heart disease.

If you are on blood thinners, talk to your physician before adding fish oil or krill oil supplements to your daily routine.

Sources:

A startling omega-3 deficiency may explain women’s Alzheimer’s risk – ScienceDaily

The post The startling deficiency behind Alzheimer’s in women appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

For the lucky few who survive the event, an almost insurmountable challenge lies ahead. Stroke is the leading cause of permanent disability in adults. Speech problems, strength and mobility issues and memory loss are just a few of the impacts of stroke.

Right now, no approved treatment reverses the damage caused by stroke in the U.S. But that hasn’t stopped researchers from trying. And one team may have hit upon a drug that could do the trick — and nip a few other diseases in the bud as well…

Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™

Your body is exposed to an onslaught of chemicals and pollutants daily. Once inside, they travel a superhighway – your circulatory system – reaching every inch of your body and interfering with vital functions. Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™ is formulated with nutrients that help flush these harmful toxins out of your body! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

GAI-17 could help heal stroke damage

Acute ischemic stroke is caused by blockage in an artery feeding blood to the brain, which cuts off its oxygen supply and causes cell damage and death.

Researchers in Japan developed a mouse model of acute ischemic stroke to investigate the role of toxic aggregation of the glycolytic enzyme, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). This multifunctional protein is associated with the development of many difficult-to-treat brain and nervous system diseases.

The mice were subjected to 30 minutes of ischemia (stroke) followed by periods of reperfusion, and researchers determined that ischemia-reperfusion-induced GAPDH aggregates led to cell death and paralysis in the mice. By creating a construct encoding human GAPDH-C152A, the team was able to inhibit the aggregation of mouse GAPDH.

Next, the researchers developed and optimized a GAPDH aggregation inhibitor (GAI) to see if using a drug to inhibit GAPDH aggregation could prevent ischemic brain damage and be a therapeutic approach for acute ischemic stroke.

When this inhibitor, known as GAI-17, was given to the mice with acute strokes, there was a significantly lower level of brain cell death and paralysis compared to untreated mice.

Considering that stroke is a condition in which time is essential for successful treatment, it’s promising that improvements were observed in the mice even when GAI-17 was administered six hours after the stroke.

And that’s not even all GAI-17 may do…

“The GAPDH aggregation inhibitor we have developed is expected to be a single drug that can treat many intractable neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease,” says Hidemitsu Nakajima, a professor at Osaka Metropolitan University who led the study team.

Peak Krill Oil^™

You probably already know how important omega-3s are to support heart and brain health. But there are five reasons you may be getting yours from a less than adequate source, starting with a powerful antioxidant that delivers DHA into your brain cells… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Prevention and stroke support

To sum up, GAI-17 shielded mouse brains from stroke damage, restored movement, worked up to six hours after onset, and did so without harm. Plus, it may be used to treat various neurodegenerative diseases in addition to stroke.

It will be exciting to see if studies in humans reveal the same promising effects that could lead to an approved treatment.

In alternative medicine, many natural compounds have shown promise in helping survivors of stroke…

According to a preliminary study presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2024, ginkgo biloba may hold promise for patients recovering from ischemic stroke, particularly when it comes to recovering their cognitive ability.

So, it’s not at all surprising that IV preparations of ginkgo biloba’s active ingredients are widely used in China as a complementary treatment for ischemic stroke.

A study published in the journal Stroke found that both coffee and green tea have varying degrees of benefit for stroke survivors as well.

However, your best defense against stroke is a good offense. Taking steps to reduce your stroke risk includes:

• Quitting smoking: According to one study, people who smoked were 1.9 times more likely to have a severe stroke and 1.7 times more likely to have a mild to moderate stroke than people who were not smokers.
• Managing blood pressure: That same study found people with high blood pressure were 3.2 times more likely to have a severe stroke and 2.9 times more likely to have a mild to moderate stroke than people without high blood pressure.
• Controlling your blood sugar: Elevated blood sugar is a risk factor for stroke, so do your best to avoid developing diabetes.
• Eating a healthy diet: Avoid foods high in saturated fats, sodium and added sugars. This will help with managing blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol as well.
• Exercising: Physical inactivity can increase your stroke risk, so aim for at least a few days a week of moderate-intensity exercise, such as a brisk walk, a run, a bike ride, or a swim.

Sources:

Six-hour ‘undo’ button: GAI-17 rewinds stroke damage and may beat Alzheimer’s — ScienceDaily

Inhibition of GAPDH aggregation as a potential treatment for acute ischemic stroke — iScience

Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics 2025 Update — American Heart Association

Stroke Recovery: Dealing with Long-Term Disability After a Stroke — American Brain Foundation

Risk Factors Under Your Control — American Stroke Association

The post The drug that could heal stroke — and a lot more appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But what would be even better is if we could do the same thing for our brains.

After all, the accumulation of damaging amyloid proteins in our brains is what leads to memory problems and puts us on the path to severe cognitive decline.

Now, researchers are discovering how to scrub our brains clean with the power of two natural compounds that, when combined, reverse age-related cellular deficits and improve the brain cells’ ability to clear away damaging buildup.

Here’s what you need to know…

Peak Longevity Platinum^™

Every cell in the body depends on mitochondria for energy. Together, cells and mitochondria are building blocks for life and health. But mitochondria wear out with age, which leaves cells unable to create the energy they need to function properly… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Energy decline equals protein buildup

According to the researchers, the problems with aging in our brains are due to a lack of energy. That’s probably not a surprise to any of us who have found it more challenging to concentrate and focus with every passing year.

Lead author Gregory Brewer explains that, “As people age, their brains show a decline in neuronal energy levels, which limits the ability to remove unwanted proteins and damaged components.”

A contributor to this buildup is declining levels of guanosine triphosphate, an essential energy molecule for mitochondria — your brain’s energy hubs.

Think of it this way…

Your brain has a natural system that acts like a vacuum cleaner, sucking up and getting rid of amyloid proteins. But it has to have the energy available to power that vacuum.

The solution? Reinstate youthful levels of guanosine triphosphate — and that’s what Brewer and his team are working on…

The supplements that provide the solution

They discovered that a combination of naturally occurring compounds — nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and epigallocatechin gallate (a green tea antioxidant) — restored brain energy levels in aged neurons to those typically seen in younger cells in just 24 hours.

And this revival triggered a cascade of benefits, including improved energy metabolism and efficient clearance of amyloid beta aggregates — hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

According to Brewer, “We found that restoring energy levels helps neurons regain this critical cleanup function.”

Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™

Helps flush harmful toxins from your body that interfere with vital functions!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

To top it off, restoring brain energy levels also reduced oxidative stress, which leads to neurodegeneration in the brain.

Past research has shown that limiting oxidative stress can reduce the damage typically caused by beta-amyloid.

As Brewer points out, “By supplementing the brain’s energy systems with compounds that are already available as dietary supplements, we may have a new path toward treating age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.”

It seems then that the one-two supplement punch of nicotinamide and epigallocatechin gallate could be the start to revving up mitochondrial energy in the brain and cleaning out cognitive decline for better brain health — no matter what your age.

However, we’re not there yet…

He cautioned, “More work is going to be required to find the best way to administer this treatment, since a recent clinical trial involving UC Irvine researchers showed that oral nicotinamide was not very effective because of inactivation in the bloodstream.”

Until then, you can read here about how to start supporting your power-generating mitochondria today.

Sources:

UC Irvine researchers find combination of natural compounds for brain cleaning — EurekAlert!

The post Researchers find ‘cleaning combo’ clears brain buildup appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

It’s a devastation I’ve seen first-hand, since my mom was diagnosed with the disease when I was still in elementary school.

However, she had been living with constant challenges for close to a decade before she was ever diagnosed…

For years, she was shuffled from doctor to doctor looking for answers to why she was so exhausted she couldn’t get out of bed, why she cried for no apparent reason or why her eyes bothered her.

It was almost a relief when she was diagnosed because at least there was a name for the issues plaguing her life.

And it meant that she could finally start looking for treatments that might help, rather than just trying to survive each day.

Now, researchers are revealing that not only does MS start sooner than doctors believed, but that there are three types of issues patients commonly experience that could help identify the disease and offer access to early interventions.

As it turns out, my mom suffered from all of them…

Peak Krill Oil^™

You probably already know how important omega-3s are to support heart and brain health. But there are five reasons you may be getting yours from a less than adequate source, starting with a powerful antioxidant that delivers DHA into your brain cells… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

A vague confluence of symptoms

Researchers at the University of British Columbia started with the health and insurance data of more than 12,000 people. One thing stood out: People with MS began using healthcare services at elevated rates 15 years before their first obvious neurological symptoms appeared.

Some of the most common complaints they sought help for in the decade and a half leading up to a diagnosis included fatigue, anxiety and pain.

But because symptoms like these are considered vague, they’re often ignored or mistaken for other conditions.

Fortunately, because this study went further back into patient history, these findings may help doctors recognize early warning signs that could lead to earlier detection and intervention.

Compared to the general population, patients eventually diagnosed with MS had a steady buildup of engagement with healthcare providers that looked like this:

• 15 years before recognized symptom onset: Visits to general practice physicians increase, especially for symptoms like fatigue, pain, anxiety, dizziness and depression.
• 12 years before: Visits to a psychiatrist increase.
• Eight to nine years before: Visits to neurologists and ophthalmologists increase, possibly due to issues like blurry vision or eye pain.
• Three to five years before: Emergency medicine and radiology visits increase.
• One year before: Doctors’ visits reach a peak, with trips to neurology, emergency medicine and radiology.

“These patterns suggest that MS has a long and complex prodromal phase, where something is happening beneath the surface but hasn’t yet declared itself as MS,” said Dr. Marta Ruiz-Algueró, a postdoctoral fellow at UBC and the study’s first author.

“We’re only now starting to understand what these early warning signs are, with mental health-related issues appearing to be among the earliest indicators.”

Peak Urinary Tract^™

A natural daily cleanse to promote and maintain a healthy urinary tract, for men and women!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Get the support you need

If you recognize this pattern in yourself or a loved one, have a serious discussion with a doctor.

Though there is no single test for diagnosing MS, there are several that, together with patient history, can aid in diagnosis.

It’s unknown exactly what causes MS, but some researchers believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors triggers the disease. 

Some studies have found significant differences between the gut microbes of patients with MS and those without the disease. However, the mechanism through which these microbes may influence the disease is still unclear.

But research over the years has suggested ways to support your body against the ravages of MS:

• Supplements – Vitamin D, Omega 3’s, melatonin and antioxidants (CoQ10, vitamin E, quercetin and lutein-zeaxanthin) have been researched for positive impacts on autoimmune issues and some specifically on MS. Also, an acid found in fruit peel was found to reverse the myelin damage of MS in mice.
• A simple sugar – N-acetylglucosamine, a form of glucosamine that’s shown to be effective for joint discomfort and often used in supplements, was found to reduce multiple inflammation and neurodegeneration markers in MS patients in research done at the University of California, Irvine.
• Diet – Dr. Terry Wahls is a physician and also a patient with progressive MS. To fight back against the disease, she created The Wahls Protocol, in which she credits diet and lifestyle interventions with helping her leave her wheelchair behind.

Sources:

Fatigue, anxiety, pain? They might be MS in disguise — ScienceDaily

Early Detection and Treatment — National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The post 3 common complaints may be the earliest signs of MS appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Hearing loss can result in isolation, communication difficulties and reduced alertness, among other impacts. And all of this can lead to greater feelings of loneliness, something more than a third of seniors have reported experiencing.

What’s worse, research shows this combination of hearing loss and loneliness can open the door to one of the most frightening age-related ailments….

Peak PS^™

It’s a mouthful, but Phosphatidylserine, or PS for short, is a nootropic that promotes brain health, memory, clarity, reasoning and comprehension. This nutrient is a key building block for the cells in your brain, that scientific literature has shown can… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Loneliness and hearing loss accelerate memory decline

Researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) analyzed data from 33,000 older European adults participating in the large-scale Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) to study the combined impact of hearing loss and loneliness on memory.

Since 2002, participants have been surveyed every two years on various aspects of their daily lives, including activities, social connections and perceptions. They also undergo tests on cognitive function.

Using the data, the researchers identified three profiles based on the degree of social isolation and perceived loneliness:

• Individuals who are socially isolated and feel lonely
• Individuals who are not socially isolated but still feel lonely
• Individuals who are socially isolated but do not feel lonely

Then, the researchers examined whether these different profiles experienced cognitive decline differently, depending on the type of perceived isolation and the degree of hearing loss. Previous research has linked hearing impairment to as much as a two to three times higher risk of cognitive decline.

The results were sobering. ‘‘We found that people who were not socially isolated but who felt lonely saw their cognitive decline accelerate when they were deaf,’’ says Matthias Kliegel, a UNIGE professor and co-author of the study.

In other words, the findings show hearing loss speeds up cognitive decline particularly among individuals who feel lonely — regardless of whether they’re socially isolated.

Peak Vitality^™

Peak Vitality^™ helps support and strengthen adrenal gland function for improved energy, hormone balance, mood and focus!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Addressing hearing loss and loneliness

The study results support the importance of addressing both hearing loss and loneliness in efforts to prevent cognitive decline. This is particularly critical for people who are not socially isolated but still feel lonely. In such cases, a simple intervention like using a hearing aid may be enough to help them engage more fully socially.

“These individuals are already socially integrated, so it’s a matter of removing a sensory barrier in order to reinforce their engagement and protect their cognitive health,” says Charikleia Lampraki, postdoctoral researcher at UNIGE and first author of the study.

If you find yourself experiencing hearing impairment and feeling lonely as a result, talk with your doctor about getting a hearing aid. Once you’re able to hear better, it can really help with interacting with people socially.

If your hearing has been corrected but you’re still experiencing loneliness, here are some steps you can take to engage more socially:

• Mindfulness and tai chi: Meditation and tai chi practices have both led to significant improvement in loneliness scores. Other studies have found tai chi can be effective in relieving symptoms of depression in older adults. (Not to mention it’s great exercise!)
• Pets (real or robotic): Having a pet has been proven to reduce loneliness in seniors. If you can’t have a flesh-and-blood pet, even a robotic pet has shown to be just as effective at alleviating those lonely feelings.
• Talking about art (or making it): Simply describing a painting and the feelings, memories and thoughts it evokes, was found to lower loneliness scores. And I know from my own mother’s experience that she feels a lot less lonely when she creates art — especially as part of a class at her senior center.
• Indoor gardening: Caring for plants can be just as rewarding as caring for pets or people. A study of an indoor gardening program in a nursing home showed a decrease in loneliness scores among residents who participated.

Sources:

The silent threat: How hearing loss and loneliness are fueling memory decline — ScienceDaily

Profiles of social isolation and loneliness as moderators of the longitudinal association between uncorrected hearing impairment and cognitive aging — Communications Psychology

Addressing Hearing Loss May Reduce Isolation Among the Elderly — NYU Langone Health

The post How loneliness and hearing loss accelerate cogntive decline appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

While numerous studies have found a link between the toxic particles we breathe and cognitive decline, many weren’t large enough to be considered definitive, and some studies disagreed with their findings entirely.

Now, however, the debate has been settled for good, and science has shown that air pollution is a real and present danger to your brain.

Here’s what you need to know about the dementia triple-threat hidden in air pollution and what you can do to fight back…

Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™

Your body is exposed to an onslaught of chemicals and pollutants daily. Once inside, they travel a superhighway – your circulatory system – reaching every inch of your body and interfering with vital functions. Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™ is formulated with nutrients that help flush these harmful toxins out of your body! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The culmination of more than four dozen studies

Unlike previous studies, which relied on data from a single population of thousands or tens of thousands, the University of Cambridge’s research combined a treasure trove of results from 51 studies and over 29 million participants.

They then carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific literature to examine the link between Alzheimer’s and air pollution further to deliver “more robust overarching conclusions.”

Overall, the researchers found a positive and statistically significant association between three types of air pollutants and dementia…

• PM2.5 – This describes particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less, which means they are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs. Air pollution of this magnitude originates from various sources, including vehicle emissions, power plants, industrial processes, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, and construction dust. The research showed that for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) of PM2.5, the risk of dementia goes up by 17%. (PM2.5 air pollution is also linked to ischemic heart disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation.)
• NO2 – Nitrogen dioxide is found in vehicle exhaust, especially diesel exhaust, and industrial emissions. Not only is it bad for your brain, it can irritate your respiratory system, bringing on and worsening conditions like asthma and even reducing lung function. It takes just 10 μg/m3 of NO2 to raise your cognitive risk by 3%.
• Soot – Soot, from vehicle exhaust and burning wood, was also found to damage the brain. It can also aggravate respiratory diseases and increase the risk of heart problems. It only takes 1 μg/m³ of the soot found in PM2.5 to increase your chances of developing Alzheimer’s by 13%.

Sadly, each of those levels of pollutants can be found every hour in average roadside measurements in cities across our country and the world.

Peak Blood Flow^™

Supports Healthy Circulation to your Heart, Brain, Lungs, Eyes and Extremities!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Your brain on air pollution

The good news is that when you know that pollution is a danger to your brain, you can take steps to lessen the impact.

The key lies in understanding how the toxic particles you breathe fuel the development of Alzheimer’s in the first place, which researchers say involves two mechanisms — inflammation and oxidative stress.

Both oxidative stress and inflammation play a well-established role in the onset and progression of dementia.

According to the scientists, air pollution triggers these processes through direct entry to the brain or via the same processes underlying lung and cardiovascular diseases. It also enters your bloodstream from your lungs, traveling to your organs (including your brain), and sets off local and widespread inflammation.

Additionally, further analysis revealed that while exposure to these pollutants increased the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, the effect seemed stronger for vascular dementia, a type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.

Peak PS^™

Support Stong Cognition with One of the Most Tested Nutrients for Brain Health and Memory!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Brain-saving tips to fight pollution damage

So when you fight back against inflammation, oxidative stress and reduced blood flow to the brain, you fight back against the dementia dangers of air pollution.

Take these steps to just that…

1. Eat to douse the fires that fuel dementia – One study found that eating an anti-inflammatory diet can slash dementia risk by 31%.
2. Boost your brain’s blood supply– Plenty of fruits and vegetables are loaded with nutrients like flavonoids that support good brain function.
3. Add an antioxidant cocktail – Dementia research found that taking three specific antioxidants could be the secret to repelling dementia.

Remember, while the research is settled, proving that air pollution really does cause dementia, the fight for your brain health is far from over.

Sources:

Is the air you breathe silently fueling dementia? A 29-million-person study says yes — Science Daily

The post 29 million-person study finds 3 ways air pollution fuels dementia appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Artificial sweeteners provided the sweetness of sugar without the calorie burden. Plus, people with diabetes were able to safely consume these sweeteners without spiking their blood sugar.

But in recent years, the dark side of artificial sweeteners has emerged. Research has shown these sweeteners can actually make changes to the gut microbiome that lead to weight gain. These changes can also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

That’s not all. Beverages containing artificial sweeteners have also been linked with an increased risk of death and dementia. And one study found artificial sweeteners were linked to increased risks for cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular disease risk, which equates to higher stroke risk.

Then there are sugar alcohols like xylitol and erythritol, which are often touted as safer alternative sweeteners and are used extensively in low-sugar, sugar-free and keto reduced-sugar foods. Since they’re already derived from sugar, they should be fine, right?

Wrong….

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

It may not be a household word, but nitric oxide has been recognized in over 130,000 published scientific papers as a vital signaling molecule that keeps blood vessels healthy so they can perform as the body needs. But as you age, your cells produce less and… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

How erythritol affects brain cells

Erythritol, a sugar alcohol first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2001, is typically made by fermenting corn. But research has begun to shed light on its risks.

Recently, research by the Cleveland Clinic linked erythritol to a higher risk of dangerous blood clot formation, which could lead to stroke.

Scientists led by the University of Colorado Boulder decided to dig into the mechanisms behind the Cleveland Clinic study results. What they discovered was alarming…

In the lab, the researchers treated endothelial cells, which line the blood vessels in the brain, for three hours with roughly the same amount of erythritol contained in a typical sugar-free beverage. The cells were found to be altered in numerous ways…

• The cells expressed significantly less nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes and widens blood vessels for blood flow.
• At the same time, they expressed more endothelin-1, a protein that constricts blood vessels.
• And when the cells were challenged with a clot-forming compound called thrombin, cellular production of the natural clot-busting compound t-PA (the go-to treatment used during stroke emergencies) was “markedly blunted.”

To put it simply, the treated brain cells were affected in ways that could increase the likelihood of stroke.

As if that weren’t enough, the erythritol-treated cells also produced more reactive oxygen species, or free radicals. These metabolic byproducts can age and damage cells and inflame tissue.

“Our study adds to the evidence suggesting that non-nutritive sweeteners that have generally been purported to be safe may not come without negative health consequences,” says senior author Christopher DeSouza, a professor at CU Boulder.

“Big picture, if your vessels are more constricted and your ability to break down blood clots is lowered, your risk of stroke goes up,” says first author Auburn Berry, a graduate student in DeSouza’s lab. “Our research demonstrates not only that, but how erythritol has the potential to increase stroke risk.”

Another disconcerting aspect of the study is that the researchers only used one serving size of erythritol. If you consume more than a serving a day, as many people do, the impact could be even worse.

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Which sweeteners to use instead

One caveat: the authors caution that their study was a laboratory study conducted on cells, so larger studies in people are needed to confirm these results.

Still, De Souza encourages consumers to read food labels, looking for erythritol or “sugar alcohol” in the list of ingredients.

“Given the epidemiological study that inspired our work, and now our cellular findings, we believe it would be prudent for people to monitor their consumption of non-nutrient-sweeteners such as this one,” he says.

So, what should you use instead? Look for natural non-sugar sweeteners like monkfruit and stevia, both of which are derived from plants and come in many delicious flavors. However, you need to read those labels as well — sometimes erythritol is used as filler in monkfruit and/or stevia sweeteners. Be sure you’re only using 100 percent pure stevia or monkfruit with no fillers.

Sources:

Scientists Warn: Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage — SciTechDaily

The non-nutritive sweetener erythritol adversely affects brain microvascular endothelial cell function — Journal of Applied Physiology

Artificial sweeteners: Any effect on blood sugar? — Mayo Clinic

The post Low-cal sweetener linked to brain cell damage and blood clots appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

It’s the biochemical signaling pathway between the gastrointestinal tract and your central nervous system, which has already been associated with bowel disease and dementia, as well as GERD and chronic headaches.

It’s also why a good night’s sleep starts in your gut.

And there’s one more important thing to know about this axis…

It could be the reason that a seemingly unrelated gastrointestinal condition leads to an increased risk of brain aneurysm that leads to stroke.

Peak Organic Alkalizing Greens^™

At birth your body’s pH is balanced. But starting immediately acid waste builds up and starts to shift your pH level from healthy alkaline to unhealthy acid. If your body is too acidic it provides the right terrain for germs to thrive. To add insult to injury… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Digestive symptoms start, aneurysms may follow

That’s because recent research from a team of scientists at the University of Pennsylvania has found an undeniable link between seven gastrointestinal or GI conditions and intracranial aneurysms.

An intracranial aneurysm (IA) occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bulges, putting pressure on the vessel wall. If this type of aneurysm ruptures, it leads to brain bleeding and causes hemorrhagic stroke, a life-threatening emergency.

For their study, the team analyzed data from over 119,000 people who either had an unruptured intracranial aneurysm or had suffered a ruptured aneurysm, comparing them to an equal number of people without aneurysms. Specifically, they were looking for patients diagnosed with GI conditions to see if those conditions upped their risk of a brain issue.

And sure enough, they found even more than they had been expecting…

The team discovered that not only do GI conditions (as well as appendectomy) and aneurysms go hand-in-hand, certain GI problems make it more likely you’ll suffer an aneurysm rupture and a life-threatening stroke.

The results showed that GI problems that were linked to unruptured aneurysms included:

• Reflux disease
• Chronic stomach pain
• Bloating (or functional dyspepsia)
• Irritable bowel disease without diarrhea

GI conditions that were more likely to lead to aneurysm formation, rupture and stroke were:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

“Now that we have found more evidence for a link between IAs and GI disorders, we are eager to explore them further, hoping that early detection of GI syndromes might help identify patients at risk of IAs,” said Jan-Karl Burkhardt, MD, the lead author of the study, associate professor of neurosurgery, and division head of cerebrovascular surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

In other words, if you’re living with GI issues, take time now to talk to your doctor about your increased risk of aneurysm and how you can prevent problems down the road.

Though this study didn’t make the connection, research published in 2023 associated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with a higher stroke risk as well.

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

Amazing “Can’t be Beet” Superfood Helps Keep Nitric Oxide Levels Up!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Knowing the signs and heading them off

This study didn’t explain the exact mechanism behind the connection between GI disorders and aneurysms but as they investigate further, hopefully, they will.

In the meantime, past research has made a connection between stroke and popular medications used to treat conditions like gastrointestinal reflux disease. Some of these drugs may raise the stroke risk as much as 94 percent.

If you take them, talk to your physician about other options — and consider diet and lifestyle modifications that have been shown to help, like weight loss, no smoking, 30 minutes of exercise daily and a diet that doesn’t promote an acid state.

Additionally, be sure to care for the health of your gut, since a balanced microbiome has come to the forefront of research into the gut-brain axis. That includes a diet that contains probiotics and prebiotics, which can help promote regular movements and reduce the risk of constipation and diarrhea.

If you have a GI condition, be sure to know the signs of both types of aneurysm so that you can get help immediately, if necessary.

Signs of an unruptured aneurysm include:

• A dilated pupil
• Numbness, weakness or paralysis of one side of the face
• A drooping eyelid

Once a brain aneurysm ruptures, you can suffer from:

• The worst headache of your life
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Double vision
• Pain behind your eye socket
• Lethargy
• Neck stiffness
• A loss of consciousness

Learn more about aneurysm risks here.

Sources:

SNIS 2024: New study reveals possible link between gastrointestinal syndromes and risk of brain aneurysm — EurekAlert!

Brain aneurysm — Mayo Clinic

The post 7 GI conditions linked with brain aneurysm appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But I can tell you from personal experience that this same term can describe Parkinson’s disease.

My father died of Parkinson’s when he was 83. We spent ten long years watching him slip away from us, first physically, then mentally.

There is no cure for Parkinson’s. But early detection allows for treatments that may slow the progression of the disease and interventions that can dramatically improve quality of life.

But right now, Parkinson’s is detected by using either clinical rating scales, which can be far from objective, or through neural imaging, which is extremely costly. And, on average, it takes close to three years to get a diagnosis.

I have a particular interest in any new developments that might save other people from what I went through, so I’d like to tell you about a recent study that may seem kind of strange at first, but that holds great promise.

Peak PS^™

It’s a mouthful, but Phosphatidylserine, or PS for short, is a nootropic that promotes brain health, memory, clarity, reasoning and comprehension. This nutrient is a key building block for the cells in your brain, that scientific literature has shown can… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Using ear wax to detect Parkinson’s

Strange as it sounds, a person’s ear wax might reveal that they have Parkinson’s disease, even before any symptoms show up.

What, you may ask, could ear wax possibly have to do with detecting a neurological disease?

It all comes down to two things: volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, and sebum.

Sebum is a waxy, oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. It’s what gives you oily skin, but it also hydrates the skin and forms a protective barrier.

Previous research has revealed that sebum from people with Parkinson’s may have a characteristic smell because VOCs released by sebum are altered by disease progression, including neurodegeneration, systemic inflammation and oxidative stress.

Sebum on the skin is exposed to the environment, making it unreliable. But the ear canal is one place where the skin is kept away from the elements — and could produce an accurate diagnosis.

So Chinese researchers Hao Dong, Danhua Zhu and colleagues focused their efforts at screening for Parkinson’s on the sebum in ear wax, which is also easier to sample than sebum elsewhere on the body.  

They collected samples from 209 subjects (108 of whom were already diagnosed with Parkinson’s) and analyzed the samples looking for VOCs unique to the Parkinson’s patients.

Sure enough, they found four VOCs that were only present in the ear wax of subjects with Parkinson’s: ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal, and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane.

They concluded that the presence of these four VOCs is a potential biomarker for Parkinson’s disease.

Peak CoQSol10 CF^™

Gives Your Cells the Energy They Need for Optimal Function!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Catching Parkinson’s early: know the warning signs

More work needs to be done before the artificial intelligence olfactory (AIO) system developed by Dong and Zhu becomes a reliable and efficient tool for early prediction of Parkinson’s.

But there are early warning signs that people often ignore since they resemble signs of aging that we’ve been trained to accept as normal:

Loss of sense of smell. Years before any motor or neurological symptoms show up, sense of smell may begin to diminish. It’s the first sign of dopamine dying off, which happens in later stages of the disease.

Excessive sweating. Parkinson’s causes changes to the sweat glands. Women may mistake this for hot flashes. If your skin and hair are oily when they’ve never been before, it could be a sign.

Changes in handwriting. The slowing down and loss of spontaneous, routine movement is known as bradykinesia. In a person with Parkinson’s, their handwriting is often the first place this shows itself.

Stiff arm. Range of motion is decreased; you can’t swing your arm as much as before when you walk.

Orthostatic hypotension. Dizziness upon getting up too quickly. Again, take note if this is new for you.

Persistent neck pain. Women in particular have reported this as the third-most common warning sign they remember when asked how they first knew they had Parkinson’s.

If you suspect Parkinson’s, talk to your doctor. And don’t be tempted to grab a Q-tip to view your ear wax. You can’t tell anything from its appearance, and you could push ear wax further into your ear canal, causing impaction and potentially damaging the eardrum.

Sources:

Ear wax as a possible screening medium for Parkinson’s disease — Eureka Alert

An Artificial Intelligence Olfactory-Based Diagnostic Model for Parkinson’s Disease Using Volatile Organic Compounds from Ear Canal Secretions — Analytical Chemistry

10 Lesser-Known Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms — Michael J. Fox Foundation

The post The Parkinson’s clues found in ear wax appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

However, as is so often the case with medications, the truth is somewhat murkier. The gabapentinoid class of drugs, which includes gabapentin, has been associated with a 30 percent higher risk of hip fracture.

And some of the possible side effects of gabapentin use include fatigue, dizziness, headache, difficulty speaking, memory loss, movement problems and unusual eye movements and double vision.

All of that is disturbing enough. But for people who have taken gabapentin for years, an even more alarming side effect could be waiting for them…

Peak Cardio Platinum^™

Research shows that by age 70, Nitric Oxide production declines by up to 75 percent! But supporting healthy N-O levels isn’t as easy as taking a nitric oxide pill. The body needs nutrients to produce N-O on its own — and that’s why… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Gabapentin linked to increased cognitive impairment and dementia risk

A team of U.S. researchers examined real-time data from TriNetX, a health research network containing electronic health records from 60 U.S. healthcare organizations.

They studied the health records of adult patients who had and hadn’t been prescribed gabapentin for chronic low back pain between 2004 and 2024 (with 26,414 in each group). They took into account demographics, co-existing conditions and the use of other pain-relieving drugs.

The results were astonishing…

Those who had received six or more prescriptions for the drug were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) within 10 years of their initial pain diagnosis.

What’s more, when the records were stratified by age, those between the ages of 18 and 64 who were prescribed gabapentin were more than twice as likely to develop either dementia or MCI than those who hadn’t recieved a prescription. That’s a lot younger than those normally considered at risk for those conditions.

When the younger cohort was broken down further, there was no heightened risk found among those between the ages of 18-34 who were prescribed the drug.

But for users between the ages of 35-49, the risks of dementia more than doubled — and MCI more than tripled. A similar pattern was found in those between the ages of 50 and 64.

There was also a correlation between risk and prescription frequency. Patients with 12 or more prescriptions were 40% more likely to develop dementia and 65% more likely to develop MCI than those prescribed between three and 11 times.

As recently as 2023, gabapentin was ranked #10 in a list of the top 50 most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S.

Peak Prostate Support^™

10 Targeted Nutrients to Support a Healthy Prostate!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

A worrisome association

Because this is an observational study, no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect. The researchers also note they weren’t able to account for dose or length of gabapentin use.

However, they conclude, “Our findings indicate an association between gabapentin prescription and dementia or cognitive impairment within 10 years. Moreover, increased gabapentin prescription frequency correlated with dementia incidence.”

These findings provide “a foundation to further research whether gabapentin plays a causal role in the development of dementia and cognitive decline,” the investigators write in the study.

In the meantime, they say their observations “support the need for close monitoring of adult patients prescribed gabapentin to assess for potential cognitive decline.”

If you use gabapentin for pain or seizure control, you may want to talk to your doctor about whether you should switch to a different medication. Definitely don’t stop using it without speaking with your doctor first about an alternative.

Sources:

Nerve pain drug gabapentin linked to increased dementia, cognitive impairment risks — Medical Xpress

Risk of dementia following gabapentin prescription in chronic low back pain patients — Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine

Does Gabapentin Raise Dementia Risk? — Medscape

The Top 50 Drugs Prescribed in the United States — Healthgrades

The post A top 10 commonly prescribed drug linked to dementia appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But for the person with ADHD, who may experience frequent nights of insomnia, it can affect life in a more dramatic and ongoing way.

It turns out that it may be insomnia that’s dragging their mood and quality of life down, compounding the struggles associated with attention deficit and the challenges of emotional regulation when living with ADHD.

Peak Krill Oil^™

You probably already know how important omega-3s are to support heart and brain health. But there are five reasons you may be getting yours from a less than adequate source, starting with a powerful antioxidant that delivers DHA into your brain cells… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Insomnia has a significant impact on people with ADHD

Adults with ADHD are at higher risk of depression and lower quality of life (QoL) and research has revealed that sleep problems associated with ADHD may be why.

Specifically, insomnia could be the “missing link” that connects ADHD with depression and poor life quality.

Dr. Sarah Chellappa is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Southampton in England. She is also the senior author of a recently published study.

“We know that sleep disruption can impact neurobehavioral and cognitive systems, including attention and emotional regulation. At the same time, sleep disruption may arise from ADHD-related impulsivity and hyperactivity, suggesting a reinforcing cycle between sleep disorders and ADHD,” says Dr Sarah Chellappa.

Researchers from the University of Southampton and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience looked at data from the Netherlands Sleep Registry.

They singled out responses from 1,364 of the over ten thousand participants in the Registry, looking at answers to questions about ADHD traits, insomnia, circadian factors, depression and quality of life.

Their findings made it clear that ADHD traits were associated with worse depression and more severe insomnia — and that insomnia and other sleep disorders were the potential link between ADHD, depression and lower quality of life.

Peak PS^™

Support Stong Cognition with One of the Most Tested Nutrients for Brain Health and Memory!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Hope for better interventions… and what to do until then

Professor Samuele Cortese, a co-author of the study, is also from the University of Southampton.

“There needs to be more research to understand this complex interplay. By improving our understanding, we could uncover treatment options that improve the quality of life of people with ADHD,” he says.

“For instance, targeting insomnia complaints in individuals with higher ADHD traits, with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia or Sleep Restriction therapy may help improve their quality of life.”

But there are simple, safe ways for people with ADHD to help themselves right now.

Melatonin is a hormone your brain produces to regulate your sleep and wake cycles. People with ADHD tend to have inhibited melatonin release and more difficulty preparing their bodies for rest. A French study found that melatonin helps adults with sleep disorders and ADHD.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid that’s normally abundant in the brain and nervous system. It stimulates dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in sleep and emotional regulation. An imbalance of dopamine can lead to depression.

Omega-3s. Besides being good for heart health, omega-3 fatty acids may improve symptoms of ADHD, including behavior, cognitive skills and focus.

Other supplements that research has linked with improvement in ADHD symptoms include zinc, iron, magnesium, ginkgo and ginseng.

Always talk with your doctor before adding a new supplement to your daily regimen, particularly if you are taking medications for ADHD or other conditions.

Sources:

Can’t sleep, can’t focus, can’t thrive? ADHD and insomnia may be a vicious cycle — Science Daily

Associations of ADHD traits, sleep/circadian factors, depression and quality of life — BMJ Mental Health

Melatonin, Omega 3 & Dietary Supplements: ADHD Hype or Help? — ADDitude

6 Natural Supplements That Benefit Most Brains — ADDitude

The post The vicious cycle of adult ADHD and insomnia appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But the most compelling reason has to do with one special nutrient…

Unlike fish oil, krill oil also contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that’s many times more potent than vitamin C, beta-carotene and vitamin E.

Astaxanthin not only pumps up the omega-3 benefits of krill oil, it gives the body’s aging processes quite a challenge, in part because of its powerful impacts on the body’s most vital systems and organs.

So let’s dive into what this amazing antioxidant is, where it comes from and what the research says about it…

What exactly is astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a red-colored ketocarotenoid first identified and isolated in 1938 by scientist Richard Kuhn, who discovered it while studying lobsters to find out what gave them their color. Kuhn won the 1938 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on carotenoids and vitamins.

Astaxanthin is found mainly in the algae Haematococcus pluvialis and the yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous, both of which produce it naturally. The algae are a food source for a number of sea creatures, and astaxanthin is what turns their shells and flesh pink.

Because krill feed almost exclusively on these algae, they contain higher amounts of astaxanthin than other marine animals like shrimp, salmon, trout and lobster.

How astaxanthin works in the body

As a carotenoid, astaxanthin is fat-soluble and has antioxidant properties that help protect your cells from free radicals and oxidative stress.

Astaxanthin acts by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the inner and outer layers of cell membranes. This keeps ROS from doing damage to the basic building blocks of the cell including DNA, protein and lipids.

Here are some specific ways astaxanthin supports your overall health….

Peak Organic Alkalizing Greens^™

At birth your body’s pH is balanced. But starting immediately acid waste builds up and starts to shift your pH level from healthy alkaline to unhealthy acid. If your body is too acidic it provides the right terrain for germs to thrive. To add insult to injury… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Astaxanthin and inflammation

Like many antioxidants, astaxanthin may help to reduce inflammation. But astaxanthin’s specific ability to neutralize ROS helps reduce proteins that can cause inflammatory diseases such as celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease and diabetes.

Not only does astaxanthin fight inflammation, it also assists our mitochondria, the energy powerhouses located in our cells. Having mitochondria functioning at their best gives our bodies optimal energy and helps it operate at peak performance.

By reducing inflammation, astaxanthin supports improved mitochondrial performance, as well as providing antioxidant support to ward off free radical damage.

Studies show astaxanthin’s anti-inflammatory capabilities can help with exercise recovery by protecting the body from overproduction of free radicals, inhibiting the production of excess lactic acid in the muscles, reducing fatigue and improving muscle strength.

Astaxanthin and immune system health

Along with fighting inflammation, astaxanthin can boost your immune system by helping to activate white blood cells known as T-cells as well as natural killer cells. T-cells attack malicious cells based on antigen markers, while natural killer cells work even faster to stop foreign invaders from harming your health.

But as important as it is for an immune system to be reactive — it’s just as important not to be overactive to avoid an autoimmune response. Astaxanthin’s anti-inflammatory properties help modulate a balanced immune response.

Astaxanthin and brain health

Carotenoids like astaxanthin help support good brain health by reducing the risks for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cognitive impairment.

But one advantage astaxanthin has is that its molecular structure is small enough to allow it to cross the blood-brain barrier. This gives it added ability to protect the brain and possibly even slow the onset rate of cognitive disorders.

Astaxanthin may also literally grow your brain. According to one study, astaxanthin can promote the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Researchers also found that those new cells had even greater learning and memory capacity.

Astaxanthin and heart health

Like omega-3s, astaxanthin has great benefits for your heart, including blood pressure. In one double-blind placebo-controlled study, postmenopausal women who took astaxanthin experienced a 7 percent reduction in systolic blood pressure (the top number) and a 4 percent reduction in diastolic pressure (the bottom number).

Astaxanthin can also help reduce LDL, the “bad” kind of cholesterol, and raise HDL, or “good” cholesterol. And since astaxanthin works in tandem with omega-3s in krill oil, you get a greater cholesterol-lowering benefit than with regular fish oil.

Results of one study showed patients who took 1 to 1.5 grams of krill oil a day showed a significantly higher decrease in bad cholesterol than patients who took three times that dose in fish oil.

Astaxanthin and blood sugar problems

Astaxanthin could be useful in preventing diabetic nephropathy, a disorder of the kidneys. According to one study in mice, the antioxidant activity of astaxanthin helped lower blood sugar, reduce stress on the kidneys and prevent renal cell damage.

Another study showed astaxanthin protected cells against the oxidative damage caused by high blood sugar levels. This damage can cause several complications in diabetics, including kidney disease, nerve damage (neuropathy) and vision problems (retinopathy).

Astaxanthin and eye health

While chemically astaxanthin shares some similarities with other carotenoids (like beta-carotene), it’s more closely related to oxygenated xanthophylls like lutein and zeaxanthin, both known for improving eye health. And like these two nutrients, astaxanthin can also help protect your vision.

But here astaxanthin has an extra edge, like it does in the brain…

Not only can the antioxidant cross the blood-brain barrier, but the same process holds for the retinal barrier.

In studies of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), supplementing astaxanthin and other carotenoids were found to significantly improve retinal electrical outputs, which helps slow AMD damage.

Glaucoma involves an increase in the pressure of fluid inside the eyeball that causes oxidant damage and loss of blood flow and eventually results in retinal cell death. In eyes with experimentally induced glaucoma, astaxanthin restored these retinal parameters to normal.

Another study showed that astaxanthin supplementation resulted in a 46 percent reduction of eye strain caused by visual display terminals.

Astaxanthin and skin health

Astaxanthin appears to act as a sort of natural internal sunscreen by helping to protect your skin from damage by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The nutrient builds up in the top two layers of skin, helping to block UV penetration and reduce existing sun damage like wrinkles and lack of elasticity.

Astaxanthin and longevity

Researchers have found that astaxanthin can significantly increase the activation of the so-called “longevity gene” located in our heart tissue. In fact, animals in one study that were fed large amounts of astaxanthin had a 90 percent increase in the activation of this gene.

Healthy aging is a hot topic in discussions surrounding lifespan. This is the intersection referred to as healthspan. Numerous studies have shown that supplementing astaxanthin appears most beneficial for many of the aging processes and organs most challenged by aging including the brain, eyes and skin, not to mention energy levels.

To supplement or not to supplement

There’s no doubt that seafood is a rich source of astaxanthin — but it has to be the right kind. Wild salmon contains between 26 and 38 mg of astaxanthin per kilogram, while farmed salmon only contains 6 to 8 mg per kilogram.

Some experts recommend getting about 3.8 mg of astaxanthin a day, the amount found in roughly 5.8 ounces of salmon. However, others say a therapeutic dose of astaxanthin is anywhere from 4 to 12 milligrams a day, which makes it difficult to get through diet alone.

That’s why supplementing with astaxanthin-rich krill oil is a great alternative. Just remember, because it’s a fat-soluble carotenoid, take it after a meal for best absorption in the body.

Sources:

Health Benefits of Astaxanthin — Nourish by WebMD

Health effects of astaxanthin have been long studied — Natural Products Insider

Beneficial and Detrimental Effects of Reactive Oxygen Species on Lifespan: A Comprehensive Review of Comparative and Experimental Studies — Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology

Biological and neurological activities of astaxanthin (Review) — Molecular Medicine Report

Astaxanthin: Sources, Extraction, Stability, Biological Activities and Its Commercial Applications—A Review — Marine Drugs

Clinical Applications of Astaxanthin in the Treatment of Ocular Diseases: Emerging Insights — Marine Drugs

The Microalgae-Sourced  Carotenoid That Delivers Broad Spectrum Antiaging Benefits — Clinical Education

The post Astaxanthin: The antioxidant that challenges aging appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Given that this is a normal physiologic process and not a disease, menopause is supposed to be something women just endure and move beyond. But if you’ve been through it yourself or are in the midst of “the change,” you’ve probably realized that nothing about this process feels even remotely normal!

That is, unless you think hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbance, vaginal dryness, urinary urgency and incontinence, weight gain, decreased libido, thinning hair and skin, memory and concentration problems, joint and muscle pain — not to mention heart palpitations and out-of-nowhere high LDL — are all normal!

I don’t typically venture outside of conditions that I manage. I’m a cardiologist. I deal with chest pain and EKGs. But I felt compelled to write this blog series because I continue to see so many female patients suffering with many of the symptoms related to menopause while being denied — or fearful of — a proven life-enhancing intervention. All based on faulty data.

I’m talking about hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

You’ve probably heard the warnings: It causes breast cancer. It’s dangerous. It does more harm than good. These statements have become medical dogma. But they are outdated, oversimplified, and in many cases — flat-out wrong.

Peak Bladder Support^™

For women, age, childbirth, menopause and hormone fluctuations take a toll on healthy urinary function. For men, an aging body may result in the need for bladder support. Whatever the cause, occasional urinary urgency can… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Why HRT Deserves a Second Look

If you’re a woman navigating perimenopause or menopause, what you’ve been told about HRT — or what you think you know about HRT — could be standing between you and a dramatically better life.

This blog series is meant to give you the knowledge you need to not only help yourself through this time (and beyond) but also understand a treatment option that is out there. So that you can have a more informed conversation with your care provider.

To be clear — I am NOT advocating that every woman should go on HRT. But every woman should at least be given the opportunity to determine for themselves if it is right for them.

The Whole-Body Impact of Sex Hormones

First, here’s something really important you need to understand: Sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) don’t just have roles in reproduction and sex drive. Receptors for these hormones exist all over our bodies! Not surprisingly, menopause-related whole-body reductions in sex hormone levels have far-reaching effects.

Hormones and Bladder Health

One organ impacted by those far-reaching effects is the bladder. It happens to be very hormone-sensitive. And not just in terms of maintaining urinary continence. When estrogen levels decline, the microbiome of the bladder and vagina changes, making postmenopausal women far more susceptible to urinary tract infections. Indeed, about 20% of women over age 65 will develop a UTI, with close to 1/3 of these experiencing recurrent infections.

Hormones and Bone Loss

The skeletal system is a major casualty. In the absence of estrogen, women can lose as much as 20% of their bone density in the first 5 years post-menopause, with bone loss slowing down to about 1% per year thereafter. As a result, one in two women over age 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related bone fracture. This is incredibly serious — a hip fracture can be a terminal event. Close to 30% of hip fracture patients will not survive one year. And even if a woman makes it past that, the odds of her getting back to prior levels of activity are low.

Peak Urinary Tract^™

A natural daily cleanse to promote and maintain a healthy urinary tract, for men and women!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Hormones and Brain Function

Brain? The risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s is significantly higher for women. The role of sex hormones is not fully worked out here, but even in the shorter term, sleep disturbance can become a huge issue affecting mental clarity.  Estrogen and progesterone help drive circadian rhythms, and the wild fluctuations in their levels during perimenopause can do a number on the sleep cycle. Plus, it’s hard to sleep when you’re drenched in sweat.

Hormones and Heart Disease

As a cardiologist, I see this in my practice almost daily. Heart rhythm disturbances become more common around menopause, probably due to a combination of factors — especially sleep disturbance. Fortunately, most of these rhythm issues are benign. But that doesn’t mean they feel good! Cholesterol profiles almost universally get worse as LDL receptors become less active. As a result heart disease risk accelerates rapidly in postmenopausal women, reaching par with men of equal age about 10 years post our hormonal upheaval.

Menopause-Related Impact on Life Quality

Add vaginal dryness and loss of libido and you have a marked decline in quality of life — right around the halfway point in women’s lifespans.

These may all be “natural” consequences of changes in hormone levels, but are we just supposed to sit back and accept all that?

Would MEN accept all that??

This is part one of a five-part series. See:

Menopause and the Big Lie , Part 1

Menopuase and the Big Lie, Part 2

Menopause and the big lie: The facts they left out, Part 3

Menopause and the big lie: The lasting impact, Part 4

The post Menopause and the big lie appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Unmanaged high blood pressure can weaken small blood vessels in the brain. Over time, these damaged blood vessels can no longer deliver the same amount of oxygen to the brain, causing nerves and brain cells to gradually die off.

This leads to what’s known as “white matter lesions,” areas of the brain that have been associated with cognitive decline and dementia.

Judging from this, it seems obvious that lowering your blood pressure can reduce your dementia risk. But is there proof of that?

Peak #2^™

When you can’t go “#2,” the bloating, gas and upset stomach can make you miserable. Peak #2^™ is formulated to help you “go” the way nature intended — without stress or straining — thanks to magnesium and 8 other natural ingredients that support comfortable, daily bowel movements… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Blood pressure and dementia risk

In an exciting four-year study known as the China Rural Hypertension Control phase III (CRHC-3), a diverse team of researchers looked into how controlling high blood pressure might affect the risk of dementia. They gathered nearly 34,000 participants who were struggling with uncontrolled hypertension.

The participants were split into two groups: one received special care, while the other went about their usual care. The intervention group had community health providers, under the guidance of primary care doctors, start them on medication to manage their blood pressure. This group also got support with lifestyle changes, medication management, and tips for keeping track of their blood pressure from home. The aim was to get their blood pressure down to a healthier level—specifically, less than 130 mm Hg for systolic and 80 mm Hg for diastolic.

On the other hand, the usual care group just had their blood pressure checked at clinics without any additional support. After 48 months, the results were telling: the intervention group was taking an average of three different blood pressure medications, while the usual care group managed with just 1.2 medications.

The findings were really positive. About 4.6% of the intervention group were diagnosed with dementia, compared to 5.4% in the usual care group.

This means that treating high blood pressure reduced the risk of developing dementia by about 15%. Not only that, but the intervention group also experienced fewer issues with cognitive impairment without dementia, a significant indicator of brain health.

Throughout the study, the intervention group managed to lower their blood pressure by an impressive 22.0/9.3 mm Hg, and they had fewer serious health complications during the trial compared to their counterparts in the usual care group.

Dr. Jiang He from UT Southwestern Medical Center shared the study’s groundbreaking results, highlighting it as the first to show a significant reduction in dementia risk linked to high blood pressure treatment. These findings align with the results from a similar U.S. study, the SPRINT MIND trial, which found that stricter blood pressure control could also lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

Amazing “Can’t be Beet” Superfood Helps Keep Nitric Oxide Levels Up!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Getting blood pressure under control

The researchers did note that participants were relatively young and the follow-up was relatively short. The baseline age was about 63 in both participant groups.

However, most experts agree that cognitive decline typically begins during one’s 60s and beyond but can be influenced by many factors.

If you have high blood pressure now, make sure you and your doctor discuss options for controlling it. If it’s only mildly high, the following lifestyle adjustments may be enough to bring it into the normal range:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet (the DASH diet is a good example). Make sure it includes plenty of potassium-rich fruits and vegetables.
• Make sure you’re getting plenty of healthy fats and omega-3s, like the kind you get from fatty fish such as salmon and tuna. An analysis published in the Journal of the American Heart Association identified the optimal daily amount needed to help lower blood pressure.
• Get some exercise. Research has found it can be as effective as medication.

Sources:

Common Intervention Lowers Dementia Risk, Trial Shows — MedPage Today

Blood pressure reduction and all-cause dementia in people with uncontrolled hypertension: an open-label, blinded-endpoint, cluster-randomized trial — Nature Medicine

The correlation between aging and cognitive decline — Greater Good Health

The post High blood pressure? Lower it and your dementia risk appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Every weekend when the weather is nice, you can find them there, walking across the pristine, perfectly manicured courses as they play.

A few years ago, I became aware that some of the pesticides used to keep that grass lush have been linked with Parkinson’s disease, a well-known neurological condition for which there is no cure.

It’s information I’m always quick to share with any of my golf-playing friends. Some have been a little skeptical, considering the cardiometabolic benefits of golf, but reassured me that they avoid playing on the course immediately after pesticide applications.

Now, new research not only reinforces the potential danger active golfers face, but has revealed an association between just living in close proximity to a golf course and more than double the risk for Parkinson’s…

Peak Cardio Platinum^™

Research shows that by age 70, Nitric Oxide production declines by up to 75 percent! But supporting healthy N-O levels isn’t as easy as taking a nitric oxide pill. The body needs nutrients to produce N-O on its own — and that’s why… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Golf course proximity and Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease has been tied to a number of environmental contaminants, including:

• Solvents, like the dry cleaning and degreasing chemical perchloroethylene (PCE), also known as tetrachloroethylene, and trichloroethylene that can contaminate drinking water;
• And herbicides/pesticides like paraquat, simazine, atrazine and lindane — some of which have been used to treat golf courses for years.

Despite this, very few studies have looked at the relationship between pesticide exposure from golf courses and Parkinson’s.

So, a team of U.S. researchers examined 139 golf courses in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, and evaluated 419 Parkinson’s disease cases and 5,113 controls, matched for age and sex, while adjusting for variables including whether the location of the golf course was urban or rural.

Their study found that living within one mile of a golf course was associated with more than double the chances of developing Parkinson’s when compared with living more than six miles away. The odds of Parkinson’s decreased by 9 percent for every one-mile increase in distance from a golf course, up to 18 miles.

That’s not all. Those living within water service areas with a golf course had nearly double the odds of Parkinson’s compared with individuals in water service areas without golf courses, and 49% higher chance of Parkinson’s compared with participants with private wells.

Peak Prostate Support^™

10 Targeted Nutrients to Support a Healthy Prostate!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Vulnerable groundwater regions at high risk

Living in water service areas with a golf course in vulnerable groundwater regions was associated with 82 percent higher odds of contracting Alzheimer’s compared to those in nonvulnerable groundwater regions.

A vulnerable groundwater region is any region with coarse-textured soils, shallow bedrock or karst geology.

“Our study found that both distance from a golf course and karst topography were independently associated with risk of Parkinson’s disease,” study lead Dr. Brittany Krzyzanowski of the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix told MedPage Today.

“Karst topography describes a region with limestone bedrock that slowly dissolves over time, creating underground voids that allow water from the surface to move more rapidly through it,” she added. “This means that pesticides applied to grass or crops can more readily move into the groundwater supply after a rain.”

Krzyzanowski added that more research is needed to fully understand the risks, and that the researchers plan to replicate the study using a nationwide dataset.

Until then, the findings suggest that people living near golf courses should be aware of the risks and take steps to minimize exposure to these pesticides. Krzyzanowski suggested asking the neighboring golf course about their spraying schedule and staying indoors and away from the course during those times.

She also suggested using a carbon water filter to reduce the risk of contamination from drinking water—advice also offered also by the American Parkinson Disease Association.

Another potentially helpful tip is to consider supplementing CoQ10 and PQQ. Together, these two enzymes help protect the brain’s neuron cells by boosting mitochondria and reducing oxidative stress.

Pollution particles tend to hitch a ride on these neuron cells and travel directly to your cerebellum, so anything that can give them an added boost is a good idea.

Sources:

Risk of Neurologic Disorder Rises for People Who Live Near Golf Courses — MedPage Today

Proximity to Golf Courses and Risk of Parkinson Disease — JAMA Network Open

The post Live near a golf course? Your risk for Parkinson’s may double appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

That was decades ago. So why am I thinking about this now?

Because it makes me susceptible to a painful condition that affects about ten percent of people who have had chickenpox — and you’ve probably guessed that I’m referring to shingles.

That may not sound like a big risk. But some research I’ve read lately has me thinking more and more about getting the vaccine, not only to prevent this condition, but also because of its fascinating connection to dementia…

Peak Blood Flow^™

Poor circulation can impact your eyesight, your ability to sleep and cause headaches, discomfort and swelling — among other more serious concerns. The tell-tale signs of a circulation problem are… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

What is shingles?

Like me, you may have had chickenpox as a child. If so, you now have a virus lingering deep in the roots of your nerves that can be reactivated at any time.

If that virus wakes up, it can cause you to suffer painful blisters and searing nerve pain, possibly even long-term nerve damage.

This is shingles, also called herpes zoster, after the virus that causes it.

In mild cases, a band of fluid-filled blisters that itch intensely will appear, most commonly around the left or right side of the body.

In more severe cases, though, the pain of shingles can be so intense that even a slight breeze or pulling a sheet over the body can cause unbearable pain. This pain can last months or even years and is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

There are also several variations of shingles that have varying degrees of severity:

Ophthalmic shingles, or shingles of the eye, can cause complications including corneal ulcers, glaucoma and potential blindness.

Ramsey Hunt Syndrome is a form of shingles that can cause blisters in and around the ear and mouth on one side of the face. The virus attacks a central facial nerve and can result in loss of hearing, facial paralysis, ear pain and changes in the ability to taste.

Internal shingles happens when the virus affects the body but does not cause a rash. Symptoms may be mistaken for the flu: fever, headaches, muscle aches, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. If the virus attacks internal organs, pneumonia, hepatitis, or encephalitis can result. If you feel sick but have neurological symptoms, like numbness, tingling and burning under the skin, you need to get medical treatment immediately.

Peak Cardio Platinum^™

Clinically-Tested Nutrients Help Arteries and Cardiovascular Health!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Shingrix does more than we bargained for

Since 2006, a vaccine called Zostavax has been used to prevent shingles, and in 2018, a new shingles vaccine called Shingrix was approved.

Unlike Zostavax, it does not use live viruses and is considered safer for people with compromised immune systems. But here’s an interesting “bonus” to both these vaccines:

In July 2024, research published in Nature Medicine revealed that the original Zostavax vaccine was associated with reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. At the time, the newly approved Shingrix vaccine, which became the treatment of choice for shingles, reduced that risk even more.

However, in these previous studies based on health records, researchers could not account for a significant source of bias: Vaccinated people tend to be more health-conscious. Behaviors such as diet and exercise, for instance, are known to influence dementia rates, but are not included in health records — so it was hard to truly narrow the reduced rates of dementia specifically to the vaccine.

Fast-forward to 2025, and the findings of a seven-year “accidental experiment” published in Nature in April 2025 appear to have strengthened the vaccination’s impact on dementia even more.

Peak PS^™

Support Stong Cognition with One of the Most Tested Nutrients for Brain Health and Memory!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

An ‘accidental’ clinical trial

A fortuitous “natural experiment” in the rollout of the shingles vaccine in Wales that began in 2013 seemed to sidestep the bias. The vaccine used then contained a live-attenuated, or weakened, form of the virus.

How the vaccine rollout was designed — intended to ration the limited supply of the vaccine — meant that the slight difference in age between 79- and 80-year-olds made all the difference in who had access to the vaccine.

By comparing people who turned 80 just before Sept. 1, 2013, with people who turned 80 just after, the researchers could isolate the effect of being eligible for the vaccine.

The researchers compared the health outcomes of people closest in age who were eligible and ineligible to receive the vaccine, over seven years. By factoring in actual vaccination rates — about half of the eligible population received the vaccine, compared with almost none of the people who were ineligible — they could derive the vaccine’s effects.

By 2020, one in eight older adults, who were by then 86 and 87, had been diagnosed with dementia. But those who received the shingles vaccine were 20% less likely to develop dementia than the unvaccinated.

“It was a really striking finding,” said Pascal Geldsetzer, M.D., PhD., assistant professor of medicine and senior author of the recent study published in Nature in April 2025. “This huge protective signal was there, any which way you looked at the data.

“What makes the study so powerful is that it’s essentially like a randomized trial with a control group — those a little bit too old to be eligible for the vaccine — and an intervention group — those just young enough to be eligible.” 

They also found that protection against dementia was much more pronounced in women than men. This could be due to sex differences in immune response or in the way dementia develops, Geldsetzer said. On average, women have higher antibody responses to vaccination, and shingles is more common in women than in men. More women are also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia than men.

The circumstances, well-documented in the country’s health records, were about as close to a randomized controlled trial as you could get without conducting one.

Peak Prostate Support^™

10 Targeted Nutrients to Support a Healthy Prostate!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Over 60? You’re at higher risk

While it’s not entirely clear what the connection is between dementia and the shingles vaccine, scientists have two possible explanations.

Here’s one: When a baby is born, specific molecules that potentially could cause inflammation and accelerate aging are silenced. But viral infections like shingles can reactivate the production of these molecules, which could lead to dementia.

Another possibility is that certain viruses, like the one that causes shingles, have the potential to support the rogue form of Amyloid-β proteins that accelerate the onset of dementia.

It’s also unknown whether a newer version of the vaccine, which contains only certain proteins from the virus and is more effective at preventing shingles, may have a similar or even greater impact on dementia.

Geldsetzer looks forward to a large, randomized controlled trial, which would provide the most decisive proof of cause and effect. Participants would be randomly assigned to receive the live-attenuated vaccine or a placebo shot.

As effective as the vaccine seems to be at reducing the risk of developing shingles (and potentially reducing the risk of dementia), it’s not entirely risk-free…

It carries an FDA warning about Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder, considered an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks the nerves. In some adults over 65, there was a slightly elevated risk for developing GBS within 42 days of receiving it. Researchers describe the risk as “about three excess GBS cases per million vaccinations.”

It’s a personal decision, and you may have many factors to weigh, including your family history or genetic risk for dementia.

Sources:

Study strengthens link between shingles vaccine and lower dementia risk — EurekAlert

New Shingles Vaccine Does Even Better Job of Delaying Onset of Dementia — Science Alert

The recombinant shingles vaccine is associated with a lower risk of dementia — Nature

Herpes Zoster Vaccination Reduces Risk of Dementia — nih.gov

Newer Shingles Vaccine Edges Out Its Predecessor — Jefferson Health

The post The connection between dementia and the shingles vaccine appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Being low on magnesium can put you at risk for conditions ranging from low thyroid, asthma and migraines to diabetes, hypertension, and stroke.

But a magnesium deficiency is notoriously hard to detect… until you’ve got one.

Most of our magnesium is stored in our bones, undetectable by routine blood tests. However, it’s estimated that about half of adults in the U.S. are living with a magnesium deficiency.

That means, if you are generally healthy, you could have a magnesium deficiency and not even know it until things get serious.

Now, we can add yet another reason to make sure you have the magnesium your body — and your brain — need.

Peak Blood Flow^™

Poor circulation can impact your eyesight, your ability to sleep and cause headaches, discomfort and swelling — among other more serious concerns. The tell-tale signs of a circulation problem are… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

More magnesium makes brains younger

Scientists at the College of Health and Medicine at the Australian National University are suggesting that increasing our magnesium intake through a balanced diet can help keep our brains younger and reduce the risk of dementia as we age.

Their study of more than 6,000 cognitively healthy adults aged 40 to 73 showed that those who consumed more than 550mg of magnesium daily had a brain age approximately one year younger than those who consumed only 350mg of magnesium per day (considered the normal intake).

In the younger subjects, this difference was evident by the time they reached age 55.

“Our study shows a 41 percent increase in magnesium intake could lead to less age-related brain shrinkage, which is associated with better cognitive function and lower risk … of dementia in later life,” says lead author Dr. Khawlah Alateeq.

Magnesium counts at every age, especially for women

Female subjects in this study seemed to benefit even more than males from the neuroprotective effects of additional magnesium in their diets.

Considering that women make up about two-thirds of dementia cases, that’s not surprising.

However, it’s clear that we should all be paying attention to the amount of magnesium in our diets.

The researchers say that a higher intake of magnesium in our diets from a younger age may safeguard against neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline by the time we reach our 40s.

It really is like an “insurance policy” against dementia.

Peak Cardio Platinum^™

Research shows that by age 70, Nitric Oxide production declines by up to 75 percent! But supporting healthy N-O levels isn’t as easy as taking a nitric oxide pill. The body needs nutrients to produce N-O on its own — and that’s why… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

LOTS of ways to get more magnesium

There’s nothing wrong with taking a daily magnesium supplement if you’re not sure you’re getting enough.

But foods rich in this mineral are abundantly available. They include:

• Spinach
• Black beans
• Almonds
• Cashews
• Pumpkin seeds
• Avocado
• Bananas
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Brown rice
• Low-fat yogurt
• Dried figs
• Dark chocolate

It’s easy to incorporate these magnesium-rich foods into your diet. Add some nuts and bananas to your yogurt. How about brown rice and spinach with your dinner? The possibilities are endless! (Just be sure to rinse your rice first to cut down on heavy metals.)

Also, elevate your snack game with almonds, cashews, dried figs and dark chocolate!

Make sure also to get enough vitamin D3, B6, and E, as well as thiamine and selenium. All of these support your body’s use of magnesium.

Sources:

A higher dose of magnesium each day keeps dementia at bay Science Daily

Dietary magnesium intake is related to larger brain volumes and lower white matter lesions with notable sex differences European Journal of Nutrition

The post The mineral that works like ‘insurance’ against dementia appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But did you know that with obesity also comes an increased risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease?

That’s right. All those fast-food meals can cause brain inflammation that leads to cognitive impairment and memory loss.

But is obesity the cause, or is it the food itself?

Well, it takes some time to become obese, no matter how bad a person’s diet. So, if obesity were the main factor, it stands to reason that it would take that same amount of time before cognitive deficits start to appear.

However, new research presents evidence that the effects of a high-fat diet on the brain show up in as little as three days.

Peak Organic Superfruits^™

Blend of anthocyanin-rich, organic fermented fruits — including Aronia, Acia, Blueberry, Pomegranate and Plum — that can help clobber insulin resistance, and keep you healthy. MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

High-fat eating creates cognitive changes in just 3 days

A few years ago, researchers at Ohio State University showed that just one meal high in saturated fat (like the kind you’d get in a fast-food drive-thru) is enough to mess with your mental performance and focus.

These researchers didn’t investigate the “why” of this, but a more recent study has.

“We’re really looking for the effects of the diet directly on the brain. And we showed that within three days, long before obesity sets in, tremendous neuroinflammatory shifts are occurring,” says senior study author Dr. Ruth Barrientos.

Dr. Barrientos is an investigator in the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research at Ohio State University.

This study investigated the impact of a high-fat diet in rats after three months (to model diet-induced obesity) as well as after just three days (to model the rapid changes that occur when we eat fatty foods).

After just three days, the rats showed negative inflammatory changes in the brain and two types of memory impairment common in older people with dementia:

• Contextual memory is the ability to remember emotional or social circumstances related to an event and is controlled by the hippocampus, the primary memory center of the brain.
• Cued-fear memory (recalling a stimulus that has signaled danger in the past) originates in the amygdala, the fear and danger center of the brain.

“The results dispel the idea that diet-related inflammation in the aging brain is driven by obesity,” says Dr. Barrientos.

“Unhealthy diets and obesity are linked, but they are not inseparable. We’re really looking for the effects of the diet directly on the brain. And we showed that within three days, long before obesity sets in, tremendous neuroinflammatory shifts are occurring.”

Peak Krill Oil^™

You probably already know how important omega-3s are to support heart and brain health. But there are five reasons you may be getting yours from a less than adequate source, starting with a powerful antioxidant that delivers DHA into your brain cells… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Preserving your brain power

The MIND diet was created by researchers from Rush University Medical Center and is based on decades’ worth of brain health research.

In a 12-year study, people who ate a diet that resembled the MIND diet reduced their risk of being diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (the precursor to dementia) or dementia by 19 percent.

Another study indicated that, when it’s strictly adhered to, it can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 53%.

So, what can you eat on the MIND diet?

• Berries are emphasized over other fruits due to their high antioxidant content.
• Eating fish, a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, is recommended at least once a week.
• Leafy greens are especially emphasized. Compared to other vegetables, they are especially linked to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
• A daily 5 oz. serving of red wine.

Are you surprised by the red wine? There’s certainly science there…

Barcelona-based researchers discovered that the antioxidant resveratrol, found in the skin of grapes, protected mice against memory loss induced by a high-fat diet and prevented memory loss in mice altered to have Alzheimer’s. The antioxidant also reduced amyloid plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles, both of which are manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease.

Other foods allowed on the MIND diet include whole grains, poultry, beans, lentils, soybeans and olive oil.

The MIND diet does include a few “unhealthy” foods that you’ll need to limit. You can only eat ½ teaspoon of butter a day and not more than one serving of fried food or pastries per week.

If this sounds like a plan you can stick to and you want to save your brain, then give it a try.

Sources:

Memory is impaired in aged rats after 3 days of high-fat eating — Eureka Alert

Obesity-associated memory impairment and neuroinflammation precede widespread peripheral perturbations in aged rats — Immunity and Ageing

The MIND Diet — Barrow Neurological Institute

The post What a high-fat diet does to the brain in just 3 days appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But one factor related to cognitive decline, brain aging and dementia is quite physical…

It’s brain shrinkage — also known as brain atrophy.

People with brain atrophy experience a decrease in brain volume, brain cells and connections between brain cells. This leads to problems with thinking skills, memory and even performing daily activities.

But the right food may be the key to keeping plump brains…

Peak Krill Oil^™

You probably already know how important omega-3s are to support heart and brain health. But there are five reasons you may be getting yours from a less than adequate source, starting with a powerful antioxidant that delivers DHA into your brain cells… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Does a Japanese diet protect your brain?

In a two-year study, scientists at Japan’s National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology monitored 589 adults ages 40 to 89 who followed a traditional Japanese diet, consisting largely of rice, fish and shellfish, and fruits (especially citrus fruits).

But it’s the traditional Japanese foods that make this diet unique: miso (fermented soybean paste), seaweed, pickles, green tea, soybeans, soybeans sprouts and mushrooms such as shiitake mushrooms.

People following this diet eat very little or no red meat or coffee.

Another 697 participants ate a typical Western diet consisting of a lot of refined carbs, high-fat foods, soft drinks and alcohol.

Information was collected on participants’ genetic disposition to dementia, their level of physical activity, and any pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes.

Finally, the researchers used MRI scans to analyze the progression of brain atrophy (shrinkage) in all participants over the course of the two-year study period.

Women’s brains shrank less

Women who followed the traditional Japanese diet had less brain shrinkage over the two-year study period compared with women who followed the Western diet.

Interestingly, this effect was only apparent in women. There was no difference in the amount of brain shrinkage seen in men who followed the traditional Japanese diet compared to those following other diets.

There are a few possible reasons for this. For one, it’s been found that, for some reason, certain nutrients, including magnesium and estrogens found in fish, shellfish, and mushrooms have a stronger protective effect on women’s brains.

Also, male participants were more likely to smoke, drink alcohol and eat refined carbs while on the trial.

Peak Longevity Platinum^™

Promotes Cellular Energy, Supports Heart & Brain Functions!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Not just good for your brain

The researchers note that “it will now be important for further research to be conducted – not only to confirm our findings, but to explore some of the reasons for the differences seen between men and women when it comes to their preferred diet and brain health.”

As far as the health effects of Japanese diet, one previous study held a clue: it had to do with a soy metabolite believed to support the brain by improving arterial stiffness — which improves blood flow to white matter in the brain — and increasing mitochondria function.

While research is ongoing, there’s nothing stopping any of us from including more of the elements of a traditional Japanese diet into our eating habits.

The Okinawan diet is eaten by natives of Okinawa, a small island off Japan’s coast. It’s not all that different from the diet we’ve been discussing.

The Okinawan diet leans on fermented foods like miso. It also includes tofu, colorful vegetables like sweet potatoes, and fish (mostly on special occasions).

The proof, as they say, is in the pudding: the rate of heart disease on Okinawa is one fifth the rate in the United States.

And brain health? Dementia is less than half as likely as it is among Americans of similar ages.

Take a cue from the Okinawans and try baking a sweet potato in the oven, remove the skin and add just a bit of maple syrup or brown sugar and cinnamon. Heaven!

Sources:

This Japanese Diet Is Linked to Less Brain Shrinkage in Women, Experts Say — Science Alert

Associations of dietary patterns and longitudinal brain-volume change in Japanese community-dwelling adults: results from the national institute for longevity sciences-longitudinal study of aging — Nutrition Journal

Dietary magnesium intake is related to larger brain volumes and lower white matter lesions with notable sex differences — European Journal of Nutrition

Brain Atrophy — Cleveland Clinic

The post The Japanese secret to avoid brain shrinkage appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

They become harder, narrower, and filled with a sticky plaque that slowly chokes your blood flow. These changes are known as atherosclerosis, and they occur in more than 3 million Americans each year.

Most people with atherosclerosis don’t know they have it until it’s too late, because it doesn’t have any obvious symptoms until the blockage becomes severe. But your doctor can check for it.

The thing is, whether you have atherosclerosis or not, everyone’s arteries harden some with age. That means, it’s a good idea to proactively protect your arteries, pronto.

So, what can you do to keep your arteries clear?

Eat your vegetables, that’s what. But what if you are just not a fan of the plant stuff? No problem — there’s just one kind you really need to get a little of every day for clear arteries…

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

It may not be a household word, but nitric oxide has been recognized in over 130,000 published scientific papers as a vital signaling molecule that keeps blood vessels healthy so they can perform as the body needs. But as you age, your cells produce less and… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The artery-clearing power of cruciferous vegetables

In 2018, Research at the University of Western Australia in Crawley found that older women who eat their vegetables have much clearer arteries.

The study included 954 women aged 70 or older. They were asked to fill out a food questionnaire and received sonograms to gauge the thickness of their carotid arteries.

Carotid arteries are in the neck, and like the arteries in your heart, they can develop atherosclerosis. The difference is that when carotid arteries get blocked, blood flow to the brain gets cut off, and you have a stroke rather than a heart attack.

The good news is that atherosclerosis can be prevented by pumping your body full of one kind of fresh produce…

The women in the study who ate a lot of vegetables had thinner artery walls than women who didn’t, meaning less atherosclerosis or buildup. Their arteries were 0.05 millimeters thinner. This may not sound like a lot, but researchers say every 0.1-millimeter decrease in carotid wall thickness lowers your risk of having a stroke or heart attack by 10 to 18 percent.

The food questionnaire asked women about their intake of five different types of vegetables. But, researchers determined that there was one type that was doing all the heavy lifting… cruciferous vegetables.

They found that every 10 grams of cruciferous vegetables women ate per day reduced the thickness of their carotid artery wall by 0.8 percent. Since a typical serving of broccoli is about 36 grams, that probably leads to a nice reduction in stroke and heart attack risk.

Additional research in 2020 revisited this data and also found the women who consumed the highest amounts of cruciferous vegetables had less abdominal aortic calcification (an early warning sign of heart trouble) than the women who ate less.

Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™

Helps flush harmful toxins from your body that interfere with vital functions!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Plenty of Cruciferae to choose from…

Research says the positive effect of cruciferous vegetables may be due to their abundance of vitamin K, including phylloquinone (vitamin K1) found in leafy green vegetables, broccoli and Brussels sprouts and menaquinones (vitamin K2) found primarily in animal-based foods.

Phylloquinone can break down to menadione, an intermediate that is then converted to menaquinone, a form believed to reduce vascular calcification.

Broccoli is probably the best-known member of the Cruciferae family and a well-known superfood. But there are plenty of other cruciferous vegetables to choose from (even a few surprising ones) if you want clear arteries, like:

• Arugula
• Bok choi
• Broccoli
• Broccoli rabe
• Brussel sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Chinese Broccoli
• Collard Greens
• Horseradish
• Kale
• Radish
• Turnips and turnip greens
• Wasabi
• Rutabaga
• Horseradish

Sources:

1. “Vegetables may help protect elderly women from hardening of neck arteries.”  https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-04-vegetables-elderly-women-hardening-neck.html. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
2. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/atherosclerosis.html. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
3. P. Toth. “Subclinical atherosclerosis: what it is, what it means and what we can do about it.” International Journal of Clinical Practice. 2008 Aug; 62(8): 1246–1254.
4. “Carotid Artery Disease.” MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/carotidarterydisease.html.Retrieved April 12, 2018.
5. “Cruciferous Vegetables: Cruciferous Definition And The List Of Cruciferous Vegetables.” Gardening Know How. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/cruciferous-vegetables.htm. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
6. Cruciferous Vegetable Intake Associated with Abdominal Aortic Calcification — Natural Health Research

The post Not a veggie fan? Eat just this ONE for clearer arteries appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a treatable condition brought on by long-term liver damage. But it’s hard to diagnose…

That’s because HE is usually preceded by cirrhosis, where the liver is damaged and scarred. Cirrhosis is considered a silent disease and is usually not detected until its later stages — making the resulting disease, HE, even harder to diagnose.

Hopefully, healthcare providers and patients can work together at diagnosing these conditions — now that we’re learning as much as 13 percent of people diagnosed with dementia may instead have an underlying silent liver disease causing or contributing to their symptoms…

Peak Krill Oil^™

You probably already know how important omega-3s are to support heart and brain health. But there are five reasons you may be getting yours from a less than adequate source, starting with a powerful antioxidant that delivers DHA into your brain cells… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Hepatic encephalopathy: A life-changing misdiagnosis

Researchers examined medical records of 175,000 former patients treated by the Veterans Health Administration over ten years — specifically choosing those who had been diagnosed with dementia on at least two separate occasions.

Using clinical data, they calculated a FIB-4 score (a score based on liver blood results and age that can be used to predict liver damage). Ten percent had a FIB-4 score higher than 3.25 (the cut-off for diagnosing liver scarring).

High scores were more common in patients with risk factors for liver disease, like viral hepatitis and heavy drinking — and less common in patients with risk factors commonly associated with dementia, like diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease.

Next, the researchers confirmed their findings by looking at a separate group of people assessed for dementia at their hospital. They found similar results, with 9 percent having a high FIB-4 score and potential cirrhosis.

This suggested that around 10 percent of people diagnosed with dementia may instead have underlying silent liver disease with HE causing or contributing to the symptoms.

But that number keeps going up…

In a recent follow-up study, Virginia Commonwealth University researchers repeated this review with 68,807 medical records of patients from a national database who weren’t veterans.

They were surprised to find that even more patients with high FIB-4 scores were found in this population — almost 13 percent.

“This important link between dementia and liver health emphasizes the importance of screening patients for potentially treatable contributors to cognitive decline,” concluded Virginia Commonwealth University hepatologist Jasmohan Bajaj.

Peak Organic Alkalizing Greens^™

Give your Body the Optimal Alkalizing Nutrients you Need for Healthy pH Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

HE symptoms and similarities to dementia

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming increasingly common and is an early-stage liver disease. But left untreated, it can progress to hepatic encephalopathy.

Initial symptoms of HE can be subtle and seemingly harmless, including changes in sleep patterns or irritability.

But as the condition worsens, symptoms become more apparent: forgetfulness, disorientation or confusion.

It’s easy to see how these symptoms can be mistaken for the cognitive decline that leads to dementia — though the damage caused to the brain has a different origin…

In HE, when a liver scarred by cirrhosis can no longer detoxify the blood, then toxins (mainly ammonia) build up and enter the brain, interfering with brain function.

Dementia, on the other hand, is caused by long-term damage to brain function, usually due to damage to the small blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Diabetes and vascular dementia are two ways that this can happen.

If a loved one is showing signs of dementia and you have any reason to think they might have a damaged liver, get your physician to check. Ultimately, HE can lead to coma and death in its most severe form.

But diagnosed early enough, HE can be treated, first with laxatives that help to remove ammonia and other toxins that accumulate in the gut. This is followed by treatment with an antibiotic (rifaximin) that kills some of the harmful ammonia-producing bacteria in the gut.

By getting your doctor to run a few tests, you could help a loved one escape a double-whammy: the slow decline into dementia, and a painful death from liver disease.

Sources:

Many Dementia Cases Could Actually Be a Hidden Form of Liver Disease — Science Alert

Up to 13% of Dementia Cases May Be a Misdiagnosed Treatable Condition — Science Alert

Undiagnosed Cirrhosis and Hepatic Encephalopathy in a National Cohort of Veterans With Dementia — JAMA Network

The post When dementia starts with your liver appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

While the exact reason why has been a mystery, there are a couple of theories…

Women tend to live longer than men, and the most significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s is age. It skyrockets in those aged 75 and older.

Also, women are twice as likely as men to have an autoimmune disease. Since some experts say beta-amyloid is a normally occurring molecule that is part of the brain’s immune system, an overactive immune system seems a logical connection.

Changes in hormones have also linked Alzheimer’s to women, not only the loss of estrogen, but higher levels of cortisol in midlife as well.

Fortunately, recent research may not only explain why women are at higher risk of the disease — but also lead to the development of a simple blood test that could detect Alzheimer’s in the early stages…

Peak Thyroid Support^™

The thyroid’s main job is to make hormones that regulate the heart, brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, muscles and every other organ and tissue. But to function properly, it needs an adequate supply of iodine — something that gets harder to metabolize with age. That’s why… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The roles of acetyl-L-carnitine and free carnitine

An international team of researchers measured blood levels of two amino acids essential for healthy brain function — acetyl-L-carnitine and free carnitine — in two separate groups of men and women in Brazil and California. Some were diagnosed with varying degrees of cognitive impairment, while others were cognitively healthy.

The researchers discovered that blood levels of acetyl-L-carnitine were lower in both women and men with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, levels of free carnitine, a byproduct of acetyl-L-carnitine in reactions essential to brain function, showed a steady decline in women in amounts related to the severity of their cognitive decline.

Tests also indicated that levels of the two molecules aligned in direct proportion to increased levels of amyloid beta and tangled tau protein, both of which are long considered markers of Alzheimer’s severity.

The research team’s accuracy in diagnosing Alzheimer’s severity rose from more than 80% when using either the two blood molecules or amyloid beta and tangled tau protein levels from cerebrospinal fluid, to 93% when using both.

The fact that declines in men were only evident in acetyl-L-carnitine reveals a disease-specific difference between the sexes and could explain the higher risk of Alzheimer’s in women.

“Our findings offer the strongest evidence to date that decreased blood levels of acetyl-L-carnitine and free carnitine could act as blood biomarkers for identifying those who have Alzheimer’s disease, and potentially those who are at greater risk of developing early dementia,” says study lead investigator Dr. Betty Bigio, a professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

“Because declines in acetyl-L-carnitine and free carnitine tracked closely with the severity of Alzheimer’s disease, the molecular pathways involved in their production offer other possible therapeutic targets for getting at the root cause of the disease and potentially intervening before permanent brain damage occurs,” said senior study investigator Carla Nasca, PhD. Nasca is an assistant professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

Dr. Nasca suggests that further research is needed to clarify the role of acetyl-L-carnitine in brain chemistry. If further studies confirm the latest findings, she adds, they could be used to develop a simple blood test for dementia and to track the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Peak BP Platinum^™

Clinically-Tested Nutritients that Support Arterial Health and Blood Pressure!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Getting enough acetyl-L-carnitine

Previous studies have found that acetyl-L-carnitine can help improve Alzheimer’s symptoms by enhancing cognitive function and mitigating cognitive impairment.

One study found memory and cognitive scores in Alzheimer’s patients given 2,250 to 3,000 mg daily of acetyl-L-carnitine improved 2.8 times better than placebo-treated subjects over 12 weeks.

Carnitine is produced naturally by the body through synthesis by the liver and kidneys. However, levels of carnitine in the body do decline with age, with one study finding levels were about 20% lower in aged rats.

So if you’re older, it may be a good idea to consume foods rich in carnitine. These include animal products such as red meat, poultry, fish and dairy products. Fruits, vegetables and grains contain negligible amounts of the amino acid.

You could also try acetyl-L-carnitine supplements. Just be careful if you’re taking blood thinners or drugs for lowering blood sugar — you’ll want to talk to your doctor first before adding acetyl-L-carnitine to the mix.

Sources:

Study advances possible blood test for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease — EurekAlert!

Sex differences in mitochondrial free-carnitine levels in subjects at-risk and with Alzheimer’s disease in two independent study cohorts — Molecular Psychiatry

Acetyl-L-Carnitine in Dementia and Other Cognitive Disorders: A Critical Update — Nutrients

Why are women more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease? — Harvard Health Publishing

Acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation restores decreased tissue carnitine levels and impaired lipid metabolism in aged rats — Journal of Lipid Research

Carnitine — National Institutes of Health

The post Two molecules explain Alzheimer’s ‘mystery’ and enable early detection appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, think again.

Chances are that if you have heard of this supplement, it was in the context of high-performance athletes.

But it’s actually a vital nutrient for anyone who wants to support everyday wellness and healthy aging. Does that sound like you?

Then, read on for the skinny on creatine and why you need more of it.

Peak Maximum Endurance^™

At middle age, you start feeling changes in your body you may chalk up to aging: energy levels hit rock bottom, weight soars, muscles become soft, skin becomes wrinkled and slack and desire tanks. You may feel past your prime — but science says that’s wrong! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Creatine: What is it

Creatine is a nutrient, a compound to be exact, produced by three amino acids. Its function is to increase the amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in our cells — the body’s main source of energy.

Creatine can be found in seafood and red meat. It’s also available in flavored or unflavored powders, both in health stores and online.

In the gym, supplementing creatine translates to enhanced energy production, which means more energy to build muscle faster and to recover faster.

In general, ATP stores energy and delivers it to various parts of the body as it is needed to support everything from digestion to movement to thinking.

Once seen as a supplement for “gym rats” only, experts now say creatine plays a vital role in cellular energy, cognitive function, and healthy aging — and we should all take advantage of it.

What it does

If you’re dealing with physical fatigue that prevents you from staying active or finding that you’re just not as sharp as you once were, supplementing with creatine could help.

Dr. Richard Kreider, professor and director of the Exercise and Sport Nutrition Lab at Texas A&M University, has spent over 30 years investigating the effects of creatine.

He says, “When the body is stressed, like in exercise or under metabolic conditions like some diseases, creatine phosphate is needed to maintain energy in the cell, and therefore has a lot of protective and health benefits, in addition to the exercise performance effects that have been seen.”

But studies have found that most people aren’t getting enough. Women see a drop in their body’s creatine stores during hormonally driven periods such as menopause, menstruation or pregnancy.

And, as we age, we produce and store less. Production of ATP also slows down.

This slowing down of production has a particularly noticeable effect on muscle mass, strength and cognitive function.

In fact, just a couple of years ago, a critical analysis of nutritional supplements for healthy aging suggested four nutrients that could help prevent sarcopenia — the loss of muscle mass that occurs with age — and one of them was creatine.

Low dietary creatine intake is also associated with higher body fat. So why are we just hearing about its benefits outside of the gym?

Peak CoQSol10 CF^™

Gives Your Cells the Energy They Need for Optimal Function!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Unfounded concerns over safety and bloating

For years, there have been misgivings about its safety and the potential for uncomfortable bloating. But Dr. Kreider says a vast body of research shows it’s safe, effective and well-tolerated by most people.

When he and his colleagues analyzed 685 clinical trials on supplementing with creatine to assess its safety, their analysis revealed no significant differences in the rate of side effects between subjects taking creatine and those taking a placebo.

“There’s absolutely no data supporting any negative side effect anecdotally reported about creatine on the internet and in the media,” Dr. Kreider says. “Creatine is safe, and it’s important for everybody, not just bodybuilders and athletes.”

The problem is, most of us fall short in getting enough from our diets.

“You only get about a gram of creatine per pound of red meat or fish, like salmon, so it’s expensive and takes a lot of calories to get a gram,” Kreider said.

There’s no clearly defined Recommended Dietary Allowance for creatine, but the standard recommendation is 3 to 5 grams per day. Dr. Kreider suggests consuming 5 to 10 grams per day will maintain healthy stores and provide enough to support the brain.

When I try a new supplement, I usually start out with the lowest recommended amount and work my way up to see how well I tolerate it. I think that’s fair advice for just about anyone.

If you have kidney problems, it’s a good idea to discuss supplementing with your doctor first.

Sources:

This overlooked supplement could help you think sharper and age better — Science Daily

Safety of creatine supplementation: analysis of the prevalence of reported side effects in clinical trials and adverse event reports — Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

Effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function of healthy individuals: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials — Experimental Gerontology

Creatine shows potential to boost cognition in Alzheimer’s patients — University of Kansas Medical Center

Creatine monohydrate pilot in Alzheimer’s: Feasibility, brain creatine, and cognition — Alzheimer’s Association

The post The ‘gym supplement’ for healthy aging and everyday wellness appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But what many people don’t realize is that a stroke doesn’t always occur out of the blue. Just as often, your body gives you a tap on the shoulder that says, “Hey! Take care of this now, or worse things are coming!”

One of these warning signs is known as a “mini-stroke.”

But there’s nothing “mini” about it.

If you have one of these mini strokes, research says that it’s only a matter of time until another, possibly more damaging, stroke can occur… unless you heed the warning your body is giving you.

Peak BP Platinum^™

We eat right and exercise to help maintain our blood pressure levels within a normal range. Sometimes it still just isn’t enough. But there are clinically-tested nutritional ingredients that support arterial health to help keep blood pressure levels… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

TIA is a warning that leaves its mark

When you have the most common type of stroke — ischemic stroke — blood flow to the brain is cut off, either by a blood clot or plaque from artery walls. Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a burst blood vessel. These types of strokes can cause significant damage, even death.

Then, there’s what’s known as a mini-stroke, more technically called a trans-ischemic attack.

When someone experiences a TIA, blood flow to the brain is blocked only for a very brief period, but the symptoms are the same as those for a major stroke:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech, or both
• Vision problems
• Dizziness
• Loss of coordination and balance

Unlike a major stroke, TIA symptoms typically resolve within minutes — most within an hour. And that’s what makes a TIA so dangerous…

You see, many people ignore TIA symptoms once they feel normal again, not realizing that it could be only weeks before they fall victim to a full-blown stroke.

According to the Mayo Clinic, about 1 in 3 people who have TIAs go on to have a stroke. And the risk of stroke is exceptionally high within 48 hours of a TIA.

But that’s not the only concern from TIA…

An extensive epidemiological study by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that the impact on the brain in terms of cognitive decline is concerning.

Immediately after a TIA, “we don’t see an abrupt change in cognition,” as measured by cognitive tests administered every other year,” says Dr. Victor Del Bene, a neuropsychologist and lead author of the study.

Five years later, the picture was different. People who had experienced TIAs were cognitively better off than those who had suffered strokes. But both groups were experiencing cognitive decline — and at equally steep rates.

“If you have one stroke or one TIA, with no other event over time and no other change in your medical status, the rate of cognitive decline is the same,” said Dr. Del Bene.

Peak Krill Oil^™

Supports Heart Health, Immunity and Moods, Naturally!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Mini-stroke requires FAST attention

Unlike other urgent conditions, a TIA may not appear dramatic or even be visible; patients themselves must determine how to respond.

Dr. Claiborne Johnston, a neurologist and chief medical officer of Harbor Health in Austin, Texas, commented:

“Feeling back to normal doesn’t mean you can ignore this, or delay and discuss it with your primary care doctor at your next visit,” Dr. Johnston says.

That means symptoms should prompt a 911 call and an immediate evaluation in the emergency room.

So, how do you know if you or a loved one is having a TIA?

Dr. Tracy Madsen, an emergency room specialist at the University of Vermont, believes in the acronym BE FAST — the same advice in case of a full-blown stroke:

• Balance loss
• Eyesight changes
• Facial drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech problems

The T  is for time, as in don’t waste any.

It’s important to know that women can present with very different stroke symptoms.

The bottom line: Go with your gut. If something’s off, seek help.

But knowing that a TIA can eventually lead to the same decline as a major stroke should be a wake-up call to all of us. It’s a perfect example of why prevention truly is the best medicine.

This does not matter whether you are young or old. Stroke is on the rise among people under the age of 65. You can read more about that here and find advice on a stroke prevention lifestyle.

Sources:

A Mini-stroke Can Have Major Consequences — KFF Health News

Cognitive Decline After First-Time Transient Ischemic Attack — JAMA Neurology

First-Time Transient Ischemic Attack Associated With Long-Term Cognitive Decline — doc wire news

First-Time TIA Associated With Long-Term Cognitive Impairment — Breaking Med

The post The major impact of mini-stroke on the brain appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Still, there is a rising trend of AFib in younger people — most likely linked to rising rates of obesity, hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, as well as underlying heart conditions.

AFib, which causes an irregular heartbeat, disrupts the flow of blood through the heart’s chambers. This raises the risk of blood clots developing in the heart that can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. In fact, AFib can increase stroke risk by fivefold.

But that’s not the only way it can harm your brain, making it imperative to reduce your risk of developing it…

Peak Krill Oil^™

You probably already know how important omega-3s are to support heart and brain health. But there are five reasons you may be getting yours from a less than adequate source, starting with a powerful antioxidant that delivers DHA into your brain cells… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

AFib and the potential for dementia

An observational study of more than 2.5 million individuals in Catalonia, Spain, assessed AFib’s connection to dementia.

The participants were at least 45 years old, had no prior diagnosis of dementia, and were followed for over 15 years. At the start of the study, 3.25% of participants had a recorded diagnosis of AFib.

Overall, the researchers found AFib to be a statistically significant, albeit weak, predictor of dementia, linked with a 4% increased risk.

However, things took a serious turn when they dug into details such as age at time of Afib diagnosis…

• In patients aged 45-50, those with AFib were 3.3 times more likely to develop dementia than those without AFib. But in patients over 70 years of age, no link was found.
• In patients diagnosed with AFib before the age of 70, the risk of dementia increased by 21%.
• An even stronger effect was observed for early-onset dementia (before the age of 65), with AFib raising that risk by 36%.

Why does AFib seem to have stronger links with dementia, the younger and earlier the diagnosis? The authors noted that “dementia is often a multifactorial condition… rather than a single pathophysiological process,” meaning that there are other factors involved in the dementia diagnosis.

“This may explain why [AFib] has a greater impact in younger patients, where it could be one of the primary pathogenic factors,” the authors write in the study.

In older adults, other primary contributors to cognitive decline — such as age-related neurodegeneration — may be more impactful than AFib.

Peak Maximum Endurance^™

Supports Improved Oxygen Levels… Healthy Circulation… and Balanced Hormones for Better Overall Health!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Oddity appears to double early-onset dementia risk

Despite AFib’s enhanced risk for stroke, the researchers discovered another oddity…

AFib patients who had not experienced a stroke faced much higher odds of developing dementia. Those who developed AFib in mid-life (before age 70), even without stroke history, had a 23% higher risk for dementia in general, but a 52% increase for early-onset dementia.

However, it’s impossible to rule out the possibility of so-called “silent strokes,” which show no symptoms and can only be diagnosed with a CT scan or MRI. Microinfarcts and microbleeds could also be factors, they say.

Other potential mechanisms connecting AFib and dementia include alterations in blood flow and pressure and an imbalance in how the body controls automatic functions like heart rate and breathing. These effects may be amplified by the inflammation associated with AFib, they add.

“The study demonstrates a significant and strong association in younger patients between two pathologies — atrial fibrillation and dementia — that are among the major health challenges of the 21st century,” the researchers write. “We should now investigate whether early detection strategies and aggressive management of atrial fibrillation in younger patients can help reducing the risk of dementia and changing the natural course of the disease.”

If you suspect you may have AFib, you must see your doctor right away. They can help determine whether you’re developing the condition, and if you do have it, they can help you manage it.

Of course, the best way to deal with AFib is to avoid developing it in the first place. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise (which can slash risk 60%), is a great way to stave off AFib.

Also, make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D. At least one study has linked vitamin D to lowering the odds of developing AFib by as much as 32%.

Sources:

1. Atrial fibrillation diagnosed in midlife is linked to a 21% increased risk of dementia at any age and a 36% higher risk of early-onset dementia — European Society of Cardiology

2. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) — Cleveland Clinic

3. 5 Things You Should Know about Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) — Johns Hopkins Medicine

4. Afib More Common and Dangerous in Younger People Than Previously Thought — UPMC

The post The surprising risk AFib carries for early-onset dementia appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Flavonoids help prevent diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

So you may think that it’s a good idea to eat as much flavonoid-rich food as you can.

Well, you wouldn’t exactly be wrong there, but ….

“Eat the rainbow” was coined for a good reason: to reap the incredible disease-fighting benefits of flavonoids and reduce your risk of early death, research suggests it’s key to get them from many different sources.

Peak Organic Superfruits^™

Blend of anthocyanin-rich, organic fermented fruits — including Aronia, Acia, Blueberry, Pomegranate and Plum — that can help clobber insulin resistance, and keep you healthy. MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Diversity matters to live long and without chronic disease

An international team of researchers analyzed data on 124,805 adults in the UK Biobank aged 40 or over, looking for links between self-reported diet and health.

They found a correlation between the amount of flavonoids in the diet and conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and neurological disease.

According to ECU Research Fellow, first author and co-lead of the study Dr Benjamin Parmenter, “Flavonoid intakes of around 500 mg a day was associated with a 16% lower risk of all-cause mortality, as well as a ~10% lower risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes, and respiratory disease. That’s roughly the amount of flavonoids that you would consume in two cups of tea.”

He added, however, that those who consumed the widest diversity of flavonoids from a variety of foods, even when consuming the same total amount, had an even lower risk of these diseases.

So why does diversity matter?

According to study co-lead Professor Aedín Cassidy from the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast, “… different flavonoids work in different ways, some improve blood pressure, others help with cholesterol levels and decrease inflammation. This study is significant as the results indicate that consuming a higher quantity and wider diversity has the potential to lead to a greater reduction in ill health than just a single source.”

“The results provide a clear public health message, suggesting that simple and achievable dietary swaps, such as drinking more tea and eating more berries and apples for example, can help increase the variety and intake of flavonoid-rich foods, and potentially improve health in the long-term,” she added.

Peak Organic Alkalizing Greens^™

Give your Body the Optimal Alkalizing Nutrients you Need for Healthy pH Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

How to improve your flavonoid game

There are over 6,000 known flavonoids found in a variety of foods, and they can appear together in some foods, including:

Flavonols like quercetin, found in apples and pears, lower stroke risk and reduce inflammation. Quercetin also slashes dementia risk, along with kaempferol and others.

Isoflavones are a type of phytoestrogen.

Flavanones lower cholesterol and fat in the blood..

Anthocyanins found in purple, red, and blue produce are antioxidants that support brain, heart and immune functions.

Chalcones have antioxidant properties, protecting the body from cancer and age-related illnesses.

Catechins are popularly found in green tea, and play a role in skin and gut health, among other benefits.

Clearly, you want to be eating plenty of flavonoids.

But here’s the thing … these different classes of flavonoids aren’t all found in one place.

They’re spread among a wide range of foods, including:

• Blueberries
• Peaches
• Red grapes
• Cranberries
• Apples
• Kale
• Onions
• Broccoli
• Black and green tea
• Soy beans
• Cherries

Oh, and they’re also found in red wine and dark chocolate!

A challenge for you

The people in this study who were consuming the most flavonoids were snacking on 19 different types of flavonoids a day!

Can you come close to that? Want to try?

The way to do it, or to even come close, is to eat a wide range of flavonoid-rich foods. Some were mentioned above. Others include:

• lettuce
• bananas
• raspberries
• blackberries
• strawberries
• citrus fruits
• tomatoes
• pears

Nutritionists advise you to “eat the rainbow,” meaning you should consume fruits and vegetables of many colors in order to get your share of flavonoids.

And with summer upon us, that shouldn’t be too hard!

Sources:

Having a mix of tea, berries, apples, and grapes every day may lower your risk of chronic disease and early death — Scimex

A Mix of These Specific Foods Could Help You Avoid Chronic Disease — Science Alert

High diversity of dietary flavonoid intake is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality and major chronic diseases — Nature Food

Top foods high in flavonoids — Web MD

The post Diversify your flavonoids to ditch disease and live longer appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Funny thing is, if you come to them with physical complaints, especially anything pain-related, they’ll often file that under the label of depression, too, and pull out that prescription form.

But they’ve been missing out on the actual physical toll of depression that research pioneer Dr. Philip Gold recently laid out in a landmark paper published in Brain Medicine’s Seymour Reichlin Centenary Festschrift collection.

Depression doesn’t just sometimes hurt. It contributes to the most common chronic diseases, cutting our lives short…

Peak Vitality^™

Your adrenal glands support essential functions from metabolism to stress response. But when they become fatigued, problems with sleep quality, unwanted weight gain, moodiness, energy levels and more can take your vitality for a dive. Nutrients called “adaptogens” help restore balance and improve… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Far beyond mood changes: Disease and shorter lifespan

“Depression’s toll reaches beyond mood and thought, extending into physical health risks like coronary artery disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and stroke,” explains Dr. Gold.

In fact, considering that these conditions collectively reduce life expectancy by approximately 7 to 10 years in people suffering from them, depression clearly has an adverse effect on longevity itself.

To determine just how depression leads to these life-threatening diseases, Dr. Gold looked at the brain, discovering that people who are depressed experience striking changes in brain structure.

These changes include a 40% reduction in subgenual prefrontal cortex volume—a region that plays a critical role in regulating the stress response.

If that weren’t enough, these structural changes occur in conjunction with disruptions in multiple hormone systems, particularly involving corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and norepinephrine.

“The combined effects of CRH, norepinephrine, cortisol, and inflammatory pathways help explain why depression often leads to early onset of various illnesses and a shortened lifespan for those affected,” notes Dr. Gold, emphasizing the interconnected nature of these systems.

Clearly, the proof is in the pudding. And no matter what your doctor might say, depression is not only in your head.

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

It may not be a household word, but nitric oxide has been recognized in over 130,000 published scientific papers as a vital signaling molecule that keeps blood vessels healthy so they can perform as the body needs. But as you age, your cells produce less and… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Don’t let depression rain on your good health

This isn’t the first we’ve heard about the impact of mental health on physical health…

In fact, scientists at Ohio State revealed a powerful connection between mental health and heart disease.  

“Heart disease and anxiety/depression interact such that each promotes the other,” said lead study author Philip Binkley, MD. “There appear to be mental processes that link heart disease with anxiety and depression that are currently under investigation. Both heart disease and anxiety/depression are associated with the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. This is part of the so-called involuntary nervous system that increases heart rate, blood pressure and can also contribute to anxiety and depression.”

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for the “fight or flight” response during any potential danger. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system inhibits the body from overworking and restores the body to a calm and composed state.

So, if you’ve been living with depression, be sure you are heard when talking to a doctor about it. And when you see your primary physician, be sure he’s aware that you are dealing with depression so he can pay closer attention to what’s going on in your body.

In addition, these practices could help you mentally and physically:

• Boost your dopamine levels – This happiness hormone is linked to the nervous system and low levels can result in depression.
• Conscious movement – Yoga is a great way to reduce both depression and anxiety. Here are three of the most effective poses anyone can do.
• Foods – Researchers have found that certain foods can help DASH symptoms of depression. So be sure to put the right diet to work for you. Foods that contain the prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (like legumes and nuts) are especially helpful at reducing anxiety levels.
• Supplements – If you’re deficient in certain amino acids or minerals, it can amp up your depression. Two of the most important are arginine and magnesium. Research has shown that people with depression also suffered low arginine levels which can lower the amount of nitric oxide in the body. Low levels of nitric oxide are necessary for healthy blood flow and facilitate heart health.

Sources:

Depression research pioneer Dr. Philip Gold maps disease’s full-body impact — EurekAlert!

The link between depression chronic illness and a shorter life — Easy Health Options

The amino acid deficiency that leads to depression — Easy Health Options

The post The full-body impact of depression: Chronic disease appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Factors like exercise, stress levels and sleep quality can cause your brain to appear older or younger than your chronological years.

However, one of the most significant influences on brain aging could be a common condition half of Americans struggle with…

Recent findings from one of the largest Brain MRI intervention studies indicate that getting it under control is crucial for promoting a youthful brain…

Peak Organic Superfruits^™

Blend of anthocyanin-rich, organic fermented fruits — including Aronia, Acia, Blueberry, Pomegranate and Plum — that can help clobber insulin resistance, and keep you healthy. MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Long-term blood sugar and brain changes

As we age, the brain experiences structural changes — specifically, the hippocampus often shrinks while the lateral ventricles expand, signaling brain aging. A younger brain age is associated with improved cognitive health, while an older brain age may raise the risk of cognitive decline.

Previous research showed that following the Green Mediterranean diet can slow brain aging by an impressive 50% in just 18 months.

To understand why, researchers at Ben-Gurion University compared MRI scans of individuals with stable blood sugar levels to those with elevated levels, aiming to assess how blood sugar maintenance affects brain age.

The results were striking: declines in HbA1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar levels, were significantly linked to positive changes in specific brain regions often affected by age-related shrinkage.

Notably, individuals with better blood sugar control demonstrated a more youthful thalamus, caudate nucleus, and cerebellum — areas crucial for cognitive function, motor control, and sensory processing.

In other words, the current study further strengthened existing research that the Green-Med diet may not only support metabolic health but also exert protective effects on brain structure and function.

The Green Mediterranean diet is rich in polyphenols from plant-based foods, such as Mankai (a high-protein aquatic plant also known as duckweed) and green tea, and low in red and processed meats.

The study’s lead researcher, Prof. Iris Shai, from Ben-Gurion University, an adjunct professor at Harvard University, and an Honorary Professor at Leipzig University, explained, “Maintaining low blood sugar levels, even within the normal range, shows promise for preserving a younger brain, especially when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Specifically, polyphenols found in plant-based foods may cross the blood-brain barrier and help reduce brain inflammation, which is crucial for memory”.

Peak Golden Oil^™

The golden-colored oil of the Nigella sativa plant contains compounds essential for a healthy immune system. That explains why it was documented in the oldest medical writings. But we don’t just rely on history to prove the therapeutic benefit of… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Blood sugar control helps preserve brain age and function

Considering that roughly half of the U.S. population struggles with either diabetes or prediabetes, it’s easy to see why rates of cognitive decline keep climbing.

This study is one of the first large-scale trials to directly link dietary changes, particularly those associated with the Green-Med diet, to improved glycemic control and slower brain aging.

But if you aren’t sure how to incorporate duckweed into your diet, berries could help you harness the power of polyphenols, and have a reputation for both brain and blood sugar health.

Here’s how:

• Polyphenols enhance the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones, thereby regulating blood glucose levels and improving glucose tolerance.
• They also regulate the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, improving mood and memory function.
• Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), which form when sugars react with proteins and fats, contribute to cognitive decline. Polyphenols and antioxidants stop the formation of AGEs.

One berry in particular, the Aronia berry, is known as the “blood sugar berry.” In one study, blood sugar levels normalized in just three months with no other dietary changes among participants who drank aronia berry juice daily.

America’s favorite, the blueberry, has been shown to support healthy insulin levels and weight management. In a 12-week study, men and women who drank a daily serving of blueberry juice performed better on memory tests than the placebo group and showed improved blood flow.

The acai berry is considered to be the antioxidant “superstar.” When German scientists measured antioxidants in different fruits and vegetables, some acai levels ranked so high they were off the charts and could only be estimated. This is important because high levels of antioxidants have been shown to protect against free radicals and support normal blood sugar levels.

There are many more to choose from. And if keeping your brain from the aging effects of blood sugar problems is important to you, give them all a try.

Sources:

New study reveals blood sugar control is a key factor in slowing brain aging, highlighting the benefits of the Mediterranean diet – EurekAlert!

The post The common condition rapidly aging American’s brains appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

We can no longer ignore the dangerous levels we’re exposed to. These heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, can lead to serious health issues including neurological damage, cardiovascular problems and kidney dysfunction.  

Lead is among the most notorious, affecting heart health at a rate six times higher than previously feared. But mercury has more than demonstrated its clear and present danger to our health.

It’s why we’re warned about the amount of seafood we eat — especially tuna, a fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are important for heart, eye and brain health.  

I grew up eating my grandmother’s tuna salad. To me, it was the best in the world. I have her recipe and still enjoy it occasionally. I’m also a fan of sushi. You might be thinking right now, “Are you crazy?”

I still eat these foods because I know how to reduce the harm mercury (and other heavy metals) can do.

It’s a technique I practice in my own home, but also one that researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden hope canned tuna manufacturers may use to make the product much safer for you when you buy it in the store…

Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™

Your body is exposed to an onslaught of chemicals and pollutants daily. Once inside, they travel a superhighway – your circulatory system – reaching every inch of your body and interfering with vital functions. Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™ is formulated with nutrients that help flush these harmful toxins out of your body! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Manufacturing the mercury out

The amino acid cysteine is naturally occurring in the human body in small amounts. It’s also in protein-rich foods. And it’s important for a couple of reasons…

It’s the precursor for N-acetylcysteine (NAC). NAC helps the body maintain adequate glutathione (the body’s master antioxidant) levels, which may help prevent the routine metabolic decline associated with aging.

However, cysteine is also a chelator, meaning through the bonding of ions and their molecules to metal ions, it can change them and render them less harmful, ultimately causing them to be removed.

And that’s how researchers in Sweden intend to help make canned tuna safer for consumption…

They have devised a novel approach to packaging canned tuna infused in a water-based solution of amino acid cysteine. It was shown to remove up to 35 percent of the accumulated mercury in canned tuna, a significant step for reducing human exposure to mercury via food.

They started with a concept called active packaging. It involves the development of materials — in this case, a liquid inside a can — that interact with food during storage. It’s not an entirely new concept. Some materials are already added to the foods we eat to increase shelf life and bind to metal ions that cause discoloration and spoilage, like ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA), also an effective chelator.

The medical use of EDTA, approved by the FDA, was introduced as a lead chelating agent to treat lead poisoning in employees of battery factories and in those exposed to lead paint.

However, EDTA can also remove cadmium and mercury from the bloodstream — and that’s how I use it at home.

Peak PS^™

Support Stong Cognition with One of the Most Tested Nutrients for Brain Health and Memory!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Kick toxic threats out of your body

Chelation is not a new concept. I am grateful that researchers like those in Sweden are looking into ways to further its use to make our lives safer by working to eliminate threats like mercury contamination. This promising therapy offers hope in our battle against heavy metal exposure.

Let’s face it, these are threats that have been eating away at our health for a long time and may only get worse in the future. That’s why I want to share what I know about chelation and how I use it…

In the United States alone, more than 1,500 physicians recommend EDTA chelation through their practices. EDTA chelation has been given to more than 1 million patients in the U.S. and more than 3 million in Canada, Europe, Australia and South America.

The American College for the Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) is dedicated to training doctors in the use of EDTA chelation. When administered by a physician in the office, it is an IV therapy or treatment involving high-dose EDTA. In my experience, this is reserved for acute contamination or exposure to toxic metals.

At home, my chelation therapy is as simple as taking a supplement. EDTA’s molecular activities can help safely break down toxic metals. After these substances are rendered harmless, they are transported in the blood to the kidneys, where they enter the urine and are removed. This simplicity empowers me to take control of my health and manage heavy metal exposure.

Sources:

Mercury content in tuna can be reduced with new packaging solution — EuerkAlert!

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid — Mount Sinai.org

The post Cancelling the mercury threat in tuna appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

And I’m not the only one who places them in this order. When AARP and National Geographic asked this question of 2,580 adults, ranging in age from 18 to 90 and older, they found that memory loss remained a top concern across all age groups.

Meanwhile, loss of strength and mobility weren’t significant concerns for younger respondents, but became top concerns for those aged 50 and older.

But here’s the thing… neither frailty nor dementia is part of normal aging. And if you intervene early enough, you could stop one from leading to the other and prevent them both…

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Frailty increases dementia risk

Frailty is not a normal part of aging. Although the risk of developing it increases with age, frailty is a geriatric condition characterized by an age-related decline in normal function.

It equates to loss of muscle, stamina, endurance, sometimes weight and general fitness. Low grip strength is considered a measure of frailty, and sarcopenia is a condition commonly associated with it. Frailty also makes it hard to recover from illness or injury.

As if all that’s not bad enough, previous research indicates that frailty can make you 2.5 times more likely to develop dementia. And in people who are both frail and are genetically predisposed to dementia, the risk of dementia is six times higher.

Queensland researchers have confirmed that link — but learned something no one had noticed before…

They tracked data on nearly 30,000 participants of four longitudinal studies in the United Kingdom and the United States. They were able to note changes in the participants’ health and function, including the accumulation of age-related conditions linked to frailty — two decades before they were diagnosed with dementia.

Their findings were sobering. Frailty was found to accelerate up to nine years before a dementia diagnosis. And with every four to five additional health problems, the risk for developing dementia was about 40 percent higher.

“This suggests frailty is not merely a consequence of undetected dementia but contributes to its onset,” says Dr. David Ward of the University of Queensland in Australia.

Peak DIM^™

If you’re having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, feeling sluggish, are unable to regulate your mood, or struggle with your sex drive, you could be experiencing a hormone problem called estrogen dominance. Both men and women experience… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Early intervention could be key: Start here

According to study co-author David Llewellyn, a professor at the University of Exeter Medical School in the United Kingdom, “This study is crucial because it identifies frailty as a significant predictor of dementia risk, offering a potential pathway for early intervention to improve health outcomes,” adding that the findings are likely to shape prevention strategies.

Looking at past research, there are a few strategies you could get started on right away…

One study found that people over the age of 90 who strength-trained, lifting weights twice a week for three months, experienced increases in muscle mass, strength, and power. Participants who were unable to stand up or get out of a chair at the start of the study were able to walk by the end.

Another study showed people following a Mediterranean diet slashed their risk of frailty by more than 50 percent over four years.

But don’t stop there…

An emerging theory suggests that inflammation and the possibility of immune system activation are contributors to frailty. Laboratory tests have linked markers of inflammation, including the elevation of interleukin (IL)-6 (a mediator of immune response and inflammation) and the stress hormone cortisol, to frailty.

Additionally, the hormonal changes that occur with age are also suspected causes of some of the problems associated with frailty. Estrogen loss in women and testosterone loss in men can lead to a decline in muscle mass associated with sarcopenia.

And lastly, don’t fall victim to vitamin D deficiency. A shortage of that nutrient has been linked to the development of frailty and higher dementia risk.

Make healthy aging a priority to avoid the consequences of frailty and dementia.

Sources:

Age related health decline a predictor of future dementia risk — EurekAlert!

The Biology of Aging and Frailty — Clinics in Geriatric Medicine

Frailty Trajectories Preceding Dementia in the US and UK — JAMA Neurology

Second Half of Life Study — AARP

Frailty: A New Predictor of Outcome as We Age — MUSC Health

The post It’s not normal aging: Dementia and a surprising driver appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

When functioning normally, it efficiently defends against harmful invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. However, there are instances when the immune system becomes overactive or misdirected, leading it to attack healthy tissues and organs.

This misguided attack can result in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis (MS), among others.

Recent research has shed light on a fascinating connection between the brain and the immune system.

Scientists discovered that the brain and spinal cord produce special proteins known as “guardian peptides.” These peptides help regulate the immune response, ensuring that it remains balanced and does not harm the body’s own tissues.

This discovery opens up intriguing possibilities for treatment …

Peak Organic Alkalizing Greens^™

At birth your body’s pH is balanced. But starting immediately acid waste builds up and starts to shift your pH level from healthy alkaline to unhealthy acid. If your body is too acidic it provides the right terrain for germs to thrive. To add insult to injury… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

‘Guardian’ peptides help manage the immune system

There’s a constant conversation between the brain and the immune system to ensure adequate defense against threats while protecting healthy tissue.

Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis studied this relationship in mice and made significant findings regarding how these guardian peptides interact with the immune system.

According to Dr. Jonathan Kipnis, one of the leading researchers, guardian brain peptides actively monitor the immune system. They help to prevent potentially destructive immune responses by providing signals about threats.

For instance, when an immune cell detects danger, it displays a small protein fragment from that danger on its surface. This fragment serves as a warning to T cells, which evaluate whether the threat is significant enough to warrant an immune attack.

However, guardian peptides come into play to help regulate this process, attracting a subset of T cells that serve to calm down the immune response and prevent it from turning against the body.

The researchers found that in healthy mice, these guardian peptides were abundant and effectively managed the immune responses. However, in mice with multiple sclerosis, these protective proteins were significantly diminished. When the researchers introduced the missing brain-derived peptides into the spinal fluid of mice with MS, something remarkable happened…

It led to an increase in a type of T cell that suppresses immune reactions, resulting in improved motor function and a slowdown in the progression of the disease compared to untreated mice.

This research highlights an important discovery…

“We have found guardian brain peptides that actively engage with the immune system to keep it in check, possibly preventing destructive immune responses,” said Dr. Kipnis.

More research may lead to identifying protein signatures of other neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases that could lead to early diagnosis and potential treatment.

Peak D3^™

Gives You the Vitamin D3 You Can’t Get From Sunshine Alone!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Support can start with a common denominator

These findings may also provide reason to acknowledge the communication between the brain and another body part linked with autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases…

You may have heard of the gut-brain axis, also referred to as the gut-brain-immune axis in the scientific community. The immune system represents a key pathway of communication along this axis with the microbiome implicated in neuroinflammation.

A healthy gut microbiome helps orchestrate this connection and is involved in the production of neurotransmitters and other chemicals, including neuropeptides, that influence the immune system.

An imbalance in the gut microbiome can disrupt communication along the gut-brain axis, leading to the increased neuroinflammation that contributes to MS, Parkinson’s and even Alzheimer’s.

An example came to light in a study that found lactobacillus reuteri triggered lupus in mice and stimulated immune cells to worsen the disease process.

The benefits of probiotics are transmitted via the gut-brain axis. A healthy and balanced gut could support the gut-brain axis and immune response.

Sources:

Healthy brains suppress inappropriate immune responses — EurekAlert!

Endogenous self-peptides guard immune privilege of the central nervous system — Nature

The enteric nervous system is a potential autoimmune target in multiple sclerosis — Acta Neuropathologica

The Role of Gut Microbiota in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Current Insights and Therapeutic Implications — Cureus

Microbiota and gut neuropeptides: a dual action of antimicrobial activity and neuroimmune response — Psychopharmacology

The gut microbiota-immune-brain axis: Therapeutic implications — Cell Reports Medicine

The post The ‘guardians’ that balance immune system response appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

That can leave families feeling pretty lost and overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: researchers are making strides in catching the early signs of Alzheimer’s.

A recent study even found a marker that could predict the disease up to 20 years before symptoms show up — and the best part? It’s something we can actively work on.

Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™

Your body is exposed to an onslaught of chemicals and pollutants daily. Once inside, they travel a superhighway – your circulatory system – reaching every inch of your body and interfering with vital functions. Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™ is formulated with nutrients that help flush these harmful toxins out of your body! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Visceral Fat and Its Impact

One thing research has shown is that a diet high in saturated fats can lead to changes in the brain that resemble those seen in Alzheimer’s. This includes the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques and tau proteins, not to mention inflammation in the brain.

In a new study examining lifestyle factors like obesity and metabolic health, researchers assessed 80 cognitively healthy people in midlife, exploring how their body fat and overall health might relate to the disease. They found that about 57.5% of participants were obese, with an average BMI of 32.31, which is a pretty big concern.

Participants underwent brain PET scans, body MRIs, and various health assessments. Researchers focused specifically on visceral fat — that pesky fat that surrounds our organs — and how it impacts brain health.

What they discovered was pretty eye-opening. People with higher levels of visceral fat had more amyloid buildup, which accounted for an astonishing 77% of the effect attributed to high BMI. Dr. Mahsa Dolatshahi, the lead author of the study, pointed out that this is a big deal: “Our study showed that higher visceral fat was associated with higher levels of those two key proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease.”

These findings, while a bit alarming, actually give us a chance to make positive changes. It highlights the importance of tackling obesity and related health issues to lower Alzheimer’s risk. Knowing that there’s something we can do can be really encouraging.

Results also showed an association between higher insulin resistance and lower HDL and high amyloid levels in the brain. Interestingly, the impact of visceral fat on amyloid was partially reduced in people with higher HDL levels (the good cholesterol).

Peak Blood Flow^™

Supports Healthy Circulation to your Heart, Brain, Lungs, Eyes and Extremities!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Cerebral Blood Flow Matters

In a follow-up study, the researchers took a closer look at how blood flow in the brain differed between people with high and low levels of visceral and subcutaneous fat.

They found that those with obesity and a lot of visceral fat had reduced blood flow in areas of the brain crucial for memory and processing sensory information.

That’s definitely something to be aware of, especially when combined with the fact that there were no major differences found among groups with varying levels of subcutaneous fat.

Both studies indicate lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing visceral fat could influence the development of Alzheimer’s disease by preventing or delaying its onset. And the earlier you begin, the better.

Changes that may save your brain

What all this means is that making lifestyle changes to reduce visceral fat could really help delay or even prevent Alzheimer’s down the line.

If you’re thinking about making some positive changes, consider swapping out processed foods and unhealthy trans fats for a Mediterranean-style diet that focuses on fish, lean meats, fruits, and veggies. Even something as simple as adding a daily avocado could help reduce visceral fat — plus, they’re delicious!

You might also want to incorporate foods that are rich in resveratrol, like berries and grapes. Resveratrol has shown a lot of potential in helping counteract some negative effects of high-fat diets, so it could be a great addition to your meals.

In a nutshell, understanding how visceral fat, obesity, and Alzheimer’s risk are connected can empower us to take charge of our brain health. It might feel a bit overwhelming at times, but with the right knowledge and support, we can make choices that help protect our minds for the future.

Source:

1. Hidden fat predicts Alzheimer’s 20 years ahead of symptoms — EurekAlert!

The post A hidden cause of Alzheimer’s that starts 20 years early appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Some believe genetic makeup is a factor, but the truth is, in less than one percent of people, Alzheimer’s is caused by specific genetic changes that almost guarantee they will develop the disease.

For the rest of us, the answer seems to lie in a combination of genetics, other health conditions and lifestyle and environmental risk factors that impact the brain over time — including sleep patterns, lack of exercise, diet, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, alcohol and air pollution, to name a few.

But there is one lifestyle-related element that scientists are just beginning to focus on: stress.

A previous study found that having chronic stress or depression more than doubled the risk of Alzheimer’s. And in those who had both chronic stress and depression, the Alzheimer’s risk was four times as high!

This is only one study. But there is more research that indicates the stress connection should be taken seriously — especially for women…

Peak Vitality^™

Your adrenal glands support essential functions from metabolism to stress response. But when they become fatigued, problems with sleep quality, unwanted weight gain, moodiness, energy levels and more can take your vitality for a dive. Nutrients called “adaptogens” help restore balance and improve… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The role of cortisol in Alzheimer’s

A team of researchers led by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) notes that so-called “sporadic” Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of cognitive decline in older adults. During this prolonged asymptomatic phase, amyloid beta accumulates into amyloid plaques, ultimately leading to progressive cognitive decline.

Unfortunately, these biological changes are already well-established by the time symptoms appear, which is why effective early interventions are needed.

Some investigators have zeroed in on cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone.” Cortisol is necessary for maintaining cellular balance and triggering the stress response, also known as the fight-or-flight response.

But when the release of cortisol in the body becomes chronically elevated, it can cause all kinds of problems.

Some studies have already indicated that higher blood cortisol levels are linked to an increased likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s.

Stress, Alzheimer’s and post-menopausal women

To shed further light on these findings, researchers from the University of Texas Health San Antonio led a comparison of cortisol levels in 305 cognitively unimpaired, middle-aged participants from the Framingham Heart Study. A little under half of the participants were women.

Approximately 15 years later, they assessed the burden of amyloid beta and tau protein using PET scans. This allowed them to investigate cortisol’s impact at an earlier stage in Alzheimer’s development, when interventions might be most effective.

The findings were sobering. The researchers discovered high levels of cortisol in midlife were linked to increased deposits of amyloid in post-menopausal women. No significant associations were observed in men.

The researchers theorized that post-menopausal hormone changes may amplify cortisol’s effects on amyloid buildup. Both estrogen and testosterone have neuroprotective effects that might mitigate cortisol’s negative impact on neural tissues, but levels of both hormones drop dramatically in menopause. This indicates that both stress reduction and hormonal interventions may help prevent Alzheimer’s in at-risk women.

Dr. Arash Salardini, a professor at UT Health San Antonio and first author of the study, adds that follow-up of the study cohort is necessary to determine whether these early amyloid changes translate into clinical symptoms, as well as to clarify the causal role of cortisol in Alzheimer’s development.

Peak Krill Oil^™

You probably already know how important omega-3s are to support heart and brain health. But there are five reasons you may be getting yours from a less than adequate source, starting with a powerful antioxidant that delivers DHA into your brain cells… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Women and their higher burden of Alzheimer’s

None of this is really surprising. More than two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s are women, and hormones have been indicated previously.

But understanding the involvement of yet another hormone, cortisol, gives us one more target to focus on to reduce the odds.

If you’re a woman and you find yourself constantly stressed out, talk to your doctor about testing your cortisol levels. Certain medical conditions, including Cushing’s syndrome, adrenal fatigue, adrenal tumors and pituitary tumors, can cause chronically elevated cortisol levels.

Depression and anxiety have been linked to elevated cortisol levels due to the disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates cortisol production. 

 If outside stressors are the problem, lifestyle interventions, like these, may help:

• Yoga. With its emphasis on slow, deliberate movement and breathing, yoga not only helps mellow you out but has also been shown to help build up the brain’s left prefrontal cortex, an area responsible for critical mental functions such as learning and memory.
• Meditation. Research has shown that practicing meditation regularly can increase brain density, boost connections between neurons, decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, provide clarity of thought and increase positive mood endorphins.
• Emotional regulation. By purposely changing your focus and heading off negative emotions and stress before they arise, you can reduce ruminating — which is linked to cognitive decline and brain aging.
• L-theanine. A 250 to 400 mg dose of this amino acid daily can help lower your cortisol levels and sharpen your focus and attention.

Sources:

Stress can lead to Alzheimer’s disease in women who are post-menopausal, UT Health San Antonio study finds — EurekAlert!

Elevated serum cortisol associated with early-detected increase of brain amyloid deposition in Alzheimer’s disease imaging biomarkers among menopausal women: The Framingham Heart Study — Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease — Mayo Clinic

The post How stress becomes a post-menopausal Alzheimer’s trigger appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Without enough choline in your diet (400-500mg a day), your neurons can’t send signals to each other to regulate your memory, your mood, or your bodily processes, both voluntary (like walking) and involuntary (like breathing).

Once this breakdown in communication starts, neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s often aren’t far behind.

Researchers have identified the underlying cause of this phenomenon and choline’s potential to break down barriers in treating neurodegenerative diseases…

Peak Blood Flow^™

Poor circulation can impact your eyesight, your ability to sleep and cause headaches, discomfort and swelling — among other more serious concerns. The tell-tale signs of a circulation problem are… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

How choline crosses the blood-brain barrier

The blood-brain barrier is a layer of specialized cells that separates the blood from the brain. It prevents toxic molecules in the blood from reaching the brain.

However, since the brain still needs to absorb nutrients from the bloodstream, other specialized cells, called transporters, are present to facilitate their passage across the barrier.

This barrier has always posed a challenge to the delivery of drugs to the brain that treat neurological disorders. But a recent discovery may change that.

Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia have found that choline is transported across the barrier by “hiding out” inside a protein molecule known as FLVCR2.

If drugs that mimic choline can be developed, then they, too, can sneak across the blood-brain barrier. This could be a breakthrough in the treatment of neurological diseases.

Choline lowers the odds of Alzheimer’s

While this discovery is indeed important, it may be some time before new drugs are developed that can reach the brain like choline.

In the meantime, you’re passing up the chance to reduce your own Alzheimer’s risk if you’re not consuming sources of choline in your diet.

But not only that. Choline seems to have an intergenerational effect.

If you have children or grandchildren who are still trying to get pregnant, telling them what you know about choline could help protect your grandchildren from Alzheimer’s, too.

Choline’s ability to safeguard memory is primarily because it’s a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. A deficiency in acetylcholine will cause difficulty with word recall when speaking, as well as memory problems and learning difficulties.

Certain drugs can interfere with acetylcholine, such as those used to treat colds, bladder leaks and Parkinson’s.

Also, in experiments with mice (whose nervous systems are organized very much like ours), choline had two significant effects:

• It reduced levels of homocysteine in the brain. Homocysteine is a neurotoxic amino acid. People with elevated levels have double the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
• It lowered the number of microglia activated in the brain. The job of microglia is to clear away brain debris, but in the case of Alzheimer’s, they get a little overenthusiastic about it, triggering brain inflammation that kills brain cells.

Peak Krill Oil^™

You probably already know how important omega-3s are to support heart and brain health. But there are five reasons you may be getting yours from a less than adequate source, starting with a powerful antioxidant that delivers DHA into your brain cells… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Making use of choline

Your liver produces some choline, but not as much as you need. So, you need to get choline in your diet too. The problem is, most people aren’t getting enough…

Dietary surveys in North America, Australia, and Europe show that most people aren’t meeting the intake recommendations. On top of that, more people are becoming vegetarian and vegan. These diets tend to be lower in choline because animal products are the richest sources.

The US Institute of Medicine recommends 425 mg per day for women to 550 mg per day for men. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should get a little more. Pregnant women should get 450 mg per day, and breastfeeding women should get 550 mg per day.

Now, if you’re not vegetarian or vegan, you can get plenty of choline from meat, eggs, fish or dairy. If you are following a plant-based lifestyle, you have to focus on other foods, like:

• Soymilk (1 cup contains 57 mg)
• Tofu (1/2 cup contains 35 mg)
• Roasted edamame (1/2 cup contains 44 mg)
• Peanut butter (2 tablespoons contains 20 mg)
• Dry roasted pistachios (1/4 cup contains 22 mg)
• Dry roasted almonds (1/4 cup contains 18 mg)
• Quinoa (1 cup cooked contains 42 mg)
• Oats (1 cup cooked contains 17 mg)
• Pinto beans (1/2 cup boiled contains 30 mg)
• Green peas (1/2 cup boiled contains 22 mg)
• Artichoke (1/2 a medium artichoke cooked contains 21 mg)
• Asparagus (1/2 cup boiled contains 23 mg)
• Brussels sprouts (1/2 cup boiled contains 32 mg)
• Cauliflower (1/2 cup boiled contains 24 mg)
• Broccoli (1/2 cup boiled contains 31 mg)
• Potatoes (1 medium potato baked contains 22 mg)
• Collard greens (1/2 cup raw contains 30 mg)
• Oranges (1 large orange contains 15 mg)

Make sure to include several servings of these choline-rich foods at every meal.

Sources:

Nutrient research reveals pathway for treating brain disorders — Eureka Alert

Structural and molecular basis of choline uptake into the brain by FLVCR2 — Nature

Study explores effects of dietary choline deficiency on neurologic, systemwide health — Arizona State University

Polyphenols journey through blood-brain barrier towards neuronal protection — Scientific Reports

Healthy Foods High in Polyphenols — Web MD

The post Choline: Breaking barriers in Alzheimer’s prevention appeared first on Easy Health Options®.