The Caruso Homeopathy Blog

The methanol extracts of leaves, flowers, stalks and bulbs of the North African endemic Allium roseum var. odoratissimum were analyzed for their phenolic profiles and screened for their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Colourimetric analysis revealed that the highest levels of total phenols content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) were found in the flowers and leaves. Read on

The methanol extracts of leaves, flowers, stalks and bulbs of the North African endemic Allium roseum var. odoratissimum were analyzed for their phenolic profiles and screened for their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Colourimetric analysis revealed that the highest levels of total phenols content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) were found in the flowers and leaves. Read on

The effect of lipid-soluble extract from maca (Lepidium meyenii), which contains macamides, on swimming endurance capacity, as an indicator of fatigue, in weight-loaded forced swimming rats was investigated. The swimming times to exhaustion of rats supplemented for 3 weeks with 30 and 100 mg/kg of maca extract increased by 25% and 41%, respectively. Supplementation with 100 mg/kg of maca extract reduced serum lactate dehydrogenase activity and muscle lipid peroxidation, and increased hepatic and muscle total glutathione compared with those values in controls. The levels of energy sources and serum lactate remained unchanged despite the longer swimming time in the supplemented rats than those in controls. These results suggest that supplementation with lipid-soluble maca extract improved swimming endurance capacity and this effect can be explained partly by attenuation of exercise-induced oxidative stress. Read on

The effects of a spread containing bioactive tripeptides isoleucine-proline-proline (IPP), valine-proline-proline (VPP) and plant sterols were studied in subjects with mild hypertension and elevated LDL cholesterol. Sixty-two subjects consumed 20 g/day spread containing 4.2 mg milk peptides and 2 g plant sterol esters or placebo for 10 weeks. Blood pressure was measured twice a week. Arterial stiffness was assessed by pulse wave analysis and by pulse wave velocity. Blood samples were analysed for serum lipids and high-sensitive CRP. A significant decrease was seen in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.026), but not in diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.53). Total cholesterol (p = 0.003) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.002) decreased, whereas HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols and CRP remained unchanged. No overall effects on arterial stiffness were seen. The results suggest that a spread containing bioactive milk peptides and plant sterols has a beneficial effect on two major cardiovascular risk factors, blood pressure and plasma lipids, in hypertensive, dyslipidemic subjects. Functional foods affecting two major risk factors can be valuable tools in managing cardiovascular risk READ ON

Flavonoids and other phenolic compounds affect low-grade inflammation related to cardiovascular diseases among other positive health effects. Cardioprotective actions are mainly due to enhanced endothelial function and production of nitric oxide (NO). We investigated vascular anti-inflammatory effects of cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) juices given as drinking fluid ad libitum to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), a widely used model of human hypertension, in an 8 week intervention study. The animals were sacrificed, the aortas cleaned and RNA was extracted. cDNA was prepared for real-time PCR and blood was collected for biochemical analyses. The mRNA expressions of angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) and P-selectin were significantly reduced in the cranberry and lingonberry groups. These findings suggest that cranberry and lingonberry cold-compressed juices have anti-inflammatory and anti-atherothrombotic READ ON

A recent study found the affects of sepia (cuttlefish) beneficial in hypertension. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464612000485 

 ScienceDaily (Apr. 2, 2012) — Hypnosis can be a highly effective treatment for the bowel disorder IBS. Studies involving a total of 346 patients conducted by researchers at The Sahlgrenska Academy of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, showed that hypnotherapy alleviated symptoms in 40 per cent of those affected -- and that the improvement is long-term. Read on

ScienceDaily (Apr. 4, 2012) — Yoga classes have positive psychological effects for high-school students, according to a pilot study in the April Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, the official journal of the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.  Read on

ScienceDaily (Apr. 25, 2012) — The latest American Academy of Neurology/American Headache Society Guidelines released this week outline evidence-based and effective treatments that can prevent migraine attacks and lessen their severity. According to guidelines published on the American Academy of Neurology's website, 38 percent of migraine sufferers require preventive therapy, but just three to 13 percent currently use it. An added concern is that patients are taking treatments that have never been demonstrated to work. Most importantly, the guidelines assert that migraine prevention requires taking medication daily, rather than only when in the throes of an attack. Read on

Read on Re

An interesting article by Green News states that the herbicide Roundup is linked to parkinson's disease amoung other ailments. Read on.

Selenium Supplementation and Exercise: Effect on Oxidant Stress in Overweight Adults
Louise A. Savory, Catherine J. Kerr, Paul Whiting, Nicholas Finer, Jane McEneny and Tony Ashton

Abstract

Both obesity and acute high-intensity exercise increase oxidant stress levels. This study investigates whether selenium (Se) supplementation could be a potential effective therapy to reduce obesity-associated oxidant stress and exercise-induced oxidant stress. Ten normal-weight (NW) (22.80 ± 0.41 kg/m2) and ten overweight (OW) healthy subjects (28.00 ± 0.81 kg/m2) were assessed during a randomized double-blind Se supplementation study (200 µg sodium selenite/day for 3 weeks) with a 3-week placebo control and inversion of treatment periods. Blood levels of lipid hydroperoxide (LH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), erythrocyte glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant status (TAS), were measured at rest, pre-, and postexercise (30 min 70% VO2 max before and after treatment (pretreatment (week 0 and 12) and post-treatment (week 3 or 15)). At rest, compared to placebo, Se supplementation had no significant effect on LH, SOD, GSH, and TAS levels. However, Se supplementation decreased LH levels in the OW group, immediately postexercise (−0.25 ± 0.12 µmol/l, P = 0.05) compared to placebo treatment. Postexercise, with or without Se supplementation, no changes in TAS, SOD, and GSH levels were observed in both the NW and OW group. This study has highlighted a potential benefit of Se in reducing LH levels postexercise in OW individuals. Given that oxidant stress is a predictor of coronary events, it is imperative to better understand oxidant stress-related responses to lifestyle factors (in particular “high-risk” population groups) and potential antioxidant therapy.
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A Losing Battle: Weight Regain Does Not Restore Weight Loss-Induced Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women
Karen L. Villalon, Wendolyn S. Gozansky, Rachael E. Van Pelt, Pam Wolfe, Catherine M. Jankowski, Robert S. Schwartz and Wendy M. Kohrt

Abstract

Previously, we reported significant bone mineral density (BMD) loss in postmenopausal women after modest weight loss. It remains unclear whether the magnitude of BMD change in response to weight loss is appropriate (i.e., proportional to weight loss) and whether BMD is recovered with weight regain. We now report changes in BMD after a 1-year follow-up. Subjects (n = 23) in this secondary analysis were postmenopausal women randomized to placebo as part of a larger trial. They completed a 6-month exercise-based weight loss program and returned for follow-up at 18 months. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed at baseline, 6, and 18 months. At baseline, subjects were aged 56.8 ± 5.4 years (mean ± s.d.), 10.0 ± 9.2 years postmenopausal, and BMI was 29.6 ± 4.0 kg/m2. They lost 3.9 ± 3.5 kg during the weight loss intervention. During follow-up, they regained 2.9 ± 3.9 kg. Six months of weight loss resulted in a significant decrease in lumbar spine (LS) (−1.7 ± 3.5%; P = 0.002) and hip (−0.04 ± 3.5%; P = 0.03) BMD that was accompanied by an increase in a biomarker of bone resorption (serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, CTX: 34 ± 54%; P = 0.08). However, weight regain was not associated with LS (0.05 ± 3.8%; P = 0.15) or hip (−0.6 ± 3.0%; P = 0.81) bone regain or decreased bone resorption (CTX: −3 ± 37%; P = 0.73). The findings suggest that BMD lost during weight reduction may not be fully recovered with weight regain in hormone-deficient, postmenopausal women. Future studies are needed to identify effective strategies to prevent bone loss during periods of weight loss.
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Adipocyte Biology

Obesity 20, 270-277 (February 2012) | doi:10.1038/oby.2011.257

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Anne-Sophie Foucault
Véronique Mathé
René Lafont
Patrick Even
Waly Dioh
Stanislas Veillet
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Quinoa Extract Enriched in 20-Hydroxyecdysone Protects Mice From Diet-Induced Obesity and Modulates Adipokines Expression
Anne-Sophie Foucault, Véronique Mathé, René Lafont, Patrick Even, Waly Dioh, Stanislas Veillet, Daniel Tomé, Jean-François Huneau, Dominique Hermier and Annie Quignard-Boulangé

Abstract

Besides their well-known effect in the molting control in insects, ecdysteroids are steroid hormones that display potential pharmacologic and metabolic properties in mammals. The most common ecdysteroid, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) is found in many plants such as quinoa. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of quinoa extract (Q) enriched in 20E supplementation to prevent the onset of diet-induced obesity and to regulate the expression of adipocyte-specific genes in mice. Mice were fed a standard low-fat (LF) or a high-fat (HF) diet with or without supplementation by 20E-enriched Q or pure 20E for 3 weeks. Supplementation with Q reduced adipose tissue development in HF mice without modification of their body weight gain. This adipose tissue-specific effect was mainly associated with a reduced adipocyte size and a decrease in the expression of several genes involved in lipid storage, including lipoprotein lipase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Furthermore, Q-treated mice exhibited marked attenuation of mRNA levels of several inflammation markers (monocyte chemotactic protein-1, CD68) and insulin resistance (osteopontin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)) as compared to HF mice. Q supplementation also reversed the effects of HF-induced downregulation of the uncoupling protein(s) (UCP(s)) mRNA levels in muscle. Similar results were obtained in mice fed a HF diet supplemented with similar amounts of pure 20E, suggesting that the latter accounted for most of the Q effects. Our study indicates that Q has an antiobesity activity in vivo and could be used as a nutritional supplement for the prevention and treatment of obesity and obesity-associated disorders.
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Lipoic Acid Improves Mitochondrial Function in Nonalcoholic Steatosis Through the Stimulation of Sirtuin 1 and Sirtuin 3
M. Pilar Valdecantos, Patricia Pérez-Matute, Pedro González-Muniesa, Pedro L. Prieto-Hontoria, Maria J. Moreno-Aliaga and Jose A. Martínez

Abstract

Nonalcoholic steatosis is an important hepatic complication of obesity linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Lipoic acid (LA) has been reported to have beneficial effects on mitochondrial function and to attenuate oxidative stress. The sirtuin (SIRT) family has been demonstrated to play an important role in the regulation of mitochondrial function and in the activation of antioxidant defenses. In this study, we analyzed the potential protective effect of LA supplementation, via the modulation of mitochondrial defenses through the SIRT pathway, against oxidative stress associated with high-fat feeding. Wistar rats were fed a standard diet (control group (C), n = 10), a high-fat diet (obese group (OB), n = 10) and a high-fat diet supplemented with LA (OLIP, n = 10). A group pair-fed to the latter group (pair-fed OLIP group (PFO), n = 6) was also included. LA prevented hepatic triglyceride (TG) accumulation (−68.2%) and liver oxidative damage (P < 0.01) through the inhibition of hydroperoxide (H2O2) production (P < 0.001) and the stimulation of mitochondrial antioxidant defenses. LA treatment upregulated manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) (60.6%) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (100.2%) activities, and increased the reduced glutathione (GSH): oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio and UCP2 mRNA levels (P < 0.001–P < 0.01). Moreover, this molecule reduced oxidative damage in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and increased mitochondrial copy number (P < 0.001– P < 0.01). LA treatment decreased the acetylation levels of Forkhead transcription factor 3a (Foxo3a) and PGC1β (P < 0.001– P < 0.01) through the stimulation of SIRT3 and SIRT1 (P < 0.001). In summary, our results demonstrate that the beneficial effects of LA supplementation on hepatic steatosis could be mediated by its ability to restore the oxidative balance by increasing antioxidant defenses through the deacetylation of Foxo3a and PGC1β by SIRT1 and SIRT3.
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www.nature.com

Weight Loss Is Associated With Increased Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Overweight or Obese Women
Cheryl L. Rock, Jennifer A. Emond, Shirley W. Flatt, Dennis D. Heath, Njeri Karanja, Bilge Pakiz, Nancy E. Sherwood and Cynthia A. Thomson

Abstract

Low circulating concentrations of vitamin D metabolites have been associated with increased risk for several diseases and clinical conditions. Large observational studies and surveys have shown that obesity is independently associated with lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration. Few studies have examined the effect of weight loss on serum 25(OH)D concentration. The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine the effect of weight loss on serum 25(OH)D concentration. Data were collected from 383 overweight or obese women who participated in a 2-year clinical trial of a weight-loss program, in which 51% (N = 195) lost at least 5% of baseline weight by 24 months, 18% (N = 67) lost 5–10%, and 33% (N = 128) lost >10%. Women who did not lose weight at 24 months had an increase in serum 25(OH)D of 1.9 (9.7) ng/ml (mean (SD)); 25(OH)D increased by 2.7 (9.1) ng/ml for those who lost 5–10% of baseline weight; and 25(OH)D increased by 5.0 (9.2) ng/ml for those who lost >10% of baseline weight (P = 0.014). At baseline, 51% (N = 197) of participants met or exceeded the recommended serum concentration of 20 ng/ml. By study end, 64% (N = 230) of overweight or obese women met this goal, as well as 83% (N = 20) of those whose weight loss achieved a normal BMI. These findings suggest that weight loss, presumably associated with a reduction in body fat, is associated with increased serum 25(OH)D concentration in overweight or obese women. Read on


 

www.nature.com

Weight Loss Is Associated With Increased Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Overweight or Obese Women
Cheryl L. Rock, Jennifer A. Emond, Shirley W. Flatt, Dennis D. Heath, Njeri Karanja, Bilge Pakiz, Nancy E. Sherwood and Cynthia A. Thomson

Abstract

Low circulating concentrations of vitamin D metabolites have been associated with increased risk for several diseases and clinical conditions. Large observational studies and surveys have shown that obesity is independently associated with lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration. Few studies have examined the effect of weight loss on serum 25(OH)D concentration. The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine the effect of weight loss on serum 25(OH)D concentration. Data were collected from 383 overweight or obese women who participated in a 2-year clinical trial of a weight-loss program, in which 51% (N = 195) lost at least 5% of baseline weight by 24 months, 18% (N = 67) lost 5–10%, and 33% (N = 128) lost >10%. Women who did not lose weight at 24 months had an increase in serum 25(OH)D of 1.9 (9.7) ng/ml (mean (SD)); 25(OH)D increased by 2.7 (9.1) ng/ml for those who lost 5–10% of baseline weight; and 25(OH)D increased by 5.0 (9.2) ng/ml for those who lost >10% of baseline weight (P = 0.014). At baseline, 51% (N = 197) of participants met or exceeded the recommended serum concentration of 20 ng/ml. By study end, 64% (N = 230) of overweight or obese women met this goal, as well as 83% (N = 20) of those whose weight loss achieved a normal BMI. These findings suggest that weight loss, presumably associated with a reduction in body fat, is associated with increased serum 25(OH)D concentration in overweight or obese women. Read on


 

www.internalmedicinenew.com

CHICAGO – Traditional acupuncture improves heart rate variability, and it may prove to reduce the risk of sudden death for patients with established coronary heart disease, a pilot study suggests.

The blinded study with a sham-acupuncture control arm demonstrated that acupuncture accomplishes autonomic remodeling via sympathovagal modulation as reflected in increased heart rate variability (HRV), according to Dr. Puja K. Mehta of the Women's Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles. The clinically meaningful improvements in heart rate variability in this pilot study lay the groundwork for a future large outcome-based clinical trial of traditional acupuncture in patients with known CHD.

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The HPA axis (hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal) axis of the neuroendocrine system has many operations with regards to our for biochemical hormones. It is responsible for monitoring and producing many feel hormones such as:

• gaba: produces feelings of relaxation
• dopamine: feel good hormones, nervous system, parkinsons
• serotonin: low levels linked to depression and carbohydrate cravings.
• enkephalins and endorphins: feel good hormones, pain relief.
• cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline, epinephrine: irritability, anxiety, aggression, hypertension and bipolar disorders

     The addictive personality may have lower than normal levels of these feel good hormones. Thus leading to self medicating with alcohol. Many people with alcoholism also suffer with hypoglycemia and may have diabetes running in their family. Alcoholism contributes to blood sugar highs and lows as well as an overgrowth of fungal forms such as candida. These factors can perpetuate the addictive cycle for feeding the low-high blood sugar, feel good hormones and yeast overgrowth and die off. Also people who drink tend to be deficient in many vitamins and minerals such as zinc, B1, B3, B6, B5, B12, folic acid and magnesium just to name a few. For more information view this article:

Contact the clinic for further nutritional support: 519-827-9237 Caruso Homeopathic Clinic

Have a look at this amazing CNN report on the recent research about sugar:

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7403942n&tag=contentMain%3BcontentAux