Snacking Depresses Your Immune System

German researchers have identified a highly relevant new aspect of immunity.  When you haven’t eaten for a while then insulin levels drop and unique genes are activated that directly stimulate the production of powerful antimicrobial peptides, in turn destroying germs by dissolving their cell walls.  Conversely, snacking raises insulin which then prevents this aspect of immunity from activating.  This is the first time that a powerful immune system mechanism has been directly linked to when you eat.

Grape Seed Extract Lowers White Adipose Tissue Inflammation

One of the most devastating health aspects of being overweight is the change in immune system status within white adipose tissue fat stores.  There is a major shift of macrophages into the white adipose tissue which act in a highly inflammatory manner to alter the function of stored fat so that it becomes metabolically incompetent as well as directly adding to the overall inflammatory burden of one’s body.  This is why obesity is associated with more prevalence and earlier onset of any of the diseases of aging (cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, etc).  A new study shows that grape seed extract can turn down the inflammatory signals and consequent free radical damage from these white adipose tissue macrophages.

Grape Seed Extract Lowers White Adipose Tissue Inflammation

One of the most devastating health aspects of being overweight is the change in immune system status within white adipose tissue fat stores.  There is a major shift of macrophages into the white adipose tissue which act in a highly inflammatory manner to alter the function of stored fat so that it becomes metabolically incompetent as well as directly adding to the overall inflammatory burden of one’s body.  This is why obesity is associated with more prevalence and earlier onset of any of the diseases of aging (cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, etc).  A new study shows that grape seed extract can turn down the inflammatory signals and consequent free radical damage from these white adipose tissue macrophages.

Snacking on the Rise

I have long warned that American snacking is inducing malfunctioning leptin.  In turn this causes weight gain and early onset of disease.  I was the first to explain this problem back in 2002 in my book, Mastering Leptin.  Apparently Americans are not catching on.  A new study shows that snacking is on the rise.  This predicts higher levels of poor health and increased health care costs.

Omega 3 Oils Help Correct Leptin Gene Problems

A detailed gene study involving 1754 adults, some with metabolic syndrome and some without, showed that those who were low in omega 3 oils like DHA were more likely to manifest gene problems with leptin.

Higher Fiber Prevents Weight Gain and Abdominal Fat Gain

A large European study followed the diets of 89,432 participants for 6 years.  It found that those with 10 grams higher of fiber intake per day weighed less and had smaller waistlines.

Top 10 Health Scandals of 2009

2009 is another bumper crop year for health scandals, an unfortunate trend that shows no signs of improvement.  To the contrary, consumers should do everything in their power to stay healthy as the Big Pharma-sponsored medical profession continues to induce millions of serious injuries and hundreds of thousands of deaths per year.

Top 10 Health Stories of 2009

2009 was a busy year as gene-related exploration tools opened up a treasure trove of new discoveries.  We’ve learned why some of the obvious good health habits, like getting enough sleep and exercise are more important than ever, and we’ve learned new things about health that were barely imagined even a year ago.  Many of the following stories are feature length articles that are sure to broaden your understanding of natural health and as well as illustrating the extreme importance of taking really good care of yourself.

Top 10 Nutrients of 2009

This year saw an exciting expansion of scientific knowledge in support of the field of nutrition and dietary supplements to benefit human health.  The more scientists learn about genes the more they realize that it is nutrients that make all the difference in terms of being healthy.  This should not come as a surprise to anyone, since our bodies evolved in the context of using nutrients to aid survival.  In the following sections I rank the top 10 nutrients of the year (don’t leave home without them).

Aerobic Fitness Makes Teens Smarter

A Swedish study evaluating the fitness and IQ of 1.2 million 18 year olds found that those who had better aerobic fitness between the ages of 15-18 had significantly higher IQ at age 18 – and were more likely to go on to be successful in terms of education and income.  The study also evaluated twins and showed that IQ was far more associated with fitness than genes. 

Meal Timing Activates Fat-Burning Genes

I read with a smile a Nov 26 press release titled “When You Eat May Be Just as Vital to Your Health as What You Eat.” This is a primary message of the Leptin Diet and a point I have been making since writing Mastering Leptin in 2002.  It is nice to see a never-ending stream of science supporting the principles I outlined 7 years ago.

Thyroid Has Company; Insulin Now Found to Impact Temperature

A new discovery shows that insulin may be an important regulator of body temperature, something to consider for any person that is too cold or struggling with thyroid issues. 

Common Herbicide Found Toxic to Human Metabolism

After 60 years of worldwide use we now come to learn that the most widely used herbicide in the world is toxic to human metabolism.  The herbicide, 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) is used for broadleaf weed control on crops such as cereal grains, corn, and lawn products.  Over 1500 herbicide products use 2,4-D as an active ingredient.  It is now implicated as a contributing factor for obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Linking Appetite and Parkinson’s

Your stomach may be more powerful than you think.  Its appetite hormone, ghrelin, has now been found to protect the dopamine nerves in your brain, a finding that is relevant to any person at risk for Parkinson’s.

Low-Fat Diets Do Not Facilitate Weight Loss

A European study analyzed dietary fat intake and weight gain in 89,432 men and women.  It found that the percentage of dietary fat had no statistical impact on body weight, leading the researchers to conclude “These findings do not support the use of low-fat diets to prevent weight gain.”

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Recent Entries

• Snacking Depresses Your Immune System
• Grape Seed Extract Lowers White Adipose Tissue Inflammation
• Grape Seed Extract Lowers White Adipose Tissue Inflammation
• Snacking on the Rise
• Omega 3 Oils Help Correct Leptin Gene Problems
• Higher Fiber Prevents Weight Gain and Abdominal Fat Gain
• Top 10 Health Scandals of 2009
• Top 10 Health Stories of 2009
• Top 10 Nutrients of 2009
• Aerobic Fitness Makes Teens Smarter

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