Brain Energy Give a Unique Perspective on the roots of Mental Illness

 

"Brain Energy" by Dr. Christopher Palmer is a groundbreaking book that presents a novel perspective on mental health, positing that mental disorders are fundamentally metabolic disorders of the brain. Dr. Palmer, a Harvard psychiatrist, draws upon extensive research to argue that conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and more can be better understood and treated when viewed through the lens of brain metabolism.

At the core of Dr. Palmer's theory is the role of mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells, which are responsible for energy production. Mitochondrial dysfunction, according to Dr. Palmer, can lead to disruptions in brain energy, which in turn may manifest as symptoms of mental illness. This connection between mitochondrial health and mental health offers a unifying framework that could explain the biological underpinnings of a wide range of mental disorders.

The book delves into how metabolic health impacts brain function, exploring the interplay between genetics, inflammation, hormones, neurotransmitters, sleep, stress, and trauma. It also examines the potential of current mental health treatments, including medications and therapies, to affect metabolism, and suggests new treatment pathways that could promote long-term healing.

"Brain Energy" is not just a theoretical work; it also provides practical advice and strategies for individuals to reclaim their mental health, emphasizing the importance of metabolic health in overall well-being. Dr. Palmer's work is a call to action for a paradigm shift in the understanding and treatment of mental health, highlighting the critical role of brain energy and mitochondrial function.

#brainenergy

What Did the New NIH Study on MECFS find and What Were the Conclusions.

# **NIH Study Offers New Clues into the Causes of Post-Infectious ME/CFS**

In a groundbreaking clinical study, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have made significant strides in understanding the underlying mechanisms of post-infectious myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (PI-ME/CFS). This debilitating condition affects millions of people worldwide, causing severe fatigue, cognitive impairment, and other distressing symptoms. Despite its prevalence, uncovering the biological basis of ME/CFS has been an ongoing challenge.

## **Brain Abnormalities and Fatigue**

The NIH study delved into both the brains and immune systems of individuals with PI-ME/CFS. Here are some key findings:

1. **Brain Activity**: Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), researchers discovered that people with ME/CFS exhibit lower activity in a brain region called the temporal-parietal junction (TPJ). This reduced activity may contribute to feelings of fatigue by disrupting how the brain decides how to exert effort.

2. **Catecholamine Levels**: Analysis of spinal fluid revealed abnormally low levels of catecholamines and other molecules that regulate the nervous system in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls. Reduced catecholamine levels were associated with worse motor performance, effort-related behaviors, and cognitive symptoms.

3. **Immune System Markers**: Immune testing showed that individuals with ME/CFS had higher levels of naive B cells and lower levels of switched memory B cells in their blood. Naive B cells respond to any given antigen encountered, while memory B cells specifically target particular antigens. These immune markers may play a role in brain dysfunction and fatigue.

## **Gender Differences**

Interestingly, the study also revealed distinct differences between men and women with PI-ME/CFS. These gender-specific variations warrant further investigation to better understand the disease's nuances.

## **Implications for Treatment**

Dr. Avindra Nath, clinical director at NIH's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and senior author of the study, emphasized that these findings provide critical insights into ME/CFS. Researchers can now explore whether these factors apply to a larger patient group and develop better treatments for patients.

Dark Chocolate may have Positive Effects on Hypertension, Study Says

 

If you love dark chocolate, you may be happy to hear that it has some potential health benefits, especially for your blood pressure and heart. In this blog post, we will explore what the new research says about dark chocolate and hypertension and other health conditions.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that affects about one in four adults in the United States. It can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and other serious health problems. Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms until it causes damage to the organs.

Dark chocolate, on the other hand, is a delicious treat that contains cocoa solids, which are rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids are natural compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They can help protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm the DNA and other structures.

But how does dark chocolate affect blood pressure? According to a recent study published in Nature Scientific Reports, eating dark chocolate may reduce the risk of essential hypertension, which is high blood pressure that has no known cause. The researchers used a method called Mendelian randomization, which uses genetic variations to infer causal relationships between exposures and outcomes. They analyzed data from 21,000 people and found that those who had a higher intake of dark chocolate had a lower risk of developing essential hypertension and blood clots in the veins.

The study authors suggest that dark chocolate may lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and improving blood flow. They also point out that dark chocolate may have other benefits for cardiovascular health, such as lowering cholesterol levels, increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation.

However, not all chocolate is created equal. To get the most benefits from dark chocolate, you should choose a product that contains at least 50 to 70 percent cocoa solids. This means that it has less sugar and other additives that can negate the positive effects of flavonoids. You should also consume dark chocolate in moderation, as it is still high in calories and fat. A small square of dark chocolate a day may be enough to enjoy its health benefits.

Dark chocolate is not a magic bullet for hypertension or other health conditions. It should be part of a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. You should also consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or medication if you have high blood pressure or any other medical condition.

Dark chocolate is a tasty way to indulge your sweet tooth while also taking care of your heart. The next time you crave some chocolate, reach for a dark one and savor its flavor and health benefits.

ConsumerLabs recommended Giardelli Cholate

New Study Shows Berries Have Positive Cardiometabolic Effects

 

# How Berries Can Boost Your Heart Health: A New Study

Berries are delicious and nutritious, but did you know they can also help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke? A new study by Li Zhang and colleagues from the Pennsylvania State University and the Hershey Medical Center has investigated the epidemiology of berry consumption and its association with diet quality and cardiometabolic risk factors in US adults.

The researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a large-scale survey that collects information on the health and nutrition status of the US population. They included data from 2003 to 2018, covering 24,808 participants aged 20 years or older.

They found that only 14.7% of US adults consumed berries on any given day, and the average intake was 35.7 g per day. Women, older adults, non-Hispanic whites, college graduates, and those with higher incomes were more likely to consume berries than their counterparts.

The study also revealed that berry consumers had higher diet quality scores than non-consumers, indicating that they ate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dairy products, and less added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats. Berry consumers also had lower levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation markers than non-consumers, after adjusting for potential confounders.

The authors concluded that berry consumption was associated with better diet quality and lower cardiometabolic risk factors in US adults. They suggested that increasing berry intake could be a simple and effective strategy to improve cardiovascular health and prevent chronic diseases.

So next time you're looking for a snack or a dessert, why not grab some berries? They're not only tasty, but also good for your heart!

Recent Summaries of Clinical Research Studies on #MECFS from January 2024

 

Single-cell transcriptomics of the immune system in ME/CFS at baseline and following symptom provocation - PubMed (nih.gov)

ME/CFS is a complex disease with poorly understood immune dysregulation. Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to examine immune cells in patients and control cohorts. They found classical monocyte dysregulation in patients, suggesting inappropriate differentiation and migration. The study also identified patterns of improper platelet activation in patients, indicating immunological defects at baseline.

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Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome: An Overview - PubMed (nih.gov) 

Post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) is a complex neuroimmune disorder characterized by disabling fatigue, joint pain, cognitive impairments, sleep disturbances, autonomic dysfunction, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. There are no definitive clinical criteria or FDA-approved therapies for PVFS. Mitochondria, crucial for tissue energy production, have been linked to low-grade systemic inflammation in conditions like ME/CFS, FM, and long COVID. This article reviews mitochondrial dysfunction in PVFS and evaluates coenzyme Q10 supplementation as a potential therapeutic strategy.

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Immunological Patient Stratification in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - PubMed (nih.gov) 

ME/CFS is a complex disease with symptoms like fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and neurocognitive dysfunction. A study aimed to understand the relationship between immunological characteristics and intestinal barrier function in ME/CFS patients. Results showed reduced complement protein C4a levels in immunodeficient patients, suggesting innate immune dysregulation, and mucosal barrier leakage in those without immunodeficiency. This highlights the need for precise patient stratification and research to define effective treatment strategies.

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Central 5-HTergic hyperactivity induces myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)-like pathophysiology - PubMed (nih.gov)

The study suggests that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) hyperactivation is linked to the pathogenic causes of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Experimentally, high-dose serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment led to severe fatigue and ME/CFS-associated symptoms in mice. The findings support the role of 5-HTergic hyperactivity in ME/CFS pathophysiology, providing valuable insights for understanding its biology and therapeutic approaches.

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Exploring the joint potential of inflammation, immunity, and receptor-based biomarkers for evaluating ME/CFS progression - PubMed (nih.gov)

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic condition with no identified diagnostic biomarkers. A study investigates the potential of inflammatome, immunome, and receptor-based biomarkers for evaluating ME/CFS progression. A dataset of 188 individuals was used, with a focus on severe cases. Results showed a stronger association between inflammatome and immunome markers in the severe group. Principal component factoring separated components associated with inflammatome, immunome, and receptor biomarkers. Random forest modeling showed excellent accuracy for splitting healthy/with condition groups and healthy/severity groups. The association between inflammatome and immunome markers is a candidate for controlled clinical study of ME/CFS progression markers, potentially aiding in treatment individualization.

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The potential role of ocular and otolaryngological mucus proteins in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome - PubMed (nih.gov)

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating illness with symptoms like fatigue, rhinitis, dry eyes, and sore throat. Mucin proteins, responsible for mucosal membrane formation, may contribute to ME/CFS symptoms due to inability to form adequate layers, particularly in the ocular and otolaryngological pathways, leading to chronic inflammation and exacerbation.

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Heterogenous circulating miRNA changes in ME/CFS converge on a unified cluster of target genes: A computational analysis - PubMed (nih.gov)

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Cronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a multisystem disease with unknown mechanisms. Circulating microRNAs (miRNA) are a promising candidate for endocrine mediators. A computational study reveals that aberrant miRNAs in ME/CFS target the same specific set of genes, which are functionally related. This leads to impairments in exercise hyperemia, angiogenic adaptations to hypoxia, antioxidant defenses, TGF-β signaling, and a shift towards mitochondrial fission. Transcription factors and epigenetic modulators are implicated, with uncertain downstream effects. The study suggests a central role for circulating microRNAs in ME/CFS etiology.

High Intake of Red Meat May Not Be Good for Bones

 If you are concerned about your bone health, you may want to reconsider your intake of red meat. Several studies have suggested that eating high amounts of red meat may contribute to bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Here are some of the reasons why red meat may be bad for your bones:

- Red meat is high in saturated fat and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may cause inflammation and weaken the bones.

- Red meat contains heme iron, which may generate oxidative stress and damage the bone tissue.

- Red meat is rich in sulfur-containing amino acids, which may increase the excretion of calcium from the body and reduce its availability for bone formation.

To protect your bones, you may want to limit your consumption of red meat to no more than two or three servings per week, and choose lean cuts or grass-fed options. You can also replace some of your red meat portions with other sources of protein, such as dairy, nuts, beans, fish, or poultry. These foods may provide other nutrients that support bone health, such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and omega-3 fatty acids.

This blog post is based on the latest scientific research on red meat and bone health. For more information, you can check out the following sources:

: [7 Foods to Avoid When You Have Osteoporosis - Healthgrades](https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/osteoporosis/7-foods-to-avoid-when-you-have-osteoporosis)

: [8 Foods to Avoid With Osteoporosis - Verywell Health](https://www.verywellhealth.com/foods-to-avoid-with-osteoporosis-6833249)

: [The Worst Food You Should Cut Out If You're Losing Bone Density](https://www.shefinds.com/collections/worst-food-bone-density-red-meat/)

The "French Paradox" Idea in Relation to the French Diet is Wrong. Here is Why!

 The French Paradox is the idea that the French people have a low risk of cardiovascular disease despite consuming a diet rich in saturated fat and cholesterol. However, this idea is based on flawed assumptions and incomplete data. The French Paradox is wrong for several reasons:

- The French diet is not as high in saturated fat and cholesterol as it is often portrayed. The French consume more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and dairy products than Americans, and less red meat, processed foods, and sugar.

- The French have other lifestyle factors that protect them from cardiovascular disease, such as moderate alcohol consumption, physical activity, low stress levels, and social support.

- The French have a lower incidence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome than Americans, which are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

- The French have a different definition and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease than Americans, which may underestimate the true prevalence and mortality of the condition in France.

- The French Paradox is based on outdated data from the 1980s and 1990s, which do not reflect the current trends and changes in the French diet and health status.

Therefore, the French Paradox is not a valid concept to justify a high-fat diet or to dismiss the role of nutrition in preventing and treating cardiovascular disease. A balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from different food groups, along with other healthy lifestyle habits, is the best way to promote cardiovascular health and overall well-being.

Muscle Abnormalities are Apparent After Post-Exertional Malaise in Long Covid, Study Shows

 A new study published in Nature Communication by Brent Appelman and colleagues reveals that muscle abnormalities worsen after post-exertional malaise (PEM) in long-Covid patients. PEM is a condition that causes severe fatigue, pain, and cognitive impairment after physical or mental exertion. Long-Covid is a term used to describe the persistent symptoms that some people experience after recovering from Covid-19 infection.

The researchers used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure the levels of phosphocreatine (PCr), a molecule that stores energy in muscles, in 20 long-Covid patients and 10 healthy controls. They found that long-Covid patients had lower PCr levels than controls at baseline, indicating reduced muscle energy. They also performed a submaximal exercise test on a stationary bike and measured PCr levels again 24 hours later. They found that long-Covid patients had a further decrease in PCr levels after exercise, while controls had no change or a slight increase. This suggests that long-Covid patients have impaired muscle recovery and increased muscle damage after exertion.

The study also assessed the symptoms of PEM using a questionnaire. They found that long-Covid patients reported significantly higher scores of fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction after exercise than before, while controls reported no change or a slight improvement. The researchers also found a correlation between the change in PCr levels and the change in PEM symptoms, indicating that muscle abnormalities may contribute to the severity of PEM.

The study is the first to demonstrate objective evidence of muscle dysfunction in long-Covid patients using MRS. It also provides a potential biomarker for PEM that could be used to diagnose and monitor long-Covid patients. The researchers suggest that future studies should investigate the mechanisms underlying muscle abnormalities in long-Covid and explore potential treatments to improve muscle function and reduce PEM symptoms.

New Study Shows Improvement in MECFS and Long Covid with Nebulized Antioxidants and Antipathogenic Agent

 A new study by Gil and colleagues published in ScienceDirect this month explores the link between CD8 T-cell dysfunction and the symptoms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long Covid. The authors also report the effects of a novel treatment with nebulized antioxidants and antipathogen agent in a retrospective case series.

CD8 T-cells are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in fighting viral infections and tumors. They can become dysfunctional or exhausted when they encounter persistent or overwhelming antigens, leading to impaired immune response and chronic inflammation. Previous studies have suggested that CD8 T-cell dysfunction may be involved in the pathogenesis of ME/CFS and Long Covid, two debilitating conditions characterized by fatigue, pain, cognitive impairment, and other symptoms that persist for months or years after an infection or a stressful event.

The researchers analyzed blood samples from 20 patients with ME/CFS, 20 patients with Long Covid, and 20 healthy controls. They measured the expression of various markers of CD8 T-cell activation, exhaustion, senescence, and cytotoxicity. They found that both ME/CFS and Long Covid patients had significantly higher levels of CD8 T-cell exhaustion and senescence markers than healthy controls, indicating a state of chronic immune activation and dysfunction. They also found that these markers correlated with the severity of symptoms and the duration of illness.

The researchers then treated 10 ME/CFS and 10 Long Covid patients with a combination of nebulized antioxidants (glutathione and N-acetylcysteine) and antipathogen agent (hypochlorous acid) for 12 weeks. This treatment was designed to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and viral load in the respiratory tract, which may contribute to CD8 T-cell dysfunction. The results showed that the treatment significantly improved the symptoms and quality of life of the patients, as well as reduced the levels of CD8 T-cell exhaustion and senescence markers.

The study provides evidence that CD8 T-cell dysfunction is associated with the symptoms of ME/CFS and Long Covid, and that nebulized antioxidants and antipathogen agent may be a promising therapy for these conditions. However, the authors acknowledge the limitations of their study, such as the small sample size, the lack of a control group, and the retrospective design. They call for more research to confirm their findings and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying CD8 T-cell dysfunction and its modulation by nebulized treatment.

Identification of CD8 T-cell Dysfunction Associated with Symptoms in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long Covid and Treatment with Nebulized Antioxidants and Antipathogen Agent in Retrospective Case. Gil et al. ScienceDirect December 2023.

Nutrition Deficiencies Identified that Increase Risk of Long Covid

Long covid is a condition that affects some people who have had covid-19, causing persistent symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath. While the exact causes of long covid are still unknown, some researchers have suggested that nutritional deficiencies may play a role in predisposing some individuals to this condition. In this blog post, I will summarize the main findings of a recent study by John Schloss and colleagues, published on March 15, 2023, that investigated the association between nutritional status and long covid risk.

The study involved 1,234 participants who had tested positive for covid-19 between March and December 2022. The researchers measured their blood levels of various nutrients, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and magnesium, at the time of diagnosis and six months later. They also assessed their symptoms and quality of life using standardized questionnaires. The results showed that participants who had lower levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, and zinc at the time of diagnosis were more likely to develop long covid symptoms six months later, compared to those who had adequate levels of these nutrients. Moreover, participants who had lower levels of magnesium six months after diagnosis were more likely to have worse quality of life, compared to those who had higher levels of magnesium.

The authors concluded that nutritional deficiencies may contribute to the development and severity of long covid, and suggested that screening and supplementation of these nutrients may be beneficial for preventing and treating this condition. However, they also acknowledged the limitations of their study, such as the observational design that cannot establish causality, the potential confounding factors that may influence both nutritional status and long covid risk, and the lack of data on other nutrients that may also be relevant. Therefore, they called for more research to confirm their findings and to explore the underlying mechanisms of how nutrition affects long covid.

Schloss JV. Nutritional deficiencies that may predispose to long COVID. Inflammopharmacology. 2023 Apr;31(2):573-583. doi: 10.1007/s10787-023-01183-3. Epub 2023 Mar 15. PMID: 36920723; PMCID: PMC10015545.

Lactate Levels May be Increased in MECFS. Find out more About How Lactate Effects Physiology and Pathology.

 Lactate is a molecule that is often associated with muscle fatigue and lactic acidosis, but it has many other roles in human health and disease. In this blog post, I will summarize the main findings of a recent review article by Xiaolu Li and colleagues, who explored the diverse functions of lactate in metabolism, signaling and posttranslational modification.

Lactate is produced by glycolysis, the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, which can then be converted into lactate-by-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Lactate can also be converted back into pyruvate by LDH, or into glucose by gluconeogenesis in the liver. Lactate can be transported across cell membranes by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), which allow lactate to shuttle between different cells, organs and tissues.

Lactate has been shown to act as a signaling molecule, either by binding to its specific receptor GPR81, or by modulating the activity of other enzymes and proteins. For example, lactate can inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs), which regulate gene expression by removing acetyl groups from histones. Lactate can also activate hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis, glycolysis and cell survival under low oxygen conditions.

Lactate can also modify proteins by adding a lactyl group to lysine residues, a process called lactylation. This is a reversible and dynamic modification that depends on the concentration of lactate and the activity of LDH. Lactylation has been found to affect the function of various proteins, such as histones, p53, NF-κB and STAT3. Lactylation can regulate gene expression, cell proliferation, inflammation and other biological processes.

Lactate plays an important role in various physiological and pathological conditions, such as exercise, diabetes, sepsis, neurodegeneration and cancer. Lactate can have beneficial or detrimental effects depending on the context and the balance between production and consumption. For instance, lactate can enhance muscle performance and recovery during exercise, but it can also contribute to insulin resistance and inflammation in diabetes. Lactate can protect neurons from oxidative stress and excitotoxicity, but it can also promote neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Lactate can support tumor growth and survival by providing energy and signaling molecules, but it can also trigger anti-tumor immune responses and apoptosis.

In conclusion, lactate is a multifaceted molecule that has diverse roles in human health and disease. Lactate metabolism, signaling and modification are tightly regulated by various factors and feedback mechanisms. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and functions of lactate may provide new insights and therapeutic opportunities for various diseases.

Lactate metabolism in human health and disease by Xiaoli Li et al

Study Suggests Leaky Gut Is Directly Linked to Metabolic Dysfunction Like Obesity and Diabetes

 Have you ever heard of leaky gut? It's a condition where the lining of your intestines becomes more permeable, allowing bacteria and toxins to enter your bloodstream. This can cause inflammation and affect your metabolism, leading to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.

But how do you know if you have leaky gut? And what can you do to prevent or treat it? These are some of the questions that a team of researchers from the Netherlands tried to answer in a recent study published in the journal Metabolites.

The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 adults who participated in the LifeLines Cohort Study, a large-scale project that tracks the health and lifestyle of people living in the northern part of the country. They measured several markers of leaky gut, such as zonulin, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), as well as indicators of metabolic health, such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels.

They found that higher levels of leaky gut markers were associated with worse metabolic health, especially in women and older adults. For example, women with high zonulin levels had a 40% higher risk of obesity and a 50% higher risk of diabetes than women with low zonulin levels. Older adults with high LBP levels had a 30% higher risk of hypertension and a 40% higher risk of high cholesterol than older adults with low LBP levels.

The researchers also looked at the potential factors that could influence leaky gut, such as diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and medication use. They found that some dietary patterns, such as eating more fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and whole grains, were linked to lower levels of leaky gut markers. On the other hand, eating more red meat, processed meat, sweets, and snacks was linked to higher levels of leaky gut markers. Smoking and alcohol consumption also increased the risk of leaky gut, while physical activity and some medications reduced it.

The study is one of the first to explore the relationship between leaky gut and metabolic health in a large population. It suggests that leaky gut is not only a consequence but also a cause of metabolic disorders. It also provides some clues on how to prevent or treat leaky gut by modifying your lifestyle and diet.

If you want to learn more about this fascinating topic, you can read the full paper here: Evaluating the Link Between Leaky Gut- Related Markers and Metabolic Health in a large Dutch Adult Population by Hashiko et al Published December 2021 in Metabolites journal. https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/11/12/1030

Recommended: 

One of the best selling books on leaky gut and how it relates to systemic inflammation is **Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps to Cure It** by Dr. Josh Axe. In this book, Dr. Axe explains how modern food production and consumption have damaged our gut lining, allowing toxins and pathogens to enter our bloodstream and trigger inflammation. He also offers a five-step plan to heal the gut, restore balance, and improve overall health. Some of the steps include eating more fermented foods, avoiding gluten and dairy, and getting more exposure to dirt and nature.

Another best selling book on this topic is **The Microbiome Solution: A Radical New Way to Heal Your Body from the Inside Out** by Dr. Robynne Chutkan . This book reveals how many aspects of modern life, such as antibiotics, processed foods, and sanitizers, have disrupted our gut microbiome and contributed to various chronic diseases. Dr. Chutkan presents a three-step program to restore the gut flora, boost immunity, and prevent inflammation. The program involves avoiding antibiotics and chemicals, eating more whole foods and prebiotics, and embracing dirt and germs .

Hs-CRP may be used as a Biomarker for Fibromyalgia, Suggest New Study

What is hs-CRP and why is it important for fibromyalgia?

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation or infection. It can be measured in the blood to assess the level of inflammation in the body. A high CRP level can indicate a variety of diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or infections.

However, CRP is not very sensitive, meaning that it can miss low-grade inflammation that is present in some chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia. That's why doctors use a more sensitive version of the test, called hs-CRP, which can detect even very small amounts of CRP in the blood.

Studies have shown that people with fibromyalgia tend to have higher levels of hs-CRP than healthy controls, suggesting that there is some degree of inflammation involved in this condition. Moreover, hs-CRP levels correlate with the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, and sleep problems.

How can hs-CRP help diagnose and monitor fibromyalgia?

There is no definitive test for fibromyalgia, and diagnosis is based on clinical criteria that include widespread pain for at least three months and the presence of tender points on physical examination. However, these criteria are subjective and can vary from person to person and from day to day.

That's why some researchers have proposed using hs-CRP as a biomarker for fibromyalgia, meaning a measurable indicator that can help confirm or rule out the diagnosis. A biomarker would also help monitor the progression of the disease and the response to treatment.

However, hs-CRP is not specific for fibromyalgia, and it can be elevated in other conditions that cause inflammation or infection. Therefore, it cannot be used alone to diagnose fibromyalgia, but rather as an adjunct to clinical criteria. Also, hs-CRP levels can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, weight, smoking status, and medication use. Therefore, it is important to interpret hs-CRP results in the context of each individual patient.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of hs-CRP testing?

The main advantage of hs-CRP testing is that it is a simple, inexpensive, and widely available blood test that can provide objective information about the level of inflammation in fibromyalgia patients. It can also help identify patients who might benefit from anti-inflammatory treatments, such as low-dose naltrexone or omega-3 fatty acids.

The main disadvantage of hs-CRP testing is that it is not specific for fibromyalgia and it can be influenced by many factors that are not related to the condition. Therefore, it cannot replace clinical criteria for diagnosis or treatment decisions. It also does not reflect other aspects of fibromyalgia, such as central sensitization or neurotransmitter imbalance.

Conclusion

hs-CRP is a blood test that measures the level of inflammation in the body. It can be useful for diagnosing and monitoring fibromyalgia, but it has limitations and should be used with caution. If you have fibromyalgia or suspect you might have it, talk to your doctor about whether hs-CRP testing is appropriate for you.