by admin | Nov 30, 2018 | Health Awareness
Regenerative medicine seeks to restore the functionality of cells, tissues, organs, or genes. In particular, stem cell therapy is among the most promising forms of regenerative medicine. This is due to the fact that stem cells are not specialized cells and can, therefore, transform into any cell or tissue with which they come into contact, including that of muscle, tendon, bone, and ligament. From supporting regrowth of meniscal cartilage in the knee to the self-renewal of central nervous system (CNS) tissue, stem cell therapy has shown a potential option of treatment for a broad range of conditions and injuries.
Stem cell therapy is an emerging regenerative medicine option for those who have sustained the central nervous system (CNS) damage including traumatic brain injury, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis. CNS injury is characterized by an inflammatory response, molecular imbalance, cell death, and cyst and scar formation. Researchers suggest that co-therapies, such as physical rehabilitation, could help be a potential booster for their stem cell therapy treatment outcome.
Studies have shown stem cells’ ability to aid in CNS recovery but may also suggest that while significant improvement is made, the treatment is often not enough to completely recover CNS functionality without further intervention. In conjunction with physical therapy, stem cell therapy could produce stronger results. Targeted exercises can produce beneficial effects at the anatomical and physiological levels, thereby positively influencing neural stem cell pools and improving stem cell therapy outcomes. Exercise has been shown to augment stem cell transplantation following muscular injuries in certain studies, but further research is needed to determine exactly how physical therapy and stem cell treatments can be used to support optimized recovery on a case-by-case basis.
Moving forward, it is suggested that physical therapy could help as a supplement to stem cell therapy. By partnering these two therapeutic approaches, patients may be able to potentially improve their treatment outcomes as well as enhancing functionality and quality of life.
by admin | Nov 16, 2018 | Health Awareness
While most vitamins and minerals can be obtained through food sources, the modern American diet does leave some nutritional gaps which many people should address. Folic acid, in particular, is one vitamin which contributes to important bodily functions and may need to be taken in supplement form in certain populations.
What is Folic Acid?
Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin. Folate is found both naturally in food, while folic acid is its synthetic form. In the late 1990s, food sources including pasta, cereal, bread, and flour were required to be enriched with the vitamin by federal law. Certain foods are also innate sources of folate, including leafy greens, asparagus, beans, bananas, melons, mushrooms, and some types of meat.
What Does It Do?
Folate is required by the body to make red and white blood cells, produce healthy DNA, and transfer carbohydrates into energy. In addition, it prevents the complications associated with low blood levels of folate, including the inability to absorb nutrients through the bowels and anemia. Folic acid is also used to treat conditions commonly associated with folate deficiencies, such as ulcerative colitis and liver disease, as well as kidney dialysis.
Because of its far-reaching impact, folic acid is also used to support a number of bodily functions. It is often taken by patients with Alzheimer’s and memory loss, hearing loss, macular degeneration, and osteoporosis. Some people use it as a preventative for cancers such as colon cancer or cervical cancer, and it is even taken to minimize the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Finally, folic acid is perhaps best known for its ability to prevent birth defects. Women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding can take a supplement under the direction of their obstetrician to support fetal health and development.
Should You Take Folic Acid?
Many people can get folate through their diets, but achieving the recommended daily value of 400 micrograms (mcg) can be challenging to do through food alone. If you are eating a blend of whole foods every day, there’s a chance you could be getting enough folate already, but because the vitamin plays such an essential role in various bodily functions and disease risk management, it doesn’t hurt to ask your doctor about taking supplements. Most folic acid supplements are sold in 400 mcg doses, but don’t worry if you get more folate from your diet naturally – many adults can take up to 1,000 mcg safely but talk to your doctor first before starting any supplements.
by admin | Nov 9, 2018 | Health Awareness
Probiotics have been gaining attention within the world of nutrition recently due to their suspected ability to help maintain healthy gut flora. These “good” bacteria are found in food and are similar to those already located in your intestinal tract. And, while the digestive system has a greater number of bacteria than there are cells in the body, the harmony among within this microbiome can be thrown off easily with antibiotics, environmental toxins, and poor diet. Left unaddressed, a balance that becomes altered can lead to symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. It is even suspected that when the ratio of good-to-bad gut bacteria is off, it could result in chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis, allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Luckily, there’s a simple way to begin promoting gut health. In fact, in as little as 24 hours, you can create a new microbiota by simply changing what you eat. In addition to following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, you can also begin to incorporate probiotics into your meals. While yogurt is commonly thought of as the go-to choice for consuming healthy-gut bacteria, there are plenty of other options to choose from. Explore some of the most popular alternatives below.
Kefir
Kefir is a sour-tasting fermented drink made from the milk of cows, goat, or sheep. Its origins can be traced to the Caucasus Mountains of West Asia. The drink is fermented with kefir grains and is considered to be even healthier than yogurt. While low in calories, kefir also has many macro and micronutrients, including protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus.
Kombucha
Kombucha seems to be everyone’s power beverage of choice these days, and for good reason. The fermented tea isn’t just replete with probiotics; it also has bountiful antioxidants. Kombucha made from green tea is especially beneficial, as it shares many of the same health benefits of the tea, including the ability to support weight loss and blood sugar control.
Olives
When we think of foods high in nutritional value, olives aren’t typically the first things to come to mind. Yet, these salty salad toppers are bursting with helpful bacteria. Like many of the other foods on this list, the fermentation process which olives undergo is responsible for their high content of probiotic bacteria. They’re also high in healthy unsaturated fats and have antioxidant properties.
Tempeh
Hailing from Indonesia, tempeh is a soy product known for its versatility. While it is less popular than tofu, it acts as a great substitute for the vegan staple for anyone looking to add some probiotics to their plate. Many versions also contain grains, flavorings, or beans. Tempeh holds its shape well and has a nutty taste, as well as a consistency that holds oils well. Consider incorporating it into a stir frstir-fry it on a skewer, or throw it into a salad.
Coconut Yogurt
If you’re lactose intolerant or have eliminated dairy from your diet for other reasons, you can still get your yogurt fix through the coconut version. Coconut yogurt can be eaten plain and packs a powerful serving of probiotics. Or, you can incorporate it into smoothies, overnight oats, and any other meal or snack as you see fit.
You don’t have to rely on yogurt alone to consume a healthy blend of probiotic-rich foods. When combined with other all-natural food products, these probiotics may help you maintain optimal gut health while also supporting your overall wellness.
by admin | Nov 1, 2018 | Health Awareness
For people living with essential tremor, the condition’s rhythmic and involuntary shaking which occurs upon movement can be frustrating. While it primarily affects the hands, the voice, head, and arms may also be impacted. Treatment options for the condition are limited, with beta blockers, Botox injections, and anti-seizure medications among the few methods available to help. More frustratingly, a mere 60% or less of patients found medication helpful. The potential ineffectiveness and side effects of these drugs often make them an unpopular option among people with essential tremor.
Recently, however, researchers have discovered an alternative treatment option which could help. A study published by the British Medical Journal showcases the results of two individuals with essential tremor who received high-dose vitamin B1 injections over the course of three years. The patients were treated with two extremely high doses of the vitamin (100 times the daily recommended dose) twice per week.
Results were astonishing, with patients experiencing noticeable improvement after three months of the vitamin injections. Tremors improved significantly, which could suggest a highly effective, and affordable solution may soon be available to patients.
Doctors advise patients to proceed with caution when taking vitamins, however. It’s particularly important to receive physician oversight when pursuing mega-doses such as these, as there is always a risk for adverse health effects including interactions with other medications. With that said, B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning any that aren’t used by the body is excreted with urine. Fat-soluble vitamins, on the other hand, could cause toxicity if taken in excess. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, these are retained in the body’s fat stores and could, therefore, lead to serious health complications if taken in high doses.
Because of the study’s limited scope, more research will likely need to be conducted before physicians can begin administering vitamin treatments for patients with essential tremor. Nonetheless, the results we’ve seen appear to hold promise, especially considering the shortcomings of existing treatment methods.
Stem cell therapy has shown potential benefits for those with Parkinson’s disease in helping manage tremors. Contact a Care Coordinator for more information on how regenerative medicine could be an option for helping manage your condition.
by admin | Oct 24, 2018 | Health Awareness, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are similar in that they are both neurodegenerative disorders which impact the brain and central nervous system. Neither condition has a known cure, and both affect the muscles and nerves. Yet, the conditions have distinct difference between MS and ALS, particularly in terms of their symptoms. Here, we explore the ways in which these conditions are similar and then examine their distinctive qualities.
Similarities
Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the muscles of the arms and legs are common in both ALS and MS, as are difficulty walking and involuntary muscle spasms.
Speech Challenges: Slurred speech, while less common in MS, can be experienced by patients with both conditions. In ALS, this symptom worsens progressively, but it can be intermittent in people with MS.
Swallowing Problems: Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a symptom shared by both conditions. However, while it becomes progressively worse in patients with ALS, individuals with MS experience it to a lesser degree and intermittently.
Breathing Issues: ALS is characterized by the breaking down of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which control the muscles in your body. Thus, as muscles begin to atrophy, breathing complications become more pronounced. In people with MS, lung function is lower than normal, but shortness of breath is typically only noticed upon exertion, if at all.
Differences
Both ALS and MS scar the covering of the nerve fibers, but this happens differently in each condition. In MS, the myelin sheaths, coverings which protect the body’s nerve cells, are compromised. This impedes the brain’s ability to send signals to other parts of the body, which affects both voluntary and involuntary muscle movement. The symptoms of ALS, on the other hand, all involve nerves that control voluntary muscle movement.
The early stages of ALS vs MS Symptoms bear similarities to one another, like fatigue, trouble walking, muscle stiffness, and twitching are common in both. Yet, physicians are able to distinguish among the two fairly quickly, due to the following distinct symptoms.
Vision Impairment: While ALS sufferers may notice challenges with voluntary muscle movement, they often do not lose the ability to see. For MS patients, however, the optic nerve can become swollen, resulting in vision problems. In fact, up to 80% of all MS patients experience vision-related symptoms.
Bladder/Bowel Issues: Issues with involuntary muscles can present bladder challenges, including incontinence, in at least 80% of people with MS. Diarrhea is also common for MS sufferers. People with ALS may not experience either condition, but constipation is common in both illnesses.
Tingling/Pain: A select population of ALS patients experience tingling, but it is often temporary. For people with MS, however, sensory symptoms are common and pronounced. Numbness, tingling, and pain are reported by MS patients.
While the symptoms described above are commonly associated with ALS, MS, or both, having one or more of these symptoms does not mean a patient is afflicted with either condition. With that being said, it is always a good idea to have a physician weigh in on any new or unfamiliar symptoms to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
by admin | Oct 18, 2018 | Health Awareness
Nitric oxide has been used in medical applications since the 1800s, but it wasn’t until fairly recently that scientist confirmed its presence in the body. In fact, its discovery by three pharmacologists in the 1990s won them the Nobel Prize. The compound was proclaimed molecule of the year in 1992, and for good reason: as a chemical messenger, its presence is essential in all living mammals. Discover what it is that makes this gas so important to our health below.
What is Nitric Oxide?
Nitric oxide is a colorless gas byproduct of reactions in which nitric acid is reduced. It’s long been known that miniscule amounts of the compound are released with exhalations. Yet, scientists originally didn’t think nitric oxide contributed much to bodily functions because its molecules are so small and have a lifespan of just a few seconds. Nonetheless, it was subsequently discovered that this couldn’t be further from the truth.
What Does It Do?
A key finding occurred in the 1990s when the American pharmacologists mentioned above discovered the compound’s role in the cardiovascular system. Specifically, the compound is produced by cells that line the artery walls. It then acts as a vasodilator that relaxes the arteries, thereby aiding in blood pressure regulation and overall circulation. Nitric acid also controls inflammation and oxidative stress.
In individuals with atherosclerosis, the root cause of heart disease and other vascular issues, the artery walls have a limited ability to produce nitric oxide. This spurs a dangerous cycle in which low nitric oxide levels further damage already compromised arteries, thereby increasing the likelihood of a cardiac event. With sufficient nitric oxide, however, artery walls stay healthy and blood circulation is optimized.
Beyond promoting cardiovascular health, nitric oxide also contributes to overall wellness in other ways. It supports white blood cell health and is used to fight serious illness, and it is also produced and used by the brain. As a signaling compound, nitric oxide is used for neurotransmission, which is why nitric oxide is touted for its potential to help minimize the risk of neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Nitric oxide can support digestion by relaxing muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. It also plays a role in energy utilization, respiratory function, and a host of other important bodily functions. For these reasons, making sure your body has plenty of nitric oxide can help support overall wellness.
How to Optimize Your Nitric Oxide Levels
One way to increase nitric oxide is through your diet. While protein-rich sources such as meat may spur the synthesization of nitric oxide through the amino acid arginine, a better alternative may be to eat more leafy greens. While rich in nitrates and nitrites, which stimulate the body’s natural ability to produce nitric oxide, these plant sources are also low in calories. Beet juice is also rich in nitrates, so if you’re looking to increase nitric oxide through dietary measures, consider sipping two cups per day.
Because nitric oxide production is inhibited by free radicals, antioxidants could also deliver added health benefits. Green tea, onions, and other foods rich in flavonoids can prevent free radical damage, thereby protecting nitric oxide. Because exercised muscles demand additional nutrients and oxygen, physical activity can also spur the natural release of nitric oxide to support cardiovascular health.
Depending on your doctor’s recommendations, you may also consider taking a supplement to boost nitric oxide synthesis. Stemedix offers a nitric oxide supplement, Neo40 Professional. This supplement helps open up the blood vessels in the body to stimulate healthy circulation. Neo40 Professional achieves this task by activating the immediate production of nitric oxide gas as it is dissolving. Neo40 also fixes the enzyme responsible for the conversion of the amino acid named L-Arginine to nitric oxide thereby improving the body’s own ability to produce NO. This leads to an improvement in endothelial function and activity. Always check with your physician prior to starting any supplements.
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