So you probably read this title and started guessing at what main things would help us live longer. Maybe more exercise, eating organic, avoiding toxins, having close loving relationships…Yes, those are all great but the science is in the genes and how all our choices effect them.

Lets start with one of the genes associated with aging known as SIRT1. Caloric restriction can help organisms live longer and healthier and we know that it also favorably effects SIRT1. Fasting, even one day a week can make a difference. But lets face it, that can be difficult to do, especially for those with other health challenges. Instead, resveratrol interacts with this gene and delays the degenerative processes of aging. Melatonin also activates SIRT1 and both compounds work synergistically together.

Telomere function has also gotten a lot of headlines lately. These are the short DNA sequences found on the ends of chromosomes that protect our genetic material. Researchers claim that if we preserve them it could extend our longevity and improve health. Regular meditation is linked to healthier telomeres. Eating nutrient dense whole foods as well as curcumin, resveratrol and other botanical compounds can also support healthy telomeres. On the other hand, emotional stress, processed foods, and a high burden of environmental toxins have been linked to shorter telomeres and premature aging.

Another important gene to know about is p53. It is known as “the guardian of the genome” because it regulates the cell reproductive cycle and suppresses tumors. This p53 gene is an important anti-cancer gene. It corrects errors in DNA replication. And if the errors can’t be fixed, then p53 promotes apoptosis (cell death). One theory, is that when situations shorten telomeres, aged cells produce more p53, which then puts more oxidative stress on mitochondria. There are natural ways to boost mitochondrial activity. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) helps mitochondria make ATP energy. Pyrroloquinolone (PQQ) is a molecule similar to CoQ10 and it increases mitochondrial activity as well as increasing the number of mitochondria. PQQ is found in foods such as natto, parsley and green tea, as well as in supplement form. Medicinal mushrooms, such as cordyceps and reishi are excellent for mitochondrial health. As far as lifestyle changes…eating a nutrient dense, low glycemic diet along with aerobic interval exercise supports mitochondrial health.

Finally, one of the newest biomarkers on the block is Galectin-3 (Gal-3). A 10 year Gal-3 study involving 8000 people showed that an elevated Gal-3 was associated with a 3-fold increase in all cause mortality in the general population. High levels of this circulating blood marker was seen in life threatening illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and metastatic cancers. Whereas a 2016 cohort study showed that lower levels of Gal-3 are associated with healthy aging. The reason Gal-3 is involved in the progression of life threatening illnesses, is because it fuels chronic inflammation and fibrosis (thickening and scarring) in organs and tissues. It also acts as a sticky surface molecule that allows cancer cells to aggregate and move throughout the circulatory system without being seen where cancer can form and metastasize.

Researchers have shown that Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) binds to Gal-3 to reverse inflammation and fibrotic changes to the heart, kidneys, liver, nervous system and other tissues. Gal-3 is recognized as a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target for heart disease. It is easily measured in the blood and covered by most insurance companies for cardiovascular screening. It can also be used to assess cancer risk and progression.

So healthy aging is possible by keeping Gal-3 levels in check, promoting mitochondrial health and encouraging favorable gene expression. Mind-body practices such as yoga, meditation, Tai Chi and Qi Gong are equally important. Any healthy form of stress relief will help prevent the inflammatory cascade that leads to degenerative aging and disease.

References: Elias, I. Telomeres, Mitochondria, and The New Age of Aging. Holistic Primary Care, Vol. 18, No. 1. Spring 2017.

DeFilippi, CR, Felker GM. U.S. Cardiology, 2010; 7(1): 3-6.

Sanchis-Gomar F, et al. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2016 April 1; 54(5): 873-877.

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Aspirin has been used for generations, for many ailments from fever and achy joints to prevention of strokes and heart attacks. There has even been some evidence that aspirin can prevent certain cancers, such as colon cancer. But now, researchers have discovered that using aspirin could be an adjunct to current cancer treatments in stopping the spread of cancer cells after a tumor has initially formed.

The problem (like any medicine) is that many people may not tolerate the drug or respond well. So scientists are trying to develop genetic tests to determine who would benefit the most with long-term use of aspirin. The many mechanisms behind how aspirin prevents inflammation is well known. But for a tumor to metastasize is a complex process.

Platelets, usually known to assist in blood clotting, have an important role in allowing tumor cells to spread. Cancer cells rely on platelets to clump, or stick together so they can hide from the immune system. Aspirin apparently turns certain genes on or off in the cells that give rise to platelets that prevent clumping. The cancer cells are then exposed to the immune system so they can be destroyed.

There is still a lot of work to be done. The next step is to repeat these experiments in larger, more diverse groups of people to better understand the normal functions of these aspirin-sensitive genes.

Pretty amazing stuff!

Aspirin May Prevent Cancer from Spreading, New Research Shows – Scientific American: “”

Photo by Internet Archive Book Images

Photo by The U.S. National Archives

We all know by now that the brain and our thoughts influence our physiology, but sometimes its nice to be reminded the true impact of our thoughts and the small things we can consciously do to keep our thoughts positive. Even when faced with a health crisis, positive feelings and thoughts can improve ones quality of life. The health benefits are indisputable. A positive outlook can lower blood pressure, reduce the risks of heart disease, improve blood sugar levels and reduce the need to take antidepressants to help cope with one’s present illness.

These positive emotions can help make the tougher times easier. People that can learn skills to help foster positive emotions not only helps them feel happy, calm and satisfied in the midst of a health crisis, but improves overall health and longevity. Doing one or more of these skills daily is all you need to help cope with your current stressors. It also helps you become more resilient with stressors in the future.

These are the eight skills to help foster positive emotions developed by Judith T. Moskowitz, professor of medical social sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago:

1. Recognize a positive event each day.

2. Savor that event and log it in a journal or tell someone about it.

3. Start a daily gratitude journal.

4. List a personal strength and note how you used it.

5. Set an attainable goal and note your progress.

6. Report a minor stress and list ways to reappraise the event positively.

7. Recognize and practice small acts of kindness daily.

8. Practice mindfulness. Focus on the here and now rather than the past or the future.

Read more…

A Positive Outlook May Be Good for Your Health – The New York Times: “”

We know that aging changes a lot of things, especially physically. We may not feel as strong or flexible. We may not be able to go as long or with the same intensity. And then there’s the 2-3 days it takes to recover. It seems the damage to cells in the elderly have a difficult time regenerating and recovering because the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell that produces energy) diminishes in number and vitality.

So what can we do about that?

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota conducted an experiment looking at the cells of healthy sedentary men and women whom were either 30 years old or younger, or over 64 years old. Baseline measurements were taken including their gene activity and mitochondrial health in their muscle cells. Then they were randomly assigned to a particular exercise regimen. The choices were: vigorous weight training 3 times per week; brief interval training 3 times per week (stationary bicycles pedaling hard for 4 minutes, resting for 3, then repeating that sequence 3 more times); riding a stationary bike at a moderate pace for 30 minutes a few times a week and lifting weights lightly on other days; and the control group whom did not exercise. After 12 weeks labs were retaken.

While all groups who exercised improved in fitness scores and blood sugar regulation, the major difference was in the interval training. The group under 30 who went through the interval training had a higher activity level in 274 genes compared with 170 genes in the moderate activity and only 74 genes in the weight lifters. But in the over 64 year old group, they saw almost 400 genes working differently, compare with 33 for the weight lifters and 19 for the moderate exercisers.

Many of the genes affected in the interval training are believed to influence the ability of the mitochondria to produce energy. When these muscle cells were biopsied, it showed increases in the number and health of their mitochondria, especially among the older cyclists. This is good news! Certain exercise can actually “correct’ or reverse the consequences of aging in the cellular health of muscles.

The amazing thing is that exercise, as well as the foods we eat and our thoughts, changes gene expression. The choices we make everyday effects our body and extends all the way down to the cellular level. It’s never too late to make positive changes.

The Best Exercise for Aging Muscles – The New York Times: “”

So you’ve read some of my articles and the research exploring the gut microbiome. You know that beautiful microbiome made up of trillions of beneficial bacteria with all their DNA living in our gut that influences everything from our immune health, weight gain, mood and more recently how these microbes can make us more attractive to our mates!

Well, these researchers took it to another level. These chemists looked at the vast microbiome on our skin. Just like eating a high sugar, low fiber, fatty food rich diet and exposing ourselves to antibiotics can destroy our gut microbiome, these scientists found that the use of all our cleansers, shampoos, moisturizers and deodorants are actually destroying and washing away the healthy flora that once lived happily on our skin. Could this good bacteria actually act as a built-in cleanser, deodorant, anti-inflammatory and immune-booster by feeding on the ammonia in our sweat? Well…yes!

David Whitlock, the M.I.T.-trained chemical engineer (who founded this product), proposes the way to bring back this healthy bacteria is to avoid soaps and shampoos and replenish our skin and scalp with a living bacterial skin tonic made up of billions of ammonia-oxidized bacteria (AOB). These bacteria are most commonly found in dirt and intreated water..Yuk!

But maybe there’s something to this.

This author writes about his own experience being involved in a study to test this topical bacteria and finds surprising results. Could it someday be used for wound healing, repel malaria and dengue fever, treat eczema and other chronic inflammatory disorders?

This product is available on line, as “Mother Dirt”. This biotech start-up hopes to finance their research into drug applications to get FDA approval.

It’s worth reading…

My No-Soap, No-Shampoo, Bacteria-Rich Hygiene Experiment – The New York Times: “”

The microbes (primarily in our gut) we harbor not only affects our vulnerability to diseases, how much weight we put on, our susceptibility to infections and our mood, but it can also make us more attractive to our future mates. When mammals choose mates based on the “glow’ of their health, they are choosing a set of genes as well as a microbial community that may facilitate reproduction.

Read more about how this scientific love story involves all of us…

Microbes, a Love Story – The New York Times: “”

This is a must read article if you have been stressed, anxious, and losing sleep since the new administration moved into Washington DC.

It’s exhausting and effecting our daily lives much more than we imagined. We need to somehow find a place of inner strength and peace from the perpetual chaos that is in the news everyday.

Well, there’s things to do as this article points out that are constructive and creative and can affect outcomes.

Read more…

https://journal.thriveglobal.com/how-to-get-out-of-the-cycle-of-outrage-in-a-trump-world-ffc5b2aa1b5f?mc_cid=f4cc75c652&mc_eid=ee67fd9d07#.cnt60jegr