How Flossing Daily Could Guard Against Stroke

Recent studies have found a strong correlation between regular flossing and a notably reduced risk of specific types of stroke and atrial fibrillation. Oral hygiene practices are connected to inflammation and the hardening of arteries. By minimizing oral infections and inflammation, flossing could lower the risk of stroke and promote other beneficial health behaviors.

Flossing is a critical component of standard oral care practices, but it might also offer substantial benefits for heart and brain health. Research indicates that dental flossing can lower the risk of stroke, with more frequent flossing resulting in an even greater reduction in risk.

The researchers examined data from more than 6,000 participants who had no prior history of stroke or atrial fibrillation, using a detailed questionnaire. The focus of the study was to explore the relationship between flossing, apart from other oral care practices like brushing and routine dentist visits, and its effects on cardiovascular disease results.

During a 25-year follow-up period, of those who reported flossing at least once a week, 65% remained free from stroke diagnoses, although 434 individuals did experience a stroke. Compared to non-flossers, those who flossed regularly had a 22% reduced risk of ischemic stroke and a 44% reduced risk of cardioembolic stroke. Additionally, flossing was linked to a 12% decreased risk of atrial fibrillation, the most prevalent type of irregular heartbeat.

Similar to other types of inflammation, there is evidence indicating a connection between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease. This association also implies that maintaining good oral hygiene through habits like brushing and flossing could be a viable lifestyle approach to lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Increased frequency of flossing was associated with greater reductions in risk, and these reductions occurred independently of regular brushing and dental visits. Flossing is a beneficial habit that is simple to incorporate, cost-effective, and widely available.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Abstract 19: Dental flossing may lower the risk for incident ischemic stroke, cardioembolic stroke subtype and AF

Aging Reversed / ABC News

Now researchers have found a way not just to stop, but, reverse the aging process. The key is something called a telomere. We all have them. They are the tips or caps of your chromosomes. They are long and stable in young adults, but, as we age they become shorter, damaged and frayed. When they stop working we start aging and experience things like hearing and memory loss.

In a recent study published in the peer reviewed journal Nature scientists took mice that were prematurely aged to the equivalent of 80-year-old humans, added an enzyme and essentially turned their telomeres back on. After the treatment they were the physiological equivalent of young adults. You can see the before and after pictures in the videos above. Brain function improved, their fertility was restored it was a remarkable reversal of the aging process. In the top video the untreated mouse shows bad skin, gray hair and it is balding. The mouse with it’s telomeres switched back on has a dark coat color, the hair is restored and the coat has a nice healthy sheen to it. Even more dramatic is the change in brain size. Before treatment the aged mice had 75% of a normal size brain like a patient with severe Alzheimers. After the telomeres were reactivated the brain returned to normal size. As for humans while it is just one factor scientists say the longer the telomeres the better the chances for a more graceful aging.

The formal study Telomere dysfunction induces metabolic and mitochondrial compromise was published in Nature.

Additional information published by Harvard can be found in the following articles.

Scientists Find Root Molecular Cause of Declining Health in the Old

Decoding Immortality – Smithsonian Channel Video about the Discovery of Telomerase

While scientists are not yet able to accomplish the same results in humans we believe we have developed a nutraceutical to help prolong youth and possibly extend life until age reversal therapy for humans becomes available.

Stem Cell Secret’s of 115 Year Old Woman

New evidence that adult stem cells are critical to human aging has recently been published on a study done on a super-centenarian woman that lived to be 115 years. At death, her circulating stem cell pool had declined to just two active stem cells from stem cell counts that are typically more than a thousand in younger adults. Super-centenarians have survived all the normal diseases that kill 99.9% of us before 100 years of age, so it has been a mystery as to what actually kills these hardy individuals. This recent data suggest that stem cell decline may be the main contributor to aging. If so, stabilizing stem cells may be the best thing one can do to slow your rate of aging.

There are many theories of aging that have been proposed. For example, damage to cells and tissues from oxidative stress has been one of the most popular fundamental theories of aging for more than half a century. Yet antioxidant substances or genes that code antioxidant enzymes have proven largely ineffective in slowing aging when tested in model animals. Thus, interest by scientists has shifted to other hypotheses that might provide a better explanation for the slow declines in function with age.

Stem cells provide one such promising mechanism of aging. Of course, we all know that babies are young and vigorous, independent of the age of their parents. This is because adults have embryonic stem cells that can generate young new cells needed to form a complete young baby. Indeed, these embryonic stem cells are the product of continuously evolving stem cell populations that go back to the beginning of life on earth over 3.5 billion years ago!

In adults, the mostly immortal embryonic stem cells give rise to mortal adult stem cells in all the tissues of the body. These adult stem cells can regenerate your cells and tissues as they wear out and need replacement. Unfortunate, adult stem cells also age, which leads to fewer cells and/or loss of function in cell replacement. As functional stem cells decline, skin and organs decline with age.

Blood from world’s oldest woman suggests life limit

Time Magazine: Long-Life Secrets From The 115-Year-Old Woman

Somatic mutations found in the healthy blood compartment of a 115-yr-old woman demonstrate oligoclonal hematopoiesis

Abstract
The somatic mutation burden in healthy white blood cells (WBCs) is not well known. Based on deep whole-genome sequencing, we estimate that approximately 450 somatic mutations accumulated in the nonrepetitive genome within the healthy blood compartment of a 115-yr-old woman. The detected mutations appear to have been harmless passenger mutations: They were enriched in noncoding, AT-rich regions that are not evolutionarily conserved, and they were depleted for genomic elements where mutations might have favorable or adverse effects on cellular fitness, such as regions with actively transcribed genes. The distribution of variant allele frequencies of these mutations suggests that the majority of the peripheral white blood cells were offspring of two related hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) clones. Moreover, telomere lengths of the WBCs were significantly shorter than telomere lengths from other tissues. Together, this suggests that the finite lifespan of HSCs, rather than somatic mutation effects, may lead to hematopoietic clonal evolution at extreme ages.

Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Slow Biological Aging?

Many people strive to slow down aging, and recent research points to omega-3 supplements as a potential aid in this endeavor. Could these essential fatty acids, abundant in oily fish and readily available as supplements, help maintain youthful cells for an extended period? Research has shown that vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids can slow biological aging in animals, but it was uncertain whether these benefits would extend to humans as well.

A recent study indicates that combining omega-3 and vitamin D supplements with regular exercise could slow biological aging by several months over three years. This conclusion comes from analyzing data from the DO-HEALTH trial, which assessed the effects of supplements and exercise on older adults from 2012 to 2014 in five European countries.

Omega-3 fatty acids are widely recognized for their benefits to brain, heart, and joint health. However, these recent findings suggest that they may also play a role in slowing down the biological aging process, potentially reducing the risk of conditions like heart disease, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

The study analyzed data from more than 700 participants, all aged 70 or older. They consumed daily supplements of 2,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D and/or 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids sourced from algae or a placebo. Additionally, they engaged in 30 minutes of home-based strength training three times a week. To evaluate biological aging, researchers collected blood samples from participants at the start and end of the study. These samples were analyzed using four different biological clocks.

Upon analyzing the blood samples, researchers discovered that consuming omega-3 fatty acids decelerated biological aging by up to four months across various epigenetic clocks, and this effect was consistent regardless of the subjects’ age, gender, or body mass index. Moreover, the trio of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and strength training showed even greater effectiveness, according to one of the four epigenetic clocks utilized.

The results strongly indicate that omega-3 fatty acids can slow biological aging in humans, and that combining them with vitamin D and exercise may enhance this effect even further. While additional research is necessary, these well-established strategies can still be adopted.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Individual and additive effects of vitamin D, omega-3 and exercise on DNA methylation clocks of biological aging in older adults from the DO-HEALTH trial

Nasal Spray Treats Early Alzheimer’s in Mice

In a recent study, researchers used human-induced pluripotent stem cells and reprogrammed them into neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs). They then collected extracellular vesicles generated by these NSCs, refined them, and delivered them via the nasal to mice exhibiting symptoms of familial Alzheimer’s disease.

Extracellular vesicles are minuscule membrane-bound bubbles capable of transporting diverse substances, including RNA molecules and proteins. The technique involves extracting these vesicles from cells and administering them either locally or throughout the body, often achieving effects similar to direct cell therapy. In contrast to stem cells, EVs retain their therapeutic effectiveness even after being frozen and thawed.

RNA analysis showed the treatment suppressed several inflammation-related receptors, which were notably heightened in mice relative to their healthy counterparts. Importantly, this reduction in inflammation did not affect the microglia’s cellular intake function, which is the ability to absorb and remove pathogens.

This treatment significantly reduced the presence of AB plaques and phosphorylated tau protein, both key indicators of Alzheimer’s disease. While improvements were observed in both males and females, the response was more pronounced in males.

The evaluation included a test for object location and another for pattern recognition, along with an assessment of the mice’s mood. Recognizing mood changes as a significant clinical aspect of Alzheimer’s disease is becoming more common. Similar to Alzheimer’s patients, the mice that were untreated showed a decreased enjoyment of pleasurable activities, such as drinking water that has been sweetened. The EV therapy successfully reinstated their taste for sugary flavors.

As the study states, EVs surpass NSCs in key aspects, including their non-replicative nature and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier efficiently. Administering them through the nose is simple and allows for rapid delivery. Although the study was conducted on animals in the early stages of the disease, ongoing advancements in diagnostic techniques minimize this limitation.

The therapy’s effectiveness lies in the ability of EVs to deliver therapeutic molecules that may alleviate brain damage associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The development of this approach for treating Alzheimer’s disease is still in its early stages.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Extracellular vesicles from human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cells alleviate proinflammatory cascades within disease-associated microglia in Alzheimer’s disease

Your Daily Chocolate Habit Could Be Speeding Up Aging

Do you like to eat a chocolate bar or a bag of chips daily? A recent study has shown that by doing so you would be adding several months to your biological age. The findings indicate that when ultra-processed foods constitute just 10% of a typical 2000-calorie diet for adults, it can accelerate the biological clock by up to 2.4 months.

Ultra-processed foods encompass a variety of items such as chips, sodas, ice cream, chocolates, pre-prepared meals, sausages, burgers, and nuggets made from chicken or fish, along with both sweet and savory energy bars and packaged snacks.

Consuming an additional 200 calories from ultra-processed foods, which is equivalent to a small chocolate bar, could accelerate the biological aging process. Biological age differs from chronological age as it reflects how well your body functions and is influenced by lifestyle choices and genetics. Chronological age is the number of years a person has lived since birth.

The cross-sectional study analyzed data from 16,055 Americans aged between 20 and 79, aiming to investigate the relationship between ultra-processed food consumption and biological aging.

For every 10% increase in energy intake from ultra-processed foods (UPFs), participants were found to be 0.21 years older biologically. Those who consumed the most ultra-processed foods were biologically 0.86 years older. This link between UPF consumption and accelerated biological aging persisted even after adjustments were made for diet quality and overall energy intake.

The results suggest that cutting back on ultra-processed foods could decelerate the biological aging process, providing additional motivation to reduce these foods in dietary strategies designed to support healthy aging.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Association between ultra-processed food intake and biological ageing in US adults: findings from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2010

Microplastics in Tea Bags and Their Impact on Gut Health

Recent studies reveal that popular tea brands might be a source of extensive microplastic exposure. Researchers have discovered that tea bags release millions of micro- and nanoplastics into your cup, potentially leading to significant ingestion of these particles with every sip of tea. The discovery of numerous micro- and nanoplastics in a consumable product like tea is particularly alarming.

Certain plastics are absorbed more easily by digestive system cells and could potentially damage DNA. Tea bags that have an uneven surface tend to release more microplastic particles. Researchers conducted tests on three different tea bag brands to assess the presence of microplastics, small plastic fragments that do not decompose.

The study revealed that tea brewed using polypropylene tea bags, a widely used material, can release billions of particles per milliliter of tea. In comparison, tea bags consisting of cellulose paper and mesh nylon also released millions of plastic particles per milliliter.

In their experiment, the researchers replicated normal tea-brewing practices by steeping and stirring tea bags in water. They observed that all three types of tea bag materials shed microparticles during this simulated tea-making process. Polypropylene bags released the highest number of microparticles, while nylon bags released the fewest.

Upon isolating the plastic particles from the tea, they introduced them to bodily intestinal cells. The plastic particles were absorbed by the cells, indicating that microplastics might stay in the body following tea consumption. Once ingested, microplastics may accumulate in the tissues and organs of the gastrointestinal tract. From there, they could enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body, potentially reaching various other tissues and organs.

While research has associated chemicals used in plastic manufacturing with severe issues like endocrine disruption and cancer, the full health effects of consuming microplastics remain unclear to scientists.

Tea enthusiasts are advised to opt for products made from natural materials or consider using loose-leaf teas. Alternatives to traditional tea bags include employing a metal tea ball filled with loose leaves or using a French press.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Teabag-derived micro/nanoplastics (true-to-life MNPLs) as a surrogate for real-life exposure scenarios

New Study Raises Alarms Over Common Sleeping Pills

Achieving quality sleep is essential for maintaining our biological rhythm and contributes to improved brain function, a strong immune system, and heart health. Sleep disturbances such as insomnia and sleep apnea can greatly affect one’s health and overall well-being. Often, inadequate sleep is an early indicator of neurodegenerative diseases and can signal the potential onset of dementia. Some individuals turn to sleep aids to help them fall and remain asleep.

Recent research indicates that a widely used sleep aid, often sold under the brand name Ambien, might interfere with the brain’s natural “cleansing” process during sleep. This disruption could increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s and other neurological conditions.

The mechanisms that promote brain clearance during sleep remain unclear. However, scientists have gained additional understanding of the glymphatic system, which facilitates the removal of toxic substances from the brain during sleep.

The study has identified that the molecule norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline, is crucial in the brain-cleaning process observed in mice studied. Serving both as a hormone and a neurotransmitter, norepinephrine facilitates the transmission of nerve signals to nerve, muscle, and gland cells. Additionally, the molecule contributes to the regulation of memory, mood, and the sleep-wake cycle.

The research examined whether sleep aids mimic the natural oscillations essential for glymphatic function, with a particular focus on Ambien, commonly used to manage insomnia. Although Ambien was successful in inducing sleep in mice, it also inhibited norepinephrine oscillations. This disruption to the glymphatic system hindered the brain’s ability to clear waste, raising concerns about the long-term effects of using this medication.

As the use of sleep medications increases, it’s crucial to understand whether these drugs provide healthy sleep. It’s important for individuals to recognize if they’re missing out on the full advantages of sleep, enabling them to make more educated decisions.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Norepinephrine-mediated slow vasomotion drives glymphatic clearance during sleep

Sleep Apnea’s Impact on Cognitive Decline

Obstructive sleep apnea affects approximately 936 million adults globally, and is increasingly recognized not only for its numerous health risks but also for its detrimental effects on cognitive ability. New research suggests that sleep apnea can impair cognitive functions such as memory, reasoning, reaction times, and emotional regulation and could also alter the brain’s structure.

Studies have discovered that individuals with sleep apnea often have an enlarged hippocampus, the brain region involved in memory and learning. Additionally, those with reduced oxygen levels during sleep show changes in the brain’s white matter, typically associated with aging-related brain conditions. Previous research also indicates that sleep apnea may elevate the risk of various conditions, including neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

In this study, approximately 2,600 Latino individuals with an average age of 68 were recruited. Latinos have a high prevalence of sleep apnea and are substantially affected by Alzheimer’s disease for reasons that are not entirely clear. Therefore, assessing brain health markers in this group helps researchers identify early indicators of Alzheimer’s disease risk and brain health.

Participants completed a night of unsupervised home testing using a sleep apnea device, which recorded the number of times their breathing paused. The test also monitored episodes of shallow breathing and measured oxygen levels in their blood.

Ten years later, researchers conducted follow-ups with the study participants, all of whom underwent brain scans to assess their brain volume and detect any damage to their white matter. The analysis revealed that participants experiencing the most sleep issues exhibited increased brain volume in the hippocampus compared to those without sleep problems. An increased hippocampal size was interpreted as swelling due to inflammation or overall damage. Further analysis showed that lower oxygen levels during sleep correlated with both higher hippocampal volume and greater white matter damage in the brain.

The erratic and low-quality sleep associated with sleep disorders contributes to both immediate and long-term detrimental changes in the brain. Sleep acts as a protective element or a risk factor for cognitive health. Therefore, diagnosing and treating sleep apnea should be integral to strategies aimed at preserving optimal brain health.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Sleep Disordered Breathing and Subsequent Neuroimaging Markers of Brain Health in Hispanic/Latino Adults

The Role of Diet in Managing Chronic Pain

Did you know that what we eat significantly influences how our bodies manage inflammation and pain? Recent research indicates that the quality of our diet has a direct effect on pain intensity and physical functionality. It’s crucial to recognize the connection between chronic pain and diet. A balanced diet should be a key component of any chronic pain management strategy.

Studies have shown that a diet high in whole, nutrient-packed foods may be associated with lower pain levels, especially in women. The results suggest that the amount of body fat in participants doesn’t markedly affect this correlation, pointing to a direct and independent role of a healthy diet in controlling chronic pain.

In a study of 654 Australian adults aged between 18 and 89, of whom 57% were female, researchers sought to investigate whether indicators of body fat like BMI, waist size, or percentage of body fat could influence the relationship between the quality of diet and factors such as pain intensity or physical function. Diet information was gathered using a 12-month food frequency questionnaire, and diet quality was evaluated based on the Australian Dietary Guideline Index, which rates how well an individual’s eating habits conform to national dietary recommendations.

Pain intensity was gauged using a survey scale, and physical function was measured by testing hand grip strength. After processing the data and considering factors such as age and daily calorie intake, the study found that body fat did not play a role in linking diet quality to pain outcomes.

The connection between diet and pain is rooted in inflammation, a key factor in many chronic pain disorders. Foods that are processed, along with those high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats, can aggravate inflammation. On the other hand, a diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and sources of healthy fats like olive oil can help to mitigate inflammation.

Although additional research is needed, the findings provide promising evidence that improving diet quality could significantly reduce pain and enhance physical function, particularly in women, regardless of their body fat percentage.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Better diet quality is associated with reduced body pain in adults regardless of adiposity: Findings from the Whyalla Intergenerational Study of Health