營養攝取對增強免疫系統以抵禦新冠病毒至關重要。但若不幸染病該如何應對？本文將深入解析營養狀態如何幫助預防重症，甚至輔助住院患者的治療。

維他命C

維他命C是構成抗病毒免疫防禦的關鍵要素。研究證實維他命C能加速上呼吸道感染康復[1]。更有研究顯示高達82%新冠重症患者血漿維他命C濃度偏低（<0.4 mg/dL）[2]，雖屬相關性數據，但暗示維他命C可能對預防病情惡化具有重要作用。

維他命C透過減輕炎症反應保護肺部組織，預防繼發性敗血症（擴散性感染，致死率高）[3]。多國已將高劑量靜脈注射維他命C納入住院患者治療方案，相關臨床試驗仍在進行中[4]。

穀胱甘肽

作為強效抗氧化劑，穀胱甘肽能調節病毒感染期的炎症反應。當免疫細胞攻擊新冠病毒時會產生大量氧化壓力，需靠抗氧化劑中和其對組織的損傷。身為人體主要抗氧化劑，穀胱甘肽缺乏將導致抗氧化防禦崩潰，加劇氧化壓力。

研究比較各年齡層健康群體與住院患者的穀胱甘肽水平，發現新冠患者普遍存在嚴重穀胱甘肽缺乏、氧化壓力激增及氧化損傷加劇。年輕患者數據尤令人意外（該群體原本應保持較高水平）[5]。另一研究結論指出：「氧化壓力升高與抗氧化指標下降，會惡化住院患者病情」[6]。

隨著年齡增長，穀胱甘肽水平自然下降[7]，這可能解釋為何長者更易出現新冠重症。

維他命D

人體每類細胞均存在維他命D受體，其功能多元性幾乎影響所有健康層面。學界對其在免疫領域的作用高度關注，從自身免疫疾病、癌症到病毒感染均有涉獵。

2021年突破性研究發現，對維他命D水平偏低（25OHD <30 ng/m）的患者群組進行分析，未補充維他命D3者住院超過8天的風險增加1.9倍。更顯著的是，接受維他命D治療的患者死亡率下降2.14倍，即使存在共病症亦然[8]。

研究人員更斷言補充維他命D對新冠治療「不可或缺」。⁸

硒

這種土壤中的必需微量礦物質雖需求甚微，卻是調節氧化壓力、氧化還原及免疫反應的關鍵[9]。

中國涉及14,045例病例的大型研究顯示，缺硒地區新冠死亡率較正常地區高出2.7倍[10]，此發現為硒元素治療潛力提供重要線索。

References:

1. Vorilhon P, Arpajou B, Vaillant Roussel H, Merlin É, Pereira B, Cabaillot A. Efficacy of vitamin C for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection. A meta-analysis in children [retracted in: Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2021 Jun;77(6):941]. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2019;75(3):303-311. doi:10.1007/s00228-018-2601-7
2. Tomasa-Irriguible, T.M., Bielsa-Berrocal, L. COVID-19: Up to 82% critically ill patients had low Vitamin C values. Nutr J20, 66 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-021-00727-z
3. Fisher BJ, Kraskauskas D, Martin EJ, et al. Mechanisms of attenuation of abdominal sepsis induced acute lung injury by ascorbic acid. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2012;303(1):L20-L32. doi:10.1152/ajplung.00300.2011
4. gov. Vitamin C Infusion for the Treatment of Severe 2019-nCoV Infected Pneumonia. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04264533.
5. Premranjan Kumar, Ob Osahon, David B. Vides, Nicola Hanania, Charles G. Minard, Rajagopal V. Sekhar. Severe Glutathione Deficiency, Oxidative Stress and Oxidant Damage in Adults Hospitalized with COVID-19: Implications for GlyNAC (Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine) Supplementation. Antioxidants, 2021; 11 (1): 50 DOI: 3390/antiox11010050
6. Karkhanei B, Talebi Ghane E, Mehri F. Evaluation of oxidative stress level: total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status and glutathione activity in patients with COVID-19. New Microbes New Infect. 2021;42:100897. doi:10.1016/j.nmni.2021.100897
7. Samiec PS, Drews-Botsch C, Flagg EW, et al. Glutathione in human plasma: decline in association with aging, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetes. Free Radic Biol Med. 1998;24(5):699-704. doi:10.1016/s0891-5849(97)00286-4
8. Gönen MS, Alaylıoğlu M, Durcan E, et al. Rapid and Effective Vitamin D Supplementation May Present Better Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Patients by Altering Serum INOS1, IL1B, IFNg, Cathelicidin-LL37, and ICAM1. Nutrients. 2021;13(11):4047. Published 2021 Nov 12. doi:10.3390/nu13114047
9. Hoffmann PR, Berry MJ. The influence of selenium on immune responses. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008;52(11):1273-1280. doi:10.1002/mnfr.200700330
10. Zhang, HY., Zhang, AR., Lu, QB. et al.Association between fatality rate of COVID-19 and selenium deficiency in China. BMC Infect Dis 21, 452 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-021-06167-8
11. Assimakopoulos SF, Aretha D, Komninos D, et al. N-acetyl-cysteine reduces the risk for mechanical ventilation and mortality in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: a two-center retrospective cohort study. Infect Dis (Lond). 2021;53(11):847-854. doi:10.1080/23744235.2021.1945675
12. Shi Z, Puyo CA. N-Acetylcysteine to Combat COVID-19: An Evidence Review. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2020;16:1047-1055. Published 2020 Nov 2. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S273700
13. Ibrahim H, Perl A, Smith D, et al. Therapeutic blockade of inflammation in severe COVID-19 infection with intravenous N-acetylcysteine. Clin Immunol. 2020;219:108544. doi:10.1016/j.clim.2020.108544

隨著氣溫下降與室內活動時間增加，許多人會經歷所謂「冬日憂鬱」。過去十年的營養研究顯示，飲食與情緒狀態密切相關。由於這種相互影響關係，情緒低落常導致我們選擇高糖或高碳水的加工零食，反而進一步消耗提振情緒的營養素。

嘗試以下5種食物，幫助您在這個季節改善情緒與能量水平：

葉酸（維他命B9）

我們常聽到葉酸對孕期的重要性，但它其實同樣影響能量、新陳代謝與情緒。2017年統合分析指出：「抑鬱症患者的血清葉酸水平與膳食葉酸攝取量均低於健康人群」[1]。兩者關聯性之強，使葉酸常被推薦用於抑鬱症輔助治療[2]。

推薦食物： 深綠色蔬菜、豆類、扁豆、雞蛋

Omega-3脂肪酸

人腦主要由脂肪構成，因此脂肪對大腦健康至關重要。Omega-3脂肪酸能穿越血腦屏障，直接影響情緒相關化學物質，同時提供抗炎效果。Omega-3包含EPA與DHA兩種脂肪酸，其中EPA對抗抑鬱症狀尤其關鍵[3-4]。^3-4

推薦食物： 野生三文魚等油脂豐富魚類、特級初榨橄欖油、亞麻籽油

References:

1. Bender A, Hagan KE, Kingston N. The association of folate and depression: A meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res. 2017;95:9-18. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.07.019
2. Coppen A, Bolander-Gouaille C. Treatment of depression: time to consider folic acid and vitamin B12. J Psychopharmacol. 2005;19(1):59-65. doi:10.1177/0269881105048899
3. Liao Y, Xie B, Zhang H, et al. Efficacy of omega-3 PUFAs in depression: A meta-analysis [published correction appears in Transl Psychiatry. 2021 Sep 7;11(1):465]. Transl Psychiatry. 2019;9(1):190. Published 2019 Aug 5. doi:10.1038/s41398-019-0515-5
4. Mocking RJ, Harmsen I, Assies J, Koeter MW, Ruhé HG, Schene AH. Meta-analysis and meta-regression of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for major depressive disorder. Transl Psychiatry. 2016;6(3):e756. Published 2016 Mar 15. doi:10.1038/tp.2016.29
5. Penckofer S, Kouba J, Byrn M, Estwing Ferrans C. Vitamin D and depression: where is all the sunshine?. Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2010;31(6):385-393. doi:10.3109/01612840903437657
6. Young LM, Pipingas A, White DJ, Gauci S, Scholey A. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of B Vitamin Supplementation on Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, and Stress: Effects on Healthy and ‘At-Risk’ Individuals. Nutrients. 2019;11(9):2232. Published 2019 Sep 16. doi:10.3390/nu11092232
7. Syed EU, Wasay M, Awan S. Vitamin B12 supplementation in treating major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Open Neurol J. 2013;7:44-48. Published 2013 Nov 15. doi:10.2174/1874205X01307010044
8. Tarleton EK, Littenberg B, MacLean CD, Kennedy AG, Daley C. Role of magnesium supplementation in the treatment of depression: A randomized clinical trial. PLoS One. 2017;12(6):e0180067. Published 2017 Jun 27. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0180067

Low energy, fatigue, feeling meh, constant drowsiness, a lack of motivation, burn out, etc. is one of the top complaints of modern-day city dwellers. This leads many of us to wonder, “How much more could I achieve if I was able to tap into my full energy potential?” Scientists around the world are looking into a possible answer, and it’s in the form of one tiny molecule with huge potential – NAD+.

What is NAD+?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential cofactor in all living cells. In other words, it is a small molecule needed for larger chemical reactions to occur. Many of these key reactions are related to energy production within the mitochondria of our cells.

How is it used for energy?

NAD+ comes in two forms: NAD+ and NADH, which are called the oxidized and reduced forms, respectively. These forms are constantly interchanging. For NAD+ to become NADH it gains a charged hydrogen molecule (H+) and 2 electrons. You can imagine NAD+ as an empty car driving around the body and NADH as a full car looking to drop off its passengers so they can join other teams and get to work. The shuttling of these electron passengers is critical for energy metabolism, or the conversion of our food into energy our cells can utilize.

Thinking back to high-school biology, the food you eat goes through three phases to become energy: glycolysis, the Krebs Cycle, and the electron transport chain. During glycolysis and the Krebs Cycle, NAD+ is converted into NADH molecules. These NADH molecules then go on to the electron transport chain (in the mitochondria) to give up their electrons to create a large amount of energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) — the energy currency of the cell.

Without NAD+/NADH shuttling electrons through this complex metabolic system, we simply wouldn’t be getting our ATP payoff for the food we eat.

How can I improve my NAD+ status?

NAD+ is made internally and is actually found in a large number of species including mammals, yeast, bacteria and even plants. However, as we age, our NAD+ levels drop substantially. Scientists estimate that NAD+ falls to half that of youthful levels at 40 years old and by 80, it is down to 1%-10%.

Alleviating this natural decline in NAD+ levels has huge potential for drastically slowing down, and even reversing, the signs of aging. Supporting NAD+ levels helps protect the mitochondria from damage and keeps mitochondrial function high. When you keep the mitochondria happy, you help ensure that your cells are receiving the energy it needs to function optimally, making you feel a whole lot better!

NAD+ can be taken orally, through high-quality supplementation schemes, intramuscularly or intravenously. Intravenous NAD+ allows it to bypass the stomach for greater effects on the body. Intravenous NAD+ is also able to be transported directly to the brain to help mental fatigue, brain fog, memory, motivation and cognition.

Numerous clinical trials have been published on NAD+ Therapy and it is typically very well-tolerated. Side effects are typically mild, such as flushing, and would be monitored by the medical professional administering the therapy.

What other benefits does NAD+ have on the body?

In addition to energy, maintaining healthy levels of NAD+ is also important for:

• Promoting longevity
• Reducing external signs of aging like wrinkles
• Protecting memory and cognition
• Supporting positive mood balance
• Fighting off cardiovascular disease
• Supporting chromosome stability (involved in cancer risk)

Contact us to learn more about how to support your NAD+ levels for improved energy.

References:

1. 1. Braidy N, Berg J, Clement J, et al. Role of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide and Related Precursors as Therapeutic Targets for Age-Related Degenerative Diseases: Rationale, Biochemistry, Pharmacokinetics, and Outcomes. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2019;30(2):251-294. doi:10.1089/ars.2017.7269
   2. Cantó C, Menzies KJ, Auwerx J. NAD(+) Metabolism and the Control of Energy Homeostasis: A Balancing Act between Mitochondria and the Nucleus. Cell Metab. 2015;22(1):31-53. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2015.05.023
   3. Chini CCS, Tarragó MG, Chini EN. NAD and the aging process: Role in life, death and everything in between. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2017;455:62-74. doi:10.1016/j.mce.2016.11.003
   4. Dietrich C, Charles B, Claire LK. “Safety and Metabolism of Long-term Administration of NIAGEN (Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride) in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial of Healthy Overweight Adults.” Sci Rep. 2019 Jul 5;9(1):9772. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-46120-z.
   5. Verdin E. NAD⁺ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science. 2015;350(6265):1208-1213. doi:10.1126/science.aac4854

What and how we eat is a crucial component of our wellbeing. We know that a poor diet will often result in poor health, but there’s a lot more to nutrition than what we put in our mouths. In fact, the state of our health is often tracked back not just to what we eat, but whether the food we’re eating is nourishing or damaging to our gut system.

Hippocrates said it best when he declared, “All disease begins in the gut.” The gut has a far greater impact on our daily life than most of us realize. The efficiency of our digestive system is integral to everything from the immune system, hormone balance, mood regulation, and brain function. And with every gut being unique, the food that helps one person may harm another.

Gut Inflammation

The lining of the small intestine can become inflamed or damaged from a variety of factors. When this happens, problems begin. Damaged cells can separate slightly, leading to increased intestinal permeability (more commonly known as Leaky Gut Syndrome).¹ These ‘leaky’ cells allow undigested food or other substances like toxins, antigens, bacteria, and fungi into the bloodstream. The immune system then recognises these substances as ‘invaders’ and triggers an immune response, which typically results in chronic, low-grade inflammation – and the beginning of systemic health issues.

Antibodies help the body mount an immune system response (‘fight’) against foreign invaders. These specific antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to bacteria and viruses, but can also respond to food particles that have leaked into the bloodstream.

Different Antibody Responses:²

• IgE responses are a “true” food allergy as they occur immediately and can involve serious inflammatory symptoms such as swelling of the mouth and anaphylaxis.
• IgA and IgG reactions can take hours to days to appear on the skin or in the gut, causing nausea, constipation, diarrhea, brain fog, or skin irritation (especially worsening pre-existing conditions like eczema and psoriasis).

The first step in treating food allergies or sensitivities is to identify the cause of the reaction. Food sensitivity tests can run extensive panels of common foods to assess the body’s immune reaction in the form of IgE, IgG and IgA reactions. Once you understand the results of a food sensitivity test, this will help inform dietary healing protocols including elimination of inflammation-triggering foods.

Unfortunately, most of us can’t discern the foods that are nourishing us from the ones causing inflammation.

The symptoms of gut inflammation:³

• Constipation and/or diarrhea
• Cramping, bloating and gas
• Heart burn
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Aching joints
• Acne, eczema, psoriasis
• Headaches
• Brain fog
• 疲勞
• Poor immunity

Over time, chronic gut inflammation has been observed in a wide range of disorders – nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances⁴, autoimmune disorders⁵, inflammatory bowel diseases, and depression.^6,7

Gut Testing

Getting the gut back to optimal functioning is perhaps the best starting point to revamp your overall health and wellbeing. Gut rehab, just like any other system, begins with a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the gut’s current status. Reviewing the journey of food, we can see that the gut is a complex system where many things can contribute to inflammation and poor function. Laboratory tests like food sensitivity testing and digestive mapping, are invaluable to creating a personalized and effective plan to reverse damage and support gut function.

Contact us to learn more about understanding your gut system for better health and wellness .

References:

1. Fukui H. Increased Intestinal Permeability and Decreased Barrier Function: Does It Really Influence the Risk of Inflammation?. Inflamm Intest Dis. 2016;1(3):135-145. doi:10.1159/000447252
2. Vojdani A. Detection of IgE, IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies against raw and processed food antigens. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2009;6:22. Published 2009 May 12. doi:10.1186/1743-7075-6-22
3. Fakhoury M, Negrulj R, Mooranian A, Al-Salami H. Inflammatory bowel disease: clinical aspects and treatments. J Inflamm Res. 2014;7:113-120. Published 2014 Jun 23. doi:10.2147/JIR.S65979
4. Linares R, Fernández MF, Gutiérrez A, et al. Endocrine disruption in Crohn’s disease: Bisphenol A enhances systemic inflammatory response in patients with gut barrier translocation of dysbiotic microbiota products. FASEB J. 2021;35(7):e21697. doi:10.1096/fj.202100481R
5. Claire Wilson, Raoul I. Furlano, Susan S. Jick, Christoph R. Meier, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Risk of Autoimmune Diseases, Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis, Volume 10, Issue 2, February 2016, Pages 186–193, https://doi.org/10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjv193
6. Clapp M, Aurora N, Herrera L, Bhatia M, Wilen E, Wakefield S. Gut microbiota’s effect on mental health: The gut-brain axis. Clin Pract. 2017;7(4):987. Published 2017 Sep 15. doi:10.4081/cp.2017.987
7. Ohlsson L, Gustafsson A, Lavant E, et al. Leaky gut biomarkers in depression and suicidal behavior [published correction appears in Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2020 Nov;142(5):423]. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2019;139(2):185-193. doi:10.1111/acps.12978

A slow metabolism is sometimes blamed for a wide range of complaints – weight gain, fatigue, dull skin and more. But what really is “metabolism”, how is it measured, and how can we optimize it?

Your body is an incredible machine that is able to take the energy from the food we eat, and transform it into energy our cells can use. Simply put, the combined reactions that make up this process is our metabolic system, also termed metabolism. Our metabolism is not just how fast or how slow we burn calories (aka our metabolic rate).

At a high level, we can break our metabolic system into two overriding categories: the breakdown of energy and nutrients (catabolism), and the building of tissues and energy stores (anabolism). The breakdown of food during digestion would be a catabolic reaction, while the storage of fuel in the form of fat would be an anabolic reaction. Our body is in a constant flux between these states depending on a wide range of factors like our nutrient status, the time of day, what we’re doing at the moment, hormone balance etc.

There are thousands of reactions involved in our metabolism; from breaking down the energy from food to converting that energy to fuel for our cells, and finally, clearing out waste products. Three of the most important pathways for energy production are glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain. Together, these pathways take glucose from our food to create energy in the form of ATP molecules. These small but mighty molecules of ATP then go on to power virtually everything we do: from making new cells to tissue repair to brainpower to movement!

Having a strong metabolic system, or what scientists call ‘metabolic integrity’, is truly at the foundation of feeling, looking, and performing our best. When metabolic integrity is seriously and/or chronically compromised, metabolic syndrome can occur with the telltale symptoms of increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. But aside from clinical conditions, what are indicators that our metabolism is working optimally?

Indicators of Metabolic Integrity:

• Healthy Digestion

Metabolism starts with the breakdown and extraction of energy and nutrients from food. A well-oiled digestive process will ensure that those nutrients (such as glucose, which we know is the substrate for glycolysis) are feeding our metabolic pathways for energy.

• High Mitochondrial Function

Our mitochondria are termed the “energy powerhouses of the cell”, and for good reason. So many key processes like the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain rely on the machinery of the mitochondria. If these intracellular organelles are not working optimally, then the energy from our food won’t be efficiently converted into energy that we can use.

• Balanced Blood Sugar Levels

Our body carefully tracks how much glucose is available and regulates blood sugar accordingly. Higher glucose (such as after eating) will be metabolised and stored, while lower glucose (such as fasting or after exercise) stimulates our cells to tap into our stores. As glucose is so key to our metabolic pathways, our blood sugar balance is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolic system.

• Balanced Hormone Levels

Hormones like insulin, estrogen, testosterone and growth hormone are the signals to when we should store energy (and where and how) as well as when we should break down our stores and shuttle those nutrients into our metabolic pathways. Dysregulation can occur due to many internal factors as well as our lifestyle habits.

• Balanced Neurotransmitter Levels

Neurotransmitters also provide signals that direct our metabolic processes. Unlike hormones, neurotransmitters can have faster but short-lived effects. Epinephrine and norepinephrine act as neurotransmitters that regulate the body’s “fight or flight” response. This involves preparing the body with the energy it may need in response to stressors.

• Proper Excretion of Waste

Our metabolic pathways supply our cells with the nutrients and energy they need. However, these pathways will often create waste products that our body has no use of and must excrete in a safe and timely manner. Metabolic waste products include carbon dioxide (CO2), urea, and ammonia. Backlogs in excretion processes can leave us feeling very poorly, and over time can severely damage our excretion organs and overall health.

It might seem like a lot can go wrong and sabotage your metabolic system. In a way, that’s true, but our everyday lifestyle choices affect each and every one of these indications. Therefore, we have a remarkable ability to optimize our metabolic pathways, and a responsibility to keep it working in top condition.

In Functional Medicine, there are many indicators of sub-optimal metabolic health. Some of these may present as noticeable symptoms like fatigue, unexpected changes in weight, hair loss, frequently feeling cold, dry skin, low mood, headaches, and brain fog. However, laboratory testing is essential to checking your metabolic health as well as helping to pinpoint the specific pathways that can be optimized. The best test to assess metabolic integrity is an Organic Acids Test (OAT). With a simple urine sample, this test analyses chemical by-products of key metabolic reactions. With this data, we have a snapshot into how smoothly your chemical pathways are working and how to optimize your metabolism.

Contact us to learn more about your metabolism and how to support your body to achieve your life goals.

References:

1. Angione C. Human Systems Biology and Metabolic Modelling: A Review-From Disease Metabolism to Precision Medicine. Biomed Res Int. 2019;2019:8304260. Published 2019 Jun 9. doi:10.1155/2019/8304260
2. Dunn WB, Ellis DI. Metabolomics: current analytical platforms and methodologies. TrAC Trends Anal Chem. (2005) 24:285–94. doi: 10.1016/j.trac.2004.11.021
3. Lau DC, Yan H, Dhillon B. Metabolic syndrome: a marker of patients at high cardiovascular risk. Can J Cardiol. 2006;22 Suppl B(Suppl B):85B-90B. doi:10.1016/s0828-282x(06)70992-8
4. Rochlani Y, Pothineni NV, Kovelamudi S, Mehta JL. Metabolic syndrome: pathophysiology, management, and modulation by natural compounds. Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis. 2017;11(8):215-225. doi:10.1177/1753944717711379
5. Tsoukalas D, Alegakis A, Fragkiadaki P, et al. Application of metabolomics: Focus on the quantification of organic acids in healthy adults. Int J Mol Med. 2017;40(1):112-120. doi:10.3892/ijmm.2017.2983

We always hear how stress can be detrimental for almost every health outcome, but how does it affect the internal workings of the body to have such wide-spread impacts? In this article, we dive into the systemic effects that stress has on our hormonal pathways.

When we experience stress, the body reacts to prepare for action and protect ourselves from serious harm. However, this response has been honed by evolution to be intense, short-lived, and with long restful periods between stress episodes. In modern day, most of us can agree that our lives look more like the opposite: prolonger low-grade stress (perhaps with shorter, highly intense stressful periods) and the occasional restful time such as a vacation.

As the chemical messengers that tell our systems what to do, our hormones pull the strings for our entire body.

What happens to our hormones during stress?

Hormone: Cortisol

What is it: The body’s main stress hormone

Effect from stress: Goes up

Major health implication: Weight gain

Cortisol is a huge contributor to the obesity epidemic we are witnessing. It increases fat deposition around our belly, raises blood sugar levels, increases ghrelin (our “hungry” signal), and decreases leptin (our “full” signal). These impacts of stress on appetite, satiety, and fat storage are highly significant for healthy weight maintenance.

Hormone: Catecholamines

What is it: Catecholamines (like adrenaline) trigger the fight-or-flight response

Effect from stress: Goes up

Major health implication: Heart attacks or stroke

Much of adrenaline’s functions work to reroute blood flow to the heart and muscles to increase cardiac output. Over time, surges of adrenaline can damage your blood vessels, raise your blood pressure, and increase your risk of getting a heart attack or a stroke.

Hormone: Gonadotropins

What is does: Regulate ovarian and testicular function

Effect from stress: Goes down

Major health implication: Reproductive disruption and fertility

Stress suppresses our gonadotropins leading to disrupted menstrual cycles in women and sub-optimal reproductive function. However, men are affected too. In males, stress-related gonadal dysfunction can lead to decreased sperm count and quality, as well as ejaculatory disorders and impotence.

Hormone: Thyroid hormones

What is does: Regulate metabolism, weight and energy

Effect from stress: Goes down

Major health implication: Hyperthyroidism

Thyroid function is usually down-regulated during stressful conditions, including hormones T3, T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Over time, this can cause a condition known as hyperthyroidism. The most common type is Graves’ Disease, which is an autoimmune disease characterized by a swollen thyroid gland in the throat, fatigue, anxiety, hair loss and more.

Hormone: Growth hormone (GH)

What is does: Regulate metabolism, weight and energy

Effect from stress: Goes down

Major health implication: Muscle loss or delayed growth

Although growth hormone increases during acute physical stress (like a workout), chronic mental stress can lower GH secretion. For children, this can lead to delayed growth and stunting. For adults, it might not affect your height, but it can sabotage muscle growth, sexual function and mood.

Stress is a complicated psychological and physiological response. While it is a completely healthy and normal part of life, many of us struggle with chronic stress that we brush off as “unavoidable” or something we just need to live with. The truth is, our body might be bearing the load for all the stress we put on our shoulders. Stress management needs to be integrated into our health plan, our anti-aging protocols, and our everyday life.

Contact us to learn more about our stress management services and personalized plans.

參考資料

1. 1. Goldstein D. Stress-induced activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Balliere’s Clin Endocr Metab. 1987;1:253–78.
   2. Navarro, Frederick. (2011). Diet, Exercise, Mindfulness, and Relaxation_Stress Management and Stress Reduction.
   3. Ranabir S, Reetu K. Stress and hormones. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2011;15(1):18-22. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.77573
   4. Stewart PM. The adrenal cortex. In: Kronenberg HM, et al., editors. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. pp. 445–503.
   5. Yaribeygi H, Panahi Y, Sahraei H, Johnston TP, Sahebkar A. The impact of stress on body function: A review. EXCLI J. 2017;16:1057-1072. Published 2017 Jul 21. doi:10.17179/excli2017-480

This July, inspired by the thought-provoking Netflix documentary Social Dilemma we are kicking off with a much-needed discussion on the challenges associated with the virtual world, the detrimental effects this can have on our own behavior & psychology and that of our younger generation coming off the back increased tech usage for homeschooling while multi-tasking with “weapons of mass distraction” such as gaming, & social media platforms.⁣
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Our expert speakers including our IFM Practitioner Miles Price will share tools to create awareness & develop strategies to better navigate an uncensored, behavioral modifying, anxiety increasing amplification system (known as the internet) that is, on one hand, a powerful tool for infinite knowledge & connection, and on the other, a system to manipulate consumers, polarize opinions & develop addictions.⁣

With such an important topic we have put together a panel including –⁣

• A Psychologist to discuss the psychology of the topic above⁣
• A Clinical Nutritionist/Functional Medicine Practitioner to share valuable information on nutrition and its role in a developing adolescent brain & the nutrients/foods that assist with focus and a stable mood.⁣
• A Movement expert and his experience and strategies on how play can change the brain and reconnect the body to health and better posture/movement outcomes⁣

Tuesday evening July 27th, doors open at 7:15 pm for a 7:30 pm start. Price is $250/person and includes ample healthy snacks, drinks (physically healthy and also the emotionally healthy kind;)) and great discounts from all collaborating companies and one lucky draw prize giveaway!⁣

Technological advancements have provided the tools to explore the infinitesimal components of our cells.

In doing so, we’ve discovered how powerful some of these signalers may be in identifying disease, biohacking health, and treating illness.

Exosomes are one such signal that has a huge potential for anti-aging.

What Are Exosomes

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles. Unlike intracellular signals, that function within the cells, exosomes travel in the extracellular fluid (like the blood), communicating from one cell to another. They are often referred to as membrane-bound vesicles and although not a cell, they have a surrounding wall protecting the contents it carries. To deliver its message, it fuses its membrane with the target cell’s wall, therefore spilling its contents before being recycled.

Discovered in the 1980s, exosomes were first thought to be cellular garbage bags carrying waste around. In reality, exosomes carry a wide range of material that is used in communication including various proteins, molecules and genetic material. In fact, by inspecting the contents of exosomes scientists can analyze the signals they are sending and distinguish healthy cells from diseased cells.

Exosomes and Aging

As key communicators, exosomes have a large role in exacerbating or preventing the aging process. There are a few main ways in which exosomes play a role in aging. 

1. Cellular Senescence

As we age, many of our cells become damaged and are no longer healthy replicating cells. Unfortunately, they do not always become degraded and recycled in a timely fashion and therefore continue to actively give off harmful signals. These cells, termed senescent cells, release an increased amount of exosomes that spread their senescent state to neighbouring cells. This response is so reliable, researchers can even induce this type of exosome secretion by damaging cells. The signals produced are also believed to be a main contributor to the development of chronic diseases like cancer, and to wide-spread inflammation. On the other hand, genetic material (miRNA) from exosomes are also able to suppress cellular senescence.

2. Stress & Aging

Research has shown that stress has a direct correlation on the types of signals sent by exosomes. These signals act as a warning sign, allowing other cells to make preemptive alterations in response to a given stressor. Although highly useful, during prolonged stress these signals create a pro-inflammatory environment that leads to accelerated aging and chronic diseases.

3. Toxic Proteins

Aged cells can also secrete toxic proteins through exosome signaling. These proteins can have pathogenic downstream effects and have been linked to the development of neurodegenerative diseases in aging. This same effect on brain aging has also been seen in genetic material (exosomal miRNA).

外泌體療法（Exosome Therapy）

Exosomes are neither good nor bad, as they are just the messengers between cells. However, they do represent an exciting area of research to find methods of suppressing negative signaling, such as from senescent cells, as well as upregulating positive signals and biohacking specific pathways in individual cases. Based on its wide application and ability to influence both the factors and pathways of aging, exosome therapy is at the forefront of anti-aging medicine.

Research has demonstrated the following functions of exosome therapy:

• Wound healing
• Bone regeneration
• Improved circulation
• New blood vessel formation (angiogenesis)
• Activation of Nrf2 for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions

參考資料

1. Panagiotou N, Neytchev O, Selman C, Shiels PG. Extracellular Vesicles, Ageing, and Therapeutic Interventions. Cells. 2018;7(8):110. Published 2018 Aug 18. doi:10.3390/cells708011
2. D’Anca M, Fenoglio C, Serpente M, Arosio B, Cesari M, Scarpini EA, Galimberti D. Exosome Determinants of Physiological Aging and Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 2019;11:232. 
3. Bellingham, S. A., Guo, B. B., Coleman, B. M., and Hill, A. F. (2012). Exosomes: vehicles for the transfer of toxic proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases? Front. Physiol. 3:124. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00124
4. Pusic, A. D., and Kraig, R. P. (2014). Youth and environmental enrichment generate serum exosomes containing miR-219 that promote CNS myelination. Glia 62, 284–299. doi: 10.1002/glia.22606
5. Zhang J, Guan J, Niu X, Hu G, Guo S, Li Q, et al. Exosomes released from human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived MSCs facilitate cutaneous wound healing by promoting collagen synthesis and angiogenesis. J Transl Med. 2015;13:49.
6. Zhang J, Liu X, Li H, Chen C, Hu B, Niu X, et al. Exosomes/tricalcium phosphate combination scaffolds can enhance bone regeneration by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2016;7(1):136.

高溫治療（Hyperthermia Therapy），又名 “熱療法治療”，是一種利用高溫來刺激身體自然癒合機制的療法。當我們的身體受到細菌或病毒感染時，會自然提高核心體溫，以激活和動員免疫系統來對抗入侵的病原體。

高溫治療 是一種醫療治療，涉及加熱身體組織以幫助治療各種身體不適和病症。

什麼是高溫治療（Hyperthermia Therapy）？

高溫療法被定義為體溫高於正常水平。高溫治療是當您的體溫超過40攝氏度時，這可能危及生命。通常，您的身體通過出汗來控制體溫，這樣可以降低體溫。關於癌症，超高溫治療 是一種癌症治療方法，通過將身體某些部位加熱至高達50攝氏度的溫度來進行治療。

利用熱量治療疾病的技術已經存在了幾百年，人類從土耳其浴室到現代桑拿中的出汗排毒。早在1891年，威廉·科利博士發表了一篇論文，探討了如何在體內引發發熱以刺激免疫反應，從而緩解癌症。

高溫療法如何治療癌症？

研究表明，高溫可以殺死和損害癌細胞，通常對正常細胞的損傷很小。通過殺死癌細胞和損害癌細胞蛋白質，高溫療法可能縮小腫瘤。多項臨床試驗研究了高溫 療法與放射治療和化療的結合。這些研究集中於多種癌症類型，包括肉瘤、黑色素瘤、頭頸癌等。許多研究顯示，當超熱療法與其他治療結合時，腫瘤大小顯著減少。但並非單靠高溫治療就能提高病人的生存率，還需要考慮飲食、生活方式、壓力和補充劑等其他因素。

高溫治療

高溫療法的主要應用有兩種類型：局部超熱療法和全身超熱療法。在局部超熱療法中，熱量應用於小範圍，通常是腫瘤所在區域。可能使用不同類型的能量，例如，使用外部應用裝置圍繞或靠近適當區域，以集中能量於腫瘤上以提高其溫度。

全身高溫 療法用於治療已經擴散到全身的轉移性癌症，通過特製的高溫治療技術，將體溫提高到45-50攝氏度，並 提高身體特定溫度。

參考資料

1. Van der Zee J. Heating the patient: a promising approach? Annals of Oncology 2002; 13(8):1173-1184
2. Hildebrandt B, Wust P, Ahlers O, et al. The cellular and molecular basis of hyperthermia. Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology 2002;43(1):33–56.
3. Wust P, Hildebrandt B, Sreenivasa G, et al. Hyperthermia in combined treatment of cancer. The Lancet Oncology 2002; 3(8):487–49

The last decade has been huge for nutritional research but while vitamins and minerals are highly important for our health, oxygen is perhaps the most overlooked nutrient of all.

Research is showing that a special molecule of 3 oxygen atoms, called ozone (O₃), has incredible benefits to our health, especially for immunity, and is being harnessed as an innovative health technology.

What is Ozone?

Ozone, is a molecule consisting of 3 oxygen atoms bound together. It is most known for its ability to protect the Earth (including us) from the harmful radiation of the sun. Scientists have noted that delivering ozone intravenously is able to drastically increase the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood. Oxygen is a key nutrient needed by each and every one of our cells to function. When our cells receive a higher saturation of oxygen it has several potential health effects. Research is showing that ozone can help with energy production¹, pain^2,3, infections^4-7 and potentially chronic diseases like cancer⁸.

Ozone and Immunity

Ozone has incredible effects for immunity. It is able to kill invading pathogens to help our body get rid of invaders. 

Pathogens are living organisms that cause infections and include all viruses, bacteria and fungi. Our body is constantly bombarded by these invaders and usually they are inactivated before they cause a full-on infection. However, many of us live with chronic infections every day: it is estimated that 90% of the adult population are positive for the Epstein‐Barr Virus⁹ while Chronic Hepatitis infects 71 million people worldwide¹⁰.

When ozone is administered intravenously, the molecules circulate around the body in the bloodstream. When one comes into contact with a pathogen, the O₃ molecule reacts with the pathogen cell wall creating a hole in either the phospholipid bilayer of bacterium or the capsid of a viral cell.* As more O₃ molecules punch holes in the wall, the cell wall is destabilized and the pathogen eventually disintegrates.

The potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral effects of ozone has huge implications for everything from the common cold, to HIV, cancer, ulcers, the flu, gastroenteritis, and more! Ozone is especially relevant as current pharmaceautical solutions often elicit side-effects and has lead to a surge in antimicrobial-resistant strains.

*As fungal cell walls are made up of different compounds (cellulose and chitin), ozone is unable to disrupt the cell wall in the same way. Instead, ozone is able to inhibit cell growth for pathogen inactivation¹³

Key Findings

There is continued research on the effects of ozone on immunity. Here are some key findings from recent studies:

• Ozone was shown to inactivate HIV in-vitro with an average reduction rate of 46%¹¹
• The antibacterial properties of ozone killed 99.9% of oral infection after 60 seconds of exposure⁴
• Ozone inhibited human cancer cell growth rates by 40-60% in-vitro⁸
• The biological properties of ozone makes it a suitable candidate for MERS and SARS infections¹²

Contact us for more information on ozone therapy. 

參考資料

1. Viebahn R. “The Biochemical Processes Underlying Ozone Therapy.” Ozone: Science & Engineering. 1985;7(4): 275-285.
2. Fuccio C, Luongo C, Capodanno P, Giordano C, Scafuro MA, Siniscalco D, et al. “A single subcutaneous injection of ozone prevents allodynia and decreases the over-expression of pro-inflammatory caspases in the orbito-frontal cortex of neuropathic mice.” Eur J Pharmacol. 2008;603: 42–9.
3. Hu B, Zheng J, Liu Q, Yang Y, Zhang Y. “The effect and safety of ozone autohemotherapy combined with pharmacological therapy in postherpetic neuralgia.” Journal of Pain Research. 2018;11: 1637-1643.
4. Johansson E, Claesson R, van Dijken JW. “Antibacterial effect of ozone on cariogenic bacterial species.” J Dent. 2009;37: 449–53
5. Hu, Bin, et al. “The Effect and Safety of Ozone Autohemotherapy Combined with Pharmacological Therapy in Postherpetic Neuralgia.” Journal of Pain Research. 2018;11: 1637–1643.
6. Emerson MA, Sproul OJ, Buck CE. “Ozone inactivation of cell-associated viruses.” Appl Environ Microbiol. 1982;43(3): 603–608.
7. Thanomsub B, Anupunpisit V, Chanphetch S, Watcharachaipong T, Poonkhum R, Srisukonth C. “Effects of ozone treatment on cell growth and ultrastructural changes in bacteria.” The Journal of General and Applied Microbiology. 2002;48: 193-199.
8. Sweet F, Kao MS, Lee SC, Hagar WL, Sweet WE. “Ozone selectively inhibits growth of human cancer cells.” Science. 1980: 931-933.
9. Cohen JI. “Epstein‐Barr Virus Infection.” N Engl J Med.2000;343: 481– 92.
10. “What is the prevalence of viral hepatitis globally?” (2019, May 30). Retrieved from https://www.medscape.com/answers/775507-38259/what-is-the-prevalence-of-viral-hepatitis-globally.
11. Carpendale MT, Freeberg JK. “Ozone inactivates HIV at noncytotoxic concentrations.” Anitiviral Res. 1991;16: 281–92.
12. Gérard V, Sunnen MD. “SARS and ozone therapy: Theoretical considerations.” [cited in 2003]. Available from: http://www.triroc.com/sunnen/topics/sars.html
13. Ta, E.-D., Ama, S., Desouky, A. I. E.-, & Ha, E.-M. “Effect of Ozone Gas on Degradation of Aflatoxin B1 and Aspergillus Flavus Fungal. Journal of Environmental & Analytical Toxicology. 2012;02(02).