Top Home Remedies for Asthma Symptoms and More
Unlocking Your Body's Natural Weight Loss System That Works Like Wegovy, Ozempic And Mounjaro
Incretin hormones, produced in our gut, play a pivotal role in managing metabolism and weight, akin to the function of drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro. This natural weight loss system, activated by our dietary choices and the health of our gut microbiome, offers a built-in method for obesity and diabetes control. By focusing on nurturing our gut health through proper nutrition, we can unlock this natural mechanism, offering a sustainable approach to weight management that parallels the benefits of these modern medications.
Recent drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro represent breakthroughs in metabolic disease treatment, offering new hope for managing obesity and diabetes. However, their use raises questions about long-term effects and suitability for certain groups, underscoring the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro are weight loss and diabetes drugs that have made quite a splash in health news. They target regulatory pathways involved in both obesity and diabetes and are widely considered breakthroughs for weight loss and blood sugar control.
But do these drugs point toward a root cause of metabolic disease? What inspired their development in the first place?
It turns out your body produces natural versions of these drugs – also known as incretin hormones – in your gut. It may not be surprising that nutrients in food help regulate these hormones. But it may intrigue you to know that the trillions of microbes in your gut are key for orchestrating this process.
I am a gastroenterologist at the University of Washington who studies how food and your gut microbiome affect health and disease. Here's an inside-out perspective on the role natural gut hormones and healthy food play in metabolism and weight loss.
A Broken GutSpecialized bacteria in your lower gut take the components of food you can't digest like fiber and polyphenols – the elements of plants that are removed in many processed foods – and transforms them into molecules that stimulate hormones to control your appetite and metabolism. These include GLP-1, a natural version of Wegovy and Ozempic.
GLP-1 and other hormones like PYY help regulate blood sugar through the pancreas. They also tell your brain that you've had enough to eat and your stomach and intestines to slow the movement of food along the digestive tract to allow for digestion. This system even has a name: the colonic brake.
GLP-1 serves many functions in the body. Credit: Lthoms11/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Prior to modern processed foods, metabolic regulatory pathways were under the direction of a diverse healthy gut microbiome that used these hormones to naturally regulate your metabolism and appetite. However, food processing, aimed at improving shelf stability and enhancing taste, removes the bioactive molecules like fiber and polyphenols that help regulate this system.
Removal of these key food components and the resulting decrease in gut microbiome diversity may be an important factor contributing to the rise in obesity and diabetes.
A Short Track to Metabolic HealthWegovy and Ozempic reinvigorate the colonic brake downstream of food and microbes with molecules similar to GLP-1. Researchers have demonstrated their effectiveness at weight loss and blood sugar control.
Mounjaro has gone a step further and combined GLP-1 with a second hormone analog derived from the upper gut called GIP, and studies are showing this combination therapy to be even more effective at promoting weight loss than GLP-1-only therapies like Wegovy and Ozempic.
These drugs complement other measures like gastric bypass surgery that are used in the most extreme cases of metabolic disease. These surgeries may in part work much like Wegovy and Ozempic by bypassing digestion in segments of the gastrointestinal tract and bathing your gut microbes in less digested food. This awakens the microbes to stimulate your gut cells to produce GLP-1 and PYY, effectively regulating appetite and metabolism.
Many patients have seen significant improvements to not only their weight and blood glucose but also reductions in important cardiovascular outcomes like strokes and heart attacks. Medical guidelines support the use of new incretin-based medications like Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro to manage the interrelated metabolic conditions of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Considering the effects incretin-based medications have on the brain and cravings, medical researchers are also evaluating their potential to treat nonmetabolic conditions like alcohol abuse, drug addiction, and depression.
A Near-Magic Bullet – For the Right FolksDespite the success and prospect of these drugs to help populations that may benefit most from them, current prescribing practices have raised some questions. Should people who are only a little overweight use these drugs? What are the risks of prescribing these drugs to children and adolescents for lifelong weight management?
While incretin-based therapies seem close to magic bullets, they are not without gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. These symptoms are related to how the drugs work to slow the gastrointestinal tract. Other more severe, but rare, side effects include pancreatitis and irreversible gastroparesis, or inflammation of the pancreas and stomach paralysis.
These drugs can also lead to a loss of healthy lean muscle mass in addition to fat, particularly in the absence of exercise. Significant weight gain after stopping the drugs raises further questions about long-term effects and whether it's possible to transition back to using only lifestyle measures to manage weight.
All Roads Lead to LifestyleDespite our greatest aspirations for quick fixes, it's very possible that a healthy lifestyle remains the most important way to manage metabolic disease and overall health. This includes regular exercise, stress management, sleep, getting outdoors, and a balanced diet.
For the majority of the population who don't yet have obesity or diabetes, restarting the gut's built-in appetite and metabolism control by reintroducing whole foods and awaking the gut microbiome may be the best approach to promote healthy metabolism.
Adding minimally processed foods back to your diet, and specifically, those replete in fiber and polyphenols like flavonoids and carotenoids, can play an important and complementary role in helping address the epidemic of obesity and metabolic disease at one of its deepest roots.
Written by Christopher Damman, Associate Professor of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Washington.
Adapted from an article originally published in The Conversation.
Natural Remedies For Epilepsy And Seizures, And How Effective They Are Proven To Be
Epilepsy is a condition in which disruption to electrical activity in the brain results in seizures. Some people suggest that cannabis, acupuncture, and essential oils are effective natural remedies for seizures.
However, epilepsy is a complex condition. People should discuss any natural remedies with a doctor before using them, as some options may not be safe or effective for everyone.
In this article, learn more about some of the non-drug options available for managing seizures with epilepsy.
There is currently no cure for most types of epilepsy.
However, several treatment methods exist to help manage the condition. Despite this, some people do not respond well to antiepileptic drugs, which may also cause side effects. Surgery may be an option for others, but this is not always possible.
Also, around 80% of people with epilepsy live in lower income countries, where antiepileptic medications may be either unavailable or too expensive to buy.
For these and other reasons, some people seek alternative, complementary, and non-drug therapies.
Some people use cannabis products to help treat convulsions. Preliminary scientific evidence suggests that it may help reduce seizures for some people with certain types of epilepsy.
In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, which is a drug containing a cannabis-based ingredient, to treat seizures that stem from two rare and severe genetic conditions: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. This is currently the only cannabis-based product with FDA approval, and it is only available with a prescription.
In addition, some anecdotal evidence suggests that some people use cannabis or products containing cannabidiol (CBD) to help manage their seizures.
However, larger scientific studies have not shown that cannabis and most CBD-based products are effective in treating epilepsy. There is also a risk of serious side effects, including worsening epilepsy or interactions with antiepileptic drugs or other medications.
For this reason, people should speak with a doctor before using these substances. Additionally, cannabis and CBD are not legal in all states, so people should also check their local regulations before purchasing a product containing either of these substances.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
There is some evidence to suggest that a ketogenic, or keto, diet — which is a high fat, low carbohydrate diet — could help prevent seizures in people who do not find antiepileptic drugs effective.
The diet causes ketosis, which is the chemical breakdown of proteins in the muscles. This suppresses seizure activity.
Research suggests that this diet can reduce the frequency of seizures in some people with epilepsy and help them think more clearly. However, the diet is very restrictive, and most people find it difficult to follow.
Learn more about whether the keto diet can help treat epilepsy.
Many people around the world use herbal remedies for epilepsy. They may do this because herbal remedies are easy to obtain or because they cannot access professional healthcare.
The author of a 2021 review looked at how ingredients in plants and herbal remedies, such as coumarin and flavonoids, might benefit people with epilepsy.
They considered their effect on:
However, there were no studies specifically showing an effect on epilepsy in humans.
Some substances in the various herbs could potentially interact with the body, including:
However, these findings do not mean that taking any of these herbs will cure or treat epilepsy. Far more research is needed to confirm how they work, if they are effective, and whether or not there are any risks.
Currently, there are no known dosage, frequency, or mode of delivery recommendations for using these herbs to reduce seizures in humans.
Herbal remedies containing ingredients that could interact with antiepileptic drugs or make seizures worse include:
People should note that the FDA does not monitor the quality of herbs and supplements, and it does not guarantee their safety for specific conditions. So, individuals should not use any herbs or supplements for epilepsy without first speaking with a doctor.
There is a lack of research into how supplementing with vitamins might help people with epilepsy.
An older review from 2007 considered the following supplements in relation to epilepsy:
In 2016, some scientists proposed further research into vitamin D3 to help reduce seizures, but more work is still needed.
Some deficiencies may have links with seizures. In the 2007 review, people who had tonic-clonic seizures were more likely to have low magnesium levels than those who did not, and people with very low levels had more severe seizures more frequently. Doctors use magnesium as a treatment for certain neurological conditions.
Some research included in the review suggested that people with epilepsy may have lower levels of certain nutrients — such as folic acid, vitamin D, or calcium — as well as higher cholesterol levels. However, there could be various reasons for this, including medication side effects. It does not imply that taking more of those nutrients will reduce seizure frequency.
If a person is deficient in any nutrients, they may need supplements to reach a healthy level. People should speak with a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplements.
When antiepileptic drugs do not work, some people use biofeedback therapy to reduce seizures. Biofeedback is a medical technique that helps a person recognize changes in their body. Based on this, they can develop ways to respond that can minimize the chance of experiencing a seizure.
For example, if the person feels a seizure aura — which can occur just before a seizure — they might sit down or go to a safe place. If they have light-induced seizures, they might be able to look away in time to prevent the seizure from happening.
A 2018 study looked at how 12 sessions of biofeedback spread over 4 weeks affected 40 people with temporal lobe epilepsy whose conditions did not respond to drugs. Overall, their seizures decreased by 43%, and 45% of the participants found that their seizures reduced by 50% or more.
Biofeedback is a noninvasive therapy that shows promise for people with epilepsy, but it needs more research. It involves using a machine that detects electrical activity in the brain, using this information to learn how to recognize the warning signs of seizures, and training the brain to prevent seizures.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) involves implanting a device in the chest that sends electrical signals to the brain. It sends well-calibrated, mild, regular electrical signals to the vagus nerve, and these signals calm those that lead to seizures.
The effect of VNS varies widely among people with epilepsy. Some people see a significant improvement, while others do not find that it helps. It usually begins to have effects right after surgery, but it can sometimes take up to a year to make a difference, according to the Epilepsy Society. It is also unlikely to stop seizures completely.
According to research from 2020, 50–60% of those who undergo VNS for epilepsy may see a reduction in seizures of about 50% in 2–4 years, and 8% may stop having seizures entirely.
Before starting VNS treatment, a person may need to undergo testing to see if they have the type of seizures that are likely to respond to VNS. This improves the likelihood of the technique being effective.
For people with epilepsy, stress and anxiety may increase the risk of having a seizure.
Relaxation strategies can help people feel calm, relax the muscles, and improve sleep.
According to the Epilepsy Society, some relaxation techniques that may help include:
Deep breathing and meditation may also help, but they can affect electrical signals to the brain. People with epilepsy should find a qualified practitioner who can train them appropriately.
As interest grows in neurostimulation therapies for epilepsy, some researchers believe that acupuncture could help.
An acupuncturist inserts very fine needles into specific places on the body. They then leave them there for a few minutes or as long as 30–40 minutes, according to the Epilepsy Society. In theory, this affects the energy channels in the body.
A 2023 review of research found that acupuncture may be useful for treating epilepsy alongside conventional treatment, like medications. However, the researchers highlighted that further more conclusive evidence is necessary.
Seizures happen when there is an imbalance in the levels of neurotransmitters, such as the stimulant glutamate and the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Scientists call the imbalance in these chemicals an electrical paroxysmal depolarization shift (PDS). This shift is what causes epileptic activity.
Certain events and activities can trigger such a shift. Knowing and avoiding their triggers may help people reduce the risk of experiencing a seizure.
Some common triggers include:
Anyone, in theory, can experience a seizure. For example, people without epilepsy can experience febrile seizures, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, and other types of seizures in response to an infection, stress, a stroke, or a head injury.
However, people with epilepsy have more frequent seizures because they have a higher tendency to experience PDS.
Additionally, some seizures can occur with no apparent trigger.
Learning about epilepsy may improve quality of life for people who have seizures and their families.
Research from 2023 suggests that education can help people with several aspects of the condition, including:
The authors of one study suggest that, globally, many people still believe that epilepsy is a psychological condition rather than a neurological one. This lack of knowledge can lead to misunderstandings and errors in treatment.
Some of the ingredients in essential oils can cross the blood-brain barrier, which means that they may be either helpful or harmful, depending on the substance.
Oils that may helpIf an essential oil contains ingredients that can help a person sleep or reduce stress, it may help prevent seizures by alleviating certain triggers.
According to a 2019 review, oils from plants belonging to the Cymbopogon family (which includes lemongrass and citronella) and the Acorus family (which includes sweet flag) may have this property.
Lavender may help people relax, is likely safe for people with epilepsy to use, and may also have anticonvulsant properties.
However, these are not a substitute for antiepileptic drugs, and more studies are needed to confirm that they are safe and effective for managing epilepsy. People should always speak with a doctor before using them.
Oils to avoidSome scientists note that camphor and eucalyptus may trigger seizures in people with epilepsy. For this reason, they warn against using these oils.
Some oils contain a substance called thujone, which can trigger seizures. Such oils include:
It is not always possible to know exactly which ingredients an essential oil product contains. Even a pure oil can contain a range of chemicals, not all of which may be beneficial.
People should seek advice from a qualified practitioner who knows about the interaction between essential oils and epilepsy before using any such product and to learn about the most appropriate way of using the oils.
Learn more about what aromatherapy involves and whether there are any risks.
Although research suggests essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these oils. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils and research the quality of a particular brand's products. It is also important to always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
Around the world, many people seek spiritual healing for epilepsy. This includes wearing amulets and visiting faith healers. Reasons for this may include a lack of access to professional healthcare, including medication, and a fear of experiencing adverse effects from antiepileptic drugs.
There is some evidence to suggest that yoga, prayer, and other faith-based activities can help reduce stress, which can trigger seizures.
However, epilepsy is a neurological condition with physical causes. For those with access to medical help, faith-based healing can offer a complementary approach, but it is not an alternative to medical treatment.
More work is needed worldwide to bring practical medical help to people with epilepsy in countries where many people have a low income.
For many alternative and natural remedies, there is some research and anecdotal evidence to support their use. However, there are not enough scientific studies to prove that they work.
For those who have access to medical care, it is best to start by visiting a doctor. Two-thirds of people find that treatment with antiepileptic drugs reduces the frequency and severity of their symptoms.
Those who are keen to try natural and alternative remedies should speak with a doctor about the options to check that they are safe to use. Epilepsy is a complex condition, and there are many types. The doctor can help make a plan that suits the individual.
Around the world, complementary, alternative, and non-drug remedies for epilepsy range from learning as much as possible about the condition to herbal remedies and faith healing.
Some of these have research to support their use, but others may not be effective. Some, such as misusing herbal remedies, may even be dangerous.
Most importantly, people should always talk with a doctor before trying natural treatments to help ease their symptoms.
Retrain Your Emotional Brain: A Natural Alternative To Weight Loss Drugs
NewsUSA
(NewsUSA)
- Weight loss drugs are proving to have serious side effects, and they are not a long-term solution. When the injections stop, the weight loss stops. But who wants to go back to dieting?
Laurel Mellin, PhD, a health psychologist, nutritionist, and New York Times bestselling author, is the founder of Emotional Brain Training (EBT). She has written a new book, 1-2-3 JOY! To show readers why the missing link in treating obesity is to switch off the stress causing the cascade of internal chemicals that increase appetite, causes cravings, and blocks weight loss. Using the skills of EBT, they can lose weight naturally.
Dr. Mellin says, "I wrote 1-2-3 JOY! Because of the increased use of weight loss drugs, as they have serious side effects including nausea, muscle wasting, stomach paralysis, and increased risk of kidney, pancreas, and thyroid problems. I wanted more people to have a healthy alternative to these weight loss drugs and diets."
People are also reading…
"I developed EBT initially as a young faculty member at the University of California San Francisco, in part because I personally understood the frustration of being out of control of my eating and finding that the current methods didn't help me. The tools I developed were effective, but it was not until two decades later that my collaborators and I realized why they worked: they were switching off the stress response, which controls the chemicals – cortisol, dopamine, and insulin – that cause overeating and weight gain."
The effectiveness of EBT is backed by scientific research, with studies of the method's effectiveness published in peer-reviewed journals showing improvements in weight, blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. Obesity researcher John Foreyt states, "EBT is the first method to show lasting weight loss after treatment ends." Already, more than 500,000 people have used EBT.
Dr. Mellin states, "The silver lining of the weight loss drug frenzy is that it validated that chemicals drive overeating. EBT is a drug-free method for switching off those chemicals to make weight loss easier and more lasting without the negative side effects. For those who are using weight loss drugs, the EBT skills can help them wean off the drugs."
The EBT tools are easily integrated into daily life. Use them before eating or when stressed to switch off those chemicals. Over time, they retrain the emotional brain's neural pathways to make peace with food and promote lasting weight loss.
Dr. Mellin states, "That freedom from eating and weight issues is life-changing, returning people to their natural state of joy so they can focus on living a life of joy and purpose. That is why I want everyone to have these skills."
Her new book, 1-2-3 Joy!, is now available on Amazon.
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Comments
Post a Comment