Author: dr.vanta

The Dangers Of Pandemic Weight Gain

The Dangers Of Pandemic Weight Gain

Posted by | Nov 5, 2020 | |

The next pandemic is already here and is called COVID-19 pandemic weight gain. Also known as the “quarantine 15”. Back in the summer of 2020, about one in three NorthAmericans were complaining of weight gain. A WebMD poll of over 1000 Americans found that 47% of women and 22 % of men had gained weight during the pandemic. In Canada, roughly three in ten people reported weight gain. About two in five Australians also admitted to gain weight during the outbreak, and surveys from some countries in Europe, South America, and Asia suggest the same results. The clothing industry...

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Breathe In, Breathe Stress (And Fat) Out

Posted by | Nov 5, 2020 | |

“For breath is life, and if you breathe well you will live long on Earth.” –Sanskrit proverb   Breathing is life, and life is breathing. Your breathing is influenced by your thoughts, and your thoughts and physiology can be affected by your breathing. You breathe hundred of millions of times throughout your entire life, without thinking. Deep breathing is an essential part of meditation, yoga, tai chi and responsible for many of these practices’ benefits. The most straightforward explanation is the following: when you breathe deep, you switch from “fight or flight” sympathetic mode to the parasympathetic one, which is deeply relaxing and calming. The vagus nerve, the main component of the parasympathetic system, is activated when you breathe deeply When you practice deep breathing, you engage the abdominal muscles and diaphragm, rather than your neck and chest, bringing more oxygen into your lungs. Then more oxygen will reach tissues and cells throughout your body. Breathing exercises help improve V02 max- a marker of cardio-respiratory fitness. These exercises also boost your resting metabolic rate, which is the total number of calories burned when your body is at rest. Only by bringing awareness to breathing and practicing deep breathing regularly you can stabilize your blood pressure, increase energy levels, reduce anxiety, depression, PTSD, and boost your immunity. Belly breathe. This is one of the most popular breathing technique is used...

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September/October 2020 MS News. MS & Air Pollution. The Benefits of Vitamin D, Omega 3, Royal Jelly, Meditation, Exercise & More

Posted by | Oct 28, 2020 | |

  Air pollution  Air pollution matters to the brain. This new study reviewed past research on this topic. Studies suggest a link between air pollutants and brain development, strokes, headaches,MS (5 studies), cognitive function, brain degeneration. Furthermore, studies found a connection between air pollutants and  nervous (autonomic) function, neuropsychological and neurotoxic effects.   A second new study looked specifically at the link between air pollution and MS. This study included the results of  24 studies concerning the relationship of exposure to air pollution (particulate matter, NOx and SOx, CO2, traffic noise, etc. and MS. The results of this review study:  there was a significant relationship between exposure to air pollution and MS development and progression. A third new study  tells us that air pollution has an impact on the central nervous system. Particulate matter, especially the ultrafine (nanoparticle) components, can carry numerous metal and trace element contaminants that can reach the brain in utero and after birth. Exposing the brain to these elements had been linked with neurodevelopmental disorders like  autism,  schizophrenia, and  ADHD and neurodegenerative diseases like  Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and MS. Multiple mechanisms of action, leading to the deaths of neurons, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. For more info check this new  study.   New book :  An naturopathic approach to MS. New Book: There’s No Pill for This: A Naturopathic Physician’s Personal Prescription by Michaël Friedman,...

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The Mouth Microbiome During The COVID-19 pandemic: “The Mask Mouth.” 

Posted by | Oct 22, 2020 | |

  Most of your  friendly bacteria are  found in the gut. Your gut flora is : It is essential for your development and keeps your immune system healthy It plays a critical role in digestion and nutrition. For example, without gut microbes, you could not digest many foods, mostly plant compounds. Your microbiome has a powerful impact on your mood, your thoughts and emotions. The altered gut microbiome is currently linked with depression and anxiety and how you engage socially. Note: I’m not sure how well your gut microbiome deals with all this stress and social distancing, but future research will tell us.  Maintains healthy gut permeability  Protects against  “bad” bacteria overgrowth Helps make vitamins including some B  and K vitamins  Influences gene expressions (related to inflammation and autoimmunity). Therefore, it helps prevent a wide range of chronic diseases- from diabetes to cancer. More details about your gut microbiome here and specific changes associated with MS here. However, friendly bacteria are  everywhere- in the mouth, nose, vagina, lungs, skin, and even brain! What is “Mouth Mask” Wearing the mask is becoming the norm, and we have a new problem called “mask mouth” that causes: skin irritation and redness around the mouth and bad, sour breath. Dentists suspect this condition will lead to all kinds of dental diseases like decaying teeth, receding gum lines, and chronic bad breath. But we...

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August 2020 MS News- On Resilience During Pandemic, Vitamin D, Cannabis, LDN, Lipoic Acid, Exercise & More

Posted by | Sep 12, 2020 | |

Featured News  Could those with MS be more resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic? While the rate of stress, anxiety, and depression significantly increased in the general population, this new study we examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emotional symptoms and quality of life in individuals with progressive MS. Out of 131 participants, 4% reported they had the infection. Overall, little change was noted in symptoms of depression or anxiety or overall quality of life.  New Book “Integrative Neurology” looking at the benefits of diet and optimizing the gut microbiome and intestinal permeability and supplements like vitamin D, turmeric, probiotics,  omega 3,  glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, melatonin, magnesium, l carnitine, coQ10, biotin, hormone replacement therapy (HGH, sex hormones), nootropics, LDN and more. You can read online this section focused on MS here.   Diet/ Nutrition “Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis through Lifestyle Changes: Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, and Stress Management”, is the title of this new research paper– where the authors emphasize the benefits of nutrition, as well as exercise, sleep, and stress management for MS management. The role of the gut microbiome in inflammation of the spinal cord/MS is explored in this new study. I wrote more about changes in the gut microbiome -MS here.  Dietary restriction (DR) regimens (either chronic or intermittent reduction of food intake) ameliorate the development of CNS autoimmune diseases like MS, suggests this new study....

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