Michael Schenk’s Post

The impact of microbiota and ketogenic diet interventions in the management of drug-resistant epilepsy ### Summary This mini-review discusses the relationship between gut microbiota and ketogenic diets in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). ### Highlights - 💡 Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) have a different microbiota composition compared to drug-sensitive patients and healthy controls. - 💡 Fecal microbiota transplantations (FMTs), probiotic, and dietary interventions can reduce seizure frequency and improve the quality of life in drug-resistant patients. - 💡 The classic ketogenic diet (KD) and its modifications may reduce seizures in some DRE patients, but not in others. - 💡 Gut microbes play an important role in transmitting dietary effects to the host. - 💡 Specific commensal microbes differ even between responders and non-responders to KD treatment. #DrugResistantEpilepsy #GutMicrobiota #KetogenicDiets #SeizureFrequency #FMT #Probiotics #DietaryInterventions

INTERMITTENT FASTING, CALORIE RESTRICTION, AND KETOGENIC DIET IMPROVE MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION In obese subjects, mitochondrial dysfunction is recorded in monocytes which contributes to inducing a low-grade inflammatory state. Maintaining a good state of health begins with maintaining a good condition of the mitochondria. A controlled diet is a primary strategy for treating obesity. This clinical study, on 44 obese subjects, delves into the impact on monocyte bioenergetics (mitochondrial function), evaluated on 4 groups, caloric restriction (CR), intermittent fasting (IF), ketogenic diet (KD) and habitual ad libitum diet (AL), as well as evaluating the impact on the intestinal microbiota. These obese subjects, after one month, received rifaximin and continued with the assigned diet for another month. They were monitored for oxygen consumption rate (OCR), in isolated monocytes, and for the composition of the intestinal microbiota in feces, in addition to anthropometric and biochemical parameters. The CR, IF, and KD groups had increased OCR of maximal respiration in monocytes compared with that in the AL group. Improved mitochondrial function was associated with decreased monocyte dependence on glycolysis after IF and KD interventions. Together, diet and rifaximin increased the diversity of gut microbiota in the IF and KD groups, enriched the abundance of Phascolarctobacterium faecium in the CR group and Ruminococcus bromii in the CR and KD groups. This study demonstrated that dietary interventions involving CR, IF, and KD in individuals with obesity positively modulate mitochondrial bioenergetic health in monocytes, proposing a potential mechanism to explain this effect and its relationship with the gut microbiota. These clinical results confirm what has already been observed in studies on animal models. #obesity #IntermittentFasting #CalorieRestriction #KetogenicDiet Clinical Nutrition 2024, https://lnkd.in/ds4GZkVE

A strict "keto-friendly" diet popular for #weightloss and #diabetes, depending on both the #diet and individual, might not be all that friendly. A new study led by researchers at UT Health San Antonio found that a continuous long-term #ketogenic diet may induce #senescence, or aged, cells in normal tissues, with effects on heart and kidney function in particular. However, an intermittent ketogenic diet, with a planned keto vacation or break, did not exhibit any pro-inflammatory effects due to aged cells, according to the research. The findings have significant clinical implications suggesting that the beneficial effect of a ketogenic diet might be enhanced by planned breaks. "To put this in perspective, 13 million Americans use a ketogenic diet, and we are saying that you need to take breaks from this diet or there could be long-term consequences," said David Gius. Gius is lead author of the new study titled, "Ketogenic diet induces p53-dependent cellular senescence in multiple organs," published May 17 in the journal Science Advances. Other authors also are with the Department of Radiation Oncology and Mays Cancer Center, as well as the Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Center for Precision Medicine, School of Nursing, and Division of Nephrology in the Department of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio; and both the Houston Methodist Cancer Center and Houston Methodist Research Institute. Too much of a good thing. A ketogenic diet, popularly known as keto-friendly, is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that leads to the generation of ketones, a type of chemical that the liver produces when it breaks down fats. While a ketogenic diet improves certain health conditions and is popular for weight loss, pro-inflammatory effects also have been reported. The new study shows that mice on two different ketogenic diets, and at different ages, induce cellular senescence in multiple organs, including the heart and kidney. However, this cellular senescence was eliminated by a senolytic, or a class of small molecules that can destroy senescence cells, and prevented by administration of an intermittent ketogenic diet regimen. "As cellular senescence has been implicated in the pathology of organ disease, our results have important clinical implications for understanding the use of a ketogenic diet," Gius said. "As with other nutrient interventions, you need to 'take a keto break.'" More information: Sung-Jen Wei et al, Ketogenic diet induces p53-dependent cellular senescence in multiple organs, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado1463. https://lnkd.in/e6VHptpP https://lnkd.in/eii24KxB

A recent study showed that diets with higher inflammatory potential, as measured by the dietary inflammatory index, are associated with an increase in NT-proBNP levels—a marker for heart failure risk. This re-emphasizes that making dietary changes may play an important role in managing cardiovascular health. Previous research consistently shows that diets high in inflammation are associated with higher risks of conditions like metabolic syndrome, cancer, coronary heart disease, and heart failure. On the other hand, following an anti-inflammatory diet based on this index has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which could help prevent chronic diseases and their complications. What is interesting though is that this dietary inflammatory index which looks at over 6500 pieces of literature shows some foods that increase inflammation, but more of those that help to decrease it. ⭐️ This points to the fact that we need to focus on what we are ADDING to the diet to improve heart health. ❤️ Come join my upcoming 6-week heart optimization group program starting on July 12th. We'll delve into strategies for reducing inflammation through science based nutrition and enhancing your cardiometabolic health with evidence-based approaches. 👉🏼 For further details, click here: https://lnkd.in/e5eigZgA ⭐️ Feel free to reach out via PM if you have any questions! Study reference: https://lnkd.in/e8qGn5pr #heartfailure #heartfailuresurvivor #heartfailureawareness #heartfailuresucks #chf #chfwarrior #aorticstenosis #afib #heartfailurediet #heartattack #lowsodiumdiet #hearthealthydiet #lowerbloodpressure #heartattackprevention #highbloodpressure #highcalciumscore #coronaryarterydisease #heartattacksurvivor #heartfailureprevention #heartdisease #heartdiseaseawareness #heartattackawareness #hearthealth #hearthealthy #hearthealthyfood #hearthealthawareness #hearthealthyeating #hearthealthyliving #cardiovasculardisease #preventivecardiology

The Gut Microbiome and Human Health. The gut microbiome is a diverse community of bacteria, fungi and viruses that live in the gastrointestinal tract. Over 90% of the gut microbiome consists of bacteria from the following phyla: Firmicutes, Bacteroides, Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. The gut microbiome aids in digestion and also regulates our health through different axes such as the gut-brain axis, gut-lung axis and the gut-thyroid axis. This is achieved through competition for resources and space and the production of bile acids, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), neurotransmitters, metabolites and vitamins. With over 70% of our immune system existing in the gut, dysbiosis may result in a multitude of diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), depression, anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The gut-brain axis is the two-way communication network between the enteric and central nervous systems. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and norepinephrine are produced in the gut and travel to the brain through the vagus nerve. In fact, approximately 95% of total body serotonin is produced in the gut. Patients who suffer from IBD, IBS and other chronic gastrointestinal diseases tend to suffer from depression or anxiety due to the alterations in the gut microbiome which leads to lower production of key neurotransmitters. The gut-thyroid axis has also been well-established. Thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Grave’s disease have been associated with changes in the abundances of various bacterial taxa, a higher Firmicutes-to-Bacteroides ratio and lower production of iodine (in the case of Hashimoto’s), selenium and zinc in the gut thereby, altering normal thyroid function. So, how should you nourish and maintain balance in your gut microbiome? You can do this by consuming colourful and fibre-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits, fermented foods and adequate meat protein. Moreover, avoiding alcohol, smoking, irresponsible antibiotic use, ultra-processed foods and limiting gluten intake will go a long way in enhancing your gut health. Sources: Rinninella, E. et al.(2019): https://lnkd.in/dZTp5iC Cao, J. et al. (2023): https://lnkd.in/dNRFwM69 Appleton, J. (2018): https://lnkd.in/djjY5z-w. Hansen, L. et al. (2018): https://lnkd.in/d_6dfek8.

NEW RESEARCH is being published every year that supports the importance of nutrition for disease prevention. Old model: wait for disease to be diagnosed and then treat = poor outcomes Better model: optimize nutrition everyday to empower the body to prevent disease and self heal when disease occurs. If medications are required, optimal nutrition helps the body respond to those medications to better compliment the healing process. AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN A POUND OF CURE! Did you know that Lifepak contains all 8 natural forms of vitamin E in a balanced formula with meaningful levels?

🧠 Understanding the Role of Diet and Nutrition in Parkinson's Disease Management 🧠🌿 Explore how dietary choices can impact Parkinson's disease. Learn key strategies to support health, alleviate symptoms, and enhance quality of life. Join us on this journey to better living through nutrition! 🌟 Read Here 👉 https://shorturl.at/V4dz4 Call 📞 - +91 91040 80055 #ParkinsonsAwareness #NutritionMatters #HealthyLiving #WellnessJourney #Drchiragsolanki #Neurosurgeon

🌟 New Research Alert from Annals of Hepatology! 🌟 We are excited to share a recent publication titled "Dietary Macro and Micronutrients Associated with MASLD: Analysis of a National US Cohort Database"by Mary Nemera, Fauzia Osman, and Adnan Sai. 🔬 Study Objective: This study aimed to measure and compare the intake of macro and micronutrients in individuals with Metabolic Syndrome Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) against matched controls to uncover significant nutritional associations. 📊 Key Findings: MASLD cases were more likely to be older, male, and of Mexican American or Hispanic ethnicity. Higher BMI and prevalence of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension were noted among MASLD cases. Elevated hs-CRP and ferritin levels were observed in MASLD patients. Nutritional disparities included lower intake of vitamins E and K, higher caloric, carbohydrate, cholesterol, and saturated fatty acid intake among MASLD cases. Individuals with MASLD were more likely to be on a special diet, sedentary, and less engaged in moderate or vigorous recreational activities. 🔍 Conclusions: Deficiencies in micronutrients and excess intake of macronutrients suggest oxidative stress, a pro-inflammatory state, and lipotoxicity as critical pathways linking diet to MASLD. The findings highlight the importance of dietary counseling and lifestyle modifications in managing MASLD. Read the full article for an in-depth understanding of these findings and their implications for public health and nutritional guidance. 📖 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gdkqmgRG #Hepatology #MASLD #NutritionResearch #PublicHealth #LiverDisease #AnnalsOfHepatology

Lactoferrin's anti-inflammatory properties are well established, and this recent study suggests that the gut microbiota plays a key role. But there is more - the researchers found benefits of lactoferrin on body fat and blood lipids. In this study by a group of Chinese researchers, obese mice were given either a standard diet, or a high-fat diet with plain water or lactoferrin-enriched water. Compared to mice on the standard diet, mice on the high-fat diet receiving plain water had significantly more body weight gain and body fat, higher levels of blood triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and lower levels of HDL cholesterol. They also had significantly higher blood lipopolysaccharides levels (linked to inflammation), likely due to disrupted gut barrier function as a result of adverse changes to the gut microbiota. Lactoferrin was found to counteract many of these negative effects of a high-fat diet, and the researchers believe this is due to its positive impact on the gut microbiota. In the context of a high-fat diet, lactoferrin slowed weight gain, resulting in lower body fat content, and led to significantly lower levels of blood triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and higher levels of HDL cholesterol. Lactoferrin supplementation also resulted in significantly lower blood lipopolysaccharide levels, and consequently to less inflammation compared to those mice receiving plain water. Findings like these highlight that lactoferrin has significant potential in helping address key health issues increasingly faced by adult populations across the world. #lactoferrin #inflammation #antiinflammatory #gutmicrobiota #obesity #bloodlipids #cholesterol #bodyweight #bodyfat #adultnutrition #clinicalnutrition

Maintaining a continuous long-term ketogenic diet may lead to the accumulation of aged cells (senescence) in normal tissues, impacting heart and kidney function. However, taking breaks from this restrictive diet could help mitigate these effects. Initially valuable for managing diabetes, the ketogenic diet has gained popularity for weight loss. However, a new study published in Science Advances by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) suggests that a continuous ketogenic diet may not be as friendly as it seems. The study found that prolonged adherence to a ketogenic diet can induce cellular senescence in tissues, particularly affecting the heart and kidneys. The researchers advocate for an intermittent ketogenic diet, incorporating planned breaks to prevent pro-inflammatory effects linked to senescent cells. "To put this in perspective, 13 million Americans use a ketogenic diet, and we are saying that you need to take breaks from this diet or there could be long-term consequences," said David Gius, MD, PhD, assistant dean of research at UT Health San Antonio. A ketogenic diet, high in fat and low in carbohydrates, leads to the production of ketones. While beneficial for certain health conditions and weight loss, excessive adherence can have adverse effects. The study demonstrated that mice on continuous ketogenic diets exhibited cellular senescence in organs such as the heart and kidneys. However, using a senolytic class of small molecules, which destroy aged cells, and an intermittent ketogenic diet regimen eliminated these effects. "As cellular senescence is linked to organ disease, our results have important clinical implications for understanding the use of a ketogenic diet," Gius said. "As with other nutrient interventions, you need to 'take a keto break.'"https://lnkd.in/dFzhjPwi