“Cholesterol is vital to human health, but an oversimplified view of cholesterol — that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is good, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is bad — has led to a gross misunderstanding of the nuances that define the differences in cholesterol-containing lipoproteins.”
“Statins can reduce the risk of heart disease by 30 to 40 percent due to their ability to increase LDL receptor activity and reduce blood cholesterol levels. Whether the drugs are overprescribed (or perhaps under-prescribed) is a matter of great debate.”
“Scientists have also identified interesting links between depression and obesity – likely mediated by elevated inflammation, since fat cells produce a wide array of inflammatory factors. In this Aliquot segment, psychiatrist Dr. Charles Raison describes the links between inflammation and depression.”
“Online resources that combine healthful practices and feedback may be beneficial for some people with depression but tapping into the benefits of less modern practices may be beneficial, too. Ancient practices, such as heat exposure, long-distance running, and fasting may promote mental well-being.”
“In this Aliquot, clinical psychologist Dr. Ashley Mason and sleep expert Dr. Matt Walker describe some of the behaviors that can make getting a good night's sleep difficult – and how cognitive behavioral therapy and meditation can provide help.”
“Regulating the amount of light in our environment is crucial for a good night's sleep and a good mood the next day. Habits such as using blue light-emitting electronics close to bedtime can reduce melatonin production by as much as 20 percent, impairing sleep.”
“In this Aliquot, we share a variety of segments from different interviews covering some of the unconventional effects of omega-3 fatty acids and how to overcome some of the roadblocks to obtaining these effects.”
“A healthy intestinal barrier limits the transport of pathogens and endotoxins from the gut to the bloodstream; however, increased gut permeability (known as "leaky gut") raises endotoxin levels, leading to metabolic endotoxemia.”
“The Mediterranean diet pattern is rich in micronutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fish, and olive oil and has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and other major causes of death.”
“But what does the science say? In this Aliquot, Dr. Jed Fahey and I discuss the pros and cons of eating meat as well as the confounding factors that may influence the risks associated with meat consumption.”
