“And one potential strategy for mitigating our risk for Alzheimer's disease as we age is a "cognoscopy" – a battery of assessments that measures some of the key biomarkers associated with the disease and can inform the trajectory of treatment.”
“Coffee consumption is associated with protection from several chronic diseases. Coffee's beneficial effects may stem from its ability to induce autophagy; however, other evidence points to the benefits of caffeine, which can reset the body's internal clocks in the morning.”
“Poor sleep reduces the body's insulin sensitivity and changes a person's appetite, increasing the preference for high carbohydrate foods like pizza, pasta, and sweets. Lack of sleep also alters the gut microbiota and impairs immunity, putting us at risk for developing acute illnesses like colds and flu.”
“In the setting of COVID-19, vitamin D deficiency drives poor outcomes. Treating patients with calcifediol, a prescription vitamin D analog, might be more effective at increasing vitamin D to therapeutic levels.”
“Having a healthy, robust immune system is crucial for our survival. Critical players in the body's antiviral immune response are interferons. Certain lifestyle behaviors can boost interferon production and immune function, including sleep, vitamin D, and hot hydrotherapy.”
“A growing body of evidence indicates that the fasting-mimicking diet may be beneficial in treating autoimmune disorders. In these Aliquot segments, Dr. Rhonda Patrick and Dr. Valter Longo describe the roles that diet and fasting play in maintaining or restoring proper immune function.”
“As a result, sauna use is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanisms that drive these effects are likely due to increased heat shock proteins and metabolic and hormonal changes that accompany exercise and sauna use.”
“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.”
“Zinc is an essential nutrient that participates in many biological processes and plays critical roles in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, cell division, and brain health.”