What is Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242?

Overview

Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242 was discovered in 2010 by a team of Canadian scientists. It was initially selected among other probiotic strains in the lab for safety and desired qualities before being tested in clinical trials [R].

Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242 was first called “Cardioviva” but is now trademarked “Microbiome Plus.”

It has been granted a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) designation by the FDA. Interestingly, several Lactobacillus probiotics have GRAS status because they’re a normal part of our gut flora and have a long history of safe use in traditional fermented foods.

However, Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242 supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use and lack large-scale clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for supplements but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.

How It Works

Scientists think Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242 may work by helping the body take in less and get rid of more cholesterol.

L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 carries an important enzyme called bile salt hydrolase (BSH). This enzyme sets bile acids free from their bound form (deconjugating them) [R].

Bile acids conjugated into bile salts with the amino acids glycine or taurine have digestive action [R].

Free bile acids in the gut reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the gut that comes from both food and circulating bile. Unlike bound bile salts, free bile acids attach to cholesterol and get eliminated with the stool [R].

To make up for the loss, the liver increases the production of new bile acids. The body breaks down more cholesterol to keep up [R].

When free bile acids are released in the gut, mucin production also rises. Mucin is a gel-like layer that lies on top of the gut lining. It helps protect the gut lining, repair gut damage, and maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Low mucin has been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [R, R].

On a cellular level, the BSH action of Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB

The post 5 Possible Benefits of Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242 appeared first on SelfHacked.

This article is for informational purposes only. The current coronavirus outbreak is an ongoing event and certain details may change as new information comes to light. No effective or FDA-approved products are currently available for the treatment of the new coronavirus (also known as SARS-CoV-2 or 2019-nCoV), although research is still ongoing. For now, the best preventive measures you can take against COVID-19 are standard precautions, including social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding touching your face.

The Importance of Iron Amid COVID-19

Iron In Health & Disease

Iron (Fe) is an essential element. Your body needs iron to [R, R, R, R, R, R]:

• Mount an effective immune response
• Build resistance to infections
• Produce red blood cells and energy
• Transport oxygen in the blood and muscles
• Protect cells against free radical damage, as a part of antioxidant enzymes (including catalases)

Because of these powerful roles, low iron levels can have detrimental health effects. On the other hand, excessive levels of iron can trigger reactive oxygen species that damage tissues and DNA [R, R].

Therefore, it’s important to keep iron levels in balance.

Nearly 60% of iron inside the body is incorporated into hemoglobin, 10% into myoglobin, while the remaining 20 – 30% of iron is bound to special proteins like transferrin and ferritin. These proteins prevent free iron from causing oxidative damage in the body [R, R, R, R, R, R, R].

With this in mind, let’s take a look at one COVID-19 case that hints at the importance of iron balance amid the current pandemic.

A Case of COVID-19 Affecting Nerves & Iron Levels

The case outlined below is from a preliminary report (so-called preprint) that should be taken with a grain of salt since it is still awaiting publication. Findings from preprints remain inconclusive, unvalidated, and medically uncertain until they undergo peer review.

Scientists in China’s Hubei province, where the new coronavirus likely originated from, reported a case of an infected patient with inflammatory nerve problems and low iron levels [R].

The

The post How Can Iron & Ferritin Affect Coronavirus (COVID-19)? appeared first on SelfHacked.

This article is for informational purposes only. The current coronavirus outbreak is an ongoing event and certain details may change as new information comes to light. No effective or FDA-approved products are currently available for the treatment of the new coronavirus (also known as SARS-CoV-2 or 2019-nCoV), although research is still ongoing. For now, the best preventive measures you can take against COVID-19 are standard precautions, including social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding touching your face.

Oregano Use Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Oregano is a plant from the same family as mint. Many oregano species exist, but the one you’re most likely to encounter in groceries and health stores is Origanum vulgare [R].

Besides being a culinary herb, oregano and its essential oil are packed with active compounds. Many of these are being researched for their medicinal properties, including antioxidant polyphenols and potentially microbe-fighting phenols (carvacrol and thymol) [R, R].

Thanks to its nutrients and antioxidants, oregano is probably a good addition to any diet. People around the Mediterranean have been using it for millennia. Inhabitants of Ancient Greece and Rome, for example, used oregano as an antiseptic and wellness booster [R].

In the West, oregano essential oil has become a popular remedy during the cold and flu season. That doesn’t mean taking oregano can prevent or treat coronavirus, though. We can only gather clues from prior studies that tested oregano against viruses that are similar to the coronavirus strain we’re faced with right now.

How Oregano Affects Antioxidant Defense & Inflammation

Antioxidants support general health and immune function, potentially helping prevent chronic diseases. Staying healthy is paramount amid the current pandemic. Recent data reveal that healthy people are less likely to experience COVID-19 complications and die from it [R].

Oregano is rich in plant-based antioxidants. Even small doses of oregano (1 g/day) can provide a significant amount of these compounds, according to some studies. Its most important antioxidants are polyphenols like rosmarinic acid [R, R, R].

In one experiment on mice with colitis, essential oils of thyme and oregano reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, and IL-6) [R].

Cytokines are mostly inflammatory messengers, and they seem to play a big

The post Can Oregano Fight Coronavirus (COVID-19)? appeared first on SelfHacked.

This article is for informational purposes only. The current coronavirus outbreak is an ongoing event and certain details may change as new information comes to light. No effective or FDA-approved products are currently available for the treatment of the new coronavirus (also known as SARS-CoV-2 or 2019-nCoV), although research is still ongoing. For now, the best preventive measures you can take against COVID-19 are standard precautions, including social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding touching your face.

Is Copper Important Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace mineral. Among other roles, copper supports a healthy immune response and antioxidant defense [R, R, R].

Most people get enough copper and don’t need to supplement. However, copper has to be balanced with zinc in the body [R, R].

Since some people are turning to zinc as an immune booster amid the COVID-19 pandemic, copper deserves special attention. If you are taking a zinc supplement, you need to make sure you are also getting enough copper to avoid deficiency.

Copper is not just a dietary nutrient, it’s also traditionally melted into alloys to make kitchenware, furniture, and even coins. Research shows that the new coronavirus dies faster on copper surfaces compared to materials like wood and plastic [R].

Copper, Immunity & Inflammation

Supports Immune Health

Copper deficiency weakens the immune response. People with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of infectious diseases, and coronavirus is no exception [R].

People with copper deficiency are more likely to have low neutrophils (neutropenia), white blood cells that help kill invading microbes [R, R].

On the other hand, copper deficiency can over-activate neutrophils and cause them to build up in the liver, which contributes to inflammation [R, R, R, R].

Additionally, copper deficiency can disrupt immune cells called macrophages, additionally increasing susceptibility to bacterial infections [R, R].

Mixed Effects on Inflammation

Inflammatory mediators called cytokines are a double-edged sword in COVID-19 [R].

By boosting the immune system, cytokines might reduce susceptibility to infection or help fight the virus off

The post Can Copper Help Fight Coronavirus (COVID-19)? appeared first on SelfHacked.

This article is for informational purposes only. The current coronavirus outbreak is an ongoing event and certain details may change as new information comes to light.

Is Garlic Important Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Eating garlic is healthy. This is especially true for raw garlic, which is higher in active compounds and nutrients. However, there’s no evidence that garlic can prevent or treat the new coronavirus.

The WHO (World Health Organization) also says that garlic is “a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties” but “there’s no evidence that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus” [R].

Remember that the best preventive measures you can take against the new coronavirus are to stay at home, wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your face.

Despite some far-fetched claims you may have seen in your social media feed, garlic has never been tested against the new coronavirus. Therefore, we can only review studies that investigated various garlic preparations on similar coronaviruses in this post.

We’ll also take a look at whether garlic has an effect on viruses that cause the common cold, flu, and respiratory infections.

Lastly, limited studies suggest that garlic may strengthen the immune response, reduce inflammation, and help prevent heart disease and diabetes (along with lifestyle changes). We’ll talk a bit about how that might be relevant amid the current pandemic.

All in all, there is a solid amount of small-scale, low-quality research on garlic. But proper clinical trials are lacking and many purported benefits of garlic remain unproven [R].

Based on its overall effects, the only role garlic may play amid the COVID-19 pandemic is promoting general health.

Garlic as a Natural Antiviral

Activity Against Coronaviruses

Infectious bronchitis virus is a coronavirus that infects birds. Garlic extract reduced its replication in chicken embryos in one experiment [R].

This study doesn’t provide us with much, though. The tested strain is different from the new coronavirus. It’s also impossible to translate findings on chickens to humans. Let’s hope future research on garlic and coronaviruses gives us more clues.

Tests On Other Viruses

In test tubes, garlic extract was active against viruses that cause [R, R]:

• Cold sores (herpes simplex virus type 1)
• Genital herpes (herpes simplex virus type 2)
• Respiratory infections (parainfluenza virus type 3)
• Colds (human rhinovirus type 2),
• The

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This article is for informational purposes only. The current coronavirus outbreak is an ongoing event and certain details may change as new information comes to light.

What Role Can Vitamin E Play In COVID-19?

First off, there is no evidence that vitamin E can prevent or treat coronavirus. The 2019 coronavirus (also known as SARS-CoV-2 and 2019-nCoV) is extremely recent and we are still lacking robust studies on it. No effective or FDA-approved products are yet available.

At the same time, doctors are in need of general supportive and preventive measures for COVID-19, the disease caused by the 2019 strain. Hospitals around the world are faced with COVID-19 patients who also suffer from various chronic diseases that increase their chance of dying [R].

Staying healthy seems to be more important than ever.

To maintain good health, we need to get plenty of nutrients from food. Vitamin E intake may be problematic in the US, but the data are conflicting [R].

Some estimates that rely on surveys suggest that over 90% of the US population don’t get adequate amounts of dietary vitamin E [R, R, R].

On the other hand, national reports that rely on vitamin E blood levels say otherwise. According to them, under 1% of the US population aren’t consuming enough vitamin E. Experts say more high-quality analyses are needed to determine how big of a concern vitamin E intake is for Americans [R].

To stay on the safe side, it’s a good idea to be mindful of your diet. Be sure to include healthy vitamin E-rich foods, as your immune system needs this vitamin.

Vitamin E is also considered a general supportive treatment for coxsackievirus and bovine coronavirus in states of deficiency. There’s no evidence that it can do the same for patients infected with the new coronavirus, though [R].

Coxsackievirus is a distant relative of the 2019 coronavirus. Bovine coronavirus, on the other hand, is somewhat of a closer relative. It has been around for a while, infects cows, and there’s a vaccine against it [R].

The best preventive measures you can take against 2019-nCoV are those of standard care: stay at home, wash your hands, and avoid touching your face.

Why Your Immune System Needs Vitamin E

The primary function of vitamin E is to combat oxidative stress by getting rid

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This article is for informational purposes only. The current coronavirus outbreak is an ongoing event and certain details may change as new information comes to light.

Resveratrol Research Amid the COVID-19 Health Crisis

A recent comment in the prestigious journal Nature stresses how urgently we need medicines for the current coronavirus outbreak [R].

But if you think that only immune-stimulants, antivirals, and essential nutrients are being researched against the new coronavirus, you’re in for a surprise.

Scientists behind the commentary list all potentially promising compounds that might either help kill the new virus or prompt our immune system to get rid of it. Resveratrol is easy to miss among a long list of antiviral drugs, but it’s there [R].

So what is an antioxidant from red wine and berries doing on a list of “potentially therapeutic options for coronavirus”?

It’s still too early to say, and there’s no evidence that resveratrol can treat the new virus. Yet, scientists believe resveratrol is worth investigating in more detail. Earlier cell-based studies hint at its ability to fight MERS-CoV [R, R].

To avoid confusion, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) was first identified in 2012. What we are dealing with right now is a pandemic of a very similar, but distinct virus named SARS-CoV-2 or 2019-nCoV [R, R].

Since the 2019 coronavirus is extremely recent, we are still lacking robust studies on it. No effective or FDA-approved products are yet available.

The best preventive measures you can take against 2019-nCoV are those of standard care: stay at home, wash your hands, and avoid touching your face.

Can Resveratrol Directly Fight Coronavirus?

Effects on Similar Viruses Like MERS & SARS

In one study, resveratrol prevented MERS-CoV infection in cells. It also helped infected cells live longer. This study earned resveratrol its place in the Nature commentary [R].

The MERS virus needs a kind of protein shell called nucleocapsid to survive and spread. In the mentioned study, resveratrol reduced nucleocapsid production. Most coronaviruses have nucleocapsid shells, likely including the 2019 coronavirus strain [R].

Resveratrol also reduced caspase 3, a sort of death signal cells send off. The less caspase 3, the less cells are dying from the virus [R].

The post Can Resveratrol Help Fight Coronavirus? appeared first on SelfHacked.

This article is for informational purposes only. The current coronavirus outbreak is an ongoing event and certain details may change as new information comes to light.

A Potential Role of NAC In COVID-19

NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) is an antioxidant that boosts glutathione levels. Some scientists believe it helps with states of increased oxidative stress that underlie chronic health problems [R, R].

However, there is currently no evidence that NAC can treat or prevent the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Because the new coronavirus (also known as SARS-CoV-2 or 2019-nCoV) is so recent, there is a lack of published studies on possible treatments or prevention strategies.

The new coronavirus causes complications by infecting the lungs, while research suggests that NAC may support lung health. Taken by mouth, NAC reduces lung mucus and dry cough in people with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) [R].

According to recent data, almost 70% of people with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have dry cough, a third have mucus, and about a fifth have shortness of breath [R, R, R].

Although the symptoms overlap, no studies on NAC and the new coronavirus have been published so far. Future research would need to test how NAC affects lung function in people with COVID-19.

How NAC Affects Antioxidant Status & Immunity

NAC releases cysteine in the body. Cysteine is the most important amino acid (along with glycine and glutamine) for producing glutathione, one of the body’s strongest antioxidants. Your cysteine levels determine how much and how fast you make glutathione [R].

By boosting cysteine, NAC replenishes glutathione. Glutathione, in turn, removes free radicals from cells and activates detox pathways [R, R].

NAC can also directly fight free radicals. Its antioxidant effects are hypothesized to protect DNA, cells, tissues, and organs from damage, inflammation, and harmful substances [R, R].

In several studies, NAC increased antioxidant status after just 8 days. It raised the levels and activity of glutathione and reduced oxidative damage markers by more than 30% [R, R].

Scientists have yet to explore the link between coronavirus, antioxidant status, and free radical damage. What we know for sure is that antioxidants contribute to good immune health [R].

The post Can NAC Help Fight Coronavirus? appeared first on SelfHacked.

This article is for informational purposes only. The current coronavirus outbreak is an ongoing event and certain details may change as new information comes to light.

Does Echinacea Have a Role Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Research Overview

Echinacea is among the most widely used herbal immune boosters in both North America and Europe. People traditionally use extracts from different echinacea species to help fight bacterial infections and the common cold [R].

If echinacea helps us build immunity to viruses that cause the common cold, it must also do the same for the COVID-19-causing coronavirus — right? Not so fast.

The 2019 coronavirus is extremely recent, and we are still lacking robust studies specifically related to it. No effective or FDA-approved products are yet available to treat or prevent it.

Thus, we’re currently lacking evidence to claim that echinacea can directly prevent or treat the new coronavirus, also known as SARS-CoV-2 or 2019-nCoV. In fact, no studies on echinacea and SARS-CoV-2 have been published so far.

Therefore, we can only look at studies that tested various echinacea preparations on genetically similar microorganisms, including other coronaviruses like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.

Based on its immune effects, echinacea may turn out to be a good general supportive and preventive measure for SARS-CoV-2, similar to how zinc is used for SARS-CoV. If so, echinacea is more likely to play a larger role in prevention, but it’s still too early to say.

Remember, the best preventive measures you can take against SARS‐CoV-2 are those of standard care: social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding touching your face.

The Latest Findings

Before we jump to the effects of Echinacea on immunity and various viruses in detail, one preliminary report (so-called preprint) still awaiting publication deserves special attention. Mainly, the authors of this study claimed that echinacea might be effective for preventing all coronaviruses, including the newly occurring SARS-CoV-2 [R].

The data brought up in the preliminary report should be taken with a grain of salt. Their findings remain inconclusive, unvalidated, and medically uncertain until it undergoes peer review.

This study, led by a team of Swiss scientists, investigated the effects of a standardized echinacea preparation called Echinaforce® against several coronaviruses in cells (HCoV-229E, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoVs).

Echinaforce irreversibly inactivated one virus strain called human coronavirus or HCoV-229E. This strain

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A Potential Role of Zinc in the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 outbreak has turned our world upside down. Among many preventive measures, people are turning to zinc for additional immune support. Zinc lozenges seem to be especially popular and stocks in pharmacies and health stores are running low.

So what should you do? Stock up on zinc supplements or not?

Zinc for Prevention and Supportive Care

Evidence Overview

For starters, there’s no evidence that zinc can directly prevent or treat the new coronavirus.

The 2019 coronavirus is extremely recent, and we are still lacking robust studies specifically related to it. No effective or FDA-approved products are yet available to treat or prevent it.

That shouldn’t take away the importance of general supportive and preventive measures, though.

Zinc is considered a general supportive treatment for measles and SARS‐CoV. But there’s no evidence that it can do the same for patients infected with the new coronavirus [R].

To avoid confusion, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) was first identified in 2003. What we are dealing with right now is a pandemic of a very similar, but distinct virus that scientists have named SARS-CoV-2 or 2019-nCoV [R].

The best preventive measures you can take against 2019-nCoV are those of standard care: social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding touching your face.

Why Your Immune System Needs Zinc

Zinc is a dietary trace mineral that helps immune cells develop and stay healthy. It’s important for preventing an array of infections and problems that can arise from poor immune function [R].

People typically take zinc supplements because they want to maintain strong immune defense but are not getting enough of this mineral from their diet.

Yet, most people are not at risk of zinc deficiency. If you eat a fairly balanced diet and have no serious gut issues, you probably don’t need supplements.

Groups vulnerable to zinc deficiency include those with sickle cell anemia, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, liver disease, and other chronic diseases that reduce zinc absorption in the gut [R].

Zinc deficiency results in a widespread loss of immunity. People with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of infectious diseases, and coronavirus is no exception [R].

For Immunity & Infections

Zinc is essential for

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What is Saffron Tea?

Overview

Saffron, also known as Za’faran, is a spice collected from the Crocus sativus plant. Alluding to its yellow color and high cost, saffron is often referred to as the “Golden Spice.” It has been used as a seasoning in food and as a coloring agent for over 4 millennia [R].

The Crocus sativus flower consists of thread-like, crimson-colored structures known as stigmas. The stigmas are collected and dried, resulting in the saffron spice [R].

The popularity of saffron has spread from the Middle East across the globe. Some people stick to using saffron as a culinary spice, while others opt-in for supplements.

But a handful of people want to enjoy the refreshing and strong taste of carefully prepared saffron tea. This article is for you!

Saffron tea is an infusion made with the saffron spice (dried saffron stigmas) and boiling water. Various herbs are also usually added to balance its taste, along with honey, coconut milk, or whatever suits your taste buds. As long as you get real saffron, you can’t go wrong.

So let’s take a look at what saffron tea might be good for, how to make sure you’re getting high-quality saffron (instead of a cheaper plant substitute like safflower or cornsilk), and how to prepare delicious saffron tea!

Traditional and Modern Uses

Historically, saffron was used in traditional medicine  as a remedy for a variety of ailments including:

• Asthma
• Cramps
• Stress
• Congestion

Similarly, saffron was often included in various preparations used for pain relief [R].

In modern medicine, saffron has gained popularity for its wide range of therapeutic applications, including but not limited to [R, R]:

• Boosting low mood
• Anxiety relief
• Treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Insulin resistance
• Diabetes
• Neurodegenerative disorders
• Learning disabilities

However, only a few high-quality, large-scale clinical trials of saffron have been carried out. Most of its modern uses still lack proper evidence.

The chemical signature of saffron is complex: scientists have discovered over 150 compounds in this spice. The most significant to its potential benefits, taste, and smell are crocin, picrocrocin,

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Cod Liver Oil Side Effects & Precautions

A high intake of cod liver oil has been associated with some health risks. Because the link was often found in cohort studies, this doesn’t necessarily mean that cod liver oil caused these conditions.

However, caution is advised, particularly in sensitive populations (children, pregnant women, the elderly, and critically-ill).

Additionally, cod liver oil supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use. Supplements generally lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.

1) Vitamin A and D Ratio Imbalance

Some researchers oppose the use of cod liver oil due to a risk of vitamin A overdose with vitamin D deficiency. While this ratio imbalance may explain the discrepancy between data on cod liver oil’s effect on bone mineral density, the vitamin A content in cod liver oil was recently reduced by 75% in Norway [R].

2) Thyroid Cancer Concerns

A study of 60,000 Norwegians associated the consumption of fish and cod liver oil with an increased incidence of thyroid cancer. Since thyroid follicle cells are sensitive to vitamin D, the improper ratio of vitamin A to D is a possible factor [R, R].

3) High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

A study of 549 pregnant women associated slightly higher intakes of the omega-3 fatty acids found in cod liver oil (more than 0.87 g/day or 1 tsp/5 mL of cod liver oil) in the early stages of pregnancy with an increased incidence of high blood pressure. The dosage associated with the lowest risk was 0.10 – 0.87 g/day (or 0.6-5.0 mL of cod liver oil) [R].

4) Bone Weakness

A study of over 3,000 women in Norway associated cod liver oil intake during childhood with lower bone mineral density. The authors speculated that a decrease in vitamin A levels in cod liver oil may prevent this effect, as high vitamin A level increases the risk of bone fractures [R, R, R, R].

However, multiple studies came to opposite findings. This might be due to a recent reduction in vitamin A levels in cod liver oil, which may help restore the balance between vitamin A and vitamin D [R, R

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What is Black Seed Oil?

Nigella sativa, commonly known as black seed, black caraway, and kalonji is a flowering plant native to South Asia. Its fruit is large and contains numerous small black seeds [R].

Black seed is also sometimes called black cumin (or black cumin seed), although this can be misleading. Cumin or Cuminum cyminum is a spice with few overlapping benefits that belongs to an entirely different plant family than black seed. 

In this article, any mention of black seed or black cumin refers specifically to Nigella sativa.

Nigella sativa raw seeds, seed oil, or seed extract have been traditionally used alone or in combination with other ingredients for various health conditions, such as eczema, cough, headache, diabetes, asthma, infections, and high blood pressure [R].

Few of the claims that come from its traditional reputation in various cultures have been researched, while most others lack scientific evidence and rely on findings from studies in cells or animals [R].

Specifically, some evidence suggests that black seed oil may be beneficial in people with diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, male infertility, and breast pain. Other purported benefits of black seed oil haven’t been sufficiently studied.

Additionally, black seed supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use. In general, dietary supplements lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for supplements but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.

What Does Black Seed Oil Do?

Traditional Uses

Black seeds have been used in Middle Eastern, Asian, and European folk medicine as a natural remedy for a wide range of diseases for over 2000 years [R].

In Islamic cultures, its use has a strong religious background. Islamic literature claims that regular use of black seed is “a cure for every disease (except death),” which earned this spice the Arabic approbation “The Blessed Seed.” Black seed is also considered an important remedy in Ayurveda [R].

Black seed has a specific bitter taste and smell and is often added to confectionery and liquors. The oil can be used to add flavor to various dishes, but people also traditionally apply it on the skin as an alleged painkiller and antiseptic.

Despite its cultural significance, the traditional uses

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Disclaimer: This post is about the progesterone blood test and is solely informational. Please discuss your labs and medications with your doctor.

Progesterone Blood Test & Normal Levels

Post Breakdown

This post will cover:

• The progesterone test and how to interpret results
• Complementary approaches that may help balance progesterone levels

Progesterone Test

This test measures the amount of progesterone in the blood and is most commonly used to help monitor a woman’s health during pregnancy, diagnose pregnancy complications, determine the cause of infertility, or determine the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding [R].

If you are a woman, you need to know at what point you are of your menstrual cycle (period) or pregnancy to accurately interpret your results. Progesterone levels normal rise and fall over the course of your cycle. If they are not following this pattern, then you may not be ovulating or have regular periods, which may cause infertility [R, R].

During pregnancy, progesterone levels also normally rise. If they do not, you may have an abnormal or unsuccessful pregnancy, or there may be problems with the fetus [R, R].

In men, progesterone is produced at a much lower level than in women. Most men do not normally get their progesterone levels tested unless they are suspected to have an adrenal disease, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). CAH is a group of disorders that limit hormone production in the adrenal glands [R].

Normal Levels

Lab results are commonly shown as a set of values known as a “reference range”, which is sometimes referred to as a “normal range”. A reference range includes the upper and lower limits of a lab test based on a group of otherwise healthy people.

Your healthcare provider will compare your lab test results with reference values to see if any of your results fall outside the range of expected values. By doing so, you and your healthcare provider can gain clues to help identify possible conditions or diseases.

Depending on the menstrual cycle phase:

• First half: 0.02 – 1 ng/mL
• Ovulation-2nd half: 2 – 30 ng/mL

Progesterone levels during pregnancy can widely range. The following are not strict ranges, the normal range will vary between

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Disclaimer: This post focuses on the science behind natural progesterone production in the body and is solely informational. Please discuss your medications with your doctor.

What is Progesterone?

Post Breakdown

This post will cover:

• What progesterone is
• Why natural progesterone production is important
• How progesterone production works throughout the lifetime

Definition

Progesterone is a sex hormone mainly produced by the ovaries, and less so by the placenta and adrenal glands. Also known as the “pregnancy hormone,“ it prepares women for pregnancy and is essential to maintain it. In fact, that’s how progesterone got its name, which translates to “for pregnancy” from Latin (pro gestatio) [R+].

Progesterone is thought to be a female sex hormone. Aside from sustaining fertility and enabling a healthy pregnancy, it also prepares milk-producing glands for breastfeeding. In non-pregnant women, progesterone balances the menstrual cycle [R+, R+].

But men also produce this hormone, although in smaller quantities and without cyclical variations. Women face changing progesterone levels every month with each phase of the menstrual cycle [R+].

Function

Progesterone is not just a sex hormone. It’s one of the curious signals the body uses to achieve wide-ranging effects beyond reproduction. Scientists think that naturally-released progesterone protects brain cells from injury, increases their myelin insulation, and aids the activity of neurotransmitters [R+].

In the fetus, progesterone seems to reduce oxidative stress and immune overactivity. Some studies suggest that progesterone helps create new brain cells and some of the first neuronal connections and branches in the developing fetal brain [R+].

For these reasons, progesterone can rather be considered a “neurosteroid” and is being investigated for reducing brain damage after stroke and traumatic injuries (TBIs). Clinical studies have yet to investigate these uses [R+].

Progesterone Production in the Body

The Starting Point 

Cholesterol is the starting point for making all steroid hormones, including progesterone.

Cholesterol carried through the blood as LDL cholesterol is released in its free form into tissues, such as the ovaries. At this point, an important hormone-balancing cascade takes place:

• Cholesterol is converted to

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Disclaimer: LDN is not FDA-approved for pain or any other indication. It is still a highly experimental approach. The aim of this post is to outline scientific research for informational purposes only. If you are interested in LDN, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about its possible effectiveness, side effects, and risks.

What is Naltrexone?

The Story of Opioids

Before the concept of low-dose naltrexone was born, high doses of this drug were used in conventional medicine for completely different purposes.

Naltrexone is a drug that blocks the activity of opioids in the brain. Your body normally produces endorphins and enkephalins, natural opioids that contribute to feel-good sensations. In fact, these chemicals are the body’s most powerful reward and pleasure system [R, R].

Opioid drugs can provide relief from chronic, intense pain. But they don’t come without risks: high doses can slow or even stop breathing and exaggerate feelings of calm, euphoria, and pleasure when abused.

Opioid drugs include both prescription painkillers like Vicodin and Percocet, as well as drugs of abuse like fentanyl.

Although we are currently seeing the disastrous effects of the opioid epidemic – from doctors over-prescribing opioid painkillers to extremely potent opioids like fentanyl reaching the streets – the concept of reversing opioid activity dates back to a time before this crisis began [R, R, R].

The opioid blocker naltrexone was synthesized in the 60s and approved in the 80s for treating opioid addiction [R].

Doctors gave naltrexone to opioid addicts in recovery to prevent relapse. The rationale was to completely shut off the ‘high’ of abused narcotics. By blocking all receptors in advance, naltrexone renders narcotics powerless.

The dosage needed to achieve opioid blockage is high, ranging from 50 – 100 mg/day [R, R].

Note: Naltrexone shouldn’t be confused with naloxone (Narcan), although both drugs are opioid blockers. You may have heard about naloxone kits (spray or injection) that can save lives in opioid overdose. Naloxone is a better choice for reversing overdose because it starts to act faster and lasts for a shorter time, as is desirable in emergency situations. Naltrexone, on the other hand, takes a couple of hours just to kick in [R, R].

The Discovery of LDN

Around the same time when naloxone was being used for opioid

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What is Milk Thistle (Silymarin)?

Overview

Milk thistle is a relative of dandelion and regular artichoke. Sometimes it’s called “wild artichoke.” This herb is native to Southern Europe, Russia, Asia, and Africa and is now also cultivated throughout the world [R, R, R].

The seed-like fruits of the plant are used medicinally. Traditionally, though, the leaves were used in salads and the fruit of the flower roasted as a coffee substitute [R, R, R].

Silymarin is a mix of active components that are highly concentrated in a standardized extract of milk thistle seeds [R].

How much do we know?

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a medicinal plant that belongs to a large family of flowering plants (Asteraceae).

It has been used traditionally for thousands of years as a “liver elixir” for a variety of diseases to do with liver dysfunction or gallbladder problems. Despite its long-standing use, clinical evidence about its effectiveness for these uses is lacking [R].

It has also been researched for its effects on protecting the liver against snake poison, insect stings, mushroom poisoning, and alcohol abuse. Nonetheless, these uses also lack solid clinical data [R, R, R].

In line with this, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCIH) concluded that little is known about whether milk thistle is effective in people, as only a few well-designed clinical studies have been conducted [R].

Traditional Uses

In the US, milk thistle is among the most popular herbal supplements. It’s also commonly used in other parts of the world, especially in Germany – the largest producer of milk thistle (Madaus). The German Scientific Board recommends its use for indigestion, toxin-induced liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver inflammation [R, R, R].

Milk thistle is a good example of traditional plant uses being put to scientific scrutiny. Although over 70 low-quality human studies in total have been published, few high-quality clinical trials have investigated the health benefits of milk thistle.

Despite insufficient evidence from clinical trials, milk thistle extracts and its main active component (silybin) have been regarded as remedies for liver diseases in Europe solely

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What is Tribulus Terrestris?

Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris) is a plant that grows in the Mediterranean and in subtropical and desert regions around the world, including India, Vietnam, China, Spain, Mexico, and Bulgaria. This common weed is particularly well-adapted to warm, dry regions. It got its nicknames “puncture vine” and “devil’s thorn” from the spikes that cover its fruits [R, R].

Although there are over 25 species of tribulus plants, most of the research focused on Tribulus terrestris [R, R].

For more about the active components and mechanism of action of tribulus, plus the side effects and potential risks of supplementation, check out this post.

Purported Benefits of Tribulus Terrestris

The benefits in this section will all refer to the most well-studied species, Tribulus Terrestris, as tribulus.

Possibly Effective For

1) Libido and Sexual Function

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or sexual dysfunction is a condition that reduces a person’s interest in sex. People who suffer from it have a lack of sexual fantasies and desire that causes distress and relationship issues. It affects up to 30% of women and 15% of men [R].

Many factors can affect HSDD, and some doctors will consider supplements alongside lifestyle and psychological interventions. Some evidence suggests that tribulus is a potential supplement option for both sexes. More evidence supports its use in women with reduced sexual desire or other types of sexual dysfunction [R].

In two trials of 76 women with reduced sexual desire, taking 750 mg/day tribulus for up to 4 months improved libido, orgasm, and satisfaction from sex. Another trial of 30 women found similar results using lower doses of a tribulus extract (7.5 mg/day) for 4 weeks [R, R, R].

In two studies of 90 women with sexual dysfunction, taking 750 mg/day tribulus improved sexual function and libido. This suggests tribulus might be effective in both premenopausal and menopausal women [R, R].

Interestingly, tribulus may also increase sexual function in men – mainly by increasing desire and helping men overcome erectile dysfunction (ED).

In a 12-week trial of 172 men with ED and reduced sexual desire, taking a higher dose of tribulus (1,500 mg/day) improved satisfaction from sex, orgasm, and libido. Two other

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What is GABA?

Function

GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which means that it functions as the mind’s brakes. It slows down and stops the firing of brain cells and brings the mind to a state of relaxation and calmness [R].

GABA counters the main excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate. The brain has a smart way to balance activation and relaxation, noise and silence, yin and yang. It does so through glutamate and GABA [R].

We can think of GABA and glutamate in the brain as if on a scale:

As always, balance is key. On the extreme side, studies suggest too much glutamate can cause seizures and mania. But an overly stimulated GABA system, such as from high doses of drugs like Valium, can cause extreme sedation and even coma. In fact, some general anesthetics are hypothesized to bring about a state of deep unconsciousness by enhancing GABA [R, R, R].

One theory suggests that when GABA and glutamate are in harmony, the brain can function optimally [R, R, R, R].

However, many factors can throw this balance off. In our modern, urban world and fast lifestyles, GABA might often take the toll.

Some studies suggest that when the mind is constantly activated, under stress, or anxious, glutamate increases, GABA levels drop, and so does stress resilience. Have in mind that these are complex scientific theories, and GABA is just one part of the equation [R, R, R, R].

Researchers believe that GABA reduces the rate at which neurons fire, which is important for normal, healthy, daily functioning. But it may be especially relevant when neurons in certain parts of the brain become too excited, which has been linked with anxiety, headaches, muscle tension, chronic pain, and Parkinson’s disease symptoms [R, R].

It’s questionable how GABA acts on cognition since it seems to be relaxing, not stimulating. On the other hand, we know that people cannot focus when stressed and anxious. Poor cognition is one of the main symptoms of mental health disorders like schizophrenia and anxiety [R, R].

Other scientists believe GABA might be a

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What is Horsetail?

Overview

Horsetail (Equisetum) got its name due to its resemblance to the tail of a horse.

Out of 15 horsetail species, common horsetail (Equisetum Arvense) is best known for its health benefits. It is native to North America, Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Other horsetail species are recently gaining popularity around the world. Giant horsetail (Equisetum giganteum) is found only in Latin America [R].

However, there is insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of horsetail for most uses. Proper clinical studies are needed to determine the purported health benefits of horsetail. With this in mind, we’ll discuss the studies that have been published so far and point out the directions future research may take.

Additionally, horsetail supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use. In general, dietary supplements lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for supplements but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.

Traditional Use

The aerial parts of the plant are used for their health benefits. Ancient Romans used horsetail as food, medicine, and animal feed. In fact, people eat horsetail as a salad in some parts of Europe [R, R].

Horsetail was historically prepared as a juice, tea, or tincture for treating many diseases. It’s best known in folk medicine for treating swelling, weight loss, diabetes, bladder disease, kidney disease, arthritis, tuberculosis, and other infections [R].

Horsetail is being studied for bone, oral, hair, and nail health. This is because horsetail is actually the most abundant source of silica in the plant world [R, R, R, R, R, R].

Horsetail ointment can be applied to heal wounds, stop bleeding, prevent infection, and reduce pain [R].

Components of Horsetail

Horsetail is rich in beneficial compounds that fight inflammation and infections. It also contains vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

The exact chemical composition varies depending on the following [R, R, R]:

• Species
• Geographical origin
• Extraction process
• Season
• Processing method and storage

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What is Resveratrol?

The French Paradox

Resveratrol is a small polyphenol that came to scientific attention during the 1990s. Since then, it has been hyped by supplement manufacturers and news outlets alike.

This compound has been nicknamed “the French Paradox in a bottle” since resveratrol is found in red wine that the French like to consume it in not-so-moderate quantities alongside a diet high in saturated fats. Yet, the French have very low rates of heart disease [R].

While the resveratrol in red wine is unlikely to fully account for the paradox, some scientists say it may be a contributing factor [R].

Resveratrol is high in grape skin, as grapes produce resveratrol in defense against toxins and parasites. It is also found in various berries, peanuts, soy, and “Itadori tea” made from Japanese Knotweed [R].

Limited studies have explored its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and phytoestrogen activity. Resveratrol does hold some potential for improving chronic diseases. Researchers are also exploring its ability to mimic the effects of caloric restriction in animals, which might affect lifespan [R, R].

Clinical studies suggest that resveratrol is likely safe. However, no long-term studies have been done with humans [R].

Resveratrol also has one major flaw: poor bioavailability. Resveratrol is absorbed into the blood from the gut a bit better than other polyphenols (such as quercetin). But it gets broken down fast, leaving little free resveratrol in the bloodstream. Scientists say that this is one reason why a lot of the findings from animals and cells might not apply to humans [R].

Additionally, resveratrol supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use. Supplements generally lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.

Supplementing with Resveratrol

Dosage

Most supplements contain 50 – 500 mg of Resveratrol. Some contain higher doses, usually up to 1,200 mg.

Clinical data are still limited. The available clinical studies used typical resveratrol doses:

• The dose of pure resveratrol taken orally varied between 150 – 500 mg/day. For researching weight loss and mimicking the longevity-promoting effects of intermittent fasting, scientists used resveratrol at 150 mg/day for at least 30 days. Higher

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What is Serotonin?

Serotonin is an important signaling molecule throughout the brain and body. It is commonly known as the “happiness neurotransmitter” or the “happiness hormone,” due to its prominent role in regulating mood.

Serotonin plays an important role in the brain, where its main job is to transmit messages between nerve cells. According to some scientific theories, serotonin is involved in all aspects of human behavior [R, R].

24 Strategies For Increasing Serotonin Levels

When To See A Doctor

If your goal is to increase serotonin to improve your mood-related issues — including those of depression or anxiety — it’s vitally important to talk to your doctor, especially your mood is significantly impacting your daily life.

Major mood changes, such as excessive sadness, persistent low mood, euphoria, or anxiety, are all reasons to see a doctor.

Your doctor should diagnose and treat the condition causing your symptoms.

Remember that the existing evidence does not suggest that low brain serotonin directly causes mood disorders. Neither is serotonin necessarily the “only” or “main” causative factor. Complex disorders like depression involve multiple possible factors — including brain chemistry, environment, health status, and genetics — that can each vary significantly from one person to another.

Additionally, changes in brain chemistry are not something that people can change on their own with the approaches listed below. Instead, the factors listed here are meant to reduce daily stress and support overall mental health and well-being. In other words, the information in this post should never be used to replace conventional medical treatment—they are “complementary strategies” only.

Therefore, you may try the additional strategies listed below if you and your doctor determine that they could be appropriate. Read through the approaches listed here and discuss them with your doctor before trying them out. None of these strategies should ever be done in place of what your doctor recommends or prescribes.

Main Supplements

Make sure to speak with your doctor before taking any supplements. Also be sure to let them know about any other prescriptions or over-the-counter medications you may be taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements, in order to minimize the risk of experiencing adverse interactions.

This is particularly important if you are already taking medications (such as antidepressants) or

The post 24 Supplements That May Naturally Increase Serotonin appeared first on SelfHacked.

What is Serotonin?

Definition & Overview

Serotonin is an important signaling molecule throughout the brain and body. It is commonly known as the “happiness neurotransmitter” or the “happiness hormone” due to its prominent role in regulating mood.

Serotonin plays an important rol,e in the brain, where its main job is to transmit messages between nerve cells. According to some scientific theories, serotonin is involved in all aspects of human behavior [R, R].

However, brain serotonin makes up less than 2% of the total serotonin found in our bodies. Most serotonin (over 90%) is actually made, stored, and released by the gut. In addition, about 5-8% of serotonin is stored in platelets circulating in the blood [R, R, R].

As such, the roles of serotonin in the body are many and diverse. Research suggests that serotonin influences [R, R, R, R, R]:

• Mood and emotions
• Movement (motor function)
• The sleep-wake cycle
• Body temperature (thermogenesis)
• Appetite
• Bowel movements
• Various gut functions
• Blood clotting (platelet aggregation)
• Constriction and relaxation of blood vessels (vasoconstriction and vasodilation)
• Immune responses
• Bone development
• Heart function
• Reproductive function & sexual behavior
• Pain perception

What Does Serotonin Do?

Originally discovered in the 1940s, serotonin — also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine, or “5-HT” for short — is currently believed to play many pivotal roles in mood, behavior, gut, and overall optimal body function (homeostasis). So-called “imbalances” or other abnormalities in serotonin function have been linked with symptoms that may interfere with mental and physical health, and which can significantly impair quality of life [R, R, R].

According to some hypotheses and limited research, increasing serotonin levels may help with anxiety, depression, migraines, and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. However, more large-scale studies are needed [R, R, R].

Production and Removal

The majority of serotonin is made, stored, and released by cells in the gut lining (enterochromaffin cells). These cells make serotonin from the amino acid L-tryptophan

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What is NAC?

The body uses N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) to make its own antioxidants. Medically, NAC is used to treat acetaminophen toxicity; it is almost 100% effective, as long as it’s given within the first eight hours after overdose [R, R].

For all other purposes, NAC is an unapproved supplement. Preliminary evidence may look promising (and in some cases, very promising!), but future studies may find that NAC is actually ineffective for some of these purposes.

It’s important to talk to your doctor before adding NAC to your health strategies, as it may have unexpected interactions.

Potential Mental Health Applications of NAC

NAC supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use. Supplements generally lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them, but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective.

None of the information in this post should ever be used to replace conventional medical care. Always speak with your doctor before trying any new supplements or other health strategies.

Possibly Effective For…

1) Depression

Some very early research has suggested that NAC may help people with depression by [R, R]:

• Balancing brain glutamate levels
• Reducing inflammation
• Boosting the growth of new brain cells

According to one review of data from multiple individual studies (including data from 574 depression patients and healthy participants), NAC has been reported to potentially improve symptoms of depression and overall daily functioning within 3-6 months of use [R].

Additionally, it has been reported to improve mood in depression patients after 3-4 months [R, R].

NAC may also balance mood by reducing oxidative stress in the brain. For example, one study of 76 depressed patients has reported that those who took NAC had higher brain antioxidant levels [R].

Insufficient Evidence For…

The following purported benefits are only supported by limited, small-scale clinical studies. In other words, there is currently insufficient evidence to conclusively support the use of NAC for any of the uses or applications listed below — and much more research will be needed before any of these potential applications can be confirmed and officially approved for medical use.

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