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Herbs that support "the happy chemical", microbiome health

Oct

4

Scientists have found that differences in a person’s gut can be a clue to our specific health propensities, to cancers, but also something as immediate as our daily mood, behaviors, even happiness. For example, 90% of the well-known serotonin neurotransmitter is made in the body’s digestive tract, according to a 2015 report by CalTech (“Microbes Help Produce Serotonin in Gut”, April 09, 2015). Serotonin is the chemical often referred to as the “happy chemical” and the balance of serotonin in our body influences our mood. A deficiency of serotonin can lead to depression.

Before getting into the research, what herbs support "healthy happy chemicals"? Herbs that help boost serotonin levels include oatstraw, which is loaded with B vitamins, and the roots of angelica, burdock, dandelion, ginseng, wild yam and black cohosh. There are lots of natural supplements containing these herbs and foods that you can buy online. You can also find supplements that contain L-tryptophan that supports serotonin synthesis, and vitamin B3 (magnesium glycenate) which helps metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Basil contains serotonin boosting eugenol and rosmarinic acid.

As mentioned, there is growing evidence that the microbiome in our gut contribute not only to various body and brain diseases, but also to our mood and behavior relevant to many psychiatric and neurological disorders (Microbiome Journal, August 25, 2017). In particular, it has been repeatedly demonstrated that manipulation of the gut microbiome modulates anxiety-like behaviours, and our response to fear. The neural circuits that underlie anxiety- and fear-related behaviours are complex and heavily depend on functional communication between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Research at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) found a link between our stomach and a region of our brain that regulates mood and behavior, according IFLScience.com’s Robin Andrews (Source: “Our Gut Microbes Strongly Influence Our Emotional Behaviors,” IFL Science, July 4, 2017). The UCLA study was the first to link this connection within humans, based on the study of 40 healthy woman showing “brain-gut-microbial interactions in healthy humans”, according to the American Psychosomatic Society, affecting their mood and behaviors. Likewise, the Microbiome Journal reports that “transcriptional networks within the amygdala and PFC of Germ-Free mice are altered. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act through translational repression to control gene translation and have been implicated in anxiety-like behaviours.” (See Microbiome Journal, August 25, 2017).

These results suggest that the microbiome is necessary for appropriate regulation of miRNA expression in brain regions implicated in anxiety-like behaviours.

"Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter and hormone that is involved in a variety of biological processes. The finding that gut microbes modulate serotonin levels raises the interesting prospect of using them to drive changes in biology," says Hsiao in the Caltech Journal. Hsao is quoted here from the CalTech journal Cell, April 09, 2015 issue.

#ai #artificialintelligence #bacteria #datascience #diet #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #herbalmedicine #herbs #machinelearning #mindbody #neurotransmitters #plantnutrition #sertonin #spices #thehappychemical

A “Tsunami” of Ai is Coming to Health Care

Oct

1

1. Describe - handcrafted, rule based, symbolic knowledge.
2. Categorize - deep neural network, statistical learning.
3. Explain - contextual adaption, perceived learning and reasoning.

Serial entrepreneur and Viome CEO Naveen Jain believes there is a big wave of Ai coming to the health sector. “There is a tsunami that's coming," he told CNBC in a TV interview from the Slush technology conference in Helsinki, Finland (December 01, 2017). Jain partly attributes this tsunami to the huge demand for sensors that are driving down the prices, making Ai technology more available to the masses. "The sensors are becoming so cheap. For the first time in our lifetime, we can look deep inside our body (using sensors) to know exactly what is going on," he told CNBC. Jain believes food could become the "next drug," eliminating the need for traditional medicine.

On October 01, 2019, his company Viome was given a highly coveted endorsement in the form of research published about "A Robust Metatranscriptomic Technology for Population-Scale Studies of Diet, Gut Microbiome, and Human Health" in the International Journal of Genomics (Volume 2019, Article ID 171874 about Viome Inc., Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA). The report states that "Humans have co-evolved with the microbiome and have become dependent on its biochemical output, such as certain vitamins and short-chain fatty acids". (see full report, https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/1718741 ).

16S rRNA VS. METATRANSCRIPTOMIC SEQUENCING:

The report explains in detail the chasm of difference between the 16S r RNA and metatranscriptomic sequencing.

16S rRNA gene sequencing tracks a small portion of the prokaryotic 16S ribosomal RNA gen, but does not measure the biochemical functions of the microorganisms or distinguish living from dead organisms. It also excludes some bacteria, most archaea, and all eukaryotic organisms and viruses, resulting in a limited view of the gut microbiome ecosystem, according to the October 1 report.

Metatranscriptomic analysis (metatranscriptomics, RNA sequencing, and RNAseq) offers insights into what the gut microbiome are actually doing and why and how they are doing it. Viomega can make classifications based on a database of 110,000 microbial genomes, and quantitative microbial gene expression analysis using a database of 100 million microbial genes. "The biochemical activities of the gut microbiome by quantifying expression levels of active microbial genes, allowing for the assessment of pathway activities, while also providing strain-level taxonomic resolution for all metabolically active organisms and viruses," says the report. Viome's Viomega now makes this process affordable as well for the first time.

Naveen Jain founded Viome in 2016, a leading personalized microbiome gut sequencing technology company that uses deep machine learning and data science to offer optimal health care solutions for its customers. One of Jain’s “Moonshot” goals is to “truly make illness optional.” To do so, we must “think like the future has already arrived.”

Health care is one of those key global challenges facing this generation. The wholistic approach to wellness that has prevailed for centuries in Asia is being explored in a much broader scale with advanced Ai (artificial intelligence), data science, and other technology by the scientific communities in the U.S. and elsewhere that were not available to previous generations.

What Jain and his team at Viome are using Ai to discover a deeper and more detailed understanding of the mind and body. "Ai is going to play the biggest role because there is so much more data that no humans can ever process," he said.

#ai #artificialintelligence #bacteria #datascience #gutmicrobiome #healthinnovation #healthtech #machinelearning #mindbody

Ayurveda's "person-centric", non-standardized approach to health

Sep

30

Ayurvedic health is a 3,000 hear old holistic approach to an individual's personal health from India based on the three

Doshas: Vata (air, ether), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (water, earth).

How is Ayurvedic health different from the other approaches to health care? The modern scientific approach has been focused on standardization and applying solutions that work for the majority of people, such as if you get sick, you take this particular medicine and you will be healed of the ailment.

Ayurveda on the other hand, is person-centered vs. pathology-centered. It takes the approach that respects and considers the uniqueness of each individual in applying health care solutions. Ayurveda works with all levels of the person, the physical, mental, and spiritual, and both internal (microcosm) and external factors (macrocosm).

It believes each individual must take responsibility for their own health with a preventive, natural approach to addressing our symptoms and health issues.

#ai #artificialintelligence #ayurveda #bacteria #datascience #diet #doshas #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #herbalmedicine #herbs #machinelearning #mindbody #plantnutrition #spices

"Miracle bugs" - Microbial Influences on MS

Sep

19

Research suggests that microbiomes influence brain health in a variety of ways.

Innovative entrepreneurs and researchers are able to isolate, using Ai, specific strains of bacteria that directly affect the neuro-degeneration of MS (multiple sclerosis) patients, as one of many examples.

Miracle “bugs”

Getting down to specifics, one study identified a connection between bacterial strains Akkermansia muciniphila and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, and multiple sclerosis. A study conducted by the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) found a connection between gut microbiomes and neuron-degeneration characterized by MS (September 11, 2017 Online Edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). In the study, postdoctoral UCSF researcher Egle Cekanaviciute, PhD, and collaborators found specific species of bacteria in the gut among 71 MS patients they analyzed that were not present in 71 healthy control subjects. The study found that Akkermansia muciniphila and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus—triggered human immune cells to become pro-inflammatory, while another found at lower than usual levels in MS patients — Parabacteroides distasonis—triggered immune-regulatory responses. Sergio Baranzini, PhD, a professor of neurology at UCSF explains in the article that “twins only share an MS diagnosis about 35 percent of the time.” Baranzini and Cekanaviciute’s studies took the research a step further, to identify the effects of specific microbiomes – the increased presence of ones that cause harmful effects versus the decreased presence of ones that are helpful – how they actually impact human health.

This demonstrates concrete evidence associating the role of microbiomes and MS. Baranzini and Cekanaviciute’s research took the research a step to the next level. It identified the effects of specific microbiomes - the increased presence of ones that cause harmful effects versus the decreased presence of ones that are helpful - how they actually impact human health. With this knowledge, scientists have the tools now to potentially cure degenerative diseases like MS for the first time!

The brain – microbial body connections seem endless, as the engine of microbial research redefines the health care industry.

#ai #artificialintelligence #bacteria #datascience #gutmicrobiome #healthinnovation #healthtech #machinelearning #mindbody

Chinese herbal impacts on gut health

Sep

17

Radix Scutellariae also known as baical skullcap seed/ root is the root of Scutellaria baicalensis, the source of the 2,000 year old Chinese medicine Huang Qin.

In addition to animal studies, several studies of natural products have been performed on human gut microbiota. Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, reshaped the gut microbiota in a clinical study by China Pharmaceutical University (see reference below) in which 187 T2D (type 2 diabetes) patients participated. The data showed that the symptoms of T2D, such as fasting blood glucose levels and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, were ameliorated in GQD-treated patients, with increased amounts of beneficial bacteria, including Faecalibacterium, Gemmiger, Bifidobacterium, and Escherichia. Radix Scutellariae (baical skullcap seed/ root) in GQT is the main herbal component that facilitated the potent inhibition of MMP-2. MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2) contributes to cancer cells migration and the progression of breast cancer, among others. GQT is also widely used to treat diarrhea and inflammation symptoms in various gastrointestinal disorders. (see https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332218369075).

Another clinical study involving ten obese Korean women was conducted to investigate the antiobesity activity of the water extract of Ephedra sinica Stapf. This study revealed that, in seven of the ten obese women, BW and body mass index (BMI) were decreased after administration of this herb. (source: State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China. Contact Qinglong Guo; qinglongguo@hotmail.com and Na Lu; nalu@cpu.edu.cn). ).

#ai #artificialintelligence #bacteria #datascience #diet #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #herbalmedicine #herbs #machinelearning #mindbody #plantnutrition #spices

100x+ more Microbial DNA in our bodies than human DNA!

Sep

12

Yes, it is true. Our bodies have more microbiome DNA than human DNA. There are roughly 20,000 of our own human DNA in our body. There are an estimated two to twenty million microbiome DNA in our body.

DNA of these gut microbiomes are sophisticated and adaptable. They are able to take in pieces of DNA, then incorporate them into their genomes. These tiny microbes are a flexible learning machine that seeks out resources in its environment they ingest for useful purposes. The microbes undergo a trial and error process to solve all the problems, trying new proteins until it finds one that addresses its needs.

A “keystone species” microbe that resides in the human gut is the ruminococcus bromii. It is a dominant member of the suite of human gut microbiome that triggers energy and it digests resistant starches by breaking down and releasing enzymes from these starches. The ruminococcus bromii primarily reside in the colon. The function of it as a keystone species enables the proper functioning of other downline microbial activity, much in the same way that the presence of wolves in Yellowstone Park is a keystone species to maintain a balance in the park’s ecosystem.

#ai #artificialintelligence #bacteria #datascience #gutmicrobiome #healthinnovation #healthtech #machinelearning #mindbody

What about ginseng root and gut health?

Sep

10

We know that ginseng is healthy for the body. But how does ginseng promote health? and is it beneficial for the long term? The short answer is yes, it is generally beneficial to our microbiome health for the long term.

A report in the July 2018 Journal of Ginseng Research (Volume 42, Issue 3; see https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgr.2017.04.011) and a separate June 2018 study by Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine (Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R.C.; see article, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29896600), investigated the effect of Ginseng extracts on the structure of gut microbiota.

This report found positive affects of the "host-gut metabolism, immune system, the anti-inflammation process and the gut intestinal microbiota structure" when consuming ginseng extract over the long term. The research was based on the application of a 16S rRNA microbial sequencing technology. For example, the increased abundance in tested host groups of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, interleukin 4 (IL4), and IL10 and immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels demonstrated that Ginseng extracts contribute to enhancements of probiotics. Results may vary from person to person.

A 2015 Journal of Ethnopharmacology reported that out of the 7 Chinese traditional herbs, red ginseng is the most effective in promoting the growth of probiotics including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

In a 2019 study by the Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, the antiobesity effect of ginseng varied when the composition of gut microbiota was altered. The abundance of Subdoligranulum, Oscillibacter, and Akkermansia in the gut associated with changes in BW and BMI, whereas Lactobacillus was linked to body fat percentage

#ai #artificialintelligence #bacteria #datascience #diet #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #herbalmedicine #herbs #machinelearning #mindbody #plantnutrition #spices

Modern Medicine Aligns with Asian Traditions

Sep

4

Ginger and Turmeric are among the key herbs for a healthy Ayurvedic based diet.

It is striking how the holistic health traditions of Asia seem to parallel modern innovative Ai driven health care pursuits. This includes data driven, microbial gut research, food- based solutions, and preventive holistic health care to support a healthy mind and body.

Perhaps modern medicine is circling back coincidentally with traditional Asian health care traditions, such as India’s Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic medicine is an over 3,000 years old Indian holistic healing approach that depends on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit, to paraphrase WebMD.
Ayurveda proponents believe that your chances of getting sick -- and the health issues you develop -- are linked to the balance of your three doshas, each of which controls different body functions. The three doshas are Vata dosha (space and air); Pitta dosha (fire and water); and Kapha dosha (water and earth).

Ayurveda not only endorses the belief that the mind and body are intimately interconnected, it goes beyond mind and body to suggest we have interconnections with our environment and spirituality. According to Ayurveda, disease develops when we disconnect from nature and the five elements in nature and within our minds and bodies - earth, water, fire, air, and space.

Japan's Shinrinyoku

Likewise, Japanese health care evolving from the Shinto and Buddhist traditions seek to integrate our connection to nature with our physical and spiritual health, and recommend regular “Shinrinyoku”, or “bathing in the forest”. Ayurveda seeks to integrate the mind, body and spirit to promote health and wellness, as stated by the National Institute of Health. The Ayurvedic approach considers each individual’s unique needs for food and application, even lifestyle.

It parallels modern science- based approaches that include healthy living. It supports the belief that the fundamentals of even meditation are factors influencing our overall health, such as slowing down, being present, mindful, and conscious in our breathing. In these holistic traditions, the fundamentals of Hinduism and Buddhism are a worthy consideration, not necessarily to replace western traditions but to complement them.

#Ayurvedicmedicine #Japanesehealth #ai #artificialintelligence #bacteria #datascience #dosha #gutmicrobiome #healthinnovation #healthtech #machinelearning #mindbody

Brain Health Benefits of Sage

Sep

1

Sage possesses a number of properties that support brain health. Camphor, carnosic acid, carnosol, and phenolic acids are among the known anti-oxidant and healthy components of sage.

▪ Camphor is an oily substance known to stimulate nerve endings. It gives sage its pungent smell.

▪ Carnosic acid and carnosol trigger a molecule known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) that helps regulate blood sugar, lipids, and inflammation.

▪ Phenolic acids are believe to protect cells from the oxidative damage caused by free radicals in the brain.

See "Health Benefits of Sage", https://www.verywellfit.com/add-flavor-and-lower-cholesterol-with-sage-4069887.

#Ayurvedicmedicine #Japanesehealth #ai #artificialintelligence #bacteria #datascience #diet #dosha #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #herbalmedicine #herbs #machinelearning #mindbody #plantnutrition #spices

Turmeric - The Power Herb

Aug

31

Curcumin a powerful anti-inflamatory herb/ spice, is a key compound found in turmeric root. Scientists now believe that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic, Western disease. This includes diseases of the heart and brain, such as Alzheimer's.

Neurons are capable of forming new connections, but in certain areas of the brain they can also multiply and increase in number.

One of the main drivers of the process where neurons form new connections and actually multiply in numbers, is the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) hormone. Curcumin is able to boost brain levels of BDNF. BDNF is a type of growth hormone that can also delay the progression of Alzheimer's and is believed to improve memory.

Turmeric is a particularly strong "anti-oxidant" that protects your body from free radicals, which are damaging to our body.

Curcumin blocks NF-kB, a molecule that travels into the nuclei of your cells and turns on genes related to inflammation. NF-kB is believed to play a major role in many chronic diseases, according to Healthline; see https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric#section2.

Curcumin may help prevent heart disease. It improves the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of your blood vessels. Endothelium dysfunction is a major driver of heart disease. It also reduces inflammation and oxidation. Now that's a power herb, arguably the most powerful herb.

Curcumin could improve pancreatic cells and decrease glucose levels, as well as other metabolic profile in T2D (type 2 diabetes) or atherosclerosis through inhibition of iNOS and COX-2. Furthermore, a curcumin-supplemented diet increased the richness of lactobacillales and improved the index of colon tumors. Ginsenoside also protected cardiac function and decreased blood glucose levels. (See
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2019/2682748/
Contact Qinglong Guo; qinglongguo@hotmail.com and Na Lu; nalu@cpu.edu.cn).

#ai #artificialintelligence #bacteria #datascience #diet #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #herbs #machinelearning #mindbody #plantnutrition #spices

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Herbs that support "the happy chemical", microbiome health

A “Tsunami” of Ai is Coming to Health Care

Ayurveda's "person-centric", non-standardized approach to health

"Miracle bugs" - Microbial Influences on MS

Chinese herbal impacts on gut health

100x+ more Microbial DNA in our bodies than human DNA!

What about ginseng root and gut health?

Modern Medicine Aligns with Asian Traditions

Brain Health Benefits of Sage

Turmeric - The Power Herb

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