Andrew Huberman: Toolkit for sleep
I have heard Dr. Huberman on a few podcasts. This particular segment is about sleep, an evergreen topic on this blog. He stresses the roles of light (when to get it and how) and temperature. He is not a fan of melatonin. I will most likely stop recommending that patients take it. What he says…
Read MoreTranscutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation augments postprandial inhibition of ghrelin
I will be watching this ghrelin research carefully. I’m a bit skeptical of this research that promises effortless weight loss. On the other hand, I do believe that there are some powerful homeostatic mechanisms at play when the autonomic nervous system is stimulated. As of now, the effects are muted but with the correct stimulation…
Read MoreExercises for Back Pain
This article is from the New York Times. Back pain is so common that anything we can do to control it is well worth the time and effort. “If holding a regular plank is uncomfortable, start with your knees on the ground, then progress to balancing on your toes. Dr. Shah also suggested squats, push-ups and bridges. To build…
Read MoreMatthew Walker: Science of Sleep Podcast episode
I have reported on Walker’s work here. For those who like to listen, rather than read a podcast with hose Shane Parrish from the Knowledge Project with Dr. Walker can be found here. I learned that Walker is an advisor for the Oura ring which I discussed here. Renowned sleep scientist Matthew Walker discusses everything…
Read MoreAstragalus and Longevity Astragalus membranaceus Injection Suppresses Production of Interleukin-6 by Activating Autophagy through the AMPK-mTOR Pathway in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Macrophages.
This is a companion article to the previous astragalus article. Though herbal therapy is not my focus, I have been taking an Astragulus compound for over a decade (when I remember, ha ha.) It is a traditional anti-aging herb thought to have immune boosting properties as well. I take Astra Essence from Health Concerns. My…
Read MoreFor Better Sleep Fix Your Day
Lots of good tips in this article on an ever popular topic of better sleep. Excerpt below. Readers of my blog and newsletters know that this is a topic that comes up constantly in the clinic, and I’m interested in it myself. A focus of mine is longevity and the longer you sleep, the longer…
Read MoreOura Ring for Sleep Analysis: Longer Sleep Longer Life
According to Professor Matthew Walker, the more and better your sleep, the longer your life. Lack of sleep contributes to a long list of health problems. I’ve been using the Oura ring mainly to analyze my sleep. I am not at all sure how reliable it is! But for those who are interested in seeing…
Read MoreVitamin B2 for migraines
Riboflavin, or Vitamin B2, 400 mg, has been shown to be effective in preventing migraine. This article isn’t new. In fact I’ve discussed Vitamin B2 for headaches before. But it’s a good reminder to me and, hopefully, the readers too! Cheap, Safe Migraine Relief Riboflavin, aka vitamin B2, may offer migraine sufferers an inexpensive treatment…
Read MoreExercise activates vagal induction of dopamine and attenuates systemic inflammation
Even low intensity exercise can improve overall inflammation, not by muscle response but due to vagal nerve activity. One session of low intensity exercise in mice attenuated serum levels of inflammatory markers (cytokines), and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines. It appears that TNF (tumor necrosis factor-a proinflammatory cytokine) was decreased because of activity in the subdiaphragmatic vagus…
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