Blog posts – Page 105 – TranscendingSquare

August 23, 2014November 27, 2018

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and CBD receptors

Addition, 7/30/2018 – ALS is a demyelination disorder. There is a 19% comordbidity rate with hyperthyroidism and ALS – so disclosure, not becoming paralyzed due to ALS is a personal goal of mine. Legal sources of cannabinoids or some of the precursor building blocks – phospholipids or other phosphonutrients – include:

Hemp seed kernels and oil; Artemisia turanica/wormwood leaf; amaranth seed; asparagus; avocado fruit or the inner kernel, dried and powdered; beans/legumes; cardamom seeds and powder; carrots; celery stalks and leaves; cocoa beans and cocoa powder, baker’s chocolate, dark chocolate and to a lesser amount milk chocolate and chocolate syrup; coconut; cumin seed/powder; fennel seed, flax seed, pine nuts; sesame seeds, pumpkin seed kernels, squash seeds; butternut squash and pumpkin; gingko leaf; grapefruit and orange juice with the pulp; Jerusalem artichoke (this is a root vegetable rather than a green artichoke); lettuce, spinach and mustard leaves and other leafy green vegetables and herbs; nuts/peanuts, cashews, walnuts; oats; okra seeds; onion root, leek leaves, garlic; parsnip root; pomegranate seeds and pomegranate peel extract;rice, white or brown but the bran is the best source; rosemary; sorghum; sweet potato or yam; buckwheat (a seed botanically that is not wheat and is gluten free); wheat. (G.26)

Health – “the pursuit of life” is a right for United States citizens, and is included in the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution. (link)

~~~~

The cannabinoid receptor system is involved in the control of calcium movement across the cell membrane. Calcium has an electrically active ionic form which can initiate changes within the cell fluid. During normal health a similarly electrically active ionic form of magnesium is found in greater concentration within the cell fluid and greater concentrations of the calcium ion are found within the blood plasma. The energy available from the magnesium ions is used within the cell membrane protein channels. The protein transport channels act as gates that can be opened or closed to allow calcium or other types of chemicals to flow through the channel.

The US federal listing of the cannabis herb as a schedule one drug has limited research into the role of the cannabinoid receptor system to studies about the toxic or addictive properties of cannabinoids. A schedule one drug is considered as having no medicinal value so no research would be necessary. When the cannabis plant was classified as a schedule one substance less was known about the extensive role of cannabinoids in the health of humans and many other species. Suppressing research about the cannabinoid group of chemicals and the cannabinoid receptors may have left us in the dark about the cause and cure of many mystery diseases and conditions.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects a small percentage of the population yet it has no known cause or cure — except — cannabinoids may help:

However, there is increasing evidence that cannabinoids and manipulation of the endocannabinoid system may have therapeutic value in ALS, in addition to other neurodegenerative conditions. Cannabinoids exert anti-glutamatergic and anti-inflammatory actions through activation of the CB(1) and CB(2) receptors, respectively. Activation of CB(1) receptors may therefore inhibit glutamate release from presynaptic nerve terminals and reduce the postsynaptic calcium influx in response to glutamate receptor stimulation. [1]

Other information:

Oxidative stress and Vitamin D deficiency or oxidation of the Vitamin D Binding Protein (DBP) may be involved in the development of ALS, (2), and Multiple sclerosis. Levels may continue to be low or oxidized during remission and worsen during relapse. (G12.33) There is a slightly modified form of the Vitamin D Binding Protein (GcMAF) that can promote macrophages, immune system white blood cells, to remove cancer cells by apoptosis (killing and engulfing the cell debris to remove it from the body without causing toxic chemicals to be released into the extracellular fluid). (5)

The cannabinoid system may have some control over the system and it may have effects on other chronic conditions. I’m reading more on the topic. – More health tips and conditions that may have an increased risk for ALS developing as a comorbid/additional condition are included in a follow up post: Actually we do know quite a bit about ALS, transcendingsquare.com/2014/09/02/.

Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and the information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes.

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18781981
2. Greilberger J, Greilberger M, Herwig R, (2017) Measurement of oxidative stress parameters, vitamin D and vitamin D binding protein during vitamin D treatment in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Integr Mol Med, 4: DOI: 10.15761/IMM.1000311
  http://www.oatext.com/measurement-of-oxidative-stress-parameters-vitamin-d-and-vitamin-d-binding-protein-during-vitamin-d-treatment-in-a-patient-with-amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis.php
3. Rajda C, Pukoli D, Bende Z, Majláth Z, Vécsei L. Excitotoxins, Mitochondrial and Redox Disturbances in Multiple Sclerosis. Kleinschnitz C, Meuth S, eds. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2017;18(2):353. doi:10.3390/ijms18020353. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5343888/ (G12.33)
4. Bíró T, Tóth BI, Haskó G, Paus R, Pacher P. The endocannabinoid system of the skin in health and disease: novel perspectives and therapeutic opportunities. Trends in pharmacological sciences. 2009;30(8):411-420. doi:10.1016/j.tips.2009.05.004. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2757311/ (4)
5. Thyer, L.; Ward, E.; Smith, R.; Fiore, M.G.; Magherini, S.; Branca, J.J.V.; Morucci, G.; Gulisano, M.; Ruggiero, M.; Pacini, S. A Novel Role for a Major Component of the Vitamin D Axis: Vitamin D Binding Protein-Derived Macrophage Activating Factor Induces Human Breast Cancer Cell Apoptosis through Stimulation of Macrophages. Nutrients 2013, 5, 2577-2589. http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/5/7/2577/htm (5)

Dario Siniscalco, James J. Bradstreet, Alessandra Cirillo, Nicola Antonucci,
The in vitro GcMAF effects on endocannabinoid system transcriptionomics, receptor formation, and cell activity of autism-derived macrophages. Journal of Neuroinflammation 2014 11:78 https://jneuroinflammation.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1742-2094-11-78 (6)
Bíró T, Tóth BI, Haskó G, Paus R, Pacher P. The endocannabinoid system of the skin in health and disease: novel perspectives and therapeutic opportunities. Trends in pharmacological sciences. 2009;30(8):411-420. doi:10.1016/j.tips.2009.05.004. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2757311/ (7)

August 19, 2014January 15, 2018

Trust in love, World Humanitarian Day

The little girl carrying a big poster in the photo at this link is not a typical Humanitarian Relief worker but she carries a powerful message, “Hate breeds hate.” The exact quote from the poster was not found in an online search, but the search engine did lead to a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a similar concept, “Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” The passage also includes the phrase “violence multiplies violence,” read the rest of the passage here : [http://www.drmartinlutherkingjr.com/mlkquotes.htm]

Photo via [https://plus.google.com/+HejabRasheed/posts/Cj1hrRSQcpd?pid=6043546049590014930&oid=106349152975484773573]

World Humanitarian Day 2014, remembering the relief workers who place themselves at risk in order to help others. [http://ec.europa.eu/echo/en/resources-campaigns/campaigns/world-humanitarian-day-2014]

July 24, 2014May 15, 2018

Magnesium might help protect against beta amyloid placques

Working on experimental medications for a prenatal population places the infants at risk in addition to the female patients. In my professional experience instructing clients about raw pumpkin seeds and the DASH diet frequently helped prevent preeclampsia or high blood pressure problems from reoccurring for patients with a history of having had the problem during a previous pregnancy. Pumpkin seed kernels are similar to sunflower seeds, both are good sources of magnesium and many other nutrients. The DASH diet promotes eating a serving of nuts, seeds or beans daily as a source of magnesium. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. [1]

Additional note: *Raw pumpkin seeds were my recommendation because the toasted salted ones can be very salty which would dilute the amount of magnesium naturally available in the seed compared to the large amount of sodium available from the added salt. Excess sodium can cause increased urinary losses of magnesium in the average person and may increase risk of high blood pressure in people who are salt sensitive. [5]

In a recent study conducted in 19 hypertensive patients after 2 months of adherence to a low (50 mmol/d) and high (200 mmol/d) sodium intake, the investigators observed an increase in intracellular (erythrocyte) calcium and sodium concentrations and a reduction in magnesium concentration during salt loading, primarily in salt-sensitive subjects.⁸² [5]

Nutritional strategies recommended to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease include increasing intake of magnesium. Research has found that low levels of magnesium promoted build up of beta amyloid protein while high levels of magnesium promoted breakdown of the misshapen proteins.

“Lab studies show that magnesium modulates enzymes involved in amyloid beta production; at low levels, magnesium favors amyloid beta buildup, while at higher levels it favors amyloid beta breakdown.^{101,102″ [2]}

That article also contains good news for coffee drinkers; drinking 3 to 5 cups of caffeinated coffee per day is associated with reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The article suggests that the caffeine content itself seems to provide the protective effects. [2] Coffee is also a good source of magnesium, perhaps that is a coincidence. However three to five cups of coffee is more than is recommended during pregnancy; one cup per day is likely safe while six cups of coffee per day may be harmful for pregnancy. The article also recommends blueberries and curcumin (found in turmeric which is commonly used in mustard and in curry powder) which would be safe during pregnancy.

The misshapen proteins have a protective effect against bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans so a chronic lowgrade infection may be an underlying cause of the accumulation of beta amyloid placques. [3] [4]

/Disclaimer: This information is for educational or entertainment purposes, see a health professional for individual medical guidance./

July 17, 2014November 3, 2017

Pros have a plan for improving politics

A bipartisan group of former legislators and other business professionals have written a proposal for improving our political system. The proposal, “Governing in a Polarized America: A Bipartisan Blueprint to Strengthen Our Democracy,” [1] is the work of a group of former Senators, state Governors and other former appointed officials and has the support of the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) in Washington. The proposal includes changes for improving the voting system and the work schedule of Congress, and it includes a plan for encouraging more citizens to serve at community and national levels. [2]

The group worked towards a consensus proposal. Not all of the ideas are equally supported by all individuals that worked on the document however the goal was to produce a group of recommendations through compromise. The group called, the BPC Commission on Political Reform, also held town hall meetings during 2013 and 2014 to gather input from citizens. The commission’s goal was to investigate the causes and consequences of America’s partisan political divide. The proposal includes more than 60 recommendations grouped into suggestions for improving the election process, [Rec. 1.1-1.19, pp 31-51], for improving the daily flow of work in both branches of Congress, [Rec. 2.1-2.19, pp 53-72], and ideas to help return a sense of national duty and pride to the average citizen, [Rec. 3.1-3.24, pp 73-99]. A summary of just the recommendations is available at the beginning of the proposal. [pp 13-18, 1]

“E pluribus unum. “Out of many, one.”” [p21, 1]

One nation, with many voices, can work together and achieve. Working together with a goal of a compromising win/win is needed. One united nation is not half red and half blue, it is red, white and blue.

The Commission on Political Reform provides strategies for improving the daily work of the Congress and for improving the election process. The report shares a concern over the changes that have occurred in campaign funding since the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision on Citizen’s United and the 2014 decision on McCutcheon. The Commission on Political Reform includes recommendations for improved disclosure of campaign contributions, {Rec. 1.16}, and for limiting use of leadership PACs, {Rec. 1.17 and 1.18}, but proposes that an additional bipartisan commission be appointed to assess the impact of the Supreme Court decisions on our nation’s election process and to make further recommendations regarding campaign finance reform. {Rec 1.19} [pp 48-51,1] The expense of the election process has made fund raising an ongoing need for members of Congress and reduces time available for working towards a functional government.

Not voting or running for office in a system that seems corrupt and dysfunctional might seem like a simple solution for American citizens who want to stay out of politics but it is our nation, our elected officials, our appointed Supreme Court — it is our system to improve for all of us whether we currently like it or not.

The Commission recommends coordinating the time that members of the House and Senate spend in Washington D.C. and in their home districts with a schedule including the same three five-day workweeks spent in Washington and the remaining week of the month spent in their home district. [Rec. 2.1, p 55-56, 1] Currently the House and Senate are frequently not in session at the same time and the mismatched schedules are sometimes used as leverage to encourage take-it-or-leave voting or reduce time for deliberations.

More scheduled time for joint party meetings for formal and informal discussion is recommended [Rec. 2.2 and 2.3, p 57, 1], as well as monthly meetings with the President in attendance [Rec 2.4, p 58, 1]. Improving the effectiveness of committees is the focus of Recommendations 2.5 through 2.9, 2.11 and 2.12 [p 59-60, 64-67 1]. Submitting bills at least three days in advance of a vote to provide time for members and the public a chance to read the proposed legislation and comment is Recommendation 2.10 [p 61, 1].

The budget cycle currently is an annual duty of Congress; the Commission recommends that the budget approval be changed to a two year cycle which would allow more time for oversight. A two year cycle would also allow agencies affected by federal budget changes to be able to better plan their agency’s budget. [Rec. 2.18, p70, 1] Limiting additions to appropriations bills is the focus of Recommendation 2.19 [p 71, 1].

Read it and weep that the system needs work, or read it and rejoice that some are still ready to work on improving the system, but read the proposal because it is our nation to care about and to take care of.

Not voting might seem like a simple way to stay out of a system that seems corrupt and dysfunctional – but whether we, American citizens, vote or not it is still our nation, and our elected officialsGoverning in a Polarized America: A Bipartisan Blueprint to Strengthen Our Democracy,” – See more at: http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2014/06/25/Senate-Alums-Know-How-Fix-Our-Broken-Government#sthash.39nSlaMt.dpuf

“Governing in a Polarized America: A Bipartisan Blueprint to Strengthen Our Democracy,” – See more at: http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2014/06/25/Senate-Alums-Know-How-Fix-Our-Broken-Government#sthash.39nSlaMt.dpuf