Turmeric and Anti-inflammation

Inflammation and oxidative stress play crucial roles in numerous chronic and metabolic diseases. It is now evident that a low-grade pro-inflammatory state, particularly associated with the accumulation of adipose tissue in obesity, contributes to various downstream consequences, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), type 2 diabetes mellitus, liver disorders, and cancer. The global prevalence of these conditions underscores the significant economic and social burdens imposed by non-communicable disorders (NCDs) in both developed and developing countries. Several approaches have been adopted to reduce long-term, low-grade inflammation, including significant lifestyle modifications, weight-loss dietary regimens, and the use of specific nutrients, individual food items, and herbs. Turmeric is one such herb that holds a prominent place in Iranian culture, valued for its culinary and presumed medical applications. Turmeric contains various bioactive compounds that have been associated with its claimed beneficial effects. Among these compounds, curcumin stands out as a significant polyphenol with potent anti-inflammatory properties. The regular consumption of curcumin has been linked to positive outcomes in long-term metabolic disorders such as overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and even cognitive and psychological abnormalities like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It has shown to inhibit various inflammatory markers in the body along with blocking certain pain-related pathways which reduce inflammation in the joints. Reducing pain and inflammation in the joints allows those with arthritis to attain more mobility and function. Recent studies suggest that curcumin could be a great and more effective alternative to NSAIDs.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Anti-inflammation

Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids that are believed to have a significant impact on health and disease. They are considered essential because mammals cannot synthesize them internally and must obtain them from dietary sources. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to be beneficial for secondary prevention of coronary artery disease and stroke. They also play a crucial role in the development and functioning of the nervous system and the retina in humans. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids are thought to possess immunomodulatory properties by serving as precursors to lipid mediators involved in inflammation, potentially regulating or limiting the inflammatory response. Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may prevent or reduce the severity of experimental arthritis and could be beneficial in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids may have a modulating effect on disease activity, particularly in terms of reducing the number of swollen and tender joints. Overall, there is evidence to suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can influence disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis.

Elderberries and Antiviral Properties

Elderberry contains anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that may have effects on the immune system and inflammation. These anthocyanins can attach to viral glycoproteins, which are proteins on the surface of viruses that help them enter host cells. By binding to these viral glycoproteins, elderberries may prevent viruses from entering cells and causing infection. Studies conducted in the laboratory have shown that elderberry extracts can inhibit the growth of influenza A, influenza B, and H1N1 “swine” flu viruses. Besides its direct antiviral actions, elderberry may also influence the immune system through substances called cytokines. Some research suggests that elderberry can increase the production of inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and interleukins, while other studies indicate a decrease in cytokine production.

Elderberry and Reishi and their Antimicrobial Effects

Natural substances and their derivatives have been used for a long time to protect against infections and boost the immune system. These substances, found in plants and fungi, have been used in traditional medicine and have shown to have immune-boosting and antiviral properties. One such example is elderberry, which is the fruit of the Sambucus nigra L. plant. Elderberry extract has been traditionally used to treat cold and flu symptoms and recent studies have shown that it can reduce the duration and severity of respiratory infections when taken at the onset of symptoms. Elderberry extract contains bioactive compounds that have antimicrobial and antiviral effects, particularly against influenza viruses. Another example is reishi, which is the oldest known mushroom used in ancient Chinese medicine. Reishi has been used to promote health and treat various ailments. It has been found to have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, mainly due to its content of G. lucidum polysaccharide (GLPS).

Adaptogens and Stress

Adaptogens are natural substances that have diverse effects on our body’s stress response system, immune system, and hormones. They have been traditionally used to treat a wide range of conditions. Adaptogens work in a unique way, where at low doses they act like mild stress-mimicking agents. This activates our body’s natural stress-response pathways to better deal with more severe stress. That’s why they have been used traditionally to prevent premature aging and maintain overall health and vitality.

Some combinations of adaptogenic plants can have special effects due to their interactions in our bodies, effects that no single ingredient can achieve on its own.

Magnesium and Stress Relief

​Magnesium plays a role in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls the release of cortisol, the main stress hormone in our bodies. It is involved in various other pathways that contribute to stress management. For example, it interacts with the GABA receptor, which has an impact on sleep and anxiety. There is also a possibility that magnesium influences serotonin levels, which further affects mood and anxiety. These connections have wide-ranging implications for managing stress, improving sleep, and reducing anxiety.

B-Vitamins, Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium and Energy Metabolism

All the B vitamins, except for folate, play important roles in the cell’s energy production system. Each B vitamin is necessary for the proper functioning of this system, and a deficiency in any of them can limit the rate of energy production, which can have severe metabolic and health consequences.

Vitamin C, iron, and magnesium are also involved in energy-yielding metabolism.

Vitamin C is needed for enzymes involved in the production of carnitine, which is essential for transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. Iron is a component of heme enzymes, such as cytochromes, which play a crucial role in cellular energy production. Magnesium is essential for ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the molecule responsible for storing and delivering energy within cells. It also regulates the activity of enzymes in the citric acid cycle and helps export ATP from mitochondria to the cytosol. In summary, these vitamins and minerals play vital roles in the cell’s energy production system, and their adequate supply is necessary for optimal energy metabolism and overall health.

Omega 3 and Alzheimer’s disease

Early signs of Alzheimer’s disease often include problems with cognitive function, particularly in retaining new information. Various clinical tests have been validated to assess different aspects of cognition, which can help identify individuals who are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease within a few years. These tests measure factors such as the rate of learning over time, immediate recall, and delayed recall.

Apart from memory and recall, episodic assessments can also be used to evaluate specific neurocognitive functions such as problem-solving, planning, language, attention, and visuospatial skills. These assessments provide a comprehensive picture of an individual’s cognitive abilities and can aid in the detection and evaluation of Alzheimer’s disease.

Numerous studies consistently show a connection between healthy diets, cognitive function, and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, diets that are considered prudent or Mediterranean, characterized by high intake of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), are associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment compared to Western diets, which consist of processed foods, saturated fats, refined grains, and added sugars. PUFAs are lipid molecules that contain more than one double bond in their aliphatic chain. They are typically found in higher amounts in healthy whole food diets like the prudent and Mediterranean diets. There are two primary series of PUFAs: omega-3 (ω3) and omega-6 (ω6). Omega-3 PUFAs include α-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid. Omega-6 PUFAs consist of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid. Studies have discovered that consistently including foods rich in long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet of healthy individuals without pre-existing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia indicates a potential protective effect against the development of Alzheimer’s disease in the future.