Glow Health Naturopath News for DCO, December 2023

Vitamin D and reduced dementia risk

Research suggests that those with higher levels of Vitamin D are 40 percent less likely to develop dementia.

Scientists analyzed more than 12,000 people and tracked their health over ten years. They noted that many variables influence the likelihood of the disease but that low levels of Vitamin D were strongly associated with diagnosis.

Women who supplemented with Vitamin D saw much more protection than men (49 percent vs. 26 percent). Also, people who carried the APOE4 gene (linked to dementia) were at higher risk, even with supplementation (33 percent reduction for those with the gene compared to 47 percent reduction for those without).

Overall, 75 percent of people in the study who didn’t take vitamin D developed dementia within ten years, whereas only 25 percent of people who took vitamin D developed dementia.

The most important finding might be the importance of being proactive. The scientists found that protection appeared better if people took the supplement before experiencing any signs of cognitive issues.

Not sure about how much Vitamin D you should take for optimal levels? Remember there are reference ranges and then there are OPTIMAL reference ranges. Reference ranges are usually defined as the set of values 95 percent of the normal population falls within. Is 95% of the population healthy? Is everyone the same i.e. race, age, hormones etc. Should a male’s reference ranges be the same as a female?

LEARN ABOUT OPTIMAL BLOOD TEST REFERENCE RANGES

Book a 1 hour appointment with Naturopath Lisa, send her your blood tests before the appointment to review (make sure it includes Vitamin D) and she will show you where your results fit in the optimal range and suggest relevant supplements and dosages.

Insightful blood tests include:

• Fasting insulin
• HbA1c
• Fasting glucose
• Fasting homocysteine (Hcy)
• hs-CRP (high sensitivity C-reactive protein)
• Vitamin D
• Serum Zinc and Serum Copper (Total)
• Iron studies
• Liver enzymes
• Thyroid Function – TSH, T4, T3, Thyroid antibodies, Reverse T3
• B12, Active B12
• Full Blood Examination (FBE)
• EUC (kidney function blood tests)

Note not all tests are covered by Medicare and your GP must warrant these tests being done. You can however order blood tests as a private patient through Lisa but note there is no Medicare rebate.

Book Here or call the clinic in 9885 1733

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NUTRITIOUS TREATS – Download our recipe

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START THE NEW YEAR WITH A HEALTH KICK!

Need to follow a weight loss or detox program after the festive season? We have several programs including our 4 Week Shred & Detox program for the ultimate in getting back on track. It includes everything you need to detox and lose weight so you drop a size in your clothes and glow!

View our programs HERE.

View our meal plans and recipes HERE. All meal plans and recipes are on sale!

ARE YOU REGISTERED FOR OUR ONLINE STORE?

Patients of Darling Corner Osteopathy are eligible to register for our online supplement store. This can be handy for those wanting to place an order and make sure the items is in stock. We email you when its ready to collect from the clinic or you can select the delivery option. We also have exclusive specials and sale items only available via purchases on our online store.

Register here: https://glowhealthcomau.wordpress.com/register/

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BENEFITS OF HUGS

In the wake of the pandemic, many discovered the profound significance of touch, particularly the absence of hugs with loved ones. Touch, a crucial aspect of our sensory experience, not only allows us to explore the physical world but also serves as a foundation for building and maintaining social bonds, profoundly impacting our mental health.

The pleasure derived from hugs is intricately tied to our sense of touch, comprising both “fast-touch” for rapid contact detection and “slow-touch,” represented by c-tactile afferents, colloquially known as “cuddle nerves.” These specialized nerves respond to the gentle, skin-temperature touch associated with hugs or caresses, triggering a cascade of neurochemical signals that contribute to the rewarding and pleasurable aspects of social tactile interactions.

Touch’s significance begins in the womb, with the gentle caress of a mother influencing various health benefits such as reducing heart rate and promoting brain cell connection growth from the moment we are born. The stimulation of c-tactile afferents during a hug sends signals to the brain, releasing neurochemicals like oxytocin and endorphins, which play pivotal roles in social bonding, stress reduction, and overall well-being.

Hugging extends its positive effects to various aspects of health:

1. Improves Sleep: Gentle touch, whether from co-sleeping with infants or cuddling a partner, regulates sleep by lowering cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress.
2. Reduces Reactivity to Stress: Nurturing touch during early developmental stages leads to lower cortisol levels and higher oxytocin receptors, making individuals less reactive to stressors and anxiety.
3. Increases Well-being and Pleasure: Social touch, releasing endorphins, strengthens relationships, providing the essential “glue” for both physical and emotional well-being throughout life.
4. Aids in Fighting Infections: Hugging influences immune response by regulating hormones like oxytocin and cortisol. Research suggests that frequent hugging may reduce the likelihood and severity of infections, even protecting against the common cold.

As we navigate the ongoing need for safety, it is crucial not to underestimate the importance of touch. Social isolation and loneliness, known to increase the risk of premature death, highlight the necessity of incorporating touch into our lives. Whether through hugs with loved ones or the self-embrace for those less inclined, the instinctual act of touch deserves celebration for its profound impact on mental and physical well-being.

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