Anti-Ageing Properties of DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone or more commonly called DHEA, is the most abundant steroid found in the human blood stream. It is also one of the most reliable bio-markers of ageing. DHEA is secreted by the adrenal glands, and also produced in the gonads (testes and ovaries), and brain. It is sometimes called the "mother of all hormones" because it is the building block from which oestrogen and testosterone are produced, and is vital to health. Thousands of scientific articles have been published on DHEA during the last 50 years, but a clear picture of its role in human health didn't begin to emerge until the 1990's.

DHEA exhibits an amazingly wide diversity of effects

DHEA has been reported to have anti-diabetic, anti-dementia, anti-obesity, anti-carcinogenic, anti-stress, immune-enhancing, anti-viral and anti-bacterial, anti-aging and anti-heart disease effects. In addition, research has shown that DHEA:

• is an antioxidant
• is a hormone regulator (it helps regulate the thyroid & pituitary glands, and enhances thymus gland function)
• decreases cholesterol
• stimulates the production of human growth hormone
• boosts immunity by stimulating killer cell activity
• increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin
• assists in returning the body to a balanced state after a stress reaction
• improves cognitive function, bone formation and libido
• enhances mood by increasing the brain's serotonin levels

Combat Metabolic Disorders
We’ve known for over a decade that DHEA protects against obesity and its consequences in ageing and diabetic animals. In 2009, scientists confirmed that low DHEA levels in men were linked to diabetes and coronary heart disease.49 DHEA powerfully modulates gene expression to shift the metabolic balance in favour of energy utilisation and away from storage as fat.

DHEA also activates gene expression of cellular machinery that affects a cell’s consumption of fats and sugars to remove them from circulation. These molecules help correct harmful lipid abnormalities and unhealthy body fat distribution—a possible mechanism by which DHEA decreases total body fat.

In 2007, researchers demonstrated in aged rats fed a high-fat diet that DHEA increased body protein, while decreasing total caloric intake, body weight, body fat, and total size and number of fat cells. In a related experiment, researchers discovered that DHEA could change the composition of adipose tissue, boosting levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids while reducing harmful omega-6 fatty acids.

A human study showed how powerfully these DHEA effects can modify body composition.4 When 52 elderly men and women took 50 mg per day of DHEA or placebo for 6 months, it reduced stubborn abdominal and subcutaneous body fat. Insulin levels dropped significantly in supplemented patients as well, indicating enhanced insulin sensitivity. The researchers concluded appropriately that “DHEA replacement could play a role in prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome associated with abdominal obesity.”

“DHEA replacement could play a role in prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome associated with abdominal obesity.” DHEA is highly protective against diabetes and its complications. In diabetic rats, DHEA prevented increases in oxidant stress and oxidative damage related to the disease. It also significantly improved blood vessel relaxation, improving blood flow.57 DHEA induces genes in muscle tissue that increase uptake and utilisation of blood glucose as energy, significantly lowering blood sugar in diabetic animals.58 In humans with type 2 diabetes, DHEA counteracts oxidative imbalance and the formation of deadly advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and down-regulates the inflammatory TNF-alpha system—effects that may prevent the onset and slow the progression of deadly diabetes.

Cardiovascular Disease Defence
The past several years have witnessed extraordinary advances in our understanding of DHEA’s cardioprotective power—and its relationship to cardiovascular disease.

A 2009 study of 153 diabetic men with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) found that 77% were DHEA-S deficient, significantly more than in healthy peers. Over the next 19 months of follow-up, 43 of those men died of CHD; the data showed that low DHEA-S and low testostosterone levels were two of the four most significant predictors of death.

Enhanced Well-Being and Libido Even in Challenged Populations
Another 2009 study of 247 men with a mean age of 76 years revealed that those with low DHEA-S had a 96% increased risk of diabetes and a 48% increased risk of coronary heart disease.

A 2009 study from the University of Pennsylvania discovered a surprisingly close relationship between mortality and the trajectory of DHEA-S decline in older adults. Specifically, a rapid or erratic decline in DHEA-S predicted earlier death, and both together increased the death rate by nearly threefold! Regular blood testing for healthy DHEA-S levels are the only way to detect these lethal changes in DHEA levels early. It is of paramount importance that you have your DHEA-S levels checked at least once a year.

A Mayo Clinic study found that DHEA supplementation (50 mg per day) in women with low DHEA levels and low adrenal function improved plasma DHEA content, significantly lowered total cholesterol, and tended to reduce triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. But supplemented patients also had reductions in their beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. This study suggests that long-term studies are needed to determine the impact of DHEA supplementation on cardiovascular risk in women with low adrenal function.

Additional support for DHEA’s benefits in patients suffering from vascular disease came in two remarkable 2009 studies. The first examined vascular remodelling, a dangerous process that occurs when vessels are injured by atherosclerosis. Vascular remodelling can impede blood flow and ultimately worsen cardiovascular disease.

DHEA significantly inhibited vascular remodelling in a rabbit model of carotid artery injury and limited deadly buildup of smooth muscle in vessel walls. Another study of rabbits fed a high-fat diet showed that DHEA supplements restored oxidative balance, lowered lipid levels and inflammatory damage, and prevented heart muscle tissue death and dysfunction, delaying the onset of cardiac damage.

Further Research and Evidence
Studies as early as 2000 demonstrated how DHEA improved well-being and could help to manage menopause without deleterious effects. In 2006 it was revealed that 50 mg per day of DHEA could improve psychological well-being even in challenging populations such as those with decreased pituitary function.

DHEA exerted a remarkably positive effect on health-related quality of life in women taking long-term steroids for lupus (chronic steroid therapy can produce powerful depression and reduction in quality of life measures). Of particular importance, the DHEA-supplemented groups also reported improvement in sexuality.

Additional research supports an excitatory effect for DHEA on sexuality—especially in women. In one study, sixteen sexually functional postmenopausal women were randomly given either placebo or a single DHEA supplement of 300 mg, 60 minutes before presentation of an erotic video. Women in the supplement group showed significantly greater mental and physical sexual arousal during the video than did the control women. The supplemented women also reported a greater increase in positive affect (generally feeling good) compared to placebo recipients.

A 2009 animal study may shed light on some of the physical causes behind these benefits: DHEA applied to the smooth muscle of rabbit clitoris resulted in significant relaxation,70 allowing the increased blood flow and engorgement that results in enhanced sensitivity during sexual arousal.

Favourable Gene Expression for Youthful, Glowing Skin
A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that DHEA has especially favourable effects on skin health and appearance. In a 2000 laboratory study, DHEA was shown to increase production of collagen—the protein that gives youthful skin its suppleness—while decreasing production of the collagenase enzymes that destroy it.

It wasn’t until 2008, however, that Canadian scientists discovered more than 50 DHEA-responsive genes in the skin of women using a topical DHEA crème. DHEA “switched on” multiple collagen-producing genes and reduced expression of genes associated with production and cornification (hardening) of the tough keratinocytes that form calluses and rough skin. The researchers concluded, “DHEA could exert an anti-aging effect in the skin through stimulation of collagen biosynthesis, improved structural organization of the dermis while modulating keratinocyte metabolism.”

Other unexpected benefits of topical DHEA on ageing skin are emerging. DHEA treatment increases production of sebum, or skin oil. Sebum not only contributes to smooth, supple skin; it also contains myriad antimicrobial components that prevent infection and irritation. Topical DHEA also improves skin “brightness” and counteracts the “papery” appearance of ageing skin, combating the epidermal thinning that is a visible hallmark of ageing. The study authors note that these are “beneficial effects on skin characteristics that are rarely provided by topical treatments.”

Summary
In the past few years alone, significant scientific substantiation of DHEA’s anti-ageing effects has emerged. Its neuroprotective effects are now recognized as being vital in protecting memory and reducing depressive symptoms in older adults. DHEA enhances bone health by improving mineralization to reduce fracture risk. DHEA modulates immunity in a coordinated fashion, boosting resistance to infection while quelling dangerous inflammation. DHEA supports cardiovascular health and activates genes that prevent cardiovascular risk factors, including diabetes and obesity. DHEA is intimately involved in improving quality of life and bolstering sexual arousal, while dramatically improving the appearance of healthy, youthful skin. As little as 50 mg of DHEA per day may favorably alter gene expression to inhibit multiple factors implicated in metabolic syndrome; boost bone strength; enhance cognitive function and memory; and ward off osteoarthritis. DHEA topical crèmes allow ready application of DHEA to the site of action.

Note: Individuals who have been diagnosed with a hormone-dependent cancer should not supplement with DHEA until their cancer is cured.

Reference: http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2010/12/new-research-substantiates-the-anti-aging-properties-of-dhea/page-02 

Beating Exam Stress!

This is dedicated to all my students taking exams this summer!

It’s nearly Exam Time and the next couple of months are a busy, stressful and sometimes overwhelming time for students. With children as young as 15 complaining of headaches, insomnia, nausea and anxiety, it can be equally worrying for parents trying to help their children to manage such uncharted waters.

Over the years, I have been using gentle and supportive herbal remedies to help young people manage stress. These include simple herbal teas like Chamomile, Lime flowers and Rose petals, which gently support the nervous system and ease anxiety. I like to combine these with Rosemary, Shakespeare's herb of remembrance, and Mint which refreshes and helps to keep those sleepy mid study moments at bay.

Here are some top remedies to help you get the most out of your study sessions and to help ease those moments of anxiety:

Study Blend herbal tea

A delicious blend of herbs, including lemon balm, rosemary and liquorice, to keep the brain sharp and focused throughout long hours of study.

Study Blend Essential Oil

Our Study Blend is a range of essential oils including invigorating Peppermint and Rosemary, to aid concentration. It also includes Basil, which is excellent for memory and mental fatigue. Sniffing rosemary essential oil can also boost memory as studies have show. Read more on it here: http://roberttisserand.com/2013/04/new-rosemary-memory-research/

 Skullcap, Oat & Passionflower

A blend of herbs to help sooth the nerves at this critical time. A Nerve Debility Tonic can deal with stress and anxiety. Containing over 20 different herbs, it contains Skullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound but is just as effective.

Vitamins and supplements for Studying and Stress management

Fish oil is great for brain function –  good brands are   Read my previous post on the benefits of fish oil here: http://yaso-shan.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/the-fats-of-life.html and http://yaso-shan.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/krill-vs-green-lipped-mussel.html

Vitamin B Complex - is effective in dealing with stress, anxiety and tiredness so aim for a daily supplement of B-complex which contains between 50 and 100mg. Good brands are Solgar, Viridian and Nature's Aid.

Bach Rescue Remedy drops – a favourite flower remedy for getting through stressful times.

L-Theanine – Theanine may reduce mental and physical stress, improve cognition and boost mood and cognitive performance. We also stock L-Theanine and Lemon Balm - lemon balm has been found to reduce stress.

YOUR EXAM TIME FIRST AID KIT!

Echinacea Tincture:

Keep your immune system well supported! Echinacea supports and promotes immunity – if you support your immune system then you will be much better able to deal with stress.

Elderberry and Honey spray (with Echinacea)

As well as the well known positive effects of Echinacea, Thyme has anti microbial and anti bacterial actions, Garlic has been used for centuries to manage infection and Sage supports the immune system.

Botanical Candles

Scented with either Lavender or Rose pure essential oils, these candles create a wonderful calming scent as they burn. The perfect antidote to study fatigue. 

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil can be diffused into a room by placing four drops on an aroma stream fan diffuser or an oil burner and preparing the room for study. Rosemary is also an uplifting herb so will keep the mind alert as well.

Vitamin C

A great immune system booster which will help to keep you fighting fit in the run up to exams. It increases the production of antibodies and white blood cells, which fight infection, and helps prevent the entry of viruses. It can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as lowering blood pressure.

Lavender Essential Oil

Used in a burner, Lavender’s calming scent can help in reducing anxiety and enabling relaxation.

Reference: http://clinic.deeatkinson.net/dees-blog accessed 1 April 2016

Spring Clean your Body

We spring clean our house, but how often do we spring clean our body? Fasting, or abstaining from solid foods for a time, assists the body to cleanse. By eliminating food, the enormous energy required to digest food is released and put to the task of spring-cleaning the body. The liver and entire digestive system is given a well-earned rest.

Fasting begins as soon as you stop eating. There are many types of fasts, and the duration will depend on your work commitments and physical and mental state. Each person is different and will respond differently to fasting, so listen to your own body. However, there are some basic rules:

• Consult your physician or naturopathic doctor before undertaking a fast if you are on medication or have any medical condition.
• No smoking or drinking alcohol, coffee, or tea. You may want to cut down consumption of these items gradually in the weeks before the fast.
• Discontinue vitamin supplements.
• Two days before a fast, eat light foods: mainly vegetables and fruits.
• You may want to try a fresh-foods diet as an alternative to fasting to begin with.
• Allow yourself to rest when you feel like it during the fast. You may experience discomfort, headaches, dizziness, and nausea as toxins are eliminated.
• Avoid stress and concentrate on positive thoughts.
• Fast on vegetable and fruit juice (freshly extracted), pure water, or herb teas. It is important to drink at least eight large glasses of water a day.
• It is important to have a bowel movement once a day while fasting. Use senna leaf tea, linseed tea, yellow dock root and burdock root decoctions or capsules, or enemas if necessary.
• Exercise regularly: walking is ideal.
• Resume eating gradually after fasting. Start with a piece of fruit or lightly steamed vegetables. Take two to three days, depending on the duration of the fast, to resume normal food intake. Never overeat.

The benefits of fasting can be enormous. It allows the body to throw off toxins and regenerate tissue, and it can result in heightened self-awareness. If you decide to fast for longer than three days, seek guidance from your physician, naturopathic doctor, holistic nutritionist, or other experienced practitioner.

Detoxification
Toxins are poisons which manifest in the body at varying levels of potency. They are constantly introduced into the body through the food that is consumed, through the air and through water.

Additionally, our bodies also produce a variety of toxins as waste products or as by-products of the various metabolic processes. Gradual build up of these unwanted, and quite simply, poisonous substances can lead to ill-health (infection) or even disease. Despite this onslaught of toxicity, the body has a remarkable capacity to detoxify such toxins, that is, to break them down in such a manner that they become either less toxic to the body, or are converted into innocuous substances that are eventually excreted. The role of the liver is fundamental in keeping the toxins in the blood at a minimum level such that we remain illness-free. The immune system is also a key player in this detoxification process, as are the circulatory systems that assist in the removal of the toxins to the excretory organs. In this respect, the blood and lymphatic system are vital systems in supporting the crucial role of the liver and associated detoxifying organs in maintaining optimum health. Herbal tonics that revitalise these organs help a great deal, especially if they have been neglected (through poor diet, or damage). This particularly applies to the liver since it is the first port of call for detoxifying any toxic substances that have entered the body (through the gut or via the bloodstream).

Toxic build up is an inevitable part of all metabolic processes that occur in the body, although the liver’s ability to make them less harmful is very impressive. In this respect, it is worth noting, not the actual number of times we fall ill but in fact, the periods of time in which we remain symptom-free.  Without this vital function we will continually suffer illness and disease. Poor dietary habits over a long time can impair the vital detoxifying function of the liver and some of the more harmful substances that we consume (like alcohol and prescription drugs) can even damage the liver cells, making them less able to cope over time. This explains why so many with poor diets and lifestyles are perpetually run down, lacking in energy, have lost their vitality and are prone to infections. Herbs which are notable in assisting the functions of the liver are dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and fringetree (Chionanthes virginicus) amongst others. Some of these herbs are commonly included in herbal tonics for this particular purpose. Equally, they are also prescribed by herbalists for conditions that have a metabolic basis.

The eastern philosophy of fasting is now also commonly practised by some in the West as an active choice in adopting a healthier lifestyle. Some of the world’s major religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam have well established traditions in fasting and with scientific knowledge, it now appears that regular fasting is an effective way of cleansing the system of toxins and optimising health & well-being. Provided that it is done sensibly, vital body systems, particularly the digestive system, the liver and the kidneys have an opportunity to rest, preventing not only their exhaustion (when illness can set in) but eliminating any potentially infective agents that are lying dormant within the systems.

Herbs for Detox
Much has been written about and publicised on the subject of detox and detox diets. Commercial interest must be viewed with some caution and much of what passes for ‘detox’ is simply good nutrition, sensible eating combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Considering the amount of ‘invisible’ toxins in the environment, common medications, lifestyle habits and toxins consumed in food, it is perhaps easy to see how almost everyone in a Western society can expect to suffer from some degree of toxicity. In the worse case scenario, the toxic burden on these vital organs has been known to be a major contributory factor for some forms of cancer, particularly cancer of the bowel.

The body has its own natural detoxifying organs: the liver, the kidneys, the digestive system and associated organs and structures. The elimination of toxins from our cellular environment, including those from foods must consider the efficient functioning of all these organs systems in addition to a good circulatory system. Proper nutrition, a well balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are all factors that will assist this process and prevent toxic overload on these vital structures.

Our diet has a very important part to play in detoxification. Consequently, what we consume can assist our organs and there is some excellent literature on the foods that are recommended for this purpose (see recommended reading at the end).

I focus on the liver here as it is central to ‘detox’. It is essential to appreciate that the health of the liver is directly dependent on the type and quality of the food that is consumed. Though it carries out essential detoxification, like any other vital organ, it has its own nutritional requirements in order to perform its function of repair, regeneration and rebuilding.

In a nutshell, foods to cut out are those that are rich in refined sugars (such as cakes, biscuits, chocolates, sweets etc…), pre-prepared or ready-made meals, foods containing hydrogenated (or trans) fats, alcohol and drugs (including tobacco). Examples of the kinds of foods that are beneficial to the liver in its health and hence, its proper function are listed below. These include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Herbs and spices are also beneficial to the liver. Some of the more common ones which are great in any detox programme include the following:

• Garlic
• Onions
• Fennel
• Radish
• Dandelion

FRUITS		VEGETABLES
Lemons	Contains an important chemical which assists in the breakdown of gallstones. Also contains pectin, a soluble form of fibre which is good for bowel health (prevents constipation) and lowers blood cholesterol. A good source of vitamin C too	Artichoke	Helps reduce cholesterol and other fats in the blood. Improves the detoxification, repair and regeneration capacity of the liver. Also protects against liver damage
Apples & Oranges	Both contain pectin which prevents constipation. Also helps reduce cholesterol in the blood. Apple contains a host of important nutrients incl. antioxidants which can help protect against cancer. Oranges are a good source of vitamin C	Brussels sprouts	Part of the brassica family (other examples are cabbages, turnips, broccoli, cauliflower and swedes so helps in the detoxification processes of the liver. Increases oestrogen metabolism and excretion so thought to confer protection against some of the oestrogen-dependent cancers, particularly breast and uterine cancer
Grapes	Excellent for preventing heart disease (contains important chemicals called proanthocyanidins) which are also antioxidants so will help prevent cancer as well	Cabbage & turnip	Cabbage, one of the oldest of the brassicas, and the ancestor of broccoli and cauliflower. Cabbage, like other brassicas, is high in sulphur, so excellent for liver health. Helps in the detoxification processes and confers protection against cancer through its antioxidant activity. Similar benefits from consuming turnips but both the leaves and root need to be eaten.
Pineapple & Papaya	Both contain naturally-occurring enzymes that help breakdown protein from food so will help digestion. Also contains cancer preventing antioxidants	Broccoli	Broccoli, another popular member of the brassica clan has similar benefits to the liver
Grapefruit	Contains important nutrients, antioxidants and pectin. A key player in liver detox reactions	Leeks	Highly nutritious and contains key antioxidants such as the bioflavonoids. Also contains sulphur compounds which assist in the detoxification role of the liver
Berries esp dark red, blue or black	Contain high levels of proanthocyanidins and bioflavonoids that help protect against major diseases like heart disease and cancer also contains other important nutrients such as vitamin C and carotenes (both have antioxidant properties)	Watercress	Rich in the antioxidant beta-carotene. Also contains sulphur. Both are excellent for the liver

Excerpts from the book:
Title: Modern Living, Holistic Health & Herbal Medicine – improving health & well-being with herbs and lifestyle changes Author: Yaso Shan Contributions from: Dr. Catherine Whitlock; PhD Foreword: Miss Jenny Seagrove
Date of Publication: 2011 Publishers: Booklocker Inc.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Yaso-Shan/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3AYaso%20Shan