Interesting Links for 21-10-2023

[andrewducker]

1. Give rats stomach bugs from a human with Alzheimer's and their memories become impaired

(tags:brain alzheimers microbiome rats )

Comments

[dewline]

Oh. My. God(s).

[agoodwinsmith]

Thank you. Argh, but thank you.

[agoodwinsmith]

Ah - the hippocampus. And, oh look, the plaques have no smoke and require the observer to squint to appear ... not very much like a gun at all - hah.

[channelpenguin]

As you know, I've been super interested in gut microbiomes for a Loooooooong time. I've even (I think) successfully altered my own through diet well enough to completely clear an autoimmune condition (psoriasis), (though that is definitely the long way and a bit uncertain).

I think all illnesses are result of either our inflammatory responses to bacterial or viral infections (including chronic ones and lingering/reactivating viruses) or direct allergens or cancer. Basically because our body attacks itself, triggered perhaps by external factors. (Or fails to do so correctly when it should do to clear up junk ... See the naked mole rat research, slightly OTT for this thread but super fascinating in terms of healthy ageing

https://scitechdaily.com/?s=Naked+mole+rat)

I would be incredibly interested in research into dietary alterations plus maybe supplements for optimal mental health and healthy ageing. I think most people are very resistant to the concept of dietary changes, do any supplement help would be more easily accepted by more people (even if it might not be so necessary for those who CAN take the nutritional approach).

Meanwhile - don't get any faecal transplants from people with Alzheimer's! (Or very strong family history).

[mountainkiss]

To what extent do you think / have you found that dietary adaptations are personalised / individual, versus a set of commonly applicable best practice principles?

[mountainkiss]

(Only if you want to discuss obvs)

[channelpenguin]

I think it's a mix.

There's definitely strong evidence of individual variability in, for example, blood sugar levels after eating different foods. Some people get spikes from bread and potatoes etc ... But not all. Some get spiked by tomatoes (for example) - but most of us not.

I can't imagine microbial stuff is any different. I'm not personally aware of research into your question, but I'm not a pro. I do know a pro doctor who researches ageing and is very into microbiome stuff - Dr. Trisha MacNair, think she's been on BBC radio a few times. But I'm hardly in contact with her since I moved to Germany

[andrewducker]

I'd have thought the same.

[mountainkiss]

Amazing thank you! I will take a look at her work.

[channelpenguin]

On a personal level, I followed a general outline suggested for my condition, the first time pretty strictly, but ignoring the "woo" 'explanations'. When I had a relapse from the diet, I got worse again. 2nd time I was looser(but based more in my interpretation of why it might actually work, i.e. that it changed the microbiome), and it still worked

Bloody hell just recalled, I wrote a book about my own experiences. In 2015. But never (self) published it. Research in the world has moved on since then and it doesn't seem so outlandish now maybe. I also had a relapse after 3 weeks heavy painkiller usage (Diclofenac, Aspirin) after an injury that took a long time of strict diet to cure ... I'm older plus I think it was actual damage to my gut linings from the painkillers but not really sure. I wanted to add that - but never did.

[mountainkiss]

How interesting. Definitely not outlandish - thinking moving more and more in your direction if I understand correctly. Thank you!

[channelpenguin]

Well, best of luck. It really was life-changing for me. I hope you hit on the right, least awkward, diet adjustments for you!

[andrewducker]

If you had the spare time then stick it up on a blog (or as an epub if splitting it into bits wouldn't work)!

[channelpenguin]

I think I still own a suitable domain name. But it would have to wait until I have motivation to spend more time at a computer than I already do...