Weight Down Living

© Laura Sidari Four-year-old Leon Sidari died from the flu last year, just ten days before he was scheduled to get vaccinated against the flu. Two physicians who lost their young son to the flu last year want parents to listen to their message, born of great grief and suffering: Get your child a flu shot.

Drs. Laura and Anthony Sidari's 4-year-old son, Leon, did not get the flu vaccine last year. He died on Christmas Day, less than 48 hours after he started feeling sick.

"I didn't know a condition could kill a child that quickly who had been previously healthy," said Laura, a psychiatrist. "This has been a hard haul for us, and we're very private people, but we're trying to help other families."

Leon was one of 180 US children who died in the 2017-18 flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- a historic high.

© Laura Sidari The Sidaris with sons Cameron and Tristan after getting flu shots this fall. Approximately 80% of those children had not received a flu shot, according to the CDC.

Laura and Anthony, a rheumatologist, had wanted to get Leon and his 2-year-old brother flu shots at a pharmacy. They lived in Texas, where state law prohibits pharmacists from vaccinating anyone under the age of 7.

The couple, busy with their newborn third child, Cameron, decided to get Leon a flu shot when they were going to the pediatrician anyway: when 2-year-old Tristan had his annual visit, scheduled for January 3.

Leon died 10 days before that appointment.

"It wasn't even on my radar as something that I really, really needed to prioritize," Laura said. "It just slipped through the cracks."

© Lauri Sidari Leon Sidari died 10 days before his flu shot appointment. The Sidaris' story is all too familiar to Dr. Flor Muñoz.

For 20 years, Muñoz, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Texas Children's Hospital, has worked with the American Academy of Pediatrics to increase the rate of flu vaccination for children.

The rates aren't great: Only 47.8% of children 6 months to 17 years old have had a flu shot in the previous year, according to the CDC, which recommends that everyone over 6 months get a flu shot.

The problem: Though adults can get flu shots at pharmacies or even at work, children don't have as many options.

In most states, there are limits or outright bans on pharmacists vaccinating children, and flu vaccine clinics at schools are the exception rather than the rule.

Only 13 states allow pharmacists to vaccinate children of any age, according to the National Association of State Pharmacy Associations.

"It's frustrating. It seems like we don't learn," Muñoz said.

There's no medical reason children shouldn't get flu shots at a pharmacy, said Muñoz, who is also an associate professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.

Some states are changing their laws. New York used to bar pharmacists from giving flu shots to anyone under 18. This year, after the historic flu season, the state changed its laws to permit vaccination for anyone 2 or older.

"Good for you, New York!" Muñoz said. "More should be done to make this happen in other states. There should be more of a push."

Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said more should also be done to make it easier for local health departments to offer flu shot clinics. Right now, he said, it's difficult for those departments to purchase large quantities of vaccine and to bill insurance.

"We need to do more to make it easy," he said.

The Sidaris are doing their part. Last month, they sponsored a "Say Boo to the Flu" event in their hometown, Albion, New York, where 59 children were vaccinated.

Although the CDC encourages flu vaccines by the end of October each year, it's especially important to get the shot well before the holidays, Muñoz said. Flu activity can peak in December, and holiday get-togethers can make the virus spread more quickly. It takes about two weeks for the shot to become effective after you receive it.

"Leon is my reason this season, and every season, for getting flu shots on time," Laura Sidari wrote on her Facebook page. "Holiday planning and fall festivities can wait, but the flu shot cannot."

CNN's John Bonifield and Debra Goldschmidt contributed to this story.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated where the Sidaris lived last year.

The health of arteries is vastly important for aging and prevention of chronic disease, most notably coronary artery disease, and it’s also important for the health of organs such as the kidney and the brain. Ketones, which are produced by fasting or the ketogenic diet, protect arteries.

You’re only as old as your arteries

Thomas Sydenham, a 17th-century English physician, famously said, “You’re only as old as your arteries.” (Ref.)

Coronary artery disease is a major killer in the U.S., and heart disease in general is the number one cause of death.

Aging is the most important risk factor for heart disease. See chart below.

Ketones protect arteries

Disease of the arteries is caused by inflammation in the lining, which is composed of endothelial cells.

All cells other than stem cells age, and as they age they lose function. When they’ve reached the end of the road, they become senescent.

Senescent cells are major contributors to chronic inflammation and are associated with SASP, the senescence associated secretory phenotype. Essentially, senescent cells produce inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) that cause an inflammatory response for any cells in the vicinity. (Ref.)

Chronic inflammation is associated with aging and plays a causative role in several age-related diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis. The source of this chronic inflammation is often attributed to the progressive activation of immune cells over time. However, recent studies have shown that the process of cellular senescence, a tumor suppressive stress response that is also associated with aging, entails a striking increase in the secretion of pro-inflammatory proteins and might be an important additional contributor to chronic inflammation. 

The new science of senolytics promises the ability to rid our bodies of senescent cells, which would negate many of the effects of aging. (Ref.)

In passing, let’s note that a single bout of resistance training (lifting weights) can also eliminate senescent endothelial cells. (Ref.)

Preventing the endothelial cells that line arteries from becoming senescent means keeping them youthful and from becoming sources of inflammatory cytokines. This in turn helps maintain youthful arteries.

A recent study showed that ketones can prevent senescence of both endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. β-Hydroxybutyrate Prevents Vascular Senescence.

Beta hydroxybutyrate is one of three ketone bodies produced during ketosis.

So, how do you produce ketones?

One way is via a very low carbohydrate ketogenic diet. The absence of carbohydrates in the diet means that glucose in the body must be spared for important uses. Ketones are produced from fat to provide energy in place of glucose.

Another way to produce ketones is through intermittent fasting. Total absence of food, and especially absence of carbohydrates, induces ketone production.

Ketone supplements work too.

Calorie restriction, the most robust life-extension intervention we know of, also produces ketones.

Ketones and autophagy

Autophagy is the cellular self-cleansing process that rids cells of junk molecules, which are crucial in promoting aging.

Increased autophagy is essential for life extension. (Ref.) The decline in autophagy induction in aging allows the accumulation of junk molecules, and therefore cells don’t function as well, leading to the aging phenotype of increased susceptibility to damage, breakdown, and disease.

Ketones promote autophagy. (Ref.)

The promotion of autophagy by ketones may be another way that fasting and ketogenic diet protect arteries.

Increasing the ability to induce autophagy is one of the most promising anti-aging interventions. This can be done with calorie-restriction mimetics, such as resveratrol, rapamycin, and metformin, or of course by calorie restriction itself, as well as fasting and the ketogenic diet.

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For more science-backed ways to fight aging, check out my course, The Anti-Aging Blueprint.

Doing your skin-care regimen twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed—is pretty standard. But having a regular workout routine shakes everything up and adds more to the equation. After sweating for a full hour, you’re left figuring out how to keep your pores clean without over washing or over stripping skin.

After dealing with the issue for ages, personal trainer and fitness guru, Massy Arias has some tricks under her belt—namely, keeping things clean from the inside-out for an everlasting glow.

“I used to have acne-prone skin, and it wasn’t until I changed my entire nutrition plan until I saw a major change in my skin,” says Arias, who’s the face of CoverGirl’s new Active Collection, a line of sweat-proof makeup (the Lash Blast Active Mascara is out today while the rest of the products will launch in January). “I found that I got acne due to poor eating, so once I changed my eating habits everything changed and I just started glowing.”

“I make this concoction every single day, which consists of 8 ounces of lukewarm water, ACV, a half lemon, quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper, a teaspoon of turmeric, and two teaspoons of raw honey.” —Massy Arias

Besides stocking up on greens and other skin-friendly foods, Arias swears by a certain drink recipe that fights inflammation and feeds her complexion.

“I make this concoction every single day, which consists of 8 ounces of lukewarm water, ACV, a half lemon, quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper, a teaspoon of turmeric, and two teaspoons of raw honey,” she reveals. “I drink this every morning right before I have my breakfast, and I also make sure that I’m properly hydrated throughout the day. But, the drink increases the situation of your body—it helps your skin glow, and it’s great for inflammation, which acne is tied to.”

She’s onto something: apple cider vinegar is a major inflammation buster (along with turmeric, obvs), raw honey is a superfood, and cayenne pepper is known to promote metabolic health. Consider it a beautifying recipe to keep on-hand for adding radiance to your complexion—even if you sweat on the reg.

You can also fight inflammation by snacking on moringa or dark chocolate. 

[10th October, 2018]

The topic of cannabis (marijuana) has become far less taboo in recent years, but there are still many misconceptions—and fears—about its use as a medicinal plant.

Cannabis is still an illegal product in most countries and can be difficult to obtain. More importantly, it is challenging to study.

Still, an increasing amount of evidence has found it could offer significant benefits for patients with chronic pain and even cancer.

This article looks at what cannabis oil is, how it differs from CBD oil, and what the science is saying about its potential.

What is Cannabis Oil?

Cannabis oil is an extract from cannabis (marijuana) plants that contains several cannabinoid compounds that bind to receptors in the brain and body.

Cannabis is one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants, with its use dating back some 8,000 years ago (1).

As of now, over a 100 of its active compounds have been detected, but there are two that have been studied the most:

• Cannabidiol (CBD): This is the active ingredient in CBD oil that has been shown to display anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects.
• Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): This is the substance in marijuana that is most known for getting you “high.”

While the term “cannabis oil” may be used to describe any cannabis-based oil (like CBD oil or hemp seed oil), it typically refers to the specific extract that contains all components of marijuana, including THC.

Summary: Cannabis oil is an extract from cannabis (marijuana) plants. It contains all active ingredients in the plant, including CBD and THC.

Cannabis Oil vs CBD Oil… What’s The Difference?

Unlike cannabis oil, which is typically made from marijuana with a high THC percentage (typically at least 50%), CBD oil does not contain this mind-altering compound.

In other words, CBD oil does not get you “high,” but could offer some helpful benefits.

Many natural health proponents have been touting CBD oil and its potential to relieve chronic pain, reduce anxiety and depression, and alleviate cancer symptoms, among several other benefits.

Because it doesn’t contain THC, CBD oil is legal in all 50 states of the U.S., Canada, and all of Europe (except for Slovakia).

Summary: Unlike cannabis oil, which is typically made from marijuana with a high THC percentage, CBD oil does not contain this mind-altering compound.

Is Cannabis Oil Illegal?

Because it contains THC, cannabis oil can only be purchased in an area where marijuana is legal or can be prescribed.

In the U.S., marijuana is legal for both recreational and medicinal use in nine states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington, along with Washington, DC.

Thirty states have legalized medical marijuana for medicinal use. These include the nine mentioned above, along with:

Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

Summary: Since it contains THC, cannabis oil can only be purchased in areas where marijuana is legal or can be prescribed. This includes 30 U.S. states.

Benefits of Cannabis Oil

Because of its long-held status as an illegal Schedule I drug, research on cannabis has been limited.

Fortunately, a growing number of studies on cannabis have focused on its potential health benefits, mostly regarding appetite, nausea and pain.

Cannabis oil would likely offer similar benefits as CBD oil. However, it’s possible that its addition of THC could provide further benefits.

THC is a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, and anti-emetic (prevents vomiting).

Using the whole marijuana plant versus part of it (like with CBD oil) could also provide extra synergetic effects. This however, is difficult to study.

There are currently a few licensed cannabis-based drugs on the market including:

• Dronabinol (Marinol) / Nabilone (Cesamet): Both are synthetic forms of THC used to counteract nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, and to stimulate appetite in AIDS patients.
• Nabiximols (Sativex): Contains an equal amount of THC and CBD and used to relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and pain in cancer patients.
• Epidiolex: A concentrated CBD oil used as an anti-seizure medication for children with epilepsy (2).

Cannabis Oil for Cancer

Many cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, have shown some anti-cancer effects.

Most significantly, cannabinoids may have the ability (at least in test tube studies) to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and promote the death of cancer cells by apoptosis (3).

That said, while THC has shown promise in cancer studies, it’s also shown the potential to suppress the immune system and enhance tumor growth (4).

Clearly, much more research needs to be done to determine how cannabinoids, at specific concentrations, may work best for cancer treatment.

Cannabis Oil for Pain Relief

Cannabis oil is a potent anti-inflammatory and can provide significant pain relief, likely more so than just CBD oil.

In fact, THC was shown to have 20 times the anti-inflammatory potency of aspirin and twice that of hydrocortisone (5).

THC has been found to reduce pain in patients with cancer and MS, and cannabis treatment has proven effective for those with fibromyalgia (6, 7).

Summary: Research on cannabis has been limited, but is quickly growing. Cannabis oil would likely offer similar benefits as CBD oil, but may offer even greater potential with the addition of THC, which is a proven pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.

Side Effects of Cannabis Oil

It can be difficult to obtain certified cannabis oils that provide specific concentrations and guarantee purity.

Some cannabis oils may even contain up to 75% THC (8).

Commercially produced cannabis oils for medical purposes are most dependable since they will have controlled concentrations of CBD and THC.

The addition of THC in cannabis oil will cause some side effects, including:

• The feeling of being “high”
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Reduced memory and learning ability
• Increased heart rate
• Increased appetite.

It’s also noteworthy to mention that CBD actually helps control the psychoactive effects of THC, so a good balance of both may be important.

Summary: It can be difficult to know the concentrations and purity of cannabis oil products, so you will likely not know how much THC and CBD they contain. The presence of THC will cause you to feel “high,” and may also lead to fatigue, reduced memory and increased appetite.

How to Make Cannabis Oil

Although cannabis oil has only started to find legal status in certain areas, plenty of people have been handcrafting their own for some time.

If you’re able to obtain cannabis legally, you can easily make your own version of cannabis oil, which allows you to control the amount and type of cannabis used.

Canadian cannabis expert Rick Simpson is often cited for his groundbreaking work creating a cannabis oil, now referred to as Rick Simpson Oil or RSO.

He made his own cannabis oil to help treat his skin cancer, and has shared this recipe here.

Cannabis Coconut Oil

Another way to consume cannabis oil is with cannabis coconut oil.

The saturated fats in coconut oil help preserve the cannabinoids, making it a more potent and effective cannabis product.

Cannabis-infused coconut oil can be used topically, consumed on its own or used as a cooking oil just like normal coconut oil. You can also put it into capsules for measured doses.

This site offers a good recipe for cannabis coconut oil.

Summary: If you’re able to obtain cannabis legally, you can make your own version of cannabis oil at home. Cannabis coconut oil can also be made and consumed on its own or used topically or as a cooking oil.

Should You Try Cannabis Oil?

The benefits of CBD oil are well established, but it’s possible cannabis oil could be even more effective.

The addition of THC, the compound that also gets you “high,” could offer greater anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and pain-relieving effects.

Because cannabis oil uses the entire marijuana plant, there may also be some other synergetic effects involved.

However, the state of cannabis’ legality has severely limited its research opportunities. Fortunately this is rapidly changing.

Early studies have found that cannabis treatment has helped patients with chronic pain, cancer, MS, AIDS, and fibromyalgia.

As of now, cannabis oil is still difficult to obtain, and is legal for medicinal use in only 30 U.S. states. It’s also not regulated, so it’s hard to know how much THC you may be getting.

If you’re looking for a similar and safe alternative—and one without the “high”—you may want to seek out CBD oil first.

The beauty world is constantly evolving. We’re introduced to new products and techniques practically everyday—many promising to be the next life-changing solution to our beauty woes. But with all of the options out there, it can be hard to separate the gems from the duds. So, the more I heard about the impressive benefits of facial massage, the more I had to look into it.

That’s why I’m so grateful for our incredible Beauty Editor, Danielle Shine! Not only is she super smart and well-versed on all things beauty and skincare—she’s also studying nutrition, which means she really understands the science behind how we take care of ourselves.

So needless to say, the first time I saw Danielle rolling a wacky little device all over her face on Instagram, I couldn’t wait to ask her to write about it. And as usual, she’s totally outdone herself. She became a facial massage detective—uncovering the most effective techniques and tools, plus the types of benefits you can expect to see. Keep reading to find out which facial massage method meets your skincare needs.

Take it away, Danielle!

3 Must-Have Facial Massage Tools and Techniques

by Beauty Editor Danielle Shine

Thanks, Kris!

For the last 6 months I’ve been trialing facial massage tools and techniques in a bid to better understand how they work and what benefits they promote.

Happily, I’ve discovered you can totally do it at home for a LOT less—here’s what I found after throwing myself head-first (pun intended) into the fantastic field of facial massage…

Gua Sha

It all began with Mae, my Chinese next-door neighbor. I was 15, she was 35, but looked a lot younger. Her skin looked like porcelain—so clean, clear and radiant.

Most days after school, I’d drop in to say “hi” to Mae. I didn’t realize at the time, but she’d save her beauty routine for when I was there—it became our thing. I’d perch on the toilet seat in her bathroom chatting away while Mae performed her curious facial massage routine with a flat, green stone she called “jade.”

She’d swipe it across specific sections of her face, finishing up by slapping and pinching areas around her chin, cheeks and forehead—it was the funniest thing to watch! Little did I know this routine would eventually become one of hottest facial massage trends across the globe: gua sha.

How does gua sha work?

Gua sha (pronounced “gwa sha”) is a traditional non-needle healing technique involving pressure-based strokes performed all over the body with a flat-edged instrument to intentionally raise petechiae, which are tiny red or purple spots under the skin caused by minor bleeding from broken capillaries.

Sounds brutal, but scientific research supports gua sha’s many benefits, the main one being improved blood and Qi (energy) flow to body tissues. When blood flows efficiently throughout the body, circulation is improved and lymphatic fluid moves more optimally to promote faster, more effective regeneration, protection and repair of cells.

When it comes to gua sha facial massage, it’s important to note that you must apply fairly light pressure to avoid bruising or permanently damaging the many more delicate capillaries beneath your skin. When performed gently and correctly, gua sha facial massage helps:

• Lift sagging skin around eyes, jawline and neck
• Reduce or eliminate puffiness (pockets of fluid under skin)
• Minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduce recurrence of inflammatory symptoms like pimples (especially when paired with a diet filled with real, fresh food!)
• Brighten completion

Is gua sha worth my money?

Yes. Especially compared to the oh-so-hot-right-now jade rollers, which work nicely to cool and soothe the skin, but don’t affect the same blood and lymph flow or tension-release, gua sha facial massage can.

Interested? Start by with something like this and incorporate gua sha during your morning or nighttime routine with a little facial oil. Despite what some say, there’s really no one way to use gua sha. I have met some of the best Chinese Medicine facialists in the world and each time they demonstrate a different style or technique.

The main safety bits you need to know: Be gentle and avoid your delicate eye area entirely, (the super-soft part of your eye sockets). Oh! And safeguard your thyroid by never ever using gua sha over the top of your throat.

My favorite technique is one that shifts and drains fluid first thing in the morning—it’s great for de-puffing. Always use the flat edge of your tool and stroke upwards in a light sweeping motion using the graphic below as a guide. Three to five times for each stroke is all you need. As you become more confident and figure out what type of pressure works for you, you should see a little red flush appear after the third or fourth stroke. As long as there is no pain, you’re doing it correctly. I do this daily just before brushing my teeth, but make it work for you!

Handheld Facial Massage Rollers

After MUCH trial and research, it’s safe to say I’m now addicted to handheld facial massage tools. It’s become a daily thing for me—well, more like a several-times-a-day thing because it’s feels so good! I use it during university lectures, Skype conversations, when I’m on the toilet (don’t knock it ‘til you try it!) and I’ve even been known to whip it out my after dinner. You’ll come to understand all of this once you try it for yourself. In fact, I challenge you NOT to enjoy this terrific treat!

How do facial massage rollers work?

Pretty simple really: With one hand, apply moderate pressure as you roll the tool over the main areas of your face, avoiding your eye area. Think: cheeks, chin, jawline and forehead. You can also massage the sides of your neck, but never ever over your throat where your thyroid lives—this advice stands for any kind of massage tool or technique.

When used correctly, facial massage rollers can:

• Stimulate facial circulation
• Plump skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Support lymph drainage
• Help tighten skin
• Reduce puffiness due to excess fluid
• Support clearance of nasal and sinus congestion

Are facial massage rollers worth my money?

Abso-freaking-lutely! Similar to body massage, handheld facial massagers work under whatever pressure you decide to apply to effectively loosen super-tight spots and support circulation. After just 3 months of use, my terribly tight jaw (I unconsciously clench during sleep and stressful times) feels SO much better. I’ve also stopped grinding my teeth during sleep which is an amazing, unexpected result.

Here are three of my fave facial massage rollers:

The Facialift (approx. $38 USD)
You’re welcome. One trial of this magical tool will have you agreeing it’s a never-leave-home-without-it thing. Designed by London’s most sought-after skin specialist, Sarah Chapman (a pure genius in my opinion), the Facialift has improved saggy areas around my mouth (think inside-out dimples) PLUS it also alleviates major tension around my jawline and neck after long days of university study.

Jeanne Piaubert Stimuloval Roller (approx. $43 USD)
A little smaller and not as effective as the Facialift, this little roller is still a great addition to your beauty facial massage routine. The soft, small plastic spikes don’t pierce the skin, so I love using it to get at the tricky little crease-prone area between your eyebrows (where botox is often first deployed). I also love rolling it along my forehead to get blood moving. Every time I use it, I notice some of my deeper creases appear lighter!

Mauli Rituals Anti-aging Massage Dome (approx. $83 USD)
Just delightful! This tension-release massage tool is deeply rooted in Ayurvedic history. Designed to gently lift, sculpt and smooth your skin, it’s a sweet little addition to your beauty toolbox. I use it mostly when my face feels puffy.

Possibly the MOST fun I’ve had in all my years of natural beauty experimentation thus far, this really works! But, like all of these tools and techniques I’ve shared with you here, microcurrent stimulation produces short term results—it’s something you really must incorporate into your daily or weekly routine to see real, consistent change. No big deal really, I factor in a little microstimulation before or after brushing my teeth most days. Easy peasy!

How does microcurrent stimulation work?

Did you know that there are forty-three muscles in your face? Well, science says that microcurrent stimulation (originally developed to support facial palsy and other muscular issues) can “wake them up” by delivering a safe, low-dose current that reminds muscles of where they used to be before gravity took hold.

When microcurrent stimulation is used consistently over time, muscles become a little tighter thanks in part to increased blood and lymph circulation (do you see a pattern here?), which helps muscles resume their original place. Try it to experience benefits such as:

• Tighter skin
• Minimization of fine lines and wrinkles
• Plumper, fresher-looking (and feeling!) skin
• Less facial sagging (if used routinely, obvi!)

Is microcurrent stimulation worth my money?

Yes, but start with a visit to your local esthetician to get a feel for what microcurrent stimulation is like before you invest in your own at-home device like this one.

Be aware that you will feel some kind of stimulation—it’s different for everyone, but just know that in NO way is it meant to feel painful. Think more tingly, prickly feels depending upon your sensitivity level.

For those of you who need further info, scientific research says it’s completely safe when used for short periods of time: 10-15 minutes will do the (tightening) trick. You can do it two to three times a week(or more if you like, but always give yourself at least 24 hours between treatments) to maintain the lovely lifted look!

Ok my friend, that’s it!

We’ve come to the end of the facial massage and rolling road for now, but before I sign off I want to encourage you to try at least one of the methods I’ve detailed above. It’s a great way to practice self-care and get that feel-good factor in the comfort of your own home for a LOT less than your standard facial. I mean, there’s really nothing better than being able to take care of yo’self with a side of toned facial muscles and de-puffed skin thanks to these terrific tools that last a lifetime.

Here’s what our community shared with us:

In six months I lost 25lbs but for the past two months have stalled cause I’m not eating enough from the stress of ending a five year relationship. I lost half my hair from stress and not eating enough even though I was taking supplements and vitamins everyday.

The entire time I was on keto, I could not finish a single workout at even one third of the weight I was lifting before keto!

I’m ready to come off keto and get back into my powerlifting program and not feel like shit again.

Has anyone used keto for a cut and went back to carbs? How did it go?

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When my mother died in May 2007 from gallbladder cancer, I took a leave from my post as a health reporter at the Wall Street Journal with funding from a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Investigator Award. Gallbladder cancer is a rare disease that affects about 7,000 people a year in the U.S., and I wanted to write about the challenges of developing drugs for rare diseases.

For the next six years, I followed a group of families and scientists trying to accelerate the development of a drug to treat Niemann-Pick Type C disease, a rare and fatal cholesterol metabolism disorder known as NPC that strikes primarily children.

(Credit: Sirirat/Shutterstock)

As the crisis of antibiotic resistance deepens, researchers are looking for new ways to combat infectious diseases. One solution proposed by UCLA researchers: When one drug won’t work, try two. Or three, four or five.

Seeing What Sticks

In a new paper in Nature Systems Biology and Applications, scientists take a look at eight common antibiotics and run through thousands of combinations involving anywhere from two to five of them. They uncovered numerous combinations that they say work better than anticipated, hinting that never-before-tried drug pairings could help to combat increasingly hardy bacteria.

On plates dotted with almost 400 small wells, the researchers mixed different combinations of drugs at varying concentrations with colonies of E. coli bacteria and watched how they grew. In total, they created 18,278 different combinations, and created a new mathematical model to help sift through all the data that they call MAGIC (Mathematical Analysis for General Interactions of Components).

Though the results were mixed — many drug combinations had no effects or performed worse — they did uncover thousands of new drug cocktails that did better than forecasted. This was often simply because the drugs’ effects were additive — they each attacked the bacteria in a different way, for example — and that proved a more devastating assault than any one drug alone could provide. Researchers had previously assumed that adding on new drugs likely wouldn’t help in this way, because the effects might cancel each other out, or simply wouldn’t provide an additional benefit.

The researchers did find a number of these antagonistic relationships between drugs, that is, situations where adding them together actually lessened their effects. Interestingly, many of these negative effects were due to what’s called emergent effects, defined as something that could only happen when three or more drugs are put together. That can be contrasted with additive, or net effects, where the individual actions of each drug are simply stacked together.

These drug combinations haven’t been tested in humans yet, and it will likely be some time before it happens, but it does offer a creative way to adapt current resources to address the looming issue of antibiotic resistance. Not all the beneficial drug combinations the researchers uncovered would work in humans, but they have so many to sift through, it’s likely that many would hold some sort of benefit. The effects of using multiple drugs to on healthcare costs, as well as the implications for those who might be allergic to specific drugs, are unknown as of yet.