Juicing Can Be Inflammatory

One of the basic principles of a healthy diet is to eat whole foods. Juicing is often recommended as a health improvement measure. Juicing has the advantage of breaking down the cell walls of plant material and increasing the availability of nutrients. There is, however, an argument to be made against the long term use of juice diets.

In a recent study fourteen participants were placed on experimental diets for three days. One diet was exclusively juice, another juice plus food, and a third with no juice. The researchers found that the diet which was exclusively juice led to changes in the bacteria in the stool, saliva, and cheek. The diet that was exclusively juice resulted in an increase in pro-inflammatory bacteria in the mouth and an increase in bacteria in the digestive tract associated with leaky gut (gut permeability), inflammation, and cognitive decline. The researchers suggested that this was probably due to reduced fiber intake and the higher intake of sugars in the juice diet. (Sugars are much more rapidly absorbed in juices than from whole foods.) The elimination of the high juice diet and replacement with a high fiber diet resulted in increase in beneficial bacteria producing butyrate that supports control of gut inflammation, promotes immune balance and resistance to pathogens or harmful bacteria. The role of fiber in promoting long term health is often overlooked by medical professionals as well as those looking for a healthy diet.

Reference:

Link to article on juicing. Sardaro MLS, Grote V, Baik J, Atallah M, Amato KR, Ring M. Effects of Vegetable and Fruit Juicing on Gut and Oral Microbiome Composition. Nutrients. 2025; 17(3):458.

Dry Skin and Inflammation

The skin is the largest organ in the body. Lungs, liver, and intestines weigh about 5 pounds but the skin weighs about 20 pounds. The more we age the more the skin tends to dry out so that by 45 or 50 years of age skin health declines. The protection from the outer environment declines resulting in susceptibility to breaches resulting in inflammation. Elevated inflammatory compounds in the blood are associated with increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and Alzheimer's along with other inflammatory disorders.

In 2019 researchers decided to see what would happen if hydrating the skin with a skin care product would alter the blood levels of inflammatory compounds. Levels of 2 profoundly inflammatory compounds normalized and one was substantially reduced after 30 days when a skin care that hydrated the skin was applied twice a day. Three of the primary inflammatory markers for age related diseases were reduced by topical application of a hydrating skin care product to the skin.

This study directly links the use of quality skin care products that hydrate the skin to decreased inflammation in the body which should reduce the risk of inflammatory disorders.

NeoLife 3 Step Organic Skin Care

For Normal to Dry Skin

1. #3930 Cleansing Milk

2. #3932 Balancing Tonic

This product hydrates the skin within 30 minutes and the effects last for 4 hours after use.

3. #3934 Ultra Hydrating Serum

A single application was shown to significantly boost skin hydration after as little as 30 minutes. The hydration of the skin lasted for longer than 8 hours.

4. #3936 Ultra Moisturizing Cream

For Oily Skin

1. # 3931 Cleansing Gel

2. #3932 Balancing Tonic

3. #3933 Hydrating Serum

4. #3935 Moisturizing Cream

NeoLife organic skin care is designed to hydrate the skin and make it act and feel young for most of a day. It is the perfect product for skin hydration.

Step One

The first step is to cleanse the skin. Cleansing milk is for normal to dry skin and cleansing gel is for cleaning oily skin.

Step Two

Nutriance Organic Balancing Tonic is the second step in hydrating the skin. This product hydrates the skin within 30 minutes and the effects last for 4 hours after use.

Step 3

NeoLife has two hydrating serums for the skin. Organic Ultra-Hydrating Serum if for normal to dry skin. A single application was shown to significantly boost skin hydration after as little as 30 minutes. The hydration of the skin lasted for longer than 8 hours.

Organic Hydrating Serum was developed for oily skin. It also increases skin hydration within 30 minutes and the effects last for over 4 hours.

Both of these hydrating products have been clinically tested and shown to provide better hydrated and more radiant skin.

Step 3 B: An Added Boost

NeoLife also has an Organic Ultra-Moisturizing cream and an Organic Moisturizing cream which can be applied after the hydrating serums for an added hydration boost. The Ultra is for dry skin and the Moisturizing cream for oily skin.

References:

Greger, Michael, How Not to Age, New York: Flatiron Books, 2023, 81.

Ye L, Mauro TM, Dang E, Wang G, Hu LZ, Yu C, Jeong S, Feingold K, Elias PM, Lv CZ, Man MQ. Topical applications of an emollient reduce circulating pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in chronically aged humans: a pilot clinical study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2019 Nov;33(11):2197-2201. doi: 10.1111/jdv.15540. Epub 2019 Mar 27. PMID: 30835878; PMCID: PMC6728229.

NeoLife Organic Skin Care Price Reduction

NeoLife recently reduced the price of their organic skin care by 20% in order to be more competitive with other products. It is now possible to get this wonderful organic product for a very reasonable price when compared to the many chemical laden products in the marketplace.

Microplastics

 Microplastics, tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters in diameter, are present throughout our environment. They can be found in the air that we breathe, the food that we eat, and the water that we drink. They accumulate in the ocean, soil and in the bodies of plants, animals and humans. Microplastics are believed to contribute to chronic inflammation which not only promotes inflammatory conditions but also contributes to weight gain. Microplastics can also disrupt hormone chemistry.

There is no easy solution to microplastic pollution. Synthetic fibers in rugs, clothing and other household items can contribute to microplastics. Air purification with a HEPA filter can help in the home. Use of household items made from natural fibers also helps. Consumption of foods and beverages stored in plastic containers is a major source of exposure. Water should be stored in glass or stainless steel. Foods should be stored in glass as well. Personal care products and cleaning products can also contain microplastics.

Since inflammation is one of the major problems associated with accumulation of microplastics supplementation with salmon oil and antioxidants is one of the most effective means of counteracting this toxic pollution. NeoLife Salmon Oil Plus as shown in a clinical trial to reduce the inflammatory index by 68% in 8 weeks. It is also the cleanest fish oil product on the market being tested for over 200 pollutants with a standard of zero. Several studies have shown that contaminated fish oil products containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP’s) create problems like insulin resistance and fatty infiltration of the liver rather than resolving such problems.

References:

Microplastics as obesogens.

Microplastics cause dysbiotic-- bad bugs in the gut.

Microplastics contribute to inflammation.

Microplastics in food.

Sperm

Pomegranate Polyphenols

 Pomegranate contains a rich supply of polyphenols, many of which have inhibitory effects upon various cancers. A fairly recent review article noted that pomegranate had anticancer effects in test tube studies, in living animals, and in clinical trials. Anti-cancer activities included fighting the proliferation of cancer cells, inhibiting the spread of cancers (metastatic properties), and inhibiting invasive activities. The research summary discusses the role of pomegranate in breast, prostate, lung, colon, skin, and liver cancers. The article concludes, "All parts of the fruit were reported to have therapeutic activity including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, anti-diabetes, hepato (liver) protective and antioxidant activity, etc."

References:

Link to Article on pomegranate and cancers in Oncology Reviews.

 Lung Inflammation and Smoke Exposure

A number of years ago while I was lecturing in Los Angeles I became acquainted with an attorney. He shared with me that he was involved in a case in which he learned that children were experiencing severe lung damage from breathing the polluted air in the city at that time.

The West Coast is experiencing some of the worst fires in history and the lungs can not help but be affected. Where there is fire there is often smoke and the smoke has been unusually bad this year. Research indicates that certain nutrients can protect the lungs from smoke and the serious lung inflammation which can result from exposure.

Vitamins C and E

In one study mice were exposed to different levels of cigarette smoke (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, or 15 cigarettes a day). Some of the mice were supplemented with vitamin C, vitamin E, or both. Inflammatory markers indicating oxidation of fats increased in all the mice exposed to the smoke. Vitamin C or vitamin E reduced lung inflammation. The combination of vitamins C and E was most protective against lung inflammation and oxidative damage. In this study the vitamins were administered 12 hours prior to exposure to the smoke. Smoke inhalation tends to be very suppressive of vitamin E levels. In animal studies vitamin E is moved into lung tissue when the animals are exposed to smoke.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids have been shown to reduce risk of lung cancer. In one study of 207 cases the third with the highest levels of carotenoids had a 55-76% reduced risk of lung cancer. One study suggested an inverse relationship between intake of vitamins C, E, and carotenoids.

Herbal Formulas

NeoLife has developed specific herbal formulas to promote easy breathing. Herbal Respiratory Formula is specifically targeted to aid breathing in the lower respiratory tract. It contains elecampane root which can help relieve coughing, stimulate bronchial secretions, and help ward off infections of the lower respiratory tract. Nettle leaf and elder flower have been added to help fight symptoms of allergies and hay fever and reduce congestion. The product also contains thyme and aniseed which assist and clear uncongested airflow, especially in the bronchial area and lungs.

NeoLife has also developed Resp-X. This is a comprehensive, broad spectrum, synergistic combination of ten herbs targeted to the upper part of the respiratory tract. It supports sinus decongestion and comfortable breathing. Horseradish supports normal airflow in the sinuses and lungs and a healthy immune response to air pollutants. Thyme and hyssop promote clear, open airways. Cayenne stimulates respiratory tissues and promotes healthy circulation in lung tissues.

Summary

For best protection against smoke supplementation of these nutrients morning and evening would seem to be a prudent protective measure while exposed to smoke or other air pollution. The intake of omega-3 fatty acids would also tend to release the inflammatory response in the lungs.

References:

Silva Bezerra F, Valenca SS, et al, "Alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid supplementation reduced acute lung inflammatory response by cigarette smoke in mouse," Nutrition, 2006; 22(11-12): 1192-1201.

Epplein M, Le Marchand L, et al, "Association of plasma micronutrient levels and urinary isoprostane with risk of lung cancer: the multiethnic cohort study," Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 2009; 18(7): 1962-70. 

Shekelle, R.B., et al, "Dietary Factors and the Risk of Lung Cancer: Total Body of Evidence", American Journal of Epidemiology, September 1, 1991;134:471-479.

Naoki Morita, et al., "Vitamin E attenuates acute lung injury in sheep with burn and smoke inhalation injury," Redox Report, 2006;11:2, 61-70, DOI: 10.1179/135100006X101020

Asthma and Carotenoids

Those with asthma often have reduced levels of carotenoids when compared to controls. Epidemiological evidence indicates that carotenoids and carotenoid-rich foods are protective against asthma. Supplementation has also been shown to improve some of the problems associated with asthma. Asthmatics tend to be low in carotenoids in general and particularly low in lycopene, the red carotenoid that colors tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit.

The intake of omega-3 fats appears to be inversely associated with the development of asthma in one fairly recent study.

References:

Wood, Lisa, "Lycopene-Rich Treatments Modify Noneosinophilic Airway Inflammation in Asthma: Proof of Concept," Free Radic Res, 2008; 42(1): 94-102. 

Li J, Xun P, et al, "Intakes of long-chain omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs and fish in relation to incidence of asthma among American young adults: the CARDIA study," Am J Clin Nutr, 2013 Jan; 97(1): 173-8. 

 The Diet That Poisons!

     I found the study I am about to describe quite startling. Perhaps you will too. Researchers placed 8 healthy subjects on a Western-style diet for one month. The diet contained 40% fat, not unusual for the average American. By the end of 30 days the levels of inflammatory toxins in the blood had increased by 71%. When the subjects were put on a diet that was only 20% fat inflammatory toxins in the blood dropped by 31% in a month.

     The researchers in this study were measuring lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a highly toxic product of the cell walls of bacteria. Accumulation of this compound is called endotoxemia because the toxins are part of the bacteria themselves rather than something the bacteria produce and release into the environment into which they live. The high fat diet actually promoted the growth of bacteria containing this substance.

     Physician David Perlmutter refers to LPS as "the incendiary device." He writes, "If there were ever a clear biological villain that flips on inflammatory pathways in the body, it would be lipopolysaccaride." It "induces a violent inflammatory response in animals if it finds its way into the bloodstream." LPS has been implicated in Alzheimer's, autism, depression, obesity, metabolic resistance, inflammatory disorders, and intestinal permeability.

     One animal study found that palm oil resulted in more endotoxemia related inflammation than did milk fat, sunflower or safflower oils in mice. This should serve as a warning that while palm oil has beneficial ketones which can improve brain health, an excess could be harmful. 

     The bottom line is consume only quality fats and these in moderation.

References:

Pendyala, Swaroop, et al., A high-fat diet is associated with endotoxemia that originates from the gut, Gastroenterology. 2012 May ; 142(5): 1100-1101.

Perlmutter, David, Brain Maker, New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2015, 56-60.

Laugerette, Fabiene, et al., Oil composition of high-fat diet affects metabolic inflammation differently in connection with endotoxin receptors in mice, American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology and Metabolism, February 2012;302(3):E374-386.

Inflammation and Hospital Stay

     A study of 689 patients hospitalized for cancer surgery found an inverse association between the anti-inflammatory properties of the diet and the length of the hospital stay. The higher the anti-inflammatory index, the shorter the hospital stay. This study is a good argument for eating a diet low in inflammatory properties such as vegetables and grass fed meats. It also suggests the value of Salmon Oil Plus which lowered the inflammatory index by 68% in 8 weeks.
Reference:
Kulig, Galas A., et al., Dietary inflammatory index (DII) as a potential determinant of a length of hospitalization among surgical patients treated for colorectal cancer, Eur J Clin Nutr, Oct 2014;68(10):1168-74.

Inflammation and Vitamin C

     Statin medications for heart disease are believed to produce most of their benefits due to their anti-inflammatory effects rather than their activity in lowering cholesterol.
     A new study has shown that 1,000 mg of vitamin C a day had effects that "are similar to those of statins" when it comes to reducing C-reactive protein, one of the best laboratory means of assessing an individual's inflammatory state. It is too bad that pharmaceutical firms will not study the use of vitamin C in place of statins to see if the nutrient doesn't produce results as good as the patented medication.
Reference:
Block, Gladys, et al., Vitamin C treatment reduces elevated C-reactive protein, Free Radic Biol Med, January 1, 2009;46(1):70-77.