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University of Geneva Study Reveals Liver Metabolic Changes in Mice on Strict Vegan Diets

University of Geneva Study Reveals Liver Metabolic Changes in Mice on Strict Vegan Diets

Scientists at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) have conducted a study on mice, published in Molecular Metabolism, investigating the effects of switching from a mixed diet (animal and plant proteins) to an exclusively plant-based (vegan) diet. The research, led by Pierre Maechler, a full professor in the Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism and at the Diabetes Centre of the UNIGE Faculty of Medicine, compared two groups of mice: one on a lacto-vegetarian diet and another on a vegan diet. Within days, the mice on the vegan diet exhibited less efficient glucose production and reduced effectiveness in eliminating ammonia, a toxic substance from amino acid breakdown. A significant decrease in physical activity was also observed. These changes were linked to the liver enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), which plays a crucial role in bridging protein and sugar metabolisms. The study found that the absence of GDH in mice fed exclusively plant proteins led to severe ammonia build-up and impaired blood glu...

Dietary Fiber and Plant-Based Foods Crucial for Gut Health, Experts Advise

Dietary Fiber and Plant-Based Foods Crucial for Gut Health, Experts Advise

Dietary Fiber and Plant-Based Foods Crucial for Gut Health, Experts Advise

Could the time you eat matter as much as what you eat?

Could the time you eat matter as much as what you eat?

Emerging science suggests your body's internal clock plays a key role in metabolism, meaning when you eat could be a powerful factor in your health.

Supplements for Detox Pathways: Evidence-Based Insights into Liver, Kidney, and Gut Support

Supplements for Detox Pathways: Evidence-Based Insights into Liver, Kidney, and Gut Support

The market for 'detox' supplements is extensive, but scientific evidence suggests that the body's natural detoxification pathways, primarily involving the liver, kidneys, gut, lymph, and skin, are continuously active and do not require commercial 'cleanses.' Instead, certain nutrients can support these existing systems. For liver biotransformation, co-factors like N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and selenium, which support glutathione production, show reasonable human evidence. Milk thistle (silymarin) has mixed evidence, with some trials showing no benefit. Kidney filtration is best supported by hydration, with 'kidney detox' products having low evidence and potential risks. The gut and bile elimination pathway has the strongest support, with fiber and probiotics aiding regularity and waste removal. Lymphatic drainage is primarily driven by movement, and skin elimination through sweat is minor. Commercial detox teas and charcoal products lack compelling research evidence and can be harmful, with regulatory bodies ...

C-Section Birth Shows Minimal Impact on IQ, Family Factors Account for Most Differences

C-Section Birth Shows Minimal Impact on IQ, Family Factors Account for Most Differences

Studies investigating the relationship between C-section birth and intelligence quotient (IQ) have found that being born by Cesarean section makes little to no significant difference to a child's IQ. Large-scale population studies in several countries indicate that individuals born via C-section score approximately 1 IQ point or less lower than those born vaginally. However, when researchers compare siblings where one was born by C-section and the other vaginally, this small gap largely disappears. For instance, a Swedish study of 579,244 men found that those born by C-section scored 0.84 points lower at age 18, but when brothers were compared, the difference was a negligible 0.07 points, suggesting that familial background accounts for most of the observed variation.

T. rex Maintained Human-Like Body Temperature, New Research Reveals

T. rex Maintained Human-Like Body Temperature, New Research Reveals

New research, based on the analysis of fossil tooth enamel, indicates that the Tyrannosaurus rex maintained a body temperature of approximately 97 degrees Fahrenheit (36 degrees Celsius), similar to that of humans. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the metabolic rates of large carnivorous dinosaurs. Scientists used a technique called clumped isotope thermometry, which measures rare forms of carbon and oxygen in enamel, to determine the temperature at which the mineral formed, reflecting the animal's body temperature. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, analyzed three T. rex teeth from the Hell Creek Formation in Montana, two from an individual named Thomas and one from another animal. The average temperature across these samples was 97.3 degrees Fahrenheit (36.3 degrees Celsius). For comparison, five crocodilian teeth from the same region showed an average temperature of 87.6 degrees Fahrenheit (30.9 degrees Celsius), confirming that the T. rex maintained a significantly ...

Oregon Health Science University Study Links Late-Night Eating to Increased Liver Disease Risk

Oregon Health Science University Study Links Late-Night Eating to Increased Liver Disease Risk

A new study conducted by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) researchers has identified a potential link between eating late at night and a higher risk of liver disease. The study, which analyzed dietary and lifestyle information from nearly 200,000 adults across three major long-term studies, found that individuals who reported eating after dinner or close to bedtime had approximately 20% to 30% higher rates of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, commonly known as fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis. This research challenges the conventional focus solely on food choices and portion sizes, suggesting that the timing of food intake also plays a significant role in liver health. Robert Wilechansky, MD, an OHSU hepatologist and lead author of the study, noted that the liver is closely tied to the body's circadian rhythms, and eating when the body's internal clock is preparing for sleep may disrupt normal metabolic processes. Co-author Andrew McHill, PhD, a sleep and circadian physio...

Your kid wants to go vegan. Should you let them?

Your kid wants to go vegan. Should you let them?

What to do when your child’s ethics don’t match your own.

Prostate Cancer Foundation Releases Nutrition Guide Emphasizing Plant-Based Diets for Health and Recovery

Prostate Cancer Foundation Releases Nutrition Guide Emphasizing Plant-Based Diets for Health and Recovery

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) has released a Nutrition Pocket Guide offering practical recommendations for healthy eating, particularly for individuals with prostate cancer. The guide emphasizes the benefits of a balanced diet, including a lower risk of cancer recurrence, reduced side effects from hormone therapy, and a decreased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes. Key recommendations include increasing the intake of plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains, and choosing healthier proteins like fish, beans, lentils, and skinless poultry. The PCF also advises limiting added sugars and highly processed foods to support metabolic health and encourages building routines that combine balanced nutrition with daily movement. These recommendations are part of PCF's broader mission, which includes investing over $1 billion in prostate cancer research, exploring how diet and metabolism influence disease risk and treatment outcomes.

Oregon Health Science University Research Links Late-Night Eating to Increased Liver Disease Risk

Oregon Health Science University Research Links Late-Night Eating to Increased Liver Disease Risk

New research led by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) suggests a significant correlation between late-night eating and an increased risk of liver disease. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 200,000 participants across three large nationwide datasets—the Nurses’ Health Study, the Nurses’ Health Study II, and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study—found that individuals who reported eating after dinner or after bedtime had a 20% to 30% higher incidence of all forms of liver disease, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and cirrhosis. This finding builds upon previous research that has linked late-night snacking to other health issues like heart disease and obesity. Lead author Robert Wilechansky, M.D., a hepatologist at OHSU, noted that while previous studies hinted at this connection, this analysis is among the first long-term studies to explicitly draw a link to fatty liver disease. The research emphasizes the importance of aligning eating habits with...

Wellness Influencers and Dietary Advice Create Confusion Amidst Historical Context of Nutritional Theories

Wellness Influencers and Dietary Advice Create Confusion Amidst Historical Context of Nutritional Theories

Wellness Influencers and Dietary Advice Create Confusion Amidst Historical Context of Nutritional Theories

U.S. News World Report Ranks Plant-Based Diets for Diabetes Management

U.S. News World Report Ranks Plant-Based Diets for Diabetes Management

U.S. News & World Report has released its rankings for diabetes management diets, highlighting several plant-based options. These rankings are compiled by a panel of physicians, registered dietitians, and nutrition researchers who evaluate diets against established clinical guidelines. The diets that score well typically emphasize whole grains over refined carbohydrates, favor lean protein, legumes, and unsaturated fats, and promote portion awareness. The report notes that effective diabetes management involves more than just cutting sugar; it also considers the type and timing of carbohydrates, the amount of fiber and fat in meals, and overall body weight. Among the top-ranked diets are the flexitarian diet, which is mostly plant-based with occasional meat, and fully plant-based vegan and vegetarian diets. Research published in Diabetes Care has shown that low-fat vegan diets can lead to larger drops in A1C compared to standard diabetes meal plans. The American Diabetes Association also recognizes plant-b...