Janine Bush Naturopath

21/07/2025

Care is needed with iron supplements and infusions particularly in pregnancy. 👶

27/06/2025

Although many things harm the gut, once you are aware of them, it’s easier to reduce your exposure.

And keep in mind that there are always steps you can take to heal the gut after years (or even a lifetime) of harmful exposure.

21/06/2025

Such an important time for recovery from illness!🌺

Convalescence is defined as “the process or period of resting in order to get better after an illness or operation.” Once considered an essential stage of healing, it has become a lost concept in today’s fast-paced world.

As the speed of modern life accelerates, so too does the pressure to “bounce back” quickly. An expectation often shared by both the unwell and those around them.

Many people feel compelled to return to work or social activities while still in that in-between space: no longer acutely ill, yet not fully recovered. But expecting the body and mind to perform at full capacity during this stage is not only unrealistic, it can also delay true healing or lead to further setbacks.

In naturopathic philosophy, convalescence is a vital part of recovery, giving the body the time and space it needs to fully restore.

Head to the blog to explore convalescence - the lost art of healing: https://buff.ly/XaXmPlx

05/06/2025

Nice to have a medication that has less side effects than usual medications used for these kids.

Cannabidiol (CBD) may offer real benefits for young people with autism, improving social interaction and reducing anxiety, without the risk of side effects.

A meta-analysis of randomised, placebo-controlled trials found that CBD not only enhanced social responsiveness and reduced anxiety, but did so with a safety profile comparable to placebo. The research, presented at the 2025 European Congress of Psychiatry in Madrid in April 2025, revealed that the use of CBD cannabis extracts can lead to meaningful benefits and improve the behavior of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Three studies were included with 276 participants with a mean age of 10.5, ranging in age from 5 to 21. The dosage of CBD cannabis extract started at 1 mg/kg per day and was titrated up to 10 mg/kg. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was present in minimal amounts or in ratios of 9:1 to 20:1 CBD to THC.

The authors noted that the review’s limitations included a small number of studies, limited sample sizes, and significant heterogeneity. Future research with larger, robust trials is needed to clarify the efficacy and safety of CBD cannabis extracts (especially CBD on its own) in managing ASD.

For more information see: https://scitechdaily.com/breakthrough-study-cbd-calms-autism-symptoms-and-improves-social-skills-without-side-effects/

23/05/2025

🚨 Shocking study: Living within 1 mile of a golf course may increase Parkinson’s risk by 126% due to neurotoxic pesticides like paraquat, maneb, chlorpyrifos, and rotenone.

These chemicals, used on greens, harm brain cells by targeting dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, causing oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuron death— mimicking Parkinson’s symptoms.

Exposure happens via airborne drift or contaminated groundwater.

🔗 Full study from JAMA Network Open: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2833716?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKVdsdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHq_SUKHzoKYNjQXy881o53sKHQuw835pHt37ptRn8BrCc9c22v38rRkxe8BO_aem_YR06fzMLaAioA6bjrHfCUQ #

06/05/2025

This💚

09/04/2025

This! 👇

There is a huge problem in modern medicine. This is the over-reliance on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD). Such drugs were never intended for long-term use and the chronic suppression of gastric acid they induce is linked to increased risk of pneumonia, osteoporosis, micronutrient malabsorption, some cancers, gut bacterial overgrowth, oesophageal candidiasis and food allergy, to name a few. GORD can be a mild condition, so given these side effects, the risk of long-term treatment often outweighs any benefit. There is a clear need for clinically proven alternatives to PPIs, but to date there have been only a few clinical trials of herbal options. In this context, a recent trial of a deglycyrrhizinised licorice root extract (DGL) is a welcome addition.

This was a large, 28-day, double blind, parallel group, randomised, placebo-controlled trial (n = 200) with participants randomised in a 1:1 ratio to either the placebo or DGL group. Primary outcome measures studied were the changes in the Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life and the Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Assessment Scale.

The DGL group reported a significantly better quality of life at the end of the intervention period (p = 0.014). They also reported earlier resolution of symptoms of GORD compared to the placebo group, especially symptoms of heartburn (p = 0.017 on day 14 and p = 0.005 on day 28) and regurgitation (p = 0.025 on day 7, p = 0.029 on day 14, and p = 0.022 on day 28).

The DGL used in the study was a flavonoid-rich licorice root extract standardised to glabridin (≥3.5% w/w) with glycyrrhizin (≤3.0% w/w). The dose was 75 mg twice a day after meals. I use substantially higher doses of this particular DGL in my clinical practice.

For more information see: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39929150/

06/04/2025

Some clarity on the effects of brain injury. 🧠

New research suggests that brain trauma-induced blood vessel damage may drive neurodegeneration, linking vascular dysfunction to Alzheimer-related protein buildup. This challenges existing theories and could lead to novel treatment approaches.

Through a study examining brain tissue from traumatic injury patients, scientists discovered that the alterations in vascular smooth muscle cells might play a crucial role in the development of Alzheimer disease. These findings challenge the traditional understanding of neurodegeneration, suggesting that vascular dysfunction could be a primary trigger rather than a consequence of neuronal damage.

Niklas Marklund, a professor at Lund University and neurosurgical consultant at Skåne University Hospital, teamed up with experimental scientist Ilknur Özen. In collaboration with Uppsala University, they examined brain tissue from 15 patients who had undergone surgery due to bleeding and swelling within a week of experiencing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Their analysis revealed that changes in vascular smooth muscle cells coincided with an increased buildup of amyloid-beta, a degenerative change strongly associated with Alzheimer disease.

“We were surprised to see that even young patients displayed this accumulation of amyloid beta together with the vascular alterations caused by the brain trauma,” says Ilknur Özen, first author of the study. She continues: “Our findings suggest that vascular changes may be more important for neurodegeneration than previously thought.”

Another related, but different, perspective comes from the team of Australian scientist Jonathan Stone. This group proposes that it is microvascular bleeds (capillary haemorrhage) from trauma that is prominent in the subsequent pathogenesis of dementias and TBI. Their analysis suggests that the brain's weak point in the face of trauma is its capillary bed, which is torn by the shock of trauma. Such haemorrhage introduces four neurotoxic factors into brain tissue: hypoxia of the tissue that has lost its blood supply, haemoglobin and its breakdown products, excitotoxic levels of glutamate, and opportunistic pathogens that can infect brain cells and induce a cytotoxic immune response.

In either case there is a clear argument for the benefit of a strategy to promote microvascular and endothelial health as a preventative measure. Hmm I wonder what herbalist might have developed a protocol for that??? 😀

For more information see:
https://scitechdaily.com/brain-trauma-and-dementia-the-shocking-blood-vessel-breakdown-scientists-just-found/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39841284/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38217606/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36950132/

17/03/2025

A recent study has found that common chemicals previously used in cookware, food packaging and cosmetics could be damaging sleep. University of Southern California (USC) researchers found that certain PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in young adults’ blood are linked to poor sleep quality. This study highlights the potential health risks and supports further regulation of these persistent pollutants. Specifically, participants with higher levels of four types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their blood experienced worse sleep. The scientists also delved into underlying molecular mechanisms, identifying possible genes involved.

“Because the body needs sleep every day, if PFAS might be interfering with your sleep, that may affect you more immediately than other chronic health issues,” said first and corresponding author Shiwen (Sherlock) Li, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine. “Long-term, poor sleep has been connected to outcomes including neurological and behavioural problems, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.”

The researchers collected blood samples and information about sleep from 144 participants, aged 19 to 24, who were part of the USC Children’s Health Study. Two sets of measurements were taken years apart, with about half of the participants contributing to both.

Out of the seven types of PFAS examined, four were significantly associated with less sleep or worse quality of sleep: PFDA, PFHxS, PFOA, and PFOS.

For the first three of these, young adults with blood levels in the highest one-third slept an average of about 80 fewer minutes nightly than those in the lowest third. High combined levels of PFAS also correlated with shorter sleep. For PFOS, high blood concentrations were significantly linked to self-reported problems falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up or feeling tired during waking hours.

All four are considered “legacy PFAS.” Though widely used from the 1950s to the early 2000s, they have since been largely phased out in favour of similar compounds with unknown safety profiles. “It could be a matter of cumulative exposure over time,” Li said. “What we measured in the blood is likely driven by exposure since birth, or even prenatal exposures.”

The team analysed the four types of PFAS using toxicology databases that compile research connecting chemicals, diseases and changes in gene expression. Because no previous research drew together PFAS, sleep and gene expression, the team looked at the overlap between genes affected by the four forever chemicals and genes related to sleep disorders.

The investigators then profiled a panel of proteins from participants’ blood samples. Out of 600-plus candidate genes, seven activated by PFAS seemed to influence sleep. One important factor was an immune-oriented gene called HSD11B1. It helps produce cortisol, which plays an important role in regulating the rhythm of sleep and wakefulness.

“If the expression of the protein encoded by HSD11B1 is disrupted, that means that cortisol levels could also be disrupted,” Li said. “That, in turn, affects sleep.” Another gene seemingly prominent in the PFAS impact on sleep, cathepsin B, is related to cognitive function and memory.

Such studies strengthen the case for the use of natural treatments that enhance detoxification as part of a regular health regime in this current era.

For more information see: https://scitechdaily.com/usc-study-common-chemicals-found-in-cookware-food-packaging-and-cosmetics-could-be-ruining-your-sleep/

12/03/2025

Super interesting and scary! Eat food in it's original form! 🍎🍏🥑🥦🍄🧅🌰🍍🍐🥒🥬🫑🍯

02/03/2025

In 2013, results from the SELECT study suggested that omega-3 fatty acid intake was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer (PC). The authors concluded: “This study confirms previous reports of increased prostate cancer risk among men with high blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids. The consistency of these findings suggests that these fatty acids are involved in prostate tumorigenesis.” Needless to say, because this was linked to a natural treatment, there was substantial media attention with mostly alarmist articles.

**The study was deeply flawed, but hey it’s a negative study on a natural remedy, so let’s suspend any critical analysis of the results because we all know they are harmful and don’t work. It’s by scientists after all, so it must be true.**

Essentially, being conducted in American men, the levels of omega-3 fatty acids were low in ALL the comparison groups. Specifically, the ‘no cancer’ group had a mean level of 4.48%, the low-grade PC group had mean value of 4.66%, and the high-grade PC group had a mean level of 4.71%. Any conclusion that this small difference of 0.23% in already low omega-3 levels represents a biologically meaningful difference in intake that can impact PC risk is FANCIFUL.

Now a randomised clinical study of 100 men undergoing active surveillance for prostate cancer has shown that fish oil supplementation (2.2 g per day of EPA and DHA), in conjunction with a diet low in omega-6 and high in omega-3 fatty acids, was associated with a REDUCTION in a key biomarker of disease progression.

During a year of follow-up, prostate biopsies showed a significant 15% decrease (P=0.043) in the Ki-67 index (a marker of cellular proliferation) in patients on the active intervention. In contrast, the index increased by 24% in the control group. Secondary endpoints related to tumour characteristics did not change significantly between the randomised groups.

Testosterone and PSA levels also did not differ significantly between the groups. Serum triglycerides declined significantly in the intervention group versus the control group (P=0.016), but other lipid parameters did not, nor did body weight and BMI. With respect to cytokine activity, colony-stimulating factor-1 declined in the intervention versus control group (P=0.017).

While the trial met the primary endpoint (effect on the Ki-67 index), interpretation of the results should include recognition of certain limitations according to the authors of an accompanying editorial. The magnitude of benefit was associated with wide confidence intervals, and the dietary intervention was not controlled. In fact, the dietary changes prompted by the intervention in this study appear to have extended well beyond the intended shifts in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid intake, rendering it challenging to attribute the results of the study solely to the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid intervention.

Four patients in the intervention group withdrew because of adverse events related to fish oil, such as grade 2 flatulence, grade 2 diarrhoea, and grade 1 loose stools.
For more information see: https://www.medpagetoday.com/hematologyoncology/prostatecancer/113594?xid=nl_mpt_DHE_2024-12-30&mh=645d82b33a6ed4235607f5cdac7078eb&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily%20Headlines%20Evening%20-%20Randomized%202024-12-30&utm_term=NL_Daily_DHE_dual-gmail-definition

and

https://scitechdaily.com/new-ucla-research-omega-3-rich-diet-could-be-key-to-slowing-cancer-progression/

18/02/2025

Good news for chocolate lovers!🍫

Eating more dark chocolate was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to an analysis of prospective cohort studies from Harvard University and published in the British Medical Journal.

Among participants across three studies of healthcare workers, those who consumed ≥5 servings per week of dark chocolate had a 21% lower risk of T2D compared with those who never or rarely consumed dark chocolate (P=0.006 for trend).

There was no significant association between consumption of milk chocolate and T2D, instead intake of milk chocolate was positively associated with weight gain, while this was not the case for dark chocolate.

Dark chocolate is high in polyphenols, including flavanols (part of the larger flavonoid group), and studies have shown an association between higher dietary flavonoid consumption and decreased T2D risk.

For this analysis, the authors used data from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and the Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII) (both all female), as well as the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS; all male). Total chocolate consumption baselines for the NHS and HPFS were in 1986, and in 1991 for the NHSII, when comprehensive food frequency questionnaires were first implemented. The second baseline, for chocolate subtype analyses, were in 2006 for the NHS and HPFS and 2007 for the NHSII, when the survey added questions about chocolate types.

Participants' diets were assessed every 4 years, with questions about average consumption of a standard portion size of chocolate in the past year. In total, 192,208 participants were included from the three trials in the total chocolate intake analysis, with 111,654 included in the analysis on chocolate types.
Standard dark chocolate is still very high in sugar and relatively low in flavanols compared to the modern 85% and 90% products. Hence if this connection is robust, the benefits of say 85% chocolate (my favourite) in protecting against diabetes are likely to be much greater.

For more information see:
https://www.medpagetoday.com/endocrinology/diabetes/113215
and
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39631943/