Pinkston Medical and Wellness Clinic

01/03/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15axkMkePx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Overweight and obese people found to have structural differences in their brains:

Experts noted that there is a significant difference in the hypothalamus. This brain region regulates body temperature, blood pressure, sleep, s*x drive, and appetite.

According to the study, overweight and obese individuals have larger volumes of the hypothalamus, particularly in areas that control appetite through hormone release. However, it is still unclear whether these structural changes are a cause or an effect of weight changes.

Animal studies have shown that a high-fat diet can lead to inflammation in the hypothalamus, causing insulin resistance and obesity.

This inflammation can also impact satiety, causing animals to require more food to feel full. The researchers suggest that a similar process may occur in humans, where a high-fat diet triggers inflammation in the appetite control center and disrupts the recognition of satiety and blood sugar regulation, ultimately contributing to weight gain.

The researchers propose that inflammation may explain the observed increase in hypothalamus size in overweight and obese individuals, suggesting that the body responds to inflammation by increasing the size of immune cells in the brain, known as glia. Neuroplasticity in the brain allows for changes in appetite control and eating behavior in response to dietary habits and environmental cues

01/01/2025

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The Science of Fat: What happens to your fat cells when you lose weight?

When you lose weight, your fat cells do not burn or disappear. They simply shrink in size. When you consume more calories than your body needs for its daily activities, the excess calories are stored in fat cells.

As these cells store more fat, they expand in size, leading to weight gain. However, when you consume fewer calories than your body uses, it starts to use stored fat for energy. This causes fat cells to release their stored fat content, leading to a reduction in their size.

The number of fat cells remains relatively constant. The process of gaining or losing weight typically involves changes in the size of fat cells, not the number. While it's possible to increase the number of fat cells (a process known as hyperplasia), this is less common and usually occurs under specific conditions, such as extreme and prolonged excess calorie intake. In adults, the number of fat cells is relatively stable.

Even after significant weight loss, the number of fat cells tends to remain constant; they just become smaller. There are certain medical procedures, like liposuction, that can physically remove fat cells from the body. However, these procedures do not affect the body's overall tendency to store fat, and new fat cells can form if the underlying causes of weight gain are not addressed.

If you lose fat quickly with crash diets or intensive weight-loss regimes, your fat cells will become more prone to regaining that fat later on. This may explain why some people regain a substantial portion, if not all, of the weight they initially lost

12/17/2024

The science of s*x:

When a person or***ms, the brain looks the same as a person on he**in. Here's how it works:

During an or**sm, the brain experiences a flood of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and reward. This dopamine surge mirrors the intense euphoria seen in individuals using he**in or other opioids.

In fact, brain scans show that the regions activated during an or**sm are strikingly similar to those engaged during drug use, which explains the euphoric high associated with both experiences.

The release of dopamine isn’t the only chemical change during s*x.

Oxytocin, often called the "love hormone," is also released in large amounts, promoting feelings of bonding and attachment. This hormone fosters emotional closeness between partners, contributing to the deep connection many people feel after s*x. In combination, these chemicals create a powerful feedback loop, driving not just physical pleasure but emotional satisfaction as well.

The similarity between s*xual pleasure and drug-induced euphoria underscores why s*x can be so compelling and addictive. However, unlike harmful substances, s*x—when consensual and safe—can provide numerous benefits, including stress relief, improved mood, and strengthened relationships.

This intricate dance of brain chemistry shows how our biology is wired to make intimate connections deeply rewarding.

11/06/2024

I have to say Thank you to Viking
Viking Cruises. As a corporation they accommodated a large portion of us who could not sign up for the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Count how much money into their profits they must have cut to accommodate about 70 of us. They lengthened our stay in Rome a few hours. They hired another bus two hours there and back. Tour guide. Both of those working after hours. Restaurant to feed us great food and unlimited wine. And drum roll… an after hours PRIVATE AND PERSONAL tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. I can’t imagine how much this costs. Now most corporations would just give you the I’m so sorry Charlie. There are 70 of us grateful as we came a long way.

11/01/2024

Good morning from Croatia. Got up early to watch my first sunrise at sea. Cold but so peaceful and satisfying. I am grateful this am for my new life. Don’t be afraid to reach out for a new existence and I don’t mean the tangible things. I mean inner peace. It means something different to everyone and I cannot explain mine but I know I faced my inner demon and took a few steps in a different direction. Brave thing to do. You sacrifice so much doing it. There are those that will not be pleased or even hurt as collateral damage and the intention it not to hurt anyone but to strive for what you God set for you. It pleases God in my eyes to reach a point of gratitude and fulfillment beyond the fear that holds you back. I hope that makes sense. I have let fear and approval hold me hostage long enough. Keep your intentions pure in your free will and let God or the Universe manifest the rest.

09/30/2024

This is so important. Thank you Jim LaValle!

08/27/2024

I remember wishing I could look like I do now. Wasn’t easy. Not at all. 7 years of hard work and lots of support. Join my trainer Sonya Renea. The accountability and support is what worked for me. No it’s not free. Yes I have to show up. Why would I not? It’s so worth it. You are worth it. Just do it.

08/26/2024

Last born off to first day of college. UTSA! Congratulations baby!! Proud of you Hadi

08/19/2024

Tell me the medical topics you most desire to hear about on a podcast

07/31/2024

When your beautiful and wonderful technician Instagram tag kami does your nails perfect everytime BUT BUYS YOU A BIRTHDAY CARD TOO!!!!!!!! You cannot beat that. The people and family at this nail salon are hands down THE BEST. Thank you all at United Nails & Spa for making me family. You all have no idea how much I adore you all.