In (1) middle aged women who remain lean, as compared to those who do not, are reported to have a higher "female" estrogen to "male" androgen ratio. These women have a high activity of P450 aromatase which converts their androgens to estrogens. The study also reports that naturally lean women "indicated higher education and socioeconomic status, frequent sports activities, and better psychosocial adaptation and psychological health."
OTOH women who do not convert androgens well tend to become obese and unhealthy both physically and emotionally.
Not only do the naturally lean women have less androgen in their body but the receptors they have for androgen are less sensitive than the other women per the article. It appears that excessive activity of male androgens in a female are the kiss of death for her health.
Bonus health points to the women with active love lives. Semen has P450 aromatase in it (2). You can figure out how a woman might get more P450 aromatase activity in her body. :)
1. http://www.obesityresearch.org/cgi/reprint/10/2/115.pdf
The Lean Woman
Fariba Baghaei...
Obes Res. 2002;10: 115–121.
2. Hum Reprod. 2003 Aug;18(8):1650-9
Towards a physiological role for cytochrome P450 aromatase in ejaculated human sperm.
PMID: 12871877
Nerissa
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Ladies: SAMe/whey or hot love making - you decide!
Hi everyone,
The male brain stinks! I'm not speaking figuratively. Males literally have brains that smell like rotten eggs. The rotten egg smell is hydrogen sulfide (H2S). (1) indicates that testosterone increases the production of H2S in the brain.
This topic is the most under-researched of any topic I've ever reviewed. We're talking Nobel prize winning material is still out there waiting to be studied. Brain H2S may account for many of the differences between men and women.
Yet, there is very little in the literature about the significance of this difference. But, from what little is available it appears that low H2S harms our ability to learn and makes us prone to depression. It also leads to a sensitivity to glutamate as in MSG which I've observed.
H2S may be elevated in the feminized brain by consuming more cysteine which is most available in undentatured whey protein. Cysteine will also elevate the level of glutathione in the brain leading to one having more psychological energy. Elevating glutathione is also useful for people with chronic fatigue (http://www.dfwcfids.org/medical/whey.html) and related problems like fibromyalgia. Warning - some sources mention a brief worsening of symptoms may happen after taking whey. Ride these through and whey may help.
Some companies selling "undenatured whey" products are misleading the public and are not doing so. Two undenatured whey products which appear to be legitimate are the following:
ProPeptide by CNP - available many places. http://www.affordablesupplements.com/propeptide.asp has a good price.
Beyond a Century brand - the 90% whey seems the best bang for our buck. See http://www.easycart.net/BeyondACenturyInc./Protein_Meal_Replacement.html .
A reputable health food store can provide similar products. I advise avoiding the health food chain stores due to the questionable quality of their products and lack of knowledge of their staffs.
H2S may also be increased by taking the natural anti-depressant S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe).
SAMe effects join my increasingly long list of female beneficial substances which involve semen. (3) points out that SAMe works in part by elevating spermidine and spermine in the brain. You can tell by the names of these compounds that they are associated with semen. Putrescine, also elevated by SAMe, is in semen also. So, semen provides all these beneficial compounds and elevates H2S too.
Research in this and other areas over-whelmingly supports my contention that biogals and male to female transsexuals on feminizing drug treatment function best if they have regular unprotected sex with men. Obviously, this only the case if we avoid catching a serious disease we'd be best off without.
(4) agrees with me about the value of semen when it comes to relieving depression. My contention is the woman who is not into having unprotected sex with men, or who couldn't get a man if she payed one, can compensate by taking SAMe and consuming undenatured whey protein.
1. J Neurochem. 2002 Oct;83(1):80-6 The production of hydrogen sulfide is regulated by testosterone and S-adenosyl-L-methionine in mouse brain. Eto K, Kimura H. National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8551, Japan. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is endogenously produced in the brain from L-cysteine by the enzyme cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) and functions as a neuromodulator in the brain. H2S selectively enhances NMDA receptor-mediated responses and alters hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). The production of H2S is regulated by Ca2+/calmodulin-mediated pathways and is enhanced in response to neuronal excitation. In addition to this fast regulation, we describe here a slower form of the regulation of H2S production by testosterone and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), a CBS activator. Endogenous H2S in the mouse brain increases after birth, reaches a maximum level at 8 weeks and then decreases. Female brain contains less H2S than male brain at each age. A single administration of testosterone to female mice increases the endogenous H2S and SAM, which reach levels similar to those of male mice. In contrast, castration of male mice decreases the levels of testosterone, SAM and H2S in the brain. Administration of SAM once a day for 3 days increases the brain H2S without significantly changing the testosterone level. These observations suggest that testosterone can regulate the brain H2S level via changing the level of SAM. PMID: 12358731
2. http://www.cassmd.com/library/SAMe.support.html SAMe for Depression...and Arthritis and Liver Support ... What is SAMe? SAMe, or s-adenosyl-methionine is a naturally occurring substance in the body, with the following uses:
It is used in the production of the feel-good neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in the brain that mediate our mood. These include dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. ... SAMe has also been shown to protect the liver and body from the effects of excess and unbalanced estrogen levels, seen in some estrogen replacement therapy, oral contraceptive use, and premenstrual syndrome. ... SAMe's antidepressant activity may lead to the manic phase in individuals with bipolar (manic) depression.
3. Neuroreport. 2001 Dec 21;12(18):3939-42 Influence of SAMe on the modifications of brain polyamine levels in an animal model of depression. Genedani S, Saltini S, Benelli A, Filaferro M, Bertolini A. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41100 Modena, Italy. The mechanism(s) of the antidepressant activity of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) have not yet been elucidated. SAMe is essential for the synthesis of polyamines, which have a key role in protein synthesis, cell proliferation, and neuronal plasticity. On the other hand, accumulating data indicate that depression is associated with a reduction in regional brain volume and that antidepressants increase neurogenesis in defined brain regions and also influence neuronal plasticity. Here we show that in a validated rat model of depression (chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced anhedonia) there is a significant reduction of putrescine, spermidine and spermine in the hippocampus, and of only putrescine in the nucleus accumbens septi. SAMe, at a fully antidepressant dose (300 mg/kg i.m., daily for 7 days), completely restores the levels of putrescine in the nucleus accumbens, and restores in part the levels of both spermidine and spermine in the hippocampus. These results may suggest (i) a role for brain polyamines in depression and in reward processes, and (ii) that the antidepressant effect of SAMe may be due, at least in part, to a normalization of putrescine levels in the nucleus accumbens septi. PMID: 11742215
4. http://psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20021002-000009.html Crying Over Spilled Semen Why women who don't use condoms feel happier. By:Tiffany Kary The finding that women who do not use condoms during sex are less depressed and less likely to attempt suicide than are women who have sex with condoms and women who are not sexually active, leads one researcher to conclude that semen contains powerful—and potentially addictive—mood-altering chemicals.
Study author Gordon G. Gallup, Ph.D., a psychologist at the State University of New York in Albany, also found that women who routinely had intercourse without condoms became increasingly depressed as more time elapsed since their last sexual encounter. There was no such correlation for women whose partners regularly used condoms.
Nerissa
The male brain stinks! I'm not speaking figuratively. Males literally have brains that smell like rotten eggs. The rotten egg smell is hydrogen sulfide (H2S). (1) indicates that testosterone increases the production of H2S in the brain.
This topic is the most under-researched of any topic I've ever reviewed. We're talking Nobel prize winning material is still out there waiting to be studied. Brain H2S may account for many of the differences between men and women.
Yet, there is very little in the literature about the significance of this difference. But, from what little is available it appears that low H2S harms our ability to learn and makes us prone to depression. It also leads to a sensitivity to glutamate as in MSG which I've observed.
H2S may be elevated in the feminized brain by consuming more cysteine which is most available in undentatured whey protein. Cysteine will also elevate the level of glutathione in the brain leading to one having more psychological energy. Elevating glutathione is also useful for people with chronic fatigue (http://www.dfwcfids.org/medical/whey.html) and related problems like fibromyalgia. Warning - some sources mention a brief worsening of symptoms may happen after taking whey. Ride these through and whey may help.
Some companies selling "undenatured whey" products are misleading the public and are not doing so. Two undenatured whey products which appear to be legitimate are the following:
ProPeptide by CNP - available many places. http://www.affordablesupplements.com/propeptide.asp has a good price.
Beyond a Century brand - the 90% whey seems the best bang for our buck. See http://www.easycart.net/BeyondACenturyInc./Protein_Meal_Replacement.html .
A reputable health food store can provide similar products. I advise avoiding the health food chain stores due to the questionable quality of their products and lack of knowledge of their staffs.
H2S may also be increased by taking the natural anti-depressant S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe).
SAMe effects join my increasingly long list of female beneficial substances which involve semen. (3) points out that SAMe works in part by elevating spermidine and spermine in the brain. You can tell by the names of these compounds that they are associated with semen. Putrescine, also elevated by SAMe, is in semen also. So, semen provides all these beneficial compounds and elevates H2S too.
Research in this and other areas over-whelmingly supports my contention that biogals and male to female transsexuals on feminizing drug treatment function best if they have regular unprotected sex with men. Obviously, this only the case if we avoid catching a serious disease we'd be best off without.
(4) agrees with me about the value of semen when it comes to relieving depression. My contention is the woman who is not into having unprotected sex with men, or who couldn't get a man if she payed one, can compensate by taking SAMe and consuming undenatured whey protein.
1. J Neurochem. 2002 Oct;83(1):80-6 The production of hydrogen sulfide is regulated by testosterone and S-adenosyl-L-methionine in mouse brain. Eto K, Kimura H. National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8551, Japan. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is endogenously produced in the brain from L-cysteine by the enzyme cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) and functions as a neuromodulator in the brain. H2S selectively enhances NMDA receptor-mediated responses and alters hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). The production of H2S is regulated by Ca2+/calmodulin-mediated pathways and is enhanced in response to neuronal excitation. In addition to this fast regulation, we describe here a slower form of the regulation of H2S production by testosterone and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), a CBS activator. Endogenous H2S in the mouse brain increases after birth, reaches a maximum level at 8 weeks and then decreases. Female brain contains less H2S than male brain at each age. A single administration of testosterone to female mice increases the endogenous H2S and SAM, which reach levels similar to those of male mice. In contrast, castration of male mice decreases the levels of testosterone, SAM and H2S in the brain. Administration of SAM once a day for 3 days increases the brain H2S without significantly changing the testosterone level. These observations suggest that testosterone can regulate the brain H2S level via changing the level of SAM. PMID: 12358731
2. http://www.cassmd.com/library/SAMe.support.html SAMe for Depression...and Arthritis and Liver Support ... What is SAMe? SAMe, or s-adenosyl-methionine is a naturally occurring substance in the body, with the following uses:
It is used in the production of the feel-good neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in the brain that mediate our mood. These include dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. ... SAMe has also been shown to protect the liver and body from the effects of excess and unbalanced estrogen levels, seen in some estrogen replacement therapy, oral contraceptive use, and premenstrual syndrome. ... SAMe's antidepressant activity may lead to the manic phase in individuals with bipolar (manic) depression.
3. Neuroreport. 2001 Dec 21;12(18):3939-42 Influence of SAMe on the modifications of brain polyamine levels in an animal model of depression. Genedani S, Saltini S, Benelli A, Filaferro M, Bertolini A. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41100 Modena, Italy. The mechanism(s) of the antidepressant activity of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) have not yet been elucidated. SAMe is essential for the synthesis of polyamines, which have a key role in protein synthesis, cell proliferation, and neuronal plasticity. On the other hand, accumulating data indicate that depression is associated with a reduction in regional brain volume and that antidepressants increase neurogenesis in defined brain regions and also influence neuronal plasticity. Here we show that in a validated rat model of depression (chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced anhedonia) there is a significant reduction of putrescine, spermidine and spermine in the hippocampus, and of only putrescine in the nucleus accumbens septi. SAMe, at a fully antidepressant dose (300 mg/kg i.m., daily for 7 days), completely restores the levels of putrescine in the nucleus accumbens, and restores in part the levels of both spermidine and spermine in the hippocampus. These results may suggest (i) a role for brain polyamines in depression and in reward processes, and (ii) that the antidepressant effect of SAMe may be due, at least in part, to a normalization of putrescine levels in the nucleus accumbens septi. PMID: 11742215
4. http://psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20021002-000009.html Crying Over Spilled Semen Why women who don't use condoms feel happier. By:Tiffany Kary The finding that women who do not use condoms during sex are less depressed and less likely to attempt suicide than are women who have sex with condoms and women who are not sexually active, leads one researcher to conclude that semen contains powerful—and potentially addictive—mood-altering chemicals.
Study author Gordon G. Gallup, Ph.D., a psychologist at the State University of New York in Albany, also found that women who routinely had intercourse without condoms became increasingly depressed as more time elapsed since their last sexual encounter. There was no such correlation for women whose partners regularly used condoms.
Nerissa
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Nerissa's Romantic Love Diet
The Romantic Love Diet (RLD) is the easiest way to practice calorie restriction. While possible for men it is much easier for women to the point that an alternative name for the diet is the Amazon Diet. Unfortunately that name is taken so the "Romantic Love Diet" will have to do.
To be fair using the term "my" with the RLD is a bit misleading. It turns out the RLD was perfected by a man well known to most of us - Jesus. Doubt this? When is the last time you ever saw a picture of a fat disciple?
Flashing back 2000 years see http://www.reuniting.info/node . Early Christianity encouraged nonsexual but sensuous relationships known as "agape." Agape is defined as "spiritual, selfless, chaste love."
http://www.reuniting.info/wisdom/agapetae goes into more detail. An agape type relationship was characterized by sensous activity such as sleeping together. It was non-sexual in the sense that the relationship did not lead to orgasm.
http://www.reuniting.info/wisdom/samael_aun_weor_sex_secret_gate_to_eden explains that this type of love has been encouraged by various religions over time.
Least you think I'm kidding you, to take this to the scientific plane consider http://www.reuniting.info/science/prolactin_sex_libido which points out that prolactin surges after having an orgasm. Bad news! This increases appetite leading to a tendency for weight gain.
However, sensous but non-orgasmic love increases dopamine which is a natural narcotic which lowers appetite. The RLD also encourages strong friendships even without the sensuality. As you can see from (1) modern research suggests that being in a sensous physical relationship (i.e. increases dopamine which is like morphine and which has the normal narcotic effect of lowering appetite immediately) leads to a long term increase in appetite BUT the desire for being sociable increases even more. Fullfilling that desire eliminates the long term appetite stimulation effects of sensous relationships.
So, how hard can my RLD be? Have a handful of physically sensous relationships that do not involve orgasms and a lot of close friends one socializes with regularly.
Of course if you know men you'll realize that a RLD is going to be difficult if they are on the receiving end of romance! Most men will not avoid trying to have sex with you for long!
So, a woman on the RLD is best off practicing agape type romance with other women. From http://www.apa.org/monitor/feb07/lovesnot.html we see that romantic partners best have the following qualities: "kindness, warmth, a sense of humor, sociability, trustworthiness and a stable personality."
Compare and make your own decision -
Tradional diet - count calories and exercise fanatically - FOREVER!
The Romantic Love Diet - have a few non-orgasmic yet physically sensous relationships with women who are kind, amusing, dependable, etc. and have a lot of close friends of both genders that one socializes with regularly.
Keep in mind that I've been in relationships like this with my transgendered and bisexual friends in Houston. These being the same friends who often smoke lots of pot while staying quite slim. The power of the lifestyle easily overcomes the appetite stimulating aspect of marijuana. How did the RLD work for me? I lost about 30 pounds without counting calories and with very little exercise.
1. Behav Brain Res.
2007 Apr 20
Prior morphine experience induces long-term increases in social interest and in appetitive behavior for natural reward.
Nocjar C, Panksepp J.
Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Brecksville, OH 44141, United States.
Brain opioids regulate social emotional responsivity. One neuro-evolutionary theory of addiction suggests that exogenous opiates may induce addiction via opioid-controlled emotional changes; with the drug eventually fulfilling the need for social comfort that is normally provided by endogenous opioids. This view predicts that past opiate experience may enduringly alter social responsivity. Although the acute social effects of opiates are well known, little evidence is available concerning the enduring effects of past opiate experience on social motivation aside from copulatory behaviors. This study evaluated the long-term effects of 10 daily morphine (10mg/kg/day) or saline injections on social and non-social motivated behaviors. Following 3 days or 2 weeks drug abstinence, social interest, food-seeking, and sexual pursuit were assessed. After 2-weeks opiate withdrawal, sexual pursuit and food-seeking behaviors were significantly increased. After a shorter 3-day withdrawal, these effects were not seen. Importantly, social interest was consistently magnified, even after short-term 3-day opiate withdrawal, and it was magnified more than sexual or food pursuit. These findings indicate that the incentive for social and non-social natural rewards were increased following withdrawal from intermittent opiate treatment, but that different morphine-induced neuroadaptations may regulate their expression.
PMID: 17512616
Nerissa
To be fair using the term "my" with the RLD is a bit misleading. It turns out the RLD was perfected by a man well known to most of us - Jesus. Doubt this? When is the last time you ever saw a picture of a fat disciple?
Flashing back 2000 years see http://www.reuniting.info/node . Early Christianity encouraged nonsexual but sensuous relationships known as "agape." Agape is defined as "spiritual, selfless, chaste love."
http://www.reuniting.info/wisdom/agapetae goes into more detail. An agape type relationship was characterized by sensous activity such as sleeping together. It was non-sexual in the sense that the relationship did not lead to orgasm.
http://www.reuniting.info/wisdom/samael_aun_weor_sex_secret_gate_to_eden explains that this type of love has been encouraged by various religions over time.
Least you think I'm kidding you, to take this to the scientific plane consider http://www.reuniting.info/science/prolactin_sex_libido which points out that prolactin surges after having an orgasm. Bad news! This increases appetite leading to a tendency for weight gain.
However, sensous but non-orgasmic love increases dopamine which is a natural narcotic which lowers appetite. The RLD also encourages strong friendships even without the sensuality. As you can see from (1) modern research suggests that being in a sensous physical relationship (i.e. increases dopamine which is like morphine and which has the normal narcotic effect of lowering appetite immediately) leads to a long term increase in appetite BUT the desire for being sociable increases even more. Fullfilling that desire eliminates the long term appetite stimulation effects of sensous relationships.
So, how hard can my RLD be? Have a handful of physically sensous relationships that do not involve orgasms and a lot of close friends one socializes with regularly.
Of course if you know men you'll realize that a RLD is going to be difficult if they are on the receiving end of romance! Most men will not avoid trying to have sex with you for long!
So, a woman on the RLD is best off practicing agape type romance with other women. From http://www.apa.org/monitor/feb07/lovesnot.html we see that romantic partners best have the following qualities: "kindness, warmth, a sense of humor, sociability, trustworthiness and a stable personality."
Compare and make your own decision -
Tradional diet - count calories and exercise fanatically - FOREVER!
The Romantic Love Diet - have a few non-orgasmic yet physically sensous relationships with women who are kind, amusing, dependable, etc. and have a lot of close friends of both genders that one socializes with regularly.
Keep in mind that I've been in relationships like this with my transgendered and bisexual friends in Houston. These being the same friends who often smoke lots of pot while staying quite slim. The power of the lifestyle easily overcomes the appetite stimulating aspect of marijuana. How did the RLD work for me? I lost about 30 pounds without counting calories and with very little exercise.
1. Behav Brain Res.
2007 Apr 20
Prior morphine experience induces long-term increases in social interest and in appetitive behavior for natural reward.
Nocjar C, Panksepp J.
Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Brecksville, OH 44141, United States.
Brain opioids regulate social emotional responsivity. One neuro-evolutionary theory of addiction suggests that exogenous opiates may induce addiction via opioid-controlled emotional changes; with the drug eventually fulfilling the need for social comfort that is normally provided by endogenous opioids. This view predicts that past opiate experience may enduringly alter social responsivity. Although the acute social effects of opiates are well known, little evidence is available concerning the enduring effects of past opiate experience on social motivation aside from copulatory behaviors. This study evaluated the long-term effects of 10 daily morphine (10mg/kg/day) or saline injections on social and non-social motivated behaviors. Following 3 days or 2 weeks drug abstinence, social interest, food-seeking, and sexual pursuit were assessed. After 2-weeks opiate withdrawal, sexual pursuit and food-seeking behaviors were significantly increased. After a shorter 3-day withdrawal, these effects were not seen. Importantly, social interest was consistently magnified, even after short-term 3-day opiate withdrawal, and it was magnified more than sexual or food pursuit. These findings indicate that the incentive for social and non-social natural rewards were increased following withdrawal from intermittent opiate treatment, but that different morphine-induced neuroadaptations may regulate their expression.
PMID: 17512616
Nerissa
Saturday, April 14, 2007
calorie restriction and leaky gut syndrome
Every time my weight drops into the range I desire I develop leaky gut syndrome. Which means I feel like dog meat until I regularly eat more. This has lead to an endless cycle of dropping weight, feeling bad, regaining weight...
Least you think I'm some anorexic nut case my BMI fluctuates around about 24 +/- 1. I want to get down to about BMI 21 to 22 which still is safely out of the "please hold me down and stuff food into my mouth" anorexic range.
Why does calorie restriction (CR) trash our guts out? Two reasons:
First, CR elevates the so-called anti-inflammatory hormone adiponectin. High adiponectin is a really good thing for our health per many references. Unfortunately, adiponectin is PROinflammatory in our gut (1).
Second, CR lowers insulin. In many ways this is great for our health. Unfortunately, low insulin is associated with INCREASED gut permeability (2).
Surf the net and you can find many ideas for dealing with leaky gut. A treatment I've come up with is the following:
Combine a scoop of Citrucel (methylcellulose) with 1/2 glass of lemonade, 400 mg of magnesium citrate and a tablespoon of coconut oil and drink it just prior to bedtime. The methylcellulose binds most pathological bacteria (via binding to their type 4 fimbriae; PMID: 9811650), the lemonade has anti-inflammatory properties, the magnesium lowers permeability of the intestine (PMID: 16180088) and the coconut oil is great for killing various pathological bacteria (too many references to list).
1. Gastroenterology. 2007 Feb;132(2):601-14
Adiponectin deficiency protects mice from chemically induced colonic inflammation.
...APN deficiency is associated with protection from chemically induced colitis. APN exerts proinflammatory activities in the colon by inducing production of proinflammatory cytokines and inhibiting bioactivity of protective growth factors. Thus, in colitis, APN exerts an opposite role compared with atherosclerosis.
PMID: 17258715
2. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2006;34(1-2):259-63
Permeability response of the rat mesenteric microvasculature to insulin.
...insulin reduces mesenteric venule permeability differently in males and females. Further studies are needed to differentiate the permeability responses with respect to age and gender.
PMID: 16543645
Nerissa
Least you think I'm some anorexic nut case my BMI fluctuates around about 24 +/- 1. I want to get down to about BMI 21 to 22 which still is safely out of the "please hold me down and stuff food into my mouth" anorexic range.
Why does calorie restriction (CR) trash our guts out? Two reasons:
First, CR elevates the so-called anti-inflammatory hormone adiponectin. High adiponectin is a really good thing for our health per many references. Unfortunately, adiponectin is PROinflammatory in our gut (1).
Second, CR lowers insulin. In many ways this is great for our health. Unfortunately, low insulin is associated with INCREASED gut permeability (2).
Surf the net and you can find many ideas for dealing with leaky gut. A treatment I've come up with is the following:
Combine a scoop of Citrucel (methylcellulose) with 1/2 glass of lemonade, 400 mg of magnesium citrate and a tablespoon of coconut oil and drink it just prior to bedtime. The methylcellulose binds most pathological bacteria (via binding to their type 4 fimbriae; PMID: 9811650), the lemonade has anti-inflammatory properties, the magnesium lowers permeability of the intestine (PMID: 16180088) and the coconut oil is great for killing various pathological bacteria (too many references to list).
1. Gastroenterology. 2007 Feb;132(2):601-14
Adiponectin deficiency protects mice from chemically induced colonic inflammation.
...APN deficiency is associated with protection from chemically induced colitis. APN exerts proinflammatory activities in the colon by inducing production of proinflammatory cytokines and inhibiting bioactivity of protective growth factors. Thus, in colitis, APN exerts an opposite role compared with atherosclerosis.
PMID: 17258715
2. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2006;34(1-2):259-63
Permeability response of the rat mesenteric microvasculature to insulin.
...insulin reduces mesenteric venule permeability differently in males and females. Further studies are needed to differentiate the permeability responses with respect to age and gender.
PMID: 16543645
Nerissa
Friday, January 12, 2007
Hot sex for hard bones
Hi everyone,
Exposure to low frequency mechanical vibration for two to ten minutes per day stimulates musculoskeletal development (1, 2). The vibration used in both studies was 30 Hz. Before you rush out and buy a vibration machine consider that the natural frequency of orgasmic vibrations is 8 Hz. Which is of little value if you're the only one experiencing them. But, consider if you're with a partner. The phenomenon of resonance kicks in.
http://www.elitesoft.com/sci.hvac/itreson1.html explains what resonance is: "When the natural frequency of an object is excited by a vibration of the same frequency the objects natural frequency escalates to a point much greater than the exciting force or vibration. Hence, the singer breaks the glass, or the walls of Jerico come falling down."
So, hot sex will lead to resonance vibrations in both partners of 16 Hz, 32 Hz, etc. 32 Hz is close enough, I suspect, to help our bones and muscles.
Note that 32 Hz is 4 times 8 Hz which makes (3) interesting indeed. Research has shown that having mutual orgasms is four times as beneficial as doing it solo. The researcher seems to have a blind spot for gay sex since the two choices were heterosexual or solo. I'm sure gay sex together works just fine too although some of the men might have trouble making the two minute point. :)
6/13/2008 update - see (4) for a recent report on vibration and our health. The researchers note that vibration improves flexibility. No kidding!
11/27/2016 update - see (5) which discusses vibration and obesity control. It links to a study at (6) which mentions how this ties in with bone health.
1. J Bone Miner Res. 2006 Sep;21(9):1464-74
Low-level, high-frequency mechanical signals enhance musculoskeletal development of young women with low BMD....
The potential for brief periods of low-magnitude, high-frequency mechanical signals to enhance the musculoskeletal system was evaluated in young women with low BMD. Twelve months of this noninvasive signal, induced as whole body vibration for at least 2 minutes each day, increased bone and muscle mass in the axial skeleton and lower extremities compared with controls....CONCLUSIONS: Short bouts of extremely low-level mechanical signals, several orders of magnitude below that associated with vigorous exercise, increased bone and muscle mass in the weight-bearing skeleton of young adult females with low BMD. Should these musculoskeletal enhancements be preserved through adulthood, this intervention may prove to be a deterrent to osteoporosis in the elderly.
PMID: 16939405
2. J Sports Sci. 2007 Jan;25(1):111-9
Whole-body vibration can reduce calciuria induced by high protein intakes and may counteract bone resorption: A preliminary study....
Excess protein intake can adversely affect the bone via an increase in calcium excretion, while suitable mechanical loading promotes osteogenesis. We therefore investigated whether vibration exposure could alleviate the bone mineral losses associated with a metabolic acidosis. Ten healthy individuals aged 22 - 29 years (median = 25) underwent three 5-day study periods while monitoring their dietary intake. The study consisted of recording the participants' usual dietary intake for 5 consecutive days. Participants were then randomly divided into two groups, one of which received a protein supplement (2 g . kg-1 body mass . day-1; n = 5) and the other whole-body low-magnitude (3.5 g), low-frequency (30 Hz) mechanical vibration (WBV) delivered through a specially designed vibrating plate for 10 min each day (n = 5). ...results indicate that vibration stimulation can moderate the increase in bone resorption and reduction in bone formation caused by a metabolic acidosis.
PMID: 17127586
3. http://sexuality.about.com/od/sexualscience/a/weirdscience3.htm
Weird Sexual Science: Sex with a partner is 400% better
From Cory Silverberg,
Orgasm Study Offers Status Quo and Universal Generalizations
The same researcher who last month brought us the study suggesting that heterosexual intercourse was much better than any other kind of sexual behavior, is at it again.
This month New Scientist is reporting on a study by Prof. Stuart Brody (and colleague) that examined the blood level of the hormone prolactin following heterosexual intercourse versus masturbation. Prolactin is related to feelings of sexual release. The results?
After orgasm from sexual intercourse, the increase in blood prolactin levels was 400 per cent higher in both sexes compared with after orgasm from masturbation. The resulting headline (which I copied above) suggests that heterosexual sex is 400% better than masturbation. Prof. Brody is quoted as saying “this explains why orgasm from intercourse is more satisfying than masturbation.”
4. http://www.galenicom.com/es/medline/article/18477873/Whole+body+vibration+exercise:+training+and+benefits.
Whole body vibration exercise: training and benefits.
Autores:
Dennis G Dolny, G Francis Cisco Reyes
Idioma:
Eng.
Fecha:
14-05-2008
Revista:
Current sports medicine reports (1537-8918)
Entrega:
Curr Sports Med Rep. ;7(3):152-7
Abstract:
In recent years, it has been suggested that exercise using whole body vibration (WBV) platforms may increase muscle activity and subsequently enhance muscle performance in both acute and chronic conditions. WBV platforms produce frequencies ranging from 15-60 Hz and vertical displacements from ~1-11 mm, resulting in accelerations of ~2.2-5.1 g. Acute exposure to WBV has produced mixed results in terms of improving jump, sprint, and measures of muscle performance. With WBV training, younger fit subjects may not experience gains unless some type of external load is added to WBV exercise. However, sedentary and elderly individuals have demonstrated significant gains in most measures of muscle performance, similar with comparable traditional resistance exercise training programs. WBV training also has demonstrated gains in flexibility in younger athletic populations and gains or maintenance in bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. These promising results await further research to establish preferred WBV training parameters.
Copyright:
Current sports medicine reportsDepartment HPERD, University of Idaho, College of Education, Human Performance Laboratory, Moscow, ID 83844, USA. ddolny@uidaho.edu
5. https://theconversation.com/why-so-many-people-regain-weight-after-dieting-65095
Anyone who has tried to lose weight and keep it off knows how difficult the task can be. It seems like it should be simple: Just exercise to burn more calories and reduce your calorie intake. But many studies have shown that this simple strategy doesn’t work very well for the vast majority of people.
A dramatic example of the challenges of maintaining weight loss comes from a recent National Institutes of Health study. The researchers followed 14 contestants who had participated in the “World’s Biggest Loser” reality show. During the 30 weeks of the show, the contestants lost an average of over 125 pounds per person. But in the six years after the show, all but one gained back most of their lost weight, despite continuing to diet and exercise.
Why is it so hard to lose weight and keep it off? Weight loss often leads to declines in our resting metabolic rate – how many calories we burn at rest, which makes it hard to keep the weight off. So why does weight loss make resting metabolism go down, and is there a way to maintain a normal resting metabolic rate after weight loss? As someone who studies musculo-skeletal physiology, I will try to answer these questions.
Activating muscles deep in the leg that help keep blood and fluid moving through our bodies is essential to maintaining resting metabolic rate when we are sitting or standing quietly. The function of these muscles, called soleus muscles, is a major research focus for us in the Clinical Science and Engineering Research Center at Binghamton University. Commonly called “secondary hearts,” these muscles pump blood back to our heart, allowing us to maintain our normal rate of metabolic activity during sedentary activities.
Resting metabolism and weight maintenance...
6. http://ajpregu.physiology.org/content/288/3/R623.long
Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2005 Mar;288(3):R623-9.
DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00513.2004
Plantar vibration improves leg fluid flow in perimenopausal women.
Stewart JM1, Karman C, Montgomery LD, McLeod KJ.
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that plantar-based vibration may be an effective approach for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. We addressed the hypothesis of whether the plantar vibration operated by way of the skeletal muscle pump, resulting in enhanced blood and fluid flow to the lower body. We combined plantar stimulation with upright tilt table testing in 18 women aged 46-63 yr. We used strain-gauge plethysmography to measure calf blood flow, venous capacitance, and the microvascular filtration relation, as well as impedance plethysmography to examine changes in leg, splanchnic, and thoracic blood flow while supine at a 35 degrees upright tilt. A vibrating platform was placed on the footboard of a tilt table, and measurements were made at 0, 15, and 45 Hz with an amplitude of 0.2 g point to point, presented in random order. Impedance-measured supine blood flows were significantly (P = 0.05) increased in the calf (30%), pelvic (26%), and thoracic regions (20%) by plantar vibration at 45 Hz. Moreover, the 25-35% decreases in calf and pelvic blood flows associated with upright tilt were reversed by plantar vibration, and the decrease in thoracic blood flow was significantly attenuated. Strain-gauge measurements showed an attenuation of upright calf blood flow. In addition, the microvascular filtration relation was shifted with vibration, producing a pronounced increase in the threshold for edema, P(i), due to enhanced lymphatic flow. Supine values for P(i) increased from 24 +/- 2 mmHg at 0 Hz to 27 +/- 3 mmHg at 15 Hz, and finally to 31 +/- 2 mmHg at 45 Hz (P < 0.01). Upright values for P(i) increased from 25 +/- 3 mmHg at 0 Hz, to 28 +/- 4 mmHg at 15 Hz, and finally to 35 +/- 4 mmHg at 45 Hz. The results suggest that plantar vibration serves to significantly enhance peripheral and systemic blood flow, peripheral lymphatic flow, and venous drainage, which may account for the apparent ability of such stimuli to influence bone mass.
PMID: 15472009
Nerissa
Exposure to low frequency mechanical vibration for two to ten minutes per day stimulates musculoskeletal development (1, 2). The vibration used in both studies was 30 Hz. Before you rush out and buy a vibration machine consider that the natural frequency of orgasmic vibrations is 8 Hz. Which is of little value if you're the only one experiencing them. But, consider if you're with a partner. The phenomenon of resonance kicks in.
http://www.elitesoft.com/sci.hvac/itreson1.html explains what resonance is: "When the natural frequency of an object is excited by a vibration of the same frequency the objects natural frequency escalates to a point much greater than the exciting force or vibration. Hence, the singer breaks the glass, or the walls of Jerico come falling down."
So, hot sex will lead to resonance vibrations in both partners of 16 Hz, 32 Hz, etc. 32 Hz is close enough, I suspect, to help our bones and muscles.
Note that 32 Hz is 4 times 8 Hz which makes (3) interesting indeed. Research has shown that having mutual orgasms is four times as beneficial as doing it solo. The researcher seems to have a blind spot for gay sex since the two choices were heterosexual or solo. I'm sure gay sex together works just fine too although some of the men might have trouble making the two minute point. :)
6/13/2008 update - see (4) for a recent report on vibration and our health. The researchers note that vibration improves flexibility. No kidding!
11/27/2016 update - see (5) which discusses vibration and obesity control. It links to a study at (6) which mentions how this ties in with bone health.
1. J Bone Miner Res. 2006 Sep;21(9):1464-74
Low-level, high-frequency mechanical signals enhance musculoskeletal development of young women with low BMD....
The potential for brief periods of low-magnitude, high-frequency mechanical signals to enhance the musculoskeletal system was evaluated in young women with low BMD. Twelve months of this noninvasive signal, induced as whole body vibration for at least 2 minutes each day, increased bone and muscle mass in the axial skeleton and lower extremities compared with controls....CONCLUSIONS: Short bouts of extremely low-level mechanical signals, several orders of magnitude below that associated with vigorous exercise, increased bone and muscle mass in the weight-bearing skeleton of young adult females with low BMD. Should these musculoskeletal enhancements be preserved through adulthood, this intervention may prove to be a deterrent to osteoporosis in the elderly.
PMID: 16939405
2. J Sports Sci. 2007 Jan;25(1):111-9
Whole-body vibration can reduce calciuria induced by high protein intakes and may counteract bone resorption: A preliminary study....
Excess protein intake can adversely affect the bone via an increase in calcium excretion, while suitable mechanical loading promotes osteogenesis. We therefore investigated whether vibration exposure could alleviate the bone mineral losses associated with a metabolic acidosis. Ten healthy individuals aged 22 - 29 years (median = 25) underwent three 5-day study periods while monitoring their dietary intake. The study consisted of recording the participants' usual dietary intake for 5 consecutive days. Participants were then randomly divided into two groups, one of which received a protein supplement (2 g . kg-1 body mass . day-1; n = 5) and the other whole-body low-magnitude (3.5 g), low-frequency (30 Hz) mechanical vibration (WBV) delivered through a specially designed vibrating plate for 10 min each day (n = 5). ...results indicate that vibration stimulation can moderate the increase in bone resorption and reduction in bone formation caused by a metabolic acidosis.
PMID: 17127586
3. http://sexuality.about.com/od/sexualscience/a/weirdscience3.htm
Weird Sexual Science: Sex with a partner is 400% better
From Cory Silverberg,
Orgasm Study Offers Status Quo and Universal Generalizations
The same researcher who last month brought us the study suggesting that heterosexual intercourse was much better than any other kind of sexual behavior, is at it again.
This month New Scientist is reporting on a study by Prof. Stuart Brody (and colleague) that examined the blood level of the hormone prolactin following heterosexual intercourse versus masturbation. Prolactin is related to feelings of sexual release. The results?
After orgasm from sexual intercourse, the increase in blood prolactin levels was 400 per cent higher in both sexes compared with after orgasm from masturbation. The resulting headline (which I copied above) suggests that heterosexual sex is 400% better than masturbation. Prof. Brody is quoted as saying “this explains why orgasm from intercourse is more satisfying than masturbation.”
4. http://www.galenicom.com/es/medline/article/18477873/Whole+body+vibration+exercise:+training+and+benefits.
Whole body vibration exercise: training and benefits.
Autores:
Dennis G Dolny, G Francis Cisco Reyes
Idioma:
Eng.
Fecha:
14-05-2008
Revista:
Current sports medicine reports (1537-8918)
Entrega:
Curr Sports Med Rep. ;7(3):152-7
Abstract:
In recent years, it has been suggested that exercise using whole body vibration (WBV) platforms may increase muscle activity and subsequently enhance muscle performance in both acute and chronic conditions. WBV platforms produce frequencies ranging from 15-60 Hz and vertical displacements from ~1-11 mm, resulting in accelerations of ~2.2-5.1 g. Acute exposure to WBV has produced mixed results in terms of improving jump, sprint, and measures of muscle performance. With WBV training, younger fit subjects may not experience gains unless some type of external load is added to WBV exercise. However, sedentary and elderly individuals have demonstrated significant gains in most measures of muscle performance, similar with comparable traditional resistance exercise training programs. WBV training also has demonstrated gains in flexibility in younger athletic populations and gains or maintenance in bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. These promising results await further research to establish preferred WBV training parameters.
Copyright:
Current sports medicine reportsDepartment HPERD, University of Idaho, College of Education, Human Performance Laboratory, Moscow, ID 83844, USA. ddolny@uidaho.edu
5. https://theconversation.com/why-so-many-people-regain-weight-after-dieting-65095
Anyone who has tried to lose weight and keep it off knows how difficult the task can be. It seems like it should be simple: Just exercise to burn more calories and reduce your calorie intake. But many studies have shown that this simple strategy doesn’t work very well for the vast majority of people.
A dramatic example of the challenges of maintaining weight loss comes from a recent National Institutes of Health study. The researchers followed 14 contestants who had participated in the “World’s Biggest Loser” reality show. During the 30 weeks of the show, the contestants lost an average of over 125 pounds per person. But in the six years after the show, all but one gained back most of their lost weight, despite continuing to diet and exercise.
Why is it so hard to lose weight and keep it off? Weight loss often leads to declines in our resting metabolic rate – how many calories we burn at rest, which makes it hard to keep the weight off. So why does weight loss make resting metabolism go down, and is there a way to maintain a normal resting metabolic rate after weight loss? As someone who studies musculo-skeletal physiology, I will try to answer these questions.
Activating muscles deep in the leg that help keep blood and fluid moving through our bodies is essential to maintaining resting metabolic rate when we are sitting or standing quietly. The function of these muscles, called soleus muscles, is a major research focus for us in the Clinical Science and Engineering Research Center at Binghamton University. Commonly called “secondary hearts,” these muscles pump blood back to our heart, allowing us to maintain our normal rate of metabolic activity during sedentary activities.
Resting metabolism and weight maintenance...
6. http://ajpregu.physiology.org/content/288/3/R623.long
Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2005 Mar;288(3):R623-9.
DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00513.2004
Plantar vibration improves leg fluid flow in perimenopausal women.
Stewart JM1, Karman C, Montgomery LD, McLeod KJ.
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that plantar-based vibration may be an effective approach for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. We addressed the hypothesis of whether the plantar vibration operated by way of the skeletal muscle pump, resulting in enhanced blood and fluid flow to the lower body. We combined plantar stimulation with upright tilt table testing in 18 women aged 46-63 yr. We used strain-gauge plethysmography to measure calf blood flow, venous capacitance, and the microvascular filtration relation, as well as impedance plethysmography to examine changes in leg, splanchnic, and thoracic blood flow while supine at a 35 degrees upright tilt. A vibrating platform was placed on the footboard of a tilt table, and measurements were made at 0, 15, and 45 Hz with an amplitude of 0.2 g point to point, presented in random order. Impedance-measured supine blood flows were significantly (P = 0.05) increased in the calf (30%), pelvic (26%), and thoracic regions (20%) by plantar vibration at 45 Hz. Moreover, the 25-35% decreases in calf and pelvic blood flows associated with upright tilt were reversed by plantar vibration, and the decrease in thoracic blood flow was significantly attenuated. Strain-gauge measurements showed an attenuation of upright calf blood flow. In addition, the microvascular filtration relation was shifted with vibration, producing a pronounced increase in the threshold for edema, P(i), due to enhanced lymphatic flow. Supine values for P(i) increased from 24 +/- 2 mmHg at 0 Hz to 27 +/- 3 mmHg at 15 Hz, and finally to 31 +/- 2 mmHg at 45 Hz (P < 0.01). Upright values for P(i) increased from 25 +/- 3 mmHg at 0 Hz, to 28 +/- 4 mmHg at 15 Hz, and finally to 35 +/- 4 mmHg at 45 Hz. The results suggest that plantar vibration serves to significantly enhance peripheral and systemic blood flow, peripheral lymphatic flow, and venous drainage, which may account for the apparent ability of such stimuli to influence bone mass.
PMID: 15472009
Nerissa
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Narcotic like addiction behind eating of fatty foods
Hi everyone,
The abstract below demonstrates that it only took five days for daily consumption of corn oil by rats to induce what amounts to a narcotic addiction in them. I.E. the corn oil appears to elevate brain narcotics (endodorphins) and/or to directly stimulate a narcotic receptor to the point the rats become addicted to it.
This certainly makes sense evolutionary-wise. Imagine one of our ancestors finding a source of high oil supplying food. Nothing guarantees repeat business like a narcotic addiction. Additionally when the food would run out nothing guarantees a very active search for another similar source like being addicted. Ask any smoker who runs out of smokes at midnight.
Limiting calorie intake long term successfully for most people involves breaking a narcotic drug addiction. However, since oils are a required part of a healthy diet staying clean of this addiction is impossible.
The solution? Satisfy the addiction by finding things, other than eating, that makes us feel good. Or limit the need to be addicted by limiting exposure to things that make us feel bad. Or do both.
Biomed Res. 2006 Dec;27(6):259-63.Daily increase of fat ingestion mediated via mu-opioid receptor signaling pathway.
Mizushige T, Matsumura S...
We investigated the involvement of opioid receptors such as the mu and delta receptors in the predominant elevation of corn oil appetite just after 5-day repeated treatment of corn oil ingestion. Rats were given 5% corn oil emulsified with 0.3% xanthan gum for 20 min at the same hour for 5 consecutive days. A strong appetite for fat was formed after the 5 days presentation, and it was inhibited by naloxonazine, a selective antagonist of the mu-1 receptor, at doses of 3 mg/kg, but not by antagonists of the opioid delta receptor. In days 6, after the formation of a strong appetite for corn oil, an additional injection of naloxonazine suppressed fat intake 0-30, 30-60, 60-90 and 90-150 min after the presentation of the corn oil, but antagonists of the opioid delta receptor did not. These data suggested that the opioid mu receptor is involved in the sharp elevation of corn oil appetite during repeated presentation of corn oil to rats.
PMID: 17213681
Nerissa
The abstract below demonstrates that it only took five days for daily consumption of corn oil by rats to induce what amounts to a narcotic addiction in them. I.E. the corn oil appears to elevate brain narcotics (endodorphins) and/or to directly stimulate a narcotic receptor to the point the rats become addicted to it.
This certainly makes sense evolutionary-wise. Imagine one of our ancestors finding a source of high oil supplying food. Nothing guarantees repeat business like a narcotic addiction. Additionally when the food would run out nothing guarantees a very active search for another similar source like being addicted. Ask any smoker who runs out of smokes at midnight.
Limiting calorie intake long term successfully for most people involves breaking a narcotic drug addiction. However, since oils are a required part of a healthy diet staying clean of this addiction is impossible.
The solution? Satisfy the addiction by finding things, other than eating, that makes us feel good. Or limit the need to be addicted by limiting exposure to things that make us feel bad. Or do both.
Biomed Res. 2006 Dec;27(6):259-63.Daily increase of fat ingestion mediated via mu-opioid receptor signaling pathway.
Mizushige T, Matsumura S...
We investigated the involvement of opioid receptors such as the mu and delta receptors in the predominant elevation of corn oil appetite just after 5-day repeated treatment of corn oil ingestion. Rats were given 5% corn oil emulsified with 0.3% xanthan gum for 20 min at the same hour for 5 consecutive days. A strong appetite for fat was formed after the 5 days presentation, and it was inhibited by naloxonazine, a selective antagonist of the mu-1 receptor, at doses of 3 mg/kg, but not by antagonists of the opioid delta receptor. In days 6, after the formation of a strong appetite for corn oil, an additional injection of naloxonazine suppressed fat intake 0-30, 30-60, 60-90 and 90-150 min after the presentation of the corn oil, but antagonists of the opioid delta receptor did not. These data suggested that the opioid mu receptor is involved in the sharp elevation of corn oil appetite during repeated presentation of corn oil to rats.
PMID: 17213681
Nerissa
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Manipulation of GI bacteria for our health using the essential sugar, fucose
Hi everyone,
In postings to the Calorie Restriction Society I have mentioned the anti-cancer effect of butyrate. Prior postings have shown it to suppress appetite also. Butyrate is produced by GI bacteria digesting (fermenting) resistant starches. Of these bacteria, Roseburia sp., are some of the most productive of butyrate.
For example, (1) points out that Roseburia inulinivorans is up-regulated by the essential sugar, fucose. What is fucose? It is a very interesting sugar which appears little appreciated in human health (2).
Read the end of (2) to see the role that Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (BT) plays with fucose. Not only is fucose in food but it is actively produced by our intestinal linings on request by BT. Without this bacteria we will not actively produce fucose. BT is one of the most abundant bacteria in our colon so unless you've been on antibiotic therapy recently you should have plenty of this bacteria.
Fucose is in the supplement Fucoidan and is from brown seaweed. There are several hundred published articles on the health and longevity enhancement effects of fucose/Fucoidan. See (3, 4) for more.
If you're in an experimental mood consider (5). BT requires ammonia to grow well. Our bodies produce ammonia from protein metabolism and then we excrete it via our urine with most of it in the form of urea. I wonder what might happen if we were to give BT some ammonia directly? For example, (6) tells how to make ammonia cookies. Will this really increase the amount of fucose we produce? I have no idea. It simply seems something fun to try. I've never had ammonia cookies.
1. J Bacteriol. 2006 Jun;188(12):4340-9
Whole-genome transcription profiling reveals genes up-regulated by growth on fucose in the human gut bacterium "Roseburia inulinivorans".
Scott KP, Martin JC, Campbell G, Mayer CD, Flint HJ.
Gut Health Division, Rowett Research Institute, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9SB, United Kingdom. K.Scott@rowett.ac.uk
"Roseburia inulinivorans" is an anaerobic polysaccharide-utilizing firmicute bacterium from the human colon that was identified as a producer of butyric acid during growth on glucose, starch, or inulin. R. inulinivorans A2-194 is also able to grow on the host-derived sugar fucose, following a lag period, producing propionate and propanol as additional fermentation products. A shotgun genomic microarray was constructed and used to investigate the switch in gene expression that is involved in changing from glucose to fucose utilization. This revealed a set of genes coding for fucose utilization, propanediol utilization, and the formation of propionate and propanol that are up-regulated during growth on fucose. These include homologues of genes that are implicated in polyhedral body formation in Salmonella enterica. Dehydration of the intermediate 1,2-propanediol involves an enzyme belonging to the new B12-independent glycerol dehydratase family, in contrast to S. enterica, which relies on a B12-dependent enzyme. A typical gram-positive agr-type quorum-sensing system was also up-regulated in R. inulinivorans during growth on fucose. Despite the lack of genome sequence information for this commensal bacterium, microarray analysis has provided a powerful tool for obtaining new information on its metabolic capabilities.
PMID: 16740940
2. http://www.innvista.com/HEALTH/nutrition/essensug/fucose.htm
Functions
It is now known that Fucose glycoconjugates (glycoproteins and glycolipids) are an essential part of eliminating or reversing such disease processes as cancer, inflammation, and immunity.
Fucose concentrations are found in such areas as:
a) at the junctions between nerves, implying that a deficiency could affect synaptic transmissions;
b) in the proximal tubules of the human kidney, indicating the vital need for this saccharide for proper kidney function;
c) in the testes, suggesting that it plays an important role in reproduction;
d) in the outer layer of skin, where it may be involved in maintaining skin hydration.
Fucose is profoundly important for efficient neuron transmission in the brain. According to studies, Fucose is known to influence brain development and may also help improve the brain’s ability to create long-term memories. Several studies have shown that, by inhibiting the Fucose-containing protein, amnesia developed. Research is ongoing but showing good promise.
Fucose is a powerful immune modulator. It is distributed in macrophages, which are critically important to immune function. There have been numerous well-documented benefits for its necessity in immune function ,especially that of an overactive immune system, the cause of autoimmune disorders. Fucose is showing promise in its ability to normalize immune function.
Fucose is particularly active in inflammatory diseases and has the ability to suppress such allergic skin reactions as contact dermatitis.
Fucose and another essential sugar, Mannose, have the ability to kill bacteria and to help fortify resistance to infection. This is particularly true of respiratory cells. New studies reveal that, because bacteria have lectins on their surfaces that stick to the host’s saccharide receptors, supplying the body with these essential sugars can help deflect host-binding so that an infection can either be foiled or lessened.
Researchers who injected Fucose into lab animals found a possible treatment for breast cancer. U-fucoidan, a complex polysaccharide found in brown seaweed, was able to kill cancer cells in vitro within 72 hours. Interestingly, the destruction was self-induced (apoptosis), suggesting that the sugars were able to break down the DNA within each cancer cell through enzyme action.
Fucose can be found in blood cell antigens, which are involved in determining blood type.
Cancer
Fucose studies are also showing that it plays a significant role in many diseases, including cancer and its spread. Research is still ongoing but showing promise in the areas of inhibiting and reversing leukemia and breast cancer, including the suppression of tumor growth. Some studies have concluded that Fucose and Mannose appeared to be the most effective of the essential sugars when it came to slowing the growth of cancer cells.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Levels of Fucose are low in those with rheumatoid arthritis, and supplementation is showing promise as a harmless but surprisingly effective treatment. What is particularly interesting is the lower a person’s level of Fucose (as well as Galactose, another essential sugar), the more advanced the disease.
Other Diseases
Fucose metabolism appears to be altered in various diseases. Several studies have concluded that Fucose metabolism is abnormal in those with cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and during episodes of shingles, which is caused by a herpes virus. These studies go on to suggest that the sugar is active against other herpes viruses. In addition, the saccharide guards against respiratory tract infections and inhibits allergic reactions. Liver function and serum protein levels were also affected by a deficiency of Fucose. All these disorders, as well as many others, go back to immune function where fucose is showing to play a significant role.
Future Use
In other studies, Fucose proved that it can be incorporated into certain areas of the body where and when it is most needed. For instance, Fucose incorporated into the photoreceptor layer of the retina, may help with the biosynthesis of rod cell glycoproteins. In psoriasis, fucose may play a significant role in the disease process because of altered glycoprotein distribution. Normally, skin keratinocytes and non-psoriatic cells have most of their fucose on the plasma membrane, whereas psoriatic cells retain most of their fucose within the cytoplasm. The list is endless for connecting the reversal and prevention of disease and the use of Fucose and other essential sugars.
Out of the 400 or so species of intestinal microbes found in the human intestine, one has been studied as being of particular interest in its relation to Fucose – Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. Present from birth, this bacterium survives in the lower part of the gut and feeds on Fucose. Cells lining the intestine manufacture it and post it on the surface of the cell. During weaning, Fucose production stops but begins again if B. thetaiotaomicron is present, leading researchers at Washington University School of Medicine to conclude that the bacterium is able to communicate to the intestine that it requires Fucose for its food. Understanding this communication between microbes and human cells may help provide treatment when friendly intestinal bacteria are destroyed after the use of antibiotics, for instance.
3. http://www.nutraingredients.com/news-by-health/productpresentation.asp?id=382&k=jinke-gingko-fucoidan
Fucoidan for a Healthy Life
04/1/06 - Jinke Group USA Inc, as the Subsidiary of Beijing Gingko Group announced a new product Ginnovay Fucoidan to the market. Ginnovay is the Trade Mark of BGG
BGG is leading the way to provide a potential natural non-toxic holistic healing product, Fucoidan, to support the body ability to forestall a lot of health problem, reported by Dr. Jay Lee in Jinke Group USA Inc.
Fucoidan is a type of glyconutrient as a new and more specialized type of nutraceutical. The main effective ingredient in Fucoidan is the fucose, one of the eight essential biological sugars. Since 1996, a total of four Nobel Prizes in medicine have been awarded for work in glycobiology. Unlike other nutritional supplements, Fucoidan provide special saccharide, biological sugars, which have recently been identified as being absolutely essential for cell-to-cell communication through glycoproteins and glycolipids.
Typically only glucose and galactose are in the foods we eat so we don’t consume Fucose and must produce over thirty-four different enzymatic reactions to generate intermediate molecules to make Fucose. During the conversion process if there is any problem in any step (due to toxins, stress etc) it will cause a severe and chronic disease. Now there are evidences that people in Japan who consume large quantities of these seaweeds (Fucoidan) have the longest lifespan.
Fucoidan produced by BGG is extracted from two brown seaweeds, Cladosiphon okamuranus grown in Japan and Ascophyllum nodosum from Norway.
4. http://limu.icthus.net/fucoidan.shtml
Excerpts from the book: Fucoidan
Fucoidan, The Ocean's Gift: Many people don’t fully understand the extreme importance of controlling free radical cellular damage in the body. A free radical is an unstable oxygen molecule that must find another electron to make itself complete. In order to do this, the free radical begins randomly bombarding the body’s cells, resulting in injury to the surrounding cell tissue.
The damage from free radicals can be countered by antioxidants. Antioxidants stop free radical damage by donating an electron without becoming a damaging free radical themselves. The problem in today’s society is that because of the lack of proper nutrition and moderate exercise, the number of free radicals in our bodies vastly outnumbers the number of antioxidants. This leads to premature aging and chronic disease.
The answer to this dilemma is to supplement our diets with plant-derived substances that contain antioxidants. However, not all supplements are made the same. Some supplements contain mostly filler or they contain impure plant products. Sometimes, the plants from which the supplements are made were grown in soil that lacks the necessary vitamins and minerals to create a plant rich in antioxidants. Again, Limu Moui does not suffer from soil deficiencies. It contains the antioxidants necessary to help prevent the negative effects sustained from free radical damage. Researchers in Madrid, Spain, showed that ingredients in brown seaweed exhibited great capacity as a natural antioxidant-even greater than extracts from green and red sea plants.
Fucoidan in Limu Moui
Limu Moui has been a vital source of food and commerce for many coastal peoples. Not surprisingly, some of these people credit the plant for their long lives. Many Tongans, for instance, stay robust, full of life and vigor, without suffering the effects of disease normally associated with aging. If you were to ask for their secret, chances are the Tongan people would direct you to Limu Moui as the reason for their good health.
In Japan, sea plant dishes like kombu and wakame are well known, but a lesser known dish call mozuku shares a common characteristic with Limu Moui. The people in the regions of Japan where mozuku is used enjoy longer lives and lower incidences of cancer when compared to counterparts in other parts of Japan.
Recent studies actually verify these phenomenona. Japanese scientists have isolated a substance in Limu Moui that promotes healthy living, seems to slow down the aging process, and fights a myriad of diseases. This substance is called fucoidan. A large number of recent scientific studies have shown fucoidan fights against cancer formation, development, and growth. Other research also indicates that fucoidan can be used for many other ailments common in today’s world.
5. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=186696
Appl Microbiol. 1974 August; 28(2): 251–257.
Nutritional Features of Bacteroides fragilis subsp. fragilis
Vincent H. Varel and Marvin P. Bryant
Departments of Dairy Science and Microbiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801
Studies of three reference strains of Bacteroides fragilis subsp. fragilis showed that they grow well in a minimal defined medium containing glucose, hemin, vitamin B12, minerals, bicarbonate-carbon dioxide buffer, NH4Cl, and sulfide. The vitamin B12 requirement of 0.1 ng/ml was replaced with 7.5 µg of methionine. Cysteine or sulfide was an excellent source of sulfur, thioglycolate was a poor source, and thiosulfate, methionine, ß-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol, sulfate, or sulfite did not serve as sole sources of sulfur. Neither single amino acids, nitrate, urea, nor a complex mixture of L-amino acids or peptides effectively replaced ammonia as the nitrogen source. Comparative studies with a few strains of other subspecies of B. fragilis including B. fragilis subsp. vulgatus, B. fragilis subsp. thetaiotaomicron, and B. fragilis subsp. distasonis indicate that they exhibit similar growth responses in the minimal medium. A single strain of B. fragilis subsp. ovatus required other materials. The results indicate the great biosynthetic ability of these organisms and suggest that, in their ecological niche within the large intestine, many nutrients such as amino acids are in very low supply, whereas materials such as ammonia, heme, and vitamin B12, or related compounds, must be available during much of the time.
6. http://www.emerils.com/recipes/by_name/ammonia_cookies.html
AMMONIA COOKIES
from Cooking Section, September 2001
Ingredients needed:
1 cup milk
One-half ounce ammonium carbonate
One-half cup shortening
One and one-fourth cups sugar
1 egg, well beaten
One-half ounce oil of lemon or 1 ounce lemon extract
5 cups sifted enriched flour
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Add the milk to the ammonium carbonate and let stand for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Cream the shortening and the sugar; add the egg, lemon flavoring and the milk mixture. Stir in the flour. Chill. Roll the dough to one-fourth-inch-thick on a floured board. Cut into 3-inch squares. Prick with a floured fork. Bake on a greased baking sheets at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until slightly browned.
Note: Ammonium carbonate is no longer readily available in stores. It can be special-ordered by many druggists, and sells for about $1.75 an ounce. Commercial bakeries use ammonium carbonate as a dry rising agent for various products, and may be willing to sell small batches to the public on request.
Makes three and one-half dozen.
Nerissa
In postings to the Calorie Restriction Society I have mentioned the anti-cancer effect of butyrate. Prior postings have shown it to suppress appetite also. Butyrate is produced by GI bacteria digesting (fermenting) resistant starches. Of these bacteria, Roseburia sp., are some of the most productive of butyrate.
For example, (1) points out that Roseburia inulinivorans is up-regulated by the essential sugar, fucose. What is fucose? It is a very interesting sugar which appears little appreciated in human health (2).
Read the end of (2) to see the role that Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (BT) plays with fucose. Not only is fucose in food but it is actively produced by our intestinal linings on request by BT. Without this bacteria we will not actively produce fucose. BT is one of the most abundant bacteria in our colon so unless you've been on antibiotic therapy recently you should have plenty of this bacteria.
Fucose is in the supplement Fucoidan and is from brown seaweed. There are several hundred published articles on the health and longevity enhancement effects of fucose/Fucoidan. See (3, 4) for more.
If you're in an experimental mood consider (5). BT requires ammonia to grow well. Our bodies produce ammonia from protein metabolism and then we excrete it via our urine with most of it in the form of urea. I wonder what might happen if we were to give BT some ammonia directly? For example, (6) tells how to make ammonia cookies. Will this really increase the amount of fucose we produce? I have no idea. It simply seems something fun to try. I've never had ammonia cookies.
1. J Bacteriol. 2006 Jun;188(12):4340-9
Whole-genome transcription profiling reveals genes up-regulated by growth on fucose in the human gut bacterium "Roseburia inulinivorans".
Scott KP, Martin JC, Campbell G, Mayer CD, Flint HJ.
Gut Health Division, Rowett Research Institute, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9SB, United Kingdom. K.Scott@rowett.ac.uk
"Roseburia inulinivorans" is an anaerobic polysaccharide-utilizing firmicute bacterium from the human colon that was identified as a producer of butyric acid during growth on glucose, starch, or inulin. R. inulinivorans A2-194 is also able to grow on the host-derived sugar fucose, following a lag period, producing propionate and propanol as additional fermentation products. A shotgun genomic microarray was constructed and used to investigate the switch in gene expression that is involved in changing from glucose to fucose utilization. This revealed a set of genes coding for fucose utilization, propanediol utilization, and the formation of propionate and propanol that are up-regulated during growth on fucose. These include homologues of genes that are implicated in polyhedral body formation in Salmonella enterica. Dehydration of the intermediate 1,2-propanediol involves an enzyme belonging to the new B12-independent glycerol dehydratase family, in contrast to S. enterica, which relies on a B12-dependent enzyme. A typical gram-positive agr-type quorum-sensing system was also up-regulated in R. inulinivorans during growth on fucose. Despite the lack of genome sequence information for this commensal bacterium, microarray analysis has provided a powerful tool for obtaining new information on its metabolic capabilities.
PMID: 16740940
2. http://www.innvista.com/HEALTH/nutrition/essensug/fucose.htm
Functions
It is now known that Fucose glycoconjugates (glycoproteins and glycolipids) are an essential part of eliminating or reversing such disease processes as cancer, inflammation, and immunity.
Fucose concentrations are found in such areas as:
a) at the junctions between nerves, implying that a deficiency could affect synaptic transmissions;
b) in the proximal tubules of the human kidney, indicating the vital need for this saccharide for proper kidney function;
c) in the testes, suggesting that it plays an important role in reproduction;
d) in the outer layer of skin, where it may be involved in maintaining skin hydration.
Fucose is profoundly important for efficient neuron transmission in the brain. According to studies, Fucose is known to influence brain development and may also help improve the brain’s ability to create long-term memories. Several studies have shown that, by inhibiting the Fucose-containing protein, amnesia developed. Research is ongoing but showing good promise.
Fucose is a powerful immune modulator. It is distributed in macrophages, which are critically important to immune function. There have been numerous well-documented benefits for its necessity in immune function ,especially that of an overactive immune system, the cause of autoimmune disorders. Fucose is showing promise in its ability to normalize immune function.
Fucose is particularly active in inflammatory diseases and has the ability to suppress such allergic skin reactions as contact dermatitis.
Fucose and another essential sugar, Mannose, have the ability to kill bacteria and to help fortify resistance to infection. This is particularly true of respiratory cells. New studies reveal that, because bacteria have lectins on their surfaces that stick to the host’s saccharide receptors, supplying the body with these essential sugars can help deflect host-binding so that an infection can either be foiled or lessened.
Researchers who injected Fucose into lab animals found a possible treatment for breast cancer. U-fucoidan, a complex polysaccharide found in brown seaweed, was able to kill cancer cells in vitro within 72 hours. Interestingly, the destruction was self-induced (apoptosis), suggesting that the sugars were able to break down the DNA within each cancer cell through enzyme action.
Fucose can be found in blood cell antigens, which are involved in determining blood type.
Cancer
Fucose studies are also showing that it plays a significant role in many diseases, including cancer and its spread. Research is still ongoing but showing promise in the areas of inhibiting and reversing leukemia and breast cancer, including the suppression of tumor growth. Some studies have concluded that Fucose and Mannose appeared to be the most effective of the essential sugars when it came to slowing the growth of cancer cells.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Levels of Fucose are low in those with rheumatoid arthritis, and supplementation is showing promise as a harmless but surprisingly effective treatment. What is particularly interesting is the lower a person’s level of Fucose (as well as Galactose, another essential sugar), the more advanced the disease.
Other Diseases
Fucose metabolism appears to be altered in various diseases. Several studies have concluded that Fucose metabolism is abnormal in those with cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and during episodes of shingles, which is caused by a herpes virus. These studies go on to suggest that the sugar is active against other herpes viruses. In addition, the saccharide guards against respiratory tract infections and inhibits allergic reactions. Liver function and serum protein levels were also affected by a deficiency of Fucose. All these disorders, as well as many others, go back to immune function where fucose is showing to play a significant role.
Future Use
In other studies, Fucose proved that it can be incorporated into certain areas of the body where and when it is most needed. For instance, Fucose incorporated into the photoreceptor layer of the retina, may help with the biosynthesis of rod cell glycoproteins. In psoriasis, fucose may play a significant role in the disease process because of altered glycoprotein distribution. Normally, skin keratinocytes and non-psoriatic cells have most of their fucose on the plasma membrane, whereas psoriatic cells retain most of their fucose within the cytoplasm. The list is endless for connecting the reversal and prevention of disease and the use of Fucose and other essential sugars.
Out of the 400 or so species of intestinal microbes found in the human intestine, one has been studied as being of particular interest in its relation to Fucose – Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. Present from birth, this bacterium survives in the lower part of the gut and feeds on Fucose. Cells lining the intestine manufacture it and post it on the surface of the cell. During weaning, Fucose production stops but begins again if B. thetaiotaomicron is present, leading researchers at Washington University School of Medicine to conclude that the bacterium is able to communicate to the intestine that it requires Fucose for its food. Understanding this communication between microbes and human cells may help provide treatment when friendly intestinal bacteria are destroyed after the use of antibiotics, for instance.
3. http://www.nutraingredients.com/news-by-health/productpresentation.asp?id=382&k=jinke-gingko-fucoidan
Fucoidan for a Healthy Life
04/1/06 - Jinke Group USA Inc, as the Subsidiary of Beijing Gingko Group announced a new product Ginnovay Fucoidan to the market. Ginnovay is the Trade Mark of BGG
BGG is leading the way to provide a potential natural non-toxic holistic healing product, Fucoidan, to support the body ability to forestall a lot of health problem, reported by Dr. Jay Lee in Jinke Group USA Inc.
Fucoidan is a type of glyconutrient as a new and more specialized type of nutraceutical. The main effective ingredient in Fucoidan is the fucose, one of the eight essential biological sugars. Since 1996, a total of four Nobel Prizes in medicine have been awarded for work in glycobiology. Unlike other nutritional supplements, Fucoidan provide special saccharide, biological sugars, which have recently been identified as being absolutely essential for cell-to-cell communication through glycoproteins and glycolipids.
Typically only glucose and galactose are in the foods we eat so we don’t consume Fucose and must produce over thirty-four different enzymatic reactions to generate intermediate molecules to make Fucose. During the conversion process if there is any problem in any step (due to toxins, stress etc) it will cause a severe and chronic disease. Now there are evidences that people in Japan who consume large quantities of these seaweeds (Fucoidan) have the longest lifespan.
Fucoidan produced by BGG is extracted from two brown seaweeds, Cladosiphon okamuranus grown in Japan and Ascophyllum nodosum from Norway.
4. http://limu.icthus.net/fucoidan.shtml
Excerpts from the book: Fucoidan
Fucoidan, The Ocean's Gift: Many people don’t fully understand the extreme importance of controlling free radical cellular damage in the body. A free radical is an unstable oxygen molecule that must find another electron to make itself complete. In order to do this, the free radical begins randomly bombarding the body’s cells, resulting in injury to the surrounding cell tissue.
The damage from free radicals can be countered by antioxidants. Antioxidants stop free radical damage by donating an electron without becoming a damaging free radical themselves. The problem in today’s society is that because of the lack of proper nutrition and moderate exercise, the number of free radicals in our bodies vastly outnumbers the number of antioxidants. This leads to premature aging and chronic disease.
The answer to this dilemma is to supplement our diets with plant-derived substances that contain antioxidants. However, not all supplements are made the same. Some supplements contain mostly filler or they contain impure plant products. Sometimes, the plants from which the supplements are made were grown in soil that lacks the necessary vitamins and minerals to create a plant rich in antioxidants. Again, Limu Moui does not suffer from soil deficiencies. It contains the antioxidants necessary to help prevent the negative effects sustained from free radical damage. Researchers in Madrid, Spain, showed that ingredients in brown seaweed exhibited great capacity as a natural antioxidant-even greater than extracts from green and red sea plants.
Fucoidan in Limu Moui
Limu Moui has been a vital source of food and commerce for many coastal peoples. Not surprisingly, some of these people credit the plant for their long lives. Many Tongans, for instance, stay robust, full of life and vigor, without suffering the effects of disease normally associated with aging. If you were to ask for their secret, chances are the Tongan people would direct you to Limu Moui as the reason for their good health.
In Japan, sea plant dishes like kombu and wakame are well known, but a lesser known dish call mozuku shares a common characteristic with Limu Moui. The people in the regions of Japan where mozuku is used enjoy longer lives and lower incidences of cancer when compared to counterparts in other parts of Japan.
Recent studies actually verify these phenomenona. Japanese scientists have isolated a substance in Limu Moui that promotes healthy living, seems to slow down the aging process, and fights a myriad of diseases. This substance is called fucoidan. A large number of recent scientific studies have shown fucoidan fights against cancer formation, development, and growth. Other research also indicates that fucoidan can be used for many other ailments common in today’s world.
5. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=186696
Appl Microbiol. 1974 August; 28(2): 251–257.
Nutritional Features of Bacteroides fragilis subsp. fragilis
Vincent H. Varel and Marvin P. Bryant
Departments of Dairy Science and Microbiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801
Studies of three reference strains of Bacteroides fragilis subsp. fragilis showed that they grow well in a minimal defined medium containing glucose, hemin, vitamin B12, minerals, bicarbonate-carbon dioxide buffer, NH4Cl, and sulfide. The vitamin B12 requirement of 0.1 ng/ml was replaced with 7.5 µg of methionine. Cysteine or sulfide was an excellent source of sulfur, thioglycolate was a poor source, and thiosulfate, methionine, ß-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol, sulfate, or sulfite did not serve as sole sources of sulfur. Neither single amino acids, nitrate, urea, nor a complex mixture of L-amino acids or peptides effectively replaced ammonia as the nitrogen source. Comparative studies with a few strains of other subspecies of B. fragilis including B. fragilis subsp. vulgatus, B. fragilis subsp. thetaiotaomicron, and B. fragilis subsp. distasonis indicate that they exhibit similar growth responses in the minimal medium. A single strain of B. fragilis subsp. ovatus required other materials. The results indicate the great biosynthetic ability of these organisms and suggest that, in their ecological niche within the large intestine, many nutrients such as amino acids are in very low supply, whereas materials such as ammonia, heme, and vitamin B12, or related compounds, must be available during much of the time.
6. http://www.emerils.com/recipes/by_name/ammonia_cookies.html
AMMONIA COOKIES
from Cooking Section, September 2001
Ingredients needed:
1 cup milk
One-half ounce ammonium carbonate
One-half cup shortening
One and one-fourth cups sugar
1 egg, well beaten
One-half ounce oil of lemon or 1 ounce lemon extract
5 cups sifted enriched flour
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Add the milk to the ammonium carbonate and let stand for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Cream the shortening and the sugar; add the egg, lemon flavoring and the milk mixture. Stir in the flour. Chill. Roll the dough to one-fourth-inch-thick on a floured board. Cut into 3-inch squares. Prick with a floured fork. Bake on a greased baking sheets at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until slightly browned.
Note: Ammonium carbonate is no longer readily available in stores. It can be special-ordered by many druggists, and sells for about $1.75 an ounce. Commercial bakeries use ammonium carbonate as a dry rising agent for various products, and may be willing to sell small batches to the public on request.
Makes three and one-half dozen.
Nerissa
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