Sometimes the simplest things can help maintain good, normal health and support against more serious health conditions. This week’s Nutrition News article looks at recently published studies that suggest the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger could support against the effects of autoimmune conditions, what a blue zone diet is and how it could help you live longer and healthier, and how your vitamin D levels could affect your skin health.
Find out more.
Ginger supports against inflammation in those with autoimmune diseases
New research suggests that ginger may play a significant anti-inflammatory role for individuals with autoimmune diseases. The study reported in the Science Daily article, “New research adds evidence to the benefits of ginger supplements for treating autoimmune diseases”, focused on the impact of ginger on neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, particularly exploring neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, which contributes to inflammation in autoimmune conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and antiphospholipid syndrome.
The research found that ginger consumption made neutrophils more resistant to NETosis, which is crucial because NETs are structures that drive inflammation and clotting in autoimmune diseases. In a clinical trial, healthy volunteers who took ginger for seven days showed increased levels of cAMP, a chemical inside neutrophils. High cAMP levels inhibited NETosis when exposed to disease-related triggers.
This study sheds light on the biological mechanism underlying ginger's potential anti-inflammatory properties. It provides evidence for the role of ginger in restraining overactive neutrophils, offering a food-based option to help manage inflammation, which could support various autoimmune diseases.
The findings could encourage discussions between patients and healthcare providers about the benefits of ginger in managing autoimmune conditions. The research aims to provide more evidence about ginger's benefits, emphasising how ginger affects neutrophils directly.
The researchers hope to secure funding for clinical trials involving ginger in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, antiphospholipid syndrome, and even COVID-19. This research opens doors to more personalised and strategic approaches to symptom relief in autoimmune conditions.
Can a “blue zone” diet help you live past 100?
So called “blue zones” is a term that has been garnering attention through Netflix's new docuseries "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones", which explores the lifestyles of centenarians worldwide to uncover the secrets of their longevity. Blue zones are regions where people live significantly longer than average, and these zones include places like Costa Rica, Greece, Italy, Japan, and California. A recent article by Healthline called “How a ‘Blue Zone Diet’ Can Help You Live a Longer, Healthier Life” looks at whether dietary learnings can be made from these areas.
While there's no single "blue zone diet," these regions emphasise moderation, balance, and communal eating. Common dietary patterns include plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, and seeds. Meat consumption is less frequent and in smaller portions compared to the typical American diet.
Experts agree that blue zone eating patterns offer valuable insights into wellbeing, although it is important to note that they aren't a guaranteed path to a hundred-year lifespan. The principles align with a Mediterranean-style diet, which has documented health benefits including improved heart health, blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome management.
To incorporate blue zone principles into your diet, the article suggests you start gradually and set realistic and sustainable goals. These principles are guiding, not rigid rules, allowing for flexibility in making healthier choices. Avoid structured "cheat days" and instead focus on incorporating healthier habits into your lifestyle.
It's important to remember that diet is just one aspect of longevity, with physical activity, social connection, and stress support playing vital roles. Overall, adopting blue zone-inspired eating habits can contribute to better physical and mental health while allowing room for joy and social connection through food.
The link between vitamin D and skin health
Dry skin can manifest itself in various ways, including flakiness, redness, tightness, and even increased oil production, as the body tries to compensate for the lack of moisture. A lot of people try to combat dry skin with topical moisturiser so it might come as a surprise to learn that one factor that might contribute to dry skin is vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient that plays a role in numerous bodily systems and functions, such as immune support, bone health, and muscle function, which contribute to skin health.
A randomised controlled trial discussed in the article “If Your Skin Won't Stay Moisturized, You May Be Lacking This Vitamin” by mindbodygreen identified a connection between vitamin D deficiency and dry skin. The study revealed that individuals with lower vitamin D levels tended to have lower skin moisture levels, indicating a link between serum vitamin D3 levels and skin hydration, specifically the surface layer known as the stratum corneum.
Vitamin D contributes to skin health by providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect skin cells. Additionally, it plays a critical role in thyroid health by regulating thyroid hormone production. These hormones are essential not only for maintaining youthful and robust hair, skin, and nails but also for influencing metabolism, mood, and sleep support.
Moreover, vitamin D is crucial for hair health, as it supports the hair follicle's functioning and, consequently, hair growth.
Incorporating vitamin D into your overall health may help combat dry skin and promote overall wellbeing. While it's not a guaranteed solution for everyone, which is why it’s important to seek the advice of your healthcare practitioner if you think you have a vitamin deficiency, addressing potential vitamin D deficiencies could be a valuable step in improving skin health.
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Alison is Director and Founder of Metabolics who writes about Metabolics updates, events and natural healthcare. Her experience and passion for natural supplements and healthcare comes from her years of experience as a practising osteopath, having founded Metabolics in her search for high quality, natural products in her own work. Alison has been a qualified and practising Osteopath since 1981 and regularly gives seminars on a range of healthcare subjects to the wider practitioner community helping share her knowledge and experience.
