Skin/respiratory health and fertility Flashcards
Explain the narrowing of airways in asthma (3 points):
- bronchial smooth muscle spasm
- swelling of bronchial mucosa
- excess viscous mucus secretion
Hallmark asthma symptoms
- wheezing on out breath
- intermittent shortness of breath
- tight chest
- dry cough
Which immunoglobulin is asthma usually mediated by?
IgE
Which inflammatory mediators are released due to IgE in ashtma?
- histamine
- leukotrines
- prostaglandins
If asthma is untreated, which cells migrate to the airways?
- eosinophils
- T helper cells
- mast cells
what causes airway remodelling?
chronic inflammation causes small muscle hytrophy, formation of new vessels and interstitial collagen deposition, which results in persistent airflow obstruction
What does excessive T2 cause?
increased inflammation and excess IgE
Why is obesity a risk for asthma?
- lung function
- increased systemic inflammation
- microbiome (increased SCFA which increase allergic airway disease
Name some risk factors for asthma
- preservatives
- Molybdenum deficiency (sulphite sensitivity)
- food colourings
- low vitamin D and Mg
- aspirin and NSAIDS
How can female sex hormone fluctuation cause asthma?
- oestrogen dominance favours Th2
- HRT
List some natural approaches to asthma
- fresh whole organic foods
- dietary exclusion (milk, eggs, chocolate, soy, apples)
- Salicylate sensitivity
- avoid sulphates (alcohol, dried fruits, bagged salads)
- avoid very cold drinks
- reduce red meat, sugar, dairy, processed foods
- keep hydrated
- reduce salt
What are the best antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress in asthma, and how do they do this?
- vitamins A, C and E
- quercitin
- carotenes
- cofactors such as zinc, selenium, copper and flavonoids
- increase selenium for glutathione
inhibit leukotrine formation and histamine release, increase epithelial lining integrity and protect lungs against free radicals
How can a vitamin B complex supplement help with asthma? RD?
- B3: decreases histamine release
- B5: reduces cortisol during stress
- B6: reduces severity and frequency of ashtma
- B12: helps with detoxification and metabolism of sulphites. Helps inflammatory reactions and methylation.
RD: 100-150mg per day
How can a vitamin C help with asthma? RD?
- antioxidant
- antihistamine
- stimulates neutrophils
- increases lymphocytes
- increases interferon production
- lowers release of arachidonic acid which impedes PGE-2 synthesis
RD: 2/3g per day
How can a vitamin D help with asthma?
modulates genes for asthma/allergy, and inhibits eosinophils
How can a CoQ10 help with asthma? RD?
- antioxidant (lowers oxidative stress and asthma symptoms)
- may lower LTSE of glucocoritoid steroids
RD: 150mg /day
What are the symptoms for bronchitis?
- unproductive cough that becomes productive with thick yellow mucus
- fever
- sore throat
- SOB
- runny nose
- muscle aches
What is the natural approach to bronchitis?
- stop smoking
- look into environmental irritants
- reduce sugar, red meat, salt, diary, processed foods
- avoid histamine foods
Which foods are mucolytic?
- garlic
- onion
- ginger
Which enzyme reduces airway inflammation?
Bromelain
What is emphysema?
dilation of the alveolar sacks by destruction of the alveolar wall, leading to collapse of the alveolar during expiration
Why is cigarette smoking so bad for COPD?
Cigarette toxins activate NF-Kb pathway leading to inflammatory cascade in the airway epithelial cells and recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils
How does N-acetyl cysteine help with COPD? RD?
- mucolytic, making it easier for the expulsion of mucus
- increases glutathione lowering oxidative damage
RD: 400-1200mg /day
How do fish oils help with COPD? RD?
- decreases inflammation
- reduces COPD morbidity, fewer symptoms
RD: 800mg of EPA, 300mg of DHA
How does shiitake help with COPD? RD?
- increases phagocytes, T and B-lymphocytes, and NK cells.
- enhances interferon synthesis (anti-viral proteins)
- Increases secretory IgA
RD: 1.5-10g /day
How does Thyme help with COPD?
- mucolytic and anti-bacterial
- antioxidant properties
- down-regulates activated NF-Kb
Which hormones are increased and cause acne?
- free testosterone (DHT)
- DHEA
- DHEAS
- 5-alpha-reductase
How does DHT and free testosterone cause acne?
- stimulates hyperkeritinisation of follicles
- increases sebum production
- stimulates acne lesions
How does hyperinsulinemia cause increased free testosterone?
hyperinsulinemia decreases Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) causing higher free testosterone
High levels of 5-alpha-reductase is linked to what conditions/deficiencies?
obesity, hyperinsulinaemia and low zinc
How does insulin resistance cause acne?
- increased proliferation of keratinocytes
- stimulates synthesis of androgens
- increases sebum production
How does IGF-1 cause acne?
Downregulates Fox01 (a protein that influences glucose metabolism and insulin signalling). This leads to activation of mTORC1.
What is the role of mTORC1 in acne?
Mediates sebaceous gland hyper-proliferation, lipid synthesis and hyperplasia of keratinocytes
According to TCM, what is the cause of acne?
damp and heat in the body rising to the head
How can we change the diet to help with ance?
- low GI diet
- high fibre
- omega-3 to increase IGF-1
- flaxseeds can decrease free androgens, and helps with the conversion of DHT to testosterone
How does EPA help with acne?
- reduces inflammation
- inhibits mTORC1 activation
How can we naturally decrease mTORC1?
with polyphenols in green tea, turmeric and berries
How would vitamin A supplementation help with acne? RD?
- plays a role in collagen synthesis and supports the skin barrier
- reduces sebum and hyperkeratosis of follicles
- Inhibits growth of C. Acnes
RD: 5000 iu/day
How would vitamin B3 (niacinamide) supplementation help with acne? RD?
- works alongside chromium in insulin resistant
- reduces histamine release
- anti-inflammatory
- inhibits c-acnes induces IL-8 production of keratinocytes through NF-Kb and MAPK pathways
RD: 20-50mg /day in B complex
How would zinc supplementation help with acne? RD?
- modulates immune and inflammatory process
- inhibits 5-a-reductase, causing lower DHT
- ## antimicrobial against C. acnes
name some risks/causes for rosacea?
- H. Pylori
- SIBO
- Vascular hyperactivity
- food allergy/intolerances
List some natural approaches to rosacea:
- identify and avoid dietary triggers
- Reduce high histamine foods
- Focus on detoxification
- support gut health (H. Pylori)
- increase omega-3, for skin integrity and reduce inflammation
Which foods can be helpful in rosacea?
vitamin C and proanthocyanidin containing foods such as red grapes, blueberries and cranberries.
Which gene mutation is linked to atopic dermatitis, and what does it cause?
Fillagrin gene mutation, cause aggregation of keratin filaments
Why might people with atopic dermatitis have low levels of EFAs?
- FADS2 SNP
- deficiency in Mg, Zn or B6
- IR
- alcohol
- high stress
What blood results would you be looking for atopic dermatitis?
- FBC (eosinophils)
- Serum IgE
- genetic testing (FADS2 and VDR)
What is the allopathic treatment for AD?
- topical corticosteroids
- antihistamines
- immunosuppressants
Which dietary inclusions would you recommend for someone with AD?
- ow histamine diet
- anti-inflammatory diet
- daily sources of omega-3 (wild fish)
- quercetin rich foods (apple, kale, blueberries, spinach, red onion)
How does vitamin A help with atopic dermatitis? RD?
- skin cell homeostasis
- collagen synthesis
RD: 5000 iu/day
