Mediterranean Nutrients Associated with Better Brain Health

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The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, nuts, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, seafood, and olive oil, and it limits red meat and sweets.

Much research has ascribed lower rates of chronic illnesses and longer lifespan in Mediterranean countries to the dietary and lifestyle traditions of their people.

Scientists found links between five “nutrient biomarker patterns” and better results on tests of memory, general intelligence, and executive function.

The nutrients in the biomarker patterns appeared to work together. They included omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, lycopene, carotenoids, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B-12, and vitamin D.

Walnuts, fish, and Brussels sprouts are some of the rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 is abundant in flaxseed, pistachios, pine nuts, and pumpkin seeds.

Lycopene, a red pigment that gives tomatoes their color, is present in a few other vegetables and fruits.

Eggs, fortified cereals, and certain green vegetables are typical sources of riboflavin, or vitamin B-2.

Sweet potatoes and carrots get their orange color from carotenoids, while folate is a B vitamin present in many types of food, including beans, peas, and nuts.

Vitamin D abounds in fatty fish such as mackerel, tuna, and salmon, and in certain fortified foods.

Researcher said “Our study suggests that diet and nutrition moderate the association between network efficiency and cognitive performance.”

How to start a Mediterranean diet link:
https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20793870,00.html

4K Score Blood Test for High Risk Prostate Cancer Screening

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The 4Kscore Test would benefit any patient for whom additional information about their risk (probability) of having aggressive cancer would enhance clinical decision-making before deciding to perform a prostate biopsy.

The 4Kscore Test does not provide a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Rather, it is designed to help clarify the decision on whether or not to perform a biopsy based on the probability of a patient having aggressive prostate cancer.

Who is not a candidate for this test?

  • Previous diagnosis of prostate cancer
  • Patient who has received a DRE in the previous 96 hours (4 days) before phlebotomy. A DRE performed after the phlebotomy is acceptable
  • Patient on 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) therapy, such as Avodart® (dutasteride) or Proscar® (finasteride), within the previous six (6) months
  • Patient who has undergone any procedure or therapy to treat symptomatic BPH or any invasive, urologic procedure that may be associated with a secondary PSA elevation prior to phlebotomy within the previous six (6) months

PT-141, Bremelanotide Peptide for Enhanced Female and Male Sexual Arousal

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From Remedium Wellness

PT 141 is a melanocortin based peptide that can address the problem of sexual dysfunction, for both men who have erectile dysfunction or impotence and women with sexual arousal disorder. It can be an alternative to Viagra or Cialis.

It is a peptide developed from the Melanotan II peptide, which was originally tested as a sunless tanning agent, but it also seemed to cause sexual arousal and spontaneous erections in 9 out of the 10 original male volunteer test subjects. In phase 2B of its clinical trial it was tested on premenopausal women and it was shown to help with sexual arousal disorder.

Unlike Viagra and other similar medications, it does not act in the vascular system, but directly increases sexual desire with the nervous system. It stimulates and activates the dopamine hormones that happen to play a major role in sexual motivation. Dopamine is a known compound in the body, it’s a neurotransmitter that stimulates performance. When you have low levels of dopamine, your libido is lowered.

Possible Side Effects:

Fleeting bouts of headache, nausea, and flushing were experienced by some people when dosed too high. It was pointed out that the headaches experienced from well-known ED medications like Cialis and Viagra were more intense and lasted far longer than those who experienced them with PT 141.

Possible Benefits:

  • Helps enhance sexual satisfaction
  • Increases libido and sexual desire
  • Promotes stronger erections
  • More energy

This medication is still undergoing research.  Anyone interested would need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Birken or one of his nurse practitioners.