Altruism & Random Acts of Kindness - 2

More recently, researchers at Bonn University in Germany discovered that altruism is linked to a specific gene. Approximately 100 male and female participants underwent a cheek swab beforehand. The scientists extracted DNA for genetic analyses and focused on one gene, the COMT gene that is linked with an enzyme that inactivates certain messengers in the brain such as dopamine. There are two different variants of the COMT gene: COMT-Val and COMT-Met. Both versions, which occur in the population with approximately equal frequency, differ in only a single building block. Slight alterations in two of its variants—the Val/Val and the Val/Met variants—were associated with altruistic behaviors in both male and female study participants. Altruism can include healthy care-taking, random acts of kindness, and other behaviors that provide evidence of altruism. 

Altruism & Random Acts of Kindness

Is there any evidence about what causes people to be kind and altruistic? Is it learned behavior or is in in our DNA?

It’s been known for several years from studies on twins that altruistic behavior is partly influenced by genes. Altruism was known to be from 30–50% heritable in humans in both Western and non-Western populations. In a word, there is evidence that altruism is partly motivated by genetics. Researchers in the Department of Clinical Medicine, Næstved Hospital, Denmark studied altruism in blood donations. Using mathematical models, they determined that 50% of altruistic motivation is due to genes, 30% to a shared environment, and 20% to other factors. Individuals still have a choice whether to be to be kind and altruistic—or not.

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Post Heart Transplant Changes

In 2019 the National Institute of Health (NIH) released the abstract of a study report related to personality changes post heart transplants and the role of cellular memory. According to the abstract, four categories of personality changes were reviewed: (1) changes in preferences, (2) alterations in emotions/temperament, (3) modifications of identity, and (4) memories from the donor's life. The acquisition of donor personality characteristics by recipients following heart transplantation is hypothesized to occur via the transfer of cellular memory for which at least four types may exist: (1) epigenetic memory, (2) DNA memory, (3) RNA memory, and (4) protein memory. This suggests that transmission of cellular memory may happen in more than one way—and it happens. By the way, I hope your friend makes a complete recovery and does very well—potentially with an expanded memory due to someone’s kindness in donating their heart.

Heart Transplants & Cellular Memory

Several years ago I attended one of your presentations where you were talking about cellular memory in individuals who had received a heart transplant. I wrote it off as a bunch of bull. I may have been too hasty since experiencing changes in a friend of mine following a heart transplant. Could you please recap this for me?

I know. Ever since Dr. Bruce Lipton wrote about a book that included information about cellular memory, it has seemed to some as right up there with Science Fiction. What is known is that personality changes following heart transplantation have been reported for decades, in books and on the Internet, including accounts of recipients acquiring some of the donor’s personality characteristics. More tomorrow.

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Cynical Philosopher

I read somewhere that 4,153,237 people got married last year. Not to cause any trouble or anything—shouldn't that be an even number?

I find it ironic that the colors red, white, and blue stand for freedom until they are flashing behind you.

When wearing a bikini, women reveal 90% of their body. Men are so polite that they only look at the covered parts.

I think it's pretty cool how the Chinese language is made entirely out of tattoo patterns.

 Relationships are a lot like algebra. Have you ever thought about your X and wondered Y?

America is a country which produces citizens who will cross the ocean to fight for democracy but won't cross the street to vote.

You know that tingly little feeling you get when you like someone? That's common sense rushing to evacuate from your brain.

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Breastfeeding & Alcohol

A study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience reported that approximately 30% of breastfeeding mothers in the United States consume alcohol. Approximately 60% of breastfeeding mothers in Australia consume alcohol. Approximately 20% of breastfeeding mothers in Canada consume alcohol. In addition, many women who chose to avoid drinking alcohol during their pregnancy reported beginning to drink again shortly after giving birth. Studies in mice at University of California, Riverside, reported that who were exposed to alcohol in breast milk postpartum day 6 through day 20 (equivalent to infancy in humans) had reduced brain and body weights and decreased neocortical lengths at wean. This continued through early puberty at age-day 30 compared with controls. Female brain weights eventually recovered; male brain weights did not. 

Alcohol & Breast Milk

My interfering Mother-in-law is on my case—again. So, she’s a nurse. That’s doesn’t mean she knows everything. She tells me to either stop drinking wine every night for dinner or stop breastfeeding. Just because she avoids alcohol, why should I?

 Your "interfering MIL" appears to be aware of current research. Studies at the University of California, Riverside, have reported that alcohol is transmitted through a mother’s breast milk. It can have long-lasting effects on fetal brain development and behavior. My guess is that she is concerned about the health and wellbeing of her grandchild. Is there some reason you are unconcerned? Children who were exposed to alcohol in breast milk tend to have lower body weights and growth trajectories.

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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

In order to avoid Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders or FASD, the CDC has stated that there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Any amount of alcohol ingested can put the fetus at risk for FASD. That is likely the reason some medical personnel recommend no alcohol if a woman is trying to become pregnant. By the time a pregnancy is recognized the fetus will already be exposed. When the pregnancy is recognized differs for an individual woman. Some experience breast changes within a couple of weeks. Others don’t recognize the pregnancy until they have missed a menstrual cycle or two. Research at Huffman’s laboratory at the University of California, Riverside, reported that FASD can be heritable. It can pass biologically to at least the third generation.

Alcohol During Gestation

I keep reading how good alcohol is to help you relax and sleep. Who is writing these scary articles about wine with dinner being bad for the fetus?

Perhaps you have been tuned into marketing rhetoric rather than research studies. Scientists have been studying the impact of maternal use of alcohol on the fetus for years. Alcohol is a depressive drug leading individuals to believe they are feeling relaxed. However, alcohol disrupts quality of sleep with additional trips to the bathroom, waking up craving a drink of water because alcohol is dehydrating, a shortened time spent in restorative REM sleep and deep slow-wave sleep, and a rebound alertness often between 2-4 o’clock in the morning with difficulty getting back to asleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised women to avoid all alcohol during pregnancy to lower the risk of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders—studies having shown that it is heritable to at least the third generation.

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Yellowstone Gray Wolves

When their microbiome is infected with toxoplasma gondii, a parasite, Yellowstone gray wolves are much more likely to engage in risky behaviors. Mice infected with the same parasite exhibit a similar type of fearlessness and are less likely to avoid cats—to their potential detriment. The mice, not the cat. Estimates are that about 30% of humans have this same parasite in their microbiome. Scientists are researching the possibility that human microbiomes may impact human behavior, too, perhaps also intelligence, empathy, attitudes, and who the individual is attracted to. It’s stuff of science fiction, only it appears that it is may not be fiction.

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Human Microbiome

I just read that in addition to their genome, humans also have a biome for all the microbes in their body. Is this good or bad?

Your microbiome is very necessary and can positively influence your health if your microbiome is healthy and in balance. Their genes make substances that appear to influence your vulnerability to many diseases. These include anxiety, depression, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety and several degenerative neurological diseases. The editor in Chief of the Harvard Health Letter, Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, recently released an article describing research with a group of mice who were “couch potatoes” and never exercised. When they received the microbiome of mice that ran on their exercise wheel regularly, the “couch-potato" mice started exercising, too. More tomorrow.

L O N G Words

I’m just learning English and it has some very long words. Do you have some examples?

You got that right! English is said to be a rather difficult language to learn, and long words are part of that perception no doubt.

Is hypercholesterolemia considered a (20 letters) …

A syndrome of pseudohypoparathyroidism (30 letters)…

The process of the floccinaucinihilipilification of 29 letters…

In defense of disestablishmentarianism (28 letters)…

The Honorificatibus (27 letters) is a…

A thyroid was thyroparathyroidectomized (25 letters)…

A chlorodifluoromethyl compound (23 letters)…

The following are the incomprehensibilities (21 letters).

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is just (34 letters)…

Pharyngolaryngoesophagectomies means (30 letters)… 

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What's so Bad about Fructose

The brain needs glucose (preferably healthier forms) tor brain energy and health. It does not need fructose that must be metabolized in the liver. Table sugar is 50% glucose and 50% fructose. High Fructose Corn Syrup is 100% fructose. Studies have shown that prior to the development of beta-amyloid and tau proteins, that result in plaques and tangles in the brain, the brain shows lower glucose (sugar) metabolism along with depletion of energy (like ATP) that is stored in the cells. Some researchers are saying that the alteration in brain metabolism that occurs before beta-amyloid and tau plaques and tangles arise, may be the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s. If so, prevention can be a reality for many—as long as they are willing to alter their lifestyle—minimizing foods high in sugar, salt, and high glycemic carbohydrates, all of which can stimulate the production of fructose in the brain. Even healthier sugar needs to be eaten very judiciously. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 5 tsps of added sugar for women and 9 tsps for men—per day. That amount is what some people put in their first cup of Java!

Alzheimer's & Refined Sugar

Another potential contributor to Alzheimer’s is refined ugar. It is linked with increased inflammation and inflammation is linked with the development of Alzheimer’s. Refined table sugar is half glucose and half fructose, a type of simple sugar. Glucose is a main energy source for brain-body cells. However, it is better to get it from healthier whole foods rather than refined sugar. Fructose must be converted into glucose by the liver before it can be used by the body. Of the two—glucose and fructose—there is some consensus that fructose is worse than glucose. Fructose is also found in multiple sugary sweeteners such as High Fructose Corn Syrup (100% fructose) and agave syrup. If the ingredients on processed and packaged foods list ‘added sugar,’ especially if it is up near the beginning of the ingredients list, it's almost a sure bet that the product is high in fructose.

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Alzheimer's & Alcohol

Study results in February of 2023, by scientists at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, reported that even modest amounts of alcohol can speed up brain atrophy (the loss of brain cells) and increase the number of amyloid plaques (toxic proteins found in the brain with Alzheimer’s disease. Neuroinflamation in the brain is associated with Alzheimer’s. Study results in April of 2023 by a team of Scientists in South Korea discovered that an ingredient found in vinegar (acetate) appears to promote an inflammatory response in a type of brain cells known as astrocytes. They suggest that a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, neuroinflammation, appears to be the result of reactive astrocytes. Reactive astrocytes often precede the degeneration or death of neurons and possibly other types of brain cells.

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More Alzheimer’s News

Several things have shown up in research studies that point toward likely contributors to Alzheimer’s Disease. Exposure to aluminum is one of these. Aluminum has been linked with all Alzheimer’s cases. Exposure can occur in factories that process aluminum; when food is exposed to aluminum during baking, frying, or cooking, and in some personal care products such as antiperspirants. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) and agave are other likely contributors. HFCS is metabolized in the liver rather than being digested like real food. It is also in processed foods and deserts because it is so inexpensive. Read labels. Yes, the print is small. Carry a small magnifying glass if necessary. My guess is that many manufacturers print the ingredients in such small type to make it harder to read; perhaps in the hope that people will not worry about or even investigate what is in the product! I avoid purchasing anything that contains HFCS. More tomorrow. 

Alzheimer's News

A friend just told me there was some emerging research about the causes of Alzheimer’s. It runs in my family! What can you tell me?

I am aware of half a dozen research reports so far in 2023 that point toward factors that appear to contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s. All of them are likely within partial if not complete control of the average adult. The Food Revolution Network just announced that up to 90% of all Alzheimer’s cases are not caused by genetics. Rather they are triggered by your lifestyle choices, including what and when you eat along with a variety of environmental factors. Of these, most adults have control over what they eat, many of their lifestyle choices, and where they live. They also have some control over environmental factors or at least partial control by knowing how to minimize if not avoid completely these contributors. More tomorrow.

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Narrowing-down Strategy

What happens when you are faced with three, four, or more options all falling within a reasonable ballpark of desirability or doability? Studies recommend a narrowing-down technique. That means you evaluate only two options at a time. Your brain only has two hemispheres and when there are more than two options, the brain may discard everything over two—and one of the discarded options may have been the most desirable. With multiple options to choose from trying using the narrowing down technique. Select two of the options and pick one. Discard the other one. Compare that one you chose with another option and pick one. Discard the other one. Repeat this until there are no more options from which to choose. The one that’s left is the one you go with. 

Decisions, Decisions

I have a dreadful time making decisions. Sometimes I get so frustrated I don’t make one at all. What can I do?

Growing up were you not taught how to make decisions or allowed to make any? It is not uncommon for individuals who are faced with several options among which they need to select the one they will actually do, find themselves in a similar situation. They have a very difficult time going back and forth and trying to compare pros and cons—and then ruminate over the choice they made. Third, turns out there is a better way to handle those types of situations. Choosing one option over another can be relatively easy when one option is definitely bad or undesirable. Following through on that choice may be more difficult if one option requires more effort or time than the other. That’s where high Emotional Intelligence can give you a leg up as it helps you recognize the wisdom of delaying gratification for a more desirable outcome. Remember, not making a decision is in itself a decision. More tomorrow.

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Congruence

The brain and body organs prefer congruence. This is another way to describe entrainment or being in tune with each other. HeartMath has pointed out that the heart is way more influential than has previously been thought. It does much more that pump blood throughout the body. Using the heart-brain unmediated (free flowing) link between the two, these organs communicate with each other constantly. In fact. Studies suggest that the heart sends many more messages to the brain than does the brain to the heart. The rhythm of the heart is extremely influential—it can signal a state of calm or one of stress, which the nervous system and brain register and share with the rest of the body. The heart and its patterns are very influential to the entire body. The heart can register or recognize—and then signal the brain—when you are feeling calm or are in a state of stress; when you are angry, fearful, or sad, or calm and happy. When this information from the heart reaches the brain, the nervous system decodes it and shares it with the rest of the body. That’s one reason raising your Emotional Intelligence and managing emotions appropriately and effectively is key to brain-body health.

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Entrainment

What does entrainment mean when you are talking about the connection between the heart and the brain?

Entrainment—coordination, synchronization, matching—is said to be a universal phenomenon. It can occur when one system that can be observed in a physical sense (e.g., pendulum clocks) can entrain or begin to match the frequency of another system. In biological systems (e.g., two humans who hold each other’s hand), the heart rhythm can synchronize. The heart beats in each individual begin to match. It is also believed that the level of consciousness has to do with more than the mind. Apparently, another operating system is located anatomically in the heart that helps to entrain or “cause to be in tune” the brain and the heart. There is a word—Philokalia—that is defined as “putting the mind in the heart.”