This month’s Save Our Bones Bulletin brings you the latest in stem cell research, mental approaches to physical pain and a shocking revelation about a commonly used sweetener.
First, we’ll delve into a study conducted on mice that uncovered a pathway that regulates bone loss. The researchers believe this discovery may also revitalize bone regeneration in humans.
Next, you’ll discover a therapeutic approach that uses brain education to reduce or eliminate back pain.
Finally, we will discuss new disturbing findings about the artificial sweetener aspartame.
Study in mice reveals pathway that regulates age-related bone loss
Researchers from the NYU Grossman School of Medicine discovered that they could increase bone mass in mice by blocking the signaling pathway of skeletal stem cells.
The signaling pathway being investigated is called Notch. This series of signals involves multiple compounds that interact in a specific order to determine the final shape that skeletal stem cells will take.
The researchers studied RNA sequencing in young and old mouse bones to observe the relationship between activity in the Notch signaling pathway, aging and bone formation.
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“The researchers found that the Notch pathway becomes abnormally active, causing the cells to shift toward a fate that increases fatty degeneration of the bone marrow. When they genetically engineered mice to lack Nicastrin, a core part of the Notch signaling chain reaction, the stem cells were returned to the bone-making cell pathway, increasing bone formation “even beyond what is seen in young mice.”1
This discovery sheds light on the ways in which stem cell signaling changes with age and can negatively impact bone health. Hopefully, with further research, we can learn how to naturally support this system to increase bone production.
However, it is likely that the Notch pathway will be targeted by new anti-osteoporosis drugs.
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Researchers found that blocking a connection in the skeletal stem cell signaling pathway could increase bone formation in mice. This change reversed the age-related decline in bone mass. It may become the target of new drug development.
Back pain is not on your mind, but relief can be
In a study on the impact of pain perception, two-thirds of participants reduced or eliminated their back pain after learning to interpret pain signals as less harmful.
The study participants underwent pain coping therapy, which taught them to reinterpret pain signals to the brain. By understanding their brain’s role in creating the pain experience, they were able to reduce or end the pain they were experiencing.
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“This study is critical because patients’ pain attributions are often inaccurate. We found that very few people believed that their brains had anything to do with their pain,” says [lead study author] Dr. [Yoni] Ashar. “These results show that changing perspectives on the role of the brain in chronic pain can allow patients to experience better outcomes and outcomes.”
The team hopes that these findings will encourage medical professionals to discuss possible non-biomedical causes of pain with their patients.”2
This study is an excellent example of how research can help identify non-pharmaceutical interventions for common conditions.
Chronic pain is a serious and widespread problem. New approaches to treating it, without resorting to harmful and potentially addictive painkillers, could pave the way for healthier relief options.
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Research into pain management therapy has shown that participants can alleviate or completely eliminate their back pain by learning to reinterpret pain signals. These findings validate the effectiveness of a non-pharmaceutical approach to pain relief.
Artificial sweetener aspartame linked to hereditary problems
Researchers from the Florida State University College of Medicine linked the artificial sweetener aspartame to learning and memory problems in mice.
In the study, the male mice were given aspartame in amounts considered safe by the FDA. However, not only did they show cognitive problems, but their offspring also showed problems with spatial learning and memory.
Relevant excerpt
”The mice in the study were divided into three groups for 16 weeks. One group drank only water, the second group drank water with aspartame, equivalent to two diet soft drinks per day, and the third group drank water with aspartame, equivalent to four diet soft drinks per day.
The mice’s learning ability was tested at different intervals using a Y-maze and a Barnes maze, where the mice had to find a ‘safe’ box among 40 options. Mice that were not given aspartame found the box quickly, while those that consumed the sweetener took significantly longer.”3
This study should give diet soda drinkers pause. Clearly, the effects of artificial sweeteners are still emerging – and they are not positive.
Instead of aspartame, opt for a natural sweetener such as stevia leaf or monk fruit extract as a sugar substitute.
Although this substitution is simple, it is impossible to avoid every potentially toxic substance. In today’s world we are surrounded by chemicals and artificial compounds.
You can give your body a break with the Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse. It is a 7-day rejuvenating program designed to boost your body’s ability to maintain bone health.
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A study on mice found that consuming aspartame reduced the mice’s learning ability. Furthermore, the effects were inherited by the mice’s offspring. This shows that aspartame, often used to sweeten diet soft drinks, can have a negative impact on the brain.
What this means for you
New research will likely result in another barrage of dangerous drugs, but other discoveries could help us learn healthy habits. Talk to your doctor about non-pharmaceutical pain management programs, and the next time you want something sweet, skip the aspartame.
These helpful diversions may be small, but they add up to a huge difference in your well-being.
The Osteoporosis Reversal Program uses a similar strategy. It’s not a one-time quick fix or a magic trick. The ORP is a collection of tools and strategies that include nutrition, physical activity, and daily habits. This holistic approach is the foundation of the ORP’s continued success.
You don’t have to change everything in one day. But every day you can change something. Over time, you will find yourself turning into the healthy, vibrant, independent person you have always wanted to be.
References
1 https://www.geengnews.com/topics/translational-medicine/bone-loss-lessened-by-blocking-abnormal-stem-cell-signal/
2 https://studyfinds.org/chronic-backpain-brain/
3 https://studyfinds.org/aspartame-learning-memory/
