The title above is a bit of an understatement.

The global scientific community is pursuing research into reducing cellular stress at an unprecedented rate. It used to be that you would have a few researchers at the “nutrition” conference or a few scientists at the “physiology” conference presenting data on managing different markers of cellular stress. Now, however, there are thousands of scientists studying cellular stress and presenting research findings at conferences around the world – and even entire scientific conferences dedicated to cellular stress reduction, such as the Nrf2 research conference held earlier this month in England.

You can read more about the England Nrf2 research conference below, and listen to a short Audio Update about the conference at Cambridge University HERE:

Earlier this year, I wrote and released an early “pre-publication” version of my upcoming book, Best Future You (which will be published in October 2015). The excerpt that I released focused on the novel “core strategy” of activating the Nrf2 pathway for reducing cellular stress, versus the “traditional approach” of taking antioxidant vitamin supplements (Deadly Antioxidants).

In March 2014, I did a national radio tour on this topic of “making antioxidants, versus taking antioxidants” with nearly two dozen radio stations across the country – many of which are posted online for listening/sharing.

In April 2014, I spoke at TEDx (Sandy, Utah) about how cellular stress is related to health, mood, and energy – and how maintaining cellular/biochemical balance can enable us to feel our best, look our best, and perform at our best.

In September 2014, I spoke at The 431 Project in Vermont about how cellular stress is involved in mental and physical performance as well as the balance between health and disease. This multi-day health conference coincided with another multi-day event where I was crowned The World’s Fittest CEO – due in large part to employing several strategies to reduce cellular stress and maintain my own cellular balance.

In October 2014, I presented at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine conference (ACLM – San Diego) about balancing cellular stress to deliver a “new kind of energy” (mental/physical/feel good energy that we can measure as psychological vigor). This research was selected as the “Outstanding Professional Scientific Abstract Poster” of the 2014 ACLM conference.

In December 2014, I presented two lectures about cellular stress and Nrf2 metabolism at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M – Las Vegas).

Earlier this month, (January 2015), I presented a scientific poster about “Phytonutrient Activation of the Nrf2 Pathway” at the Biochemical Society conference on Nrf2 metabolism at Cambridge University in England. I presented on Day 2 and have also blogged about Day 1 and Day 3.

We’ve had standing-room only crowds in dozens of cities around the country – and in many of those cities, I’ve shared my slides and audio recordings for people to share. Here is a recent Powerpoint file that is typical of the slides that I use in these presentations = Talbott Missoula Dec2014

Later in 2015, I’ll be presenting scientific information about the benefits of Nrf2 activation for reducing cellular stress at several conferences, including the Experimental Biology Annual Scientific Conference (March), Philippines Heart Association (May), and the Healthy Aging Summit hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (July).

2014 was an amazing year for someone like me who studies and educates about Cellular Stress – and it’s looking like 2015 will be even more interesting.

Thanks for reading,

Shawn

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Shawn M. Talbott, Ph.D., CNS, LDN, FACN, FACSM, FAIS

Nutritional Biochemist and Author

smtalbott@mac.com

http://ShawnTalbott.com

UPCOMING BOOK:  Deadly Antioxidants – Why Your Daily Vitamins May Be Causing Cancer and Shortening Your Life (and How You Can Turn on Your Body’s Own Antioxidants for Optimal Health)

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–The Secret of Vigor – How to Overcome Burnout, Restore Biochemical Balance, and Reclaim Your Natural Energy (http://amzn.to/ovkwJf)

–Killer at Large – Why Obesity is America’s Greatest Threat – an award-winning documentary film exploring the causes and solutions underlying the American obesity epidemic  (http://www.KilleratLarge.com)

–The Cortisol Connection – Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health (Hunter House) – http://CortisolConnection.com/

–The Cortisol Connection Diet – The Breakthrough Program to Control Stress and Lose Weight (Hunter House) – http://CortisolConnectionDiet.com/

–Cortisol Control and the Beauty Connection – The All-Natural Inside-Out Approach to Reversing Wrinkles, Preventing Acne, And Improving Skin Tone (Hunter House) – http://CortisolControl.com/

–Natural Solutions for Pain-Free Living – Lasting Relief for Flexible Joints, Strong Bones and Ache-Free Muscles (Chronicle Publishers – Currant Books) – http://PainFreeLivingBook.com/

–The Immune Miracle – The All-Natural Approach for Better Health, Increased Energy and Improved Mood (GLH Nutrition, 2012) – http://amzn.to/SPLV4W

–The Health Professionals Guide to Dietary Supplements (Lippincott, Williams & Wilkens) – http://SupplementWatch.com/

–A Guide to Understanding Dietary Supplements – an Outstanding Academic Text of 2004 (Haworth Press) – http://SupplementWatch.com/

From January 24 to February 1 (9 days), I’ll be joining a bunch of nuts in riding the “Tour of Sufferlandria” (the greatest tour of a mythical nation) to raise money for the Davis Phinney Foundation – a fantastic charity that is improving the lives of people with  Parkinson’s Disease in the name of Davis Phinney, a former professional cyclist and one of my boyhood heroes when I was growing up and just learning how to race bicycles.

The Tour of Sufferlandria will have me cycling 9 different “stages” over 9 days (the super-high-intensity “SufferFest” cycling videos that I use for workouts to keep me in shape as the World’s Fittest CEO – I also use Troy Jacobson’s Spinerval videos to train other aspects of fitness) – so I should be sufficiently exhausted by day 7 when I step on stage to speak at the SOLD OUT  Science Seminar in San Antonio, TX on January 30 (and still with 2 stages to ride).

I NEED YOUR HELP!

I have a goal of raising $2,500 for the Davis Phinney Foundation – and I’d like to ask for your help in having me not only reach that goal, but in blowing right through it. PLEASE visit my donation page – and I appreciate every single dollar that you’re able to spare to support the fight against Parkinson’s Disease and the mission to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s.

As a “Thank You” for your support, I’ll send you an autographed copy of my Deadly Antioxidants book (why your daily vitamins may be causing cancer and shortening your life and how Nrf2 can turn on your body’s own antioxidants for optimal health). Just email me at smtalbott@mac.com after you’ve donated – tell me your mailing address – and I’ll pop an autographed book in the mail to you – easy peasy. The more you can donate, the more books I’ll send.

As an additional “Thank You” for your support, I will paste below the text of a recently completed educational brochure (“Nrf2 and the Brain and Nervous System”) that will be released on January 30 and is ONLY available at the San Antonio Science Seminar. You’ll see from the information below that oxidative stress, and Nrf2 metabolism, is closely involved with many aspects of brain health and neurological function – so you can see why I’m passionate about helping people to understand the benefits of phytonutrient activation of Nrf2 and it’s potential health benefits.

Thanks for reading – and thanks VERY MUCH for your donation to the Davis Phinney Foundation!

Shawn

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Nrf2 and…Brain and Nervous System

Aging is characterized by a progressive decline in the efficiency of cellular function and the increased risk for disease and death – not a happy future! At the very heart of the aging process is the balance between cellular stressors and our ability to maintain biochemical balance and avoid cellular damage in the face of those stressors. The “free radical theory of aging” suggests that reactive oxygen molecules (free radicals) produced during cellular energy metabolism have damaging effects on all cells and across all tissue in the body – causing cumulative damage over time that ultimately results in aging, dysfunction, and death.

Each of our cells has a built-in system of defense to protect from damage by cellular stressors – called the Nrf2 pathway (see sidebar). In the aging (healthy) brain, as well as in the cases of several neurodegenerative diseases, there is a dramatic decline in the body’s ability to mount a robust defense against cellular stressors – which increases the vulnerability of the brain and the entire nervous system to damage. For example, oxidative damage to the DNA and cell membranes has been detected at levels more than 10 times higher in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients and 17 times higher in the brains of Parkinson’s disease patients compared to healthy subjects.

Brain neurons and nerve cells in general are high in lipids (fats) that are highly susceptible to attack by free radicals. High levels of damaged fatty acids, as well as damaged proteins, have been identified in aging brains and associated with cognitive deficits. In the brain, such damage to fatty acids and proteins is known to set off an immune/inflammatory response that often leads to further cellular damage when prolonged. Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines leads to a vicious cycle of further cellular damage that propagates through a chain reaction across tissues.

Natural plant-derived bioactive compounds (phytonutrients) have been shown to exert both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in brain tissue. For example, known Nrf2-activating phytonutrients such as EGCG from green tea, curcumin from turmeric, and quercetin from onions have been shown to reduce amyloid plaque accumulation (Alzheimer’s) and increase regeneration of dopamine fibers (Parkinson’s), suggesting a general neuro-protective benefit of natural Nrf2 activators. Indeed, population studies have shown a dramatic protective effect of diets high in fruits/vegetables and healthy oils (Mediterranean and Okinawan diets) on risk for dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Although the range of brain and nervous system diseases is varied with distinct pathologic features, there is considerable scientific evidence to support oxidative stress as a common pathogenic mechanism in many neurological conditions. Oxidative damage occurs early in virtually all nervous system disorders, including chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), as well as acute brain injury such as stoke and traumatic brain injury (TBI, including concussions), suggesting that oxidative stress plays a prominent role in disease progression. Nrf2 activation is known to be disrupted in many nervous system disorders and brain levels of protective antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, etc) are typically reduced in neurodegenerative disorders as well as during normal aging. For example, neurons with low Nrf2 activity are more susceptible to oxidative stress, but cellular damage can be reduced through Nrf2 activation. In both Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and University of Pittsburgh (J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2007 January; 66(1): 75-85) have described an insufficient and disrupted activation of the Nrf2 pathway in neurons located in the areas of the brain affected by the disease process.

One important study has shown that a specific blend of phytonutrients (“Product 5x”) can significantly increase levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase in human subjects (Free Radic Biol Med. 2006 Jan 15;40(2):341-7). Conducted at the Webb-Waring Institute for Cancer, Aging and Antioxidant Research at the University of Colorado in Denver, the study showed that natural activation of the Nrf2 pathway increased superoxide dismutase by 30% and catalase increased by 54%, while reducing cellular damage by an average of 40% within 30 days. Importantly, the typical age-related increase in cell damage completely disappeared after supplementation with “Product 5x” – so much so that a 78-year old subject had similar (low) levels of cellular damage to that of a 20-year old subject (indicating a dramatic cellular anti-aging effect).

Other studies (Free Radic Biol Med. 2009 Feb 1;46(3):430-40) have shown that the ingredients in “Product 5x” work synergistically. This means that when all “Product 5x” ingredients were used together on cells, their antioxidant effect was more than the sum of the effects from its individual ingredients. Together, the patented blend of “Product 5x” ingredients was found to have a strongly 2-4 fold synergistic effect on increasing glutathione, a powerful antioxidant and scavenger of free radicals, especially in nerve tissue.

In a recent study funded by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of the United States Department of Defense), “Product 5x” was found to induce Nrf2 and protects brain cells subjected to the stress of high altitude. Results showed that Nrf2 activation by the “Product 5x” blend of phytonutrients was effective in supporting a healthy response to “leaky” blood vessels in the lungs and the brain caused by being at high altitude. “Product 5x” was found to induce Nrf2 at a higher degree than the other agents (prescription drugs for treating altitude sickness) and reduce cerebral vascular leak by 62%, suggesting a promising approach to supporting brain health during various forms of cerebral stress.

These and other recent scientific findings have linked Nrf2 activation not only to an elevated antioxidant capacity, but also to increases in other types of protective proteins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF – a brain protein associated with stimulation of neuron growth and with anti-depressive effects). Interestingly, several established natural Nrf2 activators such as curcumin, sulforaphane, spirulina, and melatonin, have been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in brain and nerve tissue. While the brain-protective benefits of isolated phytonutrient bioactives is extremely interesting, even more interesting is the emerging approach of scientifically examining the synergistic combinations of nutrients to determine improved potency and efficacy for maintaining optimal brain health and preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

Nrf2 Sidebar…

Nrf2 is an internal cellular protein that serves as a “master regulator” of the body’s stress response. You might think of Nrf2 as a “thermostat” within our cells that senses the level of cellular stress and turns on internal protective mechanisms.

Interestingly, while we know that there are numerous Nrf2-inducers in the natural world, we also know that specific combinations of ingredients can maximize gene expression in hundreds of genes associated with superior health of tissues and organs throughout the body. This suggests that our cells possess all the genetic resources required to maintain proper oxidative balance, promote health, and slow the aging process at the genetic level by naturally activating the Nrf2 pathway.

With age, both the level of total Nrf2 protein and the efficiency of its activation decline – leading to reductions in levels of internal protective enzymes and increases in markers of cellular stress. Three important methods have been scientifically proven to increase both Nrf2 protein levels and activity to reduce cellular stress:

1. Regular exercise
2. Diet high in brightly-colored fruits/vegetables
3. Nrf2-activating phytonutrients (plant-derived bioactives)

One specific blend of 5 herbs has been patented for its demonstrated effects in reducing oxidative and inflammatory stress. The 5-ingredient blend (containing extracts of ashwagandha, bacopa, green tea, milk thistle, and turmeric) has been studied in dozens of peer reviewed studies at universities around the country and published in some of the most prestigious scientific journals in the world. These studies show how this specific blend helps to activate Nrf2 and the body’s own protective mechanisms, resulting in an average reduction in cellular stress of as much as 40 percent within thirty days.

More information about Nrf2 activation for improved health can be found in the Deadly Antioxidants book and at http://www.ShawnTalbott.com

As busy and productive people with over-scheduled, stressful lifestyles (sometimes combined with little quality sleep and poor eating habits), it is no wonder so many of us feel drained. “Saying that you feel tired usually describes a symptom,” explains Shawn M. Talbott, PhD, author of The Secret of Vigor (Hunter House, 2012). “It could mean that we’re feeling emotionally burned out. We may have brain fog. Or, it could be actual physical fatigue from not getting enough sleep. All of this has its roots in chronic stress, and it leads us to not feel as engaged and focused as we want to be.”

By managing inflammation, stress, and oxidation and improving nutrition we can boost our energy levels. Anti-inflammatory foods boost energy because having too much inflammation in your body can cause the brain to experience mental exhaustion and burnout.

The two best anti-inflammatory foods to add to your grocery list are dark chocolate and blueberries. Dark chocolate contains both theobromine for sustained mental energy; and a small amount of sugar, for reducing sweet-cravings induced by the stress hormone, cortisol. Blueberries are packed with potassium, vitamin C, and flavonoids, which activate the body’s internal production of antioxidant enzymes for profound anti-inflammatory benefits, especially for the brain.

When the body is exposed to chronic stress it produces more of the stress hormone, cortisol, which leads to muscle loss, immune system suppression, and both mental and physical exhaustion. Two of the most effective anti-stress foods are pumpkin seeds and green tea. Munching on roasted pumpkin seeds can have a relaxation effect form both the “crunching” action and because they contain a high content of the amino acid, tryptophan, which has a relaxing effect in the brain. Green tea contains another amino acid called theanine, which has a physical and mental relaxation effect, yet also improved mental focus and improves a state known as “relaxed alertness.”

For a direct injection of energy, be sure to get your B, Cs and Omega-3s! Whole grains are a rich source of the entire family of B-complex vitamins, which are essential for the metabolism of food into cellular energy. Eating more healthy omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish or fish oil supplements have been shown in numerous research studies to support mood and reduce inflammation. Brightly colored fruit and veggies provide cell-protecting phytonutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, flavonoids and carotenoids that reduce oxidation and inflammation – both of which can cause cellular damage, drain energy levels and accelerate aging.

Avoid traditional high-caffeine and sugar energy drinks. The high levels of caffeine and simple sugars in most energy drinks can cause a blood sugar spike and then an energy crash a couple hours later. Likewise, refined carbs and processed foods cause inflammation and lead to destruction of collagen and elastin in the skin – so you’ll look as bad as you feel. Instead, look for the new generation of “feel good” drinks like Axio Charged and Axio Volt that combine flavonoids, theanine, B-complex vitamins, and other nutrients to maintain sustained mental and physical energy levels with the added benefits of stress resilience, improved mood and sharp mental focus.

Day 3 of the Nrf2 Science Conference at Cambridge University is completed – and I think my brain is melting after 3 days of intense discussions about Nrf2 pathway metabolism! In a good way, of course.

Pictures of Cambridge (hey, it’s a very cool historic University – founded in 1209)!

Here are some updates from Day 2 of the Nrf2 Conference at Cambridge University.

Dr. Sabine Werner from the Institute for Molecular Health Science in Germany talked about the role of Nrf2 in the skin – as a key regulator of the cellular stress response and trigger for production of cytoprotective proteins involved in skin protection and healing. Loss of Nrf2 activity causes delayed wound healing and strongly enhances skin cancer – so the activation level of Nrf2 is critical for healthy skin.

Dr. Miguel Soares from the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia in Portugal delivered presentation about how Nrf2 acts as a master regulator of tissue damage control in disease tolerance. He described a 3-part scenario (“ART”) of tissue protection via Nrf2, including Avoidance of damage (by protective cellular enzymes), Resistance (to cellular stress), and Tolerance (where the cell responds to cellular stressor with adaptations of repair and rejuvenation to tolerate future stressors).

Dr. Jeffrey Johnson from the University of Wisconsin shared his insights into the role of Nrf2 activation in preventing neurodegeneration. He noted that cellular stress and neuron (brain cell) damage is a hallmark of multiple chronic brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, aka Lou Gehrig’s disease). Dr. Johnson described a series of elegant experiments showing how Nrf2 activation is a novel neuroprotection pathway that confers resistance to a variety of neurogenerative insults. In short, Nrf2 activation protects brain cells from initial damage and improves resistance to future damage. Truly remarkable potential for future prevention and treatment of brain disorders and damage.

This 2nd day of the conference also saw a number of scientific poster presentations – more than 60 in all – describing various aspects of Nrf2 metabolism for not just the reduction of cellular stress and improved cell cell function, but also for a wide range of metabolic effects including energy metabolism (fat/glucose metabolism), muscle synthesis, cancer prevention, brain protection, skin health, liver function, hormone balance, and many others. The more we learn about the various functions of the Nrf2 pathway, the more it makes sense that it should be involved in “everything” related to the maintenance of cellular balance and optimal health at the cellular and genetic level.

Two posters that I’d like to highlight are mine about “Phytonutrient activation of the Nrf2 pathway” and Dr. Sveta Silverman’s about breast cancer. Both posters and abstracts are included below.

In Dr. Silverman’s poster, she describes the evaluation of breast cancer in subjects taking the Nrf2-synergy herbal supplement Protandim.

Here is the Abstract from Dr. Silverman’s poster:

• Increases tissue Nrf2 protein levels
• Stimulates production of endogenous antioxidant enzymes
• Induces genes associated with cellular health
• Diminishes DNA damage (UV-induced)
• Reduces biochemical markers of cellular stress
• Demonstrates oral and topical efficacy

Here is the Abstract from my poster:

I’m at the Nrf2 Science conference at Cambridge University for the next couple of days. I present my poster on “Phytonutrient activation of the Nrf2 pathway” later today.

Here are a few highlights from the presentations yesterday (Day 1):

From Thomas Kensler – University of Pittsburgh:

• Nrf2 activation is important for a wide variety of cell-protection functions, including:
  • Liver Protection (aflatoxin-induced liver cancer and acetaminophen/Tylenol-induced liver damage)
  • Air pollution (via glutathione-related conjugation of toxins)
  • Estrogen-induced toxicity (DNA damage)
  • Mammary (breast) stem cell regeneration
  • A wide range of cell-protection benefits, including:
    • Damage Prevention
    • Damage Control
    • Cell Regeneration

Another great presentation was delivered by Dr. Masayuki Yamamoto from Tohoku University in Japan – here are some highlights:

• Nrf2 responds to intra-cellular stress from a variety of sources (ER, lysosome, autophagosomes)…
• Phase II enzyme activation by Nrf2 is essential for cancer prevention – especially for air pollution-induced cancer (protection by glutathione-related enzymes and others)
• Nrf2 activation has anti-diabetic effects by improving insulin sensitivity and controlling blood glucose levels.