How Digital Scans Are Helping Kids Get Faster Dental Care

Schulz-Weidner, N., Schraml, E.M., Frodermann, T. et al. Comparison of dental findings between dentists and pediatricians using intraoral scan-based teledentistry in children. Scientific Reports, September 2025.

A new study in Germany shows that “teledentistry” (using digital mouth scans to check children’s teeth) can be just as effective as a traditional in-person exam. Researchers wanted to test whether pediatricians, who are usually not dental specialists, could spot dental problems using intraoral scans (a special camera that creates a 3D image of teeth) and decide when kids need treatment. The study included 70 participants aged 4-17. Each child had a regular dental check-up and then had their mouth scanned with an intraoral scan. These scans were later reviewed by a pediatrician, who received basic training on children’s dental health, and a dentist. The researchers compared what they found to the in-person dental exams and found promising results. Both the pediatrician and the dentist were able to identify cavities, tooth defects, and urgent dental needs almost as well as the in-person checkups. Pediatricians were nearly as accurate as dentists in deciding whether a child needed quick dental care. However, dentists were still better at spotting detailed issues like the exact type of tooth fillings, but this did not affect treatment decisions in most cases. The results show that there is no significant difference between digital teledental findings and in-person exams. This study proves that with some basic training, pediatricians can play a key role in early dental screening, especially in areas where dentists are hard to reach. Non-dental professionals can now be more involved in early oral health assessments. Using this method means fewer missed problems, faster treatment, and healthier smiles for children.

What Lies Beneath The Outer Layers Of A Star?

Schulze, Steve, Avishay Gal-Yam, Luc Dessart, Adam A. Miller, Stan E. Woosley, Yi Yang, Mattia Bulla, et al. “Extremely Stripped Supernova Reveals a Silicon and Sulfur Formation Site.” Nature News, August 20, 2025.

Astronomers captured a rare glimpse inside a star as it exploded, revealing what lies beneath its outer layers. Dr. Steve Schulze and his team observed a supernova, SN 2021-yfj, unlike any seen before. Schulze explains that stars are like giant cosmic onions: hydrogen on the outside, then helium, carbon, oxygen, silicon, and finally the iron core. Normally, we only see the outer layers during a star’s death, but this star had already shed nearly all of its shells before it exploded. That allowed scientists to look much deeper into its structure and confirm long-standing predictions that the inner core has an oxygen-silicon shell.

One of the most surprising findings was the presence of helium. Helium is an element that should have been burned away at a much earlier stage of the star’s life. This discovery has left scientists puzzled and is challenging existing models of stellar evolution and supernova explosions.

Researchers believe the star was originally extremely massive—about 60 times the mass of our Sun—and likely lost much of its material over thousands of years through a process called “pair-instability,” where repeated pulses of energy blew away outer layers before the final explosion.

Schulze says the next step is to find more stars like this to understand whether 2021-YFJ represents a new class of supernovae. This discovery may even lead to a “gold rush” as astronomers search for other missing links in the life cycles of stars.

How Sleep Cycles Impact Our Health

Minami, Y., Kishi, A. & Ueda, H.R. Preventive circadian medicine: improving health with sleep checkups. npj Biological Timing and Sleep, September 2025

A new study investigates how a single night of shifting the sleep-wake cycle impacts glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and hunger signals in healthy young adults. Sixteen men and women took part in a highly controlled lab experiment. They followed a sleep schedule for several nights before the test. On the test day, they shifted their sleep-wake cycle by 12 hours to simulate a night shift. They stayed awake all night and slept during the day. Results showed significantly higher blood glucose levels and a reduction in insulin sensitivity, despite participants having identical food intake. The test also caused ghrelin (hunger hormone) to increase, leading to stronger feelings of hunger, while leptin (satiety hormone) decreased, which could lead to eating more than usual. Participants also reported stronger cravings for high-calorie foods like sweets and snacks. Even a single night of circadian misalignment is enough to cause noticeable metabolic disturbances. These hormonal changes may lead to overeating, which, over time, could result in weight gain and insulin resistance if the circadian disruption becomes chronic. This study helps explain why night shift workers and those with irregular sleep patterns have higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic diseases. Staying awake all night and sleeping during the day even once significantly disrupts glucose metabolism and boosts hunger signals. Repeating this cycle regularly increases the risk of obesity and diabetes. The findings highlight the importance of stable sleep-wake cycles for maintaining metabolic health and suggest that strategies to reduce circadian disruption could benefit public health.

You love spring! When spring finally arrives, you throw yourself out to enjoy days getting longer, flowers blooming, and the weather warming. You wanted to do the same this year, too, and went out for a walk in the park. But something strange happened: Your eyes began to water, your throat itched, and a sneeze burst out with alarming force. Moments later, another sneeze followed, then another. When you went to the doctor, you were diagnosed with seasonal allergies. From now on, you have to be careful and take them into account wherever you go.

This story is familiar to many people. Allergic disease is one of the most common chronic health conditions in the world. Hay fever affects 400 million individuals globally, with asthma affecting 300 million, food allergies between 200 and 250 million, and drug allergies affecting around 10 percent of the world’s population. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 2013 data show that about 28 million children in the United States have allergies. As many as 50 million adults may experience reactions to allergens. The World Allergy Organization warns that “the prevalence of allergic diseases worldwide is rising dramatically in both developed and developing countries.”

Allergens, or molecules with the potential to cause allergy, are everywhere in our environment. They can take the form of tree pollen, food, mold, dust mites, snake or insect venom, and animals, such as cats, dogs, and even cockroaches. Allergic reactions begin in the immune system. When a harmless substance such as dust, mold, or pollen is encountered by a person who is allergic to it, the immune system may overreact by producing antibodies that “attack” the allergen. This can cause wheezing, itching, runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, and other symptoms. People with a family history of allergies have an increased risk of developing allergic disease. If one parent is allergic, there is a 30-50% chance of their offspring developing allergies. This jumps to 60-80% if both parents are allergic.

Allergies can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Generally, allergies are more common in children. However, a first-time occurrence can happen at any age, or recur after many years of remission. Hormones, stress, smoke, perfume, or environmental irritants may also play a role in the development or severity of allergies. Hay fever (allergic rhinitis), eczema, hives, asthma, and food allergy are some types of allergic diseases. Allergy symptoms can range from mild to a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Spiritual allergies

Humans are not only biological beings. Many things that happen in the human body usually have corresponding phenomena happening in our spiritual world. What would be the spiritual allergens? Just as allergens trigger reactions in the body, what would reveal the weaknesses of the soul? Are our sins comparable to allergens?

We turn to our religious traditions to inquire about the nature of spiritual allergens and what to do about them. For instance, in John 8:7, Jesus reminded his followers not to judge others harshly, since no one is free from faults. In Sahih Muslim, Prophet Muhammad taught that Satan recognized this human nature from the very beginning—that people would struggle with desires they could not always control. The Prophet also emphasized that sin is part of the human condition, but God’s mercy is always available to those who seek forgiveness.

Together, these teachings highlight the parallel: just as we live with allergies by managing and protecting ourselves, we live with our spiritual vulnerabilities by turning to God with humility, compassion, and a constant need for forgiveness.

Allergens can be inhaled, ingested, or enter through the skin. Common allergic reactions—such as hay fever, certain types of asthma, and hives—are linked to an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). For example, a person may react to one type of pollen but not another. When a susceptible person is exposed, the body produces large amounts of IgE antibodies, so that the next encounter with the same allergen can trigger an allergic reaction. Symptoms vary depending on the type and amount of allergen, as well as how the immune system responds. The most effective way to avoid allergies is to stay away from the allergens themselves.

In a similar way, we are exposed to different kinds of sins, and each person may be more vulnerable to some than to others. The Qur’an cautions, “Do not come near indecencies, openly or secretly.” Just as allergens require avoidance, moral weaknesses call for vigilance. People may have tendencies toward certain sins due to their nature, but refining and correcting these inclinations requires willpower. Our task is to recognize our vulnerabilities and take steps to guard against them—just as we protect ourselves from allergens.

There is a common saying: “No one is innocent of a sin they have never been tested with.” In his book Julius Ceasar, Shakespeare says that “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves,” suggesting that people make mistakes not because of their fate, but due to their own choices and weaknesses. Allergies can stem from a person’s genetic background, but we cannot know if we are allergic to something without being exposed to it. Unlike allergens, however, the tendency toward sin is not determined by fate but is a matter of willful choice. Resisting sin, therefore, requires exercising willpower. The Qur’an reminds us: “Whatever good happens to you is from God; and whatever misfortune befalls you is because of your own actions.”

Adult-onset allergies are allergy symptoms that appear later in life. This can happen anytime from young adulthood, such as in one’s 20s, to the senior years, even into the 70s or 80s. Typically, if someone passes through their 20s and 30s without developing new allergies, the chances of experiencing adult-onset allergies decrease The strangest part, however, is that you can suddenly react to an allergen that never bothered you before. You may have lived with it daily for years without a problem, and then one day it triggers a runny nose, itchy eyes, and uncontrollable sneezing. Similarly, susceptibility to sin may emerge later in life. Saying, “I have no weakness in this regard,” is never fully accurate. A person must always remain vigilant against their own desires and as noted earlier, take care to block the paths to sin from the very beginning.

The first exposure to an allergen that triggers a Type 2 immune response is called allergic sensitization. Once the body has been sensitized, it retains a lasting memory of that substance. On the next encounter, IgE molecules are primed to unleash a cascade of inflammatory agents—such as histamine—causing the unpleasant and sometimes even life-threatening symptoms of allergy. As a counterpart to this in the spiritual realm, Said Nursi says that “Sin, penetrating to the heart, will blacken and darken it until it extinguishes the light of belief. Within each sin is a path leading to unbelief. Unless that sin is swiftly obliterated by seeking God’s pardon, it will grow from a worm into a snake that gnaws on the heart.”

The recent rise in allergic diseases suggests that changing environmental factors play a major role in sensitization. Exposures during the first months of life can shape the risk of developing allergies later in childhood. In a similar way, access to sin has become easier in today’s world. The environment in which a child grows up directly influences character. With technology now permeating every aspect of life, personal privacy has weakened, making it far easier—especially for children—to encounter sin. For this reason, adults must remain vigilant not only for themselves but also for the young. Just as parents try to limit their children’s exposure to harmful allergens, they must also take measures to shield them from harmful moral influences and protect their well-being.

Recent studies show that initial sensitization to airborne allergens often occurs in early childhood. However, only a subset of those affected later progress to persistent atopic asthma, which may not appear for several years. Similarly, if developing tendencies toward sin are not appropriately addressed early on, they can lead to much greater sins in later in life, which may become impossible to prevent or resist.

Migrants often show a higher prevalence of asthma and food allergies in their adopted countries compared to their countries of origin, reminding us how deeply the environment shapes our well-being. Allergens such as pollen are not the only spring triggers—air pollution and temperature changes can also worsen symptoms. Still, this does not mean we should lock ourselves indoors.

In a similar way, our social environment also influences our character and values. Changing environments can sometimes lead people to lose touch with their traditions, highlighting the importance of staying grounded in community. As a Turkish proverb says, “Tell me who your friend is, and I will tell you who you are.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also taught that believers who live among others with patience and perseverance are rewarded more than those who isolate themselves.

Just as we cannot remove every allergen from the air we breathe, we cannot isolate ourselves completely from society. The task is not withdrawal but learning how to live within community while nurturing what is good, so that together we can raise the moral and spiritual level of society.

Humankind has been created with a tendency toward sin and has been given the ability to choose between good and evil. This demonstrates that this world is a place of trial and that there is an eternal afterlife. The highest level a person can attain in this world is to know themselves, recognize their strengths and weaknesses, organize their life accordingly, and fully exercise their willpower.

References

• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/allergies-and-the-immunesystem#:~:text=A%20person%20becomes%20allergic%20when,races%2C%20genders%20and%20socioeconomic%20statuses.
• https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-blog/2023/march/adult-onset-allergies-how-they-happen-and-how-to-manage-them
• https://www.carolinaasthma.com/blog/what-causes-a-person-to-develop-allergies/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321159#4-Prepare-an-emergency-action-plan
• https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/prevention-of-allergies-and-asthma-in-children
• Reynolds, L. A., & Finlay, B. B. (2017). Early life factors that affect allergy development. Nature Reviews Immunology, 17(8), 518-528. https://doi.org/10.1038/nri.2017.39
• Holt, P. G., Macaubas, C., Stumbles, P. A., & Sly, P. D. (1999). The role of allergy in the development of asthma. Nature, 402(6760), 12-17. https://doi.org/10.1038/35037009
• https://www.bbc.com/news/health-46302780
• Muslim, Birr 111; Ahmed b. Hanbal, Musnad, III, 240.
• Surah Al-An’am, 151.
• Surah An-Nisa, 79.
• The Flashes, The Second Flash. Bediuzzaman Said Nursi.

Blood is a miraculous fluid within our body. With millions of cells flowing in the blood system like stars in outer space, this fluid has a complex structure and composition that performs many vital tasks essential for our survival. For those who reflect, blood offers much to ponder.

Blood production begins around the second or third week in the mother’s womb within the vitellus, a sac that resembles the yolk of a bird’s egg. This production then continues in the liver, spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow, respectively. After birth, long bones take on this task, with spongy flat bones such as the skull, breastbone, vertebrae, and hip bones producing blood in adulthood.

In a healthy individual, blood volume is about 7% of body weight in adults and 8% in infants. For example, an adult weighing 70 kg (154 lb) has about 5 liters of blood, while a baby weighing 4 kg (8.8 lb) has about 0.32 liters of blood. Of the total blood volume, 55% consists of a fluid called plasma, while the remaining 45% is composed of cells. Plasma is 90–95% water, with the rest made up of fats, sugar, plasma proteins (albumin, globulin, fibrinogen), clotting factors, electrolytes (salts), and hormones. Blood cells, which constitute 45% of the blood, originate from the same stem cell and undergo specific differentiation processes. They then enter the bloodstream as three distinct cell types: erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and platelets (thrombocytes). Of these cells, the red blood cells—which give blood its red color—are directly related to the condition known as “anemia.” A healthy adult has about 25 trillion blood cells (20–100 billion leukocytes/white blood cells, the rest are red blood cells). The average lifespan of a red blood cell is about 120 days. During these four months of life, they circulate the blood vessels in the body 300,000 times. There are about five million red blood cells in one cubic millimeter of blood. Erythrocytes that have completed their function and are worn out are recognized and destroyed by the cells (macrophages) responsible for destruction and are recycled in the bone marrow to be used in the production of new red blood cells [1].

The body maintains a balance between the rate of erythrocyte (red blood cell) destruction and production, ensuring a stable number of active erythrocytes in circulation. New red blood cells are continually produced and introduced into the circulatory system at an astonishing rate—2.4 million per second, or 208 billion per day.

Red blood cells are morphologically disc-shaped, with a diameter of 6.2–8.2 micrometers. If we line up each of our red blood cells side by side, their length would be 192,500 km (120,000 miles, which is about five times the length of the equator). If we stack the same cells on top of each other, the height of the resulting tower would be approximately 60,000 km. When the membranes of all cells are opened and spread out, the total surface area would be 3,100 m2 in men and 2,500 m2 in women. (one can compare this with a football field which is 7,500 m2). If we spread all the cells each touching another and without opening their membranes, they would cover an area of more than 1000 m2. The large surface area of red blood cells is a merciful design, as it allows for the rapid supply needed to meet the body’s high oxygen demand. Such a large surface divided into small units as many as 25 trillion cells enables rapid diffusion of a large amount of oxygen from the lungs to the red blood cells, and its transportation to other cells through blood vessels. The exchange time between blood plasma (where the cells are suspended) and the fluid surrounding the body’s cells is just three seconds. Such an extraordinary system of transportation and supply can only be the work of an infinite wisdom that knows every detail in its finest features.

Functions of blood

The vast majority of functions essential for our survival are carried out by blood. These include transporting vital substances—such as oxygen, glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals—to the cells, and removing waste products like carbon dioxide, urea, and lactic acid produced through metabolism. Other essential tasks, such as preventing blood loss through coagulation, providing defense cells (antibodies) and their substances, transporting hormones, and regulating body temperature and water balance, are also crucial for the smooth operation of the body.

What is anemia?

Anemia is a blood disease that occurs as a result of insufficient number of red blood cells or their oxygen carrying capacity. The task of transporting oxygen in the blood is the task of a molecule called hemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein-like molecule that carries the oxygen it takes from the lungs to the tissues and the carbon dioxide it takes from the tissues to the lungs. It contains iron and gives the blood its red color. More than 98% of the oxygen in the body is loaded with hemoglobin, and 2% is dissolved in the blood plasma. There are approximately 270 million hemoglobin molecules in each red blood cell [2]. Anemia occurs if the amount of hemoglobin in a blood test is <13 g per deciliter (less than 13 grams) in men, <12 g in women, and <11 g in pregnant women. In children, these values vary according to age [3]. The number of patients with anemia in children and women of childbearing age in a society is accepted as an important public health indicator by the World Health Organization [4]. According to the World Health Organization, anemia affects

approximately one in four people worldwide, though its prevalence varies across countries and communities. The rates are 47.4% in preschool-aged children, 25.4% in school-aged children, 12.7% in men, 30.2% in women, 41.8% in pregnant women, and 23.9% in people aged 65 and over [5].

The causes of anemia can be grouped into three main categories: bleeding, reduced red blood cell production, and increased red blood cell destruction. There are many types of anemia, each with its own diagnosis and treatment methods, and some are genetically inherited. The first group of anemias arises from blood loss due to internal bleeding, often in the digestive tract, uterus, or bladder. If left unaddressed, such bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anemia over time. Therefore, it is important to examine these systems and organs closely in patients with unexplained iron deficiency anemia. A common example in this category is anemia caused by excessive menstrual bleeding, which should be carefully monitored in women and adolescent girls. The second group is called “aplastic anemias,” in which blood cells are not produced in the bone marrow, and the third group is called “hemolytic anemias.” In these types of anemia, erythrocytes lose their resistance due to intracellular or extracellular causes and break down easily. If the production of the bone marrow cannot compensate for these losses, severe, life-threatening anemia occurs in the acute or chronic stages [6]. Aplastic and hemolytic anemias, which can also be genetically inherited, are more serious and dangerous than the anemias mentioned in the first group. In these cases, depending on the severity of the disease, treatment methods such as splenectomy (removal of the spleen), lifelong blood transfusion or stem cell transplantation may be considered.

Iron deficiency anemia

This type of anemia occurs when the body does not have the amount of iron required for blood production. It is the most common type of anemia in all age groups worldwide. The element iron is found in the structure of hemoglobin and is essential for its production. Anemia occurs when the iron intake in the body is low. The oxygen amount transported to cells and tissues is not enough. As a result, various complaints and symptoms may begin to appear, including weakness, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, decreased mental function and physical stamina, dizziness, palpitations and shortness of breath that worsens with exertion, headache, fatigue, chest pain, tinnitus, cold hands and feet, pale skin, cravings for non-food substances like soil, ash, ice, or paper, pain and flattening of the tongue, nail deformities, and hair loss. In some patients with long-standing or mild anemia, these symptoms may go unnoticed. In such cases, anemia can be detected through a blood test [8].

Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin and is a crucial component for brain development in fetuses and newborns. It supports neurological development in infancy and early childhood and plays a key role in the formation of the myelin sheath—a substance that surrounds nerve cells. When myelin production is reduced, issues arise in nervous system development. If brain cells’ iron needs are unmet, body, cognitive, and mental health issues can emerge in later life. This condition can also affect babies born to mothers with iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy [7, 8]. Due to its importance, nutrition guidelines recommend giving additional iron supplements to babies [9].

When we look at the data of the World Health Organization on the frequency of anemia, it is seen that there is an increase in anemia rates in infancy, adolescence, pregnancy and old age (65 years and older). The problems caused by anemia in the elderly are as serious as those in infancy and childhood. The most common causes of anemia in the elderly are chronic diseases (such as kidney, lung, heart, endocrine, intestinal diseases), iron deficiency, B12 and folic acid deficiency. In this age group, it was observed that there was a decrease in mental functions, and an acceleration in the development of dementia, physical injuries, confusion, behavioral disorders and mortality rates due to anemia [10, 11, 12].

For all age groups, the primary goal of treatment is to identify and address the underlying cause of iron deficiency. Treating iron deficiency anemia is generally straightforward and effective. Iron supplements can be administered orally or intravenously, depending on the need. A diet rich in iron-containing foods, such as red meat, eggs, and green leafy vegetables, is recommended, along with vitamin C sources (e.g., oranges, lemons, grapefruit, rosehip, vine leaves, fresh red and green peppers, parsley) to enhance iron absorption. Infants, adolescents, pregnant women and the elderly, who are at higher risk for iron deficiency anemia, should be closely monitored. In each case, the levels of substances such as vitamin B12, folic acid, and zinc in the body should be evaluated along with iron, and any deficiencies should be supplemented as needed. Since iron from animal sources is more bioavailable than from plant sources, vegetarians may require additional iron and vitamin B12 supplementation [13, 14].

“Atoms, especially those that come as a caravan of sustenance, travel with an astonishing order and wisdom through layers of existence and in many different modes. They pace along as if consciously without losing their direction and are strained through the four filters (digestive organs) in the body. In obedience to a law of generosity, they embark on red blood cells to come to the rescue of body parts and cells which are in need of that sustenance.” (Bediuzzaman, Thirtieth Word)

References

1. Birbrair A, Frenette PS. Niche heterogeneity in the bone marrow. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2016;1370:82-96.

2. D’Alessandro A ve ark. Red blood cell proteomics update: is there more to discover?, Blood Transfusion. 2017;15:182-187.

3. Haemoglobin concentrations for the diagnosis of anaemia and assessment of severity. WHO, 2011.

4. Global Reference List of 100 Core Health Indicators (plus health-related SDGs). WHO, 2018.

5. de Benoist B et al., ed. Worldwide prevalence of anaemia 1993–2005. WHO Global Database on Anaemia Geneva, WHO, 2008.

6. Rodak BF. Hematology: Clinical Principles and Applications, Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier, 2007.

7. Basu S et al. Effect of maternal iron deficiency anemia on fetal neural development. J Perinatol. 2018; 38:233–239.

8. Doom JR et al. Infant Iron Deficiency and Iron Supplementation Predict Adolescent Internalizing, Externalizing, and Social Problems. J Pediatr. 2018; 195:199–205.

9. WHO Guideline: Daily iron supplementation in infants and children. Geneva, 2016

10. Andro M ve ark. Anaemia and cognitive performances in the elderly: a systematic review. Eur J Neurol. 2013;20:1234-1240.

11. den Elzen WP et al. Effect of anemia and comorbidity on functional status and mortality in old age: results from the Leiden 85-plus study. CMAJ. 2009; 181:151–157.

12. Girelli D, Marchi G, Camaschella C. Anemia in the Elderly. Hemasphere. 2018; 2:e40.

13. Pawlak R, Berger J, BS, Hines I. Iron Status of Vegetarian Adults: A Review of Literature. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2016; 12:486–498.

14. Pawlak R. Is vitamin B12 deficiency a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in vegetarians? Am J Prev Med. 2015; 48:e11-e26

Happiness is a primary goal for all of us – a goal to reach and maintain in our lives. For thousands of years, people have tried many ways to achieve this essential goal. One prominent approach to attain happiness is “gratitude.” In this article, we will cover this concept from various perspectives, including science, psychology and faith.

Most probably, you have heard about or tried some form of a “gratitude practice” as a part of a therapeutic method to achieving a positive life. What is gratitude really? How do we define or practice it? Does it really make any changes in our life or bring happiness? How is it related to our faith?

An article from Harvard Medical School defines gratitude as “a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives … As a result, gratitude also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals – whether to other people, nature, or a higher power” [1]. From a biologist perspective, gratitude is actually the body experiencing “feel good” chemicals or neurotransmitters released from the brain, called serotonin and dopamine [2]. In addition, when we feel gratitude, the brain produces oxytocin, a hormone important to bonding. It’s the same hormone that mothers release after birth and is found in breast milk. That feeling of thankfulness helps humans stay close to each other [3]. From a psychologist’s perspective, it is a positive emotional response when someone is willing to show appreciation and return kindness [4]. It is also recognized as the act of acknowledging the positive aspects of life. This does not mean ignoring current challenges; rather, it means that even in difficult situations, one can still recognize and appreciate what is going well. No matter the circumstances, you can acknowledge the difficulties while intentionally focusing on what is working.

Deeply felt gratitude can boost the immune system and regulate important genes [5]. One study showed that participants who practiced gratitude just 10 minutes 3-4 times per day had their Immunoglobulin A (IgA) level increase by 49% and cortisol level decrease significantly [6]. IgA is a key protein essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. It continually combats a variety of bacteria, viruses, and other organisms that enter or reside within the body’s internal environment. When activated, IgA serves as the body’s primary internal defense mechanism. IgA is often described as being more potent than any flu shot or booster, and it is naturally produced by the body. Research also indicates that practicing gratitude improves sleep, reduces fatigue and depression, increases self-care confidence, and lowers systemic inflammation [7]. Gratitude is linked to greater well-being, happiness, hope, and resilience [2]. Conversely, those who do not practice gratitude experience negative effects on their immune and cardiovascular systems.

Some studies also explored gratitude on the societal level and showed that culture, generation differences and age might also shape the level of gratitude or the way people practice gratitude. For instance, a study shows that narcissism, materialism, and envy may cause people’s gratitude to degrade over time [8]. Another study also showed that age was positively associated with gratitude, such that gratitude was higher among older adults and lower among middle age and younger adults [9].

Although gratitude offers numerous benefits, many people find it challenging to practice it daily. Dr. Dispenza points out that this difficulty stems from a fundamental aspect of human nature: we are hardwired to react from a place of survival. “When we are living in a program of survival, it’s very hard to feel grateful, and this takes away our awareness to see what is right in front of us. A person may have ten great things happening in their life, but instead they focus on that one thing that’s not working, because that’s what we do in survival—we prepare for worst-case scenarios so that they don’t happen again” [10]. As we see here, people often need to make an extra effort to overcome this aspect of their nature in order to genuinely practice gratitude. This is why many programs and educators/therapists are working diligently to promote “gratitude practices.” Gratitude practice involves exercises that connect individuals with positive emotions, helping them focus on recognizing the good things in life. It emphasizes appreciating every win, no matter how small. These daily practices elevate observation by encouraging a focus on positive emotions and actions. You will find many ways of doing this suggested by therapists. For instance, one source suggests these activities:

• Spend time in nature
• Appreciate people who have helped you
• Thank people who are closest to you
• Set a time to meditate
• Pray to God
• Have a gratitude journal
• Bedtime “thank you”s

There are other sources with even longer lists. But in essence the main idea is to understand, “It’s not happiness that makes us grateful, it’s gratefulness that makes us happy,” as stated by Benedictine monk David Steindl-Rast [11]. Now, let’s shift gears and explore how faith, particularly in the Islamic tradition, emphasizes gratitude as a fundamental and essential practice.

Gratitude in the Qur’an and hadith

In this section, we will highlight how Islam approaches the concept of gratitude in a nutshell. Gratitude, or “shukr” in Arabic, holds a central significance in Islamic teachings as outlined in the Qur’an and hadith, i.e., Prophet Muhammad’s words, actions, and approvals (peace be upon him). It is one of the fundamental concepts emphasized heavily by the Qur’an and the hadith, by indicating the importance of expressing gratitude towards God, the Creator, and towards fellow human beings. The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes the importance of gratitude as a fundamental aspect of the believer’s relationship with God and a lack of gratitude to God would be perceived as a shameful act for human beings. It is stated in Surah Ibrahim (14:7), “And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed: ‘If you give thanks (by accepting faith), I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are thankless (i.e., disbelievers), verily My punishment is indeed severe.‘” This verse shows the reciprocal nature of gratitude: recognizing God’s blessings results in an increase in divine favor. Furthermore, gratitude is not only an acknowledgment of material blessings but also an acknowledgment of the spiritual and existential gifts bestowed upon humanity. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152) reinforces this by stating, “So remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” Gratitude is presented as a means of establishing a connection with the Divine, fostering mindfulness, and reinforcing the spiritual dimension of human existence. In addition, Islam places great emphasis on gratitude not only towards God but also towards fellow human beings. The Qur’an encourages believers to be grateful to their parents, as exemplified in Surah Luqman (31:14): “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.”

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified gratitude in his actions and teachings. Numerous hadith reports highlight the Prophet’s emphasis on expressing gratitude in various aspects of life. One well-known hadith narrated by Abu Huraira states, “God is pleased with His servant if, when he eats something, he thanks God for it, and when he drinks something, he thanks God for it” (Muslim). We can clearly see the Prophet’s teachings on expressing gratitude in seemingly mundane daily activities, recognizing that even the simplest acts warrant appreciation. Another Hadith also emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude towards people. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated as narrated by Abu Huraira, “He who does not thank the people is not thankful to God” (Ahmad), acknowledging and appreciating the kindness of others is an integral part of being grateful to God.

Islamic scholars’ interpretation of “gratitude”

Islamic scholars have explored and extensively discussed the concept of “gratitude/shukr.” In this section, we will examine examples from several scholars to illustrate their insights. One of the early scholars, Imam Ghazali, describes shukr (gratitude) as having three components and believes that true gratitude involves a harmonious combination of these three aspects:

• Knowledge (‘ilm): Recognizing the blessing and knowing that it is from God. This involves an awareness and acknowledgment of the good things one has received.
• State (hal): Experiencing joy and happiness in the heart due to the blessing received. This inner state reflects the emotional aspect of gratitude.
• Action (amal): Acting in a way that is pleasing to the giver of the blessing, which in this context is God. This means using the blessing in a manner that aligns with God’s intention and love [12].

Said Nursi, a prominent Islamic scholar of the early 20th century, addresses the concept of gratitude in his extensive Qur’anic commentary known as the Risale-i Nur. Nursi’s approach to gratitude is deeply rooted in his interpretation of Islamic teachings, focusing on the relationship between humans and their Creator. Nursi contends that gratitude is the key to a meaningful connection with God and the pathway to spiritual growth. According to Nursi’s writings, gratitude is not merely a set of rituals, but a profound acknowledgment of the blessings bestowed by God. He argues that expressing gratitude requires a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all creation and recognizing the divine wisdom behind every experience, whether pleasant or challenging. Nursi’s concept of gratitude extends to an appreciation for the natural world, fellow human beings, and the guidance provided in religious scriptures [13].

Fethullah Gülen, a contemporary Turkish scholar, also places a strong emphasis on gratitude as a fundamental value in his teachings. Although Gülen and Nursi have many common points in explaining gratitude, in Gülen’s perspective gratitude extends beyond a mere acknowledgment of favors received; it becomes a transformative force that shapes one’s character and interactions with others. Gülen highlights the reciprocal nature of gratitude, emphasizing that expressing thanks is not only a moral obligation but also a means of cultivating a harmonious society. In Gülen’s numerous writings, including his sermons and essays, he often refers to the Qur’anic teachings that emphasize gratitude as a virtue. According to Gülen, expressing thanks to God is critical in gratitude but it also extends to recognizing the contributions of fellow human beings. He argues that a society built on gratitude fosters empathy, compassion, and social cohesion. Gülen’s emphasis on education and dialogue as tools for promoting understanding and appreciation among diverse communities reflects his belief in gratitude as a unifying force [14].

Finally, we can see how Rumi – another prominent figure and poet in Islamic tradition from 13^th century – described gratitude in his teachings. Here are some quotes from his words: “Gratitude as a Path to Spiritual Awakening”, “Wear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life” and “Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.” As seen from these quotes, Rumi views gratitude as a profound and transformative practice that leads to spiritual awakening, connection with the divine, and a more enriched human experience. His poetry encourages individuals to cultivate a grateful heart in all circumstances, recognizing the divine presence in both joy and adversity. Rumi’s teachings on gratitude resonate with the broader Sufi tradition, emphasizing the importance of love, humility, and appreciation in the journey toward spiritual enlightenment.

To conclude our article, we should understand that gratitude is not merely a ritualistic expression of thanks but a transformative spiritual practice that spreads through every aspect of a person’s life. It establishes a reciprocal relationship between the servant and the Creator, fosters social harmony, and contributes to individual well-being and bring happiness in their life. Let’s end this article with this wish and prayer “May your journey in cultivating gratitude illuminate your path with the light of faith and bring you closer to the divine presence. As you weave gratitude into the fabric of your daily life, may you find joy, peace, and a deeper connection with those around you. May your heart be filled with thankfulness, enriching your soul and guiding you towards a life of righteousness and fulfillment.”

References

• https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/in-praise-of-gratitude-201211215561
• https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
• https://pulse.seattlechildrens.org/the-science-of-gratitude-and-how-kids-learn-to-express-it
• Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.2.377
• https://blog.drjoedispenza.com/blog/gratitude/thanksgiving-and-authentic-gratitude
• https://drjoedispenza.com/dr-joes-blog/the-transformational-power-of-gratitude
• https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/health-benefits-gratitude
• https://thepioneerpress.org/4949/news/thankfulness-in-a-1st-world-country-vs-a-3rd-world-country/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6519723/ 
• https://blog.drjoedispenza.com/blog/gratitude/thanksgiving-and-authentic-gratitude
• https://www.propelgrowth.com/2014/11/27/cultivating-attitude-gratitude/
• Al-Ghazali on Patience and Thankfulness, Translated by Henry T. LittleJohn, Cambridge, UK, Islamic Texts Society, 2016.
• Nursi, Bediuzzaman Said. The Letters, Twenty-eight Letter, NJ: The Light, Inc.
• Gülen, M. Fethullah. 2013. Emerald Hills of the Heart, Vol. 1. “Shukr (Thankfulness),” p. 96.

I remember my father once warning a distant cousin who used to drink a lot. “Son,” my father said, “you will soon get married; you will have children. You should stop drinking.” The cousin replied: “Uncle, it is not me who will be pregnant. It is harmful when the mother drinks. What’s the harm when I drink?” My father’s concern was not because of biological harm, but to warn our cousin that he had to give up drinking to be a role model to his children. But we now know that the father’s drinking habits have a major influence on the baby during pregnancy, perhaps even more than the mother’s.

“Fetal alcohol syndrome” (FAS) is a disorder that occurs due to alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Consequently, pregnant women are warned to avoid alcohol to protect their baby from FAS and other similar disorders. According to Michael Golding, a professor of physiology at Texas A&M University, birth defects are influenced not only by the alcohol consumption of mothers but also by that of fathers.

“Research clearly shows” writes Golding, “that sperm carry a vast amount of epigenetic information – meaning heritable shifts in the way genes are expressed that don’t result from changes in the DNA sequence – that strongly influences fetal development and child health. Yet most doctors and other health care providers do not take into account the influence of paternal health and lifestyle choices on child development.” According to Golding, “most of the attention is given to the mom’s drinking while pregnant,” but his team’s studies demonstrate that “male drinking before pregnancy is a plausible yet completely unexamined factor.”

Keeping men out of the equation in relation to birth defects – simply because the baby was developing in the mother’s womb and feeding through the umbilical cord – also comes in contrast to the fact that men drink more than women and the likelihood of men developing alcohol-related disorders is as much as four times. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), “men have higher rates of alcohol-related hospitalizations, about two-thirds of death from excessive drinking are among males,” which are only two of a long list of problems that place men at higher risk.

“One in twenty schoolchildren in the United States may exhibit some form of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders” reports Dr. Golding, and for many years this was considered to be the fault of mothers. Even when mothers said they did not consume any alcohol, the general assumption was that they were lying. But another point to consider is that reported drinking levels were not directly correlated with alcohol-related birth defects, nor did all women who drank give birth to children with such syndromes. This applies to all diseases; just as not everyone who smokes will get lung cancer, and not everyone who deals with the coronavirus will die from Covid-19, the damage caused by alcohol results from a combination of various genetic and environmental factors.

According to Dr. Golding, the wide range and severity of symptoms point to factors that cannot be explained only with the mother’s alcohol consumption. That’s why he and his team developed a mouse model to see what happens if mom, dad, or both parents drink. So, they studied the mice and recorded results in cases when either or both parents consumed alcohol. They focused on the faces of the mice, for fetal alcohol syndrome is associated with facial abnormalities and reduced growth of the head and brain. Using facial recognition software, Golding and his team analyzed how maternal, paternal, and dual parental alcohol exposures affected the offspring. The results showed that paternal alcohol use negatively affected the offspring’s brain, skull, and facial landmarks, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. Observations included microcephaly (underdevelopment of the head and brain) and lower birth weight. Alcohol-induced craniofacial (skull and facial bones) abnormalities and growth deficiencies were also found to persist into later life. Additionally, behavioral changes and an increased risk of heart defects were linked to male alcohol consumption.

According to the CDC, no amount of alcohol is beneficial during pregnancy or when trying to conceive, as there is “no known safe amount” of its use. Although the amount and timing of alcohol consumption during pregnancy partially explain the differences in the development of fetal alcohol syndrome, they do not account for the variability in defects and the wide range of symptoms observed in each child. Therefore, it is essential to investigate other contributing factors beyond the mother’s alcohol use. Dr. Golding suggests examining paternal drinking habits, which may provide a missing piece of the puzzle. One indicator is that the probability of achieving pregnancy with IVF decreases by up to 50% when the father is a drinker.

When the first studies on maternal exposure to toxins during pregnancy were published in the 1950s, many in the scientific community were skeptical. Likewise, Dr. Golding thinks, some will doubt the effects of paternal alcohol use on child health, and that we will never know if doctors do not start asking the fathers if they have been drinking.

Previously, the blame for the imperfect development of innocent children was placed solely on the mother; now the fathers will understand that they share the same responsibility. Shouldn’t both mothers and fathers reconsider their actions, recognizing that they are playing with the fate of their innocent offspring, whom they have brought into the world, and endangering them with their own hands?

Resources

• N. Thomas et al. “Paternal alcohol exposure and dental-facial anomalies in offspring”, The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2023, 133 (19): e174216.
• Golding, “Fathers’ Drinking May Affect Fertility and Fetal Brain Development”, The Conversation, November 21, 2023.
• https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/mens-health.htm

Fasting has been practiced for thousands of years throughout the history of mankind, driven by various motives such as spiritual cleansing, cultivating a stronger connection with God, reaping health benefits, and engaging in acts of charity.

The utilization of dietary therapies for health purposes also boasts a rich historical foundation. Notably, Hippocrates, a revered figure in medical history, is quoted as saying, “Let food be thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food.” In his work “Sacred Disease,” he delved into the concept that the body of an epileptic patient was considered “polluted,” and dietary modifications played a role in purification.

The practice of fasting for health reasons is prevalent across different religions. In the King James Version of the Bible, a significant event unfolds as an epileptic child is brought to Jesus, who declares, “This kind can come forth nothing except by prayer and fasting.” Muslims globally observe a month-long (month of Ramadan) fast annually as prescribed in the Qur’an. God’s mandate is clear, stating, “Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was for previous nations, fostering God-consciousness” (2:183). Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, reinforces the benefits of fasting with the affirmation, “Fast, and you will attain health” (Ibn Majah, Tabarani).

Fasting and epilepsy

In modern literature, the use of fasting as a medical therapy for neurological disorders was first mentioned by two French physicians, Guelpa and Marie, who published a report detailing their use of fasting to treat epileptic seizures. In their study of 26 patients, six showed a reduction in the severity or occurrence of seizures [1]. At the 1921 American Medical Association convention, Geyelin presented a controlled study that involved 36 epileptic patients who fasted for up to 25 days, using water only. The reported cure rates were 90% for juvenile patients and 50% for adults [2]. Due to the perceived challenges associated with fasting, different forms of the ketogenic diet have been developed to replicate its effects. These dietary therapies involve high-fat, adequate-protein, and low-carbohydrate approaches.

The primary emphasis of contemporary epilepsy treatment has largely centered on developing medications, attributed to the perceived difficulties in sustaining fasting therapies. However, the 1997 movie “First Do No Harm” portrayed the real-life experience of a young patient with refractory epilepsy and his family. Having encountered uncontrolled seizures and adverse side effects from numerous medications, the family discovered the ketogenic diet as an alternative therapy at Johns Hopkins University. The child became seizure-free, inspiring and challenging the scientific community’s perception of epilepsy treatment.

Since then, research on fasting and dietary therapies like the ketogenic diet in epilepsy has flourished. Strong evidence-based research, including at least 12 good-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and several systematic and meta-analysis review articles, supports the effectiveness of diet therapies in childhood epilepsy treatment [3,4,5]. While the evidence in adult treatment is not as robust, it is still considered clinically significant [6]. Further human studies should be considered to explore dietary treatments for epilepsy in adult patients.

How do ketones have an anti-epileptic effect?

Seizures happen when our brain cells become overly excited, a state known as neuronal hyperexcitability. Both fasting and the Ketogenic Diet (KD) have demonstrated effectiveness in seizure control. During fasting, the body produces substances that calm the excited brain cells. The KD, characterized by low carbohydrate and high-fat intake, has been shown to increase these calming substances (such as GABA) and reduce the ones (like glutamate) contributing to brain cell hyperexcitability. This diet also boosts ATP production, protecting brain cells from seizure-induced damage. Ketones, produced during fasting, activate a protective mechanism, enabling brain cells maintain resilience and withstand the stresses of seizures [7].

What else do ketones do in our brains?

It is well-known that during fasting, our glucose sources in the blood and liver are depleted, leading to the utilization of fat for energy production, resulting in the production of ketones. The ketogenic diet mimics fasting by consuming minimal amounts of carbs and protein, making fat the primary energy source, leading to the production of ketones in the body.

Neuroscientists theorize that ketone production makes neuronal cells more resilient to stressful environments, such as seizures, strokes, and neurodegenerative disorders, by involving various cellular and molecular pathways. This protection helps prevent neuronal hyperexcitability. When neuronal cells use ketones instead of glucose, it triggers alarm systems for cell protection, energy production, and cleansing processes [8].

A recent publication demonstrates that exposing neuronal cells to ketone bodies not only prevents neuronal death but also triggers autophagy, a cellular cleansing process [9]. Another review publication suggests that the protective mechanisms for neurons during intermittent fasting include robust mitochondrial regeneration and the production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) [10]. BDNF is recognized for its role in neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and neuronal protection. Together, these intracellular processes collectively aid cells in overcoming stressful conditions such as stroke, seizures, and neurodegenerative disorders [11].

Intermittent fasting and Alzheimer’s Disease

In Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), the accumulation of excessive B-amyloid and tau proteins (misfolded and unprocessable proteins) inside cells leads to neuronal death. Intermittent fasting may combat Alzheimer’s and other neurogenerative disorders through similar cellular mechanisms. Improved autophagy in neuronal cells is assumed to aid in clearing extracellular and intracellular matter [9]. A recent study further supports this idea, demonstrating that ketone bodies enhance B-amyloid clearance in human in vitro blood-brain barrier models [12]. This finding is supported by many animal disease models, illustrating how ketones can reduce B-amyloid and tau pathology [13]. Additionally, recognized cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are also well-known contributors to neurodegenerative disorders like dementia. Intermittent fasting has been proven effective in reversing diet-induced diabetes, improving cardiovascular health by reducing hypertension, and assisting obese patients in losing weight [14].

Most of our theories are based on animal and molecular studies, but a recent study in Malaysia, involving nearly 100 patients with mild cognitive impairment, showed that intermittent fasting, specifically on Mondays and Thursdays (a fasting recommendation by Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), reversed mild cognitive impairment in patients [15]. In another study conducted in Houston during Ramadan, around 14 healthy subjects participated. The study measured amyloid precursor protein levels at the end of Ramadan, revealing a decrease. This reduction in amyloid precursor protein is theorized to be one of the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders [16].

Intermittent fasting and other neurological disorders

Beyond its impact on vascular risk factors, intermittent fasting has shown clear protective effects against strokes or heart attacks, as evidenced in numerous animal models. Ongoing research explores the influence of intermittent fasting on stroke models in laboratory settings. Dr. Arumugam et al. demonstrated that animals subjected to one month of intermittent fasting experienced decreased stroke severity and improved mortality compared to those with the same vascular occlusion causing strokes [17]. Given the significant roles and mechanisms of intermittent fasting that may ameliorate various other neurological disorders, a recent review publication in Nutrients discusses these disorders. The publication includes a table explaining the strong evidence supporting intermittent fasting in alleviating underlying pathophysiology in animal models of epilepsy, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis [18].

Conclusions

In conclusion, the potential therapeutic benefits of fasting or the ketogenic diet in neurological disorders are supported by significant evidence in theoretical frameworks and animal studies. However, human research in this area remains limited. Despite this limitation, the existing body of literature highlights promising avenues for further exploration and underscores the importance of rigorous clinical investigations to validate these findings within human populations.

References and Recommended Read of Literature on the Subject

1. 7. Guelpa G., Marie A. La lutte contre l’epilepsie par la desintoxication et par la reeducation alimentaire. Revue de Therapie Medico-Chirurgicale. 1911;78:8–13.
2. Geyelin H.R. Fasting as method for treating epilepsy. Med. Rec. 1921;99:1037–1039.
3. Martin-McGill KJ, Jackson CF, Bresnahan R, Levy RG, Cooper PN. Ketogenic diets for drug-resistant epilepsy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Nov 7;11(11):CD001903. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001903.pub4. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Jun 24;6:CD001903. PMID: 30403286; PMCID: PMC6517043.
4. Li HF, Zou Y, Ding G. Therapeutic Success of the Ketogenic Diet as a Treatment Option for Epilepsy: a Meta-analysis. Iran J Pediatr. 2013 Dec;23(6):613-20. PMID: 24910737; PMCID: PMC4025116.
5. Henderson CB, Filloux FM, Alder SC, Lyon JL, Caplin DA. Efficacy of the ketogenic diet as a treatment option for epilepsy: meta-analysis. J Child Neurol. 2006 Mar;21(3):193-8. doi: 10.2310/7010.2006.00044. PMID: 16901419.
6. Manral M, Dwivedi R, Gulati S, Kaur K, Nehra A, Pandey RM, Upadhyay AD, Sapra S, Tripathi M. Safety, Efficacy, and Tolerability of Modified Atkins Diet in Persons With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Neurology. 2023 Mar 28;100(13):e1376-e1385. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000206776. Epub 2023 Jan 4. PMID: 36599697; PMCID: PMC10065201.
7. Youngson NA, Morris MJ, Ballard JWO. The mechanisms mediating the antiepileptic effects of the ketogenic diet, and potential opportunities for improvement with metabolism-altering drugs. Seizure. 2017 Nov;52:15-19. doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2017.09.005. Epub 2017 Sep 13. PMID: 28941398.

10.1038/nrn.2017.156. Epub 2018 Jan 11. Erratum in: Nat Rev Neurosci. 2020 Aug;21(8):445. PMID: 29321682; PMCID: PMC5913738.

8. de Cabo R, Mattson MP. Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Health, Aging, and Disease. N Engl J Med. 2019 Dec 26;381(26):2541-2551. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1905136. Erratum in: N Engl J Med. 2020 Jan 16;382(3):298. Erratum in: N Engl J Med. 2020 Mar 5;382(10):978. PMID: 31881139.
9. Camberos-Luna L, Gerónimo-Olvera C, Montiel T, Rincon-Heredia R, Massieu L. The Ketone Body, β-Hydroxybutyrate Stimulates the Autophagic Flux and Prevents Neuronal Death Induced by Glucose Deprivation in Cortical Cultured Neurons. Neurochem Res. 2016 Mar;41(3):600-9. doi: 10.1007/s11064-015-1700-4. Epub 2015 Aug 25. PMID: 26303508.
10. Zhao Y, Jia M, Chen W, Liu Z. The neuroprotective effects of intermittent fasting on brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases via regulating mitochondrial function. Free Radic Biol Med. 2022 Mar;182:206-218. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.02.021. Epub 2022 Feb 24. PMID: 35218914.
11. Brattico E, Bonetti L, Ferretti G, Vuust P, Matrone C. Putting Cells in Motion: Advantages of Endogenous Boosting of BDNF Production. Cells. 2021 Jan 18;10(1):183. doi: 10.3390/cells10010183. PMID: 33477654; PMCID: PMC7831493.
12. Versele R, Corsi M, Fuso A, Sevin E, Businaro R, Gosselet F, Fenart L, Candela P. Ketone Bodies Promote Amyloid-β1-40 Clearance in a Human in Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Model. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jan 31;21(3):934. doi: 10.3390/ijms21030934. PMID: 32023814; PMCID: PMC7037612.
13. Kashiwaya Y, Bergman C, Lee JH, Wan R, King MT, Mughal MR, Okun E, Clarke K, Mattson MP, Veech RL. A ketone ester diet exhibits anxiolytic and cognition-sparing properties, and lessens amyloid and tau pathologies in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurobiol Aging. 2013 Jun;34(6):1530-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.11.023. Epub 2012 Dec 29. PMID: 23276384; PMCID: PMC3619192.
14. Mattson MP, Moehl K, Ghena N, Schmaedick M, Cheng A. Intermittent metabolic switching, neuroplasticity and brain health. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2018 Feb;19(2):63-80. doi:
15. Ooi TC, Meramat A, Rajab NF, Shahar S, Ismail IS, Azam AA, Sharif R. Intermittent Fasting Enhanced the Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment by Inducing Biochemical and Metabolic changes: A 3-Year Progressive Study. Nutrients. 2020 Aug 30;12(9):2644. doi: 10.3390/nu12092644. PMID: 32872655; PMCID: PMC7551340.
16. Mindikoglu AL, Abdulsada MM, Jain A, Choi JM, Jalal PK, Devaraj S, Mezzari MP, Petrosino JF, Opekun AR, Jung SY. Intermittent fasting from dawn to sunset for 30 consecutive days is associated with anticancer proteomic signature and upregulates key regulatory proteins of glucose and lipid metabolism, circadian clock, DNA repair, cytoskeleton remodeling, immune system and cognitive function in healthy subjects. J Proteomics. 2020 Apr 15;217:103645. doi: 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.103645. Epub 2020 Jan 9. PMID: 31927066; PMCID: PMC7429999.
17. Arumugam TV, Phillips TM, Cheng A, Morrell CH, Mattson MP, Wan R. Age and energy intake interact to modify cell stress pathways and stroke outcome. Ann Neurol. 2010 Jan;67(1):41-52. doi: 10.1002/ana.21798. PMID: 20186857; PMCID: PMC2844782.
18. 18. Lobo F, Haase J, Brandhorst S. The Effects of Dietary Interventions on Brain Aging and Neurological Diseases. Nutrients. 2022 Nov 30;14(23):5086. doi: 10.3390/nu14235086. PMID: 36501116; PMCID: PMC9740746.

“… We have made your sleep for rest.” (78:9)

Sleep is necessary for a healthy life. It is a special blessing to all living things with a metabolism. In normal conditions, the states of being asleep and awake are meant to be in order and rhythm so they align perfectly with our biological operations. However, this rhythm may sometimes be disrupted due to certain disorders, like apnea.

We spend about one third of our lives in sleep. Sleep is an extremely active process that serves for the maintenance of our biological functions and repair of our organs. As our body rests during sleep, it is also relieved of the physical and mental burdens that have accumulated during the day. When this biorhythm between our body clock and sleep is set in order, it becomes one of the major keys for a healthy, happy, and balanced life. Without enough sleep, we cannot fully enjoy our lives; many of our daily activities, including prayers, turn into dry, tasteless practices.

There are two main phases of healthy sleep, “REM” (rapid eye movement) and “non-REM.” These phases are repeated four to six times throughout the night, each lasting about 90 minutes. The non-REM phase accounts for 75–80% of sleep and is primarily divided into two periods: the first is the time that includes the transition from wakefulness to sleep and the superficial sleep (the latter accounts for 45–55% of total sleep time). The second period is deep sleep after which we feel most rested [1]. The REM period is the phase in which dreams occur; it begins about 90 minutes after falling asleep. The dreams we remember are from this phase, and it usually constitutes 20–25% of total sleep time. This phase occurs every 90 minutes with a duration of 5–30 minutes each time. During this phase, muscle tension decreases in the whole body, and heartbeats and breathing become irregular [2].

According to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders-2 conducted in 2005, 85 different sleep disorders are grouped under eight main headings [3]. Sleep Apnea Syndrome, which is under the heading of sleep breathing disorders, is frequently encountered, but its prevalence cannot be accurately estimated due to diagnostic insufficiencies. In sleep apnea, breathing is prevented by obstruction of the upper airway during sleep for at least 10 seconds or a little longer and with certain repetitions [4]. Apnea is characterized by the cessation of breathing during sleep (apnea attacks) followed by a decrease in the oxygen saturation of the blood; this is followed by waking up, after which breathing is improved.

Today, the development and diversification in diagnostic methods have brought about more awareness about apnea. Symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, a feeling of suffocation while sleeping, recurrent awakenings during sleep, fatigue, and concentration disorder are quite common in this syndrome.

Snoring occurs as a result of air’s inability to pass easily or the vibration of soft tissues or muscles in the airways. Obstructive sleep apnea is encountered in 35% of patients who snore, while 70-95% of patients with sleep apnea snore.

The increased amount of carbon dioxide in the blood during apnea attacks stimulates the respiratory center, which is located in the back part of our brain. The person is awakened by this reflex, which happens without our consciousness. This is like a form of life insurance, but it interrupts the sleep, thus causing sleep deprivation. This condition is an important symptom, especially in diagnosing patients with severe sleep apnea. In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, forgetfulness, distraction, anxiety, depression, and gastroesophageal reflux can also be encountered.

Sleep apnea can also occur in children. It is relatively more common between the ages of 2-6, and its frequency doubles every 10 years towards adulthood. Although its frequency increases after the age of 60, the severity of clinical findings decreases [5].

Men are at greater risk of apnea due to factors such as the anatomical structures of the pharyngeal areas and airway morphologies (such as fat distribution). There is a proven relationship between obesity and sleep apnea. As you gain weight, the fat cushions on the wall in the pharynx area grow, and the tendency to obstruct this upper airway increases. Sleeping in the supine position can increase the severity of sleep apnea by causing the root of the tongue to block the upper airway. Apnea is more common in relatives of individuals suffering from sleep apnea. It may also occur in connection with some diseases from birth (Trisomy 21, Marfan Syndrome), and it is frequently encountered in African Americans and Asians [6]. All of this suggests a genetic tendency that may lead to the occurrence of apnea.

When sleep apnea is severe, the risk of problems (including death) that may develop due to the disease increases. Death can happen as a result of rhythm disturbances in the heart, changes in pulmonary blood pressure, decreases in oxygen levels after apnea, and sudden damage to the heart and brain due to hypertension, especially in the REM period when dreams occur during sleep. Increased traffic and work accidents due to exhaustion are also among the potential consequences.

The gold standard method used in diagnosis is polysomnography. This can identify type and severity of apnea.

Treatment

So far, there is no accepted drug treatment for sleep apnea. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and surgical intervention are among the alternative and popular treatments. Even with weight loss alone, sleep quality improves. It is stated that position-dependent apnea syndromes are improved, and oxygen depletion prevented, by not sleeping in the supine position and encouraging side-lying sleep. This may help reduce sleep breathing interruptions due to apnea.

Continuous positive air pressure prevents upper airway obstruction. With this method, intraday sleepiness in moderate and severe sleep apnea patients is greatly improved.

The close relationship between sleep apnea syndrome and cardiovascular diseases has been demonstrated by numerous studies. The use of CPAP in hypertensive sleep apnea patients contributes to lowering blood pressure values both at night and during the day. Controlling the preventable complications and symptoms associated with the disease can significantly improve quality of life.

The need for consistent sleep varies from person to person. People don’t just sleep at night, nor should they. One may also consider Prophetic advice on sleeping habits in relation to time (like Prophet Muhammad’s, peace be upon him, mid-day nap – qailula), human nature, and biological wellbeing.

References

1. R. B. Berry ve ark. The AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events: Rules, Terminology and Technical Specifications, The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2007, s. 17–31.
2. H. Schulz, “Phasic or transient? Comment on the terminology of the AASM manual for the scoring of sleep and associated events”, J Clin Sleep Med, 2007, 3, p. 752.
3. H. W. Duchna, “Sleep-related breathing disorders: A second edition of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-2) of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)”, Pneumologie, 2006, 60, pp. 568–575.
4. J. M. Shneerson, Sleep Medicine: A Guide to Sleep and Its Disorders, New Jersey: Wiley-Blackwell, 2005, pp. 229–262.
5. Ibid.
6. Schulz.

A balanced lifestyle is a must for a healthy biological, mental, and spiritual life. We need balance in everything: eating, speaking, working, sleeping, discipline, and even in love. Working extra hours incessantly may cause a mental breakdown and weaken our family ties; sleeping too much (unless due to a health problem) may result in an unproductive daily schedule and a heavy head; speaking too much may cause us to say things that can hurt others. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “It is enough falsehood for someone to speak of everything he hears.”

Conversely, not speaking at all, i.e., suppressing one’s worries and thoughts inside may cause other psychological problems. Or starving oneself to lose weight may lead to health disorders like anorexia nervosa. In short, a life that is experienced in the extremes, be it in diet or in social relations, is prone to be a very difficult one. In this article, we will focus on two digestion problems, one of the causes of which is imbalanced food consumption.

Gastrointestinal motility refers to the movement of food from the mouth through the throat, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and out of the body. This system is responsible for digesting food, and it starts working the moment you look at the food.

Digestion is a complicated process, and when nerves or muscles in any portion of the digestive system do not function with their normal strength and coordination, a person develops symptoms related to motility problems.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common problem, and its main symptom is passing loose, watery stools three or more times a day. Each year, an estimated 2 billion cases occur globally and around 1.9 million children under the age of five die from diarrhea every year, mostly in developing countries. This makes it the second leading cause of death in this age group (mostly after cardiovascular disease).

People with diarrhea may also have one or more of the following symptoms including an urgent need to use the bathroom, cramping, loss of control of bowel movements, nausea, and pain in the abdomen. People with diarrhea caused by some infections may also have symptoms such as bloody stools, fever and chills, light-headedness and dizziness, and vomiting.

The cause of diarrhea is generally not identified. The most common cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects the bowels. Other possible causes of diarrhea can include infection by bacteria, infections by other organisms and pre-formed toxins, eating foods that upset the digestive system, allergies and intolerances to certain foods (celiac disease or lactose intolerance), medications, radiation therapy, and poor absorption of food.

Antibiotics can change the balance of bacteria normally found in the intestines. When this happens, your colon can become overrun by bad bacteria causing inflammation of the colon’s lining. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea can begin any time while you’re taking the antibiotic or shortly thereafter.

Diarrhea may cause dehydration and malabsorption, which can be life-threatening if untreated. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Although most cases of diarrhea are relatively brief and mild, sometimes diarrhea can lead to serious complications. Diarrhea can cause dehydration when your body loses large amounts of water, electrolyte imbalance (loss of sodium, potassium, and magnesium that play a key role in vital bodily functions), and kidney failure (not enough blood/fluid is supplied to the kidneys). When you have diarrhea, you lose water and electrolytes along with stool. You need to drink plenty of fluids to replace what’s lost. Dehydration can become serious if it is not addressed adequately.

Diarrhea can be prevented by avoiding infections with good hygiene habits such as regularly washing the hands with soap (especially before preparing food, eating, and after using the bathroom), having good sanitation systems (wastewater and sewage), getting vaccinations (rotavirus vaccine in childhood), storing food properly, and watching what you eat and drink when traveling.

When you have an acute case of diarrhea, you can often take care of it without needing any medication. Several things you can do to care for diarrhea include drinking plenty of water and other electrolyte balanced fluids (like diluted and pulp-free fruit juices, broths, sports drinks, and caffeine-free sodas), changing your diet (specifically eating potatoes, rice, noodles, banana, applesauce, white bread, etc.), and cutting back on caffeine.

Constipation

Constipation is when a person has uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. Constipation happens because the colon absorbs too much water from waste (stool), which dries out the stool, making it hard in consistency and difficult to push out of the body. About 4 million people in the United States have frequent constipation. Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint, resulting in 2.5 million doctor visits annually in the US.

Symptoms of constipation include having fewer than three bowel movements a week, dry, hard and/or lumpy stool, difficulty or pain when passing stool, stomachache or cramps, feeling bloated and nauseous, and feeling that you haven’t completely emptied your bowels after a movement.

There are many causes of constipation because of lifestyle choices, medications, medical conditions, and pregnancy; these include eating foods low in fiber, not drinking enough water, lack of exercise, stress, ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, medications (strong pain medicines, some antidepressants, antacids, etc.), medical and health conditions (underactive thyroid gland, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal obstruction), abuse of laxatives, and changes in habits or lifestyle, such as travel, pregnancy, and old age.

Most often, constipation can be treated through dietary and lifestyle changes, which relieve symptoms and help prevent the condition. Treatment may include diet modifications like having beans, whole grains, bran cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables to add fiber to the diet; and limiting foods such as ice cream, cheese, meat, and processed food, which contain little or no fiber, laxatives, and eliminating or changing medication. Drinking two-to-four extra glasses of water a day, trying warm liquids, especially in the morning, adding fruits and vegetables to your diet, eating prunes and bran cereal, exercising most days of the week, and not ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement are suggested treatments of constipation.

Constipation may be dangerous if it has lasted more than two weeks, there is blood in your stool, lose weight even though you’re not trying to, severe pain with bowel movements, or the size, shape, and consistency of your stool has changed dramatically.

Constipation on its own can be uncomfortable, but it typically is not life threatening. However, it can become a problem if it is a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as colorectal cancer, or if it starts to cause further damage. Damages that can arise as a result of severe constipation includes rectal bleeding after straining, anal fissure—which is a small tear around the anus—symptomatic hemorrhoids (piles, which are swollen, inflamed blood vessels in the anus), and fecal impaction (which occurs when dried stool stagnates and collects in the rectum and anus, potentially leading to a mechanical obstruction).

The human digestive system works in a fine balance. In cases where the digestive system works too quickly, diarrhea occurs, and we cannot benefit enough from the food that we eat. We lose water and electrolytes from the body, which causes the deterioration of our metabolism. On the contrary, if the digestive system does not work at a sufficient speed, constipation occurs and causes severe abdominal pain and bloating. In this case, toxic substances accumulating in the body can cause harm.

References

• https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/global/WASH.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fhealthywater%2Fglobal%2Fdiarrhea-burden.html
• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diarrhea
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4059-constipation
• Muslim, Muqaddima 5

“Nearly 1 in three public health employees say they are considering leaving their organization within the next year … More than half of public health employees report at least one symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder … More than 9 in 10 employees say their work is important and they are determined to give their best effort every day.”
“Rising Stress and Burnout in Public Health”, March 2022

In public health, we tell the story of a farmer who lives at the foot of a waterfall. One day, while working her fields, she spots a man struggling in the river downstream. She throws a line to pull him to safety. By the time he makes it to shore, he is near death.

The farmer tells her neighbors, “We must keep a close watch to rescue others who are swept over the falls.” So they do.

Day after day, the farmer and her neighbors pull half-drowned people out of the water. They weave nets to cast across the river to catch the desperate swimmers. They keep blankets to warm them and medicines to nurse them back to health. When the water runs high and fast, they post watchers further downstream to catch any who slipped past the lookouts.

Though the villagers save many lives, they cannot save them all. Their efforts leave them weary and worn, with little time to tend to their fields.

“We must try something new,” says the farmer. She climbs to the cliffs above the waterfall and, for some distance upstream, builds a fence along the water’s edge.

From that day forward, no more swimmers are swept over the falls.

The moral of the story, and our guiding principle in public health, is that it is better to save lives upstream than to chase bodies downstream.

I wake in a dead sweat.

Two years into my department’s COVID-19 response. Two years standing waist-deep in rushing water, weaving nets and counting the dead.

I tell my husband for the third morning in a row that I can’t do it any more. I tell him — this, for the first time — that I am going to quit the public health job I fought for and believed in and, once upon a time, loved.

The pandemic beat me.

Time to move on.

He talks me off the ledge, but I promise myself that if things don’t get better, I will leave the department I thought would be my home for the rest of my career.

I’m scheduled today to give a presentation to a small group of first-year medical students. An hour before, my mom tells me to watch what I say. “Don’t go off on your doom-and-gloom talk,” she warns.

It’s fine. I’ll do it off the cuff.

“That’s what I’m worried about,” she says.

I put on my tweed blazer and log on. Twenty faces look back at me. The students smile and wave.

No teacher.

Am I going to run this session alone?

“What are we talking about today?”

Your life as a public health physician.

“And long is – how much time do I have?”

Ninety minutes.

“Um. Do you have questions for me?”

No.

According to my business card, I am the Medical Director of Public Health Preparedness. “Well,” I say, “I am prepared for this –” but I’m not, obviously — “and now it is the time to talk about my career.”

I tell them that my department started the pandemic with a skeleton crew. We’ve operated for years in a hiring freeze, which means that any time we lose someone, their job responsibilities get distributed to one of us who stayed behind.

I tell them when the pandemic hit we worked seven days a week for the first year. Six days a week the second year. And we’re hemorrhaging employees to better-funded health departments, to retirement pensions, to the private sector, to death.

The students are staring at me.

Oh God, I thought. This is exactly what Mom told me not to do.

But I can’t stop.

So I tell them about in the early days of the pandemic when we killed ourselves trying to build the fences upstream — distancing, masking, quarantining — and were stymied at every turn.

I tell them about the downstream work I’ve been doing now that the fences at the top of the cliff got scrapped. I tell them how it brutalizes the public health soul to spend the whole pandemic casting nets to catch broken bodies that have already been swept over the waterfall.

I tell them how, at first, the members of our emergency operations center took turns waiting for the bathroom to cry. How it got easier when we went remote because you could crawl under the covers between calls.

I tell them this is what happens when you blow through a career’s worth of passion in a single year. I thought it couldn’t happen to me but it did.

After, like, 89 minutes, I stop for questions.

One student raises his hand and thanks me for coming. He announces he never, ever wants to join public health.

It breaks my heart, but I try to laugh it off.

I tell him I feel that way too sometimes. This job gets you hooked on the possibility, however remote, that you can help make things better in a big way. I reminisce about our mass vaccine sites, which I describe as “an eighth wonder of the world.” I tell them about the surveillance systems we designed and built from scratch. About knitting our patchworked hospital systems together so they function as one.

And I end by telling the students that even if none of them go into public health, they can still help us work toward large-scale change. Every jurisdiction – state, county, tribal – relies on brilliant, community-driven physicians for ideas and expertise on the next public health threat.

So that’s it.

Afterwards I call my supervisor and tell her I shouldn’t be talking to medical students any more. “Maybe I should just quit,” I say, pretending it’s a joke. She gives me a sidelong look, not laughing.

And then there’s something in my inbox from one of the medical students. He thanks me for my talk. Says it reminded him of why he’s in medical school in the first place: to tackle huge problems, broker meaningful partnerships, help the vulnerable. He says after my talk he’s going to go into public health.

Well, I broke even. Lost one, got one.

A couple weeks later, my supervisor tells me she’s putting in her notice. She got an offer from the private sector that promised her resources for upstream work.

What can I say?

I want to tell her about the bottomless love I feel for her and everyone on our team, the ones who have been in it together from the beginning – the ones who have blown through their breaking points time after time but somehow still keep the faith.

Instead I tell her I understand. That the fight won’t be the same without her. 

And then, like true believers, we start talking about plans for new fences to pitch upstream.

Lisa Villarroel, MD MPH, is the Medical Director of the Division of Public Health Preparedness at the Arizona Department of Health Services. The views expressed are her own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department. Her brother, Matthew Jager, is a public health writer.

References

1. de Beaumont. Rising stress and burnout in public health: Results of a national survey of the public health workforce stress and burnout. March 2022 (https://debeaumont.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2022/03/Stress-and-Burnout-Brief_final.pdf)

Spices, generally used for seasoning foods, can also be used for killing microbes. As people opt for foods that are less processed—and may even contain no chemical additives—the protective value of spices has increased. In addition, the use of spices in foods has become more prevalent thanks to research into the various benefits of spices.

For generations, spices have been used to treat disorders. Scientific research indicates that the majority of spices have medicinal properties that either relieve the symptoms of illnesses or prevent their onset. One such property is related with how spices are effective against formation of biofilms.

Spices fighting biofilms

A biofilm is a micro-ecosystem created for various microbial species that protects them from environmental factors, allowing them to stay in a propitious environment [1]. Biofilms are silent aggregates of microorganisms, in which microbes are embedded in an extracellular polymeric substance. They therefore exhibit high rates of resistance to antibiotics and antimicrobial substances. Almost all species of microorganisms appear to form clusters of biofilms, on both biological and non-biological surfaces. With the increase in the incidence of biofilm-implicated infections, research into the control and prevention of biofilm formation has also gained momentum. Some types of bacteria that may develop into biofilms include Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Flavobacterium, Alcaligenes, Staphylococcus, and Bacillus. Biofilm formation occurs in three stages: attachment of bacteria to a surface, colonization through reproduction on the surface, and developing irreversible exopolysaccharide matrices [2].

Because biofilm formation might be induced by some antibiotics, many researchers have begun investigating the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties of various natural substances.

The efficacy of commonly used spices to prevent biofilm formation is of great significance. Many spices act as natural antimicrobial agents with high anti-biofilm properties. Studies have shown that ginger, curcumin, cinnamon, and black pepper, which are widely used especially in many Asian countries, have antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties [3]. The interaction among some of the spices, which causes deformations in biofilm formations, is also important. As the interaction between the spices increases, their capacity to isolate biofilm formation also increases. Certain spices isolate microorganisms by preventing them from being attached to a surface or to each other [4].

Along with its anti-inflammatory (preventing inflammation), antioxidant (slowing the reaction of oils with oxygen), anti-angiogenesis (inhibiting the formation of new vessels so that a tumor does not spread), anti-atherosclerosis, and cancer-preventing properties, ginger also has antimicrobial properties. Thus, its use in the treatment of bacterial infections has become widespread. It’s also been determined to be a digestive stimulant [5].

Turmeric, especially its main component curcumin, has a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic (preventing cancer) ones. It can prevent certain bacteria from forming biofilm. Curcumin is known to reduce the occurrence of such diseases as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease [6].

Cinnamon, another medicinal herb, is commonly used in cosmetics as well as in food products. According to traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon has been used as a healing agent in case of nerve injury. A 2004 clinical study found that cinnamon can be an effective diabetes treatment: it reduced the rate of fasting blood sugar by 18-30% [7]. Although no definite conclusions have been reached regarding the effect of cinnamon as an anti-diabetic treatment, it has been found to have the potential to lower postprandial blood sugar levels [8]. With its antimicrobial properties, cinnamon acts as an antibacterial agent and is used against inflammation. In addition, it is known to have beneficial effects on oral health. It has been used to treat toothaches, oral infections, and bad breath [9].

Black pepper is another spice widely used in folk medicine. Piperine, an important alkaloid component in black pepper, exhibits a preventive effect for some types of cancers, particularly breast, prostate and colon cancers [10]. It was found that piperine inhibits some of the proteins produced by tumor cells by interfering with their signaling mechanisms, thereby reducing tumor progression [11]. In studies regarding the use of black pepper, particularly its essential oils, to treat Type-2 diabetes, it was observed that it inhibits the two enzymes that convert starch into glucose. It thereby helps manage blood sugar and delays glucose absorption [12].

Experts investigating the worldwide incidence rates of cancer determined that Indians are five times less likely to get breast cancer, eight times less likely to get lung cancer, nine times less likely to get colon cancer, and fifty times less likely to get prostate cancer than Americans. These rates are remarkable considering the fact that Indian people are exposed to more carcinogens due to their environmental and living conditions. It has been estimated that the difference in the rates stems from the common use of spices by Indians. Thus, new research investigating the topic have been launched [13].

Spices are more effective when used together. For instance, the intake of curcumin in turmeric together with the piperine in black pepper increases the absorption of curcumin twenty-fold [14]. Knowing when to use them to increase their absorption—such as with fatty foods, or hot and cool foods—also enhances their effects [15].

The preventive or healing effects varies according to the course of a disease, as well as how spices are used. It should be borne in mind that spices can also have some side effects. Some include: indigestion problems for people with ulcers (caused by the ingestion of excess black pepper) [16]; excessive bleeding due to the salicylates in ginger (the same blood thinner used in aspirin) [17]; nausea and gastrointestinal complaints due to the consumption of excess curcumin [18].

Relationship between nutrition and healing

Nutrition and healing are interrelated in many aspects according to the causal laws we observe in creation. Life is being created by God “without veil,” i.e., without His need for any causal factor. Similarly, although there are causal intermediaries we use for healing, still for believers it is He who is the source of ultimate healing (All-Healing). Just as we seek to be cured with spices in nature He created, we pray to Our Lord to be the recipient of the meaningful, wise manifestations of His name, All-Healing. Spices are an example of the infinite blessings bestowed by our All-Munificent Lord.

Notes

1. Jamal, M. et al. (2015). Bacterial biofilm: its composition, formation and role in human infections. RRJMB, 4(3), 1–15.
2. earsiv.hitit.edu.tr/xmlui/bitstream/handle/11491/5393/merve-bicer2018.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
3. Kaplan, J. B. (2011). Antibiotic-induced biofilm formation. The International Journal of Artificial Organs, 34(9),
4. Mah, T. et al. (2001). Mechanisms of biofilm resistance to antimicrobial agents. Trends in Microbiology, 9(1), 34–39.
5. Jahid, I. K., S. D. Ha (2012). A review of microbial biofilms of produce: future challenge to food safety. Food Science and Biotechnology, 21(2), 299–316.
6. Chainani-Wu, N. (2003). Safety and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin: a component of turmeric (Curcuma longa). The Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 9(1), 161–168.
7. www.eczaakademi.org/images/upld2/ecza_akademi/makale/20110325013735diyabet_tedav_kul_bitk_urunler.pdf
8. Kirkham, S. et al. The potential of cinnamon to reduce blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, Diabetes Obes Metab. 2009 Dec; 11(12):1100–1113.
9. Rao, P. V. et al. (2014). Cinnamon: a multifaceted medicinal plant. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014.
10. Gould I.M., A.M. Bal. New antibiotic agents in the pipeline and how they can overcome microbial resistance. Virulence. 2013;4(2):185–191.
11. Arun Kumar Srivastava, Vinay Kumar Singh Malacology Laboratory, Department of Zoology Biological action of Piper nigrum the king of spices, DDU Gorakhpur University. 2017.
12. Oboh, G. et al. (2013). Antioxidative properties and inhibition of key enzymes relevant to type-2 diabetes and hypertension by essential oils from black pepper. Advances in Pharmacological Sciences, 2013.
13. Shan, B. et al. (2007). The in vitro antibacterial activity of dietary spice and medicinal herb extracts. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 117(1), 112–119.
14. Singh, G. et al. (2002). Chemical and biocidal investigations on essential oils of some Indian Curcuma species. Progress in Crystal Growth and Characterization of Materials, 45(1-2), 75–81.
15. Cui, H. et al. (2016). Liposome containing cinnamon oil with antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. Biofouling, 32(2), 215–225.
16. www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/spice-it-up-boosting-your-health-with-spices-and-herbs-part-5
17. www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/ginger-tea-side-effects#benefits
18. examine.com/supplements/curcumin/