What Nerve!

Hi again everyone,

Today's 8-Point Health and Science Blog is about our amazing nerves.  The fact you are about to learn about these cells is a testament to how incredible they are...It's your nerves that are allowing you...to learn about your nerves!

1. A nerve (or neuron) is a specialized gland cell.  Our bodies' endocrine system consists of gland cells that release hormones (signaling molecules like insulin), stored in special storage vesicles, directly into our blood vessels in an 'uncontrolled' manner.  If there are ducts (or tubes) into which these gland cells are secreting (whether they be hormones, enzymes, sweat, or even semen), then the gland would by termed an "exocrine" gland.

2. In order to really control the human body in a 'targeted' fashion, wouldn't it make sense to release signaling molecules into a tiny space directly adjacent to its target blood vessel or cell?  The answer...Yes! (smile)...This, in fact, is precisely what a neuron does!

3. The characteristic landmarks of a neuron are its amazing information receiver systems called Dendrites, and its unique, electricity-conducting Axon ("arm") that stretches from the cell body of these specialized gland cells.  All of the signaling molecules, also stored in specialized storage vesicles by the way, are shuttled down the axon on a 'highway' of microtubules to the synaptic bulb (aka the pre-synaptic terminus).  When stimulated to release the contents of their localized vesicles via an electrical (nerve) impulse (or Action Potential), neurons have the amazing ability to 'target' a change in a nearby cell/tissue and only that cell/tissue...The axon facilitates 'targeted control'!  

4. The very tiny interstitial space (inter = between; stitium = tissue layers) into which the signaling molecules are released is called a "synapse" or "synaptic cleft" and the released signaling molecules are generally called "neurotransmitters"...why? Because they transmit information from one neuron to another neuron (or other tissue).

5. In this way, the signaling molecules can quickly diffuse across the synapse to cause a change in another nerve, to stimulate a particular muscle to contract (at the unique Neuro-Muscular Junctions, NMJs), or even, directly or indirectly via the blood stream,...to tell a gland to release its hormones/enzymes/sweat/semen, etc.!

6. Surprise, surprise, the 'master controllers' of our bodies are part nerve, part gland!  The Hypothalamus of the brain is all nerve and it, yes, 'has the nerve' (sorry) to tell the entire body what to do!  Located smack dab behind the eyes (the safest part of the body when you think of it) and below the thalamus (hence HYPOthalamus), this nerve centre 'tastes' our blood and, as necessary, makes remarkable homeostatic changes occur to keep our bodies under control and in physiological balance.

7. I think of the hypothalamus as the 'unsung hero' of the body, quietly, incessantly secreting hormones (yep, specialized gland cells all right...its neurotransmitters are actually hormones!) directly and in a controlled fashion into our blood and toward the pituitary gland to control many vital body functions like water balance (ADH, released when the hypothalamus finds that our blood doesn't taste 'watery' enough) and child birth (oxytocin, the hormone used to induce labor), both sent down the hypothalamic axons to be released from the posterior half of the pituitary gland (the neurohypophysis).  The incredible hypothalamus even acts like a thermostat, raising our body temperature to destroy heat-sensitive bugs (aka, a fever!).  All of its other myriad of hormones are have an "R" (for Releasing) or " I" (for Inhibiting) in their names that tell other glands, esp, the nearby anterior pituitary gland (the adenohypophysis, erroneously called the "master gland" in my opinion) to either "turn on" or "turn off" the secretion of other hormones involved in even more vital functions like growth (Human Growth Hormone, HGH), salt balance (the Adrenal Cortex's Adolesterone is released via the Adreno-Cortico Trophic Hormone, ACTH, when the hypothalamus thinks that our blood doesn't taste 'salty' enough), glucose balance (Insulin is released from the pancreas under the behest of the pituitary when the hypothalamus thinks that our blood tastes too 'sweet'), and many, many more.

8. Let's respect the humble nerve cell.  Not only is it the source of balance in our bodies, but it is also the basis of memories, thoughts, emotions, movement, sensations of vision, touch, taste, hearing, smell,...too much to list here.  Let's "exercise" our brains by subjecting them to various interesting tasks everyday.  Let's continually learn, putting aside the digital calculator when we can, and expand our daily experiences.  And let's remember that our blood-brain barrier (a subject for another blog perhaps) makes it difficult for fats and proteins to cross over from the blood, except, surprise, surprise at the level of the hypothalamus which needs direct access to the blood.  Hence, our brains primarily use glucose, a molecule small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier, for energy!

So, my friends, eat well and *sniiifff* breath well because:  Glucose + Oxygen = Carbon Dioxide ("clean" waste) + Water ("clean" waste) + ATP, Adenosine Tri-Phosphate, the 'energy currency' molecule of our bodies and one of the reasons why, after water, we are mostly Phosphate by weight!  And did you notice that our bodies normally and naturally use "clean burning fuels"?  It's the bacteria that make the methane, hydrogen sulfide, etc....But again, perhaps the subject of another blog. (smile)

Be Good, Be Healthy, Be Happy,

Dr. Sheldon
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Sponsored by: www.mosquitocontrol.ca

Xocai X Power Squares - New Box of 140 PcsXocai Xobiotic Squares - Probiotic New Box of 84 PcsMonavie-Active Health Juice, 4 BottlesMonavie Pulse 4 BottlesAn Introduction to Nervous SystemsThe Nervous System (True Books)The Brain: Our Nervous SystemThe Human Nervous System: Structure and Function (HUMAN NERVOUS SYSTEM (NOBACK))The Nervous System: A True Book (True Books-Health)Recapture Your HealthHypothalamusThe Pituitary (Pituitary (Melmed))Diagnosis and Management of Pituitary Disorders (Contemporary Endocrinology)Pituitary Gland (Carolina Biology Readers; 118)Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators: Handbook of Receptors and Biological EffectsBalance Your Brain, Balance Your Life: 28 Days to Feeling Better Than You Ever HaveThe War of the Soups and the Sparks: The Discovery of Neurotransmitters and the Dispute Over How Nerves Communicate

"Diabetic Safe" Chocolates? A Subjective Term...

Hello Everyone,

I was recently asked if certain chocolates can be 'recommended' to diabetics if they are 'diabetic safe'.  In scientific circles, that is quite a loaded question since there are some very important underlying issues to consider...Here is my personal 8-point treatise on the subject:

1.  "Diabetic safe" is a very subjective term within the scientific community as there are a range of diabetic disorders and each diabetic can be at different points along the disease spectrum.

2.   Diabetes is "high blood sugar" or "chronic hyperglycemia", the most common form being Diabetes Mellitus (mellitus = honey) caused by a lack of the sugar-lowering hormone insulin (Type I or Juvenile Diabetes) or an inability to respond to the presence of insulin (Type II or Insulin-Resistant or Adult-Onset Diabetes).

3.  But there are multiple forms the diabetes, more than one would think.  Basically, diabetes can be caused by any imbalance in the body that can cause elevated levels of blood sugar (aka, glucose, our bodies' energy fuel) for prolonged periods.

4.  For example, the newest form of "diabetes" is "pre-diabetes" seen in overweight individuals and those with a waist-to-hip ratio significantly greater than 1.0.  "Pre-diabetes" is just as dangerous as it can develop into "full blown" diabetes if not dealt with early and properly.

5.  And there is even a form of diabetes that has nothing to do with insulin!  Diabetes Insipidus is the result of an imbalance in the water-balance hormone ADH.  Thus, increased water loss via urination (polyuria) is significantly enhanced and the blood gets more and more concentrated with glucose as a result.

6.  The use of sugar (as glucose alone or in its disaccharide forms: sucrose = glucose + fructose; maltose = glucose + glucose; lactose = glucose + galactose) is part of the chocolate-making process since cacao is naturally low in sugar and bitter in taste.


7.  Ideally, the only real way a food can be called "diabetic safe" is if it is entirely sugar (glucose) free.  So, unless a (safe) sugar substitute has been used or in the unlikely occasion that a chocolate can be made without the use of sugar from sucrose, maltose, or milk lactose, I cannot, with integrity, "recommend" any chocolate product to diabetics.


8.  Instead, in accordance with the views of my colleagues within the health and science communities, I will suggest moderation in consumption in conjunction with a regimen of frequent blood sugar testing before and after consumption -- a protocol currently recommended to all diabetics by their doctors.

That being said, the darker the chocolate (little or no milk lactose added) and the higher the chocolate's antioxidant value, the better.  My research and much independent data confirms that chocolates made by www.xocai.com are the best quality, healthiest chocolates one can consume (in moderation, if diabetic).

Full disclosure:  I am a proud distributor of Xocai chocolates (ID: 125686).

Thanks for reading and please direct any of your questions to me by freely subscribing and posting your questions/comments to my Youtube Channel using the Youtube icon on www.rejuven8labs.com.

And look out for the launch of www.AskDrSheldon.com later this year in association with www.mosquitocontrol.ca and my other esteemed colleagues in the health care industry.

Be Well,

Dr. Sheldon

The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide for the Newly DiagnosedDiabetes For Dummies (For Dummies (Health & Fitness))Blood Sugar 101: What They Don't Tell You About DiabetesDr. Neal Barnard's Program for Reversing Diabetes: The Scientifically Proven System for Reversing Diabetes without DrugsTell Me What to Eat If I Have Diabetes: Nutrition You Can Live WithThe Official Pocket Guide to Diabetic ExchangesBetty Crocker's Diabetes Cookbook: Everyday Meals, Easy as 1-2-3Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood SugarsThe Best Life Guide to Managing Diabetes and Pre-DiabetesStop Prediabetes Now: The Ultimate Plan to Lose Weight and Prevent DiabetesThe 30-Day Diabetes Miracle: Lifestyle Center of America's Complete Program for Overcoming Diabetes, Restoring Health, and Rebuilding Natural VitalityThe 4-Ingredient Diabetes Cookbook: Simple, Quick, and Delicious Recipes Using Just 4 Ingredients or LessMayo Clinic Essential Diabetes BookAmerican Diabetes Association Complete Guide to DiabetesGlucerna Meal Bar for People with Diabetes, Chocolate Chunk, Six- 4 Packs of 2.04 Ounce Bars50 Diabetes Myths That Can Ruin Your Life: And the 50 Diabetes Truths That Can Save ItDiabetes Self-Management

Love Your Nitpicker...

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A micro-managing boss, an overprotective mother, that friend who fancies him/herself a movie critic, always first to find the ‘hole’ in the plot, all have something in common … the nickname “Nitpicker”. Ever wondered why?

1. Pediculus humanus capitis or the head louse is a tiny, sesame seed-sized insect parasite that feasts on human blood using its needle-like mouthparts to pierce the scalp or skin. Think of it as a ‘wingless mosquito’, except that head lice, in particular, are not known to be disease carriers (or vectors).

2. Head lice infestations cause an annoying, itchy scalp and leave behind welt-like bite marks that are often visible on the skin at the nape of the neck.

3. Infestations are diagnosed by simply visualizing the dark-hued lice in a white background. That is, a foaming hair conditioner is first lathered into the scalp and a special ‘lice comb’ is carefully passed through the hair.

4. To rid the world of this scourge that is actually endemic (always around) even here in North America, the proverbial question must be asked … Which came first? … the louse or the nit?

5. “Nits” are the almost microscopically small eggs of head lice that are found in the scalp of infested persons, especially children. Remarkable and annoying, nits fuse to – almost ‘becoming one’ with – individual strands of hair. According to the hair, the nits can actually become ‘camouflaged’, laying dormant and unseen even though adult lice have long since gone.

6. “Nitpickers” … well … pick nits. It’s a job description that necessitates the picker be meticulous to point of obsessive, carefully searching through each thread of hair, always on the lookout for eggs that are easy to miss. Since no egg must be left behind … nitpickers must always be “looking a-head” to the next nit (get it? ... sorry … siiigh).

7. Since nits are almost impossible to comb away, and since chemical interventions to basically ‘burn’ nits off of the hair shafts have their own obvious flaws, and since adult head lice have the remarkable ability to become resistant to insecticides ... *whew* ... without nitpickers around, the only real ‘cure’ for head lice is … well … to go bald!

8. In lieu of a society of bald children, concentrated rosemary oil is often effective in preventing the cementing of new nits to the hair. You can think of rosemary oil as “Hair Teflon®” thus preventing the spread of infestations. But this preventive treatment is only effective if the child or person is first free of nits … so folks …

Love your local nitpickers (and they are around) and be glad your boss, mother, and friend are not ‘bugging’ you about something else!

To learn more, feel free to check out related Google Ads on my blog and visit www.mosquitocontrol.ca.

Sheldon M. Joseph, Hons. B.S., Ph.D.