Health

The modern global food landscape is facing a growing crisis and a significant contributor may be a dietary pattern originating in the United States. Increasingly, experts are pointing to the proliferation of ultra-processed foods – a hallmark of the American diet – as a major driver of chronic disease worldwide. This isn’t simply a matter of individual choice; it’s a systemic issue with far-reaching consequences for public health.

For decades, the prevailing wisdom often placed the onus of health on personal responsibility and genetic predisposition. However, a growing body of research suggests that external factors, particularly diet, play a dominant role. The concept of the “exposome” – the totality of environmental exposures throughout a person’s life – is gaining traction, highlighting how lifestyle choices, including what we eat, directly impact gene expression and disease risk. This shift in understanding emphasizes the potential for proactive intervention and disease prevention through dietary changes.

The Rise of Ultra-Processed Foods and Global Disease

Dr. Mark Hyman, a practicing physician and author specializing in functional medicine, argues that our current food system, heavily reliant on ultra-processed products, is actively harming people. He points to the Global Burden of Disease study, a comprehensive analysis of health data from 195 countries, which revealed that diet-related illnesses are now the leading cause of death globally, surpassing even tobacco use. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), which conducts the Global Burden of Disease study, provides detailed data and analysis on this topic.

“In the United States, we’ve essentially created the worst diet on the planet and exported it to the rest of the world,” Dr. Hyman asserts. He illustrates this point with a striking example from China. During a visit in 1984, the rate of type 2 diabetes was approximately one in 150. At that time, fast-food chains like McDonald’s and KFC were largely absent. However, upon returning two decades later, Dr. Hyman observed a dramatic shift – the widespread availability of fast food and, a surge in type 2 diabetes rates, now affecting approximately one in ten people. This illustrates how environmental changes, specifically the introduction of the “American diet,” can rapidly impact public health.

Beyond Genetics: The Power of the Exposome

The idea that our genes dictate our health destiny is increasingly being challenged. Dr. Hyman explains that genes may predispose individuals to certain conditions, but they don’t predetermine outcomes. “What determines the outcome of your health isn’t your genes, but what happens to your genes throughout your life,” he states. This “exposome” encompasses everything from dietary choices and physical activity to sleep patterns, stress management, the microbiome, and exposure to environmental toxins. These factors can activate or deactivate genes, influencing the development of chronic diseases or promoting overall health.

This understanding is empowering, suggesting that individuals have agency over their health and can actively shape their future. Dr. Hyman notes that many chronic illnesses are not necessarily lifelong sentences. By identifying and addressing the root causes, it’s often possible to reverse or significantly improve these conditions. He emphasizes that a substantial portion of people spend the last 20% of their lives in poor health, a statistic he believes is preventable.

The Impact of a Prolonged, Unhealthy Lifespan

The distinction between lifespan and healthspan – the number of years lived in good health – is crucial. Ideally, these two should align, meaning individuals enjoy a full and vibrant life until the very end. However, Dr. Hyman points out that this is not the current reality for many. Improving dietary habits and lifestyle factors can bridge this gap, allowing people to live longer, healthier lives.

The core of the problem, according to experts, lies in the prevalence of ultra-processed foods. These products, often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, are engineered for palatability and convenience, but lack essential nutrients. They disrupt the body’s natural regulatory mechanisms, contributing to inflammation, insulin resistance, and a host of chronic diseases.

While individual choices are important, the environment plays a significant role. The widespread availability and aggressive marketing of ultra-processed foods create an environment that makes healthy eating challenging. Addressing this requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy changes, public health initiatives, and increased awareness of the impact of food choices on long-term health.

Looking ahead, continued research into the exposome and the impact of dietary patterns on gene expression will be critical. Efforts to promote access to affordable, nutritious food and to regulate the marketing of ultra-processed foods are essential steps towards improving global health. The challenge is significant, but the potential rewards – longer, healthier lives for all – are immeasurable.

What steps can communities capture to prioritize healthier food environments? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance on health and dietary matters.

Columbus, OH – Dr. Katherine A. Lehman is a dedicated pediatrician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, committed to providing comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents. Her practice focuses on the health and well-being of young patients, encompassing preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of pediatric conditions. Understanding the evolving needs of children and families is central to Dr. Lehman’s approach to medicine, and she is a valued member of the medical community in central Ohio.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital, consistently ranked among the top pediatric hospitals in the nation – most recently achieving a spot on the U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll – serves as a leading resource for pediatric care, research, and education. Dr. Lehman’s affiliation with this institution allows her to leverage cutting-edge resources and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of specialists to deliver the highest quality of care. The hospital’s commitment to innovation and family-centered care aligns with Dr. Lehman’s own professional values.

Pediatric Focus and Expertise

Dr. Lehman’s expertise lies in general pediatrics, providing a broad spectrum of services to support the health of children from birth through adolescence. This includes routine check-ups, immunizations, and guidance on developmental milestones. She also addresses acute illnesses, manages chronic conditions, and offers support for behavioral and emotional health concerns. Her patient-centered approach emphasizes open communication with families, ensuring they are actively involved in their child’s care plan.

According to her profile on the Nationwide Children’s Hospital website, Dr. Lehman is dedicated to fostering a positive and trusting relationship with her patients and their families. She believes in empowering parents with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their child’s health. This commitment extends to providing education on preventative measures, healthy lifestyle choices, and safety practices.

Locations and Patient Care

Dr. Lehman sees patients at several Nationwide Children’s Hospital locations, increasing accessibility for families throughout the region. Currently, she provides care at the Westerville Close To Home Center, the Dublin Close To Home Center, and the Powell Close To Home Center . These Close To Home Centers offer convenient access to pediatric primary care services in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital network of Close To Home Centers is designed to provide comprehensive, coordinated care close to where families live, and work. These centers offer a range of services, including well-child visits, sick visits, immunizations, and chronic disease management. The goal is to make healthcare more accessible and convenient for families, whereas maintaining the high standards of care associated with Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Commitment to Pediatric Health

Dr. Lehman’s dedication to pediatric health extends beyond direct patient care. As a physician at a leading academic medical center, she likely contributes to ongoing research and educational initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of children. While specific research contributions aren’t publicly detailed, her affiliation with Nationwide Children’s Hospital suggests involvement in advancing the field of pediatrics.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a major center for pediatric research, conducting studies in a wide range of areas, including cancer, heart disease, and infectious diseases. The hospital’s research efforts are focused on developing new treatments and prevention strategies to improve the lives of children. Dr. Lehman’s work within this environment contributes to the hospital’s overall mission of advancing pediatric healthcare.

Looking ahead, Dr. Lehman will continue to provide compassionate and comprehensive pediatric care to families in the Columbus area. Her commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements in pediatric medicine ensures that her patients receive the best possible care. The ongoing expansion of Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s services and research initiatives will further enhance the quality of care available to children in the region.

Have you or your family received care from Dr. Lehman? Share your experiences in the comments below. Please also share this article with anyone seeking a dedicated pediatrician in central Ohio.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about Dr. Katherine A. Lehman and Nationwide Children’s Hospital and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

As many brains age, they accumulate faulty proteins that lead to cell death and cognitive decline. But some individuals remain remarkably sharp, exhibiting the same mental acuity at 80 as they did at 50. A new study published Wednesday in the journal Nature offers a potential explanation for this discrepancy, addressing a central question in neuroscience: whether the human brain can generate new neurons throughout adulthood, a process known as neurogenesis.

Researchers found that so-called “super-agers” – individuals aged 80 and older with memory capacity comparable to someone 30 years younger – had approximately twice the number of new neurons as older adults with typical age-related memory decline and 2.5 times more than individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. The investigation focused on the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for learning and memory, and believed to be a primary source of new neurons. This research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that brain plasticity extends well into advanced age.

“This paper shows biological proof that the aging brain is plastic,” even at 80 years and beyond, said Tamar Gefen, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, who contributed to the research. The findings could have significant implications for understanding and potentially mitigating age-related cognitive decline.

To investigate neurogenesis in older adults, the scientists initially sought to identify markers of the process in post-mortem brain tissue from young adults, aged 20 to 40, who had normal cognitive function. They identified genetic markers for three key cell types: neural stem cells, neuroblasts, and immature neurons. “It’s almost as if the neural stem cells are babies, the neuroblasts are like teenagers, and the immature neurons are almost adults,” explained Orly Lazarov, professor of neuroscience at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine, who led the study.

The presence of all three cell types suggests that stem cells are active and dividing in the brain, and that these new cells are maturing into adult neurons. The researchers then searched for these same three cell types in the brains of four groups of older adults: those with normal cognition, those with mild cognitive impairment, those with Alzheimer’s disease, and the “super-agers” who had donated their brains for research after their death. Each group showed evidence of the three cell types, but the quantities varied considerably and appeared to correlate with the individuals’ cognitive abilities at the time of death.

Super-agers had significantly more immature neurons in the hippocampus, not only compared to other older adults, but also to the young adults. These immature neurons also exhibited unique genetic and epigenetic characteristics that researchers believe contribute to their resilience against aging. “Super-aging happens not just because there are more of these young cells, but because there’s a type of genetic programming” that allows for their preservation, Dr. Gefen stated.

Dr. Bryan Strange, a professor of clinical neuroscience at the Polytechnic University of Madrid who studies a different cohort of older individuals, suggested that neurogenesis could help explain other unique aspects of super-agers’ brains, including the fact that their hippocampi are often larger than those of typical older adults. Nature

However, he noted that older adults have other brain differences, such as increased volume in areas that don’t experience neurogenesis and greater connectivity between brain regions, that cannot be explained by the new findings. These observations highlight the complexity of brain aging and the need for further research.

The research also revealed intriguing insights regarding individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. They actually had more neural stem cells than the other older adult groups, but significantly fewer neuroblasts and immature neurons. “If neurogenesis is normal, stem cells are gradually lost,” explained Hongjun Song, professor of neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, who researches neurogenesis but was not involved in the study. One interpretation of the new finding is that in Alzheimer’s, neurogenesis is disrupted, and the stem cells become stalled, preventing them from progressing to the next stage of development, thus preserving the pool of stem cells.

“If that’s true, it really opens a new direction for the field” to potentially treat Alzheimer’s by reactivating these dormant stem cells, Dr. Song said. This potential therapeutic avenue is generating considerable excitement within the neuroscience community.

Not all researchers are fully convinced by the study’s findings. Shawn Sorrells, associate professor of neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, who has also investigated neurogenesis, acknowledged that the scientists’ goal of mapping “how the hippocampus changes with aging and how it changes differently in people who age differently is incredibly interesting, and important.” However, Dr. Sorrells expressed concern that the study may suffer from some of the same methodological limitations and assumptions as other neurogenesis research. He added that he would like to notice the findings validated using other techniques.

Experts generally agree that infants and young children are capable of generating new neurons in the brain, as are several animal species. However, there remains considerable debate about whether adult humans retain the same capacity. Numerous studies offer evidence on both sides, and the results are often influenced by the methods employed by researchers. The question of adult human neurogenesis remains a complex and actively investigated area of scientific inquiry.

This latest study is unlikely to settle the debate definitively, but it does provide scientists with new clues to explore. Dr. Lazarov is now working to understand how the special immature neurons of super-agers relate to the group’s superior memory, and whether it might be possible to capture some of that activity in a drug to help others stay sharper for longer.

The findings underscore the importance of continued research into the biological mechanisms underlying healthy brain aging. Whereas lifestyle factors like diet and exercise are known to contribute to cognitive health, understanding the fundamental processes within the brain itself is crucial for developing effective interventions to prevent and treat age-related cognitive decline.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about health and medical research and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.

What do you think about the potential for future therapies based on stimulating neurogenesis? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with anyone who might locate it informative.