Risk of multiple sclerosis increases 32-fold after infection with Epstein-Barr virus (which causes Mono). These findings cannot be explained by any other risk factor and suggest EBV as the leading cause of MS 1/n
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as human herpesvirus 4, is a member of the herpes virus family. It is one of the most common human viruses @CDCgov 2/n
Most people get infected with EBV at some point in their lives. EBV spreads most commonly through bodily fluids, primarily saliva 3/n
EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis, also called mono 4/n
Likely what’s happening is the virus causes the body to inadvertently attack the myelin sheath that coat nerves 5/n
Thought to be harmless, expect a vaccine to be developed against EBV and MS to be a disease only in history books 6/n
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
Reducing spikes in blood glucose is considered healthy in the long run. In mice, the drug Acarbose blunts the spike & they live 4-17% longer 🐭 Consider eating some protein before carbs, reduce sugar and avoid high “GI” foods like rice and bread. Refs + more info👇
Seek whole grains, nuts, legumes, vegetables without starch. Avoid high glycemic index (GI) foods, like potatoes, white rice, white bread, and eat fewer sugary foods, including candy, cookies, cakes, and regular sodas. I gave up dessert at 40, though I do steal tastes 🍰 👅 3/n
Lp(a) is a type of cholesterol that is the strongest genetic risk factor for heart disease. In Canada and Europe, a test is recommended for everyone, but not in the US, even though it could inspire those at risk to live healthier. 1/8 tinyurl.com/46reumcc
There are no effective drugs to treat high LP(a) but removing it from the blood stream using apheresis in high-risk patients can dramatically reduce major coronary events 2/8
In the LPA gene there is a repetitive part called kringle IV, lower numbers of which lead to increased Lp(a) concentrations (I have the bad version btw) 3/8
In this episode, @mdlaplante and I discuss why we age. We talk about which organisms have extreme longevity and how, the genes that control aging (mTOR, AMPK, Sirtuins), the role of sirtuin proteins as epigenetic regulators of aging...3/11
According to @InsideTracker, my blood biomarkers have been steadily approaching a much younger person’s over the past decade. Can’t wait to see my latest results
For the past dozen years, I have avoided desserts & taken supplements, based on hard science. But I couldn’t break through the love-handle weight barrier. With inspiration from @chefserenapoon, I’ve optimized my diet for longevity & reached my 20 yr old weight again 💪🙏
If I can do it, anyone can. And it’s important. Only 20% of our future health is genetic. 80% is in our own hands
Having a positive attitude seems to boost immunity & even slow aging. But how? New study 🐭 shows neurons in the insular cortex increase the number & activity of immune cells in the gut & around organs. Breakthrough!👇1/6
150 years ago it was discovered that presenting patients allergic to pollen with an artificial flower is sufficient to induce an allergic response (Mackeszie, 1886) 3/6
This Thanksgiving, give your parents a huge hug. When you graduated from high school, you’d used up 93% of the face time you’ll ever have with your parents. We will extend this time, but, for now, give them a huge hug waitbutwhy.com/2015/12/the-ta…
Tips from Tim Urban @waitbutwhy 1. Living in the same place as the people you love matters. I probably have 10X the time left with the people who live in my city as I do with the people who live somewhere else. 2/5
2. Priorities matter. Your remaining face time with any person depends largely on where that person falls on your list of life priorities. Make sure this list is set by you—not by unconscious inertia. 3/5