Food and science

Studies about consequences

The Guardian posted an intriguing new scientific theory on bipolar disease this morning. Rather than simply a neurological problem, at least one Edinburgh University scientist argues it’s actually linked to metabolic issues in the body. In the early stages of study, that hypothesis could lead to the initial steps in controlling the manic-depressive cycles in an afflicted person’s life. That would seem to have major benefits in a couple of ways. This is why strict medical protocols and peer-review offer hope for many on a host of illnesses.

I am lucky that this is not an illness that I suffer so let me make that statement up front. But, I do know a number of people, however, who suffer from the horror of having so much overflowing energy that the individual does not appear to require sleep while at other times conversely suffering such deep and utterly profound depression that arising from bed is too much effort. This is not laziness or giddiness but absolutely overwhelming bodily effects. In short, bipolar disease becomes debilitating for sufferers because it affects one’s actions so completely.

The article indicates researchers’ are testing whether a diet consistently largely of healthy fats and other foods rather than so many carbohydrates could check this illness. Ketogenic diets, as broadly titled, are not cost free as they strain the kidneys but they offer steps the afflicted individual can take to address bipolar disease rather than the pharmaceutical route, a preference some doctors and patients definitely prefer. Millions of people use a ketogenic diet to induce weight loss but this has different implications. Using food would also be an empowering method for the sufferers rather than everything seeming beyond their power. Self-actualization offers an interesting evidence that actions creating consequences because it allows the patient to be front and center in actively taking charge of his health.

This story comes the same week I noticed a long article on the new acceptance in the medical community of inflammation’s role in illness. Once completely ridiculed in favor of alternate explanations such as high fat in the diet, the hypothesis that heart attacks result from the body reacting to intense inflammation is more widely accepted. This explanation again emphasizes the role of foods with the least processing where artificial additives ineffectively replace the vitamins and minerals natural to food at the source. The theory is that limiting highly processes foods diminishes the actions the body takes to protect itself from consuming substantially altered foods while leaving gaps in the needed minerals and vitamins. Instead of highly processed cakes and chips, an anti-inflammatory regime favors fruits, vegetables, coffee and tea.

Inflammation results from an overabundance of sugar in the diet and highly processed foods we adore, understood in 2024 as the culprit for conditions formerly blamed on other issues. A reconsideration of inflammation’s role signals a medical acceptance that fats in all forms, demonized in the Standard American Diet in the 1970s and 80s, are not the cause of all heart attacks. The guidance to reduce fat consumption led to the creation of highly processed artificial fats for too many consumers (Cynthia’s hand is raised) seeking another path to consume highly processed, nutritionally-deficient foods. Too many of us did this with abandon as we willfully and falsely equated fat-free with calorie free. This phenomenon is one explanation for how discouraging fat consumption inadvertently created a vast over-indulgence in calorie intake as people assumed that eating as many fat free cookies, baked goods, and other foods was ok rather than a major contributor to increased weight which plagues perhaps two thirds of the population in this country. Additionally, those fat free foods contributed to—you guessed it—inflammation which the body had to address when it threatened the heart and other vital organs.

As you can tell, I confess to be a consumer of health news but far from a scientific researcher. I do understand that health advice changes because research advances through trial and error. Either of these announcements I cite may prove wrong in the long term following testing, retesting, and testing multiple times again. Science does not stand still but is constantly reexamines beliefs to assure their validity.

Additionally, these two specific instances illustrate the complexity of actions and consequences in the human body. Bipolar disease may be a central trauma of one’s life but it’s far from the only aspect. It would seem logical but perhaps is a false assumption on my part that the causes of bipolar illness also affect other functions of the magnificently complex human organism. We know that food is only a portion of the problems of heart disease as heredity, stress, exercise, and other factors interplay in as yet undiscovered ways.

It’s exciting to see possible remedies for major problems but, like so much else, unearthing those remedies is a gradual process. Research funding is vital to continuing to find fixes but, arguably even more important, so is our willingness in contemporary society to embrace new findings and their implications into our lives. Far too often it’s easier to cling to our prior beliefs as if they were written by Moses on the tablets. Sometimes that choice to doubt new evidence fine while other examples illustrate reckless and the cause of further complications. Science seems particularly a target of many who find its motives and openness to new ideas threatening. Yes, there are poorly administered studies and evidence of scientific malfeasance but that happens in all human interaction these days. Yet, science—the act of exploring a theory about a phenomenon in nature, then testing hypotheses about the cause and effect chain associated with that theory— is what provides us life-extending medications, procedures, and hope.

New discoveries appear daily. Some bear fruit (in this case provide actions we can use to improve someone’s health) while others do not pan out. But like time, science does not nor do we want it to stand still. We really don’t so we need embrace its processes and values for our lives and those around us. Actions genuinely create consequences.

Thank you for reading this column or any other. I was gratified that Thursday’s column on assumptions and exhaustion reached almost 1600 people, largely because a loyal reader forwarded what he saw as valuable to others who also forward it. As I have noted, I know I don’t have all of the answers and I eagerly await your thoughts on any and all topics. But, I appreciate those of you who read it, put your money behind it, and provide me your support. I seek to expand measure, civil conversation on those challenges we face.

We have a lot of clouds this fine Saturday as the summer is apparently going to fight the upcoming Equinox tomorrow through rains. We have had some glorious pictures to capture this week, with today no exception.

Be well and be safe. FIN

Robin McKie, “Metabolism and diet are linked to the root of bipolar depression, researchers say”, TheGuardian.com, 21 September 2024, retrieved at https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/sep/21/metabolism-diet-linked-bipolar-depression-scientists-edinburgh

Jullian Pretzel, “The Foods That Fight Inflammation”, NewYorkTimes.com, 18 September 2024, retrieved at https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/18/well/eat/inflammation-food-diet.html?searchResultPosition=2