Vitamin Duo Provides HOPE for Huntington’s Disease
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 12, 2021
Huntington’s disease is a rare nerve disease that affects the lives of thousands of Americans each year.
This genetic disorder can lead to loss of control of movement, sleeplessness, depression, and dementia.
What’s even more tragic? While the symptoms set in for folks in the prime of their lives – their 30s and 40s – living with this condition doesn’t get easier, regardless of your age.
And if you’re a senior living with Huntington’s right now – this is a fact of life.
Thankfully, an exciting new discovery has been made.
In this new study, researchers have found that this vitamin duo can provide hope for folks suffering from Huntington’s disease.
You’ve probably heard of Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) or Percent Daily Values (%DV). These are part of the nutrition panel found on vitamin bottles and food packages.
The RDAs were calculated years ago, and technically, they’re still relevant for 97 to 98 percent of people.
But if you have Huntington’s disease, you could be in that small percent that the RDA doesn’t work for.
In a study, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, researchers found people with Huntington’s disease don’t absorb thiamin (vitamin B1) and biotin (B7) from their diet into their brain cells like the rest of the population.
Strangely, blood tests don’t show a deficiency… but damage to brain cells show that these two vitamins aren’t getting to where they should be.
The researchers identified an altered gene not previously linked to Huntington’s, called SLC19A3, which is a thiamin transporter gene. If you have the disease, the transporter doesn’t work like it’s supposed to, meaning people with this genetic defect need much more thiamin than most people.
So, the researchers developed a study in which they fed high levels of thiamin and biotin to mice. They found that upping the levels of this vitamin duo slowed brain cell damage and even improved motor skills.
This is still tentative research, however.
It may turn out that there is no way to simply eat enough thiamin-containing foods or even take a supplement to overwhelm the problem with the gene, but it’s still an exciting development for a disease that’s been deemed hopeless by the mainstream.
In the meantime, make sure you have a good support system for managing Huntington’s disease, including physical therapy and talk therapy for depression.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The $1000 Weight-Loss Secret Your Body Makes for FREE
Weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have become household names. These injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs have captured widespread attention, with celebrity endorsements and social media success stories highlighting their dramatic results. But here’s what those glossy headlines aren’t telling you… GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone released by your gut. It acts as...
Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit
Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring. So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it. But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be...
Nature's Powerful COVID-19 Defense REVEALED
While Big Pharma scrambles to cash in on new COVID-19 treatments, Mother Nature already has powerful allies waiting in the wings. A groundbreaking review in the journal Nutrients revealed a secret that Big Pharma won’t advertise—common herbs and supplements could ease mild COVID-19 symptoms. And the best part? You won’t need a prescription or to...
Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!
I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs. But that strength can also be their biggest health risk. Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things! Short of breath? It...
5 Warning Signs Men Should NEVER Ignore!
Men—listen up. I know you pride yourself on being tough. You insist on pushing through and refuse to make a fuss about “every little ache and pain.” But here’s the cold, hard truth… That tough guy act? It could KILL you. As a doctor I get an unwanted first-row seat to some hard-learned lessons. Hardly...
Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?
“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea. Are these symptoms connected in some way?” -Leaky and Lost Hi Lost, When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s...
“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan. There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week. But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea. Now, new research suggests it was a...
Nature's New Mood Booster? (It's Already in Your Kitchen!)
Scientists uncovered something surprising hiding in plain sight in our kitchens. And it might turn out to be nature’s answer to fighting depression. The best part? You’re probably already eating it… Let’s find out. An exciting new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that naturally occurring spermidine could help keep the blues...
Coffee Mug Hack Could Head Off Cancer
If you’re a coffee lover, it doesn’t get much better than that first cup of morning coffee. But before you reach for your favorite mug, I have some news that might make that java taste EVEN better. A new study finds your coffee habit could protect you from one of the world’s most common cancers…...
WALK Away from Cancer? Study Says “Yes!”
When you’re battling cancer, the LAST thing you need is more questionable advice. Yet a parade of well-meaning folks will insist you must do everything from running marathons to moving to a Greek island in order to outsmart the disease. But what if something as simple as a daily walk could give you the extra...