If stem cells are used to treat diseases such as Heart Failure and crohns, we must understand how the genes are turned on and off in our cells. By studying stem cells and gametes, we can understand how the genes are regulated by so-called epigenetic mechanisms when they give rise to new cell types.

During the development from stem cell to sperm cell, a testicle contains several tubular structures in which the development from stem cell to sperm cell takes place. Here we see the picture of the whole testicle and cuts and different coloring of this. At the far end of this “tube” wall are the gamete stem cells. As the development progresses, the cells move towards the center of the “tube”. In the bottom picture, we see cells where cell division takes place to form gametes (meiosis), coloured with fluorescent green colour. The DNA is stained with blue fluorescent dye. At the bottom, towards the open space in the middle of the left picture, we see sperm with a tail (blue arrow points to some of the tails).

The epigenetic coding system consists of DNA methylation, histone modifications, histone variants and small RNA molecules. The different parts of the coding system work together. In addition to turning genes on or off in specific cell types, there is an extraordinary way in stem cells to label genes that are important for the embryo’s development into different cell types. These genes have both activating and inhibitory labels to temporarily turn off. Still, they are prepared for immediate response when a developmental signal reaches the cell. If the stem cell receives a signal to develop into a nerve cell, the activating labels will dominate on genes necessary for nerve cells, at the same time as genes essential for development in other directions are permanently switched off. This epigenetic basis for a stem cell potential was recently discovered in embryonic stem cells and has also been demonstrated in more specialized stem cell types such as bone marrow stem cells.

What Are Totipotent Stem Cells?

Totipotency in cells emerges in early embryogenesis stag, but its molecular underpinnings remain poorly developed. At The Regeneration centre, we use DNA fiber analysis to investigate how pluripotent stem cells can be reprogrammed into totipotent-like 2-cell-like cells (2CLCs). We have seen that totipotent cells have slowed down the DNA replication speed through repeat testing. That totipotent-like 2-cell-like cells recapitulate this feature, suggesting that stem cell replication speed underlies the transition to a totipotent-like state. 2CLC cells emerge concomitantly with DNA replication and display changes in replication timing before the emergence of 2CLC cells. This suggests that replication timing may predispose gene expression changes and consequent reprogramming of cell fate. Slowing down replication speed can also induce 2CLCs. In practice, slowing down the fork speed helps improve the reprogramming efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Cell division rates and its impact on stem cell therapies

Our research data suggests that fork speed regulates cellular plasticity and that remodeling of replication leads to changes in cell fate and reprogramming. Stem cell plasticity is an essential requirement for all multicellular organisms. Cells in the embryo are considered the most plastic since they can essentially generate every cell type in the human body. In particular, the zygote and each blastomere in 2-cell-stages are totipotent because they can generate a new organism independently without the need for carrier cells. This contrast with pluripotent stem cells, which can generate all the cells in the body, excluding extraembryonic tissues. Thus, totipotent cells have been shown to have more remarkable cellular plasticity when used in stem cell therapies.

Germ stem cells

At the Regeneration Center Research Labs, we work with gamete stem cells and develop stem cells to mature sperm and egg cells. This development consists of several different cell stages, each stage with specific genes turned on or off. This makes the development of gametes, where we can cleanse cells from each stage, an attractive model system for studying cell development as it occurs in the body. We, and others, develop sensitive detection methods to perform epigenetic studies of naturally existing cell types where the number of cells is a limiting factor.

Epigenetics and stem cells

In the human body, several different types of stem cells are specialized for other purposes. The cells they can develop into are limited, and they can be challenging to grow in the laboratory. Embryonic stem cells (ES cells), on the other hand, are supercells from early embryos that we can isolate. Since they have not begun to specialize, they can develop into any of the body’s over 200 cell types. There are high hopes for research on stem cells, as they can replace damaged cells and sometime in the future may help patients with, among other things, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, MND and Parkinsons. Several research studies have shown that epigenetic mechanisms, mainly DNA methylation, histone modifications and small RNA molecules, control how the genes are turned on and off.

Epigenetically pre-programmed sperm cells?

Sperm development is an exciting model system representing a fundamental process for sustaining life through new generations. Despite this, we currently have minimal knowledge about how the epigenetic coding system operates specifically in developing sperm and cell division to form gametes. It is known that DNA methylation has a vital role in turning off the gene and packaging the DNA ready for the mature sperm, while for histone modifications and histone variants, very little is known. Therefore, we will investigate whether these epigenetic labels (changes) are hereditary over meiosis and to the next generation. Using a unique purification technique, we can extract homogeneous populations of sperm that are at different stages in the development between the gamete stem cell and the mature sperm cell. Could it be that sperm are epigenetically pre-programmed to allow early embryonic development after conception? It has recently been shown that some specific genes that are necessary for the earliest embryonic stages are labelled so that they are turned off but are ready for activation, already in sperm. These are genes needed to create stem cell potential in the first cells in the embryo
so that they can develop into any of the body’s cell types.

Skin cells can become stem cells

Studies of epigenetics in MSC+ stem cells are one of the most exciting things happening in medical research due to the possibility of changing epigenetic modifications in adult cells so that they become stem cells again. A few years ago, an entire research world was amazed at how simple it was. A team of researchers in Japan let skin cells from the face of a 36-year-old woman grow in a lab. By introducing four proteins (so-called transcription factors that regulate gene expression), we were able (within three weeks) to set the clock back in the skin cells so that they again became unspecialized stem cells, similar to the ES cells from the fetal stage almost 37 years ago.

What are induced pluripotent stem cells?

In the last two years, research has taken a step further by establishing stem cells from skin cells for patients with several different diseases, including Kidney disease, Spinal Cord Injuries, Bronchiectasis and Lung Fibrosis. It is possible to change patients’ epigenetic modifications in skin cells regardless of age. Among other things, this has been demonstrated with a piece of skin from a three-month-old baby and a piece of skin from a 78-year-old man. Our stem cell laboratory has skin cell samples from patients with Transverse Myelitis that we reprogram to become MSC+ stem cells. Familial Ataxia is an inherited neurological disease that leads to involuntary body movements, personality changes and dementia. In recent years, intensive research has been conducted to find the cause of Alzheimer’s disease and Cerebral Palsy at the cellular level. It is difficult to get sound model systems from humans since the affected brain cells cannot be isolated, as we can easily do with cells from blood samples. Thanks to epigenetic reprogramming, where the epigenetic modifications are removed, the stem cells represent a new, promising model system that, in the long run, can contribute to improved treatment for these patient groups.

Learn More

A new study about the long-term effects of COVID has shown a substantial rise in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and brain strokes, after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings show that even fully vaccinated patients with very mild cases of COVID-19 from omicron subvariant can increase the risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease for at least a year after the initial diagnosis. Based on the new data, it appears that the rates of many medical conditions, such as COPD, heart disease and kidney failure, were substantially higher in people who have recovered from exposure to COVID-19 than in similar patients who were never diagnosed with COVID-19. The Regeneration Center did publish our early finding about how covid can lead to heart and lung disease nearly two years ago and the new research seems to confirm our findings.
Additional data found that the risk of developing chronic diseases was seriously high even for patients under 65 years old who lack other risk factors, such as diabetes, liver disease or obesity. The study shows that it doesn’t matter if patients are old or young; it doesn’t matter if they smoked cigarettes or didn’t. The additional risk is there regardless. The researcher compared more than 175,000 people who survived for at least one month (30 days) after contracting COVID-19. The study subjects were divided into two groups of uninfected patients: more than seven million people who used insurance during the pandemic and a similarly sized group that used the insurance before SARS-CoV-2 infection began.

Troubled weak hearts after COVID

Patients who recently recovered from COVID-19 have shown rapid increases in over 21 cardiovascular conditions for over one year after the infection. For example, patients were 54% more likely to have had a brain stroke than the control group, which means that, out of every 1,000 people who participated, there were around five more people in the COVID-19 (exposed) group than in the control group (non-exposed) who experienced having a stroke.

The risk of developing congestive heart failure increased by 70%, or around 11 more people in the COVID-19 group per 1,000 studied. Hospitalization rates also increased other risks, such as the likelihood of developing cardiovascular complications in the future, but even patients who avoided being hospitalized were still at a higher risk for many medical conditions such as transverse myelitis, neuropathy and SLE.

The research reveals how long cardiovascular complications caused by COVID can last. Because having a severe disease increases the risk of complications much more than a mild case, those who are still not vaccinated must get their vaccines as soon as possible. The study’s length and observational nature do come with some limitations. For example, people in the primary control group were not all tested for COVID-19, so it is quite possible that some of the subjects had mild infections which went unreported or un-diagnosed. As the pandemic nears the end, healthcare providers and regenerative healthcare centers worldwide should prepare to address the massive increases in onset cardiovascular disease. But with high COVID-19 case counts that are still straining medical resources around the world, international health authorities might delay preparing for the pandemic’s aftermath for much too long, especially for the millions of patients with long COVID.

Before You Risk Surgery for Rotator Cuff Injury, Take a Good Long Look at today’s Stem Cell Therapies. The human shoulder is one of the most flexible joints in the body, but the shoulder’s incredible flexibility is typically why it’s so susceptible to get a rotator cuff injury. Over the last 15 years, The Regeneration Center has developed into one of the worlds leading full-service regenerative medical treatment centers, and dealing with rotator cuff injuries due to sports or accidents are amongst the most common orthopedic joint conditions we treat.

The Shoulder Joint

Our shoulders are a complex network of muscle, tendons, ligaments, and bones. These “pulleys, levers, and scaffolding” make up the rotator cuff. When in optimal shape, the rotator cuff allows a full range of shoulder movement. But when a rotator cuff injury occurs, shoulder movement becomes painful, limited, and challenging. These injuries can happen due to acute injuries, tissue tears or bone disease like shoulder joint arthritis, gout and spinal arthritis.

Why Use Surgery as a First Resort for Rotator Cuff Injury?

Many people believe that shoulder surgery is the first and only resort after suffering a rotator cuff injury. However, that isn’t true. Part of the reason for this is the undeniable advancements that have been made in virtually all types of surgical procedures. These advancements have spurred whole medical practices headed by surgeons of every kind. Many surgeons have clinics that specialize in nothing but specific joint surgeries. When doctors run facilities that depend on specialized surgery, what do you suppose they will promote as the only remedy for your rotator cuff injury?

We all want to believe that our doctors and orthopaedic specialists have our best interests in mind. But the reality is that institutions have been built on surgeries of every kind. Additionally, in a startling amount of cases, these shoulder surgeries result in worse shoulder function than before surgery. Add to this the long, tedious, and painful process of extensive physical rehabilitation, and it’s no wonder that most people who suffer a rotator cuff injury ask if there is a reliable shoulder surgery alternative.

A Closer Look at the Risks of Surgery for Rotator Cuff Injury

Common sense tells us that “popular and frequent” is not necessarily the same as “safe and effective.” A botched surgery to repair a rotator cuff injury typically can’t be undone. Of those few failures that can be corrected, the range of motion is never the same due to the buildup of scar tissue. Too many shoulder specialists do not bring up the topic of shoulder surgery alternatives when talking with their patients. That means you need to be proactive in researching these options before risking surgery for a rotator cuff injury.

Don’t leave it up to the surgeon to volunteer all the risks involved with surgical repair for rotator cuff injury. When consulting with specialists about surgery, have them thoroughly answer questions about the following:

Recovery Time After Shoulder Surgery?

A rotator cuff injury significantly and immediately impacts the quality of life. So you need full functionality restored as quickly as possible. This will likely not happen for at least a month with rotator cuff surgery, if not more. Standard tendon to bone surgical repairs target only a fibro-vascular scar tissue that has very poor mechanical properties. A recent report in the Orthopedic journal found that patients who undergo surgery for rotator cuff injury can expect to have the affected arm in a restrictive sling between four and seven weeks. But that’s just the beginning. Total recovery time after the surgical procedure can last as long as six months. It’s not uncommon for patients to miss weeks, if not months, of work during recovery.

Risks During & After Shoulder Surgery?

The main issue with failure after rotator cuff surgery is biologic in nature. It’s well known that the delicate and highly specialized fibro-cartilaginous transition zone between the rotator cuff and the bone does not initiate regeneration after surgical repair. Regardless of the advances of shoulder arthroscopic surgery, procedures to repair a rotator cuff injury are invasive. A surgeon has to cut, sew, and displace the complex issues deep within the shoulder’s network. This leaves the patient vulnerable to an array of risks during the procedure itself. Some of these risks include:

• Allergic reactions to an anaesthetic
• Infections
• Unintended damage to nerves & Peripheral Neuropathy
• Respiratory difficulties related to anaesthesia
• Major blood vessel damage causing heart disease
• Excessive bleeding
• Irreversible tendon damage

Waiting for Failure?

It’s estimated that one in five patients who undergo shoulder surgery is likely to suffer another rotator cuff injury. That means there is a massive market for revision surgeries. The vast majority of specialists are anticipating this, and they fully expect a sizable number of repairs to fail and anticipate your need for a second surgery.

Do you know what that means? Going under the knife again, enduring weeks of painful rehab again, more months of functional loss, more lost wages from absenteeism, and more medical bills that are as high or even higher than the first round of them.

Cost of Rotator Cuff Surgery

As of January 2022, the Healthcare Bluebook estimates the fair market price for rotator cuff injury to be between $6,584.00 and $12,271.00. When have you ever paid the lower end of any medical procedure estimate, let alone when it fell into the “fair” range? That estimate doesn’t include the overnight expenses of a hospital stay, prescription pain medication, or the physical therapy bills that follow. Now, imagine that you are the one in five patients that experience a second rotator cuff injury? If you elect to undergo a second surgery, you’ve just doubled that number.

Stem Cell Rotator Cuff as a Shoulder Surgery Alternative

Enhanced Stem cell therapy allows for an all-natural biologic healing process due mainly to angiogenesis and its anti-inflammatory properties that allow for the regenerative cycle to beign. Of all the cell types, these specialized cells alone can become virtually any cell needed to repair disease or degeneration. Whether addressing joint problems like a shoulder joint injury, knee injuries, degenerative lumbar spine, hip injuries, or conditions like lung fibrosis, COPD, kidney failure or diabetes, MSCs+ (modified) stem cells can be delivered into the affected area go to work rebuilding and repairing muscle, bone, cartilage, torn ligaments, and more. Today, most stem cell procedures we offer use tissue-specific stem cells and growth factors that are concentrated into therapeutic levels then re-introduced into the diseased or injured area.

MSCs+ Stem cells maximize the body’s healing potential.

Upon infusions, the stem cells look for chemical signals to determine the area of distress and what cell types are needed for repair and regeneration then convert themselves into those types and “home” to the injured areas of the body. The activated cells and tissue-specific growth factors also help stimulate other stem cells that may be randomly circulating near the site and promote them into becoming bone, muscle, tendon or whatever type of tissue is needed for healing.

Isolated and Enhanced Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC+) can be differentiated into different mesodermal tissues and posses a strong paracrine, immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory and angiogenic potential. Ortho+ Stem cell therapy is thus a potentially effective non-surgical treatment to enhance rotator cuff healing.

Why is stem cell therapy for rotator cuff tears so effective?

Stem cells are essentially blank cells that our body releases each day of our lives, and these circulating stem cells allow the healing process to begin in our bodies. Of all the cell types, MSC+ Mesenchymal stem cells can become virtually any kind of cell needed for repairing disease or damage.

Shoulder and Joint conditions that Can Benefit from Stem Cell Therapy

Types of injuries that benefit from stem cell therapy include:

• Tendonosis & Tendonitis
• Rotator Cuff Injury
• AC Joint Injury or Separation
• Sprains & Tears
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Shoulder Arthritis
• Recurrent Shoulder Dislocations

Shoulder Stem Cell Procedure Recovery Times

For optimal results, the Regeneration Center offers a multi-stage protocol over a period of 1-2 weeks in total. The stem cell treatment for torn rotator cuff we offer is non-invasive and done on an outpatient basis. Isolated Ortho+ MSC stem cells are the preferred type of stem cell used in most procedures. These stem cells are multipotent cells that can maintain the regenerative process over multiple life cycles. Delivery of the cells is done at various points to ensure the desired cells and growth factors continue initiating the regenerative process over an extended period of time.

Shoulder surgery vs Stem Cell shoulder injections

Though recovery times for stem cell therapy procedures can be dramatic, it’s essential to remember that recovery length will vary according to the severity of the rotator cuff injury and the patient. The standard estimate is to expect a noticeable reduction in the injury pain within one to two months. Typically, pain reduction and improvement in function noticeably progress over six months. Compare these milder recovery issues related to stem cell therapy to those of conventional, invasive surgery.

Sounds Great! But What Are The Risks?

Of course, all medical procedures inherently carry risks, and this is true from the most straightforward procedures (like receiving a flu shot) to the most complex (like open-heart surgery). Our unique Ortho+ MSC stem cells have been developed over the last decade and present a very impressively low risk precisely because the stem cells are engineered for maximum potency with minimum surface markers to remove any chance of rejection essentially. The Regeneration Center offers both Autologous cell treatments and Allogeneic Cell Therapies based on patient needs, age & severity.  It can be stated with confidence that Ortho+ stem cell therapy for rotator cuff injury is safe, especially compared to far more invasive surgical procedures.

Companion Therapies to Orthopedic Stem Cell Procedures

Regenerative medicine is a term that encompasses therapeutic procedures beyond stem cell therapy. One of the most commonly used is targeted Ortho+ Stem cells which are often used in our anti-aging & wellness protocols. Our propitiatory stem cell treatment protocols takes advantage of Mesenchymal Stem cells, growth factors, and healing powers of blood platelets according to patient needs.

Ortho+ Treatment is regularly used for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries such as:

• Osteoarthritis
• Bone fractures
• Muscle injuries
• Ligament damage due to injuries
• Tendon injuries

To treat a condition like a rotator cuff injury, Ortho+ cells can be a powerful tool for natural recovery without surgery. Blood platelets contain proteins, peptides, glycoproteins, and growth factors, and these elements dramatically boost the healing process of soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and even skin.

Physical therapy & rehab remain an essential part of recovery

Just as there is a recovery period after stem cell therapy for a rotator cuff injury, physical therapy is essential. The stem cells help heal and rebuild tissue, and it is a physical therapy that restores shoulder strength, mobility, and flexibility. However, you should notice a big difference between the recovery period and physical therapy phase following stem cell therapy compared to conventional, more invasive surgical practices.

How Many Stem Cell Infusions Are Needed?

For conditions like a rotator cuff injury, many patients will only need a single trip to our Stem Cell Clinic. As long as there is no re-injury, Ortho+ stem cell infusions can eliminate pain restore shoulder function. However, in cases where shoulder damage is severe, additional stages over 1-3 weeks might be required.

How much stem cell treatment for rotator cuff cost?

Total treatment cost depend on the stage and severity of injury but single infusions for non-complicated cases start at about $2950. To start an evaluation for treatment a recent MRI scan will be required. By and large, patients will see a pretty notable improvement starting approximately three weeks and lasting as long as 4-5 months. The stem cells need time to populate enough to begin healing and reparation. Shoulder pain will continue to decrease dramatically over the following few months, and full mobility usually follows in short order.

Compare this to conventional, invasive shoulder surgery. Patients are often required to endure many, many months of grueling physical rehabilitation to regain shoulder strength and motion. With surgery for a rotator cuff injury, 4 to 6 months of recovery (2 months wearing a sling) following the surgery. Even then, many patients of shoulder surgery report that stiffness, weakness, and chronic pain remain.

Good Candidates for Rotator Cuff Regeneration

If you suffer from chronic shoulder pain of any kind, you are likely a good candidate for stem cell therapy. However, as with any medical procedure, stem cell treatments may not be appropriate for all cases and injuries.

Full Recovery from a Rotator Cuff Injury is Possible

There’s no longer a need for someone suffering from a rotator cuff injury to rely on the hope that conventional surgery might work or run the risk of it failing to help or even possibly worsening the injury. The Regeneration Center Ortho+ Stem cell therapy has become the preferred shoulder surgery alternative. From the ranks of professional sports teams to weekend warriors to homemakers who have experienced years of wear and tear to their shoulders, Ortho+ stem cell therapy is making is a natural and dramatic difference without the risks of surgery.

What to Look for in a Reputable Stem Cell Center?

When seeking a qualified stem cell therapy centre, it’s important to remember that not all of them are created equal. When appropriately used, stem cells are your body’s most potent means for healing that can repair everything from ligaments, tendons, and cartilage to organs including your liver, pancreas and lungs and even neurological function like your brain neurotransmitters or damage due to spinal cord injury.

Unfortunately, most so-called “regenerative medical clinics” in the world aren’t trained in the latest, most technologically advanced procedures and will, therefore, provide poor results, if any. Advanced stem cell therapy and soon gene therapies present the most effective option to improve rotator cuff healing. The good news is that The Regeneration Centre has developed the most advanced stem cell enhanced procedures on the planet which has drawn patients from all over the world and professional athletes and celebrities because they are recognized as one the best destinations for isolated & enhanced stem cell therapies (MSC+).

What makes The Regeneration Center the top stem cell clinic in the world? Five key areas:

1. Highly trained and experienced, board-certified doctors and cell biologists who are trained to isolate + expand MSC stem cells and have performed stem cell procedures over 14 years with excelled results.
2. Cutting edge cell culturing procedures utilizing all that regenerative medicine offers for many chronic degenerative conditions.
3. Founded by leading biomedical researchers who have developed advanced cellular expansion techniques to maximize the healing potential of mesenchymal stem cells
4. Use only the most potent and viable multipoint stem cells with Tissue-specific growth factors such as TGF (5–6 subtypes), Tissular cytokines. Prostaglandins, Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), VGF, Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF).
5. Post-operative guidance supports stem-cell growth, including rehabilitation, diet and supplement protocols. The Regeneration Center is a full-service healthcare centre focused on patient outcomes. Stem cell therapy is only one tool used to help improve patients’ lives.

For the last 15 years patients from over 65 countries in the world have placed their trust in The Regeneration Center, testifying to their level of care & unique cutting-edge stem cell procedures that have helped them experience a breakthrough when nothing else worked.

Every day, it seems, medical researchers discover new links connecting chronic diseases, systemic inflammation, and the significance of what are known as “superfoods” in preventing or protecting against unwelcome fatty acid oxidation. It should come as no surprise, to anyone that there is indeed a direct relationship between kidney diseases, metabolic diseases and our diet. Knowing about these relationships is an excellent proactive way to help manage kidney health. ^[1]

The Kidney Disease Diet: Good Food for Healthier Kidneys

For over 12 years The Regeneration Center has been of the leading regenerative medical clinics in the world actively pursuing advancements in using renal stem cells  for kidney disease therapy. We knows through first hand experience how interconnected the relationship between kidney disease and diet is. Taking the right approach to nutrition figures significantly into managing fatty acid oxidation and promoting one going kidney health before it becomes chronic kidney disease.

Fatty oxidation occurs when the oxygen in body tissues and organs reacts to the fats found in our blood and the body’s circulating cells. Oxidation in and of itself is not a bad thing. It is a normal process. Oxidation is needed for the creation of energy and the production of vital chemical reactions in the body. The problem occurs when the oxidation of fats is excessive. This can result in too much cholesterol, which produces molecules called free radicals. These harmful molecules can damage vital proteins, cell membranes, and DNA.

Besides chronic renal diseases and diabetes there is a long list of illnesses and disorders that are associated with damage caused by oxidative stress including:

• Congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction & coronary atherosclerosis
• Cancer of the liver, lung cancer and prostate cancer
• Neural disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MND and ALS
• Liver Failure
• Sensory Neuropathy
• Rheumatoid arthritis

With everything we know today about nutrition and antioxidants, the link between kidney disease and diet was hardly a shocker to the medical community.

How Diet and Nutrition Impact Kidney Disease

Once nephrologists understood what foods are bad for the kidneys and how antioxidants in diet can affect kidney disease, nutritional support health became a primary weapon in helping to manage the disease. Foods rich in antioxidants are known for helping to neutralize free radicals and protecting every tissue and organ in the body.

What is a good diet for chronic kidney disease?

A diet high in protein from fish, eggs, pork at every meal might be recommended by your doctor or nutritionist. Kidney disease patients on dialysis should limit eating 225 to 280 grams (8 to 10 ounces) of foods high in protein each day and they may also recommend adding egg white powder, egg whites or protein powder.

The Renal Diet & Foods That Are Good For The Kidneys

1) Red Bell Peppers (sweet pepper, pepper, or capsicum) – Red bell peppers are low in potassium while can add big-time flavors depending on how they are prepared. These crispy members of the pepper family are also a great source of vitamins C, A, B6, folic acid, and fiber. Red peppers contain lycopene, a fat oxidation fighter that ups the game in your favor regarding kidney disease and diet. Although Its best to eat red bell peppers raw they can be cooked in several healthy ways. They are excellent when served with a healthy dip or mixed into a variety of green, tuna or chicken salads. Bell peppers can also be roasted or grilled, which really enhances their natural flavor and livens up boring sandwiches, salads and omelets.

2) Onions – The humble onion is often overlooked as an ally in fighting kidney disease with diet. This popular root vegetable is low in potassium and has a powerful antioxidant known as quercetin. Moderate amount of onions are suitable for kidney health, and also helps fight heart disease and many types of cancers caused by metabolic dysfunctions. Onions are also rich in chromium, and a flavorful addition to low-carb diet recipes. Adding onions makes it easy to avoid meal boredom. Onions come in a variety of types, from white to red to brown and more. Like garlic, onions can be eaten raw, grilled, baked, sautéed, or caramelized. The versatility of onions is wide enough to keep anyone following a renal diet from feeling deprived of flavor.

3) Garlic – Garlic helps reduce cellular inflammation, lower cholesterol, boost circulating stem cells and even prevent plaque buildup on teeth. Keeping inflammation to a minimum makes a world of difference regarding kidney disease and diet and a broad range of other illnesses. Since many people impacted by kidney disease also struggle with cardiovascular problems, adding garlic into your diet can help improve circulatory system function. Garlic is available virtually everywhere and comes fresh in heads (bulbs), as an oil, minced in jars, or dried into a powder. You can add garlic to a variety of foods and recipes. Roasted garlic spreads on wheat toast or bagels are another great way to get compliments from your family and friends.

Healthier eating options for kidney patients

4) Apples – The health benefits of apples have been so well known for a long time time, and have been ingrained into our minds via the “apple a day kept the doctor away” rhyme which was written centuries ago. Apples can fight cholesterol and the fiber inside them can be used as preventative measures for constipation and to reduce the risk of developing heart disease or cancer. Depending on the variety of apple they can be eaten raw, baked, stewed, sauced, or juiced.^[2]

5) Cranberries – These tart and tasty members of the berry family have long been prized for bladder and kidney health. Doctors in nearly every medical tradition, from western to eastern medicine have in some way recommended consuming cranberries to help fight urinary system infections and inflammatory bowel diseases. This delicious ruby-red berry is a staple on many shopping lists of patients with some autoimmune conditions and kidney disease. Cranberries are known for protecting the stomach from bacteria that cause ulcers. It protects the gastrointestinal tract lining and is an ally against fighting symptoms of diabetic nephropathy and ankylosing spondylitis. Cranberries or 100% cranberry juice can be consumed year long. It can also be used in sauce form, dried and added to salads or eaten whole as a handy snack.

6) Blueberries & Raspberries – Versatile berries full of phytonutrients like ellagic acid that helps neutralize free radicals known to cause cellular damage. These berries are also full of another potent antioxidant known as anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are responsible for raspberries’ bright red color while phytonutrients give the berries their blue color. Additionally, these berries are a great source of manganese, vitamin C, fiber folate and packed with natural compounds that decrease inflammation. New research has also shown that blueberries may help the brain resist some of the effects of aging.
How do you like your blueberries and raspberries? Fresh, frozen, or dried? In muesli cereal or topped with whipped cream? How about as a juice or as part of a fruit smoothie? Raspberry vinaigrette makes a delicious dressing! No matter how you consume them these mighty little berries are a great addition to a kidney friendly diet regimen. ^[3]

7) Cherries – Cherries may well be the king of anti-inflammatory berries. One cup of cherries per day has been shown to decrease inflammation. That alone can be a great reason to include them in your renal diet. However, like the other berries mentioned in this article, cherries do much heavy lifting in the antioxidant department and provide phytochemicals for optimal kidney health. Cherry fans across the world know there is no tastier snack than some fresh cherries. However, this versatile berry can also be made into a sauce that pairs spectacularly with beef, lamb or pork. Prefer your cherries juiced? You can juice them fresh at home or pick up a bottle at most grocery stores.

Kidney Diet after Renal Stem Cell Therapy

8) Strawberries – Like many other berries, strawberries announce their nutritional value with their bright red color. These popular berries are loaded with two kinds of phenols. Anthocyanins (which make strawberries red) and ellagitannins (diverse class of hydrolyzable tannins) are potent antioxidants that contribute to healthy kidney cell structure and check oxidative damage. Strawberries also add fiber to your diet and is packed with vitamin C and manganese. Strawberries are another multi-tasking fruit providing heart protection, acting as an anti-cancer food, and providing anti-inflammatory defense. Virtually any way you want to serve them, strawberries are a natural powerhouse when managing kidney disease with diet. You can add them to cereals, turn them into a smoothie, enjoy them in a salad, or slice them up or enjoy them as-is raw.

9) Egg Whites – Eggs are back on the menu! For those managing kidney disease and diet, the whites of the egg are your best choice. Even though egg yolks can be nutritious, they contain high amounts of phosphorus, making egg whites a much better choice for people following a renal friendly diet. Egg whites are pure, high-quality protein and provide all the crucial amino acids. For optimal kidney health, in particular, it is recommended that you opt for the whites of eggs rather than the yolk since egg yolks contain more phosphorus. One of the hallmarks of chronic kidney disease is that the kidneys cannot remove phosphorus well. Egg whites can be found in powdered form as well as fresh or pasteurized. Many people love egg white omelets or sandwiches. Add hard-boiled whites to fresh green or tuna salads for a quick protein boost. For those that are not fond of the taste of egg whites, you can “sneak” them into smoothies or shakes, and your taste buds will never know the difference

10) Olive Oil (EVOO) – Olive oil is a rich source of anti-inflammatory fatty acids. Cold pressed olive oil is a monounsaturated fat known for protecting the body against oxidation. It is also an excellent source of polyphenols and antioxidants that promote neurogenesis, fight inflammation and oxidation. This makes it an ideal addition for those wanting to manage a kidney friendly diet. Not only is olive oil a great ally to those managing kidney disease and diet, but this delicious oil has also been shown to help reduce rates of heart disease and systemic inflammation. Of the types of olive oil available, “virgin” and “extra virgin” contain the highest amounts of antioxidants. Use it as a salad dressing, as your go-to cooking oil, season it to make an elegant and tasty bread dip, or marinate for vegetables.

11) Fish & salmon – Like egg whites, fish is an excellent source for high-quality protein. However, it is fish’s omega-3 fats that particularly useful in fighting kidney disease. These healthy fats help lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein). That is the bad type of cholesterol behind many cardiovascular problems. Omega-3s do not just lower bad cholesterol. They also actively raise your good cholesterol, medically known as high-density lipoprotein. The Regeneration Center advises having fish as a main course no less than twice weekly. Some of the highest levels of omega-3s in fish can be found in albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, rainbow trout, and salmon.

12) Cauliflower – Another member of the powerful cruciferous veggie family. Cauliflower earns high marks for its vitamin C, folate, and fiber content. Cauliflowers are loaded with indoles, glucosinolates, and thiocyanates. You may not have ever heard of these three compounds, but their impact on patients with chronic and polycystic kidney disease comes from boosting the functions which can also help the liver. In particular, they aid the liver in neutralizing toxins that can damage DNA and the membranes of cells. Cauliflower pack a delicious and nutritious punch, whether served raw, baked, boiled, cooked, or steamed. Serve it raw as an appetizer with dip or put it in a salad. Serve it hot and seasoned with nutrient-rich herbs and spices like curry powders, turmeric or pepper. Cauliflower is also popular mashed and substituted for potatoes. In addition to all the vitamins and liver-boosting compounds, these veggies are also low carb, making them that much ideal for both the kidney failure diet and low carb diet.^[4]

Want to Learn More?

The functional medical physicians at the Regeneration Center believe that the best defense against illnesses like kidney disease is preventative measures like proper nutrition. That is why management of kidney disease and diet go hand-in-hand. But even when these diseases cannot be avoided, nutrition is a major player in managing these severe illnesses. That is why our regenerative protocols and nutritional counseling are so closely allied.^[5]

To learn more about using food as tool to fight kidney disease please contact us today.

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Published Clinical Citations

• [1] ^Ko GJ, Obi Y, Tortorici AR, Kalantar-Zadeh K. Dietary protein intake and chronic kidney disease. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2017 Jan;20(1):77-85. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000342. PMID: 27801685; PMCID: PMC5962279.

• [2] ^Anderson CA, Nguyen HA, Rifkin DE. Nutrition Interventions in Chronic Kidney Disease. Med Clin North Am. 2016 Nov;100(6):1265-1283. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2016.06.008. Epub 2016 Sep 13. PMID: 27745594.

• [3] ^Vargas F, Romecín P, García-Guillén AI, Wangesteen R, Vargas-Tendero P, Paredes MD, Atucha NM, García-Estañ J. Flavonoids in Kidney Health and Disease. Front Physiol. 2018 Apr 24;9:394. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00394. PMID: 29740333; PMCID: PMC5928447.

• [4] ^Piyaphanee N, Chaiyaumporn S, Phumeetham S, Lomjansook K, Sumboonnanonda A. Acute kidney injury without previous renal disease in critical care unit. Pediatr Int. 2020 Jul;62(7):810-815. doi: 10.1111/ped.14218. Epub 2020 Jul 10. PMID: 32145130.

• [5] ^Shi Y, Wang Y, Li Q, Liu K, Hou J, Shao C, Wang Y. Immunoregulatory mechanisms of mesenchymal stem and stromal cells in inflammatory diseases. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2018 Aug;14(8):493-507. doi: 10.1038/s41581-018-0023-5. PMID: 29895977.

Cancer patients with abnormal metabolism apoptosis evasion are considered to be hallmarks of many types of cancers. Cancer research has shown that cancer stem cells are often the key drivers of tumor formation, cancer progression, and recurrences. To successfully defeat malignant cells, therapies must eliminate cells that are resistant to apoptosis.

Molecular Cancer Therapies

Cancer stem cells or “CSC” are unipotent cells that are found within a tumor cell mass. These cells are very resistant to traditional chemotherapies and play an integral role in the recurrence of cancers after chemotherapy. CSCs can change their metabolism to fill their biosynthetic requirements. These cells are very dependent on aerobic glycolysis for energy production and are associated with rapid increases in the synthesis of fatty acids and the rate at which glutamine is utilized. The Regeneration Center has found consistent evidence that shows therapeutic resistance to cancer treatments can increase due to glutaminolysis, fatty acid synthesis & dysregulation in glucose metabolism.

Cancer cells can propagate their lethal effects to survive after chemo by optimizing their metabolic requirements to ensure evasion from the host immune system. Current evidence shows that cancer stem cells can rapidly metabolize glutamine to grow because glutamine provides energy and vital precursors needed to synthesize lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. CSC can also control some cell signaling pathways that control the rapid proliferation of cancer cells.

Targeting the metabolic regulators

In a recent breakthrough, we have discovered that a small number of cancer stem cells are responsible for most of the spread and growth of cancers. Cancer stem cells are difficult to target as they can exist in multiple states and change their form between dormant and rapidly growing states. This cell plasticity is what helps cancers to multiply and spread rapidly. Some traditional targeted cancer therapies can work for some time, but the Cancer can mutate and eventually becomes resistant. This is why we use multiple types of stem cell therapies to fight multiple forms of cancer cells. We believe that the metabolic system ultimately controls these changes, making it the ideal vector to attack the malignant cells.

All cells in the human body get energy through the mitochondria, dependent on glucose (sugar) and oxygen. Cancer stem cells can draw energy from either source. In a dormant state, cancer cells use glucose, but in a proliferative state, it requires more oxygen. The ideal way to treat cancer cells is to block mitochondria and block the path used for glucose uptake.

Targeting the tumor microenvironment

Instead of using toxic chemicals to kill cancer cells, it might be possible to use its metabolism to kill Cancer. The immune system is regulated by our metabolism, which suggests that the possibility of combining immunotherapy with anti-cancer cell therapies can be effective in eliminating the progression of some types of cancers, including pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer.

Successful elimination of Cancer today requires an approach that can affect CSCs and differentiated cancer cells. Conventional therapies that can target rapidly proliferating differentiated cancer cells include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, NK Cells and cancer immunotherapy. This modern cancer treatment can help tumors shrink but might not be able to prevent the recurrence of the tumor.

For this reason, a combination treatment that can target proliferating cancer cells and dormant cancer cells is ideal. An essential component for combined cancer therapy is identifying surface markers that can distinguish cells between nontumorigenic cells & tumorigenic cells.

Understanding Mitochondrial Translation & CSC Biogenesis

Therapeutic strategies for cancer cells include targeting the cellular pathways involved in the cell self-renewal process & cellular differentiation. A reversal of the tumor metabolism to “normal” from “malignant” can help stop the growth of cancer cells, create tumor regression, and induce apoptosis of cancer cells, thus reducing the risk of any recurrence of the tumor.

The lungs play a critical role in proper body function by allowing for the effortless exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. It’s not until we have difficulty breathing that we notice, But the truth is, our lungs need just as much daily care and attention as our body does. Specific lung exercises can help it work more efficiently. This can reduce shortness of breath when a person’s lung capacity is limited.

Cardiovascular health can be affected for many reasons, including smoking, air pollution, Aging, or other factors like COVID-19 that can make the lungs work less efficiently due to restrictions on lungs’ overall capacity. For patients with asthma, autoimmune diseases such as AS, lung scarring disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, this means a daily battle.

A person with advanced lung disease might not even be able to try breathing exercises, which would help reduce consistent shortness of breath caused by damage to lung function. Breathing clean air helps deliver oxygen to nearly every cell in our body. Without enough oxygen, people are susceptible to chronic health problems, respiratory distress, and even heart disease. Our lungs are generally in the rest phase. Even during most daily exercises, they only reach 50 percent of their overall capacity. To reach optimal lung function, you need to challenge the lungs with more frequent and intensive cardiovascular activity. Such activities offer many benefits, including removing toxins and tar formations caused by environmental pollutants, medications, allergens, dust, or nicotine-related smoking. This article is part of a good functional healthcare program and looks at seven ways to help you reduce frequent shortness of breath in healthy people & patients with respiratory infections or interstitial lung diseases. Learn about stem cell therapies.

Belly breathing & Diaphragmatic breathing

Belly breathing uses the diaphragm muscle, which separates the organs from the lungs. Diaphragmatic breathing works by fully engaging the abdominal muscles in the stomach and diaphragm in purposeful breathing. Each inward breath requires pulling the diaphragm down with conscious force. Belly breathing exercises help train our lungs to fill more efficiently. By lowering the diaphragm muscles as we breathe in, we get a much deeper inhale. This breathing technique is very popular with professional opera singers to help increase their lung capacity naturally.

Other types of easy breathing exercises include:

• Pursed-lips Breathing
• Numbered Breathing
• 4-7-8 Breathing
• Alternate nostril breathing
• Equal breathing
• Lion’s breath exercises
• Sitali breathing technique
• Bhramari technique & Humming bee breath
• Coherent or Resonant breathing
• Rib Stretches

 Cardiovascular Exercises and Aerobics

Cardiovascular health via exercises such as aerobics plays a vital role in building lung capacity by making our huge muscle groups all move at rhythmic speed. This full-body workout helps strengthen our lungs and heart which can help improve overall endurance. By training the lungs and heart, our body can use oxygen much more efficiently and enhance our breathing.

Some recommended cardiovascular workouts are:

• Indoor Cycling
• Biking Outdoors
• Sports like basketball or football
• Jogging
• Swimming
• Dancing
• Jump rope

Workout In Higher Elevations

The overall oxygen content levels are much less at higher altitudes, so it’s an excellent way to push the lungs and increase overall capacity. Exercising at higher altitudes can be dangerous, so it’s best to start slow and slowly buildup tolerance to the higher elevations. It’s generally a good idea to give your body some time to acclimatize to the high altitudes properly. It might be good to go with a friend or qualified instructor, as unsupervised workouts in higher elevations can increase the risk of getting altitude sickness.

Get Enough Vitamin D

Vitamin D is known to influence all innate immune effectors and therefore can play a vital role in how our lungs recognize and respond to dangerous airborne pathogens.
A study released last year found that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with better overall lung function and can help protect some people against COPD flare-ups or inflammation, which will allow them to breathe more comfortably and boost your cells naturally. Getting your daily dose of Vitamin D from the sun is usually not an issue in the summer months or if you live in a tropical country like Thailand, but, depending on where you are, you might not get enough vitamin D from the sun alone. In such instances, it might be wise to invest in vitamin D supplements at least until the weather conditions are favorable. Natural Vitamin D and anti-inflammatory compounds are also found in many foods we eat, such as egg yolks, Shiitake mushrooms, fish, yogurt, and red meat.

Improve the air quality inside the home

For most big-city dwellers, air pollution is an unavoidable fact of life. Even short bouts with lousy air pollution can affect your lungs negatively. But thanks to modern technologies, we can take steps to better the air quality at home. This can be done using HEPA air filters to get rid of dust or add more house plants to keep the air fresh. On good days when air pollution levels are low, opening the windows is a great way to get good clean, fresh air.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is also critical for pulmonary health and the rest of our body functions. Water is a powerful anti-aging tool that helps to keep our blood flowing to and from the lungs at total capacity. If you do not like buying water bottles every day, consider investing in a good reusable water bottle that can be filled and transported with you to work or while running errands.

Stop Smoking

While obvious, this fact really cannot be stressed enough. Smoking cigarettes or vape pens are one of the worst things you can do to your lungs and can cause countless other issues like CHF, heart disease, neuropathy, lung cancer, and ED. The good news is that our lungs can regenerate themselves naturally. The first month after quitting is usually the most difficult, but your lung function will improve. This gradual improvement will help increase blood circulation. Nine months after quitting smoking, the cilia in the lungs begin to function normally, and unhealthy symptoms like shortness of breath or dry coughing become less frequent.

The ability to breathe is typically essential to our health and well-being. Utilize the techniques listed above to help improve lung capacity naturally. Just try some of these exercises to increase your lung capacity, and within a short couple of days, you should notice a change. The Regeneration Center believes that enhancing your lung capacity has many benefits, so fatigue will not keep striking you down quickly while playing with your kids or exercising.