DeSimone Functional Medicine

03/28/2026

New research in Nature Genetics just dropped the most detailed map ever of how our "biological clocks"—leukocyte telomere length (LTL)—vary across the US!

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-026-02567-1

Geography Matters: Significantly longer telomeres were found in the West Coast and Central Midwest, while shorter telomeres clustered in the Southeast.

Health Links: Shorter telomeres were linked to higher risks of hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure, while longer telomeres showed associations with certain neoplasms.

This study highlights that biological aging isn't just about the years—it’s a complex mix of your DNA, your s*x, and even your ZIP code.

At DFM, we will continue to evaluate patients' hsCRP for inflammatory burden, fasting insulin for metabolic health, and a CBC to assess their white blood cell population.

Analyses of leukocyte telomere length in All of Us identify associations with various lifestyle, socioeconomic and disease traits. Genome-wide analyses combining All of Us with UK Biobank data discover new loci contributing to telomere length variation.

03/19/2026

Can a Ketogenic Diet Lower Lipoprotein(a)?

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), has long been considered a "genetically determined" cardiovascular risk factor that remains stable throughout a person's life. However, a striking new $n=1$ study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health suggests we might have more control than we thought.

The Experiment:
A 55-year-old physician with a history of very high Lp(a) (peaking at 108 mg/dL) switched to a very-low-carb ketogenic diet (VLCKD).

The Results:
On Keto: His Lp(a) levels dropped significantly to 65–70 mg/dL.

The Reversal:
When he switched back to a high-carb diet for 2 weeks, his Lp(a) spiked back up to 101 mg/dL.

The Return:
After returning to the ketogenic diet for 3 weeks, his levels dropped again to 74 mg/dL.

Why it matters:
High Lp(a) affects roughly 20-30% of the population and is a major risk factor for heart disease. While this is a single-case study, it opens the door to further research on how dietary carbohydrate intake might influence this "unchangeable" genetic marker.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7841845/

The level of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), an important cardiovascular risk factor, is considered to be genetically determined. I am a 55-year-old male physician specialised in preventive medicine and a hobby triathlete with a body mass index of ...

01/25/2026

The "Aspirin Conundrum" Solved: Is a Daily Pill Right for You?

For years, the medical community has debated whether daily low-dose aspirin is a "life-saver" or a "risk factor" for primary prevention of heart disease. While it can prevent heart attacks, it also carries a significant risk of serious internal bleeding.

At DeSimone Functional Medicine, we don’t believe in "one-size-fits-all" medicine. A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that the answer to the aspirin question may be found in your DNA—specifically the LP(a) gene.

The Precision Medicine Advantage:

• The Genetic Marker: A specific variant (rs3798220) in the LP(a) gene can increase your baseline risk of heart disease by more than two-fold.
• The Discovery: For those who carry this variant, daily low-dose aspirin is highly effective, reducing their elevated risk back to the level of a person without the variant.
• The "NNT" Difference: In patients with this gene, the "Number Needed to Treat" (NNT) to prevent one major event is as low as 34—making it as effective as many high-powered cholesterol-lowering medications.
• The Decision: For those without the gene, the benefits are much smaller, and the risk of bleeding may outweigh the potential reward.

One Test, One Lifetime. This simple genetic test costs roughly $25–$50 and needs to be performed only once in your life to provide lifelong clarity. It is an essential tool for identifying root-cause risks and moving beyond reactive care.

Are you taking aspirin? Let’s make sure it’s actually working for you.

(a)

12/21/2025

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09637214251380214

Interesting paper:
Is your stress actually "draining your batteries" at a cellular level?

We all know from high school biology: "Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell." But a fascinating new study in Current Directions in Psychological Science shows they are so much more than just tiny engines—they might be the missing link between our mental health and our physical bodies.

When we experience chronic stress, trauma, or even loneliness, our mitochondria can become less efficient. This "cellular exhaustion" is likely why mental burnout feels so physically draining.

The brain is an energy hog. It uses a massive amount of the body's energy. When our mitochondria aren't firing on all cylinders, it can lead to brain fog, fatigue, and even higher risks for anxiety and depression.

The good news is that you can recharge/repair your brain's mitochondria: endurance exercise, mindfulness, and strong social support don't just make us feel better, they help repair and optimize our cellular machinery.

The biopsychosocial model (BPSM) has guided psychological science for decades by emphasizing the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in h...

09/25/2025

🌟 Exciting Breakthrough in Aging Research! 🌟 A new study published in Nature Medicine (Aug 2025) reveals how plasma proteomics can link brain and immune system aging to healthspan and longevity. Researchers analyzed 2,916 proteins from 44,498 UK Biobank participants and found:

Brain aging is a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s, with an aged brain carrying a risk similar to the APOE4 gene, while a youthful brain offers protection like APOE2.
Multiple aged organs (5-7 or 8+) significantly increase mortality risk (HR 4.5 and 8.3, respectively).
Youthful brains and immune systems are key to longevity, reducing mortality risk by up to 56% when both are healthy.
Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, and diet impact organ aging, suggesting modifiable ways to boost healthspan.

This opens doors to monitoring organ health and targeting interventions for a longer, healthier life! Read more:

In a large-scale proteomic study of biological aging of 11 organs from 44,498 individuals in the UK Biobank, the biological ages of the brain and immune system emerged as strong predictors of healthspan and longevity.

09/25/2025

The conclusion of this study is that "Prevalence of metabolic health in American adults is alarmingly low".
Only 12% of Americans meet this criteria:
-waist circumference less than 40/35in men/women
-fasting blood glucose

PK MNVYoa, mimetypeapplication/epub+zipPK MNVY META-INF/container.xmlU 0D%UMBSAгkt74[DTԝ-l5(b'Bs>[ՕF5,L (DV4gREroTB1_-N^Gt7쩔؁Xg$cBgAוDPK-n

09/01/2025

Did you know your mouth bacteria could be key to better heart health as you age? 🌱

A fascinating study in Free Radical Biology and Medicine (2025) examined the impact of dietary nitrate from beetroot juice on the oral microbiome, nitric oxide levels, and blood pressure in young adults (18-30 years old) compared to older adults (67-79 years old).
In this double-blind trial with 75 participants, folks drank nitrate-rich beetroot juice, a placebo, or used antiseptic mouthwash for 2 weeks each. Key findings:
Older adults experienced a greater drop in blood pressure (up to 4 mmHg) from the nitrate juice, attributed to higher nitric oxide bioavailability.

It worked by suppressing "bad" bacteria like Prevotella (tied to inflammation and diseases like hypertension).

Young people had microbiome changes too, but less impact on BP—though mouthwash slightly reduced their vascular function.
Bottom line: Nitrate-rich foods (such as beets and spinach) may supercharge heart health in later years by modifying your mouth's ecosystem. Who knew your tongue held such power?

I do take a powdered organic beetroot every day.

sciencedirect.com
www.sciencedirect.com

ScienceDirect is the world's leading source for scientific, technical, and medical research. Explore journals, books and articles.

08/22/2025

New Study Finds No Link Between Animal or Plant Protein Intake and Increased Mortality Risk
A recent large-scale analysis of U.S. adults from NHANES III data (1988–1994) has shown that usual intake of both animal and plant proteins is not associated with higher risk of death from all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), or cancer.
🔍 Key points from the study:
• No significant increase in all-cause or CVD mortality with higher consumption of animal or plant proteins.
• A slight protective effect of animal protein was observed against cancer-related mortality.
• Circulating levels of IGF-1 (a hormone thought linked to cancer risk) showed no association with mortality.
• The findings remain consistent across different age groups, including adults 50-65 years old, contradicting some previous reports warning against high protein intake.
This suggests that moderate to high protein intake from either animal or plant sources, within typical diet ranges, is generally safe and may even offer some benefits — especially regarding cancer mortality and animal protein.
Bottom line: Don’t stress about protein source when it comes to long-term mortality risk. A balanced diet that includes adequate protein can support health without added risk.

We used data from NHANES 1988–1994 to examine associations between animal and plant protein usual intakes and IGF-1 concentration with mortality from all causes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Adult data (N = 15 937) were linked with mortality data (N = 3843 events) through 2006. ...

08/19/2025

🧠 Why Do Women Get Alzheimer’s Twice as Often as Men?

Scientists are learning that women are almost twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as men—and it’s not just because women live longer! Key differences come down to biology: women’s two X chromosomes affect brain and immune function, and menopause brings major hormonal changes as estrogen drops. Recent research shows that late-life hormone therapy may even decrease Alzheimer’s risk. Understanding these differences can help pave the way for treatments and prevention strategies that work for both women and men.

https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/07/why-are-women-twice-as-likely-to-develop-alzheimers-as-men/

Researchers zero in on where the biological differences between women and men are clear: chromosomes and menopause.

08/19/2025

🧬 New Research Alert: Poor Diet = Faster Aging?

A recent study from NIH scientists found that middle-aged adults who eat lower-quality, pro-inflammatory diets may actually age faster—at the DNA level! The research followed African American and White adults in Baltimore for 5 years and used DNA methylation tests (the DunedinPACE clock) to measure their biological aging. Results? Those with healthier diets aged more slowly, while a poor diet accelerated aging—regardless of race, s*x, or income. The message is clear: Eating a more nutritious, less inflammatory diet can help slow the pace of aging and support a longer, healthier life!

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11357-025-01835-y.pdf

slowly

06/09/2025

https://news.byu.edu/intellect/rethinking-sugar-byu-study-shows-food-source-is-key-to-understanding-diabetes-risk

Drinking a sugar-sweetened drink (like sodas and energy drinks) is much more problematic than eating something with sugar in it.
Here is what the study says:
• Every 12 oz sugar‑sweetened drink (like sodas or energy drinks) you drink daily = 25% higher risk for type 2 diabetes .
• Each 8 oz serving of fruit juice = 5% increased risk .
• BUT sugar from whole fruits, dairy, or grains? Surprisingly, it’s either not bad or even slightly protective.
Essentially, when you drink a sugar‑sweetened drink (Fructose), the liver takes up the fructose directly from the duodenum. Fructose is primarily metabolized in the liver, and a lot of times, it cannot handle the fructose load. The liver converts the extra fructose to uric acid.
The health impacts of high uric acid are: Gout, Hypertension, Insulin Resistance, Fatty Liver Disease, and Chronic Kidney Disease.

A recent BYU study shows that not all dietary sugars carry the same risks. In the largest and most comprehensive meta-analysis of its kind, BYU researchers—in collaboration with researchers from Germany-based institutions—found that the type and source of sugar may matter far more than previousl...

05/29/2025

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250521/Vitamin-D-supplements-help-preserve-telomere-length-in-aging-adults.aspx

Great Study.

"VITAL is the first large-scale and long-term randomized trial to show that vitamin D supplements protect telomeres and preserve telomere length. This is of particular interest because VITAL had also shown benefits of vitamin D in reducing inflammation and lowering risks of selected chronic diseases of aging, such as advanced cancer and autoimmune disease."

JoAnn Manson, MD, co-author, principal investigator of VITAL and chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital

Results from the VITAL randomized controlled trial reveal that vitamin D supplementation helps maintain telomeres, protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten during aging and are linked to the development of certain diseases.