Element 7 Wellness

02/16/2026

Our original published clinical research in the Townsend Letter

by Holly Christy, ND; Brian Tuckey, PT; Nirnaya Miljacic, PhD; Nayak Polissar, PhD; Meena Vythilingam, MD = Despite the substantial burden to individuals, families, and communities, only a minority of individuals with PTSD receive treatment, and the rates of dropout from treatments are high. We have...

02/04/2026

Clotting, Fibrinolysis & COVID-19 Severity

INTRODUCTION: Thrombosis is a major complication of COVID-19. D-dimer (DD) is an important coagulation fibrinolysis marker in COVID-19 and has been extensively studied. However, very little is known about the role of other fibrinolysis markers, plasmin-plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC), and fibrin monomer complex (FMC) in COVID-19. This study investigated and compared the associations of DD, PIC, and FMC with COVID-19 severity.

METHODS: Archived plasma samples from patients with COVID-19 (n = 50) were assessed for DD, FMC, and PIC levels. We compared the levels between patients with mild (n = 36) and moderate (n = 14) COVID-19 and evaluated their correlation with other COVID-19 severity markers, including LD, Alb, CRP, and NLR.

RESULTS: Patients with moderate COVID-19 had significantly higher DD and PIC levels than those with mild disease, while FMC levels were comparable. DD and PIC levels significantly correlated with LD, Alb, and NLR. Additionally, PIC levels significantly correlated with CRP levels. However, FMC levels correlated only with Alb but not with LD, NLR, or CRP.

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 severity was significantly associated with PIC and DD levels but not with FMC levels. PIC was the variable with the most clearly significant difference between patients with moderate disease and those with mild disease, highlighting its potential as an indicator of coagulation and fibrinolysis imbalance in patients with COVID-19. Further studies with larger sample sizes and more diverse severity groups are required to confirm these findings.

Iwamoto T, et al. Association Between Coagulation Fibrinolysis Markers and Severity in Patients with COVID-19. Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis. 2024;30. doi:10.1177/10760296241298233

02/04/2026

Higher Circulating Omega-3 Levels Associated with Lower AF Risk in Large Cohort

Objective: To determine the relationship between plasma omega-3 levels and incident atrial fibrillation (AF), and the association between fish oil supplement (FOS) use and risk for AF.

Methods and analysis: Recent studies in UK Biobank concluded that FOS use was associated with increased risk of incident AF. Conversely, a meta-analysis found inverse relationships between blood levels of omega-3 and AF risk. We performed a prospective observational study linking plasma omega-3 levels and reported FOS use with AF risk in UK Biobank. Among UK Biobank participants without prevalent AF, 261 108 had plasma omega-3 levels and 466 169 reported FOS use. The primary outcome was incident AF during follow-up (median 12.7 years). Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR, 95% confidence intervals, CI) for fatty acids were computed continuously (per inter-quintile range, IQ5R) and by quintile. Hazard ratios were computed for dichotomous fish oil supplement use.

Results: Plasma omega-3 levels were inversely associated with incident AF (HR per IQ5R = 0.90, 95% CI 0.86, 0.93; HR=0.87 [0.83, 0.91] in quintile 5 vs quintile 1). Fish oil supplement use was reported by 31% of the cohort and was more common in older individuals. After adjusting for age as a continuous variable, no association was observed between fish oil supplement use and AF risk (HR=1.00; 95% CI 0.97, 1.02).

Conclusion: Higher circulating omega-3 levels were linked to reduced AF risk in UK Biobank. Further, after age was adjusted for as a continuous variable, no association was found between fish oil supplement use and AF.

O’Keefe E, et al. Associations Between Plasma Omega-3 and Fish Oil Use With Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in the UK Biobank. J Am Heart Assoc. 2025 Dec 10;14(24): e043031. doi:10.1161/JAHA.125.043031

02/04/2026

Pilot Creatine Supplementation in Alzheimer’s Shows Increased Brain Creatine and Cognitive Improvements

Background/Objectives: Preclinical studies suggest that creatine monohydrate (CrM) improves cognition and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers. However, there is currently no clinical evidence demonstrating the effects of CrM in patients with AD.

Methods: In this single-arm pilot trial, we investigated the feasibility of 20 g/day CrM for 8 weeks in 20 patients with AD. We measured compliance throughout; serum creatine at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks; and brain total creatine (tCr) and cognition (National Institutes of Health [NIH] Toolbox, Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE]) at baseline and 8 weeks.

Results: Nineteen participants achieved the target of ≥80% compliance with the CrM intervention. Serum Cr was elevated at 4 and 8 weeks (p < .001) and brain tCr increased by 11% (p < .001). Cognition improved on global (p = .02) and fluid (p = .004) composites, List Sorting (p = .001), Oral Reading (p < .001), and Flanker (p = .05) tests.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that CrM supplementation is feasible in AD and provides preliminary evidence for future efficacy and mechanism studies.

Smith AN, et al.Creatine Monohydrate Pilot in Alzheimer’s: Feasibility, Brain Creatine, And Cognition. Alzheimers Dement. 2025 May 19;11(2): e70101. doi: 10.1002/trc2.70101.

02/04/2026

Modified Shen Ling Bai Zhu San in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

A total of 120 patients with acne vulgaris were randomly assigned into treatment group and control group, with 60 subjects in each group.

The inclusion criteria were as follows:

1) Subject is actively seeking and receiving treatment for acne vulgaris;
2) Skin condition classified as mild (Grade I) or moderate (Grade II) according to the modified Pillsbury scale;
3) Subject must be at least 18 years old;
4) Informed consent signed.

There was no significant difference in general data (gender, age, degree of skin lesion) between the two groups, the two groups were therefore statistically comparable (P > 0.05).

Both groups followed routine treatment measures for acne vulgaris, including diet and lifestyle modification. The control group was treated with oral isotretinoin soft capsules (Shanghai Xinyi Yanan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, 10 mg per capsule), one capsule twice daily. Fusidic acid cream was applied to the affected areas twice daily after the face was cleaned.

In addition to the same treatment protocol, the treatment group received modified Shen Ling Bai Zhu San formula, which is consisted of: Sheng Bai Zhu 12 g (生白术 Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Bai Bian Dou (raw) 15 g (白扁豆 (生) Semen Dolichoris Album), Shan Yao 15 g (山藥 Rhizoma Dioscoreae), Yi Yi Ren (raw) 20 g (生薏苡仁 Semen Coicis), Sha Ren 5 g (砂仁 Fructus Amomi), Dang Shen 10 g (黨參 Radix Codonopsis), Fu Ling 15 g (茯苓 Poria), Lian Zi 10 g (蓮子 Semen Nelumbinis), Jie Geng 6 g (桔梗 Radix Platycodonis), and Gan Cao 6 g (甘草 Radix Glycyrrhizae). 400ml of decoction was prepared daily and taken orally in two divided doses in the morning and evening. Course of treatment was 6 months for both groups.

Routine blood tests, liver and kidney function indicators (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen), lesion counts, and patient satisfaction score (assessed by a questionnaire designed by the Dermatology Department of Lishui Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine) were monitored before and after the treatment.

The result was considered as:
1. Cured: if symptoms and lesions completely resolved without scarring
2. Markedly Effective: if lesions resolved by at least 60% with significant symptom improvement
3. Improved: if lesions resolved by 30-60% with symptom alleviation
4. Ineffective: when the above criteria was not met.

The total effective rate = (Cured + Markedly Effective) case/ total number of cases x 100%

According to the study, the total effective rate in the treatment group was 91.67%, which was significantly higher than 78.33% in the control group (P < 0.05). After six months of treatment, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in RBC count, WBC count, platelet count, or liver and kidney function indicators (P > 0.05). The numbers of comedones, papules, pustules, and total skin lesions were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05), and patient satisfaction scores were also significantly higher (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that modified Shen Ling Bai Zhu San may improve clinical outcomes, reduces lesion burden, and enhances patient satisfaction for patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

Qiu, YD, et al. Chinese Archives of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2025. 43(1): 217-220.

02/04/2026

HCQ and Everolimus Show High Feasibility in Clearing Disseminated Tumor Cells and Boosting 3-Year RFS

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer recurrence may arise from dormant disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) that persist in bone marrow and other sites. Clinically, DTCs are independently associated with breast cancer recurrence and death. Preclinical studies in mouse models identified autophagy and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling as critical mechanisms of tumor dormancy and escape.

METHODS: We subsequently tested the effects of transient versus chronic inhibition of autophagy with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and mTOR signaling with rapamycin (RAPA) or everolimus (EVE) on residual tumor cell (RTC) burden and recurrence-free survival (RFS). In mice harboring dormant RTCs, inhibition of mTOR alone or in combination with autophagy inhibition decreased RTC burden and improved RFS in a duration-dependent manner. To translate findings clinically, we performed a randomized phase 2 trial (CLEVER) of HCQ, EVE or their combination in breast cancer survivors within 5 years of diagnosis who had detectable DTCs on bone marrow aspirate. Primary endpoints were feasibility and safety; secondary endpoints included DTC reduction/clearance and RFS.

RESULTS: These findings provide proof-of-concept that targeting dormant RTCs with HCQ, EVE or their combination in breast cancer survivors or mouse models depletes minimal residual disease, warranting a definitive human randomized controlled trial.

DeMichele A, et al.Targeting Dormant Tumor Cells To Prevent Recurrent Breast Cancer: A Randomized Phase 2 Trial. Nat Med. 2025 Oct;31(10):3464-3474. doi: 10.1038/s41591-025-03877-3. Epub 2025 Sep 2. PMID: 40897974.

02/04/2026

https://app.box.com/s/binmmtoa1oi15l8wjbofeifrs49naw5a

"There is only one cause of death: we run out of electrons.
And when we run out of electrons we clot. That’s why we use the measurement of electrons in
the cardiac EKG and brain EEG. And these electrons are made in the mitochondria which slowly
dwindle through life.
Fortunately, we can measure this deterioration of mitochondria and reverse it by fixing the only
two causes for all disease: the nutrient levels go down and the toxic levels go up. Countless
research studies prove that between the FDA-approved foods and EPA- approved toxins, we
have literally created new humans.
Cardiologists know that clots are the cause of death. That’s why millions of Americans every
morning down anticoagulants, the medications designed to stop fatal clots. For example,
anyone with abnormal heartbeats or rhythms like atrial fibrillation can create turbulence in a
vessel leading to clots. If clots travel to the brain it is called a stroke. If they travel to the heart it
is called a heart attack. Either way clots are the very potentially lethal kiss of death.
Fortunately, there is a way protect yourself daily from deadly clots and hemorrhage. And after
55 years in medicine I have seen the proof that it works and how to adjust it. My favorite is
Boluoke (from Canada RNA). It is an enzyme, lumbrokinase, made from earthworms.
Numerous studies show that it does not affect the same clotting pathways as the expensive
medications, so it cannot cause serious hemorrhage like the prescription forms do. That is
particularly important if you have an auto accident head injury for example. Boluoke turns
down the clotting pathway by two mechanisms (increasing plasminogen activator and
fibrinolytic activity). The dose can be anywhere from 1-2 capsules once or twice a day,
depending on the person."

01/29/2026

Vitamin B12 is long understood as a vital nutrient required for red blood cell formation and nerve function, but a new Cornell study suggests its role in human biology is far more intricate, with implications for aging, metabolism and disease prevention.

The research, published Jan. 19 in the Journal of Nutrition, reports previously unrecognized pathways by which B12 influences cellular metabolism and uncovers biomarkers that may identify early nutritional stress far before classic deficiency symptoms appear.

“This is the first study that shows B12 deficiency affects skeletal muscle mitochondrial energy production,” said corresponding author Martha Field, Ph.D. ’07, associate professor in the Division of Nutritional Sciences and in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell. “It’s highly relevant because muscles have high energy demands. More importantly, my co-author, Anna Thalacker-Mercer from theUAB - The University of Alabama at Birmingham, wondered if B12 supplementation in aged mice would improve muscle mitochondrial function – and it did.”

Up until now, most research has focused on B12 deficiency and the resulting clinical syndromes – megaloblastic anemia, neuropathy and cognitive decline – rather than its deeper mechanistic roles.

At Cornell, a team including Field and two of her former lab members, first authors Luisa Castillo, Ph.D. ’25, and Katarina Heyden, B.S. '18, Ph.D. ’24, set out to probe those mechanisms, mapping how B12 interacts with lipid metabolism, organelle stress pathways and epigenetic regulation.

What emerged was startling: The vitamin appears to act as a gatekeeper of multiple “hub” pathways, meaning that its insufficiency may ripple far beyond the classic symptoms.

Read more at https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2026/01/vitamin-b12-clues-offer-hope-new-therapies.

01/23/2026

My new website went live today thanks to Fearless Foundry
www.HollyChristy.com

Tell me what you think!

OPTIMIZING HUMAN PERFORMANCE THROUGH RESEARCH-BACKED REGENERATIVE MEDICINE. Don't recover. Regenerate. Hi, I’m Dr. Holly Christy. I help people heal faster and perform better. I'm a naturopathic physician, fascial counterstrain expert, and athlete. For 25 years, I've helped people eliminate pain a...

01/14/2026

Finally, a scientific answer to the question: What is FCS, and how does it work?

Brian Tuckey’s new article in The International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine presents the development, scientific framework, and clinical applications of FCS, plus a compelling chronic pain case report!

Tap here to read the full article and share it with your community! 👉 https://bit.ly/ijom-fcs

10/18/2025

10/18/2025

Astrocytes, Not Neurons, Hold the Key to Emotional Memory

A groundbreaking study shows that emotional memories depend on astrocytes—glial cells once thought to simply support neurons.

After intense experiences, certain astrocytes become “tagged” to respond during future recall, helping to preserve the memory over time.

Disrupting their activity weakens memory retention, while overstimulating them amplifies fear responses.

This discovery may transform how we understand memory persistence and open new routes for treating trauma and anxiety disorders.