ABNORMAL SLEEP PERIODS INCREASE CARDIOVASCULAR RISK: A study has shown that, even among healthy people, those who regularly get five hours or less sleep a night have more than double the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Also, people who regularly get nine or more hours of sleep a night have a greater than fifty percent increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Perhaps more surprising, people who get six or eight hours sleep also have a higher – but far less dramatic – increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study advised that seven hours sleep per night, not six or eight or anything more extreme, was the ideal regular sleep period for cardiovascular health. But how could sleep period affect heart health? The researchers suggested that shorter sleep times can cause “impaired glucose tolerance, reduced insulin sensitivity, increased sympathetic [nerve] activity and elevated blood pressure, all of which increase the risk of hardening of the arteries. And longer sleep duration may be related to an underlying sleep-related breathing disorder or poor sleep quality. The study was published in the August 1, 2010 issue of the journal, Sleep. It is available online only to those with a subscription to the journal or a membership in the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
HIGH HEELS RAISE RISK OF OSTEOARTHRITIS AND JOINT DEGENERATION: A study has found that knees and heels may be at greater risk from high heels – stilettos, wedges, pumps and kitten heels – and those who regularly wear these shoes for prolonged periods exhibit a greater risk of developing joint degeneration and osteoarthritis. (Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints.) The higher the heel, the greater the risk, the researchers found. As the heels got higher, they also saw an increase in the compression on the medial, or inside, of the knee. Heels higher than two inches especially alter body posture by changing joint positions at the ankle, knee, hip and trunk, which can also create strain on the lower back. High heels also showed a negative effect on posture. The greatest impact was on the ankle. The main researcher suggests moderation instead of abstinence. The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics (ASB), which ran from August 18 to 21, in Providence. However, it has not yet been submitted to a professional journal and details are not yet available.
CHILI PEPPERS REDUCE BLOOD PRESSURE: A study has found that while chili peppers may set your mouth on fire, they can also cause blood vessels to relax and widen in the long run, which effectively lowers blood pressure. Previous research on chili peppers has involved short term studies, which have shown mixed results. But this study on rats was long-term and showed a definite reduction in hypertension, or high blood pressure. The active compound is capsaicin, one of the most abundant components of chili peppers. It appears chronically to activate a substance that increases production of nitric oxide, which protects blood vessels from inflammation and dysfunction. Further research is needed to confirm the effect in humans and the number of peppers needed long-term to lower blood pressure. But what if you can’t tolerate spicy foods? An easily-tolerated, mild Japanese pepper contains capsinoids, compounds similar to spicy capsaicin and which limited studies show have a similar effect. The study was published in the August 4, 2010 issue of the journal, Cell Metabolism. It is online at http://bit.ly/cO8vkp but accessible only to subscribers to the journal or those who pay the access fee.
INCREASED WHOLE-GRAIN INTAKE LOWERS CARDIOVASCULAR RISK: It has long been thought that daily consumption of whole-grain foods such as bread could have a positive effect on the risk of cardiovascular disease but until now, no “comprehensive randomized and controlled intervention trial” a more scientific and conclusive study had been undertaken. Finally, results of a new study of this type confirm that daily intake of three portions of whole-grain foods significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, at least in middle-aged people, and chiefly through the mechanism of lowering systolic blood pressure (the upper number in your blood pressure reading). In fact, the study pegged the reduction in the risk of developing coronary artery disease at 15 percent and the risk reduction for stroke at 25 percent. After just four weeks on this diet, participants also showed improvements in other risk factors such as insulin sensitivity, cholesterol and internal inflammation. The effect was similar for both those getting three servings of whole wheat and for those getting the same servings of whole wheat and oats. The study was released by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Details are available now online at http://bit.ly/9Ztt9u but only with journal subscription or the payment of an article access fee.
DID YOU KNOW?
A sunscreen with an SPF, or sun protection factor, of 30 does not offer twice the protection from UVB rays of the sun as a sunscreen with an SPF of 15. In fact, a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 offers a 93 percent protection from UVB, while a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 offers only a slightly better 97 percent protection from UVB. Double the SPF does not offer twice the protection and does not mean you can stay out in the sun twice as long. Because some ultraviolet light may still get through sunscreens, they should not be used as a way of prolonging sun exposure. For comparison, a white tee shirt has an SPF of only 3.
NATURAL INTERVENTIONS CAN HEAD OFF DEMENTIA: A new study has determined the individual percentages by which a variety of lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of dementia and suggests that these interventions – in the absence of a new treatment for the mind-robbing disease – are likely to have the greatest impact on reducing dementia levels in the future. The study assessed previously identified risk factors such as depression, diet, alcohol consumption, educational level and vascular factors, which include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Results found that three changes together – eliminating depression and diabetes and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption – reduced dementia risk by a full 21 percent. Depression alone accounted for a 10 percent risk. Higher education was linked to an 18 percent lower risk. To illustrate the extent of these factors, the genetic tendency towards dementia accounts for seven percent of cases. The study was released August 5, 2010 and will be published in the British Medical Journal. But the journal already has made the full-text version of this important study available to the public, online at http://bit.ly/c3p7KL without the usual requirement of a journal subscription or access fee.
VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY LINKED TO LUNG DISEASE AND REDUCED LUNG FUNCTION: An early-release study has found a strong correlation between vitamin D deficiency, reduced lung function and interstitial lung diseases (ILD). (Some diseases obstruct the lungs’ airways and are called “obstructive lung diseases”; others affect the tissue and space around the lung air sacs and are called “interstitial lung diseases,” or ILD. The latter are often characterized by excess connective tissue or scarring, known itself as connective tissue disease, or CTD.) Vitamin D deficiency was found in 38 percent of the 118 study subjects and vitamin D insufficiency was found in 59 percent. But vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was strongly associated with ILD generally and CTD specifically, as well as with reduced lung function. The researchers suggested that an insufficient supply of vitamin D may play a role in the development of CTD lung disease. (In addition to being a vitamin, vitamin D is a known steroid hormone, affecting the immune system, bone health and lung tissue.) This study was released August 5, 2010 but won’t be published until a future issue of the journal, Chest. It is available now online at http://bit.ly/crkDn0 to subscribers to the journal or those willing to pay a one-time access fee.
VITAMIN D MAY HELP FIGHT COLDS AND FLU: Vitamin D supplementation may increase the odds of surviving a winter without taking any days off sick. In the small study, 51 percent of those given 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily between October and March when vitamin D levels drop and flu and cold infections rise remained “healthy” compared to 36 percent of those given a placebo. Results were not conclusive because both groups were equally likely to report flu-like symptoms during the period. (Previous studies showed a reduction in flu and cold infections but also produced conflicting results.) The study team called for larger studies to ascertain the benefit of vitamin D in warding off infections and to determine appropriate dosages. Experts often suggest people need more vitamin D than health officials recommend, which may require supplements for those not getting enough vitamin D from food sources, which include milk, cereal and some fatty fish such as salmon. This study is published in the September 1, 2010 issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases. It is available online now at http://bit.ly/b4ZEhE to journal subscribers or those who pay the access fee.
CALORIE RESTRICTION CAN CUT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: A study has concluded that a substantially calorie restricted, or CR, diet may serve as an effective non-pharmacological treatment for hypertension, or high blood pressure, even in a short-term program. (CR is a dietary regimen that restricts calorie intake substantially below normal levels, while still maintaining normal nutrient levels; it has been shown over many decades to increase median and maximum lifespan in a wide variety of species.) The study also suggested that even a short-term CR diet may help prevent cardiac hypertrophy, which is a thickening of the heart muscle that decreases the size of the chambers of the heart. In just five weeks, a CR diet reduced the systolic blood pressure the upper number of a blood pressure reading and reduced ventricular wall thickness. Additionally, this short period of calorie restriction dilated artery walls and improved various other circulatory factors. This study was released August 9, 2010 but will not be published until a future print issue of the journal, Hypertension. It is available online in the meantime at http://bit.ly/9szxLy for journal subscribers or those who pay the article access fee.
POSSIBLE END FOR ANTIBIOTICS: New research concludes a rapidly emerging gene – found in a large and growing number of bacterial samples – makes bacteria immune to all drugs. Bacteria that acquire and reproduce this gene could spread so quickly that they could make all antibiotics redundant and signal the end of modern antibiotics. The gene, known as New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM-1), was first found in pneumonia and E. coli bacteria taken from a single Swedish patient in 2009. But NDM-1 was found in 73 samples of Enterobacteriaceae (bacteria) taken from patients in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as 37 from the UK, who had traveled to these countries for elective surgery. Importantly, the NDM-1 gene was found on plasmids, DNA structures that can be easily copied and transferred between evolving bacteria, suggesting, wrote the researchers, “œan alarming potential to spread and diversify among bacterial populations.” Worse, the infections were community acquired, meaning they exist in the general environment. No drugs, including those in development, are effective against NDM-1. This study was released August 11, 2010 and will be published in the September 2010 print issue of The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Meantime, the full-text version of the study can be accessed online at http://bit.ly/bEGfvg by journal subscribers or to those who register on the site; registration is free.
DID YOU KNOW?
Fish may be known for health benefits but it’s easy to turn those benefits in a health risk. Frying or sautÃ©ing can add excess calories, saturated fat and dangerous levels of free radicals, requiring more antioxidants to mop them up and raising the risk of heart disease, obesity and some cancers. Also, any uncooked seafood carries the risk of coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis and salmonella. Pregnant women who eat high levels of fish containing significant levels of mercury can cause developmental delays and brain damage in their newborns: especially high in mercury are shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. Canned light tuna (as opposed to other tuna), shrimp, salmon, pollock and catfish generally have a lower amount of mercury but still should be eaten only in moderation. Baking, broiling, grilling and poaching are the healthiest ways to cook fish. Like any food, fish should be eaten in moderation. Two servings are equal to about seven ounces; eating over 14 ounces may cancel out the substantial health benefits of consuming fish.
ADEQUATE ZINC LEVELS CUT PNEUMONIA RISK IN HALF: A study of 600 nursing facility residents has found that those with adequate zinc levels were about fifty percent less likely to develop pneumonia than those with low body concentrations of zinc. Also, those with sufficient levels of zinc received fewer prescriptions for antibiotics, had shorter durations of pneumonia and had lower mortality rates. The researchers suggested that zinc supplementation for zinc-deficient elderly persons may result in a lower incidence of pneumonia and that further study is required to determine whether zinc supplements may be an effective and low-cost intervention to reduce pneumonia deaths among vulnerable populations who already have low zinc intakes. (An earlier analysis of the same data had shown that those who consumed 200 international units (IU) of vitamin E were less likely to get upper respiratory infections, such as colds.) The study was released August 10, 2010 and will be published in a future issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. In the meantime, it can be read online at http://bit.ly/9FaV0K by subscribers to the journal or those who pay the article access fee.
SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGES LINKED TO RISKS OF DIABETES AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE: A new study suggests that sugar-sweetened drinks may play a role in cardiometabolic risk. (Cardiometabolic risk is a constellation of health factors that may raise the risk of diabetes 2 and cardiovascular disease.) Researchers examined the relation between cardiometabolic risk factors and low-fat milk, whole-fat milk, fruit juice and sugar sweetened beverages. Whole milk consumption was associated with a reduced risk of high triglycerides. But sugar-sweetened drinks were linked to high triglycerides; high LDL or “bad” cholesterol; high blood pressure; and high waist circumference – all risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While the study did not prove a cause-and-effect relation, the study team did suggest that recommendations to limit the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks may help reduce these risk factors. This study was released August 11, 2010 but will not be published in print until a future issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. It is available online now to journal subscribers and those who pay an article access fee, at http://bit.ly/aUOxQJ.
TYLENOL LINKED TO ASTHMA IN ADOLESCENTS: A new study has found a dose-related association between current acetaminophen use by adolescents and their experiences with symptoms of asthma. Although researchers said that “it is not possible” to prove this is a cause and effect link, the study was quite large, involving 360,000 adolescents of 13 to 14 years of age in 50 countries. The subjects were surveyed about their use within the last year, of acetaminophen as well as their symptoms of asthma. Those who used the drug at least once a year showed a 40 percent greater risk of asthma; and those who used acetaminophen at least once a month had a 150 percent higher risk of asthmatic symptoms. Rhinoconjunctivitis an inflammation of the covering of the white of the eye, combined with a stuffy nose and eczema were also associated with recent use of the drug. The study team suggested that “controlled trials are now urgently required to investigate this relationship further.” This study was released August 13, 2010 but will not be published until a future issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
DID YOU KNOW? The most prevalent disease in children is tooth decay. It is about five times more common than childhood asthma. What an expectant mother eats affects tooth development in the fetus. Deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and even calories, during the 14-week to four-month period of pregnancy, can cause oral defects. Children with dental problems are more likely to avoid nutritious foods that require chewing, such as fruits and vegetables. Some data also suggest a deficiency of vitamins B6 or B12 could increase the risk of cleft lip and cleft palate formation.
ADVERSITY IN CHILDHOOD CAN WEAKEN ELDERLY IMMUNE SYSTEMS AND SHORTEN LIFE: A study has found that the pain people suffer in childhood, such as abuse or other adversities, can lead to weakened immune systems much later in life and for some more serious cases, can shorten lifespan by seven to fifteen years. The research on 132 healthy adults, averaging 70 years of age, looked at childhood adversities such as the loss of a parent, serious marital problems between parents, or mental illness or alcoholism within the family. It also assessed the length of telomeres shortened telomeres are often seen as an indicator of biological aging and the level of inflammatory indicators, with higher levels linked to various health problems such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, cancers and Alzheimer’s disease. Abuse had a greater effect than adversities but generally, those who had suffered significantly during childhood had shorter telomeres and higher inflammatory levels. Those who experienced several kinds of hardship as kids had the shortest telomeres, suggesting a shortened life expectancy. The study was presented August 14, 2010, at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association in San Diego. It has not yet been published.
PAINT STRONGLY LINKED WITH BLADDER CANCER: Working as a painter is strongly associated with a 30 percent increased risk of bladder cancer, according to a new study. Grouped into the general profession of painting were plasterers, glaziers, wallpaper hangers, artists and decorators. A key risk factor for bladder cancer is smoking a fact of which few people are aware, according to another study in 2008 and painters are exposed to some of the same chemicals found in cigarette smoke (including aromatic amines). The researchers were able to separate the impact of the occupational exposure from the effect of smoking. The risk increased with the length of time spent as a painter, which further strengthened the link separate from smoking between this occupation and bladder cancer. There was also a small amount of evidence that female painters were at an even greater risk. (Bladder cancer is the ninth most common cancer with more than 330,000 new cases and 130,000 fatalities each year, worldwide.) This study was published in the August, 2010 issue of the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine and is available online at http://bit.ly/ahKhU3 with subscription or payment of a fee.
OBESITY RATES DECLINE AMONG SOME ADOLESCENT GROUPS: A new study concludes that obesity has declined among most groups of adolescents, although the disparities have worsened among other groups. Obesity rates for white and Asian boys and girls peaked in 2005 and declined over the next three years, with 2008 obesity rates coming in at 12 and 13 percent for white and Asian youths, respectively. Although obesity rates among male and female Hispanics also peaked in 2005, the 2008 rates were still at 26 percent. However, obesity rates have not peaked and continued to climb for two groups: black and American Indian adolescent females; the percentages of these girls who are obese are 22 and 23 percent, respectively. When it comes to the most obese, those with BMI at the 99th percentile, only white boys and Asian boys and girls showed any signs of decline after 2005; these most obese all other groups peaked in 2005 and remained at a plateau through 2008. The researchers suggest that tailored intervention programs should be targeted specifically at the at-risk groups. This study was released August 16, and is being published in the September 2010 issue of the journal, Pediatrics.
WOMEN WHO DRINK BEER AT HIGHER RISK OF PSORIASIS: A study has found that women who consume 2.3 or more alcoholic drinks per week have a 72 percent higher risk of psoriasis. On closer analysis, it was found that, among the various types of alcoholic beverages, only beer raised the risk of psoriasis. In fact, women who consume five or more beers per week had a 2.3 times greater risk of psoriasis than women who did not drink. Light beer, red wine, white wine and liquor were not associated with psoriasis risk. (Psoriasis is an immune-related skin condition that might be worsened by alcohol consumption.) The researchers suggest that a non-alcoholic component in beer, one not found in wine or liquor, may play a role in the development of psoriasis. Beer is one of few non-distilled alcoholic beverages that use starch, usually barley, as a source of fermentation. Barley and other starches contain gluten, to which some psoriasis patients show sensitivity. Light beer, not linked to higher risk, contains a lower level of starch. This study was released August 16 but will not be published until the December, 2010 issue of the Archives of Dermatology. Meanwhile, it is available online, without charge, at http://bit.ly/cc3FGf.CHOCOLATE MAY LOWER HEART FAILURE RISK IN WOMEN: A nine-year study of 30,000 middle-aged and older Swedish women links moderate consumption of chocolate with a reduced risk of heart failure. (Heart failure is the inability of the heart to supply sufficient blood flow to meet the body’s needs and occurs in about one percent of Americans over 65.) One to three servings of chocolate per month was found to lower risk by 26 percent compared to women who did not eat chocolate. Similarly, the risk of heart failure was 32 percent lower among women consuming one to two servings a week. However, the risk for heart failure increased by 23 percent among those consuming one or more servings of chocolate daily; this may be due to high-calorie chocolate replacing more nutritious foods. (Previous studies have linked chocolate to reduced risk of high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, possibly due to cocoa’s flavonoids.) The researchers point out that these results apply only to the dark chocolate with a 30 percent cocoa content commonly consumed in Sweden; most of the dark chocolate consumed in the U.S. has a15 percent cocoa content. Released August 16, 2010, the full text of this study will not be available until it is published in a future issue of the journal, Circulation: Heart Failure.
DID YOU KNOW?
That cold you picked up in hot, muggy weather is not that unusual. Despite common belief, colds are not caused by cold weather, exercise, diet, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or by getting wet, chilled or overheated. Research suggests, however, that susceptibility to the viruses that cause the common cold may increase as a result of psychological stress, allergic disorders affecting the nose and throat and even menstrual cycles. Above all, being in close contact with crowds while not washing your hands regularly raises the risk of viruses entering your body at these susceptible times.
CHINESE HERBAL FORMULA EASES SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY: A study has found that a Chinese herbal formula lessens the negative effects of chemotherapy as well as strengthening the effectiveness of the chemo treatment itself. In fact, the formula seemed to work by reducing inflammation and by increasing the creation of new intestinal cells. No drugs are known to provide such an anti-side-effect impact. The Chinese formula used in the experiment consisted of four herbs – collectively called PHY906 – and was based on an herbal recipe called Huang Qin Tang, historically used to treat nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This formulation was described over 1,800 years ago. Although the study was performed on mice, the patients experienced less weight loss and greater anti-tumor activity when the formula was added to chemo treatment. Researchers suggested it may be the perfect marriage of both Eastern and Western approaches to cancer treatment; but challenges exist before the Chinese herbal blend can be tested on humans. This study was released on August 18, 2010 by the journal, Science Translational Medicine. It is available online at http://bit.ly/9dk76B to subscribers and those who pay the study access fee.
SPECIFIC VEGETABLES MAY REDUCE DIABETES RISK: An analysis of numerous past studies has found a tentative link between a higher intake of certain vegetables and a lower risk of developing diabetes type 2. The analysis did not find a lower risk with an equally higher intake of fruits and vegetables overall. From past studies, the pattern emerged that those who consumed an average of about one-and-a-half additional servings from a specific vegetable group – cabbage, spinach, cauliflower and broccoli – showed a 14 percent lower chance of getting diabetes. Although the name may not apply, the authors described these vegetables as “green leafy vegetables,” and noted that one-and-a-half extra daily servings of other vegetables did not show the same effect. The researchers cautioned that further study must be done to assess this limited research; that this positive effect derived from whole foods and not antioxidant supplements; and that the study neither proves these vegetables prevent diabetes nor that other vegetables do not. It is too early to recommend to the public that more of these foods be eaten. The authors noted that beta-carotene, polyphenols and vitamin C may all play a factor. The study may mean that dietary advice can be more beneficial than drugs. The study was released August 19, 2010 and will be published in a future issue of the British Medical Journal. It is, however, available to read online now in its full-text format, without subscription or fee, at http://bit.ly/d2J87P.
DID YOU KNOW?
Daily doses of fish oil containing omega-3 fats can, when combined with exercise, act as an aid to weight loss. People who took fish oil during the 3-month exercise program lost an average 4.5 pounds. But the exercise group that took sunflower oil – which does not contain omega-3 oil – did not lose any weight despite exercising. This study was presented July 31, 2006 in Cairns, Australia at the Congress of the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids.
CIGARETTE SMOKE RISKY AT LOWEST-POSSIBLE DETECTABLE LEVELS: A study has ascertained that even the smallest amount of second-hand smoke, let alone a habit of only “few cigarettes a week,” can put people at risk for future lung disease, such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Many past studies have found that second-hand smoke is a health risk but this is the first study to conclude that cigarette smoke – even at the very lowest levels of detection – directly affects the functioning of genes within the cells lining the airways. (Some genes are very sensitive to tobacco smoke and changes within them are the first indication of “biological disease” of the lungs.) Researchers divided people into three groups: nonsmokers, smokers and low-exposure smokers. They then scanned the entire genome of each participant to see what genes were activated or deactivated in airway cells. The study found that there was no detectable level of nicotine or cotinine that was so low that it did not correlate to genetic abnormalities. The author suggested that any degree of public smoking can cause future lung disease; and that this supports public smoking bans. This study was released August 21, 2010 but will not be published until a future issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
ELECTRIFYING POTATOES BOOSTS THEIR ANTIOXIDANT LEVELS: A study has found that two simple methods of “stressing” potatoes increase the antioxidant levels of these vegetables substantially. The methods included immersing potatoes in salt water and adding a small electrical charge between 10 and 30 seconds; and immersing potatoes in water and subjecting them to ultrasound for 5 or 10 minutes. The study team then measured antioxidant activity and the phenolic content and concluded that the stresses increased the amount of these compounds. The 5 minutes of ultrasound, for instance, increased polyphenol levels by 1.2 times and other antioxidants by about 1.6 times. This study indicates that ultrasound or electric treatments can be useful for enriching antioxidant activity of potatoes. (Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables are considered to be of nutritional importance in the prevention of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, various cancers, diabetes and neurological diseases.) The study was presented August 22, 2010 at the 240th national meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Boston. It is not available online at this time.
BERRIES CAN ACTIVATE ‘CLEANUP’ MECHANISM IN BRAIN: A study released today concludes consumption of berries, and possibly walnuts, triggers a natural brain mechanism that cleans up and recycles toxic proteins, which are linked to age-related memory loss and dementia. Other studies found that antioxidant-rich foods have anti-aging effects on the brain but this study pinpoints a completely different way that berries stave off the mental effects of aging. In a process called autophagy, “cleanup” brain cells known as microglia, sweep away the debris resulting from inflammation and oxidative damage, debris that can cause memory loss and mental decline. But with age, a protein appears to shut down the autophagy process: the microglia either become less active, allowing harmful debris to accumulate; or become overactive, damaging healthy brain cells. The study team found that berries inhibit the action of this protein, allowing housekeeper brain cells to return to their normal, balanced duties. (This team’s previous research showed berry consumption reversed memory, learning and nerve function.) The study author recommended foods high in polyphenolics, especially as we age. Berries and walnuts are rich in polyphenolics but so are many other fruits and vegetables, especially those with deep red, orange or blue colors. This study was presented in Boston on August 23, 2010 at the 240th annual meeting of the American Chemical Society. It has not yet been published.
DID YOU KNOW?
Scientists have developed a seven-question assessment tool that, without medical testing, provides a fairly accurate prediction of your risk of already having diabetes type 2. Although a finding of diabetes must later be verified by your health practitioner, an earlier diagnosis of diabetes can lead to more effective treatment. The questions cover ethnicity, sex, family history of diabetes, waist size, body mass index and any history or treatment for high blood pressure. Called the Diabetes Risk score, the test was designed by a team at the University of Leicester in the UK and is available online to the public at http://bit.ly/cB4IUD.
CRANBERRY JUICE’S INFECTION-FIGHTING MECHANISM DISCOVERED: Cranberry juice has been linked to fewer urinary tract infections (UTI) but many see it as a folk remedy. To confirm this infection-fighting association, scientists needed clear insight into possible mechanisms by which cranberry juice works. Now, a study has provided evidence of this mechanism. Researchers cultivated strains of E. coli – the bacteria that are the most common cause of UTI – in urine collected from healthy volunteers both before and after consumption of cranberry juice cocktail. While E. coli grown in ordinary urine were able to produce normal biofilm – the substance that allows bacteria to stick to the urinary tract and to other bacteria, essentially setting up shop – the bacteria grown in urine from those who consumed cranberry juice were unable to adhere to each other or to any surface area. Cranberry juice does not kill bacteria but blocks much of their ability to “stick” around and colonize. Researchers estimated cranberry juice reaches and protects the urinary tract within eight hours of consumption. More women develop a UTI than men. This study was presented at the 240th national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Boston on August 23, 2010. Details have not yet been published.
WATER BEFORE MEALS RESULTS IN GREATER WEIGHT LOSS: A study has found that drinking two cups of water before meals enhances weight loss for those on a diet. Dieters who drank two eight-ounce cups of water before each of their three meals every day lost an average of 4.5 pounds more within 12 weeks than those who did not increase their normal water intake. On a calorie-reduced diet, the group that took water ahead of meals lost 14.5 pounds on average while those who didn’t drink water before meals lost 11 pounds on average. According to the researchers, the reason that drinking water before mealtime works is simply because water has zero calories and yet, gives the sensation of feeling partly full even before you start eating, resulting in fewer calories consumed during the meal. The study author warns that excess water intake is dangerous and can result in death. Health groups such as the National Academies’ Institute of Medicine advise that thirst should be one’s guide to water consumption. This study was presented on August 24, 2010 at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Boston. It has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
BLACK RICE BEATS BLUEBERRIES FOR ANTIOXIDANT POWER: A study has found that black rice serves as a highly economical alternative to blueberries and blackberries, touted for their antioxidant punch. The researchers report that a spoonful of black rice bran contains more health-promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than are found in a spoonful of pricey blueberries or blackberries, as well as containing more fiber and vitamin E antioxidants – but with less sugar. Anthocyanin antioxidants show promise for fighting heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Black rice could be consumed in rice form, or the black rice bran could be used as an additive for cereals, beverages or other foods. Also, the pigments in black rice can be used to produce a variety of colors from pink to black and may provide an alternative to artificial food colorants. (Several studies have linked some artificial colorants to cancer, behavioral problems in children, and other health problems.) This study was presented August 26, 2010 at the American Chemical Society’s national meeting in Boston. It has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
DID YOU KNOW?
Two nutritional supplements appear to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease. In one study, those with the highest vitamin D levels showed a 65 percent lower risk of the disease. Also, some research suggests that a regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids, the type of fat found in oily fish such as sardines and salmon also may reduce the risk of Parkinson’s. However, there is no known way to prevent Parkinson’s disease.
MODERATE EXERCISE COMBATS MENTAL DECLINE: Researchers have announced new hope for veteran couch potatoes. Although some experts call for brisk daily exercise, a new study has shown that even a very modest amount of low-level exercise three times a week can improve the connectivity of the brain’s circuitry, combat the mental decline of aging and boost performance of cognitive tasks. Adults aged 59 to 80 were tested and scanned at the start of the study and after six, and after 12, months of walking at one’s own natural pace for just 40 minutes three-times-a-week. Brain imaging techniques showed that these “professional couch potatoes, as one of the scientists described them, experienced better brain connectivity, as well as improved performance on cognitive tasks. Those who spent time stretching and toning did not alter their brain connectivity or performance only those who took occasional, leisurely walks. Higher connectivity results in improved ability to plan, schedule, deal with ambiguity, remember and multitask. The study was released August 26, 2010 and will appear in a future issue of the journal, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. The full-text study is available online without fee by clicking on PDF in the upper right corner at http://bit.ly/amGX9c.
MOTHERS WHO DON’T BREASTFEED MORE LIKELY TO DEVELOP DIABETES TYPE 2: A study has found that women who do not breastfeed their babies have a significantly higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Diet and exercise are widely known to affect the risk of developing diabetes but few people would guess that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of developing diabetes later in life by decreasing belly fat. The study involved 2,233 women between the ages of 40 and 78 and concluded that women who did not breastfeed were twice as likely to acquire diabetes at some point. The study eliminated potentially confounding factors such as physical activity, age, race, and tobacco and alcohol use. This study is being published in the September 2010 issue of the American Journal of Medicine. The full text version of the study has just been posted online at http://bit.ly/b7MCjG for those who pay the article access fee.
PARENTAL USE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS A RISK TO CHILDREN: A study has found that widespread use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines by parents for fever, coughs and colds places children at serious risk, resulting in a larger number of calls to poison centers and more hospital admissions. Researchers discovered that many parents in the study felt that if a drug was available without a prescription, it must be safe to give to children even in double dosages. Of the 119,000 poison control calls surveyed, 48 percent concerned accidental overdose in children, with 15 percent needing hospitalization. Over 85 percent of all calls regarding accidental overdose in children involved those under five, with almost 80 percent of incidents involving those under age three. Only 14 percent of parents made the correct call when dealing with a child’s fever. “It is vital that parents worldwide should understand the proper usage of medicines so that they do not continue to put their children’s health at risk, said the study leader. This study was presented August 30, 2010 at the annual conference of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in Lisbon, Portugal. It has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
SMOKING MARIJUANA REDUCES CHRONIC PAIN: A study has concluded that smoked cannabis has the ability to reduce pain in chronic pain sufferers, to lower clinical depression and anxiety levels, and to improve sleep. People with damage or some dysfunction in the nervous system often experience ongoing pain and have few treatment options other than drugs, which include opioids, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, local anesthetics and of course, pain relievers. Many of these cause side effects, prompting patients to discontinue use. Marijuana taken by mouth has been shown to be effective in lowering pain but, according to the researchers, smoked cannabis appears never before to have been tested for this use. The study found reduced pain and improved mood after smoked inhalation, for five days of three-times-a-day, of 25 mg of the herb containing 9.4 percent THC, the bioactive component. They called for more tests and also, for studies on the medical safety of long term use. This study will be published in a future issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal. It was released August 30, 2010 and the full text was posted online for free access at: http://bit.ly/98hlrC.
DID YOU KNOW?
Gram for gram, carbohydrates are lower in calories than either protein or fat, despite the common misconception that starchy carbohydrates promote weight gain. In fact, most of the body’s energy comes from starches. However, refined carbohydrates are linked to health disorders and the risk of diabetes. Always opt for unrefined, also known as whole-grain, versions of rice, grains and pasta.
Kulala kwa muda usio wa kawaida huongeza hatari ya ugonjwa wa moyo: Uchunguzi umeonyesha kwamba hata miongoni mwa watu wenye afya, wale wanaolala kwa saa tano au chini kwa usiku wana hatari ya mara mbili zaidi ya kupatwa na ugonjwa wa moyo. Watu ambao hulala kwa saa tisa au zaidi kwa usiku wana hatari ya kuongezeka kwa ugonjwa wa moyo. Labda jambo lenye kushangaza zaidi ni kwamba watu wanaolala saa sita au nane pia wana hatari kubwa zaidi - lakini isiyo ya kushangaza sana - ya kupatwa na magonjwa ya moyo na mishipa ya damu. Utafiti huo ulionyesha kwamba kulala saa saba kwa usiku, sio saa sita au nane au kitu chochote cha kupita kiasi, ni kipindi bora cha kulala kwa afya ya moyo na mishipa. Lakini ni nini kinachohusika katika usingizi wa muda mrefu katika afya ya moyo? Watafiti walipendekeza kwamba muda mfupi wa kulala unaweza kusababisha <unk> kupungua kwa uvumilivu wa glukosi, kupungua kwa unyeti wa insulini, kuongezeka kwa shughuli za neva na shinikizo la damu, ambazo zote huongeza hatari ya kuganda kwa mishipa. Kwa kuongezea, muda mrefu wa usingizi unaweza kuhusiana na ugonjwa wa kupumua unaohusiana na usingizi au ubora mbaya wa usingizi. Utafiti huo ulichapishwa katika toleo la Agosti 1, 2010 la jarida la Sleep. Inapatikana tu kwa wale walio na usajili wa jarida au uanachama katika Chuo cha Amerika cha Tiba ya usingizi. Kwa sababu ya hatari ya ugonjwa wa viungo vya mgongo na viungo vya mgongo, watu wengi wana hatari kubwa ya kuambukizwa ugonjwa wa viungo vya mgongo na viungo vya mgongo, na wale wanaovaa viatu hivyo kwa muda mrefu wana hatari kubwa ya kuambukizwa ugonjwa wa viungo vya mgongo na viungo vya mgongo. Osteoarthritis ni aina ya ugonjwa wa viungo unaosababishwa na uharibifu wa cartilage ya moja au zaidi ya viungo. Watafiti walipata kwamba kadiri kisigino kilivyo juu, ndivyo hatari ilivyokuwa kubwa zaidi. Kadiri visigino vilivyoinuka, ndivyo walivyoona ongezeko la mfadhaiko kwenye sehemu ya ndani ya goti. Kwa mfano, viatu vya juu zaidi ya inchi mbili hubadilisha msimamo wa mwili kwa kubadilisha nafasi ya viungo vya mguu, goti, kiuno na mwili, ambayo pia inaweza kuunda mkazo kwenye mgongo wa chini. Viatu vya visigino vya juu pia vilionyesha athari mbaya juu ya msimamo. Mshtuko mkubwa zaidi ulikuwa kwenye mguu. Mtafiti mkuu anapendekeza kiasi badala ya kujizuia. Utafiti huo ulifanywa katika mkutano wa kila mwaka wa American Society of Biomechanics (ASB) uliofanyika katika mji wa Providence, Marekani, mnamo Agosti 18. Hata hivyo, bado haijawasilishwa kwa jarida la kitaalamu na maelezo hayajatolewa bado. Chili Peppers hupunguza shinikizo la damu: Uchunguzi umeonyesha kwamba ingawa chili peppers inaweza kuweka mdomo wako moto, inaweza pia kusababisha mishipa ya damu kupumzika na kupanuka kwa muda mrefu, ambayo kwa ufanisi hupunguza shinikizo la damu. Utafiti wa awali juu ya pilipili umehusisha masomo ya muda mfupi, ambayo yameonyesha matokeo tofauti. Utafiti huo uliofanywa kwa panya ulionyesha kwamba kuna uwezekano mkubwa wa kupunguza shinikizo la damu. Kiungo hicho ni capsaicin, ambayo ni mojawapo ya viungo vingi vya pilipili. Inaonekana kwa muda mrefu kuamsha dutu ambayo huongeza uzalishaji wa nitriki oksidi, ambayo inalinda mishipa ya damu kutoka uchochezi na dysfunction. Utafiti zaidi unahitajika ili kuthibitisha athari kwa wanadamu na idadi ya pilipili zinazohitajika kwa muda mrefu kupunguza shinikizo la damu. Lakini vipi ikiwa huwezi kuvumilia vyakula vyenye vikolezo? Kwa sababu ya kuhifadhiwa kwa kiasi kikubwa, pilipili ya Kijapani ina capsinoids, ambayo ni kemikali ya kipekee ya capsaicin, ambayo inaweza kuathiri afya ya binadamu. Utafiti huo ulichapishwa katika toleo la Agosti 4, 2010 la jarida la Cell Metabolism. Inaweza kupatikana kwenye wavuti kwenye http: www.bit.ly.com lakini inaweza kupatikana tu kwa wanachama wa jarida au wale wanaolipa ada ya ufikiaji. "Kulipwa kwa nafaka nzima kwa muda mrefu kumekuwa na wazo kwamba matumizi ya kila siku ya vyakula vya nafaka nzima kama vile mkate inaweza kuwa na athari nzuri kwa hatari ya ugonjwa wa moyo, lakini hadi sasa, hakuna ""majaribio ya uingiliaji wa jumla ya randomized na kudhibitiwa"" ambayo imefanywa." Matokeo ya utafiti wa hivi karibuni yanathibitisha kwamba kula chakula cha nafaka nzima kwa siku kwa kiasi kikubwa hupunguza hatari ya ugonjwa wa moyo, angalau kwa watu wa umri wa kati, na hasa kupitia utaratibu wa kupunguza shinikizo la damu ya systolic (nambari ya juu katika kusoma shinikizo la damu). Utafiti huo ulionyesha kuwa kupunguza hatari ya ugonjwa wa mishipa ya damu ni asilimia 15 na kupunguza hatari ya kiharusi ni asilimia 25. Baada ya wiki nne tu kwenye mlo huu, washiriki pia walionyesha maboresho katika sababu nyingine za hatari kama vile unyeti wa insulini, kolesteroli na uvimbe wa ndani. Matokeo yalikuwa sawa kwa wale waliokula sehemu tatu za ngano nzima na wale waliokula sehemu ileile ya ngano nzima na shayiri. Utafiti huo ulichapishwa na American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Maelezo ya makala hii yanapatikana kwenye tovuti ya www.bit.ly.com, lakini kwa malipo ya malipo ya malipo ya malipo ya malipo ya malipo ya malipo ya malipo ya malipo. Je, Ulijua? Kwa mfano, sunscreen yenye SPF ya 30 haitoi ulinzi mara mbili dhidi ya miale ya UVB ya jua kuliko sunscreen yenye SPF ya 15. Kwa mfano, sunscreen yenye SPF ya 15 hutoa ulinzi wa asilimia 93 dhidi ya UVB, wakati sunscreen yenye SPF ya 30 hutoa ulinzi wa asilimia 97 dhidi ya UVB. SPF mara mbili haitoi ulinzi mara mbili na haimaanishi unaweza kukaa nje katika jua mara mbili kwa muda mrefu. Kwa kuwa baadhi ya miale ya ultraviolet bado inaweza kuingia kupitia krimu za kuhifadhi jua, hazipaswi kutumiwa kama njia ya kupanua mwangaza wa jua. Kwa kulinganisha, T-shati nyeupe ina SPF ya 3 tu. Utafiti mpya unaonyesha asilimia ya watu ambao mabadiliko ya mtindo wa maisha yanaweza kupunguza hatari ya dementia na unaonyesha kuwa hatua hizi - kwa kukosekana kwa matibabu mapya ya ugonjwa huu wa akili - zinaweza kuwa na athari kubwa zaidi ya kupunguza dementia katika siku zijazo. Utafiti huo ulikadiria sababu za hatari zilizotambuliwa hapo awali kama vile unyogovu, lishe, matumizi ya pombe, kiwango cha elimu na sababu za mishipa, ambazo ni pamoja na ugonjwa wa moyo, kiharusi, shinikizo la damu la juu, unene, kisukari, na cholesterol ya juu. Matokeo yalionyesha kuwa mabadiliko matatu pamoja - kuondoa unyogovu na kisukari na kuongeza matumizi ya matunda na mboga - ilipunguza hatari ya dementia kwa asilimia 21. Ugonjwa wa kushuka moyo peke yake ulisababisha hatari ya asilimia 10. Utafiti wa juu ulionyesha kuwa elimu ya juu ilihusishwa na hatari ya chini ya asilimia 18. Kwa mfano, kuna uwezekano mkubwa kwamba asilimia saba ya watu wanaopatwa na ugonjwa huo ni wa chembe za urithi. Utafiti huo ulifanyika mnamo Agosti 5, 2010 na utachapishwa katika jarida la British Medical Journal. "Jarida hilo limetoa toleo kamili la utafiti huu muhimu kwa umma, mtandaoni kwenye http: bit.ly.cp3p7kL, bila mahitaji ya kawaida ya usajili wa jarida au ada ya ufikiaji. """ Ugonjwa wa kupunguzwa kwa uwezo wa kupumua na upungufu wa vitamini D: Utafiti wa hivi karibuni unaonyesha uhusiano mkubwa kati ya upungufu wa vitamini D, kupunguzwa kwa uwezo wa kupumua na ugonjwa wa mapafu. Baadhi ya magonjwa ya mapafu huficha njia za hewa na huitwa magonjwa ya mapafu ya kuzuia; wengine huathiri tishu na nafasi karibu na mifuko ya hewa ya mapafu na huitwa magonjwa ya mapafu ya interstitial au ILD. Ugonjwa huu unajulikana kama ugonjwa wa tishu ya kuunganisha (CTD). Ugonjwa wa upungufu wa vitamini D uligunduliwa kwa asilimia 38 ya watu 118 waliochunguzwa na asilimia 59 walikuwa na upungufu wa vitamini D. Ukosefu wa vitamini D na upungufu wa vitamini D ulihusishwa na ILD kwa ujumla na CTD kwa maalum, na vile vile na kazi ya mapafu iliyopunguzwa. Watafiti wanasema kwamba upungufu wa vitamini D unaweza kuwa na athari kwa ugonjwa wa mapafu. Vitamini D ni moja ya homoni za steroid zinazohusika katika mfumo wa kinga, afya ya mifupa na tishu za mapafu. Utafiti huu ulitolewa Agosti 5, 2010 lakini hautachapishwa hadi toleo la baadaye la jarida, Chest. Inapatikana sasa mtandaoni kwenye http: bit.ly.crkDn0 kwa wanachama wa jarida au wale walio tayari kulipa ada ya upatikanaji wa wakati mmoja. Vitamini D inaweza kusaidia kupambana na homa na homa: Vitamini D inaweza kuongeza uwezekano wa kuishi msimu wa baridi bila kuchukua siku yoyote ya ugonjwa. Katika utafiti huo mdogo, asilimia 51 ya wale waliopewa vitamini D kila siku kati ya Oktoba na Machi wakati viwango vya vitamini D vilipopungua na maambukizi ya mafua na homa kuongezeka walibaki na afya sawa, ikilinganishwa na asilimia 36 ya wale waliopewa placebo. Matokeo hayakuwa ya uhakika kwa sababu vikundi vyote viwili vilikuwa na uwezekano sawa wa kuripoti dalili za kufanana na mafua wakati wa kipindi hicho. (Utafiti wa awali ulionyesha kupungua kwa maambukizo ya mafua na homa lakini pia ulitoa matokeo yanayopingana.) Timu ya utafiti iliomba masomo makubwa zaidi ili kujua faida ya vitamini D katika kuzuia maambukizi na kuamua vipimo vinavyofaa. Wataalamu wanasema watu wanahitaji vitamini D zaidi kuliko wanavyopendekeza maafisa wa afya, ambayo inaweza kuhitaji virutubisho kwa wale ambao hawapati vitamini D vya kutosha kutoka kwa vyanzo vya chakula, ambavyo ni pamoja na maziwa, nafaka na samaki fulani wenye mafuta kama vile samaki. Utafiti huo ulichapishwa katika toleo la Septemba 1, 2010 la jarida la Journal of Infectious Diseases. Inapatikana sasa mtandaoni kwenye http: www.bit.ly b4z.org kwa wanachama wa jarida au wale wanaolipa ada ya ufikiaji. Kupunguza kalori inaweza kupunguza shinikizo la damu: Uchunguzi umegundua kwamba chakula cha kupunguza kalori inaweza kutumika kama matibabu ya ufanisi ya matibabu ya shinikizo la damu, hata katika mpango wa muda mfupi. Mlo wa kawaida ni mkakati wa chakula ambao hupunguza ulaji wa kalori chini ya kiwango cha kawaida, wakati bado unaendelea na viwango vya kawaida vya virutubisho, na imeonyeshwa kwa miongo mingi kuongeza maisha ya wastani na ya juu katika aina mbalimbali za wanyama. Utafiti huo pia ulionyesha kwamba hata chakula cha muda mfupi cha CR kinaweza kusaidia kuzuia hypertrophy ya moyo, ambayo ni unene wa misuli ya moyo ambayo hupunguza ukubwa wa vyumba vya moyo. Katika wiki tano tu, chakula cha CR kilipunguza shinikizo la damu la systolic, nambari ya juu ya usomaji wa shinikizo la damu, na kupunguzwa kwa unene wa ukuta wa ventricular. Kwa kuongezea, kipindi hiki kifupi cha kupunguza kalori kilipanua kuta za mishipa ya damu na kuboresha mambo mengine mbalimbali ya mzunguko wa damu. Utafiti huo ulifanyika Agosti 9, 2010 na utachapishwa katika toleo la baadaye la jarida la Hypertension. "Kama ilivyoelezwa hapo juu, ""Bits"" inapatikana kwenye wavuti ya ""Bits"" kwa watumiaji wa jarida au wale wanaolipa ada ya upatikanaji wa makala." MAWAZO YA KWA KWA KWA VIAVU: Utafiti mpya unasema kwamba jeni linalotokea haraka - linalopatikana katika idadi kubwa na inayoongezeka ya sampuli za bakteria - hufanya bakteria ziwe na kinga dhidi ya dawa zote. Bakteria zinazopata jeni hili na kuzalisha zinaweza kuenea haraka sana hivi kwamba zinaweza kufanya dawa zote za kuua viini zisizohitajika na kuashiria mwisho wa dawa za kisasa za kuua viini. Jeni hiyo, inayojulikana kama New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM-1), iligunduliwa kwa mara ya kwanza katika bakteria ya pneumonia na E. coli iliyochukuliwa kutoka kwa mgonjwa mmoja wa Sweden mnamo 2009. NDM-1 iligunduliwa katika sampuli 73 za bakteria za Enterobacteriaceae zilizochukuliwa kutoka kwa wagonjwa nchini India, Pakistan na Bangladesh, na 37 kutoka Uingereza ambao walikuwa wamesafiri kwenda nchi hizo kwa upasuaji wa hiari. "Kila mtu anaweza kupata ""DNA"" ya NDM-1 kwenye plasmids, ambayo inaweza kuunganishwa kwa urahisi na kuhamishwa kati ya bakteria zinazobadilika, ikionyesha uwezekano wa kuenea na kuenea kati ya idadi ya bakteria, ""aliandika." Hakuna dawa, ikiwa ni pamoja na zile zinazotengenezwa, zinazofaa dhidi ya NDM-1. Utafiti huo ulifanyika mnamo Agosti 11, 2010 na utachapishwa katika toleo la kuchapishwa la Septemba 2010 la The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Machapisho ya utafiti huu yanaweza kupatikana kwa njia ya mtandao kwenye http: bit.ly.bgfg kwa wale wanaosajili jarida au kwa wale wanaosajili kwenye tovuti. Je, Ulijua? Samaki wanaweza kujulikana kwa faida za afya lakini ni rahisi kugeuza faida hizo kuwa hatari ya afya. Kuoka au sautéing inaweza kuongeza kalori ziada, mafuta yaliyojaa na viwango hatari vya free radicals, na kuhitaji antioxidants zaidi kuondoa na kuongeza hatari ya ugonjwa wa moyo, unene na baadhi ya kansa. Pia, vyakula vyovyote vya baharini visivyochemshwa vina hatari ya kuambukizwa bakteria za coliform, toxoplasmosis, na salmonella. Wanawake wajawazito ambao hula samaki wenye kiwango cha juu cha zebaki wanaweza kusababisha kuchelewesha kwa maendeleo na uharibifu wa ubongo kwa watoto wao wachanga: hasa juu ya zebaki ni papa, swordfish, king mackerel na tilefish. Tuna ya rangi nyepesi iliyohifadhiwa (kinyume na tuna nyingine), udongo, samaki, pollock na samaki wa samaki kwa ujumla huwa na kiasi kidogo cha zebaki lakini bado inapaswa kuliwa kwa kiasi tu. Kuoka, kuchoma, kuchoma na kuvua samaki ni njia zenye afya zaidi za kupika samaki. Kama chakula kingine chochote, samaki wanapaswa kuliwa kwa kiasi. Vipande viwili vya samaki vinaweza kuwa na uzito wa gramu 7 au zaidi, lakini kula zaidi ya gramu 14 kunaweza kuondoa faida kubwa za kiafya za kula samaki. Uwezekano wa kuambukizwa ugonjwa wa mapafu hupungua kwa nusu: Uchunguzi uliofanywa kwa wagonjwa 600 katika hospitali ya wagonjwa uligundua kwamba wale walio na kiwango cha kutosha cha zinki walikuwa na uwezekano mdogo wa kuambukizwa ugonjwa wa mapafu kuliko wale walio na viwango vya chini vya zinki. Pia, wale walio na viwango vya kutosha vya zinki walipokea dawa chache za kuua viini, walikuwa na muda mfupi wa nimonia na walikuwa na viwango vya chini vya vifo. Watafiti walipendekeza kwamba ziada ya zinki kwa wazee wenye upungufu wa zinki inaweza kusababisha kiwango cha chini cha ugonjwa wa mapafu na kwamba utafiti zaidi unahitajika ili kuamua ikiwa ziada ya zinki inaweza kuwa hatua ya ufanisi na ya gharama nafuu ya kupunguza vifo vya pneumonia kati ya watu walio hatarini ambao tayari wana kiwango cha chini cha zinki. Uchunguzi wa awali wa data hiyo ulionyesha kuwa wale waliotumia vitamini E kwa kiasi cha 200 walikuwa na uwezekano mdogo wa kupata maambukizi ya njia za kupumua za juu, kama vile homa. Utafiti huo ulifanyika mnamo Agosti 10, 2010 na utachapishwa katika toleo la baadaye la American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Kwa sasa, inaweza kusomwa mtandaoni kwenye http: www.flav.com na wanachama wa jarida au wale wanaolipa ada ya upatikanaji wa makala. Vinywaji vyenye sukari vinaweza kuathiri hatari ya ugonjwa wa kisukari na ugonjwa wa moyo: Uchunguzi mpya unaonyesha kuwa vinywaji vyenye sukari vinaweza kuathiri hatari ya ugonjwa wa moyo. Uwezekano wa ugonjwa wa kisukari ni pamoja na hatari ya ugonjwa wa kisukari wa aina ya 2 na ugonjwa wa moyo. Watafiti walichunguza uhusiano kati ya sababu za hatari za moyo na maziwa yenye mafuta machache, maziwa yenye mafuta mengi, maji ya matunda na vinywaji vyenye sukari. Matumizi ya maziwa kamili yalihusianishwa na kupunguza hatari ya triglycerides ya juu. Lakini vinywaji vyenye sukari vilihusishwa na triglycerides za juu; LDL ya juu au kolesteroli mbaya; shinikizo la damu la juu; na mduara wa kiuno wa juu - mambo yote ya hatari ya ugonjwa wa kisukari na ugonjwa wa moyo. Ingawa utafiti huo haukuonyesha uhusiano wa sababu na athari, timu ya utafiti ilionyesha kwamba mapendekezo ya kupunguza matumizi ya vinywaji vyenye sukari yanaweza kusaidia kupunguza sababu hizi za hatari. Utafiti huo ulifunuliwa mnamo Agosti 11, 2010 na hautachapishwa hadi toleo la baadaye la American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Inapatikana mtandaoni sasa kwa wanachama wa jarida na wale ambao hulipa ada ya upatikanaji wa makala, katika http: bit.ly.au. Tylenol inahusiana na asthma katika vijana: Utafiti mpya umegundua uhusiano wa dozi kati ya matumizi ya sasa ya acetaminophen na vijana na uzoefu wao na dalili za pumu. Ingawa watafiti walisema kwamba "haina uwezekano" wa kuthibitisha uhusiano huo, utafiti huo ulikuwa mkubwa sana, ukihusisha vijana 360,000 wenye umri wa miaka 13 hadi 14 katika nchi 50. Watu hao waliulizwa kuhusu matumizi yao ya acetaminophen katika mwaka uliopita, na pia dalili zao za pumu. Wale waliotumia dawa hiyo angalau mara moja kwa mwaka walikuwa na hatari kubwa ya kupata pumu kwa asilimia 40, na wale waliotumia acetaminophen angalau mara moja kwa mwezi walikuwa na hatari kubwa ya kupata pumu kwa asilimia 150. Rhinoconjunctivitis (uchochezi wa kifuniko cha jicho), pamoja na pua iliyofungwa na eczema pia zilihusishwa na matumizi ya hivi karibuni ya dawa hiyo. "Timu ya utafiti ilisema: ""Majaribio ya kudhibitiwa sasa yanahitajika haraka kuchunguza uhusiano huu zaidi.""Utafiti huu ulitolewa Agosti 13, 2010 lakini hautachapishwa hadi toleo la baadaye la American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine." Je, Ulijua? Ugonjwa unaopatikana zaidi kwa watoto ni kuoza kwa meno. Ni ya kawaida mara tano zaidi kuliko pumu ya utotoni. Vyakula vinavyokula mama mwenye mimba huathiri ukuzi wa meno ya kijusi. Ukosefu wa kalsiamu, vitamini D, vitamini A, protini na hata kalori wakati wa wiki 14 hadi miezi minne ya ujauzito inaweza kusababisha kasoro za mdomo. Watoto wenye matatizo ya meno huepuka kula vyakula vyenye lishe ambavyo vinahitaji kutafuna, kama vile matunda na mboga. Kwa mfano, kuna uwezekano kwamba upungufu wa vitamini B6 na B12 unaweza kuongeza hatari ya lip cleft na palate cleft. Ugonjwa wa utoaji wa dawa za kulevya katika utoto unaweza kudhoofisha mfumo wa kinga ya mtu mzee na kupunguza maisha: Utafiti umeonyesha kuwa maumivu ambayo watu wanakabili katika utoto, kama vile unyanyasaji au matatizo mengine, yanaweza kusababisha mfumo wa kinga kudhoofika baadaye katika maisha na kwa baadhi ya kesi mbaya zaidi, inaweza kupunguza maisha kwa miaka saba hadi kumi na tano. Utafiti huo uliofanywa kwa watu wazima 132 wenye umri wa miaka 70, ulichunguza matatizo ya utotoni kama vile kupoteza mzazi, matatizo makubwa ya ndoa kati ya wazazi, au ugonjwa wa akili au ulevi ndani ya familia. Urefu wa telomere ni muhimu kwa sababu telomere ni kiashiria cha uzee wa kibiolojia na kiwango cha dalili za uvimbe, na viwango vya juu vinavyohusiana na matatizo mbalimbali ya afya kama vile ugonjwa wa moyo, ugonjwa wa arthritis, ugonjwa wa kisukari wa aina ya 2, osteoporosis, kansa na ugonjwa wa Alzheimer. Ugonjwa wa utoaji wa dawa za kulevya ulikuwa na athari kubwa kuliko shida, lakini kwa ujumla, wale waliopata maumivu makubwa wakati wa utotoni walikuwa na telomere fupi na viwango vya juu vya uvimbe. Wale waliopata matatizo mbalimbali wakiwa watoto walikuwa na telomere fupi zaidi, ikionyesha kwamba walikuwa na maisha mafupi. Utafiti huo ulifanywa mnamo Agosti 14, 2010 katika mkutano wa kila mwaka wa Chama cha Saikolojia cha Amerika huko San Diego. Bado haijachapishwa. Ugonjwa wa kansa ya kibofu cha mkojo: Uchunguzi wa hivi karibuni unaonyesha kuwa kuwa mchoraji wa rangi huongeza hatari ya kupata kansa ya kibofu cha mkojo kwa asilimia 30. Katika kazi ya jumla ya uchoraji kulikuwa na wachoraji, wachoraji wa kioo, wachoraji wa karatasi za ukuta, wasanii na wapambaji. Ugonjwa wa kansa ya kibofu cha mkojo ni hatari kwa watu wengi, lakini kwa mujibu wa utafiti uliofanywa mwaka 2008, watu wengi hawajui kuhusu hatari ya kuambukizwa na sumu hiyo. Watafiti waliweza kutenganisha athari za mfiduo wa kazi na athari za kuvuta sigara. Uwezekano huo uliongezeka kadiri muda uliotumika kama mchoraji ulivyoongezeka, na hilo liliimarisha zaidi uhusiano kati ya kazi hiyo na kansa ya kibofu cha mkojo. Pia kulikuwa na uthibitisho mdogo kwamba wachoraji wa kike walikuwa katika hatari kubwa zaidi. Ugonjwa wa kansa ya kibofu cha mkojo ni wa tisa kwa idadi ya watu wanaopata ugonjwa huo, na kila mwaka watu zaidi ya 330,000 huugua ugonjwa huo na 130,000 hufa. Utafiti huo ulichapishwa katika toleo la Agosti 2010 la jarida la Occupational and Environmental Medicine na unapatikana mtandaoni kwenye http: www.bit.ly.ahkz3 kwa usajili au malipo ya ada. Kiwango cha uzani wa watoto katika kikundi cha vijana: Uchunguzi wa hivi karibuni unaonyesha kuwa idadi ya watu wazima katika kikundi cha vijana imepungua, ingawa tofauti hizo zimekuwa kubwa zaidi katika vikundi vingine. Kiwango cha unene wa watoto wazima wa Asia na Wazungu kilikuwa juu zaidi mnamo 2005 na kilipungua katika miaka mitatu iliyofuata, na viwango vya unene wa watoto wazima na wa Asia vilikuwa asilimia 12 na 13 kwa kila mwaka. Ingawa viwango vya unene wa juu kati ya wanaume na wanawake Hispania pia vilifikia kilele mnamo 2005, viwango vya 2008 bado vilikuwa asilimia 26. Hata hivyo, viwango vya unene wa kupita kiasi havijafikia kilele na vimeendelea kuongezeka kwa vikundi viwili: wasichana weusi na wa India wa Amerika; asilimia ya wasichana hawa ambao ni wanene ni 22 na 23%, kwa mtiririko huo. Kwa wale walio na BMI ya asilimia 99, ni wavulana wazungu na wavulana na wasichana wa Asia tu walioonekana na dalili za kupungua baada ya 2005; hawa wavulana na wasichana walio na uzito wa juu zaidi katika makundi mengine yote walifikia kilele chao mnamo 2005 na walibaki kwenye kilele hadi 2008. Watafiti wanapendekeza kwamba programu za kuingilia kati zinazofaa zipaswe kuelekezwa hasa kwa vikundi vya hatari. Utafiti huo ulifanyika mnamo Agosti 16 na unachapishwa katika toleo la Septemba 2010 la jarida la Pediatrics. Wanawake wanaokunywa bia wana hatari kubwa ya kupata ugonjwa wa psoriasis: Uchunguzi unaonyesha kwamba wanawake wanaokunywa pombe 2.3 au zaidi kwa wiki wana hatari kubwa ya kupata ugonjwa huo. Uchunguzi uliofanywa ulionyesha kwamba kati ya aina mbalimbali za vinywaji vyenye kileo, bia tu ndiyo iliyokuwa na uwezekano mkubwa wa kupatwa na ugonjwa huo. Wanawake wanaokunywa bia tano au zaidi kwa wiki wana hatari ya kupata ugonjwa wa psoriasis mara mbili kuliko wale wasio kunywa. Bia nyepesi, divai nyekundu, divai nyeupe na pombe hazikuhusishwa na hatari ya psoriasis. (Psoriasis ni ugonjwa wa ngozi unaohusiana na mfumo wa kinga ambao waweza kuzidishwa na kunywa kileo.) Watafiti wanasema kwamba sehemu ya bia isiyo na pombe, ambayo haipatikani katika divai au pombe, inaweza kuwa na jukumu katika kuambukizwa ugonjwa wa psoriasis. Bia ni mojawapo ya vinywaji vichache visivyo na pombe vinavyotumia wanga, kwa kawaida shayiri, kama chanzo cha chachu. Shayiri na wanga mwingine una gluten, ambayo baadhi ya wagonjwa wa ugonjwa wa kifafa huathiriwa nayo. Bia nyepesi, ambayo haihusiani na hatari ya juu, ina kiwango cha chini cha wanga. Utafiti huo ulifanyika mnamo Agosti 16, lakini hautachapishwa hadi toleo la Desemba 2010 la Archives of Dermatology. "Kama ilivyoelezwa katika utafiti wa mwaka wa 2009 uliofanywa na utafiti wa wanawake wa Sweden, ""Chocolate Might Reduce Heart Failure Risk in Women"" (CHOCOLATE MAY REDUCE HEART FAILURE RISK IN WOMEN) ni utafiti uliofanywa kwa miaka tisa na wanawake 30,000 wa Sweden wenye umri wa kati na wazee ambao walishirikiana katika utafiti huo." Kushindwa kwa moyo ni kutokuwa na uwezo wa moyo kutoa damu ya kutosha ili kukidhi mahitaji ya mwili na hutokea kwa takriban asilimia moja ya Wamarekani zaidi ya miaka 65. Kwa mfano, kula chokoleti mara moja au mara tatu kwa mwezi kunapunguza hatari ya ugonjwa huo kwa asilimia 26 ikilinganishwa na wanawake ambao hawakula chokoleti. Uwezekano wa kushindwa kwa moyo ulikuwa chini kwa asilimia 32 kwa wanawake wanaokula mara moja au mbili kwa wiki. Uwezekano wa kushindwa kwa moyo uliongezeka kwa asilimia 23 miongoni mwa wale waliokula kipimo kimoja au zaidi cha chokoleti kila siku, na hii inaweza kuwa kwa sababu chokoleti yenye kalori nyingi ilichukua nafasi ya vyakula vyenye lishe zaidi. (Utafiti wa awali umehusianisha chokoleti na kupunguza hatari ya shinikizo la damu la juu au ugonjwa wa moyo na mishipa, labda kwa sababu ya flavonoidi za kakao.) Watafiti wanasema matokeo hayo yanatumika tu kwa chokoleti nyeusi yenye 30% ya kakao inayotumiwa nchini Sweden, na zaidi ya chokoleti nyeusi inayotumiwa nchini Marekani ina 15% ya kakao. "Kama ilivyoelezwa katika makala ya mwisho ya jarida la ""Circulation: Heart Failure"" (Utaratibu wa Mzunguko: Kushindwa kwa Moyo) mnamo Agosti 16, 2010." Je, Ulijua? Hisia za baridi kali ambazo unaweza kupata wakati wa joto na baridi kali sio jambo lisilo la kawaida. Kinyume na imani ya kawaida, homa haisababishwi na hali ya hewa baridi, mazoezi, lishe, tonsils au adenoids iliyoongezwa, au kwa kuwa mvua, baridi au joto kupita kiasi. Hata hivyo, utafiti unaonyesha kwamba uwezekano wa kuambukizwa virusi vinavyosababisha homa ya kawaida unaweza kuongezeka kwa sababu ya mkazo wa kisaikolojia, matatizo ya mzio yanayohusu pua na koo, na hata mzunguko wa hedhi. Kuishi katika mazingira ya watu wengi bila kuosha mikono mara kwa mara huongeza hatari ya virusi kuingia mwilini mwako wakati huu wa hatari. "Utafiti wa hivi karibuni unaonyesha kwamba dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa ya dawa.""" Kwa kweli, ilionekana kwamba dawa hiyo ilifanya kazi kwa kupunguza uvimbe na kuongeza utokezaji wa chembe mpya za matumbo. Hakuna dawa inayojulikana kutoa athari kama hiyo ya kupambana na athari za upande. Dawa hiyo ya Kichina ilitengenezwa kwa kutumia dawa nne za mitishamba, ambazo kwa pamoja zinaitwa PHY906 na ilitegemea dawa ya mitishamba inayoitwa Huang Qin Tang, ambayo ilitumiwa kwa muda mrefu kutibu kichefuchefu, kutapika na kuhara. Mfano huu ulifunuliwa zaidi ya miaka 1,800 iliyopita. Ingawa utafiti huo ulifanywa kwenye panya, wagonjwa walipata kupoteza uzito kidogo na utendaji mkubwa wa kupambana na uvimbe wakati formula iliongezwa kwa matibabu ya chemo. Watafiti wanasema inaweza kuwa ndoa kamili ya mbinu za mashariki na magharibi za matibabu ya kansa, lakini changamoto zipo kabla ya mchanganyiko wa mimea ya Kichina kupimwa kwa wanadamu. Utafiti huo ulichapishwa mnamo Agosti 18, 2010 na jarida la Science Translational Medicine. Inapatikana kwenye wavuti kwenye http: www.bit.ly.dk.gov kwa wanachama na wale wanaolipa ada ya ufikiaji wa utafiti. Mazao ya mboga yanaweza kupunguza hatari ya ugonjwa wa kisukari: Uchunguzi wa masomo mengi ya zamani umegundua uhusiano wa awali kati ya ulaji wa mboga fulani na hatari ya chini ya kuambukizwa ugonjwa wa kisukari wa aina ya 2. Uchambuzi huo haukupata hatari ya chini na ulaji sawa wa matunda na mboga kwa ujumla. Utafiti wa hivi karibuni unaonyesha kuwa wale waliokula kwa wastani wa kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo cha kipimo. Ingawa jina hilo linaweza kutotumika, waandishi walielezea mboga hizi kama " mboga za majani ya kijani kibichi, " na waligundua kwamba moja na nusu ya ziada ya kila siku ya mboga nyingine haikuonyesha athari sawa. Watafiti hao walisema kwamba utafiti zaidi lazima ufanywe ili kutathmini utafiti huu mdogo, kwamba athari hii nzuri ilitokana na vyakula kamili na sio virutubisho vya antioxidant, na kwamba utafiti huo haujathibitisha kuwa mboga hizi huzuia ugonjwa wa kisukari wala mboga zingine hazifanyi hivyo. Ni mapema sana kupendekeza kwa umma kwamba vyakula hivyo viliongezwe. Waandishi walibainisha kwamba beta-carotene, polyphenols na vitamini C zote zinaweza kuwa na jukumu. Uchunguzi huo waweza kumaanisha kwamba ushauri wa lishe waweza kuwa wenye manufaa zaidi kuliko dawa. Utafiti huo ulifanyika mnamo Agosti 19, 2010 na utachapishwa katika toleo la baadaye la jarida la British Medical Journal. Hata hivyo, inapatikana kusoma mtandaoni sasa katika muundo wake wa maandishi kamili, bila usajili au ada, katika http: bit.ly.d2j87p. Je, Ulijua? Kwa kawaida, mafuta ya samaki yenye mafuta ya omega-3 huchangia kupunguza uzito. Watu waliotumia mafuta ya samaki katika kipindi cha miezi mitatu ya mazoezi walipoteza wastani wa pauni 4.5. Lakini kikundi cha mazoezi ambacho kilikula mafuta ya alizeti - ambayo hayana mafuta ya omega-3 - hakikupoteza uzito wowote licha ya kufanya mazoezi. Utafiti huo ulifanywa Julai 31, 2006 katika mji wa Cairns, Australia, katika mkutano wa International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids. Ugonjwa wa kuvuta sigara: Uchunguzi mmoja umeonyesha kwamba hata kiasi kidogo cha moshi wa sigara, bila kujali tabia ya kuvuta sigara <unk> chache tu kwa juma, <unk> inaweza kuwafanya watu wawe na hatari ya kupatwa na magonjwa ya mapafu wakati ujao, kama vile kansa ya mapafu na ugonjwa wa mapafu usio na dalili (COPD). "Utafiti wa hivi karibuni unaonyesha kuwa moshi wa sigara ni hatari kwa afya, lakini hii ni utafiti wa kwanza wa kugundua kwamba moshi wa sigara, hata katika viwango vya chini zaidi vya kugundua, huathiri moja kwa moja utendaji wa jeni ndani ya seli zinazofunika njia za hewa. """ (Jeni fulani ni nyeti sana kwa moshi wa tumbaku na mabadiliko ndani yake ni ishara ya kwanza ya <unk>ugonjwa wa kibiolojia<unk> wa mapafu.) Watafiti waliwagawanya watu katika vikundi vitatu: wasiovuta sigara, wavuta sigara na wavuta sigara ambao hawavuti sigara sana. Kisha wakachunguza chembe zote za urithi za kila mshiriki ili kuona ni chembe zipi za urithi zilizokuwa zimesimamishwa au kuanzishwa katika chembe za njia za hewa. Utafiti huo uligundua kuwa hakuna kiwango cha nicotine au cotinine kilichopatikana ambacho kilikuwa chini sana hivi kwamba hakikuhusiana na kasoro za maumbile. Mwandishi alidokeza kwamba kiwango chochote cha kuvuta sigareti hadharani chaweza kusababisha ugonjwa wa mapafu wakati ujao; na kwamba hilo linaunga mkono marufuku ya kuvuta sigareti hadharani. Utafiti huo ulifanyika mnamo Agosti 21, 2010 na utachapishwa katika toleo la baadaye la American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. "Utafiti wa hivi karibuni unaonyesha kwamba mbegu mbili rahisi za ""kufadhaisha"" mbegu huongeza sana viwango vya antioxidant vya mboga hizi." Mazoezi hayo yalihusisha kuzamisha viazi katika maji ya chumvi na kuongeza umeme mdogo kwa sekunde 10 hadi 30 na kuzamisha viazi katika maji na kuzitumia kwa ultrasound kwa dakika 5 hadi 10. Kisha, watafiti walipima utendaji wa antioxidant na phenolic na kuhitimisha kwamba mkazo huo uliongeza kiasi cha misombo hiyo. Kwa mfano, uchunguzi wa dakika tano wa ultrasound uliongeza viwango vya polyphenols kwa mara 1.2 na viwango vingine vya antioxidants kwa mara 1.6. Utafiti huu unaonyesha kwamba matibabu ya ultrasound au umeme yanaweza kuwa na manufaa kwa kutajirisha shughuli ya antioxidant ya viazi. Antioxidants zinazopatikana katika matunda na mboga zinaonekana kuwa muhimu katika kuzuia magonjwa ya moyo, kansa, kisukari na magonjwa ya neva. Utafiti huo ulionyeshwa Agosti 22, 2010 katika mkutano wa kitaifa wa 240 wa American Chemical Society (ACS) huko Boston. Haipatikani mtandaoni kwa sasa. Mimea ya matunda yaweza kuamsha utaratibu wa kusafisha ubongo: Uchunguzi uliochapishwa leo unasema kwamba kula matunda ya matunda, na labda walnuts, huamsha utaratibu wa asili wa ubongo ambao husafisha na kuchakata protini zenye sumu, ambazo zinahusiana na kupoteza kumbukumbu na ugonjwa wa akili. Utafiti mwingine uligundua kwamba vyakula vyenye antioxidant nyingi vina athari za kupambana na kuzeeka kwenye ubongo, lakini utafiti huu unaonyesha njia tofauti kabisa ambayo matunda ya berry huzuia athari za akili za kuzeeka. Katika mchakato unaoitwa autophagy, chembe za ubongo zinazojulikana kama microglia, huondoa mabaki yanayotokana na uvimbe na uharibifu wa oxidative, mabaki ambayo yanaweza kusababisha kupoteza kumbukumbu na kupungua kwa akili. Lakini kwa umri, protini inaonekana kuzima mchakato wa autophagy: microglia ama kuwa chini ya kazi, kuruhusu mabaki hatari ya kujilimbikiza, au kuwa overactive, kuharibu seli za ubongo afya. Utafiti huo ulionyesha kwamba matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda ya matunda. (Utafiti wa awali wa timu hii ulionyesha kwamba kula matunda hayo kulibadili kumbukumbu, kujifunza, na utendaji wa neva.) Mwandishi wa utafiti huo alipendekeza vyakula vyenye kiasi kikubwa cha polyphenolics, hasa tunapozeeka. Nyanya na walnuts ni matajiri katika polyphenols, lakini hivyo ni matunda mengine mengi na mboga, hasa wale na rangi nyekundu, machungwa au bluu. Utafiti huo ulifanywa katika mkutano wa kila mwaka wa mwaka wa 240 wa American Chemical Society uliofanyika mjini Boston, Marekani. Bado haijachapishwa. Je, Ulijua? Wataalamu wa afya wametengeneza mbinu ya uchunguzi wa maswali saba ambayo bila kupimwa na daktari inaweza kutabiri kwa usahihi hatari ya kuwa na ugonjwa wa kisukari aina ya pili. Ingawa utambuzi wa ugonjwa wa kisukari lazima uthibitishwe baadaye na daktari wako wa afya, utambuzi wa mapema wa ugonjwa wa kisukari unaweza kusababisha matibabu yenye ufanisi zaidi. Maswali hayo yanatia ndani asili, jinsia, historia ya familia ya ugonjwa wa kisukari, ukubwa wa kiuno, index ya uzito wa mwili na historia yoyote ya matibabu ya shinikizo la damu. Utafiti huo unaoitwa Diabetes Risk Score, uliundwa na timu ya utafiti wa Chuo Kikuu cha Leicester nchini Uingereza na unapatikana kwa umma kwenye tovuti ya www.cb4iud.org. Juisi ya Cranberry - Ugonjwa wa Ugonjwa wa Mifupa ya Mkojo (UTI) Ili kuthibitisha uhusiano huo wa kupambana na maambukizo, wanasayansi walihitaji kujua vizuri jinsi maji ya cranberry yanavyofanya kazi. Sasa, utafiti umetoa uthibitisho wa utaratibu huu. Watafiti walichimba aina za bakteria ya E. coli - bakteria inayosababisha UTI - katika mkojo uliokusanywa kutoka kwa wajitoleaji wenye afya kabla na baada ya kula kinywaji cha juisi ya cranberry. E. coli iliyokua katika mkojo wa kawaida iliweza kutengeneza biofilm ya kawaida - kiini kinachoruhusu bakteria kushikamana na njia ya mkojo na bakteria nyingine, kimsingi kuanzisha duka - bakteria zilizokua katika mkojo kutoka kwa wale waliokula juisi ya cranberry hawakuweza kushikamana na kila mmoja au eneo lolote la uso. Juisi ya cranberry haiuaji bakteria lakini huzuia uwezo wao mwingi wa "kuendelea" na kuenea. Watafiti wanakadiria kwamba maji ya cranberry hufikia na kulinda njia za mkojo ndani ya saa nane baada ya kunywa. Wanawake wengi hupata UTI kuliko wanaume. Utafiti huo ulifanywa katika mkutano wa kimataifa wa mwaka wa 240 wa American Chemical Society uliofanyika Boston, Marekani, mnamo Agosti 23, 2010. Maelezo hayajachapishwa bado. KWA KWENYE KUWA NA MAJI KABELE KWA KUOPOZA KILIMWA: Uchunguzi umeonyesha kwamba kunywa vikombe viwili vya maji kabla ya kula huongeza uzito kwa wale wanaopunguza uzito. Watu waliokula chakula cha kutosha, ambao walikunywa vikombe viwili vya maji kabla ya kila chakula chao cha kila siku, walipoteza wastani wa pauni 4.5 zaidi ndani ya wiki 12 kuliko wale ambao hawakuongeza ulaji wao wa kawaida wa maji. Katika kundi la wale waliokula maji kabla ya chakula walipoteza kilo 14.5 kwa wastani, wakati wale ambao hawakunywa maji kabla ya chakula walipoteza kilo 11. Kwa mujibu wa watafiti, sababu ya kunywa maji kabla ya chakula ni kwa sababu maji haina kalori na bado, hutoa hisia ya kujisikia kamili hata kabla ya kuanza kula, na kusababisha kalori chache zinazotumiwa wakati wa chakula. Mwandishi wa utafiti huo anaonya kwamba kunywa maji kupita kiasi ni hatari na kunaweza kusababisha kifo. Vikundi vya afya kama vile Taasisi ya Tiba ya Chuo cha Taifa vinashauri kwamba kiu inapaswa kuwa mwongozo wa matumizi ya maji. Utafiti huo ulifanywa mnamo Agosti 24, 2010 katika mkutano wa kitaifa wa American Chemical Society huko Boston. Bado haijachapishwa katika jarida linalokaguliwa na wenzao. Mchele mweusi ni bora kuliko blueberries kwa nguvu antioxidant: Utafiti umeonyesha kwamba mchele mweusi hutumika kama mbadala wa kiuchumi kwa blueberries na blackberries, touted kwa punch yao antioxidant. Watafiti wanasema kwamba kijiko kimoja cha mchele mweusi kina antioxidants nyingi za anthocyanin zinazohimiza afya kuliko kijiko kimoja cha blueberries au blackberries zenye bei ghali, na pia kina antioxidants nyingi za nyuzi na vitamini E - lakini na sukari kidogo. Antioxidants ya anthocyanin inaonyesha ahadi ya kupambana na ugonjwa wa moyo, kansa na magonjwa mengine. Mchele mweusi unaweza kutumiwa kama mchele, au mchele mweusi unaweza kutumiwa kama nyongeza kwa nafaka, vinywaji au vyakula vingine. Pia, rangi za mchele mweusi zinaweza kutumiwa kutokeza rangi mbalimbali kuanzia rangi ya waridi hadi nyeusi na zinaweza kuwa mbadala wa rangi za chakula za bandia. (Utafiti kadhaa umehusianisha rangi fulani za bandia na kansa, matatizo ya tabia katika watoto, na matatizo mengine ya afya.) Utafiti huo ulifanywa mnamo Agosti 26, 2010 katika mkutano wa kitaifa wa American Chemical Society huko Boston. Bado haijachapishwa katika jarida linalokaguliwa na wenzao. Je, Ulijua? Viungo viwili vya lishe vinaonekana kupunguza hatari ya ugonjwa wa Parkinson. Katika utafiti mmoja, wale walio na viwango vya juu zaidi vya vitamini D walionyesha hatari ya chini ya asilimia 65 ya ugonjwa huo. Pia, utafiti fulani unaonyesha kwamba ulaji wa kawaida wa asidi za mafuta za omega-3 - aina ya mafuta yanayopatikana katika samaki wenye mafuta kama vile sardini na samaki - pia unaweza kupunguza hatari ya ugonjwa wa Parkinson. Hata hivyo, hakuna njia inayojulikana ya kuzuia ugonjwa wa Parkinson. Mazoezi ya wastani yanapinga kupungua kwa akili: Watafiti wametangaza matumaini mapya kwa wale wanaofanya mazoezi ya mazoezi ya akili. Ingawa wataalamu wengine wanadai mazoezi ya kila siku, utafiti mpya umeonyesha kwamba hata kiasi kidogo cha mazoezi ya chini mara tatu kwa wiki inaweza kuboresha muunganisho wa mzunguko wa ubongo, kupambana na kupungua kwa akili ya kuzeeka na kuongeza utendaji wa kazi za utambuzi. Watu wazima wenye umri wa miaka 59 hadi 80 walichunguzwa na kuchunguzwa mwanzoni mwa utafiti na baada ya miezi sita na baada ya miezi 12 ya kutembea kwa mwendo wa kawaida kwa dakika 40 tu mara tatu kwa wiki. Utafiti wa ubongo ulionyesha kuwa hawa'matumizi ya sofa ya kitaalamu', kama mmoja wa wanasayansi alivyowaelezea, walipata muunganisho bora wa ubongo, na vile vile utendaji bora katika kazi za utambuzi. Wale waliotumia muda wa kunyoosha na toning hawakuathiri uhusiano wao wa ubongo au utendaji, tu wale waliotembea mara kwa mara. Uunganisho wa juu unasababisha uwezo ulioimarishwa wa kupanga, kupanga, kushughulika na utata, kukumbuka na kufanya kazi nyingi. Utafiti huo ulifunuliwa na kuchapishwa katika toleo la baadaye la jarida la Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. Maelezo ya utafiti huu yanapatikana kwenye wavuti bila malipo kwa kubonyeza PDF kwenye kona ya juu ya kulia kwenye http: www.bip.org Wanawake ambao hawajaweka kisu cha mama katika mimba yao wana uwezekano mkubwa zaidi wa kupatwa na ugonjwa wa kisukari wa aina ya pili, na utafiti unaonyesha kwamba wanawake ambao hawajipaka watoto wao kisu cha mama wana hatari kubwa zaidi ya kupatwa na ugonjwa wa kisukari wa aina ya pili. "Kila mtu anajua kwamba chakula na mazoezi ya mwili huathiri hatari ya kuambukizwa ugonjwa wa kisukari, lakini ni watu wachache ambao wangedhani kwamba kunyonyesha kunaweza kupunguza hatari ya kuambukizwa ugonjwa wa kisukari baadaye katika maisha kwa kupunguza mafuta ya tumbo. """ Utafiti huo ulihusisha wanawake 2,233 wenye umri wa miaka 40 hadi 78 na uligundua kwamba wanawake ambao hawakuwa wakinyonyesha walikuwa na uwezekano mkubwa wa kupata ugonjwa wa kisukari. Utafiti huo uliondoa mambo ambayo yangeweza kusababisha mvurugo kama vile utendaji wa kimwili, umri, jamii, na kutumia tumbaku na kileo. Utafiti huo ulichapishwa katika toleo la Septemba 2010 la American Journal of Medicine. Maelezo ya utafiti huu yamechapishwa kwenye tovuti ya www.bc.org kwa wale wanaolipa ada ya kuingia. Matumizi ya dawa za kulevya na dawa za kulevya kwa wazazi ni hatari kwa watoto: Utafiti umegundua kwamba matumizi ya dawa za kulevya na dawa za kulevya na dawa za kulevya na dawa za kulevya na dawa za kulevya na dawa za kulevya na dawa za kulevya na dawa za kulevya na dawa za kulevya na dawa za kulevya na dawa za kulevya na dawa za kulevya. Watafiti waligundua kwamba wazazi wengi waliohusika katika utafiti huo walihisi kwamba ikiwa dawa hiyo inapatikana bila dawa, ni lazima iwe salama kuwapa watoto hata kwa kipimo maradufu. Katika simu 119,000 za udhibiti wa sumu zilizochunguzwa, asilimia 48 zilihusu matumizi ya kupita kiasi ya dawa kwa watoto, na asilimia 15 zilihitaji kulazwa hospitalini. Zaidi ya asilimia 85 ya wito wote kuhusu overdosing ajali katika watoto kuhusisha wale chini ya miaka mitano, na karibu asilimia 80 ya matukio kuhusisha wale chini ya miaka mitatu. Ni asilimia 14 tu ya wazazi waliofanya uamuzi sahihi wakati wa kushughulikia homa ya mtoto. "Ni muhimu kwamba wazazi ulimwenguni kote wanapaswa kuelewa matumizi sahihi ya dawa ili wasendelee kuhatarisha afya ya watoto wao", alisema kiongozi wa utafiti huo. Utafiti huo ulifanywa mnamo Agosti 30, 2010 katika mkutano wa kila mwaka wa Shirikisho la Kimataifa la Dawa (FIP) huko Lisbon, Ureno. Bado haijachapishwa katika jarida linalokaguliwa na wenzao. Kuvuta bangi hupunguza maumivu ya muda mrefu: Utafiti umegundua kuwa kuvuta bangi kuna uwezo wa kupunguza maumivu kwa wagonjwa wa maumivu ya muda mrefu, kupunguza viwango vya unyogovu wa kliniki na wasiwasi, na kuboresha usingizi. Watu walio na uharibifu au dysfunction katika mfumo wa neva mara nyingi uzoefu maumivu ya kuendelea na kuwa na chaguzi chache za matibabu mbali na dawa, ambayo ni pamoja na opioids, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, anesthetics za mitaa na bila shaka, analgesics. Mengi ya dawa hizo husababisha madhara, na hivyo kuwafanya wagonjwa waache kutumia dawa hizo. Marijuana inayotumiwa kwa mdomo imeonyeshwa kuwa na ufanisi katika kupunguza maumivu lakini, kulingana na watafiti, bangi inayowekwa kwa moshi haijawahi kupimwa kwa matumizi haya. Utafiti huo uligundua kupunguzwa kwa maumivu na hali ya hewa baada ya kuvuta moshi kwa siku tano, mara tatu kwa siku, ya 25 mg ya mimea iliyo na asilimia 9.4 ya THC, kiungo cha bioactive. Walitaka vipimo zaidi na pia, kwa ajili ya masomo juu ya usalama wa matibabu ya matumizi ya muda mrefu. Utafiti huo utachapishwa katika toleo la baadaye la jarida la Canadian Medical Association Journal. "Kama ilivyoelezwa hapo juu, makala hii imechapishwa na kuchapishwa kwa urahisi kwenye wavuti ya ""Mapokeo ya Ujumbe"" (http: www.memo.com) na imechapishwa kwa urahisi kwenye wavuti ya ""Mapokeo ya Ujumbe"" (http: www.memo.com)." Je, Ulijua? Karbohydrate ni chini katika kalori kuliko protini au mafuta, licha ya wazo baya kwamba wanga na wanga kukuza uzito. Kwa kweli, nishati nyingi ya mwili hutokana na wanga. Hata hivyo, wanga uliosafishwa huhusianishwa na matatizo ya afya na hatari ya ugonjwa wa kisukari. Daima chagua mchele usiofanyiwa marekebisho, unaojulikana pia kama nafaka nzima, toleo la mchele, nafaka na pasta.