Category: Wellness

Cherry Juice Relieves Muscle Pain

Runners who drank pure tart cherry juice immediately after a long run reported 23% less pain than those who drank a placebo cherry drink.

In a study of sixty healthy adults ages 18 to 50, those who drank 10.5 ounces cherry juice twice a day for seven days prior to and on the day of a long-distance relay had significantly less muscle pain following the race than those who drank another fruit juice beverage. 

On a scale from 0 to 10, the runners who drank cherry juice had a 2 point lower self-reported pain level at the completion of the race, a clinically significant difference.

Researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University suggest that cherries’ post-exercise benefits are likely due to the fruit’s natural anti-inflammation power from antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins.  These anthocyanins also give cherries their bright red color.

The natural anti-inflammation power of cherry juice could benefit the millions of active Americans currently taking over-the-counter pain medications to reduce muscle pain.  Study authors say that although more research is needed, early finding indicate cherries may work like common medications used by runners to alleviate post-exercise inflammation.

SOURCE:  Kuehl, et al, Oregon Health & Science University, presented at the American College of Sports Medicine Conference, May 2009.

Elevated Cysteine Levels May Be Important Indicator for Future Heart Disease

In a study of more than 1,200 people undergoing cardiac imaging at Emory because of suspected heart disease, people with high levels of cysteine in the blood were twice as likely to have a heart attack or die over the next few years.

In a study of more than 1,200 people undergoing cardiac imaging at Emory because of suspected heart disease, people with high levels of cysteine in the blood were twice as likely to have a heart attack or die over the next few years.

Cysteine could be a valuable marker of cardiovascular risk, but it also has a direct harmful effect on cells, so reducing it may be a valuable treatment strategy, according to researchers.

Cysteine is itself a short-lived precursor to glutathione, one of the main antioxidants found inside cells. We need to have a continuous supply of cysteine, but it is too reactive for us to have very much at any one time.

Smoking and alcohol consumption are also linked with higher levels of oxidized cysteine.

Editor’s Notes: Current research is showing other indicators to be much more accurate in predicting future heart disease than cholesterol levels including C-Reactive Protein levels, Homocysteine levels and possibly now oxidized cysteine levels.

See more information on nutrition and heart disease.

Long-term exercise positively impacts cellular aging

In an article appearing in the December 1, 2009 issue of Circulation: Journal of
the American Heart Association, Ulrich Laufs, MD of Saarland University in Homburg,
Germany and his colleagues report an association between long-term intense exercise
and a reduction in the shortening of telomeres that occurs with aging.

In an article appearing in the December 1, 2009 issue of Circulation: Journal of
the American Heart Association, Ulrich Laufs, MD of Saarland University in Homburg,
Germany and his colleagues report an association between long-term intense exercise
and a reduction in the shortening of telomeres that occurs with aging. Telomeres
are protective segments of DNA at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with cell
division. Shorter telomeres limit the number of cell divisions, and have been
linked with conditions associated with aging of the whole human organism, such
as high blood pressure and dementia.

Ref: http://circ.ahajournals.org

Editor’s Note: A recent study published February 10, 2009 in Health & Medicine showed that vigorous exercise may help prevent vision loss. For more related information, go to www.naturaleyecare.com

Excess Body Fat Linked to Higher Cancer Risk, Poorer Cancer Survival

Approximately 100,500 cancers occurring in the US every year can be attributed to excess body fat, according to estimates from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR).

According to AICR, the estimated number of cancers linked to excess body fat include:

49% of endometrial cancers    = 20,700 cases/year
35% of esophageal cancers       = 5,800 cases/year
28% of pancreatic cancers        = 11,900 cases/year
24% of kidney cancers             = 13, 900 cases/year
21% of gallbladder cancers       = 2,000 cases/year
17 % of breast cancers             = 33,000 cases/year
9% of colorectal cancers          = 13,200 cases/year
___________________________________________
TOTAL: 100,500 cases/year

Researchers note that carrying excess body fat increases cancer risk, makes treatment more difficult and shortens survival.  Excess body fat increases the body’s level of sex steroids and other hormones that are linked to cancer growth. For example, fat tissue produces estrogen; studies have shown that estrogen promotes cell proliferation in breast tumors that contain receptors for the hormone, known as ER positive tumors.  Recent studies show that excess body fat lowers immune function and increases oxidative stress, which can lead to DNA damage.

This new research also shows that obesity continue to play a negative role after cancer has been successfully treated.  The good news is that an increasing number of studies suggest that regular physical activity improves cancer survival, even among survivors who are overweight or obese.

SOURCE:  New Estimate: Excess Body Fat Alone Causes Over 100,000 Cancers in US Each Year, American Institute for Cancer Research, Nov. 5, 2009, http://www.aicr.org/site/News2/1699885429?abbr=pr_&page=NewsArticle&id=17333&news_iv_ctrl=1102

Omega-3 and vitamin D linked to 40% reduced risk of macular degeneration

Study shows that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-3 rich fish could slash the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 40 per cent.

Study shows that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-3 rich fish could slash the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 40 per cent.

This study adds further support for increasing the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids with the finding that arachidonic acid (AA, omega-6 fatty acid) is associated with an increased risk of AMD.

Ref: “Association Between Vitamin D and Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 Through 1994”

Authors: N. Parekh, R.J. Chappell, A.E. Millen, D.M. Albert, J.A. Mares

Archives of Ophthalmology

May 125, 2007 Volume 125, Pages 671-679

See more related information on macular degeneration.

Stroke Survivors Can Improve Balance with Tai Chi

TaiChi Helps Stroke PatientsA new study finds that stroke survivors can improve their balance by practicing the Chinese martial art of tai chi, lessening the risk of a serious fall. Tai chi consists of constant coordinated movement of the head, torso and limbs requiring concentration and balance control.

The study looked at 136 participants in Hong Kong who had suffered a stroke more than six months earlier. Participants were randomly assigned to a tai chi group or to a control group that practiced breathing, stretching and other exercises that involved sitting, walking, memorizing and reasoning.

Participants in the tai chi group were trained in small groups by physical therapists in a weekly class, then practiced at home three days a week for one hour. All participants were then tested for their ability to maintain balance while shifting weight, leaning in different directions, and standing on moving surfaces to simulate a crowded bus. In these tests the tai chi group out-performed the control exercise group, showing significant improvement in just six weeks.

Christina Hui-Chan, professor and head of physical therapy at University of Illinois at Chicago, promotes tai chi as a way to improve balance and minimize falls among healthy elderly subjects. She reports that the benefits of tai chi also include improved strength and cardio fitness. In addition, group classes provide a healthy social gathering for isolated seniors at a fraction the cost of physiotherapy or personal training.

SOURCE: Stroke Survivors Improve Balance With Tai Chi,
ScienceDaily, Mar. 24, 2009, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323110458.htm

Ten Foods Most Prone to Food-Borne Illness

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CPSI) has published a list of the 10 riskiest foods regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Topping the list:  leafy greens, eggs, and tuna.  These and seven other foods account for nearly 40% of all food-borne outbreaks linked to FDA-regulated food.

Over 1,500 separate, definable outbreaks were associated with the top 10 riskiest FDA-regulated foods, causing nearly 50,000 reported illnesses. Since most food-borne illnesses are never reported, these numbers may be significantly higher.

The ten foods named in this study are:

  • Leafy greens, including iceberg lettuce, romaine and spinach
  • Eggs
  • Tuna
  • Oysters
  • Potatoes
  • Cheese
  • Ice Cream
  • Tomatoes
  • Sprouts
  • Berries

CPSI study authors say there is no reason to avoid these foods, but notes that the following passage of the Food Safety Enhancement Act by the House of Representatives in July, similar legislation is pending in the Senate to provide the FDA with enhanced authority to better protect consumers.

Meanwhile, consumers can protect themselves by washing produce thoroughly and following safe food handling procedures, such as those listed on the USDA web site:  www.BeFoodSafe.gov

 

SOURCE:  Leafy Greens, Eggs, & Tuna Top List of Riskiest FDA-Regulated Foods, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Oct. 6, 2009, http://www.cspinet.org/new/200910061.html

New Recommendations for Daily Sugar Consumption

How much sugar can you safely eat in a day?

The answer is probably less than you think.

Although Americans are used to eating more than 22.2 teaspoons (or 355 calories) of added sugar a day, the recommended limit is 10 teaspoons, or 100 calories a day. A new study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association (AHA) gives consumers detailed guidance on sugar consumption by recommending an upper limit on added-sugars intake.

Added sugars are sugars and syrups added to foods during processing or preparation as well as those added at the table. This does not include naturally sweet foods such as fruit.

Excessive consumption of sugars has been linked with several metabolic abnormalities and adverse health conditions, as well as with a lack of essential nutrients.

The AHA report also noted:

  • An upper limit for added sugars should be no more than half your discretionary calories.
  • Most American women should consume no more than 100 calories of added sugars per day; most men, no more than 150 calories. That’s about 6 teaspoons of added sugars a day for women and 9 for men.
  • Soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages are the No. 1 source of added sugars in the American diet. A 12-ounce can of regular soda contains about 130 calories and 8 teaspoons of sugar.

The AHA recommends a diet that is rich in fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, high-fiber whole grains, lean meat, poultry and fish in order to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.

Showerheads a breeding ground for bacteria

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences warns of bacterial buildup in showerheads and the effect that may have on people with compromised immune systems.

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences warns of bacterial buildup in showerheads and the effect that may have on people with compromised immune systems.

The opportunistic microbes, which thrive in the most, dark and wet environment of a showerhead, might cause problems if you’re pregnant, a substance abuser or otherwise immune compromised with cystic fibrosis, cancer, AIDS or a recent organ transplant.

The main culprit is an organism called Mycobacterium avium, a relative of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. M. avium infections are increasingly common, perhaps because we take more showers than baths. Unlike baths, showerheads deliver the microorganisms as aerosolized particles that are small enough to be inhaled into the lungs.

See natural approaches for supporting your immune system and helping prevent colds and flu.

New Harvard Study links 45,000 U.S. deaths to lack of insurance

Researchers in a new Harvard estimated that nearly 45,000 people die in the United States each year, nearly one every 12 minute due to lack of health care insurance. American adults age 64 and younger who lack health insurance have a 40 percent higher risk of death than those who have coverage.

Researchers in a new Harvard estimated that nearly 45,000 people die in the United States each year, nearly one every 12 minute due to lack of health care insurance. American adults age 64 and younger who lack health insurance have a 40 percent higher risk of death than those who have coverage.

An similar study in 1993 found those without insurance had a 25 percent greater risk of death, according to the Harvard group. The Institute of Medicine later used that data in its 2002 estimate showing about 18,000 people a year died because they lacked coverage.Part of the increased risk now is due to the growing ranks of the uninsured, researcher Himmelstein said.  Roughly 46.3 million people in the United States lacked coverage.

The Harvard study’s six researchers closely followed the methodology used in the 1993 study conducted by researchers in the federal government as well as the University of Rochester in New York.

For information on how to maintain healthy vision and overall health naturally, visit www.naturaleyecare.com