Mediterranean Diet Reduces Inflammation in Diabetes!

A Mediterranean-type diet usually consists of more fruits and vegetables, nuts, olive oil, beans and herbs with an occasional glass of red wine. A recent study demonstrated that this type of diet lowers levels of inflammation in diabetes. According to the study, diabetic patients that had the best adherence to a Mediterranean diet had the lowest level of circulating inflammatory proteins called c-reactive proteins or CRP produced by the liver. In addition, these same diabetic patients had  higher levels of adiponectin which is a hormone that is thought to play a role in glucose and lipid metabolism. All in all, the Mediterranean diet seems to reduce inflammation in diabetes. Inflammation is one of the leading causes of morbidity seen in diabetic patients.

Mediterranean diet cools down the inflammatory milieu in type 2 diabetes: the MÉDITA randomized controlled trial. Endocrine (9 February 2016) by Maria Ida I. Maiorino, Giuseppe Bellastella, Michela Petrizzo, et al. http://www.citeulike.org/user/kimberlykramer2015/article/13942467

Omega-3 During Pregnancy May Reduce Anemia in Newborn!



Taking omega-3 supplements while pregnant may help prevent or reduce the risk of anaemia in newborns, a study has concluded.

Labdoor.com, an independent testing facility, ranks these 3 omega-3 vitamins as the best for quality and purity.

Omega-3 supplements in pregnancy reduces baby's anaemia risk, study finds

By Will ChuWill Chu, 25-Feb-2016. http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Omega-3-supplements-in-pregnancy-reduces-baby-s-anaemia-risk-study-finds

Biofreeze Relieves Lower Back Pain Better Than Chiropractic Adjustment in Study!

A recent study determined that Biofreeze, combined with chiropractic care, was beneficial in relieving lower back pain. Amazingly, the study also determined that chiropractic adjustment alone did not show the amount of consistent relief of lower back pain in the 4 week trial. In the United states, lower back pain cost 8.8 billion dollars in worker's compensation claims and accounts for the second leading symptom for patients to seek medical care. Biofreeze uses the principle of cryotherapy which is the application of cold for the treatment of injury and pain. Menthol is the main ingredient and offers a cooling sensation without lowering the temperature of the skin.

Effects of Biofreeze and chiropractic adjustments on acute low back pain: a pilot study. Journal of chiropractic medicine, Vol. 7, No. 2. (June 2008), pp. 59-65, doi:10.1016/j.jcme.2008.02.004 by John Zhang, Dennis Enix, Brian Snyder, Kristan Giggey, Rodger Tepe. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2682942/

Deficient Amino Acid Profile in Slower Growth From Malnutrition!

 

In a recent report, in children of Malawi that were small for their age, it was determined they present with a 15-20 % lower level of amino acids in the blood. Specifically, they had a deficiency of nine essential amino acids than those children that have grown normally.  You may recall, I posted yesterday that stunted children showed evidence of an immature biome in the gut. The gut biome is responsible for producing active compounds from amino acids. The two factors of lack of protein and a poor gut flora may compound the problems of malnutrition such as stunting and slow growth.

See Also:

Gut Microbiome May Determine Effects of Malnutrition

 Low amino acids in diet linked to stunted growth in children. Yvette Braxier. Medical News Today. February 24, 2016. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306983.php?utm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&utm_content=56ce384b04d30137284bd045&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook#post

Gut Microbiome May Determine Effects of Malnutrition!

 

A new study has determined that the state of malnutrition, which is a condition that occurs across populations, may be influenced by the microbiome.  In a series of experiments, a researchers took samples from healthy children and transferred them to mice. These mice developed normally and did not show any signs of stunting which is a common condition caused from malnutrition. Alternatively, fecal samples from stunted children were transferred to germ free mice. Interestingly, these mice develop slow growth and stunting like the children the samples came from. The conclusion from this study is that the species of bacteria that make up the microbiome contribute to the effects of malnutrition. It is assumed that nutritious foods can be made with the healthy bacteria species and may one day help prevent the long-term effects of malnutrition.

 Persistent gut microbiota immaturity in malnourished Bangladeshi children. Nature, Vol. 510, No. 7505. (19 June 2014), pp. 417-421 by Sathish Subramanian, Sayeeda Huq, Tanya Yatsunenko, et al. http://www.citeulike.org/user/kimberlykramer2015/article/13939625

The right gut microbes help infants grow. Elizabeth Penissi. Science. February 18, 2016. http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2016/02/right-gut-microbes-help-infants-grow

Cacoa Supplement May Prevent Wrinkles!

A daily oral supplement with an extract from cacao may reduce UV-induced skin aging and protect against wrinkles, suggests a new study with lab mice and human skin cells. Cacoa is the chocolate products that come from unroasted with minimal processing of cacoa beans.

Cacao extract may protect skin from wrinkles: Study

By Stephen DaniellsStephen Daniells, 23-Feb-2016. http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Cacao-extract-may-protect-skin-from-wrinkles-Study

Splenda Alters Glucose Metabolism and Interferes With Beneficial Gut Bacteria!

Splenda (sucralose) is an artificial sweetener found in diet soda, foods and supplements. It is not good for you! Most recent studies show that it may interfere with reponses related to glucose metabolism, impede gut bacteria and cause glucose intolerance and interact with receptors for glucose absorption and trigger insulin. In other words, it screws you up metabolically!

cacoa nibs


Metabolic effects of non-nutritive sweeteners. Physiology & behavior, Vol. 152, No. Pt B. (1 December 2015), pp. 450-455 by M. Yanina Pepino.  http://www.citeulike.org/user/kimberlykramer2015/article/13939545

Resistance Training Promotes Production of Important Brain Protein As We Age!



Recent studies have demonstrated that exercise is good for the brain. In two studies, the results showed that resistance training vs. strength training may be better for the brain because of a transient rise in BDNF. BDNF is an important brain protein that declines with age. It is assumed that as BDNF declines as we age also results in age-related cognitive impairment. From these studies, it is evident that the kind of exercise one does may influence brain health as we age!

 Strength training does not influence serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor. European journal of applied physiology, Vol. 110, No. 2. (September 2010), pp. 285-293 by Maaike Goekint, Kevin De Pauw, Bart Roelands, et al. http://www.citeulike.org/user/kimberlykramer2015/article/13938794

Neurotrophic growth factor responses to lower body resistance training in older adults. Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee, nutrition et metabolisme (18 November 2015), pp. 1-9 by Jeremy J. Walsh, Trisha D. Scribbans, Robert F. Bentley, et al. http://www.citeulike.org/user/kimberlykramer2015/article/13938797

Single dose of Multivitamin Improves Brain Blood Flow and Metabolism!

Short-term and longer-term supplementation with multivitamins and minerals may boost metabolic measures and blood flow in the brain, says a new study funded by Bayer HealthCare – Consumer Care. It would be safe to assume that vitamins with CO-Q-10 would have similar results. For a survey of best vitamins click on this link.

Supradyn multivitamins/minerals show brain boosting potential: Bayer study

By Stephen DaniellsStephen Daniells, 22-Feb-2016. http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Supradyn-multivitamins-minerals-show-brain-boosting-potential-Bayer-study

EGCG In Green Tea Better Absorbed on Empty Stomach and Taken With Water!



"the active antioxidant in green tea, EGCG, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in scientific studies. It has been studied as a cancer preventative, for irritable bowel syndrome therapy and a diabetes treatment. According to a recent study, the best way to get EGCG in green is by taking it with water on an empty stomach. The research demonstrated it was better absorbed that way."

Food Inhibits the Oral Bioavailability of the Major Green Tea Antioxidant Epigallocatechin Gallate in Humans. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), Vol. 4, No. 2. (2015), pp. 373-393 by Nenad Naumovski, Barbara L. Blades, Paul D. Roach. http://www.citeulike.org/user/kimberlykramer2015/article/13938305

12 Anti-Inflammatory Foods Everyone Should Be Eating. Rania Batayneh. Martha Stewart. June 30, 2015. http://www.marthastewart.com/1120044/anti-inflammatory-foods-healthy-recipes?socsrc=FBPAGE_20160222_371789711_Food

Recent Study Shows No LInk Between Toxoplasmosis and Some Psychiatric Disorders!

Toxoplasmosis was not associated with any personality traits, nor with rates of schizophrenia or depression. There was also no evidence that was linked to ‘poor impulse control’, e.g. criminal convictions, driving offenses, and accident claims on insurance.

 Is Toxoplasma Gondii Infection Related to Brain and Behavior Impairments in Humans? Evidence from a Population-Representative Birth Cohort. PloS one, Vol. 11, No. 2. (2016) by Karen Sugden, Terrie E. Moffitt, Lauriane Pinto, et al. http://www.citeulike.org/user/kimberlykramer2015/article/13938270

B Vitamins May Improve Cognitive Function In Older People!



Supplementation with vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid may improve cognitive function in older people with mild cognitive impairment, says a new study from Korea.

B vitamins may boost cognitive ability in older adults: Study

By Stephen DaniellsStephen Daniells, 19-Feb-2016. http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/B-vitamins-may-boost-cognitive-ability-in-older-adults-Study

Exposure to Pthalates in Utero May Influence Physical Activity into Adulthood!



"Mice were treated during pregnancy with phthalates to determine whether activity level of offspring would be effected because physical activity is regulated by sex hormones. At the conclusion of the study, it was found that disrupted hormones by phthalates causes a decrease of physical activity in offspring that lasted throughout early adulthood. "

 Environmental Endocrine Disruptor Affects Voluntary Physical Activity in Mice. Medicine and science in sports and exercise (18 February 2016) by Emily E. Schmitt, Heather L. Vellers, Weston W. Porter, J. Timothy Lightfoot. http://www.citeulike.org/user/kimberlykramer2015/article/13937786

Regular Intake of Chocolate Flavanols May Boost Brain Function!

"It is evident that nutrients in foods exert differential effects on the brain. As has been repeatedly demonstrated, isolating these nutrients and foods enables the formation of dietary interventions to optimize neuropsychological health," researchers wrote. "Adopting dietary patterns to delay or slow the onset of cognitive decline is an appropriate avenue, given the limited treatments available for dementia. The present findings support recent clinical trials suggesting that regular intake of cocoa flavanols may have a beneficial effect on cognitive function, and possibly protect against normal age-related cognitive decline."

Why would you replace food with processed food replacements?


Health Benefits Of Chocolate: Habitual Consumption 'Positively Associated' With Brain Function. Medical Daily. Stephanie Castillo. February 20, 2016. http://www.medicaldaily.com/benefits-chocolate-brain-function-374341

Most Herbal Supplement Claims Are Bogus!



“There may be evidence that some botanicals in their pure state have medicinal effects,” Cohen says. “But consumers need to realize that what they’re purchasing in a bottle is completely different from what an ancient herbalist would have used, making it extremely unlikely that these highly processed products are going to confer any of the theoretical health benefits—even if they’re made from the plants they say they are.”

What's wrong with herbal remedies: They might not contain what they claim—and probably don't work, either. Consumer Reports. February 5, 2015. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/02/what-s-wrong-with-herbal-remedies/index.htm?EXTKEY=AYFCF06

Consumers Demanding Better Transparency of Supplements!

The notion that food consumers are more committed to transparency than are supplement users is not borne out at the retail level, experts from two natural channel retailers say.

Customers demanding transparency from supplement brands, retailers say

By Hank SchultzHank Schultz, 21-Jan-2016. http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Markets/Transparency-helps-drive-dietary-supplement-market-success

Too Many Antioxidants May Be Harmful!

               

 

 

 

 



More is not necessarily better when it comes to antioxidants. Getting too many antioxidants can actually be dangerous. Get you antioxidants from food is probably a better way than taking supplements.

Read more: http://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/nutrition/the-inconvenient-truth-about-antioxidants-20140205#ixzz40ci9GzrR
Follow us: @mensjournal on Twitter | MensJournal on Facebook

Processed Foods Aid in Development of Depression!

 

"a diet filled with processed food feeds into mood swings and aids in developing depression. Eating whole foods with omega-threes found in salmon and soybeans is the best way to fight against stressful thoughts."

 Taste of emotion: A new study shows snacks reveal a lot about your personality. Nancy Werteen. 69 News. February 19,2016.

Basil is Loaded With Antioxidants!

 

Basil, the humble herb which looks small is a mighty powerhouse of antioxidants. So apart from making a lot of dishes taste nicer, basil is also a health-giving herb.

Basil: The subtle herb, full of antioxidants. Seema Mattoo. The Times of India. February 12, 2016. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food/food-features/Basil-The-subtle-herb-full-of-antioxidants/articleshow/50957736.cms

Wine Before Bed May Aid Weight Loss!

 

Drinking wine just before bed helps people to lose weight by burning fat and staving off late-night snacking, according to reports citing studies from two universities.

 Wine before bed ‘helps with weight loss. The Drinks Business. February 19, 2016. http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2016/02/wine-before-bed-helps-with-weight-loss/

High Cholesterol Diets May Increase Anxiety As We Age!

 

Past studies have demonstrated that patient with varying anxiety disorders have elevated levels of cholesterol. In this most recent study, Hu showed that high cholesterol foods caused an increase of anxiety in older mice. The reverse was true for young mice being fed a high cholesterol diet. Further studies are suggested.

 Age and cholesterol level increases anxiety. Anxiety.org. 10/23/2015. https://www.anxiety.org/high-cholesterol-diet-anxiety

Change from High-Fat to Low-Fat Diet Reverses Diet Associated Cognitive Decline and Metabolic Syndrome!

 

One of the consequences of a long-term high fat diet is metabolic syndrome and a decline in cognitive function.  A dietary change from a high-fat to a low-fat diet can reverse these conditions.

 Amelioration of Metabolic Syndrome-Associated Cognitive Impairments in Mice via a Reduction in Dietary Fat Content or Infusion of Non-Diabetic Plasma. EBioMedicine, Vol. 3 (January 2016), pp. 26-42 by Lance A. Johnson, Kristen L. Zuloaga, Tara L. Kugelman, et al.

 

Decline of Cognitive Function Possible from Organochlorine Exposure Later in Life!



Recent studies show the potential for exposure to organochlorines pesticides to have an impact on the cognitive decline later in life. The author suggested that more studies need to be done to identify whether there is a link between exposure to organochlorines and dementia.  

 Association between background exposure to organochlorine pesticides and the risk of cognitive impairment: A prospective study that accounts for weight change. Environment international, Vol. 89-90 (12 February 2016), pp. 179-184 by Duk-Hee H. Lee, P. Monica Lind, David R. Jacobs, et al. http://www.citeulike.org/user/kimberlykramer2015/article/13934453

Complex Bioactive Metabolism Needed For Polyphenol Benefits in Raspberries!

 

Red raspberries are rich in polyphenols but its health benefits can only be fully understood by studying how the body metabolises these micronutrients and the mode of action of the bioactive compounds that trigger these potential protective effects, a study has shown.

New raspberry insights show bioavailability crucial for health benefits

By Will ChuWill Chu, 15-Feb-2016

 

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/New-raspberry-insights-show-bioavailability-crucial-for-health-benefits

Eat Green Leavy Vegetables for Good Gut Health!



A critical discovery about how bacteria feed on an unusual sugar molecule found in leafy green vegetables could hold the key to explaining how 'good' bacteria protect our gut and promote health.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2016-02-sweet-discovery-leafy-greens-key.html#jCp

Moderate Consumption of Seafood May have Beneficial Effect Against Alzheimer's!



Moderate consumption of seafood may have a beneficial effect on the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. This correlation also showed higher brain levels of mercury which was not associated with brain pathology.

Association of Seafood Consumption, Brain Mercury Level, and APOE ε4 Status With Brain Neuropathology in Older Adults.

Morris MC¹, Brockman J², Schneider JA³, Wang Y¹, Bennett DA⁴, Tangney CC⁵, van de Rest O⁶.

JAMA. 2016 Feb 2;315(5):489-97. doi: 10.1001/jama.2015.19451.

Gut microbes’ protective effects compromised by alcohol



Gut microbes’ protective effects compromised by alcohol: The protective function of natural gut antibiotics is impaired by alcohol leaving bacteria free to migrate to the liver aggravating alcohol-induced liver disease, a study has shown.

Microbes in the Gut May Determine Risk for Obesity, Other Diseases!



Scientists demonstrated that the microbes in the gut can determine the risk for obesity and related diseases.

Fat fighting microbes? New study backs GM probiotic to supress obesity.

By Nathan Gray+Nathan GRAY, 23-Mar-2015

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Fat-fighting-microbes-New-study-backs-GM-probiotic-to-supress-obesity

Nordic Diet May Have Physical Performance Advantage in Later Life!



The nutrients range of Nordic diets is associated with better physical performance and a decrease in disability risk later in life, a study confirms.

Nutrient-rich Nordic diet linked to better physical performance in elderly

By Will ChuWill Chu, 01-Feb-2016

 

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Nordic-diet-linked-to-better-physical-performance-in-elderly

Cocoa May Use Microbiome to Ease Metabolic Syndrome!



Consuming cocoa flavanols may interact with the gut microbiota as a way of preventing metabolic syndrome or easing the condition’s symptoms, a review has concluded.

Cocoa flavanols may use gut microbiota pathway to ease metabolic syndrome: Review

By Will ChuWill Chu, 29-Jan-2016

 

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Cocoa-flavanols-may-use-gut-microbiota-pathway-to-ease-metabolic-syndrome-Review

Eat Walnuts and Reduce Cardio Risk and Lose Weight!



A walnut-rich, higher-fat diet results in favorable changes to lipid levels associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease in overweight women, a study supported by the California Walnut Commission has suggested.

A handful of walnuts a day may help reduce cardiovascular risk whilst losing weight

By Louisa RichardsLouisa Richards, 11-Feb-2016

 

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/A-handful-of-walnuts-a-day-may-help-reduce-cardiovascular-risk-whilst-losing-weight

Antioxidants May Blunt Benefits of Exercise!



Back in 2009, a group of researchers in Germany and the US published a hotly debated study that said antioxidants may blunt the benefits of exercise. One of the researchers recently released a topical review of the subject, and he still stands by the results.

Study: Antioxidant supplements (still) not an athlete’s best training partner

By Adi MenayangAdi Menayang, 29-Jan-2016

 

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Antioxidant-supplements-still-not-an-athlete-s-best-training-partner

Soy May Slash Heart Disease But Only If You Produce A Certain Gut Bacteria!

Soy supplements may reduce the risk of cardiovascular risk for people able to produce equol, a microbial-derived metabolite of the isoflavone daidzein, but equol supplements themselves may not have the same effects, says a new study.

Soy intake may slash heart disease risk by 12%, but only for equol producers

By Stephen Daniells+Stephen Daniells, 09-Feb-2016

 

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Soy-intake-may-slash-heart-disease-risk-by-12-but-only-for-equol-producers

Study: Dried plums consumption benefits bone health

Study: Dried plums consumption benefits bone health: Calcium and vitamin D are often credited as the nutrients to go to for bone strength, but according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, it takes far more than just that.