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Category: healthy aging

Published on Leave a comment on California Is Finally Taking Steps To Ban A Highly Toxic Pesticide

For years it has been known that the pesticide paraquat has serious health effects, which is why it is banned in so many countries - but not the US. But California, the US's largest user of the toxic pesticide, is now the second state to ban the use of the pesticide. It is considered the deadliest pesticide used in agriculture in the US.

Paraquat is a herbicide (weed-killer) that is strongly linked to (causes) Parkinson's disease, and is known to damage the lungs, kidneys. liver, cardiac system, and other bodily systems. While it is banned in more than 70 countries world-wide (e.g., the EU, China, UK, Brazil), the EPA reapproved its use in 2024. More than 10 million pounds annually are sprayed on US crops (e.g., soybeans, almonds, walnuts, cotton), with the most used in California.

Once again, the US is lagging behind other countries in safety and health regulations. Unfortunately, the current EPA is led by persons affiliated with the chemical industry. No wonder it's big industry first in all decisions!

Excerpts from The Guardian: California bans paraquat, highly toxic herbicide outlawed in more than 70 countries

California is banning paraquat, a highly toxic, controversial herbicide used across millions of acres of American cropland. ...continue reading "California Is Finally Taking Steps To Ban A Highly Toxic Pesticide"

Published on Leave a comment on Full-Fat Dairy Products Have Health Benefits
Glass of whole milk

For years health professionals advised everyone to avoid whole fat dairy products. They said all that saturated fat was unhealthy, but studies from the last decade is proving that advice wrong. Recent studies have found that consuming full-fat dairy products, including whole milk, is associated with a number of health benefits.

The latest is a Canadian study that found health benefits (e.g., lower blood pressure, and increased ingestion of protein, vitamin D, and calcium) from consuming three servings of full-fat dairy products daily for 12 weeks. The full-fat dairy products were milk, yogurt, and cheese. There were no negative health effects (e.g., in weight, cholesterol levels, lipids, insulin resistance) when compared to two other groups that did not consume full-fat dairy.

Interestingly, all the study participants had metabolic syndrome, so the researchers were pleasantly surprised to see health benefits and no adverse effects from consuming all that full-fat dairy.

Bottom line: Stop avoiding full-fat dairy! Dairy products are healthy for us.

From Science Daily: For decades, we were told to choose low-fat dairy. New research says otherwise

A new Canadian study led by University of Toronto professor Harvey Anderson adds to growing evidence that full-fat dairy can be part of a healthy diet. ...continue reading "Full-Fat Dairy Products Have Health Benefits"

Published on Leave a comment on Sauna Sessions Boost Immune Cell Release Into Bloodstream
Finnish sauna Credit: Wikipedia

For years sauna lovers have been praising the health benefits of hot sauna sessions, with studies finding reduced risk of hypertension, sudden cardiac death, stroke, dementia, and a lower risk of a number of respiratory conditions. A study from Finland suggests why these benefits from sauna sessions occur.

Researchers in Finland found that one 30 minute session of sauna heat increases beneficial immune effects by releasing more infection-fighting white blood cells into the bloodstream - an "immune cell mobilization". This effect is temporary.

The participants (51 healthy males and females, average age 50 years) in the study were exposed to traditional Finnish sauna sessions - with dry air and a relatively high temperature. The sessions lasted 30 minutes, with a brief cold shower midway during the session to cool down. They could drink water during and after the sauna sessions.

Physical activity also results in a similar temporary release of white blood cells. This is considered beneficial.

From Science Daily: A single sauna session sends immune cells surging

A new Finnish study suggests that spending time in a sauna can temporarily move more white blood cells into the bloodstream. These immune cells help the body detect and respond to pathogens and disease. ...continue reading "Sauna Sessions Boost Immune Cell Release Into Bloodstream"

Published on Leave a comment on Male Testosterone Levels Show A Steep Decline Over Last Fifty Years
Human sperm Credit: Wikipedia

Uh-oh. Things are looking worse and worse for male fertility. Studies already are finding that human sperm count is going down year after year throughout the world. But a recent study also found that testosterone levels are going down in men.

According to a study presented at the July 2026 meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, testosterone levels in men have declined 54% between 1972 and 2019. This is a decline of more than 1% per year. Scientists are referring to this as a "major crisis in male reproductive health".

And no, the answer is not just giving men testosterone. As researchers have pointed out:  this suppresses or "cuts off sperm production".

Instead, it would be much, much better to address the causes of the drop in male sperm counts and lowered testosterone - for example, pesticides, endocrine disruptors (e.g., phthalates, bisphenols), heavy metals, microplastics, and pollution. These are all known to adversely affect male reproduction.

Excerpts from The Guardian: Men’s average testosterone levels have halved in last 50 years, say scientists

Men’s average testosterone levels have halved over the past 50 years, according to scientists, who say society is facing a male fertility crisis. ...continue reading "Male Testosterone Levels Show A Steep Decline Over Last Fifty Years"

Published on Leave a comment on A Mediterranean Style Diet Cuts the Risk of Developing Heart Disease
Mediterranean diet Credit: Wikipedia

People have been arguing for years over what kinds of foods and dietary patterns are best for health, with many studies finding that a Mediterranean style diet is best for health.  Another recent study found that a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, fish, and dairy is best for heart health when compared to other diets.

The study of 3042 Greek adults found that those following a plant-based style diet (basically a Mediterranean-style diet) had a 26% lower risk of developing heart disease over a 20 year period, when compared to either a Western diet rich in processed meat and ultra-processed foods, or to a high-calorie, but low-white-meat dietary pattern.

The high calorie, low white-meat diet seemed especially unhealthy. They also found that physical activity reduced heart disease (cardiovascular disease) risk, but smoking increased it.

Physical activity reduced CVD risk, while smoking increased it.

Excerpts from Medical News: Plant-based Mediterranean-style diet cuts heart disease risk by 26%

A recent European Journal of Nutrition study examined common dietary patterns in a Mediterranean cohort and assessed their long-term associations with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and outcomes. 

Poor dietary habits, especially inadequate consumption of nutrient-dense foods, remain a leading modifiable risk factor. ...continue reading "A Mediterranean Style Diet Cuts the Risk of Developing Heart Disease"

Published on Leave a comment on Study Finds Vitamin B3 Supplements Lower the Risk of Developing Glaucoma
Human eye Credit: Wikipedia

A recent large study found that vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) supplements may help in preventing glaucoma (specifically primary open-angle glaucoma) and also need fewer treatments (e.g., eye drops and laser procedures) in those with glaucoma.

Glaucoma refers to many diseases involving eye pressure increases and damage to the optic nerve, which can result in permanent vision loss and blindness. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma. The study found that those taking nicotinamide supplements had a 66% lower risk of developing glaucoma.

Since the study is behind a paywall, I've included summaries (each a little different) from 2 web-sites describing the study.

From Medical Xpress: Could vitamin B3 prevent silent thief from stealing vision? New study finds protective effects against glaucoma

Often called the silent thief of sight, glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually damage the optic nerve, often without warning signs. It is linked to increased pressure (ocular hypertension) inside the eye and, if left untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss. Even with ongoing treatment, some people still face the risk of progressive vision loss.

This led scientists to look for newer therapeutics that can help manage the disease's progression, such as nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3. ...continue reading "Study Finds Vitamin B3 Supplements Lower the Risk of Developing Glaucoma"

Published on Leave a comment on Food Additives and Hypertension

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a big problem in adults. A large European study found that eight preservative food additives are associated with high blood pressure and heart (cardiovascular) disease. And the more a person eats additives in their daily diet (meaning more ultra-processed foods), the greater the risk of developing hypertension and heart disease.

The most problematic of the preservative food additives in this European study included: potassium sorbate, potassium metabisulphate, sodium nitrite, ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, sodium erythorbate, citric acid, extracts of rosemary. These results suggest that a higher intake of preservative food additives means a greater intake of ultra-processed food, which ultimately is not good for the health (increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease).

Note that in the list of US problematic food additives may be somewhat different, because different additives may be more common. But all are indications of ultra-processed foods.

Bottom line: Nutrition matters! Eat as many minimally processed foods as possible. Also, read ingredient labels and try to avoid products that contain ingredients that are not normally found in a kitchen (e.g., xanthan gum, carrageenan).

From Science Daily: Researchers found 8 common food additives linked to high blood pressure and heart disease

A massive study suggests that some common food preservatives may be putting heart health at risk. ...continue reading "Food Additives and Hypertension"

Published on Leave a comment on Vitamin C Is Important For Aging Brain Health

We all know that vitamin C is important for our health, especially skin health, but it is also important for a healthy brain. A recent study found higher levels of vitamin C in aging adults is linked to a healthier aging brain. Nutrition matters!

The study found that having low levels of vitamin C in blood plasma in aging adults is correlated with having lower brain gray matter volume and connectivity. The study looked at 2040 aging adults (median age 69 years) in Japan - using both MRI scans and blood plasma samples.

As we age, the volume of the brain shrinks - this is normal. There are both structural and connectivity changes - again, it's normal.  But...you want to delay and minimize these changes, which is why this research finding that vitamin C is important for aging brain health is significant. As the researchers point out, one can make nutritional changes by increasing vitamin C foods in the diet. (BTW, generally foods are superior to supplements.)

Gray matter of the brain is where processing information, movement, and emotion control occur. It has an effect on new memories and multitasking.

Other studies have also pointed out that vitamin C are important for aging brain health. Lower levels of vitamin C have been associated with a higher risk of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Bottom line: Try to eat foods high in vitamin C frequently, preferably daily.

From  Science Daily: Scientists discover a surprising link between vitamin C and brain health

Researchers have found another clue that diet may influence how the brain ages. In a study of more than 2,000 older adults in Japan, people with lower levels of vitamin C in their blood tended to have less gray matter and weaker connections within an important brain network involved in memory and attention. While the findings do not prove that vitamin C protects the brain, they strengthen evidence that good nutrition could play a role in maintaining cognitive health later in life. ...continue reading "Vitamin C Is Important For Aging Brain Health"

Published on Leave a comment on Large Study Finds Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements Do Not Prevent Fractures

Uh-oh, two popular supplements don't have the health benefits that many think. Millions take vitamin D or calcium (or both) for stronger bones. A large review of 69 studies found that taking calcium or vitamin D or both does not prevent fractures and falls in older adults.

Other studies have had similar results. Bottom line: Focus on eating well and getting enough exercise, especially resistance exercises and balance exercises.

From Science Daily: Millions take calcium and vitamin D for stronger bones. A major review finds little benefit

A comprehensive review published in The BMJ suggests that calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements, or taking both together provide little to no clinically meaningful benefit in preventing fractures or falls for most older adults. ...continue reading "Large Study Finds Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements Do Not Prevent Fractures"

Published on Leave a comment on Sitting Many Hours A Day Has Health Harms

We all know that there are lots of health benefits, such as better heart health, to being more physically active. In contrast, a recent study found health harm from sitting more during leisure time and increased risk of early death, especially from cardiovascular disease (heart disease).

The study found that physical activity could not overturn the effects of prolonged sitting (6 or more hours every day) during leisure time - but it did help. Best was sitting the least (less than 3 hours per day) and being the most active.

Those who both sat more (6 or more hours per day) and were less physically active were more likely to have an early death - 94% increase in women and 48% more likely for men (when compared to those who sat the least and were the most physically active).

Bottom line: Turn off the TV, put away the cell phone, and get up and move!

From Science Daily: More time spent sitting linked to higher risk of death; Risk found to be independent of physical activity level

A new study from American Cancer Society researchers finds it's not just how much physical activity you get, but how much time you spend sitting that can affect your risk of death. Researchers say time spent sitting was independently associated with total mortality, regardless of physical activity level. They conclude that public health messages should promote both being physically active and reducing time spent sitting. ...continue reading "Sitting Many Hours A Day Has Health Harms"