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Category: healthy living

Published on Leave a comment on Herpes Simplex Virus and Alzheimer’s Disease

Over the past decade there has been as increasing amount of research suggesting that the herpes virus (cold sores!) is implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease. (here, here, here).

A recent study suggests the same possibility - herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) has a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. And treating cold sores with antiviral therapy (antiherpetic medications) results in a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease - thus the antivirals are protective.

The researchers found that having herpes virus type 2 (genital herpes) and varicella zoster virus (chicken pox, shingles) also resulted in increased risk of later developing Alzheimer's disease. But infection with cytomegalovirus was not.

From Medical Xpress: Cold sore viral infection implicated in development of  Alzheimer's disease

Symptomatic infection with the virus responsible for cold sores around the mouth–herpes simplex 1, or HSV-1 for short—may have a key role in the development of Alzheimer's disease, suggests a large US study published in BMJ Open. ...continue reading "Herpes Simplex Virus and Alzheimer’s Disease"

Published on Leave a comment on Exercise, Insulin, and the Brain

Studies find that exercise or physical activity improves the functioning of the brain, including memory and overall cognition. In a recent study, almost two weeks of exercise by older adults improved brain insulin signaling - that is, it improved the abilities of insulin to act on the brain by increasing "neuronal extracellular vesicles".

The study found these beneficial effects on a group of sedentary adults (average age 60) with prediabetes, who are at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

The participants exercised twelve times (60 minutes per day) by using a stationary bicycle (cycle ergometry exercise) over a 13 day period. So quick and simple, but it resulted in health benefits for the brain.

From Science Daily: Exercise improves brain function, possibly reducing dementia risk

A study led by scientists at Rutgers University-New Brunswick has shown that specialized cells involved in how the body responds to insulin are activated in the brain after exercise, suggesting that physical activity may directly improve brain function. ...continue reading "Exercise, Insulin, and the Brain"

Published on Leave a comment on Exercise Boosts Brain Function At All Ages

Exercise boosts brain function at all ages. This means that for both young and old, it is worth it to get out and engage in physical activity.

A large study reviewed other studies (for a total of 258,279 persons) on effects of exercise on brain functioning. They found that exercise, even light exercise, boosts brain function (specifically general cognition and executive function) and memory. Executive function refers to mental processes (executive functioning skills) that help you solve problems, make plans, set and carry out goals, and manage emotions.

The researchers concluded that most forms of exercise appear effective, including light-intensity activities, and even yoga, Tai Chi, and walking. The positive effects were found at all ages, and in all groups studied. There seemed to be an especially strong effect in persons with ADHD

From Science Daily: Exercise of any kind boosts brainpower at any age

Whether it's an early morning jog, or a touch of Tai Chi, groundbreaking research from the University of South Australia shows that any form of exercise can significantly boost brain function and memory across children, adults, and older adults. ...continue reading "Exercise Boosts Brain Function At All Ages"

Published on Leave a comment on Dairy Products and A Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Many people (even health professionals) are still under the impression that dairy products made from milk are unhealthy. NOT TRUE. Consuming dairy products, especially whole milk products, is associated with a number of health benefits.

Recent research adds to the growing body of research finding that higher intake of dairy products is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer (commonly referred to as colon cancer). One big review found a 20% decrease in colon cancer with higher dairy product consumption, and an 18% decrease in colon cancer specifically with higher milk consumption.

The researchers discussed studies that found that with each 400 g (about 1 3/4 cups) of dairy foods that people consumed daily, there was a 13% reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

It's more than the calcium found in the dairy products (there is research already finding that calcium in foods is associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer). And it's more than dairy products that are fermented (e.g., yogurts). It's high fat milk products (whole milk) that have the highest association. But currently it's unclear why.

Excerpts from Medscape: Does Higher Dairy Intake Reduce CRC Risk?

Two recent studies have added to the growing body of research suggesting consuming more dairy reduces a person’s risk of getting colorectal cancer. ...continue reading "Dairy Products and A Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer"

Published on Leave a comment on Lead and Heavy Metal Contamination In Toothpaste
Tooth Credit: Wikipedia

We are all encouraged to brush our teeth daily with a toothpaste containing fluoride. We assume that the toothpaste is safe and free from dangerous chemicals and heavy metals, such as lead, but it turns out that our assumptions are wrong.

A consumer group had independent lab analyses done of 51 toothpaste brands. They found toxic heavy metals in most toothpaste brands, even those marketed as green and pure. The presence of heavy metals such as lead was detected in 90%, arsenic in 65%, mercury in 47%, and cadmium in 35% of the toothpaste brands.

However, none of the brands tested had levels exceeding current FDA guidelines: the lead limit for fluoride free toothpaste is 10,000 ppb and 20,000 ppb for fluoride toothpastes. But Washington state recently enacted much lower lead level limits of 1000 ppb (and some brands exceeded those levels).

The toothpaste brands containing heavy metals (at varying levels) included Crest, Sensodyne, Tom's of Maine, Dr Bronner;s, Davids, and others. [Note: Arm and Hammer was not tested]. It is thought that the heavy metals (especially lead) was from ingredients added to many toothpaste brands: hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate and bentonite clay.

The work was funded by The Lead Safe Mama, LLC (LSM) team. This group has been conducting independent, community-funded, scientific testing of consumer goods since 2009. Since March 2024 they have been conducting independent laboratory testing of foods, supplement, cosmetics, and personal care items.

From The Guardian: Toothpaste widely contaminated with lead and other metals, US research finds

Toothpaste can be widely contaminated with lead and other dangerous heavy metals, new research shows. ...continue reading "Lead and Heavy Metal Contamination In Toothpaste"

Published on Leave a comment on Regular Exercise In Winter Months Keeps Vitamin D Levels Up

Typically, our vitamin D levels drop in the winter months when we don't get as much sun exposure. After all, it is called the sunshine vitamin. However, a new study found that regular moderate-intensity exercise kept vitamin D levels up in the winter, even without vitamin D supplements or weight loss.

Good reason to exercise - prevent the usual seasonal decline in vitamin D. How much exercise? In the study, overweight adults had four indoor cardiovascular exercise sessions per week for 10 weeks: two treadmill walks, one longer steady-state bike ride, and one high-intensity interval bike session

From Science Daily: Exercise the key to maintaining Vitamin D levels in winter

The sun may be shining now, and our vitamin D levels are getting a natural boost but it wasn't long ago we were in the depths of winter, when sunlight was scarce and vitamin D was in short supply. ...continue reading "Regular Exercise In Winter Months Keeps Vitamin D Levels Up"

Published on Leave a comment on The Senate Votes To Release More Mercury and Lead Into the Air

Uh oh...So many environmental regulations dealing with the environment are being overturned this year. In addition to changing the mission of the EPA (it's no longer to protect us and the environment, but instead to roll back regulations and costs - in other words, pro polluters and Big Business), the Senate is doing its bit to make our air and water dirtier.

The Senate voted last week to overturn EPA rules on 7 toxic air pollutants emitted by industry, with voting along party lines - Republicans voted to weaken regulations, and Democrats voted against it. These are horrible pollutants, including mercury, lead, dioxins.

The scientific names of the 7 pollutants are: mercury, alkylated lead compounds, hexachlorobenzene, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), polycyclic organic matter (POM), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofurans (TCDF), and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

How can anyone rationalize weakening regulations on these toxic chemicals and think that allowing more to be released into the air as beneficial? These hazardous chemicals cause death, neurological problems, cancer, and so many more health problems.

This is a huge win for the chemical and fossil fuel industry, and a major loss for people (us!) and the environment.

It is expected that the House will also pass this bill. This will be the first time that the Congress weakens protections passed in the Clean Air Act. So... this will be their legacy - deliberately making our environment more polluted.

From Washington Post: Senate overturns EPA rule on seven highly toxic air pollutants

The Senate voted Thursday to overturn an Environmental Protection Agency rule limiting the seven most hazardous air pollutants emitted by chemical plants, oil refineries and other industrial facilities, reversing one of President Joe Biden’s major environmental regulations.

The 52-46 vote delivers a key victory to major companies and trade groups in the fossil fuel and petrochemical sectors that had lobbied against the regulation. It also marks the first time in the Clean Air Act’s 55-year history that Congress has scaled back protections under the landmark environmental law.

...continue reading "The Senate Votes To Release More Mercury and Lead Into the Air"

Published on Leave a comment on Walnuts, Gut Microbes, and Lower Levels of Inflammation
Credit: Wikipedia

Nowadays, the scientific view is to eat some nuts frequently for all sorts of health benefits. Recently, a study found that eating walnuts helps to lowers systemic inflammation (inflammation throughout the body), and in doing so reduces colon cancer risk.

The researchers said that the beneficial health effects are from ellagitannins, plant-derived polyphenol compounds, found in walnuts and pecans. Gut microbes convert the ellagitannins into anti-inflammatory urolithins.

Ellagitannins are also found in pomegranates, some berries (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, cloudberries), and muscadine grapes. They are mainly metabolized by microbes in the colon. The consumption of foods containing ellagitannins has been associated with positive effects on many diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative syndromes, and cancer). Ellagitannins are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer preventive.

From Medical Xpress: Walnut consumption curbs inflammation and may reduce colon cancer risk, clinical trial finds

There are new findings out about the benefits of eating walnuts. Results from a UConn School of Medicine clinical trial on the cover of the April edition of the journal Cancer Prevention Research show that walnuts improve systemic inflammation while also reducing colon cancer risk. ...continue reading "Walnuts, Gut Microbes, and Lower Levels of Inflammation"

Published on Leave a comment on Hair Straighteners and Kidney Harm
Natural hair, not straightened Credit: Wikipedia

A number of hair styling products are actually harmful to health. This includes hair straighteners, which contain chemicals hazardous to both the hairdresser applying the products, as well as the woman that is using the product in her hair. These products are especially harmful if the woman using or applying the product is pregnant (it will go to the fetus) or breastfeeding (chemicals get into the mother's breastmilk).

A number of health risks are already known from chemicals (e.g., forever chemicals, formaldehyde) in such products, such as increased risks of certain cancers. But now there is an additional concern.

A  2024 study found that hair-straightening products containing glyoxylic acid was associated with a risk for acute kidney failure. This is because it resulted in the accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys. While the study was done on mice, the researchers thought this could explain cases of renal damage in young women. For example, one woman who became very ill with acute renal damage after each visit to a hair salon - where she had her hair straightened.

Similar cases have been noted elsewhere after women getting their hair straightened in hair salons. Black women are especially at risk because of their frequent use of such products. [Site with more information.]

According to the researchers, it is the glyoxylic acid that is problematic, but not glycolic acid.

Glyoxylic acid is found in some cosmetic products (such as shampoo, styling lotion, and straightening products) - generally as a replacement for formaldehyde (which is irritating and carcinogenic). However, glyoxylic acid is recommended to avoid contact with the scalp. (So why is it in the products!!??)

From Medscape: Hair-Straightening Products Entail Acute Kidney Failure Risk

The use of hair-straightening products containing glyoxylic acid is associated with a risk for acute kidney failure because of the accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys. The observation was made by a team of French researchers who tested the suspected straightening product on animals. The product is believed to be the cause of several episodes of renal damage in a young woman. ...continue reading "Hair Straighteners and Kidney Harm"

Published on Leave a comment on Exercise Is Beneficial For the Kidneys In Older Adults
MALE URINARY SYSTEM Credit: Wikipedia

Our kidneys are incredibly important for our health. Unfortunately, some conditions (e.g., diabetes) and just getting older results in a decline in kidney function. Let's face it - as we age, our organs age.

But there is some good news. A recent study found that moderate and high intensity exercise slows down the risk of rapid kidney function decline in older adults. Exercise actually helps preserve kidney function.

A large study randomly assigned older adults (aged 70 to 77 years) to one of three groups: 1) moderate intensity exercise (peak heart rate 70%) for 50 minutes twice a week, or 2) high intensity interval training (peak heart rate 90%) for four minutes 4 times per week (with first a 10 minute warm-up), or 3) a control group that just received education.

There was a dose response relationship over the 5 years - the more exercise, and the more vigorous exercise - the better kidney function was, and less of a decline from aging. Also, the more exercise, the better the oxygen uptake. There were no heart disease related events (cardiovascular events) during the supervised exercise sessions.

Bottom line: Exercise at all ages, including older adults in their 70s, is good for health, including the kidneys. Move, move, move!

From Medscape: High-Intensity Interval Training Reduces Risk for Kidney Function Decline in Seniors

Supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) over 5 years reduced the risk for rapid decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in community-dwelling adults aged 70-77 years. ...continue reading "Exercise Is Beneficial For the Kidneys In Older Adults"