Diet
New study links ultra-processed foods and colorectal cancer in men
For many Americans, the convenience of pre-cooked and instant meals may make it easy to overlook the less-than-ideal nutritional information, but a team led by researchers at Tufts University and Harvard University hope that will change after recently discovering a link between the high consumption of ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. In a study published Aug. 31 in *The BMJ*, researchers found that men who consumed high rates of ultra-processed foods were at 29% higher risk for developing colorectal cancer—the third most diagnosed cancer in the ... read more
New study links ultra-processed foods and colorectal cancer in men
For many Americans, the convenience of pre-cooked and instant meals may make it easy to overlook the less-than-ideal nutritional information, but a team led by researchers at Tufts University and Harvard University hope that will change after recently discovering a link between the high consumption of ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. In a study published Aug. 31 in *The BMJ*, researchers found that men who consumed high rates of ultra-processed foods were at 29% higher risk for developing colorectal cancer—the third most diagnosed cancer in the ... read more
Two new studies link ultra-processed foods with heart disease, bowel cancer and death
Two large studies published by *The BMJ* today find links between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and increased risks of cardiovascular disease, bowel (colorectal) cancer and death. The findings add further evidence in support of policies that limit ultra-processed foods and instead promote eating unprocessed or minimally-processed foods to improve public health worldwide. They also reinforce the opportunity to reformulate dietary guidelines worldwide, by paying more attention to the degree of processing of foods along with nutrient based recommendations. Ultra-proce... read more
Feeling anxious or blue? Ultra-processed foods may be to blame
Do you love those sugary-sweet beverages, reconstituted meat products and packaged snacks? You may want to reconsider based on a new study that explored whether individuals who consume higher amounts of ultra-processed food have more adverse mental health symptoms. Although ultra-processed foods are convenient, low cost, quick to prepare or ready-to-eat, these industrial formulations of processed food substances (oils, fats, sugars, starch, protein isolates) contain little or no whole food. They result from extensive ‘physical, biological, and chemical processes’ that create foo... read more
Drinking black tea may be associated with lower mortality risk
A prospective cohort study found that drinking black tea may be associated with a moderately lower mortality risk. The risk was lowest among persons drinking two or more cups of tea per day. The findings are published in *Annals of Internal Medicine.* Tea is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide. Previous research has suggested an association between tea consumptions and lower mortality risk in populations where green tea is the most common type of tea. In contrast, published studies in populations where black tea drinking is more common are limited with inconsistent fi... read
A prospective cohort study found that drinking black tea may be associated with a moderately lower mortality risk. The risk was lowest among persons drinking two or more cups of tea per day. The findings are published in *Annals of Internal Medicine.* Tea is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide. Previous research has suggested an association between tea consumptions and lower mortality risk in populations where green tea is the most common type of tea. In contrast, published studies in populations where black tea drinking is more common are limited with inconsistent fi... read
Non-nutritive sweeteners affect human microbiomes and can alter glycemic responses
Since the late 1800s non-nutritive sweeteners have promised to deliver all the sweetness of sugar with none of the calories. They have long been believed to have no effect on the human body, but researchers publishing in the journal *Cell* on August 19 challenge this notion by finding that these sugar substitutes are not inert, and, in fact, some can alter human consumers’ microbiomes in a way that can change their blood sugar levels. In 2014, senior author Eran Elinav (@EranElinav) an immunologist and microbiome researcher at the Weizmann Institute of Science and the German Nati... read more
Since the late 1800s non-nutritive sweeteners have promised to deliver all the sweetness of sugar with none of the calories. They have long been believed to have no effect on the human body, but researchers publishing in the journal *Cell* on August 19 challenge this notion by finding that these sugar substitutes are not inert, and, in fact, some can alter human consumers’ microbiomes in a way that can change their blood sugar levels. In 2014, senior author Eran Elinav (@EranElinav) an immunologist and microbiome researcher at the Weizmann Institute of Science and the German Nati... read more
Also see Study suggests possible link between artificial sweeteners and heart disease
Dietary salt substitutes lower risk of heart attack/stroke and death
Dietary salt substitutes lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from all causes and cardiovascular disease, finds a pooled data analysis of the available evidence, published online in the journal *Heart.* The beneficial effects of these substitutes are likely to apply to people all around the world, say the researchers. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and high blood pressure is a major risk for an early death. A diet high in sodium and low in potassium is known to drive up blood pressure. Around 1.28 billion people around the world have... read more
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Aging
Low physical function after age 65 associated with future cardiovascular disease
Among people older than age 65 who were assessed using a short physical function test, having lower physical function was independently associated with a greater risk of developing heart attack, heart failure and stroke, according to new research published today in the *Journal of the American Heart Association*, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) used in this study is considered a measure of physical function, which includes walking speed, leg strength and balance. This study examined physical f... read more
Octogenarians should walk 10 minutes a day to prolong life
One hour of walking per week is associated with greater longevity in people aged 85 years and above, according to research presented at ESC Congress 2022.1 Regardless of age, adults are advised to do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous intensity activity, or an equivalent combination.2 However, in adults, sedentary time tends to increase with age3 while the amount of physical activity declines.4 “Adults are less likely to meet activity recommendations as they get older,” said study author Dr. Moo-Nyun Jin of Inje University San... read more
One hour of walking per week is associated with greater longevity in people aged 85 years and above, according to research presented at ESC Congress 2022.1 Regardless of age, adults are advised to do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous intensity activity, or an equivalent combination.2 However, in adults, sedentary time tends to increase with age3 while the amount of physical activity declines.4 “Adults are less likely to meet activity recommendations as they get older,” said study author Dr. Moo-Nyun Jin of Inje University San... read more
Many types of leisure time activities may lower risk of death for older adults
: Older adults who participate weekly in many different types of leisure time activities, such as walking for exercise, jogging, swimming laps, or playing tennis, may have a lower risk of death from any cause, as well as death from cardiovascular disease and cancer, according to a new study led by researchers at the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. The findings suggest that it’s important for older adults to engage in leisure time activities that they enjoy and can sustain, because many types of these activities may lower the risk of death, th... read more
What older adults do while they sit affects dementia risk
Adults aged 60 and older who sit for long periods watching TV or other such passive, sedentary behaviors may be at increased risk of developing dementia, according to a new study by USC and University of Arizona researchers. Their study also showed that the risk is lower for those who are active while sitting, such as when they read or use computers. The study was published today in the journal *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*. It also revealed that the link between sedentary behavior and dementia risk persisted even among participants who were physically acti... read more
Adults aged 60 and older who sit for long periods watching TV or other such passive, sedentary behaviors may be at increased risk of developing dementia, according to a new study by USC and University of Arizona researchers. Their study also showed that the risk is lower for those who are active while sitting, such as when they read or use computers. The study was published today in the journal *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*. It also revealed that the link between sedentary behavior and dementia risk persisted even among participants who were physically acti... read more
Which leisure activities are linked to lower risk of dementia?
Leisure activities, such as reading a book, doing yoga and spending time with family and friends, may help lower the risk of dementia, according to a new meta-analysis published in the August 10, 2022, online issue of *Neurology®*, the medical journal of the American Academy of NeurologyThe meta-analysis reviewed available studies on the effects of cognitive activities, physical activities, and social activities and the risk of dementia. “Previous studies have shown that leisure activities were associated with various health benefits, such as a lower cancer risk, a reduction of... read more
Medicine
Study highlights lifelong benefits of statin therapy
Stopping statin treatment early could substantially reduce lifetime protection against heart disease since a large share of the benefit occurs later in life. That’s the finding of a modelling study presented at ESC Congress 2022.1 Lead author Dr. Runguo Wu of Queen Mary University of London, UK said: “The study indicates that people in their 40s with a high likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, and people of all ages with existing heart disease, should be considered for immediate initiation of cholesterol lowering treatment. Stopping treatment, unless advised by a doctor... read more
Statins provide protective immune benefits for females
Cholesterol tends to get a bad rap through its association with cardiovascular disease. But its role in the body is much more nuanced. When we have too much cholesterol, it can build up in the walls of our arteries and cause cardiovascular disease. But cholesterol molecules play a critical role in our cells’ structure and signaling pathways, and – as scientists are beginning to understand – immune function. Catherine Andersen, associate professor of nutritional sciences in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, recently published her findings uncovering a new p... read more
Exercise
Exercise for Primary and Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: JACC Focus Seminar
In the first part of the focus seminar series, the authors highlight the need for regular exercise to meet or exceed the current physical activity guidelines for reducing cardiovascular risk in the general U.S. population. The most recent World Health Organization guidelines recommend that adults perform at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week and two days of muscle strengthening exercises. Only 53% of U.S. adults currently meet the recommendations for aerobic exercise, and only ... read more
Boosting duration, intensity & frequency of physical activity may lower heart failure risk
The study, in Circulation, is one of the first to examine the association between objectively measured physical activity levels and heart failure risk independently of sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical factors A six-year analysis of more than 94,000 adults in the U.K. Biobank with no history of heart failure at enrollment has found that engaging in moderate or vigorous physical activity may lower the risk of developing heart failure, according to new research published today in the American Heart Association’s flagship journal *Circulation*. The study is one of the first... read more
Physical activity may have a stronger role than genes in longevity
Previous research has shown that low physical activity and greater time spent sitting are associated with a higher risk of death. Does risk change if a person is genetically predisposed to live a long life? That is the question researchers at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego set out to answer in a study published in the August 24, 2022 online edition of the *Journal of Aging and Physical Activity*. “The goal of this research was to understand whether associations between physical activity and sedentary t... read more
Previous research has shown that low physical activity and greater time spent sitting are associated with a higher risk of death. Does risk change if a person is genetically predisposed to live a long life? That is the question researchers at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego set out to answer in a study published in the August 24, 2022 online edition of the *Journal of Aging and Physical Activity*. “The goal of this research was to understand whether associations between physical activity and sedentary t... read more
Regular physical activity linked to lower risk of COVID-19 infection and severity
Regular physical activity is linked to a lower risk of COVID-19 infection and severity, including hospital admission and death, finds a pooled data analysis of the available evidence, published online in the *British Journal of Sports Medicine.* A weekly tally of 150 minutes of moderate intensity, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity, physical activity seems to afford the best protection, the analysis suggests. Previous research suggests that physical activity can lessen both the risk of infection and the severity of respiratory infections due, at least in part, to its ability to ... read more
Recreational runners benefit from adjusting their training based on recovery status
A study at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, compared a traditional endurance training program with a program that was individually adjusted based on recovery status. Both groups improved their endurance performance after 12 weeks of training, but the individualized group improved their 10 km running time more. There were also fewer individuals within the individualized group who showed no significant change in endurance performance. In endurance training, it is essential to find the right balance between the training load and the subsequent recovery. It is already known fr... read more
Exercise answer: Research shows it’s how often you do it, not how much
So… should I exercise a little bit every day, or exercise for longer once a week? It’s a dilemma faced by many health-conscious people — and new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) is answering the question. This latest research indicates a little bit of daily activity could well be the most beneficial approach, at least for muscle strength. And happily, it also suggests you don’t have to put in a mountain of work every day. In collaboration with Niigata University and Nishi Kyushu University in Japan, the four-week training study had three groups of participants perform... read more
Supplements
Fish oil and vitamin D supplements in pregnancy lower the risk of croup in babies and young children
Babies and children under three years old are less likely to develop croup if their mothers took fish oil and vitamin D supplements during pregnancy, according to new results from a clinical trial. The findings are from a randomised controlled trial – the ‘gold standard’ for medical research – that will be presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Barcelona, Spain [1]. It is the first large study of its kind to investigate the effects of vitamin D and fish oil on croup. Croup is a viral chest infection that affects young children. It causes a chara... read more
Fish oil and vitamin D supplements in pregnancy lower the risk of croup in babies and young children
Babies and children under three years old are less likely to develop croup if their mothers took fish oil and vitamin D supplements during pregnancy, according to new results from a clinical trial. The findings are from a randomised controlled trial – the ‘gold standard’ for medical research – that will be presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Barcelona, Spain [1]. It is the first large study of its kind to investigate the effects of vitamin D and fish oil on croup. Croup is a viral chest infection that affects young children. It causes a chara... read more
Leading urologists release consensus statements advocating for the role of saw palmetto extract to support prostate health
An international panel of seven leading urologists from North America and Europe reviewed over 50 original clinical research studies and developed seven consensus statements outlined in their *paper* “Rethinking the Role of Saw Palmetto Extract for Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in North America,” which was recently published in the journal *Uro*. The group concluded that a high-quality saw palmetto extract, also known as lipidosterolic extract of *Serenoa repens *and available as a natural dietary supplement, should be considered as an option for men with mild-to-moderate l... read more
An international panel of seven leading urologists from North America and Europe reviewed over 50 original clinical research studies and developed seven consensus statements outlined in their *paper* “Rethinking the Role of Saw Palmetto Extract for Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in North America,” which was recently published in the journal *Uro*. The group concluded that a high-quality saw palmetto extract, also known as lipidosterolic extract of *Serenoa repens *and available as a natural dietary supplement, should be considered as an option for men with mild-to-moderate l... read more
GlyNAC supplementation reverses mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and aging hallmarks to boost strength and promote health in aging humans
A randomized, double blind human clinical trial conducted by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine reveals that supplementation with GlyNAC – a combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine – improves many age-associated defects in older humans and powerfully promotes healthy aging. This is relevant because until now, there have been no solutions toward improving many of these age-related declines in people. Published in the *Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences*, the study shows that older humans taking GlyNAC for 16-weeks improved many characteristic defects of aging. ... read more
Vitamin D supplementation seems to alleviate depressive symptoms in adults
An extensive meta-analysis suggests that vitamin D supplementation may alleviate depressive symptoms in adults with depression. Conducted by an international team of researchers, the meta-analysis includes dozens of studies from around the world. Depressive symptoms cause a significant disease burden worldwide. The therapeutic efficacy of current antidepressants is often insufficient, which is why further ways to alleviate the symptoms of depression have been sought, for example, from nutritional research. Vitamin D is believed to regulate central nervous system functions the dis... read
An extensive meta-analysis suggests that vitamin D supplementation may alleviate depressive symptoms in adults with depression. Conducted by an international team of researchers, the meta-analysis includes dozens of studies from around the world. Depressive symptoms cause a significant disease burden worldwide. The therapeutic efficacy of current antidepressants is often insufficient, which is why further ways to alleviate the symptoms of depression have been sought, for example, from nutritional research. Vitamin D is believed to regulate central nervous system functions the dis... read
General Health
Getting an annual flu shot may be associated with a lower risk of stroke, according to a study published in the September 7, 2022, online issue of *Neurology®*, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology*.* “Studies have shown that getting the flu increases your risk of having a stroke, but research is still being collected on whether getting the flu vaccine can help protect against a stroke,” said study author Francisco J. de Abajo, MD, MPH, PhD, of the University of Alcalá in Madrid, Spain. “This observational study suggests that those who have a flu shot have a lowe... read more
Blood type A linked to your risk of stroke before age 60
Gene variants associated with a person’s blood type may be linked to their risk of early stroke, according to a new meta-analysis published in the August 31, 2022, online issue of *Neurology®*, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology*. *The meta-analysis included all available data from genetic studies that included young adult ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain. “Non-O blood types have previously been linked to a risk of early stroke, but the findings of our meta-analysis showed a stronger link between these blood types wi... read more
Gene variants associated with a person’s blood type may be linked to their risk of early stroke, according to a new meta-analysis published in the August 31, 2022, online issue of *Neurology®*, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology*. *The meta-analysis included all available data from genetic studies that included young adult ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain. “Non-O blood types have previously been linked to a risk of early stroke, but the findings of our meta-analysis showed a stronger link between these blood types wi... read more
Nine in ten people do not get a good night’s sleep, according to research presented at ESC Congress 2022.1 The study found that suboptimal sleep was associated with a higher likelihood of heart disease and stroke. The authors estimated that seven in ten of these cardiovascular conditions could be prevented if everyone was a good sleeper. “The low prevalence of good sleepers was expected given our busy, 24/7 lives,” said study author Dr. Aboubakari Nambiema of INSERM (the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), Paris, France. “The importance of sleep quality and qu... read more
Smoking is even more damaging to the heart than previously thought
Smokers have weaker hearts than non-smokers, according to research presented at ESC Congress 2022.1 The study found that the more people smoked, the worse their heart function became. Some function was restored when people kicked the habit. “It is well known that smoking causes blocked arteries, leading to coronary heart disease and stroke,” said study author Dr. Eva Holt of Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. “Our study shows that smoking also leads to thicker, weaker hearts. It means that smokers have a smaller volume of blood in the left heart chamber and less
People with an obsessive urge to constantly check the news are more likely to suffer from stress, anxiety, as well as ill health.
People with an obsessive urge to constantly check the news are more likely to suffer from stress, anxiety, as well as physical ill health, finds a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal *Health Communication**.* During the last two years we have lived through a series of worrying global events, from the COVID pandemic to Russia invading Ukraine,large-scale protests, mass shootings and devastating wildfires. For many people, reading bad news can make us feel temporarily powerless and distressed. For others, being exposed to a 24-hour news cycle of continually evolving ev... read more
Why do men face a higher risk of most types of cancer than women?
Rates of most types of cancer are higher in men than in women for reasons that are unclear. Results from a recent study published by Wiley online in *CANCER*, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, suggest that the cause may be underlying biological sex differences rather than behavioral differences related to smoking, alcohol use, diet, and other factors. Understanding the reasons for sex differences in cancer risk could provide important information to improve prevention and treatment. To investigate, Sarah S. Jackson, PhD, of the National Cancer Institute, pa... read more
Study shows annual screening before age 50 leads to lower proportions of advanced breast cancer
A new study led by University of Ottawa professors has found Canadian provinces that annually screen women aged 40-49 had lower proportions of advanced breast cancer compared to women aged 50-59 from provinces that did not hold annual mammograms. The study, published in the latest edition of *Current Oncology*, found lower proportions of stage 2, 3 and 4 breast cancer in women 40-49 and lower proportions of stage 2 and 3 breast cancer in women 50-59 from provinces which screened the 40-49 age subset annually. “This is the first Canadian study to show that screening policies for w... read more
A new study led by University of Ottawa professors has found Canadian provinces that annually screen women aged 40-49 had lower proportions of advanced breast cancer compared to women aged 50-59 from provinces that did not hold annual mammograms. The study, published in the latest edition of *Current Oncology*, found lower proportions of stage 2, 3 and 4 breast cancer in women 40-49 and lower proportions of stage 2 and 3 breast cancer in women 50-59 from provinces which screened the 40-49 age subset annually. “This is the first Canadian study to show that screening policies for w... read more
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