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In 2024, research highlights the importance of a holistic approach to health, emphasizing brain, heart, and metabolic wellness through sleep, diet, and exercise. A recent podcast episode from _Medical News Today_ outlines three actionable resolutions to enhance well-being as the New Year approaches. Experts urge individuals to set realistic, specific goals rather than overwhelming resolutions, advocating for manageable lifestyle changes. Key findings from 2024 reveal that disrupted sleep in individuals aged 30-40 may lead to memory issues and accelerated brain aging. Additionally, engaging in any form of exercise is linked to brain rejuvenation and potentially increased lifespan, while sedentary behavior raises risks for heart failure. Furthermore, the World Health Organization has released dietary guidelines, stressing the importance of balanced nutrition. For comprehensive strategies on improving sleep, diet, and exercise, listeners are encouraged to explore the full podcast episode. 
Published: Dec 24 2024, 8 pmeznews.inA recent draft recommendation from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force has concluded that vitamin D supplements, whether taken alone or with calcium, do not prevent falls or fractures in older adults. This finding, based on an analysis of 20 randomized controlled studies, specifically notes that postmenopausal women and older men with normal vitamin D levels and no prior fractures do not benefit from additional supplementation. The guidelines reflect a shift from previous recommendations, which suggested vitamin D could aid in fracture prevention. Experts emphasize that while vitamin D is essential for various health functions, including bone health, its supplementation should be carefully considered within the broader context of an individual's health needs. Physicians are advised to evaluate dietary intake, exercise, and personal health factors before recommending vitamin D, as recent studies have shown no significant benefits in reducing risks associated with fractures or other health issues.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 4 pmeznews.inA recent study from Spain raises concerns about the health claims of processed foods marketed as "high-protein." Analyzing over 4,300 items from a Spanish food database, researchers found that 90.8% of products with protein claims were classified as "less healthy," often containing high levels of sodium, fat, and sugar. Notably, around 60% of these products had added protein, primarily from plant sources, yet many also contained undesirable nutrients. While protein is essential for health, experts caution against assuming that high-protein labels equate to healthier options. They recommend opting for whole food sources of protein, such as nuts or lean meats, rather than processed items. The study highlights the need for consumers to critically evaluate nutritional labels and consider professional guidance when making dietary choices, as misleading packaging can lead to unhealthy eating habits.
Published: Dec 25 2024, 1 pmeznews.inA recent study published in *Nutrition Research* suggests that a diet rich in antioxidants and whole, nutrient-dense foods may significantly alleviate chronic pain, particularly among women. The research found that higher diet quality was linked to reduced pain levels, independent of body fat, with women experiencing pain reductions of up to 48% when consuming more "core foods" like fruits and vegetables. Conversely, no significant effects were observed in men. Experts emphasize that a healthy diet can mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known contributors to pain. They recommend incorporating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and vitamins while limiting processed foods. The findings support the notion of dietary interventions as a complementary approach to traditional pain management, highlighting the importance of a holistic lifestyle in improving overall well-being and pain levels.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 7 pmeznews.inA recent review published in *Nutrients* underscores the potential link between magnesium levels and cardiovascular health, suggesting that inadequate magnesium intake may elevate the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. The review highlights that many individuals do not meet recommended magnesium levels, which can lead to conditions like hypomagnesemia or chronic latent magnesium deficiency, complicating diagnosis. Research indicates that low magnesium may contribute to inflammatory and oxidative stress, abnormal lipid levels, and endothelial dysfunction. Experts emphasize the importance of dietary magnesium, with over a quarter of adults possibly experiencing mild to moderate deficiency. While magnesium supplementation is considered safe, its efficacy in improving heart health remains uncertain, warranting further randomized controlled trials. Dietitian Karen Z. Berg recommends including magnesium-rich foods, such as dark leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, to support overall health and cardiovascular function.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 1 pmeznews.inA recent narrative review published in the journal *Nutrients* has highlighted the potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet for individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The review identifies key nutrients such as plant-derived proteins, omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, and resveratrol that may alleviate IBD symptoms. It emphasizes the importance of gut microbiota and suggests that the diet's high fiber, fruits, and low processed foods could enhance gut health. While the Mediterranean diet is already recommended for IBD management, the exact mechanisms behind its benefits remain unclear. Experts stress the need for further research, particularly in understanding how these dietary components interact with gut microorganisms. Despite some promising findings, the review acknowledges limitations, including reliance on preclinical data, and calls for more comprehensive studies to deepen understanding of the diet's role in IBD treatment.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 2 pmeznews.inA recent study published in *Nutrition & Diabetes* indicates that consuming over 45% of daily calories after 5 PM may adversely affect blood glucose levels, particularly in older adults with prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes. Conducted by researchers from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya and Columbia University, the study involved 26 participants who were divided into "early eaters" and "late eaters." The findings revealed that late eaters exhibited significantly higher blood glucose levels after meals, regardless of overall calorie intake or body weight. Experts recommend that dinner should be the lightest meal of the day, emphasizing healthy fats and proteins while minimizing carbohydrates and sugars. Furthermore, maintaining consistent, quality sleep is crucial for regulating appetite and glucose metabolism, as hormonal changes during sleep influence hunger. The study underscores the importance of meal timing and composition in managing metabolic health, especially as holiday feasting approaches.
Published: Dec 20 2024, 9 pmeznews.inA new study from the University of Miami highlights a concerning link between sleep apnea and cognitive health, revealing that approximately 936 million adults worldwide suffer from this sleep disorder. The research, which focused on older adults of Latin descent, found that individuals with sleep apnea exhibited an enlarged hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory, and alterations in white matter associated with aging. These changes were linked to lower oxygen levels during sleep, raising concerns about the potential for increased risk of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s. Lead researcher Dr. Alberto R. Ramos emphasized the importance of treating sleep apnea as a strategy to enhance brain health and mitigate dementia risks. The findings, published in *Neurology*, suggest that addressing sleep disorders could be crucial in the fight against cognitive decline, underscoring the need for further research and treatment interventions.
Published: Dec 19 2024, 7 pmeznews.inNew research from the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami has established a significant link between accelerated biological age and an increased risk of developing colon polyps, a precursor to colorectal cancer. The study indicates that for each additional year of accelerated aging, the risk of colon polyps rises by 16%. Biological age, which reflects the body's physiological state rather than chronological age, is influenced by lifestyle factors and environmental conditions. As rates of early-onset colorectal cancer, particularly in individuals under 50, continue to climb, experts advocate for earlier screenings for those exhibiting signs of accelerated aging. The findings suggest that incorporating biological age into risk assessments could enhance screening strategies, allowing for timely detection and prevention of cancer. However, researchers stress the need for larger studies to fully understand the relationship between biological age and cancer risk.
Published: Dec 18 2024, 7 pmeznews.inA recent study published in the journal *Neurology* has revealed that fluctuating blood pressure significantly increases the risk of cognitive decline, particularly among older Black men. Analyzing data from 4,770 participants aged 65 and older, the researchers found that those with the highest blood pressure variability over 18 years scored lower on cognitive tests, with Black men experiencing the most pronounced effects—equating to an additional 2.8 years of cognitive aging. The study highlights that blood pressure variability may be a more critical predictor of cognitive decline than average blood pressure readings, especially given that older Black adults face a greater burden of cardiovascular risk factors. The authors advocate for tailored treatment plans and increased awareness of the importance of managing blood pressure fluctuations as a public health priority to mitigate cognitive decline in aging populations.
Published: Dec 17 2024, 1 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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