Category: Medical World

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Dancing as an Alternate Form of Exercise…

Posted on by Lenny Variano

Dancing is one of America’s oldest pastimes. It can benefit us both mentally and physically. Research is showing that dancing can improve cardiovascular health, endurance, help with balance, as well as strengthen both muscle and bone. Including dance as part of your daily routine can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost memory retention. This is especially true when learning new steps such as in partner dancing. It is a fun way to increase metabolism which in combination with diet can aid in weight management. As we age it is important to increase flexibility, so we do not limit our range of motion which is an important benefit to consider. Research is finding that dancing releases endorphins that reduce anxiety and lessen depression as well as loneliness. So, if you are not a fan of organized exercise maybe try listening to some of your favorite music tracks and start moving whether it be in your own home or on a dance floor and just loosen up to your favorite dance music.

 

https://www.prudential.co.th/corp/prudential-th/en/we-do-pulse/health-wellness/10-health-benefits-of-dancing/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9234256/

Are Your Microbes Hungry?

Posted on by Lenny Variano

Over 100 trillion bacteria, fungi and other organisms reside in our intestines and contribute to “Gut Health”. These powerful microbes can have a strong influence on both our health and our weight. The neighborhood where these organisms reside is at the entrance to the large intestine. Previously it was believed that the microbiome was responsible only for proper digestion, but it is now realized its importance in both physical and mental health. Research at the UC San Diego Center for Microbiome Innovation is showing that the more diverse the microbes are the less vulnerable you may be to many different illnesses as we age. A 2022 study published in JAMA Neurology connected healthy microbial content to preventing cognitive decline. Eating well can support healthy levels but stress and anxiety can play a role in decreasing their numbers. A good example is fiber from green leafy vegetables which is in two parts. The soluble part gels and gets absorbed into your small intestines but the insoluble part moves on to the large intestine and feeds these microbes. Don’t like green vegetables? Double up on fruit. A 2023 study found that the microbiome needs to absorb from 100 to 400 calories a day to exist. These are calories that would otherwise wind up where they are unwanted in our bodies. Therefore, a diet rich in whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables enables important fiber to make it all the way through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine all the way to the large intestine where it is most needed. Next time you sit down to eat, remember you are literally eating for more than one.

 

http://microbiomecore.ucsd.edu/

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2788843

Bovine Colostrum and Humans…

Posted on by Lenny Variano

Colostrum is the milk-like substance produced by cows within the first five days or so after giving birth. It provides antibodies and important microbes to the newborn along with an abundance of proteins, fats, glycans, minerals and vitamins. Colostrum can be taken in pill or power form. Research is concentrating on what benefits it can have on gut health. In a trial involving 160 children with severe diarrhea, after two weeks of taking colostrum, their symptoms were relieved. Some positive results are being shown for people with colitis, and those with H.I.V./AIDS. Some speculation is that it can make the gut less permeable helping with digestive issues. In another study of 445 participants, colostrum reduced upper respiratory infections which might suggest regeneration of mucus membranes. Although there have been some positive results in children, it is not certain what colostrum will do to the immune system of adults. Most of these studies has been done by researchers connected to colostrum supplement companies so more unbiased research has to be conducted. There is also the question of-if colostrum is collected after 3 days and then put through a purification process are some benefits lost? However, hope is that it will provide help with children with digestive issues and even possibly autism.

https://academic.oup.com/tropej/article/66/1/46/5511643

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464622003863

Multiple Sclerosis Vaccine…

Posted on by Lenny Variano

About 3 million people worldwide suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease. Researchers at the Harvard University Division of Epidemiology and Nutrition may have found what they feel is a strong connection to the Epstein-Barr virus. Their results were published in the journal “Science”. Epstein-Barr can cause infectious mononucleosis. The study included 955 active-duty military personnel who showed evidence of their having contracted the virus at least 10 years previously. Blood-tests are showing that people who were infected with Epstein-Barr virus were more than 32% likely to develop multiple sclerosis. What the researchers did was to compare blood tests of the individuals with MS to blood tests of healthy individuals of the same age and sex. Of the 955 tested 801 showed signs of having contracted EBV at least 10 years previously. It appears nerve degeneration that accompanies MS may begin with EBV.  Moderna is presently working on a vaccine to target the virus with EBV-specific antiviral drugs. Prevention of EBV may result in prevention of MS in later years.

 

https://www.psychiatrist.com/news/epstein-barr-virus-linked-to-multiple-sclerosis-compelling-evidence-suggests/#:~:text=A%20Harvard%20study%20adds%20to,MS%20diagnosis%20by%2032%20times.