I know. Every time we find an article saying how good red wine is for us, we find another that says- not so fast. (The National Cancer Institute just declared that alcohol consumption is associated with 5% of all new cancer diagnoses – and about 5.8% of the deaths from cancer world wide. In particular, cancers of pharynx, larynx, colon/rectum, esophagus, oral cavity, stomach, and breast.)
Tag Archives: dementia
Dialysis Bonuses?
Sometimes you just have to share bad information. Like a few weeks ago, when I reported that data indicated the nature of the microbiome population in a mom’s gut is associated with the development of autism spectrum disorders in their children. (My goal in publicizing this data was to alert parents-to-be of the issue- and to consider fecal transplantation if that issue could be applied to them.)
Israeli research may change Alzheimer’s and Autism Incidence
Each week, we learn more and more about how our brains work (or not). And, with that knowledge comes our ability to deal with diseases that have scared us for decades- Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Autism.
Continue reading Israeli research may change Alzheimer’s and Autism Incidence
Gimme some Vitamin D
Most people know that extreme vitamin D deficiency causes rickets (softening of bones, so they become distorted and bowed). Plus, even a moderate lack of vitamin D will exacerbate your risk of bone fractures. Vitamin D is not just about bones, though- with a shortage of this vitamin, we leave ourselves more susceptible to infections, at risk to autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and Sjoegren’s, and we even face the risk of developing certain cancers.
Jumping Java?
Since I’ve been 15. Yup, while working at Arlee Cleaners, I was intimidated to switch from milk to drinking coffee. Of course, that was in New York, where “regular coffee” came equipped with a pound of sugar and a quart of milk. (OK, just two teaspoons of sugar and 25 ml of milk, in an 8 oz cup, but you get the idea.)
6 miles…please!
Today, I’m going to revisit an important issue I discussed some 30 months ago. I discussed the empirical research that showed if we walked 6 miles a week, our brains and our bodies would thank us. Our bodies- because that is about the minimum exercise to keep it in tone. And, our brains- because the data indicated that cognitive impairment was associated with those who walked fewer than 6 miles a week.
Am I losing my mind? (No comments from the peanut gallery!)
This is not good news. If this data are valid, it means that our belief that we are “safe” until age 60 (mostly from the Washington State studies) is incorrect- and that mental decline begins at age 45. So, those brain exercises you were going to start in a few years- better start them now.
Continue reading Am I losing my mind? (No comments from the peanut gallery!)
Still not walking? Your brain wants you to cover 6 miles every week!
We already discussed the need to exercise to preclude disease (Parkinson’s, cancer, autoimmune). Now, there’s more reasons to get walking. Dr. Kirk Erickson (University of Pittsburgh) and associates just published results in Neurology from a follow-up from the Cardiovascular HealthCognition Study. They reported that walking six miles weekly not only protects the grey matter of the brain- but it also helped retain memories.
Continue reading Still not walking? Your brain wants you to cover 6 miles every week!