According to recent research, vitamin B6, a popular vitamin supplement, may benefit those who suffer from anxiety and depression. However, in the UK, researchers recruited 478 participants with anxiety or depression and randomly allocated them to receive high dosages of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, or a placebo. They then evaluated the subjects before and after they had taken the tablets for a month. Compared to those taking a placebo, those taking the B6 supplement reported significantly fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. They conclude that some people may be able to prevent the adverse effects of prescription drugs by taking vitamin B6 supplements. However, with your doctor first before beginning a new supplement.
Category Archives: Diet
Would you like to hear that a new study links coffee consumption to a lower risk of death?
During the trial period, individuals who had moderate quantities of coffee, even with a little sugar, were 30 percent less likely to die than those who did not consume coffee.
Researchers analyzed coffee consumption data obtained from the U.K. Biobank, a vast medical database including health information on the whole nation’s population. Three to five cups of unsweetened coffee per day was associated with the lowest mortality risk. Inconclusive were the data for persons who consumed coffee with artificial sweeteners. Other lifestyle factors, such as a healthy diet and frequent exercise, may also contribute to a reduced risk of death.
Coffee users may pick cold brew or drip coffee over less healthy caffeine sources, such as energy drinks or soda. Coffee beans have high quantities of antioxidants, which may help neutralize cell-damaging free radicals. Over time, an accumulation of free radicals may induce inflammation in the body, which can contribute to the formation of plaque associated with heart disease. Those who drank more than 4.5 cups of coffee each day had diminishing benefits.
Do you know that contaminated raw oysters was connected to the norovirus?
Restaurants and shops are being warned not to serve or sell possibly contaminated raw oysters connected to a norovirus epidemic that has affected at least 91 people in more than a dozen states in the United States and 279 more in Canada.
Raw oysters collected in British Columbia, Canada, were distributed in California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, according to a report published Wednesday by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Raw oysters have been connected to a multi-state norovirus epidemic. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 91 norovirus cases have been recorded from those 13 states. The CDC stated that several of the ill persons admitted to eating raw oysters during interviews with state and local public health authorities. 29 Minnesota residents were sick after eating raw oysters at Travail Kitchen on March 20. Since then, the restaurant has discontinued selling Stellar Bay Gold oysters. Officials in Washington state stated Tuesday that 26 persons have reported norovirus-like symptoms after eating British Columbia oysters since March 7. The FDA notes that if these oysters were shipped to other states, they may have been transmitted to other states as well. Officials at the federal and state levels are attempting to eradicate them from the food supply. According to Canadian public health experts, 279 instances of norovirus and gastrointestinal disease have been connected to British Columbia oysters, as well as those from Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Between mid-January and late January, those affected fell ill, with no fatalities recorded. Oysters eaten raw may induce disease, particularly in persons with weakened immune systems. Norovirus-contaminated food may seem, smell, and taste normal. Norovirus infects and sickens humans 12 to 48 hours after infection, with symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach discomfort, fever, headache, and body pains. While the majority of individuals recover without treatment, norovirus infection may cause severe dehydration and even death in certain people—the very young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Norovirus is the most common cause of food-borne disease in the United States, accounting for over 2,500 outbreaks each year. Apart from ingesting contaminated food or drink, individuals may get the norovirus through coming into contact with other sick individuals, touching contaminated surfaces, or putting unwashed hands in their mouths. The stomach flu is sometimes referred to as the stomach norovirus, despite the fact that the sickness has nothing to do with the flu, which is caused by the influenza virus.
Did you know that the top produce was tainted by pesticides?
Strawberries, spinach, and leafy greens once again topped a list of produce tainted by pesticides, according to an analysis from the Environmental Working Group.
The Dirty Dozen includes the 12 fruits and vegetables that retain the most pesticide contamination, even after they’re washed and peeled as consumers would prepare them. Updated every year as part of EWG’s Shopper’s Guide, which is based on tests by the USDA and the FDA. Almost 70% of the non-organic produce tested had detectable pesticide residue, usually at levels that fell within the legal limits in the US.
However, just because pesticides are legal does not mean that they are safe. More than a quarter of pesticide use in the US has been linked to chemicals that are illegal in Europe, according to a 2019 study. Those chemicals have been banned due to probable or proven health risks. Because the testers wash and prepare the produce samples before scanning for pesticides, these fruits and vegetables require more than an extra rinse to be rid of toxins. Strawberries and greens topped the Dirty Dozen again. The USDA and FDA do not repeat tests of produce every year, so not much has changed since last year’s Shopper’s Guide was published. For the seventh year in a row, strawberries were found to have the most pesticide contamination of any fruit or vegetable tested. Spinach came in second, followed by kale, collard greens, and mustard greens in third. The rest of the Dirty Dozen includes nectarines, apples, grapes, peppers (bell and hot), cherries, peaches, pears, celery, and tomatoes. The Peppers moved up a couple spots on the list, but aside from that, the standings are the same as last year. Whenever possible, the EWG recommends that people buy organic versions of Dirty Dozen produce, analyst Sydney Swanson said in a press release. Organic farming practices ban the use of most synthetic pesticides, so organic produce is less likely to be contaminated with known toxins. However, not everyone can afford organic produce or have an environmentally-conscious market nearby. If you can’t afford to buy cleaner versions of the Dirty Dozen, EWG experts say that the Clean Fifteen might be a better choice. Avocados, sweetcorn, and pineapple ruled the Clean Fifteen. The Clean Fifteen fruits and vegetables were found to have the lowest levels of pesticide residue of the bunch, with nearly 70 percent of the samples from the list found to be completely pesticide-free. The list includes avocados, sweet corn, and pineapple as the top three “cleanest” fruits and vegetables. Onions, papaya, and frozen sweet peas were next, followed by asparagus, honeydew melon, kiwi, and cabbage. Mushrooms, cantaloupe, mangoes, watermelon, and sweet potatoes also made the list of the least pesticide-contaminated produce. Since last year’s list, the EWG removed broccoli, cauliflower, and eggplant from the Clean Fifteen — not because of new contaminants, but because they hadn’t been tested in six or more years.
Did you know that getting protein from a wide variety of sources may lower the risk of high blood pressure?
According to a new study, getting protein from a broad range of sources may help individuals reduce their chance of developing high blood pressure.
According to the results, eating a well-balanced and diverse diet may assist in maintaining good cardiovascular health. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Hypertension is one of the most critical risk factors. A study found that those who consumed four or more protein sources each week had a 66 percent decreased chance of having high blood pressure. However, people who consumed the least quantity of total protein were likewise at a higher risk of developing cancer.
This is not the first time that protein intake has been related to an increased risk of hypertension. The American Heart Association suggests consuming one to two servings (about 5.5 ounces) of protein each day to maintain a healthy weight. Plant proteins, fish or shellfish, low-fat or nonfat dairy products, and lean meats are all excellent choices for protein sources. There are a few basic actions you can take to help you increase the variety of proteins in your diet. Unfortunately, hypertension comes with a higher chance of acquiring various medical disorders like heart disease and stroke.
Incorporating new protein sources into your diet may help lower your chance of developing hypertension, but it is not the only approach to achieving this goal. Various other dietary and lifestyle adjustments have been demonstrated to effectively delay the onset of a hypertension diagnosis.
Di you know that study finds microplastics in blood?
It is possible that microplastics are present in food. We have all heard about how micro-plastics are becoming more prevalent in the food that we consume. Those microscopic particles have now made their way into our bloodstreams.
The bloodstream of an individual may include microplastics. Scientists from the Netherlands claim to have discovered microplastics in the blood, and they believe that they are on their way to human organs as well.
Several studies have been conducted on various types of drinking bottles. According to the findings of the study, which was published in the Journal Environmental International, the researchers discovered the plastics in 80 percent of the participants who participated in the study. Approximately half of them had polymers used in beverage bottles and a third contained polystyrene, which is used in Styrofoam.
According to them, this is the first time this has ever occurred during their testing. These plastic particles, according to the researchers, might enter our systems via food, air, water, toothpaste, or even lip gloss products.
Did you know that High-protein diets may drive down testosterone levels in men, researchers say?
According to recent research, high-protein diets may decrease testosterone levels in males.
The study, conducted by nutritionist Joe Whittaker and published in the Journal of Nutrition and Health, examined the testosterone levels of 309 males over eight weeks. Their testosterone levels had reduced by 37% after the trial. According to Whittaker, a nutritional therapy researcher at the University of Worcester in the United Kingdom, participants had symptoms consistent with low testosterone levels, including erectile dysfunction, exhaustion, sadness, and muscular weakness. According to Whittaker, the results indicate that consuming 35 percent of a man’s total calorie intake as protein—double the norm for males, according to certified dietitian Erin Coleman via SF Gate—can decrease testosterone levels. According to his studies, he thinks that consuming less than 35% protein might still result in reduced testosterone. Bonnie Taub-Dix, a registered dietitian, told Insider that while she agrees that too much protein can result in decreased testosterone in men, she believes this would not apply to most people and would only affect those who consume an excessive amount of protein in an attempt to build muscle. One disadvantage of the research is that it followed patients for eight weeks and did not account for other lifestyle variables that may affect testosterone levels. Taub-Dix said that guys who consume a high-protein diet to fuel their gains may make muscle growth more difficult since low testosterone levels might impede a man’s bulking process. Testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for muscular building, according to Healthline. Chronic diseases may be exacerbated by low testosterone levels. Whittaker noted that while the study’s subjects experienced numerous short-term side effects of low testosterone levels, he cited research indicating that long-term low testosterone levels can result in risks and conditions such as infertility and an increased risk of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. Healthy testosterone levels are often related to robust bone density, the capacity to grow muscle and strength, mood and cognitive function management, and sexual desire in males, according to Kevin Codorniz, MD, head of endocrinology at Loma Linda University Health.
Reference
High-protein diets may drive down testosterone levels in men, researchers say. https://www.insider.com/high-protein-diets-decrease-men-testosterone-levels-researchers-say-2022-3?fbclid=IwAR26cxQww7bQNVHd-qa4B44hdfyiwpt6WOO8Cf2nOUfMbEyjb3lhX2Vf4HM
Strength training: Low weight, high reps, or high weight, low reps? Is it preferable to lift larger weights for fewer repetitions or lower weights for more repetitions?
Many fitness experts believe that doing fewer repetitions with heavy weights improves muscle hypertrophy whereas doing more repeats with low weight enhances muscular endurance.
Lifting heavier and lifting lighter may both assist you to burn fat and losing weight when it comes to weight reduction. According to one research after 8 weeks of strength training, individuals who lifted higher weights with fewer repetitions had greater strength. The research also found that participants who exercised with fewer weights but performed more repetitions had higher muscle-building activity. What are your fitness objectives? As a weight-loss consultant and personal trainer who focuses on women’s health and physique, every one of my clients has sought a sleek and toned appearance for the last 15 years, which is generally attained by doing more repetitions with lesser weights. More stress on their body is the last thing they need in order to lose weight and attain the physique they want. On the other hand, are you someone who is as calm as a cucumber and appreciates a good challenge? Even if weight reduction is your aim, if you are not stressed, exercising with heavier weights for fewer repetitions may be ideal for you at this point in your life. So, if you think it’s ideal for your body right now, consider lifting heavier weights with fewer repetitions. Lifting greater weights will certainly cause your strength to improve quicker, which may be your aim! My customers’ next inquiry is how to tell when it’s time to gain weight. Is it necessary to raise weights, reps, or both when it comes to strength training? If you, like me, quickly bulk up, the solution is to stick to smaller weights with greater repetitions. After 2-3 weeks of executing 3 rounds of 15 reps, raise the weight to 4- or 5-pound dumbbells and repeat the cycle. If you think this is too simple and the pace is too sluggish, speed it up! However, bear in mind that I want my customers to concentrate on their overall strength and growth, rather than on continuing to increase their weight.
Reference
Strength training 101: Is it better to lift heavier weights or do more reps?. https://www.today.com/health/diet-fitness/low-weight-high-reps-or-high-weight-low-reps-rcna20248?fbclid=IwAR2hHV2IxJKy2qN_Mp4eYlhUU1b4eOBrdxsv_JT9f7REKtneUPn-dOlRBGs
Vitamin D may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease
Vitamin D may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, few large, higher-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to corroborate this. A recent RCT examined the effects of vitamin D supplementation in Finland. It found no association between vitamin D and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or cancer. There is evidence that vitamin D deficiency is associated with nearly all primary chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and mortality.
It looked at data from 2,495 people, including those with no cardiovascular disease or cancer history. To provide further evidence of the relationship between vitamin D, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, the researchers behind the present study conducted the Finnish Vitamin D Trial. Despite the large doses, the study failed to see any effect of the supplementation on lowering the incidence of [cardiovascular disease] and cancer. Those who might benefit from the vitamin D supplementation — i.e., those with low serum vitamin D levels — are a small minority in the trials. Prof. Karani: “High-dose vitamin D supplementation may modestly reduce the risk of cancer death, but not overall cancer incidence.” Dr. Virtanen states, So far, there is no evidence that [Vitamin D] supplementation could prevent [SARS-CoV-2] infection. Still, it is well-documented that those, especially with the severe form of COVID-19, have low serum vitamin D levels.
It is also possible that this is a consequence of the [SARS-CoV-2] infection rather than the cause because it is known that acute infection leads to lower serum vitamin D levels. In addition, many of the COVID-19 patients are overweight or obese or have a chronic disease like type 2 diabetes, which is associated with lower serum vitamin D levels, explained Dr. Virtanen. “It is challenging to obtain vitamin D from food intake alone unless that food is fortified with vitamin D. It would be essential to explore whether vitamin D supplementation can decrease the incidence of [cardiovascular disease] and cancers, as that would make a strong case for mandatory vitamin D fortification or promotion of fortified foods in the population.
Reference
Vitamin D supplements, heart health, and cancer risk. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vitamin-d-supplements-heart-health-and-cancer-risk?fbclid=IwAR0anIA4BSbVWh-5gq1EcPeh0-2HN8CGkxNh4ZlnIESqCqFndScGFYXPraE
Worldwide about a possibly more transmissible version of the coronavirus
Concerns are growing worldwide about a possibly more transmissible version of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. As fresh instances are verified, scientists are scrambling to learn more. President Biden said that the mutation is “cause for concern, not a cause for panic” California verified the first case in the United States; omicron has been discovered in 16 states. In three days, the number of new coronavirus cases in South Africa has tripled.
The positive rate for Omicron increased from 1% in early November to 22.4 percent on December 2. The omicron version most likely acquired genetic material from a human virus that causes the common cold. A public health expert argues it is “premature to panic” over the mutation, which the World Health Organization has designated (WHO). Public health authorities in the United States are redoubling their efforts to distribute immunizations to everyone, including boosters for people who have previously been vaccinated. Within 100 days, Pfizer and BioNTech plan to have a “tailor-made vaccine” for the variation.
Each time the virus crosses between persons, it might undergo several genetic alterations. According to public health specialists, there is a strong likelihood that the new type has already spread to a number of nations beyond those where cases have been recorded. Public health professionals are advising the public not to make hasty judgments. Certain initiatives are already being scrapped in the aftermath of Omicron. Google said that it would delay its required in-office work beginning Jan. 10 for the length of the epidemic. Additionally, Rio de Janeiro’s mayor suspended the city’s New Year’s Eve event.
Reference
What to know about the omicron variant of the coronavirus. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/11/26/faq-new-variant-omicron/
The Dantzler Report! 