Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Photo by Joshua Coleman on Unsplash In a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics, scientists discovered that children who receive several rounds of antibiotics before the age of two are likely to have an increased risk of obesity by age five. This new research shows …
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash A new study suggests that working long hours may contribute to your risk of developing Diabetes. The study, published September 24th in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, found an association between long work weeks and the disease – but …
In a new study published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists created a mouse model with the trademark symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS Dementia). This new animal model will allow them to monitor test drugs for ALS and determine their impact on the brain.
The researchers in charge of the study believe they have successfully replicated various behavioral, neurophysiological and pathological changes in the mouse that mimic the form of dementia commonly linked with ALS in humans. “This new model will allow rapid testing and monitoring of drugs in real time,” stated Teepu Siddique, lead author and Northwestern scientist. “This will allow scientists to move quickly and accelerate the testing of drug therapies.”
ALS affects about 350,000 people worldwide, and the average survival rate for those with the disease is only three years. It is a progressive neurological condition that results in rapid decline in muscle function, speaking, swallowing, and breathing. Eventually, ALS leads to paralysis and death. There is currently no known cure.
Fortunately, the researchers are hopeful that their discoveries may lead to possible treatment options.
As we age, our brain function slows down naturally. First, there is a drop in the concentration of growth factors that repair spaces between nerves (known as the synaptic region). This leads to a slower healing process of the synapse and a decrease in the efficiency of nerve transmission, causing cell-to-cell communication to falter. Secondly, the numerous tiny power plants called mitochondria found in each nerve cell become old and wrinkled. Their efficiency decreases, therefore decreasing the creation of energy in the brain.
With a proper cocktail of nutrients that address the health of these tiny power plants you can protect your brain, improve its health, and restore mental energy. You will most likely notice an improvement in focus, attention span, creativity, energy, mood, memory function and learning skills. This is especially true if you eat the right foods in addition to taking the correct supplements – your brain’s energy production and healing process are both likely to improve significantly, leading to improvement in brain metabolism as well. With the correct nutrients, supplements, and diet, you can literally turn back the hands of time on an aging brain!
Photo by Michalina on Unsplash Opinions on the flu vaccine are still divided, but certain populations are encouraged to get vaccinated this fall, especially pregnant women. Experts encourage all expectant mothers to get a flu shot, and if any flu-like symptoms arise, they should seek …
Photo by Martin Brosy on Unsplash A simple urine test for the virus that causes cervical cancer could offer a less invasive and more acceptable alternative to the conventional cervical smear test. For years now, studies have been exploring different ways not only to prevent …
It’s a debate that has been going on for years – do you eat before you hit the gym or just wait until after to fuel up? Both choices have their strong points and downfalls. If you eat too much before you get on the treadmill, you’ll be queasy and uncomfortable. If you don’t eat at all, you risk muscle cramps, weakness and even dizzy spells. So what’s the best option?
Should you work out when you’re sick?
If you do choose to fuel up pre-workout, it should be with a protein shake, an energy bar, a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit. Remember: pre-workout snacks definitely should not make you feel stuffed. Without food to fuel your workout, muscle tissue is instead converted into glucose to provide the energy you need, making your workout less effective. It’s important to know that your body uses glucose (sugar) for immediate yet longer-lasting energy.
The type of workout, as well as the duration and intensity, will determine your energy needs. The closer you eat to your workout, the smaller the portion should be. You don’t want your body to be expending any extra energy on digestion when you need it to perform. Any type of high-intensity cardio such as running, jogging, spinning or boxing would require a good snack to sustain you. If you’re opting for a lower-intensity activity, a 200-calorie snack won’t be necessary.
Keep up your energy with these simple tricks!
For workouts that last an hour or less, smaller snacks like Greek yogurt or low-fat chocolate milk are good options. And, if you do happen to find yourself heading out the door as your stomach starts to rumble, you can’t go wrong with a small piece of fruit, like an easy-to-digest banana.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/15/health/eat-before-workout/index.html?hpt=he_c2