According to a new study, people who consume an unhealthy diet are more likely to suffer from depression. So, if you’re trying to watch your waistline, you may also want to watch your mental health.

The research from Macquarie University analyzed data from 169 adults aged 17 to 35 and found that those who consumed a Western-style diet were more likely to have lower levels of kynurenic acid (KA). This small molecule is essential for several bodily functions.

Previous studies have shown that Western-style diets that are high in fat, sugar, and processed foods are associated with an increased risk of depression. However, this is the first time a biological link showing the kynurenine pathway has been established.

The link between depression and food may be in how the body produces important molecules and metabolites necessary to keep it functioning. For example, the amino acid tryptophan, found in foods like dairy products, poultry, oats, nuts, and seeds, is broken down into metabolites. These metabolites are used to protect the brain, regulate behavior, and control inflammation, which is linked to diseases including heart disease, cancer, stroke, and dementia.

In breaking down the tryptophan, the body produces serotonin and melatonin. Or it can be processed by the kynurenic pathway, which creates KA and other essential metabolites linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

This new study is the first time that anyone has been able to show that a Western-style diet has an effect on the way tryptophan is metabolized in healthy young people. As with most metabolites, the level of KA in the body can be problematic. Too little KA is associated with depression, but too much has been linked with schizophrenia.

Healthy levels of KA are essential for reducing the risk of depression, and this new research shows the importance of food in the regulation of this metabolite. Regular physical activity is also vital for healthy KA levels.

So, if you’re feeling down, it may be time to increase your exercise routine, overhaul your diet, and reach for some fresh fruits and vegetables instead.

A Healthy Brain

Keeping the brain functioning at peak performance throughout life is essential. However, numerous factors can take a toll on the brain, affecting memory, concentration, and overall brain function.

The Smart Pill can help to enhance cognitive function and memory through 9 ingredients that help to support, nourish, and maximize brain health. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. This unique formula helps to boost circulation, fight free radicals, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive function.

Leaking urine or urinary incontinence is twice as common in women as in men. It’s also garnered the reputation of something that only happens to women.

Everybody is at risk.

Both men and women can have urine leaks with a simple laugh or cough or be hit with the overwhelming urge to use the bathroom.

The thing is, men seem to have a much harder time coping with the issue. Studies suggest that men with incontinence are less likely to seek treatment and more likely than women to be depressed or avoid social interaction and activities because of it.

There are different types of incontinence with varying treatments based on what’s causing incontinence. By understanding what’s happening, you may be more likely to seek treatment and reduce the condition’s impact on your life.

Urge incontinence is quite common in men. It happens to those with an overactive bladder, where the bladder muscle contracts on its own to create an overwhelming urge to get to the bathroom immediately. If you don’t make it, you could leak a little… or a lot.

An overactive bladder may also be caused by an enlarged prostate or nerve problems that impact the bladder. Side effects from certain medications, like diuretics, and caffeine, can also lead to these urges.

The kind of incontinence caused by coughing, laughing, lifting, exercising, etc., is called stress incontinence. It happens when the muscles that squeeze shut and seal off the bladder are damaged or weakened.

Lastly, there is overflow incontinence, which is when the bladder never fully empties and regularly overflows, leading to constant leaks. This is usually caused by an enlarged prostate that blocks normal urine flow or a bladder muscle that can’t push urine out on its own.

Other conditions may also cause overflow incontinence. This type of incontinence also comes with a higher risk of urinary tract infections, kidney infections, and more.

Treatments exist for each of these forms of incontinence. Speak to your doctor about a diagnosis to help you regain control of your life.

Sleep trackers are all the rage these days and for good reason. They claim to help you get a better idea of how much sleep you’re actually getting each night and identify patterns in your sleep habits. This information can then be used to encourage you to make positive changes in your sleeping routine. But are these claims true, and do sleep trackers actually work? Let’s look at these popular devices so you can decide if they’re right for you.

Sleep is a vital part of our everyday lives, yet many Americans struggle to get enough of it. According to the CDC, about one-third of adults don’t get the recommended seven or more hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep can lead to a variety of health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and even depression.

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be tempting to sacrifice sleep to fit more into our days. However, prioritizing sleep is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. Making small changes such as going to bed and waking up consistently, turning off electronics an hour before bed, and establishing a relaxing bedtime routine can help ensure that you get the sleep your body needs.

To help with getting a restful night, sleep trackers are becoming more and more popular. However, some experts are questioning whether this common practice of self-monitoring sleep will result in a sleep paradox where it will create anxiety and stress and make it harder for people to get a good night’s sleep.

Sleep tracking works by using input such as sound, motion, and heart rate to indicate when someone is sleeping. This information calculates a sleep score and creates graphs to show changes over time. The apps accompanying the sleep tracker claim to be able to determine how much time is spent in light sleep, deep sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM).

Although the technology in sleep trackers is becoming better at detecting sleep and wake times, its reliability for classifying the sleep stages remains inconsistent. So, sleep trackers should be used as entertainment more than reliable medical devices.

Sleep trackers have led to a medical disorder called orthosomnia. This disorder is described as an anxiety phenomenon that affects people who obsess over the results of their sleep trackers. This can develop into harmful behaviors such as spending longer in bed, which can worsen sleep quality and quantity.

For most people, sleep trackers can be used to get an idea of sleep patterns, but they should not replace objective testing like an overnight sleep study in a specialized clinic.

Taking Simple Steps

The best way to ensure a good, quality night’s sleep is by taking simple steps to practice good sleep hygiene. These include turning off electronic devices two hours before bedtime, sleeping in a cool, dark room, and cutting caffeine off early in the day. Getting the proper vitamins and nutrients is also an excellent practice to help with sleep.

Sleep Sure Plus is designed to help promote optimal sleep and restfulness through a variety of ingredients. One of the most important ingredients included in this unique formula is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is essential for the regulation of the circadian rhythm (the internal clock of the body). Sleep Sure Plus also contains valerian, one of the best natural ingredients for promoting rest and relaxation. These two essential ingredients are joined by another 6, which all work together to provide a better quality of sleep.

There are a lot of nutrients kicking around this time of year, and a ton of flavor, too. Of course, there are apples, pumpkins, and the pies you make them with, but there is a lot more to take advantage of.

And for the record, although they sound healthy, the pies aren’t doing much for you other than giving your tastebuds a treat.

One seasonal food that tastes great, has versatility, and packs a ton of nutrients is eggplant. Eggplants are rich in antioxidants that can protect your brain and limit inflammation. They may also help lower cholesterol.

Try eggplant this way: cut it into thin slices and sprinkle with salt before allowing to stand for 10 minutes. Blot with a paper towel to get rid of excess water, and drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 15 minutes at 375, flipping halfway through.

Butternut squash is another seasonal specialty that can boost the quality of your diet this fall. If it is loaded with beta-carotene, which can support eye, skin, and bone health. It is also a rich source of vitamin C, which is good for immune health, and fiber, which helps your gut.

Pomegranate is another awesome autumn treat. You may have had pomegranate juice before, but have you ever eaten the seeds? If not, you should try it. It is very fun and very healthy.

Top your oatmeal with pomegranate seeds, or add them to salads.

Leeks are another healthful food you can try out this season. They’re related to garlic and onions, so you already know they can offer some real value. Leeks are rich in polyphenols and vitamin K. Vitamin K can contribute to strong bones and may boost insulin sensitivity.

Expand your diet this season with fresh seasonal produce. Your tastebuds and your body may thank you.

You could be at risk for a stroke. Your age and family history may have you at a higher risk than others, and that can be scary, especially because you can’t turn back the clock or revise your ancestry.

There are, however, several other stroke risk factors that you can influence – as long as you know about them. Like with so many other aspects of health, knowledge is power.

If you become aware of a particular risk factor that could sabotage your health and leave you open to higher stroke risk, you can take steps to reduce or even alleviate its impact. Here are some things you can control to lower your risk for stroke.

Lower Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a huge stroke risk factor, which can double, or even quadruple, your risk for a stroke if it is not managed. High blood pressure is the biggest contributor to the risk of stroke in both men and women.

Monitoring your blood pressure, and treating it if it is elevated, is one of the biggest differences a person can make to their vascular health. Ideal blood pressure is 120/80, but in your case, it may be better to focus on keeping it below 140/90.

You can reduce blood pressure by increasing activity, limiting sodium, and eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains every day.

Lose Weight: Obesity, and the complications linked to it, can boost the risk of a stroke. In obese or overweight individuals, losing as little as 10 pounds can make a big difference in stroke risk.

You can lose weight by capping calories around 1,500 – 2,000 per day and getting more activity.

Exercise More: More exercise can help lower blood pressure and weight and make arteries and veins more relaxed. Try to exercise at a moderate intensity five days per week. A walk around the block counts.

If You Drink, Do It in Moderation: Having more than two drinks per day can sharply boost the risk of a stroke, so try to cap it there.

Treat Diabetes If You Have It: High blood sugar damages blood vessels over time, increasing the likelihood of clots forming. Managing blood sugar and treating diabetes through diet, medication, and exercise can help lower your stroke risk.

Australia is in the midst of its worst flu season in 5 years. That might not sound like it matters to you, but it could be a precursor of things to come.

America’s flu season often mirrors what is happening in Australia, where the winter runs from April to October.

The flu makes its way around the world, so people in North America have a little bit of time to prepare. They are also lucky because they get an idea of what it might be like. And although projections cannot be 100 percent accurate, this year’s flu has officials getting ready for a potentially severe season.

According to a survey of 1,000 people conducted by the National Foundation for Infectious Disease (NFID), only 49 percent of Americans plan to get a flu shot this season. Further, only one in five people at risk of developing serious flu-related complications aren’t planning to get a shot.

It’s true that scientists don’t always get it right and that sometimes the flu shot and the actual virus aren’t a perfect match. But that doesn’t mean the shot won’t offer some benefit. Getting a vaccination will likely help protect against severe disease and complications.

If you’re 65 or over, you can get a stronger dose for even better protection.

Aside from getting the flu shot, you can take other measures to build a stronger immune system and prevent illness.

Getting enough sleep and exercise and ensuring you’re eating a nutrient-dense diet can help create more robust immunity. A colorful array of fruits and vegetables can help you get plenty of antioxidants and other important nutrients to limit inflammation.

You can also practice good hand hygiene. Washing your hands thoroughly whenever you’ve been out of your home can help reduce the risk, especially after touching high-contact surfaces like door handles or railings.

And remember, if you get the flu, stay home and keep others safe.

We all know that sleep is important for our health, but what is the best way to get the most benefit from our slumber? Is it more important to get a good night’s sleep each night or to sleep longer overall? Today, we’ll look at the research on the quality of sleep vs. sleep duration and see which is better for promoting health and well-being. Stay tuned!

According to new research published in the journal Sleep, adults who restricted sleep by two or more hours each night were more at risk for respiratory illnesses like flu and colds, but only when they reported sleep quality. This is the first time that sleep quality has been shown to have an essential role in the risk of infection.

For the study, the research team followed new military recruits and tracked their sleep patterns and health in the weeks during basic training, when recruits followed strict “to bed” and “wake-up” times. Over a thousand army recruits were involved in the study, and a doctor diagnosed respiratory infections during training.

On average, recruits had two fewer hours of sleep during military training than in civilian life. However, they still rated their sleep as “good quality.” The data showed that sleep restriction only increased respiratory infection in recruits reporting poor sleep quality. Those with good sleep quality were more protected against respiratory infection during sleep restriction, even when sleep quantity was restricted.

Researchers Dr. Ross Roberts said, “Although the research was conducted with male and female military recruits, the findings have wider relevance as many people chose to or find themselves sleeping fewer than the recommended number of hours, due to late night or early morning work and family commitments.”

Providing Optimal Sleep and Restfulness

As this research shows, getting quality sleep is vital for many aspects of health, and previous research has found that insufficient sleep can also be detrimental to health.

Sleep Sure Plus is an excellent way to help with optimal sleep and restfulness. Its unique formula has a variety of ingredients that work to provide quality sleep. One of the most important ingredients included in this unique formula is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone essential for regulating the circadian rhythm (the body’s internal clock). Sleep Sure Plus also contains valerian, one of the best natural ingredients for promoting rest and relaxation. These two essential ingredients are joined by another 6, which all work together to provide better overall sleep.

Family feasting season is on the horizon, and if you’re in Canada, it has already started. But if you reside in the United States, perhaps you’re thinking about who to invite and what they’re bringing for the holiday season.

Just thinking about it might stress you out. The cost, the planning, and the prep can all add to your stress load. Not to mention that you’ll be sharing the table with your irritating son-in-law and freeloading brother.

But guess what? Actually sitting down to eat the meal may make it all worthwhile. And I’m not just talking about the taste.

A new survey from the American Heart Association shows that people are less stressed when they sit around the table and break bread with family.

Ninety-one percent of the 1,000 respondents reported they are less stressed when they have a meal with family. Easing stress can also play an important role in overall health and longevity. Consistent chronic stress can boost the lifetime risk of heart attack and stroke.

Sharing meals with family and loved ones can boost self-esteem and social connectivity while helping to build, restore, or maintain social connections. All these things ease stress and anxiety and encourage better mental health.

The survey also found that:

• 84 percent of respondents wished they could share a meal together more often.
• 67 percent said sharing a meal reminds them of the importance of connecting.
• 54 percent said it reminds them to slow down a take a break.

Getting together with family this season might not be as stressful as it seems, especially when it’s happening.

If the work beforehand is getting you stressed out, then consider your options. Ask family or friends to take on different tasks to ease your individual workload, or inquire about somebody else taking the hosting duties this year.

Many adults in the United States only get an average of five hours of sleep a night, which according to new research, may be linked with multiple chronic diseases. This lack of sleep not only puts your health at risk, but also your quality of life.

You can do many things to get more sleep, and it is essential to ensure that you get enough restorative sleep each night. Talk to your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping, as they may be able to recommend treatments or devices that can help you get more rest. You deserve to feel rested and healthy, so make sure you are getting the sleep you need!

According to a new study by UCL researchers, a consistent lack of sleep can greatly affect the risk of chronic diseases. The study examined the relationship in participants between sleep duration, mortality, and whether they had been diagnosed with two or more chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease over 25 years.

Researchers found that participants who were over the age of 50 and got five hours of sleep or less were 20% more likely to have been diagnosed with a chronic disease. They were also 40% more likely to be diagnosed with two or more chronic diseases over 25 years than people who slept up to seven hours.

It was also noted that sleeping for five hours or less over the age of 50 was linked to a 30% to 40% increased risk of multimorbidity compared to those who slept for up to seven hours.

The study continued to deliver bad news as researchers found that sleep duration of five hours or less in people over the age of 50 was associated with a 25% increased risk of mortality over 25 years. Researchers believe the increased risk of chronic diseases can explain this increase in mortality.

“As people get older, their sleep habits and sleep structure change. However, it is recommended to sleep for seven to eight hours a night—as sleep durations above or below this have previously been associated with individual chronic diseases, said lead author Dr. Severine Sabia.

“Our findings show that short sleep duration is also associated with multimorbidity.”

Getting enough sleep allows the body to rest. Without adequate sleep, the risk of heart disease and stroke also may be heightened due to increased blood pressure and inflammation.

Making Smart Lifestyle Choices

To help ensure a better night’s sleep, smart lifestyle choices must be made. These include avoiding large meals before bedtime, avoiding electronic devices at least two hours before going to sleep, getting plenty of physical activity, and being exposed to light during the day. It is also recommended to make sure the bedroom is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.

Getting the proper vitamins and nutrients is essential to keep the body healthy and help it get the rest it needs. Sleep Sure Plus is designed to help promote optimal sleep and restfulness through a variety of ingredients. One of the most important ingredients included in this unique formula is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone essential for regulating the circadian rhythm (the body’s internal clock). Sleep Sure Plus also contains valerian, one of the best natural ingredients for promoting rest and relaxation. These two essential ingredients are joined by another 6, which all work together to provide a better quality of sleep.

When you think of breaking your bones, you might not necessarily think of death. But don’t be mistaken: a broken bone can be life-threatening.

Some can be more dangerous than others. And if you’ve got an existing condition like heart disease, kidney disease, or other complex health conditions, a fracture could be even more dangerous.

Researchers found that older adults suffered a higher death rate when the fractures occurred closer to the center of the body, and particularly when the people who’d suffered the fracture were battling or had battled underlying health issues.

Fractures in a “central area,” including those to the hip, vertebrae, or upper arm bones, appeared to lead to higher death rates than when a fracture was suffered further away, like the forearm or wrist.

These findings may influence how doctors assess and treat bone fractures.

Why fractures tend to be more risky in particular areas, especially when a person is battling multiple or complex health conditions, is not entirely clear.

The study author believes that it may have something to do with interactions between bone and the immune system.

A broken bone leads to higher bone turnover, which can boost inflammatory factors. If a person is battling a health condition and their immune system is already fired up, a fracture may exacerbate the issue or overtax the immune system.

You may be able to reduce your risk of a potentially life-threatening bone break by doing a few things. One is to treat and manage any underlying health conditions. Try your best to follow an anti-inflammatory diet, lose weight, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Building strong, healthy bones is not out of reach, either. Getting enough calcium, perhaps through supplementation, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise, can help strengthen bone and reduce the fracture risk.

Depression is a serious mental health condition that can cause long-term adverse effects, such as dementia, if left untreated. Now research suggests that the timing of the treatment for depression may help to decrease the risk of dementia later in life. Read on to learn more about this finding and how you can get help if you’re struggling with depression.

Dementia is a disabling neurocognitive condition that mainly affects older adults. It is characterized by a decline in cognitive function and can lead to problems with memory, language, and thinking. According to the World Health Organization, over 55 million people worldwide live with dementia.

The majority of people with dementia are over the age of 80. However, dementia is not a normal part of aging, and younger people can develop the condition. There is no known cure for dementia, but there are treatments that can help to improve symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.

A new study from China suggests that the link between depression and dementia could be altered depending on the timing of the treatment. Researchers used data
data collected by the UK Biobank, a population-based cohort of over 500,000 participants. A total of 350,000 participants were included in the study. During the course of the study, 46,280 people were diagnosed with depression and 725 of those developed dementia.

During the study, participants were placed in one of four categories of depression: increasing course, in which mild initial symptoms steadily increase; decreasing course, starting with moderate- or high-severity symptoms but subsequently decreasing; chronically high course of ongoing severe depressive symptoms; and chronically low course, where mild or moderate depressive symptoms are consistently maintained.

The study found that depression elevated the risk of dementia by 51% compared to non-depressed participants. However, the risk of participants developing dementia depended on the course of depression. Those with chronically high or increasing depression were more vulnerable to dementia, whereas those with decreasing depression had no greater risk than those without dementia.

Researchers then set out to find if the risk for dementia could be lowered by receiving depression treatment. They found that overall, depressed participants who received treatment had a reduction of risk when compared to untreated participants by about 30%. The timing of the treatment also seemed to make a difference in the risk reduction.

“Once again, the course of ineffectively treated depression carries significant medical risk,” said John Krystal, MD. In this case, symptomatic depression increases dementia risk by 51%, whereas treatment was associated with a significant reduction in this risk.”

“This indicates that timely treatment of depression is needed among those with late-life depression,” added Professor Cheng. “Providing depression treatment for those with late-life depression might not only remit affective symptoms but also postpone the onset of dementia.”

Enhancing Cognitive Function

While some degree of cognitive decline is nearly inevitable as you age, this study shows how other factors, such as depression, can take a toll on the ability of the brain to function at peak potential. This can affect memory, concentration, and overall brain function.

The Smart Pill can help to enhance cognitive function and memory through 9 ingredients that help to support, nourish, and maximize brain health. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. The formulation of these ingredients is an excellent way to help fight free radicals, boost circulation, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive function.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed the days are much shorter, darker, and colder than they were just a few weeks ago. Waking up in the dark is no fun.

For some, it can be a real challenge. As fall ushers in a major change from the long summer days, some begin struggling with depressive symptoms that can worsen and last through the winter.

The “winter blues,” also called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), impacts about 5 percent of the overall U.S. population. However, some work suggests that number doubles in the more northern states where temperatures get cooler and the days even shorter.

It can be difficult to recognize and diagnose SAD because symptoms closely resemble different forms of depression. The only real way to diagnose the condition is for symptoms to appear for two consecutive years, with symptoms beginning and ending around the same time, without continuing during the spring and summer months.

Symptoms of SAD include depression, anxiety, mood changes, sleep trouble, altered eating habits, lethargy, fatigue, and sexual problems. Sufferers may feel a sense of hopelessness, misery, guilt, low self-esteem, tension, and an inability to tolerate stress, or they may exhibit diminished interest in things they typically enjoy.

It’s also possible people with SAD may show mood extremes, with periods of mania during the summer months.

So what can you do if you think you’ve got SAD? The first thing is to speak with your doctor about how you’re feeling and keeping tabs so a diagnosis can be made.

Various prevention and treatment techniques are being studied. Some theorize that starting treatment early in the fall may help prevent or reduce symptoms through the winter when days are at the shortest, darkest, and coldest.

Light therapy is one of the most common and potentially helpful treatments. It involves a powerful light box, which can be used to wake up or sit by in the morning.

Exposure to natural light during the daytime may also help, so open blinds and sit by the windows, when possible, during the day.

Talk therapy may also help sufferers deal with symptoms, and getting outside for walks during the day may also help. Taking to friends and maintaining social relationships may also help with symptoms and relieve some of the struggles of SAD.

Many Americans worry about bone health and joint health because they’re experiencing unexplained pain. First, make sure to see a doctor to rule out any potential health issues. Once you have ruled out any health concerns, there are several things you can do at home to help ease the pain. These tips include exercising, using ice or heat packs, and modifying your diet. If the pain persists, be sure to speak with your doctor about other treatment options.

Your bones and joints go through a lot of wear and tear over the course of your life. From everyday movements to more strenuous activities, they are constantly being put to the test.
Bone and joint pain are some of the most common reasons that people see a doctor. If your joints or bones are not feeling at an optimal level, it can affect everything from daily interactions with loved ones to your performance at work.

These are all reasons why it’s important to know how to prevent, manage and take care of your bones and joints. Taking some simple steps can help reduce your risk of injury and keep your bones and joints healthy for years to come.

One of the most important steps you can take to protect bones and joints is to stay active and exercise regularly. Physical activity can help to strengthen the muscles around the bones and joints and help them work better.

Maintaining a healthy body weight can also go a long way to helping ease pain in joints and bones. Excess weight can put stress on the joints in the legs and feet, causing pain and discomfort, so losing a few extra pounds could help relieve these symptoms.

Eating a healthy diet will not only help you maintain healthy body weight, but it can also help to ensure you are getting the correct vitamins, such as vitamin D, to keep bones strong.

Posture and sleep position can also affect the pain associated with bones and joints. Some of the most comfortable positions may not always be the best and may even lead to long-term damage. Try always to be mindful of how the body is resting or positioned.

While most people think bone and joint health is only important for seniors, it is actually an essential topic for any age. Implementing healthy lifestyles at an early age can help set up a foundation that will pay off in the long run.

If you do experience an injury, it is vital to seek treatment from a qualified healthcare professional to help speed your recovery. Using hot and cold packs can also help with pain when healing. By taking care of your bones and joints, you can enjoy a better quality of life for years to come.

Supporting Bones and Joints

As outlined above, bone health is essential as you age. Bone Rescue can help to support the maintenance and development of bones thanks to its unique formula, including strontium. Chemically similar to calcium, strontium can provide great support for aging bones. Bone Rescue contains 680 mg of strontium along with additional ingredients to help keep bones strong and healthy.

As you age, your joints also may require support to help them stay strong, flexible, and healthy. Healthy Joints contains multiple ingredients to help support and improve joint health. The primary ingredient in Health Joints is AprèsFlex®, an extract from Boswellia, which has been found in studies to provide rapid support for joint health and mobility. This unique formula also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which contain compounds that are some of the building blocks of healthy joints.

The most common disease hits people when they get older: Alzheimer’s, heart disease, diabetes, and more, typically arise in the latter half of a person’s life.

Have genetics destined millions for these conditions, or is there more at play?

A new study from the University of California, Berkely, suggests that genetics matter less as a person gets older and that other factors are likely the culprit.

The work was published in Nature Communications.

The researchers said that aging and environment play a significantly more important role than genetics in modifying gene expression as people get older. Gene expression ultimately plays a key role in various biological processes, including metabolism, hormones, and immune function.

They also said that looking at a person’s genetic makeup can be great for forecasting how genes may express themselves in younger people. It becomes far less beneficial in those over age 55, who are ultimately more susceptible to disease and other conditions.

Age is a big factor in disease because the older you are, the more your body has had to put up with, and it can get weaker. Environmental factors like the air you breathe can play a role, as can lifestyle decisions like the type of diet you follow and the amount of exercise you get.

There are countless studies, for example, that indicates that lifestyle choices like diet and exercise are closely linked to disease risk with age. These findings suggest that gene expression may be less determined by hereditary factors and genetics than environmental and age-related factors.

So the takeaway here may be that just because a parent or other family member developed a condition may not mean you are destined for the same outcome. It appears the older a person gets, the more the decisions that make each day play a role in their health.

You can’t stop time from moving, but you may be able to influence how it passes and its influence on your health.