Are Your Cups and Containers Disrupting Your Liver and Lungs?

Healthy salad in a plastic box with plastic fork. Ready to eat healthy food on white backgroundMicro- and nanoplastics can be a hot source of debate. They are in countless products that people use, yet it’s possible that they could be destructive to human health.

What happens when people unknowingly eat, drink, or inhale these nearly invisible plastics? There is much debate over whether or not they can make a difference to human health, and exactly how many one would have to consume to experience harm.

There is some data to suggest that they can harm metabolism. Although conclusive evidence in humans is lacking, there are animal studies to show that these plastics can harm health by causing inflammation, toxicity, and neurological changes.

A research team recently looked to see how these tiny particles may impact human lung and liver cells.

Micro-and nano-plastics are found in plastic plates, bottles, containers, and more. They are in countless products and they are brought into homes every day. Avoiding them completely is nearly impossible.

Researchers cultured human liver and lung cells in lab plates and treated then with different amounts of 80 nm-wide plastic particles. After two days, imaging showed that the plastic particles had entered both types of cells without killing them.

They did find, however, that the plastics had a negative influence on cell metabolism, and particularly the function of mitochondria, which are essentially the motors that run cells. Mitochondria generate ATP, which is the primary source of cellular energy.

This disturbance in metabolic processes and mitochondrial pathways created dysfunction, which may impact the functionality of both the liver and lungs.

Of course these results are from lab studies and isolated cells, so they do not necessarily reflect how these microplastics would impact living and breathing humans on a whole scale.

But if you are concerned about any potential harms of microplastics, you can limit the risk of eating or drinking them by using stainless steel or glass cups and plates, avoiding packaged food, and storing food in and beverages in glass containers.

Health Benefits of Low-Carb Vegan Diet Are Same as Vegetarian Diet: Study

Vegan lunch table. Chocolate smoothie bowl, Buddha bowl with tofu, chickpeas and quinoa, lentil soup and toasts on a gray background.If you’re unsure of what type of diet may be best for you, a new study may be of interest. Researchers have found that the health benefits of a low-carb vegan diet are the same as a vegetarian diet.

So, if you’re looking for an animal-free way to reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions, going low-carb vegan and vegetarian are both excellent choices. Keep in mind that it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough protein and other essential nutrients on a vegetarian or low-carb vegan diet, so talk to your doctor or nutritionist about how to make sure you’re taking care of yourself.

The study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggested an important difference between the two diets. It was found that a low-carbohydrate vegan diet had a significantly lower potential carbon emission value than its high-carbohydrate vegetarian counterpart. It was also found that the lower the potential carbon emission value of the diet, the more significant the reduction in blood cholesterol.

Food Facts

For the study, researchers analyzed people who were on two different types of plant-based diets. The first one was a low-carbohydrate vegan diet with no meat, dairy or eggs, supplemented with canola-oil enriched bread and high-protein vegan meat alternatives.

The second diet was a vegetarian version of the DASH diet (a standard clinical diet for lowering blood pressure) which included egg whites and low-fat dairy but no meat.

The researchers used this information to compare the health benefits as well as the carbon emission potential of each diet. Greenhouse gas emission databases were used to obtain mean values for each food.

At the end of the three months, researchers found that the two diets were similar in their effects on weight loss and seemed to reduce blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Overall, participants on the vegan diet lost 5.9 kilos, and those on the vegetarian diet lost 5.2 kilos. Both groups also saw a reduction in hemoglobin A1c, a marker of glycemic control.

“We showed that you actually reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a diet that is effective, and that the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is related to the fall in LDL cholesterol—often called the ‘bad’ cholesterol,” said lead author Dr. David Jenkins. “So, as you reduce the impact of your diet on the environment, you also benefit by lowering your cholesterol.”

A Complete Diet

To help ensure your diet is complete, 65+ Superfood Essentials is an excellent addition to a daily supplement regime. This breakthrough formula is a great way to support and promote cardiovascular and overall health.

It contains Capros®, a patented and clinically studied Indian gooseberry extract that has been found to absorb free radicals and provide cascading antioxidants. Acai berry (the powerful natural antioxidant known to support total health) and resveratrol, a premier anti-aging ingredient, are also found in this formulation that can help ensure proper nutrients and vitamins that are essential as you age.

7 Things You Can Do for a Healthier Prostate

Prostate cancer concept. Inflammation of the premature ejaculation, erection problems, bladder.Prostate health can be top of mind for aging men, and many wonder what they can do to reduce their chances of frustration or serious illness.

Food choices and exercise may be central to prostate health.

Many wonder if there are foods to eat that can help their prostate stay healthy. While they may ask their doctor or scour the internet in hopes of finding a list of foods that guarantees to shield them from trouble, no such list exists,

There are some foods that are linked with prostate health, but there is no concrete proof to show they work.

Instead of focusing on specific foods, it is wise to focus on overall eating patterns. Here are some things to pay attention to:

  • Eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day.
  • Choose whole grain bread instead of white bread, and opt for whole grain pasta and cereals.
  • Limit red meat, especially processed ones like hot dogs, bacon, and deli meat. Opt for fish, skinless chicken and other poultry, beans, and eggs for protein.
  •  Try to eat more healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and avocado. Try to limit fats from sources like dairy and other animal products, and avoid all hydrogenated (trans) fats. Trans fats are usually in processed foods.
  • Avoid sugar-sweetened drinks like soda, juice, and specialty coffee. Enjoy sugary snacks only as an occasional treat.
  •  Watch portion sizes to prevent weight gain.

In addition to eating, activity can also help promote and maintain a healthy prostate. Studies have shown that regular exercise is beneficial for prostate health in a few ways.

One study found that the more physically active men were, the less likely they were to experience BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). BPH is the medical term for enlarged prostate. Even low- and moderate-intensity exercise showed benefit

Research has also found that men who ran for one hour or did rigorous work outdoors for three hours per week were 20 percent less likely to experience erectile dysfunction (ED) than men who did no exercise at all.

Eating better overall and regular exercise may help your prostate stay healthy. Good luck!

Risk of Dementia Is 50% Lower among People with Type 2 Diabetes Following a Healthy Lifestyle

Diabetes monitor, diet and healthy food eating nutritional concept with clean fruits and vegetables with diabetic measuring tool kitIf you have type 2 diabetes, adopting a healthy lifestyle may help reduce your risk of dementia. A recent study found that people with diabetes who ate a healthy diet, exercised regularly, and maintained a healthy weight had a 50% lower risk of developing dementia than those who didn’t follow these guidelines. So, if you want to protect your brain health, make sure to eat right and stay active!

The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Stockholm, Sweden, found that people with type 2 diabetes were much more likely to develop dementia than those without type 2 diabetes. However, a healthy lifestyle almost halved the risk of people with type 2 diabetes developing dementia.

Previous studies have shown that an unhealthy lifestyle and type 2 diabetes can individually raise the risk of dementia. However, research has not been clear on whether a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of dementia in those with type 2 diabetes.

To help understand more, 445,364 participants were analyzed in the study. They all had an average age of 55.6 years and were followed for a median of 9.1 years. All were free of dementia at the start of this period.

All participants were required to fill in a questionnaire that asked about television viewing, physical activity, sleep duration, alcohol consumption, and smoking status. Dietary intake was also reported, including how much processed and red meat were consumed along with fruit, vegetables, and oily fish. The answers were used to divide the participants into three groups: most healthy, moderately healthy, and least healthy.

It was found that participants with an unhealthy lifestyle were 65% more likely to develop dementia than those with the healthiest lifestyles. Individuals with diabetes and the healthiest lifestyles were 45% less likely to develop dementia than those with diabetes and the unhealthiest lifestyle.

Mental Health, Brain Function, and Blood Sugar Support

While some degree of cognitive decline is nearly inevitable as you age, unhealthy lifestyle factors 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. This unique formula helps to boost circulation, fight free radicals, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive

For those who may be concerned about maintaining healthy blood sugar, a healthy lifestyle is also recommended. This includes getting the proper vitamins and nutrients. Healthy Blood Sugar Support can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels using a number of ingredients that have been shown in clinical studies.

The health benefits of this unique formula include supporting blood-sugar metabolism and promoting healthy cholesterol and glucose levels already within the normal range. Healthy Blood Sugar Support can also help to reduce excessive hunger or increased appetite, fatigue, and blood glucose spikes after meals.

Enjoy Sipping Tea? If You Do, It May Lower Your Risk for Diabetes

Shot of a beautiful young woman having a cup of coffee in the kitchen at homeYou might be getting an unexpected benefit if you enjoy a few cups of tea every day. New research suggests it could make a significant impact on diabetes risk.

Researchers found that drinking four or more cups of black, green, or oolong daily was associated with a 17 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes over a decade.

The Wuhan University of Science and Technology team in China conducted a meta-analysis of 19 studies that included more than one million adults in eight countries. The findings were presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, and the results are considered preliminary until they are peer-reviewed.

Based on survey results, they found that for each cup consumed, tea drinkers cut their risk of type-2 diabetes by 1 percent. Compared to those who didn’t drink tea, those who drank one to three cups daily reduced their risk by 4%. Those that drank at least four cups per day saw a whopping 17 percent reduction.

It’s possible that certain compounds in tea, mainly polyphenols, may reduce blood glucose levels, yet high numbers of them may be needed to be effective. Perhaps that is why the benefit seemed to really kick at four cups of tea.

Managing blood sugar and preventing type-2 diabetes is about much more than drinking tea or any other single food or beverage. The total package is important when it comes to overall health, managing inflammation and limiting the risk of disease.

This means consuming an overall healthy diet and getting activity; adding tea to a poor diet or lifestyle is unlikely to make a big difference in outcomes.

But if you’re already living pretty well, adding tea to your routine may add some additional protection. Remember, tea is caffeinated, so tolerance should be assessed. For many, jumping right into four cups per day may have consequences.

In any event, it appears that tea may be able to a reduction in diabetes risk to its list of potential health benefits.

‘Night Owls’ Are at Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease than’ Early Birds’

Drinking coffee. Man working in office alone during COVID-19 quarantine, staying to late night. Young businessman, manager doing tasks with smartphone, laptop, tablet in empty workspace.A new study has found that people who are ‘night owls’ are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease than those who are ‘early birds.’ So, if you tend to go to bed late and wake up later in the morning, make sure to be extra vigilant about your health. Start by making healthy lifestyle choices and seeing your doctor for regular check-ups. You may also want to consider talking to them about whether it’s safe for you to take a sleep medication prescribed by them. Getting good sleep is essential for overall health, so make it a priority!

The research published in Experimental Physiology suggests that the wake/sleep cycle may cause metabolic differences and alter the body’s preference for energy sources. These metabolic differences affect how well the body can use insulin to promote glucose uptake by the cells for storage and energy use.

For the study, researchers from Rutgers University split participants into two groups based on their “chronotype”—the natural propensity to seek activity and sleep at different times. Advanced imaging was used to assess body mass and composition, breath samples, and insulin sensitivity to measure fat and carbohydrate metabolism.

It was found that people who are more active in the morning tend to rely more on fat as an energy source and are more active during the day. They also tend to have higher aerobic fitness levels than people who prefer to be more active later in the day and at night. It was also noted that night owls use less fat for energy at rest and during exercise.

Researchers believe these findings suggest that ‘night owls’ may have a reduced
ability to use fat for energy, meaning fats may build up in the body and increase the risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Senior author Professor Steven Malin said, “The differences in fat metabolism between ‘early birds’ and ‘night owls’ shows that our body’s circadian rhythm (wake/sleep cycle) could affect how our bodies use insulin. A sensitive or impaired ability to respond to the insulin hormone has major implications for our health. This observation advances our understanding of how our body’s circadian rhythms impact our health. Because chronotype appears to impact our metabolism and hormone action, we suggest that chronotype could be used as a factor to predict an individual’s disease risk.”

This research helps show the relationship between the body’s circadian rhythm and risk of disease, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. This adds to mounting evidence that suggests how vital it is for optimal sleep and restfulness.

Sleep, Blood Sugar, and Cardiovascular Health

Sleep Sure Plus is designed to help promote quality sleep through various 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 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.

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for keeping the heart strong and healthy, but getting the right vitamins and nutrients is also key. Heart Rescue was designed to help support and promote cardiovascular health using a variety of ingredients, including omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, magnesium, and hawthorn extract. This formula’s health benefits can help strengthen the heart muscle, support circulation, and help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Healthy Blood Sugar Support can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels using a number of ingredients that have been shown in clinical studies. The health benefits of this unique formula include supporting blood-sugar metabolism and promoting healthy cholesterol and glucose levels already within the normal range. Healthy Blood Sugar Support can also help to reduce excessive hunger or increased appetite, fatigue, and blood glucose spikes after meals.

Why Your Muscles Cramp up at Night and What to Do about It

Runner leg injuryHave you ever been lying or sitting, completely inactive, when the muscles in your calf start going berserk? They get tight, maybe twitch, and can bring on nearly unbearable pain?

Muscle cramps, particularly in the calves, can be fairly common. They are sudden involuntary contractions (tightening) of the muscle fibres and can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.

The pain can be mild, moderate, or intense and can arise suddenly and painfully, even during sleep.

There is often no obvious cause for the pain, but a little bit of thought may offer some insight into why it is happening. Exercise, for example, is a common trigger. This is especially true if you’ve worked out for a long time or are in the heat.

Muscles that are tired and dehydrated can easily become irritated and more likely to cramp. Deficiencies in electrolytes like magnesium and potassium can also lead to frequent cramping, preventing the muscles from fully relaxing.

Age can be another contributor to cramping, as older muscles become more sensitive to lower fluid volumes.

Most cramps will go away on their own, maybe with a little rubbing or stretching. Applying heat, like a pad or warm washcloth, can also help loosen up tight muscles.

You can try to avoid future leg cramps by drinking plenty of fluids and being extra mindful of drinking them before, during, and after exercise. Warming up before exercise with a slow walk or jog can help, as can making sure you stretch afterwards.

If cramping at night during sleep is an issue, stretch before bed.

Cramps can be common and very painful, but they can be prevented. When you know why they’re happening, you can take steps to limit their impact.

Diet Tips to Lower Cholesterol

Assortment of healthy protein source and body building food. Meat beef salmon chicken breast eggs dairy products cheese yogurt beans artichokes broccoli nuts oat meal. Copy space background, top viewHigh cholesterol can be pretty dangerous for health and cut deep into longevity. It can increase the risk for heart disease and heart attacks or lead to a lifetime of medication.

Medication can help to treat and manage cholesterol successfully. However, making lifestyle changes may have the biggest long-term benefit. If you can reach and maintain a state where medication isn’t required, you can bet you’ll feel better and likely live longer.

One of the biggest lifestyle areas affecting change in cholesterol is diet. What you eat can directly affect the amount and type of cholesterol in your bloodstream. Here are some things to think about when eating for improved cholesterol.

Reduce sugar intake: High-sugar foods, like soda, specialty coffees, candies, snacks, and other processed foods, can have a significant effect on cholesterol. These items get the body to produce LDL (bad) cholesterol that can accumulate along arterial walls.

LDL cholesterol is hard, dense cholesterol molecules that stiffen and block arteries.

Cut out trans fats: Trans fats, sometimes called “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated vegetable oils” are common ingredients in margarine and things like store-bought cookies, crackers, and cakes. These products are known to boost cholesterol levels, and have been banned by the FDA since 2001.

Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Fish like salmon, herring, and mackerel, as well as foods like walnuts and flax seeds, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, also known as “healthy” fats. Omega-3’s may help boost “good” HDL cholesterol, which can help remove LDL from arterial walls and promote better heart health.

Increase soluble fiber intake: Getting both soluble and insoluble fiber is part of a healthy diet, but soluble fiber can help reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed into the bloodstream.

Oatmeal, kidney beans, apples, pears, and Brussels sprouts are all good sources of soluble fiber.

Drink whey protein: Whey protein, which is found in dairy products, may be one of the main reasons dairy is so healthy. Research has suggested that whey protein supplements (protein shakes) may reduce LDL, total cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Do Steps Really Make an Impact on Longevity?

Woman using daily activity tracking app on phone showing 10 000 steps daily goal achievementTen thousand steps per day is a nice round number that’s taken on a legendary status. But is this legend myth or reality?

There is plenty of research to show that walking is one of the best chances you can give yourself to extend your life and reduce the risk for a host of diseases. And getting around 10,000 can make a real difference.

Now you don’t necessarily need to aim for 10,000. Benefits start kicking in around 3,000 and go up to about 10,000 – with the sweet spot around 5,000. But even if you go over 5,000, the benefits increase, just not as drastically.

For every 2,000 steps you take, up to about 10,000, your risk of early death can drop between 8 and 11 percent. So, getting close to 10,000 can maximize the benefit, but if you’re inactive and can’t take that many, every step counts, and it’s never too late to get going.

The new study affirming the benefits of walking was published in JAMA Internal Medicine and drew on data from 78,500 adults in the UK between the ages of 40 and 79. They were followed for seven years and wore wrist sensors for seven days to track physical activity.

The study found that 9,800 steps per day cut dementia risk by 40 percent, but just 3,800 steps cut it by 25 percent.

Results weren’t just about the number of steps each day. Pace matters, too. Walking at a brisker pace – around 80 steps per minute – brought the greatest reduction in dementia, heart disease, and premature death risk.

Walking throughout the day is the best approach. Sure, heading out for a walk can net you a few thousand, but including activity and movement into your day can help you pile up steps without even thinking about it.

What are some of the ways walking can contribute to longevity? It may:

  • Improve circulation
  • Strengthen bones
  • Improve mood
  • Strengthen muscles
  • Promote weight loss
  • Improve sleep
  • Support joints
  • Reduce dementia risk
  • Slow mental decline
  • Boost independence

Healthy Lifestyle Can Prevent Diabetes Risk among Susceptible Women

Young fit woman eating healthy salad after workout. Fitness and healthy lifestyle concept.Women who maintain a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even if they’re genetically susceptible to the disease. Recent research has shown that diet, physical activity, and weight control can all play a role in preventing diabetes, even among those with a family history of the condition. By taking simple steps to stay healthy, women can lower their risk of developing this serious health problem.

A new study published in The BMJ found that pregnant women with a history of diabetes can still reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Five key lifestyle factors were shown to help reduce the risk, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating a high-quality diet, getting regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and not smoking.

It is widely known that keeping a healthy lifestyle can help to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, less is known about the effect these lifestyle factors have on high-risk women with a history of diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or if obesity status or genetic risk of type 2 diabetes influences this association.

To fill in the research gaps, this study aimed to evaluate the associations of the five risk factors to the risk of diabetes. Researchers also assessed whether these relationships changed according to obesity status or genetic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes.

Researchers found that participants who had optimal levels of all five modifiable factors had more than a 90% lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes than those who did not. Each additional modifiable factor was associated with an
incrementally lower risk of type 2 diabetes. For example, women with one, two, three, four, and five optimal levels of modifiable factors compared with none had a 6%, 39%, 68%, 85%, and 92% lower risk. These associations were seen even among women who were overweight or obese or had a higher genetic risk of type 2 diabetes.

As this study shows, the risk of type 2 diabetes can be reduced through diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors. As more research becomes available, doctors will be better equipped to help their patients who are more at risk for diabetes to lower their risk.

Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar

Healthy Blood Sugar Support is an excellent addition to lifestyle factors that can help to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. This unique formula helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels using a number of ingredients that have been shown in clinical studies.

The health benefits of this unique formula include supporting blood sugar metabolism and promoting healthy cholesterol and glucose levels already within the normal range. Healthy Blood Sugar Support can also help to reduce excessive hunger or increased appetite, fatigue, and blood glucose spikes after meals.

Is Your Carpet Causing Your Cough?

Living room interior with stylish furniture, focus on soft carpetCarpets can be cozy: they can keep your feet warm and be nice to curl up on. But there’s a lot more going on with your carpet than comfort.

Carpets can trap pollutants and allergens like dust mites, pet dander, cockroach allergens, particle pollution, lead, mold spores, dirt, dust, and other toxins. Even toxic gases in the air can stick to them and settle in, then become airborne when you walk on the carpet or vacuum.

Removing carpets from your home may help improve lung health or lower the risk of breathing troubles. Instead of carpet, use hard floor surfaces like tile or wood and rugs, that can be removed and cleaned outside.

If you can’t tear up all of your carpets, then there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk. Have them deep cleaned every year with a dry steam cleaner and dried properly to limit the potential for mildew.

Do your best to keep the carpet out of the kitchen, bathroom, and entryways. These areas provide plenty of opportunity for carpets to become damp and dirty and create problems for breathing.

Use a hard plastic tray or rug that can be cleaned and dried for your entryway. Use a bathmat in the bathroom that can be hung and dried after use, and kitchen runners should be avoided for mats near the sink that can also be easily cleaned and hung to dry.

Carpets and rugs can collect and breed allergens that can influence lung health. They are also one of the most controllable ways to help you breathe easier.

Keeping a clean home, using a HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum, and air filters in the home can also help offer some added protection.

Consider your carpets and rugs if you’ve got a cough you can’t kick. They could be the culprit.

Having Nightmares in Middle Age Could Be Sign of Dementia Risk

Mature man, eyes wide open with hand on alarm clock, cannot sleep at night from insomniaFor adults over the age of 55, experiencing nightmares could be a sign of an increased risk for dementia down the road. A new study out of the United Kingdom has found that those who have frequent nightmares during mid-life are three times more likely to develop dementia later in life.

While the research is still ongoing, and scientists aren’t yet sure why this is the case, it’s important information to be aware of as we age. If you’re experiencing regular nightmares, be sure to talk to your doctor about it – they may want to do some further testing to monitor your risk for dementia.

The study published in the journal EClinical Medicine suggests that nightmares may become more prevalent several years before dementia symptoms set in. These characteristics include memory and thinking problems.

Lead study author, Dr. Abidemi Otaiku, said, “This is important because there are very few risk indicators for dementia that can be identified as early as middle age. While more work needs to be done to confirm these links, we believe bad dreams could be a useful way to identify individuals at high risk of developing dementia, and put in place strategies to slow down the onset of disease.”

For the study, more than 600 adult men and women aged between 35 and 64 were compared to 2,600 adults aged 79 and older. All participants were dementia-free at the start of the study and followed up for an average of nine years.

All participants were required to complete a series of questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, which includes a question on how often individuals experienced bad dreams. Using statistical software, researchers were able to find out whether participants with a higher frequency of nightmares were more likely to develop cognitive decline and be diagnosed with dementia.

It was found that middle-aged people (35-64) who experienced bad dreams on a weekly basis were four times more likely to experience cognitive decline over the following decade. Older people with bad dreams were only twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia. Interestingly, it was noted that the associations were much stronger for men than for women.

The next steps in this research will include investigating whether younger people with nightmares could be associated with future dementia risk. Researchers also want to analyze the relationship between dream characteristics and dementia risk.

Sleep and Brain Function

While some degree of cognitive decline is nearly inevitable as you age, this study shows how other factors (such as sleep) 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. This unique formula helps to boost circulation, fight free radicals, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive function.

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.

Over 50 and Suffering Joint Pain? You’re Not Alone

Senior man holds his hands up to his knees, knee pain, arthritis, arthrosis, meniscopathy, tendonitis. The concept of medicine, massage, physiotherapy, health.If you’re over 50 in America, there is a great chance you suffer from some joint pain.

Want proof? Just look at the results from a recent University of Michigan survey.

Findings from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging include that 70 percent of people over 50 experience joint pain at least occasionally, and 60 percent have been told they have some form of arthritis.

Among those with arthritis symptoms, about 45 percent said they have pain every day, and 49 percent said it somewhat limits their activities.

The survey also broke down how pain sufferers treat it:

  • 80 percent said they had at least some confidence they could treat it on their own
  • About 66 percent use OTC meds like Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, etc.
  • 26 percent take supplements
  • 11 percent use cannabidiol (CBD)
  • 9 percent use marijuana
  • 18 percent use non-opioid prescription-only pain meds
  • 19 percent get steroidal injections
  • 14 percent treat the pain with prescription opioids

Interestingly, most people (60 percent) who take two or more of these treatments have not talked with their doctor about the potential risks.

Taking multiple medications to treat pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, for example, for extended periods, may impact stomach and liver health, blood pressure, blood sugar, mood, and sleep.

Treating pain from osteoarthritis, which is caused by use and wear and tear, can usually be effectively treated or managed with natural measures. Weight loss, exercise, tai-chi, yoga, acupuncture, as well as tools like a brace, splints, or hot or cold compresses, can all help.

They also found that joint pain was closely linked with overall health. Those that reported having poor or fair physical health were more than twice as likely to say that they had moderate or severe joint pain as those in better health. These results were similar for people who reported fair or poor mental health compared to those who reported better mental health.

If you’re experiencing joint pain, it is important to contact your doctor to discuss treatment protocols, options, and risks. You don’t have to go at it alone.

People with Diabetes Have an Increased Risk of Contacting Urinary Tract Infection

Menstrual Cramps. Chinese Girl Having Pelvic Lower Abdominal Pain Having Reproductive Health Problem Sitting In Bed At Home. Copy SpaceIf you have diabetes, you may be at an increased risk of contracting urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are caused by bacteria that travel up the urethra and into the bladder. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to more serious health problems. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing a UTI.

Diabetes occurs in the body due to the lack of insulin or decreased insulin action. Insulin is a type of hormone that regulates glucose, which provides energy to the cells. In type 1 diabetes, the body stops producing insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the cells become less sensitive to insulin, which may result in high blood glucose levels.

The study published in Nature Communications investigated whether glucose levels in people with diabetes are linked with psoriasin, an antibiotic that is part of the innate immune system.

Researchers used urine, urinary bladder cells, and blood serum samples from patients and analyzed levels of psoriasin and other peptides that are used in the bladder to ensure the mucosa remains intact and protects against infection. These findings were also verified in a mouse study with urinary bladder cells with and without infection.

It was found that high glucose concentrations could reduce the antimicrobial peptide psoriasin, while insulin has no effect. Since patients with diabetes have lower levels of psoriasin, they may have a weakened cell protective barrier function, increasing the risk of bladder infection. This outcome was found in patients with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Researchers believe this new information may help diabetics support their general health by understanding the connections between the condition and other health issues that may arise.

Managing Blood Sugar and Bladder Control

Healthy Blood Sugar Support can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels using a number of ingredients that have been shown in clinical studies. The health benefits of this unique formula include supporting blood sugar metabolism and promoting healthy cholesterol and glucose levels already within the normal range. Healthy Blood Sugar Support can also help to reduce excessive hunger or increased appetite, fatigue, and blood glucose spikes after meals.

Bladder control issues can severely impact your happiness and well-being. They can also become more common as you age, so taking the steps needed to support the bladder is essential.

Bladder Rescue uses a unique combination of seven ingredients that can help to support healthy bladder function and control. Included in this remarkable formula is pumpkin seed extra and cranberry extract. Pumpkin seeds have been used for hundreds of years in traditional medicine for bladder health, and cranberry juice is often associated with urinary tract health. Overall, bladder rescue provides the support for bladder health and control that you deserve.

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