Metabolic Syndrome is a condition in which abdominal fat is increased, and cortisol levels are increased. Cortisol is a stress hormone which is found to be elevated in chronic stress situations, thereby causing alterations in other hormones and organs. This contributes to elevated insulin levels. These elevated insulin levels cause insulin resistance in cells thereby causing long term diabetic symptoms.
New research indicates that magnesium intake with reducing the risk of the onset of metabolic syndrome. Magnesium assists in regulating blood sugar and blood pressure, as well as heart rhythm, along with many other bodily functions.
Researchers in Northwestern University performed a study on 4,600 young adults for 15 years. These researchers estimated magnesium intake and documented the incidence in these 4,600 individuals. After making adjustments for dietary variables and lifestyles, individuals with the highest intake of magnesium had the lowest incidence of metabolic syndrome. Conversely, individuals with the lowest intake of magnesium were significantly more likely to develop metabolic syndrome.
Another study was recently published on the subject of Alzheimer’s disease, on which numerous studies are being performed due to the sharp rise of this disorder and the anticipated significant increase in individuals who will suffer from this disorder in the coming years. This study linked melatonin, which is the “sleep hormone” with reduced onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Melatonin is bio-protective, in other words, it protects the brain against certain adverse chemical processes that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. It is natural for melatonin levels to decrease, however Alzheimer’s patient’s experience dramatic reductions of melatonin levels. Numerous different physiologic and biochemical changes occur during the Alzheimer’s degenerative process. These include the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, along with neurofibrillary tangles. These tangles in the brain are composed of modified tau protein. Melatonin not only inhibits the amyloid production, but also interferes with the conversion of modified tau protein. Both of these processes will reduce the potential onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
For years, researchers have found that certain food substances contain chemicals which may inhibit the onset of cancer by interfering with the overproduction of cancer cells. Both ginger and chili peppers contain chemicals that stop cancer in its tracks, according to University of Michigan and University of Pittsburgh studies. Gingerol, an anti-oxidant compound found in ginger prevented ovarian cancer cells from growing by increasing the breakdown of these cells. In a similar study, capsaicin, the substance which causes the heat in chili peppers, inhibited the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells. So, two more reasons to eat natural anti-cancer compounds found in chili peppers and ginger.
Sleep deprivation is known to cause a variety of different symptoms including mood and memory changes, and alteration in ability to concentrate and perform physical tasks. However, a substance called cryotein has been shown to ameliorate these effects. In a recent research study, subjects taking cryotein after being subjected to twenty-four hours of sleep deprivation showed a significant reduction in mood swings, and cognitive function than those individuals who took a placebo. These recent studies are just the tip of the iceberg relative to the ongoing studies in nutrition and alternative health care being performed today.
Get ready for much more information in the coming year, because I will be bringing to you all the cutting edge information I am exposed to. For more information on health and wellness, or to read other articles, visit our website at www.upchiropractic.com.