Category: Health
Anxiety and Inflammation: Is There A Link?
Although evidence is slowly mounting, we have a great deal to learn about the relationship between inflammation and anxiety. Anxiety disorders are common. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2015, an estimated 3.6% of the global population had an anxiety disorder, which is around 264 million people. What is Inflammation? Inflammation is a protective response that helps the body rid itself of the offending stimuli and protect the body. However, if inflammation persists, it can damage the cells and tissues it is designed to protect. Linking Inflammation and Anxiety Although there is now good evidence of links between inflammation and depression, less research has examined the relationship between inflammation and anxiety. Steadily, scientists are building up a body of evidence. Anxiety disorders are characterized by mental distress. However, they may also be associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and metabolic disorders. Because these conditions involve low grade systemic inflammation and because depression often comes hand in hand with anxiety, some scientists are asking whether inflammation might therefore play a part in anxiety disorders. The Take-Home Although the evidence of a link between inflammation and mental health is becoming stronger, scientists have a long path to traverse before they fully understand the importance of this relationship. The immune system is an incredibly complicated topic, and menta
HealthWatch
As the new year rolls in, many might be thinking about being a healthier version of themselves. Here are some of the many benefits of having a healthy diet: 1. Heart Health According to the AHA, American Heart Association, half of all adults living in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease. By eating foods that are high in fiber, you can help improve cholesterol and can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. 2. Better Mood There is evidence to suggest that there is a close relationship between the food we eat and the moods we experience. Some researchers found that diets with a high hypoglycemic load can even trigger increased symptoms of depression. 3. Improved Gut Health A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help the good bacteria thrive in the colon. Eating foods such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut are rich in probiotics to help promote a healthy colon. 4. Improve Memory A healthy diet can even help you maintain cognition and brain health! Some nutrients that can help protect against cognitive decline and dementia include vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin E. 5. Strong Bones and Teeth Eating foods that have adequate amounts of calcium and magnesium is important to keep your bones and teeth strong. Foods that are rich in calcium include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and low-fat dairy products. Magnesium can also
HealthWatch: Health and Nutrition Tips
With the media being such a large part of society, it’s hard to know when information is accurate or when it’s a fabrication. This is extremely common in the world of health, and we often receive conflicting information about the best way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Below are just a few health and nutrition tips backed by science for these difficult times. 1. Avoid sugary beverages It’s often convenient to grab a sugary drink when we are in a rush, or even when we are out to dinner. But consuming these drinks can have consequences, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It’s best to drink something that is low in sugar. 2. Don’t fear coffee While too much of anything is never a good thing, coffee is actually high in antioxidants and can help reduce the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. 3. Get enough sleep Sleep is extremely important for our mind and body in order to function properly. When our bodies don’t get enough sleep it can drive insulin resistance, disrupt appetite hormones, and reduce physical and mental performance. 4. Drink some water, especially before meals Drinking enough water throughout the day can have numerous benefits. Some studies have even shown that it can increase your metabolism. Another study found that drinking water 30 minutes before each meal increased weight loss. 5. Use plenty of herbs and spices Due to powerful benefits, you should try to inclu
Healthwatch: Tips for Lowering Your Risk of Dementia
There's no effective treatment for dementia, which affects 50 million people worldwide, but the World Health Organization (WHO) says there's much that can be done to delay or slow the onset and progression of the disease. In May, WHO issued the following recommendations to reduce the risk of dementia globally, and combat cognitive decline: Regular physical exercise Don't use tobacco Drink less alcohol Maintain a healthy blood pressure Eat a healthy diet, particularly Mediterranean foods Avoid dietary supplements such as Vitamins B and E WHO said there are 10 million new cases of dementia every year, and this figure is set to triple by 2050. The disease is a major cause of disability and dependency among older people and "can devastate the lives of affected individuals, their careers and families," the organization said. Although the report stressed that social participation and social support are strongly connected to good health and individual well-being, it said there was insufficient evidence linking social activity with a reduced of risk of dementia. Experts said that the advice issued by WHO was comprehensive and sensible, but some cautioned that the evidence that these steps would reduce dementia risk was not always strong. "Keep on doing the things that we know benefit overall physical and mental health, but understand that the evidence that these steps will reduce dementia risk is not strong," Robert Howard, a professor of old a
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