Fitness Factoids: Volume 51
Magnesium Decre
ases Inflammation
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, and is responsible for a number of critical processes including maintaining proper neurological function. New information published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that elevated magnesium levels are associated with decreased systemic inflammation within the body. For the study researchers from Indiana University School of Public health conducted a meta-analysis of seven studies that contained over 32,000 participants. After analyzing the data researchers found that participants who had the lowest levels of magnesium were at a 49% greater risk of having elevated levels of a biomarker known as C-reactive protein (CRP), a common marker of inflammation. Elevated magnesium levels have been associated with having beneficial effects on health, and researchers suggest that the latest findings may suggest that this is due to magnesium’s ability to reduce inflammation.
http://www.lef.org/newsletter/2014/0221_Greater-magnesium-intake-associated-with-decreased
Alcohol Post-Workout Reduces Recovery
There’s bad news for anyone who likes to wash down their whe
y isolate with a shot or two of vodka after a heavy leg day. According to new data published in the online journal Plos One, drinking alcohol after training significantly reduces muscle protein synthesis. For the study researchers split participants into three groups, with each group engaging in an exercise program that involved weightlifting, endurance cycling, and interval training. After completing the exercise program group one received 50 grams of whey protein immediately post-workout and again four hours later; group two received whey and vodka shots; and group three received carbohydrates and alcohol. After using muscle biopsies to gather data scientists found that the groups that were given the alcohol had a 24% and 37% reduction in muscle protein synthesis in comparison to the group that received only whey. This may come as tragic and unfortunate news for college students who believe that beer is the ultimate post-workout carbohydrate.
Boswellia Impro
ves Multiple Facets of Health
Boswellia serrata is a plant that has been used in Ayurveda medicine for centuries to treat conditions such as arthritis, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. New data that’s been published in the February edition of the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders has found that type-2 diabetic patients who supplemented with boswellia showed improved levels of blood lipids, multiple liver enzymes, and blood sugar regulation. For the study researchers split 60 participants previously diagnosed with diabetes into three groups; two groups received three-300mg doses of boswellia and the third group received a placebo. After six weeks blood samples were collected and researchers determined that the groups that received supplemental boswellia showed significant improvement in HDL cholesterol, and reductions in LDL cholesterol, multiple liver enzymes, and improved blood glucose regulation.
http://www.lef.org/newsletter/2014/0218_Boswe
Sedentary Lifestyle Increases Risk of Disability with Age
New information presented by the Northw
estern University Feinberg School of Medicine has found that regardless of exercise or exercise intensity, being sedentary too often dramatically increases the risk for major disability as we age. The study, which was published in the journal Physical Activity and Health, found that sedentary behavior was more likely to cause disability than lack of exercise. For the study researchers tracked 2,286 participants from 2002-2005 during which time they were asked to wear an accelerometer to monitor sedentary and physical activity. Researchers determined that each additional hour spent sitting daily was linked to a 50% greater risk of being disabled. The current study reinforces the idea that exercise is simply a part of a healthy lifestyle, and that in order to maintain our health as we age focus on having a well rounded lifestyle that includes diet, exercise, and a healthy amount of various daily activities as well.
http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2014/02/new-sitting-risk-disability-after-60.html
Male Pattern Bal
dness Linked to Heart Disease
For most men losing their hair can lead to an all-out identity crisis. However, according to new researched published in the online journal BMJ Open, male pattern baldness may be also be a sign of developing heart disease as well. Researchers from the University of Tokyo conducted a meta-analysis that reviewed 850 studies that were published between 1950-2012. After compiling their data researchers found that men with what was considered extensive baldness had a 48% increased likelihood for developing heart disease, men with moderate baldness at a 36% increased chance, and men with mild baldness had an 18% increased risk for developing CHD. Although researchers are unclear of what causes the relationship between heart disease and baldness, they believe it may be connected to other afflictions such as “hyperinsulinemia, chronic inflammation, and peripheral sensitivity to androgen”.
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