Mothers Diet D
uring Pregnancy Impacts Multiple Generations
The emerging science of epigenetics provides fascinating insight into how our environment can impact us at the genetic level. Studies have shown that environmental factors can act as genetic triggers that have the ability to turn on, or turn off, particular genes which can have dramatics effects on multiple generations. A new study published in the journal Science reports that a mother’s diet during pregnancy can not only directly affect her offspring, but it also appears to influence the genes of future generations as well. Researchers at the University of Cambridge found when pregnant mice had their food dramatically reduced to semi starvation levels late in their pregnancy that their offspring developed issues similar to diabetes, but researchers were shocked to discover that these changes were then also displayed in the next generation of mice as well. Variations were shown in 10-30 genes that influence metabolism in the grandchildren of the original subject. This may provide clues as to what factors may be influencing the rapid development in humans, but further research is needed to investigate.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/diet-during-pregnancy-linked-to-diabetes-in-grandchildren/
Obesity Red
uces Lifespan
A new study published in the online journal Plos One has revealed that obese individuals have increased an likelihood of all-cause mortality compared to normal weight individuals. The researchers compiled the data of over twenty different studies that examined the impact of obesity of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and premature death. The data clearly shows that the higher a person’s BMI climbs, the greater the chances are that they will develop some form of chronic disease. According to the data, having a BMI of over 40 results, on average, of a 6 ½ year reduction in lifespan. For individuals who are even more obese, and find themselves on the higher end of the spectrum, having a BMI of 55 or above causes a 14 year reduction in lifespan. This suggests that not only does obesity present a number of acute health risks, but long term it can be responsible for robbing someone of over a decade of life.
http://www.latimes.com/science/la-sci-sn-extreme-obesity-cuts-lifespan-20140708-story.html
Training With Maximal Velocity Increases Bench Press Strength
There are a number of variables that come into play when during training that determine whether or not we’re going to be able to make gains. Variables such as nutrition, sleep, CNS recovery, and hydration can all move the meter in a positive or negative direction depending on how much attention we’ve paid to optimizing them. According to a new study published in the European Journal of Sports Science maximizing training velocity may be the key to making greater gains in the bench press. Researchers took two groups of trained lifters and had them engage in a training protocol three times per week for six weeks. Group one was trained at near maximal velocity during the concentric portion of their exercises, and group two trained at half of their maximum velocity. Velocity was measured by using a linear velocity transducer. At the conclusion of the six week period it was shown that group one, the group that had trained at maximal velocity, increased their one rep max by over 18%. This led researchers to determine that by training at or near maximal velocity will lead to the greater gains in strength as opposed to using a lower training intensity and less velocity during the concentric portion of the movement.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24734902
One Third of Alzheimer’s Cases Are Preventable
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that is currently the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. It’s estimated that there are nearly five million people currently living with the disease, and as the population continues to age we can expect to see a dramatic increase in diagnoses that will lead to result in enormous costs to our healthcare system. A new study conducted by the University of Cambridge has determined that nearly one third of Alzheimer’s cases could be prevented by making lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, reducing blood pressure and quitting smoking. Alzheimer’s is caused in part by glycated proteins that accumulate in the brain known as beta amyloid proteins. However, preventing excessively high blood sugars by limiting the intake refined carbohydrates and excess sugars while engaging in regular exercise regimen like resistance training will help to moderate blood glucose and limit the production of harmful advanced glycation end products.
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-28262878
Soluble Corn Fiber Boosts Calcium Absorption
Prebiotic fiber is a naturally occurring form of soluble fiber that’s found in certain fruits and vegetables. While probiotic’s have been shown to increase the amount of healthy bacteria found in our gut and digestive tract, prebiotics work to keep the gut healthy by feeding specific strains of those bacteria. Prebiotics also help stabilize blood sugar and increase feelings of satiety, which can be useful tools during a grueling contest diet. A new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition has found that soluble corn fiber (SCF), a prebiotic fiber, can increase calcium absorption. Researchers gave a group of adolescent boys and girls 12g’s daily of SCF to determine whether or not it could increase the body’s ability to absorb dietary calcium, while another group of boys and girls served as the control. At the conclusion of the study the data showed the group that had been given the SCF had a 12% increase in calcium concentrations in the blood, and also had increased levels of particular strains of healthy gut bacteria. The data shows that regular consumption of supplemental prebiotic fiber is an effective way to increase calcium absorption, which be a valuable tool to help fight bone loss due to aging or help increase the amount of healthy gut bacteria, which also tends to decline as we age.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/279641.php
Fish Oil Reduces Cognitive Decline
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have been positively associated with a myriad of health promoting benefits. The primary components of omega-3 fish oils are the fatty acids EPA and DHA. While EPA has been shown to play a critical role in mediating inflammatory mechanisms in the body, DHA is found mostly in the brain. A new study being reported online ahead of print in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia has found that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have the ability to slow cognitive decline and may be able to improve memory function. In the study 299 older adults were given fish oil daily and underwent neurological testing and MRI’s on their brain every six months over the course of the program. At the conclusion of the study it was determined that the subjects had significantly lower levels of cognitive decline and brain shrinkage than other participants in the study who did not receive fish oil supplementation. Supplementing regularly with fish oil, along with including omega-3 rich foods in the diets, will help to fight off the effects of cognitive and physical decline while simultaneously improving quality of life as we age.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-07/l-fos071514.php
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