Fitness Factoids: Volume 41
BCAA’
s Improve Sleep Problems
As bodybuilders we tend to view BCAA’s and leucine in particular, as the keys to turning on our anabolic machinery. The ability of BCAA’s to stimulate muscle protein synthesis have been known for decades, but new research suggest that they may provide an effective means of combating sleep disorders that result from traumatic brain injuries. New research published in the journal Science Translational Medicine has found that BCAA treatment improves sleep disorders by stimulating the production of neurotransmitters in the brain in a study done on mice who had suffered some form of traumatic brain injury. Researchers hope to test BCAA therapy on humans in order to prove that it can be a healthy, viable treatment option for those suffering from sleep disorders associated with traumatic brain injury.
Exercise Treats Sexual Dysfunction in Women
According to new research conducted by The University of Texas, exercise has the ability to improve sexual dysfunction in women who suffer from sexual side effects as a result of taking anti-depressants. The of anti-depressants in the United States has sky rocketed in recent decades, and despite their therapeutic uses, patients taking anti-depressants often suffer from a variety of unwanted side effects including sexual dysfunction. Anti-depressants suppress the sympathetic nervous system which decreases blood flow to the genital area. Researchers found that by having women engage in moderate-intense exercise thirty minutes prior to sex that the women reported greater sexual satisfaction, increased libido, and improved orgasm function as well. The take home message from this study suggests that you may want to consider moving the treadmill from the basement to the bedroom.
http://www.newswise.com/articles/exercise-alleviates-sexual-side-effects-of-antidepressants-in-women-study-shows
Science Dis
covers How to Increase Self Control
There’s good news for people who just can’t seem to help themselves from cheating on their diet. Scientists have now discovered a way to stimulate the “braking” mechanism in the brain. According to the research, the area of the brain that’s responsible for self control, or applying the brakes to stop in appropriate behavior, is known as the prefrontal cortex. People with disorders that effect self control such as ADHD typically have decreased brain activity in the prefrontal cortex; however scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have discovered that by attaching electrodes to the brain and stimulating the prefrontal cortex that they are able to increase activity and essentially “pump the brakes” on inappropriate behavior. So, the next time you find yourself on the verge of a diet destroying calorie binge, it might just mean that you’re in need of a little jolt to get yourself back on track.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270122.php
Exercise Improves Joint Pain in Women Taking Aromatase Inhib
itors
Women who are diagnosed with stages 1-3 breast cancer are frequently prescribed aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane as part of their treatment regimen to help combat the deadly disease. Although the treatment has been proven to work effectively, patients often discontinue their use due to joint pain and stiffness, a side effect that many athletes who have used AI’s are all too familiar with. However, new research presented by The Yale Cancer Center has found that exercise has the ability to improve joint pain caused by AI’s. The study found that women who engaged in a structured exercise program for at least 150 minutes per week reported a 25% decrease in pain scores and an increase in cardio respiratory fitness than those who did little to no exercise. The new findings suggest that encouraging women to engage in regular exercise will allow them to prolong their use of AI’s and increase the effectiveness of their treatment.
http://www.aacr.org/home/public--media/aacr-in-the-news.aspx?d=3239
Sugar, N
ot Fat, Increase Cravings
Since the late 1950’s the government has asserted that a low-fat, high carbohydrate diet as a means of promoting good overall health. However, since dietary recommendations have been changed we have seen a precipitous decline in the quality of health as chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity have sky rocketed and caused untold numbers of premature deaths while sending healthcare costs into the stratosphere. A new study conducted by the Oregon Research Institute has found that sugar, not fat, increases cravings that lead to overeating. Researchers gave 106 lean adolescents a high sugar, or high fat, chocolate milkshake of equal caloric value. After the participants consumed the milkshake MRI images of the brain were taken in order to examine the response in areas of the brain that are associated with pleasure and reward. Although both groups demonstrated increased blood flow in reward and pleasure centers, the group that was given the high sugar milkshake displayed a much stronger response that prompted researchers to suggest that the current dietary recommendations be revised.
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