Fitness Factoids: Volume 28
Violent Behavior Tied to Nutritional Deficiencies
A new study that was released in the Spring 2013 issue of the journal Wise Traditions is making the case that nutritional deficiencies may be the cause of increased violence among teens. According to the study, deficiencies of the vitamins A, K, D, B1, B3, B6, B12, and folate – in addition to mineral deficiencies of iodine, potassium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, and manganese – are contributing to mental illness and violence. The study notes that cases of scurvy and pellagra, diseases of nutritional deficiency that were thought to have been eradicated, are on the rise. Pellagra, which is caused by B3 deficiency, has been known to cause people to suffer from anxiety, depression, and hallucinations. Deficiencies in other essential minerals such as zinc have been known to cause aggressive behaviors that often result in violence; symptoms that can also be a result of having low cholesterol.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/265569.php
Vitamin D Slows Progression of Cancer Cells
A new study conducted by McGill University has found that Vitamin D has the ability to slow, and potentially stop, the proliferation of cancer cells. Researchers found that Vitamin D has the ability to slow the production of a protein known as cMYC. The protein known as cMYC is responsible for cell division, and is present at elevated levels in almost half of all known cancers. Research supporting Vitamin D supplementation continues to strengthen and those looking to boost health and performance should consider supplementing with the extremely cost effective vitamin.
http://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/newly-discovered-effects-vitamin-d-cancer-219089?1
Poor Gut Bacteria Linke
d to Weight Gain
Recently the importance of the micro-biome and its impact on our health has received a lot of attention. A recent study that was published in the journal Nature has found that an ineffective micro-biome, or poor gut health, may have a significant impact on our waistline. In the study researchers compared the gut bacteria of 169 obese and 123 non-obese men. Researchers found that nearly 25% of participants had about 40% less gut bacteria than the rest of the group. The individuals with less gut bacteria were more likely to be obese, insulin resistant, have higher levels of inflammatory markers, higher white cell levels, and were at greater risk for heart disease.
Curcumin Combined with Anti-Nausea Drug Kills Cancer Cells
Curcumin, one of the primary components of the spice turmeric, has
been used for centuries in Eastern medicine to treat things such as cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s. In a recent study conducted by the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center combined turmeric with the anti-nausea drug thalidomide, a drug used to treat morning sickness in the 1950’s that was discontinued as it was shown to cause horrific birth defects. Thalidomide disturbs tumor growth in the body, while turmeric has been shown to inhibit formation of cancer causing enzymes. By combining the two drugs researchers found that the compound induced significant myeloma (cancer cell) death.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-08/vcu-iit082013.php
Lack of Sleep Reduces Insulin Sensitivity
A new study being reported by the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute has shown that those who sleep six hours or less per night have reduced insulin sensitivity. When cells have reduced insulin sensitivity it leads to high levels of insulin circulating in the blood, a condition that leads to fat accumulation and the formation of damaging advanced glycation end products. Researchers also found that those who were able to catch up on sleep during the weekend and get ten or more hours of sleep per night showed marked improvement in insulin sensitivity. However, getting adequate rest on a daily basis prevents the need to “catch up” on the weekends.
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