Prostate Health

Benefits of Fish Oil for Men Include Better Heart Health, Sexual Health and More

With its high omega-3 fatty acid content, there is no shortage of the amazing benefits of fish oil for men, including immense advantages for both physical and mental health concerns. Here is what you need to know about how to get adequate amounts of this this nutritional gold and how it can help you to be healthier.

What is Fish Oil

Fish oil is full of valuable omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; while these essential fatty acids are used throughout the body, you are not able to produce them on your own. Because the human body can’t produce omega-3s, it’s important to be intentional about getting these nutritional powerhouses from various dietary sources or supplements.

The three most common types of omega-3s are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Although EPA and DHA are found in abundance in fish oil, ALA is derived from seeds and oils such as flaxseed, hemp, chia and common vegetable oils.

Good Sources of Fish Oil

The best dietary source of fish oil is fatty fish like sardines, salmon, tuna, herring and mackerel. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), it is advised to make fish a part of your diet at least twice per week. Unless you are intentional about eating a great amount of fatty fish each week, there is a good chance that you are not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids to see the immense benefits.

Other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are certain plant oils, including canola, soybean and flaxseed. Chia seeds and walnuts are good sources if you need a quick and portable source. You may also find these omega-3s in fortified foods, including certain types of yogurt and eggs. Be sure to carefully read the labels if you are looking for foods that have been fortified with these fatty acids.

As with most of your nutritional needs, you can also look into supplements that provide fish oil as a viable way to provide extra insurance. If looking into supplements, keep in mind that studies have shown that taking a fish oil supplement with a meal that contains fat may work to boost the rate of absorption. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a fish oil supplement is unlikely to cause major negative side effects.

Benefits of Fish Oil for Men

Now that you know where to find these essential fatty acids, you need to know why it is so important for you to make this effort. Here are some of the primary benefits of fish oil for men.

Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for males in the United States. This statistic makes it worth the time to discover ways that you can help to mitigate this risk. Taking in adequate amounts of fish oil may reduce triglyceride levels and blood pressure. Additionally, the heart-healthy omega-3s may also lower levels of bad cholesterol in the body.

Sexual Health

So why is taking in the recommended amount of fish oil particularly beneficial to men? A 2020 study suggested that taking a fish oil supplement led to a higher volume of semen for men. Men who took a fish oil supplement also boasted a better profile for the hormone that regulates the production of sperm. Together, these results suggest that fish oil supplements may be beneficial in both fertility and sexual function.

Eye Health

A recent study showed that adequate amounts of fish oil could treat inflammatory eye diseases while also reducing the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In addition, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends getting a sufficient amount of fish oil in the diet in order to reduce the symptoms of dry eye.

Mental Health

A growing body of research indicates that people who struggle with depression may exhibit inadequate levels of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, studies have demonstrated a link between low levels of fatty acids and cognitive decline. Other studies have shown that EPA and DHA may be helpful in fending off dementia, Parkinson’s disease and certain types of post-traumatic stress disorders.

Other Benefits of Fish Oil for Men

The benefits of fish oil for men do not stop with the above categories. Men who are intentional about getting the recommended daily amount of fish oil can also feel good about lowering the risk of developing prostate cancer, seizures related to epilepsy, stroke and more.

Over all, it is clear that it is a good idea for men to make the intake of fish oil one of the cornerstones of a healthy eating plan. With so many specific benefits to men, you owe it to yourself to make this commitment to obtaining a sufficient amount of fish oil from your daily diet. The specific benefits of fish oil for men make it worth the time to consider how it may be possible to improve your health and wellness via this avenue.

New Research Suggests Exercise Protects Against Prostate Cancer

Jun 10 by Ewcopywriting

The prostate, located between the penis and the bladder, is an essential part of the male reproductive system as it creates a fluid that’s used to carry sperm and keep it in a liquid state. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for men to develop prostate cancer, and while men of any age can develop this condition, it’s more likely to affect older men. A new study finds that exercise protects against prostate cancer, adding to the natural ways that men can reduce their risks for this type of cancer.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Overall, prostate cancer is a widespread problem: As the American Cancer Society reports, there were 174,650 new cases in 2019. A total of 31,620 deaths were also attributed to prostate cancer last year. While advanced prostate cancer can be fatal, getting an early diagnosis will improve the effectiveness of treatment. When diagnosed early enough, standard treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are effective in eradicating this type of cancer.

Causes and Risk Factors

About half of men develop prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) cells as they age. These are precancerous cells that increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. PIN cells are usually not cancerous as they start out, but may become cancerous over time. Even if they do become cancerous, they may be low-grade cancer cells, which means they will not spread and grow. However, in some cases, the PIN cells do become high-grade cancer cells, which means they will multiply and spread cancer to other cells. This condition does require treatment.

While we don’t know what causes PIN cells to develop as men age, there are certain risk factors for prostate cancer. The following risk factors can affect whether or not someone will develop prostate cancer:

Age: Men over 50 are more likely to be affected.
Race: Black males are most likely to develop prostate cancer, followed by white males. Asian and Hispanic males are least likely to develop the condition.
Heredity: A family history of prostate cancer also raises the risks.
Genetics: Defective BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may also increase your risk of contracting this type of cancer.

Symptoms of prostate cancer include:

difficulty initiating and maintaining a urine stream
unusually frequent need to urinate
bloody semen or urine
pain during urination, or during ejaculation
erectile dysfunction
experiencing pain when in a sitting position, which is the result of an enlarged prostate

Research Suggests Exercise Protects Against Prostate Cancer

While some risk factors for developing prostate cancer are known, research has focused on finding additional factors that influence who is more likely to get the disease. Some of this research has found that a deficiency of certain nutrients, such as folic acid, vitamin E and calcium, does increase the risk of prostate cancer. While ensuring you get enough of these nutrients can help, a newer study suggests physical activity also plays an important role.

A joint study conducted by researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Bristol found evidence that exercise protects against prostate cancer. The researchers examined the medical records for 79,148 men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, alongside the records for 61,106 men who were cancer-free. They compared these records to the known risk factors for developing prostate cancer.

Examining the records, researchers found that those who had a genetic predisposition for being physically active had a 51 percent lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

Although the study looked at a total of 22 risk factors, the researchers noted that exercise and physical activity had the biggest impact on the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Dr. Sarah Lewis, who co-authored the study, suggested that men can reduce their risks for prostate cancer by living more physically active lifestyles.

Natural Ways to Reduce Your Risks for Prostate Cancer

In addition to getting more exercise, there are more natural ways to reduce prostate cancer risks. Here are a few suggestions.

Eat Red Foods

Tomatoes, watermelon and other fruits with a red pulp contain a compound called lycopene. This is a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer for men. While research is ongoing, it’s believed that redder tomatoes contain more potent concentrations of lycopene.

Add More Plant-Based Foods

While eating more red foods may boost your resistance to prostate cancer, all plant-based foods can help. By eating a broad range of fruits and vegetables, you’ll be giving your body an ample supply of nutrients to boost your immune system and fight off all types of cancer.

Take a Dietary Supplement

Adding a supplement to your daily routine can also help you maintain the nutrients your body needs to guard against prostate cancer. Prostachron is specifically formulated with vitamins and other nutrients that help support a healthy immune system and guard against the development of prostate cancer.

Lose Weight

Limiting your calorie intake and getting more physical activity will help you get your weight under control. Obesity weakens your immune system and promotes the conditions that encourage the growth of cancer cells, so getting your weight under control can have a significant impact on prostate health.

Increase Your Coffee Consumption

Some research indicates that drinking three to four cups of coffee each day can decrease your risk of developing prostate cancer. The 2014 study indicated that every three cups of coffee consumed decreased prostate cancer risk by 11 percent. The researchers also noted that boiling coffee, instead of brewing it, also had an impact on the study’s results.

Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer: Can a Vegetable Compound Protect Against a Deadly Disease?

Oct 03 by Ewcopywriting

While vegetable compounds like diallyl sulfide make onions and garlic more flavorful and contribute to their spiciness, they may also play a more important role when it comes to human health. While previous research has looked at how these compounds affect the development of various medical conditions, a recent study focused specifically on their effects on breast cancer risk. This new research linking diallyl sulfide and cancer suggests eating more onions and garlic may provide greater protection from developing certain types of cancer.

New Study Finds Link Between Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer

Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer: Can a Vegetable Compound Protect Against a Deadly Disease? 2 A new study sought to examine how eating vegetables that belong to the allium genus (garlic, onions, chives, leeks and the like) affected the development of breast cancer in women living in Puerto Rico. The study, which was conducted at The University of Buffalo in upstate New York, focused on women of that particular area because Puerto Rico has a significantly lower rate of breast cancer than the continental United States. Additionally, “sofrito,” which includes garlic and onion as primary ingredients, is a popular condiment all across Puerto Rico.

The study examined the medical histories for 314 women who were between the ages of 30 and 79, and who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 2008 and 2014. A control group consisted of 346 women within the same age range and geographical area, but who had not been diagnosed with cancer. A survey administered to the women in both groups asked about their dietary habits, focusing on their consumption of garlic and onion. In particular, the questionnaire asked participants to record their consumption of sofrito.

Using unconditional logistic regression, the researchers examined how the consumption of onions and garlic affected the rate of breast cancer. The study involved comparing breast cancer risk among women with a high consumption of these types of vegetables versus women who consumed lower amounts of garlic and onions. Surprisingly, they found that there was a correlation between eating vegetables in the allium genus and lower rates of breast cancer. They determined that consuming high amounts of sofrito resulted in as much as a 67 percent drop in the risk of developing breast cancer.

As an observational study, this research can’t pinpoint exactly why or how onions and garlic lower the risks of breast cancer. Until more direct research can be conducted, scientists have theorized that there is likely a link between the highly antioxidant vegetable compound diallyl sulfide and cancer. Together with other compounds, such as the S-allylcysteine anddiallyl disulfide found in garlic and the alk(en)yl cysteine sulphoxides found in onions, diallyl sulfide may help protect cellular health when consumed regularly in one’s diet.

Diallyl Sulfide May Benefit Health in Other Ways

Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer: Can a Vegetable Compound Protect Against a Deadly Disease? 1 In previous research, scientists found that diallyl sulfide may affect the risk of developing other types of cancer. In an experiment conducted with mice, it was found that the risk of developing colorectal cancer was reduced by 74 percent overall when a 1,2-dimethylhydrazine injection was administered once weekly over a 20-week period. The 1,2-dimethylhydrazine injection contained the same compounds in comparable amounts as those consumed by eating fresh onions and garlic.

Other previous research found that diallyl trisulfide may protect against the development of prostate cancer in men. A newer study examined how the compound appeared to cause prostate cancer cell death, with researchers taking an interest in exactly how this process was instigated. Specifically, they looked at inhibitor proteins to determine how they were related to cell death in mice with prostate cancer. They found that as the inhibitor protein levels decreased, cancer cell death increased. Ultimately, it was determined that the compounds found naturally in onions and garlic may affect cellular health by blocking the inhibitor proteins that allow cancer cells to thrive. In this way, prostate cancer cells can’t get the nourishment they need to grow, so, as people consume more onions and garlic, they could be building up a stronger defense against the development of prostate cancer.

In other studies, diallyl sulfide was found to provide a broad range of health benefits. While its promotion of cellular health alone may be enough to encourage more regular onion and garlic consumption, it has been found that the compound also provides other important benefits. Studies have found that it helps cut down on oxidative stress while also modulating internal inflammation. In addition to supporting cardiovascular health, diallyl sulfide also has antimicrobial properties. This suggests that regular consumption of onions and garlic may also help fortify the immune system.

While we don’t fully understand all of the benefits that onions and garlic provide, early research has shown us that these vegetables can be very beneficial to overall health. Regular consumption of certain onions and garlic compounds, whether via diet or supplementation, may help protect cellular health. It may also help us boost heart health and keep the immune system strong. As scientists continue to look deeper into how this compound benefits the human body, we will likely find that its consumption provides even more health advantages. In the meantime, adding diallyl sulfide-rich foods and supplements to your daily routine may help you stay healthier longer.

Diversity of Gut Microbiome Influences Prostate Cancer

Aug 07 by Ewcopywriting

The prostate gland is a small organ that’s similar in size and shape to a walnut. It’s linked to the sexual health of men in that it’s responsible for producing seminal fluid, which helps carry sperm to the penis. The prostate gland is a common target for cancer in men, but, because it develops slowly, prostate cancer may not produce observable symptoms right away. There are a number of known risk factors for prostate cancer, as well as natural ways to help protect against this common condition. Now, recent research has discovered that the health of the gut microbiome influences prostate cancer, suggesting a more diverse microbiome can help lower cancer risks.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a cancer that occurs in the prostate gland, and is one of the most common types of cancer to affect men. In many cases, the cancer may stay confined to the prostate gland and may not grow large enough to pose health risks. In other cases, it may grow and spread to other parts of the body. For this reason, it’s better to diagnose prostate cancer as early as possible, so it can be treated before it has a chance to spread.

Some of the most common symptoms of prostate cancer include:

decreased need to urinate
less powerful urine stream
semen that’s mixed with blood
soreness or discomfort in the pelvic area
bone pain
trouble achieving or maintaining an erection

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors and Treatment

The underlying cause of prostate cancer is still unknown, but as with other cancers, it begins with the growth of abnormal or mutated cells. As the number of abnormal cells begins to outgrow the number of healthy cells, they gather together to form a tumor. As the tumor grows, it may grow large enough to pierce the tissue of the gland and spread to the rest of the body. Alternatively, some of the mutated cells can break away and travel to other parts of the body, in a process known as metastasis.

While we don’t know what causes prostate cancer to develop, the following risk factors can determine how likely an individual is of contracting the illness:

Age: Older men are at a greater risk.
Ethnicity: Black men face higher risks.
Family History: If there is a history of prostate cancer or breast cancer in your family, your risk is greater.
Obesity: Obese men face a greater risk that prostate cancer will spread or metastasize.

Prostate cancer can be treated in a number of ways. If it has remained confined to the prostate gland, the best option may be simply to remove the gland altogether. Alternatively, radiation therapy may help eradicate the cancer while leaving the gland intact. Hormone therapy is a relatively newer option, which involves depriving the cancer of the testosterone that it needs to thrive and grow. Hormone blockers stop the supply of testosterone and, as a result, the cancer weakens and dies off. The treatments your doctor recommends will depend on the severity and nature of the cancer.

New Study Finds Health of Gut Microbiome Influences Prostate Cancer

In a recent study, researchers hoped to understand how the gut microbiome influences prostate cancer, particularly in the way certain bacteria affect inflammation and infection in the prostate gland. They found that the best way to determine these bacterial influences was to examine the seminal fluid of healthy men, as well as those who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Additionally, prostatic fluid samples were taken from each subject. Prostatic fluid is an alkaline-based fluid that makes up part of the seminal fluid. Once the samples were taken, each of the men also submitted to a tissue biopsy. Of the 59 subjects recruited for the study, 32 of the men had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. This left them with 27 men with healthy prostate glands.

When tested, it was found that all of the men possessed high levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA). This is an enzyme secreted by the prostate gland and it’s commonly found to exist in higher levels in men with prostate cancer. However, PSA count alone isn’t enough to diagnose someone with prostate cancer, because PSA levels may be higher for any number of reasons.

After all of the samples were analyzed, the researchers found that the men with prostate cancer exhibited less bacterial diversity than those subjects with healthier prostate glands. The researchers said the findings led them to believe that a more diverse microbiome could help limit the advancement of prostate cancer.

While they admit more research is needed, they say the study does show a link between a diverse gut microbiome and a healthy prostate gland. In particular, they found that the presence of certain types of bacteria (Carnobacterium, Enterobacter, Geobacillus, Lactococcus, and Streptococcus) could affect how prostate cancer developed and grew. In the future, a test for these types of bacteria might be able to identify men who are at a greater risk of developing prostate cancer.

Natural Ways to Promote a Diverse Gut Microbiome

If you’re concerned that your gut microbiome isn’t as diverse as it should be, a few lifestyle changes may help. Below, there are listed a few tips that can help you naturally improve the diversity of your microbiome.

Eat a Diverse, Plant-Based Diet

The foods you eat play a major role in building a diverse gut microbiome, but only if you’re eating healthy, natural foods. You can start by reducing your intake of sugar and trans-fats, but also strive to consume a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts.

Eat Fermented Products

Foods that are fermented, such as yogurt and sauerkraut, possess a wider range of bacteria. By eating more of these foods, you can introduce a much more diverse range of bacteria into your microbiome.

Take a Dietary Supplement

You may have heard about probiotics and prebiotics, especially if you’re concerned about your physical fitness and digestive health. While probiotics can be found in certain foods, there are also supplements on the market that can help you increase the amounts of probiotics you introduce into your system. Taking a high-quality protiotic/prebiotic supplement can help you build up a diverse microbiome.

Prostate Cancer Urine Test Detects Cancer Earlier Than Traditional Methods

Jul 15 by Ewcopywriting

The prostate gland, located beneath the bladder just in front of the rectum, is essential to male health in that it helps produce certain compounds that make up semen, while also helping regulate urination. Prostate cancer is the leading type of cancer in men. While it is treatable when diagnosed early, the American Cancer Society estimates that of the approximately 161,360 new cases of prostate cancer each year, nearly 26,730 cases will be fatal. Now, a new prostate cancer urine test may help diagnose the illness even sooner than is currently typical. When combined with certain lifestyle changes and effective treatment, early diagnosis may improve the chances of beating this common cancer.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer has been difficult to diagnose in the past, because the symptoms may be minimal or not present at all. In general, the following symptoms may be observed in the early stages of the illness:

frequent need to urinate, even at night
trouble urinating, including difficulty in maintaining the stream
urine contaminated with blood
urinating and ejaculation may be painful
difficulty developing or maintaining an erection

Once the illness advances, the symptoms become more severe, making it easier to obtain a diagnosis. In the late stages, prostate cancer causes bone pain and increases the risks of developing bone fractures. Pain will be especially pronounced in the femur, ribs, pelvis and spine.

There are many treatment options available to men with an early diagnosis of prostate cancer, and the success rate is much higher when the illness is diagnosed early. In some cases, the prostate may be surgically removed. This ensures the cancer won’t spread to other organs in the body. In other cases, radioactive seeds are implanted in the prostate gland. This treatment, called brachytherapy, lets a doctor target the cancer cells directly, eliminating them safely. Depending on the location and size of the cancer, other types of radiation therapy may be used.

When prostate cancer grows more severe, it becomes harder to treat. In some situations, aggressive chemotherapy may be the best option. Another treatment is advanced hormone suppression therapy, which targets the androgens that can stimulate cancer growth in men. This type of treatment is usually considered to be a long-term, or ongoing, form of therapy.

Research Leads to Game-Changing Prostate Cancer Urine Test

A recent study conducted in the U.K. uncovered a way to use urine samples to identify the development of prostate cancer up to five years earlier than traditional diagnostic methods. A group of 535 men were asked to provide urine samples, which the researchers tested for the cell-free expression found in 167 different types of genes. From that group, the scientists were able to identify 36 gene markers that indicated a likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Dubbed the PUR test, this prostate cancer urine test would look for those genetic markers that raise the likelihood of developing prostate cancer in men.

Dr. Jeremy Clark, one of the researchers involved in the study, says this test is revolutionary in the degree of accuracy it provides. In addition to determining if an individual is at risk for prostate cancer, he says the degree of risk can also be determined. This test can take the place of more invasive procedures in some cases, which involve taking biopsies via the use of long needles.

Even more surprising was the fact that the PUR test could predict the development of cancer up to five years before traditional tests would provide a diagnosis. This means patients can be treated more successfully, while the cancer is still in the very early stages of development. Patients could be monitored for cancer growth once their risk of developing the illness was established. As soon as cancer cells were identified, treatment could begin to eradicate the growing cells.

There are already some screenings that men can undergo to determine their risk of developing prostate cancer. Most of these tests, such as a digital rectal exam, will look for masses that may potentially be prostate cancer. If something is found, a biopsy is necessary to confirm a diagnosis. While a biopsy may still be necessary following a PUR test, this test’s ability to diagnose the level of risk can help doctors anticipate prostate cancer earlier. Catching it early means treating the illness with less invasive procedures and improving the potential for a full recovery.

Natural Methods for Promoting Better Prostate Health

Fortunately, there are many natural ways for you to improve the health of your prostate gland. Even if your risk of developing prostate cancer is high, employing some of these suggestions can help you strengthen the prostate gland. This may reduce your risk of cancer growth.

Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

By eating foods that will help alleviate inflammation, you can maintain a healthier prostate gland. These foods include oily fish, plant-based foods and whole grains.

Avoid Foods That Are Likely to Harm Prostate Health

As you might expect, foods in this group include those with high sugar content and high trans-fats. Artificial sweeteners, processed foods and fried foods are also common culprits.

Take a Dietary Supplement

There are many supplements on the market that help improve overall health. Some effective natural supplements are specifically engineered to boost prostate health. Adding them to your diet can give you the natural boost your body needs to resist developing health problems.

Lose Weight

Obesity can instigate a number of health problems. For men, this includes an enlarged prostate and urinary tract infections. By engaging in more physical activity and burning off excess fat, you can lower the health risks to your prostate gland.

Since one in nine men are likely to develop prostate cancer, regular check-ups are essential. By visiting your doctor once per year, you may be able to identify prostate problems and other health concerns before they become too serious.

Vitamins and Aging: Can Taking Vitamins Reduce Disease Risk?

Jun 19 by Ewcopywriting

Recent research has found that increasing vitamin intake may reduce the risk of chronic disease as we age. Whether by consuming a more diverse diet or by taking a high-quality dietary supplement, ingesting sufficient amounts of antioxidant vitamins may reduce the chances of developing myocardial infarction, stroke and other medical disorders. Similarly, getting enough of other important vitamins has been shown to encourage better metabolic health and mobility in seniors.

Vitamins and Aging: Vitamins Help Stave Off Illness as We Age

Numerous studies have presented strong evidence that getting proper levels of certain crucial vitamins can help lower the risk of major chronic disease that comes with age. This research suggests that many health problems could be avoided by simply increasing the amount of vitamins we ingest on a daily basis.

For years, it has been known that sufficient levels of vitamin D, along with calcium, are necessary to maintain strong bones and protect against fractures. At the same time, proper amounts of beta-carotene are necessary to assist zinc and vitamin E in slowing the rate at which macular degeneration (age-related vision loss) progresses. Additionally, vitamin E has been shown to assist lycopene, an antioxidant phyto-nutrient, in lowering the risk of prostate cancer.

These are just a few examples of ways that sufficient vitamin intake can benefit overall health in seniors. Further studies may reveal more important ways that consuming proper amounts of vitamins can benefit health and wellness as we age.

Certain Vitamins Help Post-Menopausal Women Manage Metabolic Health

Previous research has found that estrogen and vitamin D work well together in promoting better bone health, but a new study has found that this duo may benefit women in other ways. In particular, vitamin D and estrogen may help lower the chances of developing metabolic syndrome in post-menopausal women.

Metabolic syndrome is a growing concern that affects both genders, but may be especially destructive to post-menopausal women. Metabolic syndrome involves a variety of health concerns, including obesity, hypertension and uncontrolled blood sugar levels. When left untreated, metabolic syndrome can increase the risks of developing other serious health conditions, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The study, which took place in southern China, involved studying the effects that vitamins had on 616 post-menopausal women, ranging in ages from 49 to 86. As the study began, none of the participants had been taking estrogen or vitamin D supplements. At the start of the study, each women underwent examinations to determine the levels of vitamin D and estrogen in their blood. They were also assessed for their risks of developing metabolic syndrome.

The researchers found that there was a strong link between estrogen levels and vitamin D. Where there was a deficiency of vitamin D, there were also lower levels of estrogen. Conversely, women with higher estrogen levels also had higher levels of vitamin D in their blood.

The study also found a correlation between higher levels of vitamin D and more positive test results. The women with high vitamin D levels had better lipid counts, better regulated blood pressure and lower blood sugar counts. Alternatively, a lower estrogen count was linked to poorer results in determining the risks for metabolic syndrome. Women with lower levels of estrogen also exhibited higher blood pressure and heightened levels of triglycerides. They also suffered from high cholesterol.

The research team concluded that the risk of metabolic syndrome was raised in women with lower estrogen levels. This was especially true for women who also exhibited lower levels of vitamin D. Since the estrogen levels and vitamin D deficiencies are linked, raising vitamin D levels may be beneficial. Women may be able to reduce their risks of developing metabolic syndrome by ensuring that they get enough vitamin D in their diet or by taking a high-quality multivitamin.

Can Supplements Help Improve Mobility Among Seniors?

As people age, one of the biggest problems they face is decreased mobility, defined as the ability to move around independently. It has been determined that 30 percent of seniors do experience mobility problems. Mobility is often inhibited by long-term health conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease and arthritis. At the same time, with age, muscles, bones and tissue deteriorate, inhibiting mobility. Now, recent research into the link between vitamins and aging may have found a solution: A new study suggests an increased intake of vitamin K, commonly found in leafy green vegetables, may help boost mobility in seniors.

Previously, research has found that a vitamin K deficiency can affect the development of cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis and other conditions that affect mobility. The latest study, which was led by M. Kyla Shea, sought to look for a more direct link between vitamin K and senior mobility. In conducting the study, the research team examined the records for 635 men and 688 women from data assembled as a part of the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. Approximately 40 percent of the subjects were black and the subjects varied in age from 70 to 79.

It was found that a low level of phylloquinone, which was one of two biomarkers used to measure vitamin K levels, increased the risk of inhibited mobility. The researchers determined that low phylloquinone levels increased the risks of developing limited mobility by 1.5 times. Developing a mobility disability was determined to be twice as likely for seniors with low phylloquinone levels when compared to those with sufficient levels of the compound. The study’s authors noted that there was no noticeable difference in results between men and women.

While the research does identify a link between vitamin K deficiency and mobility issues, more research is needed. If a clearer connection can be made between vitamin K and mobility, these findings may help millions of seniors maintain a better quality of life. Vitamin K can be found in broccoli, spinach, kale, dairy products and certain multivitamin/multi-mineral formulas.