Health News

Diastolic Blood Pressure Reading Just as Important for Predicting Heart Disease Risk

The heart is a muscle that pumps life-giving blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and important nutrients while removing damaging carbon dioxide and other waste products. When the heart and blood vessels become damaged, this crucial pumping system stops working properly. The host of health problems that ensue are collectively known as cardiovascular disease or heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

High blood pressure is just one of many risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure is expressed in two numbers: one on top (systolic reading) and one on the bottom (diastolic reading). Previously, the medical world considered the systolic blood pressure reading to be the best indicator of cardiovascular disease risk. However, new research indicates that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure influence the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Types of Heart Disease

Several health problems related to heart and blood vessel disease can be traced to a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in artery walls, making it harder for the blood to flow through the arteries. If this plaque breaks loose, a blood clot can form and completely block the flow of blood to the heart or brain, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

If blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing a heart attack, the section of the heart that the artery supplies starts to die. When a blood vessel to the brain becomes blocked, the result is an ischemic stroke. This is the most common type of stroke, and it causes a loss in the functioning of that part of the brain. If a blood vessel in the brain bursts, it causes a hemorrhagic stroke. This type of stroke is most often related to high blood pressure.

Congestive heart failure is a type of cardiovascular disease in which the heart doesn’t pump blood efficiently. The heart doesn’t stop beating, but the body’s supply of oxygen and blood is diminished. It left untreated, this condition will worsen. Another problem that can occur with the heart is that it may begin to beat irregularly, or too fast or slow. This condition is called arrhythmia, and it can also adversely affect the body’s supply of blood and oxygen.

The valves in the heart also play a role in healthy circulation. A condition called stenosis occurs when the valves don’t open wide enough to let the blood flow as it should. When valves don’t close properly, blood leaks through causing a condition called regurgitation. If a valve bulges back into the heart’s upper chamber, it causes a serious condition called prolapse.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Some risk factors for heart disease can be controlled, while others can’t. The risk of developing heart disease goes up with age, and statistics show that men over 45 and women over 55 are at a greater risk. Caucasians are less likely than African Americans to have heart disease. Hispanic Americans are at a lower risk, and East Asians have less of a chance of getting heart disease than South Asians. A family history of heart disease is also a factor, and increases risk.

The risk of heart disease can be controlled by having a healthy lifestyle. High levels of fat in the blood (cholesterol and triglycerides) can clog arteries and lead to a heart attack. These fats in the blood can be managed with diet, exercise and medication if needed. A diet low in sodium, sugar and fats along with exercise lowers fats in the blood and helps control blood pressure. Smoking, excessive alcohol use, stress and inadequate sleep are other risk factors for heart disease that can be controlled. It’s important for those who have diabetes to keep the condition under control as it can also lead to cardiovascular problems.

Systolic Versus Diastolic Blood Pressure

Since high blood pressure is a major risk factor, doctors and researchers place much emphasis on controlling it. Everyone, especially older adults and those who have high blood pressure, should have it checked often. Understanding blood pressure readings is also critical. Systolic blood pressure is the upper number in a blood pressure reading. It measures how hard blood is pumped into the arteries. Diastolic pressure, the bottom reading, shows the pressure during the heart’s rest in between beats. The American Heart Association considers numbers below 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) to be normal. If the systolic reading is consistently greater than 130 mm Hg and the diastolic blood pressure is more than 80 mm Hg blood pressure is considered to be high.

For decades, doctors have usually placed more emphasis on systolic blood pressure considering it to be a major risk. However, results of a new study conducted by Kaiser Permanente run counter to that belief. In the study, which was the largest of its kind, researchers examined more than 36 million blood pressure readings from over a million people. They looked specifically at how both diastolic and systolic blood pressure influenced the occurrence of heart attack and stroke over a period of eight years.

Ultimately, they discovered that while systolic blood pressure is slightly more indicative, both components of blood pressure can predict risk of heart attack and stroke. Lead study author Alexander C. Flint, MD, Ph.D. claims that “Every way you slice the data, the systolic and diastolic pressures are both important.”

Natural Ways to Help Prevent Heart Disease

It has been established that a healthy diet is essential for good heart health. A good diet should include a range of vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, folic acid and certain amino acids. A Western diet high in processed foods can leave the body depleted of these necessary nutrients.

Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, are necessary for biochemical and enzymatic reactions needed for optimal heart health. Studies show that the amino acids L-arginine, L-proline and L-cysteine, taken in ample amounts, can help improve the health of blood vessel tissue. L-cysteine may also act as an antioxidant to prevent damage from toxins and oxidation.

Grapeseed extract and CoQ10 are other natural supplements that protect the cardiovascular system. Grapeseed extract helps protect against inflammation, supports blood vessel health and may help maintain cholesterol levels already within normal ranges. Several studies found that CoQ10 promotes healthy blood pressure and discourages plaque buildup in blood vessels. Another heart-healthy ingredient that many people in the West have never heard of is nattokinase. Derived from the fermented soybean food natto, this supplement has been used to reduce the risk of blood clots for those who take long airline flights.

Since it’s not always easy to get proper levels of these important ingredients in the typical American diet, supplementing with a high-quality product that supports heart health is a wonderful way to gain these benefits.

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.

Can Serotonin Deficiency Cause Unexplained Pain?

Aug 02 by Ewcopywriting

Chronic pain is one of the greatest medical challenges of our times. Pain disorders are becoming increasingly common, yet we have few remedies — particularly in cases where we cannot identify the cause of the pain. Although pain killers can help for a short time, these medications are addictive and can have negative or even deadly side effects. According to the latest research, a serotonin deficiency may play a role in some types of unexplained pain. Could a boost in this hormone help to treat common pain conditions?

Serotonin: The Hormone for Happiness, Energy and More

Serotonin is a well-known hormone that has become famous for its role in happiness and feelings of well-being. Scientifically known as 5-HT, this biochemical also has a variety of lesser-known jobs in the human body. Serotonin contributes to our circadian rhythms, helping to sustain our sleep-wake cycles. It also helps to regulate our appetite and digestion, with a the majority of our serotonin receptors present in the gut.

Low levels of serotonin can have devastating effects. People with low serotonin can notice a change in mood, often slipping into a depression. They may struggle to sleep even while feeling tired much of the time. Serotonin also appears to play a less-understood role in nausea, migraines and obesity. According to a new study, low serotonin may also be a major factor in chronic pain.

Could Serotonin Deficiency Cause Pain?

A growing number of people suffer from chronic pain that has no perceivable cause. Researchers and doctors use the terms “heightened somatic awareness,” “functional pain disorder,” “fibromyalgia,” and even give psychiatric labels to diagnose this unexplained pain. People who suffer from these disorders are often told that the problem is all in their heads. This can add immense insult to injury when a patient is living with debilitating headaches, muscle pain, joint pain and digestive issues.

A team of researchers at McGill University may have found the cause of these unpleasant symptoms. They looked at 3,200 people with chronic pain of the temporomandibular joint, or jaw, over seven years. In addition to tracking symptoms and doing extensive medical tests, the research participants underwent detailed genetic testing.

Researchers found that a particular gene mutation was linked to chronic pain of the jaw. The gene involved controls the production of serotonin, so that people with the mutation have lower levels of this hormone and neurotransmitter. People who did not have the gene mutation, on the other hand, did not experience the same level of unexplained chronic pain.

Serotonin is known to play a role, albeit a little-understood one, in the management of pain in the human body. Although more research will be needed to determine whether this particular gene mutation correlates with other pain disorders, this study offers one possible reason for unexplained pain syndromes.

Challenges in Supplementing Serotonin

If a deficiency of serotonin is the cause of certain types of pain, then supplementing this hormone appears to be an easy answer. However, serotonin has special qualities that make effective supplementation a challenge. Serotonin is a large molecule that cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, which means that it can be difficult to increase levels of this hormone in the area where it matters most. Several studies suggest that a common antidepressant medication class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, may help with pain by reducing the breakdown of this hormone. However, these drugs can have side effects and interactions that are a significant drawback.

Several studies suggest that taking supplements containing fast-release 5-HTP and slow-release tryptophan can increase brain levels of serotonin. These two compounds are the building blocks of serotonin, so taking increased amounts can increase levels of the hormone. Because they are converted to serotonin at different rates, this unique formulation of fast- and slow-release precursors has been shown to have special benefits for people with mild and moderate depression.

Taking this unique formulation has also been helpful in an increasingly common syndrome known as “burnout syndrome.” In this syndrome, people who are under stress for a long period of time run out of precursors for serotonin and suffer the effects of a resulting deficiency of serotonin. Taking the formulation described above can reduce the symptoms of this disorder and help people to reclaim their happiness.

More research will be needed to determine how these precursors can help chronic pain syndromes. However, there is good evidence that they raise serotonin levels in the brain and offer a potential treatment for other disorders associated with a deficiency of serotonin.

Natural Ways to Increase Serotonin Levels

Treating chronic pain naturally can be an immense challenge when the exact cause of the pain is not known. However, we now have a potential cause: lack of serotonin. Lifestyle measures are incredibly important in managing pain. Be sure to eat healthy food, drink plenty of water and keep a stable sleep cycle. Supplements such as the ones described here also may have an effect. Although chronic pain can be frustrating and debilitating, there are natural ways to reclaim your life and your happiness.

Study Shows Fruits and Veggies Reduce Death Risk

Jul 31 by Ewcopywriting

Fruits and vegetables are essential sources of the fiber, nutrients and vitamins that our bodies need to thrive. We already know that a healthy plant-based diet can help us maintain healthy blood pressure, improve digestion and reduce our risks of developing certain types of cancer. Now, a new study suggests that fruits and veggies reduce death risk. More specifically, consuming a sufficient amount of each may help stave off heart disease.

Study Finds Fruits And Veggies Reduce Death Risk From Heart Disease

Recently, a group of researchers analyzing records from a past Harvard University health study concluded that fruits and veggies reduce death risk from heart disease. These researchers estimate that by eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, the risk of developing heart disease may be decreased by up to 20 percent. Surprisingly, eating as much as three servings of fruits and veggies daily did not produce these same health benefits.

By way of comparison, let’s look at the guidelines set out by the U.S. Department of Agriculture defining the minimum number of servings of fruits and vegetables people should eat each day. For fruits, a minimum of one-and-a-half to two cups of fresh fruit is recommended. In addition, it is recommended that each individual eat between two to three cups of veggies each day. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) supports these guidelines, but reports that only one in 10 people meet these standards.

A separate study published earlier this year found that eating an insufficient amount of fruits and vegetables could be blamed for as many as one in seven heart-related deaths. The same report also posited that eating too few vegetables may be responsible for one in every 12 heart disease deaths. What’s more, the researchers determined that poor fruit intake was even more deadly than low vegetable intake. While eating an insufficient amount of vegetables caused close to one million deaths from cardiovascular disease, there were two million cardiovascular-related deaths attributed to low fruit consumption.

Victoria Miller, who co-authored the study, said these results shine a light on the need for greater nutrition education. She suggested that more community campaigns are needed to encourage populations to eat more fruits and vegetables.

More Research Highlights the Importance of a Plant-Based Diet

Another study, based out of Jinan, China, confirmed the crucial role that fruits and vegetables play in protecting against cardiovascular disease and cancer. This study was aimed at determining the long-term health consequences of eating a poor diet that lacked sufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables. The study involved reviewing the health records and dietary habits of 833,234 subjects and re-evaluating them with follow-up examinations between four and 26 years later.

As the subjects were contacted for follow-up exams, it was found that there had been a total of 56,423 deaths within the time frame of the study. Of those deaths, 11,512 of them could be attributed to cardiovascular disease, while 16,817 deaths resulted from various types of cancer.

The researchers determined that a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables was a contributing factor to a lower risk of premature death from all causes. This study also confirmed that five servings of fruits and vegetables per day is the ideal dietary requirement to achieve these health benefits. Fewer servings per day didn’t positively impact the health of the individuals, while eating more than five servings of fruits and veggies daily didn’t seem to increase the health benefits.

The Health Benefits of Eating More Fruits and Vegetables

While reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and cancer are important reasons to increase your intake of fruits and veggies, they’re not the only benefits to your health these foods can provide. Eating more fruits and vegetables has also been credited with the amazing benefits listed below.

Hypertension

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, eating more fruits and vegetables can help you alleviate the condition. In one study, participants were asked to adopt a diet that consisted of plenty of fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy and eliminated or reduced the amount of saturated fat. As a result, systolic blood pressure was lowered by an average of 11 mm Hg, while diastolic blood pressure dropped by about 6 mm Hg.

Type 2 Diabetes

Currently, there is only limited research looking into the effects of eating fresh fruits on the development and treatment of diabetes. We already know that drinking fruit juice, which has high amounts of added sugar, is hazardous to those with diabetes and those at risk of developing the disease. However, some new research has found that eating fresh fruit, such as apples, blueberries and grapes, actually lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While fruit juices and fruits preserved in cans are likely to raise the risks of developing diabetes, eating leafy green vegetables and fresh fruit seems to lower those risks for both men and women.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber, which is essential to a healthy digestive system. As fiber is processed, it absorbs the water and moisture in the intestinal tract and this can help alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, more fiber will help the individual experience more frequent bowel movements, so issues with constipation and diverticulosis can be avoided.

Vision Problems

Finally, eating more fruits and vegetables will help keep your eyes in good condition. Typically, people develop cataracts and macular degeneration as they reach their senior years, but increasing the amount of plant-based foods you consume can reduce those risks. In particular, zeaxanthin and lutein, which are nutrients that give fruits and vegetables their bright colors, are especially effective in reducing the risks of developing cataracts.

Little-Known Omega-6 Fatty Acid Benefits Heart Health, Atherosclerosis

Jul 26 by Ewcopywriting

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and is on the rise in the U.S., accounting for approximately one out of every three deaths. Considering the vast number of people affected by cardiovascular disease, it’s no wonder that researchers continue to look for foods, vitamins and medications that will improve the health of the cardiovascular system. While we already know that omega-3 fatty acids provide numerous heart-health benefits, modern science is just beginning to discover some of the ways in which omega-6 benefits heart health.

New Research Discovers Omega-6 Benefits Heart Health

While there’s much research to suggest that omega-3 fatty acids benefit heart health, a recent study looked at the benefits that another fatty acid, omega-6. This new study, led by Professor Dipak Ramji of Cardiff University, sought to determine how omega-6 affects arterial health. More specifically, the objective of the research was to find out if omega-6 fatty acid can protect against the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque build-up in the arteries forms blockages that can inhibit blood flow. A blocked artery can lead to a heart attack or stroke if it’s not treated in time, so finding ways to prevent arterial plaque buildup is a major concern.

Using mice as test subjects, the researchers examined dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), a specific type of omega-6 fatty acid. By examining how DGLA affected the immune cells in the mice models, the team was able to determine that this particular omega-6 fatty acid may have the potential to either protect against or even resolve atherosclerosis.

More specifically, the researchers found that the presence of DGLA positively affected the inflammatory response that’s key to the development of arterial plaque, while also helping cells to better process cholesterol. DGLA was also observed to protect smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells from the process that leads to atherosclerosis.

While more research is needed, Professor Ramji is excited by the results, which clearly indicate that the omega-6 fatty acid DGLA can affect the mechanisms involved in the development of atherosclerosis. This latest study provides a solid basis for the theory that omega-6 benefits heart health.

Helping the Body Create the Omega-6 Fatty Acid DGLA

The body requires many fatty acids to maintain good health, yet our bodies don’t make these nutrients on their own. This means we have to rely on our diet to provide the fatty acids we need to thrive. Since there aren’t many foods that directly provide DGLA, we must eat foods that contain other nutrients that can be transformed into this beneficial substance.

This is where linoleic acid (LA) comes in. As we consume foods that contain LA, this acid is broken down by the body into gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and arachidonic acid (AA). GLA is then further broken down into DGLA, which is the essential fatty acid we need to help stave off atherosclerosis.

In addition to certain foods like spirulina and hemp seeds, linoleic acid and GLA can be found in:

evening primrose oil
black currant seed oil
borage oil

Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

While the recent research shows that certain omega-6 fatty acids can benefit the heart, it is important to consume a proper ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. An ideal ratio for maintaining good health might be somewhere between 1:1 and 4:1, while the typical Western diet, which is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, provides a typical ratio of 15:1.

The best source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish oil, which can be obtained by including fish in the diet or via supplementation. While omega-6 fatty acids help heart health, omega-3’s also offer a whole host of health benefits. Here are just a few of them.

Multiple Sclerosis

Whether or not omega-3 fatty acid has a positive effect on MS is up for debate. While some research indicates that it has no effect, other research makes an opposite claim. Those with MS who have tried taking an omega-3 supplement have claimed that the nutrient does help by offering protection to the central nervous system and the brain.

Post-Partum Depression

Many doctors advise new moms to add more fish to their diets, specifically because fish is the best source of omega-3’s. While you can get this essential fatty acid in a supplement, eating more fish will also provide your body with more depression-fighting nutrients.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

More commonly referred to as ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may be alleviated by consuming a higher concentration of omega-3 rich foods. In a 2007 study, children were given increased levels of omega-3’s through dietary changes. After eight weeks, the children’s parents and their psychologists observed significant behavioral improvements.

Should You Add a GLA Supplement to Your Diet?

Even though you can get GLA through foods like hemp seed, spirulina and through the oils previously mentioned here, it may also be beneficial to add a daily GLA supplement to your routine. Since the body uses omega-3’s to convert GLA to DGLA, taking in a higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids can also be advantageous. In general, you can obtain the best benefits by eating foods rich in omega-3’s and also increasing GLA intake. Some ways that supplementing with GLA can affect your health are detailed below.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

In a recent observational study that involved reviewing 22 previous studies, a link was found between GLA and rheumatoid arthritis. The GLA was delivered by an increased consumption of evening primrose oil and fish oil. As a result, inflammation and pain was reduced, while subjects reported increased mobility.

Skin Problems

Some research has found that GLA absorbed topically via evening primrose oil helped treat conditions such as acne, eczema and keratosis pilaris. The results were observed in small children as well as in adults and teens.

Female Hormonal Health

There is little scientific data to back up these claims, but anecdotal reports from patients suggests that omega-6’s help the body adjust to hormonal changes. Women report that depression, cramping, breast tenderness, cyclical acne and labor induction have all been helped by increasing GLA levels.

If you plan on adding a GLA supplement to your daily routine, it’s advisable to consult your doctor ahead of time, especially if you have a medical condition or are already on any medications. Provided you use the supplements under your doctor’s guidance, this can be a worthwhile way to help your body get the essential fatty acids it needs for optimal heart health.

Scientists Find Link Between Osteoporosis and Quality of Social Life

Jul 24 by Ewcopywriting

When bones are healthy, they are able to maintain a certain degree of density; that is, as bone tissue begins to degrade, the body produces more bone to make up for that loss. In this way, the body stays strong and the bones can continue to support the tissue, muscle and organs throughout the body. However, with osteoporosis, bone loss occurs more quickly than it can be replaced. Alternatively, the body may no longer be able to create more bone to maintain optimum levels of bone density. The onset of osteoporosis can have a variety of causes, including hormone imbalance, nutritional deficiencies and age. Now, recent research has found a surprising link between osteoporosis and social life, which suggests maintaining an active social life as you age may help you keep your bones strong.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a common condition that primarily affects older adults and seniors. According to surveys conducted by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), there are more than 44 million people suffering from osteoporosis in the United States. Even though this is a common medical condition, it’s hard to identify because there usually aren’t any obvious symptoms.

Osteoporosis is typically diagnosed after the individual experiences a bone fracture. In fact, the condition makes breaks and fractures more likely to occur from minor accidents. A fall is one way a break may occur, but people with advanced osteoporosis may also break a bone by sneezing or coughing. The spinal vertebrae, hips or wrists are common places where bone fractures can occur. When there’s a break in the spinal vertebrae, the individual may notice that their posture is affected and they may fit into smaller sized clothes.

The risk factors for developing osteoporosis include:

Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, especially after menopause.
Age: The condition is more common in adults over the age of 30.
Estrogen: When estrogen production is inhibited, the body has more difficulty generating new bone.
Race: The condition is more common among white and Asian people.
History: If there are family members with multiple bone fractures, or if you have broken bones a few times in your lifetime, you may be more likely to develop osteoporosis.

New Research Finds Surprising Connection Between Osteoporosis and Social Life

A new study out of Tucson’s University of Arizona examining the link between osteoporosis and social life may have found a startling link between a woman’s level of social interaction and her risk of developing osteoporosis. The study found that women who were less socially active were more likely to develop the condition within their lifetimes. The study also suggested that the quality of the social interactions played a part in how they affected physical health. Specifically, it was important that the individual enjoyed the social interactions for them to be of benefit.

The researchers worked off the premise that this interesting relationship between osteoporosis and social life was related to a type of stress called “psychosocial stress.” Psychosocial stress is the type of stress experienced after highly negative life events. When a person feels dissatisfied with life in general, experiences lower levels of optimism or suffers frequent setbacks, this type of stress becomes more common. As conditions that cause psychosocial stress persist, the body produces higher levels of stress hormones in response. These hormones cause the body to utilize minerals that are essential to bone health and, as bone density decreases, inhibited growth hormones prevent restoration of lost bone.

In the study, 11,020 women between the ages of 50 and 70 were studied to observe the relationship between bone health, social interactions and psychosocial stress. These participants were a part of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), which is an ongoing study intended to understand more about how women are affected by heart disease, osteoporosis and breast cancer. The study involved surveys about the women’s social interactions, support structures and social strain.

Data was collected from the women at the start of the study and again after six years. By the six-year mark, the research team found that women who had poor social interactions had also experienced greater bone density loss. Even after the researchers accounted for contributing variables, such as body mass, age and tobacco and alcohol use, these results held true. It was also found that greater social strain was linked to greater loss of bone mineral density, particularly around the lower back and hip bone.

These areas were also negatively impacted when women experienced higher stress from challenging social functioning levels. In particular, the researchers found that social strain resulted in increased bone loss. Using a scale of one to five to measure social strain, they found that bone loss increased for each additional point the women scored for social strain. They recorded 0.082 percent more bone loss in the femoral neck bone, a 0.108 percent increase in the loss of hip bone density and an increase of 0.069 percent in degraded lumbar spine bone density.

Tips for Keeping Your Bones Strong and Healthy

While engaging in more enjoyable social activities may be one way to protect against osteoporosis, there are many more natural ways to help you keep your bones strong and healthy. Following are just a few suggestions.

Get More Calcium

At a minimum, everyone should be getting at least 1,000 mg of calcium each day. As women reach age 50, that amount should be increased to 1,200 mg daily. Men should increase to 1,200 mg of calcium daily by age 70.

Take a Dietary Supplement

In addition to vitamin D and calcium, there are certain vitamins and minerals that your body needs to help protect and strengthen your bones. Taking a high-quality dietary supplement specially engineered to promote bone health can help you protect your bones as you age.

Increase Daily Exercise

While you should get a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate- to high-intensity physical activity each day, getting more is better. Increased exercise will help you build muscle and strengthen your bones.

Stay Away From Tobacco and Alcohol

Controlled substances will degrade your bone density over time, especially when you overindulge. If you can’t quit smoking, at least reduce the frequency that you do smoke. Similarly, limit alcohol consumption to two drinks or less per day.