Reverse symptoms of Alzheimer, Parkinson found

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 A new study describes an innovative strategy that reverses symptoms in the neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer  and Parkinson, at least in fruit flies which had been genetically altered to model the diseases.

These common neurodegenerative disorders cause untold suffering to millions of patients and their families. Treatments for these diseases are limited, and no cures exist.

"The novel approach we used has significant translational implications," said one of the lead researcher, Robert Schwarcz.

"If we can duplicate these effects in patients, we could benefit a lot of people," he added.


Schwarcz, in collaboration with geneticist Flaviano Giorgini at the University of Leicester, focused on metabolites related to the amino acid tryptophan.

When tryptophan degrades in the body, it breaks down into several compounds that have biological activities in the nervous system. One of these, 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), has neurotoxic properties whereas another, named kynurenic acid (KYNA), has the ability to prevent nerve cell degeneration.

The relative abundance of these two compounds in the brain may be critical in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and also Huntington's disease.

The next steps will involve testing of the new concept in humans and to examine whether the treatment works for neurodegenerative diseases.

The study has been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Fatty liver may increase heart disease, mortality

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 A patient suffering from fatty liver disease is prone to an increased risk of heart disease as well as the mortality rates associated with it, a new study has found.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasingly common condition in patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes  and arterial hypertension -- where high blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated.

The findings showed that NAFLD is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis -- the build-up of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls -- which may lead to the advent of cardiovascular disease (CVD) -- heart diseases -- related deaths.

"Evidence indicates that the fatty and inflamed liver expresses several pro-inflammatory and procoagulant factors, as well as genes involved in accelerated atherogenesis," said led researcher Raluca Pais from Pierre and Marie Curie University in Paris, France.

"This raises the possibility that the link between NAFLD and cardiovascular mortality might not simply be mediated by shared, underlying, common risk factors, but rather that NAFLD independently contributes to increasing this risk," added one of the researchers Vlad Ratziu, professor.

In patients with metabolic syndrome health problems like diabetes and stroke at risk for heart disease events, NAFLD contributes to early atherosclerosis and its progression, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

"This indicates that NAFLD is a precursor of metabolic syndrome. It follows that the diagnosis of fatty liver is extremely important and therefore a thorough cardiovascular and metabolic work-up and strict monitoring of CVD or metabolic complications are needed in the clinical management of NAFLD," Pais noted in the paper published in Journal of Hepatology.

The team undertook a large retrospective study of close to 6,000 patients between 1995 and 2012 to assess whether NAFLD is incidental to or is the cause of atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries.


Using the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) a well-validated biomarker, researchers observed that fatty liver is associated with thickness in the major blood vessels in the neck -- a pre-atherosclerotic problem that predicts heart disease events.

Thickness in the blood vessels increases proportionally with FLI, and this association is independent of traditional cardiometabolic risk factors -- like diabetes, heart disease or stroke.

Futher, patients with fatty liver were more likely to develop in the plaques resulting in thickness in the blood vessels over time.

Fatty liver disease at baseline predicted the occurrence of carotid plaques independent of age, sex, type 2 diabetes, tobacco use, and other heart disease risk factors.

Strict monitoring of cardiovascular disease recommended when managing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the researchers suggested.

Health Benefits Of Asparagus

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This bright green veggie has been deemed a spring superfood with good reason. It is packed with goodness - vitamins A, C, E, K, B6 and folate, as well as essential minerals like iron, copper, calcium, protein and fiber. In addition, there are many ways this nutritious vegetable can be enjoyed (be sure to take a look at our recipe tips and easy-to-prepare recipe video below).  

Here are 10 reasons why you should include more asparagus in your diet this season:
1. They may help you lose weight
Asparagus is low in fat and calories (one cup is a mere 32 calories). It is also packed with lots of soluble and insoluble fiber, making it a good choice if you are trying to lose weight, primarily because your body digests fiber slowly, helping you feel satiated in between meals. In addition, asparagus can also aid constipation and studies have shown that it may help lower cholesterol.
Recipe tip: Grill a couple of asparagus spears, lightly drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top with a perfectly poached egg.

2. They may prevent urinary tract infections
Asparagus contains the amino acid, asparagine, making it a natural diuretic. A diet rich in asparagus could therefore prevent urinary infections from developing as it helps flush excess fluid and salt from the body.
Recipe tip: Sauté a bunch of fresh asparagus and 3 cloves of garlic with 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.

3. They are packed with antioxidants
Purple asparagus is packed with anthocyanins (an antioxidant that gives this type of asparagus its purple hue) which could help your body fight damaging free radicals.
Recipe tip: Cook this veggie on low heat, but do not let it boil or sauté for too long. Doing so may negate some of its nutritional benefits, causing its vitamins to be lost into the water.

4. They are a great source of vitamin E
This important antioxidant helps strengthen your immune system. Vitamin E also protects the cells from the harmful effects of free radicals.
Recipe tip: To better absorb the benefits of vitamin E, pair this nutritious veg alongside some fat, by cooking it with olive oil.

 

5. They are a great aphrodisiac
Asparagus is a great source of the vitamins B6 and folate, both of which have been found to help boost feelings of arousal. In addition, vitamin E has also been shown to stimulate sex hormones, including estrogen in women and testosterone in men.
Recipe tip: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 crushed garlic and 2 tablespoons sesame seeds. Brush the mix over the asparagus and grill for about 4 minutes on each side.

6. They can ease a hangover
Research has shown that a side of asparagus may be a better remedy for curing a hangover than a greasy breakfast. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Food Science found that the minerals and amino acids in asparagus extract may help ease a hangover and protect liver cells from the toxins in alcohol.
Recipe tip: Drizzle the asparagus with some olive oil and season with salt and pepper, placing them in a pre-heated oven until tender. Top the asparagus with soft scrambled eggs.

7. They beat bloating
Asparagus is an anti-bloating superfood. It promotes overall digestive health (due to its soluble and insoluble fiber benefits) and is packed with prebiotics (non-digestible carbohydrates that act as food for probiotics - providing a healthy balance of good bacteria in your digestive tract.) Asparagus can reduce gas, and as a natural diuretic, it can help flush excess liquid reducing a belly bulge.
Recipe tip: Infuse some olive oil with orange zest and red pepper flakes and drizzle atop a handful of asparagus spears and green beans.

8. They are a great source of folic acid
Folic acid is essential for women who are trying for a baby, because it can help protect against neural tube defects. According to a study published in 2009, PLoS Medicine found that folic acid can help reduce the effects of premature birth by 50% when taken for at least a year before conception. Just four asparagus spears contain 22% of your recommended daily allowance.
Recipe tip: Asparagus is best served alongside some fat. Combine a tablespoon of butter with some chopped fresh mint and drizzle over a handful of steamed asparagus.

9. They are packed with vitamin K
Asparagus is a good source of vitamin K - a crucial nutrient for coagulation (it helps the body stop bleeding after a cut) and it also contributes to bone health. While calcium is essential for healthy bones, vitamin K can actually help your body absorb calcium.
Recipe tip: Combine some mayonnaise, olive oil, white wine vinegar and dijon mustard over a bunch of steamed asparagus.

10. They boost your mood
Folate - a B vitamin found in asparagus - has been shown to lift your spirits and help keep irritability at bay. Studies have shown that low levels of folate and B12 among people who suffer from depression. In addition, asparagus contains high levels of tryptophan - an amino acid that has also been linked to better mood.
Recipe tip: Bacon is a good source of vitamin B12 and pairs exceptionally well with a handful of asparagus.

 

Bonus: Here's a delicious way to enjoy asparagus!
Here's How: Simply roll out a rectangular sheet of puff pastry and make a border (as shown). With a fork, poke holes at the bottom, allowing the pastry to cook through. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes then brush a honey dijon mix atop, followed by some balsamic vinegar. Top the pastry with a good amount of grated Swiss and Parmesan cheese (or as much as desired) then layer the asparagus over the cheese, brushing each spear with some olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and some pepper and bake for a further 20 to 25 minutes. Drizzle some Hollandaise sauce over the pastry and serve!

Health benefits of PEARS

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Pears are an excellent source of fiber, containing 3 grams of fiber per 100 grams of fruit. The fibers are soluble, which makes the fruit beneficial for your bowels and able to reduce high levels of bad cholesterol in the body. An  8 year long study testing 51,000 middle-aged women, found that a high-fiber diet reduced the risk of breast cancer by 34%. In addition to the fibers, pears also contain plenty of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. What pears don’t have, is cholesterol, sodium, saturated fats, and nearly no calories (50kcal for a medium pear).


1. Lower high blood pressure – Pears are rich in antioxidants and anti-carcinogens, which help reduce blood pressure.
2. Cancer prevention – High levels of vitamin C and copper protect your cells from free radicals. Additionally, the pear’s skin contains glutathione – a powerful anti-carcinogen.
3. Reduce cholesterol levels – Thanks to a high concentration of soluble dietary fibers, pears are able to reduce LDL levels. Most of the fiber is found in the pear’s skin.
4. Colon health – Aside from cholesterol, dietary fibers also help regulate your colon and keep its lining healthy.
5. Natural cure for constipation – Pear juice is a natural remedy for constipation.
6. Lower fevers – Pears have fever-reducing properties, especially when juiced.
7. Boost the immune system – The antioxidants in pears are powerful boosters of the immune system.
8. Anti-inflammatory – Pears contain several anti-inflammatory substances.
9. Great for pregnant women – Pears are rich in folic acid, which is vital for the development of the fetus’s nervous system.
10. Slow down calcium loss – Pears are loaded with boron, an element that helps the body retain calcium and slow down calcium loss.
11. Keep the throat healthy – The skin is rich in pectin, which can be helpful in cases of throat aches, by clearing phlegm and relieving coughs.
12. Hypoallergenic – If you suffer from allergies, pears are the perfect fruit for you, as they are hypoallergenic. This makes them one of the best fruits to give to a baby when he or she starts eating solid food.
 how to add pears to your meals:
 Breakfast – cut it into yogurt and enjoy.

• On the road – eat it fresh, just don’t forget a paper towel.
• In salad – pears go particularly well with green, leafy salads.
• For guests – pear and apple slices, served with an assortment of cheeses, make for a healthy and interesting appetizer.

 Some tips about pears

• The pear’s skin is rich in dietary fibers, so don’t discard it.
• For the highest concentration of antioxidants, eat the pear only when it’s ripe.
• When picking pears, choose ones that are firm, have smooth skin, and show no signs of bruising.
• When they’re ripe, pears will spoil quickly, which means that if you buy them in a shop, they are probably still not fully ripe yet.
• To hasten the ripening process, keep them at room temperature. Once they are ripe, keep them refrigerated.
• To delay the ripening process, put the pears in a brown paper bag.
• Pears oxidize faster when cut. To stop them from turning brown, squeeze lemon or orange juice on the exposed flesh.

Beat Heel Pain Once and For All With These Methods...

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FOR CROCHET DESIGNS- http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com/It’s never pleasant when you head out for a walk or jog and you begin to feel a throbbing sensation in your heels. Contrary to what you might think, this sensation afflicts no less than 40% of all Americans each year, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. Factors that contribute to this discomfort include repetitive strain, natural aging, or even wearing the wrong shoes. This guide will elaborate on the reasons for heel pain, and also offer you 5 effective solutions to alleviate it:  


1. Plantar Fasciitis

This is the most common cause of heel pain, afflicting some 2 million people annually. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that runs down the arch of the foot, connecting the toes to the heel. Its function is to help the foot absorb shock, but it can become inflamed after being subjected to repeated pressure from walking or running. The resulting pain is most pronounced in the morning, or after a period of time spent sitting or standing.
The reason for the pain being most pronounced in the morning is because the arch of your foot goes back to its natural position when you’re sleeping, as does your plantar fascia. As soon as you take your first step after you wake, your plantar fascia stretches out again, causing micro tears, which can be very painful. Other causes for plantar fasciitis are tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons, wearing shoes with little to no arch support, being flat-footed, or increasing the amount of physical activity you’re doing far too quickly.
How to Treat It
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen work well, as does icing the affected area. Further irritation can be avoided by wearing more supportive shoes and resting your foot as much as possible. It’s also a good idea to change the shoes you wear every four to six months.
Exercises

• Towel Stretch

Sit with your legs stretched out in front of you, then place a rolled towel around the ball of one of your feet. Hold each end of the towel with your hands, and then gently pull your foot towards you. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then repeat the exercise on your other foot.

• Heel raise on the stair

Stand on a bottom stair, moving your feet backwards so that your heels fall off the edge. Hold the wall or rail for support, shifting your weight to one foot. Then, lower your foot’s heel toward the floor and hold for 15-30 seconds. Repeat the exercise on your other foot.

2. Fat Pad Atrophy
The average human being walks an astounding 100,000 miles in their lifetime, so it’s no surprise that the foot’s natural cushioning wears down over the years. Having thinner fat pads on your heel means that the pressure it’s exposed to increases. This is the second-most common reason for heel pain.
How to Treat It
This kind of heel pain can be treated using a threefold approach, namely resting your feet, icing your heels and taking anti-inflammatory. However the best thing you can do for this kind of ailment is to wear the most supportive shoes you can. This means wearing flats or high heels as infrequently as possible if you’re a woman. If you enjoy walking or running as part of your fitness regime, try do these activities on a soft surface such as grass or a track as opposed to a sidewalk.


3. Achilles Tendinitis

The Achilles tendon is the largest in the human body. It connects the calves to the heel bones. It can become inflamed following excessive physical activity, such as walking or jogging. Tightened calf muscles can also place strain on the Achilles tendons.
How to Treat It
The exercises as outlined above for plantar fasciitis also work wonders for Achilles tendinitis. Also try massaging your calves and tendons to increase blood flow to the area, as doing so can encourage healing. Consider wearing heel lifts in your shoes. If the pain persists over the course of a few weeks, be sure to see a physician.

4. Stress Fracture
If you happen to have increased the amount of jogging or walking you do, then it can lead to a small crack in the bones of your feet, which is known as a stress fracture. While stress fractures can occur in any of the bones in the human body, the bones in the feet are probably the most prone to them occurring due to the repetitive pounding they receive day after day.
How to Treat It
If you have any sort of suspicion that you have a stress fracture, be sure to see a doctor. In some instances, a diagnosis can be made on the basis of you elaborating your symptoms alone, however an imaging test can also be conducted should he or she need to investigate further. The best remedy for a stress fracture is lots of rest.

  5. Arthritis

This disease causes inflammation of the joints, and can affect your feet, just as it can affect most other parts of your body. The risk of developing arthritis is increased in people who are flat-footed. It generally affects the bones located in the middle of the foot, however it can also affect the heel bone. If you’ve ever had an ankle injury, it’s possible that you might develop post-traumatic arthritis due to cartilage damage sustained in the injury.
How to Treat It
Arthritis is best treated by resting your feet as much as possible and taking anti-inflammatory for pain relief. Ensuring that the muscles in your feet are strong will also help support the joint and lessen the impact placed on it. Also try the stretches as outlined above for plantar fasciitis. Last but not least, see your doctor, who might be able to recommend a shoe insert for stabilizing your foot.