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THE LATEST RESEARCH Healthy Diet
in Midlife Linked to Healthy Aging
P
eople who maintained a healthy diet rich in plant-based
foods with a low-to-moderate intake of animal-based foods, and an even lower intake of ultra-processed foods, have higher odds of reaching age 70 free of major chronic diseases, with cognitive, physical, and mental health maintained. That’s according to a study published in Nature Medicine that followed 105,000 men and women for 30 years, during which they regularly completed dietary questionnaires. Participants with the healthiest diet had an 86% greater likelihood of healthy aging at 70 years and a
STRESS CAN LEAD TO ALZHEIMER’S IN WOMEN Scientists from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio discovered that high levels of the stress hormone cortisol in midlife are linked to increased amounts of amyloids — incorrectly folded proteins that form deposits in tissues and organs, including the brain, and are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Postmenopausal hormone changes may amplify cortisol’s eff ects on amyloid, according to the researchers.
2.2-fold higher likelihood of healthy aging at 75 compared to those who had low-quality diets. Higher intake of ultra-processed
foods, especially processed meat and sugary and diet beverages, was associated with lower chances of healthy aging.
Midlife Weight Loss Leads to Longer, Healthier Lives
A
study from the University of Helsinki found that overweight men and women who lost
an average of 6.5% of their body weight in early middle age and maintained it for the 12-to-35- year follow-up period lived longer, healthier lives. “Lifestyle changes can lead to major health improvements and a longer life,” said Timo Strandberg, M.D., Ph.D. “This is particularly important today as more people are overweight than when the collection of our research data began 35 years ago.”
CHEMOTHERAPY: PROBIOTICS REDUCE SIDE EFFECTS While chemotherapy is often used to
treat breast cancer, it has a high risk of side eff ects, such as fatigue, weakness, and a compromised immune system. A study published in Pharmacia found that multi- strain probiotics can fight fatigue and nausea in women being treated for breast cancer. Significant improvement was observed in the ability to perform activities of daily living, which could be related to the improvement in fatigue and weakness.
LONGEVITY: SOCIAL ACTIVITIES CAN PROLONG LIFE A study published in the Journal of the
American Geriatrics Society found that people aged 60 and older who participate in social activities live longer. High social engagement was linked to a 42% lower risk of death when compared to those with low social engagement. Charity work, engaging with grandchildren, and participation in sports or social clubs were particularly significant predictors of a reduced risk of dying.
DEPRESSION: CHRONIC ILLNESSES DOUBLE ODDS Living with two or more chronic conditions
can more than double the risk for depression, according to researchers from the University of Edinburgh. People with both heart disease and diabetes were found to be at high risk, as were those with chronic lung conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Liver and bowel conditions also showed a noticeable link to depression in both men and women.
PAIN: POOR ORAL HEALTH LINKED WITH BODY PAIN AND MIGRAINES Researchers at the University of Sydney
have linked poor oral health with migraines and abdominal and body pain in women. Those with the poorest oral health were 60% more likely to experience moderate to severe body pain, and 49% more likely to experience migraine headaches. “This is the first study to investigate oral health, oral microbiota, and pain commonly experienced in women with fibromyalgia, with our study showing a clear and significant association between poor oral health and pain,” said Joanna Harnett, Ph.D.
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