Alzheimer’s Study May Help Diagnose Prevention Early On

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A breakthrough research is showing promise in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease at its early stages that could someday lead to possible prevention of the disease.

In a study conducted by the Boston Children’s Hospital that was recently published in the journal Science., it revealed that the loss of brain synapses among Alzheimer’s patients may occur sooner than was previously expected.

Alzheimer’s is primarily caused by proteins building up in the brain that forms neural structures called “plaques” or “tangles”, that as time passes disconnects nerve cells and eventual loss of brain tissues.

Research lead neurologist Beth Stevens pointed out that their study shows the that synapse loss occurs much earlier through a process called synapse elimination that occurs usually around the time sexual maturity ends in a new-born child’s cycle.

This is also the time when the human brain undergoes a process of removing eliminating neuronal structures in the brain that is no longer important.

Previous theories contend that as the brain develops, it responds to complex structures by strengthening it and eliminates unwanted or simple neurons that serve no function.

But according to Stevens, their research on test mice indicated that the developmental process has gone haywire where some immune cells are ‘eating’ connections between neurons.

Stevens said that a type of glial cell called microglia are feasting on synapses early on through the progression of Alzheimer’s and with the use of two mice subjects, they used an antibody to block one mouse’s brain from setting a microglial feast by pruning the affected neuron and found that they did not lose the synapse.

She concluded that this synapse pruning process could be responsible for the progression of Alzheimer’s in an adult patient’s brain.

Many scientific communities hail this discovery as a breakthrough in understanding the disease and allow science to look for ways to counter its damaging effects in the near future.

The findings were published just days after study findings also corroborate that exercise can regain youthful functions by as much as a decade.

Data from the Alzheimer’s Association, show that more than 5 million Americans are suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and is the 6^th leading cause of deaths in the United States.

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The Low Down On Lyme Disease

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Although Lyme disease may not be rampant, some areas that are highly affected like the northeast and upper Midwest territories continue to suffer from the debilitating disease and until today, no cure has been discovered.

In an article recently published by Forbes, Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science and Biostatistics at Johns Hopkins University Steven Salzberg , said that for the past 15 years, researches and studies may only have  scratched the surface in developing a cure for Lyme disease.

Salzberg, in his article, pointed out that antibiotic treatments have not been successful in treating the symptoms of the disease that include joint pain and fatigue, hinting that long-term antibiotic use could even prove harmful .

In a separate study from the New England Journal of Medicine, it showed that study participants with Lyme disease showed improvement after an initial antibiotic therapy, but some 10 to 20 percent of test subjects continued to suffer symptoms of fatigue, musculoskeletal  pain, lack of customary mental functions and disrupted sleep.

The researchers of the study highlighted that the study performed through 12 weeks of therapy using doxycycline or clarithromycin plus hydroxychloroquine did not yield any additional benefit with regards to serial mental health and physical quality of life measures that are related to health.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called borrelia burgdoreferi that is transmitted through tick bites.

The Center for Disease Control reported that the estimated number of reported cases is close to 300,000, which can be attributed to the disease being spread from person to person as infected ticks also get to travel through their hosts.

Lyme disease may still be concentrated in some US territories alone, but this is more prevalent in Europe.

Salzberg hopes that doctors try to shift their medical approach on therapy instead of relying too much on long-term antibiotic treatment which may cause more damaging side effects of the antibiotic drugs used for long periods.

Taking too much antibiotics may cause unwanted side effects in the human body, specifically major internal organs and even the immune system.

It was discovered that use of antibiotics, especially overuse, could lead to a bevy of problems ranging from glucose metabolism, immune system, behavior and food digestion. Scientists also link it to increased obesity and stress.

It has also been found to kill intestinal epithelial cells that helps the body absorb glucose, water and other essential nutrients into the bloodstream.

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4 Moves To Develop Your V-Taper

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Anyone who is serious about training desires to obtain that aesthetically-tapered body, the kind that creates the illusion of perfectly sculpted shoulders and broad laterals leading down to a thin, tight waist.

The v-taper depends largely on genetics, if those traits were not genetically handed to you then your focus must be placed on musculature features which will visually enhance that hourglass look you desire which is the v-taper. Being able to create a narrow waist to the extent dictated by the anatomy of your body will depend largely on your general fat loss methodologies, you must have diet and training programs that go hand in hand with your goals.

There are many ways and moves to build your v-taper and reach your aesthetic goals. The best way to visually enhance the apparent inconsistency is by focusing mainly on developing wide lateral muscles. The broadest muscle on your back is called the Latissimus Dorsi, it expands in a wing like fashion from your upper arm (humerus) down to your hip (posterior iliac crest). Being able to properly develop this very large muscle brings about a positive cycle of expanding your laterals and contracting your waist, as each muscle perpetuates the other in the opposite direction.

Generally we turn to those who have already reached the physical goals we seek and physically personify the body type we hope to attain. I believe that seeking advice from someone who has been able to achieve quite an impressive physique against all genetic limitations.

Although I was very muscular for many years I had almost no lateral muscle, I did not resemble an action figure but looked more like a bookshelf. I was not going to give up on my goals to have an aesthetically-tapered physique and although it took me years to develop my once nonexistent laterals I was able to reach my goal.

There are four exercise that are a must do on my back day. Do bear in mind that three days out of the week are dedicated to my back and have been for the last two years. It is important to start off at the minimum required amount in order to achieve the adaptation benchmarks. These four exercises are specific moves to build your v-taper.

First Exercise: Triple Pull-Up Superset

Sequence:

• Wide Grip = Ten Reps
• Neutral Grip = Ten Reps
• Reverse/Supinated Grip = Ten Rips

Each grip should have you approaching failure, naturally you will become stronger with each variation that follows.

Tip: It is best to use a pull up device that is free standing, if you need assistance you can use a pull-up machine. If you begin to fail the assisted pull up machine will help you to continue performing full repetitions. It is best to select the assistance level that will give you the most work capacity.

Second Exercise: Seat Elevated Neutral Grip Cable Row

Sequence:

• Four x 8/15 drop set.

If the load modification simply means moving a pin will add some techniques to intensify, also known as drop sets. This is to get simulation throughout fiber types and reach metabolic demands.

Tip: It is best to use an attachment that is a close-grip V-handle, you can use a stepper or any device which is flat and is around six to ten inches tall, place this on top of the bench. This modifies your seat height and creates a natural plane of movement which will begin at your elbows positioned below your rib cage and ending with each oblique being touched by the hands.

Third Exercise: Angle Elevated Neutral Grip Cable Row

Sequence:

• 4 x 15 reps

Tips: A single arm cable should be used, one with a mobile dock that is locked at the very top of the cable column. On the same side as the action arm go down to one knee, this locks your hip and prevents over rotative compensation. The movement should start with the elbow on the same course as your hips, not your ribs. The shoulder and scapular depression should be emphasized, do not emphasize the engagement of the biceps.

Fourth Exercise: Straight Arm Lateral Pull Down/Over

Sequence: The following equipment should be varies with each workout: Cable rope, dumbbell, cable straight bar and cable v-bar. On each variation the elbows angle should be maintained in a soft almost straight position, the concentration in the laterals should be isolated through the eccentric and concentric phases of every repetition.

By incorporating these four moves to build your v-taper into your back routine I can guarantee you will begin to see results. Many factors come into play with these four exercises, you are using various angles to stimulate the lateral muscles, you are managing control factors, you are using a combination of isolated and compound moves and increasing volume throughout various levels of intensity. If you keep it up and faithfully use these moves to build your v-taper you will have the body you desire in no time.

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Muscle Facts: The Impact of Glutamine

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Not a day goes by in which some new supplement is introduced into the market. Whether promoting the growth and repair of your muscles, providing energy, increasing endurance or weight loss there is always something new. One of these such supplements is glutamine which is quite popular in the world of fitness and bodybuilding.

This amino acid is a must have for every athlete being as when combined with a balanced and nutritious diet it is great for building muscle, improving your recovery time and also helps keep your digestive system healthy.

Glutamine is popular among weightlifters, MMA fighters , bodybuilders, endurance athletes as well as fitness buffs and celebrities that use the power of glutamine to build muscle and shorten their recovery time. This is something that can be purchased by those who go to the gym in the form of glutamine supplements, protein powders and recovery formulas all which contain this powerful amino acid.

What is the Importance of Glutamine?

Many studies have shown that there are countless health benefits associated with glutamine and bodybuilding. Regardless of whether you are looking to increase muscle mass, strengthen, become leaner this should be the one supplement you do not go without.

L-glutamine is an actual component of the structural elements of RNA as well as DNA and is key in protein synthesis as well as the regulation of the levels of ammonia in your body. Fifty to sixty percent of your muscle components are made up of this compound and it is also found in your lungs, blood, tissue, liver and even brain.

Finally after two decades we realize that exercise makes our muscles release a large amount of glutamine. Your levels of glutamine storage can drop as much as fifty percent when you work out. If your workouts are intense, if you are fasting or of you have undergone surgery then these levels are literally drained. It is important not to forget the power of glutamine and stock up on it whether it be through your diet or with additional supplements.

You can find this much needed amino acid in milk, nuts and meat but these products and other food proteins only contain less than eight percent glutamine. Your body uses glutamine as food so certain activities can cause your intercellular storage areas to become consumed.

Bodybuilders, athletes or those who live an active life require higher levels of glutamine consumption and must supplement their diet as needed. Studies have shown that muscle glutamine lost during exercise can take up to twenty four hours to get back up to their pre-workout levels.

Due to intense exercise and over training many athletes have lower levels of glutamine in their body. Higher levels of training as well as intensity on combination with low levels of glutamine can have a negative effect on your immune system. A weak immune system can lead to infections as well as diseases so the right amount of intake is crucial to maintaining a strong well working immune system, proper digestion as well as muscle repair.

Researchers over the last few years have realized that the immune systems of athletes and bodybuilders are quite weak. Research has shown that in order for the immune system to be strong it is necessary that it has plenty of glutamine being as it consumes it in large amounts. If you are not consuming enough amino acids then your risk of acquiring diseases is increased you are also prone to muscle loss and decreased strength.

The Power of Glutamine and Its Benefits to Your Health

• Protected immune system
• Contribution of protein synthesis
• Stimulation of glycogen formation
• Sparing of heavy chain myosin proteins
• Increases the levels of hormone growth
• Has strong anti-catabolic effects
• Helps in the digestive process
• Better physical performance
• Increases the speed in which muscles recover
• Aids in the building of lean muscle

The power of glutamine is not only beneficial to your muscular system as well as the function of your immune system but it is also highly recommended for those struggling with colitis, stomach ulcers, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome and any other illnesses which can cause the muscles to waste. It is also a great regulator of acid-bases and gluconeogenesis.

Leukocytes use this amino acid at high rates in order to help stimulate the growth of new cells. The levels of glutamine i your muscles directly impact the rate of glycogen and protein synthesis so it is obvious that this compound has quite an effect on your entire body. By adding I-glutamine to your diet you will not only strengthen your immune system but also help better your recovery time after working out.

How Much Glutamine is Needed?

Glutamine is a crucial supplement for bodybuilders and athletes and the amount of daily intake varies between five to twenty grams depending on your level of activity. This dosage can be increased or decreased as needed and taken at key points throughout the day, Some people prefer to take it before exercising others after and some right before bed.

There is a difference between glutamine and glutamic acid, gluten, glutamate, monosodium glutamate or glutathione. You can find this popular amnio in either a pill or powder form and although cycling glutamine is unnecessary it should be a supplement you continue to consume so as to keep the storage areas of your body stocked full. Do not forget the importance of the power of glutamine in your life.

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Feeling Down? Activate Your Happy Hormones

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Now who does not want to feel good? Of course everyone does and when there are times that you think you are feeling down but could not really understand the reason why, then it’s time to step back and try to tap into your biological mood changers.

The human body is unique in the sense that if some part may not function properly, other parts would function together to help compensate and here are some proven tips on what to do the next time you start to feel under the weather.

You may want to start your day with activating your serotonin or your ‘happiness’ hormones that regulates our memory, mood and behaviour.

The body requires an amino acid to called tryptophan to produce enough serotonin hormones in the brain to help you feel ‘happy’ and natural foods that help activate tryptophan are cashews, free range or organic whole eggs, legumes, lentils, grass fed meat, tempeh, tofu, chia seeds, oily wild-caught fish, organic cheese, buckwheat and oats.

If you may have a little room to spare for some additional carbohydrates in your body, you may want to add these into your diet as well as these helps increase your serotonin hormones as well.

Studies have proven that carbs help the brain’s uptake tryptophan and increase serotonin levels that affect your mood.

The lack of vitamin D is known for its link to Seasonal Affective Disorder which ails people who were subjected to long periods of winter months and have little exposure to sunshine and makes for gloomy dispositions and depressing moods.

Soaking some sunshine into the body is highly beneficial and is strongly recommended. Food sources of vitamin D are oily fish, liver, full fat dairy products and egg yolks.

You can also increase your serotonin levels by moving around, be it a short walking activity or a regular exercise routine, outdoor walks give you the chance to interact with your environment and allowing you some time to break the monotony of a daily humdrum.

Also make sure to get some sleep. This may help out a lot in allowing the body to rest and allow the brain to also recharge. So when you start to feel down, try  clearing your schedule to take some rest, maybe cook dinner early and turn off your phones and spend some ‘me’ time to catch up on reading and unwind, then try to get a full length of uninterrupted sleep and surely you will feel better the following day.

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Tuberculosis Research Labs Are Now Using Rats

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We often associate rats as being scourges of society – pests that are always not welcome inside our homes, but science has found a way for them to contribute something to mankind that we might someday appreciate.

What we would have thought as disease carrying vermin – giant rates are now being used in East African prisons to help determine people who may be positive with tuberculosis and have so far been highly successful in doing so.

This revolutionary detection system uses the rats’ heightened sense of smell to sniff out disease, according to a Belgian non-government organization APOPO, who is currently taking the lead in this initiative having some 50 fully trained African giant pouched rats.

The rats were trained for nine months in the group’s headquarters in Morogoro, Tanzania and can sniff through 100 sputum samples in 20 minutes, which would take up to two days for the conventional methods.

The testing process poses no harm or danger to the rats as the phlegm samples are placed in a heated autoclave to kill potential pathogens that could pose any risk or harm to the rats or their handlers, where the samples are lined up and the rats are made to do their work in sniffing the samples.

The slides where the rats are found to hover over for more than three seconds are the ones suspected with tuberculosis and are sent to the laboratory for further analysis.

Laboratory technicians claimed that the rat tests are extremely accurate and APOPO confirms that accuracy rating is at 100 percent.

The rats however, could not determine normal or drug-resistant strains and would need to have the samples turned over to the laboratory for this.

APOPO recently reported that they have so far screened some 344,919 samples for tuberculosis and were able to treat 39.920 cases.

APOPO US Director Charlie Richter, said that they believe this TB detection technology will be a good alternative to speed up mass screenings, as well as help save health programs from millions of dollars in annual mass screening processes.

“We aim to expand the program to all prisons, shantytowns and factories in high TB-burden countries, as well as with high risk groups who have HIV/ AIDS, thus improve and save lives around the world at a low cost,” Richter said.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that one third of the world’s population is positive for tuberculosis and is a leading cause of deaths for persons with HIV.

Image Credit: Maarten Boersema/APOPO’s HeroRATs 

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Drinking Too Much Caffeine May Be Hazardous To Your Health

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You may need to consider thinking twice about downing too much cups of coffee in one day, especially if you are not aware of how much caffeine the body needs to have in a day – and not drop more.

Health experts are now hoping to in still awareness on the public to know the maximum amount of caffeine the body needs as it could also be potentially dangerous to health.

In a study released by the Mayo Clinic, the recommended limit of caffeine should not exceed 400 milligrams daily, which is approximately equivalent to four cups of regular brewed coffee, around 10 cans of soda or two small bottles or energy drinks.

Within the prescribed amounts, caffeine is safe for adults but is not recommended for children and adolescents should not have more than 100 milligrams of caffeine in a day.

Numerous tests have proven that too much consumption of caffeine may cause a variety of symptoms from palpitations, uncontrollable tremors and side effects when taken with other maintenance medication.

Having too much caffeine in excess of 500 to 600 milligrams a day could cause some side effects like insomnia, rapid heartbeat, muscle tremors, heartburn, upset stomach, irritability, restlessness and nervousness.

There are also people who are sensitive to caffeine that even small amounts could cause them to experience side effects like insomnia and restlessness.

If you are taking medication or supplements, take note of the following formulas that react to caffeine;

Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin – both common antibacterial formulas – are believed to react with caffeine and may prolong or even amplify the side effects in the body.

Theophylline is a bronchodilator that contracts the bronchial airways by relaxing the surrounding muscles. Researchers believe that theophylline taken with additional amounts of caffeine may increase its concentration in the blood and could cause nausea, vomiting or heart palpitations.

The herbal supplement Echinacea which is sometimes used to prevent colds and infections could also increase concentrations in the blood and amplify the effects of caffeine in the body.

So if you are taking maintenance drugs, make sure to consult with your doctor.

Always pay attention to what you drink and start reading through nutritional values and ingredients on labels to let you know what it contains and at what amounts.

For coffee drinkers, you may choose decaffeinated coffee varieties or you can shorten brewing times to minimize concentrations in the blood.

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