Reduced mineral intake linked to higher dementia risk

January 1, 2013.

The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society recently reported the finding of researchers in Japan of a protective effect for a high intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium against the development of vascular dementia.

For the current study, a team from Kyushu University in Fukuoka analyzed data from 1,081 men and women who were free of dementia upon enrollment in the Hisayama Study, a prospective study of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases among residents of Hisayama, Japan. Dietary survey responses provided information on the intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium.l Over a 17 year follow-up period, 303 participants developed dementia, of which 166 were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and 98 with vascular dementia.

Among those whose calcium intake was among the highest 25 percent of participants, the risk of developing dementia was 36 percent lower than those whose intake was among the lowest fourth. Having a high intake of magnesium conferred a 37 percent lower risk and high potassium was associated with a 48 percent lower risk when compared to those whose intake was among the lowest. Analysis of men and women who had vascular dementia found risk reductions of 76 percent, 74 percent and 80 percent among those whose levels of calcium, magnesium and potassium was among the highest one-fourth of participants. While the risk of Alzheimer's disease was also reduced in association with higher mineral intake, no linear associations were observed.

"To the best of the knowledge of the authors of the current study, this is the first prospective cohort study showing that higher self-reported dietary intakes of potassium, calcium, and magnesium are associated with a lower risk of dementia," Mio Ozawa and colleagues announce. "Further epidemiological and clinical studies are warranted to determine whether a diet rich in these minerals can lessen the future risk of dementia."

Reduced mineral intake linked to higher dementia risk

Pomegranates Provide Natural Arthritis Relief

Danica Collins

Did you know…that pomegranate can help alleviate the pain and discomfort of arthritis and other rheumatoid conditions?

For the 50 million Americans who suffer from arthritis, the pain and stiffness that affects joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones can severely limit the ability to enjoy life and live it fully.

Many conventional treatments for arthritis come with worrisome risks and side effects—but the good news is that natural and proven solutions do exist!

A Tiny Red Solution for Arthritis Pain

According to some exciting new research, the small, juicy red seeds of the pomegranate fruit hold great promise as potent alleviators of rheumatoid arthritis…so you or a loved one afflicted with arthritis can get the most out of life again.

Here are just some of the most impressive examples of recent studies:

• A study published in the Journal of Inflammation and conducted by the University of South Carolina School of Medicine found that pomegranate is able to suppress human mast bosophil cells, which promote inflammatory reactions and encourage the breakdown of cartilage, a common symptom of arthritis.
• Another study conducted by Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland Ohio indicated that pomegranate significantly reduced key chemicals in the inflammatory response —such as the enzyme COX-2 that causes pain and inflammation.
• The Israeli Medical Association Journal recently published a human study made up of 8 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients were treated with 8 mg of pomegranate extract daily for 12 weeks. Their joint status and serum oxidative status were measured at the start and finish of the study. Results showed that across the board patients’ composite Disease Activity Index (DAS28) of arthritis decreased by 17%, tender joint count decreased by 62%, and inflammation markers also dramatically decreased.

An Antioxidant Powerhouse

One of the reasons pomegranates are so useful in being used as a natural arthritis relief is due to their high antioxidant content.

Not all fruits are the same, and results from a recent study rank pomegranates as one of the most potent antioxidant reserves. The study analyzed 10 different antioxidant-rich fruits, including blueberries, acai, concord grapes, and pomegranates.

The pomegranate had an overall antioxidant concentration at least 20% greater than that of other fruits, and the pomegranate has the most of every individual antioxidant!

By fighting free radicals, antioxidants fight disease, because free radicals trigger the #1 cause of virtually every disease: Inflammation! And antioxidants help soothe the chronic inflammation that causes rheumatoid disorders such as arthritis.

A Long History of Healing

Pomegranates have long been praised as an all-natural therapy for heart and joint health, but experts advise that the method of consumption matters greatly.

When treating arthritis with pomegranate therapy, it is best to consume organic and locally grown pomegranates.

If you are battling rheumatoid arthritis, natural health experts recommend that you consider eliminating sugar and grains and only eating unprocessed, organic, and raw food.

Experts also advise that you plenty of omega-3 rich foods and supplement with other natural remedies, such as tumeric, boswellia, ginger, and astaxanthin.

Further Related Reading:

• Pomegranate Benefits The Elixir of Youth Hidden in an Anti-Aging Superfood
• Small But Mighty Fruit – Acai Berry
• Natural Arthritis Treatment By Way of A Green Lipped Mussel

Pomegranates Provide Natural Arthritis Relief

Bigger Belly Means Thinner Bones For Men

Carl Lowe | Dec 31, 2012 | Comments 0

 

The fat around your middle is not a passive passenger in the voyage of life. Aside from pushing on your belt, it pushes up your chances of heart disease. And research now shows that it may be helping drain strength from men’s bones.

“It is important for men to be aware that excess belly fat is not only a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes, it is also a risk factor for bone loss,” says researcher Miriam Bredella, M.D., radiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and associate professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School.

“Most studies on osteoporosis have focused on women. Men were thought to be relatively protected against bone loss, especially obese men.”

Bredellla’s research shows that subcutaneous fat around the middle is linked to weaker bones.

“We were not surprised by our results that abdominal and visceral fat are detrimental to bone strength in obese men,” Bredella says. “We were, however, surprised that obese men with a lot of visceral fat had significantly decreased bone strength compared to obese men with low visceral fat but similar BMI (body mass index).”

Source: Bigger Belly Means Thinner Bones For Men