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Prenatal Pesticide Exposure Linked to Changes in Teen’s Brain Activity
A new study using advanced brain imaging is one of the first to reveal how exposure to organophosphate pesticides (OPs) changes the brain. Over 800 million pounds of pesticide active ingredients are applied in the USA each year, and OPs are the most common type of insecticides among them. The predominant route of exposure to…
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Current Advice about Eating Fish
The FDA and EPA have published advice on eating fish, a protein-rich food recommended for everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, women planning to conceive, and children who are 2 years and older. This resource states that eating fish may also offer heart health benefits and lower the risk of obesity. FDA seafood recommendations are…
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Breakthrough Microbiome Study Links Gut Health with Autism
A study published in Nature revealed that improving the gut microbiota could be a potential target in addressing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While it is known that the gut microbiota impacts health in many ways, it seems that modulating gut bacteria may also help to mitigate autism symptoms.
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New Paper Reveals Three Finite Vascular Responses that Cause Cardiovascular Disease
New research by Mark C. Houston, MD, MS, MSc, FACP, FAHA, FASH, FACN, FAARM, DABC, Director of the Hypertension Institute and Vascular Biology, provided a comprehensive, logical and in-depth approach to the treatment of heart disease. He stated “Approximately 80% of coronary heart disease (CHD) can be prevented by optimal nutrition, optimal exercise, optimal weight…
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Can You Sleep Extra Hours on the Weekend to Repay Your Sleep Debt?
Sleeping more on the weekend to recover from sleep lost during a busy workweek is very common. Yet, recent study findings suggest that sleeping more on the weekend is not an effective strategy, and still leads to metabolic dysregulation and a higher risk of metabolic problems such as obesity and diabetes. The study examined the…
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Newly Discovered Metronome Neuron Cells
A recent study carried out by Brown University neuroscientists discovered new metronome neuron cells in the brain. This exciting discovery may shed light on the brain’s long-hypothesized internal clock and possible methods to increase sensitivity in the brain. The metronome neuron cells oscillate at approximately 40 cycles per second, which makes them “gamma waves” or…
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One Episode of Binge Drinking Can Alter Genes that Affect Sleep
Just one episode of binge drinking can alter your sleep genes. That was the shocking finding of a study released by the University of Missouri School of Medicine. The study was intended to understand the mechanisms of how sleep deprivation may contribute to alcoholism in humans. It explored how binge drinking effects sleep, which it…
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Relax with Passionflower
Passiflora caerulea, also known as blue passionflower, is one of the most vigorous and tender members the passionflower genus Passiflora. Native to South America, its traditional use has been as an anxiolytic. According to the American Botanical Council, the components of the fruit and flower that confer therapeutic benefits include maltol, chrysin, coumarin derivatives, flavonoids…
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L-Theanine Assists the Transition From Waking to Sleeping
The physiological process of falling asleep does not happen “in a moment.” It is a gradual transition that involves moving from an alert mental state, characterized by beta brain waves, to a relaxed one, signified by alpha brain waves, until finally entering the theta waves of light sleep. Several human clinical studies have shown that…
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Vacation is Good for the Heart
A new medical study from Syracuse University led by Bryce Hruska and Brooks Gump revealed the tangible heart protective effects of going on vacation. We all “feel” the benefits of vacation, but are yet to fully understand the underlying mechanisms behind the health benefits. To assess the health of the participants the researchers monitored markers…