Professor Herbert Herzog, Director of the Neuroscience Research Program at

Australia-based Garvan Institute of Medical Research, together with scientists

from the US and Slovakia, have done obesity research which have shown that

neuropeptide Y (NPY), a molecule the body releases when stressed, can

‘unlock’ Y2 receptors in the body’s fat cells, stimulating the cells to grow in

size and number. By blocking those receptors, it may be possible to prevent

fat growth, or make fat cells die.

“We have known for over a decade that there is a connection between chronic

stress and obesity,” said Professor Herzog. “We also know that NPY plays a

major role in other chronic stress-induced conditions, such as susceptibility

to infection. Now we have identified the exact pathway, or chain of molecular

events, that links chronic stress with obesity.”
“There is not much we can do about the increased levels of NPY caused by

stress, but we can do something about the damage it causes. If we can

interfere before it causes fat to amass, it could have a major impact on

cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer (which all have links with

obesity). When we have a stress reaction, NPY levels rise in our bodies,

causing our heart rate and blood pressure to go up, among other things.

Stress reactions are normal, unavoidable, and generally serve a useful

purpose in life. It’s when stress is chronic that its effects become damaging,”

he said.
Scientists at Georgetown University (Washington DC), part of this

collaborative study, have found a direct connection between stress, a high

calorie diet and unexpectedly high weight gain. Stressed and unstressed

mice were fed normal diets and high calorie (high fat and high sugar, or so

called comfort food) diets. The mice on normal diets did not become obese.

However, stressed mice on high calorie diets gained twice as much fat as

unstressed mice on the same diet. The novel and unexpected finding was

that when stressed and non-stressed animals ate the same high calorie

foods, the stressed animals utilized and stored fat differently.
“Our findings suggest that we may be able to reverse or fidn treatments for

obesity caused by stress and diet, including the worst kind of obesity; the

apple-shaped type, which makes people more susceptible to heart disease

and diabetes,” said Professor Zofia Zukowska, the senior author of paper

published in Nature Medicine. “Using animal models, in which we have either

blocked the Y2 receptor, or selectively removed the gene from the abdominal

fat cells, we have shown that stressed mice on high calorie diets do not

become obese. Even more surprisingly, in addition to having flatter bellies,

adverse metabolic changes linked to stress and diet, which include glucose

intolerance and fatty liver, became markedly reduced. We do not know yet

exactly how that happens, but the effect was remarkable,” said Professor

Zukowska.
Professor Herzog believes that these research findings will have a profound

effect on the way society will deal with the obesity epidemic. “There are

millions of people around the world who have lived with high levels of stress for

so long their bodies think it’s ‘normal’. If these people also eat a high fat and

high sugar diet, which is what many do as a way to reduce their stress, they

will become obese. Until now, the pharmaceutical industry has focused on

appetite suppressants with only moderate success. Our hope is that in the

near future pharmaceutical companies, using the results of our research, will

develop antagonists against the Y2 receptor that will bring about a reduction

in fat cells.” . This could be a good approach in finding a treatment for obesity

and the key to obesity prevention.

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If your overweight, you may be experiencing back pain.

Traditional medical wisdom has long stated that the firmer the mattress, the better it’s for back pain sufferers.

Now, a Spanish scientific study- published in the prestigious British medical journal The Lancet on November 2003 - strongly suggests that traditional wisdom is wrong.

The study, conducted by Francisco Kovacs of Kovacs Foundation in Palma de Mallorca, has analyzed 313 people with cronic non-specific low back pain, that sleeped on mattresses with different levels of firmness.

After 90 days, the results showed that the medium-firm mattresses outscored the firmer ones by a significant margin, a definitive response and a definitive debunking of traditional wisdom.

But, more important, the study also showed that sleeping on a new mattress, whether it’s very firm or medium-firm, rather than an old one, was associated with more frequent discontinuation of drug treatment and relevant improvement in pain and disability. So, we have the scientific support that replacing an old mattress with a new one can improve back pain.

These results have been recently confirmed by a new, groundbreaking study “Subjective Rating of Perceived Back Pain, Stiffness and Sleep Quality Following Introduction of Medium-Firm Bedding System,” published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine (Winter 2006), authored by Bert Jacobson, EdD, Tia Wallace, MS, and Hugh Gemmell, DC, EdD of Oklahoma State University.

The study shows the critical link between mattress quality and sleep quality, as well as the importance of regular mattress replacement. In fact a new mattress, compared to a 5-7 years old ones, improves sleep quality by 62% and sleep comfort by 70.8%, plus reduced back pain by 55.3% and back stiffness by 50.7% over a four week period. The study has also found that lower back pain was much more prominent for people who sleep on cheaper beds and older beds.

So please, don’t let anyone tell you that sleeping through the night is a luxury: a good night’s sleep is essential to great health! Here are some number.

Recent statistics say 70 millions Americans are affected by sleep problems and the latest scientific researches suggest that our life could depend on sleeping well. Even minor sleep deficits rocket your production of stress hormones. Sleeping less than 6 hours can raise the risk of numerous health problems. Some examples?

An healthy night’s sleep can help your body: manage stress and maintain healthy blood sugar, because sleep deficits increase the levels of cortisol and other stress hormones, and this can have a negative impact on healthy blood sugar levels too; stay at a healthy weight because some studies show that adults who sleep the least appear to be the most likely to gain weight, because sleep deprivation increases levels of two critical hormones involved in regulating food intake - ghrelin and leptin - and this may lead to overeating and weight gain.

Now, we’ve scientific proofs that a new, high quality mattress leads to a good night’s sleep and this leads to an healthier and more productive life. The mattress should be one of the most important investment we ever make…don’t sleep on it!

Oliverio Abitrante - Materassi Sogni d’oro - http://www.materassisognidoro.it

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For many type 2 diabetics their diet has the double duty of not only controlling their blood sugar levels but also losing weight, which is an important step in reducing the risk factors for complications presented by this disease. The diabetic weight loss diet is an important part of keeping glucose levels in check by striking a balance between the carbohydrates, fats, and protein eaten at each meal.

Choosing healthy food is one of the most important parts of anyone’s diet, but for the diabetic it can literally be the difference between life and death. Without proper blood sugar control the list of complications suffered by those with diabetes is quite scary. It is also important to remember that while some people can control their diabetes with diet and exercise, others who are at higher risk may also need to make food choices based on the medications they are currently taking.

For many diabetics trying to figure out the exact amount of carbohydrates they can eat can be a little frustrating. In the past everyone followed the same general guidelines but in recent years that thinking has changed. Diet plans for diabetic are now individualized and are based on each person’s ability to tolerate and maintain good blood sugar control. One thing that helps individuals keep good glucose maintenance is the ability to measure blood sugar levels with personal portable blood glucose monitors that are quick and easy to use. The ultimate goal of a type 2 diabetic diet is to provide the necessary calories and nutrients needed while keeping blood glucose levels in the normal range and allowing the diabetic to lose weight.

The good news is a diabetic diet because of it very nature easily allows those who follow it the ability to lose the weight that can cause so many health problems and may be a contributor to their diabetes. The diet is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and simple sugars while emphasizing leafy green vegetables, fruits in moderation because of their high sugar and starch content, and whole grains high in fiber. Protein from lean sources is also important, particularly those that are high in omega-3 fatty acids such as can be found in certain fish like salmon. A good starting point for anyone with diabetes is the diabetic food pyramid that can be found of the American Diabetes Association website.

Type 2 diabetes is becoming a rapidly increasing epidemic with the current obesity problem that is affecting nearly every region of the world. Because of this being able to control blood glucose levels along with effective weight loss and control is vitally important for anyone who must follow a diabetic weight loss diet.

For more information about a diabetic weight loss diet please visit the web site Diabetic Diet Plans by Clicking Here
 

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The American College of Physicians recently released its guidelines for diagnosing and treating lower back pain. These guidelines are the result of a long and intensive review of research on lower back pain. I have translated them from “doctorese” for you benefit.

1. Treating professionals should take a good history and do a thorough physical exam. The purpose of that exam is to identify which of three categories of back pain you have. The three groups are back pain with no specific cause, back pain with radiculopathy or spinal stenosis, or back pain with some other specific cause.

2. If you are in the first (non-specific) group, your doctor should not order routine imaging tests like x- rays or MRI’s.

3. If your back pain is accompanied by worsening neurological deficits or evidence of some serious underlying medical condition, then the doctor should order diagnostic and imaging tests.

4. If you have lower back pain and radiculopathy, then MRI’s or CT scans should be ordered only if you are a candidate for and epidural injection or surgery.

5. Your doctor should give you evidence-based information on low back pain. This information should include the expected course of their pain, advice to remain active, and a review of possible self-care alternatives.

6. Your doctor should consider medications that have been shown to be effective, and should use them along with self-care options. Medication should be accompanied by an assessment of your pain levels, and you should be advised of all the pros and cons of the medications. Recommended started medications for most people are an NSAID or acetaminophen.

7. If improvement is not seen with this program, your doctor should consider recommending other pain management alternatives. For chronic back pain, this include relaxation, acupuncture, yoga, massage therapy, exercise, and spinal manipulation.

It’s to your advantage to be an informed patient and know these guidelines. They tell you what information your doctor should be getting from you, and what issues should be addressed directly with you as you and your doctor develop your treatment plan.

These guidelines are a summary of those approved by the American Pain Society. They were released in October 2007, and have been published a number of places, including the Annals of Internal Medicine. Consider printing a copy of this article and keeping it for reference, and to discuss with your doctor if you have any questions.

Barry Hughes, Ph.D. is a psychologist and publisher of Chronic Pain Alternatives, which provides “Resources and Information for People with Chronic Pain.” He has built this site using Site Build It!, the easiest way to translate your passion onto the Web.
 

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Human tendency is always to have doubts and suspicion about one thing or the other. Regarding diabetes people have lots of doubts and suspicion, and these doubts generate different myths. It is necessary to understand what are those myths and why one should not believe in them. This article is all about those myths and how incorrect and irrelevant are they. Read it to believe it.

Diabetes simply can be defined as a diesease in which a body is unable to produce or utilize insulin to convert sugar, starch, etc., into energy.

Diabetes Myth no. 1:

A person suffering from diabetes should never exercise

This is not a sin but a crime to spread such rumors. In fact, it is always advised to a diabetic patient to do mild exercise regularly, this will help them to recover completely and even fast. The complications caused to different Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is controlled through doing proper exercises. However, patient should also remember that this has to be started slowly. That is to say patient should do brisk walk, simple exercise, etc., and gradually start some other exercises, but that too should not be dangerous or risky. It is also found that patient who complains of kidney problems or any kind of eye infection should restrict from exercise, but starts once again when these problems are over.

Diabetes Myth no. 2:

Diabetes is contagious.

This again is a crime, as this not only creates problem to the patient but also to the people around him. In fact this rumor makes many diabetic patients unwilling to socialize with normal people, as they feel inferior. Hence, one should know it very clearly that diabetes is not at all contagious and does not spread from one person to another by sleeping, eating, sitting together, etc. Diabetes is a hereditary disaese as there are some genetic causes for it. Diabetes is also very commom among fat people and people who ignores exercise like anything. But whatever may be the cause of diabetes, it is still not communicable or contagious.

Diabetes Myth no. 3

Daibetes causes cough and cold

This is completely incorrect. Diabetes neither is communicable nor spread cough and cold.

Diabetes Myth no 4:

Diabetes may cause brain hemorrhage

Now this is also a very wrong thought, as it creates nothing but much more stress and confusion among the patients. When a diabetic patient keeps fasts, he may complain of a severe headache and extreme weakness. All these symptoms let people to assume that it is due and diabetes which gradually will result in brain hemorrhage. However, it is not at all correct and should not be believed. It is also found that children suffering from diabetes may suffer severe headache when they fast, and thus may effect their brain slightly, still it will never cause a brain hemorrhage.

Diabetes Myth no 5:

Say no to fruits

It is not correct. People suffering from disease, in fact should take various fruits, which are healthy. However, all fruits may not sound healthy, so patient should consult the doctor and dietician to know what all is suitable for a diabetic patient.

Diabetes Myth no 6:

Diabetic patient should never touch sweet and sugar content-food

It is a very common and wrong notion that a diabetic patient should strictly avoid sweets and other sugar containing foods. It is true that they should not take excess sweets, sugar, etc. However, a balanced diet including a sweet dessert or sweets is always acceptable. It is also said that if a diabetic patient do exercise, take balanced diet food, they can take one sugar candy every night. Here one should also remember that it is not his excess eating of sugar candies that caused diabetes, but because of his unhealthy practices, also lack of exercises and genetic reasons that cause diabetes.

Dr John Anne is a herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on Herbs and Alternative health. For more helpful information read about Diabetes Myths at Diabetes Treatment Website. Also read about Type 1 Diabetes Treatment

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