A análise do NHS (que é o SNS do Reino Unido) às notícias que circularam recentemente (o estudo é muito preliminar, não estava disponível para análise e ainda é muito cedo para se saber se poderá ser utilizado para construir o tal "breathaliser"):
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2017/01January/Pages/breath-test-shows-potential-for-detecting-cancer.aspx
Citando:
"The study is currently only available as a published protocol and poster presentation with accompanying press release. A full study publication is not available so we can't fully critique the methods and analysis.
Worldwide, OGC cancers account for around 1.4 million diagnoses a year but diagnosis tends to be late and therefore survival rates are low.
At the moment these cancers can only be diagnosed using endoscopy, which involves a camera attached to a flexible tube being passed down the throat. The procedure can be uncomfortable and is costly to the NHS.
A breath test that is able to identify the "chemical signature" of a cancer could be an ideal way to indicate a cancer diagnosis and help decide whether further invasive investigations are needed. It would hopefully enable more patients to be diagnosed at an earlier stage of the disease."
terça-feira, 31 de janeiro de 2017
segunda-feira, 30 de janeiro de 2017
Sobre o Sodium Benzoate (E211, Benzoato de Sódio)
Sobre o E211 que me apareceu como conservante nuns insuspeitos pickles de manga picantes indianos (bem salgados por sinal):
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_benzoate
Referências finais interessantes: (como funciona como conservante - alterando a alcalinidade) e interacções com outros ingredientes (Vitamina C ou E300 e outros), formação de benzeno (potencialmente cancerígeno) e a remoção generalizada de bebidas.
Citando:
"[Mecanismo de preservação] The mechanism starts with the absorption of benzoic acid into the cell. If the intracellular pH falls to 5 or lower, the anaerobic fermentation of glucose through phosphofructokinase decreases sharply, which inhibits the growth and survival of microorganisms that cause food spoilage."
(...)
"A paper published in the March 2015 Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found that sodium benzoate has been replaced by potassium sorbate in the majority of soft drinks in the United Kingdom to avoid the use of anything the consumer might consider an additive, particularly in connection with colours and preservatives.
Association with benzene in soft drinks:
In combination with ascorbic acid (vitamin C, E300), sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate may form benzene, a known carcinogen. When tested by the FDA, most beverages that contained both ascorbic acid and benzoate had benzene levels that were below those considered dangerous for consumption by the World Health Organization (5 ppb).
Most of the beverages that tested higher have been reformulated and subsequently tested below the safety limit.
Heat, light and shelf life can increase the rate at which benzene is formed."
Fonte: Wikipedia (e cada uma das frases tem citação disponível no artigo original, editado por brevidade).
Actualizado: 2017-01-31 com detalhes do mec.pres. e benzeno.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_benzoate
Referências finais interessantes: (como funciona como conservante - alterando a alcalinidade) e interacções com outros ingredientes (Vitamina C ou E300 e outros), formação de benzeno (potencialmente cancerígeno) e a remoção generalizada de bebidas.
Citando:
"[Mecanismo de preservação] The mechanism starts with the absorption of benzoic acid into the cell. If the intracellular pH falls to 5 or lower, the anaerobic fermentation of glucose through phosphofructokinase decreases sharply, which inhibits the growth and survival of microorganisms that cause food spoilage."
(...)
"A paper published in the March 2015 Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found that sodium benzoate has been replaced by potassium sorbate in the majority of soft drinks in the United Kingdom to avoid the use of anything the consumer might consider an additive, particularly in connection with colours and preservatives.
Association with benzene in soft drinks:
In combination with ascorbic acid (vitamin C, E300), sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate may form benzene, a known carcinogen. When tested by the FDA, most beverages that contained both ascorbic acid and benzoate had benzene levels that were below those considered dangerous for consumption by the World Health Organization (5 ppb).
Most of the beverages that tested higher have been reformulated and subsequently tested below the safety limit.
Heat, light and shelf life can increase the rate at which benzene is formed."
Fonte: Wikipedia (e cada uma das frases tem citação disponível no artigo original, editado por brevidade).
Actualizado: 2017-01-31 com detalhes do mec.pres. e benzeno.
sábado, 28 de janeiro de 2017
Carência de vitamina B3 e demência?
Nos homens é uma suspeita, nos ratos foi confirmado (e devido a uma alimentação baseada apenas em milho por falta de mais diversidade em França):
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/28/frances-wild-hamsters-being-turned-into-crazed-cannibals-by-diet-of-corn#img-1
Citando:
"The monotonous diet is leaving the animals starving, scientists discovered almost by accident. The problem is a lack of vitamins. In fact, one in particular: B3, or niacin.
Researchers led by Mathilde Tissier at the University of Strasbourg had set out to determine whether hamster diet affects their ability to reproduce in the wild.
Earlier work had looked at the impact of pesticides and mechanised ploughing, which can destroy their underground homes, especially during hibernation in winter. But the possible link with what they eat remained unexplored."
(...)
"In a second set of experiments, they offered hamsters corn-based diets, one of them with B3 added. Sure enough, the vitamin-enriched diet was enough to eliminate the horrific symptoms, and prevent the female hamsters from eating their young.
The dire consequences of the B3-deficient corn diet, the scientists concluded, stemmed not from reduced maternal hormones, but rather a change in the nervous system that induced the same “dementia-like” behaviour diagnosed in humans."
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/28/frances-wild-hamsters-being-turned-into-crazed-cannibals-by-diet-of-corn#img-1
Citando:
"The monotonous diet is leaving the animals starving, scientists discovered almost by accident. The problem is a lack of vitamins. In fact, one in particular: B3, or niacin.
Researchers led by Mathilde Tissier at the University of Strasbourg had set out to determine whether hamster diet affects their ability to reproduce in the wild.
Earlier work had looked at the impact of pesticides and mechanised ploughing, which can destroy their underground homes, especially during hibernation in winter. But the possible link with what they eat remained unexplored."
(...)
"In a second set of experiments, they offered hamsters corn-based diets, one of them with B3 added. Sure enough, the vitamin-enriched diet was enough to eliminate the horrific symptoms, and prevent the female hamsters from eating their young.
The dire consequences of the B3-deficient corn diet, the scientists concluded, stemmed not from reduced maternal hormones, but rather a change in the nervous system that induced the same “dementia-like” behaviour diagnosed in humans."
sexta-feira, 27 de janeiro de 2017
Detecção de Sulfitos nos alimentos?
Os sulfitos (SO2) estão em muitos lados: No vinho, na fruta (uvas), em certos pós de caril, etc.
É possível detectar em que quantidades e no momento (ou quase)?
Talvez (artigo científico):
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222433101_Simple_methods_for_rapid_determination_of_sulfite_in_food_products
Citando:
PRA-formaldehyde method
DTNB method
FFR: Pesquisa de aplicações no mercado
É possível detectar em que quantidades e no momento (ou quase)?
Talvez (artigo científico):
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222433101_Simple_methods_for_rapid_determination_of_sulfite_in_food_products
Citando:
PRA-formaldehyde method
DTNB method
FFR: Pesquisa de aplicações no mercado
Ai a acrilamida (potencialmente cancerígena) e o McDonald's
http://www.counselheal.com/articles/31468/20170126/mcdonalds-taking-steps-reduce-cancer-causing-chemicals-food.htm
Citando:
"McDonald's reported to have been taking measures in the reduction of acrylamide in its food. For the past decade they have changed the variety and type of potatoes they use that have less starch. They have introduced new storage methods and processing conditions to limit the risk of acrylamide formation.
Acrylamide is formed when sugars and proteins in starchy foods are roasted, fried, baked or toasted. It causes a chemical reaction at high temperatures around 120 degrees Celsius and above."
(...)
"FSA experts have also advised not to store potatoes in the fridge, this is a process called cold sweetening because cold temperatures can increase formation of acrylamide. The longer the potatoes are kept in the fridge the greater the risks.
Some critics argued that the acrylamide health effects on humans are extremely weak. Animal studies have linked acrylamide health risks but there are no current studies that have strong evidence any link of these risks to humans."
Citando:
"McDonald's reported to have been taking measures in the reduction of acrylamide in its food. For the past decade they have changed the variety and type of potatoes they use that have less starch. They have introduced new storage methods and processing conditions to limit the risk of acrylamide formation.
Acrylamide is formed when sugars and proteins in starchy foods are roasted, fried, baked or toasted. It causes a chemical reaction at high temperatures around 120 degrees Celsius and above."
(...)
"FSA experts have also advised not to store potatoes in the fridge, this is a process called cold sweetening because cold temperatures can increase formation of acrylamide. The longer the potatoes are kept in the fridge the greater the risks.
Some critics argued that the acrylamide health effects on humans are extremely weak. Animal studies have linked acrylamide health risks but there are no current studies that have strong evidence any link of these risks to humans."
Carência de vitamina A na mãe pode afectar Alzheimer no filho 65 anos depois?
Parece que sim (em ratos):
http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/alzheimers-begin-womb-because-mums-9700947
Alimentos ricos em vitamina A (citação):
"Foods rich in the vitamin include sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, grapefuit, mango, watermelon and apricots.
Other good sources are cod liver oil, liver and kidney. Smaller amounts are found in butter, full fat dairy products and margarine, oily fish and eggs."
Citando:
"In experiments on mice, his team found even a mild deficiency of vitamin A boosted production of amyloid beta in the brain.
This is one of the rogue proteins believed to be responsible for dementia by forming plaques that smother and destroy neurons, leading to loss of memory and confusion.
Mice that did not get enough vitamin A in the womb and infancy in the womb and infancy performed worse as adults on a standard test of learning and memory.
The researchers said these early developmental stages are crucial periods during which brain tissue is “programmed” for the rest of a person’s life."
http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/alzheimers-begin-womb-because-mums-9700947
Alimentos ricos em vitamina A (citação):
"Foods rich in the vitamin include sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, grapefuit, mango, watermelon and apricots.
Other good sources are cod liver oil, liver and kidney. Smaller amounts are found in butter, full fat dairy products and margarine, oily fish and eggs."
Citando:
"In experiments on mice, his team found even a mild deficiency of vitamin A boosted production of amyloid beta in the brain.
This is one of the rogue proteins believed to be responsible for dementia by forming plaques that smother and destroy neurons, leading to loss of memory and confusion.
Mice that did not get enough vitamin A in the womb and infancy in the womb and infancy performed worse as adults on a standard test of learning and memory.
The researchers said these early developmental stages are crucial periods during which brain tissue is “programmed” for the rest of a person’s life."
quinta-feira, 26 de janeiro de 2017
Ansiedade e depressão relacionados com morte por cancro
https://stv.tv/news/scotland/1379060-anxiety-could-heighten-risk-of-dying-from-cancer-study-finds/
Citando:
"Dr David Batty from University College London, the lead author, said: "After statistical control for these factors, the results show that compared with people in the least distressed group, death rates in the most distressed group were consistently higher for cancer of the bowel, prostate, pancreas, and oesophagus and for leukaemia."
The researchers said the study did not prove distress definitely caused increased death, and it may be that undiagnosed cancer lowers people's mood."
Citando:
"Dr David Batty from University College London, the lead author, said: "After statistical control for these factors, the results show that compared with people in the least distressed group, death rates in the most distressed group were consistently higher for cancer of the bowel, prostate, pancreas, and oesophagus and for leukaemia."
The researchers said the study did not prove distress definitely caused increased death, and it may be that undiagnosed cancer lowers people's mood."
Nova combinação de drogas prolonga um pouco a esperança de vida (Cancro Pâncreas)
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2017/01January/Pages/New-drug-treatment-for-pancreatic-cancer-extends-survival.aspx
Citando:
"The trial showed people lived an average of 2.5 months longer if they took two drugs than if they took just one. Pancreatic cancer has a poor outlook compared with many other cancers.
Using information from the study, researchers estimated that the chances of people living for five years were 28.8% for those who took both drugs, compared with 16.3% for those treated with one drug.
However, not everyone involved in the trial was followed up for five years, so we don't know how reliable these longer-term estimates are.
The researchers say the two-drug combination should be "the new standard of care" for people who've had surgery for pancreatic cancer.
But people who took both drugs were more likely to stop treatment early because of the toxic side effects of chemotherapy.
This is an important consideration for people whose treatment can only prolong life and not achieve a cure, as there is always going to be a trade-off between survival time and quality of life."
Citando:
"The trial showed people lived an average of 2.5 months longer if they took two drugs than if they took just one. Pancreatic cancer has a poor outlook compared with many other cancers.
Using information from the study, researchers estimated that the chances of people living for five years were 28.8% for those who took both drugs, compared with 16.3% for those treated with one drug.
However, not everyone involved in the trial was followed up for five years, so we don't know how reliable these longer-term estimates are.
The researchers say the two-drug combination should be "the new standard of care" for people who've had surgery for pancreatic cancer.
But people who took both drugs were more likely to stop treatment early because of the toxic side effects of chemotherapy.
This is an important consideration for people whose treatment can only prolong life and not achieve a cure, as there is always going to be a trade-off between survival time and quality of life."
Ai a acrilamida (cancerígena) outra vez!
É um assunto recorrente, que vai voltando. Há uma campanha (Go for Gold - FSA) para ajudar as pessoas a minimizarem a exposição ajustando a forma de preparação dos alimentos. E há especialistas que relembram que os estudos mais aprofundados foram feitos em ratos (e que as quantidades a que somos expostos numa torrada queimada ou batatas assadas no forno são pequenas):
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jan/23/ancer-risk-roast-potatoes-toast-acrylamide
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2017/01/23/hands-roast-potatoes/
Citando (elsewhere):
"Today, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) launched a campaign called ‘Go for Gold’, urging people to understand how to minimise exposure to acrylamide when cooking at home.
It outlines that Acrylamide is a chemical created when foods, such as potatoes and bread, cooked for long periods at high temperatures when baking, frying, grilling, toasting and roasting, and has the potential to cause cancer in humans.
The campaign urges people to minimise levels of the potentially harmful chemical in home cooking. "
(...)
"Exposures 170mg per each kg of body weight are believed to be the point of an increased risk of cancer.
But dietary surveys revealed exactly how much acrylamide adults are exposed to on a daily basis.
For most people, the consumption of the toxic compound if less than 0.6mg, but many have as much as 1.1mg.
He said: “Adults with the highest consumption of acrylamide could consume 160 times as much and still only be at a level that toxicologists think unlikely to cause increased tumours"
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jan/23/ancer-risk-roast-potatoes-toast-acrylamide
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2017/01/23/hands-roast-potatoes/
Citando (elsewhere):
"Today, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) launched a campaign called ‘Go for Gold’, urging people to understand how to minimise exposure to acrylamide when cooking at home.
It outlines that Acrylamide is a chemical created when foods, such as potatoes and bread, cooked for long periods at high temperatures when baking, frying, grilling, toasting and roasting, and has the potential to cause cancer in humans.
The campaign urges people to minimise levels of the potentially harmful chemical in home cooking. "
(...)
"Exposures 170mg per each kg of body weight are believed to be the point of an increased risk of cancer.
But dietary surveys revealed exactly how much acrylamide adults are exposed to on a daily basis.
For most people, the consumption of the toxic compound if less than 0.6mg, but many have as much as 1.1mg.
He said: “Adults with the highest consumption of acrylamide could consume 160 times as much and still only be at a level that toxicologists think unlikely to cause increased tumours"
Algumas causas para o sexo doloroso (mulheres)
E agora para algo completamente diferente: sexo doloroso? Mulheres depois dos 50 e adolescentes são as que mais se queixam. Algumas destas condições são perfeitamente tratáveis:
http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/758880/painful-sex-causes
Citando:
“Some commercially vaginal lubricants can cause allergic reactions, so be aware of what you are putting on the delicate skin of your genitals. Latex products, such as condoms or sex toys, can produce an allergic reaction too – as well as some spermicidal creams.
“Vaginal thrush, bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and genital herpes can all cause genital pain, so seek medical advice if you think you may have one of these conditions.
“They can all be easily treated with medication. Your partner may have to be treated too to prevent them passing it back to you.”"
http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/758880/painful-sex-causes
Citando:
“Some commercially vaginal lubricants can cause allergic reactions, so be aware of what you are putting on the delicate skin of your genitals. Latex products, such as condoms or sex toys, can produce an allergic reaction too – as well as some spermicidal creams.
“Vaginal thrush, bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and genital herpes can all cause genital pain, so seek medical advice if you think you may have one of these conditions.
“They can all be easily treated with medication. Your partner may have to be treated too to prevent them passing it back to you.”"
terça-feira, 24 de janeiro de 2017
Suplemento Alimentar: Sobre o carvão activo (ou carvão activado)
Sobre o carvão activo (ou carvão activado, carvão vegetal, activated charcoal): Suplemento alimentar que contribui para a manutenção do processo digestivo e intestinal. Algumas embalagens alegam ajudar no combate à flatulência.
Os diversos suplementos alimentares que se vêem no mercado (PT) combinam o carvão activo sempre com mais algo (funcho, etc.).
Sobre a saúde digestiva e intestinal (com referência ao carvão vegetal):
https://www.celeiro.pt/conteudo/detalhe/as-plantas-medicinais-e-os-problemas-digestivos
Exemplos do suplemento alimentar (com preços, Celeiro.pt):
https://www.celeiro.pt/procurar#!/pesquisa:carvão/
O lítio associado a taxas reduzidas de suicídio e menor risco de Alzheimer?
Sim, está a ser estudada (na Escócia, Universidade de Glasgow) o efeito das exposição a pequenas quantidades de Lítio presente naturalmente em algumas águas.
O lítio já fez parte da bebida 7-Up até preocupações com a sua toxicidade e alterações na legislação da indústria de bebidas determinaram a sua retirada de produtos tendo permanecido em uso para efeitos psiquiátricos - tratamento da doença bipolar (as doses terapêuticas começam nos 300mg/dia - enquanto que o que nos pode chegar via a água canalizada não costuma passar os 2mg/dia).
O lítio não é patenteável, o que pode justificar a falta de entusiasmo (e investigação) sobre os seus efeitos.
Detalhes sobre oligo-elementos:
https://www.celeiro.pt/conteudo/detalhe/oligo-elementos
Fonte: "Os segredos dos remédios naturais - O guia definitivo para se manter saudável e feliz, dos superalimentos às terapias alternativas - BBC / G o o d y S A", num Continente perto de si.
O lítio já fez parte da bebida 7-Up até preocupações com a sua toxicidade e alterações na legislação da indústria de bebidas determinaram a sua retirada de produtos tendo permanecido em uso para efeitos psiquiátricos - tratamento da doença bipolar (as doses terapêuticas começam nos 300mg/dia - enquanto que o que nos pode chegar via a água canalizada não costuma passar os 2mg/dia).
O lítio não é patenteável, o que pode justificar a falta de entusiasmo (e investigação) sobre os seus efeitos.
Detalhes sobre oligo-elementos:
https://www.celeiro.pt/conteudo/detalhe/oligo-elementos
Fonte: "Os segredos dos remédios naturais - O guia definitivo para se manter saudável e feliz, dos superalimentos às terapias alternativas - BBC / G o o d y S A", num Continente perto de si.
domingo, 22 de janeiro de 2017
Mais sobre a higiene do sono
Sobre a higiene do sono, os motivos que podem estar a sabotar o nosso sono e recomendações para cada um deles:
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/health/you-getting-enough-sleep-heres-12479496
Citando:
"As well as the new study by Aviva healthcare, an increasing raft of health research suggests it’s time we took our sleep even more seriously, as deprivation can have detrimental effects on everything from our brain power to blood pressure, and has even been linked to early death."
O estudo Health Checkup Report (Aviva, Reino Unido, 2015):
https://www.aviva.co.uk/healthcarezone/document-library/files/he/healthcheckukreport2015.pdf
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/health/you-getting-enough-sleep-heres-12479496
Citando:
"As well as the new study by Aviva healthcare, an increasing raft of health research suggests it’s time we took our sleep even more seriously, as deprivation can have detrimental effects on everything from our brain power to blood pressure, and has even been linked to early death."
O estudo Health Checkup Report (Aviva, Reino Unido, 2015):
https://www.aviva.co.uk/healthcarezone/document-library/files/he/healthcheckukreport2015.pdf
sábado, 21 de janeiro de 2017
Mais sobre o exercício retardar o envelhecimento (e os telómeros)
http://www.ibtimes.com/how-look-younger-active-lifestyle-exercise-slows-aging-process-older-women-health-2478928
Citando:
"This study, which was published in the American Association for the Advancement of Science's journal, was able to identify the specific molecule, called NRF1, responsible for maintaining telomeres. Exercise, spending 45 minutes on a stationary bicycle in this case, reportedly boosted the levels of NRF1 and kept the cells "younger."
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"Think about NRF1 like varnish on nails,” Decottignies told TIME Magazine. “You cannot change the nail, but you can change the varnish again and again. What you’re doing is refreshing and replacing the old section with new protective molecules at the telomeres.”"
Citando:
"This study, which was published in the American Association for the Advancement of Science's journal, was able to identify the specific molecule, called NRF1, responsible for maintaining telomeres. Exercise, spending 45 minutes on a stationary bicycle in this case, reportedly boosted the levels of NRF1 and kept the cells "younger."
ADVERTISEMENT
"Think about NRF1 like varnish on nails,” Decottignies told TIME Magazine. “You cannot change the nail, but you can change the varnish again and again. What you’re doing is refreshing and replacing the old section with new protective molecules at the telomeres.”"
sexta-feira, 20 de janeiro de 2017
Estar o dia todo sentado acelera o envelhecimento (afecta ADN)
Artigo com métricas quantitativas interessantes relativas aos telómeros (e crítico negativamente acerca da utilidade do estudo sobre estar sentado acelerar o envelhecimento do ADN):
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2017/01January/Pages/Sitting-down-all-day-may-accelerate-DNA-ageing.aspx
Citando:
"Telomeres are measured in the small sections of nucleic acids that make up DNA, known as base pairs.
Among women in the study who did less than about 40 minutes of physical activity a day, those who sat longest had shorter telomeres by an average 170 base pairs.
The researchers say telomeres shorten at a rate of 21 base pairs a year – using a rough "back of a fag packet" calculation, 170 equals about eight years.
Sitting time did not seem linked to telomere length for women who did at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day."
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2017/01January/Pages/Sitting-down-all-day-may-accelerate-DNA-ageing.aspx
Citando:
"Telomeres are measured in the small sections of nucleic acids that make up DNA, known as base pairs.
Among women in the study who did less than about 40 minutes of physical activity a day, those who sat longest had shorter telomeres by an average 170 base pairs.
The researchers say telomeres shorten at a rate of 21 base pairs a year – using a rough "back of a fag packet" calculation, 170 equals about eight years.
Sitting time did not seem linked to telomere length for women who did at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day."
Motivo pelo qual doentes com Alzheimer se perdem?
O motivo é agora melhor conhecido:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/science/scientists-discovered-dementia-patients-lost-9654193
Citando:
"The findings raise the possibility that spatial disorientation could be treated by correcting this imbalance through transcranial stimulation, deep-brain stimulation, or light-based therapy.
Dr Duff concluded: “In the meantime our findings suggest that it may be possible to develop navigation-based cognitive tests for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease in its initial stages"
http://www.mirror.co.uk/science/scientists-discovered-dementia-patients-lost-9654193
Citando:
"The findings raise the possibility that spatial disorientation could be treated by correcting this imbalance through transcranial stimulation, deep-brain stimulation, or light-based therapy.
Dr Duff concluded: “In the meantime our findings suggest that it may be possible to develop navigation-based cognitive tests for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease in its initial stages"
Tratamento novo para cancro da próstata (bactérias tóxicas activadas por luz)
Algo ainda em ensaios com um enorme potencial (dado que todas as opções actuais envolvem riscos elevadíssimos de efeitos secundários terríveis para os homens - impotência e incontinência):
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-38304076
Citando:
"The new treatment uses a drug, made from bacteria that live in the almost total darkness of the seafloor and which become toxic only when exposed to light.
Ten fibre optic lasers are inserted through the perineum - the gap between the anus and the testes - and into the cancerous prostate gland.
When the red laser is switched on, it activates the drug to kill the cancer and leaves the healthy prostate behind."
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-38304076
Citando:
"The new treatment uses a drug, made from bacteria that live in the almost total darkness of the seafloor and which become toxic only when exposed to light.
Ten fibre optic lasers are inserted through the perineum - the gap between the anus and the testes - and into the cancerous prostate gland.
When the red laser is switched on, it activates the drug to kill the cancer and leaves the healthy prostate behind."
Alternativa de biópsia à próstata com maior taxa de detecção
Evolução interessante uma vez que a biópsia tinha efeitos secundarios possíveis como disfunção eréctil e uma taxa de detecção correcta (de tumores agressivos que requerem atenção imediata) muito baixa:
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-38665618
Citando:
"The biggest leap in diagnosing prostate cancer "in decades" has been made using new scanning equipment, say doctors and campaigners.
Using advanced MRI nearly doubles the number of aggressive tumours that are caught.
And the trial on 576 men, published in the Lancet, showed more than a quarter could be spared invasive biopsies, which can lead to severe side-effects.
The NHS is already reviewing whether the scans can be introduced widely.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in British men (...)"
"If men have high prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in the blood, they go for a biopsy.
Twelve needles then take random samples from the whole of the prostate.
It can miss a cancer that is there, fail to spot whether it is aggressive, and cause side-effects including bleeding, serious infections and erectile dysfunction.
"Taking a random biopsy from the breast would not be accepted, but we accept that in prostate," said Dr Hashim Ahmed, a consultant and one of the researchers.
Around 100,000 to 120,000 men go through this every year in the UK."
(...)
"93% of aggressive cancers were detected by using the MRI scan to guide the biopsy compared with just 48% when the biopsy was done at random."
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-38665618
Citando:
"The biggest leap in diagnosing prostate cancer "in decades" has been made using new scanning equipment, say doctors and campaigners.
Using advanced MRI nearly doubles the number of aggressive tumours that are caught.
And the trial on 576 men, published in the Lancet, showed more than a quarter could be spared invasive biopsies, which can lead to severe side-effects.
The NHS is already reviewing whether the scans can be introduced widely.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in British men (...)"
"If men have high prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in the blood, they go for a biopsy.
Twelve needles then take random samples from the whole of the prostate.
It can miss a cancer that is there, fail to spot whether it is aggressive, and cause side-effects including bleeding, serious infections and erectile dysfunction.
"Taking a random biopsy from the breast would not be accepted, but we accept that in prostate," said Dr Hashim Ahmed, a consultant and one of the researchers.
Around 100,000 to 120,000 men go through this every year in the UK."
(...)
"93% of aggressive cancers were detected by using the MRI scan to guide the biopsy compared with just 48% when the biopsy was done at random."
Sobre o Nutella (reloaded)
Sobre o Nutella (ingredientes graficamente) e um Q&A final interessante:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2017/jan/20/is-nutella-really-that-bad-for-you
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2017/jan/20/is-nutella-really-that-bad-for-you
quinta-feira, 19 de janeiro de 2017
Estimulantes são absorvidos mais lentamente depois dos 50 anos
O envelhecimento afecta a capacidade de absorvermos estimulantes nas bebidas (o que significa que quanto mais velhos formos mais cuidados devemos ter com cafeínas e afins e as horas limite para as tomar - se não quisermos efeitos adversos no sono):
Stimulants in the drinks takes longer to absorb in the over-50s | Daily Mail Online
Citando:
"Over-50s take longer to absorb stimulants in tea and coffee, scientists say;
Two coffees after lunch could leave equivalent of one cup in the system by 8pm;
Traces of caffeine in the body at nightfall can wreck the chances of drifting off"
Stimulants in the drinks takes longer to absorb in the over-50s | Daily Mail Online
Citando:
"Over-50s take longer to absorb stimulants in tea and coffee, scientists say;
Two coffees after lunch could leave equivalent of one cup in the system by 8pm;
Traces of caffeine in the body at nightfall can wreck the chances of drifting off"
Colonoscopia transmitida ao vivo
Ora aqui está uma medida interessante para ajudar a desmistificar a colonoscopia (aonde durante o exame se pode identificar anomalias nas paredes do intestino - pólipos - que se podem logo remover no momento, evitando o cancro). Este é um exame que se recomenda (a partir dos 40-50 anos por esse mesmo motivo e que se pode fazer com sedação (para os mais reticentes):
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-38668919
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-38668919
segunda-feira, 16 de janeiro de 2017
RHCP fazem bem à saúde?
Red Hot Chili Peppers (a comida, não a banda musical) fazem bem à saúde? É provável (devido a ingredientes antioxidantes) mas o estudo que motivou algumas notícias não prova grande coisa ainda):
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2017/01January/Pages/Hot-red-chilli-peppers-linked-to-longer-lifespan.aspx
Citando:
"A US study found that people who reported eating red hot chilli peppers had around a 13% reduced risk of premature death compared to those who avoided them.
The study looked at adults in the 1980s and 90s who reported eating any hot chillies over the past month – which could range from a single chilli to several chillies every day.
There were no significant links found when drilling down to specific cause of death rather than just overall mortality.
Ultimately this study proves very little."
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2017/01January/Pages/Hot-red-chilli-peppers-linked-to-longer-lifespan.aspx
Citando:
"A US study found that people who reported eating red hot chilli peppers had around a 13% reduced risk of premature death compared to those who avoided them.
The study looked at adults in the 1980s and 90s who reported eating any hot chillies over the past month – which could range from a single chilli to several chillies every day.
There were no significant links found when drilling down to specific cause of death rather than just overall mortality.
Ultimately this study proves very little."
domingo, 15 de janeiro de 2017
Sobre a linhaça (sementes e óleo)
Sobre a linhaça:
https://www.celeiro.pt/conteudo/detalhe/oleo-de-sementes-de-linho (sobre o óleo)
http://www.segs.com.br/linhaca.htm (sobre as sementes com sugestões de ingestão: Moer e usar como substituto de outros óleos, demolhar em água e beber a água, adicionar moída a sopas, iogurtes, etc., ...)
Citando:
"É a maior fonte alimentar de lignanas, compostos fitoquímicos parecidos com o estrogênio, que teriam propriedades anticancerígenas, principalmente em relação ao câncer de mama e cólon. Ainda contém vitaminas B1, B2, C, E e Caroteno e minerais como ferro, zinco, alguma quantidade de potássio, magnésio, fósforo e cálcio.
A semente de linhaça moída trás mais benefícios nutricionais que a semente inteira, que possui uma casca dura, difícil de digerir. Portanto, uma forma fácil quebrar as sementes é passá-la em um processador ou liquidificador na tecla pulsar, para que não vire pó. Depois, guarde-a em refrigerador, e deixe fora da luz. Desta forma, a utilização será ainda melhor.
As sementes podem ser utilizadas em iogurtes, saladas, sucos, vitaminas, misturada à cereais, massas de pães e bolos e em todos os outros alimentos. Também pode substituir o óleo ou gordura utilizada em uma receita. Por exemplo, se uma receita pedir 1/3 xícara (chá) de óleo, use 1 colher (sopa) de semente de linhaça moída, em substituição."
https://www.celeiro.pt/conteudo/detalhe/oleo-de-sementes-de-linho (sobre o óleo)
http://www.segs.com.br/linhaca.htm (sobre as sementes com sugestões de ingestão: Moer e usar como substituto de outros óleos, demolhar em água e beber a água, adicionar moída a sopas, iogurtes, etc., ...)
Citando:
"É a maior fonte alimentar de lignanas, compostos fitoquímicos parecidos com o estrogênio, que teriam propriedades anticancerígenas, principalmente em relação ao câncer de mama e cólon. Ainda contém vitaminas B1, B2, C, E e Caroteno e minerais como ferro, zinco, alguma quantidade de potássio, magnésio, fósforo e cálcio.
A semente de linhaça moída trás mais benefícios nutricionais que a semente inteira, que possui uma casca dura, difícil de digerir. Portanto, uma forma fácil quebrar as sementes é passá-la em um processador ou liquidificador na tecla pulsar, para que não vire pó. Depois, guarde-a em refrigerador, e deixe fora da luz. Desta forma, a utilização será ainda melhor.
As sementes podem ser utilizadas em iogurtes, saladas, sucos, vitaminas, misturada à cereais, massas de pães e bolos e em todos os outros alimentos. Também pode substituir o óleo ou gordura utilizada em uma receita. Por exemplo, se uma receita pedir 1/3 xícara (chá) de óleo, use 1 colher (sopa) de semente de linhaça moída, em substituição."
sábado, 14 de janeiro de 2017
Transfusões de sangue jovem com efeito positivo sobre o Alzheimer
... E não só (rejuvenescimento de órgãos). Em ratos. A experiência será agora realizada em humanos:
http://zap.aeiou.pt/sangue-de-gente-jovem-pode-reverter-danos-associados-ao-alzheimer-39757
Citando:
"Nos ratos, as injecções de sangue jovem também curaram os seus músculos mais rapidamente, para além de reverterem o envelhecimento dos seus órgãos. O oposto aconteceu quando ratos jovens receberam sangue velho.
“Afinal, o sangue pode conter a fonte da juventude“, disse Wyss-Coray à New Scientist. “E está dentro de todos nós, o que é incrível. E só perde o seu poder à medida que envelhecemos”, acrescentou.
Embora as transfusões de plasma sanguíneo sejam já bastante comuns, serão ainda mais úteis depois de se identificar exactamente o que no sangue jovem tem poderes curativos. Os cientistas têm já uma ideia: trata-se de uma proteína, a GDF11, que é um “factor de crescimento” e que existe naturalmente no organismo dos ratinhos – e também dos seres humanos – e que diminui com a idade. Ratos injectados com GDF11 tinham cérebros com mais vasos sanguíneos novos e células-tronco, ambos sinais de um melhor funcionamento do cérebro."
http://zap.aeiou.pt/sangue-de-gente-jovem-pode-reverter-danos-associados-ao-alzheimer-39757
Citando:
"Nos ratos, as injecções de sangue jovem também curaram os seus músculos mais rapidamente, para além de reverterem o envelhecimento dos seus órgãos. O oposto aconteceu quando ratos jovens receberam sangue velho.
“Afinal, o sangue pode conter a fonte da juventude“, disse Wyss-Coray à New Scientist. “E está dentro de todos nós, o que é incrível. E só perde o seu poder à medida que envelhecemos”, acrescentou.
Embora as transfusões de plasma sanguíneo sejam já bastante comuns, serão ainda mais úteis depois de se identificar exactamente o que no sangue jovem tem poderes curativos. Os cientistas têm já uma ideia: trata-se de uma proteína, a GDF11, que é um “factor de crescimento” e que existe naturalmente no organismo dos ratinhos – e também dos seres humanos – e que diminui com a idade. Ratos injectados com GDF11 tinham cérebros com mais vasos sanguíneos novos e células-tronco, ambos sinais de um melhor funcionamento do cérebro."
Mais sobre o óleo de palma
O estudo da refinação do óleo de palma a alta temperatura (acima de 200 graus) e o Nutella que diz que não utiliza desse, continuam a dar que falar:
http://www.theverge.com/2017/1/13/14266356/nutella-cancer-efsa-study-ferrero-palm-oil
Citando:
"Making Nutella without palm oil would produce an inferior substitute for the real product, it would be a step backward," Vincenzo Tapella, Ferrero’s purchasing manager, told Reuters this week. The move would be costly, as well: Reuters estimates that replacing palm oil with substitutes such as sunflower oil or rapeseed oil would add between $8 million and $22 million to Ferrero’s costs."
PS. Interessante como a indústria alimentar escolhe os seus ingredientes não? Já a motivação para usar xarope de glicose-frutose (outro ingrediente questionável) é... $$$
http://www.theverge.com/2017/1/13/14266356/nutella-cancer-efsa-study-ferrero-palm-oil
Citando:
"Making Nutella without palm oil would produce an inferior substitute for the real product, it would be a step backward," Vincenzo Tapella, Ferrero’s purchasing manager, told Reuters this week. The move would be costly, as well: Reuters estimates that replacing palm oil with substitutes such as sunflower oil or rapeseed oil would add between $8 million and $22 million to Ferrero’s costs."
PS. Interessante como a indústria alimentar escolhe os seus ingredientes não? Já a motivação para usar xarope de glicose-frutose (outro ingrediente questionável) é... $$$
sexta-feira, 13 de janeiro de 2017
Teste à urina poderá determinar se a nossa dieta é saudável
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2017/01January/Pages/Urine-test-could-reveal-if-your-diet-is-a-threat-to-your-health.aspx
Citando:
"(...) The most widely used method to assess diet – self-reporting – is notoriously unreliable.
Study after study has found that most people are prone to under-reporting the amount of unhealthy food they eat while over-reporting the amount of healthy food.
In this small study, on four separate occasions, 20 participants consumed four different diets which were assessed as ranging from very healthy (in terms of agreeing with international guidelines) to unhealthy.
Urine samples were tested for substances known to be associated with certain types of dietary patterns (metabolic profiles).
The researchers found that urine tests were in fact robust enough to identify dietary patterns in the participants – the levels of 19 substances (metabolites) were significantly higher in the healthiest of the four diets compared with the unhealthiest.
As this study had a very small sample size, it's likely that more research will be needed to verify the findings, before considering how best urine tests could be adopted as a dietary tool for health services."
Citando:
"(...) The most widely used method to assess diet – self-reporting – is notoriously unreliable.
Study after study has found that most people are prone to under-reporting the amount of unhealthy food they eat while over-reporting the amount of healthy food.
In this small study, on four separate occasions, 20 participants consumed four different diets which were assessed as ranging from very healthy (in terms of agreeing with international guidelines) to unhealthy.
Urine samples were tested for substances known to be associated with certain types of dietary patterns (metabolic profiles).
The researchers found that urine tests were in fact robust enough to identify dietary patterns in the participants – the levels of 19 substances (metabolites) were significantly higher in the healthiest of the four diets compared with the unhealthiest.
As this study had a very small sample size, it's likely that more research will be needed to verify the findings, before considering how best urine tests could be adopted as a dietary tool for health services."
O óleo de palma, o cancro e o fim do Nutella?
As notícias sobre os malefícios do óleo de palma (por der cancerígeno) serão o fim do Nutella como já ouvi?
Eis o link da Nutella a defender o óleo de palma como essencial para a textura do produto:
https://www.nutella.com/pt/pt/nutella-oleo-de-palma (PT)
Citando:
"O óleo de palma é utilizado na produção de Nutella® para conferir ao produto a sua textura cremosa, assim como para ressaltar o sabor dos seus ingredientes, graças às suas propriedades que o tornam inodoro e insípido após o processo de refinamento. Além disso, é o ingrediente mais adequado para proporcionar a Nutella® uma suavidade perfeita, garantindo a sua cremosidade especial e, sobretudo, evitando o processo de hidrogenação que produziria gorduras trans prejudiciais à saúde. O óleo de palma também contribui para que Nutella® conserve o seu sabor único ao longo de todo seu período de validade, graças à sua estabilidade à oxidação superior à de outros óleos vegetais."
E as notícias que estão a falar de cancro (envolvendo o creme de avelãs Nutella da Ferrero) levam a Ferrero a tentar defender-se:
http://observador.pt/2017/01/12/oleo-de-palma-pode-provocar-cancro-ferrero-garante-que-nutella-e-segura/
Citando:
"Esta campanha surge em resposta a um estudo levado a cabo pela Autoridade Europeia para a Segurança dos Alimentos que, em maio do ano passado, concluiu, em sintonia com o que a Organização Mundial de Saúde já tinha dito, que os ésteres glicidílicos de ácidos gordos – contaminantes formados durante o refinamento de óleos vegetais – são cancerígenos e genotóxicos. Ainda no mesmo estudo, a Autoridade afirma que o óleo de palma é o mais perigoso de todos, quando refinado a temperaturas superiores a 200 graus Celsius. Porém, chama a atenção para o facto de serem necessários mais estudos.
O porta-voz da Ferrero explicou, porém, que na produção do creme de barrar Nutella o óleo de palma é refinado abaixo dos 200 graus e a uma pressão muito baixa, num processo mais moroso e caro do que o tradicional, o que reduz estes contaminantes. Tanto assim é que a empresa, nos vários testes que já levou a cabo, não conseguiu rastrear esses contaminantes, garantiu o responsável. "
Nem uma palavra sobre a sustentabilidade do planeta e das florestas tropicais (que se saiba).
Mais notícias:
http://www.google.pt/search?q=oleo+palma+nutella&gws_rd=cr&ei=-rl4WID0CIvZU5yxiugC
Eis o link da Nutella a defender o óleo de palma como essencial para a textura do produto:
https://www.nutella.com/pt/pt/nutella-oleo-de-palma (PT)
Citando:
"O óleo de palma é utilizado na produção de Nutella® para conferir ao produto a sua textura cremosa, assim como para ressaltar o sabor dos seus ingredientes, graças às suas propriedades que o tornam inodoro e insípido após o processo de refinamento. Além disso, é o ingrediente mais adequado para proporcionar a Nutella® uma suavidade perfeita, garantindo a sua cremosidade especial e, sobretudo, evitando o processo de hidrogenação que produziria gorduras trans prejudiciais à saúde. O óleo de palma também contribui para que Nutella® conserve o seu sabor único ao longo de todo seu período de validade, graças à sua estabilidade à oxidação superior à de outros óleos vegetais."
E as notícias que estão a falar de cancro (envolvendo o creme de avelãs Nutella da Ferrero) levam a Ferrero a tentar defender-se:
http://observador.pt/2017/01/12/oleo-de-palma-pode-provocar-cancro-ferrero-garante-que-nutella-e-segura/
Citando:
"Esta campanha surge em resposta a um estudo levado a cabo pela Autoridade Europeia para a Segurança dos Alimentos que, em maio do ano passado, concluiu, em sintonia com o que a Organização Mundial de Saúde já tinha dito, que os ésteres glicidílicos de ácidos gordos – contaminantes formados durante o refinamento de óleos vegetais – são cancerígenos e genotóxicos. Ainda no mesmo estudo, a Autoridade afirma que o óleo de palma é o mais perigoso de todos, quando refinado a temperaturas superiores a 200 graus Celsius. Porém, chama a atenção para o facto de serem necessários mais estudos.
O porta-voz da Ferrero explicou, porém, que na produção do creme de barrar Nutella o óleo de palma é refinado abaixo dos 200 graus e a uma pressão muito baixa, num processo mais moroso e caro do que o tradicional, o que reduz estes contaminantes. Tanto assim é que a empresa, nos vários testes que já levou a cabo, não conseguiu rastrear esses contaminantes, garantiu o responsável. "
Nem uma palavra sobre a sustentabilidade do planeta e das florestas tropicais (que se saiba).
Mais notícias:
http://www.google.pt/search?q=oleo+palma+nutella&gws_rd=cr&ei=-rl4WID0CIvZU5yxiugC
quinta-feira, 12 de janeiro de 2017
Sobre os aditivos alimentares
Artigo interessante (em Castelhano) sobre os aditivos alimentares, links para a tabela dos E's e considerações em como a sua segurança é estabelecida:
http://elcomidista.elpais.com/elcomidista/2016/12/22/articulo/1482395986_534447.html
Tipos de aditivos:
"Antioxidantes, colorantes, emulsionantes, estabilizantes, gelificantes, espesantes, conservantes, edulcorantes y modificadores de la acidez, entre otros"
Citando:
"Tal y como muestran en esta lista de aditivos alimentarios autorizados en la Unión Europea facilitada por The European Food Information Council (EUFIC), buena parte de ellos se encuentra ordenada por familias:
Los colorantes están agrupados en la primera centena, y serán E ciento y algo.
Los antioxidantes los encontramos en la tercera centena, es decir: E trescientos y pico.
Los edulcorantes son casi todos E novecientos, menos dos de ellos que son E cuatrocientos (E 420 sorbitol; y E 421 manitol).
Los emulsionantes, estabilizadores, espesantes y gelificantes pertenecen casi todos a los E 400 y pico salvo dos excepciones: E 322 lecitinas y E 1103 o invertasa.
No obstante la categoría más amplia es la de ‘otros aditivos’, con un extenso catálogo de propiedades (antiespumantes, agentes de carga, sales emulsionantes, potenciadores del sabor, espumantes, humectantes, propelentes, agentes quelantes, etcétera) que tienen representación en casi todas las E-centenas y llegan incluso a los millares. La Unión Europea pone una herramienta especialmente detallada al servicio de los consumidores en la que se pueden consultar los más de 350 aditivos alimentarios, su relación, categorización y usos y toda la legislación al respecto."
Links para os sítios da UE no artigo de cima.
http://elcomidista.elpais.com/elcomidista/2016/12/22/articulo/1482395986_534447.html
Tipos de aditivos:
"Antioxidantes, colorantes, emulsionantes, estabilizantes, gelificantes, espesantes, conservantes, edulcorantes y modificadores de la acidez, entre otros"
Citando:
"Tal y como muestran en esta lista de aditivos alimentarios autorizados en la Unión Europea facilitada por The European Food Information Council (EUFIC), buena parte de ellos se encuentra ordenada por familias:
Los colorantes están agrupados en la primera centena, y serán E ciento y algo.
Los antioxidantes los encontramos en la tercera centena, es decir: E trescientos y pico.
Los edulcorantes son casi todos E novecientos, menos dos de ellos que son E cuatrocientos (E 420 sorbitol; y E 421 manitol).
Los emulsionantes, estabilizadores, espesantes y gelificantes pertenecen casi todos a los E 400 y pico salvo dos excepciones: E 322 lecitinas y E 1103 o invertasa.
No obstante la categoría más amplia es la de ‘otros aditivos’, con un extenso catálogo de propiedades (antiespumantes, agentes de carga, sales emulsionantes, potenciadores del sabor, espumantes, humectantes, propelentes, agentes quelantes, etcétera) que tienen representación en casi todas las E-centenas y llegan incluso a los millares. La Unión Europea pone una herramienta especialmente detallada al servicio de los consumidores en la que se pueden consultar los más de 350 aditivos alimentarios, su relación, categorización y usos y toda la legislación al respecto."
Links para os sítios da UE no artigo de cima.
As fotos que mostram o açúcar escondido nos alimentos (processados)
Excelente trabalho e forma de sensibilização. Em Castelhano (cada cubo = 4g de açúcar):
http://elcomidista.elpais.com/elcomidista/2016/12/22/articulo/1482431094_265029.html
http://elcomidista.elpais.com/elcomidista/2016/12/22/articulo/1482431094_265029.html
Sobre a dieta "Slimming World" que nos deixa comer tudo o que se quiser
Mais uma viagem, mais uma dieta:
https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/living/418882/what-is-the-slimming-world-diet-how-does-it-work-is-it-safe-and-are-there-any-success-stories/
Citando:
"What is the Slimming World diet, how does it work, is it safe and are there any success stories?
Everything you need to know about the diet which lets you eat as much as you want"
https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/living/418882/what-is-the-slimming-world-diet-how-does-it-work-is-it-safe-and-are-there-any-success-stories/
Citando:
"What is the Slimming World diet, how does it work, is it safe and are there any success stories?
Everything you need to know about the diet which lets you eat as much as you want"
Finalidade do apêndice começa a ser compreendida
O apêndice, afinal parece ter uma finalidade (de acumulação de uma reserva de partes do microbioma):
Why do we have an appendix? — Quartz
Why do we have an appendix? — Quartz
Relação entre stress e doenças cardiovasculares melhor compreendida
http://veja.abril.com.br/saude/cientistas-explicam-como-o-stress-aumenta-risco-cardiaco/
Citando:
"Durante o estudo [publicado na Lancet], nas 300 pessoas avaliadas, foi observado que os que apresentavam uma atividade maior na amígdala (parte do cérebro responsável por orquestrar emoções) tinham uma probabilidade maior de desenvolver doenças cardiovasculares – e mais cedo que os outros. Caracterizada como grupos de células localizadas dentro dos lobos temporais mediais do cérebro, a amígdala –duas, localizadas uma de cada lado do cérebro – está ligada a respostas ao medo e ao prazer, tanto em homens como em animais.
De acordo com os pesquisadores da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Harvard, nos Estados Unidos, stress pode ser um fator de risco tão decisivo como fumo e pressão alta, e uma atividade maior nesta região ajuda a explicar a ligação. Os cientistas sugerem que a amígdala sob stress envia sinais para a medula óssea, para que esta produza mais células brancas para o sangue. Estas células vão causar inflamação nas artérias e isto pode causar ataques cardíacos, angina e derrames. Quando exposta a estresse, esta parte do cérebro parece funcionar como uma boa forma de prever a ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares. No entanto os pesquisadores de Harvard afirmam que ainda são necessários mais estudos para confirmar esta sequência de reações."
(...)
"A pesquisa descobriu que os que relataram os níveis mais altos de stress apresentavam também os níveis mais altos de atividade nas amígdalas e mais sinais de inflamação no sangue e nas artérias."
Citando:
"Durante o estudo [publicado na Lancet], nas 300 pessoas avaliadas, foi observado que os que apresentavam uma atividade maior na amígdala (parte do cérebro responsável por orquestrar emoções) tinham uma probabilidade maior de desenvolver doenças cardiovasculares – e mais cedo que os outros. Caracterizada como grupos de células localizadas dentro dos lobos temporais mediais do cérebro, a amígdala –duas, localizadas uma de cada lado do cérebro – está ligada a respostas ao medo e ao prazer, tanto em homens como em animais.
De acordo com os pesquisadores da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Harvard, nos Estados Unidos, stress pode ser um fator de risco tão decisivo como fumo e pressão alta, e uma atividade maior nesta região ajuda a explicar a ligação. Os cientistas sugerem que a amígdala sob stress envia sinais para a medula óssea, para que esta produza mais células brancas para o sangue. Estas células vão causar inflamação nas artérias e isto pode causar ataques cardíacos, angina e derrames. Quando exposta a estresse, esta parte do cérebro parece funcionar como uma boa forma de prever a ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares. No entanto os pesquisadores de Harvard afirmam que ainda são necessários mais estudos para confirmar esta sequência de reações."
(...)
"A pesquisa descobriu que os que relataram os níveis mais altos de stress apresentavam também os níveis mais altos de atividade nas amígdalas e mais sinais de inflamação no sangue e nas artérias."
terça-feira, 10 de janeiro de 2017
Exercício físico melhora a saúde mental das crianças
Exercício físico melhora a saúde mental das crianças, nomeadamente os sintomas de depressão (estudo que a ser confirmado repete os resultados para adolescentes e adultos):
http://time.com/4624768/exercise-depression-kids/?xid=newsletter-brief
http://time.com/4624768/exercise-depression-kids/?xid=newsletter-brief
segunda-feira, 9 de janeiro de 2017
Medicamentos para Alzheimer ajudam a recuperar... dentes podres?
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/damaged-teeth-regrow-alzheimers-drug-naturally-dentist-kings-college-london-a7517366.html
http://home.bt.com/news/science-news/could-this-be-the-end-of-dreaded-fillings-scientists-may-have-found-a-way-to-regrow-damaged-teeth-11364135159606
Citando:
"(...) [The] lead author of the study, said: “The simplicity of our approach makes it ideal as a clinical dental product for the natural treatment of large cavities, by providing both pulp protection and restoring dentine.
“In addition, using a drug that has already been tested in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease provides a real opportunity to get this dental treatment quickly into clinics.”
If a tooth is damaged or infected and the inner pulp is exposed, a band of dentine – the hard material that makes up most of the tooth – will attempt to seal off the pulp to prevent further infection.
The process involves stimulating stem cells – but it is insufficient to effectively repair large cavities. (...)"
http://home.bt.com/news/science-news/could-this-be-the-end-of-dreaded-fillings-scientists-may-have-found-a-way-to-regrow-damaged-teeth-11364135159606
Citando:
"(...) [The] lead author of the study, said: “The simplicity of our approach makes it ideal as a clinical dental product for the natural treatment of large cavities, by providing both pulp protection and restoring dentine.
“In addition, using a drug that has already been tested in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease provides a real opportunity to get this dental treatment quickly into clinics.”
If a tooth is damaged or infected and the inner pulp is exposed, a band of dentine – the hard material that makes up most of the tooth – will attempt to seal off the pulp to prevent further infection.
The process involves stimulating stem cells – but it is insufficient to effectively repair large cavities. (...)"
Exercício só ao fim de semana tem ainda assim imensos benefícios
Este é o estudo que quem trabalha à semana estava à espera para ficar um pouco mais descansado e chamar uns quantos menos nomes a quem corre dia sim dia não a horas impossíveis (para os primeiros):
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-38560616
Citando:
"Cramming all your recommended weekly exercise into one or two weekend sessions is enough to produce important health benefits, a study suggests.
And being active without managing 150 minutes of moderate activity a week was still enough to reduce the risk of an early death by a third.
The findings are based on a survey of about 64,000 adults aged over 40 in England and Scotland."
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-38560616
Citando:
"Cramming all your recommended weekly exercise into one or two weekend sessions is enough to produce important health benefits, a study suggests.
And being active without managing 150 minutes of moderate activity a week was still enough to reduce the risk of an early death by a third.
The findings are based on a survey of about 64,000 adults aged over 40 in England and Scotland."
domingo, 8 de janeiro de 2017
Os surpreendentes usos do Botox (toxina)
Os surpreendentes usos do Botox (toxina) alguns aprovados pela FDA (EUA):
http://time.com/4501839/botox-inection-wrinkles-migraine-depression/?xid=newsletter-brief
http://time.com/4501839/botox-inection-wrinkles-migraine-depression/?xid=newsletter-brief
sexta-feira, 6 de janeiro de 2017
Vegans e o Veganuary
Alguns motivos para os vegans serem vegans (o sofrimento animal, a sustentabilidade do planeta e as questões da saúde de cada um - alguns produtos de origem animal terem sido dados como cancerígenos - como o tabaco o é para os pulmões), a diferença entre os vegans e os vegetarianos e o que é o www.veganuary.com:
http://m.independent.ie/regionals/corkman/lifestyle/my-new-year-resolution-to-be-vegan-by-january-35342161.html
Citando:
"While the world's human population has doubled since the 1960s, world meat production has quadrupled. There were nearly five times as many tonnes of pig produced in 2013 compared to 1961, while world chicken production has increased by nearly 13 times. This trend is continuing: it's predicted that by 2050 world meat production will have almost doubled again, as the Western taste for meat, eggs and dairy products grows in developing countries. This increased production will continue to contribute to global warming, pollution, deforestation, land degradation, water scarcity and species extinction."
(...)
"For those who aren't clear, the definition of a vegan is someone who does not eat or use animal products in any form. That means sticking to a plant-based diet, avoiding all animal foods such as meat (including fish, shellfish and insects), dairy, eggs and honey, as well as products like leather and anything that's been tested on animals."
(...)
"vegetarians (people who avoid meat, but eat dairy products and eggs)"
E mais:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/health/six-reasons-go-vegan-according-science/
http://m.independent.ie/regionals/corkman/lifestyle/my-new-year-resolution-to-be-vegan-by-january-35342161.html
Citando:
"While the world's human population has doubled since the 1960s, world meat production has quadrupled. There were nearly five times as many tonnes of pig produced in 2013 compared to 1961, while world chicken production has increased by nearly 13 times. This trend is continuing: it's predicted that by 2050 world meat production will have almost doubled again, as the Western taste for meat, eggs and dairy products grows in developing countries. This increased production will continue to contribute to global warming, pollution, deforestation, land degradation, water scarcity and species extinction."
(...)
"For those who aren't clear, the definition of a vegan is someone who does not eat or use animal products in any form. That means sticking to a plant-based diet, avoiding all animal foods such as meat (including fish, shellfish and insects), dairy, eggs and honey, as well as products like leather and anything that's been tested on animals."
(...)
"vegetarians (people who avoid meat, but eat dairy products and eggs)"
E mais:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/health/six-reasons-go-vegan-according-science/
quinta-feira, 5 de janeiro de 2017
Suplementos: Coenzima Q-10 (Ubiquinona)
https://www.celeiro.pt/procurar#!/pesquisa:coenzima+q10
Citando:
"A coenzima Q-10, ou ubiquinona, está presente em todas as células vegetais e animais, sendo um componente essencial das mitocôndrias (órgão celular responsável pela produção de energia).
Suplementos: Lecitina de Soja
Exemplo (com preço) de Lecitina de Soja:
https://www.celeiro.pt/produtos/12843-lecitina-de-soja-193-gramas-cps-solgar
https://www.celeiro.pt/produtos/12843-lecitina-de-soja-193-gramas-cps-solgar
Anti-ácidos e maior risco de gastroenterite (bacteriológica)?
http://www.empr.com/news/acid-suppressors-tied-to-higher-bacterial-gastroenteritis-risk/article/629910/
Citando:
"The use of acid suppression medicines was associated with higher rates of Clostridium difficile and Campylobacter positive gastroenteritis in both community and hospital settings, according to a study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. "
Citando:
"The use of acid suppression medicines was associated with higher rates of Clostridium difficile and Campylobacter positive gastroenteritis in both community and hospital settings, according to a study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. "
Relação entre proximidade a estradas movimentadas e demência?
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-38506735
Citando:
"As many as 11% of dementia cases in people living within 50m of a major road could be down to traffic, the study suggests.
The researchers, who followed nearly 2m people in Canada over 11 years, say air pollution or noisy traffic could be contributing to the brain's decline.
UK dementia experts said the findings needed probing but were "plausible"."
2 milhões de pessoas foram seguidas por cerca de 11 anos:
"There were 243,611 cases of dementia diagnosed during that time, but the risk was greatest in those living closest to major roads.
Compared with those living 300m away from a major road the risk was:
◾7% higher within 50m
◾4% higher between 50-100m
◾2% higher between 101-200m
The analysis suggests 7-11% of dementia cases within 50m of a major road could be caused by traffic.
The researchers adjusted the data to account for other risk factors like poverty, obesity, education levels and smoking so these are unlikely to explain the link."
Citando:
"As many as 11% of dementia cases in people living within 50m of a major road could be down to traffic, the study suggests.
The researchers, who followed nearly 2m people in Canada over 11 years, say air pollution or noisy traffic could be contributing to the brain's decline.
UK dementia experts said the findings needed probing but were "plausible"."
2 milhões de pessoas foram seguidas por cerca de 11 anos:
"There were 243,611 cases of dementia diagnosed during that time, but the risk was greatest in those living closest to major roads.
Compared with those living 300m away from a major road the risk was:
◾7% higher within 50m
◾4% higher between 50-100m
◾2% higher between 101-200m
The analysis suggests 7-11% of dementia cases within 50m of a major road could be caused by traffic.
The researchers adjusted the data to account for other risk factors like poverty, obesity, education levels and smoking so these are unlikely to explain the link."
terça-feira, 3 de janeiro de 2017
Ai os sulfitos (e o dióxido de enxofre SO2)!!!
Já vi sulfitos em vinho (o rótulo avisa sempre, uma vez que há cerca de 1% de pessoas que são alérgicas), em pó de caril (!), em frutos secos (bagas de goji) e em fruta (uvas).
O que são mesmo, para que são usados e de onde vêm?
http://www.ecycle.com.br/component/content/article/41/2648-bom-ou-ruim-usado-como-conservante-em-vinhos-dioxido-de-enxofre-pode-causar-reacoes-alergicas.html
Citando:
"Sulfitos formam-se naturalmente em comidas e bebidas como um resultado da fermentação, como na cerveja e no vinho. Adicionalmente, a maioria dos produtores de vinho faz uso do dióxido de enxofre (que, no contato com soluções alcalinas, forma os sulfitos) para ajudar na conservação do vinho. A quantidade de sulfitos varia. Alguns produtores de vinhos naturais não adicionam sulfitos, e alguns vinhos são vendidos com a propaganda de baixo teor de sulfitos.
O dióxido de enxofre é o produto enológico mais utilizado por seus potenciais efeitos conservantes, antioxidantes, desinfetantes e fungicidas. Esse elemento, também conhecido como anidrido sulfuroso e SO2, garante condições melhores para os processos de vinificação da bebida, elimina bactérias e leveduras frágeis e indesejáveis, o que permite que apenas as melhores prossigam com o processo fermentativo. Além do mais, melhora o aroma e afina a cor da bebida. Os sulfitos se formam a partir do contato do dióxido de enxofre com a solução líquida. Os sulfitos são empregados em diversas comidas e bebidas, então vale ficar atento, pois eles não estão presentes apenas no vinho."
O que são mesmo, para que são usados e de onde vêm?
http://www.ecycle.com.br/component/content/article/41/2648-bom-ou-ruim-usado-como-conservante-em-vinhos-dioxido-de-enxofre-pode-causar-reacoes-alergicas.html
Citando:
"Sulfitos formam-se naturalmente em comidas e bebidas como um resultado da fermentação, como na cerveja e no vinho. Adicionalmente, a maioria dos produtores de vinho faz uso do dióxido de enxofre (que, no contato com soluções alcalinas, forma os sulfitos) para ajudar na conservação do vinho. A quantidade de sulfitos varia. Alguns produtores de vinhos naturais não adicionam sulfitos, e alguns vinhos são vendidos com a propaganda de baixo teor de sulfitos.
O dióxido de enxofre é o produto enológico mais utilizado por seus potenciais efeitos conservantes, antioxidantes, desinfetantes e fungicidas. Esse elemento, também conhecido como anidrido sulfuroso e SO2, garante condições melhores para os processos de vinificação da bebida, elimina bactérias e leveduras frágeis e indesejáveis, o que permite que apenas as melhores prossigam com o processo fermentativo. Além do mais, melhora o aroma e afina a cor da bebida. Os sulfitos se formam a partir do contato do dióxido de enxofre com a solução líquida. Os sulfitos são empregados em diversas comidas e bebidas, então vale ficar atento, pois eles não estão presentes apenas no vinho."
Queijo ou não queijo (entre aspas)?
Resposta: Sim (aparentemente) apesar de alguns dos estudos serem financiados por partes interessadas:
http://time.com/4619162/cheese-health-food-cholesterol/
Citando:
"For a long time, these stats made cheese an automatic nutritional no-no. “We used to assess whether a food is good or bad for your health simply by looking at a label and reading some of the basic information,” says Arne Astrup, head of the department of nutrition, exercise and sports at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. (Astrup has received accepted grants from dairy (...)"
"Recent research, from Astrup and others, is showing that the thousands of molecules that make up cheese are working in ways that make the food beneficial to health.
Some of these attributes are obvious but others less so. Here’s what new research pinpoints as some of the nutritional perks of cheese."
http://time.com/4619162/cheese-health-food-cholesterol/
Citando:
"For a long time, these stats made cheese an automatic nutritional no-no. “We used to assess whether a food is good or bad for your health simply by looking at a label and reading some of the basic information,” says Arne Astrup, head of the department of nutrition, exercise and sports at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. (Astrup has received accepted grants from dairy (...)"
"Recent research, from Astrup and others, is showing that the thousands of molecules that make up cheese are working in ways that make the food beneficial to health.
Some of these attributes are obvious but others less so. Here’s what new research pinpoints as some of the nutritional perks of cheese."
Proteína e saciedade - o tipo de proteína faz diferença (e a vegetal ganha) - Estudo
http://time.com/4602374/plant-proteins-breakfast-full/?xid=newsletter-brief
O pequeno almoço: Se quiser ficar sem fome mais tempo, esqueça os cereais e o bacon (proteína animal) e invista nas proteínas vegetais (ervilhas, grão de bico, feijão, etc.
Citando:
"As expected, the researchers found that protein content did matter in terms of how hungry people were at lunch. On days when participants ate the high-protein legume patty, they ate 13% fewer calories at lunch than on days they had the lower-protein patty.
But somewhat surprisingly, the type of protein mattered too. Even though both high-protein patties had the same amount of protein (about 25% of total calories), participants still ate 12% fewer lunch calories when they had legumes for breakfast, versus meat."
segunda-feira, 2 de janeiro de 2017
Entrevista - Medicina Funcional Integrativa (2014)
O QUE É A MEDICINA FUNCIONAL INTEGRATIVA?
A medicina que Cristina Sales [já falecida TBC] exerce dá pelo nome de medicina funcional integrativa – reúne diferentes disciplinas, profissionais e recursos terapêuticos, é centrada na pessoa e procura entender onde estão os desequilíbrios que desencadeiam a doença. Para uns, trata-se de uma abordagem vanguardista, mais adaptada aos pacientes, ao tratamento e controlo das chamadas doenças da civilização. Para outros, a prática médica de Cristina Sales ainda gera alguma desconfiança. Quem não receia são os doentes que a procuram – sobretudo pessoas que vivem com doenças crónicas (alergias, enxaquecas, fadiga crónica, doenças inflamatórias, endócrinas, metabólicas e autoimunes) e que não encontraram resposta satisfatória para os problemas que as afetam.
Leia mais: Saber comer é pura informação http://www.noticiasmagazine.pt/2014/saber-comer-e-pura-informacao/
A medicina que Cristina Sales [já falecida TBC] exerce dá pelo nome de medicina funcional integrativa – reúne diferentes disciplinas, profissionais e recursos terapêuticos, é centrada na pessoa e procura entender onde estão os desequilíbrios que desencadeiam a doença. Para uns, trata-se de uma abordagem vanguardista, mais adaptada aos pacientes, ao tratamento e controlo das chamadas doenças da civilização. Para outros, a prática médica de Cristina Sales ainda gera alguma desconfiança. Quem não receia são os doentes que a procuram – sobretudo pessoas que vivem com doenças crónicas (alergias, enxaquecas, fadiga crónica, doenças inflamatórias, endócrinas, metabólicas e autoimunes) e que não encontraram resposta satisfatória para os problemas que as afetam.
Leia mais: Saber comer é pura informação http://www.noticiasmagazine.pt/2014/saber-comer-e-pura-informacao/
A Gut Makeover for the New Year - The New York Times
Continuam os estudos do microbioma intestinal ("bicharada" no intestino) e pistas que indiciam que podemos alterá-lo com a alimentação (beneficiando a nossa saúde):
A Gut Makeover for the New Year - The New York Times
Citando:
"If you’re making resolutions for a healthier new year, consider a gut makeover. Refashioning the community of bacteria and other microbes living in your intestinal tract, collectively known as the gut microbiome, could be a good long-term investment in your health.
Trillions of microbial cells inhabit the human body, outnumbering human cells by 10 to one according to some estimates, and growing evidence suggests that the rich array of intestinal microbiota helps us process nutrients in the foods we eat, bolsters the immune system and does all sorts of odd jobs that promote sound health. A diminished microbial ecosystem, on the other hand, is believed to have consequences that extend far beyond the intestinal tract, affecting everything from allergies and inflammation, metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity, even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Much of the composition of the microbiome is established early in life, shaped by forces like your genetics and whether you were breast-fed or bottle-fed. Microbial diversity may be further undermined by the typical high-calorie American diet, rich in sugar, meats and processed foods. But a new study in mice and people adds to evidence that suggests you can take steps to enrich your gut microbiota. Changing your diet to one containing a variety of plant-based foods, the new research suggests, may be crucial to achieving a healthier microbiome."
PS. Mais vale seguir esta recomendação do que optar pelas alternativas que se começam a falar: Os transplantes de... matéria fecal (arghhh).
A Gut Makeover for the New Year - The New York Times
Citando:
"If you’re making resolutions for a healthier new year, consider a gut makeover. Refashioning the community of bacteria and other microbes living in your intestinal tract, collectively known as the gut microbiome, could be a good long-term investment in your health.
Trillions of microbial cells inhabit the human body, outnumbering human cells by 10 to one according to some estimates, and growing evidence suggests that the rich array of intestinal microbiota helps us process nutrients in the foods we eat, bolsters the immune system and does all sorts of odd jobs that promote sound health. A diminished microbial ecosystem, on the other hand, is believed to have consequences that extend far beyond the intestinal tract, affecting everything from allergies and inflammation, metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity, even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Much of the composition of the microbiome is established early in life, shaped by forces like your genetics and whether you were breast-fed or bottle-fed. Microbial diversity may be further undermined by the typical high-calorie American diet, rich in sugar, meats and processed foods. But a new study in mice and people adds to evidence that suggests you can take steps to enrich your gut microbiota. Changing your diet to one containing a variety of plant-based foods, the new research suggests, may be crucial to achieving a healthier microbiome."
PS. Mais vale seguir esta recomendação do que optar pelas alternativas que se começam a falar: Os transplantes de... matéria fecal (arghhh).
Podemos treinar-nos para dormir menos?
Podemos treinar-nos para dormir menos? A resposta rápida é, por muito que nos custe (aos que gostariam de aproveitar o tempo de sono para fazer outras coisas, o que quer que sejam): Não.
E eis mais uns quantos estudos sobre o sono e o facto e provavelmente não se conseguir reduzir a quantidade de horas de sono (sem afectar a capacidade óptima de processamento do cérebro):
Sleep scientists: You can't train yourself to need less sleep - Business Insider
E eis mais uns quantos estudos sobre o sono e o facto e provavelmente não se conseguir reduzir a quantidade de horas de sono (sem afectar a capacidade óptima de processamento do cérebro):
Sleep scientists: You can't train yourself to need less sleep - Business Insider
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