bone mineral density Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Prunes Provide UNEXPECTED Health Benefits, New Study Suggests

AHA Publisher — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 08:31:12 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones that increases susceptibility to fractures, can have devastating consequences. The National Institutes of Health reports that a shocking 50 percent of women over age 60 (along with 20 percent of men in that age group) will suffer a potentially debilitating osteoporosis-related fracture at some point. And, with the “graying” of America, rates of the disease (which disproportionately affects women) are rising. Experts predict that the national prevalence of osteoporosis among women aged 50 and older will reach 13.6 million by 2030. Given these grim statistics, a review of studies published this month in the journal Advances in Nutrition delivers particularly welcome news. The authors, a team of scientists at Penn State University, concluded that a natural dietary intervention – daily consumption of ordinary prunes- may help delay and even prevent the onset of osteoporosis. So let’s take a closer look at the review – and the bone-building benefits of prunes. Researchers: “Promising effects” on Bone Mineral Density Are One of the Many Benefits of Prunes Researchers analyzed data from 28 studies – 16 involving animals and 12 involving humans to conduct the review. They identified multiple studies that showed that eating 100 grams of prunes (about three ounces, or ten prunes) every day for a year increased the mineral density of bones in the forearms and lower spines of postmenopausal women. And eating between 50 and 100 grams of prunes a day for six months was also shown to decrease a marker of resorption (bone loss) known as TRAP-5b. Dr. Connie Rogers, an associate professor of nutritional sciences and physiology at Penn State, noted that the prunes helped to inhibit inflammation and suppress markers of oxidative stress. (Oxidative stress and inflammation, triggered by the loss of estrogen in postmenopausal women, are believed to lie at the root of osteoporosis). The researchers concluded that incorporating prunes into the diet could help strengthen bones. Benefits of Prunes Include Reducing Bone Loss by Multiple Mechanisms It turns out that the benefits of prunes for bone health are multi-faceted. For one thing, prunes contain antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, that help battle oxidative stress. (In fact, scientists have found that plums – which are basically prunes before they have been dried – contain roughly twice as many antioxidants as peaches and nectarines. And the drying process causes no loss of antioxidants). Prunes also contribute bone-building minerals, along with hefty amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K, once known primarily for its importance to normal blood clotting, has created a “buzz” in recent research with its ability to escort calcium from the blood and into the bones, where it belongs. The Penn State team also reported that prunes caused a change in the gut microbiome (the community of bacteria in the intestinal tract), which helped lower pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the colon. Finally, prunes decreased levels of malondialdehyde – a marker of oxidative stress – while increasing the expression of important antioxidants such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Additional Studies Strongly Support Benefits of This Dried Fruit for Bone Health In older – but still-reputable – research published in 2009 in Aging Research Review, researchers credited prunes with being the “most effective” fruit in both preventing and reversing bone loss. The scientists used micro-computed tomography to show that prunes could restore bone mineral density to normal levels in rats with osteoporosis, reversing bone loss about as effectively as hormone therapy In a three-month clinical trial opostmenopausalal women conducted by the same research team, prunes significantly increased markers of bone formation, such as bone-specific alkaline phosphatase. Prunes Are a Nutritional Jackpot of Phytonutrients, Vitamins, Minerals, and Fiber Prunes, botanically known as Prunus domestica, are a rich source of high-quality nutrients. A one-ounce serving contains a fifth of the adult recommended dietary intake for vitamin K, along with various B vitamins, which are needed to convert food to energy and a healthy nervous sys em. And prunes offer an array of bone-building minerals – including magnesium, potassium, and phosp orus. The serving also contains 2 grams of heart-healthy dietary fiber. Yet the caloric cost is a reasonable 67 calories (meaning that even a three-ounce serving, like the one used in studies, clocks in at about 200 calories – less than that of a typical can y bar). And, despite their sumptuous, candy-sweet taste, they not only don’t raise blood sugar but may help regulate levels. (Researchers chalk this up to prunes’ content of dietary fiber and adiponectin, a blood sugar-regulating hormone). Portable, convenient and tasty, prunes are easy to incorporate into the diet. However, to avoid diarrhea, some natural health experts advise keeping their consumption to half a cup a day and limiting prune juice to no more than 8 ounces a day. While many people are familiar with their stimulating effects on the digestive tract – and their use as a trusted dietary intervention for constipation – it’s likely that far fewer realize just how much these nutritious dried fruits can bolster and protect the strength and density of bones. As the new review suggests, eating prunes may help you “stand strong” against a crippling disease. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com NIH.gov Healthline.com NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Discover the “Mighty Mineral” Under-Recognized for Its Lifesaving Health Benefits

AHA Publisher — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 08:00:33 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Most people are aware that certain minerals in the body – such as calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium – play a vital role in sustaining life and health. Less “top of mind,” though, are essential trace minerals such as manganese, selenium, copper and zinc. And, although these microminerals are needed in much smaller amounts than the “Big Four,” they also serve indispensable functions in the body. Manganese, in particular, is responsible for an impressive checklist of life-sustaining functions. In fact, research has shown that this hard-working micromineral can help prevent and even alleviate a surprising range of diseases and conditions. As we take a closer look at the “mighty mineral,” the far-ranging benefits of manganese may surprise you. Manganese Works Behind the Scenes to Protect Your Health Manganese is the ultimate “wing-man” in the body, helping to facilitate the contributions of a host of other players. Specifically, it plays an important role in the metabolism of amino acids, cholesterol, glucose and carbohydrates. In addition, manganese helps the body utilize a slew of important nutrients, including vitamin B1 (thiamin) – which helps the cells convert carbohydrates into energy – choline, which is needed for brain development, and vitamin C, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory “muscle” of the immune system. In combination with calcium, zinc and copper, manganese also supports bone mineral density. Plus, it helps to synthesize collagen, which is needed not only for healthy skin but for strong, flexible arteries. Finally, manganese facilitates normal blood clotting. The Benefits of Manganese Include a Stronger Defense Against Injury and Disease One of manganese’s important functions is to help to form superoxide dismutase, one of the body’s primary disease-fighting antioxidant enzymes. In fact, manganese superoxide dismutase is the compound’s full name. The task of superoxide dismutase is to gobble up harmful superoxide free radicals – thereby helping to fight oxidative stress, quench inflammation and slow the aging process. This antioxidant effect allows SOD to help fight a host of inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, COPD, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Research has also shown that manganese is required for the activation of prolidase, an enzyme essential for wound healing. Unsurprisingly, low dietary levels of manganese have been associated with serious chronic diseases. Attention Diabetics: Discover the Health Benefits of Manganese Scientists report that manganese assists in the utilization of biotin, which helps normalize blood sugar. And, early studies have shown that the micromineral could help beta cells in the pancreas produce insulin. It makes sense, therefore, that researchers believe that manganese may help to lower elevated blood sugar levelsand help ward off type 2 diabetes, which currently affects 34 million Americans. One 2014 Korean study found that people with diabetes had lower levels of manganese than those without the condition. In another study, mice with diet-induced diabetes were given manganese supplementation for 12 weeks – with promising results. The team noted that the animals experienced improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin secretion, along with a decrease in the harmful oxidation of fats. While more clinical research is needed, these studies are encouraging. Natural Relief – Manganese Supports Healthy Bones and Joints Studies have suggested that manganese deficiency could be a primary cause of osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become brittle and subject to fracture. It turns out that manganese helps with the formation of certain hormones and enzymes that are involved in bone building. It also plays an essential role in the synthesis of glucosamine and chondroitin, essential ingredients of cartilage. And, it may help to prevent and treat another “osteo” condition – osteoarthritis. One study found that a combination of manganese, glucosamine and chondroitin for four months improved pain and function in people with osteoarthritis of the knee and lower back. Some studies have suggested that taking manganese in conjunction with calcium, zinc and copper can improve bone mass and reduce spinal bone loss in older women. Manganese May Boost Memory and Mood, Ease PMS Naturally The benefits of manganese extend to neurological functions, as well. This mineral is associated with the activity of the nerve cells of the brain, has been shown in animal studies to improve cognitive function. While more study is needed, some researchers believe that manganese can improve learning, memory and even mood in humans. And, it may even play a role in alleviating cyclical mood disturbances in women. A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that premenstrual women with lower manganese levels experienced more pain, insomnia and mood-related symptoms than those with higher levels. How Much Manganese Is Enough? While true manganese shortfalls are rare in those who eat a varied, healthy diet, deficiencies can occur in people with chronic digestive disorders that limit absorption. In addition, a diet poor in manganese-rich foods can cause low levels. According to the National Institutes of Health, the daily adequate intake for manganese is 2.3 mg for men and 1.8 mg for women. However, some natural health experts recommend 4 mg a day for maximum benefit. The tolerable upper limit for manganese is 11 mg a day. Although manganese in small amounts is vital for health, excessive amounts can be toxic. If you would like to try supplementation, make sure to discuss the matter first with your qualified integrative doctor. You can boost your dietary intake of the “mighty mineral” with whole grains – particularly brown rice, which weighs in at a whopping 2.1 mg per cup. Other good sources include raw pineapple, chickpeas, adzuki beans, pecans, almonds and dark leafy greens. As far as exceeding the tolerable upper limit by eating these foods, no worries – there is no evidence showing manganese toxicity from high dietary intake. So, in terms of vitamins and minerals, the benefits of manganese may be somewhat under-appreciated. But make no mistake: this trace mineral is far too important to be overlooked. Sources for this article include: MedicalNewsToday.com, LifeExtension.com, OregonState.Edu, NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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How Does Chronic Stress Induce Bone Loss?

AHA Publisher — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 07:00:03 +0000

Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters via EurekAlert – Clinical studies have found that bone mineral density in patients with anxiety or depression is lower than in ordinary people. The brain, commander of the body, receives and processes external signals, and then sends instructions to peripheral bones. But how does anxiety induce a decline in bone mineral density? Researchers from the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and their collaborators now have an answer. They found that a central neural circuit from the forebrain to the hypothalamus mediates chronic stress-induced bone loss via the peripheral sympathetic nervous system. Their study was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation on September 10. The researchers found that isolation can significantly increase anxiety levels, thus inducing bone loss in human subjects. Biochemical analysis showed that prolonged isolation increases the concentration of norepinephrine and decreases osteogenic markers in serum. These changes were consistent with the observation of elevated anxiety and reduced bone formation in subjects. In order to identify the neural mechanism underlying chronic stress-induced bone loss, the research team used a mouse model where mice were subjected to unpredictable chronic mild stress. They found that after four to eight weeks of chronic stress, the mice displayed significant anxiety behaviors. The bone mineral density of the mice in the stress group was significantly lower than in the control group. These results confirmed the correlation between stress-induced anxiety and bone loss in experimental animals, and provided a good animal model for follow-up neural mechanism analysis. Through extensive experiments, researchers identified a population of inhibitory neurons expressing somatostatin in the brain nucleus that are known as the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) in the forebrain. These neurons were activated when animals showed anxiety behaviors and transmitted “anxiety” information to the neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH). “Activating the BNST-VMH neural circuit can simultaneously induce anxiety-like behaviors and generate bone loss in the mice, whereas inhibition of this circuit can prevent stress-induced anxiety and bone loss at the same time,” said Prof. YANG Fan from SIAT, the co-first and co-corresponding author of the study. Furthermore, the researchers discovered that glutamatergic neurons in nucleus tractus solitaries (NTS) and the sympathetic system were employed to regulate stress-induced bone loss. “This study provides a new perspective for the systematic study of the regulatory mechanism of brain homeostasis on metabolism and endocrine function of the body in special environments,” said Prof. WANG Liping, Director of the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute of SIAT. To read the original article click here.

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