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The Beverage of Champions

  • Beetroot Juice

In the past, studies suggested that dietary nitrate (NO3−) improves muscle function during exercise. Kansas State University colleagues recently found that beetroot juice can help increase blood flow to muscles during exercise by approximately 38%, especially to the less-oxygenated, fast-twitch muscles. After seeing that dietary nitrate supplementation via beetroot juice improves metabolic control in fast-twitch muscles, the study concluded that a drinking beetroot juice may be a method of inducing these beneficial effects during high-intensity workouts.

Artificial Sweeteners Cause Glucose Intolerance

Recent studies reported that non-caloric artificial sweeteners alter gut flora and promote glucose intolerance. Researchers found that feeding mice a mixture of saccharin, sucralose, or aspartame in place of regular drinking water increased blood sugar levels compared to a glucose solution or water alone, with saccharin showing the greatest impact. Saccharin-fed mice treated with gut bacteria-fighting antibiotics showed a reversal of the glucose intolerance. Researchers also evaluated non-diabetic subjects for artificial sweetener intake, blood sugar metabolism and gut microbiota and determined that those who consumed the most artificial sweeteners had higher fasting glucose levels, poorer glucose tolerance and altered gut bacteria levels compared to the subjects that did not consume artificial sweeteners. With reports from 2004 estimating that 15% of the population regularly used artificial sweeteners and from 2008 showing that 65% of American households bought at least one sucralose-containing product, researchers say their results beg for a review of non-calorie artificial sweeteners usage.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Cause Memory Problems

  • Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Memory Problems

A study conducted at the University of Southern California showed that when rats consumed large amounts of liquid solutions with concentrations of sugar or high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) comparable to popular sugar-sweetened beverages, they experienced memory problems, brain inflammation and became pre-diabetic. A series of tests were performed on 76 rats whose daily calorie intake consisted of 35-40% sugar or HFCS, resulting in impaired learning and memory. Experts say that the brain is especially influenced during periods of development and that consuming high amounts of sugar not only can lead to weight gain and metabolic disturbances, but can also negatively affect brain function and cognitive ability.

Promote Healthy Living Even During Times of Stress

  • Promote Healthy Living

Researchers say that it’s important to promote healthy living, especially during times of stress. Practicing healthy lifestyles can help combat the negative impact of stress on telomeres, a part of chromosomes whose rate of shortening is considered a sign of aging. Studies uncovered a significant decline in white blood cell telomere length related to major life stressors that occurred for postmenopausal women, which can accelerate immune cell aging in adults. However, participants of the study who regularly exercised, rested and maintained a healthy diet experienced less telomere shortening, even with similar stress levels. This study is the first to support the observation that stress can accelerate cell aging in adults and that positive lifestyles can help offset this aging. Make an appointment with Dr. Farnesi to learn how you can help slow the aging process by calling (619) 795-6700 or visiting www.manageyourage.com.

Chemicals We Apply To Our Skin

  • Chemicals We Apply to Our Skin

Most people worry about what goes into their body, but have you ever thought about what goes onto your skin? Our skin is very absorbent, which is why doctors often prescribe topical medicines. However, many conventional products we apply to our skin are filled with chemicals that can cause health issues by altering the body’s natural cycles and processes. The most threatening of these substances are hormone disruptors, which are surprisingly common in beauty and personal care products. These chemicals affect the body’s endocrine system by interfering with hormone production or competing with essential nutrients. The most common hormone disruptors in beauty and personal care products are phthalates, which are often found in perfumes, lotions and detergents, and triclosan that can be found in household products like deodorant, soap and toothpaste.

Medical Age Management is a premier anti-aging and aesthetic skin care services provider in Southern California.