All articles tagged with #chronic illnesses
A 15-year study by Karolinska Institutet found that healthy diets like the Mediterranean, AHEI, and MIND can slow the development of chronic diseases such as dementia and cardiovascular issues in older adults, while pro-inflammatory diets increase risks. The research emphasizes the importance of diet in aging and disease prevention.
Newly published data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a partial rebound in life expectancy in the United States, with an increase of more than a year in 2022. However, the rebound only restored less than half of the years lost during the pandemic. Chronic illnesses such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, along with drug overdoses and homicides, continue to contribute to a long-term mortality crisis in the country. The data also highlights the racial and ethnic disparities in life expectancy, with Native Americans experiencing the largest decline. The United States lags behind other wealthy nations in terms of life expectancy, and the report suggests that the stagnation observed since 2010 will likely continue.
Researchers are uncovering the role of the gut microbiome in inflammation and its impact on chronic illnesses. Studies have shown that a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains, can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and mental health conditions. The gut microbiome, which is influenced by diet, plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation and maintaining health. Fiber, in particular, has been found to be a key nutrient that promotes a diverse and balanced gut microbiome. By focusing on the gut microbiome, scientists are gaining insights into how diet can be used as a form of medicine to prevent and treat chronic illnesses.
Extreme heat poses a threat to people with chronic illnesses, particularly those with diabetes. The combination of compromised sweat glands and increased blood sugar levels can lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Diabetic patients are advised to stay hydrated with water, be cautious of hot surfaces due to weakened nerves, and bring their medicine indoors promptly.
The human genome contains 20,000 protein-coding genes, but they account for just 2% of our DNA. The remaining 98% of our DNA became known as dark matter, or the dark genome, a mysterious melee of letters with no obvious meaning or purpose. Now, two decades on, we have the first inklings of the role of the dark genome. Its primary function appears to be regulating the decoding process, or expression, of protein-making genes. It helps to control how our genes behave in response to all the environmental pressures our bodies face throughout our lives, ranging from diet to stress, pollution, exercise, and how much we sleep, a field known as epigenetics.