The Pulse
Medical findings for a healthier body
Restoring the ageing brain’s waste-disposal system
Recent research highlights a link between neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and the brain’s reduced ability to clear harmful waste, which affects healthy brain and body function. Ageing slows the brain’s waste-removal process, known as the glymphatic system. The glymphatic system uses cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to remove toxic proteins produced by brain cells. These proteins include beta-amyloid, tau, and alpha-synuclein, which contribute to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. A recent study shows that restoring the function of cervical lymph vessels can reverse age-related declines in CSF flow. In ageing mice, CSF flow slowed by 63 per cent due to reduced contractions and valve failures in these vessels. Researchers used prostaglandin F2, a hormone-like compound commonly used for inducing labour and aiding smooth muscle contraction, to treat older mice. This treatment restored CSF flow and vessel contraction to levels found in younger mice. Targeting these lymphatic vessels could pave the way for new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Source: Nature Aging
Eat more protein and fibre for weight loss success
Participants in a self-directed dietary education program who successfully lost weight over 25 months consumed more protein and fibre in a recent study. Personalisation and flexibility in diet plans were crucial for long-term adherence. After one year, successful dieters, 41% of participants, lost 12.9% of their body weight. In contrast, the rest lost just over 2%. The study used the Individualised Diet Improvement Program (iDip). iDip combines data visualisation tools and intensive education. As a result, the program helps dieters increase protein and fibre intake, reduce calories, and create personalised weight loss plans for a healthy brain and body. Moreover, the program emphasises flexibility, allowing participants to tailor their diets for sustainable weight loss. Participants aimed for 80g of protein and 20g of fibre each day and limited daily calories to 1500. Lead researcher Mindy H Lee highlighted the importance of combining increased protein and fibre with calorie reduction for safe and effective weight loss.
Source: Obesity Science and Practice
Red and processed meat consumption
A recent study analysed data from 1.97 million participants and found that consuming processed and unprocessed red meat is linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers from the University of Cambridge used data from 31 study cohorts across 20 countries. They found that eating 50g of processed meat daily, about two slices of ham, was linked to a 15% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the next 10 years. Consuming 100g of unprocessed red meat daily, a small steak, was associated with a 10% higher risk. The study also examined the link between poultry consumption and type 2 diabetes. However, the association remains uncertain and requires further investigation. These findings support recommendations to limit the intake of processed and unprocessed red meat. This could help reduce the number of diabetes cases.
Source: The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology
