Science Weekly - 25112018

Check out this week's finding in fitness and nutrition science and feel free to comment which one you found the most useful. 

It seems there is a lot of research going on regarding the endocrine system, metabolism, gut health and genetics in relation to weight gain and overall health these days. That may be a good indication that science is challenging some of the old views on weight management. Exciting times.

​Variance in gut microbiome in Himalayan populations linked to dietary lifestyle

The gut bacteria of four Himalayan populations differ based on their dietary lifestyles, according to a new study.

Source: Stanford Medicine

Study of two tribes sheds light on role of Western-influenced diet in blood pressure

A South American tribe living in near-total isolation with no Western dietary influences showed no increase in average blood pressure from age one to age 60, according to a new study. In comparison, a nearby tribe whose diet includes some processed foods and salt did show higher blood pressure into late middle age.

Source: Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health

Can't exercise? A hot bath may help improve inflammation, metabolism, study suggests

Hot water treatment may help improve inflammation and blood sugar (glucose) levels in people who are unable to exercise, according to a new study.

Source: American Physiological Society

Parental 'feeding styles' reflect children's genes

New research challenges the idea that a child's weight largely reflects the way their parents feed them. Instead, parents appear to adopt feeding styles in response to their children's natural body weight, which is largely genetically influenced.

Source: King's College London

Antioxidants may prevent cognitive impairment in diabetes

Cognitive difficulties in patients with diabetes, caused by repeated episodes of low blood sugar, could be reduced with antioxidants, according to a new study. The study findings suggest that stimulating antioxidant defenses in mice reduces cognitive impairments caused by low blood sugar, which could help to improve the quality of life for diabetic patients.

Sources: Society for Endocrinology

Women more resilient to extreme physical activity than previously reported

Women that underwent extreme physical training and completed a transantarctic expedition did not show any more negative health effects than would be expected in men, according to a new study. The study is the first to suggest that women are not more susceptible to the negative effects of physical exertion and, that with appropriate training and preparation, can be as resilient as men in undertaking arduous physical activity.

Source: ​Society for Endocrinology

Orange juice, leafy greens and berries may be tied to decreased memory loss in men

Eating leafy greens, dark orange and red vegetables and berry fruits, and drinking orange juice may be associated with a lower risk of memory loss over time in men.

Source: American Academy of Neurology

Probiotics no help to young kids with stomach virus

A major US study has found that a commonly used probiotic is not effective in improving symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting in young children with gastroenteritis.

Source: Washington University in St. Louis