September Research News

11 September 2024 by Leanne Scott

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Latest Health Research News

Here is your round up of the latest health research news from around the world.  Our monthly research round ups are compiled by Lead Instructor and Program Director Leanne Scott, FNTP

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The Trend of Wearables - The Downsides

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals a double-edged sword of wearable health devices for atrial fibrillation patients. While these gadgets can provide offer immediate feedback on a users health status, they're also associated with increased symptom preoccupation, healthcare utilization, and anxiety. Notably, 20% of users experienced intense fear due to irregular rhythm notifications.

Though this study focused on A-fib patients, these findings may extend to other chronic conditions and healthy individuals. Wearables can lead to excessive self-monitoring, unnecessary medical visits, and heightened health anxiety. Continuous exposure to EMF’s and if health information is being used by the company for other purposes should also be a consideration.

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Study suggests 40% fewer Americans need Statins

In a groundbreaking study that could reshape cardiovascular disease prevention, researchers have found that millions of Americans currently taking statins may not actually need them. This revelation challenges long-held beliefs about heart disease risk assessment and opens the door for more personalized, holistic approaches to heart health.

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Aging Athletes Get a Lift from Beetroot: Study Reveals Ergogenic Effects in Master Rowers

As athletes age, maintaining peak performance becomes increasingly challenging. But what if the secret to enhanced endurance was hiding in the produce aisle all along? A new study suggests that beetroot juice, a natural source of nitrates, could be the key to unlocking better performance in older athletes.  

Check out these papers:

• Endurance performance in masters athletes
• Dietary Nitrate Supplementation and Exercise Performance

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Nitrate-Rich Juice from Household Vegetable Improves Endothelial Function in Postmenopausal Women

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk increases after menopause due to decreased estrogen levels, which are crucial for maintaining vascular health and nitric oxide (NO) levels. While estrogen therapy can be effective for women who have recently entered postmenopause, it can also pose health risks, highlighting the need for alternative treatments for later-stage postmenopausal women. Nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BJ) is a promising alternative that enhances NO levels and improves endothelial function.

Previous research has shown that a single dose of BJ improved health outcomes in early-postmenopausal women. This study aimed to evaluate whether 7-day BJ supplementation benefits endothelial function and NO levels, particularly in early versus late-postmenopausal women. Early-postmenopausal (1-6 years since final menstrual period) and late-postmenopausal (6+ years since final menstrual period) women consumed either nitrate-rich (400 mg) BJ or nitrate-depleted BJ (approximately 40 mg, placebo) daily for 7 days. Baseline measurements were taken on Day 0 and approximately 24 hours after the last dose (Day 8).

The results showed that BJ significantly improved health parameters in postmenopausal women, but the benefits depended on consistent supplementation and individual variations in nitrate metabolism. The positive health impacts of BJ were not present 24 hours after cessation of supplementation.

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