Although often perceived as benign, cannabis—particularly when smoked—may pose underrecognized risks to vascular health. Like tobacco smoke, cannabis smoke contains numerous toxic compounds and fine particles known to impair cardiovascular function. A recent study found that regular cannabis users had roughly 40% lower arterial function than nonusers, raising concerns about the long-term vascular consequences of chronic use. In this cross-sectional study, researchers categorized 55 healthy adults aged 18 to 50 as chronic marijuana smokers, regular users of edible tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) pro... cardiovascular drug
Read moreSitting for long periods isn't just harmful to your back—it may also increase your risk of cardiometabolic disorders, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Some research indicates that breaking up sedentary time with movement can enhance cardiometabolic health, but scientists are uncertain about the best frequency for these breaks. A recent study discovered that taking frequent breaks—at least every 30 minutes—might be more effective at managing blood sugar than having less frequent interruptions. Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized crossover tria... exercise diabetes blood sugar cardiovascular exercise snacks
Read moreStress damages the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke. Stress can also drive people to make poor dietary choices, often leading to overeating or consuming high-fat, low-nutrient foods instead of healthier options like fruits and vegetables. A recent study found that cocoa flavanols help counteract the harmful effects of stress and unhealthy meals on the heart and blood vessels. The study involved 23 healthy young adults. Each participant ate a high-fat meal (buttered croissants, cheese, and whole milk) paired with either a high-f... diet stress polyphenol cardiovascular cocoa
Read moreCannabis use is prevalent among teens, whose brains are undergoing massive developmental changes. Evidence suggests that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, has profound effects on the brain, impairing neurodevelopment. A recent study in mice found that adolescent cannabis use influences gene expression and neural connections, potentially altering the brain’s structure. Researchers exposed adolescent male mice to THC and then analyzed changes in gene expression and brain cell structure within the cerebral cortex—a brain region responsible for memory, t... brain memory drug cannabinoid development
Read moreMitochondrial function and whole-body maximal oxygen uptake – a surrogate measure of metabolic function and health – are closely linked. Exercise boosts mitochondrial function, but some evidence suggests there is an upper limit to exercise's benefits. A new study demonstrates that the benefits of exercise on mitochondrial function peak, after which the benefits plateau or even drop. The study involved 11 healthy adults enrolled in a four-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program. The exercise load and duration gradually increased over the first three weeks of training (scaling up ... exercise metabolism mitochondria
Read moreMicroglia, the brain's resident immune cells, play a vital role in managing brain inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases by eliminating amyloid-beta, a harmful protein linked to Alzheimer's disease, and forming barriers around insoluble amyloid-beta deposits. A new study in mice shows that oral bacteria over-stimulate microglia, impairing their anti-amyloid properties. Researchers induced periodontal disease in mice by placing ligatures around their teeth, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Then they examined the effects of the disease on the animals' gums, bones, and... brain alzheimer's dental blood-brain barrier
Read moreMice that regularly ate nitrite-containing frankfurters developed 75 percent more gastrointestinal tumors than those that ate regular mouse food, according to a new study. The frankfurter-eating mice also gained more weight. Researchers fed mice regular mouse chow or mouse chow combined with either nitrite-free pork, nitrite-free pork sausage, or nitrite-containing frankfurter (a type of hotdog). After the mice had been on their respective diets for eight weeks, the researchers counted the animals' gastrointestinal tumors and gut microbes. They also assessed the animals' metabolic status. ...
Read moreOmega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, and CoQ10 reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Some nutritional components benefit cardiovascular health, but others have no effect on cardiovascular health or may even harm it, according to a recent study. Nutritional components providing the greatest benefit include omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a vitamin-like compound produced in the body. Researchers analyzed the findings of more than 880 trials involving more than 880,000 participants that investigated the benefits of various macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive... vitamin d vitamin c omega-3 melatonin magnesium curcumin selenium folate zinc polyphenol carotenoids cardiovascular supplements Ubiquinol
Read moreInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for two chronic inflammatory conditions that affect the digestive tract – ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Symptoms of IBD include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. Evidence indicates that dysbiosis, an imbalance in the types and numbers of microbes in the gut, contributes to the pathogenesis of IBD (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31094471/). And now, findings from a recent study suggest that eating a high-sugar diet promotes dysbiosis and the development of IBD. The study involved normal mice and ... gut diet inflammation sugar
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