Nature Knows and Psionic Success

Chaperone protein imbalance can play a significant role in initiating toxic accumulation of tau in the aging brain – an early step in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders known as tauopathies, a new preclinical study by University of South Florida Health (USF Health) neuroscientists suggests.

In humans, misfolding of the protein tau leads to its toxic accumulation inside brain cells, the formation of these tau aggregates into hallmark neurofibrillary tangles, neuron death, and eventually symptoms of cognitive decline such as memory loss and diminished thinking skills.

In this study the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine researchers used mice that were not genetically modified (wild-type mice) to examine the effects of Aha1 and FKBP52, two co-chaperone proteins of heat shock protein Hsp90, in the aging brain. They modeled molecular chaperone imbalance by overexpressing production of Aha1 and FKBP52 in these old, wide-type mice. The findings, highlighted below, were reported April 8 in Acta Neuropathologica Communications.

Hsp90 is a chaperone protein abundant in neurons and other cells in the brain. Normally, co-chaperone proteins assist chaperone proteins in monitoring and sustaining the balance (homeostasis) of proteins critical to cell health.

“The chaperone protein network is your cell’s natural defense to maintain homeostasis throughout life, and this study emphasizes the importance of protecting that balance in the aging brain,” said principal investigator Laura Blair, PhD, an assistant professor of molecular medicine at the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Center, Morsani College of Medicine. “We’re excited about using this new model of tauopathy in finding ways to restore chaperone protein balance to delay or stop the progression of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.”

Among their many quality-control functions, chaperone protein networks ensure proteins are folded to conform to the proper 3D shapes, transported precisely where needed to do their jobs, and pushed toward degradation if they are abnormally modified or no longer useful. Heat shock proteins like Hsp90, triggered when a cell is under stress, play a particularly important “triage” role in correcting protein misfolding to prevent aggregation.

“But in the aging brain, the balance of the chaperone proteins shifts and creates a system not working as efficiently as it normally would. Large numbers of the chaperone molecules decrease in expression, and a smaller but significant number increase in their expression,” Dr. Blair said.

Increasing age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. So, the USF Health team investigated whether increased levels of FKBP52 and Aha1 alone could initiate pathological features mimicking human Alzheimer’s disease in aged wild-type mice – those with no genetic manipulations predisposing their brains to abnormally increase tau aggregation.

Key findings from their new mouse model of tauopathy include: High levels of FKBP52, and to a lesser extent elevated levels of Aha1, increased tau accumulation over time in the aged, wild-type mice.

The tau accumulation promoted by overexpression of FKBP52, but not Aha1, correlated with increased neuroinflammation through exaggerated activation of neuronal support cells, namely microglia and astrocytes. This was complemented by loss of neurons and cognitive impairments.

Existing mouse models, including those that add or subtract genes, introduce tau mutations, and seed mice brains with human tau, help scientists learn more about the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies. However, they tend to be limited in capturing the physiological aspects of neurodegeneration in the context of both normal and abnormal aging.

“We hope this (chaperone imbalance) model will help us better understand the dynamics of tau aggregation and neuroinflammation, including the timing and connections among pathological events, without directly regulating one pathway or the other,” Dr. Blair said.

Dr. Blair’s team has designed follow-up studies to help unravel if, and when, tau accumulation or neuroinflammation is more influential in causing brain cell toxicity during aging. That could help determine which chaperones — FKBP52, Aha1, or others — may be the best therapeutic target options for restoring protein balance, she said.

Co-lead authors for the USF Health study were postdoctoral fellow Marangelie Criado-Marrero, PhD, and doctoral student Niat Gebru. The research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Institute of Mental Health.

Read more at www.news-medical.net

( Natural News ) There are many possible causes of afternoon headaches, from dehydration to something more severe like an aneurysm. If you’re worried, read up on the 10 possible causes of afternoon headaches and how to prevent them.

As the name implies, an afternoon headache occurs in the afternoon. While they’re no different than other kinds of headaches, afternoon headaches can be triggered by something you did or consumed earlier in the day.

Below are 10 common causes of an afternoon headache and how to prevent them. Hunger

Afternoon headaches can be caused by hunger due to a drop in your blood sugar levels. A hunger headache can also cause symptoms like dizziness, fatigue or feeling shaky. It can also make you faint.

If you’re taking diabetes medication, you may be more vulnerable to hunger-induced headaches since some diabetes drugs can make your blood sugar levels decrease between meals.

Prevent hunger headaches by eating on a regular schedule . Follow a balanced diet, eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits and avoid eating fatty or sugary junk foods. Dehydration

Dehydration headaches can also occur in the afternoon if you don’t drink enough water during the day or if you consume several cups of coffee without drinking water.

If you’re dehydrated, you may experience other symptoms like: Dark urine or infrequent urination

Dizziness

Dry mouth, lips and throat

Irritability

Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks can also cause afternoon headaches if you start drinking later in the day. If you have a cluster headache — a type of intense headache that often affects the front of the head — you may experience pain after consuming alcohol. Caffeine

Some people get headaches when they consume caffeinated drinks like coffee . Caffeine also makes a dehydration headache worse.

On the other hand, caffeine can help prevent or relieve headache symptoms in some cases. If you consume caffeine regularly, cutting back on your coffee intake can cause an afternoon headache. Migraines

A migraine is a type of neurological headache caused by changes in nerve pathways, neurotransmitters and other brain chemicals. People with migraines may experience nausea, visual disturbances, sensitivity to light and unusual sensations.

You can have a migraine at any time of the day. Common triggers include certain smells, sights, sounds or foods.

If you have migraine headaches at the same time every day, take note of your symptoms and activities to identify possible triggers so you can avoid them. (Related: Tension headache? Hang on a minute, try these quick fixes .) Eyestrain

You can experience headaches from eyestrain if you stare at a computer or laptop without taking breaks. Eyestrain headaches can also be caused by uncorrected vision problems or muscle imbalances in the face or neck.

Eyestrain headaches cause pain in the front of your head. You may feel exhausted or experience worse pain if you don’t take breaks when working on your computer. Muscle tension

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and occur when muscles in your neck, shoulders or jaw are tense. This causes pain that radiates to your head.

Tension headaches occur gradually and tend to worsen steadily over several hours. You may experience this type of headache after sitting in your car, working on your computer or staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time.

Since a tension headache makes the muscles in your neck or shoulders feel tense, massaging these muscles can help relieve your headache. However, some people report that massaging these areas can make their headaches worse.

While they’re not dangerous like headaches caused by hypertension, tension headaches can last for hours or days. Stretch your head, neck and shoulders, take frequent breaks when working on a computer and practice deep breathing to relieve tension headaches. Allergies

Allergies can cause painful pressure in your head and face.

If you have allergies, you may: Feel distracted or fatigued Feel like you’re coming down with something Have itchy eyes Sneeze a lot Allergies are triggered when you’re exposed to an allergen. You may experience painful symptoms throughout the day. High blood pressure While high blood pressure ( hypertension ) doesn’t usually cause headaches, dangerously high blood pressure of 180/120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or above can cause discomfort. A headache caused by high blood pressure doesn’t always come with other symptoms, but you may see spots, have flushed skin or feel dizzy.High blood pressure that causes a headache should be treated as a medical emergency. It’s also particularly dangerous for pregnant women. If your blood pressure remains at 180/120 mm Hg or higher, call a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. Emergencies Headaches caused by serious health issues, such as a stroke or an aneurysm, can occur in the afternoon. But unlike other types of headaches, these headaches don’t usually go away and come back.If you suffer from afternoon headaches, don’t always assume that the time of day is the trigger. You can experience severe headaches at any time of day.A headache may require emergency medical attention if you experience: An intense headache that differs significantly from your usual headache pattern Changes in vision or pain in the eye Confusion Loss of consciousness Memory or personality changes during the headache A sudden popping sound in the head A headache after being in a car accident or getting hit in the head A very stiff neck with signs of infection, like muscle pain or a high fever Treating afternoon headaches These lifestyle changes can also help reduce the likelihood of getting an afternoon headache : Eat balanced meals regularly. Avoid common headache triggers like alcohol and coffee. Have regular eye exams and wear prescription lenses Don’t sit in hunched or strained positions Take frequent breaks at work Stretch and move around every couple of hours Drink water throughout the day Prevent headaches by making healthy lifestyle changes and avoiding common triggers like alcohol and coffee. Sources include: MedicalNewsToday.com DRWeil.com

Read more at www.naturalnews.com

Representational Image(Unsplash) According to a new study , engaging in household chores may be beneficial for brain health in older adults. The study found that older adults who spent more time on household chores showed greater brain size, which is a strong predictor of cognitive health. The findings of the study were published in the journal BMC Geriatrics.

“Scientists already know that exercise has a positive impact on the brain, but our study is the first to show that the same may be true for household chores,” said Noah Koblinsky, lead author of the study, Exercise Physiologist and Project Coordinator at Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute (RRI).

Koblinsky added, “Understanding how different forms of physical activity contribute to brain health is crucial for developing strategies to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.”

In this study, the researchers looked at the links between household chores, brain volume and cognition in a group of 66 cognitively healthy older adults living in the community. The participants attended three assessment visits at Baycrest Hospital, including a health evaluation, structural brain imaging and cognitive assessment.

Participants were asked about the time they spent on household chores, such as tidying, dusting, meal preparation and clean up, shopping, heavy housework, yard work, home repairs and caregiving.

The researchers found that older adults who spent more time engaging in such activities had greater brain volume, regardless of how much exercise they did. This was observed in the hippocampus, which plays a major role in memory and learning, and the frontal lobe, which is involved in many aspects of cognition.

Although it is possible that individuals with larger brains are more likely to take up household chores, there could be several explanations for the brain benefits of household physical activity.

First, we know that heart health is closely tied to brain health. It could be that household chores have a similar effect on the heart and blood vessels as low-intensity aerobic exercise.

Second, the planning and organisation involved in household chores may promote the formation of new neural connections over time, even as we age.

Third, it could be that the older adults who engaged in more household chores spent less time being sedentary, which has been shown to be associated with negative health outcomes, including poor brain health.

“Besides helping to guide physical activity recommendations for older adults, these findings may also motivate them to be more active, since household chores are a natural and often necessary aspect of many people’s daily lives, and therefore appear more attainable,” said Dr Nicole Anderson, Senior Scientist at the RRI, Director of the Ben and Hilda Katz Interprofessional Research Program in Geriatric and Dementia Care, and senior author of this study.

This study was funded in part by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

As a next step, the researchers would like to assess household physical activity more objectively using wearable technology. With additional funding, they could also plan controlled trials with the aim of increasing individuals’ household activity and studying brain changes over time.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Read more at www.hindustantimes.com

(Last Updated On: April 18, 2021)

Oranges are one of the world’s most popular fruits and are currently widely available on the Afghan market but did you know this sweet fruit is packed with vitamin C – an important substance our bodies need to support a healthy immune system in us all – as well as other important nutrients.

The origin of oranges is a mystery but it is believed they were first grown in southeast Asia thousands of years ago but today they are grown across the world and consumed either fresh or as juice.

As a good source of fibre, oranges are associated with many beneficial health effects and are also a good source of several vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, thiamine, folate (two of the B vitamins), and potassium. Seven amazing benefits of eating oranges

1. Oranges Keep Your Eyes Healthy and Your Vision Sharp
2. Oranges Reduce the Risk of Stroke
3. Oranges Assist with Appetite Control
4. Oranges Fight Cancer
5. Oranges Promote Healthy Skin
6. Oranges Keep Your Blood Vessels Healthy
7. Oranges Help Repair your Body

According to a US nutritionist, Dr Cynthia Sass, one orange packs about 80 percent of the daily goal for vitamin C. She says that in addition to supporting immune function, Vitamin C helps produce collagen, reduce inflammation, and boosts the body’s ability to use fat as a fuel source, both during exercise and at rest.

Too little blood vitamin C has also been tied to increased body fat and waist measurements, she said.

Vitamin C also helps boost the absorption of iron, which can enhance oxygen availability and reduce fatigue. This is especially important for premenopausal women who lose iron through menstruation, and those who follow a plant-based diet, since iron is less readily absorbed from plant sources.

Vitamin C also acts as an aging-fighting antioxidant, and it’s needed for DNA repair and serotonin production. The latter helps to promote happiness and sleep, she said. The other key nutrients supplied by oranges are potassium and folate.

Potassium supports heart function and muscle contractions, and it helps maintain muscle mass.

Sass says this mineral also acts as a natural diuretic, to reduce blood pressure and counter fluid retention.

Folate meanwhile supports the brain and nervous system, and adequate amounts may help protect against depression and memory problems.

Oranges are also antioxidant superstars, says Sass. Antioxidants in oranges provide anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial benefits. They also defend against oxidative stress, which is essentially an imbalance between the production of cell-damaging free radicals and the body’s ability to counter their harmful effects.

The antioxidants in oranges may also protect your mental health, says Sass.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher flavonoid intake may be associated with lower depression risk, particularly among older women. A higher flavonoid intake is also linked to the prevention of weight gain and reduced body fat.

Meanwhile, the vitamin C in oranges is important for growing and repairing tissue all over the body.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin C helps heal wounds and maintain healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin C also supports the production of collagen, which is needed to make cartilage, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels and skin.

But nutritionists and doctors warn that too many oranges at once are not good.

When eaten in excess, the fiber content can affect digestion, causing abdominal cramps, and could also lead to diarrhea.

Though oranges are relatively low in calories, eating several per day can end up leading to weight gain.

Health professionals recommend a daily intake of anywhere between 1 and 3 oranges a day for healthy adults.

Read more at ariananews.af

Brain health expert Professor James Goodwin. The brain is arguably the most important organ in our body. Not only does it control and coordinate our actions, it’s at the very centre of our human experience – it allows us to think, feel and form memories, and shapes our personalities too.

Yet many of us know nothing about how our brains actually work, let alone how to care for them.

“There has been a dramatic switch in the science over the last couple of decades and we’ve completely lifted the lid on what we know about how to look after our brains,” says professor James Goodwin, neurologist and author of new book Supercharge Your Brain: How To Maintain A Healthy Brain Throughout Your Life.

Goodwin is special advisor to the Global Council on Brain Health, holds a chair at Exeter University Medical School and is a visiting professor of physiology at Loughborough University.

“If you were to ask people at a dinner party how to look after your heart, most people would be able talk about watching their cholesterol or doing exercise. But if you ask them about the brain? You’ll often be met with a blank stare,” Goodwin adds.

However, as cognitive decline continues to be a major long-term health concern, and the number of people with dementia in the UK is forecast to increase to 1,000,000 by 2025, perhaps we do need to know more about how to look after our brain health. Goodwin shares four easy ways to help keep your brain fighting fit at any age… 1.Make movement a part of your day

If your good intentions to complete a fitness plan in lockdown are flagging, here’s a good reason to set your alarm earlier and make sure you show up on the mat.

“In the past few years, researchers have found that exercise rejuvenates the brain,” says Goodwin. “It produces a chemical that stimulates new cells, and 30 minutes per day is all you need to reap the benefits – for five days a week at a moderate intensity.”

It could be something as gentle as brisk walking or moderate jogging, but the key is to make sure your chosen activity elevates your heart rate enough to get your blood pumping. Goodwin calls it a dose effect. “The more you do, the better the effect – but you can ruin the effects of that exercise completely by sitting down for more than eight hours per day. The longer we sit, the faster we age, so make sure you’re getting up every 20 minutes.” 2. Be a social butterfly

Social distancing rules have made it more difficult to catch up with friends, but being socially connected to others makes us feel safe and cared for, and this has big benefits for our brains.

“Humans would have never survived if we’d have been solitary animals,” stresses Goodwin. “We survived because we were in groups, and over 1.5 million years of social structure has cemented that into the brain. We’re highly dependent for brain health on this social interaction for others.”

Goodwin claims loneliness is as bad for our health as 15 cigarettes per day or a bottle of vodka, and that those who are persistently lonely have a 50% greater chance of dying than those who are not. “Another 12-year study found that those who said they were lonely showed a 20% faster rate of decline in their brain.

“The sensation of loneliness is quite natural. It’s like a hunger or thirst – it’s the brain telling us you need to seek out some company, in the same way hunger tells that you need to eat food,” says Goodwin. 3. Have a healthy sex life

“Frequent sexual intercourse with a close partner is beneficial to the brain too,” says Goodwin. According to the neurologist, it can foster better memory, better verbal fluency, and even better numeracy skills.

“A study on male rats, who had between 14-28 days of daily access to a receptive female, found that the number of new cells in that brain increased massively – and it worked better on the older rats, where it had a reverse ageing effect.”

Essentially, the older rats were reaching younger levels of brain rejuvenation, which Goodwin says is astonishing. But here’s the catch – he reckons it’s sex with familiar intimate partner that really has benefits. “Rats who got dumped in with a strange female were stressed out, and while they still eventually had sex, the brain benefits were much more profound in those regular partner rats.” 4. Eat well

“These days, we’ve got the choice of eating what we want, but that doesn’t mean we always eat what’s best for our brain,” says Goodwin. “Vitamin B12, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc and omega three are what I call the ‘big five’. These are the nutrients we know people are short of in Western diet.

“For a start, most of people in the Northern Hemisphere, above 35 latitude, don’t get enough sunshine to get enough vitamin D for six months of the year. B12, meanwhile, is only found in a very few foods which are mostly animal products.”

It’s not just what you’re eating that matters, but the amount you’re eating too. “The Okinawa is a Blue Zone – one of the five lucky areas of the world where people regularly live to over 100 years,” says Goodwin. “They have this Japanese expression called ‘hara hachi bu’, which means ‘leave the table 80% full’.

“The result of that eating habit is they will live longer, and rates of Alzheimer’s in Okinawa are 75% less than everywhere else in the world.” Essentially, those all-you-can-eat buffets and bottomless brunches might not be as good a deal as they seem.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, brain care needs to be consistent. “I always say that it’s not what you do on a single day, it’s the single things you do every day,” states Goodwin. “You can’t just make a 12-week plan when it comes to your brain – it’s got to be a way of life.”

[…]

Read more at www.sundaypost.com

Levels of a toxic gas in the brain could influence whether or not we get dementia and epilepsy, a study reveals.

The gas, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), is created inside the body in small doses – and is perhaps best known for carrying the torrid smell of rotten eggs.

H2S is produced in the brain and several smooth muscles, including the thoracic aorta (the section of the aorta in the chest) and the ileum (the final section of the small intestine).

By testing rat brain cells, the scientists found that H2S is involved in blocking a key brain cell gateway that helps the brain to communicate effectively.

Treatments to reduce levels of H2S in the brain – and therefore tackle dementia and epilepsy – may help to ward off damage caused by the gas. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colourless, flammable gas with a characteristic odour of rotten eggs.

It is produced naturally by the human body, and as a result of human activity outside the human body.

Natural sources include non-specific and anaerobic bacterial reduction of sulfates and sulfur-containing organic compounds.

Hydrogen sulfide is found naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, volcanic gases, hot springs and groundwater.

It is released from stagnant or polluted waters and manure or coal pits.

H2S is rapidly absorbed by the lungs into the bloodstream.

The research was conducted by experts at the University of Reading, the University of Leeds and John Hopkins University in the US.

‘This is an exciting finding as it gives us new insights about the role of hydrogen sulfide in various brain diseases, such as dementia and epilepsy,’ said study author Dr Mark Dallas at the University of Reading.

‘There has been growing interest in the effect of hydrogen sulfide on the brain and this study shows how important the implications of its build-up on proper brain functioning may be.’

Researchers found that H2S acts to disrupt the normal functioning of potassium channels, which regulate electrical activity across the connections between brain cells.

‘When these channels are blocked from working properly we see overexcitable brain cells which we believe is leading to nerve cell death,’ said Dr Dallas.

‘The implication for potential treatments is particularly exciting because finding drugs that target hydrogen sulfide production in our brains may have a host of benefits for diseases.’

Although H2S is produced in small doses inside the body, it’s also found naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, volcanic gases, hot springs and groundwater.

Human exposure to hydrogen sulfide produced outside the body is principally via inhalation, and the gas is rapidly absorbed through the lungs.

A 2001 study by researchers from University of Calgary in Canada found the gas appeared to impair cognitive performance in rats.

It has also previously been linked to brain damage and nervous system damage in humans.

For the new study, cells taken from rat brains were charged with a H2S donor molecule, and then brain cell electrical signals were monitored.

The resulting exposure to H2S increased the level of activity in brain cells, and the research was able to establish that the effect was specifically controlled by the potassium channel tested.

The team were also able to identify which part of the potassium channel was allowing this activity increase.

They used a mutated form of the potassium channel, which has already been shown to protect nerve cells from a host of toxic stimuli, including amyloid beta, a dangerous protein found in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients.

The researchers found that the mutation was resistant to the effect of H2S that was seen in natural cells.

The specific mutated channel now holds particular interest for research into Alzheimer’s, given the protective benefits against amyloid beta.’This exciting study demonstrates the growing evidence that gasotransmitters play an important role as signalling molecules in the regulation of the physiological processes underlying Alzheimer’s disease, which are relatively poorly understood, opening new avenues for investigation and drug discovery,’ said Dr Moza Al-Owais, Research Fellow at the University of Leeds.Globally, around 50 million people have dementia, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).Alzheimer’s disease, which slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, may contribute to 60 per cent to 70 per cent of dementia cases.More than 920,000 people in the UK are living with dementia – a figure that’s expected to rise to more than a million by 2024, according to the UK’s Alzheimer’s Society.The new research has been published in Scientific Reports . Read more

Read more at www.msn.com

Caption: Paper: How to get an energy boost without hitting the coffee Provider: (Picture:Getty) When you’re used to that caffeine kick from your coffee and tea, it can be hard to make the switch to a healthier alternative – but your body will thank you for doing it.

‘Like every stimulant, caffeine is addictive,’ says nutritionist and chef Olivia Nottin, founder of Matcha and Beyond.

‘It works on your brain and nervous system and helps you to stay alert and prevents tiredness.

‘Not all sources of caffeine are the same and have the same effects. Coffee, for instance, has a high caffeine content and will promote an instant release of energy. ‘This type of energy will react quickly, which will then cause a drop of energy later, hence the highly addictive effect.’

Give our swaps listed here a try to get your energy fix. Like a latte? Try golden milk

Boost immune function with turmeric (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) You’ll forget you ever had a latte addiction when you try this delicious concoction which contains spices, such as ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, cardamom, vanilla and honey.

‘Golden milk is an ancestral Indian beverage known to boost the immune function, reduce inflammation and support the brain function,’ says Olivia.

‘The main ingredient is turmeric, which is a natural blood purifier that will enhance the releases of toxins and is also a great source of antioxidants to fight against oxidative stress.’

You can buy pre-made golden milk powder or you can make the drink fresh from scratch yourself. At home, in a pan, combine 250ml of full-fat milk with a ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger, a pinch of black pepper, and a dollop of honey to taste. Heat the mixture slowly, stirring frequently.

Try: Golden Mylk ( £13 for 150g, oxygenboutique.com ) Want the hit of an espresso? Try Teeccino

If you’ve got a strong coffee addiction, try Teeccino. It’s a blend of caffeine-free chicory, carob, dandelion, barley and fruits and nuts, and comes in lots of different flavours. Many former coffee addicts say it tastes nearly identical to coffee.

Chicory has been shown to stimulate your gallbladder to produce more bile, which can help with fat digestion. An added bonus is that Teeccino is full of a dietary fibre called inulin.

‘These dietary fibres in plant-based foods are prebiotics, which are beneficial to support gut health and can improve digestive health,’ says Nottin. ‘Coffee is highly acidic, and it can damage the lining of your gut if consumed in excess.

‘If you already have gut problems, it is advised to reduce your coffee intake and you are encouraged to consume more dietary fibres, which can be found in plant-based food like chicory or other vegetables.’

Try: Whole Earth Organic No Caffeine Coffee Alternative ( £2.99 for 100g, hollandandbarrett.com ) Need to focus? Try turmeric tea

Take a sip (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) This tea has a spicy, earthy kick to it, but packs a punch in terms of its health benefits, especially if you need to concentrate and stay alert.

It contains an active ingredient called curcumin, which studies have shown to reduce memory loss and the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Turmeric also has proven anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and cultures with long life spans regularly consume turmeric in some form.

Try: Nipper & Co’s Organic Turmeric Queen ( £6.49 for 16 organic and plastic-free bags, nipperandco.co.uk ) Love your cup of sugar-laden builders’ tea? Try Liquorice tea

A sweet treat (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) If you’re a recovering sugar junkie, liquorice tea can help ease your cravings thanks to the natural sweetener it contains called glycyrrhizin. However, it is an acquired taste, so won’t be for everyone.

‘Liquorice tea is a natural remedy for gastrointestinal relief and to soothe acid reflux,’ says Olivia. ‘But take it easy. Over consumption could have some sides effects. Avoid regular consumption if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart disease or are pregnant.’

Try: Meera’s Liquorice of sorts Tea ( £6.99 for 12 teabags, meerasmadefromscratch.co.uk ) Reluctant to give up your caffeine-laden fizzy drink? Try kombucha

Kombucha sounds a bit weird, but trust us, it’s good Getty Images) Kombucha is a fermented drink made from sweetened tea (the bulk of the sugar burns off during the fermentation process) and a bacteria and yeast culture called scoby.

There are plenty of flavours available such as elderflower and lemon, berry and peach, or if you’re competent in the kitchen, you can even make your own!

‘Like all other fermented foods, Kombucha contains live bacteria (or probiotics) that support gut health and aid in food digestion,’ says Olivia. ‘The probiotics also called “good bacteria” help maintain a healthy gut by restoring the balance between the harmful and good bacteria.’

Try: Nexba Kombucha ( £2.50 for 1l bottle, nexba.co.uk and Sainsbury’s ) Got the habit of an after-dinner coffee? Try chamomile tea Pure relaxation (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) A coffee can be a nice way to end a good meal, but when you should be trying to wind down in the evening, it’s not conducive to a good night’s sleep.‘Chamomile tea is one of the most effective herbal teas to induce sleep and promote relaxation,’ says Olivia. ‘It also helps maintain healthy blood sugar balance and reduce inflammation.’ Try: Organic Sip ‘n’ Snore sleep easy herbal tea ( £6.49 for 16 organic and plastic-free bags, nipperandco.co.uk ) Need to beat your afternoon energy slump? Try matcha Try as a shot, a long tea, or a latte (Picture: Getty Images) Matcha tea is the Usain Bolt of green tea that will keep you going when you’re flagging. It’s made by steaming, drying and grinding the leaves of the Camellia sinesis plant into a fine green powder.What makes it different to run-of-the-mill green tea is that the whole leaf is consumed, which means you get even a bigger dose of anti-oxidants.‘Matcha green tea also contains caffeine (in smaller amounts) but combined with L-theine the release of energy is much slower and sustainable,’ says Olivia, ‘which will […]

Read more at metro.co.uk

Levels of a toxic gas in the brain could influence whether or not we get dementia and epilepsy, a study reveals.

The gas, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), is created inside the body in small doses – and is perhaps best known for carrying the torrid smell of rotten eggs.

H2S is produced in the brain and several smooth muscles, including the thoracic aorta (the section of the aorta in the chest) and the ileum (the final section of the small intestine).

By testing rat brain cells, the scientists found that H2S is involved in blocking a key brain cell gateway that helps the brain to communicate effectively.

Treatments to reduce levels of H2S in the brain – and therefore tackle dementia and epilepsy – may help to ward off damage caused by the gas. Dementia is a term used to describe the symptoms that occur when there’s a decline in brain function. A potential treatment for dementia and epilepsy could look to reduce the amounts of a toxic gas in the brain has been revealed in a new study using rat brain cells (stock image) HYDROGEN SULFIDE

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colourless, flammable gas with a characteristic odour of rotten eggs.

It is produced naturally by the human body, and as a result of human activity outside the human body.

Natural sources include non-specific and anaerobic bacterial reduction of sulfates and sulfur-containing organic compounds.

Hydrogen sulfide is found naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, volcanic gases, hot springs and groundwater.

It is released from stagnant or polluted waters and manure or coal pits.

H2S is rapidly absorbed by the lungs into the bloodstream.

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The research was conducted by experts at the University of Reading, the University of Leeds and John Hopkins University in the US.

‘This is an exciting finding as it gives us new insights about the role of hydrogen sulfide in various brain diseases, such as dementia and epilepsy,’ said study author Dr Mark Dallas at the University of Reading.

‘There has been growing interest in the effect of hydrogen sulfide on the brain and this study shows how important the implications of its build-up on proper brain functioning may be.’

Researchers found that H2S acts to disrupt the normal functioning of potassium channels, which regulate electrical activity across the connections between brain cells.

‘When these channels are blocked from working properly we see overexcitable brain cells which we believe is leading to nerve cell death,’ said Dr Dallas.

‘The implication for potential treatments is particularly exciting because finding drugs that target hydrogen sulfide production in our brains may have a host of benefits for diseases.’

Although H2S is produced in small doses inside the body, it’s also found naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, volcanic gases, hot springs and groundwater.

Human exposure to hydrogen sulfide produced outside the body is principally via inhalation, and the gas is rapidly absorbed through the lungs.

A 2001 study by researchers from University of Calgary in Canada found the gas appeared to impair cognitive performance in rats.

It has also previously been linked to brain damage and nervous system damage in humans.

For the new study, cells taken from rat brains were charged with a H2S donor molecule, and then brain cell electrical signals were monitored. Hydrogen sulfide is found naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, volcanic gases, hot springs and groundwater. Human exposure to exogenous hydrogen sulfide is principally via inhalation, and the gas is rapidly absorbed through the lungs. Pictured, hydrogen sulfide and other gases seep out of the ground along with groundwater steam at Sulphur Banks (Ha’akulamanu) in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The resulting exposure to H2S increased the level of activity in brain cells, and the research was able to establish that the effect was specifically controlled by the potassium channel tested.

The team were also able to identify which part of the potassium channel was allowing this activity increase.

They used a mutated form of the potassium channel, which has already been shown to protect nerve cells from a host of toxic stimuli, including amyloid beta, a dangerous protein found in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients.The researchers found that the mutation was resistant to the effect of H2S that was seen in natural cells.The specific mutated channel now holds particular interest for research into Alzheimer’s, given the protective benefits against amyloid beta.’This exciting study demonstrates the growing evidence that gasotransmitters play an important role as signalling molecules in the regulation of the physiological processes underlying Alzheimer’s disease, which are relatively poorly understood, opening new avenues for investigation and drug discovery,’ said Dr Moza Al-Owais, Research Fellow at the University of Leeds.Globally, around 50 million people have dementia, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).Alzheimer’s disease, which slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, may contribute to 60 per cent to 70 per cent of dementia cases.More than 920,000 people in the UK are living with dementia – a figure that’s expected to rise to more than a million by 2024, according to the UK’s Alzheimer’s Society.The new research has been published in Scientific Reports . WHAT IS DEMENTIA? THE KILLER DISEASE THAT ROBS SUFFERERS OF THEIR MEMORIES A GLOBAL CONCERNDementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders (those affecting the brain) which impact memory, thinking and behaviour.There are many different types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.Some people may have a combination of types of dementia.Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience their dementia in their own unique way.Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age.HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?The Alzheimer’s Society reports there are more than 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, of which more than 500,000 have Alzheimer’s.It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2025 will rise to over 1 million.In the US, it’s estimated there are 5.5 million Alzheimer’s sufferers. A similar percentage rise […]

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A shared set of systems in the brain may play an important role in controlling the retrieval of facts and personal memories utilised in everyday life, new research shows.

Scientists from the University of York say their findings may have relevance to memory disorders, including dementia, where problems remembering relevant information can impact on the daily life of patients.

Researchers say the findings may also have important implications for the development of a new generation of artificial intelligence systems, which use long-term memory in solving computational problems.

The brain’s long-term memory stores are categorised into two: factual memory and memory of personal experiences.

Together, these two long-term memory stores help us understand and respond to the world around us.

Decades of clinical and experimental research has shown that these two memory stores are represented across two separate brain regions.

But the new study suggests that a shared set of brain regions play an important role in controlling the successful retrieval of weak memories.

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging technology, researchers studied how these regions were shown to increase their activity when participants were asked to retrieve fact memories and personal memories.

Lead researcher Dr Deniz Vatansever, formerly of the University of York and now working for the Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence, Fudan University said: “The new research suggests that despite their functional differences, successfully retrieving weak information from these two memory systems might be dependent upon a shared brain mechanism.

“Our memories allow us to make sense and flexibly interact with the world around us. Although in most cases, our strongly encoded memories might be sufficient for the task at hand, remembering to pack a beach towel for an upcoming seaside holiday, this strong memory may be irrelevant in other instances, such as when packing for a business trip. As such, we need to tightly control the retrieval of relevant memories to solve different tasks under different circumstances. Our results indicate that this control process might be shared across both factual and personal memory types.”

Senior author Prof. Elizabeth Jefferies from the Department of Psychology, University of York, said: “In order to generate appropriate thoughts and behaviours, we have to draw on our memory stores in a highly flexible way. This new study highlights control processes within the brain that allow us to focus on unusual aspects of the meanings of words and to retrieve weakly encoded personal experiences. This control over memory allows us to be creative and to adapt as our goals or circumstances change.”

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The research was supported by the European Research Council and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

The paper, “Varying demands for cognitive control reveals shared neural processes supporting semantic and episodic memory retrieval” is published in Nature Communications .

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