December 27, 2005 [Volume 7, Issue 1]
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In this issue of To Your Health:
Slowing Muscle Loss With Leucine
Sarcopenia, or loss of muscle mass, is a common byproduct of aging, usually beginning between the ages of 40 and 45. The exact cause of sarcopenia remains unknown, but scientists believe an imbalance in muscle-protein synthesis and breakdown that occurs as people age is responsible. Researchers in France now believe that the elderly may be able to reduce, or even prevent, age-related muscle loss by consuming a diet rich in leucine, an essential amino acid.
In the study, two groups of rats - one young, one elderly - were fed diets supplemented with leucine. Before going on the leucine-rich diet, the older rats had shown a pattern toward excessive protein breakdown after a meal. After being fed the leucine diet for 10 days, however, the older rats' patterns of muscle-protein breakdown and synthesis were "totally suppressed," and appeared almost identical to the patterns seen in the younger rats.
Leucine cannot be manufactured by the body, and as such must be ingested through dietary protein. Good sources of leucine include meat, dairy products, soy, and beans; leucine also is available as a dietary supplement. If you are concerned about losing muscle, talk to your doctor of chiropractic about choosing foods and supplements that are high in leucine and incorporating them into your diet. For more information, visit www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/nutrients.html.
Combaret L, Dardevet D, Rieu I, et al. A leucine-supplemented diet restores the defective postprandial inhibition of proteasome-dependent proteolysis in aged rat skeletal muscle. Journal of Physiology, December 2005;569:489-499.
Fewer Migraines With Feverfew
According to previously published studies, up to 28 million Americans suffer at least one migraine headache each year; 25 percent of people with migraines suffer at least one per week. Various over-the-counter medications have been implemented over the years to treat migraines, but they are not always effective, and sometimes produce unwanted side-effects. New research suggests that an extract of feverfew, a popular herbal remedy, may help reduce the frequency of migraines safely and effectively.
In this randomized, controlled study, 170 migraine patients were divided into two groups. One group took a feverfew extract three times per day for 16 weeks; the other group took a placebo. Patients who took the feverfew extract experienced an average of 1.9 fewer migraines per month, whereas patients given the placebo experienced a decrease of only 1.3 migraines per month. Interestingly, more patients in the placebo group reported suffering possible medication-related adverse side-effects compared to those given the active herbal extract.
Migraines may be triggered by myriad causes - some physical, some environmental, and some psychological. If you suffer from migraines, speak with your doctor of chiropractic to see if he or she can help determine the cause of your condition and provide relief from the pain. For more information, visit www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/headaches.html.
Diener HC, Pfaffenrath V, Schnitker J, et al. Efficacy and safety of 6.25 mg tid feverfew CO2-extract (MIG-99) in migraine prevention - a randomized, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled study. Cephalalgia, November 2005;25(11):1031-1041.
Proof That Stress Makes You Sick
It's no big secret that stress can have an effect on a person's immune system, but can excessive stress literally make you sick? Based on recently published animal research, Australian scientists believe the answer to that question is a definite "yes" - and they've discovered the substance responsible for making you sick.
The study was carried out on a group of genetically modified mice that were subjected to different types of stress. The researchers found out that under normal conditions, immune cells naturally produce small amounts of a hormone called neuropeptide Y, which activates TH1 cells (or "helper" cells) that seek out and destroy viruses and bacteria. Under extreme periods of stress, however, too much neuropeptide Y can be released into the bloodstream, which prevents TH1 cells from attacking pathogens even after they've been identified by the immune system.
While there is no escaping stress entirely, there are several ways to help reduce the amount we encounter on a daily basis. In addition, regular exercise, yoga, meditation, and other healthy lifestyle factors can all help lower stress levels to some degree. In addition, if you suffer from too much stress, talk to your doctor of chiropractic about ways to reduce the amount of stress in your life. For more information, visit www.chiroweb.com/find/archives/general/wellness/index.html.
Wheway J, Mackay CR, Newton RA, et al. A fundamental bimodal role for neuropeptide Y1 receptor in the immune system. Journal of Experimental Medicine, Dec. 5, 2005;202(11):1527-1538.
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