Poor metabolic health tied to concerning new aging risk

 Which means your competent? doctor needs to get you 100% recovered so you don't gain weight and can exercise properly for lower blood pressure and better blood sugar control.

Poor metabolic health tied to concerning new aging risk

Poor metabolic health may affect the brain through a biological pathway distinct from normal aging, a new study suggests.

The research, published in PLOS Biology, found that while aging naturally alters the brain over time, metabolic dysfunction follows its own distinct pathway, primarily affecting the brain’s blood supply rather than its structure.

Factors like obesity, high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar could all individually increase the risk of cognitive decline.

The findings suggested that even younger adults with poor metabolic health could experience brain changes more commonly associated with older age.

The Results

Researchers analyzed data from 597 adults between the ages of 36 and 100, comparing MRI measures of brain structure, connectivity and blood flow with common clinical markers.

The team identified two independent “axes” influencing brain health.

The first reflected chronological aging, linked to cortical thinning, loss of structural integrity and vascular dysfunction that slows blood flow through the brain.

The second reflected metabolic health—higher BMI, elevated blood pressure, increased glucose and insulin, lower HDL cholesterol and higher liver enzyme levels. All those markers are linked to reduced cerebral blood perfusion.

The Different Pathways

Unlike the aging pathway, which cannot be modified, the metabolic pathway is driven by health factors that are often treatable through lifestyle changes and medical management.

The researchers found the metabolic effects remained even after statistically removing the influence of age, indicating that metabolic dysfunction exerts its own independent effect on the brain.

Reduced blood flow emerged as the strongest brain feature associated with poor metabolic health across both study populations.( Does your doctor have ANY PROTOCOLS TO ENSURE YOUR CERBRAL BLOOD FLOW IS CORRECT? I thought not, so incompetence is standard for your doctor!

cerebral blood flow (51 posts to December 2015)

oxygen delivery (41 posts to June 2016))

The researchers said impaired cerebral perfusion may represent one of the earliest and most sensitive indicators of metabolic damage to the brain, potentially preceding more obvious structural changes.

The Results

The study also linked poorer metabolic health to reduced cognitive performance.

Participants with greater evidence of metabolic dysfunction generally performed worse on tests measuring cognitive flexibility, the ability to switch between tasks or adapt to changing demands. The relationship was particularly strong among women.

The findings add to growing evidence that brain health is closely connected to cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Measures like BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose are routinely collected in clinical practice, which the researchers said could help identify people at higher risk long before symptoms of cognitive impairment appear.

Future studies incorporating broader panels of biological markers may uncover additional pathways linking the body and brain.

For now, the researchers concluded that maintaining a healthy weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar may help preserve cerebral blood flow and support long-term brain health.

Previous Studies

Newsweek has previously covered the associations between a big waist and cognitive decline.

In that study, the team found a higher body mass index (BMI) was linked to a thinner cortex, which has previously been tied to Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.

Another study, also reported by Newsweek, examined the connections between belly fat and Alzheimer’s.

The findings suggest we should be focusing less on body weight and BMI and more on the distribution of fat and muscle around our bodies, and the percentage difference between the two.

Newsweek has reached out to the study authors for comment via email.

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The best vegetable for metabolic health, according to an endocrinologist

 Of course your incompetent? doctor hasn't had the dietician create any form of diet protocol for you, right? So this won't show up in your hospital food or your suggested diet at home!

The best vegetable for metabolic health, according to an endocrinologist

One vegetable that checks all the boxes for metabolic health is broccoli.

Reviewed by Dietitian Jane Leverich, M.S., RDN

Key Points

• Metabolic health consists of how well our cells are process glucose and inflammatory compounds.
• According to an endocrinologist, broccoli is the best vegetable to support metabolic health.
• Broccoli delivers antioxidants that help combat inflammation and fiber that supports gut health.

Unlike heart health or gut health, metabolic health can feel a bit more abstract. “When we talk about metabolic health, we’re really talking about how efficiently our body’s cellular engines are functioning,” says Chhaya Makhija, M.D., DipABLM, a triple-board certified endocrinologist.  Another way to think about it, she says, is how well our cells process glucose, fats, cholesterol and inflammatory compounds and carry out the many functions required to maintain energy and overall health.

One of the best ways to support those cellular engines is by eating more vegetables. “Different vegetables provide different fibers, antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals that work together to support our health,” says Makhija. But one vegetable that may be particularly beneficial for metabolic health is broccoli. Read on to learn why broccoli earned an endocrinologist’s top pick.

Related: I Test Kitchen Gear for a Living—These Are the Amazon Deals I’d Never Pass Up, and You Have Hours to Grab Them

Why Broccoli Tops the List for Metabolic Health

It Contains Compounds That Fight Inflammation

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are two factors that can interfere with metabolic health. Though inflammation progresses quietly, it is linked to various chronic diseases and can make it more difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. The good news is that eating broccoli may help keep inflammation in check. 

Broccoli contains a variety of bioactive compounds—including sulforaphane, quercetin and flavonoids—that have been associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, says Lauren Harris-Pincus, M.S., RDN. This mighty green veggie is also a surprisingly rich source of vitamin C, another potent antioxidant. In fact, a ½-cup serving of cooked broccoli provides more than half of the Daily Value for vitamin C.,

It Supports a Healthy Gut Microbiome

“The gut microbiome plays a much larger role in metabolism than many people realize, influencing everything from glucose regulation to inflammation and overall health,” says Makhija.

Eating more veggies like broccoli is one of the best ways to support gut health. For starters, broccoli is a good source of fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome—creating a more favorable metabolic environment, according to Makhija.

In fact, 1 cup of cooked broccoli provides an impressive 5 grams of fiber. What’s more, research suggests that eating broccoli may positively influence the composition of the gut microbiome. Because broccoli contains prebiotic fiber, it may help support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

It’s a Great Choice for Heart Health

When metabolic health is impaired, it can create a domino effect that increases the likelihood of high blood pressure, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, high triglycerides and elevated blood sugar levels, all of which are associated with a greater risk of heart disease. Broccoli provides several nutrients and compounds that may help support these aspects of cardiometabolic health.

For starters, the fiber in broccoli may help lower cholesterol and support healthy blood sugar levels. The glucosinolates and polyphenols in broccoli also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect blood vessels from oxidative stress. Finally, this cruciferous vegetable naturally contains nitrates, compounds that can help support healthy blood flow and blood pressure. In other words, adding broccoli to your plate may offer multiple benefits for heart health.

It Supports a Balanced Plate

Another reason to add broccoli to your plate is that it can help create a more balanced eating pattern. “I frequently encourage patients to build their plates around vegetables first, because doing so naturally helps reduce reliance on highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates and foods with hidden sugars,” says Makhija. 

One helpful rule of thumb is to fill at least half of your plate with nonstarchy vegetables like broccoli. “In many ways, vegetables are foundational to metabolic health because they nourish both our cells and our gut while supporting healthier eating patterns overall,” she adds. 

Ways to Enjoy Broccoli

Ready to add more broccoli to your plate? Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it: 

• Toss it into a salad. Broccoli makes a sturdy, fiber-rich base for salads and holds up well in the fridge without getting soggy. Pair it with a creamy or savory dressing and plenty of toppings, like nuts and cheese. 
• Mix it into pasta or casseroles. If broccoli’s strong flavor has been holding you back, try adding it to mixed dishes like pasta or casseroles instead of serving it as a stand-alone side.
• Roast it. Toss raw broccoli florets with olive oil and seasonings, then roast until tender with crispy edges and deeper flavor. For an easy dinner, roast broccoli on the same sheet pan as potatoes and your protein of choice.
• Blend it into soups. Steam broccoli until soft and blend it into soups and stews. You can also blitz it in a food processor to make a higher-fiber broccoli pesto for pasta.

Other Tips for Supporting Metabolic Health

Eating more broccoli—and more vegetables in general—is a great first step toward supporting metabolic health. Here are a few other habits that may help:

• Focus on fiber. “Approximately 95% of Americans miss the mark on fiber intake, which is an important factor in gut health and the prevention of lifestyle diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Focus on fiber-rich plant foods, including produce, whole grains, beans/pulses, nuts and seeds,” says Harris-Pincus.
• Prioritize sleep. Diet isn’t the only factor that influences metabolic health—sleep matters too. “Sleep disruption affects multiple hormonal pathways and can contribute to insulin resistance, higher cortisol spikes, increased appetite, blood pressure changes and greater glucose variability,” says Makhija. She recommends maintaining a consistent sleep schedule with regular bedtimes and wake-up times to help support adequate rest.
• Manage stress. Don’t overlook the negative health effects of chronic stress. Like inadequate sleep, ongoing stress can affect many of the same hormonal pathways involved in metabolism, says Makhija. “This doesn’t mean eliminating stress—which is impossible—but rather building tools to manage it more effectively.”

Our Expert Take

If there’s one vegetable that stands out for metabolic health, it’s broccoli. This tasty and versatile veggie delivers antioxidants that help combat inflammation, fiber that supports a healthy gut and key nutrients that promote heart health. Still, as much as broccoli has to offer, it’s important to keep in mind that no single food can transform your metabolic health on its own. “Metabolic health is not built through one food, one supplement or one exercise program. It is the result of daily habits that support our hormones, our metabolism and our overall well-being,” says Makhija.

Read the original article on EatingWell

How Exercise & Creatine Protect Muscle & Metabolic Health As You Age by mindbodygreen

 Have your competent? doctor give you EXACT PROTOCOLS on creatine and exercise so you get the best benefits! If not possible you'll have to scour the world for competence. 

How Exercise & Creatine Protect Muscle & Metabolic Health As You Age

Cannabis compounds may boost metabolic health while supporting weight loss: Study

 Say it isn't so. 'Reefer Madness' was a documentary, wasn't it?

Cannabis compounds may boost metabolic health while supporting weight loss: Study

Exercise, healthy diet in midlife may prevent serious health conditions in senior years

This is just an excuse to NOT SOLVE all the problems in stroke  and allow blame the patient for everything. This way your doctor is not responsible for curing you of your stroke but allowed to say: 'Told you so, you didn't take care of yourself, you caused your problems.'

Exercise, healthy diet in midlife may prevent serious health conditions in senior years

Research Highlights:

• Regular exercise and a healthy diet for middle-aged adults may be key to achieving optimal cardiometabolic health later in life.
• Cardiometabolic health risk factors include the metabolic syndrome, a cluster of health conditions such as excess body fat around the waist, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes.
• In an analysis of more than 2,300 U.S. adults, researchers found that following the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ physical activity guidelines in tandem with dietary recommendations was associated with a lower chance of developing the metabolic syndrome and other serious health conditions as people age from midlife to their senior years.

Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Wednesday, March 31, 2021

DALLAS, March 31, 2021 — Following a routine of regular physical activity combined with a diet including fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods may be key to middle-aged adults achieving optimal cardiometabolic health later in life, according to new research using data from the Framingham Heart Study published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access journal of the American Heart Association.

Cardiometabolic health risk factors include the metabolic syndrome, a cluster of disorders such as excess fat around the waist, insulin resistance and high blood pressure. Presence of the metabolic syndrome may increase the risk of developing heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes.

Researchers noted it has been unclear whether adherence to both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and their 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans - as opposed to only one of the two – in midlife confers the most favorable cardiometabolic health outcomes later in life. The physical activity guidelines recommend that adults achieve at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week, such as walking or swimming. The dietary guidelines, which were updated in January 2021, offer suggestions for healthy eating patterns, nutritional targets and dietary limits.

In an analysis of data from participants of the Framingham Heart Study, which began more than 70 years ago in Framingham, Massachusetts, investigators examined data from 2,379 adults ages 18 and older and their adherence to the two guidelines. They observed that meeting a combination of the two recommendations during midlife was associated with lower odds of metabolic syndrome and developing serious health conditions as participants aged in their senior years in 2016-2019 examinations.

“Health care professionals could use these findings to further promote and emphasize to their patients the benefits of a healthy diet and a regular exercise schedule to avoid the development of numerous chronic health conditions in the present and in later life,” said corresponding author Vanessa Xanthakis, Ph.D., FAHA, assistant professor of medicine and biostatistics in the Section of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology at Boston University School of Medicine in Boston. “The earlier people make these lifestyle changes, the more likely they will be to lower their risk of cardiovascular-associated diseases later in life.”

Study participants were selected from the third generation of the Framingham Heart Study. Participants (average age 47, 54% women) were examined between 2008 and 2011. Researchers evaluated physical activity using a specialized device known as an omnidirectional accelerometer. The device, which tracks sedentary and physical activity, was worn on the participant’s hip for eight days. Researchers also collected dietary information from food frequency questionnaires to measure the kinds and levels of food and nutrients consumed.

In this investigation, researchers observed that among all participants, 28% met recommendations of both the physical activity and dietary guidelines, while 47% achieved the recommendations in only one of the guidelines. Researchers also observed that:

• participants who followed the physical activity recommendations alone had 51% lower odds of metabolic syndrome;
• participants who adhered to the dietary guidelines alone had 33% lower odds; and
• participants who followed both guidelines had 65% lower odds of developing metabolic syndrome.

“It is noteworthy that we observed a dose-response association of adherence to diet and physical activity guidelines with risk of cardiometabolic disease later in life,” Xanthakis said. “Participants who met the physical activity guidelines had progressively lower risk of cardiometabolic disease as they increased adherence to the dietary guidelines.”

All study participants were white adults, therefore, the findings cannot be generalized to people in other racial or ethnic groups. Additional studies with a multiethnic participant sample are needed, researchers said.

Co-authors are Joowon Lee, Ph.D.; Maura E. Walker, Ph.D.; Maximillian T. Bourdillon, M.D., Nicole Spartano, Ph.D.; Gail T. Rogers, M.A.; Paul F. Jacques, D.Sc.; and Ramachandran S. Vasan, M.D.

The study was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, the Evans Medical Foundation and Boston University School of Medicine.

Additional Resources:

• Multimedia is available on the right column of release link: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/exercise-healthy-diet-in-midlife-may-prevent-serious-health-conditions-in-senior-years?preview=fc9ffd2e312b36e5d9441e420e2593a6
• After March 31, 2021, view the manuscript online.
• About Metabolic Syndrome
• Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes
• 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
• 2021-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
• Healthy living
• Follow AHA/ASA news on Twitter @HeartNews
• Follow news from the Journal of the American Heart Association @JAHA_AHA

Statements and conclusions of studies published in the American Heart Association’s scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers are available here, and the Association’s overall financial information is available here.