Daily Health News Blog

By Ed Mayhew Exercise  is the single most powerful tool we have to maximize our brain function. This is because of the extensive cascade of chemical compounds, including hormones, neurotransmitters and growth factors, that are unleashed in and into the brain when we get in a good workout. A bit of history to explain how we know this is in order. In the late twentieth century, scientists discovered a naturally-occurring compound in the brain and named it Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, or BDNF. They found that when brain cells resting comfortably in a petri dish were sprinkled with BDNF, they started growing -- sprouting dendrites like mad -- similar to what they do as part of our brain's mass when we are  learning  something new. Since then there have been thousands of research papers written about BDNF. In these myriad studies researchers have found that when this compound is activated, it acts to protect brain cells from deterioration, strengthens neural connection...

10 Top Meditation Benefits: How Does Meditation Help the Human Body? By Suzanne Glover Meditation benefits are numerous, but what are the ones that really help us feel great mentally, emotionally and physically? These ten benefits of  meditation  top the list for mental, emotional and physical well-being. TOP BENEFIT #1: STRESS RELIEF BY LOWERING "STRESS" CHEMICAL One of the best  meditation  benefits is reducing the well-known stress hormone Cortisol. In fact, Cortisol does significant damage to our bodies. With today's fast-paced society, it is common for many people to have too much cortisol surging through their bodies. High levels of cortisol have been found to increase heart attacks, increase undesirable cholesterol, lower bone density, increase blood pressure, cause hyperglycemia, suppress healthy thyroid and lower immunity all around. Regular  meditation  significantly lowers cortisol levels and thus reduces the risk for these diseases. TOP BENE...

Aging Gracefully By Mark Warrington By the end of 2009, almost 40 million people comprise the 65 and above age bracket of the US population. That is approximately 13% of the total US population. Conditions associated with this age group is fatigue, weakness, decrease in physical and mental health and increased depression and  anxiety . In most of these cases, the one common thread is a sedentary lifestyle. And the most proposed intervention is physical activity. Starting  exercise  at age 65 may be commendable but the person's general health condition should be thoroughly assessed before starting an  exercise  program. The changes we see in an older person are usually the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. That's not to say that exercise, or at least an active lifestyle will stop the hands of time completely. At the least, it will slow down the  aging  process.  Exercise  is not referred to as the fountain of youth for nothing. When you...

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January 2011 Low levels of folic acid (folate) may be associated with age-related hearing loss, according to a new study published in the journal  Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery . The study of 126 healthy Nigerian men and women over the age of 60 found that low serum levels of folic acid, a B vitamin, were significantly associated with hearing loss in high frequencies. "Based on our research, age-related hearing loss may be associated with poor micronutrient status. The role of folate in cellular metabolism, the nervous system and vascular function are important for the auditory system," study author Akeem Olawale Lasisi said. The researchers concluded that "serum folate was significantly lower among elderly with age-related hearing loss." They called for further study into the role of vitamins in hearing, particularly in developing countries where malnutrition is common. Folic acid is found in fruits, leafy green vegetables such as romaine lettuce, dried bea...