Thursday 5 February 2015

Fructose - Principal Driver of Type 2 Diabetes



    Recent studies have shown that addition of sugars containing fructose can be associated with higher possibility of cancer occurrence, even higher compared to the effect of carbohydrates. Nowadays, it is suggested that 25% of daily calories come from added sugars, however clinical experts try to encourage drastic reduction in the consumption of added sugars as serious health problems may arise such as Type 2 Diabetes.

    Diabetes is a condition in which the body causes blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal. This is also called hyperglycemia. The most common form of diabetes is Type 2. This diabetes is characterised by the improper use of insulin. What actually happens is that pancreas produces higher amount of insulin than what is needed. Over production of insulin doesn t encourage blood glucose levels to be maintained at their normal levels. The consequences are severe and they involve damage of nerves, kidneys and heart which lead to atherosclerosis. Moreover, the buildup of sugar in the blood can cause an increase in the urination. 

  Worldwide, a significant number of adults suffers from Type 2 Diabetes and the number of individuals affected by the disease have doubled since 1980. According to a research that has been carried out, it has shown that added sugar consumption and particularly added fructose consumption is associated with a worsening epidemic of type 2 diabetes. The main health association with excess consumption of added fructose is the derangement of the overall metabolism and insulin resistance. 


http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150129132918.htm
http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/type-2-diabetes

How measurement of the brain can predict depression and anxiety

Brain Region: Amygdala


   To begin with, in everyone's life there are various challenges and obstacles, including divorce, death, illness and unemployment. The way that people respond to these situations is critical as those who are not able to cope with these conditions may suffer from anxiety and depression. It is interesting to be aware of the origin of psychological vulnerability of some people. 

     According to a study that was published this week, researchers from Duke University found that a specific region of the brain called amygdala, determines the mode of response to threats and stressful life events with anxiety or depression. When amygdala activity experiences an increased activity, then there is a possibility that these people would suffer from mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder. 

  The scientific community can enable future research to take place considering what causes depression and anxiety, following this research. Identification of brain biomarkers can offer everyone the chance of diagnosing later occurrence of psychiatric conditions 

 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/04/preventing-depression-anxiety_n_6607724.html?utm_hp_ref=health-news&ir=Health+News