Daily Archives: 8 September 2024

Reducing Processed Meat Consumption Yields Numerous Health Advantages

According to new research, reducing processed meat consumption by approximately one-third could help prevent over 350,000 cases of diabetes in the US within a decade.

A research team’s findings suggest that reducing processed meat intake among US adults by 30%—equivalent to about ten slices of bacon weekly—could also significantly decrease cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer cases.

This team, comprising experts from the University of Edinburgh’s Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has devised a simulation tool to assess the health impacts of lowering the consumption of processed and unprocessed red meat.

Historically, numerous studies have established a correlation between high processed meat consumption and an increased risk of chronic diseases; however, few have assessed the impact across multiple health outcomes. Although some earlier studies have indicated that unprocessed red meat might contribute to the risk of chronic diseases, the evidence remains inconclusive.

Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national health survey, the researchers created a simulated, representative sample of the US adult population through a technique known as microsimulation.

This innovative microsimulation is the first to estimate the health effects of varying reductions in the consumption of processed and unprocessed red meat—ranging from 5 to 100%—on various health outcomes across the US.

The study quantified the potential reductions in adults’ risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer, and even death from these conditions. The analysis was conducted on the overall population and examined separately by age, sex, household income, and ethnicity.

The research found that a 30% reduction in processed meat consumption could not only prevent over 350,000 diabetes cases but also reduce cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer cases by 92,500 and 53,300, respectively, over ten years.

Particularly notable health benefits were observed among white males and individuals with annual household incomes ranging from $25,000 to $55,000.

The study also explored the effects of solely reducing unprocessed red meat intake and the combined reduction of both meat types.

A 30% decrease in processed and unprocessed red meat consumption could prevent an estimated 1,073,400 diabetes cases, 382,400 cardiovascular disease cases, and 84,400 colorectal cancer cases.

Reducing unprocessed red meat intake by 30%—equivalent to consuming one fewer quarter-pound beef burger per week—could reduce over 732,000 diabetes cases and decrease cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer cases by 291,500 and 32,200, respectively.

The findings highlighted that more excellent disease prevention could be achieved by reducing unprocessed red meat intake rather than processed meat. This is likely because the average daily consumption of unprocessed red meat is higher than that of processed meat—47 g per day compared to 29g per day.

Given the relatively sparse data on the impact of unprocessed red meat on chronic disease risk, the researchers caution that these findings should be interpreted carefully and underscore the need for further research.

The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal, received funding from The Wellcome Trust.

Professor Lindsay Jaacks, Personal Chair of Global Health and Nutrition at the University of Edinburgh and co-author of the study, emphasised that cutting meat consumption is recommended by national and international organisations, such as the Climate Change Committee in the UK and the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. She noted that the research supports the notion that dietary changes could confer substantial health benefits in the US, thus presenting a dual benefit for human health and the environment.

More information: Joe Kennedy et al, Estimated effects of reductions in processed meat consumption and unprocessed red meat consumption on occurrences of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer, and mortality in the USA: a microsimulation study, The Lancet Planetary Health. DOI: 10.1016/S2542-5196(24)00118-9

Journal information: The Lancet Planetary Health Provided by University of Edinburgh

Depression Relief Through Walking, Jogging, Yoga, and Strength Training

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An evidence review published by The BMJ today suggests that walking, jogging, yoga, and strength training may be among the most effective exercises for alleviating depression, whether practised alone or combined with established treatments like psychotherapy and medication. Even lower-intensity activities such as walking or yoga have shown benefits, but the findings indicate that more vigorous exercise may yield more significant improvements in mood. The authors caution that confidence in results could be higher, necessitating further high-quality research. Nonetheless, they propose that these forms of exercise should be considered as core treatments for depression alongside other therapeutic interventions.

The World Health Organization estimates that over 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression, and exercise is often recommended in conjunction with psychotherapy and drugs. However, treatment guidelines and previous reviews of the evidence have not always been consistent in recommending the best way to prescribe exercise for depression. To resolve this uncertainty, researchers analysed databases, searching for randomised trials comparing exercise as a treatment for depression with established therapies such as SSRI antidepressants and cognitive behavioural therapy, active control groups like usual care, and untreated control groups.

The review identified 218 trials involving 14,170 participants, all assessed for bias. Information on the exercise interventions’ type, intensity, and frequency was recorded. At the same time, other potentially influential factors, such as sex, age, baseline levels of depression, and existing conditions, were considered. The results revealed significant reductions in depression for dance and moderate reductions for walking or jogging, yoga, strength training, mixed aerobic exercises, tai chi, and qigong, compared with active controls. Additionally, exercise combined with SSRIs or psychotherapy produced moderate, clinically meaningful benefits, suggesting an added advantage when exercise is used alongside these treatments.

Interestingly, walking and jogging were effective for both men and women. At the same time, strength training appeared more beneficial for women, and yoga or qigong was more effective for men. The analysis also showed that yoga benefited older adults, while strength training worked best for younger individuals. While lighter activities like walking and yoga provided clinically meaningful improvements, more vigorous exercises, such as running and interval training, produced more significant benefits. These effects were consistent across individuals with different health conditions and varying levels of depression.

Despite the positive findings, the authors note that the quality of the evidence remains low, and only a few trials monitored participants for periods longer than a year. They also acknowledge that many patients with depression may face barriers to participating in exercise, whether due to physical, psychological, or social factors. Nevertheless, the authors suggest that the combination of social interaction, mindfulness, and exposure to green spaces may play a role in the positive effects observed. They argue that their findings support the inclusion of exercise, particularly vigorous activity, in clinical guidelines for treating depression.

In a linked editorial, Juan Ángel Bellón from the University of Malaga highlights that primary care clinicians can now recommend exercise, psychotherapy, or antidepressants as standalone options for adults with mild to moderate depression. He acknowledges that engaging in regular exercise can be incredibly challenging for people with depression and calls for further studies using real-world data to evaluate the effectiveness of physical activity programmes for this population. Bellón also points out that the European Union has recently committed to promoting exercise across member states and urges health services, local authorities, and national governments to ensure that individualised and supervised exercise programmes are accessible to everyone.

More information: Michael Noetel et al, Effect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, The BMJ. DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-075847

Journal information: The BMJ Provided by BMJ Group

Safeguard Your Teeth Using Fruits: Antimicrobial Properties Discovered in Biomass Compounds

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Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is an inflammatory ailment precipitated by infections from periodontal pathogenic bacteria. This condition affects oral health by damaging the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. It has broader implications for overall health, potentially contributing to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Effective oral hygiene is paramount in preventing periodontal disease; however, a significant challenge arises with most oral hygiene products available. These products, predominantly disinfectants, tend to be highly irritating due to their intense chemical compositions, rendering them unsuitable for specific populations. Specifically, young children and the elderly, who are at increased risk of developing periodontal disease, often find these products too harsh, necessitating the development of milder yet effective alternatives.

Addressing this gap, Professor Shigeki Kamitani from the Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology at Osaka Metropolitan University led a pioneering research team to explore more suitable antibacterial options that people of all ages could safely use. Their research focused on identifying and verifying the antibacterial effects of various compounds that could inhibit the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key bacterium implicated in the onset and progression of periodontal disease.

Prunin laurate (Pru-C12) and its analogues stood out among the seven different compounds tested. These compounds, derived from biomass such as citrus plants and coconut components, were evaluated for their efficacy in stifling the growth of harmful bacteria. The results were promising, indicating that Pru-C12 not only effectively inhibited bacterial growth but also showcased the highest antimicrobial effect among the compounds tested.

Pru-C12’s properties are particularly noteworthy; it is tasteless and hypoallergenic, making it an ideal candidate for daily oral hygiene routines without the risk of sensory irritation or allergic reactions. Professor Kamitani emphasized the potential of Pru-C12, stating, “Pru-C12 is not only effective but also user-friendly, posing minimal risk of irritation. Its hypoallergenic nature makes it a suitable option for even the most sensitive users.” He also reassured that the affordability of Pru-C12 could make it an accessible option for widespread use should further testing confirm its safety and efficacy in humans.

Looking ahead, the research team is poised to conduct extensive clinical trials to establish the safety profile of Pru-C12 in human subjects. If these trials yield positive results, Pru-C12 could indeed revolutionize preventive oral care. By providing a non-irritating, effective antibacterial treatment that is accessible and affordable, Pru-C12 offers a beacon of hope for public health, potentially reducing the prevalence of periodontal disease across diverse populations.

More information: Erika Wada et al, Prunin Laurate Derived from Natural Substances Shows Antibacterial Activity against the Periodontal Pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis, Foods. DOI: 10.3390/foods13121917

Journal information: Foods Provided by Osaka Metropolitan University

Therapeutic Interventions Between Children and Parents Offer Biological Healing for Traumatized Youth

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A new study from UC San Francisco has revealed that psychotherapy sessions involving caregivers could help prevent serious diseases later in life for young children who have experienced significant trauma. While previous research demonstrated the psychological benefits of dyadic, child-parent trauma treatment lasting up to nine years, this study marks the first time a biological benefit has been identified. Researchers focused on a biomarker termed “age acceleration,” which measures how fast a person’s body is ageing relative to their chronological age. This “epigenetic clock” runs faster for individuals exposed to early childhood trauma, increasing their risk for diseases like heart disease, cancer, obesity, and asthma in adulthood.

The study examined two groups of Bay Area children aged 2 to 6 who had undergone traumatic experiences. Both groups showed similar rates of biological age acceleration at the start of the study. However, one group received up to 20 weekly sessions of Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), a therapeutic programme developed by Dr Alicia Lieberman, director of UCSF’s Child Trauma Research Program. The other group did not receive this therapy. The results were notable: the 45 children who participated in CPP therapy experienced less age acceleration than the 110 children who did not. Although the differences were modest, they are still significant. As Dr Nicole Bush, senior author of the study, explained, even small biological changes in early childhood can lead to substantial differences in health outcomes later in life.

The majority of children in the treatment group (over 80%) and two-thirds of the comparison group were Latinx, an essential aspect since families of colour and low-income households are more frequently exposed to trauma than white families with higher incomes yet are often underrepresented in medical research. Dr Lieberman highlighted that the children in this study had experienced higher levels of trauma than is typical for such research, which adds weight to the findings. These children had encountered severe traumas, such as the loss of a parent, maltreatment, or exposure to community violence. On average, the children had experienced five traumatic events before turning six. This is particularly significant as previous research shows that experiencing four or more traumatic events before the age of 18 increases the risk of developing one of the ten leading causes of death as an adult.

The children’s parents had also endured significant trauma, averaging 13 traumatic events. This history of trauma can make it more difficult for parents to regulate their emotions and actions in response to their children’s challenging behaviours, Dr Lieberman explained. In CPP, therapists incorporate therapeutic play to help children process emotions related to their trauma while also helping parents understand the connection between their children’s behaviours and their past experiences. Additionally, CPP aims to strengthen the parent-child bond by encouraging positive social interactions.

“When both the parent and child have experienced trauma, it intensifies the trauma’s impact,” Lieberman explained. “Our approach focuses on healing the relationship between the parent and child, as well as addressing their trauma in therapy sessions together. Relationships are the cornerstone of health, beginning in early childhood.” Dr Allie Sullivan, co-author of the study, added that many parents feel powerless when their children are exposed to trauma, but this study offers reassurance. “Parents have the capacity and strength to protect their children from adversity,” she said.

The researchers stressed the importance of early intervention, particularly before age five, when the brain undergoes its most rapid development. Early interventions can have a lasting impact on both mental and physical health. Recognising this, California’s Department of Health Care Services has introduced benefits to support family therapy and dyadic care for young Medi-Cal patients, beginning at birth. Hospitals like Zuckerberg San Francisco General have been at the forefront of providing this care and advising medical practices across the state on how to offer and be reimbursed.

Ultimately, the researchers hope that this study underscores the value of therapy-based approaches to treating family trauma, shifting away from an over-reliance on medication. Dr Bush highlighted the broader implications, noting, “Bringing families together, acknowledging the trauma, and fostering an environment of emotional safety and healing can lead to biological repair with the potential to benefit both mental and physical health across the lifespan. We hope policymakers and practitioners take notice of this.”

More information: Alexandra D. W. Sullivan et al, Intervening After Trauma: Child–Parent Psychotherapy Treatment Is Associated With Lower Pediatric Epigenetic Age Acceleration, Psychological Science. DOI: 10.1177/09567976241260247

Journal information: Psychological Science Provided by University of California – San Francisco