Researchers Study the Exercise Pill

Exercise Pill, Weight Loss, and Obesity

Can we skip our workout and just take a pill? The exercise pill may be the answer that all couch potatoes have been looking for.

For those that struggle with the daily routine of getting off of the couch to exercise, a recent drug, which many call the “exercise pill”, may sound like a miracle. A recent study conducted by renowned scientist, Ronald Evans, showed that stationary mice that took the drug for a month actually burned more calories and had smaller fat percentages than did untreated mice. And when the very same mice were tested on a treadmill, they could run nearly forty percent further and twenty percent longer than the untreated mice.

They also confirm that in mice that did exercise preparation, another complimentary drug made their workout much more successful at boosting stamina. And after four weeks of drug administration and exercising, the mice could run sixty percent longer and seventy percent further distances than another mouse population that had performed the same exercise but without the drug.

Various Uses of The Exercise Drugs

The two drugs have been examined by researchers for varied uses. The no-exercise drug is in progressive human testing to determine if it can ward off a complexity of heart bypass surgery. The first drug, known as GW1516 and the second drug, the no-exercise medication is called AICAR

Exactly how the effects could result in successful reactions in humans is another question, however. Hopefully someday, researchers note, this type of drug could possibly help to treat obese people, people who suffer from diabetes and others with certain medical conditions, which obstruct their ability to exercise.

The study lends support to the theory that the medication which was developed for the management of metabolic diseases, when administered in combination with exercise, offers the ability to run even faster and farther than exercise alone can. Plus, another chemical administered led to stronger endurance in the mice, even within the group of mice who did not exercise.

Ronald Evens, who conducted the study and who is with the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California stated that the medicine "tricks" the muscles into considering that exercise has been conducted daily. Unfortunately, the pair of compounds is both extremely attractive targets for abuse by competitive athletes. However, people with health issues, which prevent them from keeping up with a consistent exercise regimen, could be benefited.

The publication by Evans and his associates was released in the July 31 online issue of the research journal Cell.

The research focused on two drugs that provoke genetic changes in the physical body, which are replicated by exercise and can eventually accompany improved muscle function and calorie burning abilities.

In the mice studies, the drugs appear to result in positive results.

Exercise Still the Best Way to Build Endurance

Nevertheless, it takes more than just changed muscles to turn a stationary mouse into a long-distance runner. Whether the same results would be present in humans is unknown at this time.

Preceding experiments propose that it might screen for weight gain while on a high-fat diet, which is why researchers theorize that the exercise drug could possibly be an effective means of treating obesity. However the drug would need to be administered for an extended period of time in order to be effective, so that the safety for people could be fully tested.

Test Results of Exercise Pill Still in the Preliminary Stages

Not so fast! Those who cannot follow an exercise regimen due to medical issues such as joint soreness or heart failure could indeed benefit from this drug.

Renowned research scientist from the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Eric Hoffman, noted that the AICAR drug simulates aerobic exercise only and not strength training that could be more beneficial to those that are bedridden or the elderly. Hoffman cautioned that the new test results that were conducted on mice have not yet been replicated in people.

Laurie Goodyear from the Joslin Diabetes Center, which is located in Boston, noted that AICAR may demonstrate useful effects, and someday might even be beneficial in treating diabetes. Several drug companies are pushing for research on such drugs for treating diabetic patients. And one reason for this is that in animals, AICAR can stimulate muscles to deduct sugar from the blood, but this theory is in the exploratory stages.

Goodyear commented on the fact that exercise has such extensive benefits in the body that she is unsure that any pill could ever be capable of supplying all of the benefits achieved from exercise.

Consult a Professional

If you have any questions about skipping your exercise routine in hopes that the exercise-pill will soon be available on the market, it is recommended that you consult a professional health care physician before making any drastic changes to your exercise regimen.

Mediterranean Diet - Pros and Cons

Over the past several decades, the Western diet has shown to cause obesity and a host of cardiovascular health problems. For health and weight loss reasons, many Americans are researching the pros and cons of a Mediterranean diet in an effort to lose weight and improve overall health.

The Pros of a Mediterranean Diet

A growing body of studies and documentation shows that a diet low in carbohydrates and the Mediterranean diet are not only safe, but also successful diet plans for losing weight.

Mediterranean Diet Cuts Cancer Risk

Research shows that a Mediterranean diet can cut the risk of developing cancer by a whopping twelve percent. And the health benefits of adopting a Mediterranean diet are achieved by embracing two aspects of the diet. By consuming a diet richer in "good" fats, such as those that are found in olive oil instead of fats found in packaged chips, cookies and cakes have a greater effect on health and reduce cancer by nine percent. Also, by making changes to the diet such as consuming more beans, peas, lentils and less meat could cut cancer risk by an astounding twelve percent.

By uncovering this data, researchers have given health conscious individuals an easy way to diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The pros of the Mediterranean diet are numerous, while the cons are minimum. By making a few painless changes to a diet, people can reduce the risk of cancer by following the Mediterranean diet plan over a period of only a few years.

Scientists Probe the Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

In a recent publication in which nearly twenty-six thousand Greek adults were studied over a stretch of eight years, researchers documented the dietary evidence. Dr. Dimitrios Trichopoulos, who presided over the study and is a professor of the prevention of cancer and epidemiology at Harvard University, stated that the results indicate the importance of diet in reducing the risk of cancer. Trichopoulos continued by stating that among the twenty-six thousand people whose diets were carefully monitored, the adults who more closely adhered to the Mediterranean diet were the individuals who were expected to have a less chance of developing cancer.

Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet and Low-Carbohydrate Diet Plans

Indeed, more data points to the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet in Achieving Weight Loss.

Newly published findings were complete after a two-year study from Harvard University in which more than three hundred modestly obese Israeli individuals in their middle ages were studied. The data was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, and documented that a Mediterranean diet and low-carbohydrate plan were found to be a beneficial alternative to low-fat diets. The study was funded by the foundation of the renowned Dr. Robert Atkins, who was a strict champion of the low-carbohydrate and high-protein diet regimen.

But researchers caution that before people add meat and butter in an effort to achieve a low-carbohydrate menu to their diet, be sure to keep this in mind: for weight loss goals, calories are more important than adding new foods to your diet strategy, according to Gary Foster, who is a well-known proponent of obesity research at the Temple University's Center for Obesity Research and Education.

Also noted from the Harvard study is the fact that men obviously have more muscle than do women, therefore, it is easier for men to lose weight.

The Health of the Mediterranean Diet

Among some of the primary explanations is believed to be the greater amount of olive oil used in the Mediterranean diet. Dissimilar to the American diet, which is high in animal fats, olive oil is known to lower cholesterol in the blood. It is also well known to reduce blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Analysis indicates that olive oil helps to prevent peptic ulcers and is also productive in the management of peptic ulcer disease, which may also be a beneficial factor in the sought after prevention of cancer. Also, the Mediterranean diet is high in red wine, which is believed to be a positive factor in the diet because of its overwhelming source of antioxidant properties.

The Traditional Mediterranean Diet

Because many countries are geographically near the border of the Mediterranean Sea, there are varying characteristics that create the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. The traditional Mediterranean diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, which are processed but only minimally. Also, this diet is rich in olive oil, fish and poultry. Red meats are consumed in moderate amounts.

The prescriptive Mediterranean diet is scant in saturated fat with only eight percent of the total number of calories derived from saturated fat.

Consult a Dietician

If you or a loved one is considering the Mediterranean diet, learning more about the pros and cons of the Mediterranean diet or embarking on a more healthy lifestyle, it is recommended that you consult a professional dietician.

Soda Drinks, Diet and Health

Soda Drinks and their Effect on Health

Every week it seems like there is a new study released that touts the benefits of a certain food item. And each week there are many studies published about things that are potentially dangerous to our health, whether it is salmonella on our tomatoes or cell phone use causing brain cancer.

But this week, there is news about something so common in our society that the effects are staggering. The consumption of diet sodas is so commonplace in our society that it is alarming to learn that the consumption of these soda drinks that we all crave may be causing health and diet problems plus developmental problems in youth.

Diet Soda, Weight Loss and Health

People who drink diet soft drinks don't lose weight. In fact, they actually gain weight, according to a new study. Sharon Fowler, MPH and colleagues at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio recently published a study, which found that people who consume diet sodas do not lose weight, but actually gain weight. The findings come from eight years of data collected and Ms. Fowler communicated the evidence at the annual assembly of the American Diabetes Association in San Diego.

Ms. Fowler explained to WebMD that it was not a surprise to learn that soft drink consumption was directly linked to overweight and obesity, but what was surprising was the data surrounding people only drinking diet sodas and the fact that this data pointed to their risk of obesity due to the consumption of diet sodas.

Indeed, when the researchers took a closer examination at their data, they discovered that almost all the obesity risk from soft drinks came from diet sodas. The researchers found a forty-one percent increase in risk of being overweight for each can or bottle of diet soft drink a person consumes daily, according to Fowler.

Diet Sodas or Sweetened Soft Drinks

Dr. David Jenkins, director of the Risk Factor Modification Centre at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, said earlier research studies conducted have shown that diet sodas did not have the same effects on weight and health as do naturally sweetened soft drinks. Dr. Jenkins continued by stating that the simple message is that by eating healthy, maintaining a regular exercise routine and only consume sodas within strict moderation.

And even more documentation regarding diet drinks has led researchers to become alarmed at the high-rate of their consumption worldwide.

Diet Drinks Affect Learning and Memory in Youth

According to a U.S. pediatrician, learning and memory may be negatively affected in young people who consume diet drinks containing the artificial sweetener aspartame. The evidence was presented by telelink to the Health Committee and parents are alarmed. In fact, some parents are even more alarmed to learn that schools in New Zealand are now stocking artificially sweetened soda drinks instead of sugar soft drinks for the children to consume.

The Council has the opportunity to hear testimony on aspartame after a petition was presented which called for the withdrawal of all products containing aspartame and other artificial sweeteners from schools, in addition to the introduction of warning labels on products to alert pregnant women and mothers of young children.

Soda Pop and Bone Weakening

The prominent ingredient in most soda pop is phosphoric acid and the pH of the majority of sodas on the market is 2.8, which is pretty acidic. Scientists explain that the benefit of balanced pH levels include the ability to alkalize the body. However, by consuming highly acidic drinks such as sodas, the opposite reaction occurs which is detrimental to health. Phosphoric acid also drains calcium from bones and is an utmost contributor to the rising increase in osteoporosis.

Soda Drinks and Osteoporosis

Studies involving animals show that phosphoric acid steals calcium from bones. Indeed, recent scientific studies reveal that girls who consume soda drinks are more subject to broken bones. The soft drink industry, however, repudiates that soda plays a role in bone weakening.

The studies say otherwise. Studies involving rats show that consistent bone loss develops after the consumption of soft drinks. However it is important to note that rats and humans are not the same.

Other Health Issues Related to Soda Consumption

 A large U.S. study of middle-aged adults has discovered that drinking more than one soft drink a day – even a sugar-free diet brand – may be connected with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, a cluster of factors that increases the likelihood of having a heart attack, stroke or even developing diabetes.

Dr. Ramachandran Vasan, senior researcher for the Framingham Heart Study, stated that only one soda daily raises the chance of new onset metabolic syndrome by nearly forty-five percent. And what was most alarming from his statement was the fact that this occurred with both regular or diet sodas.

Consult a Professional

If you are concerned about the consumption of soda drinks and their effect on your health and diet, it is recommended that you consult with a professional health care provider who is knowledgeable in the field.

Why aren’t I losing more weight?

I am nearing the one-year anniversary of my journey to exercise more and lose weight. I started my exercise regimen last summer after coming to the realization that at forty-one years old, I was not in good health. I did not sleep well, I was anxious, could not walk or exercise for long periods of time without feeling exhausted, and a daily nap was an absolute necessity.

One year into my workout regimen

One year later, I am in better shape than I have been in since my twenties. I even bought a two-piece bathing suit this summer. I dropped eighteen pounds, which puts me at only fifteen pounds heavier than I was when I got married in 1991. I am feeling pretty good about my accomplishments, but the journey was not an easy one. I altered my exercise plan considerably after the first few months; I realized that I was not making much progress. My first exercise regimen consisted of exercising by myself, three times a week lifting weights and concentrating on specific body areas, such as “arms and shoulders” one day, “back and biceps” another day, and the third day of lifting weights consisted of a "legs" routine. I would also ride the stationary bike for at least thirty minutes two times a week.

Same workout routine as I did in my twenties

This routine worked for me when I was in my twenties, so I assumed it would work again in my forties. I was making progress, but not as quickly as I would have liked. After all, I was working really hard and had only lost five pounds. So, I decided to join in an aerobics class and loved it so much that I haven't stopped since. That was six months ago.

The schedule varies every day and can include different routines such as a step-class with one-pound weights, an exercise ball or dancing with a weight bar. After thirty or forty minutes of cardio, we usually move on to light weights with high repetitions. Afterwards, there is a lot of Pilate's and stretching. And the music is fun and fuels the excitement. What a difference a few months make. After six months of aerobics only two or three times a week, I have lost fifteen pounds and several inches off my waist. I have a shape that reminds me of my college years. Without sounding too conceited, I actually look good. My husband jokes that I look “stealth”. I am not sure what that means, but I think it is a compliment.

(By the way - this is not me. When choosing a picture, I thought this looked like a good example of someone in one of my aerobics classes.)

I am so excited with my new level of fitness that my enthusiasm actually feeds off itself – making me more motivated to go to more classes. But as I write this, my knee is throbbing from a step class today that pushed me to the limit a little too much. I am going to take the day off tomorrow and put ice on my knee.

Weight lifting still works

I still like the idea of working out with weights in the gym at my own pace, but attending an aerobics class helps me to push myself further and harder than I could on my own. If I miss a class, the next time I show up the other ladies politely say “We missed you on Monday.” I enjoy my new friends and the instructors are extremely knowledgeable. I can’t believe what great shape I am in for an old mom!

I have to remember that my new lifestyle is not something that I should rush into. I plan on taking it slow so I don’t get any injuries which could curtail my future workouts.

Results of twelve months of healthy living and exercising

The results of nearly twelve months of exercising (three times a week) are more than I had expected. I am much happier; I am a much better mother to my children, a better wife to my husband, and I have enough energy to volunteer, which is something that I have wanted to do for a long time. I have completely stopped drinking alcohol and I sleep extremely well at night. My mental attitude is better. I have rid my life of all negative influences, including people that do not have their hearts and minds in the right place. Case in point - as Dr. Phil says, "The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior." All the people in my life that are negative and destructive were politely and quietly evaded. No point in having contact with people who are detrimental to my healthy lifestyle.

This video helped me to understand six months into my journey why I was not making the progress I wanted. I hope it helps anyone else that might be asking himself or herself the same question I did: “Why aren’t I losing more weight”.

Take a listen to this video that points out various reasons why people do not lose weight.

Is Milk Nutritional?

By consuming a small amount of low fat or skim milk daily, a level of protection is launched against a host of health problems, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers break ground by reporting that adults who had at minimum one serving of low fat or other milk products daily had a thirty-seven percent smaller chance of insufficient kidney function linked to heart disease in comparison to individuals who drank none.

Soy Instead of Cow's Milk?

Cow's milk is often used as the benchmark for most existing nutritional recommendations. Conversely, non-dairy milk emerged later and, on many occasions, is fortified with additional nutritional vitamins and minerals that were produced later in an effort to escalate their nutritional value so that they are similar to the nutritional value of cow's milk. And without fortified vitamin and mineral add-ons, soy is below the nourishment that cow's milk delivers. Although lacking the default nutrients cow's milk provides in nature, soy milk does contain almost identical group of nutrients. Vegans, which is a dietary practice in which an individual omits animal products from their diet, need to be sure that they include a source of vitamin B12 in their menu or as a supplement because otherwise without cow's milk, a vegan could have difficulty getting a sufficient level of vitamin B12 in their diet, which can be harmful.

Nutritional Benefits of Soy Milk

There are great nutritional and health benefits of soy milk. Soy provides a well-balanced nutritional equilibrium. Soy delivers balanced nutrition through high-quality protein and carbohydrates and is also low in fat with no cholesterol with the added benefit of being low in saturated fat. With soy milk and many other soy foods packing so many health benefits, researchers say that cultivating soybeans could well be an increasingly popular use of land to combat food shortages.

Cow's Milk May Reduce Chances of Heart Disease

Single-handedly, cow's milk is a rich, health-giving food. Skim and low fat do not consist of high fat content and is believed to be extremely nutritious. A recent international study indicated that by drinking low fat or skim everyday, people may lower their chance of developing heart disease.

To determine the chance of developing heart disease, researchers from multiple universities in the United States and Norway calculated the kidney function of more than five thousand individuals who are within the age range of forty-five to eighty-four years old. They tracked consumption habits and tested albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) ? a grade that when extra low, according to the American Heart Association, can determine poor kidney function and an exceedingly high chance for cardiovascular disease. The researchers discovered that the people who regularly consumed this low-fat drink had improved kidney function as suggested by their low ACR rate. Study members who regularly drank at the minimum one glass of low fat daily had a shockingly high rate of thirty-seven percent fewer kidney function disorders.

A Link with Ovarian Cancer?

A recent conglomerate study of twenty-one individual analyses explored the possible connection between ovarian cancer and the ingestion of these products and discovered some support for the theory that high consumption of cow's milk is associated with a higher cancer risk. The results of this conglomerate, which were released in the August 2005 entry for the International Journal of Cancer, suggested that support was stronger in studies involving large groups of people.

By studying a group of patients who had ovarian cancer and comparing them with a group of patients who did not have the cancer, it was theorized that whole milk in one's diet was associated with a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. The study, however, did not offer any support for the possibility of lactose in the initial advancement of ovarian cancer.

The study also found a thirteen percent higher chance of cancer risk with a daily intake of ten grams of lactose, which is approximately one glass. Moreover, it was found that yogurt consumption was associated with a non-significant chance of increased cancer risk, while cheese was not found to increase the risk of this type of cancer.

Soy More Healthy than Cow's?

Soy was recommended by health care advocates as a natural alternative to drinking cow's milk. Unfortunately, however, advancements have developed which show the negative environmental impact of soybean farming as well as the alarming recognition that many soybeans that are grown today are more often than not from varieties that are genetically modified. And many soy products that are on the market today have been sweetened so as to improve taste, which means that they are no longer nutritionally better than cow's milk.

A leading medical researcher, Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, did extensive research on digestive associated issues. Dr. Dean stated that soy has a high level of phytic acid, which has the likelihood of blocking the digestion of grains, which are a necessary originator of minerals. Furthermore, soy has trypsin inhibitors which interfere with the digestion of protein. Toss in the fact that the body does not absorb vitamin B12 in soy, which could result in a dangerous condition for vegans who use soy as a means of obtaining their vitamin B12. The one exception to this is soy products which were fermented.

What Alternatives are There?

There are many good sources for these nutrients, such as rice or almond milk which do not involve the serious health issues that may be possibly associated with cow's milk or soy milk.

Get a Professional Opinion

If you are concerned about the nutritional elements within your diet, it is highly recommended that you consult with a licensed dietician or professional health care provider.

For further reading:

• http://www.newslocale.org/health/hnews/drinking_toned_milk_may_reduce_risk_of_heart_disease_200806292454.html
• http://www.milksucks.com/index2.asp