Day: 01/14/2024

Acidic Activated Charcoal Prevents Obesity and Insulin Resistance in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

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Obesity is becoming a major public health problem worldwide. Making charcoal from wood (“Sumi-yaki”) has been a traditional activity in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture for centuries, with activated charcoal having reported detoxifying effects. However, it is unclear whether activated charcoal also possesses anti-obesity properties. Additionally, since activated charcoal is usually alkaline and might be affected by gastric juice, we evaluated the effect of acidic activated charcoal on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. This study demonstrated that co-treatment of acidic activated charcoal with a HFD significantly improved obesity and insulin resistance in mice in a dose-dependent manner. Metabolomic analysis of cecal contents revealed that neutral lipids, cholesterol, and bile acids were excreted at markedly higher levels in feces with charcoal treatment. Moreover, the hepatic expressions of genes encoding cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase and hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase/synthase 1 were up-regulated by activated charcoal, likely reflecting the enhanced excretions from the intestine and the enterohepatic circulation of cholesterol and bile acids. No damage or abnormalities were detected in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and lung. In conclusion, acidic activated charcoal may be able to attenuate HFD-induced weight gain and insulin resistance without serious adverse effects. These findings indicate a novel function of charcoal to prevent obesity, metabolic syndrome, and related diseases.

Introduction

Obesity has reached pandemic levels worldwide. Since 1980, the prevalence of obesity has doubled in more than 70 countries/regions and has continued to increase in most other countries. Obesity is a disease caused by excessive fat accumulation. It increases the risk of other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic kidney disease, sleep apnea syndrome, and mood disorders. In recent years, obesity has become a major public health concern in South Asia. In some Asian countries, obesity and its related metabolic diseases is widespread in more than one-third of the population (1–3).

Making charcoal from wood (“Sumi-yaki”) has been a traditional activity in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture for centuries, with “Ina Akamatsu” charcoal was made into activated charcoal for deodorant and water purification. Previous studies have revealed detoxifying effects for activated charcoal. Meinita et al. reported that the material could remove 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, levulinic acid, and other toxic substances within 30 min (4). Elsewhere, recommendations given by poison control centers in Germany state that activated charcoal is suitable for primary toxin clearance in cases of moderate-to-severe poisoning; charcoal is especially suitable for poisons that remain for long periods in the stomach and poisons circulating between the intestine and liver (5). Neuvonen et al. also demonstrated the ability of activated charcoal to effectively bind bile acids (BAs) in vitro (6). The above observations corroborate the biological action of activated charcoal as an absorber of toxins and lipid derivatives.

It is well known that dietary composition, including fat and contaminants, as well as microbiota-produced BAs affect adiposity through multiple pathways. To date, however, the anti-obesity effect of activated charcoal has not been addressed. In a preliminary experiment, the anti-obesity effect of alkaline activated charcoal was not significant in high-fat diet (HFD)-treated mice. Additionally, the mice consuming alkaline activated charcoal looked irritable (unpublished data). We speculated that acidic activated charcoal may avoid interference of gastric juice and be more suitable than regular alkaline charcoal. Therefore, we originally developed acidic activated charcoal with a pH of approximately 5 and treated C57BL/6J mice with the acidic activated charcoal powder-containing HFD, in order to investigate whether the acidic charcoal exerts an anti-obesity effect.

Discussion

The current study showed that acidic activated charcoal could prevent HFD-induced obesity, insulin resistance, eWAT hypertrophy and inflammation, as well as enhance BAT whitening in a dose-dependent manner without any serious adverse effects. Metabolomic analysis of cecal contents revealed that neutral lipids, cholesterol, and BAs were markedly more excreted into the feces with charcoal supplementation. Consequently, the enterohepatic circulation of cholesterol/BA was promoted as evidenced by the up-regulated hepatic expression of de novo BA- and cholesterol-synthesizing enzymes (13). The current study proposes a novel function of acidic activated charcoal to prevent obesity, overnutrition, metabolic syndrome, and related diseases.

The most intriguing finding of the initial study was that the BW gain in the mice treated with activated charcoal was significantly lower than in the HFD + Veh group, which was similar to that in the Con group, with no difference in food intake or thyroid function between the HFD + 5%C and HFD + Veh groups. Moreover, acidic activated charcoal significantly improved HFD-induced hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, WAT hypertrophy and intestinal length shortening and could reduce cecum volume to levels comparable to the Con group.

In order to validate the findings of the first study and clarify which concentrations of activated charcoal exhibited the highest anti-obesity properties, we investigated progressively higher doses of the material. Our results showed that 4.5% activated charcoal was the most effective in improving the phenotypic changes induced by long-term HFD feeding without any detrimental effects. This information might be applicable to humans in future food additives to prevent obesity.

In the initial study and dose-dependent study, liver TG levels did not increase in the HFD + Veh group. In this study, inulin, dextrin, and raffinose were used as a vehicle to prevent constipation by charcoal. It was documented that inulin could attenuate hepatic TG accumulation in several mouse models, such as high-fat/high-sucrose treated mice and high-cholesterol treated mice (14, 15). Additionally, raffinose could ameliorate hepatic lipid accumulation in high cholic acid treated rats (16). The absence of marked TG accumulation may be associated with the action of inulin and raffinose to attenuate hepatic steatosis.

According to the metabolomic analysis, large amounts of BAs were excreted into the feces by inhibiting their reabsorption in the intestine, and so altered amounts of BAs in the enterohepatic circulation were detected in the liver. As a compensatory response, Cyp7a1, a rate-limiting enzyme for de novo BA synthesis from cholesterol, may have been increased by the charcoal; a sufficient supply of cholesterol is necessary to synthesize BAs. The intestinal absorption of dietary cholesterol requires emulsification by BAs (17). A large amount of BAs were combined with activated charcoal and excreted through the feces, which demonstrated altered digestion and absorption of cholesterol in the intestine. These changes may increase Hmgcs1 and Hmgcr.

Prior studies have found that FXR disruption and activated TGR5 in the intestine, which are closely associated with intestinal BA signaling and nutrient homeostasis, produce an anti-obesity effect and improve glucose metabolism (18–22). The inconsistency of changes in intestinal FXR/TGR5 between the two independent experiments prompted us to conclude that FXR/TGR5 was not a primary reason explaining the anti-obesity effect of acidic activated charcoal. The charcoal also absorbed BAs, cholesterol, and neutral lipids in the small intestine, thereby enhancing the excretion of fat into the feces and preventing BW gain.

It was earlier reported that obese patients were in a state of persistent chronic inflammation, which mediated the development of obesity-related diseases, especially type 2 diabetes (23, 24). In particular, adipose expansion induces the adipose inflammation related to insulin resistance (25–27). Indeed, the expression levels of Il1b and Ccl2 in the HFD + 5%C group were significantly decreased vs. the HFD + Veh group. Although no remarkable differences were observed for Cd68 or Tnf, the HFD + 5%C group showed a decreasing trend. In the dose-dependency experiment, the mRNA levels of Cd68, Ccl2, Tgfb1, and Col1a1 all decreased with increasing levels of acidic activated charcoal. This indicated that the charcoal alleviated the adipose microinflammation caused by obesity, with larger doses of the material being more effective.

Since the activated charcoal was a powder and was not digested by the animals, we were concerned about pneumoconiosis and damage to the digestive tract (28). However, there were no visible differences of the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, and inflammation-related gene levels were not increased in the HFD + 5%C compared with HFD + Veh groups. Based on those findings, we consider the oral administration of acidic activated charcoal to be relatively safe, although further long-term studies are required to confirm its safety and applicability in humans. Moreover, because activated charcoal can absorb lipids, it may disrupt the absorption of fats, fat-soluble vitamins, and folic acid (29–31). As the next step, extended experiments will be mandatory to monitor for deficiencies in essential FAs and fat-soluble vitamins. Acidic activated charcoal can absorb not only lipids, but also toxic contaminants in foods, and metabolites from microbiota, such as indole acetate and lithocholic acid. These metabolites are ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and pregnane X receptor, which modulate intestinal mucosal immunity (32). It is of great interest whether acidic activated charcoal can modulate the crosstalk between metabolites, the microbiome, epithelial cells, and immune cells.

Conclusion

Acidic activated charcoal improved HFD-induced obesity and insulin resistance without any serious adverse effects. These beneficial effects were likely due to modulating lipid absorption and altered FA/BA metabolism.

Charcoal supplements before eating high-fat foods could prevent weight gain

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 Charcoal supplements could hold the key to enjoying your favorite fatty foods without gaining any extra weight. Researchers in Japan have discovered that edible activated charcoal prevents weight gain in mice consuming a high-fat diet.

A team from Shinshu University’s Department of Metabolic Regulation notes that the “Western diet” is becoming more popular around the world. However, the high amounts of processed foods, red meat, and high-fat dairy products in this diet often lead to obesity and weight-related health problems. In the United States alone, over 40 percent of the adult population now classifies as obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What is activated charcoal?

Humans have actually been using this black, odorless, and flavorless powder as a treatment for various ailments since ancient times. Today, activated charcoal is a common medical tool for treating drug overdoses. It also doubles as an emergency anti-poison remedy.

It’s also used as a deodorizer and for water purification. Recently, charcoal supplements have become popular as a potential remedy for gas and flatulence, lowering cholesterol, and improving kidney function. Some people even claim charcoal can whiten teeth and cure hangovers.

Researchers note that edible activated charcoal has the ability to absorb urinary toxins and bile acids in the intestines and excrete them as feces. With that in mind, the team examined the substance’s ability to absorb excess fat coming from fatty diets.

Charcoal can quadruple fatty waste removal!

Scientists fed a group of mice a normal diet and a high-fat diet for 12 weeks each during their experiment. As expected, mice on a high-fat diet gained significantly more weight than they did on a normal diet.

However, when the team added acidic activated charcoal to the animals’ high-fat diet, the amount of weight each mouse gained was almost the same as eating a normal diet. Moreover, the study found the amount of bile acid, cholesterol, triglyceride, and fatty acid in their stool increased by two to four times.

Researchers also note that consuming edible activated charcoal did not cause damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa or lungs. Based on their results, study authors believe taking acidic activated charcoal supplements before or while eating fatty foods could prevent weight gain among people. By removing more of the harmful substances of a fatty diet from the body, the team says this could prevent future cases of obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

Special blood factor linked to clotting can reverse brain aging

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  Scientists from the University of California-San Francisco have found that a component in our blood, commonly associated with clotting, may hold the key to reversing signs of aging in the brain. This same factor is linked to the benefits of young blood transfusions, the so-called “longevity hormone” klotho, and even the cognitive gains from regular exercise.

The study pinpoints platelet factor 4 (PF4) as the crucial element behind these rejuvenating effects. PF4 is a product of platelets, which are blood cells that rush to the rescue when we get a wound, helping with clotting. It seems that PF4 can also make old brains act younger and young brains become even sharper.

“Young blood, klotho, and exercise can somehow tell your brain, ‘Hey, improve your function,’” says study senior author Dr. Saul Villeda, associate director of the UCSF Bakar Aging Research Institute, in a university release. “With PF4, we’re starting to understand the vocabulary behind this rejuvenation.”

What does this mean in practical terms?

Dr. Villeda’s expertise in parabiosis, where two animals share a blood system, has revealed that when an older animal is connected to a younger one, it appears rejuvenated. By 2014, he identified that PF4 was abundant in the plasma of younger animals and had the power to bring about this rejuvenation.

Introducing PF4 to older creatures calmed their aging immune systems, both in the body and brain. As a result, these older animals showed better memory and learning capacities.

“PF4 actually causes the immune system to look younger, it’s decreasing all of these active pro-aging immune factors, leading to a brain with less inflammation, more plasticity and eventually more cognition,” explains Dr. Villeda. “We’re taking 22-month-old mice, equivalent to a human in their 70s, and PF4 is bringing them back to function close to their late 30s, early 40s.”

This microscopic image shows microglia, immune cells in the brain, in red. The green and yellow areas point to age-related inflammation in an old mouse.
This microscopic image shows microglia, immune cells in the brain, in red. The green and yellow areas point to age-related inflammation in an old mouse. (Credit: UCSF)

Dr. Dena Dubal, UCSF professor and David A. Coulter Endowed Chair in Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease, previously identified the cognitive benefits of the hormone klotho. Her team uncovered that klotho worked its magic by prompting platelets to release PF4. This not only improved the structure of memory regions in the brain but also enhanced overall cognitive performance in both old and young animals.

“Ideally, we’ll have multiple shots on goal for one of our biggest biomedical problems, cognitive dysfunction, with the fewest side effects and the most benefit,” says Dr. Dubal.

Building on the widely accepted notion that exercise is beneficial for the brain, Dr. Tara Walker, professor of neuroscience at the University of Queensland, discovered that exercise prompts the release of PF4. This revelation has significant implications.

“For a lot of people with health conditions, mobility issues or of advanced age, exercise isn’t possible, so pharmacological intervention is an important area of research,” notes Dr. Walker. “We can now target platelets to promote neurogenesis, enhance cognition and counteract age-related cognitive decline.”

The synchronized release of these findings underscores the robustness of the research.

“When we realized we had independently and serendipitously found the same thing, our jaws dropped,” says Dr. Dubal. “The fact that three separate interventions converged on platelet factors truly highlights the validity and reproducibility of this biology. The time has come to pursue platelet factors in brain health and cognitive enhancement.”

Eat better, live longer? Scientists uncover link between eating protein and aging

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The saying “you are what you eat” holds true when it comes to our health and longevity. A recent study conducted by researchers at Waseda University in Japan reveals that consuming a balanced diet with moderate protein levels can have a positive impact on metabolic health and delay aging.

The study involved feeding young and middle-aged mice with isocaloric diets containing different protein amounts, and the results showed that mice on moderate-protein diets had lower blood glucose and lipid levels. Understanding the relationship between nutrition and metabolic health is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and extending our lifespan. Previous research has shown that different nutritional interventions, including calorie and protein intake variations, can improve the health and lifespan of animals. However, the ideal amount of protein needed to maintain metabolic health has remained unknown.

In the study, the team led by Assistant Professor Yoshitaka Kondo explored the effects of protein intake on metabolic health in mice as they approached old age. Young and middle-aged male mice were given isocaloric diets with varying protein content for two months. The researchers assessed the impact of these diets on skeletal muscle weight, liver and plasma lipid profiles, and plasma amino acid profiles.

In a new study by Waseda University researchers, young and middle-aged mice were fed isocaloric diets with varying amounts of protein. Mice consuming moderate amounts of dietary proteins (25% and 35%) exhibited lower blood glucose, and hepatic and plasma lipid levels.
In a new study by Waseda University researchers, young and middle-aged mice were fed isocaloric diets with varying amounts of protein. Mice consuming moderate amounts of dietary proteins (25% and 35%) exhibited lower blood glucose, and hepatic and plasma lipid levels.

The findings revealed that a low-protein diet led to the development of mild fatty liver in middle-aged mice, while a moderate-protein diet reduced blood glucose and lipid levels in both young and middle-aged mice. Additionally, the plasma amino acid profiles showed a correlation between protein intake and hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol levels. The implications of this study on public health are significant.

“Protein requirements change through the court of life, being higher in younger reproductive mice, reducing through middle age, and rising again in older mice as protein efficiency declines,” says Kondo in a university release. “The same pattern is likely to be observed in humans.  Therefore, it could be assumed that increasing daily protein intake in meals could promote metabolic health of people. Moreover, ideal dietary macronutrient balance at each life stage could also extend health span.”

By increasing daily protein intake, we can potentially promote metabolic health and extend our lifespan. Achieving an ideal macronutrient balance at each life stage becomes crucial for overall well-being.

High-fat diets wreak havoc on your genes, study explains

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 It’s no secret that too much fat in a diet is going to backfire eventually, but new research is adding even more reasons to adopt a leaner approach to eating. Scientists at the University of California-Riverside have found that high-fat diets can influence our genetic make-up. The affected genes have a link to numerous health concerns such as obesity, colon cancer, and irritable bowel disease, as well as more general health concerns such as changes to the immune system, brain function, and even a person’s COVID-19 risk.

While prior studies have analyzed the impact of high-fat diets, this latest project set itself apart by widening its scope. The research team fed a group of mice three different diets over the course of 24 weeks in which at least 40 percent of the calories came from fat. After that, they assessed the rodents’ microbiome, as well as any genetic changes in all four parts of the intestines.

One group of mice consumed a diet based on saturated fat from coconut oil. Another group received a monounsaturated, modified soybean oil-based diet and the third group received an unmodified soybean oil high in polyunsaturated fat. In comparison to a low-fat control diet, all three groups experienced concerning changes or fluctuations in gene expression, which is the process by which genetic information transforms into a functional product, like protein.

“Word on the street is that plant-based diets are better for you, and in many cases that’s true. However, a diet high in fat, even from a plant, is one case where it’s just not true,” says Frances Sladek, a UCR cell biology professor and senior author of the new study, in a media release.

Researchers say they weren’t surprised to see some of the noted intestinal changes, such as major changes in genes related to fat metabolism and the composition of gut bacteria. For instance, the team observed an increase in pathogenic E. coli and a suppression of Bacteroides, which work to protect against pathogens. Further observations, on the other hand, were more shocking, including changes in genes regulating susceptibility to infectious diseases.

“We saw pattern recognition genes, ones that recognize infectious bacteria, take a hit. We saw cytokine signaling genes take a hit, which help the body control inflammation,” Prof. Sladek adds. “So, it’s a double whammy. These diets impair immune system genes in the host, and they also create an environment in which harmful gut bacteria can thrive.”

The research team’s prior work involving soybean oil had already established its link to both obesity and diabetes, both considered major risk factors for COVID-19. Now, this new study details how all three high-fat diets increase the expression of ACE2 and other host proteins that are manipulated by COVID-19 spike proteins to enter the body.

Moreover, study authors noted that high-fat food increased signs of stem cells in the colon.

“You’d think that would be a good thing, but actually they can be precursors to cancer,” Prof. Sladek notes.

Gut health: Intestines sketch with gut bacteria

In terms of gene expression, coconut oil displayed the greatest number of changes, followed by unmodified soybean oil. The differences between the two soybean oils indicate that polyunsaturated fatty acids in unmodified soybean oil, primarily linoleic acid, play some kind of a role in changing gene expression.

Notably, unhealthy changes to the microbiome in this study were more pronounced among mice consuming the soybean oil diet. Researchers expected as much, as they previously documented other negative health effects tied to high soybean oil consumption.

In 2015, the research team found that soybean oil induces obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, and fatty liver in mice. Then, in 2020, the researchers demonstrated the oil is also capable of affecting genes in the brain related to conditions including autism, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, and depression.

Interestingly, the new study reveals that the expression of several neurotransmitter genes was indeed changed by the high-fat diets, thus reinforcing the notion that there is a gut-brain axis that can be impacted by diet. Study authors stress these findings only apply to soybean oil, and not to other soy products, tofu, or soybeans themselves.

“There are some really good things about soybeans. But too much of that oil is just not good for you,” explains UCR microbiologist Poonamjot Deol, a co-first author of the current study in addition to UCR postdoctoral researcher Jose Martinez-Lomeli.

Soy protein sources - tofu, soybeans, non-dairy

It’s also important to note that this research was conducted with mice, and rodent studies do not always lead to the same findings in humans. However, humans and mice are more similar than most probably assume; we share 97.5 percent of their working DNA. So, this work is quite concerning, researchers argue, as soybean oil is the most commonly consumed oil in the United States, and is increasingly consumed in other countries like Brazil, China, and India.

According to some estimates, Americans get close to 40 percent of their calories from fat. That would mirror what the mice ate in this study.

“Some fat is necessary in the diet, perhaps 10 to 15%. Most people though, at least in this country, are getting at least three times the amount that they need,” Deol comments.

Still, researchers say readers shouldn’t panic over a single meal. It is a long-term high-fat habit that we should all be wary of. Researchers stress that the mice stayed on these diets for 24 weeks.

“In human terms, that is like starting from childhood and continuing until middle age. One night of indulgence is not what these mice ate. It’s more like a lifetime of the food,” Deol says.

“Some people think, ‘Oh, I’ll just exercise more and be okay. But regularly eating this way could be impacting your immune system and how your brain functions,” Deol concludes. “You may not be able to just exercise away these effects.”

Unlock the Secret to Slowing Brain Aging: This Diet Gene May Extend Lifespans

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🔑 Key Findings:

  • The OXR1 gene plays a key role in brain aging and longevity
  • Calorie-restrictive diets optimize this gene’s ability to function
  • Scientists think this discovery could lead to new anti-aging drugs

 The right diet can slow brain aging and add years to your life. Now, scientists know why. Researchers at the Buck Institute have discovered a significant connection between calorie restriction, brain health, and increased lifespan — all focusing on the gene OXR1.

“When people restrict the amount of food that they eat, they typically think it might affect their digestive tract or fat buildup, but not necessarily about how it affects the brain,” says Kenneth Wilson, PhD, a Buck Institute postdoc and first author of the study. “As it turns out, this is a gene that is important in the brain.”

The study, which involved fruit flies and human cells, reveals that dietary restriction can delay aging and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, through a specific cellular mechanism. This process is primarily facilitated by the OXR1 gene, which plays a vital role in protecting brain cells from aging and causing neurological disorders.

“We found a neuron-specific response that mediates the neuroprotection of dietary restriction,” notes Buck Professor Pankaj Kapahi, PhD, co-senior author of the study, in a media release. “Strategies such as intermittent fasting or caloric restriction, which limit nutrients, may enhance levels of this gene to mediate its protective effects.”

“The gene is an important brain resilience factor protecting against aging and neurological diseases,” adds Buck Professor Lisa Ellerby, PhD, co-senior author of the study.

Longer genes could be the secret to the fountain of youth

The researchers’ journey began with the study of about 200 strains of fruit flies under different diets. They discovered that specific genetic variants, including the OXR1 gene (known as “mustard” or “mtd” in fruit flies), significantly influenced longevity under calorie-restricted diets. Scientists have found that this gene also protects cells from oxidative damage, which can lead to severe neurological defects and premature death.

Interestingly, the team found that the OXR1 gene impacts a protein complex called the retromer, essential for recycling cellular proteins and lipids.

“The retromer is an important mechanism in neurons because it determines the fate of all proteins that are brought into the cell,” says Wilson.

This process is particularly crucial in neurons and has a link to the prevention of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. The study authors conclude that dietary restriction aids in maintaining the retromer’s ability to function, ensuring healthy brain aging and extending lifespan.

“Diet is influencing this gene. By eating less, you are actually enhancing this mechanism of proteins being sorted properly in your cells, because your cells are enhancing the expression of OXR1,” Wilson explains.

Looking forward, the researchers want to identify compounds that can increase OXR1 levels in humans, potentially delaying brain aging and adding years to people’s lives.

“Hopefully from this we can get more of an idea of why our brains degenerate in the first place,” Wilson concludes. “Diet impacts all the processes in your body. I think this work supports efforts to follow a healthy diet, because what you eat is going to affect more than you know.”

Fruit fly study suggests low-calorie diet key to longer life at any age

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Starting a new diet is never easy, and older adults may think there’s little point at their age. But new research from the University of Connecticut suggests that making dietary changes, even later in life, can significantly improve health and extend lifespan.

It’s important to note that this conclusion is derived from a study on fruit flies. How could that possibly translate to humans? Despite being a very different organism, about 75% of the genes that cause diseases in humans are also found in the fruit fly. This genetic similarity allows researchers to study the effects of these genes and understand how they contribute to various diseases and health conditions in humans.

Perhaps there’s no bigger health concern for humans than obesity, now a growing concern globally. It’s linked to several metabolic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Past animal studies have consistently shown that caloric restriction, without malnutrition, can extend lifespan. Human trials have also indicated health benefits from eating less, particularly in obese individuals, but the impact on lifespan has been harder to establish.

The UConn team was led by geneticist Blanka Rogina from the school’s Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences and the Institute for Systems Genomics. They focused on fruit flies fed a diet high in sugar, protein, and calories, mimicking a modern processed diet. These flies exhibited metabolic changes akin to those in obese humans. Remarkably, when these flies were switched to a low-calorie diet late in life, they experienced significant metabolic alterations and lifespan extension.

Fruit flies typically live short lives, with those on a high-calorie diet surviving less than 80 days, compared to up to 120 days for those on a low-calorie diet. The study explored the effects of diet changes on both young and old male flies. Young flies switched from a high-calorie to a low-calorie diet at 20 days old lived as long as those on a low-calorie diet from the start.

Older couple eating healthy diet with vegetables
If the study on fruit flies has anything to say about it, older adults can extend their lifespans by switching to a low-calorie diet. It’s never too late to eat healthy!

Older Flies Show Incredible Improvement After Low-Calorie Diet

However, the real surprise came with older flies. Those raised on a high-calorie diet had more body lipids and a higher energy expenditure in combating oxidative stress. They also had a higher mortality rate compared to those on a low-calorie diet. But when these older, high-calorie diet flies were switched to a low-calorie diet at 50 or even 60 days (an age by which most high-calorie diet flies had died), their metabolisms and lifespans dramatically improved.

“Our studies were performed in flies aged on a high calorie diet, akin to obese individuals, suggesting that late-life diet shift in obese humans might have remarkable beneficial impact on health,” Rogina says in a statement.

The team, including UConn School of Medicine Genetics and Genome Sciences Chair Brent Graveley, also analyzed gene expression in these flies. They found significant differences between high and low-calorie diet flies in genes controlling physiological and metabolic adaptations. “The remarkable finding of this study is that even after living a significant portion of their lives on a high calorie diet, flies can gain the benefits of life span extension by simply switching to a low calorie diet,” says Gravely.

Calories on a nutrition label
Keeping a close eye on your calorie intake is an easy way to improve your health and live longer.

The research team is currently examining data from female fruit flies to identify any sex-related differences in response to diet changes.

The Health Benefits Of Swimming

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swimming

Curious about the holistic benefits of swimming? From enhancing cardiovascular health to promoting muscle strength, discover how swimming supports the health of the body and mind: 

Swimming and cardiovascular health

Swimming is a full-body workout, as it engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This makes it an excellent cardiovascular exercise. The continuous movement against water resistance not only strengthens the heart but also improves circulation, helping to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. 

Swimming and joint health

Unlike some land-based exercises that can be hard on the joints, swimming is a low-impact activity. The buoyancy of water reduces the impact on the skeletal system, making it an ideal option if you have any joint conditions, arthritis, or are recovering from injuries.

Swimming and muscle strength and endurance

Swimming targets a diverse range of muscles, from the core and back to the arms and legs. The resistance provided by water helps promote strength and endurance by challenging these muscle groups. Regular swimming can lead to improved muscle tone, increased flexibility, and enhanced overall muscular fitness. Swimming not only sculpts the body but also contributes to better posture and balance.

Swimming and mental health

Swimming can be an excellent stress-reliever. The meditative aspects of swimming may reduce stress hormones and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Swimming and respiratory health

While swimming, you place a focus on inhaling and exhaling in a coordinated manner. This breathwork can enhance lung capacity and efficiency. 

From cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength to stress relief and improved respiratory health, swimming offers comprehensive healing – and the best part is that it’s relatively accessible to many across age groups and fitness levels

7 Signs That Your Mental Health Needs Attention

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mental wellbeing

You know when a cold is coming on thanks to telltale symptoms like a sore throat, cough, or a stuffy nose. But you may not be quite so attuned to the signs of oncoming mental unwellness.

Burgeoning depression, mounting anxiety, and unresolved trauma all manifest in physical and behavioral symptoms that can be missed or dismissed if we don’t know what to look for.

Knowledge is power: When we understand the warning signs, we can prepare for rather than react to psychological issues. Not all of these are certain indicators of a mental health crisis, but they may be something to keep an eye on.

1) You’re Sleeping Poorly

More, less, or bad sleep is both a symptom and cause of mental health issues. When we’re depressed, anxious, or reeling from stress, our sleep often suffers. Conversely, inadequate rest impairs a range of cognitive and physiological processes essential to mental well-being, including attention, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills, leaving us vulnerable to anxiety and depression.

Excessive sleep can also be cause for concern. Hypersomnia characterizes roughly half of major depressive episodes. Especially if you remain unrested even after sleeping in, consider this a red flag.

Persistent nightmares are another sleep-related warning sign. If they involve images or sensations reminiscent of a traumatic experience and leave you feeling distressed throughout the day, nightmares may be a sign of posttraumatic stress disorder.

2) Your Stomach Feels Off

Like sleep, gastrointestinal issues can both cause and result from psychological distress. That’s because the GI system and the brain are closely connected, each sending and receiving messages related to emotions (I just can’t seem to digest anything, says the gut, which the brain interprets as The things I used to enjoy don’t feel good anymore) and perceived threats (That doesn’t seem safe! says the brain; I’d better clench up, replies the gut).

The gut–brain connection can be acutely obvious, as when we feel nauseous before a big event, but chronic distress may fly under the radar. It’s crucial not to dismiss cramps, indigestion, bowel issues, and other GI concerns as purely physiological, especially if you can’t identify an obvious trigger such as a change in diet or medication.

3) Your Eating Habits Change

Thanks in part to the gut–brain connection, psychological distress can also impact appetite. Roughly half of those who suffer from major depressive disorder experience decreased appetite; about a third notice their appetite increase.

Depression can also influence which foods we crave. Because carbohydrates trigger serotonin release, we are more likely to reach for carb-heavy comfort foods like pasta, cookies, or potato chips when we’re depressed.

Poor eating habits can also be a sign that you aren’t addressing stress in a healthy way. Most of us have engaged in stress eating, and studies have shown it’s a real thing.

4) You Can’t Get Motivated

Amotivation is a hallmark of several mood disorders — two weeks of this condition meets the clinical threshold for a symptom of major depressive disorder. Lack of motivation seems to stem from difficulties honing attention and shaking off rigid or critical self-talk (I’m just going to fail, so why bother trying?).

Procrastination in response to activities you genuinely dislike — scheduling a dentist appointment, filing taxes — should be little cause for worry. But struggling to keep up with the daily responsibilities of life for several weeks may be a sign of mounting mental unwellness.

5) You Don’t Enjoy Things That Usually Matter to You

Depression saps the joy from life, which is why anhedonia, a term that translates to “without pleasure,” is considered one of the most reliable symptoms of depression.

It’s not entirely clear what causes anhedonia, but some studies have linked depression with reduced reward sensitivity. This means that things that would normally make us feel good, such as time with loved ones or a favorite hobby, don’t release as much dopamine when we’re feeling depressed.

The inability to enjoy life’s pleasures for more than a week or two should be considered a warning of depression.

6) You Don’t Feel Like Leaving the House

Isolation can signify a variety of mental health issues, depending on the context. Staying home due to lack of motivation or the sense that you won’t enjoy yourself may be a sign of depression, especially if it’s accompanied by negative beliefs about yourself (No one would want to hang out with me anyway).

Isolating out of fear that something bad might happen is a feature of certain anxiety disorders including social anxiety disorder, which involves fear of judgment or ridicule from others, and agoraphobia, which involves fear of being unable to escape from or get help in a dangerous situation. (For more information on this disorder, see “What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?“)

Isolation can also be a response to trauma. We’re prone to avoiding situations that remind us of a traumatic experience, even if we don’t always consciously recognize it.

7) You’ve Been Snappy Lately

It’s easy to blame a short temper on external factors — a bad boss, traffic, bills. But finding yourself constantly on edge, frustrated, or angry may be a sign of underlying psychological concerns.

Studies suggest that chronic stress and worry can impair functioning in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for crucial executive functions, including attention and emotion regulation. Hence our tendency to feel edgy when we’re anxious.

Irritability may also signify depression. Anger is more emotionally accessible than sadness for some of us — adolescents are particularly prone to acting irritated when they’re actually depressed — which is why persistent irritability merits a closer look.

These signs need not always be a cause for alarm, since emotions such as grief can also cause sleep problems, appetite changes, and lack of motivation. But these signs are an opportunity to consider whether all your needs are being met. Are you getting enough exercise, rest, or connection? When was the last time you took a day off?

If you notice these signs and feel like you may need help, invest in self-care: a cup of tea, a long walk, saying no to something you don’t really have time for — whatever it means to you. Think of self-care as the chicken soup for your emotional well-being. And reach out to people you love and trust: Connection is one of the most powerful protective measures we can take.

Warning Signs of Something More Serious

Symptoms that suggest someone is losing touch with reality, like hearing or seeing things that aren’t really there, or losing control over their basic faculties, such as struggling to form coherent sentences, may be signs of what’s known as psychosis.

These symptoms are common in disorders such as schizophrenia but can also manifest following a brain injury or other medical condition, or after acute or prolonged substance use.

In these instances, it’s important to seek professional medical support as soon as possible.

12 Tips for Better Sex

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Why a Good Sex Life Is Healthy

Why a Good Sex Life Is Healthy

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Sex isn’t just fun. It’s good for you too. Every orgasm releases a flood of the hormone oxytocin, which improves your mood. Regular rolls in the hay could improve your heart health, reduce stress and depression, improve your self-esteem, and help you sleep better. Snuggling together underneath the sheets also makes you feel closer to your partner and enhances your sense of intimacy.

Communicate With Your Partner

Communicate With Your Partner

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Couples who talk to each other about their wants and desires have better sex and a healthier relationship, research finds. Tell your partner what you like and don’t like. Share your most intimate fantasies and desires. If you’re too bashful to say those private thoughts out loud, write them down in a story or a journal entry for your partner to read.

Try Something Different

Try Something Different

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Spice up your sex life by stretching your boundaries as a couple. Play around with foreplay. Touch each other in new ways. Try out different sex positions to see which ones feel best. Dress up in costumes and play as characters (nurse-doctor, cowboys). Move from the bed to the floor, the bathroom, or the kitchen counter. Watch a dirty movie together. Bring sex toys like a vibrator, anal beads, or feathers into the mix.

Schedule Time for Intimacy

Schedule Time for Intimacy

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No matter how much you might want to have sex, your busy schedule can get in the way. So pencil sexy time into your calendar, just like you would other important dates. Then you’ll be less likely to skip it. Setting a date gives you time to prepare and something to look forward to. Book sex as often as is realistic — whether it’s once a week or every other day. Choose times when you know you won’t be tired or distracted.

Exercise

Exercise

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Working out boosts stamina in bed and puts you in the mood. Exercise also creates a more toned body, which improves self-esteem and makes you feel sexier. It’s not clear how much exercise you need to improve your sex life. Start with the standard recommendations — 150 minutes of aerobic activity and two days of strength training a week.

Take Your Time

Take Your Time

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No matter how busy you are, sex is one part of your day that you shouldn’t rush. Don’t skimp on the foreplay. Those extra minutes that you spend touching and kissing each other help get you aroused and make sex more pleasurable. When you slow down, you also get more time to spend with your partner. That’s good for your relationship overall.

Use Lubrication

Use Lubrication

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Women’s bodies naturally make their own lubricant, but sometimes it’s in short supply. Hormonal changes around the time of menopause can cause vaginal dryness that makes for painful sex. A water-based lubricant is safest to use with condoms. But, silicone-based lubes are less irritating for anal sex.

Be Affectionate

Be Affectionate

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Not every romantic encounter has to end in sex. You and your partner can find pleasure in many other ways. Take a bath together or give each other a sensual massage. Have a hot make-out session on the couch. Bring each other to orgasm through masturbation. Teach each other how you like to be touched. Or just cuddle.

Relax

Relax

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Sex is a potent stress reliever, but it’s hard to get in the mood when you’re all keyed up. After a tough day, do something calming together to relax you. Listen to soft music. Practice relaxation exercises such as deep breathing or meditation. Research shows that mindfulness meditation helps women get more in tune with their bodies during sex.

Do Kegels

Do Kegels

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Kegels strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support your bladder. They also relax the vagina to make sex more comfortable, improve blood flow down there, and make it easier to reach orgasm. To do these simple exercises, just tighten and relax the muscles you use to hold in pee. And they’re not just for women. Men who practice Kegel exercises have better erections and more intense orgasms.

Plan an Overnight Getaway

Plan an Overnight Getaway

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Sometimes all you need to rev up your sex life is a change of scenery. Take a trip together. You don’t have to go far, but certain settings — like the ocean or mountains — are ideal for rekindling romance. Turn off your cell phones and focus on each other. For an extra spark, pretend that you’ve just started dating — or that you’re strangers who’ve met up for a forbidden tryst.

See Your Doctor

See Your Doctor

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Sometimes the solution to better sex is in your medicine chest. Some drugs, such as antidepressants and blood pressure medicines, can reduce your desire. The problem could also be a medical condition like heart disease, vaginal dryness, multiple sclerosis, or depression. Schedule a check-up to find out whether a health issue might be affecting your sex life. Be honest with your doctor about the problem, so you can find the right answer.

Talk to a Sex Therapist

Talk to a Sex Therapist

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A sex therapist is the person to see if something is bothering you in the bedroom. Therapists are licensed psychologists or social workers who can address problems such as a lack of desire, trouble getting an erection, or problems reaching orgasm. You can meet with a therapist alone or together with your partner.