Study reveals the foods which help avoid illness in later life
Research has revealed that a healthy diet - such as the Mediterranean diet which is high in plants, fish and unsaturated fats - could slow down the accumulation of chronic diseases including dementia in older adults. Inflammatory diets full of processed meat and sugar may accelerate it.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden studied four diets to investigate their impact on chronic diseases in older adults.
Three of the diets studied were healthy and focused on the intake of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, legumes, unsaturated fats and reduced intake of sweets, red meat, processed meat and butter/margarine.
The fourth diet, however, was pro-inflammatory and focused on red and processed meat, refined grains and sweetened beverages, with lower intake of vegetables, tea and coffee.
Researchers followed the diets of 2,400 adults aged 60 and older in Sweden for 15 years and tracked their chronic conditions.
Dietary intake was measured using food frequency questionnaires, and adherence to four dietary patterns: the Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Index (EDII), AHEI, the Alternate Mediterranean Diet (AMED), and the MIND (Mediterranean–DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay).
Multimorbidity was defined as the number of chronic diseases and grouped by organ system - musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neuropsychiatric.
The results published in the journal Nature Aging revealed those who followed the healthy diets had a slower development of chronic diseases.
For example, long-term adherence to healthy dietary patterns, particularly the AMED, AHEI, and MIND, was linked to a slower accumulation of chronic diseases in older adults.
This applied to cardiovascular disease and dementia, but not to diseases related to muscles and bones.
But those who followed the pro-inflammatory diet, on the other hand, increased their risk of chronic diseases.
'Our results show how important diet is in influencing the development of multimorbidity in ageing populations,' said co-first author Adrián Carballo-Casla, postdoctoral researcher at the Aging Research Centre, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet.
The protective effects of diet may be explained by reduced inflammation, a key factor in aging-related diseases.
Study authors want to further their research by identify the dietary recommendations that may have the greatest impact on longevity and the groups of older adults who may benefit most from them, based on their age, gender, psychosocial background and chronic diseases.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
15 minutes ago
- The Sun
Warning as cases of agonising infection surge over summer – with swimming a key trigger
CASES of an agonising infection surge over the summer months, a GP has warned. Swimming can be a key trigger of the illness, as can forgetting to drink water or getting too caught up to go to the loo. 1 As temperatures rise and summer activities ramp up, so does the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women, according to Dr Hina Gauher, GP and cystitis lead at Boots Online Doctor. In fact, the number of people visiting the pharmacy chain about UTIs has risen over the summer months. UTI consultations through the NHS Pharmacy First scheme - which allows patients to seek help over seven common conditions - saw a 10 per cent increase between May and June this year, Boots told Sun Health. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also showed a 9 per cent increase in UTI related hospital admissions compared to the previous 12 months. Many of these patients were in hospital for less than a day - with Boots suggesting hospital trips could be avoided by accessing early advice and appropriate treatment. Dr Gauher said: 'UTIs are common bacterial infections affecting the urinary tract that can cause painful symptoms, interrupt travel plans, and sometimes lead to more serious health complications if left untreated." These can include a high temperature, pains in the lower tummy or back, as well as needing to pee urgently and a burning sensation when you do so. 'Dehydration, frequent swimming, and changes in hygiene routines during the holidays can increase the risk of UTIs," the GP went on. "It's important to stay aware and take preventive measures, especially during these warmer months.' The GP shared her seven top tips for preventing UTIs or stopping them in their tracks. The most common illnesses you can catch on holiday 1. Stay hydrated Are you forgetting to drink water while getting caught up in your summer plans? This can make UTIs more likely, Dr Gauher warned. 'Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is one of the best ways to help flush out bacteria from your urinary tract and relieve UTI symptoms," she said. "Try and aim for at least six to eight glasses of water a day.' 2. Pee regularly The same applies for going to the loo. 'Urinating regularly is key too," the GP went on. "Don't hold in urine and try to go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need to. "This helps clear bacteria from the urinary tract before it has the chance to multiply.' What is a UTI? Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually caused by bacteria - found in poo - entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra). Women are more likely than men to pick up UTIs as they have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection. According to the NHS, things that increase the risk of bacteria getting into the bladder include: Having sex Pregnancy Conditions that block the urinary tract – such as kidney stones conditions that make it difficult to fully empty the bladder – such as an enlarged prostate in men and constipation in children Urinary catheters (a tube in your bladder used to drain urine) Having a weakened immune system – for example, people with diabetes or people having chemotherapy Not drinking enough fluids Not keeping the genital area clean and dry Check if it's a UTI Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include: Pain or a burning sensation when peeing (dysuria) Needing to pee more often than usual Needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia) Needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual Pee that looks cloudy Blood in your pee Lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs A high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery A very low temperature below 36C Your pee may also be dark or smell. If this is your only symptom, it might be because you've not been drinking enough water. What to do if you think you have a UTI If you think you have UTI symptoms, you should speak to your GP to discuss treatment options. Most people will need antibiotics. Some people may be prescribed a 'delayed antibiotic', meaning they'll be asked only to use it if their symptoms don't go away after a certain amount of time. If you keep getting UTIs, your GP might recommend you have a low dose of antibiotics over a long period of time or refer you to a specialist for more tests and treatments. For women who have gone through menopause, there is evidence that vaginal oestrogen creams can reduce UTI symptoms. Source: NHS 3. Wipe well Sometimes your wiping habits could put you in the danger zone of a UTI, according to Dr Gauher. 'Practising good hygiene is another important step," she stressed. "Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from spreading to the urethra, reducing the risk of infection.' 4. Change out of wet swimmies After you've had a dip in the sea or the pool, do you find yourself hanging out in your wet bikini? It's best to change out of it soon, Dr Gauher advised. The same goes for your damp workout clothes too. 'Prolonged moisture creates a breeding ground for bacteria," she explained. "After swimming or workouts, change into dry clothing promptly.' 5. Pee after sex Though it's blissful to cuddle after sex, it's worth breaking the spell for a moment to nip to the loo. 'Sex habits also play a role in preventing infections," the GP said. "Urinating shortly afterward can help remove bacteria and lower the risk of developing a UTI." You might also want to consider "sashing the vaginal area before and after sexual activity" to make sure no germs get into your urinary tract. 6. Avoid scented soaps There's nothing nicer that coming out of the shower smelling delicious - but it's a good idea to keep scented stuff away from your vagina. 'Skip douches, scented soaps, and harsh feminine sprays, which can upset the natural balance of healthy bacteria," Dr Gauher advised. 7. Know red flag symptoms Make sure you're up to date with red flag UTI symptoms so you can seek help promptly. 'UTIs are infections that can affect the bladder, kidneys and the tubes connected to them," Dr Gauher explained. "They can cause symptoms like pain or a burning sensation when urinating, needing to urinate more often, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.' Women aged 16-64 can access advice and prescription treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First Service, which is available at Boots stores in England as well as other pharmacies. But if you're younger or older than this age range or keep getting UTIs, you should speak to your GP.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
How the hot & humid summer weather causes frizzy hair, breakage & bald spots – the key to fixing it is in your kitchen
SUMMER might be great for your tan but your hair - not so much. As the heatwave rolls on, hair experts are warning that rising temperatures, sun exposure and sticky humidity could be silently wrecking your locks. 6 6 According to Sam Cinkir, CEO of top UK skin and hair clinic Este Medical Group, the summer months bring a cocktail of factors that can secretly sabotage your strands and lead to frizz, breakage and even bald spots. Sam warns: ' Warmer temperatures, increased exposure to the sun and higher levels of humidity can all combine to cause problems for our hair in summer.' While we slather on SPF to protect our skin, our hair often gets forgotten and that's when trouble starts. The heat can dry out your strands, zap moisture from your scalp, and weaken hair follicles, making hair more prone to thinning and damage. Humidity adds insult to injury, lifting the cuticle layer of the hair and letting in moisture, which causes swelling, frizz, and that all-too-familiar 'triangle head' situation. 'You might find your locks more susceptible to issues such as breakage, split ends, frizziness or even hair loss,' Sam told The Sun. But it turns out, the real hair hero isn't sitting on a salon shelf, it could already be in your kitchen. Sam explains that a few simple dietary tweaks can play a big role in restoring shine, strength and scalp health during the hotter months. He recommends focusing on foods rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and key nutrients like vitamins A, C and E, along with iron and zinc. My hair's so thin you can see my scalp but miracle £8 buy fixes it in seconds These are all crucial for keeping the hair follicle strong, encouraging healthy growth, and locking in moisture. And don't forget hydration. A dry scalp is an unhappy scalp and not drinking enough water can leave both your hair and skin looking parched. So what should you be eating? Oily fish 6 Sam highlights oily fish, like mackerel, herring and tuna, as one of the top summer saviours. These fish are packed with omega-3 s, which help nourish the scalp and improve blood flow to hair follicles, key for reducing inflammation and preventing shedding. Leafy greens Leafy greens are another smart swap. Spinach, kale and bok choy are rich in iron and vitamin C. Vitamin C helps your body produce collagen, a protein that keeps your hair strong and structured. Eggs 6 Sam also notes that eggs are a brilliant source of keratin. Keratin is the main protein your hair is made of and plays a big part in preventing thinning. So it's important to add this breakfast staple into your diet if you want to combat thinning hair. Greek yogurt 6 For a tasty way to end the day, try a bowl of Greek yogurt. Not only is it high in protein, but it also contains vitamin B5, which supports healthy hair texture and cell renewal. It even helps with dandruff by keeping the scalp nourished. With tubs going for around £3.50 in most supermarkets, it's a small price to pay for big results and certainly cheaper than an emergency trip to the salon. You can also add nuts and seeds for added benefits. Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds, are packed with biotin and healthy fats that boost keratin production and encourage growth. So, if your hair's looking limp, frizzy or falling out more than usual, it might not be your shampoo to blame. The answer could be on your plate and a few simple swaps could be all it takes to save your summer strands. Hair re-growth FAQs Anabel Kingsley, Consultant Trichologist and Brand President at Philip Kingsley spoke exclusively to Fabulous. How long does it take for hair to grow back? Hair grows, on average, half an inch a month. You cannot speed this up. Do rosemary oil and scalp massages work? Oils do not promote hair growth. In terms of rosemary oil, the current trend stems from one small study carried out on 50 men in 2015. No women were involved, and the study compared the effects of 2 per cent minoxidil to Rosemary oil. 2 per cent minoxidil doesn't do much for male pattern hair loss anyway, so the results were not very impressive. Oils do serve a purpose in conditioning hair treatments though. They help add shine and smooth the hair cuticle to lock-in moisture and improve combability. Scalp massages alone won't cure hair loss, but it can help relax you, aid in lymphatic drainage, exfoliate and help topicals penetrate. Are there any products or foods/vitamins you recommend someone using or eating to help with hair regrowth? To support healthy hair regrowth, if you are experiencing hair thinning we'd recommend our Density Preserving Scalp Drops clinically proven to help slow hair loss with continued daily use within three months. Telogen effluvium (hair shedding) due to nutritional deficiencies can often be simply treated with changes to your diet, and nutritional supplements such as our specially formulated Density Healthy Hair Complex and Density Amino Acid Booster. Iron and Ferritin (stored iron) in red meat, dried apricots and dark, leafy greens. Vitamin B12 in animal products and fortified plant-based foods. Protein from oily fish, lean meat, cottage cheese, tofu, nuts, chickpeas, and beans. However, there may be an underlying cause for their hair loss and rather than this being masked by using an off-the-shelf product, they should be encouraged to seek the advice of a specialist such as a Trichologist.
Reuters
an hour ago
- Reuters
Italy moves to tighten controls on gender-affirming medical care for minors
ROME, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Italy will tighten controls on the supply of gender-affirming medical care for minors, according to a draft law approved by the government that has triggered protests from transgender rights advocates. The law, passed by the cabinet late on Monday but still subject to parliamentary approval, will regulate medicines such as puberty blockers and feminising or masculinising hormones for those under the age of 18 who are experiencing gender dysphoria. In a statement, the government said it was needed "to protect the health of minors" and introduce "effective data monitoring." Gender dysphoria is the clinical diagnosis of significant distress that can result from an incongruence between a person's gender identity and their assigned sex at birth. The new bill states that gender-affirming medicines will only be dispensed following protocols yet to be drafted by the health ministry, and, pending that, after approval by a national ethics committee of paediatricians. It also sets up a national registry at the Italian Medicines Agency to monitor "the correct use of (these) medicines" and collect the detailed medical histories of each transgender person undergoing treatment. "This is a form of profiling of trans people, with all their sensitive data, in the hands of a government-nominated agency ... it is extremely serious," Roberta Parigiani, a spokesperson for the Trans Identity Movement, told Reuters on Tuesday. She said that introducing more layers of screening for the approval of gender-affirming medical care was concerning, as it increases the risk that treatment may be delayed for young teenagers or pre-teens waiting for it. "It's not like you can wait one or two years," Parigiani said. Under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a self-described enemy of what she and her allies call the "LGTB lobby" and "gender ideology," Italy has a right-wing government that espouses so-called traditional family values. In the nearly three years that it has been in office, Meloni's coalition has made it harder for same-sex couples with children to be both recognised as legal parents, and has made it illegal for any couple to go abroad to have a baby via surrogacy. The draft bill could be rejected or substantially amended by parliament, but given that Meloni's coalition has a solid majority and backs its objectives, there is a high chance it will be approved.
