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Economic Times
a day ago
- Health
- Economic Times
You can keep your heart young without medication, even as you age. New study reveals
iStock New research from Singapore reveals how maintaining a 'youthful' cellular environment may help the heart resist aging. Scientists used a unique biomaterial model to mimic heart tissue and found that young molecular signals can keep even stiffened heart structures functioning better. (Image: iStock) Aging is something we all go through—but what if your heart didn't have to slow down with the rest of your body? A new study published in Nature Materials suggests it might be possible to keep our hearts feeling young for longer. And surprisingly, the key may lie not in the heart itself, but in the environment around it. The research, led by scientists at the Mechanobiology Institute in Singapore, focuses on something called the extracellular matrix (ECM). Think of it like scaffolding around your heart cells. It helps with structure, support, and healing. As we age, this ECM stiffens, which can make the heart pump less efficiently. To figure out how the ECM affects the heart, researchers created a special lab model called DECIPHER. It uses rat heart tissue and a gel that mimics the ECM. This allowed the scientists to test how a young heart's environment reacts to aging, and vice what they found: if you give heart cells the same 'young' signals they'd get in a healthy heart—even if the ECM is old and stiff—they work better. But even young heart cells don't do well when surrounded by old, damaged ECM. This means the environment around your heart cells—more than the cells themselves—may play a bigger role in heart aging. Assistant Professor Jennifer Young, who led the study, said the team focused on the ECM because 'most aging research looks only at how cells change.' Their research flips that idea. Dr. Nishant Kalra, a heart specialist who wasn't part of the study, told Medical News Today that these findings show how young tissue signals can prevent the heart from becoming stiff and weak, even when it's aging. Though treatments based on this are years away, it opens a new door to how we might care for aging hearts in the we wait for future breakthroughs, there are things you can do right now to protect your heart: Move your body : Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise (like brisk walking) each week. : Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise (like brisk walking) each week. Eat well : Focus on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Diets like Mediterranean or DASH are especially heart-friendly. : Focus on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Diets like Mediterranean or DASH are especially heart-friendly. Sleep enough : Try to get 7–9 hours of good sleep each night. : Try to get 7–9 hours of good sleep each night. Quit smoking and alcohol : It's one of the best things you can do for your heart. : It's one of the best things you can do for your heart. Manage stress : Relax through hobbies, nature, or meditation. Your birthday may come around every year, but your heart doesn't have to feel older with each one. This new research shows that with the right environment—and smart lifestyle choices—your heart can keep beating strong, even as the candles on your cake grow in number.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
You can keep your heart young without medication, even as you age. New study reveals
Aging is something we all go through—but what if your heart didn't have to slow down with the rest of your body? A new study published in Nature Materials suggests it might be possible to keep our hearts feeling young for longer. And surprisingly, the key may lie not in the heart itself, but in the environment around it. The research, led by scientists at the Mechanobiology Institute in Singapore, focuses on something called the extracellular matrix (ECM). Think of it like scaffolding around your heart cells. It helps with structure, support, and healing. As we age, this ECM stiffens, which can make the heart pump less efficiently. A Special Material That Helps Understand Aging To figure out how the ECM affects the heart, researchers created a special lab model called DECIPHER. It uses rat heart tissue and a gel that mimics the ECM. This allowed the scientists to test how a young heart's environment reacts to aging, and vice versa. Here's what they found: if you give heart cells the same 'young' signals they'd get in a healthy heart—even if the ECM is old and stiff—they work better. But even young heart cells don't do well when surrounded by old, damaged ECM. This means the environment around your heart cells—more than the cells themselves—may play a bigger role in heart aging . Assistant Professor Jennifer Young, who led the study, said the team focused on the ECM because 'most aging research looks only at how cells change.' Their research flips that idea. You Might Also Like: Fitness trackers may boost your heart health, but these 3 hidden dangers are hard to ignore Experts Say This Is Just the Beginning Dr. Nishant Kalra, a heart specialist who wasn't part of the study, told Medical News Today that these findings show how young tissue signals can prevent the heart from becoming stiff and weak, even when it's aging. Though treatments based on this are years away, it opens a new door to how we might care for aging hearts in the future. What You Can Do Today to Keep Your Heart Young While we wait for future breakthroughs, there are things you can do right now to protect your heart: Move your body : Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise (like brisk walking) each week. Eat well : Focus on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Diets like Mediterranean or DASH are especially heart-friendly. Sleep enough : Try to get 7–9 hours of good sleep each night. Quit smoking and alcohol : It's one of the best things you can do for your heart. Manage stress : Relax through hobbies, nature, or meditation. Your birthday may come around every year, but your heart doesn't have to feel older with each one. This new research shows that with the right environment—and smart lifestyle choices—your heart can keep beating strong, even as the candles on your cake grow in number. You Might Also Like: Prevent heart attacks without pills? Scientists say these 3 everyday foods may outperform medication
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Can one diet control diabetes and high BP together? New study offers a game-changing fix
How the DASH4D Diet Works Why Sodium Matters More Than You Think — MohammedAlo (@MohammedAlo) Realistic and Feasible Dietary Shifts Prevention and Power Through Diet You Might Also Like: Beat disease with food: Shocking new study links this compound in veg diets to lower diabetes and heart risk You Might Also Like: This one food habit could shield you from arthritis, obesity and diabetes. Science backs what Indian kitchens always knew If you're managing both type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, you're not alone. The intersection of these two chronic conditions often creates a dietary paradox—what helps one may harm the other. Now, a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine proposes a promising solution: the DASH4D diet , a modified version of the renowned DASH diet, tailored specifically for those with by researchers to meet the unique needs of adults with type 2 diabetes, DASH4D focuses on lowering sodium while accommodating lower carbohydrate intake. Dr. Scott J. Pilla, one of the lead authors, explained to Medical News Today that 'a low-sodium DASH4D diet... caused a statistically and clinically significant reduction in blood pressure.'The original DASH diet—Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension—is already lauded for its heart-friendly benefits, being rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, while low in saturated fat and cholesterol. But it wasn't designed with diabetics in mind. That's where DASH4D steps in, lowering carbohydrates to suit those with type 2 the trial, 102 adults aged around 66, most of whom were already on medications for blood pressure and blood sugar, were assigned four different diets over five weeks each. Among these, the DASH4D diet with reduced sodium (around 1,500 mg/day) proved most effective—lowering systolic blood pressure by 4.6 mmHg and diastolic by 2.3 mmHg, compared to a typical higher-sodium diet.'The results show that sodium reduction appeared to contribute more strongly to reducing blood pressure than the DASH4D diet itself,' Dr. Pilla noted. His sentiment was echoed by Dr. Jennifer Wong, a board-certified cardiologist, who told Medical News Today that the study reinforces how 'a low salt diet designed to modify blood pressure' is crucial, especially in heart-healthy eating One of the most promising takeaways is the feasibility of the low-sodium goal. Dr. Patrick Kee, a cardiologist at Vital Heart & Vein, emphasized that 'the acceptability and adherence to the lower sodium intake was high among participants,' suggesting that with proper guidance and meal planning, what once seemed daunting is the five-week study duration and small sample size call for further research, especially in diverse populations, the findings still hold practical weight. Dr. Pilla acknowledged the limitations and the need for accessible, culturally relevant, and affordable meal plans that align with DASH4D targets.A five mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure may not sound like much, but it can significantly reduce the risk of stroke, heart failure, and kidney complications. Dr. Pilla underlined the clinical importance: 'Diet change can effectively improve blood pressure in people with diabetes, even those on multiple antihypertensive medications.'For patients and clinicians alike, the message is clear: don't underestimate the power of the plate. In a world where lifestyle diseases are on the rise, diets like DASH4D may be the key to better control—and longer, healthier lives.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Warning to antidepressant users as heat wave temperatures hit 100 degrees
Can't take the heat? Your medication might be to blame. Doctors are warning that people taking certain antidepressants could be at risk of serious health problems as temperatures soar into the triple digits. They're urging users to take extra precautions as the tri-state swelters — before it's too late. Advertisement 3 Dr. Zachary Rubin is warning antidepressant users to be extra careful in the heat. TikTok/@rubin_allergy 'If you're taking certain antidepressants, you may be at risk for developing heat intolerance and dehydration,' Dr. Zachary Rubin, a pediatrician and immunologist, warned in a recent TikTok video. Studies show about 1 in 8 American adults take antidepressants. Research suggests that two major types can interfere with how the body regulates temperature. The first group, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), includes widely prescribed drugs like Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (escitalopram), Paxil (paroxetine) and Celexa (citalopram). Advertisement The second group, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), includes older meds such as Elavil (amitriptyline), Anafranil (clomipramine) and Silenor (doxepin). Studies show these medications can spike internal body temps to 106°F or higher — while also throwing a wrench in the body's natural cooling system. 'You may excessively sweat or you may not be able to sweat quite as much,' Rubin explained. Advertisement 3 Sweat helps protect the body from overheating. Getty Images That's no small issue: Sweating is the body's primary defense against overheating. Without it, your chances of heatstroke, organ failure and even death increases substantially. Research shows SSRIs and TCAs may also mess with the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that helps regulate body temperature, thirst and blood pressure. Advertisement 'When the hypothalamus cannot control body temperature, someone can overheat,' Dr. David Tzall, a licensed psychologist, told Medical News Today. That increased heat sensitivity increases your chances of heat exhaustion, which has symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, headaches and heavy sweating, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Left unchecked, heat exhaustion can quickly escalate into heat stroke — the most dangerous form of heat-related illness. At that stage, the body can begin to shut down, triggering seizures, hot dry skin or intense sweating, loss of consciousness and serious brain trouble, including confusion, erratic behavior and slurred speech. In extreme cases, heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death. 'If you begin to feel a rapid heartbeat, start sweating excessively, develop nausea, dizziness or leg cramping, immediately seek air conditioning and if necessary, have someone call 911,' Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency medicine physician, told Still, experts say SSRIs and TCAs are safe and effective — as long as patients know the risks and can spot the warning signs before things turn dangerous. Advertisement 3 SSRIs are the most popular form of antidepressants on the market. nenetus – Rubin recommends staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun and wearing loose, light-colored clothing when temperatures climb. 'If you are struggling at all, make sure that you seek out help,' he said. The warnings come as a once-in-a-century scorcher grips the East Coast, with more than 150 million Americans currently living under 'extreme' heat alerts. Advertisement Each summer, more than 500 New Yorkers die prematurely because of hot weather, a figure that has been climbing in recent years. 'This week's heat wave could be deadly and life threatening if you are not prepared,' Mayor Eric Adams warned in a recent public safety alert.
Buzz Feed
7 days ago
- Health
- Buzz Feed
Foods And Drinks That Cause Constipation
Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint, affecting millions of Americans of all ages. Prevalent as it may be, it's an unpleasant issue that you'd probably prefer to avoid. And what you eat can either help or hinder things in the poop department. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, you're typically considered constipated when you're passing 'small amounts of hard, dry stool, usually fewer than three times a week.' But when it comes to poop frequency, the normal range is pretty wide: anywhere from three times a day to three times a week. So consider what's a deviation from your usual pattern. Constipation is about more than just frequency of bowel movements, though. Other symptoms include pain or difficulty pooping, feeling like you haven't fully emptied your bowels, bloating, sluggishness and stomach discomfort. Most people deal with short-term constipation at one point or another. Chronic constipation, however, is an ongoing issue that can negatively affect your quality of life and lead to complications, like hemorrhoids or fecal impaction, if left untreated. You may become constipated due to dehydration, lack of exercise, changes to your routine (such as travel), stress, certain medications and health conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. But below, we'll focus on some of the ways your diet could be contributing to your constipation woes. The main takeaway: Foods that are high in fat but low in fiber tend to be the worst offenders. No one specific food or drink is likely to cause constipation on its own for most individuals — however, your daily eating habits can worsen an existing issue, according to Medical News Today. We asked experts — including gastro doctors and dietitians — to explain which foods and drinks you might want to consider cutting back on when you're backed up and why. 'Refined grains like white bread, white pasta and white rice are known to be binding and can contribute to constipation,' registered dietitian Stefani Sassos, nutrition and fitness director for the Good Housekeeping Institute, told HuffPost. 'This is due to the fact that they are lower in fiber than whole grains.' Baked goods such as pastries, cookies and cakes, as well as crackers and flour tortillas fall under this umbrella, as well. With refined grains, the fiber our bodies need to facilitate digestion is stripped away during the milling process. 'Fiber promotes regularity by helping food move through your digestive system,' gastroenterologist Dr. Supriya Rao previously told HuffPost. 'This is because fiber absorbs water and bulks up stools, making them easier to pass.' Dairy products like cheese tend to be high in fat, yet low in fiber, which can make constipation worse, gastroenterologist Dr. Rabia A. De Latour told HuffPost. For those with a lactose intolerance, consuming dairy products typically leads to diarrhea and gas. But according to a 2022 literature review, about 30% of lactose-intolerant individuals experience constipation after eating dairy. Red meat, such as beef and pork, these kinds It is also rich in protein, the most satiating macronutrient. This means you might feel full after eating that steak or burger, making you less likely to reach for high-fiber foods like fruits and veggies. Fried foods French fries, fried chicken, mozzarella sticks and other fried fare can make you more backed up. 'Fried, greasy foods are very high in fat and can be hard for the body to digest, contributing to constipation,' Sassos explained. 'Plus, they often are void of fiber.' For other folks, these kinds of foods may lead to more urgent and looser stools — it really depends on the individual and the other components of their diet. Booze is another one that causes different GI symptoms for different people. For many individuals, a night of drinking leads to soft stool or diarrhea. In other cases, it can have a constipating effect. If you're backed up, Dr. Kenneth Josovitz — a Virginia gastroenterologist with Gastro Health — recommends avoiding alcohol, 'which can cause dehydration and worsen constipation.' So why does alcohol have this effect? Alcohol suppresses the release of vasopressin, a hormone which helps your body hold onto fluids by telling the kidneys to reabsorb water, rather than excrete it. 'That [suppression] is why people will pee more when they drink,' gastroenterologist Dr. Sunana Sohi previously told HuffPost. 'The alcohol is making them pee out all the water in their body, and so they get dehydrated and then constipated because of it.' In addition to cutting back on the aforementioned foods and drinks, try to incorporate more high-fiber foods into your diet to help you stay regular. Women should aim to consume at least 25 grams of fiber a day, De LaTour said. For men, that number is about 38 grams per day. Sassos recommends foods like raspberries, apples and pears with the skin on, lentils, beans, broccoli, leafy greens and nuts. Prunes, known for their laxative properties, can also be a good at-home remedy to try, she said. 'If you're not used to eating prunes and fiber-rich foods, start with one to two prunes per day,' Sassos said. 'You can work your way up to five or six as tolerated. Prune juice can be effective too, especially warm prune juice since warm liquids in general can speed up digestive motility.' When increasing your fiber intake, go about it slowly and be sure to drink enough water, she advised. 'We need adequate hydration to help fiber digest properly in the body,' Sassos said. 'If you don't drink enough water, high-fiber foods may actually constipate you even more.' To ease constipation, you can also try drinking a cup of tea as 'the hot temperature speeds up the motility and the caffeine stimulates the bowels,' Josovitz suggested. Reducing stress and exercising can help get things moving as well, he added. Sassos also emphasized the importance of physical activity in keeping you regular. 'Even a short 10-to 15-minute walk after a meal can help,' she said. The occasional bout of constipation typically resolves on its own with minor lifestyle adjustments. But in other cases, constipation may warrant a visit to your doctor — especially if it's coupled with significant abdominal pain. 'You should seek medical attention if the constipation is new, severe, lasts more than a few weeks, or comes with bleeding, weight loss or weakness,' Josovitz advised.
