Why too much stress makes your memory worse as you age

Forgot your keys? High levels of stress worsen memory

Scientists claim to have solved the mystery of how stress contributes to memory loss in old age.

Researchers at Edinburgh University have shown how two receptors in older brains react to the stress hormone cortisol, which has been linked to memory loss in the elderly.

The study found that one receptor was activated by low levels of cortisol, which helped memory.

However, once levels of the hormone were too high they spilled over on to a second receptor, activating brain processes which contribute to memory impairment.

When the receptor linked to poor memory was blocked, the memory recall problem was reversed.

The experiment based on older mice navigating a maze, was published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

The research helps explain why too much stress over a prolonged period interferes with the normal processes in storing everyday memories.

This is despite the fact that a little bit of stress can help us better remember emotional memories.

Dr Joyce Yau said: 'While we know that stress hormones affect memory, this research explains how the receptors they engage with can switch good memory to poorly-functioning memory in old age.'

She added that understanding the mechanisms in the brain, which affect memory as we age, will help find ways to combat conditions linked to memory loss.

The study was funded by the Medical Research Council. 

Professor Chris Kennard, of the MRC, said: 'This research highlights some interesting, original concepts relating to why memory loss occurs in old age.

'With people living ever longer, the MRC is really focussing on research which allows elderly people not just to survive, but also to stay healthy.'

The researchers are looking at a new chemical compound which blocks an enzyme, known as 11beta-HSD1, which helps produce stress hormones within cells.

They hope this could be used to develop a drug treatment to slow the normal decline in memory associated with ageing, or even improve memory in people who are very old.

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9 Best High-Protein SnackS

Busy men are always looking for nutritious snacks to eat when they are on the go. Unfortunately, many of you end up grabbing high-carb, high-fat and low-protein convenience store snacks, which are terrible nutritional choices.

Although the opinions of experts vary greatly as to how much protein men should consume on a daily basis, the generally accepted figure is one gram of protein per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Therefore, a 180-pound man should get about 82 grams of protein in his diet each day.

If you're one of the many men who doesn't manage to meet this minimum requirement, or if you're simply looking for some alternative nutritious snack ideas, read on: The following nine high-protein snacks require little preparation and are generally low in both carbohydrates and fat.

1. Beef jerky
Believe it or not, this old classic is actually a healthy choice. On average, one ounce contains about 70 calories and one gram of fat, but delivers 11 grams of protein. However, the brands sold in convenience stores are often high in salt. If you'd like beef jerky to be one of your high-protein snack options, look for healthier versions in health food stores.

2. Egg whites
One egg white has only 15 calories, is fat- and cholesterol-free and contains four grams of protein. Throw two or three in a pan (with some peppers and onions if you want to make an omelet) for a quick, nutritious mini-meal.

3. Cottage cheese and fruit
A half cup of 2 percent cottage cheese contains on average 16 grams of protein, yet only has 102 calories and two grams of fat (as opposed to other types of cheese, which can be extremely high in fat). If high protein isn't your ideal goal, then mix it with some fresh fruit for a fast, healthy snack.

4. Tuna
Tuna is a great source of protein with approximately 25 grams per can. Plus, one can of tuna in water contains approximately 111 calories and is fat-free. And hey, go easy on the mayonnaise if you're making a sandwich -- it's full of fat.

5. Protein bars
Although there are hundreds of varieties on the market, keep in mind that all protein bars are not created equal. Obviously, protein bars should be a high-protein snack, but be careful and avoid bars that are high in carbohydrates and fat. A good choice is Designer Whey Protein Bars: Each 75-gram bar contains a full 30 grams of protein, with only six grams of carbs and five grams of fat.

6. Shakes
As with protein bars, many commercial protein shakes and powders can be high in carbohydrates. Advanced Protein, which delivers 20 grams of protein, two grams of fat and only two grams of carbs per scoop, is perfect for guys who work out.

You can also make your own high-protein shake without protein powder. Blend the following ingredients:
2 cups natural soy milk (Make sure it doesn't have any added sugar. The only ingredients should be soy and distilled water.)
3 egg whites
1 banana (Or another fruit of your choice.)
1 tbsp natural peanut butter (It only contains peanuts and oil -- no preservatives -- available in health food stores and some grocery stores.)
2 tbsps flax powder (Or 2 tsps flax seed oil.)
1/3 cup rolled oats

7. Lentils
Although they may not seem appetizing on their own, putting a handful of them in your soup or salad will give your snack a protein boost. One cup of lentils has about 230 calories, one gram of fat and 18 grams of protein.

8. Peanut butter
If you loved peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as a kid, you're in luck: one tablespoon contains about four grams of protein, eight grams of fat and 95 calories. For an energy boost, spread it on a slice of whole-wheat bread (60 calories and one gram of fat) and top it with banana slices.

9. Oatmeal
According to Aubyn Garstang, a certified personal trainer, many men who train hard favor oatmeal for its balance of protein and good carbohydrates, which gives them the energy necessary to make it through an intense workout. One packet of instant oatmeal has about five grams of protein, 105 calories and two grams of fat. You can eat it alone or add some cinnamon to the mix.
a question of balance

No matter how busy you are, it's really not that difficult to eat nutritious, high-protein snacks. If you keep a few cans of tuna and some eggs in your fridge at all times, you'll have some healthy alternatives to fatty junk foods like chips and chocolate bars.

However, keep in mind that your body does need a certain amount of carbohydrates, which is the main source of energy for working muscles and other bodily functions. Therefore, you shouldn't try to eliminate carbs completely, especially if you work out.

The key is to eat a balanced diet that includes lean protein, minimally refined carbs (whole grain pasta, whole grain rice), simple carbs (raw fruits and vegetables), and a small amount of fat in order to provide your body with all the nutrients and energy needed to function at your best capacity.

VIA : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/04/21/best-high-protein-snacks/?test=chol

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6 Top Health Myths

An old wives’ tale, an urban legend -- call it what you will, but you’ve all heard them. Be it from your mom when you were ill, from your friends while sitting around a campfire, or from a story you’ve been told about an unbelievable hangover cure, they usually are just that -- unbelievable. 

More often than not, these health myths are rooted in superstition, folklore or paranoia, and often fail to have even a wisp of truth to them. They continue to pervade through society even now, giving overactive imaginations something to worry about. Their effects are often far-reaching, particularly in terms of medicine and home remedies, but they can actually become quite dangerous. We'll dispel some of the health myths and also see if the age-old adage is true: Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

A word of advice, though: If you are concerned about your health in any way, don’t rely on what anyone tells you other than your doctor; even then, if you aren’t sure, get a second opinion.

1. Cold weather will give you a cold

Verdict: False
You’ve been out and got caught in the rain. Shivering and soaked, you feel cold right down to your bones. You’ve plunged into a hot bath as soon as you got home and didn't feel warm till the next day. Somehow you just feel like you’re actually getting ill while it’s happening -- but you are wrong.

Both cold and flu are caused by infections, usually by people sneezing or touching their nose with their hands and transferring germs to an object that you then touch (a door handle, for example, or a newspaper). The most common way a cold is transferred is by a handshake. People would argue that when you’re cold, your immune system is less effective at fighting these germs and, thus, you are more likely to catch a cold. But again, this is false. Tests have shown that you are just as likely to pick up a cold in the balmy heat of the tropics as you are in Alaska.

2. Feed a cold, starve a fever

Verdict: True
The earliest mention of this health myth was way back in 1574, when a dictionary writer named John Withals wrote “Fasting is a great remedie of feuer.” Modern doctors believe the theory was based around food, as fuel warms you up while liquid cools you down from the inside, bringing your temperature down. You’ll probably remember this one from when you were growing up, and it turns out, in this case, that your mom, grandma or aunt was right.

Scientists in Holland in 2002 set up small-scale tests that were based around dietary intake and discovered some interesting results: The different approaches (liquid-only diet, water-only diet and regular food) activated different types of immune cell. That said, doctors now recommend that if you are hungry, you should eat and not starve yourself -- and do get yourself checked out by your doc.

3. The fatter you are, the unhealthier you are

Verdict: False
If we think about the opposite of this statement (the thinner you are, the healthier you are), we’d be a nation of anorexics. It’s pretty obvious that people who are morbidly obese are unhealthy -- but so are those at the other end of the scale, who suffer from malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, among a host of other health problems. It’s worth pointing out that if you are eating "low-fat" products regularly, you should be checking the nutrition labels. These are usually packed with sugar, often more than regular products. Sports fans will have known this from day on. Those linebackers are just as fit as the rest of the players on the field and yet they’re about three times their size. There are, however, a number of illnesses associated with being overweight, so if you are piling on the pounds, get yourself to the gym and dismiss this health myth.

4. Radiation will give you cancer

Verdict: False
You probably didn’t know this, but you’re actually exposed to a lot more radiation than you think (just from your daily life). The truth is that radiation has been linked to cancer, but -- and it is a big "but" -- this is hugely dependent on the amount of radiation you are exposed to. The low-level dosage that we experience on a daily basis is not enough to permanently damage cells, and your body can repair them. The higher the dosage, the more damage is caused up to a point where your body is incapable of the repair.

Many foods are naturally radioactive; bananas even contain enough radiation to set off the equipment used to detect nuclear material at shipping ports. But exposure to very high levels of radiation is fatal.

5. Eating low-fat foods will make you healthy

Verdict: False
A low-fat diet and a healthy diet are not, surprisingly, one and the same. As mentioned above, low-fat foods are often deceptive, containing marginally reduced levels of fat in exchange for a high dose of sugar. You’ll often see it in the office environment: People concerned with their weight will stick with microwaved low-fat meals and never lose an ounce. If you are trying to become healthier through your diet, the rules are simple: Eat fresh, unprocessed foods. Get enough fruit and vegetables in your diet. Remember to balance. An all-protein diet might be the diet of choice for a weight lifter but not for your average Joe. You need to reduce your calorie intake (and sugars contain fats alongside calories). Eating simple, unprocessed food that you have prepared yourself is the best way to take control of your health.

6. You lose the most heat through your head

Verdict: False
Whichever body part you have exposed will cause you the highest ratio of heat loss. This myth comes from the U.S. Army in the 1970s, who decided that 40 percent to 50 percent of body heat was lost through the head. It filtered down into common belief, and that was that. Your face and head are, however, more sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, which contributed to the belief that covering them up will keep you warmer. In short, a scarf might make you feel warm and cozy, and a wool hat might make you feel snugly, but this health myth is just that -- a health myth.

via: foxnews.com

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Diana, Princess of Wales inspires Monica Ali's latest novel

A lot has happened since Diana was killed in a Paris car crash in 1997. The twin towers fell, the euro was born, the Good Friday agreement was signed and media interest in her death meant the princess was seldom off the front pages for long.

But what if the princess had not died? Step forward Monica Ali, whose new book aims to fill the gap.

Seven years ago Ali enraged Bangladeshi elders in the East End of London with her debut novel, Brick Lane. Her new novel, Untold Story, depicts the ups and downs of a fictional princess whose life trajectory bears more than a passing resemblance to that of Diana. The 43-year-old author confirmed that the work had been strongly influenced by the late Princess of Wales, and includes "a drama involving a member of the paparazzi".

She told the Guardian she had always been intrigued by Diana. "Over the years I've sometimes found myself wondering, if the accident had never happened, how would she have emerged from that period in which she seemed to be at some kind of crossroads? How would she have matured into her 40s and beyond?

"What I always admired about her was the way she refused to be told what to do. She stuck two fingers up at the establishment, she took risks, she was a gorgeous bundle of trouble."

Ali delivered the first draft to her publishers, Transworld, last July. It is now in the final stages of editing, with publication planned for the end of March – just a month before the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The timing was a coincidence, Ali said today. "At first, I thought it was unfortunate timing – I'd delivered the first draft last summer, before the engagement had been announced. But then I thought about all the negative things that have been written about Diana in the press and in non-fiction books over the years. That's all the stuff that might be hard for her sons," she told the Daily Mail.

Clarence House declined to comment on the book.

Ali stressed that the book was not simply a sequel to Diana's life. "I did my research but it's a work of fiction. It's primarily about identity, which is what I always write about.

"And it's about family and friendship, and the peculiar calamity of fame," she said.

It is not the first time that Diana's life has been fictionalised. She appeared as a character in Andrew O'Hagan's novel Personality, and was a looming presence in The Little White Car, a comic novel written by the Granta novelist Dan Rhodes under the pen name Danuta de Rhodes, in which Veronique, a young Parisian, prangs her parents' car in the accident that killed Diana.

Via: http://www.guardian.co.uk

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5 Tips to Help Prevent Indigestion

Do you have bloating, gas, upset stomach, abdominal cramping, and discomfort after eating? All men occasionally get heartburn and indigestion, especially after big meals — but some of us get this digestive problem very frequently.

Indigestion is certainly common — it is estimated that almost 5 million men in the United States alone suffer from frequent indigestion.

Lack of digestive enzymes

Poor eating habits, such as inadequately chewing food, eating late in the day and "eating on the run" can wreak havoc on your digestive system by causing inadequate production of digestive enzymes.

When you eat a meal, your body releases about 22 types of digestive enzymes from the salivary gland, stomach and small intestine. Each one of these enzymes acts on specific types of food — for example, proteases break down proteins, amylases help digest carbohydrates and lipases break down fat and lipids. By breaking down these foods, these digestive enzymes help your body digest and absorb the nutrients it needs.

For men, aging can also contribute to frequent indigestion. As we get older, our bodies starts to produce lower levels of digestive enzymes — sometimes not enough to properly digest food.

There many things you can do to help prevent indigestion and improve your overall digestive health. Here are five of them:

1. Eat plenty of fiber every day

Fiber is not only key to keeping indigestion at bay, but it is essential for your overall health. Unfortunately, a lot of men's diets consist of junk and fast foods, red meat, and meals that are high in fat certainly a recipe for indigestion.

A high-fiber diet is an important part of healthy eating — in addition to helping digestion, it can also help prevent diabetes, coronary heart disease, hemorrhoids, colorectal cancer, and other diseases.

On average, American men eat only 10 to 15 grams of fiber, or half of the recommended daily intake.

Increasing your daily fiber intake is usually synonymous with eating healthier, considering vegetables, fruits, whole grain cereals, and nuts contain plenty of fiber. It doesn't even have to be painful — you can choose high-fiber cereals for breakfast, eat whole-wheat bread instead of white, and snack on air-popped popcorn instead of candy.

Avoid foods that can give you gas — these include broccoli, baked beans, cabbage, cauliflower, and carbonated drinks. For some men, starches — such as wheat, oats and potatoes — can also lead to excess gas. If you are lactose intolerant, then lay off dairy products or take lactase enzymes to help with digestion.

Also, remember to drink plenty of water, since it can lubricate food in the digestive tract, help dissolve minerals, vitamins and nutrients for easier absorption, and keep stool moist to prevent constipation.

2. Chew your food & eat less of it

Chewing is one of the most important parts of digestion, yet it is probably the most forgotten. Chewing not only helps break down food, it also signals the salivary glands, stomach and the small intestine to start releasing digestive enzymes.

On a related note, try not to overeat. Your body has only so many digestive enzymes to go around. Also, a bigger meal means that your stomach must produce more acid to help digest that food, which will increase your chances of getting heartburn and indigestion.

3. Exercise regularly & avoid stress

In addition to helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise can also help with digestion. A scientific study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology journal has shown that physical activity can actually help reduce many digestive problems. In this study, scientists found a link between obesity, lack of exercise, stomach pain, diarrhea, and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Stress, on the other hand, can have a negative effect on your digestion. This is because, in most men, the "fight or flight" response that results from stress reduces blood flow to the abdomen and the production of digestive enzymes, and slows the digestive process, which results in heartburn, bloating and constipation.

4. Don't overuse antacids

Acids in the stomach help the body digest food — however, in some cases, these acids can "reflux" or back up into the esophagus, thus causing the burning sensation of indigestion.
When this happens, men often reach for antacids — usually an over-the-counter type that works by neutralizing stomach acids. However, when overused, antacids can cause the stomach to lose its function and leaves it vulnerable to bacterial infections.

5. Take digestive enzyme supplements

Digestive enzymes derived from plant sources can help promote good digestion and even enhance nutrient absorption. In cases where men are lacking adequate amounts of digestive enzymes due to poor diet and health, taking enzyme supplements can reduce the symptoms of indigestion and upset stomach. Even in healthy men, taking extra enzymes can help maintain digestive health.

A good digestive enzyme contains a mix of amylase, lipase, cellulase (for digesting plant fibers), and protease. This variety of enzymes is key to achieving good digestion of many foods.

Enjoy eating again

Digestive enzymes aren't silver bullets and indigestion can certainly be a symptom of a much more serious digestive disease, such as Crohn's disease, acid reflux or GERD, and irritable bowel syndrome.

So in addition to eating healthy and taking a digestive enzyme supplement, don't forget to check with your physician if you have frequent episodes of indigestion.

via : foxnews.com

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12 Most Bizarre Newly Discovered Species

RAP Launched in 1990, the idea behind the creation of CI’s Rapid Assessment Program was to build a team of the best field biologists from different disciplines, and create what CI founder, CEO, and Chairman Peter Seligmann described in the foreword to the book as “An ecological SWAT team that could accurately assess the health of an ecosystem in a fraction of the time it would normally take”.

RAP’s pioneering team of four included legendary field biologists Ted Parker and Al Gentry, who tragically lost their lives several years later during a field accident, but left an enduring scientific legacy that lives on today.

1. Atewa dinospider (Ricinoides atewa)

This ancient arachnid was found during a 2006 expedition to Ghana’s Atewa Range Forest Reserve (Atewa) led by Conservation International’s Rapid Assessment Program (RAP).

This strange little creature looks like a cross between a spider and a crab, and males have their reproductive organs on their legs. They are considered quite rare, with only 57 other species known from this group throughout the world.

This strange little creature looks like a cross between a spider and a crab, and males have their reproductive organs on their legs. They are considered quite rare, with only 57 other It belongs to a lineage of animals that have remained virtually unchanged since the Carboniferous, over 300 million years ago. Currently, they are found only in Central and South America, and West Africa. This new species is part of the complex cycle of circulating organic matter in the ecosystem – they feed on termites and ant larvae. It is the largest living member of this group of animals (11 mm long). "species known from this group throughout the world

2. The "electric" fish (Paracheilinus nursalim)

Discovered on a Conservation International Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) expedition in west Papua Indonesia in 2006 - The FakFak/Kaimana RAP

The males go through an amazing courtship ritual in which "electric" colours are flashed periodically to attract nearby females. The courtship dance takes place every afternoon, beginning about one hour before sundown and continuing until dusk.

The modified mouth and lips allow the fish to feed, breathe, and attach to the substrate through suction; Parental care is usually well-developed and the male guards the eggs and sometimes the larvae.

3. The Pinocchio frog (Litoria sp. nov.)

Discovered on a Conservation International Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) expedition to the Foja Mountains of Papua province, Indonesia in 2008. The frog has a long, Pinocchio-like protuberance on its nose that points upwards when the male is calling but deflates and points downwards when he is less active, represents a particularly distinctive find that scientists are interested in documenting and studying further. Its discovery was a happy accident, after herpetologist Paul Oliver spotted it sitting on a bag of rice in the campsite.

The abundance and diversity of amphibians are indicators of an ecosystem's general health. Amphibians are often referred to as "the canary in the coal mine" (this is definitely an overplayed reference, but nonetheless true and important) - amphibians have permeable skin meaning that they all too easily absorb toxins or pollutants to which they are exposed, making them some of the first species to disappear from ecosystems declining in health. Their disappearance can be used as an early warning sign that something bad is happening to a given environment - including environments humans inhabit.

4. The RAP katydid (Brachyamytta rapidoaestima)

Discovered on a Conservation International Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) survey in Ghana and Guinea. This newly discovered species is a sit-and-wait predator, hiding on the underside of leaves, and attacking small insects that make the mistake of landing on the leaf. Males communicate with the females by producing ultrasonic songs that are inaudible to humans. It was named after the RAP program because it was first discovered during a survey in 2002 and it lives in the most threatened habitats of West Africa that the RAP program is trying to save. They are part of the complex cycle of circulating organic matter in the ecosystem – Predator of small herbivorous insects

5. Chinchilla tree rat (Cuscomys ashaninka)

This species discovery was made during one of a number of expeditions that were carried out between 1997 and 1998. They were led by Conservation International’s Rapid Assessment Program and the Smithsonian’s Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity Program, formally known as the Man and the Biosphere Program.

The discovery was made by Dr. Louise Emmons, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution.
The chinchilla tree rat was discovered in the Vilcabamba mountain range, very close to the world famous ruins of Macchu Picchu. It is pale grey in color, possesses a stocky build, has large claws, and is characterized by a white stripe along its head. It is related to the chinchilla rats which are known to have been buried alongside the Incan people in their tombs. The fact that this is a new genus (i.e. a group of individuals that have similar characteristics) made the discovery even more exciting, as it suggests there could be many more similar species just waiting to be uncovered.

6. The blattodean (Simandoa conserfariam)

These interesting insects are known from a single cave in Guinea's Simandoa Range, where we discovered them in 2002. They feed on guano of giant fruit bats that inhabit the cave, and help recycle and and re-release the nutrients trapped in it.

7. "Yodabat" -- tube-nosed fruit bat

This Tube-nosed Fruit Bat Nyctimene sp. from the Muller Range mountains does not yet have a name but has been found in other parts of New Guinea. It is likely restricted (endemic) to hill forests on the island. Fruit bats are important seed dispersers in tropical forests.

8. Large tree frog

Approximately six inches/15 cm, with enormous eyes was found next to a clear running mountain river during a Conservation International (CI) led Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) expedition of Papua New Guinea’s highlands wilderness in 2008. It belongs to a group of frogs with an unusual vein-like pattern on the eyelid and its tadpoles have enormous sucker-like mouths that allow them to graze on exposed rocks in torrential stream environments.

9. Walking shark (Hemiscyllium galei)

Discovered on a Conservation International Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) expedition in Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia in 2006.

Don’t be fooled by its name, this shark can swim! However, it prefers to walk along the shallow reef flats on its fins, preying on shrimp, crabs, snails, and small fish. They emerge above the reef, show off their grandeur with lateral displays and just as quickly dive back into their coral lairs.

10. Suckermouth catfish (Pseudancistrus kwinti)

This catfish was uncovered during a a Conservation International Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) survey in Suriname. 2005. RAP ichthyologists named the new species Pseudancistrus kwinti after the indigenous Kwinti people who live along the lower reaches of the Coppename River.

The suckermouth exhibited by these catfish allow them to adhere to objects in their habitats, even in fast-flowing waters. The mouth and teeth also are adapted to feed on a variety of foods such as algae, invertebrates, and detritus, the fish rotates its lower and upper jaws to scrape the substrate to eat algae etc.

11. Smokey honeyeater

The honeyeater was discovered at an altitude of 1,650 m (5,445 feet) above sea level, in the Foja Mountains of Western New Guinea.

This medium-sized, sooty-gray songbird has a short black bill, and each eye is surrounded by an orange-red patch of bare skin, below which hangs a pendant wattle. It is these features that distinguish it from the more widespread Common Smoky Honeyeater. In addition, the species is exceedingly quiet, rarely giving any vocalizations. The Wattled smoky honeyeater is a common and unwary inhabitant of the Foja uplands. The Honeyeater eats nectar and thus pollinates flowers, it also eats insects and thus helps to regulate their populations, food for larger animals

12. ET salamander (Bolitoglossa sp. nov)

This genus of salamanders has fully webbed feet which help them climb high into the canopy of tropical forests; they also have no lungs and breathe instead through their skin. This new species was found in the wet forests of the tepuis in southern Ecuador.

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