Tag Archives: metabolism

Molecule that provides cellular energy found key to aggressive thyroid cancer

In an online issue of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, they identify Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) as an oncogenic enzyme that when inhibited and paired with another targeted drug effectively shuts down ATC cell growth and induces cell death. Investigators think that ATC relies on SCD1 to provide the fuel the cancer cells need to rapidly duplicate. The molecule provides this energy by promoting the cancer cell’s ability to generate certain fatty acids that are important for several biological processes such as cell division, survival, drug resistance and migration. …

7 ways to cut your diabetes risk

Defend yourself against prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by sticking to these lifestyle habits, like lifting weights and getting a good night's sleep Hit the Weights Upping your lean muscle mass could lower your insulin resistance and drop your odds of developing prediabetes, according to a new study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Researchers found that for every 10 percent increase in muscle mass, people's prediabetes risk fell by 12 percent.  Build three days of resistance training into your weekly fitness plan, Sheri Colberg-Ochs, a professor of exercise science at Old Dominion University, said. And aim for at least two and a half hours a week of glucose-burning cardio activity such as running, cycling or swimming. MORE: 4 Muscle-Sculpting Kettlebell Exercises Score Enough Sleep Long-term sleep deprivation may amp up the body's insulin resistance, especially in people genetically predisposed to diabetes. A preliminary University of Chicago study found that those who regularly snoozed fewer than six hours a night were at the highest risk. Try to get at least seven hours of shut-eye each evening. MORE: 15 Tricks to Sleep Better Tonight Fiber Up The rough stuff isn't just good for digestion—it also curbs post-meal sugar spikes by slowing down the flow of glucose into the bloodstream. So when you crave something sweet, opt for fiber-rich fruit such as raspberries or pears. And consider adding brown rice to your diet: Eating two or more servings a week lowers diabetes risk by 11 percent, an Archives of Internal Medicine study said. MORE: What Your Food Cravings Say About Your Health Chill Out Chronic stress is a risk factor for many major diseases, including diabetes.  “When your body senses stress, it releases hormones that increase blood sugar,” Colberg-Ochs said.  That rush is beneficial in a pinch but dangerous long-term. Regularly practicing deep breathing or meditation, listening to calming music or getting massages can quell stress hormones and help lower overall blood sugar, she said. MORE: 8 Daily Strategies That De-Stress Your Life Embrace the Omegas The omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like oily fish (wild salmon, sardines) can help improve insulin sensitivity. Nosh on at least one serving of such seafood a week. Do the D The “sunshine vitamin” may be a key factor in the fight against diabetes. A review published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that people with high vitamin-D levels were less likely to develop type 2. Swallow 1,000 to 2,000 IU a day through dairy foods, fatty fish, or supplements. Spice Things Up Cinnamon may be an ace at lowering blood sugar levels, research in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine said. Rich in nutrients called polyphenols, the sweet spice may help insulin do its job more effectively. Sprinkle some into your morning joe or mix it into an oatmeal snack.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/06/10/7-ways-to-cut-your-diabetes-risk/

How to become a morning workout person

Even if you're an early bird, getting up before the sun rises to go sweat your butt off can be seriously daunting. The good news: It's possible to become a morning workout person (with relatively little pain). Just follow these steps Pack a Bag Every night when you get home from work, put your dirty gym clothes in the hamper and set aside a crisp, new exercise outfit. Having to dig through your dressers drawers at 6 a.m. is no fun. It's much easier to have an outfit ready to go, so you don't have to fully wake up before you get dressed. Force Yourself Out of Bed Move your alarm clock across the room. That way you can't sleepily snooze-button your way through your morning sweat session. By forcing yourself to jump out of bed to silence the dreaded buzzer, you're forcing yourself to wake up quicker. And once you're already up... might as well go work out, right? More: Rev Your Metabolism in 8 Minutes Have a Light Snack Eating a full meal in the morning before your workout can make you feel sick. Instead, try something light (half a pita, a banana, etc) before your workout (so you're not starving), and then another light snack after. Skip the Booze Sure, a glass of wine (or two) at dinner can be a great way to unwind, but even small amount of alcohol can make you sluggish in the morning. If you do end up having a drink with friends the night before, just make sure to drink extra water before you go to bed. Otherwise, you could be dehydrated during your routine. More: The Worst Drinks At The Supermarket Go to Sleep Early Once you start getting in to the routine of waking up early, you will automatically start going to bed earlier. In the beginning, however, you will need a little coaxing. Try this: Celestial Seasonings' Sleepytime Extra tea as bedtime drink. It contains valerian, trusted as a natural sleep aid since the days of the Greeks and Romans because of its mild sedative properties.  Make Friends After the initial two months of keeping up a morning workout routine, it can be easy to slip up and “forget” to go to the gym for a week. Something that will keep you motivated? Making friends at the gym who will help you stick to your routine. Set regular gym dates with a friend, or get to know another gym-goer who you know will be looking for you in the mornings—works like a charm. More: How to Motivate Yourself to Work Out Plan Your Routine Here's something that'll make early-morning gym-going much easier: Make a plan the night before. Either sign up for a spin class, or have your entire exercise routine mapped out. Bring any of our printable workout guide for inspiration. They guarantee a super intense workout—and visible results, fast!source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/24/how-to-become-morning-workout-person/