Do You Live by This? It Affects Your Health!

Hi and welcome to this week’s look at what’s making headlines in natural health on iHealthTube.com.

Just how important is exercise?  New research is indicating the benefits of a single exercise session can last longer than previous thought.

The research out of Texas, focused on mice and found that their neurons that influence metabolism were active for up to two days after a single workout.  The study found that one of these is linked to reduced appetite, lower blood glucose and higher energy burning when activated.  One of the scientists said just one semi-intense workout can have multiple days worth of benefit and the results might provide a path to developing therapies that improve metabolism and more.

More evidence is coming out supporting the importance of vitamin D early in life.  A study based in Australia found that low levels of vitamin D in newborns led to an increased risk of schizophrenia later in life.

The study showed that newborns with vitamin D deficiency had a 44 percent increased risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia as adults compared to those with normal levels.  The thought is that low vitamin D levels in pregnant women is due to lack of sun exposure either during winter months or because of lifestyle.  

The lead researcher said the next step is a trial of vitamin D supplements in pregnant women who are deficient… to examine the impact on the child’s brain development and risk of conditions like schizophrenia and autism.

Finally, do you live in an area with plenty of green space?  It may be a good thing for your health.

A recent first of it’s kind study out of Kentucky, looked at the impact of neighborhood green space on individuals’ stress and cardiovascular disease risk.  The study looked at urine and blood samples of more than 400 people of different ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic levels.

The results showed those living in areas with more green vegetation had lower levels of epinephrine, signaling lower stress levels.  Results also showed those living around more vegetation had less oxidative stress and a higher capacity to repair blood vessels.

The lead author said increasing vegetation in a neighborhood may have an influence on cardiovascular health and be an important health intervention.