Stimulating the brain can boost immunity

Artificially stimulating the brain's feel-good centre boosts immunity in mice in a way that could help explain the power of placebos, a study reported.

New drugs

"Our findings indicate that activation of areas of the brain associated with positive expectations can affect how the body copes with diseases," said senior author Asya Rolls, an assistant professor at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology's Faculty of Medicine.

The findings, reported in Nature Medicine, "might one day lead to the development of new drugs that utilise the brain's potential to cure," she said.

It has long been known that the human brain's reward system, which mediates pleasure, can be activated with a dummy pill devoid of any active ingredients – known as a placebo – if the person taking it thinks it's real medicine.

"But it was not clear whether this could impact physical well-being," Rolls told AFP.

Nor did scientists know – if, indeed, an immune response was strengthened – exactly how the signal travelled through the body.

Rolls and colleagues incubated immune cells from mice exposed to deadly E. coli bacteria after specific cells in the animals' reward centre had been stimulated.

These immune cells were at least twice as effective in killing bacteria than ordinary ones, they reported.

In a second test, the scientists vaccinated different mice with the same immune cells.

Thirty days later, the new set of rodents was likewise twice as likely to be able to fight off infection.

Food and sex

The immune-boosting information emanated from a part of the brain called the ventral tegmental area, home to a reward system powered by the mood-modifying chemical dopamine.

This area lights up in brain scans when a mouse – or a human – knows that a tasty meal, or a sexual encounter, is in the offing.

From there, the study found, the message is routed via the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for snap responses in a crisis situation, until it triggers the bacteria-fighting immune response.

Evolutionary pressures may play a key role in the observed association, the researchers speculated.

Evolutionary advantage

"Feeding and sex expose one to bacteria," explained Rolls said.

"It would give one an evolutionary advantage if – when the reward system is activated – immunity is also boosted."

The next step will be mice experiments to find molecules – potential drugs – that could reproduce this cause-and-effect.

"Maybe they could be used as new therapeutic targets," Rolls said.

The breakthrough was made possible thanks to a pair of new technologies, said the study's other lead author, Shai Shen-Orr, also from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology.

One enables neurons to be switched on an off. The second gives scientists high-resolution profiles of hundreds of thousands of cells in the immune system.

5 health benefit of Pokémon Go

It’s been a while since an online game has swept across the globe like Pokémon Go. In less than a week the app has overtaken the dating app Tinder and is well on its way to have more users than social networking site Twitter.

Augmented reality

The app is based on Pokémon, a video game and anime series created in 1996. Pokémon adventurers travel the world looking for so-called “pocket-monsters”, also known as Pokémon, who then battle each other. Pokémon Go creates an augmented reality similar to the original series where users wander around their neighbourhood searching for pocket-monsters to “capture”. The monsters (with names such as Pikachu and Bulbasaur), pop-up on your phone as if they were there in real life.

But besides ensuring hours of pleasure for users on quest, what are the health benefits of hunting virtual monsters in your neighbourhood? Despite some people being worried about safety, we found five ways this popular app might not be not such a bad idea for your health.

 

1. It’s a good exercise

Walking around is good for your health and it’s impossible to get far in Pokémon Go without walking a lot. Regular exercise lowers the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even colon cancer. Hatching an egg in the game increases the distance you have to walk and it can expect between 2 and 5 km to complete the incubation. The app is based on GPS location, but it will very difficult to play the game and drive at the same time. This forces one to get active and walk around the neighbourhood.​

2. You get fresh air and sunlight

Numerous studies have indicated breathing outside (unpolluted) air is good for your mood and general health. Vitamin D from the extra sunlight can help absorb calcium and promote bone growth. Just make sure you apply sunscreen when you go outside.  

3. It improves your mental health

Many people who suffer from depression or other mental health problems are claiming Pokémon Go forces them to get out of bed and do something fun. Although research has not examined a possible link, anecdotal evidence on social media suggest the app give users as sense of purpose and lifts their mood.

4.It makes you have new Friends.

Experts are often warning that technology is driving us apart, but Pokémon Go actually brings people together. While scouting the streets, you meet fellow-gamers who are just as enthusiastic as you are about the game. Setting a lure at a so-called “Pokéstop” literally brings strangers together and you can share tips and advice on how to catch those sought-after creatures. Many researchers agree friends improve our overall mental health.

5. It can make you smarter

It might sound like a bit of stretch, but while playing the game, you can learn facts about your environment. Many Pokéstops include landmarks and historical markers, and the visual and analytical skills you need to find them could improve your cognitive health

Obasanjo blasts judges over conflicting verdicts.

Abuja - Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has berated judges in the country over several conflicting judgements.

The former president, who spoke at a book launch in Abuja, pleaded with the judiciary to help clear Nigeria’s political and economic challenges.

Obasanjo lamented that courts of co-ordinate jurisdiction now compete with one another.

“With all the criticism about the practitioners, I concur with the book reviewer that if our country must make progress, the judiciary and the law profession must have a lot to do,” he said while commending the author of the book for coming up with a useful material for both legal practitioners, lawmakers and citizens.

It would be recalled that there is a current political logjam in Abia State due to conflicting court judgments on the governorship seat.

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered the removal of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and ordered INEC to issue a Certificate of Return to Ogah, who was the first runner-up in the state governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Justice Abang had ordered the removal of Ikpeazu after finding him guilty of not presenting relevant tax certificates along with his forms submitted to INEC.

But another Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State affirmed the election of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.

Former governorship aspirant, Friday Nwosu dragged Ikpeazu to court over alleged forged tax certificates.

The trial judge, Justice A.I Allagoa in his judgement ruled that Nwosu was unable to prove that the tax documents were forged.

The judge ruled that the tax documents were not forged.

10 things that make you gain belly fats.

The medical term for unhealthy fat in the belly is “visceral fat,” which refers to fat surrounding the liver and other organs in your abdomen.

Even normal-weight people with excess belly fat have an increased risk of health problem.

Here are 10 things that make you gain belly fat.

1. Sugary Foods and Beverages

Many people take in more sugar every day than they realize.

High-sugar foods include cakes and candies, along with so-called “healthier” choices like muffins and frozen yogurt. Soda, flavored coffee drinks and sweet tea are among the most popular sugar-sweetened beverages.

Observational studies have shown a link between high sugar intake and excess belly fat. This may be largely due to the high fructose content of added sugars.

Both regular sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are high in fructose. Regular sugar has 50% fructose and high-fructose corn syrup has 55% fructose.

In a controlled 10-week study, overweight and obese people who consumed 25% of calories as fructose-sweetened beverages on a weight-maintaining diet experienced a decrease in insulin sensitivity and an increase in belly fat.

A second study reported a reduction in fat burning and metabolic rate among people who followed a similar high-fructose diet.

Although too much sugar in any form may lead to weight gain, sugar-sweetened beverages may be especially problematic. Sodas and other sweet drinks make it easy to consume large doses of sugar in a very short period of time.

What’s more, studies have shown that liquid calories don’t have the same effects on appetite as calories from solid foods. When you drink your calories, it doesn’t make you feel full so you don’t compensate by eating less of other foods instead.


Bottom Line: Frequently consuming foods and beverages high in sugar or high-fructose corn syrup may cause belly fat gain.
2. Alcohol

Glass of Beer

Alcohol can have both healthful and harmful effects.

When consumed in moderate amounts, especially as red wine, it may lower your risk of heart attacks and stroke.

However, high alcohol intake may lead to inflammation, liver disease and other health problems.

Some studies have shown that alcohol suppresses fat burning and that excess calories from alcohol are partly stored as belly fat — hence the term “beer belly”.

Studies have linked high alcohol intake to weight gain around the middle. One study found that men who consumed more than three drinks per day were 80% more likely to have excess belly fat than men who consumed less alcohol.

The quantity of alcohol consumed within a 24-hour period also appears to play a role.

In another study, daily drinkers who consumed less than one drink per day tended to have the least abdominal fat, while those who drank less often but consumed four or more drinks on “drinking days” were most likely to have excess belly fat.

Bottom Line: Heavy alcohol consumption increases risk of several diseases and is linked to excess belly fat.
3. Trans Fats

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Trans fats are the unhealthiest fats on the planet.

They’re created by adding hydrogen to unsaturated fats in order to make them more stable.

Trans fats are often used to extend the shelf lives of packaged foods, such as muffins, baking mixes and crackers.

Trans fats have been shown to cause inflammation. This can lead to insulin resistance, heart disease and various other diseases.

There are also some animal studies suggesting that diets containing trans fats may cause excess belly fat.

At the end of a 6-year study, monkeys fed an 8% trans fat diet gained weight and had 33% more abdominal fat than monkeys fed an 8% monounsaturated fat diet, despite both groups receiving just enough calories to maintain their weight.


Bottom Line: Trans fats increase inflammation that may drive insulin resistance and the accumulation of belly fat.
4. Inactivity

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest risk factors for poor healthy

Over the past few decades, people have generally become less active. This has likely played a role in the rising rates of obesity, including abdominal obesity.

Fit vs. Fat Man with Text

A major survey from 1988-2010 in the US found that there was a significant increase in inactivity, weight and abdominal girth in men and women.

Another observational study compared women who watched more than three hours of TV per day to those who watched less than one hour per day.

The group that watched more TV had almost twice the risk of “severe abdominal obesity” compared to the group that watched less TV.

One study also suggests that inactivity contributes to the regain of belly fat after losing weight.

In this study, researchers reported that people who performed resistance or aerobic exercise for 1 year after losing weight were able to prevent abdominal fat regain, while those who did not exercise had a 25–38% increase in belly fat.

Bottom Line: Inactivity may promote an increase in belly fat. Resistance and aerobic exercise may prevent abdominal fat regain after weight loss.
5. Low-Protein Diets

Bowl of Cooked Spaghetti

Getting adequate dietary protein is one of the most important factors in preventing weight gain.

High-protein diets make you feel full and satisfied, increase your metabolic rate and lead to a spontaneous reduction in calorie intake.

In contrast, low protein intake may cause you to gain belly fat over the long term.

Several large observational studies suggest that people who consume the highest amount of protein are the least likely to have excess belly fat.

In addition, animal studies have found that a hormone known as neuropeptide Y (NPY) leads to increased appetite and promotes belly fat gain. Your levels of NPY increase when your protein intake is low.


Bottom Line: Low protein intake may drive hunger and belly fat gain. It may also increase the hunger hormone neuropeptide Y.
6. Menopause

Gaining belly fat during menopause is extremely common.

At puberty, the hormone estrogen signals the body to begin storing fat on the hips and thighs in preparation for a potential pregnancy. This subcutaneous fat isn’t harmful, although it can be extremely difficult to lose in some cases.

Menopause officially occurs one year after a woman has her last menstrual period.

Around this time, her estrogen levels drop dramatically, causing fat to be stored in the abdomen, rather than on the hips and thighs.

Some women gain more belly fat at this time than others. This may partly be due to genetics, as well as the age at which menopause starts. One study found that women who complete menopause at a younger age tend to gain less abdominal fat.

Bottom Line: Hormonal changes at menopause result in a shift in fat storage from the hips and thighs to visceral fat in the abdomen.
7. The Wrong Gut Bacteria

Doctor Listening to Belly With Stethoscope

Hundreds of types of bacteria live in your gut, mainly in your colon. Some of these bacteria benefit health, while others can cause problems.

The bacteria in your gut are also known as your gut flora or microbiome. Gut health is important for maintaining a healthy immune system and avoiding disease.

An imbalance in gut bacteria increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

There’s also some research suggesting that having an unhealthy balance of gut bacteria may promote weight gain, including abdominal fat.

Researchers have found that obese people tend to have greater numbers of Firmicutes bacteria than people of normal weight. Studies suggest that these types of bacteria may increase the amount of calories that are absorbed from food.

One animal study found that bacteria-free mice gained significantly more fat when they received fecal transplants of bacteria associated with obesity, compared with mice that received bacteria linked to leanness.

Studies on lean and obese twins and their mothers have confirmed that there is a common “core” of shared flora among families that may influence weight gain, including where the weight is stored.

Bottom Line: Having an imbalance of gut bacteria may cause weight gain, including belly fat.
8. Fruit Juice

Orange Juice

Fruit juice is a sugary beverage in disguise.

Even unsweetened 100% fruit juice contains a lot of sugar.

In fact, 8 oz (250 ml) of apple juice and cola each contain 24 grams of sugar. The same amount of grape juice packs a whopping 32 grams of sugar.

Although fruit juice provides some vitamins and minerals, the fructose it contains can drive insulin resistance and promote belly fat gain.

What’s more, it’s another source of liquid calories that’s easy to consume too much of, yet still fails to satisfy your appetite in the same way as solid food.


Bottom Line: Fruit juice is a high-sugar beverage that can promote insulin resistance and belly fat gain if you drink too much of it.
9. Stress and Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone that’s essential for survival.

It’s produced by the adrenal glands and is known as a “stress hormone” because it helps your body to mount a stress response.

Unfortunately, it can lead to weight gain when produced in excess, especially in the abdominal region.

In many people, stress drives overeating. But instead of the excess calories being stored as fat all over the body, cortisol promotes fat storage in the belly.

Interestingly, women who have large waists in proportion to their hips have been found to secrete more cortisol when stressed.

Bottom Line: The hormone cortisol, which is secreted in response to stress, may lead to increased abdominal fat. This is particularly true in women with higher waist-to-hip ratios.
10. Low-Fiber Diets

Sliced White Bread

Fiber is incredibly important for good health and controlling your weight.

Some types of fiber can help you feel full, stabilize hunger hormones and reduce calorie absorption from food.

In an observational study of 1,114 men and women, soluble fiber intake was associated with reduced abdominal fat. For each 10-gram increase in soluble fiber there was a 3.7% decrease in belly fat accumulation.

Diets high in refined carbs and low in fiber appear to have the opposite effect on appetite and weight gain, including increases in belly fat.

One large study found that high-fiber whole grains were associated with reduced abdominal fat, while refined grains were linked to increased abdominal fat.

Bottom Line: A diet that is low in fiber and high in refined grains may lead to increased amounts of belly fat.

13 tips to lose belly fat.

Belly fat in body area is also termed visceral fat, and it is seriously harmful.

This type of fat is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and heart disease, to name a few.

Many health organizations use BMI (body mass index) to classify weight and predict the risk of metabolic disease. However, this is misleading.

People with excess belly fat are at an increased risk, even if they look thin on the outside.

Although losing fat from this area can be difficult, there are several things you can do to reduce excess abdominal fats.

Here are 20 effective tips to lose belly fat, backed by scientific studies.

1. Eat Plenty of Soluble Fiber

Soluble fiber absorbs water and forms a gel that helps slow down food as it passes through your digestive system.

Studies show this type of fiber promotes weight loss by helping you feel full so you naturally eat less. It may also decrease the amount of calories your body absorb from food.

What’s more, soluble fiber may help fight belly fat. A large observational study of over 1100 adults found that for every 10-gram increase in soluble fiber intake, belly fat gain decreased by 3.7% over a 5-year period.

Make an effort to consume high-fiber food every day. Excellent sources of soluble fiber include flaxseeds, shirataki noodles, Brussels sprouts, avocados, legumes and blackberries.

2. Avoid Foods That Contain Trans Fats

Trans fat are created by pumping hydrogen into unsaturated fats such as soybean oil.

They’re found in someand spreads, and they’re also added to some packaged foods.

These fats have been linked to inflammation, heart disease, insulin resistance and abdominal fat gain in observational and animal studies.

A 6-year study found that monkeys who ate a high-trans-fat diet gained 33% more abdominal fat than monkeys that ate a diet high in monounsaturated fat.

To help reduce belly fat and protect your health, read ingredient labels carefully and stay away from products that contain trans fats. These are often listed as “partially hydrogenated” fats.

3. Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol

Alcohol can have health benefits in small amounts, but it is seriously harmful if you drink too much.

Research suggests too much alcohol can also make you gain belly fat.

Observational studies link heavy alcohol consumption with significantly increased risk of central obesity — that is, excess fat storage around the waist.

Cutting back on alcohol may help reduce your waist size. You don’t need to give it up altogether if you enjoy it, but limiting the amount you drink in a single day can help.

In a study of more than 2000 people, those who drank alcohol daily but averaged less than one drink per day had less belly fat than those who drank less frequently but consumed more alcohol on the days they did drink.

4. Eat a High-Protein Diet

Protein is an extremely important nutrient for weight control.

High protein intake increases release ofthe fullness hormone PYY, which decreases appetite and promotes fullness. Protein also raises your metabolic rate and helps you retain muscle mass during weight loss.

Many observational studies show that people who eat more protein tend to have less abdominal fat than those who eat a lower-protein diet.

Be sure to include a good protein source at every meal, such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy, whey protein or nuts.

5. Reduce Your Stress Levels

Stress can make you gain belly fat by triggering the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone.”

Research shows high cortisol levels increase appetite and drive abdominal fat storage.

What’s more, women who already have a large waist tend to produce more cortisol in response to stress. Increased cortisol further adds to fat gain around the middle.

To help reduce belly fat, engage in pleasurable activities that relieve stress. Practicing yoga or meditation can be effective methods.

6. Don’t Eat a Lot of Sugary Foods

Sugar contains fructose, which has been linked to several chronic diseases when consumed in excess.

These include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and fatty liver disease

Observational studies show a relationship between high sugar intake and increased abdominal fat.

It’s important to realize that more than just refined sugar can lead to belly fat gain. Even “healthier” sugars (such as real honey) should be used sparingly.

7. Do Aerobic Exercise (Cardio)

Aerobic exercise (cardio) is an effective way to improve health and burn calories.

Studies also show it is one of the most effective forms of exercise for reducing belly fat. However, results are mixed regarding whether moderate-intensity or high-intensity exercise is more beneficial.

Regardless of intensity, how often and how much you exercise is important. One study found postmenopausal women lost more fat from all areas when they did aerobic exercise for 300 minutes per week versus 150 minutes per week.

8. Cut Back on Carbs, Especially Refined Carbs

Reducing carb intale can be very beneficial for losing fat, including abdominal fat.

Diets with under 50 grams of carbs per day cause belly fat loss in overweight people, those at risk of type 2 diabetes and women with PCOS.

You don’t have to follow a strict low-carb diet. Some research suggests that simply replacing refined carbs with unprocessed starchy carbs may improve metabolic health and reduce belly fat.

In the famous Framingham Heart Study, people with the highest consumption of whole grains were 17% less likely to have excess abdominal fat than those who consumed diets high in refined grains.

9. Replace Some of Your Cooking Fats With Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the healthiest fat you can eat.

Studies show that the medium-chain fats in coconut oil may boost metabolism and decrease the amount of fat you store in response to high calorie intake.

Controlled studies suggest it may also lead to abdominal fat loss.

In one study, obese men who took coconut oil daily for 12 weeks lost an average of 1.1 inch (2.86 cm) from their waists without intentionally changing their diet or exercise routines.

To boost belly fat loss, it’s best to take about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of coconut oil per day, which is the amount used in most of the studies reporting good results.

However, keep in mind that coconut oil is still high in calories. Instead of adding extra fat to your diet, replace some of the fats you are already eating with coconut oil.

10. Perform Resistance Training (Lift Weights)

Resistance training, also known as weight lifting or strength training, is important for preserving and gaining muscle mass.

Based on studies in people with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease, resistance training may also be beneficial for belly fat loss.

In fact, one study in overweight teenagers showed that a combination of strength training and aerobic exercise led to the greatest decrease in visceral fat.

If you decide to start weight lifting, it is a good idea to get advice from a certified personal trainer.

11. Avoid Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Sugar-sweetened beverages are loaded with liquid fructose, which can make you gain belly fat.

Studies show that sugary drinks lead to increased fat in the liver. One 10-week study showed significant abdominal fat gain in people who consumed beverages high in fructose.

Sugary beverages appear to be even worse than high-sugar foods. Because your brain doesn’t process liquid calories the same way it does solid ones, you’re likely to end up consuming too many calories later on and storing them as fat.

To lose belly fat, it’s best to completely avoid sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda, punch and sweet tea, as well as alcoholic mixers containing sugar.

12. Get Plenty of Restful Sleep

Sleep is important for many aspects of health, including your weight. Studies show that people who don’t get enough sleep tend to gain more weight, which may include belly fat.

A 16-year study of more than 68,000 women found those who slept less than 5 hours per night were significantly more likely to gain weight than those who slept 7 hours or more per night.

The condition known as sleep apnea, where breathing actually stops intermittently during the night, has also been linked to excess visceral fat.

In addition to sleeping at least 7 hours per night, make sure you’re getting sufficient quality sleep.

If you suspect you may have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, speak to a doctor and get treated.

13. Track Your Food Intake and Exercise

Many things can help you lose weight and belly fat, but consuming fewer calories than your body needs for weight maintenance is key.

Keeping a food diary or using an online food tracker or app can help you monitor your calorie intake. This strategy has been shown to be beneficial for weight loss.

In addition, food-tracking tools help you see your intake of protein, carbs, fiber and micronutrients. Many also allow you to record your exercise and physical activity.