Latest news with #chronicdiseases
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New study reveals which diets will help avoid illness in later life
What you eat could determine how many chronic illnesses you get later in life, scientists warn. Research has revealed that a healthy diet - such as the Mediterranean diet which is high in plants, fish and unsaturated fats - could slow down the accumulation of chronic diseases including dementia in older adults. Inflammatory diets full of processed meat and sugar may accelerate it. Researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden studied four diets to investigate their impact on chronic diseases in older adults. Three of the diets studied were healthy and focused on the intake of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, legumes, unsaturated fats and reduced intake of sweets, red meat, processed meat and butter/margarine. The fourth diet, however, was pro-inflammatory and focused on red and processed meat, refined grains and sweetened beverages, with lower intake of vegetables, tea and coffee. Researchers followed the diets of 2,400 adults aged 60 and older in Sweden for 15 years and tracked their chronic conditions. Dietary intake was measured using food frequency questionnaires, and adherence to four dietary patterns: the Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Index (EDII), AHEI, the Alternate Mediterranean Diet (AMED), and the MIND (Mediterranean–DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay). Multimorbidity was defined as the number of chronic diseases and grouped by organ system - musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neuropsychiatric. The results published in the journal Nature Aging revealed those who followed the healthy diets had a slower development of chronic diseases. For example, long-term adherence to healthy dietary patterns, particularly the AMED, AHEI, and MIND, was linked to a slower accumulation of chronic diseases in older adults. This applied to cardiovascular disease and dementia, but not to diseases related to muscles and bones. But those who followed the pro-inflammatory diet, on the other hand, increased their risk of chronic diseases. 'Our results show how important diet is in influencing the development of multimorbidity in ageing populations,' said co-first author Adrián Carballo-Casla, postdoctoral researcher at the Aging Research Centre, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet. The protective effects of diet may be explained by reduced inflammation, a key factor in aging-related diseases. Study authors want to further their research by identify the dietary recommendations that may have the greatest impact on longevity and the groups of older adults who may benefit most from them, based on their age, gender, psychosocial background and chronic diseases.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
New study reveals which diets will help avoid illness in later life
What you eat could determine how many chronic illnesses you get later in life, scientists warn. Research has revealed that a healthy diet - such as the Mediterranean diet which is high in plants, fish and unsaturated fats - could slow down the accumulation of chronic diseases including dementia in older adults. Inflammatory diets full of processed meat and sugar may accelerate it. Researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden studied four diets to investigate their impact on chronic diseases in older adults. Three of the diets studied were healthy and focused on the intake of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, legumes, unsaturated fats and reduced intake of sweets, red meat, processed meat and butter/margarine. The fourth diet, however, was pro-inflammatory and focused on red and processed meat, refined grains and sweetened beverages, with lower intake of vegetables, tea and coffee. Researchers followed the diets of 2,400 adults aged 60 and older in Sweden for 15 years and tracked their chronic conditions. Dietary intake was measured using food frequency questionnaires, and adherence to four dietary patterns: the Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Index (EDII), AHEI, the Alternate Mediterranean Diet (AMED), and the MIND (Mediterranean–DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay). Multimorbidity was defined as the number of chronic diseases and grouped by organ system - musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neuropsychiatric. The results published in the journal Nature Aging revealed those who followed the healthy diets had a slower development of chronic diseases. For example, long-term adherence to healthy dietary patterns, particularly the AMED, AHEI, and MIND, was linked to a slower accumulation of chronic diseases in older adults. This applied to cardiovascular disease and dementia, but not to diseases related to muscles and bones. But those who followed the pro-inflammatory diet, on the other hand, increased their risk of chronic diseases. 'Our results show how important diet is in influencing the development of multimorbidity in ageing populations,' said co-first author Adrián Carballo-Casla, postdoctoral researcher at the Aging Research Centre, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet. The protective effects of diet may be explained by reduced inflammation, a key factor in aging-related diseases. Study authors want to further their research by identify the dietary recommendations that may have the greatest impact on longevity and the groups of older adults who may benefit most from them, based on their age, gender, psychosocial background and chronic diseases.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
This 1 Simple Change Can Slow The Rate Of Chronic Illness In Old Age
As we age, it can be more difficult to manage chronic conditions as the natural effects of our bodies slowing down settle in. However, for some older people, ageing doesn't seem to hit quite as hard as it does for others. As discussed in The Conversation, research has revealed how older people can slow down the progression of chronic illnesses as they age and, actually, much of it comes down to diet. The new study, by researchers at the Aging Research Center at the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, followed more than 2,400 older Swedish adults for 15 years. 'We found that people who consistently ate a healthy diet developed chronic diseases more slowly,' said researchers, 'in contrast to those whose diets were considered more inflammatory; that is, diets high in processed meats, refined grains and sugary drinks, which are known to promote low-grade chronic inflammation in the body.' They added: 'This is important because having several health conditions at the same time is one of the biggest problems older people face. It increases the risk of disability, hospitalisation and early death.' The diet that can benefit you as you age The diet that seems most effective is rich in fruit and veggies, and healthy fats, and limits processed foods. The researchers said: 'So what should older adults eat? The message is clear: eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and whole grains. Choose healthy fats like rapeseed oil and fish. Limit red and processed meats, sugary drinks and solid fats.' And it's never too late to start on improving your diet and overall wellbeing. 'Some of the benefits of healthy eating were more pronounced in women and in the oldest participants: those aged 78 and above... Even in very old age, diet matters,' they added. If you're worried about the prices of these healthier choices, fear not. Frozen fruit and vegetables can be just as nutrient-dense and beneficial to our wellbeing as their fresh counterparts. Related... The Best Snacks For Aging Well And Preventing Cognitive Decline, According To Nutrition Experts Science Says You Can Prevent Brain Ageing With 4 Simple Steps 1 Gram Of This Nutrient Can Slow Down Ageing (And It's Very Common!)
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Virta Health Selected by CMS to Join National Health Tech Ecosystem Innovating Treatment of Chronic Metabolic Disease
Partnership to drive data-driven, coordinated care for Americans on Medicare DENVER, July 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Virta Health, a leader in sustainable weight loss and diabetes reversal, announced today its selection by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to join the newly launched Health Tech Ecosystem Initiative. As one of a small group of trusted early adopters, Virta is proud to help lead a new era of digital innovation and interoperability to better serve Americans living with chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes, particularly those on Medicare. Under the leadership of CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Health Tech Ecosystem is a public-private partnership designed to accelerate modern technology adoption in healthcare. The initiative supports a voluntary, standards-based digital health environment, bringing together apps, EHRs, and providers to integrate with CMS Aligned Networks, with the end goal being the delivery of secure, user-centered, connected tools that provide real-world value to patients and providers. Virta will participate within the initiative's Diabetes & Obesity Prevention and Management pillar, one of three priority areas, bringing its expertise and clinically proven approach to reversing chronic metabolic diseases in older Americans. As part of its pledge, Virta will explore the use of real clinical data from CMS Aligned Networks for personalized support, and actively engage in the Health Tech Ecosystem working group to define the technical and functional framework alongside CMS and other early adopters. Virta also shares the goal of showcasing meaningful progress by early 2026, in alignment with evolving technical specifications. "Being selected by CMS for this critical initiative is both an honor and a responsibility," said Sami Inkinen, Co-founder and CEO of Virta Health. "Tens of millions of Medicare beneficiaries are living with chronic metabolic conditions that are reversible—not just manageable. This effort to unleash the full power of data-driven care is a major step toward transforming health outcomes and lowering tax payer costs at scale, and is directly aligned with our mission to reverse type 2 diabetes and obesity in one billion people." This partnership underscores Virta's commitment to closing the gap between information and action. This commitment will help reduce fragmentation, support provider decision-making, and improve the lives of people most impacted by chronic metabolic disease. About Virta Health: Virta Health is a leader in reversing chronic metabolic disease. Through a combination of precision nutrition, technology, and expert support, Virta empowers members to build longer, healthier lives—while reducing or eliminating the need for medications. Virta partners with the nation's largest employers, payers, and pharmacy benefit managers to improve the health of their members while reducing costs. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Virta's mission is to reverse diabetes and obesity in one billion people. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Judy Huangpress@ Sign in to access your portfolio
CNN
3 days ago
- Health
- CNN
What are your questions about lifestyle changes and cognitive decline?
Food & health Chronic diseases Dementia Getting olderFacebookTweetLink Follow Healthy habits like eating a nutritious diet and getting regular exercise can protect your brain as you age. Research shows that it may even help after physical signs of cognitive problems begin. What do you want to know about how your lifestyle might affect your risk of cognitive decline, including conditions such as Alzheimer's disease? Share your questions with CNN below.
