A new study shows that practicing a Chinese martial art can help reduce the symptoms and complications of Parkinson's disease for several years.
Regular practice of Tai Chi, which involves sequences of very slow, controlled movements, is associated with slower progression of the debilitating neurodegenerative condition, with patients likely to require lower doses of medications over time, according to the study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.
Parkinson's disease is known as a progressive disorder that affects the nerves and muscles, and is characterized by slow movement, tremors at rest, and muscle stiffness and inflexibility.
Previous research indicated that Tai Chi may have some positive effects on Parkinson's patients, but experts did not know how long the effect would last.
In the new study, scientists from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China monitored two groups of Parkinson's patients for more than five years from January 2016 to June 2021.
One group of 147 patients practiced Tai Chi twice a week for an hour, while another group of 187 patients continued usual care methods and did not practice martial arts.
Doctors monitored the severity and progression of the disease in all participants, in addition to their increased need for medication at the beginning of the monitoring period and in November 2019, October 2020, and June 2021.
Scientists found that disease progression was slower in the Tai Chi group, while sleep and quality of life improved continuously.
However, scientists admit that the study is observational and cannot determine cause and effect. The number of study participants was also relatively small.
“Fat-burning drugs” are dangerous to health!
According to endocrinologist Dr. Yelena Prokopenko, fat burning supplements are very popular, but they are not 100 percent effective and are not suitable for all people.
The doctor said in an interview with Gazeta.Ru: “The ingredients of nutritional supplements may vary, and their common ingredients are: caffeine, green tea, green coffee bean extract, capsaicin (a substance found in hot peppers), fucoxanthin, carnitine, taurine, and salts. Chromium, linoleic acid, etc., noting that these supplements should not contain medications.”
According to her, fat burning supplements have pros and cons. That is, some get positive results and others get negative results.
“The main thing is to know the ingredients of fat-burning supplements, how these substances work in the human body, and how to use them correctly,” she says. “Because some people may experience a decrease in appetite and an increase in energy levels. Possible side effects range from increased irritability, insomnia, and increased heart rate.” to more serious problems such as kidney and liver damage or cardiovascular problems. People often view nutritional supplements as natural and believe that they are safer than prescription medications. But such products contain several different ingredients, and if one of the substances in "Supplements are safe. This does not always mean that the entire product is safe. The more substances present in a particular nutritional supplement, the more difficult it is to predict the body's reaction."
The doctor indicates that pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, teenagers, and those suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, and anxiety are prohibited from taking these supplements. Anyone who suffers from chronic diseases or takes certain medications should consult a doctor before resorting to these supplements.
A nutrition expert reveals the health benefits of olives
According to Dr. Mariyat Mukhina, a Russian nutrition expert, olives can improve muscle reaction speed and memory.
The expert points out that olives contain vitamins A, C, E, a group of B vitamins, and antioxidants, which are actually anti-cancer substances.
In addition, olives can increase human endurance, so athletes are advised to eat them.
She says: “Thanks to olives, tolerance to physical activity increases. Olives also normalize the functioning of the central nervous system, improving muscle reaction speed, performance, memory and concentration.”
She adds: “Olives improve bowel movement and the evacuation of their contents, have a diuretic effect, and help prevent constipation.”