Fiber improves brain function in older adults. Acupuncture may alleviate PTSD and depression symptoms. Daily cannabis use increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. The anti-aging mechanisms of vitamin D are now documented. CBD may be better than THC in treating anxiety.
Every week we discover inspiring, informative, and sometimes shocking health-related news. From new studies to insightful analysis, here is what you need to know this week:
- Fiber supplementation improves brain function in older adults. A new study indicates that increased daily fiber intake increased cognitive abilities in adults 60 years of age and older in as little as 12 weeks of supplementation. Nature Communications
- Acupuncture alleviates PTSD symptoms. New research comparing verum acupuncture (with real needle insertion) vs. sham acupuncture (with minimal needling) showed “that verum acupuncture had a large pretreatment to posttreatment effect and was clinically and statistically superior to sham needling.” JAMA Psychiatry
- Cannabis use is associated with increased occurrences of heart attacks and strokes. A large new study looking at 430,000 adults between 2016 and 2000 showed a 25% increase in heart attack risk and 42% increase in stroke risk for daily cannabis users. Journal of American Heart Association
- Vitamin D has been found to have anti-aging properties. New research determines the specific receptor pathways that enable the positive anti-aging effects of vitamin D. Aging
- Cannabidiol (CBD) may have a powerful anxiety-reducing effect. A recent study demonstrates that CBD treatment may be more powerful and offer less side effects than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), while alleviating anxiety symptoms. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
- Acupuncture that targets needle placement in the ears has been found to treat depression. New research from Brazil showed that up to 60% of patients recovering from depression symptoms following acupuncture protocols for three months. JAMA Network Open