More Health Breakthroughs of 2008
In the last post we reviewed a few of the top health breakthroughs of last year. Here, we’re continuing the series with more information about BDNF, Vitamin D, and 2009 New Year’s resolutions.
A Little More About BDNF
What is this mysterious acronym and what does it do for your body? This snazzy molecule in the body is a great find of the past year, because it is a key player in keeping nerve cells alive and helping stimulate the growth of new nerve cells. Nerves basically keep everything in your body circulating and moving, so you can imagine that their maintenance is a pretty high priority for the body.
A lack of BDNF molecules is a bad sign-you could experience things like a low tolerance for stressful occurrences, you have a higher likelihood of becoming depressed, your brain could become inflamed and you body will basically start in a nasty little downward spiral. Conversely, having plenty of BDNF will keep you sharper and able to cope with all the challenges that life will always throw your way. Studies didn’t show how BDNF can be lost in the body, but if you’re worried about keeping up good levels of BDNF, look into fish oil, blueberries, curcumin, and pantethine to keep your motor running strong.
Is There Anything Vitamin D Can’t Do?
Just yesterday, as I was sitting on a hike with my face tilted toward the sun, my mom made a joke about making sure I was getting enough Vitamin D. Well, yes Mom, I live in Michigan where the sun hadn’t shone for a week before I skipped town, so I wanted to make sure I stocked up. Many people know that Vitamin D (which can be found in pill supplement form but can also be soaked up in good amounts by spending 15 minutes a day in the sunshine) helps with bone metabolism and growth. But what some might not know, and that breaking studies unearthed in 2008, is that this wonder vitamin also regulates genes, helping with immune function, prevention of autoimmune problems, healthy metabolism, proper thyroid function, prevention of type I and type II diabetes, prevention of heart disease, cancer prevention, and improved nervous system health and mood.
All of that help just by spending a little time outdoors and soaking up the sun? If you don’t have sunshine in your neck of the woods during the winter, check your local store for some supplements. You don’t want to miss out on Vitamin D for a few months because the sun’s taking a vacation.
2009 Resolutions
In talking about these major health and science revelations in the past year, you may be pondering your own health future. If you have gone without or haven’t been happy with your health insurance provider, now is the time to start your search. There is nothing better you can do to protect yourself and your family than to have health insurance.
Regular doctor’s visits and maintenance aside, if something were to unexpectedly happen, you would want the security of knowing things will be taken care of for you. Please, browse meadhealthinsurance.com to get a handle on your health insurance for this upcoming new year.
photo credit: divemasterking2000
Tags: 2009, bdnf, coverage, health insurance, health research, healthcare, new years resolution, vitamin D
