Eating cranberries will prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

It has believed that consuming cranberries and their products could prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) for over 100 years. In recent years, it has been suggested and proved that cranberries prevent UTIs by hindering bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract, thanks to phytochemicals known as proanthocyanidins (PACs).

But the mechanisms of cranberry materials and by which may alter bacterial behavior have not been fully understood. Now, researchers in McGill University’s Department of Chemical Engineering are trying on the biological mechanisms by which cranberries impart protective properties against urinary tract and other infections. Two new studies, by Prof. Nathalie Tufenkji, add to evidence of cranberries’ and their effects on UTI-causing bacteria. The findings also point to the potential for cranberry derivatives to be used to prevent bacterial colonization in medical devices such as catheters. In research results, Prof. Tufenkji and members of laboratory report that cranberry powder can inhibit the ability of Proteus mirabilis, a bacterium frequently implicated in complicated UTIs , to swarm on agar plates and swim within the agar. The experiments also show that increasing concentrations of cranberry powder reduce the bacteria’s production of urease, an enzyme that contributes to the virulence of infections.

Diabetes results in increasing risk of Alzheimer`s disease

Having diabetes in one may increase risk of developing Alzheimer`s disease, suggesting one problem could be the cause of the other, researchers say. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses, and eventually leads to death. In other words this is a Progressive mental deterioration occurring in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain.

Diabetes may increase risk of developing Alzheimer`s

Being able to forget is a blessing …..

Neurologist R Scott Turner from the Georgetown University enrolled people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease into a country-wide study in the US last year.

Turner was shocked many study participants were found to have pre-diabetes. His study examined resveratrol,  a compound found in red grapes and red wine, to see if it might change glucose levels in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer`s disease (AD).

Turner said resveratrol  is act on proteins in the brain in a way that mimics effects of a low-calorie diet.

“We know that caloric restriction prevents diseases of ageing such as diabetes and Alzheimer`s,” said Turner.

“On the other side, diabetes increases risk of AD. So improve the glucose tolerance, to prevent or delay both diabetes and Alzheimer’s,” said Turner.

Participants were first given a fasting glucose tolerance test to obtain a baseline level, and after eating they retested. During digestion, the blood sugar level increases, but the pancreas produces insulin to lower it.

A high sugar level after two hours reveals glucose intolerance (pre-diabetes) or diabetes if the level is very high.

“The number of people with glucose intolerance (pre-diabetes) was much higher than expected. I was surprised by how many people didn`t know they were pre-diabetic, and these are individuals who already get the best medical care,” said Turner.

“How does glucose intolerance or diabetes lead to AD? Does the inflammation associated with AD trigger glucose intolerance? Or do both events create a vicious cycle of Alzheimer`s and glucose intolerance?” asked Turner.

Turner said while a glucose tolerance test is not typically ordered by neurologists, “this result suggests that perhaps we should test all our patients with early Alzheimer`s.”