Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor • October 2018 • News And Events

Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in added sugar, sodium and processed meats could help promote healthy cellular aging in women, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

“The key takeaway is that following a healthy diet can help us maintain healthy cells and avoid certain chronic diseases,” said lead author Cindy Leung, assistant professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. “Emphasis should be placed on improving the overall quality of your diet rather than emphasizing individual foods or nutrients.”

In the study, researchers used telomere length to measure cellular aging. Telomeres are DNA-protein structures located on the ends of chromosomes that promote stability and protect DNA. Age is the strongest predictor of telomere length – telomeres shorten in length during each cell cycle.

However, recent studies have shown that telomeres can also be shortened due to behavioural, environmental and psychological factors. Shorter telomeres have been associated with an increased risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

Leung and colleagues examined the diets of a nationally representative sample of nearly 5,000 healthy adults and evaluated how well they scored on four evidence- based diet quality indices, including the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet and two commonly used measures of diet quality developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

For women, higher scores on each of the indices were significantly associated with longer telomere length.

“We were surprised that the findings were consistent regardless of the diet quality index we used,” Leung said. “All four diets emphasize eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and plant-based protein and limiting consumption of sugar, sodium and red and processed meat.

“Overall, the findings suggest that following these guidelines is associated with longer telomere length and reduces the risk of major chronic disease.”

In men, the findings were in the same direction, but not statistically significant.

“We have seen some gender differences in previous nutrition and telomere studies,” Leung said. “In our study, as well as in previous studies, men tended to have lower diet quality scores than women. Men also had higher intakes of sugary beverages and processed meats, both of which have been associated with shorter telomeres in prior studies.

“It’s possible that not all foods affect telomere length equally and you need higher amounts of protective foods in order to negate the harmful effects of others. However, more research is needed to explore this further.” — Andrea LaFerle, Michigan State University.

The Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors (ACAC) commemorated the end of summer with its back to school public awareness initiative. Aimed at helping students of all ages choose the proper backpack and reduce the effects of tech neck, the ACAC engaged both traditional and digital media to spread the message.

More than 900,000 students of all ages returned to school in Alberta this September. Their spinal health will face many demands throughout the year. Alberta chiropractors are ready to help as students sit for long periods of time, carry heavy backpacks, bend over homework, and hunch over phones and tablets. These stresses can lead to posture issues and poor spinal health. As spine and musculoskeletal system experts, chiropractors can help parents and students positively respond to these demands and create healthy habits that will decrease the chances of developmental issues occurring in their growing bodies.

Dr. Ashley Todd appeared on CTV Edmonton Morning Live with two schoolaged children to demonstrate the importance of proper backpack choices for students.

Dr. Mailie Harris, along with patient and local teacher Diane Webb, were featured on Global Edmonton’s Health Matters to discuss the strains and pains associated with our increasing reliance on technology.