These researches are hoping that this might imply that the consumption of Vitamin D supplements will prove to be a simple yet effective way to fight against the diseases caused due to the aging of the eyes in people. One such disease is the macular degeneration.

The group of researchers where from the Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London. The journal Neurobiology of Ageing has recently published the report.

The explanation given by the team leader, Professor Glen Jeffery, is as such: The retina, a layer of tissue, can be found in mammals like the mice and humans. It is positioned at the back of their eyes. The retina is very crucial in the seeing process. It is the cells of the retina that identifies light when it comes in the eyes. It then sends the brain messages and as a consequence we are able to see. This process is a very demanding one. In fact the retina consumes proportionally much more energy as compared to other tissues in the human body. Blood circulation needs therefore to be at its best there.

Nevertheless, as one age, this demand of high energy leads to a production of debris. Consequently, in animals, a gradual inflammation can be seen. While in human beings, this can produce a decline reaching 30% in the quantity of cells that are receptive to light that found in the eye when we reach out 70th birthday. As a result we have a poorer sight.

The research that was carried out showed that if there was an intake of Vitamin D for merely six weeks, the inflammation in the old mice decreased. A partial removal of the debris was also observed. Subsequently, based on tests done, there was an improvement in the vision of the mice.

In accordance to the researchers this improvement in the sight of the mice can be linked to two changes that took place. In the first instance, there was a significant reduction in the quantity of macrophages, a potentially destructive cell, in the eyes those mice which were provided the Vitamin D.

Macrophages have a crucial role to play in our immune system. Their work consists in fighting off infections. On the other hand, due to aging, they can become dangerous in their fight against threats. As such, they can become the cause of damage as well as inflammation.

The reduction in the quantity of macrophages in the mice eyes was not the sole consequence of the Vitamin D. The latter even prompted the outstanding macrophages to alter to a new configuration. Instead of causing damage to the eyes, the researchers believe that in their different configuration the macrophages have dynamically worked to decrease the inflammation and clean up the debris.

The other change that the researchers witnessed in the mice eyes which were provided with the Vitamin D was that there was a decrease in the deposit of amyloid beta. Amyloid beta is a toxic molecule that amasses as one grows old. In human beings, the inflammation and amassing of amyloid beta can contribute to an augmented threat of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is biggest reason of blindness in persons that are above 50 years old in developed countries. Based on the results of their research, the researchers are of view that the intake of Vitamin D supplements might prove to be the simplest way to help in the prevention of AMD in persons who are exposed to it.

Professor Jeffery stated that older mice that were provided with the Vitamin D, it was seen that the amyloid beta deposited less in the mice eyes. The latter also showed a related amelioration of sight. While some persons believe that amyloid beta is associated with the Alzheimer’s disease, this new research implies that Vitamin D may have an important role in the reduction in its growth in the brain. Therefore, when the researchers witnessed this impact in the eyes, they at once started to wonder where these deposits could be reduced as well.

Thus, the group of researchers led by Professor Jeffery continued to study a number of blood vessels of those mice. They discovered that the growth of amyloid beta, in the mice blood vessels as well as aorta, were considerably less in mice which were provided with the Vitamin D supplements.

Furthermore Professor Jeffery added that this discovery, that the deposits of amyloid were less in mice which were provided with the Vitamin D supplements, implies that Vitamin D may be used in the prevention of health pathologies that are related to aging, ranging from the deterioration of vision to heart diseases.

Professor Jeffery considers that this connection between a series of age-related pathologies and Vitamin D may be associated with our progressive history. For the majority of history, our predecessors have spent their lives in Africa, possibly without any piece of clothing, and were as a result exposed to strong sunshine all throughout the year.

This constant exposure might have possibly activated the production of Vitamin D in their skin. Man has since then shifted to less sun-drenched regions of the globe and quite recently accepted clothing as part of their lifestyle. As a result they may not be so well positioned to decrease their exposure to sunlight.

Moreover, developed countries have witnessed a great increase regarding life expectancy of people during the last few centuries. As a result, there is a tendency to associate the reduction of exposure to sunlight,that is Vitamin D, with a remarkably prolonged lifespan.

Professor Jeffery further clarified that before the researchers are able to confidently say that senior people should start the intake of Vitamin D supplements, they should firstly run complete clinical trials in man. There is nonetheless growing proofs that the majority of the citizens in the West have Vitamin D deficiency and that this may have considerable health consequences.

The Chief Executive of BBSRC, Professor Douglas Kell, advanced that there are many persons in the developed countries who are currently enjoying an unparalleled extended lifespan. However, long life does not necessarily imply good health. Several times, it is noticed that many of the senior people suffer from several illnesses as many of their body parts begin to show sign of malfunctioning.

Professor Douglas Kell proceed with his statement by adding that if one day researchers wish to have some hope that they will be able to make sure that a greater number of people are able to enjoy a productive and healthy retirement, they must therefore start to learn much more regarding the changes that occur in animals as they age.

This study has shown the extent to which an in-depth study of a mere body part may lead scientist to find out new knowledge which is more generally applicable. Through the study of basic biology of a single organ, scientists and researchers may start to make connections between several illnesses with the expectation to develop more precautionary strategies.

Source: Health Canal

Anti Aging, Health And Aging, Longevity

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People need to know is what leads to high cholesterol and what can be done to reduce the cholesterol levels. Diets have a crucial role in the process of lowering cholesterol levels.

The Five best foods that should be consumed to reduce Cholesterol levels are:

1. Oatmeal
2. Omega 3 Fatty Acids – Fish
3. Walnuts
4. Oliver Oil
5. Margarine

- High Fiber Foods like Oat Bran and Oatmeal

In oatmeal, there is soluble fiber, which can easily lower the intensity of low-density lipoprotein {LDL} or so called ‘bad’ cholesterol. It should also be noted that soluble fiber can be found in pears, barley, prunes, beans and kidney beans.

Consuming 10 grams of soluble fiber can significantly reduce the absorption of cholesterol, into an individual’s bloodstream, therefore, lowering LDL cholesterol. The consumption of one and half-cup of cooked oatmeal provides 6 grams of fiber. The consumption of fruits like able will increase the amount of fiber by 4 grams.

- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Fish

Fish is known to have a high volume of omega-3 fatty acid, which is good for the heart. It can lower the blood pressure and therefore, decreases the potential risk of having additional blood clots.

For people who have already experienced a heart attack – the consumption of fish oil can lower the potential risk of an instant death.

Doctors do generally recommend consuming two servings of fish per week.
The fish with the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acid is found in:

1. Mackerel
2. Lake trout
3. Herring
4. Sardines
5. Albacore tuna
6. Salmon
7. Halibut

In addition, while cooking fish people should avoid putting in unhealthy fats. For those who do not like fish can get omega-3 fatty acids from canola and flaxseed oil.

- Almonds, Walnuts as well as other types of nuts

Nuts help to decrease blood cholesterol. The density of polyunsaturated fatty acids in almonds and walnuts assures that blood vessels are healthy. The Food and Drug administration recommends the consumption of 42.5 grams of nuts per day. This includes all types of nuts, pistachio nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pine nuts, almonds and walnuts, as they have properties, which decrease the risk of heart diseases.

Yet, the nuts shouldn’t be coated with sugar or salted –

Nuts are also rich in calories so one handful should be enough. Consuming too many nuts can lead to weight gaining.

- Olive oil

There is strong evidence that olive oil, have special properties, which help to reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol, but it leaves ‘good’ cholesterol.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, two tablespoons of olive oil added to your diet will spur heart-healthy advantageous. It is common to add olive oil to vegetables, marinade, or even diets. For example, while basting meat; olive oil can be used instead of butter. However, do note that olive oil has a high amount of calories so do not consume too much, or else you will gain weight.

The best type of olive oil is the extra-virgin olive oil which is less processed and contains more heart-healthy antioxidants. It also has stronger cholesterol-reduction effects.

- For Example Margarine – Food with plant sterols/stanols

There some foods that have this substance found in plants sterols and stanols which inhibits the absorption of cholesterols.

For instance, orange juice, margarines and yogurt drinks having added plant sterols can lower LDL cholesterol with above 10 percent. Daily at least 2 grams of plant sterols should be consumed, so a fortified orange juice with plant sterols a day would be an ideal power drink.

Plant sterols as well as stanols do not affect good cholesterol as well as triglycerides.

Lesson learnt
People should change both diet and lifestyle. It is essential to c food with high sources of high-density lipoprotein/ good cholesterol.

Source: mayo Clinic

Anti Aging Products, Health And Aging, Lifestyle

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1. Oligomeric Procynanidins
2. Resveratrol
3. Polyphenols
4. Catechin
5. Epicatechin
6. Vitamin C
7. Omega 6 fatty acids – if heated it will turn into rancid and become a source of inflammation
8. Phenethylamine – PEA a the neurotransimitter associated to love
9. Serotonin
10. Tryptophan – A amino acid which people who consume cooked food usually lack.

Typical chocolate bars have some rather negative attirubtes such as causing diabetes, weight gain and cavities. These side-effects are commonly linked with the fillers used in the mixture of dark chocolate like sugar and diary. On the other hand, when chocolate is in its initial form (raw cocao beans, nibs and beans) the health benefits are weight loss ( coumarin and chromium initiate this effect), avoids cavities (Theobromine eliminates streptococci mutans one of the bacteria that produces tooth decay) as well as control blood sugar (done by chromium) which is is positive for diabetics. It should be noted that raw cacao has positive benefits to the the cardiovascular system as well.

One of the best sources of magnesium is cacao, and this is also known to be the mineral that is insufficient in modern diets. Magnesium has several benefits. It enhances peristalsis in the bowels, relaxes muscles and softens the cardiovascular system. In a series of studies, it has been proven that dark chocolate does dissolve plaques that are formed in the arteries. This process does literally help to avoid heart disease and does naturally regulate the blood pressure.

Dark chocolate does still have several health benefits but the intensity of antioxidants like chatechins, epichatehins, procyanidins and resveratrol are much higher in raw chocolate nibs.

Raw chocolate is the highest source of antioxidant amidst food available. In the list of other foods that are rich in antioxidants we have red wine, blueberries, and green tea. There are also spices and herbs such as cinnamon and chaga mushrooms that have a high level of antioxidant as well. Consuming varied type of antioxidants targets specific parts of the body.

Based on a phyto-chemical analysis of typical cacao beans; it is found that raw chocolate might be the most chemically complex food components on the planet. Unfortunately, in the cooking process antioxidants are degraded.

For Longevity in each diet the below component should be present:
1. Anandamide – a neurotransmitter which activates feeling of ‘bliss’
2. Serontonin – protects one against stress by inducing good feelings
3. Dopamine – a neurotransmitter good for pleasure and motivation
4. MAO Inhibitors – avoids side-effects of dopamine and serotonin
5. Coumarin – regulates blood, acts as an appetite suppressant and contains anti-tumor properties.
6. Asparaginase – An enzyme containing anti-leukemia attributes
7. Ergosterol – a product of Vitamin D
8. Sitosterol – Reduces LDL cholesterol

The compact intensity of nutrients in raw cacao supports proper functioning of the body. In addition, it is the best source of chromium and magnesium. Most human suffer from magnesium deficiency so raw cacao is an important ingredient to consume.

The list below shows other antioxidants in cacao:

1. Vitamin A
2. Vitamin B (1, 2, 3, 5 and 6)
3. Vitamin C
4. Magnesium
5. Vitamin E
6. Copper
7. Manganese
8. Calcium
9. Zinc
10. Iron
11. Sulphur
12. Phosphorus
13. Chromium
14. Omega 6 Fatty Acids
15. Amino Acids
16. Saturated Fats
17. Carbohydrates
18. Enzymes – such as lipase, catalyse and amylase
19. Soluble fiber
20. Phytonutrients

Source: Secret Of Longevity -

Anti Aging, Health And Aging, Immortality

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In the Time Magazine, in May 1933, the secret of why Li was able to live long was explained in an article entitled “Tortoise-Pigeon-Dog”. The key to longevity was defined by four behaviours:

1. Maintain a quiet heart
2. Be idle like a tortoise
3. Move actively like the pigeon
4. Rest like a Dog

It was believed that Mr. Li has some uncommon habits. He abstained drinking, smoking and had his meals only on particular times. In addition, he was a vegetarian and did often drink wolfberry tea.

In his lifestyle, he did also have a regulated sleeping pattern, sleeping early and waking up early. As when time permitted him, he sat straight with closed eyes and his hands on the lap, motionless for hours.

On free-time, he played cards and lost enough money for his counterpart to buy a meal for the day. He was loved by everyone thanks to his generous behaviour.

As education, Mr. Li devoted his time to scrutinize Chinese herbs to try to reveal the secrets of longevity. It involved travelling to various Provinces in China and going even as far as to Thailand to find herbs to cure illnesses.

Of course, it is still unknown whether Mr. Li really lived as long as claimed. But what we do know about him, is that his finding matches modern research done on herbs supporting longevity.

Modern Research

In 2009, the book “ The Blue Zones” were written by Dan Buettner. The subtitle of the book was: “Lessons for Living Longer from the People, Who’ve Lived The Longest” explored condition which promoted longevity across cultures, populations, geographic location and lifestyles from all over the world.

It included groups such as: Okinawans, Costa Ricans, Sardinians, and the Californian Adventists, who actually have the highest rate of people reaching their 100th birthday. In these areas which Dan Buettner named as “blue zones” people do on average live at least 12 years more than the average.

In the research carried-out by Buettner, there were herbal similarities to all the blue-zone groups, meaning that all blue zones had a diet emphasized on legumes. For example, the Adventists in Loma Linda, California ate a high amount of greens & legumes, as stated in the Bible. The Sardinians ate whole-grain bread, special wine, and cheese produced from fresh grass-fed animals.

As a conclusion, the research suggested that low-calorie diets extend the lifespan of people in these regions. The okinawans, they do strictly follow Confucian rule of only eating until the stomach is 80 percent full.

For Mr Li, the wolfberry tea must have helped him to live to an advanced age. Specialists from France and Britain were extremely fascinated by Li’s longevity and decided to conduct elaborate research on wolfberry. Surprisingly, a new vitamin named “vitamin X” or so called “beauty vitamin” was found. Their study concluded that wolfberry stops the accumulation of fat as well as encourage the development of new liver cells, lower cholesterol and blood glucose… and the list goes on.

Wolfberry has a rejuvenation role: it boosts up endocrine glands and brain cells; improves the production of hormones; eliminate toxins that are formed in the blood, this assures that the body sustains its typical function of tissues and organs.

Meditation

In addition, to consuming tea, an exercise that usually follows is meditation. From the University of Massachusetts Medical School, neuroscientists carried out an experiment on highly stressed technology-related employees. The employees were split into two groups; one of the groups was said to meditate for eight weeks while the second group continued to work in their stress.

In the research published in Psychology 2003 “showed a pronounced shift in activity to the left frontal lobe.” Such change in mental focus reduces the bad effects of stress, anxiety and mild depression. It was also noted that there was a lower activity level in the amygdale, a region where the brain deals with fear.

Apart from only being a stress relief, mediation improves mood and inhibits the speed at which the brain shrinks while aging.

From Buettner’s Blue Zone research, it was found that relaxation time does significantly reduce inflammation, a product of stress. As for the Adventists in California who preserved their 24-hour Sabbath day had a time to pray, reflect and to have fun within their social circles.

Longevity & Society

According to Buettner’s research, the society in which you live in does influence how long you live. For instance, Okinawans have many friends and with whom they like to share everything with. The Sardinian show great respect to elders and the Adventists are highly family oritented.

The study suggests that sense of belonging with family and healthy friends encouraging people to live healthy, actually support longevity.

The so Rosetans, which is an Italian group of people who has migrated to Bangor, Pennsylvania, has a low risk of heart diseases. This was found in a study carried out by Malcolm. Apparently, it was neither their diet nor gene that supported their remarkable healthy survival rate.

The secret of the Rosetans potential to live longer was the social structure that isolates them from the stress of the modern world. The environment and surrounding that they had created supported their health.

Buettner’s study also found that across the blue-zone, people weren’t interested in retirement. Their emphasis was on continuing to do what they were already doing.

For the Sardinians as well as Okinwans the sunset years represent the symbol of purpose of life. In these areas, centenarians were seen climbing hills and climbing. Contrary, to the western civilisation who exercise for a purpose, these centenarians simply have an active life.

Source: The Epoch Times.

Bioscience, Lifestyle, Longevity

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Patrick Schrauwen from Maastricht University, who headed this research, which was published in the online version of the journal named Cell Metabolism. They result of the study was considered highly interesting. He said that the research team discovered several effects, and all indicated hopes of improved metabolism in humans.

Resveratrol has interested scientists since its effect on substances such as yeast, mice and fruit flies resulted in benefits similar to those of a diet; increase the life span of several different species. In order to live longer and better, some people self-impose strict restrictions on the intake of calories. However, few people can put up with such restrictions.

Mice were also reported to have experienced protective benefits from Resveratrol such as resistance against diabetes and obesity. It also increased their enduring capacity and made them less prone to being overweight, thereby inducing longevity.

Some scientists felt that the fact that French people lead a long life in spite of eating heavy fats, also known as the “French Paradox,” might be explained by the effects of Resveratrol found in red wine.

Resveratrol, which is a commonly available drug in pharmacies and groceries, is being consumed regularly by some people. However, its expected benefits to humans were never established formally. Scientists haven’t really comprehended if there is any risk associated in consuming high dosage of resveratrol. Researchers even doubted the validity of early research on Resveratrol.

The healthy but obese men were given a placebo or Resveratrol dose of 150 mg for a month by Schrauwen in the latest study. He then moved those on Resveratrol to placebo and vice-versa, for the next 30 days. At the time of every change, the effect on their metabolism was examined by a series of elaborate tests.

Effects similar to those observed in animals, such as, reducing the rate of metabolism, stopping the fat from accumulating in the liver, reduced levels of blood sugar, blood pressure, inflammation and triglycerides, and improving muscle efficiency were observed in humans treated with Resveratrol. There were no specific side effects reported.

National Institute of Aging scientist Rafael de Cabo, who has been experimenting with effect of Resveratrol in apes, finds this to convey immense promise and significant development.

It was observed by the experts that the amount of Resveratrol used in the ape trials was less than that what consumed by most people daily. To equal the effect, a minimum of two gallons of red wine was given to the apes.

Other experts who are also conducting studies on Resveratrol as well as another protein enhancing compounds known as Sirtuins, have appreciated the findings of this study.

David A. Sinclair from Harvard Medical School said that this study has emerged at a time when diabetes and obesity have reached an alarming level and are still growing. Sirtuins seem to be a promising intervention to people who are obese and practices no physical activities.

Leonard P. Guarante, a researcher studying the phenomenon of aging at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, stressed the importance of this research on Sirtuins, which strongly endeavors to establish the scope of Sirtuins as the latest way to combat human ailments.

However, Schrauwen and other scientists warned that, in order to confirm Resveratrol’s long-term health benefits to people who are not obese is real more research need to be conducted. The study needs to be followed with more subjects and wider sample studies.

Stephen Helfand from Brown University said that it may seem a bit early now; a day will soon come when the human race will be looking back at the stage when Resveratrol was just discovered. To see the astounding progress in medical science, especially on anti-aging medicine, that grape medicine has. People will consider it as a significant point in the history of anti-aging research.

Helfand said that this discovery of molecules, which are creating such powerful benefits towards disorders of aging and increasing longevity, are crucial for aging research. This may also be regarded as significant as the advent of antibiotics as means to cure infectious diseases. Helfand considered it to be extraordinary to be a part of the aging biology research.

Source: Washington Post

Anti Aging, Bioscience

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The use of management tools can help farmers in diminishing the environmental impact. These tools allow the optimum source, timing and placement of fertilizers – nitrogen and other proteins, vitamins and minerals – in order to improve the quality of the products.

The nutritional value of nitrogen fertilizers used on corn and wheat has scientifically been proven, but the process needs some work. Nitrogen is a major component of proteins; cereals such as corn and wheat register higher amounts of protein produced after being treated with fertilizers. IPNI stated that corn and wheat nutritional value should be limited to lowering lysine – an essential amino acid. Another advantage of using nitrogen fertilizers is the increased concentrations of carotenoids; hence, increased health-potential and market values of fruits and vegetables.

IPNI also states that colour, texture, sweetness, folic acid, beta-carotene and vitamin C contents of watermelons and cantaloupes muskmelons is enhanced after potassium and sulphur use. In the same time, soybeans isoflavone, as well as tomatoes and grapefruits lycopene content increases are evident.

According to IPNI, third world countries such as Nigeria and Bangladesh – with a high rate of malnutrition – need to improve crops quality by nutrient supplements. They also need to become aware of the positive impact that plant nutrition has on human health, as the only way to upgrade their agricultural systems.

Upgrading crops can help people in developing countries to live longer.

Source: Farm Chemical International

Anti Aging, Health And Aging

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However, in the modern world, people are rather stagnant, with the emergence of phones and transport services. The outcome is that people are less involved in routine physical activities that are healthy.

Our level of physical activities has been degenerating but equally has our dieting habits. Instead of eating healthy and fresh meals, people tend to be accustomed to fast-food outlets.

To be healthy, one of the most fundamental aspects is to assure the intake of healthy nutrition. It starts as a baby, with breast feeding. Healthy food does not only improve our healthy, but it does also prevent diseases, improve our physical, mental, metabolic, hormonal and chemical activities.

Our body is a machine that needs rich nutrients to rebuild and too remain strong.

There are various types of exercise and fitness practices that will enhance our overall health. For instance, stretching exercise, light weight training, meditation, yoga, workouts and ayurveda are some common ways to compensate for the modern lifestyle.

It has always been believed that incorporating healthy lifestyle practice into daily life is the best way to stay healthy.

Source: Health Tips

Anti Aging, Lifestyle, Longevity

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Scientists and researchers of the CALERIE study, or so called Comprehensive Assessment of Long-Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy study, revealed some very interesting finding. However, there are no known practitioners of CR that have lived to the age of 130, so are these advocates really reliable? To find the truth, most studies are therefore digging into further depth to understand the effect that a change in lifestyle has on people. For example, if someone changes from unhealthy eating habits to a calorie restricted diet, will he/she live longer?

On a multicenter study that was carried in 2007, remarkable finding was revealed. It was found that a reduced-calorie lifestyle induced several health benefits.

A change in lifestyle practice can bring you long-term luck; if you want to live a long and healthy life.

Source: Stop Aging Now

Anti Aging, Health And Aging

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In accordance to a recent publication in JAMA, it cannot be stated that undergoing a bariatric surgery brings a reduction in mortality, numerous years following the surgery.

Even though evidence shows that weight-loss surgery does bring a reduction in weight as well as decreases diabetes, the seriously obese and aged male patients who were under observation showed no sign to live longer due to such procedures.

The study is supposed to be communicated at the Academy Health Annual Research Meeting.

It is known that for those who suffer from obesity severe, bariatric surgery can prove to be among the most efficient ways to decrease weight. Bariatric surgery is most commonly known as gastric bypass. The latter produces a little stomach pouch, which is responsible to limit the intake of food.

The study was carried out at the Veteran Affairs medical centers. The study comprised of 850 senior citizens who had undergone bariatric surgery during the period of January 2000 to December 2006.

When the authors made a comparison against the raw rates, the mortality rates of patients who had undergone surgery was lower with 6.8% against 15.2% past six years.

However, when a comparison was made between the 850 veterans and 1694 like patients who had not undergone bariatric surgery, they noticed that the surgery was, in fact, not considerably linked to the reduction of mortality.

The conclusion drawn by Matthew Maciejewski from the Durham VA Medical Center as well as his colleagues was that it does not seem that bariatric surgery is linked to an increase in survival. This was the finding established after 6.7 years the subjects had their surgery.

Source: The Chart Blog (CNN)

Anti Aging, Gerontology, Health And Aging

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The human body’s response to medicinal treatment is deteriorating due to the growth of drug-resistant bacteria caused by the severely increased use of important antibiotics in British Agricultural Industry.

Cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and macrolides are ranked by World Health Organization (WHO) as vital antimicrobials in human medicine. However, despite their importance, the usage of these three classes of antibiotics in food production animals has gone up by eight times in a decade.

Livestock statistics also suffer a percentage drop during these years. There is a 27 percent decrease in the number of the swine family, whereas cattle and poultry numbers have reduced by 10 percent and 11 percent respectively. Major grocery chains are dubbed by professionals as the main culprit – monopolizing the agriculture economy, and thus forcing farmers to resolve to intensive farming.

The overcrowded and unhygienic environment food animals are being confined in help speed the spread of diseases, which then leads to the dire need for antimicrobial agents. The increased rate of antibiotic resistance is caused mainly by extensive use of antibiotics in food animals. Scientists in Britain discovered in the previous month that milk contains a new strain of MRSA superbug – the first discovery of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in UK livestock. Concerns remain that the resistant organism could be transmitted from cattle to humans even though it will be killed by pasteurization.

Escherichia coli (E. coli), together with its antibiotic resistance genes, can spread from animals to people. An extremely infectious E. coli strain hit Germany in May, causing the death toll to reach 39 and leaving 3,300 others in hospitals. Antibiotic abuse in animal husbandry is said to have triggered the crisis.

The growth of lethal antimicrobial resistance in bacteria is recognized as a health threat worldwide, with WHO estimating annual deaths of 25,000 people in European Union countries. All these deaths are expected to be associated with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria infections.

Recent statistics by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed an upsurge in organisms resistant to carbapenems, a new class of highly effective bacteria. HPA listed the threat as a global health issue. In 2003, the first type of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria was discovered, but the infections remained less than five cases annually until the year 2007. This year, however, by May, 657 cases have already been recognized, exceeding two times the sum for 2010. In certain cases, patients were diagnosed with severe sepsis.

Alongside the European Medicines Agency and independent scientists, HPA alerted the public about the connection concerning the new cephalasporins usage and MRSA. It is believed that the antibiotics have also provoked the appearance of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella in livestock. Conducting the research on new MRSA strain, Mark Holmes, Cambridge University lecturer in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, claimed cephalosporins as “some of the most effective, most modern antibiotics” with its usage being abused in farming. He suggested to reduce such usage of the antibiotics and to reserve them for “human use” instead.

The case is better in countries such as Norway, Denmark and Sweden, which apply stringent controls on the use of antimicrobials in food production animals. Britain does not necessitate lab tests to determine the required antimicrobials. Drugs are being heavily used in cattle, to prevent, mastitis, an udder disease, from emerging or spreading. Exhaustively milked dairy cows will receive intensified treatment.

Dr Holmes declared Britain as the sole country in the whole EU that gives a permit to pharmaceuticals to sell drugs directly to farmers. He accused the authorities for being “unreasonable” as they should not assume that the farmers will limit the drug usage. There is an estimation of 18,000 dairy farmers, each struggling to make enough to cater for their daily needs. Holmes encouraged the authorities to be more involved instead of just demanding the farmers to cease all use of antibiotics, which as Holmes said, is “ridiculous”. In fact, the authorities should figure out a way to prevent the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

Dairy farms have received instructions from the Soil Association to stop regular use of antibiotic. Comprehensive tests are also introduced by the Association to test farm animals, farmers, milk and meat for MRSA.

The Association’s policy adviser, Richard Young, affirmed that the unusual need for intensive farming fuelled the rise in antibiotic usage. He stated that due to the supermarkets’ extremely tight profit margins, farm animals are treated as essential tools in a large-scale manufacturing plan and the problems can actually be prevented by supporting fewer intensive farming to produce livestock that is healthier in a natural way.

Constant efforts of Scientists to warn the public about superbugs have gone mostly to waste seeing that the problem has worsened, attributable to the shortage of new drug supply. WHO flagged a warning at a meeting the previous month that antimicrobials abuse poses a threat that is capable of weakening the response of diseases to treatment, leading the humanity right back to the pre-antibiotic period?

Yesterday, a proposition was made in the US Senate to improve the antibiotics industry for the battle against this uprising superbug.

Source: Independent. Co. UK

Bioscience, Health And Aging

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