Do you jog with your dog? New research from the University of Guelph has found that dog guardians who exercise regularly tend to ensure their canine companions also get exercise. That in turn influences whether or not people believe their dogs are a healthy weight.
New Study Shows Link Between Human-Dog Exercise Habits and Perception of Canine Health
Led by researchers in the university’s Department of Animal Biosciences within the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), the study is believed to be the first large-scale international survey to demonstrate a relationship between the exercise routines of people and their dogs, as well as folks’ perceptions of their dogs’ health.
“Exercise is a powerful bond that connects humans and dogs, creating a partnership of health and happiness.” – Sydney Banton
According to lead author and PhD candidate, Sydney Banton, the study is important, given that 40% of dogs are overweight, and that many dog guardians are unaware of their four-legged friends’ unhealthy weights.
Along with animal biosciences professor and lead author, Dr. Kate Shoveller, as well as colleagues from OAC and the Ontario Veterinary College, Banton analyzed results from a survey of almost 3,300 dog guardians in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. They asked people about their own diets and exercise routines as well as their dogs’, along with their perceptions of their dogs’ weight.
Those who reported spending four or more days per week vigorously exercising were 2.8 to 3.5 times more likely to believe their dogs were at an ideal body weight than those who did not vigorously exercise. Respondents who reported their dogs regularly performed vigorous exercise (playing ball, swimming, agility) were 1.8 times more likely to believe their dogs were at an ideal weight.
Conversely, dogs that received less than 30 minutes of exercise per day had guardians who were much more likely to spend less time moderately exercising themselves.
About 13% of those surveyed thought their dogs’ weight was not ideal or had someone, such as a veterinarian, tell them their dogs were overweight. These people were also more likely to restrict their dogs’ food intake to control weight.
The results of this study, which appears in the journal PLOS ONE, highlight the need for more exercise to avoid weight gain in dogs.
Wellcare World specializes in providing the latest advancements in wellness technology, supplementation, and lifestyle changes that improve health and increase the quality of people's lives.To learn more, visit WellcareWorld.com and begin living a better life today.
Do you ever find yourself wondering how much muscle you can truly gain without following a tough workout routine? It’s a question that plagues many fitness enthusiasts and athletes. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. There are a number of specific factors that dictate your natural potential for muscle growth. By unlocking the science behind muscle gain, we provide you with the mechanisms and information you need to estimate your maximum muscle-building potential. Knowing what’s possible for your body can help you set realistic goals and optimize your performance.
Your genetic makeup influences your potential for muscle growth.
Factors Affecting Natural Muscle Gain:
Genetics: Your genetic makeup influences your potential for muscle growth. Some individuals naturally have a higher capacity for building muscle compared to others.
Training Experience: Beginners typically experience faster muscle gains due to their bodies adapting to new stimuli. As you progress and become more experienced, muscle growth slows down.
Nutrition: Adequate protein intake is essential for muscle synthesis. Consuming a balanced diet with sufficient calories and macronutrients supports muscle growth and recovery.
Resistance Training: Engaging in regular strength training exercises that target different muscle groups stimulates muscle growth. Progressive overload, gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts, can further enhance muscle development.
Rest and Recovery: Muscles grow and repair during periods of rest. Proper sleep, rest days, and managing stress are crucial for allowing your muscles to recover and grow.
Hormonal Factors:Hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone play a role in muscle growth. However, individual hormone levels can vary, affecting muscle-building potential.
So, let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of natural muscle building.
1. Factors Determine Your Naturally Muscle-Gaining Capacity
If you’re thinking about how much muscle you can realistically gain, it’s important to understand the factors that determine your muscle-gaining capacity. The two main categories of factors are genotype (unique sequence of DNA) and phenotype (detectable expression of genotype), and both play a key role in muscle mass development.
Unfortunately, we cannot alter our genotype, but we can control certain aspects of our environment that influence phenotype. These include physical activity during childhood, carbohydrate and protein intake, caloric intake, hydration, and hormonal influences.
Let’s dive deep to know how genetic factors, nutrition, and muscle fibers contribute to building up your muscle mass.
2. Role of Genetics in Gaining Muscle Mass
Genetics plays a significant role in determining how much muscle mass an individual can naturally gain. Some individuals are naturally gifted with the ability to pack on muscle quickly, while others may need to work harder to achieve their desired results. This is due to the genetic blueprint inherent in their DNA, which determines their upper limit for muscle mass attainability.
Let’s look at an example of how genetics contribute to muscle growth. For example, some people are “high responders” to resistance training, meaning they have higher levels of satellite cells (specialized muscle stem cells) that can help promote muscle growth. On the other hand, “low responders” may not have as many satellite cells and may not see as much muscle growth from exercise.
It’s important to note that the rate at which you’ll gain muscle is not predictable, as it’s largely influenced by genetics, age, and the hormonal profile of the individuals. For instance, someone with a genetic predisposition for muscle growth and a high percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibers could gain up to 2 pounds of lean mass per month, while someone with a different genetic profile and body type may only gain half a pound per month.
2.1. Role of Hormones in Muscle Growth
Anabolic hormones like testosterone, and insulin-like growth factors also play an essential role in muscle growth and development. How do these hormones link with the growth of muscle mass? All these anabolic hormones stimulate muscle growth.
Men naturally have higher levels of testosterone than women, which makes it easier for them to develop muscle mass. However, genetics also play a role in how much testosterone an individual’s body can produce.
3. Contribution of Diet to Muscle Mass Development
To gain more muscle mass without going to the gym or consuming muscle-building supplements, you must fuel your body with the right supply of nutrition. A muscle-building diet plan that includes a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats is essential for muscle growth. When you engage in your daily workout, your muscle tissue breaks down. However, your muscles need rest and proper nutrition for recovery and to get stronger.
This recovery phase is where the magic happens, as the body’s metabolism increases and the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) takes effect. The key is to have a balanced diet that provides your body with the necessary nutrients during this phase to build stronger muscles. Striking the appropriate balance is essential since eating too many carbohydrates and fats and not enough protein can prevent you from building muscle and instead cause you to gain fat. It means, your muscles need the right fuel to grow, so a high-protein diet alone won’t suffice. You need to maintain balance in consuming all the macronutrients including carbohydrates and fats to achieve your goal.
Micronutrients including vitamins and minerals are also essential for the formation of muscles. For instance, the magnesium present in nuts and oilseeds aids in the contraction of your muscles, increases energy, and lessens cramping and exhaustion. The physical performance is also enhanced by vitamin B6, which is present in poultry, fish, bananas, and oats.
However, with the right diet regimen, anyone can add strength and mass, regardless of their genetic makeup. So, from all these discussions, you know two things, first, how much a person gains muscle mass naturally is a matter of genetic makeup. Second, the other contributing factor that determines the fate of muscle mass is dietary habits.
4. Size of Muscle Cells in the Growth of Muscle
Another factor that can influence muscle growth is the size of muscle cells. Bodybuilders, for example, tend to have larger muscle cells than the general population. In some cases, exercise can even stimulate the process of hyperplasia, which can increase the number of muscle cells and further enhance muscle growth potential.
5. Muscle Fibers and Muscle Growth
Muscle fibers are the building blocks of muscle tissue, and the way they respond to exercise can greatly affect muscle growth. There are two main types of muscle fibers: slow-twitch (red) fibers and fast-twitch (white) fibers. Slow-twitch fibers are more suited for endurance activities like running, while fast-twitch fibers are better for high-intensity activities like weightlifting.
However, understanding how muscle fibers increase muscle mass naturally can help you optimize your exercise and nutrition plan to achieve your goals. While genetics play a role in muscle growth potential, other factors like nutrition and muscle size are also important. By focusing on all of these factors together, you can maximize your muscle growth potential and achieve your desired results.
6. Role of Myostatin in Muscle Building
Another contributing factor that influences muscle growth is myostatin. Myostatin, a protein that restricts muscle growth, may make it easier for some individuals to gain muscle mass. It’s crucial to remember that genetics is only one component that affects how much muscle grows. Adequate nutrition, appropriate rest and recuperation, and a well-planned exercise regimen are all essential for naturally increasing muscle mass.
7. FAQs
7.1. Why Do Your Muscles Need Rest to Grow?
Rest is essential for muscle growth because it allows the body to repair and rebuild muscle fibers that have been broken down during exercise. When you engage in strength training, you create small tears in your muscles, and rest provides the time for the body to repair these tears and make the muscle fibers stronger.
If you are not providing adequate rest to your body, it may not have time to repair these tears, which can lead to muscle fatigue and injury.
7.2. Is there any Genetic Limit In Muscular Growth?
Yes, there is a genetic limit to muscular growth, which is determined by factors such as muscle fiber type, muscle cell size, and hormone levels. While training and nutrition can help you reach your maximum potential, ultimately your genetic makeup plays a significant role in determining how much muscle you can naturally gain.
7.3. Does a Taller Person Have More Muscle Than Smaller Ones?
Height does not necessarily determine how much muscle mass a person can maintain. Muscle growth is primarily influenced by genetics, diet, and exercise. However, muscle growth also depends upon muscle size, and muscle fibers. Taller people may have longer muscle fibers, but the number of muscle fibers is determined by genetics and does not vary based on height.
7.4. Which is the Weakest Human Muscle?
The weakest muscle in the human body is the stapedius muscle, which is located in the ear. Its main function is to stabilize the smallest bone in the body, the stapes, which is involved in transmitting sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
While it is considered the weakest muscle in terms of its size and strength, it plays a crucial role in our ability to hear and balance.
7.5. What is Maximum Muscle Potential?
Maximum muscle potential refers to the genetic limit or the highest amount of muscle mass that a person can naturally achieve with proper diet and exercise. This limit varies from person to person based on factors such as age, body type, and genetics. Understanding your maximum muscle potential can help you set realistic goals and develop a suitable training program to achieve your desired physique.
8. Conclusion
Building muscle naturally is a complex process that is influenced by a combination of genetics, nutrition, and exercise. While genetics plays a role in determining muscle growth potential and the type of muscle fibers a person has, it is still possible to gain significant muscle mass through consistent and targeted strength training and a balanced diet. It is important to understand that there are limits to how much muscle a person can naturally gain and that unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and frustration. By focusing on realistic and sustainable goals, individuals can work towards achieving their desired level of muscle mass in a healthy and effective way.
While genetics do play a role in a muscle development capacity, it is not the only determinant. Anybody can gain muscle mass and enhance their physical fitness with persistent work and attention to a good eating and resting schedule. Ultimately, the key is to focus on what you can control and to work towards your goals with endurance and dedication. Everyone, with the appropriate strategy, can maximize their inherent muscle-building potential.
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Hormone levels can impact a dog’s mood, energy levels, and overall well-being
From estrogen and testosterone to adrenaline and cortisol, your dog’s hormones have a profound impact on their well-being — physically, mentally and emotionally.
Most people know that hormones are important for regulating body systems. These natural chemicals impact systems and metabolism on almost every level of the body, and also have a significant influence on behavior and mood — not only in ourselves, but in our dogs as well. Read on for a discussion of the most common hormones and how they affect your dog’s health and behavior.
DEFINING HORMONES
A hormone is a chemical transmitter substance produced by cells in the body. It is transported through the bloodstream to the cells and organs on which it has a specific regulatory effect. In other words, hormones act as chemical messengers within the body, in order to stimulate or suppress certain processes or actions.
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON PLAYERS?
There are dozens and dozens of different hormones in the body, but the most well-recognized players include:
Additionally, specific neurotransmitters act as hormones in the body, and these include serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.
All these hormones act within complex networks collectively referred to as the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a network of glandular organs that produce and regulate hormones to control and coordinate the body’s metabolism, energy level, reproduction, growth and development, response to injury and/or stress, and mood.
Crucially important glands within the endocrine system include:
Hypothalamus
Pineal gland
Pituitary gland
Thyroid gland
Parathyroid gland
Thymus
Adrenal gland
Pancreas
Ovaries
Testes
The gut (gastrointestinal tract) also acts as an endocrine gland since it works with endocrine cells, neurons, and immune cells, using gut peptides as signaling substances. In fact, some of the hormones in the gut are also found in the brain, which supports the concept of the gut-brain axis.
These health problems are very common in our canine companions, and appear to be on the rise. There are many reasons for this, such as:
Processed foods and toxins: Many toxins are known to be direct endocrine disruptors, and include common pet food preservatives such BPA and BHA, and herbicides in foods such as glyphosate (Roundup).
Nutrient deficiencies: Trace minerals such as magnesium, selenium, zinc, potassium and iodine are critically important for the body’s glands to function appropriately. Trace mineral deficiencies are very common in both dogs and humans.
Spaying and neutering: Typically, when pets are de-sexed, the gonads (ovaries or testicles) are completely removed, which means the majority of testosterone and estrogen are gone for good. It is important to note that a certain level of sex hormones is crucially important for sustaining normal health and well-being.
As it turns out, the only other glands in the body that can produce some sex hormones are the adrenal glands. This means the adrenal glands in a spayed or neutered dog are placed under extra stress and demand throughout the animal’s lifetime. The adrenal glands are also responsible for regulating and releasing adrenaline and cortisol hormones, which is in itself a big job. Adrenaline is the hormone released during the body’s fight or flight response, triggered when stressful events occur.
Cortisol is also released by the adrenals in fight or flight scenarios, and is continually released in chronic stress situations. Ongoing stressors for dogs can include things like chronic pain, chronic itching due to allergies, environmental stressors, household upsets, separation anxiety, etc.
CHRONIC ANXIETY AND THE HPA AXIS
Chronic anxiety is becoming more common in animals, with growing numbers of dogs being placed on prescription medications to manage it. The common metabolic causes of anxiety include HPA dysfunction, compromised gut health, and nutrient deficiencies.
The HPA axis describes the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, which is known as the command center and communication feedback system in the part of the brain that senses stress. The HPA axis controls reactions to stress and regulates digestion and the immune system, as well as mood and emotions.
When this system is continually firing under conditions of chronic stress, the negative feedback loop mechanism (which normally keeps things in check) can break down. This HPA dysfunction is recognized as a cause of chronic anxiety.
If the situation continues, this dysfunction can lead to adrenal gland depletion, otherwise known as adrenal fatigue. Other health conditions associated with adrenal dysfunction include Cushing’s and Addison’s diseases. All these adrenal gland conditions can affect a dog’s behavior, causing everything from anxiety and restlessness to low energy and fatigue.
ESTROGEN AND TESTOSTERONE
If your dog is still sexually intact, they will have higher levels of sex hormones — i.e. testosterone in males and estrogen and progesterone in females. These can certainly also affect behavior and mood.
Testosterone is known to influence confidence, dominance, and potentially aggression. However, this is not to say a neutered dog won’t display these behaviors. In fact, some dog parents see their dogs’ aggressive or reactive behaviors actually heighten after neutering; it appears that, in some circumstances, removing the confidence-supporting testosterone hormone could lead to more fear-related aggression behaviors. This demonstrates that hormones have very complex effects on the body, mind and mood.
Estrogen is known to help regulate mood. In human women, low levels of estrogen are shown to influence anxiety, depression and stress.
Progesterone is a “feel good” hormone that has a calming effect. In female dogs, progesterone is released after ovulation during the heat cycle, whether they are bred or not (even if they do not become pregnant), and continues to be measured at high levels for many weeks after.
In conclusion, it’s clear that hormones exert vast effects on the body and directly influence the emotional and mental well-being of our dogs and ourselves.
Wellcare World specializes in providing the latest advancements in wellness technology, supplementation, and lifestyle changes that improve health and increase the quality of people's lives.To learn more, visit WellcareWorld.com and begin living a better life today.
Thinking about creating a DIY rat cage? It might seem like a fun and budget-friendly idea, but there are some important factors to consider before diving into the DIY world.
Let’s explore why DIY rat cages might not be the ideal option for your furry friends. We’ll cover topics like ventilation, materials, and potential costs!
Rats need plenty of fresh air in their cage to stay healthy. They produce urine that contains ammonia, which can be harmful if it accumulates in their living space. Inadequate ventilation can lead to respiratory stress, which can lead to serious health issues. So, ensuring proper airflow is a must for rat housing.
Designing a DIY cage that balances durability and airflow can be quite tricky.
Plus, rats are notorious chewers! They’ll happily nibble on anything within reach, including cage stands and walls. This chewing habit can weaken the structure of your DIY cage, posing risks to your rats.
Unsuitable Materials
Wood is often the go-to material for DIY rat cages due to its versatility and ease of customization. However, it’s not a suitable choice for housing rats.
These little critters love to chew, and wood is no exception. They can quickly chew through wooden structures, turning your DIY masterpiece into an escape route for your rats.
On top of that, wood is almost impossible to clean thoroughly, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy and hygienic environment for the rats. While you can easily remove and clean wooden cage accessories individually, cleaning a wooden-based DIY enclosure as a whole can be a real hassle.
Another option is plastic which poses no health hazard, but rats can easily chew through it.
I’ve also seen cages made of glass. These are absolutely unsafe as they trap ammonia in the cage and don’t allow it to disperse.
Space
When it comes to rat cages, size matters! It’s important to give your furry friends plenty of room to roam and play. Ideally, a rat cage should measure at least 32×20 inches or 80×50 centimeters in floor space. However, creating such a spacious DIY cage can be quite a challenge. In fact, many DIY cages I’ve come across often fall short in terms of floor space.
We all want the best for our little companions, and that includes providing them with ample space to move around and explore. Unfortunately, DIY cages may not always meet these size requirements, as they can be tricky to design and construct on a larger scale.
Compared to ready-made rat cages available in stores, DIY enclosures come with their fair share of risks and potential expenses.
Designing and building a DIY cage that meets your rats’ needs can be time-consuming and end up being more costly. It requires careful planning, knowledge of suitable materials, and some DIY skills. Without these resources, creating a safe and suitable DIY cage can be quite a challenge.
If you’re considering DIY because you’re on a budget, your best bet is to check platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local exotic animal groups. You can often find high-quality enclosures at affordable prices when buying second-hand. This way, you’ll not only save money but also eliminate the risks and uncertainties associated with DIY rat cages.
Prioritizing Rat Happiness
Choosing the right cage is crucial for the well-being of your rats. Their overall health depends on proper care and suitable living conditions. Investing in a well-designed and purpose-built rat cage ensures your rats have enough space and proper ventilation.
By focusing on their needs, you’ll be providing them with a comfortable and enjoyable environment.
Factors to Consider When Making a DIY Rat Cage
If you are considering the option of building your own rat cage, there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure the well-being of your pets.
Follow these guidelines for a comfortable and suitable rat habitat:
Size: It is essential to provide your rats with ample room to move and explore. A cage with a floor space of at least 32×20 inches (80×50 cm) will allow them to roam and engage in their natural behaviors.
Adequate Ventilation: Ideally, all four sides and the top of the cage should be fully ventilated to ensure your rats get enough fresh air.
Suitable Materials: Wood is a bad choice as it absorbs the pee, and both plastic and wood can be chewed through and pose an escape risk. A fully metal cage would be the best choice, as it can’t be chewed and it’s not absorbent.
Bar Spacing: The bar spacing needs to be small enough to prevent any Houdini-like escapes. A gap between bars measuring ½ inch (1 – 1.5 cm) will keep your rats securely inside the cage.
Substrate Requirements: Rats are burrowing animals and benefit greatly from having substrate to dig in. When constructing your DIY cage, make a cage base at least 6 inches (15 cm) tall. This way, you can add a minimum of 4 inches (10 cm) of the substrate while having a few inches as a scatter guard. If that’s not an option, add digging boxes in the finished cage setup.
Examples of Bad & Unsuitable DIY Rat Cages
Browsing around the internet, I wasn’t able to find many suitable DIY rat cages with proper ventilation, made of safe materials, and enough floor space. In contrast, there’s a fair share of bad DIY rat cages that don’t provide adequate housing. Here are some examples so you know what not to do.
While DIY projects can be a blast, DIY rat cages might not be the best option for your furry friends. The challenges of ventilation, the pitfalls of wooden structures, and the potential risks and costs involved make ready-made rat cages a more reliable choice.
So, instead of embarking on a potentially complicated and expensive DIY project, consider checking out affordable, high-quality second-hand cages on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
By putting your rats’ well-being first and selecting the right cage, you’ll ensure they have a cozy and safe home they’ll love to call their own.
Wellcare World specializes in providing the latest advancements in wellness technology, supplementation, and lifestyle changes that improve health and increase the quality of people's lives.To learn more, visit WellcareWorld.com and begin living a better life today.
Decades of conflicting reports seem to have finally resolved into a clear, buzz-killing picture, while yet another study confirms it:
No amount of alcohol consumption will protect against disease or extend your lifespan, according to a sweeping review published in late March.
The meta-analysis, printed in the Journal of the American Medical Association, draws on more than a hundred studies involving nearly 5 million people.
The researchers found that just 25 grams a day for women and 45 for men — roughly two and three drinks, respectively — carries a significant health risk.
Tim Stockwell, lead author and professor of psychology at the University of Victoria, recognizes this isn’t welcome news for many casual drinkers.
“It’s our favorite recreational drug,” he says, adding some sobering advice. “Don’t kid yourself that it’s going to improve your health. The evidence for that is shakier and shakier as the research piles up.”
The French Paradox
The belief that alcohol in moderation is good for you originated in the 1980s with the so-called French paradox — despite their seemingly high-fat diet, men in France were unexpectedly free from cardiovascular disease.
Early research attributed the phenomenon to their fondness for wine, and although further investigation disproved it, the idea persisted.
Many subsequent studies pointed to a link between moderate alcohol consumption and general well-being, but as the adage goes, correlation does not imply causation.
Stockwell and his colleagues concluded that most previous estimates were riddled with biases, skewing the results to give alcohol more credit than it deserves.
Reinterpreting the Health Effects of Alcohol
In those studies, the relationship between alcohol and all-cause mortality — death by everything from disease to injury — has typically appeared as a J-shaped distribution curve.
The tail represents abstainers, at relatively high-risk; the dip represents moderate drinkers, at lowest risk; and from there the slope rises steadily, as risk increases with every glass. But this version of the story is misleading, Stockwell says.
For one, the comparison with abstainers is unfair.
That category often includes former drinkers who gave it up due to illness. Others who forgo alcohol may not be able to afford it, and lower socioeconomic status comes with a host of health challenges.
On the flip side, anyone who limits themselves to a drink or two regularly probably has a long list of advantages. They are likely to be wealthier, better educated and more physically active, for example.
In other words, “It’s not the moderate drinking that’s healthy, it’s the moderate drinker,” says Aaron White, senior scientific advisor to the director at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, who was not involved in the study.
(Credit: Mooi Design/Shutterstock)
Fixing the Flaws
When the authors of the new analysis adjusted for these factors, removing the bias as well as possible, the dip in the J (that is, the risk of death for moderate drinkers) sprang up much closer to the height of the tail.
Alcohol’s protective effect all but disappeared.
They weren’t able to fully correct the flaws of previous studies, however, so even the updated results must be taken with a grain of salt.
“My gut feeling,” Stockwell says, “is that when we do better research, we’ll find that we’ve been underestimating alcohol’s risk at every level.”
Effects Alcohol Has on the Body
The moment you ingest any amount of ethanol, he believes, you boost your chance of cancer, liver disease and myriad other health problems.
That’s not to say the occasional drink is a death sentence — small servings, small danger might be a good rule of thumb.
In White’s view, it just means you should consider alcohol like cake, or anything else that’s pleasurable but has potentially harmful side effects.
“If you enjoy it and you’re willing to take the risk,” he says, there’s no need to swear it off entirely.
More Convincing Research
The JAMA study isn’t the first to cast doubt on alcohol’s role in health.
Last year a team of MIT and Harvard researchers analyzed genetic and medical data for nearly 400,000 people, and found that even small amounts of alcohol were linked to heart disease, though the risk increased exponentially at higher levels.
One problem with most research to date, in addition to methodological biases, is that it was based on observational studies, which can’t prove cause and effect.
Genetic evidence adds much-needed diversity to the field’s literature, Stockwell says.
Designing the Perfect Trial
The gold standard would be a randomized controlled trial, in which participants volunteer to maintain consistent drinking habits — some would abstain, others would have a drink a day, others two or three.
By tracking them over the course of their lives, researchers would glean far more accurate information. Such a project would be almost prohibitively expensive.
The National Institutes of Health began a similar effort in 2013, then shut it down in 2018 amid concerns that NIH officials had compromised their impartiality as they sought $100 million in funding from the world’s largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev and Heineken.
Historically, many studies demonstrating the health benefits of moderate drinking have been funded by the alcohol industry, leading some experts to question their results based not only on methodology, but also on conflict of interest.
A Sobering Consensus
Despite the difficulties of conducting ideal research at the proper scale, scientific consensus seems to have settled decisively.
Even red wine — which contains the antioxidant resveratrol and was long thought to prevent coronary artery disease — has lost defenders.
In a policy brief published last year, the World Heart Federation declared unambiguously that “contrary to popular opinion, alcohol is not good for the heart.”
Dietary authorities have also grown more cautious in their messaging over the past decade.
The latest U.S. guidelines recommend no more than two drinks per day for men and one for women, adding that “even drinking within the recommended limits may increase the overall risk of death.”
Notably, though, the guidelines don’t advocate sobriety, per se. They state that no one should drink specifically to improve their health.
Alcohol Industry Response
Even industry representatives, who have historically portrayed moderate drinking as part of a well-balanced life, now echo this point.
Amanda Berger, vice president for science and health with the Distilled Spirits Council, criticized certain aspects of the new research but conceded that “no one should drink alcohol to obtain potential health benefits,” according to the New York Times.
There’s still something to be said for alcohol, in White’s opinion, when you factor in the enjoyment it brings some people.
But as for its direct effect on our health, “the conversation is really changing,” he says. “Alcohol is not good medicine, and I think that is ultimately what we’re seeing here.”
Wellcare World specializes in providing the latest advancements in wellness technology, supplementation, and lifestyle changes that improve health and increase the quality of people's lives.To learn more, visit WellcareWorld.com and begin living a better life today.
As it turns out, the only other glands in the body that can produce some sex hormones are the adrenal glands. This means the adrenal glands in a spayed or neutered dog are placed under extra stress and demand throughout the animal’s lifetime. The adrenal glands are also responsible for regulating and releasing adrenaline and cortisol hormones, which is in itself a big job. Adrenaline is the hormone released during the body’s fight or flight response, triggered when stressful events occur.
