Can the Longevity Pill Prevent Alzheimer's?

Resveratrol has become a popular and widely used supplement in recent years as study after study found new health benefits, from cardiovascular health to life extension. It can lower high blood pressure, reduce fat deposits in the arteries, reduce inflammation and reduce insulin resistance, which can reduce diabetes risk. Recent research has shown it may also prevent or reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Most of the publicity has centered on the ability of resveratrol to extend life. Calorie restriction causes animals, from mice to humans, to live longer. Studies have shown resveratrol stimulates the production of a protein called SIRT-1, which help extend lifespans. SIRT-1 is one of a group of proteins called sirtuins, which help regulate metabolism.

Resveratrol is also a powerful antioxidant which can help protect brain cells from toxic amyloid plaque, believed to be a leading cause of Alzheimer's disease. Rseveratrol also boosts the energy output of mitochondria, the energy producers within our cells, helping them to withstand amyloid. In addition, it can help neutralize and remove amyloid plaque from the brain even after it has been deposited, leading scientists to speculate that it could be helpful in reversing cognitive impairment.

Scientist at MIT have shown that sirtuins may be able to prevent or suppress Alzheimer's disease. They found mice who produced more of the SIRT-1 sirtuin protein, which is stimulated by resveratrol, were less likely to develop amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's.

What is resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a polyphenol found naturally in many plants, such as blueberries, grapes, peanuts and Japanese knotweed. In nature, it acts as a plant antibiotic, protecting plants from disease, infection and injury. In addition to it's many other health benefits, it has been shown to block cancer growth. Studies have shown it works with breast, colon, prostate and thyroid cancers by blocking the activation of a protein (NF-kb).

Resveratrol shows great promise in both extending life through it's ability to mimic caloric restriction and to reduce the risks of aging-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's, cancer and heart disease.

How much do you need?

Studies have shown that as little as 20 mg can be beneficial, but most supplements provide 100-250 mg. Red wine is another source of resveratrol, but you would have to drink over 100 glasses of wine to equal the benefits of just one 100 mg capsule! Be sure to purchase trans-resveratrol, the most biologically active form of resveratrol.

Testing Business Water Supplies For Legionella

Legionnaire's Disease is a sometimes deadly disease caused by legionella spores. The disease was first encountered when it caused a mass break out in a 1976 American Legion convention, which is exactly where it got its name. Outbreaks of Legionnaire's disease typically occur in the summer and autumn.

Legionnaire's disease is often misdiagnosed as pneumonia because the symptoms are similar. Like pneumonia, the symptoms include a high fever, cough, chills and body aches. Legionnaire's disease can be fatal in up to 50 percent of cases. The usual treatment is a course of antibiotics.

The disease is contracted by breathing in contaminated water droplets from ventilation systems or by drinking contaminated water. Hospitals, hotels, cruise ships, spas and prisons are the usual sources of the bacteria because they use large water cooling systems and storage for drinking and bathing. The spores thrive in these systems and once the water is contaminated it has the potential of infecting dozens of people.

Many countries recommend testing large water systems or ventilation units regularly for the spores. The Health and Safety Executive of the United Kingdom recommends legionella testing at least every three months if the unit has had tested positive for the problem previously. This testing can help prevent outbreaks of the disease.

Testing for the spores is often carried out by using a dip slide, which is a testing strip that grows the bacteria in an agar substrate on the strip. If the bacteria is identified, the entire water unit must be drained and disinfected. Organizations and businesses can purchase the tests in bulk from online retailers and through many health agencies.

Another way to test for the legionella bacteria is to collect water samples from the water system, cooling tower, pool or spa. Some health agencies and researchers recommend that aerators are removed from the water system before testing because the aerators can cause a false negative result. In addition, hospitals and organizations that have previously tested positive for the bacteria should use both the dip slide test and the water collection method of testing to be sure that the bacteria isn't present.

Individual homes typically do not have to test their water. Your simple water heating system and drinking water supply are probably safe and to date there is no scientific evidence that individual habitations are at risk from contamination.

Buildings with complicated water systems can safeguard, and prevent outbreaks by installing a water disinfection system. These systems can be as simple as using filters designed to clean out bacteria or as complicated as installing a copper-silver ionization system or a superheating and flushing mechanism. Even with a water filtration of disinfection system in place, organizations should test every three months.

No matter is you are running a hotel, hospital or a spa, your organization is responsible for the health and safety of your patrons. Testing for the legionella bacteria is the responsible thing to do to prevent illness, and your organization can be held liable if your water system causes an outbreak. Check your national as well as local ordinances to make sure that you are adhering to the guidelines.