Author: Iris

Sleep: Your Secret Weapon Against Cancer

Featured

Research has suggested that there is a link between sleep and cancer risk. Lack of sleep or poor quality of sleep has been associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Here are some ways in which sleep and cancer risk are associated:

  1. Melatonin production: Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body during sleep, and it has antioxidant properties that help protect against cancer. Disrupted sleep patterns can reduce the production of melatonin, which may increase the risk of cancer.
  2. Circadian rhythm: The body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm, helps regulate many of the body’s processes, including hormone production, cell growth, and DNA repair. Disrupted sleep patterns can disrupt the circadian rhythm, increasing cancer risk.
  3. Immune system: Lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to cancer. The immune system plays a crucial role in identifying and eliminating cancer cells, so a weakened immune system may be less effective at preventing the development and spread of cancer.
  4. Lifestyle factors: Poor sleep quality can also lead to lifestyle factors associated with an increased risk of cancer, such as obesity, lack of physical activity, and an unhealthy diet.

Overall, while the research is still ongoing, it is important to prioritize good sleep hygiene and ensure that you get enough high-quality sleep to help reduce your risk of cancer and promote overall health and well-being.

How Breast Milk Hormones Could Shape Your Little One’s Future (and Your Health Too!)

Breast milk is an excellent source of nutrition for babies, and it contains many hormones that could affect the baby’s growth and the mother’s health.

A recent study found that the concentrations of some of these hormones in breast milk are related to maternal health and baby growth. Women with gestational diabetes had lower concentrations of adiponectin and ghrelin, and higher concentrations of insulin in their breast milk. A higher body mass index (BMI) of the mother was also associated with higher concentrations of some hormones and lower concentrations of ghrelin in breast milk.

Interestingly, among the tested breast milk hormones, adiponectin was inversely associated with infant growth in both the GDM and healthy groups, suggesting it may play a role in down-regulating early infant growth. These findings highlight the important link between maternal health, breast milk hormones, and infant growth.

Want to read more? Follow this link: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114518002933