It's all about The Dirt:

Hot off the press from Sixwise:

Worry and Anxiety May Harm Your Brain and Body,
Increase Dementia Risks

A study by researchers from the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Chicago’s Rush University found that people who are prone to “psychological distress” — negative emotions like worry and anxiety — are more likely to develop memory problems than those who adopt a more carefree existence, according to an analysis of two studies on aging that together included over 1,200 people.

In fact, study participants who experienced negative emotions most often were 40 percent more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment than those who experienced the least negativity.

Cognitive impairment involves mild memory or cognitive problems, and can be a stepping-stone to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. A past study by the same researchers also indicated that people who are easily distressed are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who are not.

Further, researchers from the University of Connecticut Health Center have found a striking link between your nervous system and your immune system, revealing just how chronic stress may kill you.

The researchers found that the same part of your nervous system that is responsible for the fight-or-flight stress response (the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)) also controls regulatory T cells, which are used by your body to end an immune response once the threatening foreign invader has been destroyed.

Their new research on mice revealed that the sympathetic nervous system can negatively impact your immune system, and also shed some light on why stress often exacerbates autoimmune disorders like lupus, arthritis and eczema.

Chronic stress is known to actually intensify inflammation, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), which makes you more vulnerable to inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis.

You may also not have known that stress can actually accelerate aging. According to a 2006 study presented at the 114th Annual Convention of the APA, people with chronic stress are more likely to suffer from age-related diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, major depression, mental decline, osteoporosis and metabolic syndrome.

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Essential minerals for the nerve system:

The essential minerals necessary for the healthy function of the nerve system are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, manganese, silica, and iodine.

Sodium is necessary for nerve conduction, nerve stimulation, and muscle contraction. Food sources include okra, celery, carrots, beets, cucumber, asparagus, poultry, strawberry, eggs, spinach, peas, cheese, whey, fish, oysters, lentil beans, kelp and Celtic sea salt.

Potassium is essential for nerve conduction, sympathetic nerve stimulation, and muscle contraction. Food sources include green leafy vegetables, bananas, whole grains, sunflower seeds, potato skins, parsley, blueberries, dill, peaches, coconut, cabbage, figs and almonds.

Calcium is necessary for nerve transmission and muscle contraction. Food sources include dairy products, tofu, eggs, leafy green vegetables, onions, cauliflower, figs, dried plums, dates, sesame seeds, salmon, and sardines.

Magnesium is necessary for nerve system relaxation. Food sources include grapefruit, oranges, green leafy vegetables, wheat germ, seafood, nuts, garlic, figs, yellow cornmeal, eggs and kelp.

Phosphorus is essential for nerve transmission, parasympathetic nerve stimulation, and muscle contraction. Sources include seafood, poultry, meat, whole grains, eggs, yellow corn, nuts, seeds, and garlic.

Sulfur is abundant in the brain and nerve system. Food sources include eggs, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, asparagus, carrots, horseradish, shrimp, spinach, garlic and melons.

Manganese feeds the brain and nerve system. Food sources include eggs, whole grains, almonds, black walnuts, green vegetables, mint and parsley.

Info taken from “Health is Simple, Disease is Complicated” by James Forleo, DC

“No one said that a conscious path was easy. It’s easier, at least in the short term, to change channels, crack another beer, grab a slice of pizza, take the blue pill, and descend into a self-induced coma. Probably 90 percent of people do this, so it’s not as though you’ll lack for company.”

~Jack Bennett of thirty-two thousand days

No one said this life was going to be easy. My dad always warned me “Life’s tough… get used to it.” I think it may be a lot easier than we make it though. Have it be more conscious, collective, content, and creative. Not that a beer and pizza with a good movie is bad, but to be able to break out and breathe in is a good thing.

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Here goes my Ironhorse Bicycle Classic road race experience:

The morning was sweet. Sun was a risin’, weather was perfect, breakfast was stomached well and my routine was intact. I was smooth as silk breaking into the day without jitters or any major breakdowns.

I prepped for the ride with my new kit (translation: Cool bike clothes that make you feel faster), scanned the bike and was ready to roll… on time. For me, that’s a miracle in itself. I really didn’t have a choice when the race doesn’t wait for me, but my friends will.

I wanted to warm-up with my ipod to some rippin’ music, but then I decided to be with my thoughts. I needed to center myself on this new fast feat of feet; 5,570 feet of climbing to be exact. I learned this new breath watching technique that calmed me before a hefty ride, so I put it into action.

Then the time factor crept in. I finished my warm-up with excitement and headed down to the start not totally knowing what time it was. 7:50 was race start and I knew that I needed to hustle. Time was ticking and my heart started beating fast, knowing that it was going to be close. I got to the spot and saw the groups all lined up, so I jumped a curb on my road bike (bad) and bolted to the start. Whew! I had 2 minutes to spare, trying to look cool like I planned it. The pros call it a “pro-start”, but my nerves were a rattled like a sweating amateur. I don’t think I’d do that again on purpose.

And we’re off! Cruising with “the girls” was amazing. Estrogen rolling thunder is how I describe the sound. 42 women in a pack all squeezed together whirring with the road in harmonious unison. The energy was definitely addicting and swept me through the Valley with ease. As we carried each other through the only flat section, the group morphed into different shapes: Ovals, squares and circles, all snuggled together like bugs in a rug. Some women got pushy (surprising, huh?) and one feisty chick sneaks into my spot within an inch of my bars, intimidating me to back off. I didn’t feel like wrecking (crashing) right out of the gate, so passing her on one of the climbs was definitely satisfying. Girls can get nasty!

As the group broke up on the first tough climb, one rider had an asthma attack. We were all gasping for air pushing as fast as we could up, but hearing someone breathing through a straw was rattling. And I thought MY body was crying for air!
I looked over to make sure she was okay, and she nodded a yes. This was the easy climb… I couldn’t imagine what the rest of the ride would be for her.

The rollers (translation: Small hills up, but not as much down) began with speed. The best part about this section of the race is that your heart gets somewhat of a break before the wicked, high altitude, 6-mile climb up Coal Bank Pass. I was with a pack of 4 women sailing past the touring folks just enjoying the ride. I picked up another water bottle on-the-fly from my husband, and then lost my chain and had to stop. I fixed it and hammered up ahead to catch my little posse, otherwise I would have been “behind” in my race game.

There’s a feeling I get after I’ve ridden mainly uphill for 29 miles or so and when I arrive at the Coal Bank climb, it always humbles me. At an altitude of about 9,000 feet to start, the body doesn’t quite function at optimum power. My head starts to mess with me too. A sharp turn begins the 6-mile climb, trying to suppress the feeling of dread that starts to wash over me.

How much can I put out? Will the climb go faster today? Have I eaten enough? Can I keep my thoughts in check?

The mental game begins. Drink. Eat. Power, steady but fast. Keep looking up. Strong legs. Stay relaxed. Positive self-talk throughout. Stand, sit and listen to waterfalls flow as I pass. Soak it all in… and then I was at the top!! A joy worth breathing for.

Now is where the fun begins. This is not for the faint-hearted. I fly down a mountain at 47 mph+ on a windy, twisty road with tight turns, no guardrails in places and descend 808 feet in 2 miles. It’s like jumping out of an airplane (I imagine), hoping and praying that everyone stays out of your way and your bike doesn’t spontaneously explode at any second. It’s one of the biggest rushes ever.

Back to climbing… again. One more climb. Molas pass tops out at 10,900 feet and kicks my butt! It’s deceiving because it doesn’t look steep and it’s not too long, but the body revolt starts to kick in: Crampy legs, achy back, lungs are tired, but morale can empty the tank. The climb begins with a hairpin turn and a gusty headwind EVERY time! The sharp wind in the face is enough to zap the energy out of my legs. I just always remember it doesn’t last and as soon as you round the bend, the wind calms. I felt super strong all the way to the top. I love to climb.

I topped out at Molas Pass with one more descent to go… the tough one. Winter was brutal on this road. Pot holes, ruts, rough asphalt, and blue circles painted everywhere to warn you of obstacles. I compared it to a mountain bike ride on singletrack where you had to pick a line through rough terrain. Trying to go as fast as I can, navigating through tight turns, people and freaky drop-offs. Danger at it’s finest… yes, I’m a thrill-seeking junkie.

The final stretch was the sprint to the finish. 3 hours 14 minutes later. My best time yet, and one of the biggest smiles ever.

Wanna join me next year? It’s a ride you’ll never forget…

Photos courtesy of Animas Media