FitRep: July 23 - Off Duty, Military Health and Fitness - Navy Times

FitRep: July 23

Sleep loss mimics physical stress

Severe sleep deprivation has the same effect on the immune system as physical stress, according to a new study.

Researchers in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom found that sleep loss triggers the production of white blood cells, known as granulocytes, particularly at night. “The granulocytes reacted immediately to the physical stress of sleep loss and directly mirrored the body’s stress response,” the study’s lead author said. The research was published in the July issue of the journal Sleep.

New look at tendon injuries

Scientists haven’t yet figured out how to prevent tendon injuries in athletes, but they have determined what plays a crucial role, Medical News Today reports. British researchers have found that the interfascicular matrix, which binds components of the tendons, is essential for their function and that changes to the matrix result in injury. Moreover, tendons where the matrix was stiffer were not able to stretch as far without injury, researchers found. That might help scientists develop a test to determine who is more susceptible to tendon injuries.

Ibuprofen after a bone break

Ibuprofen may help you heal after you break a bone, a new study at the University of Granada suggests. Ibuprofen, unlike other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, does not have negative effects on the cells that are crucial to the formation and regeneration of bones, researchers said.

EatNGood natural cookies

These cookies, created and baked by former Army Sgt. David Payne — who is seen demonstrating the exercises on this page — are gluten-free and vegan. Both flavors, cranberry pecan and chocolate chip walnut, have 6 grams of protein and about 125 calories per serving. With ingredients such as organic milled flax seeds and organic buckwheat flower, they certainly “taste healthy,” one tester said. Find them online or — starting this fall — in mid-Atlantic Whole Foods stores. A 12-pack of 1-ounce cookies is $7. Other sizes available. Check www.eatngood.com for ordering information.