Browsed by
Month: December 2025

Dynamic brain mechanisms supporting salient memories under cortisol

Dynamic brain mechanisms supporting salient memories under cortisol

Comments 0 Comment

Stressful moments tend to stay with us. Whether it’s a near-miss accident, a heated argument, or a high-pressure exam, memories formed under stress often feel stronger and more vivid than ordinary experiences. This is not accidental. It is driven by cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, which dynamically reshapes how the brain processes and stores information.

Understanding cortisol and memory offers valuable insight into learning under pressure, emotional resilience, and stress-related mental health conditions.

What Is Cortisol and Why Does It Matter for Memory?

Cortisol is released by the adrenal glands in response to the activation of the stress response system during challenging situations.

Rather than strengthening all memories equally, cortisol selectively enhances memories that are emotionally or motivationally significant—known as salient memories. Neutral or irrelevant details are often filtered out.

This selective effect allows the brain to prioritize information that may be crucial for survival.

The Brain Regions That Shape Stress-Driven Memory

The Amygdala: Identifying What Matters

The amygdala acts as the brain’s emotional alarm system. Under cortisol:

The amygdala plays a critical role in emotional memory under stress by identifying threat and importance.

The Hippocampus: Encoding Context and Detail

The hippocampus plays a central role in forming episodic memories and contextual details. It contains a high density of cortisol receptors, making it particularly sensitive to stress.

Prolonged exposure to cortisol can impair stress and learning processes in the hippocampus.

  • Moderate cortisol levels enhance the learning of salient information
  • High or prolonged cortisol exposure disrupts hippocampal plasticity
  • Memories become strong but less detailed or context-rich

The Prefrontal Cortex: Reduced Cognitive Control

Reduced prefrontal control explains changes in decision-making under stress.

This shift favors quick reactions over careful analysis, which can be adaptive in emergencies.

How Cortisol Reorganizes Brain Networks

Stress triggers a dynamic reconfiguration of brain networks: Research shows that how stress affects memory retrieval depends on the timing of cortisol.

At the synaptic level, cortisol supports synaptic tagging, allowing salient experiences to capture the brain’s plasticity resources more effectively than neutral events.

Timing Is Everything: Cortisol and Memory Phases

The effect of cortisol on memory depends heavily on when it is released.

Memory PhaseEffect of Cortisol
EncodingEnhances memory for emotionally salient stimuli
ConsolidationStrengthens long-term emotional memory
RetrievalOften impairs recall, especially for neutral information

This explains why stressful events are remembered clearly, yet recalling information while under stress can feel difficult.

Adaptive Benefits—and Hidden Costs

Why This System Is Useful

  • Enhances survival-relevant learning
  • Helps avoid future threats
  • Improves learning under acute stress

When It Becomes Harmful with chronic stress or trauma:

  • Memories become overgeneralized
  • Fear responses persist beyond danger
  • Contextual accuracy declines

These changes are linked to conditions such as PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression.

Cortisol does not simply strengthen memory—it reshapes the brain’s memory systems. By enhancing amygdala-driven salience while reducing prefrontal control and hippocampal detail, cortisol ensures that emotionally important experiences take priority.

This dynamic system is highly adaptive in the short term but can become maladaptive when stress is prolonged. These findings help explain why stressful memories are stronger than everyday experiences.

Key takeaway:
Under cortisol, the brain prioritizes emotionally significant memories by reorganizing neural networks to favor survival-relevant learning over detailed contextual recall.

Reference:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41074653/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41370392/

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on the link below
https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/anxiety

Can GLP-1 Drugs Help in Alzheimer’s Disease?

Can GLP-1 Drugs Help in Alzheimer’s Disease?

Comments 0 Comment

GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) showed promise in preclinical studies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) due to neuroprotective effects. Recent large-scale clinical trials have found they do not slow disease progression or improve cognition in early AD, disappointing initial hopes. Researchers remain cautiously optimistic about potential future uses, possibly in combination treatments or different formulations, but current data suggest metabolic improvements alone aren’t enough to stop cognitive decline.

Addressing the dysfunctions of all brain cell types in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) should cure the dementia, an objective that might be achieved by GLP-1 agonist drugs, because receptors for GLP-1 are present in all of the main brain cell types, i.e., neurons, oligodendroglia, astroglia, microglia, endothelial cells, and pericytes. This article describes the benefits provided to all of those brain cell types by GLP-1 agonist drugs. The article uses studies in humans, not rodents, to describe the effect of GLP-1 agonists upon cognition, because rodents’ brains differ from those of humans in so many ways that results from rodent studies may not be totally transferable to humans.

Commercially available GLP-1 agonists have mostly shown either positive effects on cognition or no effects. One important reason for no effects is a reduced rate of entering the brain parenchyma. Dulaglutide has the greatest entry to the brain, at 61.8%, among the available GLP-1 agonists, and seems to offer the best likelihood for the cure of AD. Although there is only one study of cognition that used dulaglutide, it was randomized, placebo-controlled, and very large; it involved 8828 participants and showed a significant benefit to cognition. A clinical trial to test the hypothesis that dulaglutide may cure AD should have, as its primary outcome, a 30% greater cure rate of AD by dulaglutide than that achieved by an equipoise arm of, e.g., lithium plus memantine.

GLP-1 agonists, Alzheimer’s dementia, cure, brain cells
Cure should be the goal of therapy for Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). One approach is to address all of its major causal factors, but that requires the administration of an unfeasible number of drugs. Since the ultimate, underlying cause of the dementia is dysfunction of brain cells, addressing all of those dysfunctions is another approach to curing it; using that approach, GLP-1 agonists may cure the dementia because, as shown below, all of the major, dysfunctional brain cell types in AD, including neurons, oligodendroglia, astrocytes, microglia, endothelial cells, and pericytes, express receptors for the glucagon-like peptide 1.

The account by Holst provides a brief introduction to the 30-amino acid peptide hormone, glucagon-like peptide 1 . GLP-1 is a product of the glucagon gene. The primary translation product, proglucagon, a peptide of 160 amino acids, contains, apart from the glucagon sequence, two glucagon-like sequences designated GLP-1 and GLP-2. They are glucagon-like because, with respect to amino acid sequence, they are about 50% homologous to glucagon. When the prohormone is processed, the glucagon sequence is cleaved out, whereas the part containing the GLPs is secreted as a single, large peptide”.

GLP-1 and Brain Cells
GLP-1 agonists have been extensively studied in relation to their effect on energy metabolism and nutrition. In that respect, and a link with GLP-1, a risk factor for developing AD is being underweight, a condition that is countered by GLP-1 agonists. In fact, the nutritional status of AD patients is significantly compromised and tends to worsen with the progression of AD. Further links between a GLP-1 agonist and AD are the facts that a disturbed circadian rhythm occurs in AD, that blood levels of circadian clock proteins are increased in sleep apnea [6], and that the GLP-1 agonist, tirzepatide, benefits sleep apnea. GLP-1 receptors exist in various brain regions, including the nucleus accumbens and the brainstem. GLP-1-activated paraventricular signaling mounts a whole-organism response to stress. Data in the following sections show GLP-1 receptors in all brain cell types.

GLP-1 and Neurons
GLP-1 is widely present in the brain, where it is neuroprotective by reducing neuronal apoptosis and by promoting both neurite outgrowth and synaptic plasticity. The neuronal marker c-fos shows neuroanatomical connections, and enabled the demonstration that peripherally administered GLP-1 increased neuronal expression in the brainstem and amygdala. GLP-1 receptors are abundant in the c-brain stem, where preproglucagon neurons in the solitarius nucleus produce GLP-1 and project to many regions, including the hypothalamus. In the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, which contains GLP-1 receptor, the GLP-1 agonist liraglutide caused activation of pro-opiomelanocortin neurons and inhibition of neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide neurons via post-synaptic GABAA receptors, but enhancement of pre-synaptic GABAergic neurons. GLP-1R mRNA expression was also seen in both cultured, embryonic primary cerebral cortical neurons and ventral mesencephalic (dopaminergic) neurons, both of which are vulnerable to hypoxia- and 6-hydroxydopamine-induced cell death, from which GLP-1 conferred protection.

As regards the effect of GLP-1 in AD, it reduced the effects of Aβ and plaque formation in AD model mice, and measures of nutrition, with which GLP-1 is strongly connected, were associated with mortality in patients with AD. That is notable because in a study of 79 patients with AD, 22 died during five years, and being underweight was a major risk factor for that mortality, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.34, and poor nutrition had an HR of 5.6.

GLP-1 and Oligodendroglia
Oligodendrocytes, which carry a GLP-1 receptor, have a key role in the myelination of neurons and are decreased in AD. After spinal cord injury, administration of the GLP-1 agonist, exenatide, led to a significant increase in survival of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, and those pre-oligodendrocytes were decreased in a mouse model of AD.

GLP-1 and Astrocytes
The presence of GLP-1 receptors in astrocytes was demonstrated by Reiner et al., who found that the uptake of a systemically administered fluorophore-tagged GLP-1 agonist exendin-4 was blocked by pretreatment with the competitive GLP-1R antagonist exendin-(9–39). The addition of GLP-1 reduced the declines in glycolysis in astrocytes that had been induced by Aβ, and liraglutide administered to AD patients prevented a decline in glucose metabolism in their brains but did not benefit cognition.

GLP-1 and Microglia
Microglia express receptors for GLP-1, probably accounting for the anti-inflammatory effects of GLP-1 agonists: liraglutide caused significantly decreased levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6; and semaglutide led to reductions in CRP that were positively correlated with reductions in bodyweight, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, and fasting serum insulin.

GLP-1, Endothelial Cells, and Pericytes
Endothelial cells (EC) from human coronary arteries expressed the receptor for GLP-1. EECs are among those protected by the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that is induced by GLP-1. GLP-1 agonism also induced up-regulation of miR-155 expression in endothelial progenitor cells. The GLP-1 agonist exenatide prevented high-glucose and lipid-induced endothelial dysfunction in cultured human arterioles. Pericytes were also protected by GLP-1 against the toxicity produced by ROS [34]. Pericytes have contractile properties and control the cerebral microvascular flow (CMF). Because the CMF is dysfunctional in AD, its protection by GPL-1 agonists has a potential therapeutic benefit.

If the premise is correct, that addressing all of the affected brain cell types might cure AD or any other neurodegenerative disease, then this article shows that GLP-1 agonists should cure AD, because they address neurons/synapses, oligodendroglia, astroglia, microglia, endothelial cells, and pericytes. However, as a class, GLP-1 agonists fall short of curing AD, so either the premise is incorrect, or there is some other explanation for the failure. It is improbable that the premise is incorrect, since all neurodegenerative diseases result from dysfunction, however generated, of some or all brain cell types [40]. The likeliest explanation comes from data showing that the available GPL-1 agonists have different percentages of either their entry to the brain or in their beneficial effects.

Reference:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11242057/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-glp-1s-actually-help-treat-alzheimers-latest-trial-data

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on the link below
https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/disease/alzheimer-disease

7 Best Multivitamins for Men Over 50 in 2025, According to Dietitians

7 Best Multivitamins for Men Over 50 in 2025, According to Dietitians

Comments 0 Comment

For older adults, it can be harder to get the nutrients they need through food alone. These multivitamins for men may help. Nutritional requirements can vary depending on factors such as your age, sex, and health, so not all multivitamins may be a good fit for everyone.

Chronic health conditions, nutrient absorption, and body composition can change as you age. As a result, men over 50 may benefit from a multivitamin tailored to their needs.

To help you decide which product is right for you, we rounded up the seven best multivitamins for men over 50, according to registered dietitians.

How We Chose the Best Multivitamins for Men Over 50

  • Expert recommendation: The supplements below were selected and reviewed by registered dietitians
  • Ingredients: We selected multivitamins made with high-quality ingredients and free from unnecessary additives and fillers
  • Nutritional value: We focused on products containing nutrients essential for healthy aging in men , including highly absorbable nutrient forms.
  • Quality testing: Preference was given to supplements that undergo third-party quality testing for purity and potency.

Men’s Nutrients Multivitamin

Designed for adults aged 40 years and older, Men’s Nutrients is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality multivitamin to support healthy aging.

In addition to micronutrients that promote bone health , such as calcium and vitamin D, it includes blends that support endurance as well as prostate, heart , and eye health .

It is also rich in vitamin B12, which can be harder to absorb with age.

Men’s Nutrients is non-GMO, vegetarian-friendly, and free from common allergens such as dairy and soy. It is also certified gluten-free. All products are tested in accredited laboratories and audited by NSF International.

Nature Made Multivitamin for Men. 50+

This once-daily multivitamin from Nature Made provides 22 key nutrients to support overall health in men over 50.

It is certified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and is one of the most budget-friendly options available.


However, it contains vitamin K, which may interact with
blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. Always consult your healthcare provider before

Reference:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-multivitamin-for-men-over-50#our-picks

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on the link below
https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/products/disease/vitamins-enzymes

8 Best Prenatal Vitamins of 2025:

8 Best Prenatal Vitamins of 2025:

Comments 0 Comment

Our dietitians analyzed the ingredients, our medical vetting team evaluated the brands’ reputations and health claims, and our editors provided feedback on their experiences taking these prenatal vitamins. And the results are in. Whether you’re looking for a pregnancy vitamin that will stay put when morning sickness hits, or you want something to take before you get pregnant, these are eight options worth considering.

The prenatal supplements on our list were purchased independently or by mygenericpharmacy. Furthermore, our opinions are our own and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by the supplement manufacturers.

We chose Perelel as the best trimester-specific prenatal because it’s a subscription service that offers supplements tailored to your pregnancy trimester. For example, the First Trimester Prenatal Support Pack contains extra folate, as well as added vitamin B6 and ginger to reduce nausea. These prenatals also contain iron, which can lead to constipation for some who already eat plenty of iron in their diet through food. An OB-GYN founded the company, and each product is free of artificial additives and third-party tested for accuracy and purity.

The First Trimester pack includes 5 capsules, which may be difficult to tolerate if you have morning sickness. However, the company also released a powdered form of its First Trimester Pack as an alternative that may be easier for some people to tolerate. Our first tester had a positive experience throughout her second pregnancy, without any fishy burps from the EPA and DHA. As a dietitian, she appreciated that the brand uses high-quality ingredients in the best forms. She also found the packs really convenient for travel.

Another reviewer (who preferred Thorne’s prenatal) noted a couple of downsides: She found the smell to be really potent. She also felt a little wasteful when she wound up with some leftover product when it was time to switch to the next trimester pack.

Tester Catherine Conelly took Ritual in 2022 during her first pregnancy, choosing it because of the traceable ingredients. She didn’t experience issues with taste or nausea, but did occasionally get the fishy burps despite the capsule’s unique design to help prevent this. Overall, I found the vitamin’s taste and smell to be quite neutral, she said. To round out my daily routine, I also took Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake, Pregnancy & Postpartum for the extra choline. I try to eat a mostly plant-based diet, so I chose this powder because it provides a complete amino acid profile along with an extra boost of choline for pregnancy.

Catherine ultimately switched to FullWell (also featured on our list) toward the end of her pregnancy and throughout breastfeeding. She did this to make sure she was getting a more comprehensive nutrient profile as she was navigating life as a new mom, and not taking as much care to plan balanced meals.

Complete your prenatal product routine.
Even the best prenatal vitamins often lack certain nutrients, such as choline, omega-3s, or iron. Therefore, it may be best to consider purchasing additional supplements as needed to fill in any gaps in your diet that your prenatal vitamin doesn’t cover.

Here are some supplements that may be helpful:
FullWell Iron Bump: For people needing additional iron, FullWell Iron Bump provides 25 mg of easily absorbable iron that’s gentle on the digestive tract.
Ritual Natal Choline: With 550 mg of choline, you might consider using this supplement alongside the brand’s prenatal and postnatal supplements to provide more than 100% of recommended choline needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum: In addition to 20 g of protein per serving, this protein powder also provides choline, calcium, and iron to support nutrient needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Needed Vitamin D: This supplement provides 50 mcg of vitamin D in one capsule and comes in a small size to make it easier to take.

Reference:
https://fortune.com/article/best-prenatal-vitamins/
https://www.thebump.com/a/best-prenatal-vitamins
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/best-prenatal-vitamins

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on the link below:
https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/products/disease/vitamins-enzymes

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Health

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Health

Comments 0 Comment

Rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of heart disease due to chronic inflammation that damages blood vessels and encourages plaque buildup. Shared risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and a unique effect on blood fats (lipid paradox) further connect RA and heart disease. Individuals with RA can lower their risk of heart disease by managing inflammation with prescribed medications, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, and undergoing regular screening for heart disease risk factors.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune form of arthritis that affects more than just your joints. It can also affect other tissues and organs, and it may cause problems in the heart. However, just because you have RA doesn’t mean you’ll have issues with your heart. There are steps you can take to keep your heart healthy and avoid developing heart disease. Read on to find out the connection between rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease and how you can lower your risk factors for developing heart disease if you’re living with RA.

How does RA affect heart health?
Chronic inflammation from RA increases the risk of heart disease. Inflammation damages the blood vessels and can cause plaque to build up in the arteries. Plaque in the arteries can narrow the blood vessels and block blood flow, leading to a heart attack or stroke. Proteins called cytokines are linked to the growth and activity of other immune system cells. These proteins are responsible for both the way RA attacks the joints and the way it damages blood vessels in cardiovascular disease.

Risk factors for both RA and heart disease include:
High blood pressure
If you have RA, your blood pressure is likely to be higher due to:
lack of exercise
certain medications that treat RA, like steroids
less elastic arteries
Inflammation is also linked to higher blood pressure. People with RA may have up to 10 times the amount of inflammation as a person who doesn’t have RA.

Obesity
Having obesity may be linked to the risk of developing RA. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the sore joints associated with RA can make it hard to exercise, and a lack of exercise can cause weight gain.
Additionally, obesity is associated with inflammation and other risk factors for heart disease, including high blood sugar and high blood pressure.
Obesity is also linked to metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a group of symptoms that include other risk factors that raise the risk of heart disease, including:
high triglycerides and cholesterol
high blood pressure
high blood sugar
Metabolic syndrome is twice as common in people with RA compared to people who don’t have RA.

Lipid paradox
RA affects the fats in the blood uniquely. Individuals with RA generally have:
Low levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol
High levels of triglycerides
Low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol
While having low levels of LDL is associated with heart health, having too little good cholesterol and high triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease.

Smoking
People who smoke are more likely to develop RA than people who do not smoke. Further, if you have RA, you’re more likely to have more severe symptoms than someone who does not smoke.
Smoking also makes RA medications less effective. In addition to increasing the risk of and worsening RA, smoking is also a major cause of heart disease. An individual with RA who smokes is 50% more likely to develop heart disease than a person who doesn’t smoke and has RA.

How to reduce the risk
Even though RA increases the risk of heart disease, you can work with your doctor to lower your risk.
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from heart disease related to RA is by taking the medications your doctor prescribes to control the inflammation from RA.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) reduce the inflammation associated with RA and may reduce the risk of heart disease. Though people living with RA have an increased risk of heart disease, medical guidelines in the United States don’t have specific recommendations to reduce heart disease if you have RA.

However, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommends that you be screened every 5 years for risk factors of heart disease. You can also make some lifestyle changes to help lower your risk of heart disease.

The American Heart Association suggests the following tips to reduce the risk of heart disease:
eating a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
Getting at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week
maintaining a healthy weight
avoiding smoking or quitting
managing any health conditions like RA that raise your risk of heart disease
Taking any medication prescribed by a doctor to prevent heart disease, like statins

RA increases the risk of developing heart disease due to inflammation and shared risk factors. Though there’s an increased risk, you can take steps to lower the chances of developing heart disease even if you’re living with RA. Some things you can do to lower your risk include taking your medications as prescribed, eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, avoiding or quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Reference:
https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis-and-heart-health#takeaway

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on the link below
https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/arthritis

Most People Aren’t Getting Enough Omega-3: What Are the Health Impacts?

Most People Aren’t Getting Enough Omega-3: What Are the Health Impacts?

Comments 0 Comment

A new research review reports that most people do not consume the recommended amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids are considered beneficial for brain, skin, and heart health.
Experts say a person should obtain omega-3s through foods, but supplements can be considered if a person’s diet doesn’t contain enough fatty acids.
The majority of people worldwide are not consuming a sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acids, according to new research.

Researchers report that 76% of the global population is not consuming the daily recommended levels of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). They said the health benefits from these fatty acids are “too important to ignore. They recommend that health officials develop official policies on omega-3 consumption and advise the public on how to best obtain these fatty acids through diet, as well as through supplements such as fish oil.

We hope this work will help inform nutritional scientists, clinicians, food and supplement industries, policy makers, and consumer communities, said Anne-Marie Minihane. The researchers emphasized that the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are important at every stage of life, particularly for pregnant individuals, infants, and young children.

The researchers reached their conclusions after reviewing the recommended daily levels of omega-3 fatty acids in over 100 countries. They noted that the recommendations vary significantly from country to country, creating confusion among the public and highlighting the importance of consistent, evidence-based guidance. They reported that the most frequently recommended intake for adults is 250 mg per day of combined EPA and DHA, with an additional 100 to 200 mg of DHA advised for pregnant people.

They said these levels can be achieved by eating more oily fish, such as salmon or mackerel, or through supplementation where needed. The researchers recently shared their findings in Nutrition Research Reviews, a publication of Cambridge University Press. The authors also acknowledged they have ties to companies such as Holland & Barrett that are involved in the supplement industry. Experts not involved in the research said the review sheds light on an important issue.

It highlights the inconsistencies in how much fatty acid intake is necessary,” said Cheng-Han Chen, MD, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA.

The overall message is clear that people should incorporate fatty acids in their diet, It’s a good overview of some of the challenges with getting enough omega 3s through diet alone as well as a look into how various age groups are doing with getting enough omega 3s, recommendations for amount, and unique deficiency risk factors based on age, added Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD, the president of KAK Consulting as well as a dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine in Ohio.

Health benefits from omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3s are a family of essential fatty acids. In addition to EPA and DHA types, there is also alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). These acids are not produced by the human body, so they must be absorbed through diet or supplementation.

David Cutler, MD, Santa Monica, California, explains that fats, such as omega-3s, are important because they help our bodies absorb other fat-soluble nutrients, including vitamins A, E, D, and K. Cutler wasn’t involved in the new review. Omega-3s, in particular the DHA type, are considered essential for brain, skin, and eye health. Research has been mixed on what other health benefits are provided by adequate levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

However, past research has reported that these fatty acids can improve heart health by lowering triglyceride levels and increasing HDL, or “good cholesterol,” levels. The benefits of these omega-3 fatty acids are mostly attributed to lowering triglyceride levels in the bloodstream,” Cut. “This is important if you have abnormally high triglycerides and probably not so important if your triglyceride levels are normal.

There has been other research that reported that omega-3 fatty acids may help improve blood sugar levels and lower inflammation. Experts say omega-3s are particularly important for pregnant and nursing women as these fatty acids are vital for the brain health of fetuses as well as infants. Fatty acids are important, Chen said. In particular, they’re important for infant health. In pregnancy, omega-3 deficiency may have an impact on the overall cognitive and neurological health of the baby,” added Kilpatrick.

Omega-3s may be more important for older adults simply because they are at higher risk of some of the health problems that fatty acids can help prevent. They’re susceptible to the same issues as people with omega-3 deficiencies, he said. Some symptoms indicate a low level of omega-3 fatty acids in the body. They include:

skin irritation and dryness
dry eyes
joint pain
changes in hair texture

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends two servings of fatty fish per week. Those who are unable to consume sufficient omega-3 acids through their diet may wish to consider omega-3 supplements that include fish oil and algal oil.

Cutler offered a word of caution about fish oil capsules. He noted that supplements are not regulated by government agencies like medications and other products. He also said there can be side effects such as nausea and diarrhea.

Additionally, fish oil supplements may increase the risk of bleeding. He noted that it’s particularly important for anyone taking blood-thinning medications. Any benefits to omega-3 supplements should be weighed against potential side effects and risks.

Chen doesn’t generally recommend supplements to boost omega-3 counts. He says the research doesn’t support the notion that supplements effectively boost fatty acid levels. In general, the recommendation is to get fatty acids through diet,” Chen said. “All supplements affect is your wallet.

Reference:
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/omega-3-deficiency-health-impacts#How-to-know-if-you-re-getting-enough-omega-3

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on the link below
https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/disease/vitamins-enzymes

Effective Coping Techniques for Anxiety

Effective Coping Techniques for Anxiety

Comments 0 Comment

Deep breathing practices can help manage immediate feelings of anxiety by slowing your heart rate and bringing calm. The 4-7-8 technique and breathing in for 4 counts and out for 4 counts for 5 minutes total are specific methods recommended.

Physical activity and regular exercise have both immediate and long-term benefits for anxiety management, including improved sleep, balanced appetite, mental clarity, and overall health. Even brief activities like 30-60 seconds of squats, pushups, or jumping jacks can help boost mood and calm the mind. Journaling can help identify anxiety triggers and record effective coping strategies, with research showing that regular emotion-led journaling may help reduce anxiety, depression, and feelings of distress.

Stress is the body’s natural response to a real or perceived threat. Anxiety is a symptom of the stress response and a natural process that every person experiences at one time or another. When the stress response is constantly activated, anxiety may go from an occasional symptom to a chronic condition.

Anxiety disorder is an umbrella term for a group of mental health conditions with slightly different manifestations and triggers, but with anxiety as the core symptom. Managing chronic or intense anxiety may require professional support, but developing certain coping skills is also essential.

5 techniques for coping with anxiety in the moment: These tips may help you relieve anxiety symptoms as they arise and before they become more intense. They may require some practice, but can become important tools in managing anxiety.

Practice focused, deep breathing.
Deep breathing practices may help you manage immediate feelings of anxiety.
Try breathing in for 4 counts and breathing out for 4 counts for 5 minutes total.
This type of breathing slows your heart rate, which in turn can help bring calm.
The 4-7-8 technique is another popular breathing pattern for immediate anxiety relief.
Discover eight breathing techniques for anxiety management.

Use aromatherapy
Some research suggests that aromatherapy can help relieve anxiety in some settings. Aromatherapy practitioners and supporters often report the benefits of the practice. You can use essential oil form, incense, or a candle at your workstation or bedroom. Natural scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood can be soothing to the senses and help bring calm quickly.

Move more and exercise.
The stress response involves a rise in some hormones, such as cortisol. Physical activity offers many benefits, including hormone balance.
Stepping out of your thoughts by focusing on physical sensations and your body, even if momentarily, may also help with anxiety management.
Low-impact exercises like brisk walking, yoga, and tai chi can help you reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. Even a little bit of physical activity can boost your moodTrusted Source and calm your mind. For example, try doing squats, pushups, or jumping jacks for 30 to 60 seconds.

Use grounding techniques.
Similar to physical activity, grounding techniques help you connect with physical sensations, taking your focus away from the stressor.
The 333 rule is an example of a grounding technique. It involves taking a few minutes to identify three things you can see, three sounds you can hear, and three things you can touch. Try to spend at least 1 minute on each thing you see, hear, or touch before moving on to the next.

6 strategies for managing anxiety long-term

  • If you have anxiety that interferes with your life, consider working with a mental health care professional. They can help identify the root cause of your anxiety and work with you in developing a long-term plan based on your needs and lifestyle.
  • A mental health care professional may also suggest some of these anxiety management strategies, which you can use with them or on your own.
  • Identify and learn to manage specific triggers.
  • Some triggers or stressors may be obvious to you, and some may be less so. You may find yourself experiencing anxiety and be unsure about the cause.
  • Common anxiety triggers may include:
  • work deadlines or changes
  • relationship conflict
  • withdrawal from substances or certain medications
  • side effects of some medications
  • association with a past adverse experience
  • past trauma that led to hypervigilance
  • chronic pain and other health symptoms
  • caffeine intake
  • tobacco use
  • Triggers are personal and unique. What may cause anxiety for you may not for the next person. That’s why it’s important to learn to identify those situations that may be triggers for your anxiety.

Learn more about medications.
If you take medications, ask the prescribing healthcare professional if anxiety may be a side effect of those. Even if you’ve stopped taking medications, anxiety may result from withdrawal or similar physiological responses. Having this conversation with a doctor may help you identify the root cause of anxiety and the next steps for relief.

On the other hand, if you have severe symptoms of anxiety and feel they interfere with work, school, relationships, or life in general, consider asking a healthcare professional if medication can help.

The most common anxiety medications include:

  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
  • benzodiazepines
  • tricyclic antidepressants

Practice daily meditation
Building a daily mindful meditation practice may help train your brain to manage anxious thoughts when they arise. It could also help you prevent anxiety in some situations by reducing the anxiety response to known stressors. If sitting still and concentrating is difficult, you can try walking meditation or yoga. Guided imagery may also help you manage anxiety.

Keep a journal
Writing down your thoughts and emotions in a journal every day can help you identify triggers and record effective coping strategies. The process of writing down thoughts itself can be calming for some people. Journaling can also have long-term benefits. A small 2018 study suggests that regular emotion-led journaling can help reduce anxiety, depression, and feelings of distress.

Try to socialize more.
Although everyone is different, and some people experience social anxiety, spending quality time with trusted friends and family may help you prevent and manage anxiety symptoms. Socialization can relieve stress, encourage feelings of laughter and togetherness, and decrease a sense of loneliness. Research has shown that social connectedness can help you become more resilient to stress in the long run.

Stay active
Physical activity can help you manage anxiety. But its effect is not only immediate; regular activity has an accumulative effect that can have a lasting impact. Benefits include improved sleep, balanced appetite, mental clarity, and overall health. Studies show that exercise, in particular, can have a lasting positive impact on managing anxiety.

Reference:
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/how-to-cope-with-anxiety#long-term-coping-strategies
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/11-tips-for-coping-with-an-anxiety-disorder
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/6392-stress-coping-with-lifes-stressors

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on the link below
https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/anxiety

5 Common Misconceptions About Antidepressants

5 Common Misconceptions About Antidepressants

Comments 0 Comment

Understanding how antidepressants work and affect your brain is a crucial first step in making informed decisions about your mental health care.

Antidepressants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for mental health conditions, offering crucial relief to millions of people worldwide. Yet, despite their widespread use, these medications are still the subject of widespread misinformation.

Misconceptions can lead to fear, hesitation, or avoidance of treatment, potentially preventing those in need from finding relief. Learn more about some of the most common myths about antidepressants, unpack the science behind how they really work, and highlight the importance of informed decision-making when it comes to mental health care.

Antidepressants simply increase serotonin levels
One of the most persistent and oversimplified explanations for how antidepressants work is the idea that they just “boost serotonin” in the brain. While it’s true that many antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), do affect serotonin, this is not the whole story.

Research suggests that antidepressants influence multiple neurotransmitter systems and can promote neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to adapt and change) and neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells).
This means that antidepressants help create a brain environment that’s more conducive to healing from depression, rather than just correcting one specific deficiency.

Antidepressants will change your personality
A common fear is that antidepressants will alter a person’s identity or dull their emotional range. In reality, effective antidepressant treatment aims to reduce the symptoms of depression, such as persistent sadness, fatigue, and hopelessness, not to change who you are.

When these symptoms are alleviated, older research has found that many people report feeling more like themselves again. One possible side effect, however, is the experience of “emotional blunting,” where you feel less intense emotions. If this occurs, it’s important to talk with your doctor about adjusting your medication to find a treatment that meets your needs.

Antidepressants are addictive
Worries about addiction often prevent people from considering antidepressants. However, this concern confuses the concept of “dependence” with “addiction.” Unlike addictive substances, antidepressants do not produce cravings or compulsive behavior. People don’t “get high” from taking them, nor do they seek them out in increasing doses to maintain an effect.

Some individuals indeed experience withdrawal-like symptoms, referred to as “discontinuation syndrome,” if they stop taking certain antidepressants abruptly. That’s why healthcare professionals recommend tapering off medication gradually and under supervision, but this process is not the same as breaking an addiction.

Antidepressants are a quick fix or ‘rescue’ medication
Many assume antidepressants provide immediate relief, but most take time, often several weeks, to become fully effective. They’re not emergency mood boosters or instant mood stabilizers. Instead, they’re part of a broader, long-term treatment strategy.
Sustainable recovery from depression usually involves multiple components, including:
therapy
lifestyle adjustments
social support
Antidepressants are not a cure-all, but when used as part of a comprehensive approach, they can significantly improve quality of life.

Everyone experiences the same side effects
Side effects are often discussed in blanket terms, which can be misleading. In reality, people’s experiences with antidepressants vary widely. Factors such as genetics, age, metabolism, and other medications all influence how someone reacts to a particular drug.

Some individuals might experience side effects like nausea, weight changes, or sleep disturbances, while others might not notice any at all. If one antidepressant doesn’t work well or causes side effects, there are many others to try, and most side effects can be managed with help from a healthcare professional.

Why accurate information matters
Pharmacists, doctors, and mental health professionals are essential allies in navigating misinformation. They can help patients consider their options, set realistic expectations, and make informed choices tailored to their individual needs. It’s important to remember that depression is not just “feeling sad.” It is a complex medical condition, much like diabetes or cancer. The brain, like any other organ, can experience dysfunction, and treating that dysfunction often requires medical intervention.

However, not everyone who feels depressed has a depressive disorder, and not everyone with a depressive disorder will benefit from the same treatment. Personalized care based on accurate information and guided by medical professionals is key.


Antidepressants are often misunderstood, but they can be valuable tools in managing depression. By clearing up common myths and relying on evidence-based information, we can help reduce stigma and make it easier for people to consider treatment options that work for them. Mental health treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all, and understanding the real role of antidepressants can make a big difference in how we approach treatment. If you are living with depression, it’s important not to let misinformation hold you back from exploring your options. A conversation with a healthcare professional could be the first step toward finding the right support.

Alternative Treatments for Anxiety

Alternative Treatments for Anxiety

Comments 0 Comment

 A balanced diet is essential for managing anxiety. Experts recommend eating adequate fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats while avoiding processed foods and items high in sugar that can trigger anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise, particularly cardiovascular activity, can help reduce stress levels and anxiety. Even 5 minutes of aerobic exercise can begin to stimulate anti-anxiety effects, and a 10-minute brisk walk may provide several hours of relief.

Getting adequate sleep (6-8 hours per night) is crucial for managing anxiety. Studies have found that sleep can help calm and reset an anxious brain, and maintaining consistent sleep/wake times while limiting screen time before bed can support better sleep quality. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in the United States. It’s estimated that 40 million adults aged 18 years and older, or 18% of the country’s adult population, experience some kind of anxiety disorder.

If you’re experiencing mild anxiety that doesn’t require traditional treatment, you may want to try alternative therapies. Also, with your doctor’s approval, you can use alternative treatments as a complement to conventional treatment. The basic goal of alternative therapy is to improve your general health and relieve anxiety symptoms with few or no side effects.

Alternative therapies may help reduce anxiety, but it may take some time before you see results. If you’re having a panic attack or other severe symptoms of anxiety, alternative therapy alone will likely not be enough. Alternative therapies often work best when used with traditional treatment, such as medication and counseling. It’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before beginning any alternative treatment program. Here are some alternative therapies that may help with anxiety.

That morning cup of coffee might help you get out of bed, but having too much can give you the jitters and decrease your ability to handle anxiety well. A 2017 research review suggests some people can experience anxiety from consuming caffeine in amounts as low as 200 milligrams (mg) per day. This is the amount in about 2 cups of coffee. Most of the studies in this review involved people under psychiatric treatment or people with a preexisting anxiety disorder.

Avoid alcohol and nicotine.
Some people use alcohol and nicotine to relieve symptoms of anxiety. This relief is only temporary, however. Alcohol and nicotine can make the symptoms of anxiety worse and more frequent. A 2019 study involving teenagers suggests that the use of alcohol and nicotine was associated with higher instances of mental health conditions. Those who used alcohol and nicotine were in more distress than those who did not.

Eat a balanced diet
A 2021 studyTrusted Source suggests that following eating patterns that align with dietary recommendations and nutrient requirements may help prevent and treat depression and anxiety. The emerging field of nutritional psychiatry explores the relationships among nutrition, stress, mental health, and mental function.

To help avoid anxiety, experts suggest the following dietary measures:
Eat a well-balanced diet:
Fill up on adequate fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats.
Avoid processed foods:
Processed foods often contain minimal nutrition and harmful ingredients.
Avoid foods high in sugar:
A sugar rush can mimic or trigger a panic attack.
Eat regular meals:
Regular meals can help reduce low blood sugar, which can produce anxiety symptoms.
Avoid sodas:
Many sodas contain caffeine and have a high sugar content, both of which can contribute to anxiety.
Avoid smoking:
Nicotine can raise blood pressure and heart rate and mimic symptoms of anxiety.
Drink more water:
According to a 2018 study, drinking 6 to 8 large glasses of water or other hydrating liquids daily helps your body perform properly and can relieve stress.

Getting regular exercise is good for relieving stress. Cardiovascular exercise has been shown to help lower stress levels and anxiety and improve immune system function. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America says even 5 minutes of aerobic exercise can begin to stimulate anti-anxiety effects. A 10-minute brisk walk can provide several hours of relief.

Reference:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/expert-answers/herbal-treatment-for-anxiety/faq-20057945
https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-alternative-treatments#sleep

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on the link below
https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/anxiety

Bladder Cancer Screening and Diagnosis

Bladder Cancer Screening and Diagnosis

Comments 0 Comment

Several tests can determine the diagnosis of bladder cancer. A variety of tests may be used to make an exact diagnosis of bladder cancer.

Screening typically begins with pathology tests, where samples of fluid and tissue are examined by a pathologist in a laboratory. The most efficient, noninvasive, and inexpensive test is a urinalysis/cytology. Here, a sample of urine is taken from the patient and evaluated for cancer cells, red and white blood cells (which fight urinary tract infections), and microscopic hematuria or infection. Hematuria (blood in the urine) is also a sign of a possible urinary tract infection.

If abnormalities are found in the urine, a biopsy will be performed, in which a pathologist examines tissue for the presence of cancer cells. If the urine culture fails to show abnormalities, a biopsy or other tests still may be ordered — especially if there are symptoms of concern.

Imaging tests may be used to locate blockages and tumors, as well as to determine whether cancer has spread to other organs.
An intravenous pyelogram is an imaging test during which the patient is injected with dye, and the radiologist observes with an X-ray the movement of that dye through the urinary tract. This X-ray will look at the collecting system of the kidneys to determine the presence of any irregularities. This is good for seeing small cancer locations and the upper urinary tract, and especially for detailing the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

CT or CAT scans are another form of X-ray, which creates a more detailed image of the body and organs. This is used to locate kidney or bladder blockages, and to determine staging, recommended therapy, and whether the bladder cancer has metastasized (spread to other parts of the body).

MRI is another imaging form that creates very high-quality and detailed images of bladder tumors in addition to adjacent organs, such as the chest, pelvis, and abdomen, to locate any metastasis.

Ultrasound imaging, without side effects or radiation, is noninvasive and looks primarily at the bladder and kidneys. It can locate small tract blocks and stones, and also measures the bladder wall thickness.

The gold standard for the evaluation of the lower urinary tract is a routine outpatient procedure called a cystoscopy. In the same way that a colonoscopy allows doctors to see inside the lower digestive tract, a cystoscopy provides a visual of the lower urinary tract and bladder lining.

During the procedure, a specialized instrument called a cystoscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder. Cystoscopes are either rigid or flexible. Fiber optics allows for images of the bladder lining to be created. If abnormalities, such as tumors, stones, or patches of abnormal-appearing tissue, are discovered during cystoscopy, a biopsy may be taken. The biopsy specimen will then be evaluated by a pathologist for the presence of cancerous cells.

Occasionally, the urologist will take a biopsy during a transurethral resection of bladder tumor procedure, which will be scheduled for a future appointment. This is a minimally invasive procedure that does not involve making an incision in the body. The entire removal of a bladder-confined tumor can be accomplished through an operative scope, which passes through the urethra into the bladder.

Reference:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bladder-cancer/bladder-cancer-screening-and-diagnosis

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on the link below
https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/products/disease/cancer