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Medications that Seniors Should Use With Caution.

Medications that Seniors Should Use With Caution.

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There is a higher likelihood of developing unfavourable drug side effects in older persons since they frequently have chronic health conditions that call for treatment with several medications. Moreover, older persons may react more strongly to some drugs.

The American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation advises older people to use caution when using the following types of medications. This includes some that can be purchased without a prescription. In order to help you make better-informed decisions about your medications and to reduce your chances of overmedication and serious drug reactions (over-the-counter).

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Be wary of long-lasting NSAIDS such indomethacin and piroxicam (marketed under the brand name Feldene) (Indocin).

The issue: NSAIDs are prescribed to treat pain and inflammation. Older persons who take them run the risk of developing indigestion, stomach or colon bleeding, renal damage, high blood pressure, and worsening heart failure. They can also increase the risk of blood pressure and kidney damage. The quicker-acting ibuprofen (Motrin) and salsalate are preferable options if NSAIDs are required (Disalcid).

Use caution when combining NSAIDs with aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dabigatran (Pradaxa), dipyridamole (Persantine), prasugrel (Effient), ticlopidine (Ticlid), or warfarin due to the increased risk of bleeding (Coumadin).

You might need to take a prescription medication like misoprostol (Cytotec) or a proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole to prevent stomach bleeding. Only if you regularly take NSAIDs, have a history of ulcers, or are 75 years of age or older. These drugs can help stop stomach bleeding (Prilosec).

Drugs that relax the muscles

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), methocarbamol (Robaxin), carisoprodol (Soma), and other comparable drugs should be avoided.

The issue: These drugs may make you feel sleepy and dazed, raise your risk of falling, and result in constipation, dry mouth, and urine issues. However, there is little proof that they are effective.

Drugs that treat anxiety and sleeplessness

Avoid using benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), or chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol, Librax). Also, nonbenzodiazepine sleeping medications like zaleplon (Sonata) and zolpidem (Ambien).

The issue: Certain medications can make you more likely to fall and can also make you confused, especially in older folks. You may experience drowsiness and grogginess for a long time because it takes your body a long time to eliminate these medications from your body.

Medications for Anticholinergics

Be cautious of: medications including the antidepressants amitriptyline (Elavil) and imipramine (Tofranil). The anti-drug Parkinson’s trihexyphenidyl (Artane), the irritable bowel syndrome drug dicyclomine (Bentyl), the overactive bladder drug oxybutynin (Ditropan) and diphenhydramine, an antihistamine (Benadryl) often included in over-the-counter sleep medicines such as Tylenol PM.

Anticholinergic medications run the risk of causing low blood pressure, constipation, urinary issues, confusion, and other side effects.

Heart Medications

Digoxin (Lanoxin) in doses larger than 0.125 mg should be avoided.

Digoxin, a drug used to treat heart failure and irregular heartbeats, raises safety concerns because it can be harmful for older adults and those with impaired renal function.

Medications for diabetes

Glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase) and chlorpropamide should be used with caution (Diabinese).

These can result in extremely low blood sugar in elderly persons, which is a worry.

Opioids as painkillers

Meperidine (Demerol) and pentazocine should be avoided (Talwin).

The problem: These opioid analgesics, often called narcotic analgesics, can lead to confusion, falls, seizures, confusion, and even hallucinations, especially in elderly people.

Antipsychotic medication

Avoid anti-psychotic medications such haloperidol (Haldol), risperidone (Risperdal), and quetiapine unless you are being treated for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or some types of depression (Seroquel).

Antipsychotic medications raise the possibility of a stroke or possibly death; they also raise the possibility of tremors and falls.

Estrogen

Pay close attention to: Estrogen patches and pills, which are frequently prescribed to treat hot flashes and other menopause-related symptoms.

The issue: Estrogen can raise your chances of dementia, blood clots, and breast cancer. Female urine incontinence caused by oestrogens might also become worse.

Anticholinergics

These medications may be recommended by your doctor to help treat disorders like Parkinson’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression. Anticholinergics, however, can make people feel confused, have a dry mouth, and have hazy vision, especially in older people.

The likelihood of their causing urination issues is higher in older men. Antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, cimetidine, muscle relaxants, and several cold medicines are additional common pharmaceuticals with anticholinergic characteristics.

Ask your doctor the reason for any drug changes or new prescriptions that are made.

For instance, consider if it makes sense to continue taking the medicine that is causing the negative reaction if a new prescription is prescribed to lessen the adverse effects of one you are already taking.

When taking five or more medications already, it is extremely important to ask your doctor or pharmacist to verify any new prescriptions in a database of possible drug interactions.

Review your medication schedule.

Ask your doctor or other health care provider to examine the prescription drugs, dietary supplements, and vitamins you are taking once or twice a year. Check to see if you still need to take each one at the prescribed dosage.

Try to have the same pharmacy fill all of your medications if at all possible. Most pharmacies employ computer programmes that alert them to potential drug interactions.

Inform your medical professionals of any prior drug allergies you may have experienced.

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Dysuria: When It Hurts to Go With the ‘Flow

Dysuria: When It Hurts to Go With the ‘Flow

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Dysuria, or painful urination, can occur for a number of causes. When someone urinates, it could ache because of an infection, kidney stones, a cyst, or another illness affecting the bladder or adjacent organs.

This symptom has a wide range of possible explanations, many of which are curable.

Individuals who experience dysuria should inform their doctor of any other symptoms. If these are associated with painful urination, it may be possible for doctors to diagnose the condition and suggest the best course of action.

Causes of painful urination

Urinary tract infections

A urinary tract infection frequently manifests as painful urination (UTI). A bacterial infection may lead to a UTI. Urinary tract irritation may also be to blame.

The urinary tract is made up of the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Urine travels from the kidneys to the bladder through tubes called ureters. Any of these organs that are inflamed can induce urinating pain.

UTIs are more common in those who have vagina than in those who have a penis. This is so because people with a vagina have shorter urethras. Bacteria need to travel less distance to reach the bladder if the urethra is shorter.

Urinary tract infections are also more likely to occur in menopausal or pregnant women.

Sexually transmissible diseases (STIs)

Also, if you have a sexually transmitted infection, you might feel pain when peeing (STI). Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and genital herpes are a few STIs that can make urinating unpleasant.

Due to the fact that STIs are sometimes asymptomatic, it is crucial to get checked for them. STI testing should be done on a large number of sexually active individuals.

Prostatitis

Painful urination might be brought on by other medical disorders. Prostatitis, which affects the prostate, can cause painful urinating in men. The prostate gland is inflamed in this syndrome. It is the main source of burning, stinging, and pain in the urinary system.

Cystitis

Urination pain can also be brought on by cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder lining. The term “painful bladder syndrome” (PBS) is another name for interstitial cystitis (IC). The most typical kind of cystitis is this one. Pain and tenderness in the bladder and pelvic area are IC symptoms.

Radiation therapy occasionally results in pain in the bladder and urethra. Radiation cystitis is the name of this condition.

Urethritis

The condition known as urethritis denotes inflammation of the urethra, typically brought on by bacterial infection. In addition to frequently causing pain while urinating, urethritis can also increase the urge to urinate.

Epididymitis

Epididymitis, or inflammation of the epididymis in people with a penis, can also result in painful urination. Sperm from the testes are stored and transported by the epididymis, which is situated behind the testicles.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

PID can have an impact on the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Among other symptoms, it can lead to painful urination, painful intercourse, and abdominal pain.

PID is a severe infection that typically results from a bacterial infection that starts in the vagina and spreads to the reproductive organs.

Uropathy with obstruction

Urine flowing back into the kidneys is known as obstructive uropathy, which is caused by an obstruction in the ureter, bladder, or urethra. Regardless of the cause, it’s critical to get medical attention as soon as symptoms appear.

Similar problems with urination and pain can be brought on by another disorder called urethral stricture, which causes the urethra to narrow.

Renal stones

If you have kidney stones, it could be uncomfortable for you to urinate. The urinary tract contains masses of hardened material called kidney stones.

Medications

Painful urination is a side effect of various drugs, including some antibiotics and cancer treatments. Discuss any possible pharmaceutical side effects with your healthcare professional.

Hygiene items

It’s not always an infection that causes painful urinating. Moreover, it could be brought on by genital product use. Vaginal tissues can become particularly irritated by soaps, lotions, and bubble baths.

Dyes in laundry detergents and other personal care items can irritate and contribute to health problems such as dysuria.

Differences in males and females

Both sexes can experience pain during urinating, and the causes may depend on the anatomy.

For instance, female urethras are shorter than male urethras. This makes it easier for germs to enter the bladder, which can result in UTIs.

A person might discuss with their doctor the likelihood that they will experience painful urinating based on their sex and medical history.

Treatment options for painful urination

The initial step before receiving therapy will be to identify the source of the pain.

To address painful urinating, your doctor could prescribe medication. UTIs, some bacterial infections, and some STIs can all be treated with antibiotics. Also, your doctor might prescribe you medicine to soothe your agitated bladder.

If you start taking medicine, painful urination brought on by a bacterial infection typically gets better quite soon. Take the medication exactly as directed by your doctor every time.

Certain infections, like interstitial cystitis, can cause pain that is more difficult to treat than others. The effects of pharmacological therapy could take longer. Before you start to feel better, you might need to take medicine for up to 4 months.

Prevent painful urination

There are lifestyle adjustments you can undertake to help with symptom relief.

  • Avoid using scented toiletries and laundry detergents to lower your chance of irritation.
  • When engaging in sexual activity, use condoms or other barrier techniques.
  • Eliminate foods and beverages from your diet that can irritate the bladder (such as highly acidic foods, caffeine, and alcohol).
  • Drink plenty of water.

When to see a doctor

Get in touch with your doctor:

  • if the discomfort is ongoing or severe
  • if you are expecting
  • There is fever and ache together.
  • if you develop vaginal or penile discharge
  • your urine smells strange, contains blood, or is cloudy
  • if abdominal discomfort is present along with the pain
  • if you expel a kidney or bladder stone

To help identify the source of the pain, your doctor may request lab tests and inquire about any further symptoms.

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Depression may increase stroke risk, and stroke recovery.

Depression may increase stroke risk, and stroke recovery.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that depression is the main cause of disability in the globe. At least 5% of adults are affected, with more women than males reporting symptoms of depression.

Symptomatic depressed individuals are more likely to have a stroke, and their recovery from one is frequently more challenging, according to a multi-national study.

According to this study, persons with depressive symptoms had a 46% higher risk of having a stroke than those without such symptoms.

Over 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression. 10.4% of women in the United States experience depression, which is almost twice as frequent in women as it is in males, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Psychological signs of depression include a continuously downbeat attitude, a sense of worthlessness, a loss of interest in enjoyable pursuits, trouble concentrating, and even suicidal thoughts.

In addition, physical symptoms including exhaustion, an inability to eat, headaches, chronic pain, and digestive problems may be brought on by sadness.

Moreover, depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been connected in research; one studyTrusted Source found that individuals with coronary heart disease who were depressed had an increased risk of dying.

An international study that was just published in Neurology discovered that those who experience depressed symptoms had a higher chance of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, as well as a worse recovery after a stroke.

What is a stroke?

A stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds or when the blood supply to the brain is cut off. Blood and oxygen cannot reach the brain’s tissues because of the rupture or obstruction.

Stroke is a primary cause of death in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 795,000 Americans experience a stroke each year. Brain tissue and cells are damaged and start to die within minutes of being oxygen-deprived.

Strokes often come in three different forms:

  • Temporary ischemia. A blood clot causes a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which normally resolves on its own.
  • Ischemic stroke. It involves an obstruction in the artery brought on by a clot or plaque. The signs and problems of an ischemic stroke may persist permanently or linger longer than those of a TIA.
  • Hemorrhagic stroke. A blood vessel that seeps into the brain either bursts or leaks, which is the source of the condition.

Strokes are often fatal. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), there were 37.6 age-adjusted deaths for every 100,000 stroke diagnosis in 2017. This fatality rate is 13.6% lower than it was in 2007 thanks to medical advances in the treatment of strokes.

What is a Depression?

Depression is basically a common but serious mental disorder, medically termed as Major Depressive Disorder which negatively affects a person’s way of thinking, how the person feels and behaves. This mental disorder is different from mood fluctuations. In addition to causing emotional and physical problems, it can also make it difficult for you to function at work and at home.

Despite the existence of effective treatments for mental disorders, more than 75% of people in low- and middle-income countries do not receive any treatment. There are several barriers to effective mental health care, including a lack of resources, a lack of trained health-care providers, and social stigma associated with mental illness. People with depression in countries of all income levels are frequently misdiagnosed and prescribed antidepressants even when they do not have the disorder.

Details from the stroke and depression study

In total, 26,877 adult study participants from 32 nations in Europe, Asia, North and South America, the Middle East, and Africa participated in the study.

As a neuroscientist and associate professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Dustin Hines, PhD, stated to Healthline, “This work represents a tremendous achievement in the knowledge of both stroke and depression. “When considered in light of how variable the group of patients suffering from depression is, the statistically significant difference between responders who reported depression before the stroke is even more impressive.”

According to research, 13% of the 13,000 participants who experienced a stroke also had depressive symptoms. Depression was prevalent among those who had no stroke, at 14%.

Increased stroke risk

When compared to people who did not have a stroke (14%), those who had one were more likely to develop depressive symptoms (18%). Those who admitted to having “given up on improving their lives” were at higher risk of suffering a stroke.

Those who had symptoms of depression had a 46% higher risk of stroke than those who did not experience such symptoms, even after the researchers made adjustments for age, sex, education, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors.

The correlation between depressive symptoms and stroke was discovered to be constant across all country economic levels. Stroke risk was increased in people with four or more symptoms of depression than in those with fewer symptoms.

In response to this research, Dr. Benesch stated that “this link between more severe depression and stroke risk is undoubtedly worthy of further examination and may be clinically meaningful.”

“One analogy would be that we are aware that lung cancer is brought on by smoking. We also know that daily smokers have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than smokers who only smoke sometimes (once every six months). Hence, he continued, “it would seem that there is a dose-response relationship.

The study also discovered that although strokes in those with depressive symptoms were not more severe, their outcomes one month after the stroke were worse.

Depression and CVD or stroke

Depression and heart disease and stroke have already been associated in a number of studies.

A 2011 meta-analysis of 17 research revealed that depressive disorders considerably increased the probability of having a stroke, and that the increase was likely independent of other risk factors like diabetes or hypertension. This study was unable to establish a causal relationship, nevertheless.

The same year, a bigger meta-analysis that examined 28 prospective cohort studies came to the conclusion that depression is prospectively linked to a considerably higher chance of having a stroke.

In 2020, a different study discovered that persons who had depressive symptoms had a higher risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke later on.

Despite the association’s modest size, it was nonetheless noticeable among those who did not exhibit depressive disorder-like symptoms.

How depression affects people who’ve had a stroke?

“Depression is not unusual for people following a stroke, I’ve discovered in my experience with stroke patients,” Waichler continued. “Both the stroke sufferer and their loved ones may suffer greatly from the loss of independence, physical limitations, restrictions on one’s capacity for self-care, and probable cognitive and communication problems. A person’s willingness or the requisite amount of resolve to fully engage in the recovery process may be adversely affected by depression. The outcome could be worse as a result and the stroke recovery could be hindered.

The biggest unsolved question in the study, according to Karen Sullivan, PhD, a neuropsychologist and the creator of the I Care For Your Brain website, is “What is it about depression particularly that enhances the risk of stroke?”

“The range of depressive symptoms includes the cognitive, emotional, and physical. Knowing which particular factors were most closely associated to stroke risk would be really beneficial, Sullivan told Healthline. “Even though the study filtered out typical characteristics linked with depression that could confound the results like low physical activity, there are lots of additional lifestyle risks that go along with depression that could have affected the results including bad diet, low socialising, not enough cognitive stimulation, inflammation, [and] noncompliance with medical guidance,” the study’s authors write.

According to Sullivan, the most significant lesson that patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public should learn from this study is the value of depression screening.

In addition to enhancing a person’s general health and quality of life, she added that recent research suggests that treating depression also lowers the chance of stroke. Large-scale, long-term studies are required, and it is important to understand whether effective therapy lowers the risk of stroke in order to demonstrate a more causal link between depression and stroke.

The apparent next step, according to Hines, is to search for widespread biomarkers that may be connected to metabolic issues and attempt to assist patients before they experience a stroke.

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keto-like diet may be linked to heart attack and stroke.

keto-like diet may be linked to heart attack and stroke.

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Researchers looked into whether high-fat, low-carb diets similar to the ketogenic diet raise cardiovascular risk.

Diets that resembled ketosis were associated with twice as many cardiovascular events as regular diets.

The findings need to be confirmed by other research.

Reports

Around 10% of daily calories should come from carbohydrates, 30% from protein, and 60% from fat according to the ketogenic or “keto” diet. The diet causes a condition known as “ketosis,” in which the body starts using fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

According to some research, a ketogenic diet may aid in weight loss, increase the susceptibility of cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Also, it lower blood sugar levels in diabetics. Yet, case studies indicate that the ketogenic diet may aggravate or fuel elevated cholesterol.

Further research on the impact of ketogenic diets on cardiovascular health may help people choose the right diet for their health profile.

Recent research examined the potential effects of low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diets. These are similar to keto diets, on cardiovascular risk under the direction of Dr. Iulia Iatan, an attending physician-scientist at the Healthy Heart Program Prevention Clinic, St. Paul’s Hospital, and the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Heart Lung Innovation in Vancouver, Canada.

According to the study, as compared to a conventional diet, an LCHF diet nearly doubled the risk of cardiovascular events. The study was presented at the ACC Annual Scientific Session along with the World Congress of Cardiology. Its a conference co-hosted by the American College of Cardiology and the World Heart Federation.

Study

In order to conduct the study, the researchers examined data gathered by the UK Biobank for individuals. Theyincluded information on food habits, metabolomic indicators, and blood lipid levels.

In a 24-hour food survey, all participants had tracked their dietary habits. 305 of them met the requirements for an LCHF diet. This is known as getting more than 45% of daily calories from fat and less than 25% from carbohydrates.

1,220 people who were deemed to be on a “regular diet” and made up the control group were matched with these participants by the researchers. The average age of the participants was 54 years. They were classified as “overweight” because of their mean body mass index (BMI), which was around 27.

What is a Ketogenic diet?

Ketogenic diets are low-carb diets (such as the Atkins diet). The goal is to get more calories from protein and fat and less from carbohydrates. The carbs that are easy to digest, like sugar, soda, pastries, and white bread, are the ones you cut back the most on.  

By reducing carbohydrate intake drastically, fat is replaced. When you reduce carbs, your body enters a state called ketosis. As a result, your body burns fat extremely efficiently for energy. Additionally, it converts fat into ketones in the liver, which can supply energy to the brain. Diabetes and insulin levels can be reduced significantly by ketogenic diets. In addition, the increase in ketones has some health benefits.

Low-carb, high-fat diets and cardio risk

“LDL cholesterol and ApoB will increase when people switch their caloric intake from carbohydrates to fat, especially if the saturated fat comes primarily from animal products. Dr. Liam R. Brunham, associate professor of medicine at The University of British Columbia and one of the study’s authors, told Medical News Today that this has been known for decades.

“What our study revealed is that the effect is not consistent, but that there is a segment of individuals who would experience severe hypercholesterolemia [abnormally high cholesterol levels] when on an LCHF diet. This is the category in which the largest rise in cardiovascular risk was found, the expert added.

Although she was not engaged in the study, Dr. Dana Hunnes, an assistant professor at UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health, told MNT that “[t]his type of diet is supposed to be utilised short-term, primarily in those who have seizure disorders or neurological diseases as ketones can pass across the blood-brain barrier.”

“A keto diet is strong in saturated fats (usually), animal products, and may boost cholesterol levels as well as cause inflammation and stress,” she said.

“A low-carb, high-fat diet […] similarly tends to be low in carbohydrates and fibre and high in animal products and saturated fats. These characteristics might affect the microbiome, raise cholesterol levels and inflammation in the body, and raise the risk of heart disease, she added.

Keto worries

Michelle Routhenstein, a nutritionist who specialises in heart health and runs the online private practise Completely Nourished, was also interviewed by MNT. She informed us that the study supports her own findings.

“This study confirms what I see in my private practise, [as] many people come to me after being on the ketogenic diet for several months with very high LDL and apolipoprotein A levels, two crucial [factors] that contribute create risk for atherosclerosis,” she said.

Routhenstein issued a warning: “The keto diet can be quite high in saturated fat and low in soluble fibre, which negatively influences both of these parameters.

keto diet and risks to our heart health

According to Yu-Ming Ni, M.D., a cardiologist with MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center’s Non-Invasive Cardiology, ketogenic diets, or “keto,” are diets that are high in fat and low in carbohydrates—so low in carbohydrates, in fact, that it causes your body’s metabolism to break down fat and turn it into energy. The ability of keto diets to burn fat has been researched as a weight loss strategy, he continues. Several studies have revealed that high-fat, low-carb diets often result in worse cardiovascular outcomes than plant-based, high-carb, low-fat diets. This has raised a lot of controversy. This study expands on those findings.

So, precisely how can a ketogenic diet impact your heart health? It turns out that there is higher inflammation with keto diets in general. High fat diets are often more inflammatory, and Dr. Ni adds that inflammation is a crucial element in controlling cardiovascular health and disease. “We clearly have evidence of the pro-inflammatory characteristics of red meat or processed meat diets.”

In general, ketogenic diets raise your cholesterol as well. This is primarily because the foods you are consuming already have high cholesterol levels, but Dr. Ni also points out that long-term adherence to a high-fat, low-carb diet can have an impact on your cholesterol levels. He says that “high cholesterol is the number one factor that causes attacks and strokes to develop.”

Study limitations 

Dr. Brunham pointed out that the study reveals association but not causation when questioned about the study’s flaws.

Those following the LCHF diet and those following the normal diet had different BMIs, obesity rates, and diabetes statuses, he continued, potentially skewing the results.

In other words, it’s possible that individuals in the UK Biobank who reported eating an LCHF diet had a higher chance of developing heart disease due to their genetic makeup rather than the diet itself. To truly comprehend this, we would need more sorts of research, such randomised trials, he said.

Additional limitations of the study include the fact that diet and cholesterol levels were only recorded at one time point, according to Dr. John P. Higgins, a sports cardiologist at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston who was not involved in the research.

Additionally, he questioned if people who follow standard diets are indeed following a “standard” diet or whether they are generally a healthier population.

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The natural peptide could help tackle obesity and diabetes.

The natural peptide could help tackle obesity and diabetes.

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Smaller versions of proteins known as peptides can serve a variety of functions. This includes the potential to lessen the effects of ageing, reduce inflammation, or stimulate the creation of new muscle.

In 2015, scientists made the discovery of a kind of peptide known as PEPITEM and recognized its role in the adiponectin-PEPITEM pathway. It controls the onset and severity of autoimmune or chronic inflammatory disorders.

The potential for this peptide to provide a game-changing treatment for numerous diseases has just been discovered by new study in animal models.

The study suggests that the peptide may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and. Other illnesses are connected to obesity, like fatty liver disease.

Obesity alters the metabolism of adipose (fat) tissue significantly, damages the pancreas, reduces insulin sensitivity, and finally results in hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), which is the primary cause of type 2 diabetes.

It also causes a low-grade inflammatory response throughout the body. This encourages the infiltration of white blood cells into a variety of tissues, including visceral adipose tissue. It is a deep-lying fat deposit that surrounds organs like the liver and gut, as well as the peritoneal cavity, a thin membrane that encloses the gut.

According to a recent study, the adiponectin-PEPITEM pathway connects obesity, the related low-grade inflammatory response, and changes in the pancreas that take place before the onset of diabetes. The study was published in Clinical and Experimental Immunology.

To see if the effects of a high-fat diet on the pancreas could be avoided or even reversed, the researchers used a mouse model of obesity and a slow-release pump to inject the peptide PEPITEM.

When PEPITEM was given to mice on a high-fat diet, the researchers discovered that this significantly decreased the size of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Also, the quantity of white blood cells in the visceral adipose tissue and peritoneal cavity as compared to the control group.

Small protein impacts some effects of obesity

The adiponectin-PEPITEM pathway, which is important in regulating the onset and severity of auto-immune and chronic inflammatory illnesses, is where the peptide employed in this study plays a part.

Obesity can have a variety of negative impacts on the body. This includes altering the metabolism of adipose tissue (fat), harming the pancreas, decreasing insulin sensitivity, etc. Ultimately causing the high glucose levels associated with type 2 diabetes.

But, it also triggers a low-grade inflammatory response, causing white blood cells to flow into visceral adipose tissue, which surrounds organs like the liver and gut, as well as into the area of the abdomen that houses the intestines, stomach, and liver (peritoneal cavity).

In the latest research, which was released on March 9 in the journal Clinical and Experimental Immunology, mice were administered PEPITEM in addition to a high-fat diet.

The size of the pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin was reduced in mice who received the peptide as compared to those who did not. Also, they noticed a reduction in the quantity of white blood cells in the peritoneal cavity and visceral adipose tissue.

“Our results show us that PEPITEM can both prevent and reverse the impact that obesity has on metabolism,” study author Asif Iqbal, PhD, an associate professor at the University of Birmingham’s Centre of Cardiovascular Sciences, said in the release.

The next step, he continued, is to transform these promising findings into human-useable treatments.

Reversing obesity

Dr. Christoph Buettner, an endocrinologist and professor of medicine at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey, told Healthline that experts have known for many years that obesity and diabetes are connected with elevated inflammation.

In contrast, “although in mice various medications that particularly lower inflammation have demonstrated to also reduce obesity and diabetes, in humans—where obesity is also typically related with inflammation—the facts are much less clear,” he noted.

The current study’s findings imply that PEPITEM may be effective in lowering some of the negative consequences of obesity, including the growth of insulin-producing beta cells and the accumulation of white blood cells in particular regions.

Yet, mice given PEPITEM still put on weight when given a high-fat diet. The researchers added that there was “no effect” on fasting glucose tolerance or insulin resistance, both of which are impacted in type 2 diabetics.

“To me, that suggests that this is an anti-inflammatory treatment that is unlikely to have a meaningful effect on either obesity or high blood sugar,” said Buettner.

Aiding in type 2 diabetes prevention

This could “potentially be a useful additional tool for patients regarding the prevention or treatment of type 2 diabetes, especially as related to the decrease in enlargement of the beta cells,” according to Nicole Anziani, a registered dietitian, certified diabetes care and education specialist, and senior clinical manager for Cecelia Health who was not involved in the study.

For the purpose of examining PEPITEM’s effects on obesity, Anziani noted that the mice used in the study were fed a high-fat diet either before or during the administration of PEPITEM.

Anziani emphasised that it’s crucial to recognise that obesity has a complex aetiology, which means it can be brought on by a variety of variables and isn’t always related to a high-fat diet. Moreover, Anziani emphasised that obesity was “more than just a biological phenomenon.”

Discovering the root of obesity

While it’s great that there are more options for patients to help with the biochemical aspects of obesity and preventing systemic inflammation, especially when there may already be pancreatic damage present, Anziani told us that it’s also crucial to acknowledge the behavioural and social aspects related to the development of obesity and other related ailments.

To properly understand these pathways, she continued, “additional research into the relationship between inflammation and obesity is still needed.” “Although this therapeutic strategy is being examined to get to the underlying cause of obesity-related disorders,” she noted.

While stating that “additional studies would be required,” Dr. Bosa-Osario concurred and said that “the findings appear encouraging.”

PEPITEM might be a useful treatment target for additional causes, he added. “While the body can make a bioprotein comparable to PEPITEM, it can be made in a lab and administered to patients. He remarked, “That’s exciting.

Currently authorised effective weight loss medications

Several medications have previously been approved to treat obesity, but more research is required to determine whether PEPITEM will be useful in the management of illnesses linked to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes.

This contains semaglutide, a type of medication known as a GLP-1 agonist (brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus). Those who took semaglutide in clinical trials saw weight loss and a decrease in inflammation. In one trial, participants lost up to 14.9% of their starting weight.

Yet according to Buettner, “it does not imply that [these drugs] function by reducing inflammation” because they aren’t often thought of as anti-inflammatory medications. As an alternative, “they function in the brain to decrease appetite and balance the autonomic nerve system,” he said.

Some medications also have side effects, including nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Buettner is therefore concerned about whether people will be able to handle these medications over the long term, which may be necessary to assist people in maintaining a healthy weight throughout their lives.

That’s why other medications to treat obesity are still needed, he added, including ones that function through different mechanisms than GLP-1 agonists and don’t have the adverse effects of those treatments.

According to Buettner, “for now, the tolerance for the adverse effects is still high, but with time, patients may become dissatisfied with the [lower enjoyment of eating food].”

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Explore the worst habits for your joint pain.

Explore the worst habits for your joint pain.

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Wear anything intermittently all day, every day for decades. Also, it will eventually begin to exhibit signs of wear and tear. As an illustration, consider the cartilage that serves as a bolster between your bones.

According to Angelie Mascarinas, M.D., a physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery with headquarters in New York City, the risk of acquiring osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition, rises with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and affects around 50% of persons over the age of 65.

There is little you can do to stop time from moving forward. However, there are many lifestyle adjustments you can make to give your joints some extra TLC.

Smoking

Despite the fact that you probably don’t need one more, here is one to stop smoking: Your joints experience damage from smoking. When nicotine constricts blood vessels, less oxygen and vital nutrients can reach the joint cartilage. This affects the health of the cartilage. Due to the fact that cartilage gets its nutrition from the fluid around the joint and the nearby bone, Mascarinas explains that this may cause cartilage to deteriorate.

Other than that: As it turns out, smoking increases your chance for osteoporosis, a condition that causes brittle bones. Seniors who smoke are 30 to 40% more likely than nonsmokers to shatter their hips, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

A physically inactive lifestyle

There are several ways that sedentary behaviours are detrimental for your joints. According to a study in Arthritis & Rheumatology that monitored more than 1.7 million people for more than four years, it is difficult to maintain a healthy weight and excess pounds are harsh on your joints, especially those in the hips, hands, and knees. Knees are particularly prone to injury. Almost three to five times as many participants who were obese, defined as having a body mass index of 30 or greater, developed knee osteoarthritis. According to one study, decreasing 1 pound of body weight relieved the knees of 4 pounds of pressure.

Regular sitting “also causes muscle tension in the hips and legs and weakens the muscles that stabilise the core,” according to Mascarinas.

Aim for 30 minutes of joint-friendly activity five days a week to counteract everything mentioned above. Walking, water aerobics, and swimming are a few moderate, low-impact sports that are gentle on the joints, according to Mascarinas. Avoid deep lunges and squats, jogging, repeated jumping, and sports like basketball and tennis. These acitivities require quick twists and abrupt stops if you have osteoarthritis.

Overdoing exercise

Weekend warriors pay attention: Your joints won’t benefit from trying to fit a week’s worth of workout into one weekend. A skilled orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist in Indianapolis once observed, “There’s a good medium between training our muscles and not overdoing the load on the joints.

According to studies, people with arthritis who maintain healthy muscles do a significantly better job of managing their condition. By combining strength training with cardiovascular exercise, you can find the sweet spot. Professionals assert that even 70, 80, and 90-year-olds can still experience positive muscle reactions from weight-training routines. According to research, it’s simpler to perform daily tasks like getting out of a chair, climbing and descending stairs, and potentially even lowering one’s body temperature.

Carrying a heavy load

It should come as no surprise that heavy lifting wears down your body, whether you’re carrying a fully-loaded tote bag every day or picking up your growing grandchild on those once-a-month visits. And it exacts a specific toll on your joints. “Carrying objects that are heavy creates imbalance throughout the body,” as said by professionals. Additionally, these imbalances “create torque or stress on the joints, which over time may further deteriorate the cartilage.”

Of course, determining a “heavy” load is the tricky part. According to experts, “any amount of weight that requires more than one hand to pick it up” should be taken into account. When lifting or carrying objects, be safe and use the palms of both hands, or use your arms in place of your hands, advises a professional organisation. Hold goods close to your body, which is less stressful for your joints.

Eating foods that cause inflammation

All the usual suspects are on the table: red meat, white sugar, French fries, Coke, and pastries. According to doctors, eating these foods can make joint pain worse. However, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such flaxseed oil and cold-water fish like salmon and mackerel, are thought to be anti-inflammatory and can help soothe inflamed joints. According to a study published in Rheumatology, which identified a connection between high cholesterol and knee and hand osteoarthritis, leafy greens are also advised, as are cholesterol-lowering foods like almonds, pistachios, and walnuts.

If you have joint pain, a specialist advises including foods like olive oil, berries, and salmon in your diet. According to her, studies have also shown a link between foods high in beta-carotene, fibre, magnesium, and omega-3s and decreased inflammation. Limiting pro-inflammatory foods like red meat, sweets, and dairy can also lessen joint discomfort, according to research.

Bad posture

While sitting posture is crucial for joint health, excellent posture should be adopted constantly. For instance, when walking, make careful to maintain a straight back, a set of level knees, and a set of backward-facing shoulders. Your joints will experience less strain as a result, which will make them less susceptible to fatigue and deterioration. Consider utilising seat cushions or lumbar supports when you have to sit for extended amounts of time to assist your spine stay in the right position.

Strength Training Ignored

We lose bone mass as we get older, which increases our susceptibility to fractures and diseases like arthritis. Fortunately, consistent strength training reduces the pace of bone deterioration and may even stimulate the formation of new bone. For this reason, it’s a good idea to include a few strength exercises to your normal exercise programme. You can still workout even if you have limited mobility. Use these seated chair exercises in your everyday regimen by trying them out.

Taking a Nap on Your Stomach

Even though everyone has a varied sleeping pattern, some are better for our bones than others. While both sleeping on your back and your side have advantages and disadvantages, sleeping on your stomach is the worst for your spine’s health. This makes us turn our necks while we sleep, which puts tension on our muscles and bones. Moreover, it causes longer-lasting vertebral pinching. Positioning pillows are a terrific tool to maintain your body in the right position during the night and relieve pressure from troublesome regions.

Finger Texting

De Quervain’s Tendonitis, also referred to as “texting thumb,” is a condition that develops over time as a result of repetitive motions like typing or texting that wear down your joints. Although it pays to be aware of how it’s impacting your body, it doesn’t imply you should quit doing it. Avoid using your thumbs for texting as much as you can to save the joint there from further stress. Instead, text with the tips of your other fingers.

If you already suffer from Texting Thumb, try wearing a thumb splint to decrease symptoms.

Excess weight

Obese or overweight people are more likely to get joint problems in their ankles, knees, and hips. The cause is rather straightforward—since each of these joints must support a higher weight, they all tend to deteriorate more quickly. There are many simple actions you may do to live a better lifestyle and lose weight; take a look at these:

  • Put on a fitness monitor.
  • Engage in daily exercise
  • Log your calorie consumption while working with a dietitian.
  • Work with a personal trainer
  • Track & Monitor Your Progress at Home
  • Establish manageable, gradual goals.

High-Heel Shoes

Even the most comfortable pair of heels can be just as detrimental for your joints as an uncomfortable pair of shoes. They affect everything from your ankles, to knees, to your lower back, creating extra strain on all these joints as you walk. Even an increased risk of osteoarthritis might be experienced by women who regularly wear high heels. While obviously not a cure, high heel insoles can assist to reduce some pain and distribute weight – if you must wear heels, consider A Pair of These for some protection.

Reduce Joint Pain

You can enhance your joint health by changing bad habits in addition as cutting back on them. To take control of your joint discomfort, try these solutions.

  • The best option for people seeking an immediate relief from joint discomfort is Pain Cream. To feel its effects, simply rub it where it is required.
  • Simple remedies like ice packs and heating pads can help speed up the healing process and lessen acute pain. Using them prior to or following exercise is extremely beneficial.
  • The ideal technique to guarantee that you receive the support you require while jogging or walking is using insoles. They encourage a healthy walk while reducing any current joint pain.
  • Compression items, such compression gloves and compression knee braces, are an excellent technique to relieve joint discomfort while stabilising the joint to prevent more joint pain.

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/ss/slideshow-arthritis-joint-badhabits
  • https://centerforspineandortho.com/health-wellness/the-6-worst-habits-for-your-joints/
  • https://www.vivehealth.com/blogs/resources/healthy-joints
  • https://www.hss.edu/newsroom_susan-goodman-discusses-iimpact-of-bad-habits-on-rheumatoid-arthritis.asp

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Brain’s recycling system breaks down in Parkinson’s Disease

Brain’s recycling system breaks down in Parkinson’s Disease

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A recent study suggests that the usual house-cleaning activity of neuronal cells may fail in Parkinson’s disease. A buildup of damaged proteins in brain synapses, which may eventually result in patches of dead neurons, is one of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

According to a study done on fruit flies called Drosophila, a calcium surge in healthy brain synapses starts the cleaning process by causing a protein that causes cells to throw away the waste. But, when a gene mutation known to cause Parkinson’s disease is present, the protein does not react to calcium’s signal as it should, and synaptic cleanup is not successful.

According to a recent study, the typical process for getting rid of broken-down proteins in brain cells is disrupted by a gene mutation linked to Parkinson’s disease. As a result, synapses may accumulate debris, which could lead to Parkinson’s symptoms.

Researchers used Drosophila, or fruit flies, to explore how calcium releases in neurons cause autophagy or cell cleaning, and how a gene mutation prevents this release.

In the synapses of persons with Parkinson’s disease, abnormal protein clumps called Lewy bodies are discovered. These Lewy bodies are mostly made up of clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein. Normally, alpha-synuclein participates in the communication between brain cells. Misfolded alpha-synuclein proteins, on the other hand, clump together and destroy neurons, leaving dead brain cells in their wake.

Dr. Warren D. Hirst of Biogen claims that the idea that Parkinson’s is brought on by a malfunction in autophagy is not new. The new study, however, meticulously outlines the potential culprits and underlying mechanisms of autophagy’s failure. (Dr. Hirst did not take part in the research.)

Parkinson’s disease

After Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease is the neurodegenerative condition that is most frequently diagnosed. Parkinson’s disease affects almost one million Americans, and by 2030, that figure is projected to reach 1.2 million. Parkinson’s disease affects about 10 million individuals globally. In the United States, almost 90,000 new cases are diagnosed yearly.

Critical basal ganglia dopamine-producing neurons die in the disease’s advanced stages. This area of the brain regulates movement.

The primary signs of Parkinson’s disease are:

Parkinson’s disease may also result in skin concerns, bladder problems, constipation, trouble eating, chewing, and communicating, as well as sadness and other emotional disturbances.

The majority of Parkinson’s patients are over 60 years old, while 5% may be diagnosed earlier. The extent to which the condition may be inherited is unclear.

It’s crucial to remember that everyone is affected by the ailment differently; some people may have more severe symptoms, such as losing all mobility, while others may still just have mild symptoms. Although there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are treatment options that can help manage the symptoms, including drugs, deep brain stimulation (DBS), and treatments.

Parkinson’s disease may also result in skin concerns, bladder problems, constipation, trouble eating, chewing, and communicating, as well as sadness and other emotional disturbances. The majority of Parkinson’s patients are over 60 years old, while 5% may be diagnosed earlier. The extent to which the condition may be inherited is unclear.

It’s crucial to remember that everyone is affected by the ailment differently; some people may have more severe symptoms, such as losing all mobility, while others may still just have mild symptoms.

Although there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are treatment options that can help manage the symptoms, including drugs, deep brain stimulation (DBS), and treatments.

Calcium, autophagy, and Parkinson’s risk

It is “a basic mechanistic work taking a mutation that is known to raise the incidence of Parkinson’s, and investigating what that mutation does in a fruit-fly model of Drosophila,” according to neuroscientist Dr. Santosh Kesari, who was also not involved in the study.

The researchers discovered that the earliest indirect trigger of autophagy in Drosophila was an influx of calcium at brain synapses. Also, they found that these synaptic calcium surges can be brought on by either neuronal activity or by depriving cells of amino acids.

Associate Professor of Neurology Ian Martin, who was not involved in the study, stated, “The authors give considerable data suggesting a role for calcium in the onset of autophagy within Drosophila synapses.

According to Asst. Prof. Martin, “A variety of approaches, including biochemistry, genetics, synaptic physiology, and microscopy, are generally well-supportive in the study of the idea that synaptic autophagy could be coupled to neuronal activity, and that this autophagy is required for neuronal survival.” Autophagy, according to Dr. Kesari, “is the cell’s trash disposal.”

Parkinson’s disease and EndoA

The study then showed that a mutation in the Endophilin-A protein, also known as “EndoA,” which is linked to Parkinson’s disease, is responsible for the relationship between calcium and autophagy.

The endolysosomal system, which includes EndoA, has been linked in other research as a putative early pathomechanism causing Parkinson’s disease and alpha-synuclein aggregates.

Normally, the calcium influx increases EndoA’s flexibility, allowing for the creation of the autophagosomes that power autophagy. However, the study discovered that in those who have the Parkinson’s-related mutation, the calcium influx makes EndoA stiffen, and this stiffness prevents the creation of autophagosomes, which in turn prevents autophagy.

So, the new work is distinctive in two ways: it focuses on autophagy particularly at synaptic terminals and shows how the Parkinson’s disease-related gene mutation prevents the process from starting.

Making use of the study’s insights

According to studies from human post-mortem tissue, Asst. Prof. Martin said that the idea that autophagy failure plays a role in Parkinson’s is validated. Beside EndoA, Parkinson’s disease is also thought to be caused by pathogenic mutations in proteins including alpha-synuclein and LRRK2.

Autophagy abnormalities are frequently implicated in Parkinson’s disease-related neurodegeneration, according to genetic studies.

In conclusion, Dr. Kesari remarked, “We need to think about how we can use this information to improve autophagy.” The next phase of the research with human cells is still to be completed.

A crucial, $64,000 question, according to Dr. Hirst, is how to accomplish this. The field is still looking for agents that boost autophagy. This still presents difficulties.

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Latest kind of food that helps with anxiety.

Latest kind of food that helps with anxiety.

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The brain can benefit from some foods, like almonds, and herbs, like chamomile, which may also help with anxiety symptoms. With 7.3% of the world’s population experiencing anxiety, it is one of the most common mental health illnesses.

It’s an all-encompassing phrase used to describe a number of disorders. This includes social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, and phobias. It is typically characterised by persistent feelings of tension, worry, and nervousness that can interfere with daily life.

Medication is frequently needed as the primary form of treatment in many situations. There are, however, a number of methods you can employ to lessen the symptoms of anxiety, from exercise to breathing exercises.

In addition, there are a variety of foods you may eat to boost brain health and lessen the severity of your symptoms, especially whole grains. Also, there are a variety of foods you can eat that, mostly because of their brain-boosting qualities. This may assist maintain brain function and lessen the severity of your symptoms.

Millions of individuals throughout the world suffer with anxiety, which is a common condition. There are many different symptoms, and some people only sometimes encounter them. Yet, a person may develop generalised anxiety disorder if they have symptoms for more than six months (GAD).

Physical and psychological signs of GAD include:

  • fear
  • tension
  • excessive anxiety about regular issues and events
  • irritability
  • having trouble concentrating
  • challenges with connections in work, in society, and personally
  • increased heart rate and chest pain
  • skeletal tension
  • chest constriction

Medications and talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), are frequently used by doctors to treat GAD. Some traditional therapies occasionally have short-term success rates. Yet, some studies indicates that healthy eating may aid with symptom improvement.

Salmon

Salmon might help people feel less anxious. It contains nutrients, such as vitamin D and the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid. They supports brain function (DHA).

These nutrients might assist in regulating the sedative and calming neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.

A diet high in EPA and DHA in particular is linked to lower levels of anxiety. These fatty acids are thought to be able to prevent brain cell malfunction. This is frequent in anxious persons, as well as inflammation.

This may also help your brain adjust to changes, enabling you to deal with pressures that bring on anxiety feelings more effectively.

Chamomile

An herb called chamomile may help people feel less anxious. It has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, which might help reduce anxiety-related inflammation.

Although the exact mechanisms are unknown, chamomile is thought to assist in the regulation of neurotransmitters involved in mood. This includes serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, a crucial component of the body’s stress response, may also be regulated by it. The relationship between chamomile extract and anxiety relief has been the subject of certain studies.

A 1,500 milligramme dose of chamomile extract taken daily in a 38-week randomised study of 179 patients with (GAD). This results in a considerably better improvement in symptoms than those who did not take it.

Similar findings were made in a previous 2012 study, which found that people who took chamomile extract for eight weeks reported fewer depressive and anxious feelings. However, due to the study’s small sample size, cause-and-effect could not be proved statistically with sufficient strength.

The majority of investigations have been done on chamomile extract, despite the fact that these results are encouraging. The anti-anxiety properties of chamomile tea, which is most frequently drank, need to be evaluated by more recent studies.

Turmeric

Curcumin, a substance researched for its function in supporting brain health and reducing anxiety disorders, is present in the spice turmeric.

Curcumin, which has a high level of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. This may aid in preventing brain cell deterioration brought on by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

It may also improve the conversion of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 present in plants, to DHA. Also, it can raise DHA levels in the brain, according to animal research.

A daily intake of nano-curcumin, a smaller, more accessible version of curcumin, for 8 weeks led to considerably lower anxiety scores when compared to a placebo. Tis is as per double-blind, randomised research of 80 diabetics.

Anxiety levels were shown to be significantly reduced when 1 gram of curcumin was taken daily for 30 days instead of a placebo. This is as per another small, randomized crossover research. Although encouraging, the majority of studies focused on the effects of curcumin supplements rather than turmeric-derived curcumin. As a result, more study in this area is required.

Having said that, include turmeric in your diet is unquestionably worthwhile. Try combining curcumin with black pepper to improve absorption.

Dark chocolate

Moreover, adding some dark chocolate to your diet may reduce anxiety. Flavonols, which are plant-based chemicals with antioxidant properties like epicatechin and catechin, are found in dark chocolate.

According to certain studies, the flavonols in dark chocolate may have neuroprotective and beneficial effects on brain health. In instance, flavonols may improve cell-signaling pathways and boost blood flow to the brain.

Your ability to cope with stressful conditions that can cause anxiety and other mood disorders may improve as a result of these effects. Moreover, some studies contend that the benefits of dark chocolate for brain health may simply be a result of the substance’s comforting flavor for people. This refers to people who suffer from mood disorders.

One cross-sectional study with 13,626 participants discovered that those who ingested dark chocolate had significantly fewer depressive symptoms than those who ate little to no dark chocolate. Also, a review of nine studies found that consuming goods high in cocoa could elevate mood and affect in the short term.

This is encouraging, but more analysis of the long-term benefits of dark chocolate on anxiety and mood is required. Also, since it has a lot of calories and is simple to overeat, dark chocolate is best enjoyed in moderation. Enjoy a 1- to 1.5-ounce serving at a time for optimal results.

Yogurt

Certain yogurt varieties contain probiotics or good bacteria. This may enhance your physical and mental health among other elements of your wellbeing.

Probiotics may help the gut-brain axis, a complex connection connecting the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Although, the fact that this area of study is still in its infancy. In example, evidence indicates that favourable gut flora may be associated with improved mental health.

Moreover, probiotic foods like yoghurt may improve mental health and cognitive performance by lowering inflammation and raising the production of neurotransmitters that improve mood, like serotonin.

Anxiety, stress, and quality of life were all found to be enhanced in one research of postmenopausal ladies who ate probiotic yoghurt every day for six weeks. Further human studies are required to investigate the precise link between yoghurt eating and anxiety, despite the field of study being quite promising.

The presence of probiotics in yoghurt varies widely, which is another key distinction. Choose a yoghurt with live active cultures stated as an ingredient for the probiotics advantages. Further human studies are required to investigate the precise link between yoghurt eating and anxiety, despite the field of study being quite promising.

The presence of probiotics in yoghurt varies widely, which is another key distinction. Choose a yoghurt with live active cultures stated as an ingredient for the probiotics advantages.

Green tea

The amino acid L-theanine, which is present in green tea, has been investigated for its potential benefits on anxiety and brain function.

Participants who drank a beverage containing L-theanine reported considerably lower subjective stress and lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone associated to anxiety, in a double-blind, randomised research.

The ability of L-theanine to stop nerves from becoming overexcited may be the cause of these effects. Furthermore, GABA, dopamine, and serotonin may be increased by L-theanine; these neurotransmitters have been associated with anti-anxiety benefits.

The antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been linked to improved brain function, is also found in green tea. Due to the fact that it raises GABA levels in the brain, it might help to lessen some symptoms.

It’s interesting to note that the combination of L-theanine, EGCG, and additional substances present in green tea appears to play a synergistic function in inducing serenity and reducing anxiety and may be more beneficial when combined than when used separately.

Almonds

Almonds are an excellent source of healthy fats and vitamin E, two nutrients considered to support brain function. In fact, several animal studies have discovered that almonds may lessen oxidative stress and inflammation, which may contribute to the emergence of anxiety.

Several potential mood-enhancing qualities of almonds exist. One study, for instance, discovered a link between higher nut consumption, particularly that of almonds, and a reduction in depressive symptoms.

Males who ingested the most nuts were 66% less likely to experience anxiety than those who consumed the least, according to a different research of 3,172 individuals. Females were not affected by this relationship, though.

In order to comprehend how almonds could affect mood and anxiety, further high-quality studies are required.

Blueberries

Vitamin C and other antioxidants like flavonoids, which have been examined for their potential to enhance brain function and reduce anxiety, are abundant in blueberries.

In a 4-week trial, it was discovered that giving 64 teenagers daily supplements of wild blueberries was associated with reduced self-reported depressive symptoms.

According to several animal studies, some chemicals in blueberries may also lessen the effects of oxidative stress and the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Additionally, some studies have also suggested that consuming more fruits, such blueberries, may be associated with a decreased risk of anxiety. However, further research is required to assess how blueberries affect anxiety.

Eggs

Tryptophan, a neurotransmitter that may be helpful for anxiety symptoms, is a great source of nutrition in eggs. One study suggested that low amounts of tryptophan and insufficient protein intake, both of which are found in large quantities in eggs, may be linked to increased levels of anxiety.

Around 6% of the required Daily Value (DV) of vitamin D is found in one large egg, another nutrient found in eggs. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to increased symptoms of anxiety and sadness, according to several studies.

Even however, further research is required to fully understand the benefits of eggs specifically with regard to anxiety. Some of the nutrients in eggs may be advantageous.

Other meals that could reduce anxiety

Even though some of the foods on the following list have not been explicitly researched for their anti-anxiety benefits, they are full of nutrients that may help with related symptoms.

Tryptophan, an amino acid that the body converts to serotonin and may help with relaxation and anxiety alleviation, is present in foods including turkey, bananas, and oats.

Meat and dairy products: These are excellent sources of protein and provide necessary amino acids that help make the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which may help with mental wellness.

Chia seeds: Chia seeds are another another excellent source of anxiety-relieving omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to improve brain function.

Citrus fruits and bell peppers: These foods are high in vitamin C, which has antioxidant characteristics that may help reduce inflammation and shield cells from damage that can worsen anxiety. Citrus fruits and bell peppers also contain a lot of vitamin C.

Although these meals could help you maintain your mental health, they shouldn’t take the place of any prescription drugs or other treatments recommended by a doctor.

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Typical lifestyle habits that can kill your sex lfe.

Typical lifestyle habits that can kill your sex lfe.

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Do you believe your lover no longer wants to have sex? Do you believe that there aren’t many sexual embers in the bedroom? Let us warn you that the issue is not with your partner before you lash out and place the blame there. There are other factors at play than your relationship. Your sex drive might be killed by a number of habits.

Working long hours, drinking alcohol, and having stringent deadlines frequently cause couples to place less significance on their sexual life. Because of our way of life, we frequently prefer to disregard our personal lives. Perhaps you are also leading a lifestyle that is killing your sex drive without you realising it. We have provided a list of unhealthy behaviours that are impacting your sex desire to better help you understand. Long sex sessions, dirty moments, and flirting with one another all become faraway dreams.

Huddling in bed with your iPad

Indeed, it can be challenging to stop using Pinterest or to resist binge-watching the newest Orange Is the New Black season. But time, passion, and emotional energy can be lost to technology. Many women claim they have no time for sex, but Andrea Syrtash, a relationship specialist and the author of Cheat on Your Husband, notes that many admit to checking Facebook an hour before bed (With Your Husband). Also, sending that final email before turning out the lights ensures that you are concentrating on your work and not on getting into bed with your spouse.

Dr. Jane Greer, a marriage and sex therapist in New York, argues that this means that emotionally, you are elsewhere. (Having a TV in the bedroom also doesn’t help: A new study reveals that couples only engage in sexual activity half as frequently!) To reduce distractions, both experts advise turning off your electronics an hour before bed.

Eating much or too late

According to Dr. Rachel A. Sussman, LCSW, stress and busy schedules both contribute to late dinners, midnight snacking, and overeating. “Such habits can make us drained, stuffed, and self-conscious.” What occurs when we don’t feel good about ourselves, do you know? a great deal of nothing. she gave? Consider sex as your dessert, Sussman exhorts. “There’s a fairly good possibility that if you eat less, you’re going to have more energy and want to have sex later that evening.” (And, afterward, you can always have something sweet.)

Adding an extra wine glass

Another cunning culprit that can be putting a stop to your desire is alcohol usage. Sussman says, “People frequently drink to deal with stress, but it might backfire, making them fatigued or grumpy. Why? since alcohol has a depressive effect. But, not all alcoholic beverages are unhealthy; just be mindful of your intake. Sussman continues, “A little bit can excite you on, but too much can definitely destroy a sex drive and make it hard to orgasm.

Allowing your pet to sleep in your bed

We comprehend. The puppy-dog eyes are difficult to avoid. However, Virginia Sadock, M.D., Head of the Department in Human Sexuality at NYU Langone Medical Center, advises against bringing pets into the bedroom. In fact, your dog might gain from giving you some breathing room. Pets, like kids, don’t appreciate being left out, but Sadock observes that they dislike parental conflict even less. And since having sex helps relieve stress, shut the door for the evening.

Being a one-trick pony 

Monogamy can get boring after a while. Routines are simple to get into, especially once you find one that “works,” but restraining yourself from repeating the same moves will help keep you interested in playing again. Sussman advises doing some reading, experimenting with different body postures, or coming up with original techniques to entice your partner: “It doesn’t need to be difficult. As simple as flirting can do it.”

Always taking the kids on vacation

In a family situation, Disney World typically prevails over Aruba. Yet, a February 2013 study commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association found that couples who travel together at least once a year have more contented sexual lives. A weekend getaway might foster greater connection than meagre presents. Thus, avoid giving gifts of affection and spend more on vacations by saving your money.

Putting on your jammies

That baggy tee or prairie-chic plaid dress are probably not helping either of you feel particularly motivated. Syrtash notes that wearing gorgeous underwear can make sexual activity feel more seductive. “If you often wear granny pants to bed, try switching it up with sensuous materials that feel wonderful on your skin. You’ll feel sensual, and he’ll think it’s sexy.” Hence, everyone benefits.

Skipping the gym

Confidence doesn’t mean you should let everything go: “A moderate amount of exercise helps you build up stamina, it energises you, and it is also a fantastic method to release anxiety,” advises Sadock. The more energy you have left over to feel aroused for sex, the less energy you are expending on feeling anxious. A University of Florida research found that post-workout sex can be fantastic. Why? Even if you haven’t dropped any weight, you end up feeling more confident and liberated.

Not setting aside any “special time”

Although it may not sound romantic, organising romps in the bedroom improves them by frequently removing guilt. “It’s easy to feel like you always have something more important to be doing than having sex if you’re a really busy person, especially a stay-at-home mom or a working mom,” Sussman claims, adding that she advises arranging couples’ time at least once a week.

Passing up those small opportunities to connect

Additionally, you can revive your libido outside of the bedroom. According to Sadock, lunch dates are particularly helpful for helping couples reconnect on a deeper level. “Twenty minutes of talking — when you’re not washing the dishes, folding clothes, or watching TV — helps you reconnect with your partner on a deeper level,” she says. It’s uniquely nice because it’s a rest during the day and you’re not as worn out as you are at night.

Waiting for the appropriate time

Do it now. Seriously. The decline in oestrogen levels that occurs in women as they age, as well as after giving birth, can cause dryness in the vagina and decreased desire. Yet, starting to kiss and fondle while being out of the mood can actually turn you on. You can thank us later if you try it.

News viewing while in bed

The mood could be seriously destroyed by watching the news while in bed. The news can be downright gloomy at times, which may be negatively affecting your sex life by lowering your desire or putting you in a depressed frame of mind.

Having insufficient sleep

A weak sex desire could be caused by insufficient z’s. Changes in hormone levels result in a decrease in libido when sleep is lacking. Also, being sleep deprived can make you feel bad, which means you probably won’t be in the mood for an intimate relationship with your spouse.

Avoid letting these negative behaviours spoil your sexual life. Make an effort to keep things exciting in the bedroom and cherish that connection with your lover!

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Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good?

Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good?

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Reports

Current practice guidelines suggest a low-sodium diet for the management of heart failure. Although experts are questioning the effectiveness of decreasing salt in one’s diet.

Researchers recently conducted a meta-analysis of data from nine randomized controlled trials that compared a low-sodium diet to standard therapy in patients with heart failure.

They came to the conclusion that excessive salt restriction causes more harm than good. However, the choice of research included in the meta-analysis has been questioned by specialists.

60% chloride and 40% sodium make up most of the weight of salt. A tiny amount of sodium is required by the body to convey nerve impulses, contract and relax muscles, and maintain the right balance of water and minerals. Yet, consuming too much salt is associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure. This is a major contributor to stroke and heart disease.

Introduction

Adults should limit their daily sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams, or roughly 1 teaspoon of table salt, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Nonetheless, the CDC reports that Americans typically ingest more than 3,400 mg of sodium daily. In processed meals, especially bread, meats, and sauces, a large number of people unknowingly take high levels of salt.

In the past, persons with heart failure have been advised to monitor their sodium consumption especially carefully to control their condition. Patients with moderate to severe symptoms of heart failure were advised by the Heart Failure Society of America in 2010 to consume less sodium per day than 2,000 mg.

However, whether the dietary salt restriction is beneficial for people with heart failure is still up for debate.

A low-sodium diet may prevent the course of the condition in people with heart failure. This is as per the clinical experiment that was published in 2013.

A more recent clinical experiment, known as the Sodium-HF trial, indicated that cutting back on sodium did not have any clinically significant effects on patients with heart failure.

A Low-Sodium Diet: What Is It?

Sodium is a crucial mineral involved in a variety of vital body processes. This includes cellular activity, fluid balance, electrolyte balance, and blood pressure maintenance.

Your kidneys closely control the amount of this mineral in your body since it is essential to life. Also, it is dependent on the osmolarity (concentration) of physiological fluids.

Most things you eat include sodium, though entire meals like fruits, vegetables, and poultry have far lower quantities. Fresh fruit and other plant-based foods typically contain less sodium than animal-based meals like meat and dairy.

The items that are processed and packed, such as chips, frozen dinners, and fast food, contain the highest concentrations of sodium. This is because salt is added during processing to improve flavor. Adding salt to food while cooking and as a seasoning before eating is a significant contribution to sodium intake.

High-sodium meals and drinks are restricted to a low-sodium diet. These diets are often advised by healthcare professionals to manage ailments like high blood pressure or heart disease.

Is too little salt a thing?

The research team led by Dr. Palicherla looked through numerous databases for randomized clinical studies. They contrasting reduced sodium diets with standard treatment in heart failure patients.

There were a total of nine studies with 3,499 patients in the meta-analysis. The sodium restriction group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in in-hospital mortality. This is compared to usual treatment (risk ratio [RR] 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46-2.31; P0.001), although there was no statistically significant difference in hospitalization between the two groups (RR 1.45; 95%CI; 0.99-2.11; P=0.05).

The researchers came to the conclusion that sodium restriction increased mortality in patients with heart failure based on the findings of the meta-analysis. They add that such recommendations “should be reconsidered” in the absence of any benefits from salt reduction and in the face of increased danger.

Verifying previous research

The study was criticized by several professionals since it contained research that had been removed due to a lack of verification.

Managing director of the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research at Johns Hopkins University and C. David Molina Professor of Medicine, Dr. Lawrence J. Appel, told MNT:

This meta-analysis has a major flaw because it is based on four trials conducted by a single Italian research team (the Paterna and Parrinello investigations), and there have been many issues with their research integrity as well as publication retractions.

Some patients may benefit more

The inclusion of retractions in the meta-analysis was criticized by Graham MacGregor, CBE, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the Wolfson Institute, Queen Mary University of London. “You need to be extremely careful,” he said, adding that patients with heart failure often take diuretics, which cause salt depletion.

The University of Alberta’s Justin A. Ezekowitz, MBBCH, professor of cardiology and director of cardiovascular research, and his team published a related meta-analysis last year.

They came to the conclusion that sodium restriction may be related to improvements in symptoms and quality of life but was not associated with fewer hospitalizations or deaths in patients with heart failure.

Dr. Ezekowitz said “it is a really complex topic” and that he would need to examine more closely at the meta-techniques analysis’s in order to prove the validity of their conclusions when Dr. Palicherla asked him to comment on the new meta-analysis.

“However, more [randomized clinical trials] are required in this area to identify whether patients may benefit more (or less) from a strategy of dietary salt reduction. In either case, the SODIUM-HF study and our meta-analysis will need to be taken into consideration when the U.S. and worldwide guidelines are updated, according to Dr. Ezekowitz.

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