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Is Strength training effective for managing blood pressure.

Is Strength training effective for managing blood pressure.

Hypertension, often known as high blood pressure, is a common ailment that, if left untreated, can cause major issues. Medication and lifestyle changes can both be used to address high blood pressure.

A systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of the available data revealed that strength training may be a useful non-drug alternative for the management of high blood pressure. Its effectiveness, however, is influenced by variables including intensity and duration.

People who have hypertension or high blood pressure are susceptible to some long-term problems. Blood pressure can be lowered and a person’s risk of problems can be decreased with early management.

The greatest strategies for modifying one’s lifestyle to lower blood pressure are constantly being researched. How strength training affects blood pressure is one topic of interest. Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have demonstrated the blood pressure-lowering benefits of strength training.

Researchers found that strength training appears to be most useful when it entails working out at least twice per week for at least two months at a moderate to strenuous level.

High blood pressure and treatments

The force the heart uses to pump blood throughout the body is measured by blood pressure. The force blood applies to blood vessel walls as the heart contracts is known as systolic blood pressure. When the heart relaxes, the blood pressure in the diastole is the force.

It’s critical that blood pressure maintain a healthy range. Stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure are just a few of the severe problems that high blood pressure can cause. Dr. John Higgins, a sports cardiologist from UTHealth Houston and a non-study author, observed:

“Hypertension is a significant risk factor for developing heart disease that, if not managed properly, can result in early coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, peripheral arterial disease, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. Increased morbidity and death are linked to all these disorders.

Aside from taking medicine, managing high blood pressure entails making changes to one’s lifestyle. Losing weight, giving up smoking, and exercising are a few examples of lifestyle changes. Individualized treatment programs for people with high blood pressure can be created in collaboration with their doctors.

Dr. Rohini Manaktala, a cardiologist with Memorial Hermann Medical Group and an independent study author, stated that “following a healthy way of living with daily physical activity, maintaining a normal weight, consuming alcohol in moderation, and refraining from tobacco use are all ways to control an individual’s blood pressure.”

Using strength training to manage hypertension

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers investigated the effects of strength training on high blood pressure levels by reviewing several papers. Through several databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the World Health Organisation, they discovered studies. Fourteen randomized controlled studies that satisfied inclusion requirements were included in their study.

253 hypertensive people in all were included in the study and analysis. Participants were just about sixty years old on average.

Giovana Rampazzo Teixeira, Ph.D., the senior author of the study and a professor at UNESP – So Paulo State University’s School of Technology and Sciences, said: “We used randomised clinical studies that used strength training as a treatment for arterial hypertension in hypertensive individuals.”

The following criteria were determined to be the most conducive to strength training’s ability to lower blood pressure in participants:

At least twice a week, individuals engaged in strength exercises that ranged from moderate to strenuous intensity. The intervention lasted at least eight weeks. As outlined by Dr. Teixeir:

“We found that people under 59 years old experienced a more notable drop in blood pressure during the physical training phase. People between the ages of 60 and 79 reported a less noticeable but still discernible difference. Thus, we emphasize that strength training provides advantages for both young and old.

Dr Teixeria continued, “Professionals who are faced with a hypertensive subject in clinical practise or even in the day-to-day at the gym will be able to use strength training as a treatment for arterial hypertension, knowing what the necessary variables for this are to be achieved, and always taking into consideration the goals of that subject.”

How to lower blood pressure

Studies like this one, according to Dr. Fahmi Farah (MD), of Bentley Health, can give cardiologists like her another tool when communicating with the patients they care for.

We have always known that exercise lowers the chance of developing cardiovascular disease, but this study gives us additional proof and confidence to tell our patients about the benefits of exercise and encourage them to try it for themselves.

Farah and her peers in the sector are aware that strength training can provide health hazards or be prohibitively expensive or difficult to get owing to geography. is not accessible to all.

“I would say that on a population, a country, and a government level, I think the help needs to come from higher up so that we can make it more practical for everyone to be able to afford working out.”

Even for individuals who can exercise, Makowski advises against becoming overly ambitious or pushing oneself beyond their limits.

Strength training may be done at many degrees, and it’s not always what we imagine when we think of someone bench pressing a lot of weight elastic bands, light dumbbell weights, and bodyweight movements known as isometrics are some examples.

But before beginning weight training as an intervention for high blood pressure, every expert for this article advised the same thing: make sure you’ve spoken with your doctor.

Data limitations and clinical implications

This analysis and assessment does have some restrictions. First, research involving the use of blood pressure-lowering drugs were not disregarded. This fact might have affected how their analysis turned out.

Second, while multiple control groups were employed in the studies that were included, the researchers only paid attention to the blood pressure readings of participants who had high blood pressure. The ability of researchers to compare how strength training would benefit men and women differently was also constrained. Researchers also point out that there may be publication bias in the available studies.

Dr. Manaktala made the following assumptions regarding how strength training might be used to reduce high blood pressure based on the study’s findings:

Strength training is simple to incorporate into a person’s regular routine. The most crucial factor is constancy. A decent first exercise method to lower blood pressure would be a moderate to strenuous workout, 2 to 3 times per week.

It’s also crucial to remember that each person’s use of strength training may seem different. To perform a strength training programme safely, people might ask doctors and other experts for assistance.

Dr. Higgins stated that it is wise to consult with medical professionals before beginning a strength training programme to ensure that it is safe to do so and to get their advice on the appropriate level of intensity.

REFERENCES:

For Blood pressure medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=53

Can Obstructive sleep apnea cause cognitive decline?

Can Obstructive sleep apnea cause cognitive decline?

According to a study, people who have obstructive sleep apnea may experience cognitive decline.

The study is distinctive because all of its subjects were in good health and were free of the comorbid conditions that are frequently cited as the processes behind the association between sleep apnea and cognition.

According to the study, males as young as middle age can experience cognitive decline brought on by obstructive sleep apnea.

When a person has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), their airway occasionally becomes obstructed for at least 10 seconds while they are asleep. It has been hypothesised that the cardiovascular or metabolic comorbidities that cause these breathing disruptions are the cause of the eventual decline in cognitive function.

According to a recent research of individuals without these comorbidities, sleep apnea itself can cause cognitive deterioration as early as age 40.

Men from a distinctive group took part in the study. People with systemic hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic illnesses are more likely to be diagnosed with OSA.

This study is the first to examine the cognitive impact of OSA in otherwise healthy and non-obese persons because none of the study participants had any such comorbidities.

In their otherwise healthy subjects, the researchers discovered that OSA was associated with worsened executive function, visuospatial memory, vigilance (sustained attention), psychomotor function, and impulsive control.

Obstructive sleep apnea

According to a recent examination of data from 16 countries, 425 million adult men and women between the ages of 30 and 69 have moderate-to-severe OSA, and 936 million have mild-to-severe OSA. One estimate places the number of Americans with the illness at 25 million.

Sleep apnea might be one of two forms. The brain is unable to regularly signal the breathing muscles in people with less common central sleep apnea. OSA is more prevalent.

The dilator muscles that normally maintain the soft palate at the back of the throat open during breathing malfunction in people with obstructive sleep apnea or enable the tongue to impede the airway. Respiration is halted until the affected individual gasps or snorts to reopen the airway and restore breathing, which frequently happens before they completely awaken.

The link between obstructive sleep apnea and cognitive decline

According to the study’s findings, males who had severe obstructive sleep apnea had deficiencies in:

  • Vigilance
  • executive ability
  • Visual recognition memory in the short term
  • esteem on a social and emotional level

These issues were present in the males with mild obstructive sleep apnea as well, though not to the same extent as the individuals with severe versions of the illness. In reality, they hardly ever outperformed the control group in a meaningful way.

Even though the majority of men with sleep apnea had medical comorbidities, the study’s participants had none, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic inflammation, or depression. The authors pointed out that earlier studies blamed concomitant illnesses rather than sleep apnea for cognitive deficiencies.

Ivana Rosenzweig, MD, Ph.D., FRCPsych, a sleep specialist and consultant neuropsychiatrist, and the study’s lead author, said in an email to Healthline that “in our small proof-of-concept cross-sectional study, we demonstrated cognitive deficits in male patients with obstructive sleep apnea, even without any comorbidities.” This is extremely relevant because the current prevailing theory holds that cognitive deficiencies in this age range may be caused by comorbidities connected to obstructive sleep apnea.

Rosenzweig stated, “Our research demonstrates that sleep apnea is sufficient to initiate cognitive alterations. Since the majority of these patients were (otherwise) healthy males with this condition, the vast majority of them were consciously ignorant that they already had cognitive abnormalities detected by the extremely sensitive testing battery.

The following are some potential causes of the cognitive issues, according to the researchers:

  • sporadic low oxygen
  • high blood carbon dioxide levels
  • changes in the brain’s blood flow
  • fragmented sleep
  • Neuroinflammation

They stated that sleep apnea is a disorder that could be harmful.

Sleep apnea and dementia

The chance of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, may be considerably raised by sleep apnea. An assessment of research from 2022 found that it does not appear to raise the likelihood of acquiring vascular dementia.

Unfortunately, dementia can also cause sleep disruptions, according to Merrill. “Sleep disturbances increase dementia risk,” she said. As a result, your memory may eventually deteriorate to the point of dementia, which will make it harder for you to sleep. In this way, disturbed sleep can contribute to a downward spiral, making it even more crucial to recognize and address sleep problems during early and midlife adult development. Dementia affects sleep in several different ways, Merrill continued. “Dementia is a neurodegenerative illness, which means that brain cells begin to malfunction and die as time passes.

The brain’s sleep centres begin to malfunction when a person loses brain cells, making it harder for us to communicate with our bodies to stay asleep. Sleep is frequently broken up or even inverted, keeping patients awake all night before they fall asleep for the most of the day.

Merrill stated, “Ideally, sleep will be optimised years before the potential onset of dementia.” “With better sleep, we may be able to postpone the age at which dementia first manifests itself. To increase a person’s healthy life span as much as feasible, sleep quality should be improved.

The CDC recommends that those aged 61 to 64 receive seven to nine hours of sleep per night, while those aged 65 and over should aim for seven to eight hours.

Causes of OSA and cognitive damage

“Craniofacial and physiological particularities can be a risk factor for OSA — having a short chin, large tonsils, a large tongue, etc.,” said neuroscientist Dr. Nadia Gosselin from the University of Montreal in Canada, who was not involved in the study.

According to her, “these peculiarities increase a person’s risk of upper-airway obstruction during sleep.”

Although it is unclear how OSA causes cognitive loss, several of its fundamental characteristics, such as sleep disruption, intermittent hypoxemia, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, may be to blame.

According to Dr. Gosselin, OSA stops sleep from playing its part in memory consolidation, brain plasticity, and the elimination of cerebral metabolic waste by continuously fragmenting sleep.

She stated that systemic inflammation and blood-brain barrier disruption resulting in neuronal death are two more potential causes.

According to one study, the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex, two areas of the brain that degrade quickly in Alzheimer’s disease, have higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammation.

How to treat sleep apnea

The good news is that OSA can frequently be treated by making small lifestyle adjustments, such eating better, working out more, and decreasing weight, she continued.

Through a range of therapy techniques, doctors can also assist patients in controlling OSA.

The CPAP machine, which uses continuous positive airway pressure to keep the airway open while you sleep, is the OSA technology that is used the most frequently. People with central sleep apnea may also be given medication, CPAP machines, or other breathing aids.

Other OSA therapies include oral mandibular advancement devices or dental appliances that prevent the tongue from obstructing the throat. Additionally, there are neurostimulation implants for OSA, and surgery can occasionally be beneficial.

REFERENCES:

For Cognitive decline medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=77_478

Blueberries can improve cognitive and cardiovascular health

Blueberries can improve cognitive and cardiovascular health

A recent study suggests that eating a few handfuls of wild blueberries per day could improve cardiovascular and cognitive health.

According to the study, the anthocyanins in blueberries are in charge of enhancing vascular and cerebral blood flow, which are some of the most likely mechanisms underlying normal cognitive performance.

Polyphenols, a group of plant-based chemicals with a growing body of evidence linking them to health advantages, include anthocyanins.

According to a recent study from King’s College London Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine in the UK, a cup of wild blueberries is more than just a sweet treat. Additionally, it can improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and give you a mental boost.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study discovered that those who consumed blueberries had better executive function, a stronger short-term memory, and quicker reaction times.

For a period of 12 weeks, study participants who consumed a drink made from 26 grammes (g) of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder daily exhibited enhanced blood vessel function and a 3.59 mmHG decrease in systolic blood pressure compared to those who took a placebo powder.

When given blueberries, participants performed better at switching accuracy and were better at recalling word lists right away. However, the delayed recollection showed no improvement, according to the researchers.

Every day, 178 grammes of blueberries

61 healthy Londoners between the ages of 65 and 80 made up the study’s male and female subjects. Over the course of 12 weeks, half of them drank a beverage every day that contained 26 g of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder. The other half ingested a placebo that was identical in terms of flavor, appearance, macronutrients, fiber, and vitamin C.

For precise measures, powdered ingredients are frequently used in food studies.

Participants consumed 178 grammes of whole blueberries in the form of 26 grammes of blueberry powder per day. Given that blueberries come in a variety of sizes, this amounts to roughly 75 to 80 blueberries.

It is not necessary for the blueberries to be wild, according to senior researcher Dr. Ana Rodriguez-Mateos. Since “other studies that have been conducted with other types of blueberries showing benefits in cognitive and vascular health.”

Anthocyanins: Beneficial organic pigments

The anthocyanins, blue pigments found in blueberries, are thought to be responsible for the health benefits. The study’s daily intake of powdered wild blueberries comprised 302 mg of anthocyanins. There was none in the placebo drinks.

According to Michelle Routhenstein, a dietician specialising in heart health who was not involved in this study, “anthocyanins are a class of polyphenols.”

She continued, “There are around 8,000 different kinds of polyphenols that have health advantages. Green tea, broccoli, pears, and spices like turmeric and cinnamon are a few additional dietary categories that contain advantageous polyphenols.

Strawberries, raspberries, red grapes, and purple vegetables all contain anthocyanins.

Other anthocyanin-rich foods have been shown to have health benefits. There is no reason to believe that they won’t have the same effect as blueberries. As long as the anthocyanins present in those meals are sufficient, bioavailable, and accessible, said Ana Rodriguez-Mateos, M.D.

How the study was created?

Dr. Rodriguez-Mateos and co-author Dr. Claire Williams had independently examined the cardiovascular and cognitive advantages of blueberries and observed comparable outcomes.

Dr. Rodriguez-Mateos explained that as a result, they “decided to investigate the effects on vascular and cognitive function simultaneously in one clinical study.”

They set out to evaluate cerebral blood flow since prior studies have suggested that it might be a mechanism underlying the positive effects of polyphenols in addition to increased vascular blood flow.

Recent discoveries about the gut bacteria and the gut-brain axis also motivated them to investigate this connection.

Polyphenols

There is still much to learn about the mechanism underlying polyphenols’ positive effects.

A possible explanation is that polyphenol “metabolites may act as signaling molecules, acting through several cell-signaling pathways, modulating nitric oxide bioavailability and different enzymes,” according to Dr. Rodriguez-Mateos.

After the 12-week study period, the researchers discovered increases in anthocyanin metabolites in the individuals’ urine.

According to Dr. Rodriguez-Mateos, “the mechanism of action in the blood vessels is endothelium-dependent and therefore mediated through the nitric oxide pathway.”

Although the study showed indications that blueberries increased cerebral and vascular blood flow, they observed no difference between those who consumed the fruit and the placebo group in arterial stiffness or blood cholesterol levels.

Nevertheless, according to Routhenstein, “when blood flow is improved, both heart and brain health benefit.”

According to Dr. Rodriguez-Mateos, “a hypothesis we proposed in our study is that polyphenols may act via enhancing the abundance of butyrate-producing beneficial bacteria, and therefore the production of butyrate.” This is in reference to the involvement of the gut microbiota. She stated that more research is necessary to prove this.

Foods good for heart, brain health

The American Heart Association claims that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, minimally processed meals, and moderate amounts of oil and salt promotes improved cardiovascular and cognitive health.

A Mediterranean diet may be the best one for heart health, according to a recent study. The advantages of “green vegetables, in particular spinach, Swiss chard and kale rich in nitrates, which can help dilate the arteries,” were mentioned by Routhenstein.

“This helps to improve blood flow and vascular, heart, and cognitive function,” she said.

According to Routhenstein, there are many additional foods connected to cognitive wellness. “Omega-3 fats like wild salmon and sardines are linked to better cognition because of their rich DHA content and potent anti-inflammatory properties,” she noted.

Furthermore, “some studies suggest unsaturated fats, like omega-3 fats, may also help lower levels of beta-amyloid, a component in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.”

REFERENCES:

For Cardiovacular disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=11

Eating Over 6 Teaspoons of Sugar increases health risk.

Eating Over 6 Teaspoons of Sugar increases health risk.

Although sugar is a natural component of food, it can also be added during production or cooking.

Understanding the risks of consuming too much sugar is still a work in progress for researchers.

According to a recent comprehensive analysis, sugar consumption is linked to a number of detrimental health effects, such as heart disease and other cancers. People can take action to reduce their use of added sugars and beverages with added sugar.

It’s important to provide the body with the nutrients it requires. To avoid obtaining too much or too little of any one vitamin, careful balancing is required. Although sugar is a nutritional staple, excessive sugar consumption can hurt one’s health.

Intake of dietary sugar was linked to several unfavorable health outcomes. This including as weight gain, gout, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and specific forms of cancer. According to a recent review published in The BMJ, the quality of the evidence, nevertheless, varied.

Based on these results, the review authors advise consumers to limit their intake of added sugars to six tablespoons or less per day and to have no more than one sugar-sweetened beverage per week.

Added sugars and natural sugars

A few different forms of carbohydrates fall under the umbrella phrase “dietary sugar.” As an illustration, sugars include glucose, fructose, and lactose. People will obtain some of the sugar they need by consuming foods like fruit or milk, which naturally contain some sugar.

Any sugar that producers or consumers add to foods is referred to as added sugar. Some organisations make suggestions for restricting the use of added sugars based on this distinction.

People cannot completely cut out sugar from their diets because the body needs a certain amount, but the source is crucial. Journalist and licenced dietician Molly Kimball clarified that she was not part in the study.

“Our bodies’ main energy source, including the brain, the central nervous system, and the muscles, is glucose. Your body’s cells require glucose to survive. But since many foods, including proteins and carbohydrate-containing foods like vegetables and whole grains, can be naturally transformed by our bodies into glucose, we don’t need to include extra sugars such as sucrose or glucose into our meals.

In order to provide the best advice on sugar consumption, researchers are still examining the available data.

How dietary sugar affects health?

Over 8,500 articles total, spread across 73 meta-analyses, were considered in this comprehensive evaluation. The review’s authors sought to investigate the effects of dietary sugar consumption on health outcomes. The intake of beverages with added sugar was one particular topic of attention because it might be a substantial source of extra sugar.

The authors of the review discovered a number of negative links between eating sugar and poor health outcomes. They found the following highlights in their research:

Greater body weight was linked to greater consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. A higher risk of gout, a higher risk of coronary heart disease, and an increased risk of all-cause mortality were all linked to increasing use of sugar-sweetened beverages.

Consuming dietary sugar was linked to an increased chance of developing specific cancers, including as pancreatic, breast, prostate, and total cancer mortality.

Consuming dietary sugar has been linked to a number of detrimental cardiovascular outcomes, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke.

They also discovered a few other detrimental links between consuming sugar and 45 different health issues, such as melancholy, oral health issues, and childhood asthma.

The evidence linking sugar consumption to cancer is currently weak, according to researchers, and this subject needs more research. The strength of the evidence supporting the correlations was also inconsistent.

Additionally not engaged in the study, Dr. Felix Spiegel, a bariatric surgeon at Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas, made the following observations:

The review’s conclusions are strong and compelling. Consuming too much sugar significantly raises the risk of metabolic diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, psychiatric disorders, and dental issues.

Study restrictions

This review did have several shortcomings. First, scientists admit that there was a chance for some publication bias. Second, the researchers were constrained by the limitations of the studies they reviewed and by the variations among the investigations. Studies, for instance, have examined sugar intake using a variety of techniques, many of which have a high potential for data collection errors. Studies also used various methods to calculate sugar intake.

Reviewers were unable to determine the amount of sugar in certain items. The authors also emphasise how crucial it is to look for multiple confounding variables before interpreting results and drawing conclusions.

Because of funding conflicts, some of the analyses that were included had outcomes that should be read with caution. Last but not least, the present reviewers neglected to consider the conflicting objectives of the many studies from the meta-analyses they examined.

Decrease your sugar consumption

People can take action to reduce their intake of added sugars by consulting with medical specialists and other experts as necessary. Although every person has different needs, the findings of this study indicate that restricting added sugars may help prevent some undesirable health effects.

Dr. Spiegel provided the following recommendations for cutting back on sugar intake:

“Reading labels and checking for hidden sugar are two steps to decrease consumption. Avoiding packaged foods is also a great idea. Fruits are a great alternative that is also highly beneficial. Simple grilling or air frying should be used for meat, fish, and poultry without the addition of seasoning or glaze. Instead, use a lot of natural spices. Constantly consuming water is also beneficial. Avoiding sugary alcoholic beverages can help limit overconsumption of sugar.

The natural glucose required to maintain a healthy body will be provided by fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. If you do consume packaged goods, check the nutritional labels and be aware of how specific foods affect your daily sugar intake, advised registered dietitian Molly Kimball, who was not involved in the study.

Takeaway

An connection between sugar consumption and 45 health outcomes, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, depression, several malignancies, and death, has recently been discovered by a new meta-review.

Health professionals advise limiting added sugar consumption to 6 teaspoons per day. Fresh or frozen fruit, low- or no-sugar yogurts, sugar-free sweeteners like stevia, and other foods are examples of low-sugar substitutes. Additionally, it’s crucial to pay attention to portion management.

REFERENCES:

For Diabetes medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=13

Colder temperatures may help clear linked Alzheimer’s.

Colder temperatures may help clear linked Alzheimer’s.

For many years, it has been known that lower temperatures encourage longevity in various animals.

The exact mechanism underlying this has remained a mystery, but recent study indicates low temperatures can trigger a biological process that enhances the removal of protein aggregations that are misfolded.

Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders are among the aging-related diseases that have been linked to misfolded proteins.

The identification of this mechanism may improve our knowledge of how to treat human disorders brought on by protein misfolding.

Since more than 50 years ago, it has been recognised that lower temperatures make people live longer, but the exact mechanisms by which this is true have remained a mystery.

In recent years, researchers have uncovered the mechanism underlying the extended worm lifespan and demonstrated how it affects human cells.

Researchers from Cologne, Germany, published their findings in the journal Nature Aging and found that a molecule that breaks down protein clumps is more active at lower temperatures.

This activity may contribute to a decrease in the prevalence of dangerous misfolded proteins, which are thought to contribute to the development of a number of aging-related diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.

Transforming attitudes towards ageing

A few decades ago, it was thought that the buildup of poisons from oxidation was the cause of ageing. This changed in the 1990s once it was discovered that the genetic model organism C. elegans, a species of worm, could live longer at lower temperatures, according to Professor David Vilchez, the study’s primary author and director of the CECAD Research Center at the University of Cologne.

“We chose to concentrate on cold temperatures because it was recognized [more than 50 years ago] that cold temperatures can increase longevity Hence, it was discovered in flies, Drosophila proved in C. elegans, also proved in fish, and most recently proved in mice. Thus, it is actually one of the best methods for extending longevity for many people.

The potential for this discovery to offer insight on the mechanisms underlying ageing didn’t become obvious until the process’ genetic regulation was revealed in 2012 in a publication published in Cell, according to Prof. Vilchez.

There is a notion that claims that since 1860, human body temperatures have been declining by 0.03°C every decade, despite the fact that all of these research have been conducted on animal models. Others have linked this result to the fact that life expectancy has been rising since then, however this is just a correlation and the explanation has not been established.

Removing aggregations of improperly folded proteins

Researchers grew worms at 25oC and then relocated them to surroundings set at 15 degreeC, 20 degreeC, and 25 degreeC to study how cold temperatures affected the worms. They discovered that the activity of the molecule in charge of removing misfolded proteins from cells significantly increased at lower temperatures.

Subsequent investigation revealed that this was caused by the activation of a cell channel that functions at lower temperatures to promote the production of certain proteins implicated in the cellular process.

The quantity of misfolded proteins in worm cells was later shown to decrease at lower temperatures.

Researchers employed worms with changed genomes to mimic crucial aspects of two aging-related human disorders, Huntington’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in order to further examine this (ALS). These models were simple to create because, in contrast to multifactorial diseases like Alzheimer’s, each of these disorders are brought on by mutations in a single gene.

In worm models of Huntington’s disease and ALS, they discovered that the same mechanism was triggered at low temperatures and prevented the aggregation of improperly folded proteins.

Aid in the treatment of Huntington’s disease

An area of the Huntingtin gene, which codes for a particular amino acid, the building block of proteins, is repeated excessively in people with Huntington’s disease.

Dr. Natalia Pessoa Rocha, a researcher on Huntington’s disease at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston who was not involved in the study, described the polyglutamine tail that results from the extra amino acids on the protein. This might lead to proteins folding incorrectly.

Although the protein can fold, if it misfolds, it can collect into hazardous aggregates for cells. This is a very well-known mechanism in the aggregation of misfolded proteins that occurs in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative illnesses. Hence, this characterizes Huntington’s,” she stated.

Researchers discovered that lowering the temperature of human cells to 36 oC resulted in the same cell process being triggered, in addition to discovering that cold temperatures increase the clearance of misfolded proteins in worms.

At 35oC, however, the opposite was discovered, indicating that moderately low temperatures are the best for inducing this process in human cells. It was also discovered that overexpression of the genes in charge of this mechanism induced this pathway, which led to an increase in the molecules that help cells get rid of misfolded proteins.

In order to lessen the protein aggregation linked to sickness, etc., we were able to express the protein in human cells in vitro and truly simulate what happens at cold temperatures.

Future research on aging

Although it is a long way off, Prof. Vilchez stated that the results of this study may assist to direct future research towards treating neurodegenerative illnesses brought on by protein misfolding by identifying a molecule in the process that might be utilised as a medication target.

It is an extremely significant paper. They could pinpoint a crucial target for every disease caused by a protein problem. Not just Huntington’s, but particularly Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s, and other disorders, as I told you,” he said.

Nonetheless, there is still much to be done to convert this into human terms. People are almost always highly thrilled when a new target is there, so we need to be careful about how we convey this message, according to Dr. Pessoa Rocha. When human cells’ temperature was lowered to 36 °C, the same cell process was induced.

REFERENCES:

For Alzheimer’s disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=31

Is moderate exercise safe for the muscles of statin users?

Is moderate exercise safe for the muscles of statin users?

According to a recent study, statin users are concerned about exercising. Because they think it can cause muscle damage and shouldn’t be. Both the statin-taking participants and the control participants in the research reported similar muscle soreness after moderate activity.

Nonetheless, statin users are not advised to engage in vigorous activity. Those on statins who are reluctant to exercise out of concern that it could harm their muscles should take heart from a recent study.

Some persons using the cholesterol-lowering medication claim to have muscle pain, and they may stop engaging in cardiovascular-healthy physical exercise.

The study reveals that statin users, regardless of whether they have muscle issues or not, have the same muscle-related consequences from moderate-intensity exercise.

Everybody who engages in such exercise is likely to experience brief muscle soreness and weariness. For those using statins, this is also accurate. Statin users, however, recovered slightly more slowly than trial participants who did not take any medication.

The effects of exercising at a moderate intensity were examined in this study. According to other studies, patients using statins are more likely to have skeletal muscle injuries when engaging in eccentric, or high-intensity, activity.

The most recent research results have been published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The study’s results are crucial for the cardiovascular health of statin users, as is highlighted in an editorial that is included with the paper.

An analysis of the effects of walking

100 people took part in the study as a participant. This comprised 31 individuals not taking statins as a control group. 34 individuals on statins who did not display any muscle difficulties. And 35 individuals taking statins who had statin-associated muscular symptoms.

Before the research, those taking statins had been doing so for at least three months. The following health conditions were omitted from the study: diabetes, hypo or hyperthyroidism, and genetic skeletal muscle disease. Supplement users of CoQ10 were also not included.

Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, levels of physical activity, and vitamin D3 levels were identical at the beginning of the trial. Those who had symptoms at the start of the trial scored higher on muscle soreness and fatigue.

The researchers looked at those who participated in the 4Days Marches, a four-day event in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Participants walk anything between 18 and 30 miles each day.

“During four days, participants walk 30, 40, or 50 kilometers (18, 24, or 31 miles) each day. Accordingly, participants walk anywhere from 120 (74 miles) to 200 (124 miles) km over four days, according to the study’s lead author, Dr. Neeltje A.E. Allard of the Radboud Institute for Health Sciences and the Department of physiology at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands.

The participants prepare beforehand because there is a lot of walking. In actuality, it was first held as a military exercise in 1909 and has since developed into the biggest walking competition in the world, in which both active duty personnel and casual walkers compete.

The effects of walking on muscular damage in people who experienced symptoms and those who did not were compared by the researchers.

What are statins?

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad cholesterol,” can be reduced by using the statin drug class. The best treatment for hyperlipidemia is statins.

According to cardiologist Dr. David Lee from Oregon Health & Study University (OHSU), who was not engaged in the study, “high cholesterol” and a significant treatment after a heart attack.

He emphasised that they are crucial preventative measures against repeat heart attacks and strokes.

Further stating that statins “have been a primary reason that heart disease and strokes have declined dramatically since their debut in the early 1990s,” Emilee Taylor, a doctor of pharmacy who works at OHSU but is not involved in the present study, was quoted.

They have significant enough effects to lower all-cause mortality in persons with even modest cardiac disease, according to the researcher.

Workout volume matters.

The study included 31 non-statin users, 34 asymptomatic statin users, and 35 symptomatic statin users—those who experienced muscle issues as a result of taking statins.

Eighty percent of the participants with symptoms were men, and their average age was 64. The participants in the control group were all of the same age, and 62% of them were men. The asymptomatic participants were 82% male and slightly older, at 68 years old.

Each person took part in a moderate exercise regimen that involved walking 30, 40, or 50 kilometers (km) per day for 4 straight days at a pace of their choosing.

One or two days before the start of the walking experiment, researchers took the participants’ baseline measurements of height, weight, and waist circumference. Every 5 kilometers on the first walking day, their heart rates were recorded.

Participants’ weights were measured after the first, second, and third days to gauge their level of hydration. The researchers were able to gauge their walking pace and workout duration based on their start and finish times. An estimate of exercise intensity was provided using a heart rate-based calculation.

Finally, participants discussed how their muscles felt both before and after exercise. The effects of exercise were similar in both groups, the researchers discovered, except the fact that statin users required more time to recover from post-exercise muscle weakness than the control group.

Participants’ levels of CoQ10 were also monitored in the trial. CoQ10 has been suggested as a potential contributor to statin-related muscular issues.

The levels of CoQ10 were not different between the three groups, and they were also unrelated to muscular function, reported muscle problems, or injury signs.

Statin-associated muscle symptoms

SAMS, which stands for “statin-associated muscular symptoms,” is the aggregate term used to describe muscle issues that have been documented while taking statins. Myalgia, cramps, and a feeling of weak muscles are a few of these.

Due to worries about SAMS, some individuals who could benefit from statins choose not to take them or do not take the recommended amounts.

Regarding how common SAMS are, there is some disagreement. According to the American Academy of Cardiology, clinical observation studies show a substantially higher frequency of SAMS than randomized controlled trials do.

According to one survey of former statin users, 62% of them stopped using the medication due to negative effects.

The National Lipid Association (NLA) reports that research indicates the true incidence of SAMS is approximately 10%, with several studies indicating its prevalence among statin users to range from 5% to 25%. While the symptoms that patients experience are real, 80% of them, according to the NLA, are not brought on by statins.

For patients to be more aware of what to watch out for, Dr. Lee believes it is crucial that doctors adequately inform them of how SAMS often manifest.

Exercising on statins

The current advice for those taking statins was summarised by board-certified interventional cardiologist Dr. Michael S. Broukhim of Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. He was not involved in the study.

“Patients should establish a regular exercise regimen, with a preference for a moderate-intensity exercise programme,” he advised. “Patients should continue to take their statins at their maximally tolerated dose following discussion with their healthcare professionals.”

Dr. Broukhim noted that he advises 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, the same amount of exercise as is advised for those who do not take statins.

He advised against high-intensity exercise since it can increase the levels of muscle enzymes that can cause muscle damage in statin-using individuals.

Exercises with a moderate level of intensity include:

  • rapid walking
  • Cycling
  • Aquatic exercise
  • general exercises
  • Tennis pairs
  • tango dancing

According to Masi, doctors advise a mix of resistance training and cardiovascular exercise for people who wish to start working out. Everyone should begin at their own pace and abilities and progressively increase both duration and resistance, according to Masi.

REFERENCES:

For Muscle disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=28

Perks of Psychotherapy for Individuals with Disabilities.

Perks of Psychotherapy for Individuals with Disabilities.

While some people with disabilities face major obstacles to accessing mental health care. Also, research demonstrates that this care can enhance their general quality of life.

More than 46% of American adults received counselling, medication, or self-directed treatment for mental health issues in just 2020. Millions of people receive therapy each year, making it one of the most successful types of mental health care.

But, therapy can do more than only treat mental health issues. It can also help people cope with life’s challenges, provide them a platform for self-expression. Also, generally improve their quality of life, especially if they have a disability.

In the sections that follow, we’ll look at how regular treatment can help persons with impairments as well as some of the obstacles and things to keep in mind for handicapped people seeking mental health care.

Barriers to treatment for disabled people

When seeking mental health treatments, disabled people frequently encounter more difficulties being treated. Some of these obstacles are caused by physical or financial constraints, while others are brought on by ableism and stigma.

The following are some of the obstacles that may keep people with disabilities from receiving the assistance they require:

Social stigma

People with disabilities can be negatively impacted by stigma in a variety of ways, especially because stigmas associated with mental health are equally prevalent.

People with disabilities who experience social stigma may experience poorer mental health and find it more challenging to obtain the assistance they require to seek mental health therapy.

Stigma against medical professionals

People with disabilities may find it challenging to receive the degree of treatment they require to get better due to social stigmas as well as stigma from healthcare professionals. The standard of care for people with disabilities suffers when medical practitioners let their own personal views about disabilities affect how they treat patients with impairments.

Financial limitations

It can be expensive to receive mental health care, especially if you have to pay out of pocket or don’t have insurance. Due to the fact that many disabled persons are unable to work and that those who do tend to earn less money, it may be difficult or even impossible for them to be able to afford therapeutic services.

Communication difficulties

There are more obstacles to getting access to mental health care for people with physical disabilities, and even for certain people with intellectual and mental impairments.

It might be difficult for some disabled persons to leave the house, especially if they don’t have access to transportation or accommodations. For disabled individuals who lack the equipment or expertise needed, even virtual care might be difficult.

People with disabilities may find it challenging to obtain the degree of care they require or to access mental health therapy due to all of these obstacles.

How can disabled people benefit from therapy?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that persons with impairments experience mental anguish five times more frequently than adults without disabilities. Yet studies have repeatedly demonstrated that having a disability can significantly impact one’s mental health, particularly in terms of depression and anxiety.

In particular those that come along with the experience of living with a disability, therapy can help you better understand your own thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

To improve your emotional well-being, therapy can show you how to identify and alter the connection between those thoughts and feelings. And treatment can provide you with the abilities you need to deal with and adapt to life with a disability, whether you have a physical impairment, a mental disability, or both.

Considerations for disabled people in therapy

When you have a disability, it’s crucial that your therapist is aware of the impact it might have on your life not just physically and mentally, but also socially, professionally, and in other ways.

Researchers in the profession identified a number of areas in 2014 that are crucial for therapists to take into account while working with clients who have disabilities. Many instances include:

  • respecting their knowledge of the impairment, how it affects them, and how they have experienced it
  • taking careful to speak about a person’s disability while using inclusive language
  • assisting in the identification and understanding of potential challenges faced by disabled people
  • incorporating the individual’s strengths into the therapy’s structure
  • adjusting goals and recommendations to accommodate their disabilities

The most crucial thing for you to do if you’re a therapist who deals with clients who have impairments is to keep learning about what it’s like to have that handicap and how it affects daily life.

Disability and intersectionality

In terms of oppression and discrimination, intersectionality refers to the way that a person’s different identities, such as gender, race, sexual orientation, and others, interact with one another to produce various, personal experiences.

Intersectionality is a major cause of many of the treatment-related obstacles that persons with disabilities face.

For instance, there will be more difficulties in obtaining mental health services for a disabled person who lacks health insurance due to a lack of resources. In addition, additional characteristics like gender and colour may exacerbate the prejudice and obstacles that disabled individuals must overcome in order to access services or get care.

Best psychological techniques

Many treatment modalities can be useful for people with all kinds of disabilities, including those that are physical, mental, intellectual, and others.

For instance, one of the most prevalent causes of disability in the United States is chronic pain, and numerous studies have looked into the advantages of psychotherapy for chronic pain.

According to a review, psychotherapy modalities like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and cognitive functional therapy (CFT) can help persons with chronic pain live better overall.

These methods not only aid in a greater understanding of the disease that affects a person, but they also aid in coping mechanisms and lessen the emotional anguish that comes with having these conditions.

Moreover, therapy may even lower levels of handicap for those with mental health issues that are disabilities by easing generalised symptoms of the condition. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), for instance, is a serious mental health problem that can seriously impair a person’s capacity to function in day-to-day life.

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) have both been demonstrated to be effective psychotherapy techniques for treating OCD. Both techniques also show promise in lowering impairment and improving quality of life for OCD sufferers.

Key message

In the United States, more than 60 million individuals struggle to fully participate in daily activities because they have a disability.

Also, a variety of variables may have an impact on a person with a disability’s mental health. These issues include lack of support and knowledge about living with a disability, social and professional stigma, increased care access hurdles, and increased barriers to care.

Therapy can help if you have a handicap since it can enhance your mental health, teach you crucial coping mechanisms, and provide you the care you require to feel supported.

REFERENCES:

For Alzheimer’s disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=77_478

Important note about light therapy for psoriasis.

Important note about light therapy for psoriasis.

Some people can treat their psoriasis with over-the-counter or prescription creams. However, you can attempt phototherapy if your skin continues to be itchy, scaly, and red. Another name for it is light therapy.

Psoriasis treatments like phototherapy have the potential to relieve the itching and pain associated with the condition. UV radiation, which lessens inflammation and delays the production of new skin cells, is frequently used.

Eczema and other skin disorders can benefit from phototherapy. It’s not as easy as just going outside in the sunshine, though.

Treatments with UV light come in a variety of forms. It’s important to figure out which one will work best for you if you’re interested in pursuing this strategy.

It is best to discuss your alternatives with your doctor in order to be treated with phototherapy in a safe manner. Your physician will guarantee that it’s secure for you.

What is light therapy for psoriasis?

Plaques can shrink in size, become less itchy, and appear more subtly when treated with light therapy, which includes shining ultraviolet (UV) light on the skin. Perhaps it will completely resolve them.

Psoriasis cannot be cured, however light treatment can help people manage their condition and enhance their quality of life.

Light treatment for psoriasis lowers plaque development by slowing down the expansion of skin cells. By interfering with the DNA’s ability to function, it also restricts the proliferation of skin cells.

Light therapy procedure

A person can have phototherapy on their entire body or just one location, such their hands or scalp, depending on which parts of their body are affected by psoriasis. Before administering treatment, a medical expert will cover sensitive skin parts including the eyes and genitalia.

To progressively increase the skin’s exposure to UV light and give it time to heal, light treatment requires numerous sessions.

During the course of two to three months, patients typically have three to five weekly light treatment sessions. Depending on the type of light treatment, people typically notice improvements in 2-4 weeks.

Each person’s skin responds to phototherapy in a unique way, which may be seen in the degree of improvement in their psoriasis symptoms as well as the duration of those benefits. 3–12 months is the typical length of remission.

Doctors advise people to only utilise 150 sessions of psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) phototherapy throughout the course of their lifetime due to the increased risk of skin cancer.

Types of light therapy

Delivering light therapy for psoriasis can be done in a variety of ways using a variety of lighting and apparatus.

Based on the following criteria, a medical practitioner will decide which phototherapy technique to apply:

  • how much of the body is affected by psoriasis
  • which bodily areas are affected by psoriasis
  • what degree psoriasis has on a person’s quality of life
  • a person’s general well-being
  • the skin tone of a person

The type of UV light used in treatment is a significant distinction between the many types of phototherapy:

  • Long wavelengths characterise UVA. The skin’s deepest layers can be reached, and it can pass through glass windows. Psoralen, which makes the skin more responsive to UVA radiation, must be used in conjunction with UVA treatments.
  • The shorter wavelength of UVB. It does not require psoralen and merely penetrates the upper layers of the skin.

The various forms of light treatment for psoriasis consist of:

  • limited-band UVB. The most popular kind of light therapy, narrow-band phototherapy, restricts the light wavelengths utilised in treatment to 311-313 nanometers in order to minimise any potential negative effects.
  • UVB with a broad spectrum. The most traditional type of light therapy for psoriasis is called broad-band phototherapy. Compared to narrow-band therapy, it employs a larger wavelength.
  • UVB laser. Smaller, more focused UVB beams are used in laser technology. When psoriasis only affects 5% or less of the body, medical specialists prefer this method.
  • PUVA topical. With PUVA, the skin is prepared for the UV radiation treatment by either soaking in a bath or applying a lotion containing psoralen.
  • Mouth PUVA. In the case of oral PUVA, the patient must take psoralen pills before to phototherapy. For exceptionally thick plaques, this type of treatment may be especially beneficial.
  • Pulsed dye laser (PDL). PDL is most frequently used by medical practitioners to treat nail psoriasis or tiny lesions on the skin’s surface.
  • Balneophototherapy. In this case, a person will receive UV light treatments either during or right after a bath in a salt-based solution.
  • laser or low-level light treatment. Doctors advise this therapy, also known as “cold laser” treatment, for other types of inflammation and persistent discomfort.
  • Home UVB phototherapy. Using hand-held or smaller-scale light boxes, patients can manage their psoriasis and any “flares,” or escalation of plaques and itching, at home with the help of a doctor’s prescription for at-home follow-up care.

Who should get light therapy?

If creams and lotions are ineffective at reducing the symptoms of psoriasis, a doctor or skin specialist known as a dermatologist may suggest light treatment.

Light treatment might be helpful for people with mild to severe psoriasis. With moderate psoriasis, 3–10% of the body is affected, whereas in severe psoriasis, more than 10% of the body is affected.

Phototherapy should not be used on those who use prescription drugs or over-the-counter substances that increase their skin’s sensitivity to UV light.

These drugs that cause photosensitization include:

Before committing to phototherapy, discuss any current supplements or drugs with a medical expert.

The use of light therapy for psoriasis should be avoided by pregnant women and those who have:

  • a background of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin malignancies
  • lowered immunological response
  • lupus
  • recognised photosensitivity problems

Side effects of light therapy

When designing a phototherapy regimen, a medical practitioner will take the patient’s susceptibility to UV light into account. Even with this care, adverse outcomes are still possible.

The following are potential negative consequences of light therapy:

  • light sunburn, which is normally not harmful and can be treated by reducing UV exposure
  • a burning or itchy feeling
  • an increased risk of cold sores in those who are susceptible to them
  • Dark patches and loose or leathery skin are early symptoms of ageing skin.
  • blisters
  • a higher risk of developing skin cancer

Outlook

Although there is no known treatment for psoriasis, patients can manage their symptoms and enhance their quality of life with it. For those with moderate to severe psoriasis, phototherapy can be quite beneficial.

Those receiving intensive phototherapy should have their skin checked by a doctor on a frequent basis due to the possibility of an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

REFERENCES:

For Skin disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=27

How can probiotics help alleviate gout flare-ups.

How can probiotics help alleviate gout flare-ups.

Gout affects more than 41 million individuals worldwide. Gout presently has no known treatment.

Researchers from the Complutense University of Madrid have identified a specific probiotic that reduces the frequency of gout attacks and the need for gout-related medications.

Gout is a chronic arthritic disorder that affects more than 41 million individuals worldwide and results in joint pain, stiffness, and edoema.

At this time, gout has no known treatment. Gout sufferers are given drugs by their doctors to assist both cure the symptoms of flare-ups and avoid attacks.

The amount of gout attacks a person experiences can be decreased with the help of a probiotic strain, according to experts at Spain’s Complutense University of Madrid. This may also lessen the need for gout-related medications.

Furthermore, they claim that in research participants, the probiotic improved blood markers linked to oxidative stress, liver damage, and metabolic syndrome. A recent issue of Frontiers in Microbiology featured the work.

What exactly is gout?

When uric acid levels in the body are too high, gout can develop. Hyperuricemia is the medical term for this. Kidney stones can also be brought on by hyperuricemia, in addition to gout.

If a person consumes a diet rich in purines, uric acid buildup could occasionally take place. Purine-rich foods and drinks include:

A person’s body may accumulate excess uric acid and develop needle-like crystals if their kidneys are unable to completely remove it. Joint discomfort is brought on by these crystals’ irritation.

Gouty arthritis symptoms include:

  • a rapid, intense pain assault that affects one or more bodily joints, particularly the big toe.
  • touchable joints that are sensitive.
  • the encircling joints are swollen.
  • skin surrounding the joints that is heated to the touch or appears red.

Any joint in the body can develop gout, but the joints at the tips of limbs, including the toes, ankles, fingers, knees, wrists, and elbows, are most vulnerable.

What probiotics are beneficial for gout?

The following probiotic strains may aid in gout sufferers’ symptom control, according to test-tube, animal, and human research:

  • Lactobacillus (lactic acid bacteria): protects against kidney injury by degrading purines in the blood.
  • Bifidobacterium: prevents dangerous bacteria from growing in the gut
  • Clostridium: Those with hyperuricemia have less non-pathogenic strains of Clostridium, but they could develop into the next wave of probiotics.

Ruminococcus, Eubacterium, and several species of Enterobacteriaceae are frequently found in low concentrations in people with hyperuricemia and gout. Their potential roles are still being investigated.

These probiotics can be eaten as a variety of meals or taken as a dietary supplement. For instance, lactic acid bacteria are abundant in pickled, fermented foods including yoghurt, sauerkraut, and pickled cabbage.

Lactic acid bacteria are also abundant in Jiangshui, a classic fermented Chinese dish prepared with celery and cabbage. It is currently unknown what probiotic dosage or frequency is ideal for supporting the management of gout symptoms. There is a need for more study.

Gout and L. salivarius

In this study, Ligilactobacillus salivarius, a specific probiotic, was studied (L. salivarius). This probiotic is a variety of bacteria that typically resides in the digestive system of an organism.

The first step was to compare the abilities of several L. salivarius strains to metabolise metabolites related to purines. According to their findings, L. salivarius CECT 30632 is the strain that converts uric acid, inosine, and guanosine the fastest.

After that, researchers undertook a randomised controlled clinical trial with 30 people who had hyperuricemia and a history of recurrent gout attacks.

L. salivarius CECT 30632 was given to half of the trial subjects for a period of six months. Allopurinol, a medication used to treat gout, was taken for six months by the other half of the participants.

After analysis, the research team concluded that taking the probiotic L. salivarius CECT 30632 significantly decreased the number of gout attacks and the use of gout-related medications in gout sufferers.

Furthermore, individuals who utilised the probiotic saw improvements in a few blood markers linked to oxidative stress, liver damage, and metabolic syndrome.

Need for new gout treatments

Dr. Emily Carroll, an attending physician in internal medicine, rheumatology at Mount Sinai Hospital and an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York who was not involved in the study, believes it is crucial to have new therapy options for gout because many people with gout also deal with other comorbidities, such as cardiovascular, kidney, and liver disease.

It is beneficial to have a variety of options, especially safe options like probiotics, because this may affect the kind of medications that can be utilised safely on these people. Growing knowledge exists about the part the gut microbiota plays in rheumatologic disease.

It is not surprising that probiotics had a good effect because prior research has revealed that gout patients’ microbiomes differ from healthy patients’ microbiomes.

Carroll continued, “And since gout is known to be associated with metabolic syndrome, improvement in all those metrics was not unexpected.” “However, it is critical not to oversell the effects of probiotics until bigger studies with longer-term follow-up can be undertaken to validate these findings,” the authors write. “This is a tiny pilot trial with only 15 patients per group who were only followed for six months.”

Reports

Rheumatologist Dr. Nilanjana Bose is not affiliated with the study and practises at Memorial Hermann Health System and Lonestar Rheumatology in Houston, Texas. He concurred that innovative treatments can always benefit patients.

She said, “Probiotics can enhance the gut ecology. “It makes sense that the introduction of probiotics may improve any inflammatory arthritis.”

A registered dietician at Top Nutrition Coaching named Crystal Scott, MS, RD, LD, CDCES, CSP, CSSD, who was not involved in the study, told Medical News Today that she was not shocked to see that a probiotic had beneficial effects for those with gout.

She stated, “I was not shocked given the fact that evidence supports the usage of probiotics to help improve the richness of the microbiome”. “We know that chronic diseases like gout, diabetes, colon cancer, and others are linked to gut health.”

Probiotics have been demonstrated to relieve the symptoms of gout and hyperuricemia in previous studies, among other inflammatory disorders, Scott continued. “Probiotic intervention in the study decreased C-reactive protein (CRP), which improved serum uric acid levels. According to researchers, it’s important to assess the effectiveness and recommended dosages of probiotics.

REFERENCES:

For Gout medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=56

Lets Discover all the medical myths about aging.

Lets Discover all the medical myths about aging.

The human species diverged from an ancient predecessor that we share with chimpanzees some 300,000 generations ago. Human life expectancy at birth has doubled since that time.

The life expectancy at birth has doubled once more during the past 200 years. Humans are among the longest-living animals. The percentage of the world’s population over 60 years old will double between 2000 and 2050, from around 11% to 22%. This is a prediction by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Given these facts, it seems more important than ever in the course of human evolution to refute the numerous myths surrounding ageing. We shall dispel fallacies about exercise, mental capacity, sex, and other topics in this essay.

Physical ageing is unavoidable.

It’s not entirely false, though. Our bodies do deteriorate with age as a result of years of use. Physical decline need not be complete, though, and it is frequently possible to slow it down.

According to the WHO, “changing diet and increasing physical activity can successfully manage many of the disorders commonly linked with old age.” Reduced bone density, increased body fat, high blood pressure, and decreased strength are some of these issues.

According to several studies, even anticipating physical decline increases the likelihood that it will really happen. In one study, 148 older persons were polled about their expectations for ageing, lifestyles, and overall health.

Those over 60 shouldn’t exercise

This is a myth, as was made very obvious in the preceding section. Maintaining an active lifestyle can increase muscle strength, reduce fat, and enhance mental health, according to Neuropsychobiology paper.

Some people feel that exercise is useless once they reach a particular age since they don’t believe it will have any positive effects. Another myth is this one. In one study, experts subjected 142 seniors between the ages of 60 and 80 to a 42-week weight-lifting regimen.

The course improved “dynamic muscular strength, muscle growth, and functional capability,” according to the investigators.

Additionally, there is strong proof that regular exercise can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Regular exercise was “related with a delay in onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” according to a study involving 1,740 older persons.

However, if a person has a medical condition, they should speak to their doctor before starting a new fitness programme. For instance, the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom advises against doing high impact exercise if you have a condition like osteoporosis that is age-related.

Elderly people may require less (or more) sleep.

It’s a common misconception that older people like to snooze, some people think older people need more sleep than younger ones do. Others claim that elderly people require less sleep. This could be due to the myth that older people get up earlier in the morning.

Because there are so many different factors at play, it can be challenging to dispel these fallacies. Undoubtedly, older folks have more trouble falling asleep and tend to have more interrupted sleep. Reliable Source.

This may help to explain why some elderly people require daytime naps. The circadian (daily) rhythms can be upset as the human body ages.

Hence, sleep quality may be affected. The relationship is complex because, if a person’s circadian rhythms are thrown off, it can affect their sleep. Also, other facets of their physiology including hormone levels.

In addition to circadian disruptions, certain illnesses that are more prevalent in older persons, such osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, can be uncomfortable and have a negative impact on a person’s ability to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Osteoporosis only affects women.

The disorder osteoporosis causes the bones to progressively deteriorate. Some individuals think that only women are impacted. This is untrue; it can impact persons of any age and of any sex. Nonetheless, older adults, women, and persons of colour are far more likely to develop osteoporosis.

The International Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that around 1 in 3 women over 50 have osteoporosis and approximately 1 in 5 men may experience a bone fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime, according to an overview article.

The idea that osteoporosis is a given for older women is a related misconception. According to the aforementioned statistics, 2/3 of women over 50 do not have osteoporosis. The National Institute on Aging advises people to routinely exercise and eat foods high in calcium and vitamin D to reduce hazards.

Your brain slows down as you age.

The term “cognitive decline” refers to a steady fall in mental capacity with ageing, but before we get to the facts, let’s bust a few myths that go along with it:

When you become older, dementia is inevitable.

The WHO states that while dementia does not afflict all older persons, its risk rises with age. According to estimates, dementia affects 5-8% of adults over 60 in the world. Thus, 92%–95% of adults 60 years of age and older do not have dementia.

According to estimates, 13.9% of Americans over 71 have dementia, leaving 86.1% of those over 71 dementia-free.

Dementia is brought on by cognitive deterioration.

Contrary to common belief, cognitive decline does not always mean that dementia is about to set in.

Cognitive decline typically comes first in people who go on to develop dementia. Dementia does not necessarily occur in everyone who develops cognitive decline.

A previous study estimated that cognitive decline affects 22.2% of Americans 71 years of age or older. Each year, 11.7% to 20% of them experience dementia.

Inevitable cognitive ageing

Despite the long-held misconception that older persons endure a mental slowing down, the figures above demonstrate that cognitive decline is not unavoidable. What’s more, there are strategies to lower the danger.

The evidence of modifiable risk factors for dementia and cognitive decline was assessed by the Alzheimer’s Association in 2015. “There is adequate evidence to suggest the association between numerous modifiable risk factors and a lower risk for cognitive decline,” their report to the Global Dementia Council states.

They discovered that a lower risk of cognitive decline was highly connected with maintaining regular physical exercise and treating traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure.

Also, they discovered solid proof that a healthy diet, lifelong learning, and cognitive training all lower the risk of cognitive decline.

Giving up smoking right now would be pointless.

Several older folks claim that it makes no sense to stop smoking at “their age,” regardless of whether this is a true myth or just an excuse. That is untrue. As the NHS explains in detail:

No matter how long you’ve smoked or how many cigarettes you smoke each day, as soon as you stop, your health will begin to improve. It doesn’t matter if the health advantages are immediate or delayed; the important thing is to get started.

As age, sex becomes scarce or impossible.

Some individuals think that as people age, they lose the ability to enjoy sex and their sexual organs stop functioning properly. Thankfully, this is a myth.

Although the likelihood of erectile dysfunction (ED) and vaginal dryness increases with age, for the majority of people, these issues are not insurmountable.

In many situations, lubricants, hormone creams, and sildenafil (Viagra) can perform miracles. However, because Viagra is not appropriate for everyone, it is imperative to consult a doctor before using it.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, only 0.4% of men between the ages of 18 and 29 and 11.5% of men between the ages of 60 and 69 experience ED. The fact that approximately 9 out of 10 men in their 60s do not have ED, however, turns that number on its head and makes it appear much less intimidating.

The tip

Generally, the majority of age-related misconceptions seem to focus on inevitable ageing. Many assume that as their lives get more and more intolerable, dull, passionless, and unpleasant, they will eventually disintegrate into dust.

None of the aforementioned is a given for everyone, despite the possibility that some aspects of health may deteriorate with age. As we have learned, having a positive psychological perspective on ageing can help with its physical effects.

REFERENCES:

For Age maintenance medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=77_328