by Stemedix | Dec 6, 2021 | Health Awareness, Multiple Sclerosis
MS, or multiple sclerosis, is a chronic condition characterized by the immune system attacking the body’s myelin. Myelin is the substance that coats the body’s nerves, so patients with MS often face issues with their nervous system’s ability to communicate. Patients may experience pain, movement issues, or trouble thinking clearly. There are plenty of medical treatment options available, but these options can be costly, inconvenient, or cause troubling side effects. Patients who are wondering what natural treatments are available for Multiple Sclerosis, may have difficulty finding viable information. With this in mind, here are two adaptable natural treatment methods that may show some positive results when incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan for MS.
Diet
The evidence to support dietary changes is shaky at best. There is no evidence to show that one specific or specialized diet can treat MS symptoms. With that being said, however, there is plenty of scientific data showing that in theory, MS patients adhering to a generally healthy diet may face fewer symptoms.
MS patients can potentially experience some relief by adding these kinds of foods to their diets:
- Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish like salmon and mackerel, as well as some nuts and seeds
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
Patients are advised to cut down on or eliminate high-fat dairy, salt, and saturated fats wherever they can.
Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements are distinct from herbal supplements, as dietary supplements are meant to replace or bolster naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals needed for regular body function.
Though dietary supplements should not be seen as a cure or treatment for MS, certain vitamin deficits can increase the severity of MS symptoms and flare-ups.
Here are a few dietary supplements that may help to mitigate MS symptoms:
While calcium is not directly related to MS symptoms, it can reduce the risks of osteoporosis, which some MS patients are at a high risk of developing.
Are Natural Treatments Enough?
MS is a complex condition that may require more conventional treatment intervention if the condition is progressing or to help manage symptoms. The options presented here are the easiest and most accessible for MS patients to undertake on their own.
Many patients are also discovering an alternative option through stem cell therapy to additionally help manage the condition. Stem cells have regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties to help damaged tissues and boost the body’s natural healing mechanism.
If you or your loved ones are interested in adopting natural treatments into your MS treatment plan, it is helpful to research and consult if these are viable options to consider. If you are interested in learning more about what natural treatments are available for Multiple Sclerosis, contact a care coordinator today!
by admin | Dec 1, 2021 | Health Awareness
There are certain foods you need to eat to have a healthy and balanced body: milk for strong bones, protein for muscles, and fruits and veggies for overall health. But did you know there are certain foods you can eat specifically to help your bladder health?
Here are a few urologist-recommended food and drink options that can help to improve your bladder health.
Water
Water has always been (and will always be) the best drink you can give your body. Water helps to stimulate urination, which flushes bacteria out of the body and prevents infection.
Make sure you’re getting at least the daily recommended amount of water in your diet.
Fruits and Vegetables with High Water Content
If you have trouble getting through the recommended amount of water, adding certain fruits and vegetables to your plate can help. These foods tend to have higher water content than other kinds of food, so increasing the amount of fruits and veggies in your diet will help you introduce more water to your body.
It’s important to note that some acids from the fruit can end up irritating your bladder, so make sure to choose fruits and vegetables that aren’t too acidic!
Fiber-Rich Foods
Fiber is known to be a valuable dietary addition for gut health, which makes it ideal for bladder health, as well. Potatoes, whole grains, and legumes are a few foods that are high in fiber.
Cranberries and Cranberry Juice
If you’ve ever had a UTI or other kind of bladder infection, you’ve likely been told to drink a glass of cranberry juice. Cranberries contain an antioxidant called proanthocyanidins, which cut down on bacteria’s ability to hang around the urinary tract.
It’s important to remember a doctor’s visit is the best way to find relief for bladder problems. With that being said, changing your diet can help improve your overall bladder health.
by admin | Nov 24, 2021 | Health Awareness
Have you been diagnosed with leaky gut syndrome? If so, you know the discomfort associated with the condition. Bloating, digestive problems, joint pain, and even difficulty concentrating can all result from intestinal permeability, the cause of leaky gut. Fortunately, some supplements effectively treat leaky gut and manage its symptoms.
L-glutamine
L-glutamine is an amino acid that helps repair the intestinal lining. This immune-supporting and digestion-aiding acid have dietary sources like chicken, fish, beans, cabbage, spinach, and dairy. It’s the most abundant free amino acid in the body.
One study shows that low doses of oral glutamine may improve intestinal permeability, especially after strenuous exercise. It may also help regulate how the intestinal barrier functions during stress.
Collagen Peptides
Collagen proteins are found in almost every tissue throughout the body. Not only are collagen proteins considered to be a building block for healthy skin, hair, and muscle, collagen also plays an essential role in digestive health.
The most easily digestible collagens are collagen peptides, a bioavailable form of the protein. Collagen peptides prevent the destruction of the intestinal lining and provide anti-inflammatory properties to promote gut health.
Zinc
A recent study on zinc claims this supplement can reduce the permeability of the small intestine that’s associated with the leaky gut syndrome and Crohn’s disease.
Researchers studied patients who were given 110 mg of oral zinc sulfate three times a day for eight weeks. During follow-up studies, it was determined that 10 out of 12 patients had normal intestine permeability.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that help to improve your microbiome (healthy gut bacteria). The gut microbiome affects almost every other system in the body, including heart health, immune system, and blood sugar levels, as well as your digestive system. Studies have shown that markers of gut leakage decrease when multi-strain probiotics are used.
Leaky gut syndrome may contribute to autoimmune problems and neuropsychiatric and skin conditions. However, with dietary and lifestyle changes, including the regular use of high-quality supplements, symptoms can not only be managed but the condition can also be improved. Before taking supplements, it’s best to consult with a healthcare practitioner experienced in the care and treatment of leaky gut.
by admin | Nov 17, 2021 | Health Awareness
According to new research, oxidative stress is now emerging as a potential factor in many of the more than 600 neurodegenerative diseases recognized today.
What Is Oxidative Stress?
Your body needs both free radicals and antioxidants. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance in the number of free radicals and antioxidants in your body. Essentially, it is when you have too many free radicals, which can have adverse effects.
What Are Free Radicals?
Natural metabolic processes create the free radicals in your body. They are molecules with one or more unpaired electrons, which make them reactive. Free radicals quickly react with other molecules and can set off large chains of chemical reactions in your body. They are unstable and can cause damage to cells all over your body and speed up the aging process.
Free radicals are not just found in the human body. You can also find these oxygen-containing molecules in cigarette smoke, fried foods, alcohol, and pesticides.
How Does Oxidative Stress Affect the Body?
Oxidative stress increases inflammation in your body. The increased inflammation causes the release of more free radicals, leading to a vicious cycle that causes chronic inflammation. This chronic inflammation can lead to diseases like diabetes and arthritis. Unchecked oxidative stress may play a role in the development of several different neurodegenerative diseases, as well.
How to Prevent Oxidative Stress
At one point, scientists thought the antioxidants found in food were fit for preventing the effects of oxidative stress. However, recent studies show antioxidants do not provide reliable prevention against neurodegenerative diseases.
You can prevent oxidative stress by making proactive changes to your diet and lifestyle. A healthy, well-balanced diet made up of whole grains and unprocessed foods can go a long way in countering oxidative stress, especially when paired with regular exercise. Abstaining from tobacco products and reducing conventional external stressors can also prevent oxidative stress.
For more health awareness blogs, please visit www.stemedix.com/blog.
by admin | Nov 10, 2021 | Health Awareness
Coconut water is the liquid found inside fresh, green coconuts. It is part of the nourishment the coconut absorbs as the drupe matures. Coconut water contains very little fat—don’t confuse it for coconut milk (high in fat)—and is approximately 94% water.
If you do not already include coconut water in your healthy diet, the seven reasons offered below may help convince you to try it.
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules) is an important part of protecting your health. The antioxidants such as L-arginine and Vitamin C found in coconut water help fight the effects of oxidative stress and protect your health at the cellular level.
2. Supports Heart Health
In a controlled scientific study, rats fed coconut water reduced both their cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Coconut water’s high potassium content may be the reason for improved numbers.
3. Replenishes Electrolytes
Coconut water is often recommended to restore electrolyte levels after exercise. That’s good advice. Coconut water contains significant amounts of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium and is more beneficial for rehydration than plain water.
4. Promotes Kidney Health
Getting plenty of fluids is important to support good kidney health and prevent kidney stones from forming. Coconut water helps to increase the elimination of calcium and other compounds that form tiny crystals known as kidney stones.
5. May Lower Blood Sugar
Research using diabetic animals has shown coconut water to help reduce blood sugar levels. As a good source of magnesium, coconut water may help reverse insulin resistance and decrease blood sugar levels in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
6. It’s Nutritious
Coconut oil is packed with nutrients and low on calories (about 60 calories per cup). A single cup provides about 4% of the DV for calcium and magnesium and 15% of the DV for potassium.
7. It Tastes Great
Coconut water is not a replacement for plain water and should be consumed in small portions as part of a healthy diet. However, it is a delicious and lower-calorie substitute for fruit juice enjoyed as is or mixed with over beverages.
For more health awareness blogs, please visit www.stemedix.com/blog.
by admin | Nov 3, 2021 | Health Awareness
Over the last few years, medical professionals and researchers have emphasized the importance of gut microbiome health. Specifically, some professionals have started systematically mapping the interactions between gut bacteria and drugs. One such study demonstrated that certain gut bacteria are accumulating human drugs, altering the function of these organisms.
By gaining a better understanding of the impact of oral medications on gut health, researchers can potentially reduce side effects and improve the efficacy of these drugs.
What Is the Gut Microbiome?
The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of bacteria and microorganisms that live within your GI tract. These bacteria play a key role in several critical functions, such as the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. Gut microorganisms also influence other processes such as immune regulation and metabolism. If the gut microbiome is out of balance, it can have far-reaching health effects.
The Study
During the study, researchers grew 25 of the most common gut bacteria in a lab setting. They then exposed these organisms to 15 different oral medications. The researchers selected medications used to treat a wide range of conditions. The scientists discovered a total of 70 interactions between drugs and bacteria, 29 of which had not been reported previously.
After identifying the 29 new interactions, researchers conducted further tests. They determined that in 17 of these interactions, the medication accumulated in the microorganisms without changing to their chemical makeup. A few of these drugs include rosiglitazone (anti-diabetic medication) and duloxetine (antidepressant).
Potential Risks of the Bioaccumulation of Medications
The bioaccumulation of these medications poses two main risks to patients. First, the drugs may become less effective over time. This is especially concerning when discussing anti-diabetic and antidepressant medications, as reduced effectiveness can negatively impact patients.
How Do I Find Out If My Gut Microbiome Is Healthy?
If you are experiencing GI issues or just want to ensure that your gut microbiome is functioning properly, the best way to learn more about your overall gut health is through medical testing. A GI test will help medical professionals assess the root cause of most gut health complaints. They will also be able to suggest targeted treatment protocols to address your specific gut health issues.
If you would like to learn more about Precision Health testing or are interested in supplements that may benefit gut health, contact Stemedix today.
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