by admin | Sep 12, 2019 | Health Awareness
In recent decades, our awareness of the potential damage UV rays can do has increased tremendously. The UV radiation is a known carcinogen, as the link between long-term sun exposure and increased skin cancer risk is irrefutable. Yet, the link isn’t as straightforward as we may think, as age and genetic factors are also suspected to play a role in skin cancer risks, in addition to sun exposure.
And, it turns that moderate sun exposure may even have some health benefits. For instance, it helps trigger the production of important hormones, may help reduce the risk of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and helps the body create vitamin D. Recent research has even shown that it could decrease the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The Sunshine & IBD Link
In a study conducted by The Australian National University, children who spent half an hour outside each day appeared to have a lower risk of IBD. More than 800,000 people have chronic disorders encompassed by IBD, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The risk in children who were exposed to sunlight was almost 20% lower than in their peers.
While the half-hour window seems to hold the most promising results, even short periods of sun exposure were linked with a reduced risk of IBD. In fact, the study’s lead professor notes that every 10 minutes of sun exposure resulted in a 6% drop in the child’s risk for developing the condition. This has led the researchers to the conclusion that there is an association between lack of sun exposure and increased IBD risk.
Although experts have already determined that sunlight does play a role in immune system functionality in ways that could lower one’s risk for IBD, the precise mechanisms still have yet to be determined. IBD is becoming more common in children, so this eye-opening discovery could be a worthwhile preventive tactic to explore.
Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean children should forego sunscreen entirely, especially since there’s evidence to suggest that sun exposure during youth could contribute most to skin cancer. Thus, it’s still a good idea for people of all ages to stay protected with an SPF of 15 or higher when spending extended periods of time outdoors.
by admin | Sep 5, 2019 | Health Awareness
It’s a well-known fact that smoking can increase the risk of serious disease over the long term, but research also suggests it could make your day-to-day life more difficult, too. In particular, a University of Kentucky study shows smokers are more likely to experience at least one chronic pain syndrome.
While former smokers experience a 20% greater likelihood of experiencing chronic pain, occasional smokers had a 68% increase. For daily smokers, the odds of experiencing chronic pain more than doubled compared to non-smokers. The conditions studied in the analysis included:
- Chronic joint, neck, and back pain
- Persistent head pain
- Nerve problems
- Sciatica
- Widespread pain throughout the body
- Fibromyalgia
Yet, this study isn’t the only one to have associated chronic pain with smoking. In fact, nearly 50 studies conducted between the mid-1970s and 1990s link smoking to lower back pain. Facial pain, nerve pain, and knee pain are among the most prevalent complaints among groups who smoke.
What’s the Connection?
Despite the trend, researchers haven’t yet pinpointed a precise reason why smoking causes chronic pain. Of course, it must also be asked whether smoking is sometimes used as a coping mechanism for individuals experiencing persistent pain. Nonetheless, we do know certain facts about smoking which can, in part, explain how it contributes to pain:
- Nicotine is believed to modulate pain sensitivity. It may help to minimize sensitivity at first, but this effect can wear off over time. When it does, pain may feel worse.
- Smoking decreases oxygen levels in the blood, thereby preventing tissues from getting the critical oxygen they need. Thus, the habit is associated with a number of pain-inducing conditions, including osteoporosis and increased risk of bone fracture.
- Smoking and chronic pain are both commonly seen in conditions such as depression and substance abuse. These conditions might make it more difficult for individuals to manage their pain levels through healthy, effective means.
Cessation for Pain Management
While former smokers are slightly more likely to report chronic pain than individuals who have never smoked, there is a definite decrease in likelihood between former and current smokers. For this reason, researchers believe people who are experiencing chronic pain could benefit from quitting, in addition to other healthy pain management strategies. Likewise, effectively treating chronic pain could potentially increase a smoker’s odds of quitting successfully. Although further research is needed, quitting smoking will always be one of the best things you can do to improve your health, both now and into the future. If you need help in quitting smoking, there are options for you, but perhaps it may be best to start with consulting with your physician.
by admin | Aug 27, 2019 | Health Awareness
Of all the pieces of wellness advice we hear regularly, the importance of drinking enough water seems to be the most ubiquitous. Indeed, no matter your dietary preferences, workout schedule, or any other unique lifestyle factors, experts always tend to agree that staying hydrated is the one essential practice that can work in everyone’s favor. But just how likely are we to become dehydrated?
Water is the most important substance for survival.
Truth: The prevalence of the “drink more water” mantra holds up. Our cells require H2O to function, and the body uses complex mechanisms to ensure it has enough water to work well. Roughly 75% of a baby’s weight is made up of water, while it makes up 55% of an adult’s weight.
Dark urine always indicates dehydration.
Myth: Urine usually ranges from pale yellow to deep amber. Its yellowish tint is a result of a pigment called urochrome. Typically, well-hydrated individuals will have urine on the paler side. Yet, dark urine doesn’t automatically indicate a need for more water. Beets, berries, asparagus, and certain medications can alter the hue of urine.
Dehydration is common.
Myth: While we know staying hydrated is important, we typically only see severe hydration in performance athletes, the elderly, and individuals with severe illness. The thirst mechanism becomes less effective as we grow older, which is why older adults are more likely to become dehydrated.
There are no formal guidelines on water intake.
Truth: US Dietary Recommendations for water are based on median water intakes. Currently, there is no adequate measurement of the hydration status of the population. For most people, the sensation of thirst is a good indicator of when and how much water to drink. Yet, factors like age, humidity, heat, and physical exertion can impact the need for hydration.
Inadequate hydration poses serious health risks.
True: As mentioned above, water helps the body function on a cellular level. Staying hydrated protects against kidney stones, regulates gastrointestinal function, and may prevent vascular diseases, including stroke. Ample hydration is especially important for people with diabetes. With that being said, further research is needed to determine how hydration affects long-term health and the potential role it plays in chronic disease.
Staying hydrated will leave you with glowing skin.
Myth: While severe dehydration may leave skin cracked and dry, drinking extra water won’t boost skin elasticity in people who already get sufficient hydration. Emollient moisturizers are better suited for combatting skin dryness.
You need to drink 8 glasses of water per day to stay healthy.
The verdict is still out on this one. Again, while there is no exact requirement for water, the National Academy of Sciences has issued general recommendations for women at 91 ounces of total water per day and 125 ounces for men. Keep in mind that this also includes water from all beverages and foods, including fruit and non-water drinks. With that said, the Institute of Medicine confirms that individuals can be adequately hydrated below or above the recommended intake levels.
by admin | Aug 16, 2019 | Health Awareness
Crohn’s disease is a rare but serious inflammatory bowel disease. The condition causes the digestive tract lining to become inflamed, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Individuals with Crohn’s disease are also more likely to experience small intestine permeability, or what’s known as “leaky gut.” While there is no cure for the disease, medications and lifestyle modifications can be used to help manage the condition. In particular, research suggests zinc supplements may help to combat leaky gut associated with Crohn’s disease.
What is Leaky Gut?
In leaky gut syndrome, the gaps in intestinal walls loosen, allowing bacteria and toxins to pass through the intestines and into the bloodstream. Experts believe the condition may be linked to chronic and autoimmune conditions, including celiac disease and type 1 diabetes.
Leaky gut can occur whenever the balance between good and bad gut bacteria is off. The intestinal tract is home to hundreds of good bacteria, which help to manage digestion, process nutrients, and fight off bad bacteria.
Can Zinc Help?
While optimizing diet to maintain digestive health is a good start for many individuals, there are many other factors beyond nutrition at play when it comes to leaky gut. This is especially true for people with Crohn’s disease. Everything from compounds in tap water to medications can alter gut flora, which is why many individuals, and especially those with inflammatory bowel diseases, need an extra line of defense against leaky gut.
Because Crohn’s disease can inhibit proper nutrient absorption, people with the condition may face deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals. In particular, studies suggest that a zinc deficiency contributes to damage in the gut membrane barrier, but with zinc supplements, small intestine permeability can be improved. In a study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, the majority of patients who were given 110 mg of oral zinc sulfate supplements for 8 weeks had normal intestinal permeability and did not relapse. The findings suggest that zinc supplements can resolve permeability issues in individuals with Crohn’s disease and that strengthening the intestinal barrier may minimize the risk of relapse.
While each patient should check with their doctor before introducing any new supplements to their daily regimen, the findings do seem to be promising and may suggest that a single vitamin could play a powerful role in Crohn’s disease management.
by admin | Aug 8, 2019 | Health Awareness
For quite some time now, scientists and medical experts have known that gut bacteria and the immune system appear to be closely intertwined. Until very recently, however, the precise mechanisms behind this connection have been unclear. In late May, researchers revealed groundbreaking findings observed in animal studies which suggest how the intestines may help regulate our overall health.
The Role of the Lower GI Tract
In mammals, the intestinal system allows healthy nutrients to pass through its walls, while at the same time blocking harmful bacteria from spreading throughout the body. In particular, the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract is where most of these activities take place: food is processed until it becomes fundamental nutrients, which then pass through the intestinal wall to the bloodstream and to our vital organs. But the question of how the intestinal wall prevents the harmful bacteria from escaping with these nutrients has puzzled researchers.
Now, researchers from Rockefeller University in New York City think they may have an answer. Their study findings show that in mice, a sophisticated intestinal system has been observed. Specifically, certain areas of the GI tract are more likely to elicit an immune system response than others when encountering pathogens. While the intestines look similar, closer inspection reveals a complex intestinal immune system with a unique, organized structure.
Key Differences Throughout the GI System
Interestingly, researchers found that lymph nodes in mice’s large intestines would detect and combat harmful bacteria such as salmonella, whereas small intestines seemed to primarily carry out nutrient absorption and delivery to the bloodstream. According to the researchers, the ability to pinpoint the areas in the intestines which produce the most powerful immune system response could help medical experts create more targeted therapies for GI conditions. They also suspect that the findings could make oral vaccines, which have previously failed to produce an ample immune response, a possibility in the future.
While there is clearly still much to glean from microbiome research, we do know that maintaining healthy gut bacteria can have numerous benefits for our bodies. From eating a diet rich in plant-based food sources to taking supplements as recommended or approved by your doctor, there are many ways you can work towards maintaining a healthy balance of gut flora.
by admin | Jul 31, 2019 | Health Awareness
B vitamins have a powerful impact on the body, contributing to a broad range of processes that help us function every day. The eight B vitamins aid in converting food into fuel to support the metabolism. They’re also vital to blood cell development, brain and liver function, eyesight, and maintaining vibrant skin and nails. Yet, of the eight B vitamins, there’s one standout contender which has an especially important job: vitamin B6.
The Power of Vitamin B6
Also known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 is essential for nervous system health and brain development. It is used in the production of hemoglobin, the critical protein which helps transport oxygen throughout the body via blood. It also supports a healthy immune system.
While B6 is critical for brain development in children, it’s also needed to support brain health at every age. The vitamin supports the production of key hormones, including serotonin. This neurotransmitter contributes to feelings of happiness and wellbeing, but its complex biological function extends far beyond mood regulation. In fact, serotonin also modulates cognition, memory, and various physiological processes.
Vitamin B6 also helps the body produce melatonin, the hormone that corresponds with daylight and helps us maintain healthy sleep patterns. Melatonin production declines naturally with age, and emerging research is exploring the connection between the hormone and reduced cognitive function in people with dementia.
To that end, researchers are also studying the impact of B vitamins on aging brains. Some studies suggest a combination of B6, B12, and folate could minimize age-related memory loss and cognitive decline, while also reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s.
How Much B6 Do You Need?
Recommended daily values for B6 change with age and you should always consult with your physician before adding any supplements to your daily regimen. While children need relatively little (just 0.5 mg for children aged 1 to 3, for example), men and women aged 19 to 50 should aim for 1.3 mg per day. For men aged 51 and over, 1.7 mg is recommended, while women of the same ages should stick to 1.5 mg. With that said, vitamin B6 is water soluble, meaning that any excess amount you take in that the body cannot use will exit as waste. Thus, unlike fat-soluble vitamins which are absorbed by the body when taken in excess, B6 and other water-soluble vitamins pose very little threat of toxicity.
What Are Some Good Sources of B6?
Some people with chronic diseases, including Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis could be at risk of vitamin deficiencies and should speak with their healthcare providers about alternate means of ensuring ample nutrition. Most other people who eat a healthy, varied diet with plenty of whole foods are likely to take in adequate amounts of B6.
Yet, it’s not always easy to maintain optimal eating habits with every meal, which is why it may be a good idea to pay close attention to your B6 intake. Meat, poultry, and fish are rich in B6, so people following plant-based diets could be more likely to get lower amounts of B6. Chickpeas, nuts, beans, bananas, and potatoes also contain the vitamin, however.
If you’re concerned about your vitamin B6 intake, you might consider discussing supplements with your doctor. B6 is available in both multivitamins and as a standalone supplement. Taking a daily vitamin can help fill in any nutritional gaps in your diet, and as further research is conducted, it may also be confirmed that increasing the intake of this powerful vitamin could benefit populations with cognitive or health concerns.
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