by admin | May 5, 2020 | Osteoarthritis, Stem Cell Research
Osteoarthritis of the hip is a painful condition that can interfere with leg movement and diminish the quality of life. In some, the symptoms are mild, but in others, osteoarthritis can be severe and can even lead to joint failure. Pain is often intermittent in early stages, but in later stages, the pain can be constant with periods of sharp, intense pain. The hip joint becomes stiff and unstable, making it difficult to move around and greatly increasing the risk of falls.
Unfortunately, there are few effective treatments for osteoarthritis of the hip. Management includes pain control with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy. Steroid injections into the hip are not as effective as they are for knee osteoarthritis, so many doctors hesitate to perform them. Joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are unlikely to be very effective—clinical trials have not provided evidence that they actually work. The definitive treatment for hip osteoarthritis is hip replacement surgery, which is expensive and associated with a long period of recovery.
The main problem in osteoarthritis is that the joint breaks down over time from wear and tear (i.e. microtraumas). At the same time, the joint has a very limited capacity to heal itself. In other words, once the joint breaks down, it pretty much stays that way. Since life is a series of joint microtraumas, the hip gets progressively worse. Indeed, one in four people will have painful osteoarthritis of the hip by age 85, and hundreds of thousands will have it earlier in life.
Scientists have long wanted to find ways to help the body regenerate the joint substances, particularly joint cartilage. Unfortunately, the joint does not receive good blood supply and no known drug or supplement can actually rebuild joint cartilage. That is the main reason researchers are aggressively testing stem cells as a treatment for hip osteoarthritis.
Mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to become many different types of cells, including chondrocytes (cartilage cells). Mesenchymal stem cells sense the environment they are in and then become the cell consistent with that environment. So, the theory goes, injecting mesenchymal stem cells into the hip joint can prompt them to become hip joint cells (chondrocytes).
Researchers tested this hypothesis in a clinical study. They injected mesenchymal stem cells taken from fat tissue (i.e. adipose) and injected them into the hip joints of people with difficult-to-treat hip osteoarthritis. They compared the patients’ Harris Hip scores (HHS) before and 6 months after treatment. HHS is a reliable way to assess the severity of osteoarthritis symptoms. An HHS score of less than 70 is “poor” and a score of 80 to 90 is “good.” Before stem cell treatment, patients had an average HHS score of 67.2±3.4 and 84.6±6.3 afterward. Scores also improved in other tests including WOMAC and Visual Analogue Scale. In other words, mesenchymal stem cell treatment reduced pain and improved joint function in these patients compared to levels prior to treatment.
The authors of the clinical study state that “preliminary results are positive and promising.” Further research and studies will help to learn more about this regenerative medicine potential.
Reference: Dall’Oca, C. et al. (2019). Mesenchymal Stem Cells injection in hip osteoarthritis: preliminary results. ACTA Biomedica. 2019, 90(Suppl 1): 75-80.
by Stemedix | May 4, 2020 | Stem Cell Therapy, Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the central nervous system, disrupting the ways in which information flows within and to and from the brain. Its cause is unknown, though experts believe it may result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The trajectory and symptoms of the disease are often unpredictable. People with MS may experience symptoms related to movement, such as tremors or unsteady gait, as well as vision-related changes, slurred speech, tingling or numbness, and fatigue.
MS symptoms typically begin to emerge between the ages of 20 and 50. For some individuals, symptoms may improve or go into remission for periods of time. In some cases, MS symptoms can interfere with daily life, making it difficult to complete everyday activities.
While there are currently no cures available for MS, there are some medications available to aid in symptom management. Yet, these can be costly and may carry side effects.
Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
Recently, stem cell therapy for Multiple Sclerosis has emerged as a promising treatment with tremendous potential. It is not a cure but has shown potential for symptom improvements. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to help control inflammation and restore the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers which is damaged in MS. These powerful cells also have the ability to regulate the immune system, which can aid in symptom reduction.
The reason the immune regulating effects of MSCs are so beneficial to people with MS is that they prevent the immune system from mistakenly attacking the myelin sheath. MSCs may even regenerate myelin sheath where it’s been damaged, known as remyelination.
While results may vary, MS patients who receive stem cell therapy may experience a number of benefits. Some reported include increased energy, strength, mobility, flexibility, and function control. The treatment is also noninvasive, well-tolerated in most patients, and does not require any downtime. With its lasting beneficial healing properties, stem cell therapy appears to be an alternative option, especially for patients whose symptoms interfere with daily life.
If these beneficial healing properties are something you would like to take advantage of then contact us today for a free consultation.
by admin | May 4, 2020 | Health Awareness
If you’re looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, eating more would naturally seem counterintuitive. Yet, research suggests that a bigger meal – specifically, breakfast – could actually have you burning more calories and perhaps even prevent obesity.
According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, a higher breakfast appears to prevent obesity and high blood sugar. Yet, the findings come with a caveat: to maximize the benefits of fueling up more in the morning, you must also eat lighter meals throughout the rest of the day, including dinner. The good news is that your larger breakfast could help decrease appetite.
Based on the research, experts have determined that timing is an important factor when it comes to how our bodies process food. The same meal eaten for breakfast creates twice the level of diet-induced thermogenesis compared to when it’s eaten for dinner, according to the study’s corresponding author. Simply put, diet-induced thermogenesis is the production of heat which aids in calorie burn. It plays a role in the development of obesity, and individuals with lower levels are more likely to be obese.
Ultimately, planning larger meals at the start of the day instead of the evening appears to be a simple way to promote calorie burn. Yet, the nutritional value of your meals still matters, too. To that end, you should aim to incorporate nutritionally-dense foods into your breakfast whenever possible. Look for protein-rich foods such as Greek yogurt, eggs, and nut butter, as well as good sources of fiber including whole grains. Together, these foods can help you stay full throughout the day. For an added bonus, incorporate fruits and vegetables: throw some broccoli or spinach into an omelet, or slice up some fresh fruit to enjoy on top of your yogurt.
by admin | Apr 29, 2020 | Health Awareness
Your nervous system comprises a complex network of nerves and specialized cells that serve as the body’s “electrical wiring,” carrying messages all throughout its different systems. It has two key components: the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal column, and nerves, as well as the peripheral nervous system, made up of neurons and nerves. Here we will discuss the top 5 ways to keep the nervous system healthy.
In such a complex system, there are unfortunately several things that can go wrong. In addition to injury, the nervous system can become compromised by neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), among others. These conditions can affect functions all across the body, including movement, speaking, memory retention, senses, and breathing.
Neurological disorders can’t always be prevented. Many result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors that can’t be controlled. Lifestyle factors may also play a role, however, which are within our power to change. To promote a healthy nervous system to our best ability, here are some things we can do:
Maintain a Nutritious Diet
Proper nutrition is essential to promoting optimal function throughout the whole body, and the nervous system is no exception. Ideally, you should be taking in lean protein, vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats every day to provide your body with the macro- and micronutrients it needs to perform its best.
In particular, the lutein in leafy greens has been shown to help prevent cognitive decline, while essential fatty acids in certain nuts can help protect the nerves and cell membranes. Ensuring adequate levels of B12 and potassium is also helpful for promoting nervous system health, as is reducing inflammation by reducing your intake of heavily processed foods.
Get Ample Sleep
Sleep keeps the nervous system functioning properly. On a short-term basis, sleep deprivation can lead to issues like memory problems, mood changes, and fatigue. Over time, however, insomnia can interfere with the nervous system’s ability to send information. Aim for seven hours of sleep each night.
Establish Healthy Stress Outlets
Stress can overwhelm our nervous system, and on a long-term basis, it can create excessive wear and tear throughout the body. In fact, it’s not what stress does to the nervous system itself, but the chronic activation of the nervous system triggered by stress, which is a problem. This ongoing activation affects other bodily systems, including the immune system, and can cause issues like body-wide inflammation.
While it can be challenging, finding healthy outlets for managing stress is an important and effective way to manage optimal nervous system function. Regular exercise, yoga, meditation, and counseling are a few options to try if you find yourself facing excessive stress.
Exercise Regularly
Speaking of regular exercise, this is another important way to maintain nervous system health. While experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate cardiovascular exercise or 75 minutes of more intense exercise each week for overall wellness, there are also some specific activities that may promote neurological health. In particular, weight-bearing exercises that employ the leg muscles have been shown to send signals to the brain that are essential to healthy neural cell production.
Keep the Brain Active
The brain, like other systems of the body, needs to be worked routinely to maintain its health. Mental stimulation has been shown to boost brain function and minimize the risk of cognitive decline. Activities like card games, jigsaw puzzles, listening to and playing music, and learning new skills can benefit the nervous system by supporting brain health. To learn more about the top 5 ways to keep the nervous system healthy, contact a care coordinator today at Stemedix.
by admin | Apr 27, 2020 | Health Awareness
Peppermint is a hybrid plant that stems from spearmint and water mint. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, Egypt, and Greece, with its medicinal application also reaching far back into history. Aristotle recorded his uses of peppermint, but it didn’t become widely used in medicinal practices until the mid-18th century in Europe. Originally, practitioners gave peppermint to address stomach ailments, including preventing gas and alleviating diarrhea. It was also used to treat the flu and colds.
Today, peppermint oil is still widely used to treat stomach ailments. In particular, individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) use peppermint oil as a dietary supplement to control the condition’s symptoms which may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas and bloating, and constipation. A review of 12 trials shows that peppermint oil capsules are more effective for treating IBS than placebos. It’s believed that the herbal remedy could help by relaxing the muscles within the gastrointestinal tract, promoting an anti-inflammatory effect, decreasing pain sensation, and positively affecting gut bacteria.
Some other uses include treatment for nausea and symptoms of the common cold. Peppermint oil also has several benefits when applied topically, including:
While it’s always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider before introducing a new supplement into your regimen, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that peppermint oil appears to be safe when taken orally in the commonly used doses.
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