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Author: Sima

Published on Leave a comment on Following A Mediterranean Diet Leads To Big Reduction In Psoriasis Symptoms
Severe psoriasis on person's back Credit: Wikipedia

Individuals with psoriasis are always looking for ways to improve the inflammatory skin disorder, especially natural ways. A recent small study found that following a Mediterranean diet is a simple and effective way to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis (red, scaly patches and persistent itching).

Subjects with mild to moderate psoriasis were randomly assigned to one of 2 dietary groups. The group following a Mediterranean diet for 16 weeks had significantly reduced psoriasis severity and symptoms, when compared to the control group that were just told to follow a low-fat diet. Almost half of the Mediterranean group had a 75% reduction of psoriasis severity and symptoms! None of the low-fat diet group had a reduction in psoriasis severity and symptoms.

Additionally, all persons in the study were using their usual topical therapy for their psoriasis. The improvements in the Mediterranean diet group occurred without significant weight loss.

The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, fish, and olive oil. In the study's Mediterranean diet group, the participants were not only given nutritional advice, but also a weekly provision of extra virgin olive oil. This diet is anti-inflammatory, which is why it may be so beneficial to those with psoriasis.

Medical Xpress: Mediterranean diet leads to 75% symptom reduction in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis

Over 60 million people worldwide are affected by psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that causes red, scaly patches and persistent itching. A new study has found that following a Mediterranean diet—rich in plant-based foods, extra-virgin olive oil, and a moderate amount of fish, and poultry—could provide relief to psoriasis symptoms.

...continue reading "Following A Mediterranean Diet Leads To Big Reduction In Psoriasis Symptoms"

Published on Leave a comment on Medical Imaging Radiation and Increased Risk Of Blood Cancers In Children
Chest X-ray Credit: Wikipedia

A recent study found that there is an increased risk of blood cancers occurring in  children who receive X-rays and CT scans. And as the number of X-rays and CT scans go up (thus an increase in total cumulative dose of radiation), the risk of a blood cancer also increases.

The researchers refer to these increased number of cancers as "radiation-induced hematologic cancers". These include such cancers as  lymphoid cancers, leukemia, and histiocytic- or dendritic-cell cancers. They estimated that the number of these radiation-induced cancers is 1 in 10 blood cancers in children.

They advise only getting X-rays and CT scans if necessary, and consider getting an MRI or ultrasound instead (if possible).

From Medical Xpress: Study finds 10% of pediatric blood cancers may stem from medical imaging radiation

A study led by UC San Francisco and UC Davis has concluded that radiation from medical imaging is associated with a higher risk of blood cancers in children.

The researchers examined data from nearly 4 million children and estimated that one in 10 blood cancers—some 3,000 cancers in all—may be attributable to radiation exposure from medical imaging. The risk increased proportionally based on the cumulative amount of radiation the children received. ...continue reading "Medical Imaging Radiation and Increased Risk Of Blood Cancers In Children"

Published on Leave a comment on Study Finds That Patient Care Suffers When Private Equity Takes Over A Hospital

It's what many suspected. Once private equity firms take over a hospital, patient care suffers.

A recent study found that in hospitals acquired by private equity firms, the patient death rate in emergency departments increases, and there is an increase in patient transfers to other hospitals.

It is thought that this is due to cuts in staffing and salary cuts. Other cuts (equipment? supplies?) may also be occurring.

It appears that rather than patient care, profits are #1 to private equity firms.

After hospitals were acquired by private equity firms, patient death rates in the emergency departments rose by 13% compared with similar hospitals, according to research published this week in Annals of Internal Medicine.

The research, which compared outcomes at hospitals over a 10-year period, adds fresh evidence to previous studies showing harmful patient outcomes and higher costs among health care entities owned by profit-oriented financiers.

...continue reading "Study Finds That Patient Care Suffers When Private Equity Takes Over A Hospital"

Published on Leave a comment on Taking Vitamin B3 Reduces the Risk of Another Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma Credit: Wikipedia

Skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma) rates are rising. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., with current estimates that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Unfortunately, a person can get repeat skin basal cell and squamous cell cancers. Yikes!

Interestingly, since 2015 studies are finding that a form of vitamin B3 called nicotinamide are a skin cancer preventive (chemopreventive) medication. That is, taking nicotinamide supplements reduces the risk of basal cell and squamous cell cancer development.

A recent study found that persons who already had one skin cancer removed, can significantly reduce the risk of a second skin cancer occurring if they ingest 500 mg of nicotinamide two times daily for more than one month. An overall 54% reduction in another skin cancer occurring in this group!

The biggest reduction of another skin cancer occurring was in those who had a squamous cell carcinoma removed. However the preventive effect was reduced in those who already had multiple (2 or more) skin cancers.

Excerpts from NPR: Vitamin B3 can help protect against skin cancer. Here's who may benefit

Doctors who perform skin cancer surgeries often recommend nicotinamide — which is a form of Vitamin B3 — to their patients. It's been shown to protect cells from UV radiation damage. ...continue reading "Taking Vitamin B3 Reduces the Risk of Another Skin Cancer"

Published on Leave a comment on Common Foods Linked to Improved Heart Function

The evidence keeps piling up that certain foods are associated with health, while other foods (e.g., soda, ultra processed foods) are associated with chronic diseases. A recent article reported the results of several studies finding certain foods linked to cardiovascular health, including lowering blood pressure.

But guess what? They are popular foods available to everyone - cocoa, green tea, black tea, apples, grapes, and berries.

There is strong evidence certain plant compounds (flavan-3-ols, also known as flavanols or catechins) in these foods have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. These compounds can lower blood pressure and improve endothelial function (functioning of the blood vessels). Two to three cups of tea daily! One to two servings of dark chocolate daily! Instead of chips for a snack, have an apple.

By the way, rather than focusing on eating just certain foods, it's better to improve your entire diet by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts. All these foods are linked to good health and are considered part of a heart-healthy diet.

From Medscape: From Apples to Cocoa: Everyday Foods Linked to CV Benefits

The term “healthy diet” is often used but frequently remains vague. This is why scientific research into specific food components with preventive potential is gaining importance. Current studies suggest that certain plant compounds found in everyday foods such as apples, cocoa, and tea may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular (CV) health. ...continue reading "Common Foods Linked to Improved Heart Function"

Published on Leave a comment on French Fries and Diabetes
French fries Credit: Wikipedia

French fries are a favorite food of Americans. However, a recent large study found that eating 3 or more servings of French fries a week is associated with a 20% increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The same risk is not found with eating other forms of potatoes, such as mashed, baked, or boiled.

There was a dose response effect with French fry consumption - the more servings a person ate per week, the greater the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For 3 servings per week, there was a 20% increase in type 2 diabetes, but consuming 5 or more servings of French fries weekly was associated with a 27% higher rate of type 2 diabetes (when compared to people who rarely ate French fries, that is, less than 1 serving per week).

Also, replacing 3 servings per week of any form of potatoes with whole grains lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but not replacing potatoes with white rice. White rice is linked to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

Why is that? There is lots of fiber in whole grains and in whole potatoes (especially the skin), which is not present in French fries and white rice. Whole potatoes are also a good source for a number of nutrients, such as vitamin C, potassium, polyphenols, and magnesium. Many studies find that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts is linked to a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes.

From Science Daily: What scientists discovered about french fries and diabetes

Eating three servings of French fries a week is associated with a 20% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but eating similar amounts of potatoes cooked in other ways -- boiled, baked or mashed -- does not substantially increase the risk, finds a study published by The BMJ on August 6. ...continue reading "French Fries and Diabetes"

Published on Leave a comment on Another Easy Way to Use L. Sakei For Sinusitis Treatment

There is another easy (and lazy) way to use L. sakei (e.g., Lanto Sinus), for sinusitis or when sinus symptoms are starting. Only when needed, of course.

L. sakei is a beneficial bacteria found naturally in the sinuses. I've already written about the 3 treatment methods to use refrigerated L. sakei, such as Lanto Sinus: 1) Mix with bottled (or sterile) water and dab with a cotton swab or clean finger about 1/2" into the nostrils, or 2) Just swish the powder in the mouth and swallow (for minor symptoms), or 3) For a maximum boost, can add a little bit to a person's regular saline rinse (using bottled or sterile water).

Well, there's another 4th method. A lazy way, because I like doing what's the easiest. I generally do this when some sinus symptoms start developing - no need to wait for a full-blown sinus infection. Also, I've only done this with Lanto Sinus.

4) Mix about 1/4 tsp (white spoon) with a little bit of bottled water in a small bowl and mix it with the spoon. Then, using the little spoon, I scoop a little bit of the mixture and bring it up to my nostril where I sort of toss it into the nostril and snort it in. Do the same with the other nostril. Repeat once or twice.

Can swish the remaining mixture in the mouth and swallow. Do this once a day until sinuses feel better or OK. That's it.

I started using this method after experimenting on my own. Self-experimentation! It's not in the "how to use" Lanto Sinus guidelines. But it works for me.

Published on Leave a comment on Altered Gut Microbiomes In Persons With Pain Conditions
Wrist pain Credit: Wikipedia

We know that there are microbiomes  (communities of bacteria, viruses, fungi) throughout the body, and that there are microbial patterns or "microbial signatures" found in different diseases. But now it appears that there are microbial signatures for a whole list of pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), arthritis, and migraine.

In other words, the gut microbiome is different between those with a pain condition compared to healthy individuals without the condition. One question is: does chronic pain cause the microbiome to change or do microbial changes or shifts cause chronic pain? Or does the presence of certain bacteria protect against different pain conditions?

It is still unknown whether probiotic supplementation would help these conditions because the studies are not yet done. But researchers do suggest eating an anti-inflammatory diet - which means a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (includes beans), fish, seeds, nuts, and olive oil. This kind of diet has lots of fiber to feed and support beneficial bacteria.

Also, avoid ultra-processed food as much as possible, including processed meats and soda, because these are associated with harmful bacteria in the gut. Read the ingredient list, and try to avoid foods with ingredients not found in your kitchen (e.g., emulsifiers, colors, natural flavors, artificial flavors, carrageenan, soy lecithin, guar gum)

From Medscape: Gut Microbiome Changes in Chronic Pain — Test and Treat?

A new study adds to what has been emerging in the literature — namely that there appear to be gut microbiome “signatures” for various pain conditions — suggesting that microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutics may one day be routine for a broad range of pain conditions. ...continue reading "Altered Gut Microbiomes In Persons With Pain Conditions"

Published on Leave a comment on Bees Are Attracted to Mint Flowers

There have been so few bees in my garden the last few years that I get excited when I see one. This bee seems to really like the flowers of my mint plant.

Yes, it is an invasive plant that gardeners are warned about. But bees are attracted to the plant because the nectar and pollen are food for them and their hive.

Another herb that attracts bees is oregano. A big plus is that both mint and oregano plants are ignored by the numerous local deer.

By the way, the bee and butterfly numbers are so diminished in my neighborhood due to all the pesticides being used on lawns and plants. Pesticides = kills bees and butterflies

Published on Leave a comment on Common Nail Polish Ingredient Banned in Europe, But Not In US

Once again, a chemical banned in Europe (due to possible health harms) is allowed to be used in the US. The chemical TPO, which is used in nail polish gels, is viewed as "carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction". In other words, could cause cancer and impact fertility.

Nail polish gel containing the chemical trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) is applied to the nails to make nail polish stronger and harder, and give it a glossy sheen. The nails are then typically exposed to ultraviolet light to harden.

While TPO is unregulated in the US and therefore commonly used, customers can look for TPO-free products.

Excerpts from Newsweek: Gel Nail Polish on Sale in US Banned in Europe

A key component in gel nail polish has been banned in Europe over fears it may cause cancer or infertility—but it remains in use across the U.S. this week. ...continue reading "Common Nail Polish Ingredient Banned in Europe, But Not In US"