What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are solid masses made of crystals. Kidney stones usually originate in your kidneys. However, they can develop anywhere along your urinary tract, which consists of these parts:
- kidneys
- ureters
- bladder
- urethra
Kidney stones are one of the most painful medical conditions. The causes of kidney stones vary according to the type of stone.
Types of kidney stones
Not all kidney stones are made up of the same crystals. The different types of kidney stones include:
Calcium
Calcium stones are the most common. They’re often made of calcium oxalate (though they can consist of calcium phosphate or maleate). Eating fewer oxalate-rich foods can reduce your risk of developing this type of stone. High-oxalate foods include:
- potato chips
- peanuts
- chocolate
- beets
- spinach
However, even though some kidney stones are made of calcium, getting enough calcium in your diet can prevent stones from forming.
Uric acid
This type of kidney stone is more common in men than in women. They can occur in people with gout or those going through chemotherapy. This type of stone develops when urine is too acidic. A diet rich in purines can increase urine’s acidic level. Purine is a colorless substance in animal proteins, such as fish, shellfish, and meats.
Struvite
This type of stone is found mostly in women with urinary tract infections (UTIs). These stones can be large and cause urinary obstruction. They result from a kidney infection. Treating an underlying infection can prevent the development of struvite stones.
Cystine
Cystine stones are rare. They occur in both men and women who have the genetic disorder cystinuria. With this type of stone, cystine — an acid that occurs naturally in the body — leaks from the kidneys into the urine.
Risk factors for kidney stones
The greatest risk factor for kidney stones is making less than one liter of urine per day. This is why kidney stones are common in premature infants who have kidney problems. However, kidney stones are most likely to occur in people between the ages of 20 and 50.
Different factors can increase your risk of developing a stone. Typically, Caucasians are more likely to have kidney stones than those of African descent.
Sex also plays a role. More men than women develop kidney stones, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK).
A history of kidney stones can increase your risk. So does a family history of kidney stones.
Other risk factors include:
- Dehydration
- Obesity
- a diet with high levels of protein, salt, or glucose
- hyperparathyroid condition
- gastric bypass surgery
- inflammatory bowel diseases that increase calcium absorption
- taking medications such as diuretics, antiseizure drugs, and calcium-based antacids
Recognizing the symptoms and signs of a kidney stone
Kidney stones are known to cause severe pain. Symptoms of kidney stones may not occur until the stone begins to move down the ureters. This severe pain is called renal colic. You may have pain on one side of your back or abdomen.
In men, pain may radiate to the groin area. The pain of renal colic comes and goes, but can be intense. People with renal colic tend to be restless.
Other symptoms of kidney stones can include:
- blood in the urine(red, pink, or brown urine)
- vomiting
- nausea
- discolored or foul-smelling urine
- chills
- fever
- frequent need to urinate
- urinating small amounts of urine
In the case of a small kidney stone, you may not have any pain or symptoms as the stone passes through your urinary tract.
Why kidney stones can be a problem
Stones don’t always stay in the kidney. Sometimes they pass from the kidney into the ureters. Ureters are small and delicate, and the stones may be too large to pass smoothly down the ureter to the bladder. Passage of stones down the ureter can cause spasms and irritation of the ureters as they pass. This causes blood to appear in the urine.
Sometimes stones block the flow of urine. This is called a urinary obstruction. Urinary obstructions can lead to kidney infection and kidney damage.
Testing for and diagnosing kidney stones
Diagnosis of kidney stones requires a complete health history assessment and a physical exam. Other tests include:
- blood tests for calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, and electrolytes
- blood urea nitrogen (BUN)and creatinine to assess kidney functioning
- Urinalysis to check for crystals, bacteria, blood, and white cells
- examination of passed stones to determine their type
The following tests can rule out obstruction:
- abdominal X-rays
- intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
- retrograde pyelogram
- ultrasound of the kidney (the preferred study)
- MRI scanof the abdomen and kidneys
- abdominal CT scan
The contrast dye used in the CT scan and the IVP can affect kidney function. However, in people with normal kidney function, this isn’t a concern.
There are some medications that can increase the potential for kidney damage in conjunction with the dye. Make sure your radiologist knows about any medications you’re taking.
How kidney stones are treated
Treatment is tailored according to the type of stone. Urine can be strained and stones collected for evaluation.
Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day increases urine flow. People who are dehydrated or have severe nausea and vomiting may need intravenous fluids.
Other treatment options include:
Medication
Pain relief may require narcotic medications. The presence of infection requires treatment with antibiotics. Other medications include:
- Allopurinol (Zyloprim) for uric acid stones
- diuretics
- sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate
- phosphorus solutions
- ibuprofen (Advil)
- acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- naproxen sodium (Aleve)
Lithotripsy
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy uses sound waves to break up large stones so they can more easily pass down the ureters into your bladder. This procedure can be uncomfortable and may require light anesthesia. It can cause bruising on the abdomen and back and bleeding around the kidney and nearby organs.
Tunnel surgery (percutaneous nephrolithotomy)
Stones are removed through a small incision in your back. This procedure and may be needed when:
- the stone causes obstruction and infection or is damaging the kidneys
- the stone has grown too large to pass
- pain can’t be controlled
Ureteroscopy
When a stone is stuck in the ureter or bladder, your doctor may use an instrument called a ureteroscope to remove it. A small wire with a camera attached is inserted into the urethra and passed into the bladder. The doctor then uses a small cage to snag the stone and remove it. The stone is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Kidney stone prevention
Proper hydration is a key preventive measure. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking enough water to pass about 2.6 quarts of urine each day. Increasing the amount of urine you pass helps flush the kidneys.
You can substitute ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, and fruit juice for water to help you increase your fluid intake. If the stones are related to low citrate levels, citrate juices could help prevent the formation of stones.
Eating oxalate-rich foods in moderation and reducing your intake of salt and animal proteins can also lower your risk of kidney stones.
Your doctor may prescribe medications to help prevent the formation of calcium and uric acid stones. If you’ve had a kidney stone or you’re at risk for a kidney stone, speak with your doctor and discuss the best methods of prevention.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-stones#prevention
(Image: Representation only)
. Get a Medical Second Opinion
2. Search doctors and Request Appointment
Top 10 Health Benefits of Eating Eggs
Eggs are one of the few foods that should be classified as “superfoods.”
They are loaded with nutrients, some of which are rare in the modern diet.
Here are 10 health benefits of eggs that have been confirmed in human studies.
1. Incredibly Nutritious
Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. A whole egg contains all the nutrients required to turn a single cell into a baby chicken. A single large boiled egg contains
Vitamin A: 6% of the RDA
Folate: 5% of the RDA
Vitamin B5: 7% of the RDA
Vitamin B12: 9% of the RDA
Vitamin B2: 15% of the RDA
Phosphorus: 9% of the RDA
Selenium: 22% of the RDA
Eggs also contain decent amounts of vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B6, calcium and zinc
This comes with 77 calories, 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of healthy fats.
2. Eggs also contain various trace nutrients that are important for health. In fact, eggs are pretty much the perfect food. They contain a little bit of almost every nutrient you need. If you can get your hands on pastured or omega-3 enriched eggs, these are even better. They contain higher amounts of omega-3 fat and are much higher in vitamin A and E
3. High in Cholesterol, but Don’t Adversely Affect Blood Cholesterol.
It is true that eggs are high in cholesterol. In fact, a single egg contains 212 mg, which is over half of the recommended daily intake of 300 mg. However, it’s important to keep in mind that cholesterol in the diet doesn’t necessarily raise cholesterol in the blood.
The liver actually produces large amounts of cholesterol every single day. When you increase your intake of dietary cholesterol, your liver simply produces less cholesterol to even it out.
Nevertheless, the response to eating eggs varies between individuals . In 70% of people, eggs don’t raise cholesterol at all. In the other 30% (termed “hyper responders”), eggs can mildly raise total and LDL cholesterol
4. Contain Choline — an Important Nutrient That Most People Don’t Get Enough Of
Choline is a nutrient that most people don’t even know exists, yet it is an incredibly important substance and is often grouped with the B vitamins.
Choline is used to build cell membranes and has a role in producing signaling molecules in the brain, along with various other functions. The symptoms of choline deficiency are serious, so fortunately it’s rare. Whole eggs are an excellent source of choline. A single egg contains more than 100 mg of this very important nutrient.
5. Are Linked to a Reduced Risk of Heart Disease LDL cholesterol is generally known as the “bad” cholesterol. It is well known that having high levels of LDL is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. But many people don’t realize that LDL is divided into subtypes based on the size of the particles.
There are small, dense LDL particles and large LDL particles. Many studies have shown that people who have predominantly small, dense LDL particles have a higher risk of heart disease than people who have mostly large LDL particles.
Even if eggs tend to mildly raise LDL cholesterol in some people, studies show that the particles change from small, dense to large LDL, which is an improvement.
6. Contain Lutein and Zeaxanthin — Antioxidants That Have Major Benefits for Eye Health
One of the consequences of aging is that eyesight tends to get worse. There are several nutrients that help counteract some of the degenerative processes that can affect our eyes. Two of these are called lutein and zeaxanthin. They are powerful antioxidants that accumulate in the retina of the eye.
Studies show that consuming adequate amounts of these nutrients can significantly reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, two very common eye disorders. Egg yolks contain large amounts of both lutein and zeaxanthin.
In one controlled study, eating just 1.3 egg yolks per day for 4.5 weeks increased blood levels of lutein by 28–50% and zeaxanthin by 114–142%. Eggs are also high in vitamin A, which deserves another mention here. Vitamin A deficiency is the most common cause of blindness in the world.
The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin are very important for eye health and can help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. Eggs are high in both of them.
7. Omega-3 or Pastured Eggs Lower Triglycerides. Not all eggs are created equal. Their nutrient composition varies depending on how the hens were fed and raised. Eggs from hens that were raised on pasture and/or fed omega-3 enriched feeds tend to be much higher in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce blood levels of triglycerides, a well known risk factor for heart disease.
Studies show that consuming omega-3 enriched eggs is a very effective way to lower blood triglycerides. In one study, eating just five omega-3 enriched eggs per week for three weeks reduced triglycerides by 16–18%.
Omega-3 enriched and pastured eggs may contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating these types of eggs is an effective way to reduce blood triglycerides.
8. High in Quality Protein, With All the Essential Amino Acids in the Right Ratios. Proteins are the main building blocks of the human body. They’re used to make all sorts of tissues and molecules that serve both structural and functional purposes. Getting enough protein in the diet is very important and studies show that currently recommended amounts may be too low.
Eggs are an excellent source of protein, with a single large egg containing six grams of it. Eggs also contain all the essential amino acids in the right ratios, so your body is well-equipped to make full use of the protein in them. Eating enough protein can help with weight loss, increase muscle mass, lower blood pressure and optimize bone health, to name a few
9. Don’t Raise Your Risk of Heart Disease and May Reduce the Risk of Stroke
For many decades, eggs have been unfairly demonized. It has been claimed that because of the cholesterol in them, they must be bad for the heart.
Many studies published in recent years have examined the relationship between eating eggs and the risk of heart disease. One review of 17 studies with a total of 263,938 participants found no association between egg intake and heart disease or stroke. Many other studies have arrived at the same conclusion.
However, some studies have found that people with diabetes who eat eggs have an increased risk of heart disease. Whether the eggs are actually causing the increased risk isn’t known, because these types of studies can only show statistical association. They cannot prove that eggs caused anything.
It is possible that people who eat lots of eggs and have diabetes are less health-conscious, on average.
10. Are Filling and Tend to Make You Eat Fewer Calories, Helping You Lose Weight
Eggs are incredibly filling. They are a high-protein food, and protein is, by far, the most satiating macronutrient.
Eggs score high on a scale called the satiety index, which measures the ability of foods to cause feelings of fullness and reduce later calorie intake. In one study of 30 overweight women, eating eggs instead of bagels for breakfast increased feelings of fullness and made them automatically eat fewer calories for the next 36 hours.
In another study, replacing a bagel breakfast with an egg breakfast caused significant weight loss over a period of eight weeks.
(Image: Representation only)
. Get a Medical Second Opinion
2. Search doctors and Request Appointment
The C word: Cancer
Love, hope and miracles are the most powerful words in any language. To be able to love and be loved is the greatest gift one can ever receive. To be able to hope and dream for a better tomorrow is the only way some people live their today. Miracles are the only reason why so many theories are not explained every day.
Inspite of all these, there are days where meaning to life is lost, when lives are lost, to one of the most horrifying diseases the modern world has succumbed to: Cancer.
What happens when a person is diagnosed with cancer, he/she alone knows. The people think not for their own self first, but for their family. They wonders what would happen to their parents, their spouse, their children, their extended family if they were not around for them. They know there is no substitute who can fill their position in the family when they are not around, either while they are undergoing treatment or when they are no longer in their physical self. Only after all this will they think of the pain they are going to suffer along the treatment or without the treatment.
The entire process of getting diagnosed with cancer is extremely terrifying and there are a lot of questions running in the mind of the patient about the disease itself, its progressive stages and treatment options. Getting through the treatment, one often wonders if they did the right decision of choosing either the chemotherapy, or the surgery or a combination of both or radiotherapy.
We at Medisense understand what you are going through. We know that when days have passed and you have made through most of it or some of it, you might feel, why were you the target for this disease? You might feel like there is no tomorrow or you might feel like you don’t want a tomorrow. When your stomach is burning in the acids produced or your tongue has blisters all over for you to even swallow food, you might want to shout out loud for what you are going through. When you are in and out of consciousness not knowing if you will remember the family you have, you might want to shout at all those people who you think might be responsible for your lost time.
We understand that if you were a patient, you might want to cry, you might want to shout, you might even want to break that crystal vase that you have treasured all your life. You might want to pull God out of heaven and ask him why? Why were you the chosen one? Or why anyone at all? You might want to fight your doctor and say why am I seeing all that is not in sight? Why are my decisions so petrified? You might want to scream at all those responsible for bringing you food thats laden with pesticides. You might even want to shriek at those care givers who don’t understand how to reduce the pain you are engulfed in. We understand that you might just want to separate your life from this all.
If you considered Medisense your extended family we would like the families to know that there are days they will smile, there are days they will not. There are moments they will cry and there are times they will be alright. Everyday is not the same. They are going through hell and back everyday. Sometimes along with everything that you can give them, they needs a random stranger they can just share their thoughts and feelings with, without being burdened with the thoughts of being judged. They might need a person who can assure them “Its going to be alright.”, even though sometimes there is nothing going right.
Miracles do happen. They happen every day and to everyone. We just fail to notice them. For some one, miracle might be getting a regular life after being treated for breast cancer. For some one, it might be a few years with their loved ones, for some others it could be seeing their daughter or son getting married in some months, for some others it could be waiting for the birth of their grandchild or another baby in the family. For some others, it could simply be seeing another day. Miracles are many. We just need to tell ourselves “Miracles do happen.”
. Get a Medical Second Opinion
2. Search doctors and Request Appointment
Dentophobia
Dentophobia!!!
An intense fear of visiting the dentist…
Scared of visiting your dentist?? Trust me most people who come to us are…
Majority of people don’t look forward to taking a seat at the dentist’s office, some to such an extent that it paralyses them from actually getting the treatment that they need which eventually ends up aggrevating the already existing problem…
So why the fear..??
Could be a variety of reasons
Fear of pain: People over the ages have often associated the dental office with trauma and torture. No one wants to experience physical pain. The worry that a trip to the dentist, with all the unusual and sharp tools, might result in pain might end up causing fear.
Bad experience: Most patients develop a fear of the dentist because of a bad experience they had in the past. The patient might have had a previous treatment that had complications or was painful, so
they begin to worry that all visits will end up being that way, and they decide never to go to the dentist again .
Embarrassment : Some just might feel embarrassed
because they their teeth or gums aren’t in best of shape and avoid going to the dentist because they’re worried they have bad teeth and cavities, yet not getting the treatment they require worsening the already existing situation..
Lack of anxiety control:
For some it’s just that their anxiety gets the better of them thinking of the dentist
Whatever the reason may be ..
There are several ways to deal with a fear of the dentist so you can get the dental care you need.
Stay tuned to know more!!!
Thank you,
Dr Arjun Nayak
. Get a Medical Second Opinion
2. Search doctors and Request Appointment
Gangrene
GANGRENE
It is a condition that occurs when body tissue dies is caused by a loss of blood supply due to an underlying illness, injury, and/or infection. Fingers, toes, and limbs are most often affected, but gangrene can also occur inside the body, damaging organs and muscles. There are different types of gangrene and all require immediate medical attention.
Gangrene causes : Blood plays a very important role in your health. Not only does it transport oxygen and nutrients throughout your body to feed cells, it delivers disease-fighting antibodies that protect your body from infection. When blood cannot travel freely throughout the body, your cells cannot survive, infection can develop, and tissue can die from gangrene. Any condition that affects blood flow increases your risk of gangrene, including:
Diabetes
Atherosclerosis
Peripheral arterial disease
Smoking
Trauma or serious injury
Obesity
Raynaud’s phenomenon (a condition in which the blood vessels that supply the skin become intermittently narrowed)
Weakened immune system
Gangrene Types
There are two main types of gangrene:
Dry gangrene: More common in people with blood vessel disease, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases, dry gangrene usually affects the hands and feet. It develops when blood flow to the affected area is impaired, usually as a result of poor circulation. In this type, the tissue dries up and may be brown to purplish-blue to black in color and often falls off. Unlike other types of gangrene, infection is typically not present in dry gangrene. However, dry gangrene can lead to wet gangrene if it becomes infected.
Wet gangrene: Unlike dry gangrene, wet gangrene almost always involves an infection. Injury from burns or trauma where a body part is crushed or squeezed can rapidly cut off blood supply to the affected area, causing tissue death and increased risk of infection. The tissue swells and blisters and is called “wet” because of pus. Infection from wet gangrene can spread quickly throughout the body, making wet gangrene a very serious and potentially life-threatening condition if not treated quickly.
Types of wet gangrene include:
Internal gangrene: If gangrene occurs inside the body due to blocked blood flow to an internal organ, then it is referred to as internal gangrene. This is usually related to an infected organ such as the appendix or colon.
Gas gangrene is rare but dangerous. It occurs when infection develops deep inside the body, such as inside muscles or organs, usually as a result of trauma. The bacteria that causes gas gangrene, called clostridia, release dangerous toxins or poisons that wreak havoc throughout the body, along with gas which can be trapped within body tissue. As the condition progresses, the skin may become pale and gray, and make a crackling sound when pressed, due to the gas within the tissue. Gas gangrene warrants immediate medical treatment. Without treatment, death can occur within 48 hours.
Fournier’s gangrene: Also a rare condition, Fournier’s gangrene is caused by an infection in the genital area. Men are affected more often than women. If the infection gets into the bloodstream, a condition called sepsis, it can be life-threatening.
Gangrene Symptoms
You may notice the following symptoms at the site of the dry gangrene:
Dry and shriveled skin that changes color from blue to black and eventually sloughs off
Cold and numb skin
Pain may or may not be present
Symptoms of wet gangrene may include:
Swelling and pain at the site of infection
Change in skin color from red to brown to black
Blisters or sores that produce a bad-smelling discharge (pus)
Fever and feeling unwell
A crackling noise that comes from the affected area when pressed
Internal gangrene usually is painful in the area of the gangrene. For example, a person with gangrene of the appendix or colon would be expected to have severe abdominal pain in the vicinity of the gangrene.
Gangrene Warning
If infection from gangrene gets into the blood, you may develop sepsis and go into septic shock. This can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. Symptoms of sepsis may include:
Low blood pressure
Rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Change in body temperature
Light-headedness
Body pain and rash
Confusion
Cold, clammy, and pale skin
If you think you or a loved one may have sepsis, go to the emergency room immediately.
Treatment for gangrene involves removing the dead tissue, treating and preventing the spread of infection, and treating the condition that caused gangrene to develop. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chance of recovery. Depending on the type of gangrene, treatments differ.
Surgery: Also called debridement, the dead tissue is surgically removed to prevent the spread of infection. In some situations, amputation (removal of the affected limb, finger or toe) may be required.
Maggot therapy. Believe it or not, maggots still play a role in modern medicine. Maggots provide a non-surgical way to remove dead tissue. When used to treat gangrene, maggots from fly larvae (specially bred in a laboratory so they are sterile) are placed on the wound, where they consume the dead and infected tissue without harming healthy tissue. They also help fight infection and speed up healing by releasing substances that kill bacteria.
Source: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/gangrene-causes-symptoms-treatments#1
(Image: Representation only)
iMedWorks Ask Platform Links below:
1. Get a Medical Second Opinion
2. Search doctors and Request Appointment
Health benefits of milk
Cow’s milk has long been associated with good health, making it one of the most consumed beverages throughout the United States and Europe.
Milk has long been seen as a healthy drink, because it is high in a range of nutrients. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines for 2015 to 2020 suggest that Americans should consume “Fat-free or low-fat dairy, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and/or fortified soy beverages.”
However, they also recommend consuming fewer than 10 percent of calories each day from saturated fats, citing butter and whole milk as examples of foods high in saturated fat.
Milk and bone health
Milk is good for the bones because it offers a rich source of calcium, a mineral essential for healthy bones and teeth. Cow’s milk is fortified with vitamin D, which also benefits bone health. Calcium and vitamin D help prevent osteoporosis.
Other ways to improve bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis include regular physical activity and strength training, avoiding smoking and eating a healthy diet that is low in sodium and high in potassium. Most of the body’s vitamin D is synthesized by the body on exposure to sunlight, so spending time outdoors is also important.
Milk and heart health
Cow’s milk is a source of potassium, which can enhance vasodilation and reduce blood pressure.
Increasing potassium intake and decreasing sodium can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a study led by Dr. Mark Houston, director of the Hypertension Institute at St. Thomas Hospital in Tennessee.3
The study showed that those who consumed 4069 mg of potassium per day had a 49 percent lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed around 1000 mg per day.3
According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, fewer than 2 percent of US adults meet the daily 4700 mg recommendation.3
Potassium-rich foods include cow’s milk, oranges, tomatoes, lima beans, spinach, bananas, prunes, and yogurt. A dramatic increase in potassium intake can have risks however, including heart problems, so any changes in diet or use of supplements must be discussed first with a physician.
Cow’s milk also contains a high amount of saturated fat and cholesterol, which have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
Milk and cancer
Vitamin D might play a role in cell growth regulation and cancer protection. Research shows that there is a higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer in geographic locations that receive the least amount of sunlight. Milk, too, contains vitamin D that can offer similar protection.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) states that “Research results overall support a relationship between higher intakes of calcium and reduced risks of colorectal cancer.” They note, however, that the results of studies have not always been consistent.”2
The NCI also points to some studies that suggest an increased intake of calcium and lactose from dairy products may help to prevent ovarian cancer.2
Milk and depression
Adequate vitamin D levels support the production of serotonin, a hormone associated with mood, appetite, and sleep. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with depression, chronic fatigue, and PMS. Cow’s milk and other foods are often fortified with vitamin D.
Milk and muscle building
Cow’s milk is designed to help baby cows grow fast, so it makes sense that humans who drink cow’s milk can also bulk up quickly. Cow’s milk is a rich source of high-quality protein, containing all of the essential amino acids. Whole milk is also a rich source of energy in the form of saturated fat, which can prevent muscle mass being used for energy.
Maintaining a healthy amount of muscle is important for supporting metabolism and contributing to weight loss and weight maintenance. Sufficient dietary protein is needed to preserve or increase lean muscle mass. Dairy protein can support muscle growth and repair.
According to Today’s Dietitian, an analysis of over 20 clinical trials suggests that an increased milk intake can boost muscle mass and strength during resistance exercise in both younger and older adults.6
Cow’s milk does not seem to significantly help with weight loss. One analysis of studies found that increased consumption of cow’s milk in the short-term and without calorie restriction had no benefit for weight loss, with only modest benefits seen in long-term studies with energy restriction.11
Low-fat milk can provide the benefits of milk while supplying less fat.
Milk and osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of the knee currently has no cure, but researchers say drinking milk every day has been linked to reduced progression of the disease. Their research was published in the American College of Rheumatology Journal Arthritis Care & Research.
One cup of whole milk, with 3.25 percent fat contains:
146 calories
8 grams of fat
13 grams of carbohydrates
8 grams of protein
One cup of nonfat or skim milk contains:
86 calories
0 grams of fat
12 grams of carbohydrates
8 grams of protein
In comparison, one cup of plain soy milk contains:
80-110 calories
3 to 4 grams of fat
6 to 7 grams of carbohydrates
5 to 7 grams of protein
One cup of plain almond milk contains:
50 to 60 calories
2.5 grams of fat
5 to 7 grams of carbohydrates
1 gram of protein
Some important nutrients that all milk provides include:
Calcium: Dairy products like milk are one of the richest dietary sources of calcium. Calcium has many functions in the body but its primary job is the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth.
Calcium is also important for blood clotting and wound healing, maintaining normal blood pressure, and muscle contractions including heartbeat. It is important to try to pair calcium-rich foods with sources of magnesium and vitamin D, as vitamin D supports calcium absorption in the small intestine and magnesium helps the body incorporate calcium into the bones.
A cup of skim milk contains around 306 milligrams of calcium, with around 32 percent of this calcium thought to be absorbed. Non-acidifying plant sources of calcium may be preferable for some people, with the absorption of calcium from kale, broccoli and other vegetables ranging from 40 to 64 percent.8,9
Choline: Milk is also a rich source of choline; an important nutrient found to support sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and can lessen chronic inflammation.
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/273451.php
(Image: Representation only)
iMedWorks Ask Platform Links below:
1. Get a Medical Second Opinion
2. Search doctors and Request Appointment