Asthma Information

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If you frequently experience shortness of breath or you hear a whistling or wheezy sound in your chest when you breathe, you may have asthma—a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, the passageways that allow air to enter and leave the lungs.

Overview

In the United States, asthma affects an estimated 26 million people — many of whom may not be aware that they have it, especially if their symptoms aren’t severe.

The most common signs of asthma are:

  • Coughing, especially at night, during exercise or when laughing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest tightness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound in your chest when breathing, especially when exhaling)

Causes

Asthma symptoms may be triggered by exposure to an allergen (such as ragweed, pollen, animal dander or dust mites), irritants in the air (such as smoke, chemical fumes or strong odors) or extreme weather conditions. Exercise or an illness — particularly a respiratory illness or the flu — can also make you more susceptible.

A physical display of strong emotion that affects normal breathing patterns — such as shouting, crying or laughing — can also act as an asthma trigger. Panic can prevent a person with asthma from relaxing and following instructions, which is essential during an asthma attack. Scientists have found that rapid breathing associated with strong emotions can cause bronchial tubes to constrict, possibly provoking or worsening an attack.

Asthma symptoms can appear at any time. Mild episodes may last only a few minutes and may be resolved spontaneously or with medication; more severe episodes can last from hours to days.

People with asthma, like those with any chronic condition, may experience significant stress. Because it is a leading cause of work and school absences, asthma can affect a person’s livelihood, education and emotional well-being. Depression may set in when people diagnosed with asthma believe that they are unable to participate in normal activities.

If you’re experiencing breathing difficulties that interfere with your daily activities and decrease the quality of your life, visit an asthma screening event in your area and see an allergist for diagnosis and treatment. An allergist can also help you recognize the early warning signs of an attack and coach you in ways to cope during an emergency.

Asthma Symptoms in Children

Most children with asthma have symptoms before they turn 5. In very young children, it may be hard for parents, and even doctors, to recognize that the symptoms are due to asthma. The bronchial tubes in infants, toddlers and preschoolers are already small and narrow, and head colds, chest colds and other illnesses can inflame these airways, making them even smaller and more irritated.

The symptoms of pediatric asthma can range from a nagging cough that lingers for days or weeks to sudden and scary breathing emergencies.

Common symptoms to watch for include:

  • Coughing, especially at night
  • A wheezing or whistling sound when breathing, especially when exhaling
  • Trouble breathing or fast breathing that causes the skin around the ribs or neck to pull in tightly
  • Frequent colds that settle in the chest

Your child might have only one of these symptoms or several of them. You may think it’s just a cold or bronchitis. If the symptoms recur, that’s a clue that your child might have asthma. In addition, symptoms may worsen when your child is around asthma triggers, such as irritants in the air (smoke or strong odors, for example) or allergens like pollen, pet dander and dust mites.

Goof for Asthama

Fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C.

 spinach, broccoli, bell pepper, and kale

oranges, strawberries, blue berries, and melons as they neutralize free radicals

Food to avoid

Milk,

 eggs,

 peanuts,

tree nuts, 

soy, wheat,

 fish and shellfish,

Source: https://acaai.org/asthma

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Pillars of Brain Health

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Lifestyle has a profound impact on your brain health. What you eat and drink, how much you exercise, how well you sleep, the way you socialize, and how you manage stress are all critically important to your brain health.

Physical Excercise:

What’s Good for Your Heart is Good for Your Brain.What can add years to your life, help you lose weight, boost your mood, improve your sleep, reduce your risk of heart disease and keep your bones and your brain healthy? Exercise!

Build Endurance with Aerobic ExerciseIn addition to improved heart health, regular endurance exercise, like running, swimming or biking, can also foster new brain cell growth and preserve existing brain cells.

CONTROL MEDICAL RISKS. Hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, head trauma, higher cholesterol, and smoking all increase the risk of dementia. You can control and reduce these risks. Get your annual check-up, follow your doctor’s recommendations and take medications as prescribed. Get engaged in a brain healthy lifestyle for your body and your mind.

LEARN MORE

REST WELL. Sleep energizes you, improves your mood and your immune system and may reduce buildup in the brain of an abnormal protein called beta-amyloid plaque, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Practicing meditation and managing stress may help fend off age-related decline in brain health. Stay positive. Be happy.

LEARN MORE

YOUR MIND: USE IT OR LOSE IT. Mental exercise is just as critical as physical exercise in keeping your brain fit and healthy. Mental exercises may improve your brain’s functioning and promote new brain cell growth, decreasing your likelihood of developing dementia. Like your muscles, you have to use your brain or you lose it.

Build Your Brain Reserve
You have something called “brain reserve,” which helps your brain adapt and respond to changes and resist damage. Your brain reserve begins to develop in childhood and gets stronger as you move through adulthood. People who continue to learn, embrace new activities, and 

develop new skills and interests are building and improving their brain reserve.

STAY CONNECTED. Leading an active social life can protect you against memory loss. Spending time with others, engaging in stimulating conversation, and staying in touch and connected with family and friends are good for your brain health. Studies have shown that those with the most social interaction in their community experience the slowest rate of memory decline.

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Shared hobbies are a great way to meet like-minded people. Get active in sports or cultural activities. Volunteer or join clubs. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to talk to others in a relaxed setting that you both enjoy.

People who remain active and engaged with others through volunteering report being happier and healthier overall.

Food for Brain: The Mediterranean Way
Research shows that a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fish, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, olives, and nuts helps maintain brain health and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Cook and eat fresh food, savor the taste, enjoy dining with family and friends. A Mediterranean regimen is more than just a diet. It’s a lifestyle, a way of living well.

Don’t Forget Fish
Fish is a great source of omega-3, the type of fatty acid your body can’t produce, and it’s good for your brain. At least twice a week, eat five ounces of omega-3-rich fish, such as salmon, cod, haddock, tuna or halibut.
Fish isn’t your thing? Try walnuts, flaxseeds or soybeans instead.

Source: https://healthybrains.org/pillars/

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Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

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What Is Low Blood Pressure?

Hypotension is the medical term for low blood pressure (less than 90/60).

A blood pressure reading appears as two numbers. The first and higher of the two is a measure of systolic pressure or the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills them with blood. The second number measures diastolic pressure, or the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 (systolic/diastolic). In healthy people, low blood pressure without any symptoms is not usually a concern and does not need to be treated. But low blood pressure can be a sign of an underlying problem — especially in the elderly — where it may cause inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs.

Chronic low blood pressure with no symptoms is almost never serious. But health problems can occur when blood pressure drops suddenly and the brain is deprived of an adequate blood supply. This can lead to dizziness or light headedness. Sudden drops in blood pressure most commonly occur in someone who’s rising from a lying down or sitting position to standing. This kind of low blood pressure is known as postural hypotension or orthostatic hypotension. Another type of low blood pressure can occur when someone stands for a long period of time. This is called neurally mediated hypotension. When it leads to passing out, if is called vasovagal syncope.

Postural hypotension is considered a failure of the cardiovascular system or nervous system to react appropriately to sudden changes. Normally, when you stand up, some blood pools in your lower extremities. Uncorrected, this would cause your blood pressure to fall. But your body normally compensates by sending messages to your heart to beat faster and to your blood vessels to constrict. This offsets the drop in blood pressure. If this does not happen, or happens too slowly, postural hypotension results and can lead to fainting.

The risk of both low and high BP normally increases with age due in part to normal changes during aging. In addition, blood flow to the heart muscle and the brain declines with age, often as a result of plaque build up in blood vessels. An estimated 10% to 20% of people over age 65 have postural hypotension.

The cause of low blood pressure isn’t always clear. It may be associated with the following:

What Causes a Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure?

Sudden drops in blood pressure can be life-threatening. Causes of this type of hypotension include:

Postural hypotension, which is low blood pressure when standing up suddenly, can happen to anyone for a variety of reasons, such as dehydration, lack of food, or being overly fatigued. It can also be influenced by genetic make-up, aging, medication, dietary and psychological factors, and acute triggers, such as infection and allergy.

Postural hypotension occurs most frequently in people who are taking drugs to control high BP (hypertension). It can also be related to pregnancy, strong emotions, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), or diabetes. The elderly are particularly affected, especially those who have high blood pressure or autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

Source: https://www.webmd.com/heart/understanding-low-blood-pressure-basics#3

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Dengue Fever

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Dengue (pronounced DENgee) fever is a painful, debilitating mosquito-borne disease caused by any one of four closely related dengue viruses. These viruses are related to the viruses that cause West Nile infection and yellow fever.

An estimated 390 million dengue infections occur worldwide each year, with about 96 million resulting in illness. Most cases occur in tropical areas of the world, with the greatest risk occurring in India South East Asia, Africa and Mexico.

Dengue fever is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with a dengue virus. The mosquito becomes infected when it bites a person with dengue virus in their blood. It can’t be spread directly from one person to another person.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Symptoms, which usually begin four to six days after infection and last for up to 10 days, may include

  • Sudden high fever
  • Severe headache
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Severe joint and muscle pain
  • Fatigue , Nausea
  • Vomiting and Skin rash (appears 2 – 5 days after fever)
  • Mild bleeding (such a nose bleed, bleeding gums, or easy bruising)

Sometimes, symptoms are mild and can be mistaken for those of the flu or another viral infection. Younger children and people who have never had the infection before tend to have milder cases than older children and adults. However, serious problems can develop. These include dengue hemorrhagic fever, a rare complication characterized by high fever, damage to lymph and blood vessels, bleeding from the nose and gums, enlargement of the liver, and failure of the circulatory system. The symptoms may progress to massive bleeding, shock, and death. This is called dengue shock syndrome (DSS).

People with weakened immune systems as well as those with a second or subsequent dengue infection are believed to be at greater risk for developing dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Diagnosing Dengue Fever

Doctors can diagnose dengue infection with a blood test to check for the virus or antibodies to it. If you become sick after traveling to a tropical area, let your doctor know. This will allow your doctor to evaluate the possibility that your symptoms were caused by a dengue infection.

Treatment for Dengue Fever

There is no specific medicine to treat dengue infection. If you think you may have dengue fever, you should use pain relievers with acetaminophen and avoid medicines with aspirin, which could worsen bleeding. You should also rest, drink plenty of fluids, and see your doctor. If you start to feel worse in the first 24 hours after your fever goes down, you should get to a hospital immediately to be checked for complications.

Preventing Dengue Fever

There is no vaccine to prevent dengue fever. The best way to prevent the disease is to prevent bites by infected mosquitoes, particularly if you are living in or traveling to a tropical area. This involves protecting yourself and making efforts to keep the mosquito population down.

Source: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/dengue-fever-reference#1

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FEVER Facts

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  • Although a fever could be considered any body temperature above the normal 98.6 F (37 C), medically, a person is not considered to have a significant fever until the temperature is above 100.4 F (38.0 C).
  • Most fever is beneficial, causes no problems, and helps the body fight off infections. The main reason to treat a fever is to increase comfort.
  • Fever is the result of an immune response by your body to a foreign invader. Foreign invaders include virus, bacteria, fungi, drugs, or other toxins.
  • Children under 3 months of age with a temperature of 100.4 F (38.0 C) or greater should be seen by a health care professional. They may be quite ill and not show any signs or symptoms besides a fever. Infants younger than 6 weeks of age should be seen immediately by their doctor.
  • Acetaminophen  (Tylenol and others) ibuprofen (Advil and motrin) can be used to treat a fever. Aspirin should not be used in children or adolescents to control fever.
  • The prognosis for a fever depends on the cause. Most cases of fever are self-limited and resolve with treatment of symptoms.
  • A person who is taking immunosuppressant drugs or who has a history of or diagnosis of cancer, AIDS, or other serious illness, such as heart disease or diabetes, should seek medical care if a fever develops.

What is a fever?

The definition of fever is an elevation in body temperature or a high body temperature. Technically, any body temperature above the normal oral measurement of 98.6 Fahrenheit (37 Celsius) or the normal rectal temperature of 99 F (37.2 C) is considered elevated. However, these are averages, and one’s normal body temperature may actually be 1 F (0.6 C) or more above or below the average of 98.6 F. Body temperature can also vary up to 1 F (0.6 C) throughout the day.

Fever should not be confused with hyperthermia, which is a defect in your body’s response to heat (thermoregulation), which can also raise the body temperature. This is usually caused by external sources such as being in a hot environment. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are forms of hyperthermia. Other causes of hyperthermia can include side effects of certain medications or medical conditions.

Fever should also not be confused with hot flashes or night sweats due to hormonal changes during perimenopause (the time period around menopause). Hot flashes and night sweats cause a sudden and intense feeling of heat, and may be accompanied by flushing (skin redness and tingly feeling) and sweating but are not the same thing as a fever.

What Causes Fever?

Fever is the result of an immune response by your body to a foreign invader. These foreign invaders include viruses, bacteria, fungi, drugs, or other toxins.

These foreign invaders are considered fever-producing substances (called pyrogens), which trigger the body’s immune response. Pyrogens signal the hypothalamus in the brain to increase the body temperature set point in order to help the body fight off the infection.

Fever is a common symptom of most infections such a colds and gastroenteritis (also referred to as stomach flu), and thus a risk factor for fever is exposure to infectious agents. Typical infections that may cause a fever include those of the ear, throat, lung, bladder, and kidney. In children, immunizations (such as vaccine shots) or teething may cause short-term low-grade fever. Autoimmune disorders (including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease), medication side effects, seizures, blood clots, hormone disorders, cancers and illicit drug use may also cause fevers.

A fever can cause a person to feel very uncomfortable. Signs and symptoms of a fever include the following:

  • Temperature greater than 100.4 F (38 C) in adults and children
  • Shivering, shaking, and chills
  • Aching muscles and joints or other body aches
  • Headache
  • Intermittent sweats or excessive sweating
  • Rapid heart rate and/or palpitations
  • Skin flushing or hot skin
  • Feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded
  • Eye soars
  • Weakness
  • Loss of apetite
  • Fussiness (in children and toddlers)
  • Also important to note in children are symptoms that can accompany an infection, including cough, ear ache, vomiting and diarrhea
  • With very high temperatures (>104 F/40 C), convulsions, hallucination or confusion is possible. Always seek medical attention for a high fever or if these symptoms occur.

How do health care professionals diagnose a fever?

Along with having generalized symptoms of a fever, taking one’s temperature with a thermometer can confirm the diagnosis of a fever. A temperature greater than 100.4 F in adults or children is considered a fever.

Different tests may be done by a doctor, such a blood and imaging tests, to determine the cause of a fever and if the cause of the fever needs to be treated.

How should someone take a temperature for fever?

Digital thermometers can be used to measure rectal, oral, or axillary (under the armpit) temperatures. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend use of mercury thermometers (glass), and they encourage parents to remove mercury thermometers from their households to prevent accidental exposure to this toxin.

Generally, if the fever does not cause discomfort, the fever itself need not be treated. It is not necessary to awaken an adult or child to treat a fever unless instructed to do so by a doctor.

The following fever-reducing medications may be used at home:

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) can be used to lower a fever. The recommended pediatric dose can be suggested by the child’s pediatrician. Adults without liver disease or other health problems can take 1,000 mg (two “extra-strength” tablets) every six hours or as directed by a physician. The makers of Tylenol state the maximum recommended dose of acetaminophen per day is 3,000 mg, or six extra-strength tablets per 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor. Regular-strength Tylenol tablets are 325 mg; the recommended dosage for these is two tablets every four to six hours, not to exceed 10 tablets per 24 hours. If your fever is accompanied by vomiting and you are unable to keep oral medications down, ask a pharmacist for acetaminophen suppositories, which are available without a prescription.

https://www.medicinenet.com/aches_pain_fever/article.htm#what_is_the_treatment_for_a_fever

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What are the causes and types of arthritis?

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Arthritis means joint inflammation, but the term is used to describe around 200 conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround the joint and other connective tissue. It is a rheumatic condition.

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Other common rheumatic conditions related to arthritis include gout, fibromyalgia, and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

Rheumatic conditions tend to involve pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in and around one or more joints. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. Certain rheumatic conditions can also involve the immune system and various internal organs of the body. Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus (SLE), can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 54.4 million adults in the United States have received a diagnosis of some form of arthritis. Of these, 23.7 million people have their activity curtailed in some way by their condition. Arthritis is more common among adults aged 65 years or older, but it can affect people of all ages, including children.

Fast Facts

Here are some key points about arthritis. More detail is in the main article.

  • Arthritis refers to around 200 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • It can cause a range of symptoms and impair a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks.
  • Physical activity has a positive effect on arthritis and can improve pain, function, and mental health.
  • Factors in the development of arthritis include injury, abnormal metabolism, genetic makeup, infections, and immune system dysfunction.

Treatment aims to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain quality of life. It involves medications, physical therapies, and patient education and support. Treatment for arthritis aims to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain function and quality of life. A range of medications and lifestyle strategies can help achieve this and protect joints from further damage.

Treatment involves

  • medications
  • non-pharmacologic therapies
  • physical or occupational therapy
  • splints or joint assistive aids
  • patient education and support
  • weight loss
  • surgery, including joint replacement

Natural remedies

A healthful, balanced diet with appropriate exercise, avoiding smoking, and not drinking excess alcohol can help people with arthritis maintain their overall health.

Diet

There is no specific diet that treats arthritis, but some types of food may help reduce inflammation.

The following foods, found in a Mediterranean diet can provide many nutrients that are good for joint health:

  • fish
  • nuts and seeds
  • fruits and vegetables
  • beans
  • olive oil
  • whole grains

Foods to avoid

There are some foods that people with arthritis may want to avoid. Nightshade vegetables (such as eggplant, peppers, potatoes), contain a chemical called solanine that some studies have linked with arthritis pain. Research findings are mixed when it comes to these vegetables, but some people have reported a reduction in arthritis symptoms when avoiding nightshade vegetables.

Self-management of arthritis symptoms

Key strategies include:

  • staying physically active
  • achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
  • getting regular check-ups with the doctor
  • protecting joints from unnecessary stress

 Being organized: Keep track of symptoms pain levels, medication and possible side effects for consultations with your doctor.

Managing pain and fatigue: A medication regimen can be combined with non-medical pain management. Learning to manage fatigue is the key to living comfortably with arthritis.

Stay active: Exercise is beneficial for managing arthritis and overall health.

Balancing activity with rest: in addition to remaining active, rest is equally important when your disease is active.

Eating healthy diet: A balanced diet can help you achieve a healthy weight and control inflammation. Avoid refined, processed foods and pro-inflammatory animal-derived foods and choose whole plant foods that are high in antioxidants and that have anti-inflammatory properties.

Improving sleep: Poor sleep can aggravate arthritis pain and fatigue. Take steps to improve sleep hygiene so you find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Avoid caffeine and strenuous exercise in the evenings and restrict screen-time just before sleeping.

Care for joints: Do not sit in the same position for long time. Take regular breaks to keep mobile.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7621.php

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Retinal Detachment: Types, Causes and Symptoms

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The retina is a light-sensitive membrane located at the back of the eye. When light passes through your eye, the lens focuses an image on your retina. The retina converts the image to signals that it sends to your brain through the optic nerve. The retina works with the cornea, lens, and other parts of your eye and brain to produce normal vision.

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the back of your eye. This causes loss of vision that can be partial or total, depending on how much of the retina is detached. When your retina becomes detached, its cells may be seriously deprived of oxygen. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. Call your doctor right away if you suffer any sudden vision changes.

There’s a risk of permanent vision loss if retinal detachment is left untreated or if treatment is delayed.

Symptoms of retinal detachment

There’s no pain associated with retinal detachment, but there are usually symptoms before your retina becomes detached. Primary symptoms include:

  • blurred vision
  • partial vision loss, which makes it seem as if a curtain has been pulled across your field of vision, with a dark shadowing effect
  • sudden flashes of light that appear when looking to the side
  • suddenly seeing many floaters, which are small bits of debris that appear as black flecks or strings floating before your eye

Types and causes of retinal detachment

There are three types of retinal detachment:

  • rhegmatogenous
  • tractional
  • exudative

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

If you have a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, you have a tear or hole in your retina. This allows fluid from within your eye to slip through the opening and get behind your retina. The fluid separates the retina from the retinal pigment epithelium, which is the membrane that provides your retina with nourishment and oxygen, causing the retina to detach. This is the most common type of retinal detachment.

Tractional retinal detachment

Tractional retinal detachment occurs when scar tissue on the retina’s surface contracts and causes your retina to pull away from the back of your eye. This is a less common type of detachment that typically affects people with diabetes mellitus. Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus can lead to issues with the retinal vascular system, and this vascular damage can later lead to scar tissue accumulation in your eye that could cause retinal detachment.

Exudative detachment

In exudative detachment, there are no tears or breaks in your retina. Retinal diseases such as the following cause this type of detachment:

  • an inflammatory disorder causing fluid accumulation behind your retina
  • cancer behind your retina
  • Coats’ disease, which causes abnormal development in the blood vessels such that they leak proteins that build up behind your retina

Who is at risk for retinal detachment?

Risk factors for retinal detachment include:

  • posterior vitreous detachment, which is common in older adults
  • extreme nearsightedness, which causes more strain on the eye
  • a family history of retinal detachment
  • trauma to your eye
  • being over 50 years old
  • prior history of retinal detachment
    • complications from cataract removal surgery
    • diabetes mellitus
    Diagnosis of retinal detachmentTo diagnose retinal detachment, your doctor will perform a thorough eye exam. They’ll check:
    • your vision
    • your eye pressure
    • the physical appearance of your eye
    • your ability to see colors
    Your doctor might also test the ability of your retina to send impulses to your brain. They may check the blood flow throughout your eye and specifically in your retina.Your doctor may also order an ultrasound of your eye. This is a painless test that uses sound waves to create an image of your eye.Preventing retinal detachmentIn general, there’s no way to prevent retinal detachment. However, you can take steps to avoid retinal detachment that results from an injury by wearing protective eyewear when playing sports or using tools. If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar and see your doctor regularly. Get yearly eye exams, especially if you have risks for retinal detachment.It’s important to know the symptoms of retinal detachment. Recognizing when you may have a retinal problem and seeking medical care immediately can save your vision.https://www.healthline.com/health/retinal-detachment#outlook

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What is endocrinology?

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Endocrinology is a field in biology and medicine that deals with the endocrine system. The organs involved in the endocrine system include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, ovaries, testes and pancreas. These glands secrete hormones into the blood. Hormones of the endocrine system perform a variety of functions, and some hormones may have different effects depending on which organ is targeted. Organs may be targeted by a number of different hormones.

Endocrinopathy or endocrinosis are the terms used for diseases of the endocrine system. However, these conditions are often called hormone imbalances. Endocrinology may involve diagnosing and treating diseases of this system. Diagnosis often encompasses evaluating for a variety of symptoms and requires knowledge of clinical chemistry and biochemistry. Many laboratory tests also are used, including diagnostic imaging. Managing these diseases often requires long-term treatment and may involve treating the patient as a whole and maintaining observation of changes at the cellular or molecular level.

Endocrinologists must deal with many systems within the body, and researchers in the endocrinology field have tried to determine how the glands work. Researchers have also developed new drugs and treatments for hormone problems.

Other concerns of endocrinology include the integration of developmental events such as proliferation, growth and differentiation. Processes of differentiation may include histogenesis and organogenesis. Endocrinology also entails the coordination of many of the body’s systems, including metabolism, respiration, excretion, movement, reproduction and sensory perception. These systems may be examined on a chemical or cellular level and are observed based on chemical cues and secretions by various organs within the body.

Diseases, treatments

Endocrine diseases are caused when hormone levels are too high or too low, or when the body does not react to hormones the way it is supposed to.

The most common endocrine disease in the U.S. is diabetes. However, other conditions treated within endocrinology include osteoporosis, menopause, obesity, short stature, thyroid disease, hypertension and infertility.

Treatments typically involve controlling the amount of hormone the body produces, and, in cases of hormone deficiency, the use of hormone supplements. 

Fast facts on endocrinology

Here are some key points about endocrinology. More information is in the main article.

  • Endocrinology involves a wide range of systems within the human body.
  • The endocrine tissues include the adrenal gland, hypothalamus, ovaries, and testes.
  • There are three broad groups of endocrine disorders.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder in women.

Diseases

A hormone imbalance can result from genetic or environmental factors.

Some infants are born with hormonal problems that can lead to a range of health issues, such as low growth.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as pesticides, lead, and phthalates, which are used in plastic food containers, can sometimes lead to hormonal problems.

There are three broad groups of endocrine disorders:

  • A gland does not produce enough of its hormones. This is known as endocrine gland hyposecretion
  • A gland produces too much of its hormones, also referred to as hypersecretion.
  • Tumors develop in the endocrine glands. They may be malignant, or cancerous, but they may also be benign, or non-cancerous.

What can go wrong?

Here are some examples of what can happen if a gland secretes too much or too little of its hormones.

Adrenal Gland

  • Hypersecretion may lead to over-nervousness, sweating, raised blood pressure, and Cushing’s disease
  • Hyposecretion may lead to Addison’s disease, Mineralocorticoid deficiency, weight loss, loss of energy, and anemia.

Pancreas

  • Hypersecretion may lead to hyperinsulinism, too much insulin can lead to low blood glucose
  • Hyposecretion may lead to one type of diabetes

Parathyroid Gland

  • Hypersecretion may lead to brittle bones that fracture easily, as well as stones in the urinary system
  • Hyposecretion may lead to involuntary muscle contractions, or tetany, caused by low levels of calcium in plasma

Thyroid Gland

  • Hyperthyroidism most often stems from Graves’ disease. It can lead to accelerated metabolism, sweating, arrhythmia or irregular heart beat, weight loss, and nervousness.
  • Hypothyroidism may lead to tiredness, weight gain, depression, abnormal bone development, developmental delay, and stunted growth.

Pituitary Gland

  • Hypersecretion may lead to gigantism, or excessive growth
  • Hyposecretion may lead to slow bone growth and short stature

Thymus Gland

  • Hypersecretion may lead to an overactive immune system which overreacts to perceived threats. This may result in an autoimmune disease.
  • Hyposecretion may lead to a weakened immune system, where the body is unable to fight infection and easily succumbs to viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248679.php

(Image: Representation only)

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Are Microplastics in Food a Threat to Your Health?

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Most people use plastic every day. However, this material generally isn’t biodegradable. Over time, it breaks down into tiny pieces called microplastics, which can be harmful to the environment.

What’s more, recent studies have shown that microplastics are found commonly in food, particularly seafood. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether these microplastics affect human health. This article will take an in-depth look at microplastics and whether they are a threat to your health.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic that are found in the environment. They are defined as plastic particles less than 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. They are either produced as small plastics, such as microbeads added to toothpaste and exfoliants, or are created when larger plastics are broken down in the environment. Microplastics are common in oceans, rivers and soil and are often consumed by animals.

A number of studies in the 1970s began investigating the levels of microplastics in the oceans and found high levels in the Atlantic Ocean off the US. These days, due to the world’s increasing use of plastic, there is much more plastic in rivers and oceans. An estimated 8.8 million tons (8 million metric tonnes) of plastic waste enter the ocean every year. A whopping 276,000 tons (250,000 metric tonnes) of this plastic is currently floating at sea, while the rest has likely sunk or washed ashore.

Microplastics in Food

Microplastics are increasingly found in many different environments, and food is no exception. One recent study examined 15 different brands of sea salt and found up to 273 microplastic particles per pound (600 particles per kilogram) of salt. Other studies have found up to 300 microplastic fibers per pound (660 fibers per kilogram) of honey and up to about 109 microplastic fragments per quart (109 fragments per liter) of beer.

However, the most common source of microplastics in food is seafood. Because microplastics are particularly common in sea water, they are commonly consumed by fish and other marine organisms. Recent studies have shown that certain fish mistake plastic for food, which can lead to toxic chemicals accumulating inside fish liver.

A recent study found that microplastics were even present in deep-sea organisms, suggesting that microplastics are affecting even the most remote species. What’s more, mussels and oysters are at a much higher risk of microplastic contamination than most other species. A recent study found that mussels and oysters harvested for human consumption had 0.36–0.47 particles of microplastic per gram, meaning that shellfish consumers could ingest up to 11,000 particles of microplastic per year (17).

Are Microplastics Affecting Your Health?

Although a number of studies have shown there are microplastics present in food, it is still unclear what effect they may have on your health. Thus far, very few studies have examined how microplastics affect human health and disease. Phthalates, a type of chemical used to make plastic flexible, have been shown to increase the growth of breast cancer cells. However, this research was carried out in a petri dish, so the results can’t be generalized to humans.

A recent study examined the effects of microplastics in laboratory mice. When fed to mice, the microplastics accumulated in the liver, kidneys and intestines, and increased levels of oxidative stress molecules in the liver. They also increased the level of a molecule that may be toxic to the brain.

Microparticles including microplastics have been shown to pass from the intestines into the blood and potentially into other organs. Plastics have also been found in humans. One study found that plastic fibers were present in 87% of the human lungs studied. The researchers proposed this may be due to microplastics present in the air.

Some studies have shown that microplastics in the air may cause lung cells to produce inflammatory chemicals. However, this has only been shown in test-tube studies. BISPHENOL A (BPA) is one of the best studied chemicals found in plastic. It is usually found in plastic packaging or food storage containers and can leak out into food. Some evidence has shown that BPA can interfere with reproductive hormones, especially in women.

How to Avoid Microplastics in Food

Microplastics are found in many different human food sources. However, it is still unclear how they affect human health. The highest concentrations of microplastics in the food chain appear to be in fish, particularly shellfish. Because little is known about how microplastics affect health, it is not necessary to avoid shellfish entirely. However, it may be beneficial to eat high-quality shellfish from known sources.

In addition, some plastics can leak into food from packaging. Limiting your use of plastic food packaging may curb your microplastic intake, and benefit the environment in the process.

SUMMARY Shellfish appear to be the greatest source of microplastics in the food chain, so make sure to choose high-quality shellfish from known sources. Limiting plastic food packaging may also reduce your microplastic intake.

The Bottom Line

Microplastics are either purposely produced to be small, like microbeads in cosmetics, or formed from the breakdown of larger plastics. Unfortunately, microplastics are present throughout the environment, including in the air, water and food.

Seafood, particularly shellfish, contains high concentrations of microplastics that may accumulate in your body after you eat these foods.

How microplastics affect human health is currently unclear. However, results from animal and test-tube studies suggest they may have negative effects.

Reducing your use of plastic food packaging is one of most effective ways you can reduce plastic in the environment and in the food chain.

It’s a step that will benefit the environment and probably your health, as well.

Written by Ruairi Robertson, PhD on May 9, 2018

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/microplastics

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Eight Health Benefits of eating Nuts

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Nuts are a very popular food. They’re tasty, convenient and can be enjoyed on all kinds of diets.  Despite being high in fat, they also have a number of impressive benefits for your health (and weight).

What Are Nuts?

Nuts are technically considered a fruit. However, unlike most types of fruit, they aren’t sweet and are high in fat. They contain a hard, inedible outer shell that usually needs to be cracked open to release the fruit inside. Fortunately, you can buy most nuts from the store “pre-shelled” so that you don’t have to crack them open yourself.

Here is a list of some of the most commonly consumed nuts:

  • Almonds
  • Brazil nuts
  • Cashews
  • Hazelnuts
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Pecans
  • Pine nuts
  • Pistachios
  • Walnuts

Although peanuts are technically legumes like peas and beans, they are often referred to as nuts because they have similar nutrition profiles and characteristics.

1. Nuts Are a Great Source of Many Nutrients

Nuts are highly nutritious. One ounce (28 grams) of mixed nuts contains:

  • Calories:173
  • Protein:5 grams
  • Fat:16 grams, including 9 grams of monounsaturated fat
  • Carbs:6 grams
  • Fiber:3 grams
  • Vitamin E:12% of the RDI
  • Magnesium:16% of the RDI
  • Phosphorus:13% of the RDI
  • Copper:23% of the RDI
  • Manganese:26% of the RDI
  • Selenium:56% of the RDI

Some nuts have higher amounts of certain nutrients than others. For instance, just one Brazil nut provides more than 100% of the RDI for selenium. The carb content of nuts is highly variable. Hazelnuts, macadamia nuts and Brazil nuts have less than 2 grams of digestible carbs per serving, while cashews have almost 8 digestible carbs per serving.

2. Nuts Are Loaded With Antioxidants

Nuts are an antioxidant powerhouse. Antioxidants help control free radicals, which are unstable molecules produced as a normal part of metabolism. Free radical production increases in response to heavy sun exposure, stress, pollution and other causes.

Although free radicals can play a beneficial role in immune response, having too many can lead to cell damage. When your level of free radicals is too high, your body is said to be in a state of oxidative stress, which increases disease risk. The antioxidants in plant foods, including the polyphenols found in nuts, can combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals so they can’t harm your cells.

The ORAC is a test that measures a food’s capacity to fight free radicals. One study found that the ORAC of walnuts was greater than that of fish. Research has shown that the antioxidants in walnuts and almonds can protect the delicate fats in your cells from being damaged by oxidation. In one study, 13 people consumed walnuts, almonds or a control meal on three separate occasions. Both nut meals led to higher polyphenol levels and significantly less oxidative damage compared to the control meal.

BOTTOM LINE: Nuts contain antioxidants known as polyphenols, which may protect cells and LDL cholesterol from damage.

3. Nuts Can Help You Lose Weight

Although they’re considered a high-calorie food, research suggests that nuts may actually help you lose weight. One large study called the PREDIMED study assessed the effects of the Mediterranean diet. Analysis of data from a subgroup of the study found that those assigned to eat nuts lost an average of 2 inches (5 cm) from their waists, which is significantly more than those assigned to eat olive oil.

Almonds have consistently been shown to promote weight loss rather than weight gain in controlled studies. One study found that pistachios may also be helpful for weight loss. In one study of overweight women, those who consumed almonds lost nearly three times as much weight and experienced a significantly greater decrease in waist size compared to the control group.

BOTTOM LINE: Nuts have been shown to help promote weight loss rather than contribute to weight gain. Several studies have found that the body doesn’t absorb all of the calories in nuts.

4. Nuts Can Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Nuts have impressive effects on cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Pistachios have been shown to lower triglycerides in obese people and diabetics. In one 12-week study, obese people who ate pistachios had triglycerides that were nearly 33% lower than the control group.

The cholesterol-lowering power of nuts is believed to be due in part to their high content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Almonds and hazelnuts appear to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. One study found that ground, sliced or whole hazelnuts had similar beneficial effects on cholesterol.

BOTTOM LINE: Nuts may help lower total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while boosting levels of HDL cholesterol.

5. Nuts Are Beneficial for Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome

Type 2 diabetes is a common disease that affects hundreds of millions of people. Having a condition called metabolic syndrome is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, nuts may be one of the best foods for people with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

First off, they are low in carbs and don’t raise blood sugar levels much. Substituting nuts for higher-carb foods should lead to reduced blood sugar levels. Studies suggest that eating nuts may also lower oxidative stress, blood pressure and other health markers in people with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

BOTTOM LINE:Several studies have shown that blood sugar, blood pressure and others health markers improve when nuts are included in diets of people with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

6. Nuts Can Help Reduce Inflammation

Nuts have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is your body’s way of defending itself from injury, as well as bacteria and other potentially harmful pathogens. However, chronic (long-term) inflammation can cause damage to organs and increase disease risk. Research suggests that eating nuts may reduce inflammation and promote healthy aging.

BOTTOM LINE:Research suggests that nuts may be helpful for reducing inflammation, especially in people with diabetes, kidney disease and other serious health conditions.

7. Nuts Are High in Fiber

Fiber provides many health benefits. Although your body can’t digest fiber, the bacteria that live in your colon can. Many types of fiber function as prebiotics or “food” for your healthy gut bacteria. Your gut bacteria then ferment the fiber and turn it into beneficial short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs).

Here are the nuts with the highest fiber content per 1-oz (28-gram) serving:

  • Almonds:5 grams
  • Pistachios:9 grams
  • Hazelnuts:9 grams
  • Pecans:9 grams
  • Peanuts:6 grams
  • Macadamias:4 grams
  • Brazil nuts:1 grams

BOTTOM LINE:Many nuts are high in fiber, which can reduce disease risk, help keep you full, decrease calorie absorption and improve gut health.

8. Nuts Can Reduce Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

Nuts are extremely good for your heart.

Several studies suggest that nuts help lower heart disease and stroke risk because of their benefits for cholesterol levels, LDL particle size, artery function and inflammation. Studies have found that small, dense LDL particles may increase heart disease risk more than larger LDL particles.

The PREDIMED study found that the group who consumed nuts had a significant decline in small LDL particles and an increase in large LDL particles. What’s more, their HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels increased. In another study, people with normal or high cholesterol were randomly assigned to consume either olive oil or nuts with a high-fat meal.

BOTTOM LINE:Nuts may significantly lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. That’s because nuts increase LDL particle size, raise HDL cholesterol, improve artery function and have various other benefits for heart health.

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-benefits-of-nuts#section10

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