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Showing posts from October, 2023

A new guest in depression: albumin

  C. M. Sagasta, M.D. in Medium 10-26-2023. A 2004 study by Shih-Yi Huang and colleagues sheds light on an intriguing aspect of major depressive disorder, specifically the link between hypoalbuminemia and depression. In that research, they compared serum albumin levels in drug-free patients with major depressive disorder to a control group with similar diets. The study found that patients with major depressive disorder had significantly lower serum albumin levels, and the severity of depression was inversely related to albumin levels. Importantly, these findings suggested that hypoalbuminemia in depression is not simply a result of malnutrition. However, the authors stressed the need for more extensive research to confirm these findings. A recent article titled “Association between albumin and depression: a population-based study” by Sabah Al-Marwani and colleagues explores an intriguing connection. Again, the relationship between serum albumin levels and depression in a population...

Can Your Diet Impact Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk?

A recent study explored the connection between what we eat and the likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The research, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The study suggests that higher consumption of three essential minerals—magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and potassium (K)—is linked to a reduced risk of RA. People who get more of these minerals in their diets might be less likely to develop this autoimmune condition. What’s good about the study is that it involved a large and diverse group of U.S. adults, making the results more relevant to the general population. The researchers also analyzed other factors that could influence the results, which adds credibility to their findings. The study also examined how the risk of RA changes with different levels of mineral intake, which provides a more nuanced understanding. However, there are some limitations to keep in mind. First, this research is a “cross-sectional” study, which mea...

Optimal brain health or potentially slow cognitive decline

Foto de Beth Macdonald en Unsplash To maintain optimal brain health and potentially slow or prevent cognitive decline, consider adopting the following practices: Maintain a Healthy Diet: Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., fatty fish) and antioxidants (e.g., blueberries) to support brain health. Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for cognitive function, as dehydration can impair attention, memory, and motor skills. Keep Physically Active: Regular exercise promotes healthy blood flow to the brain, protects against cognitive decline, and stimulates neurogenesis. Engage in Mental Stimulation: Activities like reading, solving puzzles, and playing strategy games keep your mind active and strengthen cognitive reserve. Regularly Engage in Social Interaction: Social interactions delay cognitive decline, so consider joining clubs or volunteering for meaningful conversations and learning opportunities. Get Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for memory consolidation a...

Effectiveness of Tai Chi Cardiac Rehabilitation on Microcirculation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Taichi In a study published in Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation,  Sep 23, 2023 researchers aimed to assess the effectiveness of a mixed-mode rehabilitation program on the microcirculation of patients with coronary artery disease.  The mixed-mode Tai Chi cardiac rehabilitation program was conducted as prospective, randomized controlled study involving 26 CAD patients in a tertiary hospital. Patients were divided into two groups:  One received a 12-week Tai Chi cardiac rehabilitation program (TCCRP), including 4 weeks of in-hospital rehabilitation and 8 weeks of online rehabilitation at home,  The other group received a conventional exercise rehabilitation program (CERP). The main outcome measures focused on nailfold microcirculation, including  morphological integrals  blood flow integrals  periphery capillary loop integrals  and overall integrals. The results showed that in the TCCRP group, morphological integrals and overall integr...