Wellness-uptodate

Sweetener Reformulated Biscuits : Step-by-Step Recipe Discover a healthier twist on your favorite biscuits with our sweetener reformulated recipe. Perfect for those looking to reduce sugar intake without compromising on taste! Ingredients: Dry Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup Stevia or preferred sweetener 1 tsp vanilla extract Instructions: Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F ( 175°C ). Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Blend Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix applesauce, oil, sweetener, and vanilla until smooth. Combine: Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Shape Dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and Enjoy: Let the biscuits cool before serving. More info:...

In a recent study led by Catherine Gibbons from the University of Leeds, the effects of sweetener reformulated biscuits on appetite and endocrine responses in adults with overweight or obesity were evaluated. This study, conducted between 2021 and 2022 in England and France, sheds light on the potential benefits of substituting sucrose with sweeteners like neotame and stevia rebaudioside M (StRebM). The findings suggest that while the reformulated biscuits yielded similar appetite responses compared to sucrose-sweetened ones, they demonstrated a significant advantage in terms of post-meal insulin and glucose levels. Participants consuming biscuits with neotame and StRebM experienced lower postprandial insulin levels compared to those consuming sucrose, indicating a potential positive impact on blood glucose control. This is particularly noteworthy in the context of individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, it's essential to acknowledge the limitations highlighted ...

Chinese researchers recently conducted a study to see if a health measure called CDAI has any connection to the occurrence of low back pain. CDAI is like a score that helps gauge a person’s health status. After considering various factors that could influence the results, the researchers found that, on the whole, there wasn’t a strong link between CDAI and low back pain. However, they noticed something interesting. People with higher CDAI scores (indicating better health) were found to be less likely to experience low back pain compared to those with lower scores. This association, which was statistically significant, meant it’s not likely that it can be explained by chance. They also checked this trend across different groups, like men and women. Interestingly, the link between higher CDAI scores and lower likelihood of low back pain was stronger in women. Women with higher CDAI scores had a significantly lower chance of having low back pain compared to those with lower scores. The st...

A new article, conducted by Lili Zang and colleagues from Weifang Medical University School of Nursing in Shandong Province, China, discusses a meta-analysis of 15 high-quality trials that investigated the impact of light therapy on individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The meta-analysis included 598 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, and it covered 15 randomized controlled trials conducted in seven different countries. Those trials were published between 2005 and 2022. Sleep Improvement Light therapy led to significant improvements in several sleep measures. It notably enhanced sleep efficiency, increased interdaily stability, and reduced intradaily variability, all of which are indicators of better sleep quality. Light therapy was associated with a reduction in agitation, depression, and caregiver burden among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. A significant advantage over usual care was shown in reducing the severity of psychobehavioral symptoms, as assessed...

A new study explores how a specific probiotic, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), might help improve the regeneration of bones in the gums affected by periodontal disease, especially in the presence of high cholesterol levels (hyperlipidemia).  Periodontal disease can lead to the loss of bone in the jaw, making it challenging for the bone to regenerate. The researchers used a rat model with conditions mimicking periodontal disease, high cholesterol, and a defect in the gums. The rats were given LGG for six weeks, and then various measurements were taken after sacrificing the rats to understand the effects. They found that the bone density, volume, and thickness in the affected area increased after the rats were given LGG.  Interestingly, these improvements were not due to direct effects on the oral bacteria but were linked to changes in the gut microbiota.  When fecal matter containing the altered gut bacteria from LGG-treated rats was transplanted into other rats, si...

Carvacrol is a phenolic monoterpenoid found in various essential oils. Oregano, thyme, and bergamot contain carvacrol. It boasts a range of beneficial properties for potential clinical applications. This compound has shown antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. It showed antimicrobial efficacy against food-borne pathogens like Escherichia coli and Salmonella. It is attributed to a unique combination of its chemical characteristics. Carvacrol, often used alongside thymol (another phenolic monoterpenoid found in these oils), exhibits high antioxidant activity and has been employed as a dietary additive to enhance the antioxidant status in animals (I.E. in poultry nutrition) Preclinical studies suggest promising anticancer properties of carvacrol, particularly in breast, liver, and lung carcinomas, through (proapoptotic) mechanisms involving elimination of DNA abnormalities. However, despite a well-defined toxicological profile, the lack of human trials hinders conclusive ...

  A small study suggests that taking creatine as a supplement for six months may significantly improve clinical features of post–COVID-19 fatigue syndrome (long COVID). Those symptoms are: Fatigue Shortness of breath Chest pain Joint pain Cognitive difficulties often referred to as “brain fog.”  The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Novi Sad, Serbia, found that creatine supplements led to reduced fatigue and improved scores for various long COVID-related symptoms, such as loss of taste, breathing difficulties, body aches, headaches, and concentration problems.  Creatine is a natural compound found in small amounts in certain foods and produced by the body, mainly in muscles. It plays a crucial role in the Adenosine Triphosphate -Phosphocreatine (ATP-PC) energy system, which is the primary source of energy for short bursts of intense activities lasting from 1 to 30 seconds, like weightlifting or sprinting. Supplementing with creatine has been proven to...

Researchers are exploring the potential use of MDMA, commonly known as “ecstasy” or “molly,” as a tool to treat loneliness. Amid concerns about a growing loneliness epidemic, early studies suggest that MDMA could enhance social connectedness and reduce defensiveness. In a recent small-scale study involving 18 participants, those who took MDMA reported increased feelings of connection during social interactions. While the study is limited, researchers believe it has implications for MDMA-assisted therapy, particularly in helping patients feel safe and trusting for deeper emotional exploration. MDMA is currently being investigated for its therapeutic potential and has cleared clinical trials for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The drug, along with psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin, has been shown to boost social behaviors in both humans and animals. These substances may induce a sense of dissolution of the self-other boundary, leading to increased empathy and social bon...

  Decades ago, when people suffered from clinical depression, they were often given a group of antidepressants called tricyclic (TCAs) to help them feel better. These drugs had many and different side effects and weren’t safer than new drugs.  However, things changed when a new type of medication called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) came into widespread use. These SSRIs were much safer and easier for people to tolerate. But even though SSRIs were good news, they still have some limitations. They can sometimes make you feel more worried during the first days of the treatment.  It also takes a while for them to work and make you feel better. Some people taking SSRIs also experience problems with their sex drive, sleep, and the overall effectiveness of the treatment is not always very strong.  SSRIs may not work well for people who have symptoms like a lack of interest in things they used to enjoy and difficulties with thinking. There are other medicat...

  In a recent study, researchers were concerned about the impact of obesity on cognitive health,  Even knowing that obesity is linked to cognitive decline and problems with the brain, they investigated if giving overweight or obese women a zinc supplement could help. In the study participated 42 women aged 40 to 60 and were splitted into two groups. One group received a zinc supplement (30 mg per day), while the other received placebo, for 12 weeks. Information about these women, like age, weight, diet, and physical activity was collected. To measure cognitive function and mood, various tests and questionnaires were used. They also checked certain substances in women's saliva to understand what was happening in their bodies. The results showed that the women who took the zinc supplement had better scores in cognitive tests, even though they didn't lose weight.  This suggests that taking zinc might help overweight or obese women maintain better cognitive function, regardle...

  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...

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...

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...

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...

DALL·E 2023-09-30 09.26.58 - Alternative Medicine and Canada A recent published paper explores the use of risk-associated alternative healthcare (RAAH) in Canada.  It surveys RAAH uptake among adults and examines the characteristics of its users and it also evaluates the effectiveness of various psychometric instruments in predicting RAAH behaviors.  The study finds that RAAH usage is influenced by factors like gender, age, income, education, employment, chronic illness, and ethnicity.  Around 40% of respondents engaged in some form of RAAH, with physical manipulation and herbal/nutritional supplements being the most common types.  More risky RAAH activities, such as toxin use and invasive procedures, were reported by about 5% of respondents.  The study shows that certain psychometric instruments can predict RAAH engagement by indicating higher risk tolerance, a desire for novelty, positive attitudes toward advertising and social influence, and positive beliefs ...

A small study suggests that taking creatine as a supplement for six months may significantly improve clinical features of post–COVID-19 fatigue syndrome (long COVID).  The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Novi Sad, Serbia, found that creatine supplements led to reduced fatigue and improved scores for various long COVID-related symptoms, such as loss of taste, breathing difficulties, body aches, headaches, and concentration problems.  The study also observed increased creatine levels in the brain and reduced lung and body pain among participants.  However, experts caution that the study's small sample size and the fact that the patients had recent COVID infections make it difficult to generalize the results, and further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of creatine supplements in treating long COVID. There were no major side effects reported from the creatine supplementation. Slankamenac, J., Ranisavljev, M., Todorovic, N., Ostojic, J., ...

A study, published in September 2023, explored the impact of different diets on biological aging, which is a measure of how fast your body is aging based on DNA methylation.  They used various DNA methylation-based aging clocks to assess this in 256 participants with abdominal obesity or dyslipidemia over an 18-month period. The participants were divided into three diet groups:  one following healthy dietary guidelines,  one on a Mediterranean (MED) diet, and  one on a polyphenol-rich, low-red/processed meat Green-MED diet.  The Green-MED diet included walnuts, green tea, and Mankai, a green plant, with higher polyphenol content. The researchers found that participants who adhered more closely to the Green-MED diet had a slower rate of biological aging, as indicated by specific methylation aging clocks known as Li and Hannum methylation age.  This slowing of biological aging was associated with increased intake of Mankai and green tea , and it corresponded...

C.M.Sagasta-Medium.com 9/20/2023 Curcumin is a natural compound found in turmeric known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It has been traditionally used in Asia for medicinal purposes, particularly for treating dyspepsia. Curcumin has various beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Recent studies have explored the potential of curcumin in different health contexts: Dyspepsia: Curcumin was found to be as effective as the medication omeprazole in relieving indigestion symptoms in a study involving 206 patients with functional dyspepsia. This suggests it could be a natural alternative for managing indigestion. Peptic Ulcers: Another study showed that curcumin was as effective as omeprazole in treating peptic ulcers. All three groups in the study experienced significant symptom improvements. COVID-19: A clinical trial investigated nanocurcumin, a nanoparticle version of curcumin, as an add-on treatment ...

A recent study published in the field of Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery in September 2023 has explored the potential of mind-body therapies (MBTs) as supplementary treatments for various ear, nose, and throat diseases.  MBTs encompass practices like meditation, yoga, aromatherapy, and biofeedback, which aim to improve health by connecting the mind and body.  The study involved a thorough review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the past decade, focusing on cost-effective MBTs. The findings revealed that MBTs were effective in reducing distress associated with otolaryngologic conditions such as septoplasty, head and neck cancer, facial palsy, and tinnitus. (see more)

  Carbamate and Alzheimer Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that mostly affects older people. It gets worse over time and causes problems with memory and thinking. We still don't fully understand why Alzheimer's disease happens, but it seems to be caused by a lot of different things going wrong. There are some important signs that we often see in the brains of people with Alzheimer's. These include the loss of certain brain cells, the buildup of abnormal substances like plaques, problems with metals in the brain, changes in a protein called tau, too much stress inside brain cells, swelling and problems with the immune system in the brain, and issues with the energy centers in brain cells. Current treatments, right now, is based in some medicines that can help with the symptoms of Alzheimer's, but they don't fix the main problems in the brain.  These medicines are called donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, and memantine. There's a need for better drug...