Scientists have now proved that drinking certain types of coffee can be beneficial to brain health, but how does this popular brew support cognitive function? A new study identifies some of the mechanisms that allow coffee to keep mental decline at bay.
According to data from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, MA, about 54 percent of all adults in the United States drink coffee on a daily basis.
While drinking coffee can bring both benefits and risks for a person's health, a 2016 study from the University of Ulster in Coleraine, United Kingdom, concluded that the health benefits of moderate coffee consumption "clearly outweigh" the potential risks.
One of these benefits is that coffee seems to protect the brain against cognitive impairments and boost thinking skills.
How does this happen, and what is it about coffee that is so beneficial to cognitive health? These are some questions that a new study from the Krembil Brain Institute — part of the Krembil Research Institute in Toronto, Canada — aims to answer.
"Coffee consumption does seem to have some correlation to a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease," notes Dr. Donald Weaver, who is co-director of the Krembil Brain Institute.
"But we wanted to investigate why that is — which compounds are involved and how they may impact age-related cognitive decline," he adds.
Dr. Weaver and team's findings — published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience — suggest that the key to coffee's brain-protecting benefits lie not in its caffeine content, but in the existence of compounds released in the process of roasting the coffee beans.
In the current study, the researchers decided to look into the effects of three types of coffee: caffeinated dark roast, caffeinated light roast, and decaffeinated dark roast.
"The caffeinated and decaffeinated dark roast both had identical potencies in our initial experimental tests. So we observed early on that its protective effect could not be due to caffeine," says study co-author Dr. Ross Mancini, a research fellow in medicinal chemistry.
Gradually, all the links fell into place, as the researchers started focusing on a set of compounds called phenylindanes, which form during the process of roasting coffee beans and lend coffee its bitter flavor.
It is the phenylindanes, rather than any other coffee-related compounds, that seem to inhibit the amalgamation of tau and beta-amyloid. These are toxic proteins, of which the excessive buildup in the brain is a key factor in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
"So phenylindanes are a dual inhibitor. Very interesting, we were not expecting that," Dr. Weaver acknowledges.
It appears that a longer roasting time causes the coffee beans to produce more phenylindanes. This suggests that dark roasted coffee — whether regular or decaf — has the strongest protective effect on the brain.
"It's the first time anybody's investigated how phenylindanes interact with the proteins that are responsible for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's," says Dr. Mancini.
In the future, the researchers aim to conduct more detailed investigations on the properties of phenylindanes, and their effects on the body once ingested.
"The next step would be to investigate how beneficial these compounds are, and whether they have the ability to enter the bloodstream, or cross the blood-brain barrier," Dr. Mancini adds.
For the researchers, another exciting aspect of this discovery is that these coffee compounds are natural and do not require synthesis in the laboratory, which makes them less complicated to produce.
"Mother Nature is a much better chemist than we are and Mother Nature is able to make these compounds. If you have a complicated compound, it's nicer to grow it in a crop, harvest the crop, grind the crop out and extract it than try to make it."
Dr. Ross Mancini
At the same time, however, Dr. Mancini stresses that before they can add phenylindanes as a treatment option for neurodegenerative conditions, they need to conduct a lot more research on how these compounds would work in a therapeutic context.
"What this study does is take the epidemiological evidence and try to refine it and to demonstrate that there are indeed components within coffee that are beneficial to warding off cognitive decline," says Dr. Mancini.
"It's interesting, but are we suggesting that coffee is a cure? Absolutely not," he cautions.
]]>A new year means it’s time for a fresh start. Thousands of people change their diet at this time. Well, alkalizing is also important to improve your health and make you feel better.
Alkalizing is a form of hydration that lets your body to recover itself and balance the pH level so your body can function at its best. This is especially important when you consumed too many acidic foods, leaving you tired with unfavorable pH levels.
Therefore, here are 3 power drinks to alkalize your body & kickstart your day:
Pineapple juice is thought to help aid in digestion, additionally treats acne, allergies, and reduce inflammation. Also, can satisfy your appetite for a while, and soothe your sugar cravings while being a healthy option.
Here is what you need to make this drink:
Put all of the ingredients in the blender, add ice as preferred, and blend until smooth. Feel free to play around, if you have an extra lime squeeze it into the mix.
Lemons and carrots are known as one of the most alkalizing foods out there, even though they are acidic in taste. These vegetables can help you restore your lost energy, positively affect the brain function and even improve your mood.
Here is what you need to make this drink:
Simply toss the ingredients into your juicer, and sip all day long!
While many vegetables and fruits provide alkalizing effects, some are more effective than others. The best ways to do that is the widely used turmeric.
Turmeric combines well with many other alkalizing products, therefore here is what you need to make this potential drink:
At first, boil the water and add turmeric and ginger to it. Allow the mixture to steep for at least 10 minutes. Then, combine apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and honey (if desired) into a mug while you’re waiting. Once the drink is ready, combine it all together in a mug and enjoy!
]]>Cardiovascular problems affect a large number of people. Hypertension or high pressure is one of the most common health problems, but should never be taken lightly.
Left untreated, however, this disease can seriously damage your health and eventually lead to heart attack and heart failure.
In most cases people suffer from this problem without even knowing it. However, some people may experience headaches, dizziness, vomiting, blurred vision, short breaths, nausea, and severe anxiety.
If you do not treat high blood pressure in time, health problems can occur, including memory loss, heart attack, heart problems, atherosclerosis, kidney damage and even stroke.
Of course, variations for target blood pressures can be altered due to genes, age, gender, etc.
Here is the normal blood pressure for your age:
To 20 years old – 123/76
20-30 years – 126/79
30-40 years – 129/81
40-50 years – 135/83
50-60 years – 142/85
Over 70 years – 142/80
To 20 years old – 116/72
20-30 years – 120/75
30-40 years – 137/84
40-50 years – 137/84
50-60 years – 144/85
Over 70 years – 159/85
Ranges may be lower for children and teenagers. This chart can help you figure out do you have normal blood pressure, or do you need to take some steps to improve your numbers.
]]>An increasing number of recent studies are asking an important question: Do gut bacteria hold the key to healthy aging? New research, recently presented at the London Microbiome Meeting, brings us closer to the answer.
In the ancient myth of Tithonus, the eponymous protagonist asks the gods to live forever but forgets to demand eternal youth.
Although he gained immortality, the diseases of old age eventually defeat Tithonus, and he bitterly regrets his immortality.
While achieving longevity is a goal worth pursuing and an ambition that humankind has harbored since the times of Ancient Greece, the myth of Tithonus reminds us that a long life has little value if riddled with disease.
As human life expectancy increases, the world population is aging at much higher rates. In fact, the United Nations estimate that the senior population — that is, the number of people aged 60 and above — is increasing at a rate of approximately 3 percent per year.
Currently, there are 962 million people aged 60 and above across the globe, according to the most recent estimates. By the year 2050, this number is projected to more than double, and the number of people aged 80 and above is expected to triple.
A range of chronic diseases accompanies aging. By the year 2060, for example, the Alzheimer's disease burden in the United States will have doubled, say the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
They predict that almost 14 million people will have Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia by then, and researchers are hard at work trying to prevent this and other age-related diseases.
So, the question "How can we live longer and healthier lives?" is slowly replacing that of "How can we live longer?" As scientists embark on the quest for a longer healthspan, it is becoming clearer that aging is not just an inevitable process that simply "happens," but that there are precise molecular mechanisms that regulate it.
Marina Ezcurra, Ph.D. — a lecturer in neuroscience at the School of Biological & Chemical Sciences at Queen Mary University of London in the United Kingdom — dedicates her time to understanding these mechanisms.
Her research focuses on how aging and its related diseases occur in a worm called Caenorhabditis elegans. More recently, Ezcurra and her team have been examining gastrointestinal aging and the role of the microbiome in this process.
On 24 October, 2018, Ezcurra presented her research at the London Microbiome Meeting in the U.K. In this Spotlight feature, we report on the key takeaways from her presentation.
In her presentation — entitled "The worm-bug: a combined model system to study host-microbiome interactions" — Ezcurra introduced C. elegans as a viable model for studying aging. C. elegans has a lifespan of only 2–3 weeks, but as it ages, it develops several pathologies — just like the human organism.
However, in the case of C. elegans, all the pathologies come down to a single one: gastrointestinal aging.
As Ezcurra explained in her talk, all the lifespan-increasing treatments that scientists have applied to C. elegans work by suppressing intestinal aging.
Using C. elegans, researchers can examine a host of age-related processes, such as resistance to stress, growth, fecundity, and lifespan. Experts have also used C. elegans as a model for several human diseases, such as Alzheimer's.
Ezcurra quotes existing research that saw C. elegans fed with Escherichia coli. As the worm feeds on bacteria, the researchers created about 4,000 mutant strains of E. coli, each with a specific gene deleted. Then, the team fed C. elegans each of these strains and examined the effects.
Senior study author Meng Wang — who is an associate professor of molecular and human genetics at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX — reported on the findings, saying, "We fed C. elegans each individual mutant bacteria and then looked at the worms' lifespan."
"Of the nearly 4,000 bacterial genes we tested, 29, when deleted, increased the worms' lifespan. Twelve of these bacterial mutants also protected the worms from tumor growth and accumulation of amyloid-beta, a characteristic of Alzheimer's disease in humans."
Meng Wang
Also, the researchers found that one bacterial mutant overproduced a substance called colanic acid; this compound increased longevity by stimulating activity in the mitochondria, the so-called powerhouses of the cell, which are responsible for turning nutrients into energy.
In her talk, Ezcurra mentioned another example of successful research into C. elegans that showed the effects of the microbiome on the aging process. This study involved the common diabetes drug metformin.
Metformin is currently the world's most widely prescribed diabetes drug. Previous research has found that the oral medication does not only reduce blood sugar levels, but that it also reduces the risk of cancer.
Scientists found that the drug can delay aging in mice and C. elegans. Metformin is currently being tested in clinical trials as a potential treatment against aging and aging-related diseases.
As the researcher explained in her talk, this means that metformin could potentially target several age-related chronic diseases at once. Metformin may be able to target not just diabetes, but also cancer and Alzheimer's pathologies.
The interesting thing about metformin's effects is that they delay aging through bacteria. Studies in C. elegans that Ezcurra cited have shown that the longevity effects of metformin do not work in the absence of bacteria.
Specifically, metformin affects the folate bacterial metabolism, Ezcurra explained, which, in turn, triggers a chain reaction that ends with the activation of a molecular pathway known to regulate aging.
Ezcurra's own research seeks to combine two model organisms — E. coli and C. elegans — to study how bacteria mediate the aging process.
Previous studies have teased out the microbiome of C. elegans, and others have colonized the gut of C. elegans with E. coli OP50 and noticed some interesting effects. The bacterial strain had positive effects on reproduction, immunity, and the organism's response to stress.
So, Ezcurra and her colleagues wondered whether there are any other additional effects that OP50 has on the aging process. Experiments carried out in her laboratory revealed that adding antibiotics to worms colonized with E. coli OP50 improves intestinal aging. Wiping out bacterial growth delayed the atrophy of the intestine that tends to happen with age in C. elegans.
Also, the researchers found two strains of bacteria from the C. elegans microbiome that reduce intestinal aging. Therefore, the research found, anti-aging effects can also be achieved without wiping out bacterial growth, but by doing quite the opposite: colonizing the gut with specific strains of bacteria.
Another experiment carried out in Ezcurra's laboratory used a previously established human disease model that used C. elegans to recreate age-related muscle paralysis. The researchers analyzed the effects of a "cocktail" of 14 different bacterial strains that make up the experimental microbiome.
They found that this experimental cocktail strongly suppressed age-induced paralysis. Also, the media extracted from the experimental microbiome had the same positive effect.
In the future, Ezcurra's team aims to see if it can colonize C. elegans with human bacterial strains to study the effects on aging and healthspan.
The researcher recently received funding from the Wellcome Trust to use simple human microbiomes — such as bacteria that have a beneficial effect on health and bacteria that impact health negatively — and study their effects in C. elegans.
Using real-time imaging, the scientists hope to unravel the molecular mechanisms that underpin the interactions between the host and the microbiome, as well as their effects on the aging process.
"The next step for my research," Ezcurra told Medical News Today, "is to use C. elegans to ask specific questions about the role of the microbiome in human health."
"There are many, many studies showing that there are links between the microbiome and diseases, such as psychiatric diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, diabetes etc., but we don't understand what is cause and [what is] effect."
"There is a real need to figure out the exact relationship between the microbiome composition and disease," she went on. "Which microbial strains contribute to health and disease, and more importantly, how do these strains contribute to health?"
"It is becoming clear that microbiome diversity is important for human health," Ezcurra added. "Many factors contribute to microbiome diversity, such as diet and lifestyle, and as we become old we typically experience a loss in diversity."
]]>"By better understanding the links between nutrition, microbiome, and health, we can understand how the elderly can maintain their microbiome, and also help them directly by using pre- and probiotic strategies. This would help us age in [a] better way, maintaining health and quality of life in old age without drugs or surgery."
Marina Ezcurra, Ph.D.
When you exercise, your body normally uses fat and carbs as energy, which can only be stored in limited quantities. However, for your body to burn calories, you need oxygen. In order to maintain this oxygen, it is best to exercise in your target heart rate zone.
The target zone varies from person to person and is in activities with an intensity between 60 and 80% of your maximum heart rate.
Here are 10 proven workouts that burn the most calories:
As it turns out, this little rope is actually a big fat burner. It can burn up to 1074 calories per hour. Even jumping at a very moderate speed consumes 10 to 16 calories per minute. The simplest equipment is extremely useful for a total body workout.
If you swim leisurely for 60 minutes, you can burn up to 680 calories. At high intensity you can burn up to 890 calories per hour.
Jogging can more than triple your calorie consumption compared to walking. This is a whole body movement that burns an average of 755 calories per hour.
Burpees make your body a fat burning machine. They are a great way to challenge all your muscles and increase your heart rate. In just 1 hour you can burn more than 563 calories.
Biking is healthy, fun and a low-impact sport. A slow workout on a bike can burn an average of 364 calories per hour. It also provides training for the heart, lungs and blood vessels.
If you run up a flight of stairs, your calorie consumption will be increased to 452-670 calories / hour. The heart and lungs pump more blood and oxygen.
Playing tennis is a good sport to maintain your health, strength and flexibility. You are guaranteed to get your heart rate going and lose up to 720 calories an hour.
Powerful exercises increase your heart rate faster, so you burn more calories. During intensive circuit training, you can lose more than 600 calories.
Weightlifting is more than just burning calories, it boosts your metabolism and increases your strength. However, studies also show that on average you can burn twice as much calories as other cardio exercises.
This is a great cardio exercise that increases the heart rate and boosts the lungs. Rollerblading for 1 hour can help you to lose up to 680 calories.
Create a meaningful daily schedule in which you include one or more of these exercises. The results will surprise you.
]]>Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus (DM), is a metabolic disorder in which the body cannot properly store and use sugar.
It affects the body's ability to use glucose, a type of sugar found in the blood, as fuel. This happens because the body does not produce enough insulin, or the cells do not correctly respond to insulin to use glucose as energy.
Insulin is a type of hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate how blood sugar becomes energy. An imbalance of insulin or resistance to insulin causes diabetes.
Diabetes is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, vision loss, neurological conditions, and damage to blood vessels and organs.
There is type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. They have different causes and risk factors, and different lines of treatment.
This article will compare the similarities and differences of types 1 and 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth.
However, having gestational diabetes also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy, so patients are often screened for type 2 diabetes at a later date.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 29.1 million people in the United States (U.S.) have diabetes.
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells.
These cells are destroyed, reducing the body's ability to produce sufficient insulin and regulate blood glucose levels.
The body does not produce insulin, so the person needs supplemental insulin from the time they are diagnosed.
It often affects children and young adults, and it can start suddenly.
When type 2 diabetes starts, cells become resistant to the effects of insulin. In time, the body stops producing enough insulin, and the body can no longer use glucose effectively.
This means the cells cannot take up glucose, and glucose builds up in the blood.
This is called insulin resistance. If blood glucose is always high, the cells will be overexposed to insulin. They become less responsive or unresponsive to insulin.
Symptoms may take years to appear, and people can often use medications, diet, and exercise from in the early stages to reduce the risk or slow the disease.
People in the early stage of type 2 diabetes do not need supplemental insulin, but as the disease progresses, this may be necessary to control blood glucose control and to survive.
Type 2 often results from obesity and lifestyle and dietary factors, as well as medications and other issues.
Diet has been linked to type 2 diabetes, but early diet may also have an impact on type 1.
Type 1 has sometimes been found to be more common in those who were introduced to cow's milk at an earlier stage. This suggests that breast-feeding for longer may reduce the risk. However, more research is needed.
Type 2 tends to be common in families where obesity is also a family trait. There may be a genetic link, or this may be because families have similar eating and exercise habits.
Diets high in simple sugars and low in fiber and vital nutrients have been linked to diabetes.
The consequences of persistently high levels of blood glucose can differ between types 1 and 2, but some symptoms and warning signs are common to both types.
The most serious complications involve kidney failure, eye problems and vision loss, neurological damage and increased risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke.
The table below shows some signs and symptoms of possible complications.
Common physical attributes: BMI is mostly within the normal range or low.
Onset: Rapid, often presenting acutely with ketoacidosis
Warning signs:Extreme thirst and hunger - Frequent urination - Rapid weight loss - Extreme weakness and fatigue - Nausea, vomiting - Irritability
Complications: Diabetic coma or ketoacidosis - High blood pressure - Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar - Nephropathy, or kidney disease - Blindness - Heart attack - Stroke - Neuropathy - Amputation - Ulcers
Common physical attributes: BMI is in the overweight or obese range.
Onset: Slow, sometimes taking years and often presenting without early symptoms
Warning signs: Extreme thirst and hunger - Frequent urination - Rapid weight loss - Extreme weakness and fatigue - Nausea, vomiting - Irritability - Blurred vision - Skin infections - Sores that heal slowly - Dry, itchy skin - Pins and needles or numbness in feet
Complications: Diabetic coma or ketoacidosis, due to high blood sugar - High blood pressure - Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar - Nephropathy - Blindness - Heart attack - Stroke - Neuropathy - Amputation - Ulcers
The onset of type 1 diabetes tends to be sudden. If symptoms are present, the person should see a doctor as soon as possible.
A person with prediabetes and the early stages of type 2 will have no symptoms.
If a routine blood test shows that blood sugar levels are high, action can be taken to delay or prevent diabetes and its complications.
Any of the following tests can be used for diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes, but they are not all recommended for diagnosing both types:
Another blood test, the random plasma glucose (RPG) test, is sometimes used to diagnose diabetes during a regular health check.
]]>Eggs are incredibly nutritious and incredibly healthy and should therefore be consumed regularly. They are one of the simplest and cheapest methods to absorb more proteins. When you eat eggs, do not avoid egg yolk, as it contains a fat-burning nutrient called choline, which helps you lose weight.
An egg or two in the day will help you fight diseases, infections and viruses. Eggs contain selenium, which improve the immune system and regulate the thyroid hormones.
Eggs will help you burn fat and lose weight. According to many studies, people who consume eggs for breakfast, will reduce their body fat and lower BMI.
Choline in eggs is a vital neurotransmitter, it provides nutritive value and power. Over 90% Americans consume less quantities of choline, than recommended.
Eggs are extremely beneficial for the health of the teeth and bones, as they strengthen them.
Eggs contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the eyes and promote eye health. Also they lower the risk of macular degeneration, which causes blindness to the older people.
Eggs increase LDL particles from small and dense to large, thus reduce the risk of heart disease.
Eggs are rich in Vitamin B2, which improve the process of converting food into fuel. Thus, boost your energy and help to get a well toned body.
Eggs can also affect your mental health, amino acids regulate the levels of serotonin in the nervous system. Thus, help to decrease the anxiety and stress levels.
B-complex vitamins are crucial for the skin, eyes and hair health. And eggs besides Vitamin B2, also contain plenty of B5 and B12.
Human body can only produce 11 essential amino acids, but to stay alive our body needs 20. Therefore, eggs can help and give the rest. A lack of those 9 amino acids, can lead to weakness, fatigue, muscle wasting etc.
]]>Appendix cancer is a rare type of cancer that grows in the appendix. There are several different types of appendix cancer, and a person often experiences no symptoms in the early stages.
The appendix is a tubular, finger-like sac around 4 inches in length that connects to the first part of the colon. Scientists do not fully understand the exact purpose of this organ. People can live normal and healthy lives without their appendix.
Appendix cancer, also known as appendiceal cancer, is extremely rare. Experts estimate that this type of cancer affects around 2 to 9 people per 1 million. Some studies suggest that appendix cancer may be on the rise, however.
A recent retrospective study estimated that it increased from around 6 people per 1 million in 2000 to as many as 10 people per 1 million in 2009.
In this article, we discuss the types, symptoms, causes, and risk factors of appendix cancer. We also cover diagnosis, treatment, and survival rates for this disease.
Appendix cancer includes several types of tumor cells that may affect various parts of the appendix.
Some appendix tumors are benign, meaning they do not invade and spread. Other tumors are malignant, and thus cancerous, which means they invade and can spread to or from other organs.
Appendix cancer often causes no symptoms in the early stages. Doctors often only first diagnose people with this condition in the later stages when it begins to cause symptoms or spreads to other organs. Doctors may also find it when evaluating or treating a patient for a different condition.
The signs and symptoms of appendix cancer often depend on the effects of the tumor:
Pseudomyxoma peritonei
Some types of appendix tumors can cause pseudomyxoma peritonei or PMP, which occurs when the appendix ruptures and the tumor cells leak into the abdominal cavity. The tumor cells secrete a protein gel called mucin that can build up in the abdominal cavity and continue to spread.
PMP may involve cancer cells that leak into the abdominal cavity. Without treatment, its buildup can lead to problems with the digestive system and intestinal blockages. Mucinous cystadenomas and mucinous cystadenocarcinomas of the appendix may cause PMP.
Appendicitis, which is inflammation of the appendix, may be the first sign of appendix cancer. This is mostly because some appendix tumors can block the appendix, leading to the bacteria that are normally in the intestines becoming trapped and overgrowing inside the appendix.
The most common treatment for appendicitis is emergency surgery to remove the appendix. Once the surgeon removes the appendix, a biopsy of the tissue may reveal that the person has appendix cancer.
Not all types of appendix cancer will cause appendicitis. For instance, the majority of neuroendocrine tumors form in the appendix tip, so they are unlikely to cause a blockage that could lead to appendicitis.
It is also important to note that many people who get appendicitis do not have appendix cancer. Other factors, such as trauma to the abdomen and inflammatory bowel disease can cause appendicitis. Many cases of appendicitis have no known cause.
In some cases, people with appendix cancer may discover a hard mass in the abdomen or pelvic area. They may also have abdominal pain or swelling. In females, a mass from appendix cancer may be mistaken for ovarian cancer.
If the appendix cancer is malignant, the cancer cells may grow on the surface of other abdominal organs and the lining of the abdominal cavity. This progression is known as peritoneal carcinomatosis. If left untreated, a person may lose function of their intestines or have an intestinal blockage.
Usually, cancers of the appendix do not spread to organs outside of the abdominal cavity with the exception of signet-ring cell adenocarcinomas.
Experts do not yet know exactly what causes appendix cancer. They have not discovered any links between appendix cancer and genetic or environmental causes.
Doctors mostly believe that appendix cancer affects males and females equally. Because it is rare in children, being an adult is the only known risk factor. Most people are between 40 and 59 years of age when a doctor diagnoses them with appendix cancer.
Doctors diagnose many appendix cancers after a person has had appendicitis surgery or when the tumor spreads to other organs, causing symptoms.
It is difficult for doctors to specifically identify appendix cancer on imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans. Likewise, blood tests are not a reliable indicator of appendix cancer.
Often, a doctor can diagnose a person with appendix cancer after obtaining a biopsy of the tumor.
A person's healthcare team will determine the best treatment for appendix cancer based on several factors, including:
If cancer has not spread beyond the appendix, a person may only need surgery. If it has spread to other organs, the surgeon may be able to remove the affected organs to eliminate all cancer. This may include part of the intestines, ovaries, or peritoneum.
The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons state that most people benefit from surgery that removes the appendix and the right half of the colon, especially if the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters (cm). This procedure is known as a right hemicolectomy.
Some people may also undergo chemotherapy after surgery to help eliminate the cancer.
A procedure known as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy, also called HIPEC, may be effective against appendix cancer that has spread into the abdominal cavity.
With HIPEC, the surgeon fills the abdomen with a heated chemotherapy solution and allows it to work for around 1.5 hours. This technique may eliminate cancer cells that the doctors cannot see. The surgeon will perform HIPEC after removing the appendix and any visible tumor cells.
HIPEC is new and may have a long recovery time, ranging from 8 weeks to several months. The Appendix Cancer and Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation say people with appendix cancer and PMP should find surgeons with experience in appendix cancer surgery and HIPEC for the best outcome.
]]>VapoRub is Not Necessarily Used For Colds Only: Here Are 11 Other Ways to Use it And Enhance Your Health
We all know Vicks VapoRub is our good friend when it comes to sickness and common colds. This ingredient is a real miracle it has some super powers like relieving headaches, back pains, and even reducing belly fat.
Here are 11 other ways to use VapoRub:
Before going to bed, apply some Vicks VapoRub to your feet, massage for a few minutes and put on cotton socks. Leave it until the following morning.
The menthol in Vicks helps to relax stressed muscles. Rub and massage the sore areas of the body with some Vicks until the pain is gone.
Vicks VapoRub fight against stretch marks, due to the ingredients it has. Just rub some of it, and in 2 weeks you will see, how they gradually become less visible.
Gently rub some Vicks VapoRub with a pinch of salt on your bruise. Thus, will make the bruise disappear, and restore to normal.
Soothing menthol found in Vicks will relieve the stinging sensation of sunburns. Just grab some Vicks and apply it to the affected areas.
In order for your pets to learn the areas, they should avoid, leave some Vicks in those places. Pets can’t stand the smell of Vicks therefore, this method will definitely work.
You can also use Vicks to treat chapped lips, apply it to the lips and they will restore their softness.
If you suffer from toenail fungus, rub some Vicks on the nails and toenails before going to bed.
Vicks is extremely helpful in cases of migraines and headaches. Rub a little on your forehead to relieves the pressure in the head.
Put a small cotton ball with Vicks VapoRub in your ear. Leave it there for several hours, 2-3 times daily, to relieve an earache.
To create the paste, mix one tablespoon of crushed tablet camphor, a little bit of alcohol, one tablespoon of baking soda, and 50 g of Vicks VapoRub. Before a workout, apply the paste to your belly, and wrap yourself with plastic wrap. When you finish your physical exercises, rinse with warm water.
]]>For centuries, raw honey has been used in traditional medicine. This sweet, natural substance may contain health-promoting elements that the processed honey does not contain.
Honey offers a number of health benefits. Raw honey, which comes directly from the hive, contains healthy bee pollen, propolis and many antioxidants.
The research has not confirmed that raw honey has more health benefits than regular honey, but some people believe that the processing and pasteurization that regular honey undergoes reduces many of the beneficial elements. Some people believe that giving raw honey more health benefits than normal honey.
In this article we compare the health benefits of raw honey and normal honey.
Honey is a sweet, golden liquid made by honey bees. Honeybees store their honey in small, hexagonal cups called honeycombs. Raw honey comes straight from the honeycomb.
Honey from the hive contains bee pollen, beeswax and parts of dead bees. Honey producers usually pass raw honey through a filter to remove as much impurities as possible, but some generally stay. It is still safe to eat.
In contrast to raw honey, conventional honey is pasteurized. This means that manufacturers have heated it to kill yeast cells that affect taste, increase shelf life and make it look more transparent and attractive. However, pasteurization can affect the number of nutrients in honey.
Some historical evidence shows that humans have been using honey for over 8,000 years. In ancient times, people had used raw honey, but today most people use pasteurized honey.
Raw honey also contains bee pollen and bee propolis, which is a sticky, glue-like substance bees use to hold their hive together. Regular honey may not contain the same levels of bee propolis and bee pollen as raw honey.
A 2017 review on honey and a 2015 review on bee pollen report that bee propolis and bee pollen can offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties.
The following sections explore seven evidence-based health benefits of raw honey.
The researchers believe that some of the most important health benefits of honey are due to its antioxidant content.
Natural honey contains a number of compounds that act as antioxidants, including phytochemicals, flavonoids and ascorbic acid.
Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress in the body by wiping off free radicals. Scientists have linked oxidative stress to a range of chronic health conditions, including many cancers. With an antioxidant-rich diet, humans can reduce their risk of chronic disease.
Some people believe that pasteurization reduces the number of antioxidants in honey, which means that pasteurized honey may not provide the same benefits as raw honey.
There is no specific research on how pasteurization affects the antioxidants in honey, but studies show that heating other foods can reduce their antioxidant content.
Honey contains certain nutrients that can make it a healthy supplement to your diet.
The exact nutrition and chemical composition of the raw honey varies from country to country and depends in part on the flowers from which the bees gain their nectar. Despite these factors, honey still contains healthy compounds such as antioxidants, amino acids and vitamins.
One tablespoon or 21 grams (g) of raw honey contains 64 calories and 16 g of sugar. These values can vary between brands and batches.
Honey naturally contains sugar. Just over half of the sugar in honey is fructose. Research has linked fructose to various health problems.
However, despite its fructose content, honey may be a healthier option than table sugar. Some research suggests that honey has a protective effect against diabetes, and some honeys may help to improve cholesterol levels.
People who suffer from diabetes or limit themselves to sugar diets may choose to eat honey in moderation to avoid significant changes in blood sugar levels. Pure honey has a Glycemic Index (GI) of 58, which means that it has a moderate influence on blood sugar levels.
Honey is a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial ingredient. It contains hydrogen peroxide and glucose oxidase and has a low pH, which can kill harmful bacteria and fungi. Due to its unique chemical composition it does not help to grow yeast or bacteria.
Because of its antibacterial effect people can use it to clean wounds,
Numerous studies indicate that honey works well as a wound dressing.
A review confirms that honey is useful in wound healing because of its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some evidence also suggests that honey has antiviral and antifungal properties.
Honey is also acidic, releasing oxygen from the wound and promoting healing.
Apply raw honey directly to minor cuts and burns and then place gauze or bandage over the wound. Alternatively, people can buy Manuka honey products for wound care in some drugstores or choose between brands online.
Several studies have suggested that honey may be as effective or more effective than some over-the-counter (OTC) cough medications. Many cough medications are not safe for younger children. Therefore, honey can be a good alternative for children over the age of one.
A meta-analysis suggests that honey can provide an effective way to reduce the severity and frequency of a child's nocturnal cough. In a small study, it was found that a milk and a honey blend will reduce children's coughs as effectively as an over-the-counter drug.
To relieve a cough, take one teaspoon of raw honey and then avoid other liquids or foods to allow the honey to cover your throat.
Raw honey can soothe digestion and help with diarrhea symptoms.
A study of 150 children with acute gastroenteritis found that those who received honey with an oral rehydration solution recovered better from diarrhea than those who did not receive honey. The children who received honey had less bowel movement and recovered faster from the disease.
To treat mild diarrhea, add a teaspoon of raw honey or mix honey with a drink. Avoid too much honey as too much sugar can make diarrhea worse.
]]>Apple cider vinegar, a fermented vinegar that people make from crushed apples, is a popular natural remedy for acid reflux and heartburn.
Many home remedies can successfully alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Some people claim that apple cider vinegar can relieve these symptoms. For others, however, it may make acid reflux worse.
In this article, we look into the research on using apple cider vinegar for acid reflux and detail potential side effects of its use.
Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach flows upward. This causes a sour taste in the mouth and a burning sensation in the chest.
There are many anecdotal stories on the Internet to suggest that apple cider vinegar is an effective cure for acid reflux. Proponents say that the acidity of the tonic as well as the beneficial bacteria within can improve digestion and alleviate reflux.
One theory is that many people with acid reflux have too little stomach acid in a condition called hypochlorhydria. People can develop this condition from taking proton pump inhibitors.
These are common medications for acid reflux that can reduce stomach acid to very low levels. So, drinking apple cider vinegar may help these people increase the acidity of the stomach.
However, scientists have not carried out enough research into the effects of apple cider vinegar on the gut to support these claims.
In fact, there are no studies in medical journals that investigate the effects of apple cider vinegar on reflux and heartburn.
In general, the risk of using apple cider vinegar for acid reflux is minimal. Many people drink it daily for blood sugar control, weight loss, and more without experiencing adverse effects. That said, no research confirms that it is safe to use in the long-term.
For some people, apple cider vinegar makes heartburn worse. Those who have a very irritated food pipe may experience further burning and irritation after drinking vinegar.
People who wish to try apple cider vinegar for mild reflux can mix between a teaspoon and a tablespoon of the vinegar into a glass of water. Taking this before or after meals may reduce acid reflux symptoms in some people.
It is not advisable to drink apple cider vinegar for moderate to severe acid reflux, heartburn or GERD.
Aside from the risk of making heartburn worse, apple cider vinegar has the potential to erode tooth enamel. To protect the teeth, always dilute the vinegar and take it with a meal. Follow up apple cider vinegar tonics with a mouth rinse or use a straw.
Apple cider vinegar may interact with medications such as diuretics and insulin. People who take any medications or supplements should consult their doctor before regularly drinking apple cider vinegar.
In many cases of mild to moderate reflux, home remedies and lifestyle modifications provide significant symptom relief.
Avoiding certain foods and drinks may improve the symptoms of acid reflux. Although food triggers vary from one person to another, some foods and drinks that may cause reflux include:
If acid reflux continues after removing these foods from the diet, people can try keeping a food diary to track their food intake and symptoms. This can help a person identify their individual reflux triggers.
People with severe acid reflux, especially reflux that does not get better with home remedies, may need to take medications. In rare cases, they may require surgery.
A person should see a doctor if acid reflux continues for more than a few weeks, or if it gets worse. A person should seek prompt medical treatment if they experience reflux along with:
Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural remedy for acid reflux and heartburn. Many people claim that it relieves their symptoms.
However, there are currently no scientific studies to say that apple cider vinegar is effective for acid reflux. There is also no research to suggest that drinking apple cider vinegar is safe.
For these reasons, it may be best to try some proven home remedies for acid reflux, such as avoiding food triggers, maintaining a healthy weight, and changing the position of the bed.
People who have continuing or severe reflux or heartburn should see their doctor to discuss medications or other treatments that can relieve symptoms.
]]>Two new studies, presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology 2018 Congress, show that people with sarcoma often take complementary and alternative medicine with little regard for the potential risks or ways in which they may interact with conventional cancer treatment.
Sarcoma is a rare cancer that affects connective tissue and accounts for 1 percent of all cancer cases.
In the United States, around 15,000 people find out that they have sarcoma each year.
Recently, researchers from University Hospital Mannheim in Germany zoomed in on this form of cancer to investigate whether people who have it use any complementary or alternative medicines (CAMs).
Prof. Peter Hohenberger supervised the team.
Another study that was led by Dr. Audrey Bellesoeur — of the University Paris Descartes in France — complements these findings by examining the drug-to-drug interactions between CAMs and conventional cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Both of these studies were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology 2018 Congress, held in Munich, Germany.
In the first study, Prof. Hohenberger and team surveyed 152 people who had been diagnosed with sarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and desmoid tumors — which are both types of sarcoma — over the 4 months between January and April 2018.
The survey revealed that 51 percent of the study participants had used CAMs in their lives. These alternative medicines and practices included: taking vitamin supplements, minerals, or healing herbs; practicing homeopathy, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, or tai chi; and eating either a ketogenic or a vegan diet.
Importantly, their survey revealed that 15 percent of the participants used CAMs to complement cancer therapy after they were diagnosed with sarcoma. Forty-four percent of the participants weren't interested in CAMs before receiving the diagnosis.
Prof. Hohenberger sums up the findings, claiming, "What we found is that vitamins and minerals are very popular but patients take them specifically rather than using multivitamin supplements. Vitamin D is in the leading position, followed by selenium plus zinc, vitamin C, and interest in vitamin B-17 is emerging."
Also, the survey demonstrated that few people were concerned about the potential health risks of these practices. While 60 percent of those who were surveyed admitted that they had insufficient information on the safety of CAMs, these participants were very little preoccupied with the risks.
"When we looked at the sources of information on nonconventional practices," continues Prof. Hohenberger, "oncologists represented only 7 [percent]. In our study, patients mentioned repetitively that they were positively surprised about our interest in their use of CAMs."
The Internet and other media were the top sources of information for these respondents, with 43 percent turning to them for advice. Friends and healing professionals came second and third, respectively, with 15 percent and 14 percent of the respondents using these sources.
"In sharp contrast with this," says Prof. Hohenberger, "when it came to finding information on [the] side effects of cancer therapies or how to handle them, almost half of [the] patients asked their oncologist."
Dr. Markus Joerger, from the Cantonal Hospital in St. Gallen, Switzerland, comments on the significance of the results, saying, "Patients tend to believe that supplements or herbs are generally safe, but they are not without risk."
"In daily practice, if you don't know what your patient is taking as alternative medicine, the risk of drug-drug interactions can significantly increase and have an impact on clinical outcomes."
Dr. Markus Joerger
Dr. Bellesoeur and her colleagues' review addressed precisely this risk of drug-to-drug interactions. They reviewed data on 202 patients treated for sarcoma with chemotherapy or tyrosine kinase inhibitors in 2014–2018.
During this time, drug-to-drug interactions occurred in 18 percent of the cases. The study's lead author comments on the findings.
"In our review, 29 [percent] of drug-drug interactions requiring pharmacist interventions were associated with complementary alternative medicines. Risks of interactions with nonconventional drugs are the same as for other comedications: mainly increased toxicity and loss of efficacy of anticancer treatments."
Dr. Audrey Bellesoeur
"However, we often have less information on the composition of these products and their risk of toxicity or interaction when used in combination with other agents," adds Dr. Bellesoeur.
Dr. Joerger also chimes on this second study, saying, "[P]atients are receiving more and more co-medications but they are still not routinely checked for drug-drug interactions."
"Medical review by a clinical pharmacist," he goes on to say, "can certainly be an effective strategy to avoid or limit them as the study showed. However," he adds, "cancer centers must also invest in integrative medicine that combines medical anticancer treatments with nonconventional therapies. The average oncologist has poor knowledge of these alternative methods; this is mostly due to a lack of studies and databases in the field."
In this regard, other research presented at the meeting has acknowledged the benefits of exercise, mindfulness programs, yoga, acupuncture, and hypnosis as an addition to conventional cancer treatment.
However, antioxidant supplements, herbs, minerals, vitamins, and phytoestrogens have not been linked with any positive or harmful effects.
]]>These 10 superfoods are proven, expert-beloved disease fighters and energy boosters. Add them to your meals and get on the fast track to a super-healthy body.
Just one lemon has more than 100 percent of your daily intake of vitamin C, which may help increase "good" HDL cholesterol levels and strengthen bones.
Citrus flavonoids found in lemons may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and act as an anti-inflammatory.
Add a slice of lemon to your green tea. One study found that citrus increases your body's ability to absorb the antioxidants in the tea by about 80 percent.
One medium stalk of broccoli contains more than 100 percent of your daily vitamin K requirement and almost 200 percent of your recommended daily dose of vitamin C — two essential bone-building nutrients.
The same serving also helps stave off numerous cancers.
Zap it! Preserve up to 90 percent of broccoli's vitamin C by microwaving. (Steaming or boiling holds on to just 66 percent of the nutrient.)
Just one-fourth of an ounce daily can reduce blood pressure in otherwise healthy individuals.
Cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants shown to reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol and increase "good" HDL levels.
A dark chocolate bar contains about 53.5 milligrams of flavonoids; a milk chocolate bar has fewer than 14.
One red potato contains 66 micrograms of cell-building folate — about the same amount found in one cup of spinach or broccoli.
One sweet potato has almost eight times the amount of cancer-fighting and immune-boosting vitamin A you need daily.
Let your potato cool before eating. Research shows that doing so can help you burn close to 25 percent more fat after a meal, thanks to a fat-resistant starch.
A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to a reduced risk of depression, heart disease, and cancer.
A 3-ounce serving contains almost 50 percent of your daily dose of niacin, which may protect against Alzheimer's disease and memory loss.
Opt for wild over farm-raised, which contains 16 times as much toxic polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) as wild salmon.
Contain the most omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce cholesterol, of all nuts.
Omega-3s have been shown to improve mood and fight cancer; they may protect against sun damage, too (but don't skip the SPF!).
Eat a few for dessert: The antioxidant melatonin, found in walnuts, helps to regulate sleep.
Rich in healthy, satisfying fats proven in one study to lower cholesterol by about 22 percent.
One has more than half the fiber and 40 percent of the folate you need daily, which may reduce your risk of heart disease.
Adding it to your salad can increase the absorption of key nutrients like beta-carotene by three to five times compared with salads without this superfood.
Garlic is a powerful disease fighter that can inhibit the growth of bacteria, including E. coli.
Allicin, a compound found in garlic, works as a potent anti-inflammatory and has been shown to help lower cholesterol and blood-pressure levels.
Crushed fresh garlic releases the most allicin. Just don't overcook; garlic exposed to high heat for more than 10 minutes loses important nutrients.
Spinach contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two immune-boosting antioxidants important for eye health.
Recent research found that among cancer-fighting fruits and veggies, spinach is one of the most effective.
Spinach is a healthy — and flavorless — addition to any smoothie. You won't taste it, we promise! Try blending 1 cup spinach, 1 cup grated carrots, 1 banana, 1 cup apple juice, and ice.
Eating a serving of legumes (beans, peas, and lentils) four times a week can lower your risk of heart disease by 22 percent.
That same habit may also reduce your risk of breast cancer.
The darker the bean, the more antioxidants it contains. One study found that black bean hulls contain 40 times the amount of antioxidants found in white bean hulls.
]]>A DNA tool that combines gene therapy with chemotherapy could be a promising new way to defeat multidrug-resistant cancer cells.
The tool is a "tailored DNA nanoplatform" that can carry chemotherapy drugs into targeted cancer cells while also silencing the cells' drug-resistance genes.
The technique is the work of scientists at the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology in Beijing, China.
A recent paper in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition gives a detailed account of how the team developed and tested the DNA nanoplatforms.
Drug treatments have significantly improved rates of survival and quality of life for people with cancer.
However, there are many cases in which cancer responds well to treatment at first but then relapses or comes back because of drug resistance.
Scientists have identified several cell mechanisms that enable or promote drug resistance in cancer.
One of these is "drug efflux," a process in which transporter proteins pump drugs out of the cell body through its membranes. Efflux mechanisms exist "in all living cells," not just cancer cells.
For example, cells in the walls of the gut have an abundance of transporter proteins that pump drugs and other harmful agents back toward the digestive tract.
Thanks to extensive research, scientists now know a lot about the role of efflux mechanisms and transporter proteins in developing drug resistance in cancer.
One of the first transporter proteins that they identified was one that is coded by the Multi-Drug Resistance Gene 1 (MDR1).
Studies have also revealed that when certain organs become cancerous, their tissues start to express MDR1 more strongly.
One study, in particular, discovered that treatment with the potent anticancer drug doxorubicin greatly increased expression of MDR1 in cancerous cells but not healthy cells of the lung.
Therefore, while a drug may be very good at killing cancer cells, if the cells get better at expelling it, eventually, the drug will not be inside the cell long enough to take effect.
To tackle this problem, cancer researchers are working on ways to switch off the genes that drive drug efflux in tumor cells.
One approach to switching off efflux pumps is a gene-silencing technique called RNA interference (RNAi). This uses molecules called RNA transcription templates to interfere with gene expression in the cells.
However, for treatment to be effective, the RNA transcription templates have to be released inside the cell body, or cytoplasm. Secondly, this has to take place at the same time as delivering the drug that kills the cells. And thirdly, healthy cells must remain untouched.
The new DNA nanoplatform addresses all three requirements — it specifically targets the cancer cells, it delivers the anticancer drug to their insides, and it switches off the genes that drive their efflux pumps to give the drug time to work.
The team used "DNA origami" techniques to create a platform that includes all the components necessary for these things to happen.
Using the well-established approach, scientists can create DNA platforms comprising simple and complicated molecular shapes that are small enough to work at the cell level.
In this case, the team made a simple structure that self-assembles into a triangular DNA nanoplatform. The platform has several sites that can bind to various "functional units."
The researchers tested the ability of the DNA platform to selectively deliver RNA transcription templates and the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin first in cell cultures and then in mice with multidrug-resistant tumors.
They used "two linear small hairpin RNA transcription templates." One of these took care of gene silencing, and the other took care of cell recognition and insertion.
The results showed that the "tailored DNA platform" was very effective at both the selective delivery and release of the two items. This also resulted in a highly-selective tumor kill rate.
The team says that the study demonstrates how to create a nanostructure that delivers chemotherapy selectively to cancer cells while also suppressing drug resistance using gene silencing without harming healthy tissue.
They suggest that it should also be possible to tailor the DNA platforms for use in a range of treatments by altering the targets, payloads, and delivery strategies.
The authors conclude:
]]>"This tailored DNA nanoplatform, which combines RNAi therapy and chemotherapy, provides a new strategy for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tumors."
A study published in the journal Cell shows that the gut microbiota has the ability to affect how cells respond to insulin, and can thus contribute to type 2 diabetes. The findings demonstrate an hereto unknown pathological mechanism.
During recent years, the gut microbiota has been associated with health and several disease conditions. However, only a few studies have investigated whether an altered gut microbiota can directly affect disease.
Scientists at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, are now showing that the gut microbiota of people with treatment-naïve type 2 diabetes can be linked to a different metabolism of the amino acid histidine, which is mainly derived from the diet.
This in turn leads to the formation of imidazole propionate, a substance that impairs the cells' ability to respond to insulin. Reducing the amount of bacterial-produced imidazole propionate could therefore be a new way of treating patients with type 2 diabetes.
"This substance does not cause all type 2 diabetes, but our working hypothesis is that there are subpopulations of patients who might benefit from changing their diet or altering their gut microbiota to reduce the levels of imidazole propionate," says Fredrik Backhed, Professor of Molecular Medicine with a research focus on the role of gut microbiota in metabolism.
The latest study included analysis of various substances in the blood vessel that goes from the intestine to the liver. The researchers then identified an elevated concentration of the substance imidazole propionate in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Using fecal samples, it was also possible to show that the microbiota of people with type 2 diabetes produced imidazole propionate when histidine was added. This mechanism was not found in the diabetes-free control subjects.
The study comprised 5 patients with type 2 diabetes and 10 diabetes-free control subjects. The findings were then confirmed in a larger study involving 649 people.
The Gothenburg scientists then proceeded to investigate the effect of imidazole propionate on sugar metabolism, and found that the molecule affected a signaling pathway previously linked to metabolic-related diseases by directly activating a specific protein, p38gamma.
These findings provide answers to questions about the nature of the underlying mechanisms. These, according to Backhed, often remain unanswered in studies of how gut bacteria are associated with, for example, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
As Director of the Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research at Sahlgrenska Academy, he sees the translational research environment as a key to the results now being presented.
The combination of basic and clinical research paves the way for identification of bacteria-induced mechanisms and simultaneously, through further studies, stratify patient populations and identifying new more personalized forms of treatment.
"Our findings show clearly how important the interaction between gut microbiota and diet is to understand our metabolism in health and disease. The result also shows that gut bacteria from different individuals can lead to the production of completely different substances that may have very specific effects in the body," says Backhed.
]]>