Monday, September 30, 2024

Stomach Acid Deficiency: Symptoms and Treatment

 Many individuals experience issues related to excessive stomach acidity, which can lead to distressing symptoms like reflux or heartburn. However, it is important to note that sometimes these problems may actually indicate the opposite situation - hypoacidity in the stomach, also known as "hypochlorhydria" in professional terminology. In such cases, the body may be susceptible to developing conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and Helicobacter pylori infection. Therefore, it becomes crucial to strike a balance and restore the level of acidity in the stomach back to normal. 

It's really important for people suffering from stomach problems to be aware of this potential scenario because attempting self-treatment without understanding the underlying cause can exacerbate their condition. For example, if I mistakenly believe I have too much acid in my stomach and try reducing acid levels accordingly, they might inadvertently worsen my problems, so it becomes a more serious issue. Left untreated or mistreated, it's easy to make a bad situation worse. 

 

What Causes Stomach Acid Deficiency?

The most common causes of stomach acid deficiency are: 
 
1. Aging: As we get older, our stomach naturally produces less and less acid. 
 
2. Persistent stress: Prolonged periods of high stress can negatively impact the digestive system and decrease acid production in the stomach.
 
3. Helicobacter pylori infection: While this bacterium can also be a result of low acidity in the stomach, it has the ability to either increase or decrease acid secretion depending on the overall health of the body. In some cases, a decrease in acidity may even indicate stomach cancer. Additionally, Helicobacter pylori hinders proper digestion of vitamin B12, which further contributes to reduced acidity levels in the stomach. 
 
4. Pernicious anemia: This autoimmune disease impedes vitamin B12 absorption by the body, leading to an increase in stomach acid levels, as previously mentioned. 
 
5. Stomach surgery: Surgical procedures involving the stomach can have an impact on its acidity level. 
 
Please note that these are just general explanations for hypochlorhydria causes and should not be considered medical advice or diagnoses without consulting with a healthcare professional first.

Other contributing factors include:
 
- Hypothyroidism 
 
- Repeated infections in the digestive tract 
 
- Stomach or pancreatic cancer 
 
- Eating too quickly 
 
- Food sensitivity or allergy 
 
- Excessive sugar consumption 
 
- Inadequate zinc levels

What are the symptoms of low stomach acidity? 
 
Immediate symptoms most commonly include: 
 
1. Upper abdominal pain 
 
2. Swelling 
 
3. Gas 
 
4. Diarrhea 
 
5. Constipation 
 
6. Presence of undigested food in stool 
 
7. Acid reflux 
 
8. Heartburn 
 
If the situation persists, the following symptoms can appear as a result of malnutrition: 
 
1. Brittle nails 
 
2. Hair loss 
 
3. Pale and/or dry skin 
 
4. Chronic fatigue 
 
5. General weakness 
 
6. Tingling sensation in extremities 
 
7. Memory loss 
 
8. Headaches 
 
9. Bad breath

How do you determine if you are experiencing hypoacidity in your stomach? 
While these indicators may raise suspicion, they do not explicitly confirm the presence of hypoacidity in the stomach. There is a home test that can be performed, although it is highly recommended to consult a doctor for more comprehensive and professional tests. 
 
The home test is quite simple: on an empty stomach, consume half a glass of water mixed with a quarter teaspoon of baking soda. If hiccups do not occur within 3–5 minutes, it could indicate hypoacidity in the stomach. Normally, the carbon dioxide produced from the mixture of baking soda and stomach acid leads to hiccups. However, if this reaction takes longer than usual or does not occur at all, it suggests inadequate production of stomach acid.

How to treat the lack of acid in your stomach: 
1. Consuming apple cider vinegar has shown positive results. 
One way to rebalance the acidity in your stomach is by drinking apple cider vinegar before each meal. Taking one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a small amount of water can help alleviate hypoacidity in the stomach and prepare it for digestion.

2. Consume digestive enzymes
Additionally, incorporating digestive enzymes as a supplement can aid in breaking down food and making nutrients more accessible to your body. This is beneficial for individuals experiencing both low and high levels of stomach acidity, as excessive acid can hinder proper digestion and nutrient absorption. It is recommended to take this supplement right before eating. 
 
3. Consuming hydrochloric acid (HCL) along with pepsin prior to consuming protein-rich meals. These are additional suggested supplements, since the stomach naturally produces hydrochloric acid which creates an acidic environment and aids in protein digestion. The appropriate dosage of these supplements varies depending on individual circumstances, so it is advisable to consult a doctor before starting. Some individuals may only require one capsule, while others may need more. Experiencing warmth in the stomach after consumption can indicate excessive intake of these supplements. Pepsin, an enzyme that assists in protein breakdown, is particularly recommended for older individuals facing this issue. 
 
4. Eating Mānuka honey  
Another recommendation is to incorporate Mānuka honey into your diet. This special type of honey originates from New Zealand and possesses unique antimicrobial properties that can be beneficial for those experiencing bacterial growth in the digestive tract as a result of hypoacidity in the stomach. Consuming one to two tablespoons daily can help prevent harmful bacteria from thriving in the intestines.

5. Chew your food well and take smaller bites 
To promote better digestion, it is recommended to thoroughly chew your food before swallowing. While there is no set number, aiming for around 30 chews can help break down the food particles and make them easier for your stomach to process. Additionally, opting for smaller meals allows your stomach to recover more efficiently from the digestive process. If you want to further support your stomach's recovery, intermittent fasting can provide it with ample rest time.

6. Protein first, drink later 
When consuming a meal that includes protein, it is beneficial to start with this nutrient first. By doing so, you stimulate the production of gastric juices in the stomach even before introducing other foods. It is also advisable to refrain from drinking anything for at least 30 minutes after finishing a meal. This gives enough time for the gastric juices to work on digesting the food without diluting their acidity levels. 
 
7. Eat more fermented vegetables 
Incorporating more fermented or pickled vegetables into your diet can be super helpful. These types of vegetables undergo fermentation processes that enhance their nutritional content and promote gut health. 
 
Eating kimchi salad, sauerkraut, or pickles can stimulate increased gastric acid secretion in your stomach. These fermented foods also contain probiotics that promote a healthy digestive system by protecting against harmful bacteria, enhancing beneficial bacteria, and reducing inflammation. However, before adding them to your diet, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they are suitable for you specifically. 
 
In conclusion... That's all, folks! Remember to ask your doctor if you have any concerns about this. While we usually think of our acid levels as "ok" or "too much", there is the case of "too little" to consider. By being aware of this, you can prevent leaving a situation untreated or, even worse, self-diagnose as having too much acid and make it worse. Be healthy out there!

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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posted by G S Iyer at 8:52 AM 0 comments

How Garlic Keeps Your Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Low

Adding some garlic to your diet has been found to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. A new meta-analysis, a research approach that combines data from many studies, revealed favorable findings on garlic intake.
 
Researchers from Southeast University and Xizang Minzu University in China examined 22 previous studies, which included 29 randomized controlled trials. Their findings suggest that frequent garlic consumption may be linked to lower blood sugar levels and lower amounts of certain cholesterol types.
garlic
 
Blood sugar and blood lipids, primarily glucose and cholesterol, are essential elements for human health. Glucose is the body's major source of energy, whereas lipids are the building blocks for cell membranes and hormones. However, modern dietary habits can contribute to an imbalance in these essential components, leading to an increased risk of various health issues. Furthermore, lifestyle choices other than diet can significantly affect blood sugar and cholesterol levels, such as alcohol consumption and exercise patterns.

Glucose and lipid metabolisms are meticulously controlled in healthy individuals, as noted by the researchers in their published paper. "Disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism can lead to a number of chronic diseases, including atherosclerosis, diabetes and fatty liver disease," they add. 
 
Garlic has a long history of being associated with good health. Previous research, albeit conducted in isolation, suggested that it may have a role in regulating blood lipids and glucose levels. This new study builds upon this existing body of evidence. 
 
Analysis of the cumulative studies validated the benefits of garlic consumption. Individuals who incorporated garlic into their diet had significantly lower blood glucose levels, indicating better long-term control. They also saw an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol, a drop in LDL (dangerous) cholesterol, and a reduction in total cholesterol levels.

Interestingly, triglyceride levels did not appear to be considerably affected. However, it is important to acknowledge that the current evidence cannot conclusively prove a cause-and-effect connection. In other words, we can't say for certain that eating more garlic lowers the risk of heart disease. 
 
However, the association strongly suggests that including garlic in our diets might be a delicious way to manage glucose and cholesterol levels. Further research with more focused studies is needed to explain the precise mechanisms at play. The studies included in the meta-analysis used various types of garlic, such as fresh cloves, aged extracts, and powdered pills, with durations ranging from three weeks to a year.

"The results showed that garlic has a beneficial effect on blood glucose and blood lipid in humans, and their association was statistically significant," write the researchers. 
 
The association between garlic consumption and improved cardiovascular health and blood sugar control is believed to be a result of the combined action of various active ingredients present in garlic. One important role is to reduce oxidative stress, which causes cellular damage and can lead to conditions such as cardiovascular disease.

Garlic also contains alliin, an antioxidant molecule associated with blood glucose, blood lipids, and the gut flora. The combined impact of these processes is likely responsible for the favorable results seen in the study.

The importance of diet in influencing health outcomes, both positive and negative, is undeniable. This new study provides further reasons to incorporate garlic into our diets. 
 
“[The study] provides new ideas for the development of natural products against diseases related to glycolipid metabolism,” write the researchers. 
 
The research has been published in Nutrients.
























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posted by G S Iyer at 6:46 AM 0 comments

10 Reasons You Should Eat More Apricots

Apricots can be enjoyed in a wide variety of ways, and every culture has a unique way of enjoying this delicious fruit. One of the reasons that they are so popular is because they have been directly linked to a number of health benefits, which are due to the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds that they contain. Below you can find 10 amazing health benefits of the humble apricot.

1. They Are Good for Constipation
Apricots are extremely rich in fiber, making them helpful for smooth bowel movements. They are often recommended to patients who regularly suffer from constipation due to their laxative properties. Fiber adds bulks to the stool, making it easier for it to be transported through the bowels. Furthermore, fiber activates the peristaltic motion of the digestive tracts, and those smooth muscles are what keep your bowel movements regulated. 
 
2. They Improve Bone Health 
 Apricots have a number of minerals that are necessary for healthy bone growth. Calcium, manganese, iron, copper, and phosphorous all play a certain role in the creation of bone matter. Therefore, consuming apricots on a regular basis can ensure the healthy growth and development of your bones, as well as preventing various age-related conditions such as osteoporosis. 
 
 
3. They Improve Heart Health
Apricots are a great way of protecting your heart from a wide variety of health issues, such as heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis. The high percentage of vitamin C, as well as potassium and dietary fiber, all contribute to good cardiovascular health. Vitamin C helps protect the heart from free radicals, potassium lowers blood pressure, while dietary fiber scrapes the excess cholesterol from the lining of the vessels and arteries, thereby cleaning them and reducing the strain on the heart.
 
 
4. They can reduce fevers
Apricot juice is often given to patients who have a fever as it provides the necessary minerals, vitamins, calories, and water for the body to fight off high temperatures. Some people also used steamed apricots to relieve fevers.


5. Apricots Balance Fluid Levels 
Fluid levels throughout the body are dependent on two minerals, sodium, and potassium. The high percentage of potassium in apricots has been linked to maintaining fluid balance in the body, and ensuring that energy is being properly distributed to the right organs and muscles. By maintaining a healthy balance of electrolytes, you will have more energy and less cramping. 
 
 
6. They Can Cure Earaches  
Apricot oil is great for earaches. Dripping a few drops of this oil into the affected ear canal should prove to a be a quick remedy. Scientists believe that it has something to do with the antioxidants that are present in apricot oil. 
 
 
7. They Help Prevent and Treat Anemia 
Due to the presence of copper and iron, apricots help in the formation of hemoglobin, treating and preventing anemia in the process. Anemia occurs due to a lack of iron, and it can lead to fatigue, weakness, lightheadedness, digestive issues, and general metabolic function. Without red blood cells, the body cannot reoxyggenate itself properly, and organs begin to malfunction. Iron is an important component of red blood cell formation, as is copper. Both of these minerals are found in apricots, making it a great tool to keep the body functioning properly. 
 
 
8. They Can Treat Skin Disorders
10 Reasons You Should Eat More Apricots
Apricot oil is great for skin care. It’s quickly absorbed by the skin and does not leave the skin looking oily after it has been applied. Apricots are just handy for maintaining the smooth and shiny appearance of the skin, they can also treat a number of skin conditions such as eczema, scabies, and itching. This is due to the antioxidant compounds that are found in abundance within apricots. These antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals, which can lead to skin deterioration and signs of premature aging. 
 
 
9. They Prevent Cancer 
Apricot seeds are believed to aid in the treatment of cancer. Between the carotenoids and the other antioxidant compounds that apricots have, it’s no surprise that they are a threat to free radicals. Free radicals are the byproducts of cellular metabolism that can cause healthy cells to mutate their DNA into cancerous cells. Antioxidants neutralize these harmful compounds and ensure that cancer does not start to grow.
 
 
10. They Help to Treat Asthma 
Apricot oil is anti-asthmatic in nature and helps to treat the disease and its related symptoms. IT has certain expectorant and stimulant qualities due to its essential oils. One of these can help relieve pressure and stress on the lungs and respiratory system, thereby preventing asthma attacks.























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posted by G S Iyer at 10:07 AM

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posted by G S Iyer at 5:26 AM 0 comments

'Inverse vaccine' could help tame autoimmune diseases

Scientists are thinking outside the box to fight autoimmune diseases. They've come up with this "inverse vaccine" idea that could help retrain the immune system. The immune system usually goes after bad guys like viruses by recognizing their little markers called antigens. But sometimes, it gets mixed up and attacks our own cells, which is the problem in autoimmune diseases. 
 
This new research is like sending a message to the immune system – "Hey, go chill out in the liver." Apparently, the liver cells can talk some sense into the immune cells and make them stop attacking our own bodies. They tested it on mice, and it looks promising! Researchers still need to figure out if it works in humans and what exactly they're targeting.






















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posted by G S Iyer at 10:07 AM

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posted by G S Iyer at 5:02 AM 0 comments

Scientists found a way to restore brain cells

Imagine being able to fix a genetic glitch in the brain. That's exactly what scientists have done with a new drug for Timothy syndrome, a rare disorder that affects brain development. According to a study in Nature, a drug called antisense oligonucleotide enables human neurons to develop correctly even when they have the mutation associated with the disorder. 

Timothy syndrome stems from a single gene mutation in a person's DNA. The new drug works by using an antisense nucleotide, a small synthetic piece of genetic material that changes the proteins produced by cells. Specifically, it replaces a faulty protein with a healthy one, effectively counteracting the mutation behind the disorder.

This method could potentially be applied to treat other genetic conditions, including some forms of schizophrenia, epilepsy, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.

 






















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posted by G S Iyer at 10:07 AM

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posted by G S Iyer at 3:49 AM 0 comments

Research uncovers hidden link between heart attacks and cancer

 Israeli researchers have uncovered a surprising link between heart attacks and cancer. Turns out, the healing process after a heart attack might actually fuel cancer growth.

They found that tiny bubbles released by the damaged heart, called sEVs, can act like little messengers, encouraging cancer cells to multiply throughout the body. 
 
The good news is, they discovered a way to block these sEVs using existing drugs like spironolactone. In tests on animals, this approach slowed tumor growth by a third. This discovery could lead to new treatments that protect heart attack survivors from developing cancer.






















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posted by G S Iyer at 10:07 AM

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posted by G S Iyer at 3:43 AM 0 comments

Cell therapy to treat melanoma

There's exciting news for people battling aggressive melanoma. The FDA just approved a groundbreaking treatment called Amtagvi, the first of its kind. This therapy uses a patient's own immune cells, called T cells, to fight the cancer. 
 
Think of it like this: doctors take T cells from the tumor itself, multiply them in a lab, and then put them back into the patient. These supercharged T cells are better equipped to attack the melanoma. 
 Groundbreaking Discoveries of 2024
While it's not a cure-all, early results are promising. Studies show Amtagvi helped shrink tumors in over half of the patients, and some even saw their melanoma disappear completely. Experts believe this is just the beginning for TIL therapy, which could revolutionize cancer treatment in the future.






















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posted by G S Iyer at 10:07 AM

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posted by G S Iyer at 3:39 AM 0 comments

Saturday, September 28, 2024

The Effects of Mindfulness as We Age

As we grow older, many of us seek ways to improve their well-being and navigate the changes that come with getting older. One approach gaining popularity is mindfulness, a practice that promotes present-moment awareness and acceptance. Mindfulness is proving particularly beneficial for older adults, helping to alleviate stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall quality of life. In this piece, we’ll explore the concept of mindful aging, its benefits, and how it’s helping older adults embrace the aging process. 
 
Understanding Mindfulness: A Brief Overview Mindfulness involves fostering a non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, allowing you to become more attuned to your thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and surroundings. Its primary goal is to help you step out of autopilot mode, promoting relaxation and a deeper connection to the present. 
 
The Emergence of Mindful Aging 
In recent years, mindful aging has gained significant attention as a positive approach to growing older. By embracing mindfulness, older adults are encouraged to accept aging rather than fear it, offering a healthy alternative to the often negative perceptions surrounding the process. Many people over 65 are finding mindfulness to be a valuable tool in navigating the challenges and changes that come with age.

Mindfulness Benefits for Older Adults 
Research has shown that mindfulness can have a range of health benefits specifically for older adults, including: 
Improved sleep quality 
Better memory retention 
Reduced anxiety and stress 
Lower blood pressure 
Enhanced coping mechanisms for chronic illness 
 
To explore more about mindful aging, check out this infographic, which offers a straightforward guide to mindfulness and its benefits for older adults:
The Effects of Mindfulness as We Age infographic























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posted by G S Iyer at 10:07 AM 0 comments

Chemotherapy May Awaken Dormant Cancer Cells, Trigger Breast Cancer Recurrence

A team of researchers at Emory University, US, has found new targets for preventing breast cancer recurrence.

 Breast cancer is easiest to treat when it is detected early in the localized stage. Early treatment can help prevent the cancer from progressing, and, in many cases, cure or cause the cancer to go into complete remission. But some people may experience a recurrence. Available data suggests up to 23% of patients experience breast cancer recurrence within the first five years.

Recurrent breast cancer occurs when something activates the dormant cancer cells (which may be hiding nearby in the breast or in another part of your body) and they begin to grow and spread to other parts of the body. Factors that are known to increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence include: younger age, larger tumors, involvement of lymph nodes, inflammatory breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer , obesity, not receiving radiation therapy or endocrine therapy. 

Chemotherapy injury to non-cancer cells may also trigger breast cancer recurrence, as revealed by a study recently published in the open access journal PLOS Biology. 

A deleterious effect of cancer chemotherapy revealed

The study by Dr. Ramya Ganesan of Emory University, US, and colleagues suggested that a standard chemotherapy drug can cause injuries to the surrounding non-cancer cells, which can then awaken dormant cancer cells and promote cancer growth.

Chemotherapy treatment is used to kill all cancer cells, but often, some cells enter a state of dormancy. The researchers found that chemotherapy drug docetaxel can injure stromal cells (connective tissue cells that are found in breast and other tissue) even at very low doses.

This caused the injured stromal cells to release two key cell signaling molecules, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), that trigger the growth of the dormant cells. 

This led to the finding of new anti-cancer targets. They also found that antibodies that neutralized either G-CSF or IL-6, or a drug that blocked the mediator of those signals within cancer cells, inhibited awakening from dormancy. 

 

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posted by G S Iyer at 9:35 AM 0 comments