The impact of zinc deficiency on our immunity

As doctors, scientists and researchers globally are still studying the novel Coronavirus and discovering how the infection works and new ways to treat it, there is an avalanche of information that might be conflicting sometimes. However, doctors world over have to come to the consensus that building a robust immune system will give you a better chance of combating the virus should you contract it. Zinc is one such micronutrient that helps in building immunity and recent studies show that zinc inhibits coronavirus by blocking a key enzyme. Scientific evidence documented in the past few decades shows that consumption of zinc plays a significant role against viral infections including human respiratory infections because of its immuno-nutrient properties. According to a study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health- ‘Inadequate zinc intake in India: past, present and future’ inadequate zinc intake has been rising in India for decades, causing tens of millions of people to become newly deficient in it. Zinc deficiency has caused a malnutrition problem worldwide. The study states that the highest rate of inadequate zinc intake was concentrated mainly in the southern and northeastern states of India with rice-dominated diets: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Manipur and Meghalaya. Thus, zinc intake for Indians is of paramount importance.

Coronaviruses is the old common cold virus which causes 30-40% of common colds discovered in the Common Cold Unit in 1964 form UK .Zinc has been studied for more than four decades in common cold therapies . The odds of getting a cold with people taking zinc preventatively is one third less . Essentially Zinc’s properties help in reducing the severity and duration of the cold. It is an essential mineral that our body cannot make by itself, hence we need to make sure our diet is zinc-rich along with other nutrients.

Zinc deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world, yet it is essential for healthy immune function. Zinc is needed for immune cell development and communication and plays an important role in inflammatory response. Zinc supplementation may prove beneficial against coronavirus infection by providing an additional immunity defense. This given point in time, keeping your immunity system strong and making healthy lifestyle choices is the need of the hour.

Also, assessment of nutritional status of COVID19 patients before administration of general treatment is important as immune response is weakened due to inadequate nutrition. We all need to build strong immnunity in corona and covid times like a safety net or “kavach” around us.

Fortifying your immunity system against colds and flu’s is essential now more than ever. A balanced diet and attention to macro and micronutrients is the basis of building a vigorous immune system. Your meal needs to have the right amount of vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. Zinc also should be consumed judiciously because an overdose of zinc can cause indigestion, headaches and nausea. Zinc not only has immunity-boosting properties but also makes sure your metabolism is strong. Its important to have the right amount of zinc in your body. 

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

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

High dose statins can increase osteoporosis risk finds Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases study

A higher dose of statins, the cholesterol-lowering drug, could increase the risk of osteoporosis,  a recent has found. However, at low doses statins provide protection against bone resorption.
According to the study, whether statins decrease or increase the risk of osteoporosis is dependent on their dosage. At low doses, statins provide protection against bone resorption. However, the higher the dosage of statins greater is the risk of osteoporosis. In short, osteoporosis is underrepresented in low-dose and over-represented in high-dose statin treatment. Findings are based on an analysis of millions of patient data.

Osteoporosis is one of the most commonly occurring metabolic bone disorders. It is characterised by decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in which bones become weak and brittle. This increases the bone fragility making it susceptible to fracture.

Statins are cholesterol-lowering drugs that help the heart and brain by preventing artery plaques- buildups of cholesterol, calcium and other substances in blood vessels-- from blocking blood flow and causing a heart attack or stroke. They are among the most prescribed drugs worldwide.

Whether HMG-CoA-reductase inhibition, the main mechanism of statins, plays a role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, is not entirely known so far. Researchers conducted the study to investigate the relationship of different kinds and dosages of statins with osteoporosis, hypothesising that the inhibition of the synthesis of cholesterol could influence sex-hormones and therefore the diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Statins inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol from the liver. This lowers blood cholesterol. However, cholesterol is crucially important for many processes in the body. Among other things, it is a basic building block for the production of sex hormones such as estradiol and testosterone.

For the investigation, the researchers used Big Data. They obtained access to the health data of more than 7.9 million Australians between 2006-2007. From this big data set the patients who regularly took statins for at least one year were filtered out. The researchers also calculated the daily dosage of statins and formed different dosage groups. In a further step, the interdisciplinary team filtered out osteoporosis diagnoses.

Key findings of the study include-
* statin treatment was associated with an over-representation of diagnosed osteoporosis compared with controls.
* there was a highly non-trivial dependence of statin dosage with the ORs of osteoporosis.
* Osteoporosis was underrepresented in low-dose statin treatment ) 0-10mg per day) including lovastatin, pravastatin, simvasatin and rosuvastatin.

The exceeding of the 40 mg threshold for simvastatin and the exceeding of a 20 mg threshold for atorastatin and for rosuvastatin was related to an over-representation of osteoporosis.

We know that low concentrations of sex hormones- especially the drop in estrogen levels during menopause-- are the main cause for the increase of osteoporosis in women, explains a Dr.  There is a similar relationship between bone density and testosterone. We were interested in whether the inhibition of cholesterol production by statins has an effect on bone formation and whether there could be a dose-response relationship.

In the lower dose groups, there were fewer osteoporosis cases than expected, points out the Dr. At doses up to 10mg of the statins lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin or rosuvastatin, the scientists found fewer osteoporosis diagnoses compared to patients without statin therapy. With doses of 20 mg, and more, however,  this seems to turn. We found more osteoporosis cases in patients treated with simvastatin, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin than expected, explains the Dr. The higher the dosage, the stronger the effect.

In earlier, joint studies we saw how helpful large data sets can be to examine open medical questions, says the leader of the study. The combination of medical expertise with our knowledge in big data analysis makes completely new insights possible. According to the researcher, the newly discovered correlation between statin therapy and osteoporosis risk should now be investigated in clinical studies.

With such results, we're coming closer to truly personalised and individualised medicine, maintains the Dr. We can now advise high-risk osteoporosis patients undergoing statin therapy to have their bone metabolism regularly monitored.

We propose that monitoring high-risk patients, that is postmenopausal female patients under high-dosage statin therapy, might be useful in order to offer individual therapy to prevent or treat osteoporosis. This, larger and prospective studies with a focus on dosages of statins should be conducted in order to clarify the relationship with osteoporosis, concluded the authors.
this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement   

Connection between gut and brain holds answers to obesity

A recent study  has revealed that there is a strong connection between your gut and brain which leads to weight gain by the consumption of those extra servings.

Mice consuming a high-fat diet show increased levels of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), a hormone produced in the gut that is involved in managing the body's energy balance.

The study found out that the excess GIP travels through the blood to the brain where it inhibits the action of leptin, the satiety hormone; consequently, the animals continue eating and gain weight. Blocking the interaction of GIP with the brain restores leptin's ability to inhibit appetite and results in weight loss in mice.

Researchers know that leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells, is important in the control of body weight both in humans and mice. Leptin works by triggering in the brain the sensation of feeling full when we have eaten enough, and we stop eating. However, in obesity resulting from consuming a high-fat diet or overeating, the body stops responding to leptin signals it does not feel full, and eating continues, leading to weight gain.

"My colleagues and I started looking for what causes leptin resistance in the brain when we eat fatty foods. Using cultured brain slices in Petri dishes we screened blood circulating factors for their ability to stop leptin actions. After several years of efforts, we discovered a connection between the gut hormone GIP and leptin." said the author and assistant professor of paediatric.

GIP is one of the incretin hormones produced in the gut in response to eating and known for its ability to influence the body's energy management. To determine whether GIP was involved in leptin resistance, researchers first confirmed that the GIP receptor, the molecule on cells that binds to GIP and mediates its effects, is expressed in the brain.

The researchers evaluated the effect blocking the GIP receptor would have on obesity by infusing directly into the brain a monoclonal antibody developed by a Dr. that effectively prevents the GIP-GIP receptor interaction. This significantly reduced the bodyweight of high-fat-diet-fed obese mice.

"In summary, when eating a balanced diet, GIP levels do not increase and leptin works as expected, triggering in the brain the feeling of being full when the animal has eaten enough and the mice stop eating," the Dr. said.


"But, when the animals eat a high-fat diet and become obese, the levels of blood GIP increase. GIP flows into the hypothalamus where it inhibits leptin's action. Consequently, the animals do not feel full, overeat and gain weight. Blocking the interaction of GIP with the hypothalamus of obese mice restores leptin's ability to inhibit appetite and reduces body weight," added the Prof.

Although more research is needed, the researchers speculate that these findings might one day be translated into weight loss strategies that restore the brain's ability to respond to leptin by inhibiting the anti-leptin effect of GIP.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                       https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                     FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                   

                                https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

Gut bacteria found in mice could help humans with obesity issues

A specific class of bacteria called Clostridia found in the gut of mice prevents them from becoming obese, researchers claim these may similarly control weight in humans. “Now that we’ve found the minimal bacteria responsible for this slimming effect, we have the potential to really understand what the organisms are doing and whether they have therapeutic value,” said co-senior author of the study.

Researchers  found that Clostridia prevents weight gain by blocking the intestine’s ability to absorb fat. Mice experimentally treated so that Clostridia were the only bacteria living in their gut were leaner with less fat than mice that had no microbiome at all. They also had lower levels of a gene, CD36, that regulates the body’s uptake of fatty acids.

These insights could lead to a therapeutic approach, the author said, with advantages over the fecal transplants and probiotics that are now being widely investigated as ways to restore a healthy microbiota. Therapeutics such as these, that are based on transferring living microbiome to the gut, won’t work for everyone due to differences in diet and other factors that influence which bacteria can survive and thrive.

The current study found that one or more molecules produced by Clostridia prevented the gut from absorbing fat. The next step is to isolate these molecules and further characterize how they work to determine whether they could inspire focused treatments for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other related metabolic disorders.

“These bacteria have evolved to live with us and benefit us. We have a lot to learn from them. ,” said, one of the researchers.

Finding that mice with a compromised immune system couldn’t help but become obese was a discovery that almost didn’t happen.The author brought the Dr. into the lab at the right time to see that mice genetically engineered to lack myd88, a gene central to the immune response, were “as fat as pancakes.” She had let the rodents age longer than usual, revealing an unappreciated link between immunity and obesity.

Still, the observation didn’t answer the question why the animals became overweight.

Based on previous research she had carried out in the Round lab, she suspected the microbiome was involved. She had helped demonstrate that one role of the immune system is to maintain balance among the diverse array of bacteria in the gut. Impairing the body’s defenses can cause certain bacterial species to dominate over others. Sometimes, the shift negatively impacts health.

Following a similar logic, the researchers determined that the obesity observed in immune-compromised mice stemmed from the failure of the body’s defense system to appropriately recognize bacteria. These mice produced fewer of the antibodies that ordinarily latch onto the microbiome like target-seeking missiles. This change made the gut less hospitable for Clostridia, leading to more fat absorption and excessive weight gain. Over time, the mice also developed signs of type 2 diabetes.

The author points out that research by others have shown that people who are obese similarly lack Clostridia, mirroring the situation in these mice. There are also some indications that people who are obese or have type 2 diabetes may have a suboptimal immune response. The hope is that understanding these connections will provide new insights into preventing and treating these pervasive health conditions.

“We’ve stumbled onto a relatively unexplored aspect of type 2 diabetes and obesity. This work will open new investigations on how the immune response regulates the microbiome and metabolic disease,” the author concluded.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                      FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                    

                                https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

7 Reasons Why You Might Be Having Frequent Sinus Problems

10-30% of people worldwide suffer from sinus infections each year, and for many people, sinus problems tend to recur every year or even every season. This alarming tendency of frequent painful and debilitating sinus infections is not a simple task to wrap your head around.
Is there a reason why you or your loved ones suffer from recurrent sinusitis? It turns out there is a whole host of causes of chronic sinus infections, and in this article, we review the 7 most common ones.
Sinusitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the mucous membrane of the sinuses. An illustration of the area affected by the infection can be seen below.

A person suffering from sinusitis may exhibit the following symptoms:

• thick nasal mucus
• a plugged nose
• facial pain
• fever
• headaches
• a poor sense of smell
• a sore throat
• a cough

Now let's finally discuss the 7 most common causes of chronic sinus infections.

1. A Deviated Septum

A nasal septum deviation is a disorder, which involves the displacement of the arch of the nose called septum. When you have a deviated septum, you are at a higher risk of developing a sinus infection because there is an obstruction blocking your nose.

Keep in mind that some people have a naturally bent nose, or simply a narrow nasal passage, so not only trauma can cause a deviated septum. In fact, about 80% of the population have a deviated septum without ever suspecting this.

2. Allergies

An allergic reaction commonly manifests itself in the form of a blocked or runny nose and watery eyes, because the allergen irritates your nose, causing the mucous membrane in your nose to swell up.

This swelling and discharge from your eyes and nose can spread to your sinuses as well, and this can lead to the inflammation of the area. If you know that you’re at risk of developing sinusitis, avoid the allergen at all costs and take your allergy medications to reduce the swelling.

3. Asthma

According to some estimates, 3 out of 4 asthma sufferers have chronic sinus infections.

Luckily, if you have asthma, you are most likely already taking antihistamines and steroids that can help prevent a sinus infection. If not, it is a necessary measure to prevent respiratory infections. In fact, you have to be especially careful at preventing inflammation in your sinuses, as sinusitis can worsen your asthma symptoms.

4. Pollution

For those of you who are urban dwellers, it may be interesting to know that there is a strong correlation between air pollution and sinusitis.

A 2017 animal study even managed to mimic chronic sinusitis symptoms in mice by exposing them to pollutants. So make sure to wear a mask if you know that the air is polluted in your area and you’re prone to sinus problems.

5. A Weakened or Compromised Immune System

Individuals who have a weakened immune system have a greater likelihood of developing all kinds of chronic respiratory infections, including, but not limited to bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis.

This category includes infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with other chronic conditions, patients with transplants, and many others. Make sure to prevent any colds or other infections, as your immune system will likely not be able to resist the germs.

6. Frequent Colds

The common cold is the leading cause of an acute sinus infection, as a stuffy nose or an infection in your nose can quickly and easily spread to your sinuses.
So, if you sneeze and blow your nose all winter, you’re at a higher risk of developing a sinus infection. If you have a cold that persists for longer than 10 days, it's best to talk to your doctor, as you may have a sinus infection.

7. Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are growths in your nasal cavity that can obstruct the air passageway and cause inflammation in the nose and sinuses.

What’s worse, nasal polyps themselves can mimic sinusitis and nasal congestion symptoms, such as a stuffy nose and a decreased sense of smell. The polyps have to be treated or removed surgically, otherwise, they can develop and obstruct the nasal cavity almost completely.

A friendly reminder that we urge you to talk about all of your health concerns with a doctor. The information is provided in this article for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose an illness.

 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                         FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           

                                                                           FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                  https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com