How fat molecules trigger inflammation

Researchers have found how fat molecules in the blood stream interact with blood vessel cells and trigger inflammation, an advance that may lead to better understanding of tissue injury related to kidney damage or heart disease.

The study, noted that patients with elevated levels of fat molecules called triglycerides in their blood had a significantly higher mortality rate than groups with a similar health history.

The researchers said adopting a low-fat diet can significantly extend the life expectancy of high-risk patients, such as those with diabetes or those with high blood pressure.

According to the researchers, blood triglyceride levels rise substantially in people who eat a high-fat diet. 

“As a result of biochemical changes, the triglycerides develop toxic properties that activate the body’s innate immune system. This initiates a series of self-destructive processes including those in which the walls of the arteries are attacked and the blood vessels become occluded, reducing blood flow,” explained the study co-author.

The study offers a link between the chronic inflammation triggered by high levels of triglyceride in the blood, and secondary diseases such as kidney failure or heart attack.

“We hope that our results will help in developing new strategies for treating and preventing these life-threatening diseases,” he said. 

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Fixing a bad back

Back pain is a common reason for absence from work and for seeking medical treatment. It can be uncomfortable and debilitating. “Lower back pain is caused by spinal degeneration and injury. Conditions linked to back pain are muscle or ligament strain,” says a Dr.

Time to see a doctor:

• Feel intense or constant pain
• Develop pain that extends down one or both legs
• Have weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs
• Experience swelling, redness or unintentional weight loss
• Can’t work, sleep or perform daily activities
• Experienced a trauma such as a car crash or fall
• Develop a fever
• Trouble passing stool or urinating

The human back is composed of a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, tendons, disks and bones, which work together to support the body.
“People with ongoing or recurrent episodes of lower back pain should consider the benefits of walking as a low-impact form of exercise. Aerobic exercise has long been shown to reduce the incidence of low back pain. However, for some back conditions, walking will aggravate or cause too much pain to be bearable,” warns the Dr.

Causes
The segments of the spine are cushioned with cartilage-like pads called disks. “Problems with any of these components can lead to back pain. In some cases, the cause remains unclear. Damage can result from strain, medical conditions and poor posture among others,” he adds.

Strain
Back pain commonly stems from strain, tension or injury. Frequent causes are:
Strained muscles or ligaments
A muscle spasm
Muscle tension
Damaged disks
Injuries, fractures or falls
Activities that can lead to strains or spasms include:
Lifting something improperly
Lifting something that is too heavy
Making an abrupt and awkward movement
Structural problems
A number of structural problems may also result in back pain.

Ruptured discs: Each vertebra in the spine is cushioned by disks. If the disk ruptures, there will be more pressure on a nerve, resulting in back pain.

Bulging disks:  In much the same way as ruptured disks, a bulging disk can result in pressure on a nerve.

Sciatica: A sharp and shooting pain travels through the buttock and down the back of the leg, caused by a bulging or herniated disk pressing on a nerve.

Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can cause problems with the joints in the hips, lower back, and other places. In some cases, the space around the spinal cord narrows. This is known as spinal stenosis.

Abnormal curvature: If the spine curves in an unusual way, back pain can result. An example is scoliosis, in which the spine curves to the side.

Osteoporosis: Bones, including the vertebrae of the spine, become brittle and porous, making fractures more likely.

Kidney problems: Kidney stones or kidney infection can cause back pain.

Risk factors

• The following factors are linked to a higher risk of developing low back pain:
• occupational activities
• pregnancy
• a sedentary lifestyle
• Poor physical fitness
• Advanced age
• Obesity and excess weight
• Smoking
• Strenuous physical exercise or work, especially if done incorrectly
• Genetic factors
• Medical conditions, such as arthritis and cancer

Diagnosis
An X-ray, MRI or CT scan can give information about the state of the soft tissues in the back.
X-rays can show the alignment of the bones and detect signs of arthritis or broken bones, but may not reveal damage in the muscles, spinal cord, nerves or disks.
MRI or CT scans can reveal herniated disks or problems with tissues, tendons, nerves, ligaments, blood vessels, muscles, and bones.
Bone scans can detect bone tumors or compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. A radioactive substance or tracer is injected into a vein. The tracer collects in the bones and helps the doctor detect bone problems with the aid of a special camera.
Electromyography or EMG measures the electrical impulses produced by nerves in response to muscles. This can confirm nerve compression, which may occur with a herniated disk or spinal stenosis.

Surgery
“Surgery for back pain is very rare. If a patient has a herniated disk, surgery may be an option, especially if there is persistent pain and nerve compression which can lead to muscle weakness,” says  the Dr.
Examples of surgical procedures include:
Endoscopic discectomy
Endoscopic decompression of stenosis
Microdiscectomy
Fusion

Medical treatment
Medication: Back pain that does not respond well to OTC painkillers may require a
prescription NSAID. Codeine or hydrocodone, which are narcotics, may be prescribed for short periods. These require close monitoring by the doctor. In some cases, muscle relaxants may be used.
Antidepressants: such as amitriptyline may be prescribed, but research is ongoing as to their effectiveness, and the evidence is conflicting.

Physical therapy: Applying heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation - as well as some muscle-release techniques to the back muscles and soft tissues — may help alleviate pain. As the pain improves, the physical therapist may introduce some flexibility and strength exercises for the back and abdominal muscles. Techniques for improving posture may also help. The patient will be encouraged to practice the techniques regularly, even after the pain has gone, to prevent back pain recurrence.

Cortisone injections: If other options are not effective, these may be injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord. Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory drug. It helps reduce inflammation around the nerve roots. Injections may also be used to numb areas thought to be causing the pain.

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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Strong Muscles Can Extend Your Life Expectancy

If you're looking for a little motivation to get your butt to the gym, then here it is, since according to a recent study, having stronger muscles may actually extend your life expectancy.
The researchers carefully analyzed data, which has been available to the public for the purpose of research on aging since 1990. They analyzed the data of 8,326 people aged 65 and over, and noticed that people with weaker muscles had a 50% chance of passing away earlier than those with stronger muscles.
According to the researcher, "maintaining muscle strength throughout life - and especially in later life - is extremely important for longevity and aging independently.”
The researchers measured the participants' muscles strength by using a dynamometer, which needs to be squeezed by the participant in order to determine their hand grip strength. Women whose hand grip strength was less than 48 pounds and men whose hand grip strength was under 85 pounds were labeled as having weak muscles, and these groups made up 46% of the total sample together.
The results of this trial have led the team to conclude that measuring grip strength needs to become a staple of routine physicals, especially considering that they are both highly cost-effective and easy to perform.
According to the researcher, "this study further highlights the importance of integrating grip strength measurements into routine care—not just for older adults but even in midlife,” and that "having hand grip strength be an integral part of routine care would allow for earlier interventions, which could lead to increased longevity and independence for individuals.”
If you want to measure your own muscle strength in the comfort of your own home, you can actually order your own dynamometer from the internet, which you can use to motivate you to start building some muscle before it's too late.

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