Today people in Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil tout yacon syrup as a low calorie, low sugar food that can help with diabetes, digestive disorders, and kidney problems. So could this syrup, which is said to taste like raisins or figs, really do all this and aid in weight loss?
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Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
America Tops List of 10 Most Obese Countries
America Tops List of 10 Most Obese Countries
America's waistline continues to expand, according to a study published today in The Lancet. The obesity epidemic remains the biggest public health issue facing the country, and despite awareness of the need to get in shape, more than a third of the country is now obese.
But it's not just America – much of the developed world has seen similar increases, according to the study. India and China together make up 15 percent of the world’s obese population, and in Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico, the obesity rate is upward of 57 percent for men and 65 percent for women. Worldwide, the number of overweight and obese people increased from 857 million in 1980 to 2.1 billion in 2013 – an increase of more than 145 percent.
America's waistline continues to expand, according to a study published today in The Lancet. The obesity epidemic remains the biggest public health issue facing the country, and despite awareness of the need to get in shape, more than a third of the country is now obese.
But it's not just America – much of the developed world has seen similar increases, according to the study. India and China together make up 15 percent of the world’s obese population, and in Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico, the obesity rate is upward of 57 percent for men and 65 percent for women. Worldwide, the number of overweight and obese people increased from 857 million in 1980 to 2.1 billion in 2013 – an increase of more than 145 percent.
Goodbye root canals? Researchers use lasers to regrow parts of teeth | Fox News
Goodbye root canals? Researchers use lasers to regrow parts of teeth | Fox News: In a new study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, lead researcher Praveen Arany and colleagues detailed how they used focused laser light therapy on rats to stimulate the growth of lost dentin, the calcified tissue that comprises teeth. They noted that if the therapy proves effective in humans, it could potentially eliminate the need for crowns, fillings and other complex dental operations in the future.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Herbal Treatments for Clostridium Difficile | LIVESTRONG.COM
Herbal Treatments for Clostridium Difficile | LIVESTRONG.COM: Clostridium difficile, also known as C. difficile, is a type of bacteria found naturally occurring in the gut of two-thirds of children and three percent of adults, according to the National Health Service in the U.K. In healthy people, these bacteria do not cause problems. However, when the natural balance of "good" interflora in the gut is disturbed, it can cause C. difficile bacteria to multiply and release toxins, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea and fever as well as loss of appetite and weight loss. A person exhibiting these symptoms for several days or more may be suffering from C. difficile infection.
Only Parents Can Keep Children Off Path To Obesity, Ill Health
Only Parents Can Keep Children Off Path To Obesity, Ill Health
When parents dream of a future for their children, it doesn't include diabetes, strokes, heart disease, osteoarthritis or several types of cancers. Those are a few of the severe ailments that the federal Centers for Disease Control attribute to adult obesity. We need to ensure that children will grow up to become healthy and fully functioning members of society by providing them with healthy meals and lifestyles right from birth.
A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that, over the past 30 years, the percentage of overweight youth in our country has increased annually — tripling overall since the 1980s. We need to buck that trend by educating our children about the importance of health. All parents need to do their part to ensure that eating healthy and exercising are entrenched in children's minds.
When parents dream of a future for their children, it doesn't include diabetes, strokes, heart disease, osteoarthritis or several types of cancers. Those are a few of the severe ailments that the federal Centers for Disease Control attribute to adult obesity. We need to ensure that children will grow up to become healthy and fully functioning members of society by providing them with healthy meals and lifestyles right from birth.
A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that, over the past 30 years, the percentage of overweight youth in our country has increased annually — tripling overall since the 1980s. We need to buck that trend by educating our children about the importance of health. All parents need to do their part to ensure that eating healthy and exercising are entrenched in children's minds.
Placenta Might Have Its Own Helpful Bacteria – WebMD
Placenta Might Have Its Own Helpful Bacteria – WebMD: How newborns receive the colonies of helpful bacteria that reside in all people and make human life possible has been a mystery.
A new study suggests that the placenta -- long thought a sterile environment -- actually contains a small but diverse bacterial community (a "microbiome") that might serve a crucial role in preparing newborns for life outside the womb.
"We hypothesize it's the first feeding of the infant's microbiome," said lead author Dr. Kjersti Aagaard, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. "The different bacteria that we observed in the placenta are the same bacteria we see in the infant in the first week of life."
The bacteria in the placenta most closely resemble the bacteria that normally reside in a person's mouth, the researchers noted.
A new study suggests that the placenta -- long thought a sterile environment -- actually contains a small but diverse bacterial community (a "microbiome") that might serve a crucial role in preparing newborns for life outside the womb.
"We hypothesize it's the first feeding of the infant's microbiome," said lead author Dr. Kjersti Aagaard, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. "The different bacteria that we observed in the placenta are the same bacteria we see in the infant in the first week of life."
The bacteria in the placenta most closely resemble the bacteria that normally reside in a person's mouth, the researchers noted.
Disruption of circadian rhythms may contribute to inflammatory disease
Disruption of circadian rhythms may contribute to inflammatory disease: A disruption of circadian rhythms, when combined with a high-fat, high-sugar diet, may contribute to inflammatory bowel disease and other harmful conditions, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at Rush University Medical Center. The study is online at the peer-reviewed, open-access journal, PLOS ONE.
Obesity rate reaches new high | BenefitsPro
Obesity rate reaches new high | BenefitsPro: The obesity rate among U.S. adults is the highest ever — now sitting at 27.7 percent, according to new Gallup numbers.
That’s up from the 27.1 percent average in 2013, which was, at the time, the highest annual rate measured by the polling.
According to Gallup, black adults still have the highest obesity rate of any group (35.5 percent), while young adults between ages 18 and 29 have the lowest (17 percent).
That’s up from the 27.1 percent average in 2013, which was, at the time, the highest annual rate measured by the polling.
According to Gallup, black adults still have the highest obesity rate of any group (35.5 percent), while young adults between ages 18 and 29 have the lowest (17 percent).
Everything You've Heard About The Causes Of Rising Obesity Is Wrong
Everything You've Heard About The Causes Of Rising Obesity Is Wrong: People exercise quite a lot, society has access to diverse fresh fruits and vegetables and yet most economic, educational, and racial or ethnic groups have seen their obesity levels rise at similar rates since the mid-1980s, so there is no demographic correlation to obesity. Yet the social sciences draw maps to city parks and farmer's markets and claim more of those would keep people from getting fat, or tout that economic redistribution would lead to less fast food.
Malaria vaccine could be ready in TWO YEARS - and would save 620,000 lives a year | Mail Online
Malaria vaccine could be ready in TWO YEARS - and would save 620,000 lives a year | Mail Online: Scientists have created a ‘revolutionary’ vaccine that can protect against lethal strains of malaria and save hundreds of thousands of lives year.
The vaccine, been developed from Tanzanian children naturally resistant to the disease, works by imprisoning the Malaria-causing parasites inside the red blood cells they infect.
The researchers said that an experimental vaccine based on this idea protected mice in five trials and will be tested on lab monkeys beginning in the next four to six weeks.
The vaccine, been developed from Tanzanian children naturally resistant to the disease, works by imprisoning the Malaria-causing parasites inside the red blood cells they infect.
The researchers said that an experimental vaccine based on this idea protected mice in five trials and will be tested on lab monkeys beginning in the next four to six weeks.
Diabetic Women more Prone to Heart Disease: Study
Diabetic Women more Prone to Heart Disease: Study: Patients dealing with diabetes may also be at an increased risk for other health issues, including coronary heart disease (CHD). The findings of a recent study show that for women in particular, diabetes can increase the risk of developing CHD.
'Historic' first ever drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy approved - Telegraph
'Historic' first ever drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy approved - Telegraph: The first ever drug to combat Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a life threatening muscle wasting condition, has been approved by medicines regulators and hailed by experts as 'historic'.
Translarna, also known as ataluren, prompts the body to manufacture a protein that protects against muscle damage which is absent in children with the disease.
The drug has been licensed under special measures allowed for medicines to treat life threatening diseases where no other alternative drug is available.
Translarna, also known as ataluren, prompts the body to manufacture a protein that protects against muscle damage which is absent in children with the disease.
The drug has been licensed under special measures allowed for medicines to treat life threatening diseases where no other alternative drug is available.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Diabetes rates skyrocket in kids and teens
Diabetes rates skyrocket in kids and teens: The amount of type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease, climbed 21% from 2000 to 2009, to 1.93 per 1,000 children. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes — which is associated with obesity — jumped more than 30% in the same period, to a rate of 0.46 per 1,000 kids, according to a study presented Saturday at the Pediatric Academic Societies' meeting in Vancouver, Canada.
Nationwide, nearly 167,000 children and teens younger than 20 have type 1 diabetes, while more than 20,000 have type 2, says study author Dana Dabelea, of the Colorado School of Public Health in Aurora, Colo.
Nationwide, nearly 167,000 children and teens younger than 20 have type 1 diabetes, while more than 20,000 have type 2, says study author Dana Dabelea, of the Colorado School of Public Health in Aurora, Colo.
Diabetes macular edema, a underestimated visual problem
Diabetes macular edema, a underestimated visual problem: It is not uncommon for diabetic macular edema to present after the onset of diabetic retinopathy, a complex process of deterioration of the retina that produces the obstruction of blood vessels and the occurrence of bleeding, because of high levels of blood glucose. In an estimated of 70 percent of patients with diabetic retinopathy, macular edema will eventually develop.
Israeli discovery could reverse Alzheimer's damage | The Times of Israel
Israeli discovery could reverse Alzheimer's damage | The Times of Israel: Research by a Tel Aviv University team may point the way to protecting cells from the damage wrought by Alzheimer’s disease, and even reverse damage that the disease caused before treatment. The method involves a protein similar to one which protects the brain from damage, but which is lacking in Alzheimer’s patients.
Is Prostate Inflammation a Risk Factor for Prostate Cancer?
Is Prostate Inflammation a Risk Factor for Prostate Cancer?: One question asked by doctors is whether inflammation of the prostate gland ‒ medically known as prostatitis ‒ has any long-term consequences. Some studies have suggested that it can increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer.
Although many men never develop symptoms of prostatitis, others will complain of problems with urination, such as pain or burning, slowing of the stream, frequency and urgency, and possibly fever or pain in the back and perineum. Although it can occur at any age, younger men are more likely to be affected. Sometimes it is caused by bacteria, but often there is no clear explanation. Some men develop recurring symptoms that can linger for several years before ultimately disappearing.
Although many men never develop symptoms of prostatitis, others will complain of problems with urination, such as pain or burning, slowing of the stream, frequency and urgency, and possibly fever or pain in the back and perineum. Although it can occur at any age, younger men are more likely to be affected. Sometimes it is caused by bacteria, but often there is no clear explanation. Some men develop recurring symptoms that can linger for several years before ultimately disappearing.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Health benefits of red wine antioxidant questioned in study - Medical News Today
Health benefits of red wine antioxidant questioned in study - Medical News Today: Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in grapes, red wine, peanuts, chocolate and certain berries, and it has been credited with a large number of health benefits in various studies. Now, however, a research team presents findings that question whether such benefits come from the compound.
Study shows higher risk of death for obese breast cancer patients | Fox News
Study shows higher risk of death for obese breast cancer patients | Fox News: A new study of 80,000 women with early breast cancer found that obesity was associated with a 34 percent higher risk of death for pre-menopausal women whose disease is susceptible to higher levels of the hormone estrogen.
The study, featured ahead of the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago beginning on May 30, adds to the accumulation of evidence that obesity is a risk factor for cancer outcomes as well as development of the disease.
The study, featured ahead of the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago beginning on May 30, adds to the accumulation of evidence that obesity is a risk factor for cancer outcomes as well as development of the disease.
Japan's women first, men eighth in longevity poll | The Japan Times
Japan's women first, men eighth in longevity poll | The Japan Times: Japanese women remained No. 1 in average life expectancy in 2012, outpacing their counterparts in Spain, Switzerland and Singapore, while the men ranked eighth, tying Sweden, according to the World Health Organization.
Japan has ranked high on the list for more than 20 years, but other countries expect to catch up because of its high smoking rate, especially among men.
Japan has ranked high on the list for more than 20 years, but other countries expect to catch up because of its high smoking rate, especially among men.
New blood, urine tests find 5 distinct types of depression, researcher says | Fox News
New blood, urine tests find 5 distinct types of depression, researcher says | Fox News: A researcher says he has identified multiple types of depression, including three that don't involve serotonin. And he says all can easily be diagnosed with blood or urine tests.
Most psychiatrists believe that depression is caused by low levels of the chemical serotonin. This is why the treatment for depression is often selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which boost serotonin levels in the brain.
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But a new study suggests that there are at least five biotypes of clinical depression. William J. Walsh, Ph.D., president of the Walsh Research Institute, and his team looked at about 300,000 blood and urine chemistry test results and 200,000 medical history factors from approximately 2,800 patients diagnosed with depression. They found that five major depression biotypes represented about 95 percent of the patients.
Most psychiatrists believe that depression is caused by low levels of the chemical serotonin. This is why the treatment for depression is often selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which boost serotonin levels in the brain.
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But a new study suggests that there are at least five biotypes of clinical depression. William J. Walsh, Ph.D., president of the Walsh Research Institute, and his team looked at about 300,000 blood and urine chemistry test results and 200,000 medical history factors from approximately 2,800 patients diagnosed with depression. They found that five major depression biotypes represented about 95 percent of the patients.
Sufferers of chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia have hope in new diagnostic tool | Deseret News
Sufferers of chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia have hope in new diagnostic tool | Deseret News: Doctors Alan Light and Kathleen Light from the Anesthesiology Department at the University of Utah have discovered a way to definitively diagnose someone with chronic fatigue syndrome
Human Stem Cells Get Mice With MS-Like Disease Walking Within 2 Weeks : Health : Headlines & Global News
Human Stem Cells Get Mice With MS-Like Disease Walking Within 2 Weeks : Health : Headlines & Global News: "My postdoctoral fellow Dr. Lu Chen came to me and said, 'The mice are walking.' I didn't believe her," co-senior author, Tom Lane, Ph.D., a professor of pathology at the University of Utah, said in a news release.
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The researchers had expected the mice to reject the foreign human stem cells as they would an organ. Six months after the treatment the mice were still improving and showed no signs of stopping.
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The researchers had expected the mice to reject the foreign human stem cells as they would an organ. Six months after the treatment the mice were still improving and showed no signs of stopping.
Paralyzed mice regained the ability to walk after stem cells therapy - West
Paralyzed mice regained the ability to walk after stem cells therapy - West: Stem cells therapy gave paralyzed mice the ability to walk and run again. These astonishing results might be the premise for developing new therapies to stop the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) in humans. In a study published in the journal Stem Cell Reports, researchers at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), University of Utah and University of California (UC) Irvine implanted human stem cells into spinal cords of mice crippled by an autoimmune disease similar to multiple sclerosis (MS). The mice regained the ability to walk and run a couple of weeks after the implantation, and they completely recovered over the next several months.
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