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Doctor Seeks Individuals with Exceptional Stool Quality for Health Study

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Infectious disease expert Elizabeth Homan with stool donor Dmitri

Elizabeth Homan with her valuable stool donor, Mr. Dmitri

Elizabeth Homan

Fecal transplants have become a vital treatment for Clostridioides difficile relapses. However, sourcing high-quality stool donors remains a significant challenge.

“This process can be quite frustrating; only about 1 percent of those who respond to donor ads are in optimal health,” states Elizabeth Homan, an infectious disease specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “Finding qualified donors is tough, so we really appreciate their generosity.” Over the years, some donors have contributed their stools over 100 times.

Homan has overseen the fecal transplant program at her hospital for 15 years. Her responsibilities include collecting donations, processing them into oral capsules, and administering them to patients suffering from challenging intestinal conditions, particularly recurrent C. difficile infections that are resistant to antibiotics. The beneficial gut bacteria in the donor’s stool help to eliminate harmful bacteria in the recipient’s gut, alleviating symptoms.

To recruit donors, Homan advertises online, offering $1,200 for a month’s worth of stool donations.

Potential donors undergo a rigorous screening process. Many do not advance past the initial phone interview due to health criteria, such as being a healthcare worker or recent travel to Southeast Asia, both of which heighten the risk of transmitting drug-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, donors need to be within a healthy weight range, as past experiences showed that stools from obese donors could cause adverse reactions in recipients.

Individuals who pass the initial screening undergo comprehensive testing, including blood tests to evaluate their overall health, screenings for infectious diseases like HIV and COVID-19, and rectal examinations to detect any intestinal abnormalities.

Homan’s most successful donors are often fitness enthusiasts with balanced diets. One notable donor is a “semi-professional athlete, personal trainer, and gym owner.” Generally, superior stools result from diets rich in natural foods while minimizing ultra-processed options. “We’ve considered using only vegan donors, but in reality, my best donors have been omnivores,” she notes.

Donation periods typically last from 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, donors are encouraged to make frequent visits to the hospital for donations. “They often have regular bowel movements, coming in around the same time daily after a coffee boost,” Homan explains. Each stool sample is collected in a plastic container and processed in the lab.

Fresh stool is quickly converted into capsules. “I blend it with saline and strain it through a graduated mesh filter,” Homan explains. After additional processing, the liquid is encapsulated. “It’s not pleasant, but you adapt,” she adds.

After each donation period, donors are screened again for any infections, making sure they are not exposed to pathogens like Salmonella. If they test positive, the capsules are discarded, and new donor sourcing begins.

Despite these hurdles, Homan expresses her passion for the job, highlighting the life-changing effects fecal transplants can have on patients. Recently, a patient who was unable to work has returned to a 30-hour work week thanks to the transplant capsules. “I continue this work because it makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” she remarks.

Sadly, Elizabeth Homan is nearing retirement and is struggling to find a replacement. “I keep asking my department, ‘Who’s willing to help?’ The response has been silence. It seems they’re overwhelmed with the basics and hesitant to take on this responsibility.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Doctor Says This Is the Ideal Sleep Environment.

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Many theories exist around the “ideal” sleeping position. One common belief suggests that sleeping on the left side aids digestion.

This notion stems from basic anatomical structure. The stomach is positioned on the left, and its outlet (pylorus) tilts slightly to the right, leading into the small intestine.

Some studies indicate that sleeping on the left side could help decrease acid reflux compared to sleeping on the right, as this position may prevent stomach acid from rising into the esophagus.

If you experience reflux or heartburn, it may be worth experimenting with this position.

That said, digestion occurs regardless of your sleeping posture. So unless you have a specific digestive issue like reflux, your position likely won’t make a significant impact.

Additionally, sleep involves more than just digestion. Sleeping on your back is often recommended to alleviate pressure on the neck and hips. However, this position may contribute to snoring and sleep apnea as it can cause the tongue to fall backward and partially obstruct the airways.

Side sleeping is the most prevalent choice, as it tends to keep airways open, reducing snoring and sleep apnea.

Pregnant women frequently sleep on the left side to enhance blood flow to the baby and alleviate pressure on the liver, though sleeping on the right side is usually acceptable as well.

For those experiencing back or pelvic pain (especially during pregnancy), placing a pillow between your knees can help reduce pressure on the lower back.

So, what is the best sleeping position?

In the end, there is no single best position for everyone. While left-side sleeping may offer benefits for reflux and pregnancy, comfort, spinal support, and the quality of sleep should take precedence for most individuals.

Honestly, no matter how meticulously you position yourself at bedtime, you often wake up drooling on your pillow in a completely different stance!

This article answers the query posed by Tim Hatley of Lincoln: “What is the best place to sleep?”

Please contact us to submit your questions at Question @sciencefocus.com or Message Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram Page (please include your name and location).

Explore our ultimate Fun fact and more fascinating science pages.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Diabetes: Simple Strategies for Reversal and Prevention Explained by a Doctor

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Visualize your body as a large sugar container. At birth, this container is empty. As the years progress, you consume sugar and refined carbohydrates, gradually filling the container. Each time you eat again, if the container is already full, the sugar spills over the edges.

This scenario mirrors what happens in your body. When you consume sugar, your body releases the hormone insulin, allowing sugar to enter the cells for energy. If you don’t adequately burn off this sugar, your cells become saturated over time, and they can no longer effectively utilize it.

Upon consuming sugar again, there is so much present that insulin cannot transport any more, resulting in excess sugar entering the bloodstream. This sugar travels in the form of glucose, and an overload – known as hyperglycemia – is a primary indicator of type 2 diabetes.

When excess glucose exists in the bloodstream, insulin’s ability to facilitate the transfer of sugar to the cells diminishes. Many refer to this as insulin resistance, but the root issue is not with insulin itself; it’s that the cells are overflowing with glucose.

High blood sugar represents just one facet of the problem. Not only is there an excess of glucose in the blood, but there’s also too much in all the cells. Type 2 diabetes manifests as an overflow of glucose throughout the body.

In response to this excess, the body produces more insulin to combat resistance, pushing more glucose into the already overcrowded cells to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

This approach is temporary, as it fails to address the root cause: the surplus sugar. Continuously transferring excess sugar from the bloodstream to the cells only worsens insulin resistance. Eventually, regardless of increased insulin levels, the body cannot force more glucose into the cells.

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So what happens if you don’t eliminate excess glucose? Initially, the body increases insulin production in an effort to drive more glucose into the cells, perpetuating a cycle of resistance.

Glycemic spikes occur when insulin levels cannot keep up with growing tolerance; that’s typically when a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is made.

Doctors may recommend medications like insulin injections or the drug metformin, but these just continuously clear glucose from the blood, redirecting it into other organs like the kidneys, nerves, eyes, and heart, creating further issues without resolving the underlying problem.

Remember the container filled with sugar? Insulin has moved sugar from the blood into a body that cannot handle it. So once you eat again, more sugar spills into the bloodstream, prompting insulin to push it back into the body.

The more glucose your body accepts, the more insulin it needs to combat this resistance. Yet, this insulin will lead to increased resistance as cells expand.

Eventually, if your body surpasses its natural insulin production, you may need medication. Initially, one drug is sufficient, but this can escalate to multiple drugs at higher doses.

The concerning truth is: if you require increasingly larger doses of medication to maintain stable blood sugar, your diabetes is actually worsening.

Type 2 diabetes is reversible and preventable…without medications

Recognizing that type 2 diabetes stems from excess sugar in the body points to the solution: eliminate the sugar. Don’t just hide it—remove it altogether. There are essentially two ways to achieve this.

  1. Reduce sugar intake.
  2. Burn off the remaining sugar.

That’s all there is to it. The best part? It’s natural and completely free—no medications, no surgeries, and no costs involved.

Step 1: Reduce sugar

The initial step is to completely eliminate all sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet. Added sugars lack nutritional value and can be safely omitted. Complex carbohydrates, which are essentially long chains of sugar, and highly refined carbs like wheat flour, digest rapidly into glucose.

The best approach is to minimize or eliminate bread and pasta made from white rice and potatoes, as well as those crafted from white flour.

It’s important to maintain a moderate, rather than high, protein intake. Once ingested, dietary proteins such as meat break down into amino acids. While protein is essential for health, excess amino acids cannot be stored in the body, leading the liver to convert them into glucose. Thus, consuming too much protein can also increase sugar levels, making it advisable to avoid highly processed protein sources like protein shakes, bars, and powders.

What about dietary fats? Natural fats found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil—key components of the Mediterranean diet—are known to minimally affect blood sugar or insulin and have beneficial effects on heart disease and diabetes. Eggs and butter also serve as excellent sources of natural fats.

Dietary cholesterol associated with these foods has proven harmless to human health. Consuming nutritional fats doesn’t contribute to type 2 diabetes or heart disease; rather, it fosters feelings of fullness without introducing sugar into the body.

To limit sugar intake, focus on consuming whole, natural foods. Aim for a diet low in refined carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and high in natural fats.

Step 2: Burn remaining sugar

Exercise—both tolerance training and aerobic activity—can positively impact type 2 diabetes, although dietary adjustments are typically more effective. Fasting is one of the easiest and most reliable methods for burning sugar in the body.

Fasting is essentially the absence of eating. When you eat, your body stores the energy from food. In contrast, when you fast, your body needs to burn stored energy, with glucose being the most accessible energy source. Longer fasting durations can burn away stored sugar.

This may sound drastic, but fasting is the oldest known dietary practice and has been embraced throughout human history without issues. Those on prescription medications should consult their healthcare providers before making changes.

The bottom line? If you don’t eat, your blood sugar will drop. If you refrain from eating, you will lose weight. So, what’s the problem? Largely, it’s unfounded.

A popular fasting strategy includes fasting for 24 hours, 2-3 times a week, or doing 16-hour fasts 5-6 times weekly. The key to reversing type 2 diabetes lies within our reach.

What is essential is an open mind and the courage to challenge conventional beliefs and paradigms.

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This text has been extracted from Diabetes Code: Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally by Dr. Jason Fung—Out Now (£14.99, Greystone Books).

Available for purchase at Amazon, Foyles, or Waterstones.

Photo credit: Jason Fung

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

I’m a Female Health Doctor: Here’s What We Misunderstand About Perimenopause

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Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life when the ovaries cease hormone production, but the journey leading up to this milestone can span several years. This extended phase is known as perimenopause.

On average, menopause occurs around age 51, meaning many women begin noticing symptoms of perimenopause in their mid-40s. These symptoms can vary greatly from one individual to another. While hot flashes and irregular heavy periods are commonly cited, not everyone experiences them.

Additionally, even within the same person, symptoms can differ in type, frequency, and intensity.

More than 75% of women report experiencing a range of symptoms, with about 25% indicating that these symptoms significantly impact their quality of life. Common issues include sleep disturbances, anxiety, and weight gain.

Unfortunately, these symptoms are often overlooked or dismissed by professionals as resulting from other medical conditions.

Symptoms and Treatment

Insomnia is often one of the earliest symptoms, potentially starting in one’s late 30s or early 40s. Research shows up to 60% of women over 40 are affected by sleep problems.

Changes in mood are also common, with women experiencing feelings of anger, irritability, sadness, and depression.

Other possible symptoms include brain fog, memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, joint and muscle pain, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and discomfort.

Many women hesitate to seek medical help due to embarrassment or a desire to avoid making a fuss. While consulting a healthcare provider is crucial, currently, there are no official menopause or perimenopause tests for women older than 45.

This highlights the importance of tracking symptoms and noting when they occur. By discussing these experiences with your doctor, women can collaboratively determine the best treatment options.

For instance, there is robust evidence supporting the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, particularly for alleviating hot flashes and night sweats.

HRT has also been shown to help some women achieve better sleep and may alleviate negative cognitive symptoms. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist with management and stabilize mood and sleep patterns.

However, prescribing clonidine and antidepressants as first-line treatments is considered outdated.

Other studies indicate that HRT may also help maintain bone mineral density and reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures later in life.

HRT encompasses various medications, including estrogen, combinations of estrogen and progestogen (another female hormone), and testosterone. These can be administered through patches or gels.

The type and dosage of HRT depend on the specific condition being managed, individual risks, and personal preferences. There is no definitive cutoff for starting HRT; the benefits must outweigh perceived risks.

New Research

Women undergoing HRT also experience a reduced risk of colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes. Studies have indicated that starting estrogens as part of HRT early in the perimenopausal phase may further lower the risk of coronary heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Specifically, the cardiovascular disease prevention benefits are notable for women who begin HRT in their 50s as compared to those who start after age 60.

However, initiating HRT solely for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia is not recommended. There are known risks associated with certain types of HRT, including an elevated risk of uterine cancer when estrogen-only HRT is used without progestogens, as well as an increased risk of blood clots.

Osteoporosis generally affects older adults and postmenopausal women. HRT can help treat it. – Image credits: Science Photo Library

The primary concern remains breast cancer. This area is complex due to variable risks linked to historical clinical trial data, along with personal and family health histories, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol intake and obesity.

This variability can impact the clinical significance of the data for each individual.

Current evidence suggests that estrogen-only HRTs have little to no correlation with breast cancer risk, while combined HRTs may increase the risk by 3-4 cases per 1,000 women.

Alternative Treatment

Local estrogen HRT, applied topically, has proven very effective for managing vulvar and vaginal pain and dryness, as well as recurrent urinary tract infections.

Moreover, testosterone treatments paired with estrogens may benefit some women with low sexual desire.

Unfortunately, HRT isn’t a panacea. A review of current clinical trials shows no significant improvements in cognitive function, bone density, body composition, strength, or psychological health for women undergoing treatment.

Many women may opt against HRT, particularly those with a history of breast cancer.

Previously, alternative treatments were limited, primarily focusing on antidepressants and clonidine. These options have shown limited effectiveness and significant side effects. Recently, the new non-hormonal medication Fezolinetant has received approval for managing blood flow issues.

Natural Relief

In addition to medication, lifestyle and behavioral modifications—like improving sleep, increasing physical activity, and adopting better nutrition—carry no associated risks and can yield significant benefits.

Starting with sleep is often beneficial. When well-rested, focusing on enhancing activity and diet becomes more manageable.

Implementing good sleep hygiene practices, avoiding screens before bedtime, maintaining a consistent sleep routine, and utilizing CBT have all been shown to mitigate insomnia and other sleep disorders in women undergoing menopause.

Increasing activity levels can also be incredibly beneficial. Strength training exercises help build and maintain muscle and bone density, which helps prevent osteoporosis, enhances flexibility, and reduces insulin resistance.

Aerobic activities such as running, swimming, and cycling can improve long-term heart and brain health. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fresh foods while limiting ultra-processed items is advantageous at any life stage.

Although menopause can be challenging, various proven interventions can assist in making this transition smoother.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

I’m a Female Health Doctor: Myths About Perimenopause Explained

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Menopause marks a pivotal moment in a woman’s life when the ovaries cease hormone production, but the transition leading up to this significant event can span several years, known as perimenopause.

On average, women experience menopause around age 51, resulting in most women starting to notice perimenopause symptoms in their mid-40s. These symptoms can differ greatly among women, with hot flashes and irregular heavy periods often recognized as indicators, although not everyone experiences the same symptoms.

Additionally, even within the same individual, symptoms can vary in type, frequency, and intensity.

Over 75% of women report experiencing a range of symptoms, with about 25% stating that their symptoms significantly impact their quality of life. Symptoms can include sleep disturbances, anxiety, and weight gain.

It’s worth noting that these symptoms have historically been overlooked and often attributed to other health conditions by experts.

Symptoms and Treatment

Insomnia is frequently one of the first symptoms, which can begin in a woman’s late 30s or early 40s. Research indicates that as many as 60% of women over 40 experience insomnia.

Other symptoms may encompass mood swings, with women often feeling persistent anger, irritability, sadness, and depression.

In addition, symptoms may include cognitive issues like brain fog, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, joint and muscle pain, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, gender dyscomfort, and pain.

Despite this, many women delay seeking medical attention due to feelings of embarrassment or a desire not to “make a fuss.” While it’s crucial to obtain medical guidance, there are currently no specific menopause tests for women over 45.

This underscores the importance of tracking and documenting symptoms to share with healthcare providers, aiding in the determination of the best treatment options.

For instance, there is substantial evidence supporting the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in accordance with the guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence, particularly for alleviating hot flashes and night sweats.

HRT has also been shown to assist some women in achieving better sleep and can sometimes ease negative cognitive symptoms. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help manage blood flow issues, stabilizing mood and sleep patterns.

It is now considered outdated to use medications like clonidine and antidepressants as first-line treatments.

Other studies suggest that HRT can also be beneficial in maintaining bone mineral density and reducing the risk of osteoporotic fractures later in life.

HRT encompasses various types of medications, including estrogen, combinations of estrogen and progestogen, and testosterone, which can be administered through patches or gels.

The appropriate type and dosage of HRT depend on the specific condition being treated, individual risk factors, and personal preferences. There is no strict age cut-off for starting HRT; rather, it should be guided by the benefits outweighing perceived risks.

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New Research

Women undergoing HRT may also benefit from a decreased risk of colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes. Research indicates that initiating estrogens as part of HRT early in the perimenopausal phase could further lower the risk of coronary heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Notably, the cardiovascular disease prevention benefits are most pronounced among women who commence HRT in their 50s, compared to those who start after 60.

However, HRT is not recommended solely for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and dementia due to known risks associated with certain HRT treatments, including the possibility of uterine cancer when estrogen-only HRT is used without protective progestogens, which does not elevate blood clot risks.

Osteoporosis generally affects older adults and postmenopausal women. HRT can help treat it. – Image credits: Science Photo Library

The primary concern remains breast cancer prevalence, a complex issue influenced by varying risks outlined in clinical trial data, individual and family history, as well as lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and obesity.

This directly impacts the clinical relevance of the data for individual patients.

Current evidence suggests that estrogen-only HRTs have little to no association with increased breast cancer risk, while combined HRTs may correlate with an increased risk of 3-4 additional cases per 1,000 women.

Alternative Treatments

Topical local estrogen HRT has proven highly effective in managing and preventing significant vulvar and vaginal pain and dryness, as well as recurrent urinary tract infections.

Moreover, testosterone treatments alongside estrogens may assist women experiencing low sexual desire.

Nonetheless, HRT cannot serve as a one-size-fits-all solution. A review of current clinical trials reveals no significant enhancements in cognitive function, bone density, body composition, strength, or psychological health among women undergoing treatment.

Additionally, many women may prefer to avoid HRT, particularly those with a history of breast cancer.

Previously, alternative treatments were sparse, primarily revolving around antidepressants and clonidine, both of which have demonstrated limited effectiveness and notable side effects. However, a new non-hormonal medication, Fezolinetant, has recently been approved to manage blood flow issues.

Natural Relief

In addition to medication, lifestyle and behavioral modifications—such as sleep, physical activity, and nutrition—carry no associated risks and can yield significant benefits.

Improving sleep is often an excellent starting point, as restorative sleep makes it easier to enhance activity levels and diet.

Establishing good sleep hygiene, avoiding screens before bedtime, maintaining a consistent sleep routine, and practicing CBT have been shown effective in addressing insomnia and other sleep disorders affecting women in the menopause transition.

Elevating physical activity levels can also be tremendously beneficial. Engaging in strength training exercises helps build and maintain muscle and bone density, aiding in the prevention of osteoporosis, while promoting flexibility and reducing insulin resistance.

Aerobic exercises such as running, swimming, and cycling can further enhance heart and brain health. At any stage in life, adhering to a balanced diet rich in fresh foods while limiting ultra-processed products is advantageous.

Although menopause can be challenging, a range of effective interventions can ease this transitional period.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

After a record-breaking 130 days, doctor successfully removes pig kidneys from Alabama woman

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An Alabama woman lived with pig kidneys for a record-breaking 130 days before her body began rejecting them, leading to their removal and a return to dialysis, doctors announced Friday.

Following her removal surgery on April 4 at Nyu Langone Health, Towana Rooney steadily recovered and went back to her home in Gadsden, Alabama. Rooney expressed gratitude to the doctors for allowing her to take part in the study.

Rooney stated, “While the outcome was not what anyone would have hoped for, I have learned a great deal from having pig kidneys for 130 days. I believe this experience can benefit and inspire many others on their journey to overcome kidney disease.”

Scientists are working on genetically modifying pigs so that their organs are more similar to human organs, addressing the significant shortage of transplantable human organs. With over 100,000 people on the US transplant list, most in need of kidneys, and thousands waiting and dying, this advancement is crucial.

Prior to Rooney’s transplant, only four other Americans had received experimental xenotransplants using gene-edited pig organs – two hearts and two kidneys – all of which failed within two months. The recipients, who were severely ill before the surgery, did not survive.

Currently, researchers are attempting to transplant these pig organs into patients with less severe illnesses, like Rooney. A man from New Hampshire who received pig kidneys in January is doing well, and a comprehensive study of pig kidney transplants is scheduled for this summer. A Chinese researcher also reported successful renal xenotransplants recently.

Since 2016, Rooney has been on dialysis and was ineligible for conventional transplants due to her body’s predisposition to reject human kidneys. Turning to pig kidneys proved successful for her, allowing her to extend her life significantly. She referred to herself as a “superwoman” and lived longer than anyone with gene-edited pig organs before her body began rejecting them in early April.

Dr. Robert Montgomery, a pioneer of Nyu XenoTransplant and Rooney’s surgeon, stated that the rejection is being investigated. He emphasized that removing the pig kidneys was a safer option than continuing with high-risk rejection drugs.

Montgomery explained, “We took a safe approach. Rooney is not worse off post-XenoTransplant. In fact, she feels better as she had a four-month break from dialysis.”

Prior to the rejection, Rooney experienced infections associated with dialysis, while her immunosuppressive anti-rejection drugs were slightly reduced, allowing her immune system to revitalize after the transplant. These factors likely contributed to the rejection of the new kidneys.

Rejection is a common concern following organ transplants, which can result in the loss of new organs. Doctors must strike a delicate balance between suppressing the patient’s immune system, fighting infections, and maintaining the new organs.

This challenge is even greater with xenotransplants, where patients still require immunosuppressive medications despite modifications made to pig organs to prevent immediate rejection. Researchers are exploring different combinations of medications to find the most effective approach.

Montgomery believes Rooney’s experience will yield valuable insights for future clinical trials. Achieving successful xenotransplants would be a significant achievement with benefits for patients in need of organ transplants.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

A doctor explains if this fluffy mushroom truly deserves the title of ultimate superfood

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If you’ve been browsing the internet recently, you’ve likely come across advertisements for Lionsman Mushroom supplements that claim to enhance health and prevent illness. But are these claims and products scientifically supported, or are they just a passing trend?

What exactly is a Lionsman mushroom?

The lion’s mane mushroom, scientifically known as Yamabushitake mushroom, is a sizable, hairy edible mushroom with a sweet taste and soft texture. It is used in gourmet cuisine and has a lengthy history in traditional medicine, attracting attention from both Western scientists and modern marketers.

There have been numerous studies on Lionsman mushrooms, with at least 410 research papers published in the last decade. However, only about a quarter of these studies have been conducted on humans, with the rest utilizing model systems like rodents or cell cultures. There have been a total of seven human clinical trials to date.

Is Yamabushitake good for your health?

Heart Health

Around one in three adults in the UK suffers from high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Lionsman extract has been studied for its potential to improve blood lipid levels, reduce oxidation, and possibly act as an anticoagulant.

Diabetes

Research suggests that Lionsman mushrooms may help control blood sugar levels, but this has only been demonstrated in rodents and cell studies, not in humans, especially those with diabetes.

Cancer Prevention

Studies have identified substances in lion’s mane mushrooms that may inhibit the growth of various cancer cells. However, more research is needed to determine if these effects translate to human consumption.

Mental Health and Cognition

Studies have shown that Lionsman extract can promote nerve cell growth, reduce oxidation and inflammation, and improve brain health. Small-scale studies have indicated potential benefits for memory and cognitive function.

Immunity and Inflammation

Lionsman compounds have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but their effects on immunity in humans are yet to be fully understood.

Supports Gastrointestinal Health

Lionsman mushrooms have shown promise in limiting the growth of harmful bacteria and reducing the severity of gastrointestinal disorders in animal models. Human studies are still ongoing to confirm these effects.

So, can Lionsman mushroom supplements be beneficial for humans?

Most Lionsman products on the market focus on extracts, capsules, and powders, as these are easier to study than the whole mushroom. Dosage recommendations are challenging to determine due to the variability in products and the lack of conclusive data.

Are there any side effects?

Lionsman supplements are generally well-tolerated but may cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and skin rashes. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking them, especially if you are on other medications.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

An Explanation from a Doctor on How Diabetes Can Be Effortlessly Reversed and Prevented

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Imagine your body as a big sugar bowl. At birth, the bowl is empty. Over decades of eating sugar and refined carbohydrates, your bowl gradually fills up. And the next time you eat, the bowl is already full, so the sugar comes in and spills over the sides of the bowl.

The same situation exists in your body. When you eat sugar, your body secretes the hormone insulin to move the sugar into your cells, where it is used for energy. If we don’t burn enough sugar, after a few decades our cells will be completely full and we won’t be able to process it anymore.

The next time you eat sugar, insulin can’t push any more sugar into the overflowing cells, so it floods into your bloodstream. Sugar moves through the blood in a form called glucose, and too much of it (known as hyperglycemia) is the main symptom of type 2 diabetes.

When there’s too much glucose in the blood, insulin doesn’t seem to be doing its normal job of moving sugar into cells. Then you say your body has become insulin resistant, but it’s actually not the insulin’s fault. The main problem is that the cells are flooded with glucose.

High blood sugar is only part of the problem. Not only is there too much glucose in the blood, there is too much glucose in every cell. Type 2 diabetes is an overflow phenomenon that occurs when there is too much glucose throughout the body.

In response to excess glucose in the blood, the body secretes more insulin to overcome this resistance. This forces more glucose into the flooded cells to keep blood levels normal.

This works, but the effect is only temporary because it doesn’t address the problem of excess sugar. The excess was transferred from the blood to the cells, only worsening insulin resistance. At some point, your body can no longer push glucose into your cells, no matter how much insulin you increase.

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What happens in the body if excess glucose is not removed? First, your body continues to produce more insulin to try to get more glucose into your cells. However, this only creates further insulin resistance, creating a vicious cycle.

When insulin levels can no longer keep up with the increased resistance, blood sugar levels spike. At this point the doctor is likely to diagnose her with type 2 diabetes.

Doctors may prescribe drugs such as insulin injections or a drug called metformin to lower blood sugar levels, but these drugs do not rid the body of excess glucose. Instead, they simply continue to take glucose from the blood and return it to the body.

It can then be carried to other organs such as the kidneys, nerves, eyes, and heart, where it can eventually cause other problems. Of course, the fundamental problem hasn’t changed.

Remember that bowl full of sugar? It’s still around. Insulin simply moves glucose from the visible blood into the invisible body. So the next time you eat, sugar will flood back into your bloodstream and you’ll end up injecting insulin to stuff it into your body.

The more glucose your body is willing to accept, the more insulin it needs to overcome its resistance to it. But as the cells swell more and more, this insulin only creates more resistance.

If you exceed the amount your body can produce naturally, drugs can take over. At first, you only need one type of medicine, but eventually the amount of medicine increases to two or three.

And the problem is that diabetes actually gets worse when you increase the amount of medication you take to keep your blood sugar levels at the same level.

Type 2 diabetes is reversible and preventable without drugs

Once you understand that type 2 diabetes is simply too much sugar in your body, the solution is obvious. Remove sugar. Don’t hide it. Let’s get rid of it. There are really only two ways to accomplish this.

  1. Please add less sugar.
  2. Burn off the remaining sugar.

that’s it. That’s all you need to do. The best part? All natural and completely free. No drugs. No surgery. No cost.

Step 1: Reduce the amount of sugar

The first step is to eliminate all sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet. Added sugar has no nutritional value, so it’s safe to limit your intake. Complex carbohydrates, which are simply long chains of sugar, and highly refined carbohydrates, such as flour, are quickly digested into glucose.

The best strategy is to limit or eliminate bread and pasta made from white flour, as well as white rice and potatoes.

Protein intake should be kept moderate rather than high. When proteins such as meat are digested, they are broken down into amino acids. Adequate protein is necessary for good health, but excess amino acids cannot be stored in the body, so they are converted into glucose in the liver. Therefore, consuming too much protein adds sugar to your body. Therefore, highly processed and concentrated protein sources such as protein shakes, protein bars, and protein powders should be avoided.

What about dietary fat? Natural fats, found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, which are key components of the Mediterranean diet, have little effect on blood sugar or insulin, and are well-known for their health benefits against both heart disease and diabetes. Masu. Eggs and butter are also good sources of natural fats.

It has been proven that the cholesterol contained in these foods has no negative effect on the human body. Eating dietary fat does not lead to type 2 diabetes or heart disease. In fact, it’s beneficial because it helps you feel full without adding sugar to your body.

To reduce the amount of sugar you put into your body, stick to natural, unprocessed whole foods. Eat a diet low in refined carbohydrates, moderate amounts of protein, and high in natural fats.

Step 2: Burn off the remaining sugar

Exercise (both strength training and aerobic training) has beneficial effects in type 2 diabetes, but its power to reverse the disease is much less than dietary intervention. And fasting is the easiest and surest way to force your body to burn sugar.

Fasting is just the flip side of eating. If you are not eating, you are fasting. When you eat, your body stores food energy. When you fast, your body burns food energy. And glucose is the most easily ingested food energy source. Therefore, a longer period of fasting allows you to burn stored sugar.

It may sound harsh, but fasting is literally the oldest diet known and has been practiced throughout human history without incident. If you are taking prescription medications, you should seek medical advice.

But the important question is: Will my blood sugar levels drop if I don’t eat? of course. Can you lose weight if you don’t eat? of course. So what’s the problem? I can’t see anything.

A common practice is to fast for 24 hours two to three times a week to burn off sugar. Another common approach is fasting for 16 hours five to six times a week. The secret to reversing type 2 diabetes is now in our hands.

All you need is an open mind to embrace new paradigms and the courage to challenge conventional wisdom.

read more:

This text was extracted from Diabetes Norm: Prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes naturally by Dr. Jason Huangon sale now (£14.99, Greystone Books).

buy from Amazon, Foyles or water stones

Photo credit: Jason Huang

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Moving Beyond the Authority of the Doctor: Highlighting the Importance of Patient Input in Diagnosis

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A comprehensive study highlights the importance of assessing patient experience with medical diagnosis, especially in complex diseases such as neuropsychiatric lupus. This suggests a shift to a more collaborative approach between patients and clinicians to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient satisfaction.

Research highlights the need to incorporate patients’ lived experiences into medical diagnosis and advocates for a more collaborative relationship between patients and clinicians to enhance diagnosis. Accuracy and patient satisfaction.

Experts today called for more value to be given to patients’ “lived experiences” after a study of more than 1,000 patients and clinicians found multiple instances of patient underreporting. There is.

The study, led by a team from the University of Cambridge and King’s College London, found that clinicians ranked patients’ self-assessment as the least important in making diagnostic decisions, and patients were more likely to overestimate or underestimate their symptoms. It was found that patients were evaluated more frequently than patients reported doing so.

One patient shared a common sentiment that disbelief is “degrading and dehumanizing,” adding: As if I don’t have authority over it and what I’m feeling isn’t valid, in which case it’s a very dangerous environment…When I tell them the symptoms, they think the symptoms are I would say wrong, otherwise I could not feel the pain there or in that way. ”

Diagnostic issues of neuropsychiatric lupus

In a study published today (December 18th), RheumatologyUsing the example of lupus neuropsychiatric, an incurable autoimmune disease that is particularly difficult to diagnose, researchers examined the different values ​​clinicians place on 13 different types of evidence used in diagnosis. . This includes evidence such as brain scans, patient views, and observations of family and friends.

Less than 4% of clinicians ranked patient self-assessment among the top three types of evidence. Clinicians ranked themselves among the highest despite admitting that they often lack confidence in diagnoses that involve less visible symptoms such as headaches, hallucinations, and depression. It has been reported that such “neuropsychiatric” symptoms can lead to poor quality of life and early death, and are more often misdiagnosed and therefore not treated correctly than more visible symptoms such as rashes. It has been.

Aiming for a collaborative relationship between patients and clinicians

Sue Farrington, co-chair of the Rare Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases Alliance, said: “We are moving away from the paternalistic and often dangerous ‘doctor knows best’ mentality and towards patients with lived experience. “The time has come for experienced physicians to move towards a more equal relationship.” The learned experience works more collaboratively. ”

Almost half (46%) of the 676 patients reported never or rarely being asked about their self-assessment of their illness, while others were very positive. I talked about my experiences. Some clinicians, particularly psychiatrists and nurses, value patient views, with a Welsh psychiatrist explaining: “Patients often arrive at the clinic having undergone multiple evaluations, researched their condition to a very high level, and worked hard to understand what’s going on with their body. …They are often expert diagnosticians in their own right.”

Lead author Dr Melanie Sloan, from the University of Cambridge’s School of Public Health and Primary Care, said: After all, these are people who know what it’s like to live with their condition. However, we also need to ensure that clinicians have time to fully investigate each patient’s symptoms, which is difficult within the constraints of our current healthcare system. ”

Gender and ethnicity in diagnosis

It was felt that the personal characteristics of patients and clinicians, such as ethnicity and gender, could influence the diagnosis, and there was a recognition that women in particular were more likely to be told that their symptoms were psychosomatic. The data showed that male clinicians were statistically more likely to state that patients were exaggerating their symptoms. Patients were more likely than clinicians to say that their symptoms were directly caused by the disease.

Conclusion: Emphasize patient contribution in diagnosis

While the study authors acknowledge that patients’ reasoning is sometimes inaccurate, there are many potential benefits to incorporating patients’ “attributional insights” and experiences into decision-making (diagnostic accuracy, They concluded that there is a high likelihood that this will result in a reduction in misdiagnosis, an increase in patient satisfaction, etc. diagnosis. This comes at a time when it is widely known that diagnostic tests for neuropsychiatric lupus erythematosus, like many other autoimmune diseases and long-term COVID-19 infections, are “not enlightening,” according to one neurologist. Especially important.

Lead study author Dr Tom Pollack, from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London, said: mistaken. However, especially when diagnostic tests are not advanced enough to consistently detect these diseases, evaluating both perspectives in combination can reduce misdiagnosis, improve clinician-patient relationships, and improve symptom reporting. There could be more trust and openness. ”

Reference: “Attribution of neuropsychiatric symptoms and prioritization of evidence in the diagnosis of neuropsychiatric lupus: A mixed methods analysis of patient and clinician perspectives from the international INSPIRE study” Melanie Sloan, Laura Andreoli, Michael S. Zandi, Rupert Harwood, Melvi Pitkanen, Sloan by Sam, Colette Barea, Eftalia Massu, Chris Whincup, Michael Bosley, Felix Norton, Mandeep Ubi, David Jayne, Guy Leszziner, James Brimicombe, Wendy Dement, Kate Middleton, Caroline Gordon, David D’Cruz, Thomas A. Pollack, December 18, 2023, Rheumatology.
DOI: 10.1093/Rheumatology/kead685

This research was funded by The Lupus Trust and LUPUS UK.

Source: scitechdaily.com