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Fasting May Be The Key To Living Longer

Fasting is a practice that dates back through centuries in religion and cultures. Recently, fasting became quite popular in America due to the claims of health benefits, mainly weight loss. There are different kinds of fasting. There are fastings that take place over the course of 24-72 hours, and there is intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting is when you cycle between periods of eating for a short window of a couple of hours and fasting anywhere from 16 hours to 20 hours a day. Research and studies have shown that fasting produces many health benefits, such as reducing diabetes, and better brain function. Healthy diet is also important and contributes to living longer, such as the mediterranean diet, and the chrono diet. Now there is a recent study that shows fasting is the new fountain of youth, helping you live longer.

sepia colored photo of an hour glass with sand spilling down.
Research conducted has shown that fasting can improve health, fight against diseases, and help a person live longer.

The Research That Backs It Up

There were multiple studies done on mice and people proving that intermittent fasting has many great health benefits. The studies conducted are:

  • In the 1980s, research revealed that lifespan of rats that fasted every other day increased substantially compared to rats who had food available at all times.
  • A study published last year in 2017 divided people into two groups. One group ate whatever they wanted, while the other group had to consume between 800 and 1,100 calories for only five days out of the month. The study was conducted over 3 months. The pattern of those that fasted is called a “fasting mimicking diet,” or “FMD.’ The people who did the FMD and were at risk for disease (whether diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc) had their fasting glucose return to normal, lowering their risk for diabetes. Heart disease risks, cancer marks, and high levels of cholesterol all decreased. The participants also lost abdominal fat.
  • The 5:2 diet is a form of intermittent fasting where people eat what they want for 5 days and then for 2 consecutive days they limit their caloric intake to 500. The research was conducted on 100 overweight women. They were divided into 2 groups, one with the 5:2 diet and the other had 3 meals a day with reduced caloric intake by 20-25% of what they normally eat. The results were that both groups lost the same amount of body weight over 6 months, however, the group on the 5:2 diet had more health benefits. The participants’ glucose levels went down, lowering the risk for diabetes, and the belly fat loss lowered their risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • New research published in October 2018, randomly divided 292 male mice into two groups. One group was given low fat, and the other was given higher protein and fiber foods. Each group was then divided into 3 sub-groups. One group had access to food all day, the other ate 30% fewer calories a day than the 1st group, and the last one had access to food with the same amount of calories as the 1st group. The mice who fasted, whether because they were given all of their calories once per day, or because their calories were restricted, were healthier and lived longer compared to the mice who had constant food access.

    four mice poking their heads through a hole of a slice of bread.
    A study conducted on groups of mice revealed that the mice who fasted lived healthier and longer.

Stay Forever Young

Fasting helps you live longer because when you restrict food intake for a period of time, your body starts using ketones as fuel instead of glucose. When you repeat fasting, it can help optimize brain function and strengthen its resistance to stress and diseases. Not only will you live longer by fasting, but it is important to eat healthy when you do consume your calories for the day. The mediterranean diet has been proven to help improve one’s health and increase lifespan.

“We’ve published many papers, and the main thing we talk about is multisystem regeneration,” said Longo who runs the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. “For example, fasting seems to lower the level of damaged white blood cells — but when you re-feed, stem cells are turned on, and you rebuild and regenerate new, healthy cells,” explained Longo. “You get rid of the junk during starvation — and once you have food, you can rebuild. The damaged cells are replaced with new cells, working cells — and now the system starts working properly,” said Longo. This ultimately impacts disease risk, as risk factors for disease decrease when tissues are healthy and functional, explained Longo.

A Hopeful Future

As research suggests, fasting may just be the key to living longer. It enhances heart health, lowers the risk of diabetes, boosts brain function, aids in cancer prevention, and reduces weight! Trials are currently underway in order to determine if fasting can help slow down or even stop the progression of multiple sclerosis and cancer. Mark Mattson, chief of the Laboratory of Neurosciences at the National Institute on Aging explained that, “If you hit cancer cells with chemo or radiation, when the individual is in a fasting state, the cells may be more vulnerable to being killed because they use glucose and cannot use ketones [the source of fuel during fasting].”

One thing is for sure, fasting comes with many health benefits, but it is important to seek approval from your doctor before doing it! The goal is to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible, and your doctor knows best. If you do decide to begin fasting, then start slow and progress over time how you (and your doctor) see fit.

Sweat It Out! The Infant Test For Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects protein in the body, which causes thickened mucus to form in the lungs, lung infections, and can lead to malnutrition. This condition will eventually limit the ability to breathe. Thickened mucus also forms in the pancreas, and other organs. Most people were diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis by the age of 2. But thanks to newborn screenings, a person can be diagnosed when they are born, providing faster treatment. If a newborn tested positive in the screening for Cystic Fibrosis, then a chloride sweat test will be ordered

Caucasian baby's legs on hospital bed with diaper on, and pink band around left ankle.
When a baby is born , bloodwork is done, and if the baby has cystic fibrosis, then the doctor will order a sweat test.

by a doctor. This sweat test is considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing Cystic Fibrosis. Conducting this test will diagnose the condition, resulting in a treatment plan to manage it, and improve the quality of life.

What Is The Sweat Test?

The sweat test can be used for all ages, but it is usually done on babies and infants. When a baby is born, routine blood work is done, and if the bloodwork comes back positive for Cystic Fibrosis, then a sweat test is conducted. If an older child experiences trouble breathing, frequent coughing, not being able to gain weight, or salty-tasting skin, then their testing is needed. If both parents have the Cystic Fibrosis gene, then the child will have the condition, but if only one parent has it, then the child will most likely not have it.

The chloride sweat test measures the amount of chloride in sweat. If a kid has Cystic Fibrosis, then their sweat will contain 2-5 times the normal chloride amount. Once the sample is collected by a trained technician, it is tested in a laboratory.

What To Expect During The Test

A suitable sample is needed to perform the chloride sweat test, but a newborn may not produce the desired amount t. In this case, the test will be done again. There is no prepping for it, and no needles are involved. There are no known risks, but what does the test entail?

  1. First, an area of skin on the arm will be washed and dried.
  2. Next, a health provider puts a colorless, odorless chemical called
    Test tubes of all different sizes lined up next to each other.
    After the baby’s sweat is collected in a tube, it is sent out to the lab to be tested for cystyic fibrosis.

    pilocarpine on the area. This medicine induces sweat.

  3. Then, two electrodes are attached with straps holding them in place.
  4. A weak current will be sent through the electrodes, making the medicine seep into the skin. The baby/kid will feel a slight tingling or tickling sensation.
  5. The electrodes are removed and the skin is cleaned.
  6. Finally, a special sweat collection device is taped to the skin, collecting sweat for 30 minutes.
  7. The collected sweat is then placed in an analyzer and sent to the lab.
  8. The arm is then cleaned again, and it is over!

The Results

The results are usually available within a day or two. If the sweat’s chloride level is less than or equal to 20 mmol/L (millimoles per litre), then the condition is unlikely. If the chloride level is between 30-59 mmol/L, then Cystic Fibrosis is possible, and further testing may be necessary. If the chloride levels are greater than or equal to 60 mmol/L, then it is indicative of Cystic Fibrosis.

Some doctors will require further testing to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis. If the baby/kid does have high chloride levels, then they will be diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, and a treatment plan will be created. This can include medication, nutritional therapies, and airway clearance. People with Cystic Fibrosis are living longer, higher quality lives because of the range of treatment options.

Any Food + Right Time = Weight Loss: The Chrono-Diet

Yes, you read it correctly, eat whatever you want at the right time and lose weight. The Chrono Diet sounds too good to be true, but it has been shown to work, as long as you stick to the strict rules. The diet is also called “Chrono Nutrition,” and was created by a French doctor Alain Delabos in 1986. Alain studied Chronobiology and came to the conclusion that it does not matter the amount of calories you eat, but rather when you eat them. Our bodies function in a rhythmic cycle, which helps the body run efficiently. Foods should be eaten at certain times of the day so the body can function correctly, using only what it needs, and be able to digest it.

How It Works

Chronobiology is all about the right thing at the right time. The Chrono Diet is the same concept; you plan your

White coffee cup on a table with latte inside, and a white plate on the table with a croissant on it.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day according to the Chrono diet. You can not eat any sugar at breakfast, not even fruit.

meals to optimize absorption of foods and supplements. For example, in the morning, your body will create insulin, so you should stay away from sugar to protect your pancreas from being overloaded. The goal is to create an optimal metabolism, change eating habits, and lose weight. In the end, your body will not accumulate body fat and weight. Intrigued? Let’s learn a little about the rules!

The Rules

  • Breakfast is the most important meal, never skip it.
  • Only 3 meals allowed: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Reduce the intake of sugar.
  • No sugar at breakfast, not even fruit.
  • Sweet, including fruit, is eaten in the afternoon only as a snack.
  • No cow’s milk, yogurt, vegetable fats and cheese, margarine, or baked pastries allowed.
  • Meals should be eaten 4-6 hours apart.
  • Do not eat anything in between meals
  • Drink only water, black coffee, herbal tea, and lemonade without sugar.
  • Coffee should be drunk 15 minutes before breakfast and 15 minutes after lunch
  • Water, tea, and lemonade should not be consumed half an hour before and half an hour after a meal.
  • In the morning, on an empty stomach, drink warm herbal tea, or lemonade.
  • You cannot eat bread, pasta, starchy vegetables, and rice after 3 pm.
  • No alcohol, except for red wine.
  • You can have protein and carbs at breakfast, but not for any other meal.
  • You cannot drink any carbonated drinks.
  • Dinner should be consumed at least 2 hours before bedtime.

Timing Is Essential

White clock in between two colored walls, on the left pink and the right light blue.
For success of the chrono diet, timing in between meals is very important.

Timing is what the Chrono Diet is all about, and adjusting your meals in tune with your body.  The timeline of when you should eat is breakfast, then fast for 5 hours; lunch, then fast for 5 hours; then finally, dinner following a 12 hour fast. The hours between 12 pm and 2 pm are the most lenient time to enjoy a variety of foods.  It is a lot to take in, with a lot of rules, so here is what you are expected to eat broken down:

Breakfast: You can eat everything, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. NO sugar intake whatsoever. Avoid wheat and corn.

Lunch: Eat rich protein foods such as beef, pork, veal, but avoid carbs and bread. Eat vegetables as well, as long as they are not starchy. This is the only time you can eat sweets such as fruits.

Dinner: Eat lighter proteins such as fish or white meat. You can eat cheese and white or green vegetables. Avoid starches such as pasta, bread, and potatoes.

Restriction Period

If you want to lose considerable weight in a short amount of time, then before you start the Chrono Diet, it is recommended you do a restriction period. The restriction period lasts about 28 days. During the restriction period, there are no snacks allowed whatsoever. No fruit is allowed, and you can not have any starchy vegetables at all or any carbs at lunchtime. All of this is excluded from the diet during the restriction period because they are all full of sugar.

The Chrono Diet has many rules and may seem tough. However, the more you follow the routine, and keep it up, the healthier you will be and feel, and it will become second nature to you. No counting calories, or intermittent fasting for 16-20 hours. You can eat whatever you want, as much as you want (just remember moderation is key) within the rules and lose weight. It is as simple as that.

A Groundbreaking Drug For Postpartum Depression Is Here!

According to research, postpartum depression affects about one in seven women. It is a serious mental illness, and can lead down harmful roads like experiencing thoughts about taking your own life, or harming your child. The US Food and Drug Administration, FDA, has recently approved a drug targeted to help treat women with postpartum depression. While it hopes to help treat women in as quickly as two days, the drug Brexanolone, sold as Zulresso, comes with great costs.

A caucasian hand with an IV in it on a bed.
The new PPD drug will be given through an IV drip in a hospital or medical center.

Postpartum depression is usually treated with counseling and medication that can take weeks to work. If not treated properly, PPD can last months, or even years. Clinical studies showed that Zulresso will treat PPD within two days, and improve symptoms for over a month.

The Treatment

The treatment is given as an IV drip over 60 hours. Because it is not a regular oral pill, it has to be done in a hospital or medical center under medical supervision. The clinical studies found some mild side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, loss of consciousness, or excessive sleepiness.

Tiffany Farchione, M.D., acting director of the Division of Psychiatry Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research stated “Because of concerns about serious risks, including excessive sedation or sudden loss of consciousness during administration, Zulresso has been approved with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) and is only available to patients through a restricted distribution program at certified health care facilities where the health care provider can carefully monitor the patient.”

The Results

The trials conducted in 2016 and 2017 involved more than 200 women who have symptoms of PPD. Some women were given Brexanolone, while others were given a placebo. At 60 hours, 75% of the women who received the drug either had symptoms completely cured, or at least halfway improved.  Among the patients who got the drug at 60 hours, 94% did not relapse at the 30-day followup.

The Costs

Sage Therapeutics Inc. is the drug’s manufacturer, and they confirmed that it will cost you roughly $20,000 to

Hands on a lptop wth an upward chart on the screen, and another hand's finger pointing at the screen.
Although the drug cost is high, Sage Therapeutics is hopeful insurance companies will cover it due to the great results.

$35,000 per treatment. This does not include the costs of the hospital or medical center. Each vial costs about $7, 450, resulting in almost $35,000 to complete the course of treatment. Although the drug is not yet covered by insurance, Sage Therapeutics said they are working on that aspect. “We’ve certainly been in encouraging conversations with insurance companies,” says Jeff Boyle, a spokesperson for the company. He added that the company expects insurance will cover it because “they recognize the value of this medication.”

Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody, a professor of mood and anxiety disorders at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, who was a researcher in the phase III trials for the drugs said “My greatest hope is that this increases awareness. What’s heartbreaking is the number of women who suffer in silence and do not get the treatment that they need,” she said. “People need to reach out and get screened and get treatment, regardless of if treatment is with Brexanolone or not.”

Due to the drug’s severe treatment, scientists are working on other forms of the drug that will not require being hospitalized. Hopefully, it will be something that people can take orally, and won’t cost the price of a new car.

Suspect Low Sperm Count? There’s A Home Test For That

Every year, about 11 million couples try to conceive a child, and about 7 million of them have male fertility issues. In the US, about 1 in 8 couples experience this. The reason? Low sperm count. Almost 80% of men with fertility issues do not get tested. Some men are ashamed to test their sperm count or admit that they are the reason for infertility. Others will feel as if a low sperm count means low masculinity. Because of this theory, a lot of men will not seek results. Thanks to science, there are now at-home sperm count tests that men can perform. Testing can help a couple pinpoint their fertility issues, and allow them to take action should that be the cause. Infertility is not always treatable, but it can be improved with a healthier lifestyle.

The Test

Four test tubes, the middle two have colors of green and purple. The purple one has liquid dropped in by a dropper.
Once you have ejaculated, you put 4 drops of the mixed solution into the test to find out the results of your sperm count.

Home sperm tests can be found at grocery stores and pharmacies. They are easy to use and provide fast results. It is done in the privacy of their home, so men do not have to share their results with anyone but their spouse. Here’s how it works:

  1. First, the man will ejaculate into a collection cup.
  2. Then the solution provided will be mixed with the semen.
  3. Next, four drops of the mixture are put into the testing device
  4. Lastly, within 10 minutes the results will show. During the 10 minutes, the test detects a protein only found in sperm.

How To Read The Results

A positive result (2 lines) means that the sperm count is normal. A negative result (1 line) indicates below normal. What this means is that if the sperm concentration is below 20 million sperm per milliliter, then it is considered low and needs to be brought up. If it is over 20 million sperm per milliliter, then the sperm count does not need improvement.

How To Increase Sperm Count Naturally

Switching to a healthier diet, and exercising regularly will improve a person’s overall quality of life and health. This goes the same for a man’s sperm count. Fortunately, there are ways to improve sperm count naturally and at home. Here are a few to consider:

    • Avoid smoking and any drugs that can affect sperm count.
    • Ice the testicles- studies show that colling the testes for 30-60 minutes a day for a few months improved sperm count up to 100%.
    • Avoid jacuzzis, hot baths, and steam rooms. The heat will reduce sperm count.
    • Take multivitamins every day- the same way women take prenatal pills while trying to conceive, men should be taking vitamins that help their sperm count Vitamins D and C are essential to sperm health. Take Fenugreek supplements because studies have shown that men who took them experienced increased testosterone levels.
    • Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Add monounsaturated fats like olive oil when you cook. Choose sweet potatoes over regular potatoes, and salmon over tuna. Superfoods will provide the body with nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants that help boost testosterone levels.
    • Weight can play a big role in sperm count. Being overweight or underweight will impact sperm levels. The more weight you have, then the more estrogen your body has. Studies show that 20 minutes of exercise a day can
      A black scale with tape and an apple on top of it.
      In order to increase sperm count, you must eat healthy, exercise, and avoid being overweight.

      increase sperm count.

    • Get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Science shows that is the right amount for your health and sperm because your body recovers during sleep and produces testosterone.
    • Ejaculate regularly! Ejaculating every 2-3 days helps keep sperm healthy. Ejaculating less frequently can lead to a buildup of dead sperm cells. Just beware, if you ejaculate more frequently than every 2-3 days, then you can reduce sperm count.

If you want to eliminate the discomfort of talking with your doctor about your sperm count, there are tests you can take in the comfort of your own home. If the sperm count is low, then there are natural remedies to help increase sperm count. If it is normal, and you are still having issues having a baby, then a doctor visit may be necessary.

A normal sperm count does not guarantee male fertility. Other factors go into being infertile. A semen analysis will produce more answers. June is Men’s Health Month, and the more you know about your body, then the quicker (and more successful) you can conceive, and live healthier. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Infertility is an ongoing issue worldwide. “When coming to making kids: Size doesn’t count, it’s sperm count that counts.” ― Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Ignoring Hernia Symptoms Could Lead To Emergency Surgery

Everyone has heard of the word “hernia,” and the pain that accompanies it, but what does it actually mean? A hernia is when an organ, usually in the abdomen or groin, pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place, creating a bulge. Sounds scary, but it is actually quite common, and often harmless and pain-free. However, a hernia never goes away, and in due time, will require surgery to prevent dangerous complications. In order to bring more attention to hernias and their symptoms, June is listed as Hernia Awareness Month. Let’s look at the causes, risks, and symptoms to look out for.  If you ignore the symptoms for too long, you will need emergency surgery to prevent life-threatening health issues.

Caucasian male's torso with a gray sweater, and both hands holding stomach.
There are different types of hernias to be aware of. It is often not painful, but when it is, then you should be cautious.

Different Kinds of Hernias

    1. Femoral hernia– Bulge that appears in the upper thigh, and is more common in women than men.
    1. Hiatal hernia– Bulge in the upper part of the stomach, which pushes into the chest.
    1. Umbilical hernia– Bulge around the belly button, which occurs after the muscle around it does not close after birth. Most common in babies that are premature and low birth weight.
    1. Incisional hernia– Occurs through a scar from abdominal surgery. Most susceptible 3-6 months after surgery, if not resting.
  1. Inguinal hernia– Bulge in the groin, which is more common in men.

The Causes

Weak abdominal tissues lead to hernia development. A hernia can be present at birth, or occur from activities and medical problems that create pressure and strain on the abdominal wall. It can occur quickly, or over a long period of time. Some of the common causes are:

    • Age
    • Chronic coughing
    • Cystic fibrosis

      Man's body squatting down to lift bar with large weights on.
      Lifting heavy itmens are one of the causes of a hernia.
    • Straining on the toilet due to constipation
    • Damage from injury or surgery
    • Being overweight
    • Lifting heavy items
    • Abdominal fluid
    • Smoking
    • Poor nutrition
    • Enlarged prostate, straining to urinate
    • Fluid in the abdomen
    • Being pregnant
  • Overexertion

Symptoms To Be Aware Of

Some people will have no signs of a hernia. But for those who do, they will feel some discomfort and pain, which worsens when standing, or lifting something heavy. Some people may even feel the bulge. Symptoms include:

    • Pain during physical activities like jogging or lifting
    • Pain while sneezing or coughing
    • A bulge that does not go away when pushed back in
    • Heartburn/Acid Reflux
    • Constipation- not being able to pass gas or bowel movements
  • Nausea and vomiting

Risk Factors

Risk factors typically depend on the type of hernia. Factors that increase the chances of a hernia are:

    • Family history
    • Increases and occurs more in men than in women.
    • Being overweight
    • Premature birth and low birth weight
    • Age (Older adults)
    • Chronic cough
    • Smoking
  • Chronic constipation

When Surgery Is Dire

Caucasian stomach with a surgery scar startinf above the belly button, going sraight down.
If you ignore symptoms for too long, then you will face emergency surgery in order to prevent life-threatening issues.

Some doctors like to keep an eye on a hernia, while others like to perform elective surgery to fix it before it worsens. If you experience intense pain, nausea, vomiting, or have issues passing a bowel, then this is a huge sign you will need surgery. Complications from a hernia can be life-threatening due to conditions worsening. The different intestinal blockages are:

    1. Incarceration- A hernia can get stuck, which will cause pain, nausea, and vomiting.  It can cause obstruction of the urinary bladder, ovary, or intestines.
  1. Strangulation- When blood flow is cut off to the herniated tissue, then it dies. This can cause a serious infection and even sepsis. It can be life-threatening and require immediate emergency surgery. This is generally painful and may cause vomiting, nausea, sepsis and even cardiovascular collapse.

Statistics show that abdominal wall hernia occurs in about 10% of the US population. In order to prevent a hernia from occurring, you should practice safe lifting techniques, lose weight if you are overweight, and exercise regularly. Hernias can be non-symptomatic, but the moment you begin to feel extreme pain, vomiting, constipation, or even strain while urinating, then you should see your doctor immediately.

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