PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE

PEPTIC  ULCER DISEASE  refers to painful sores or ulcers in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum.

What Causes Ulcers?

No single cause has been found for ulcers. However, it is now clear that an ulcer is the end result of an imbalance between digestive fluids in the stomach and duodenum. Most ulcers are caused by an infection with a type of bacteria calledHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Factors that can increase your risk for ulcers include:

Use of painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, naproxen Diclofenac,  n others), ibuprofen , and many others available by prescription; even safety-coated aspirin and aspirin in powdered  form can frequently cause ulcers.

Excess acid production from gastrinomas, tumors of the acid producing cells of the stomach that increases acid output

Excessive drinking of alcohol

Smoking or chewing tobacco

Serious illness

Radiation treatment to the area

What Are the Symptoms of an Ulcer?

An ulcer may or may not have symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:

A gnawing or burning pain in the middle or upper stomach between meals or at night
Bloating
Heartburn
Nausea or vomiting

In severe cases, symptoms can include:

Dark or black stool (due to bleeding)
Vomiting blood (that can look like "coffee-grounds")
Weight loss
Severe pain in the mid to upperabdomen

How Serious Is an Ulcer?

Though ulcers often heal on their own, you shouldn't ignore their warning signs. If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems, including:

BleedingPerforation (a hole through the wall of the stomach)
Gastric outlet obstruction from swelling or scarring that blocks the passageway leading from the stomach to the small intestine

Taking NSAIDs can lead to an ulcer without any warning. The risk is especially concerning for the elderly and for those with a prior history of having peptic ulcer disease.


How Are Ulcers Treated?

If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems. There are several ways in which ulcers can be treated, including making lifestyle changes, taking medication, and/or undergoing surgery.

Lifestyle Changes to Treat an Ulcer

To treat an ulcer, first eliminate substances that can be causing the ulcers. If you smoke or drink alcohol, stop. If the ulcer is believed to be caused by the use of NSAIDs, they need to be stopped.


Ulcer Medications
Ulcer medications can include:

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Proton pump medications reduce acid levels.
 Also multiple combinations of antibiotics can be taken for one to two weeks along with a PPI.

Upper endoscopy .
Some bleeding ulcers can be treated through an endoscope.

Surgery. Sometimes an operation is needed if the ulcer has created a hole in the wall of the stomach, or if there is serious bleeding that can't be controlled with an endoscope.


How Can I Prevent Ulcers?

To reduce the risk of developing ulcers:

Don't smoke.

Avoid alcohol.

Don't overuse aspirin and/or NSAIDs.

If you have symptoms of an ulcer, contact your health care provider.

Thank you

HLF🌴

COLON CANCER

Colon cancer happens when malignant tumors develop in the inner wall of the large intestine. It is in stages.
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in both men, and women especially in the US.

CAUSES
Unknown - no specific cause

RISK FACTORS
Factors that may increase your risk of colon cancer include:
👉Older age
👉Obesity
👉African-American race
👉A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
👉Inflammatory intestinal conditions
👉Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk
👉Family history of colon cancer
👉Lifestyle factor
👉Low-fiber, high-fat diet
👉A sedentary lifestyle
👉Untreated polyps may eventually become cancerous
👉Crohn's disease or Irritable Bowel Disease

PREVENTIVE MEASURES
👉screening can prevent cancer as well as detect it early, when it is more curable.
👉Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains which contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which may play a role in cancer prevention
👉Stop alcohol intake
👉Stop smoking
👉Eat less red meat (beef, pork, or lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs and some luncheon meats), which have been linked with an increased risk of colon cancer
👉Exercise most days of the week
👉Maintain a healthy weight.

MANAGEMENT
will depend upon the stage of your cancer at diagnosis and other factors

Stage III colorectal cancer usually involves surgical removal of the tumor followed by chemotherapy.

HOME REMEDY FOR PREVENTING COLON CANCER
1.    Green Tea
Green tea has powerful antioxidants as it is rich in catechin polyphenols which helps in prevebting cancer cells.
Usage:
•    Boil a cup of water and add a teaspoon and a half of best quality organic green tea when the water starts to boil.
•    Leave this mixture to boil for two minutes.
•    Now strain the green tea and drink. It would be ideal for you to consume two glasses of green tea every day to prevent the spreading of colon cancer in your body.

2.    Flax Seed
Flax seed is derived from the flax plant, has a lot of health benefits. It cleanse and remove unwanted waste from the colon.
3.    Ginger And Garlic
Ginger roots or ginger is found to be a best home remedy to reduce the risk of colon cancer in individuals. It will help in reducing the inflammation to a greater extent and thereby reduces the risk of colon cancer
Use:
You can drink ginger tea with raw honey.

4.    Turmeric
Turmeric is also not just a good spice that you can use to prepare foods but it also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can treat a lot of diseases as well as colon cancer.

HLF🌴

DISCUSSING HEART DISEASE: The Number-One Killer / HEART ATTACK

THE HEART is the hardest working muscle in the body. The average heart beats 100,000 times a day to supply oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Blood pumped by the heart also shuttles waste products such as carbon dioxide to the lungs so it can be eliminated from the body. Proper heart function is essential to support life.

Coronary artery disease (CAD), commonly known as heart disease, is a condition in which cholesterol, calcium, and other fats accumulate in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. the heart muscle is starved for oxygen and a person experiences chest pain known as angina.

Sadly, some heart attacks lead to the heart stopping completely, a situation known as sudden cardiac arrest. The heart may also start to beat in a very dangerous rhythm called ventricular tachycardia, which is potentially fatal.

RISK FACTORS
👉 High cholesterol
👉 Diabetes
👉 Heart disease in a close blood relative
👉 Obesity
👉 Genetic factors
👉 High blood pressure
👉 Smoking
👉 Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

LIFESTYLE RISK FACTORS
👉 Eating a diet high in fat
👉 Being "type A" (impatient, aggressive, and/or competitive)
👉 Being physically inactive i.e doing nothing
👉 Experiencing emotional distress or being "stressed out"

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Heart disease symptoms differ from person to person. Many people with heart disease notice symptoms during physical exertion
👉Jaw pain
👉Back pain (typically left-sided)
Those who experience
 👉chest pain
👉shortness of breath
 have a chance to still survive. For others, unfortunately, sudden cardiac arrest and death are the first symptoms of heart disease they experience.

Other Symptoms of heart disease may also include:
√ Nausea
√ Lightheadedness, dizziness
√ Abdominal pain
√ Irregular heartbeat
√ Weakness (especially at rest)

SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN, ELDERLY AND DIABETIC PEOPLE:
Women, Seniors, and People with Diabetes?
Usually they do not experience pain as a symptom of heart disease but
👉 Fatigue √
👉 General feeling of malaise √

TESTS TO DETECT HEART DISEASE
👉 An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a quick, painless, noninvasive test that assesses the electrical behavior of the heart. An EKG is able to detect many heart conditions including:
√ Current heart attack
√ Past history of heart attack
√ Heart rhythm disturbances
√ Blood electrolyte abnormalities
√ Unstable angina
√ Congenital heart defects
√ Conditions involving cardiac inflammation (pericarditis and myocarditis)
👉 Stress Test
Remember we said most symptoms occur during physical exercison, The patient is hooked up to an EKG machine to detect the heart's activity before, during, and after the stress test. In case of weak patient, the doctor can administer medications that simulate the heart activity during exercise. The patient remains stationary.
👉 Nuclear imaging or ultrasound is also used to visualize the behavior of the heart.
👉 Echocardiogram
👉 A cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan
👉Coronary Angiography

PREVENTION / MANAGEMENT
There is No Single Treatment Method for Heart Disease
Heart disease treatment differs from person to person.
Most heart disease patients are treated with a combination of the following:

👉 Using CPR during a heart attack i.e compressing the chest with the heels of both hands placed on each other until help arrives.
👉 Diet
√ Heart-healthy foods include fruits, and vegetables.
√ Cholesterol-lowering foods such as beans, soy, chickpeas, garlic, avocados, and olive oil are beneficial.
√ Boost levels of HDL "good" cholesterol by eating nuts. Walnuts, pecans, and almonds are good choices, but limit your serving to a small handful as nuts are high in calories.
√ It's a good idea to eat fish and seafood a few times a week to boost intake of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
√  Avoid sugary foods as they promote heart disease and other chronic conditions.
👉 Exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 to 5 days a week to optimize blood lipids (lowers "bad" LDL and raises "good" HDL cholesterol), lower blood pressure, and strengthen the heart muscle.
👉 If you have diabetes or high blood pressure (or both), control them. High blood pressure and high blood sugar are damaging to the heart.
👉 Regular check ups
👉 Lifestyle changes i.e quit smoking and alcohol


COMPLICATION OF HEART DISEASE
👉 Sudden Cardiac Death - A Fatal Consequence of Heart Disease

HLF🌴

Types of Viral Infections

What Is a Virus?

A microorganism that is smaller than a bacterium that cannot grow or reproduce apart from a living cell (host).
Viruses can affect many areas in the body, including the reproductive, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. They can also affect the liver, brain, and skin. Research reveals that that viruses are implicated in many cancers as well.

What Is a Viral Infection?

A viral infection is when there is a reproduction of a harmful virus inside the body. Viruses cannot reproduce without the assistance of a host. Viruses infect a host by introducing their genetic material into the cells and hijacking the cell’s internal machinery to make more virus particles.
Symptoms of the viral illness occur as a result of cell damage, tissue destruction, and the associated immune response.
Certain viruses -- like the ones that cause chickenpox and cold sores -- may be inactive or “latent” after the initial infection. For example, you may have a cold sore that erupts and then heals. The cold sore virus remains in your cells in a dormant state. At a later date, a trigger, such as stress, sunlight, or something else, may reactivate the virus and lead to new symptoms. The virus makes more copies of itself, releases new virus particles, and kills more host cells.

Viral infections are contagious for varying periods of time depending on the virus.

Bacteria vs. Virus
Viruses and bacteria are two types of potentially disease-causing (pathogenic) particles. Viruses are much smaller than bacteria and can’t reproduce without the assistance of a host. Bacteria are capable of reproducing on their own. The symptoms of viral and bacterial illnesses are sometimes similar. A doctor can determine the underlying cause of an illness based on the patient’s symptoms and other factors. Lab tests may help clarify whether an illness is due to a virus, bacteria, or other infectious agent or disease process.

Virus Transmission
Viruses can be transmitted in a variety of ways. Some viruses can spread through
√ touch
√ saliva
 √air.
 Other viruses can be transmitted through
 √ sexual contact
√ sharing contaminated needles
 √Insects including ticks and mosquitoes can act as "vectors," transmitting a virus from one host to another.
√ Contaminated food and water are other potential sources of viral infection.

TYPES
√Respiratory Viral Infections
Respiratory viral infections affect the lungs, nose, and throat. These viruses are most commonly spread by inhaling droplets containing virus particles. Examples include:
Rhinovirus is the virus that most often causes the common cold.
Seasonal influenza is an illness with symptoms more severe than cold symptoms and often include body aches and severe fatigue. The flu also tends to come on more suddenly than a cold.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is an infection that can cause both upper respiratory infections (like colds) and lower respiratory infections (like pneumonia and bronchiolitis). It can be very severe in infants, small children, and elderly adults.

Prevention
√Frequent hand-washing
√covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
√ avoiding contact with infected individuals
 √Disinfecting hard surfaces and not touching the eyes, nose, and mouth can help reduce transmission as well.

√Viral Skin Infections
Viral skin infections can range from mild to severe and often produce a rash. Examples of viral skin infections include:

*Molluscum contagiosum causes small, flesh-colored bumps most often in children ages 1 to 10 years old; however, people of any age can acquire the virus. The bumps usually disappear without treatment, usually in 6 to 12 months.

*Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is the common virus that causes cold sores. It’s transmitted through saliva by kissing or sharing food or drink with an infected individual. Sometimes, HSV-1 causes genital herpes.

*Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes itchy, oozing blisters, fatigue, and high fever characteristic of chickenpox. The chickenpox vaccine is 98% effective at preventing infection.

Prevention
The best way to avoid viral skin infections is to avoid skin-to-skin contact (especially areas that have a rash or sores) with an infected individual. Some viral skin infections, such as varicella-zoster virus, are also transmitted by an airborne route. Communal showers, swimming pools, and contaminated towels can also potentially harbor certain viruses.

√Foodborne Viral Infections
Viruses are one of the most common causes of food poisoning. The symptoms of these infections vary depending on the virus involved.

*Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver for a few weeks up to several months. Symptoms may include yellow skin, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Up to 15% of infected individuals experience recurrent illness within 6 months of infection.

*Norovirus has been reported to be responsible for outbreaks of severe gastrointestinal illness that happen on cruise ships

*Rotavirus causes severe, watery diarrhea that can lead to dehydration. Anyone can get rotavirus, but the illness occurs most often in babies and young children.

Rotaviruses and noroviruses are responsible for many (but not all) cases of viral gastroenteritis, which causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. People may use the terms “stomach virus” or “stomach flu” to refer to viral gastroenteritis, which causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

It’s not pleasant to think about it, but foodborne viral illnesses are transmitted via the fecal-oral route. This means that a person gets the virus by ingesting virus particles that were shed through the feces of an infected person. Someone with this type of virus who doesn’t wash their hands after using the restroom can transfer the virus to others by shaking hands, preparing food, or touching hard surfaces. Contaminated water is another potential source of infection.

√ Sexually Transmitted Viral Infections
Sexually transmitted viral infections spread through contact with bodily fluids. Some sexually transmitted infections can also be transmitted via the blood (blood-borne transmission).

*Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually-transmitted infection.
There are many different types of HPV. Some cause genital warts while others increase the risk of cervical cancer. Vaccination can protect against cancer-causing strains of HPV.

*Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation in the liver. It’s transmitted through contaminated blood and bodily fluids. Some people with the virus don’t have any symptoms while others feel like they have the flu. The hepatitis B vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing infection.

*Genital herpes is a common sexually-transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), the virus responsible for cold sores, can also sometimes cause genital herpes. There’s no cure for genital herpes. Painful sores often recur during outbreaks. Antiviral medications can be helpful.

*Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that affects certain types of T cells of the immune system. Progression of the infection decreases the body’s ability to fight disease and infection, leading to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is transmitted by coming into contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected person.
People can reduce the risk of getting a sexually-transmitted viral infection by abstaining from sex or only having sex while in a monogamous relationship with someone who does not have a sexually-transmitted infection. Using a condom decreases, but doesn’t entirely eliminate, the risk of acquiring a sexually-transmitted infection. Minimizing the number of sexual partners and avoiding intravenous drug use are other ways to reduce the risk of acquiring sexually-transmitted and bloodborne viral infections.

√ Other Viral Infections
Viruses are abundant in the world and cause many other infections ranging from mild to life-threatening.

*Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a type of herpes virus that’s associated with fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and an enlarged spleen. EBV is a very common virus that causes mononucleosis ("mono"). More than 90% of adults have been infected with this “kissing disease” that is spread primarily through saliva.

*West Nile virus (WNV) is a virus that’s most commonly transmitted by infected mosquitos. Most people (70% to 80%) with WNV don’t have any symptoms while others develop a fever, headache, and other symptoms. Less than 1% of people with WNV develop inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

*Viral meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord that causes headache, fever, stiff neck, and other symptoms. Many viruses can cause viral meningitis, but a group of viruses called enteroviruses are most often to blame.

Antiviral Medication and Other Treatment

*Many viral infections resolve on their own without treatment.

* Other times, treatment of viral infections focuses on symptom relief, not fighting the virus. For example, cold medicine helps alleviate the pain and congestion associated with the cold, but it doesn’t act directly on the cold virus.

*There are some medications that work directly on viruses. These are called antiviral medications. They work by inhibiting the production of virus particles. Some interfere with the production of viral DNA. Others prevent viruses from entering host cells.

*There are other ways in which these medications work. In general, antiviral medications are most effective when they’re taken early on in the course of an initial viral infection or a recurrent outbreak.

*Different kinds of antiviral medications may be used to treat chickenpox, shingles, herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and influenza.

Viruses and Cancer
Viruses insert themselves into host cell DNA in order to make more virus particles. Cancer is a disease that occurs as the result of mutations or alterations to DNA. Because viruses affect the DNA of host cells, viruses are known to contribute to several different types of cancer. Viruses known to increase the risk of cancer include:

*Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) for nasopharyngeal cancer, Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and stomach cancer
*Hepatitis B and hepatitis C for liver cancer
*Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for Kaposi sarcoma, invasive cervical cancer, lymphomas, and other cancers
*Human T-lymphotrophic virus-1 (HTLV-1) for T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL)
*Human papilloma virus (HPV) for cervical cancer
*Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) for a rare skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma

Viral Illness Prevention

Vaccines can reduce the risk of acquiring some viral illnesses. Vaccines are available to help protect against the flu, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, chickenpox, herpes zoster (shingles), cancer-causing strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), polio, rabies, rotavirus, and other viruses.

Vaccines vary in effectiveness and in the number of doses required to confer protection.

Some vaccines require booster shots to maintain immunity.

 HLF🌴

TOILET INFECTIONS & DISEASE

As the name implies, toilet diseases (infections) are diseases that are contracted through the toilet.

There are numerous types of diseases which can be contracted through a dirty (germ- infested) toilet, but these are the common ones…


1. ESCHERICHIA COLI (ECOLI)

Ecoli is about the most common toilet disease around today; hence, it’s coming ahead of the others. It is an intestinal infection (meaning that it is found in the intestine), and it is mostly contracted via the toilet seat. An infected person is likely to experience nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort (pain).

2. STAPHYLOCOCCUS

Like the Ecoli, staph is also contracted through contaminated surfaces like the toilet seat. It can stay alive for as much as 2 months. Infected persons are likely to experience boils and cellulitis (infected sores). Although, staph isn’t life threatening initially, it can lead to a more serious illness like pneumonia if left untreated for long.

3. NOROVIRUS

The norovirus is almost like the Ecoli, except, it takes more than a wash to get rid of it. So don’t even give it an opportunity to build in your toilet. It is also found mostly around the toilet seat. Symptoms are sudden nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

4. STREPTOCOCCUS

Once in a human, this bacterium is found in the throat, arranged in chains. It is also contracted mostly through the toilet seat and has the following symptoms; rashes on the skin, sore throat, swollen throat, fever, fatigue, stomach ache, etc.

5. GARDNERELLA

Also known as bacterial vaginasis, this infection is found in women. Its major symptoms include vaginal discharge (with less itching).

6. SHIGELLA BACTERIA

This kind of toilet disease is contracted when contact is made between an infected surface (door knobs, handles, toilet seats, etc) and a person. One can also be infected if they use contaminated water. Symptoms are diarrhoea, dysentery, abdominal pain, etc.

7. INFLUENZA (FLU)

This infection is caused by a virus, influenza. It is a disease that attacks the throat and lungs, mostly, and is contracted through contaminated toilet surfaces. Symptoms are cold, fever, sore throat, etc.


PREVENTION

1. Toilet diseases can be prevented by total cleanliness and carefulness.

2. Make sure you keep your toilet and everywhere around it clean always.

3. Wash your toilet thoroughly with a brush and detergent or other cleaning agents as regularly as possible (everyday).

4. Wash your hands with soap, thoroughly after you visit the toilet; as germs can be transferred from it to other areas of the house or your mouth even.

5. Always flush the toilet before sitting on it to avoid splashing contaminated liquid on yourself.

6. For women, make sure you change your underwear regularly.

7. Vaginal lotions also help protect women from harmful toilet infections.

8. Clean up your vagina with tissue paper after urinating.

9. If you cannot avoid public toilets, drop some tissue paper in the toilet to prevent water from splashing on you when you use them.

10. Avoid sharing underwear and towels.



All these infections are curable, so do not hesitate to visit your doctor for proper check up and treatment if you have any of the above symptoms, but remember, prevention is always the better alternative.

HLF🌴

ALL ABOUT HYPERTENSION

Hypertension also known as high blood pressure (HBP), is a long term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is usually high.
It is slightly more common in adult male but anyone can have it and it increases with age.

TYPES AND CAUSES OF HBP
(1.) Primary hypertension
This is usually caused by Lifestyle and Genetic factors such as:
✅Hereditary i.e if your mum or dad has it.
✅Excess salt intake
✅Excess body weight
✅Obesity
✅Use of Illegal drugs
✅smoking, and alcohol.

(2.) Secondary hypertension is a high blood pressure due to a condition such as:
✅Kidney disease or other kidney issues
✅Hormonal problems
✅Pregnancy
✅or the use family planning.

SIGNS OF HBP
✅Headaches (particularly at the back of the head and in the morning)
✅Weak and dizzy feeling
✅Palpitations
✅ pale appearance
✅ excessive sweating
✅Tinnitus (buzzing or hissing in the ears)
✅Altered vision or fainting episodes. These symptoms however might be due to anxiety rather than the HBP itself.

BP CHECK
Blood pressure is done by two measurements, we call them the systolic and diastolic pressures, which are the upper and lower pressures, respectively.
Normal blood pressure should be within the range of 100–140 (mmHg) systolic and 60–90 mmHg diastolic.
We say you have High blood pressure if above 140/90 mmHg for most adults.

CHILDREN HYPERTENSION
This is very rare but happens. Failure to thrive, seizures, irritability, lack of energy, and difficulty in breathing can be associated with hypertension in neonates and young infants.
 In older infants and children, hypertension can cause headache, unexplained irritability, fatigue, failure to thrive, blurred vision, nosebleeds, and facial paralysis.

HOW TO MANAGE OR PREVENT IT
Lifestyle changes and medications can lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of health complications from HBP.
Lifestyle changes include:
 ✅Try to loose weight if you are on the big side.
✅Decrease your salt intake
✅Regular physical exercise
✅ Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

✅Regular Ante-Natal check up for pregnant women to avoid complications.
✅ Ensure regular checking of your BP.
✅ If lifestyle changes are not enough to reduce your BP then blood pressure medications are used so you visit the hospital for proper medication and treatment.

IF HBP IS LEFT UNTREATED, CAN LEAD TO:
✅ Stroke
✅ Heart disease
✅ Dementia
✅ Heart failure
✅ Cardiovascular problems
✅ Eye problems
✅  Death of mother or baby in a pregnant woman.

HLF🌴

EATING FISH REDUCES ARTHRITIS PAIN

Eating fish at least twice a week may significantly reduce the pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis, a new study says. Prior studies have shown a beneficial effect of fish oil supplements on rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, but less is known about the value of eating fish containing omega-3, the researchers said.

 

“We wanted to investigate whether eating fish as a whole food would have a similar kind of effect as the omega 3 fatty acid supplements,” said the study author, Dr. Sara Tedeschi, an associate physician of rheumatology, immunology and allergy at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, United States.

 

The findings were reported June 21 in Arthritis Care & Research. Generally, the amount of omega 3 fatty acids in fish is lower than the doses that were given in the trials, she said. Even so, as the 176 study participants increased the amount of fish they ate weekly, their disease activity score lowered, the observational study found.

 

In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, creating swelling and pain. It can also affect body systems, such as the cardiovascular or respiratory systems.

 

Participants were enrolled in a study investigating risk factors for heart disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The researchers conducted a secondary study from that data, analyzing results of a food frequency questionnaire that assessed patients’ diet over the past year. Consumption of fish was counted if it was cooked — broiled, steamed, or baked — or raw, including sashimi and sushi. Fried fish, shellfish and fish in mixed dishes, such as stir-fries, were not included. Frequency of consumption was categorized as: never or less than once a month; once a month to less than once a week; once a week; and two or more times a week.

 

Almost 20 percent of participants ate fish less than once a month or never, while close to 18 percent consumed fish more than twice a week. The most frequent fish eaters reported less pain and swelling compared to those who ate fish less than once a month, the study found.

 

Researchers can’t prove that the fish was responsible for the improvements. And they theorized that those who regularly consumed fish could have a healthier lifestyle overall, contributing to their lower disease activity score.

 

Also, results of a new study from epidemiologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, United States, suggest that long-term, high intake of vegetable protein from such foods as whole grains, soy and tofu, may protect women from early menopause and could prolong reproductive function.

 

Consuming enriched pasta, dark bread and cold cereal were especially associated with lower risk, while they observed no similar relation to eating animal sources of protein.

 

“A better understanding of how dietary vegetable protein intake is associated with ovarian aging may identify ways for women to modify their risk of early onset menopause and associated health conditions,” write first author and then-graduate student Maegan Boutot, with her advisor, professor Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson. Details appear in the current early online edition of the American Journal of Epidemiology.

 

Early menopause, the cessation of ovarian function before age 45, affects about 10 percent of women and is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and early cognitive decline, the authors note.

 

By: Chukwuma Muanya

The Guardian News