Summary Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by excessive collagen production. It can affect only the skin, or both skin and internal organs. It leads to the thickening of connective tissue and potential complications in organs such as the lungs, heart, and kidneys, which can ultimately result in death. Early signs, like excessive vessels constricting (called Raynaud’s phenomenon) and […]
Colonization of the gut with various species of bacteria is essential for digesting nutrients and maintaining a healthy immune system. Beyond the gut, “good” bacteria are essential in many organs. Amongst other functionalities, bacteria produce vitamin B12, an essential factor which humans obtain from food. In a world where bacteria are often associated with sickness and infection, it is crucial […]
Summary The ketogenic diet consists of a low carbohydrate (<50g/day) and high fat intake to force the body into burning fat for the production of ketone bodies as an alternative energy source. The ketogenic diet was first introduced as a treatment for epileptic and diabetic patients. The rise of antiepileptic drugs steeply reduced the usage and research of the ketogenic […]
Summary Infant formula (IF) is similar in nutritional content to breastmilk and can be a supplement/alternative to breastmilk if breastmilk is not available. Unlike IF, breast milk contains compounds beneficial to infant immunity and biome. Breastfeeding decreases child mortality rate and infection rate (<2 years of age) and has long term protective effects against obesity and diabetes. Parenthood is a […]
Summary: The first oral contraceptive pill was introduced in the early 1960s, giving women the possibility to control their own fertility. Hormonal contraceptives can help reduce medical concerns like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Hormonal contraceptives can have side effects such as breakthrough bleeding, nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and decreased libido. There are misconceptions surrounding fertility, […]
Summary: Ginger is the root of a plant called Zingiber officinale. It was widely used in folk medicine in Asia, India, Europe and the Middle East. Ginger has some potential health benefits, which are so far only evident in in vitro and animal studies. It is October and flu season is already upon us. Every year, around this time media […]
Summary: Probiotics are consumable living microorganisms and are often offered as a treatment for gastrointestinal syndromes. The use of probiotics has been proven to be beneficial in a selective number of cases but does require a fully individualised treatment. Long-term studies on the effects of probiotics are limited, and more research is needed to determine their overall efficacy and safety […]
Summary: Endometriosis is a common chronic inflammatory disease affecting one in ten menstruating women. Symptoms include painful menstruation, fatigue and infertility, which impacts day-to-day life, personal relationships and work productivity. Diagnosis can be a long and tricky process, but improvements made in imaging technology could reduce invasive diagnostic procedures. Treatment options include hormonal birth control as medication, other hormone treatment […]
Summary: There is no strong evidence supporting the efficacy of many over-the-counter cough medications. Research suggests that honey may be beneficial and can be tried as a home remedy to relieve acute cough in children, however, the studies have limitations. Honey might help by soothing throat irritation and inflammation. Children younger than one-year-old should not be served honey due to […]
Summary: The immune system is capable of destroying cancer cells but sometimes this response is inefficient and the cancer is able to evade immune detection. Cancer vaccines are designed to help the immune system recognise and clear cancer cells. mRNA-based cancer vaccines are currently in clinical trials and some have already shown successful outcomes. Every individual cancer is unique, and […]